Moultrie Magazine September_October_November 2014 by Moultrie Magazine

FEATURES: Page 6

Not the Roman Kind

Page 10

Music in Moultrie: The Music That Makes Us

There are no laughing mules in this county, but we do have our very own LuLu. And she can cook up a country meal to beat the band. Read all about LuLu’s Fork in the Road, Moultrie’s first-ever food trailer, and be the next to stick a fork in her delicious country cuisine.

The fellow with two dads shares the soundtrack to his life and reminisces about compiling two completely different music collections brought on by the death of a father. It’s a nostalgic and beautiful journey through decades of music that is both timely and timeless. Page 18

A Happy Altitude

Allen Edwards is back! His revealing interview with Darrell Griner, one of Moultrie’s most well-known jewelers, explores the depth and breadth of Griner’s expertise. You might find his favorite hobby shocking though. Get ready for a mile-high surprise. September - October - November 2014

Letter from the Publisher

Heath Dorminey rowing up as a kid in the 1980s, I had an uncle (he was actually my daddy’s uncle and my great uncle) and boy did he live up to that title. G.T. Dorminey. As a child, my grandparents lived right next door, and my uncle lived just across the road. He never married; it was just him. For a time, he lived in Baltimore, Md. In fact he lived there so long that when he came back to South Georgia, he had a northern accent. I always loved to go and visit my great uncle. He was always so patient with me and my sister and was truly a great person. We had a tradition. I am not sure how it got started, but at least once a month, on a Saturday morning, Uncle G.T. would pick us up and take us to breakfast at McDonald’s and then to Roses. Yes, this was before Walmart. Roses was the place to shop in Moultrie. Sometimes he would take us to Playland which at that time was located in the Sunset Plaza. He would always let us pick out a toy. I remember my sister and I would be so excited when the Saturday came that Uncle G.T. was going to take us to breakfast. But I forgot to mention one of the coolest parts! He had a yellow1960-something Volkswagen Beetle that was in immaculate shape. I can remember riding in that car like it was yesterday; I thought it was the coolest thing. You used to be able to drive under that Sunset Plaza sign right between the two poles that held it up. We would always beg him to drive us under it which he did with great fanfare. There was this one time that we pulled up to Roses and I was so excited that I was running around the car. Uncle G.T. said, “Heath be careful and watch for cars.” Well, wouldn’t you know it? I ran right out behind his car and into the side of a car passing by. It scared me good, but I think it scared my uncle even more. I was okay though. I didn’t hit it hard, and the car saw me so they stopped. I never ran around the car like that again! Sometimes, my uncle would go for a walk down to the bridge and back near our home. Of course, if my sister and I spotted him, we

would tag along. And he was more than happy to let us walk with him. Once, while on a walk, we passed by some equipment that was parked on the side of the road, and we heard a whining noise. There was a little puppy covered in diesel fuel. We had no luck with finding the owner in the neighborhood so our parents let us keep her. She was with us for many years and was one of the best pets I have ever had. On the days we were playing at his house, he would make us a toasted deviled ham sandwich. He would always have a boiled egg and had one of those egg slicers which he would let us push down to slice the egg. As the years passed and we grew older, our visits with Uncle G.T. slowed, and our Saturday trips to McDonald’s and Roses stopped. Then we moved to town. One day I went out to visit my grandparents, and I was walking around reminiscing. I sat down under a large pecan tree and looked up and saw my Uncle G.T. walking up the road. He had a cane by then. He spotted me and headed my way. He sat down under that pecan tree with me, and we talked about old times. We had a great visit for about an hour. I told him before I left that I would try and come by more often to visit with him. He said he would like that. Little did I know at the time that this would be our last visit together. Just a couple months later, he was diagnosed with dementia and went downhill extremely fast. My Uncle G.T. made a positive impact on both me and my sister, and I have tons of great memories of him. He was a kind man with a big heart who loved his family. Anytime I see an old Volkswagen Beetle, especially a yellow one, I cannot help but think of him. Sometimes when I pass by Moultrie Plaza and see Roses still there, I remember those weekend trips. I am grateful for those times. You know, I think I might have breakfast at McDonald’s this Saturday just for old times’ sake. While I’m at it, I might just take a stroll around Roses, but you can bet I will be watching for cars.

Published quarterly by:

Davenport Publications Volume 8 Issue 2

September - October - November 2014

Publisher/Art Director Heath Dorminey

Managing Editor/Marketing Heath Croft Contributors John Oxford Carrie Viohl Allen Edwards Eric Foster-Whiddon

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Uncle G.T. with me and my sister Kelli in 1985.

September - October - November 2014

Disclaimer: Any ideas or opinions expressed in the content of Moultrie Magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher. All claims, materials and photos furnished or advertisments used are, to the publisher’s knowledge, true and correct. Hence, liability for errors or omissions cannot and will not be assumed by the publisher or owner. © 2014 Davenport Publications. All rights reserved.

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his isn’t Cornfield County and there’s no pickin’ and grinnin’ here, but when a Moultrie couple recently reached a fork in the road in their lives, they decided to use that opportunity to start a new business venture – the first of its kind here. And it has a decidedly nostalgic ring to it. Terry and Deirdre Allen opened LuLu’s Fork in the Road, a food trailer in early May. Currently located at One Stop #4, at the intersection of South Main Street and Fifth Avenue Southeast, it is open for breakfast and lunch. Terry Allen says his wife has always loved to cook and even wanted to open her own restaurant, but he was resistant to the idea. However, in 2009 the idea was renewed when Deirdre Allen first began exploring the idea of owning a food truck or trailer. Deirdre Allen was able to find a sponsor for the food truck, but Terry Allen

says he remained uninterested in the idea. Things changed though in September 2013 when the couple once again began to explore the possibility of owning and running a food trailer, Terry Allen says. He had spent his career in sales at Riverside Manufacturing Co., but he and his wife were ready to take on a new career path. Deirdre Allen says they had both reached the age where one either stays in his/her chosen career or instead takes the opportunity to change direction. After doing some research on food trailers, they both decided to try it, even though neither had any experience with operating one. “We were both ready for a career change,” Terry Allen says, “and we wanted to do it together.” “We both like to meet people,” he says, “and she likes to cook, so it made sense.” To help them prepare for owning a food trailer, Deirdre Allen says they both did

September - October - November 2014

months of research and attended festivals where they spoke with other food trailer owners. Based on all their research and discussions with others, they contacted Concession Capital in Hollywood, Fla., to build a trailer for them. Terry Allen says the entire trailer had to be custom built according to their specifications. In addition to their research on owning and operating the first food trailer in Moultrie, Terry Allen says he and Deirdre also had to learn about the permit process. They found they needed to get a health permit, a city business license and permission from a location before they could start their new business. Deirdre Allen says everyone was very supportive of them throughout the process, but it took time for everything to be completed. It was also during this time that the name for the business became clear. “We were at a fork in the road in our

lives,” Deirdre Allen says. The name Fork in the Road itself was already taken, but she says they simply added the name LuLu to the front of what became the food trailer’s full name. Deirdre Allen says LuLu is the name her grandsons have given her so it was only natural to have it emblazoned on the trailer. But, this LuLu doesn’t own the first gingham dress and has never sat with a moonshine jug on her lap. Our LuLu is less country queen and more blonde bombshell. They also chose the location at the One Stop #4 because there are such limited choices for a quick breakfast on Moultrie’s south side. Deirdre Allen says she learned the basics of cooking from Terry’s mother, Gussie Allen, and she has always enjoyed cooking for her family. She says she grew up in an atmosphere where eating a meal was a special time to be together as a family. “I enjoy cooking,” Deirdre Allen says, “and eating a meal and sitting down with family is a special time.” The food trailer arrives at its location about 5:30 a.m. each day, and Deirdre Allen says they cook for the next hour. All of the meats and vegetables are freshly cut at the trailer’s base of operations located behind the U.S. Post Office on South Main Street, and everything is cooked once they have arrived at the remote location. LuLu’s Fork in the Road is open each weekday. Deirdre Allen says she has been overwhelmed with the positive response they have gotten since opening. She says she considers it a privilege that people want to spend their hard-earned cash on the food she makes each day, and she wants to

[ 8

Terry and Deirdre Allen are the proprietors of LuLu’s Fork in the Road.

“If people are willing to pay their hard-earned money for our food, we want it to be good,”says Deirdre Allen. LuLu’s Fork in the Road is Moultrie’s first-ever food trailer.

]

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The tent out front sheilds customers from the South Georgia rays while they wait. be sure everyone gets a good meal at a good price. “If people are willing to pay their hard-earned money for our food, we want it to be good,” says Deirdre Allen. Terry Allen says the regular customers have been great, and he hopes to be able to create a following. He says that he has seen people make connections while waiting in line. Some have made new friends while others have become reacquainted with old friends. LuLu’s selection for breakfast and lunch is a happy medium in order to have something for everyone, Deirdre Allen says. She says the menu will reflect some changes as fall comes around, but they both plan to continue to cater to everyone’s tastes. Spending the hot South Georgia summer in a food trailer can be long, but they both agree that it has been a rewarding experience thus far. “The long days have been worth it,” Deirdre Allen says. “We’re both enjoying it immensely.” And while she may share a name with one of Cornfield County’s most popular residents, the similarities end there. Lucky for us, our LuLu isn’t one to go around spreading rumors. Really she’s just not the gossipy kind. No you’ll never catch her repeating gossip. So you’d better be sure and listen close the first time.

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LuLu’s serves breakfast Monday thru Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information on Lulu’s Fork in the Road, check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

September - October - November 2014

Photo by: Fisher Photostudio

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am a man with two last names because I am a fellow with two dads; my biological father is Jonathan Foster and my adopted dad is David Whiddon. On Father’s Day 2014, Jon passed away. I packed up my wife and four kids to make the more than 2,000 mile round trip to his hometown of Neosho, Mo. to mourn with our family, celebrate my dad’s life and to bring his belongings back to Moultrie. An avid guitarist and music enthusiast (you know what they say about trees and falling apples), some of my dad’s most-prized possessions were his guitars, his stereo system and his hundreds of albums...................................................................................................

Once we arrived safely back at home, I spent a week hooking up speaker wires and sorting through CDs. This process inspired me to pull out my personal music collection and combine it with his. A few years ago I contracted “vinyl fever” and began amassing a collection of LPs, but I neglected the CDs that I painstakingly collected over the previous two decades. Albums that were once treasured had been relegated to boxes in closets and the attic in favor of digital files on my computer and phone. As I picked up one CD after another, dusted the jewel cases off and put them in order, I was reintroduced to the soundtrack of my life. This stroll down musical memory lane put a new emphasis on a thought that I know to be true: most people identify with music more strongly than almost any other medium, to the degree that it characterizes seasons in our lives. Especially for folks like myself, my dad and my musical peers, it often feels that our musical experiences define us, acting as close companions of the life experiences that have molded and shaped us. Humor me as I share the musical seasons of my life. Like most folks, I can remember the first album I ever purchased with my own money. I wish I could tell you that I was a musically-discerning youngster and picked up an album by The Beatles, Neil Young or Led Zeppelin for that inaugural CD.

Heck, even John Denver would make me look cooler than the disc with which I marched out of Walmart. I was one excited pre-teen the day I left the big box store, holding tightly to my prized purchase, Vanilla Ice’s debut album, “To the Extreme.” Though I can still sing most of the words to “Ice, Ice Baby,” I’m glad to say that my musical tastes have matured as I have! I remember owning cassettes by Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, and various country artists during those early days of musical exploration (all better choices than my first one). However, during a summer in the late 80s, I spent a week with my aunt and uncle in Ocala, Fla. and made an amazing discovery. Their high school and college-aged daughters were much cooler than me, as I learned when I plundered through their music collection. Once I heard “Green” by R.E.M. and the self-titled album by The Violent Femmes, my Jacko cassette took a back seat. For the first time, I personally identified with music that I was not hearing on my local radio stations. The music fit my life, communicating through lyrics, melody and rhythm something that felt genuine and authentic in that particular season. Many musical seasons followed, serenaded by a variety of favorite artists. While playing hacky sack next to the junior high picnic tables, I talked with my

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peers about the music that we were being fed by another college-aged cousin of a friend. We were discovering artists like Dinosaur Jr (and J Mascis and Lou Barlow and Sebadoh), Lou Reed, Flaming Lips, Yo La Tango, The Verve, Pond, etc. It was particularly exciting to watch my then-favorite little-known band, The Smashing Pumpkins, make a “Saturday Night Live” appearance with the release of their new album “Siamese Dream.” Whether it was grunge, alt-rock or post-punk, the underground sound of the 1990s still speaks to me today. I became a Christian at the age of 15 and my love for music found a new focus as I discovered the burgeoning Christianrock scene. My high school years were wrapped in tunes by Plankeye, Blenderhead, MxPx, as well as big names like DC Talk, Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. I was on a desperate hunt for music with a faith message that had the same edgy character as the underground artists I discovered during junior high (not often a successful pursuit). Along with finding my new faith, I had another experience in this season that changed my life: I learned to play guitar. Along with three other Moultrie fellows, Clint Knight, Jonathan Napier and Jim Fountain, I spent five years through high school and college as a member of Joshua Generation, a Christian-rock band that wrote and performed original music. Our

Joshua Generation performs at Battle of the Bands in the mid 1990s.

Joshua Generation with its first album release in 1996.

Courtesy of Eric Foster-Whiddon

experiences as a band put us in personal contact with a variety of other up-and-coming musicians along the fringes of our Christian-rock subgenre. The next several years were influenced by the music of artists like David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Damien Jurado, Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), Aaron Shust, Lee & Jamey Bozeman (Luxury) and Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes of Love). For me, college was a musical adventure dotted with Bible, theology and Greek classes, lots of rock and roll occasionally interrupted by homework. Joshua Generation was followed by stints with Widow June, Veterans Radio, EFW Band and Pedestrian. When graduation came, I had no idea what I was going to do, but I knew music would be part of it. During my first position as a youth minister, I began teaching music lessons to youth-group kids, with the agreement that they would play their instruments in a youth-worship band. This little arrangement put me on a road that would eventually lead to Beans & Strings, almost 10 years later. My dad’s music collection reflected his life as well. As I sorted through it, I remembered all the times he talked on and on about his favorite artists, dropping names I didn’t recognize at the time. When did he first hear Robin Trower? How did he make the jump from rock and roll to bluegrass, becoming a fan of Tony Rice? I cannot count the times Johnny Winter made his way into a conversation. The albino blues guitar legend was my dad’s all-

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time favorite musician, who coincidentally passed away exactly one month after him. Which seasons in his life were accompanied with songs by Blood, Sweat & Tears, Cream, Steppenwolf, Ry Cooder and the legendary Jimi Hendrix? Just as my musical discoveries defined the seasons of my life, this collection of albums was the soundtrack of my dad’s life, more than just a random collection of top hits. As I was combining two music collections, I felt as if I was combining two lives. Perhaps all this talk of bands and albums and musical nostalgia doesn’t mean much to you. Not everyone who enjoys music is really a “fanatic” in the truest definition of the word “fan.” However, for some of us, we once found a friend in our favorite LPs and CDs, only to lose contact as we lost ourselves in the responsibilities of work, family and community. When is the last time you thought about your favorite artists? Pull out your albums, throw on a pair of headphones and take a walk down your own musical memory lane. As you do, you may remember something about yourself as you experience anew the music that made you. Your collection is more than a playlist; it is a representation of a significant life, your life. Take time to listen to it and enjoy it. As I organized my CDs, my most-prized category was music made by my friends. I am proud to say that this selection of albums was pretty substantial and consisted of many discs by Moultrie mu-

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Photo by: LoloStock

705 South Main Street Moultrie, Georgia 31768-5432

Phone: 229-985-4137 Fax: 229-890-5968 Scotty Jarvis, Pharm.D.

SAFETY & SERVICE SINCE 1923

sicians like Brandt Sims, Brian Gray, Angelie Lipscomb, Matthew Williams, Kim Harrell and even “Moultrie Magazine’s” publisher, Heath Dorminey. Keep your eyes open for live music happening in downtown Moultrie; the fall and winter seasons are busy times for our beautiful downtown, and the square will often be ringing with live music. Watch for concerts in any of our downtown restaurants, as well as on the amphitheatre. Make it a priority to treat yourself to a show. You may just find the soundtrack for the next season of your life on the square in downtown Moultrie! For more information about music in downtown Moultrie, check out the events calendar at DowntownMoultrie.com or contact Eric at (229) 985-0093 or eric@beansandstrings.com.

Photo by: LoloStock

Eric Foster-Whiddon is the owner of Beans & Strings, a music school with a full-service espresso bar on the square in historic downtown Moultrie. As a songwriter, educator, and business owner, Eric advocates for local music, music education, and downtown Moultrie. This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting music in Moultrie. Visit MoultrieMagazineOnline.com, DowntownMoultrie.com, and BeansandStrings.com for more information.

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Moultrie Musicians: Past, Present & Future tarist who would become Jimmy’s long-time musical collaboraPast: tor. Through a series of professional connections, West provided Jimmy Bryant Bryant with opportunities that helped him land a contract as an

Travelers coming into Moultrie may notice a roadside sign honoring one of our most famous native musicians, Ivy J. “Jimmy” Bryant Jr. Born in Moultrie on March 5, 1925, he is said to have played the fiddle on street corners during the Great Depression, gathering change from generous listeners in order to help the family meet ends. After a World War II injury, he applied himself to the guitar and eventually landed in California, where he met Speedy West, the pedal steel gui-

Present: Larry Sims

While many Moultrians may

know Sims from his years in

administration at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, they

may not be aware that he is an

accomplished singer/songwriter in the vein of Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Sims credits The Beatles’ appearance on “The Ed

Sullivan Show” as his motivation for learning to play guitar. He lists the greats as his primary influences: Jimi Hendrix, Eric

Future: The Gilbert Girls In 2010 Nicole Gilbert

walked into Beans & Strings to sign up her 10-year-old

daughter, Morgan, for guitar lessons. A little apprehensive,

Morgan asked her mom to take lessons with her. But, Gilbert

needed something for her 6-year-old daughter, Courtney, to do while she and Morgan were in a guitar lesson. A slot was available for drum lessons, so Courtney jumped right in consider-

September - October - November 2014

instrumentalist with Capitol Records. Though primarily known as a champion of the Telecaster electric guitar, the story goes that Leo Fender (legendary guitar builder and founder of the Fender guitar company) approached Bryant in the early 1950s with a prototype of his new guitar design, the Stratocaster, which can be heard in Jimmy’s recording of “Little Rock Getaway.” In the 1960s, Bryant worked in music production, ran a recording studio in Las Vegas during the early 1970s, and then relocated to Nashville, Tenn. for a short season in the mid-70s. He later returned to his hometown. Jimmy Bryant died in 1980 from lung cancer. He was 55 years old.

Clapton, CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) along with the aforementioned Bob, Neil and those British boys. In recent

years, Sims has become a fan of the indie scene, including acts

like The Shins, Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes. His original music is wrought with thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that follow the listener home long after the show is over. Sims is at his

best when strumming his old Gibson and blowing his harmonica between verses of “Into the Fog,” “Been Thinking About

My Younger Days,” or “Ordinary Life.” Be sure to catch one of his live performances in downtown Moultrie – he is a local favorite for good reason. For more information on Larry Sims, visit reverbnation.com/larrysims

ably less apprehensive than her big sister. (Drummers…right?!) Within a couple of years, Morgan developed an interest in

singing while playing the guitar, so her mother began studying

the bass guitar and a three-piece girl band was born, aptly titled The Gilbert Girls. After four years and countless hours of les-

sons and live performances, The Gilbert Girls have developed a repertoire of country and pop tunes. They frequently play at downtown Moultrie events as well as regional festivals. Their

style has been described as “sassy girl country” and their enter-

taining performances follow suit. Look for The Gilbert Girls on the schedule of downtown Moultrie performances in the coming months.

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Article by: Allen Edwards

September - October - November 2014

Photography by: Carrie Viohl

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. –Leonardo da Vinci f there is such a thing as perfec-

tion, it so often soars above us. It is always just out of our reach.

Or it swirls around us, ethereal,

ineffable. There are no grandiose

words that can truly capture the very essence of perfection.

And most of us would be content to

touch perfection here on earth.

But local businessman Darrell Griner

endlessly pursues perfection on, above,

and even in the earth. A beloved fixture in downtown Moultrie, in 1979 at the tender

age of 25, he opened Griner’s Jewelry with no collateral on a handshake loan.

“I told the banker, as I was leaving, ‘If I

have to get three jobs to pay you back, I’ll pay every penny back,’” he says with a

chuckle. “That was the way it was done in small towns then.”

Since then, Griner has established a

strong customer base that returns to his

shop time and time again because of the quality of jewelry he carries, he says. He

has customers across the United States including some in Atlanta, New York and

even North Dakota. Many are now second-generation.

“Children grow up, go to school in

Athens, and then migrate to Atlanta or

New York for their jobs,” says Griner, “but

they don’t forget the small town they come from.”

Griner Jewelry has been a permanent fixture in downtown Moultrie for over three decades.

them for myself,” he says. This is a some-

And with good reason.

The stones in Griner’s inventory could

just as easily grace the cases of a posh Park Avenue boutique as in his shop downtown.

times difficult task, as a perfect stone can easily be marred by an unskilled hand.

“A poor cut is like someone built a new

He goes to great lengths to choose the per-

house and put an awful paint color on it,”

directly from the people who own the

but someone has to cut it correctly to get

fect stones for his jewelry and often buys mines rather than through second-party

dealers. He flies to Belgium to choose his

diamonds and Thailand for sapphires. He visits Germany and China to find stones that meet his exacting standards.

“I’ve got to buy stones like I am buying

he says. “You can take a beautiful stone, the beauty out of it.”

As such, Griner knew early on that he

had to find quality stone cutters with whom he could build relationships.

“It’s like having one good mechanic who

works on your car or boat motor,” he says.

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“My cutters know that when I look at stones they have to be as

good as they can be.”

Griner’s cutters are more than just reliable, however. In his

mind, they are artists.

“Mother Nature created that stone, and he [the stone cutter]

brings it to the world and makes it beautiful,” he says, noting that quality and brilliance are paramount in gem selection.

“A diamond should be a pretty star in a winter night sky,” says

Griner. But knowing his gems’ sources is only a part of providing

customers with a quality product. He also has a moral stake in his purchases. Over the last decade, the general public has become aware of conflict stones, primarily because of the 2006 film

“Blood Diamond,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a diamond

smuggler in Africa’s Sierra Leone. The movie exposed many to

the terrible conditions of African diamond mines and the brutal

enslavement of miners at the hands of ruthless warlords, which in

turn prompted calls for change in the gem trade. Griner, however, had already been working exclusively with conflict-free gems for years when the movie was released.

“We were all trying to head off the problem before then,” he

says. “We have to do business the human way, the right way.” Ac-

Surrounded by an impressive new interior, the Griner Jewlery logo takes center stage.

cording to Griner, the right way means building a business that he will one day proudly pass down to his daughter Amy, who works

in the store, and to his grandchildren, who often roam around it. It also means respecting customers enough to choose ethics over profit.

“One of the most important days of a young lady’s life is when

she gets her engagement ring,” he says. “She wants to know that it is legitimate and that no one lost a father or a child or an arm over it.”

Customers at Griner’s Jewelry can shop with easy consciences,

and he has the documentation to prove it. When new mines are opened, a gemologist from the Gem Institute of America (GIA) takes a specimen and documents its mineral makeup. When

Griner purchases diamonds, he sends them to the GIA for ad-

vanced testing that can narrow a stone’s origin to a specific mine.

The GIA knows immediately whether the diamond is conflict-free or not.

“It’s like a DNA test for stones,” he says. Once he has chosen his

gems, Griner brings them back to Moultrie for mounting on-site

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Darrell Grinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite hobby is flying his Mooney M2OJ 201 aircraft on a sunny August afternoon.

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in his store. Again, Griner says quality must guide every decision.

“You’re creating things that are going to

last for generations,” he says.

For example, Griner recently finished a

jewel’s rich emerald hue. The pressure to

Griner describes himself as an easy-going

endless pursuit of knowledge.

smallest details of his work can be frustrat-

create a legacy with his jewelry means an “I’ve studied the jewelry business for 40

years and am still studying just as hard as I

person, he admits his attention to the ing.

“I’m very particular, and it’s not an easy

ever have,” he says. “I’ll discover a differ-

life when you are that way,” he says. “I’d

with a peridot, a green gem from Pakistan.

ent stone that’s been right there that I’ve

like to be more happy-go-lucky.”

European monarch, the peridot is indica-

says his work, while requiring painstaking

relieve his frustrations. Unlike those who

“Every working day of my life is like a

ever, Griner’s hobby, like his expectations

one-of-a-kind white gold ring crowned

“One of the most important days of a young lady’s life is when she gets her engagement ring,” he says. “She wants to know that it is legitimate and that no one lost a father or a child or an arm over it.” Less South Georgia matriarch and more

tive of Griner’s own discriminating tastes

and talents. Its Portuguese cut magnifying its brilliance in a hundred prisms of light, its mount a perfect pale balance for the

been unaware of.” Because of that, Griner detail, is rarely tedious.

treasure hunt,” he says. That pressure is more internal than external. Though

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Like many, Griner turns to a hobby to

simply play golf or collect stamps, how-

for jewels, is above the heads of most people.

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An aerial view of the coast off St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken on Saturday, August 16.

September - October - November 2014

Quite literally.

For almost four decades, Griner has been soaring off

into the vast skies as a private pilot. It is there in the cock-

pit of his Mooney M2OJ 201, traveling 200 miles per hour 11,000 feet over land and sea, that he says he feels most free.

“My wife likes getting in the plane and getting there,” he

says. “I just like being up there.” That freedom from the

reality of life was made obviously clear to him on a recent trip from Macon to Moultrie. Flying through a typically hot South Georgia afternoon with temperatures in the

mid-90s, Griner climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet and watched the thermometer drop to 70 degrees.

“It was so clear visibility-wise that it was hard to land in

Moultrie,” he says, and his mind clicked through a list of

alternative locales: St. George Island, Panama City, New Orleans.

Instead, he nosed the plane down towards the Moultrie

airport and watched the mercury rise on the thermometer. “Below 3000 feet, it was like someone turned on the

heat,” he says. As a boy, he says he dreamed of becoming a military pilot. An injury playing backyard football at 16 and a motorcycle crash at 18 derailed those dreams, but

Griner says he knew he would have to find another way to fly. Now, he says, there are few things he would rather do.

“I’ll work as long as I can breathe if it takes that to have

a plane,” he says, smiling.

“A pilot is scared to death of the day he gets too old to

fly or can’t afford it, Griner says. “I’m addicted to it.”

Griner quickly rattled off the names of his favorite flight

plans: the North Georgia mountains, Gatlinburg, and, of

course, the Gulf Coast. He has flown to California and the Bahamas in his plane and has seen sights from his cockpit

September - October - November 2014

Appropriately, Grinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home sits near the Moultrie Municipal Airport.

September - October - November 2014

Grinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mooney M2OJ 201 aircraft coming out of the hangar.

September - October - November 2014

Soaring high over downtown Moultrie on Saturday, August 16.

September - October - November 2014

The view from here: Downtown Moultrie as seen from Grinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plane.

September - October - November 2014

that most can only imagine. A favorite, he

says, is a trip he took to New Orleans with wife Yvonne and daughter Amy. It was shortly past sunset as the trio flew west

over Lake Pontchartrain just as the lights of The Big Easy flickered on.

“Seeing the skyline of the city all lit up,

the runway all lit up, was a priceless picture I’ll never forget,” he says.

Even in flight where he feels most free,

Griner can’t escape his stickler’s nature.

“Every flight is trying for perfection,” he

says. “It’s constant correction: weather,

wind, the machine.” But while the drive for excellence would wear on some, for Griner, it seems almost exhilarating.

“Every takeoff and every landing is a

Griner’s favorite flight plans include the North Georgia mountains, Gatlinburg and the Gulf Coast.

competition with myself,” he says. “To

make that perfect landing, to take-off and rotate and let the nose come up and then fly itself off, I never get tired of that.”

Pilots have a term for a plane perform-

ing at peak performance: on-step.

Whether his eye is looking through his

jeweler’s loop or the cockpit’s windshield, whether his hand is crafting an engage-

ment ring or guiding the Mooney’s control stick, Griner is searching for precision.

Having tasted flight and finding it deli-

cious, he isn’t content to keep his feet on the ground for too long. Skyward he has

been, and it is skyward that he longs to return. He continues working towards that magical moment when he is on-step and

almost certainly enjoys every minute of it. “My world is fun,” he says.

September - October - November 2014

(229)985-5336 Toll-free: (866)262-6822 713 South Main Street Moultrie Georgia

Diane Parten, Broker.......................229-873-6030 Mike Parten, Assoc. Broker.............229-873-6029 Bonnie Tucker, Assoc. Broker.........229-589-1700 Karen Johnson, Assoc. Broker.........229-589-0467 Vi Ladson.........................................229-985-2242

1202 2nd Street S.E.

Charming brick home on well landscaped corner lot, 2 bedrooms 2 baths, large family room with fireplace, separate living/dining room, kitchen with all appliances, laundry room, garage with storage rooms,fenced back yard, roof and cent. H/A.in great condition.

$79,000 MLS#902706

906 Joe Louis Ave

3 BR, 1 BA home. Great first time home buyers or investment property.New tile in kitchen and new paint fenced in back yard.

$26,900 MLS#903529

1468 Perryman Road

This large 4 BR farm house has so much to offer located in this quiet area. 5.26 acres. Partial pasture fenced and some woods that extend back to a pond. Pond not included with property but can have pond rights according to owner. Partial renovations made inside.

$98,500 MLS#903821

162 Seminole Drive

10 15th Ave SE 2204 Vineyard Court This 4 BR 3 BA brick home has some great updates, 3 BR, 2 BA, family has outgrown home including designer kitchen with granite counter tops located in great area with children.Owner and all stainless appliances, new windows, replaced is son of selling realtor. Live Oak school roof and new paint inside and out. Fireplaces in formal LR and den. Very nice formal dining room. Double district. garage with dual control doors. $169,900 MLS#903314 $149,000 MLS#902985

704 1st Street SE

117 Suwannee Road

New Construction on 1.125 acre lot in Riverwood subdivision, Sunset school district. 3 BR, 2 BA home.

201 Norris Drive

1408 7th Street SE Duplex, 1 side is 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath the other 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath located on corner lot. $139,900 MLS#903887

3 BR, 1 BA great starter home located in Colonial Heights Subdivision. Call to see this home today. would make a great investment.

$227,000 MLS#903717

3 BR, 2 BA New construction in Doerun School district ideal location for someone working in Albany.

$159,900 MLS#903825

2440 Jacqueline Circle

721 Pine Drive

128 Southlake Drive

$49,900 MLS#904240

$179,900 MLS#903411

This 3 BR, 2 BA home has a separate apartment 858 Square feet,Kitchen, Bath and laundry room. Call to view today.

5 BR. 3 BA A rare find.....five bedrooms and 3 baths, plus formal LR/DR, Den, Kitchen and Informal DR, well kepy, clean.

3 BR, 1 BA home with new heating and air system, 24 x 28 workshop with roll up door, fenced in yard.

907 1st Street SE

301 Holly Tail

Located in Clubview Subdivision. Spacious foyer leads to comfortable L-shaped LR/DR. The tiled Kitchen has all appliances and a cozy breakfast area. This spacious home also has a Family Room with bookcases, and a study. The MBR has a balcony overlooking the patio and pool area. Large corner lot and is in Sunset School district.

Beautiful traditional home in historic district. Numerous upgrades inside. .This two story home would make an excellent office and home combined. Great location. 3 BR and 2 BA upstairs. Beautiful living area dowwnstairs featuring family room, separate DR, sun porch , stainless steel kitchen appliances and many more extras including basement.

This new listing at Indian Lake is a great location and features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large living room and separate dining room. The eat-in kitchen is complete with stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Good condition with new tile flooring throughout.

$97,000 MLS#903989

Lynda Denham.................................229-873-6228 Dell Gay...........................................229-985-2134 Bill Acuff.........................................229-985-9763 Marsha Meadows.............................229-589-1238

$149,000 MLS#904037

$129,900 MLS#903797

1338 GA Hwy 33 South

4 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home with 7.72 acres, partially fenced, great for horses, 30x40 workshop and 30x40 shed with concrete floor and electricity, utility house, large covered deck with above ground pool.

$139,900 MLS#904145

$159,900 MLS#903820

1944 4th Street SE

$69,900 MLS#903925

1504 Hutchinson Drive

Beautiful yard, great home for couple or young family. Home has producing pecan tree in back yard with plenty of shade to enjoy. Large storage building and nice carport. This 2 BR, 1 BA home is well kept and move in ready. PRICED TO SELL.

$49,950 MLS#904217

Celebrating our 35th Anniversary!

Located on 5 acres with access to 2 ponds, 30 x 25 dock with a 20 x 25 shelter over it and a boat slip. 4 BR 3 1/2 BA home. Kit has been remodeled with custom cabinets and granite counter tops. Bonus room upstairs for family enjoyment. Has a 22 x 26 Work shop with 2 roll up doors and an access door.

$470,000MLS#904250

1417 10th St SW

3 BR. 2 BA Completely remodeled home. New kitchen cabinets,new roof,new central heating and air & new flooring.

$89,000 MLS#904270

l l l l l l l l l

On-site Manager (7 days a week) High Security Fence Key-Pad Gated Access Secure Lighting Climate-controlled & Standard Units Many Sizes Free Moving Truck Full-coverage Video Surveillance RV/Trailer Parking

“Where they are serious about your stuﬀ!”

Fallin & McIntosh, PC Attorneys at Law 39 North Main Street P.O. Box 250 Moultrie, Georgia 31776

Phone: 229-985-5881 Fax: 229-985-0659 Email: falmac@moultriega.net William G. Fallin William M. McIntosh

“The Real Estate Lawyers” September - October - November 2014

Realtors

Bobby Browning.................................................229-891-5169 Patsy Browning...................................................229-890-7669 Charlotte Kelley..................................................229-891-5111 Jeri Smith............................................................229-873-5374 Heath Dorminey..................................................229-798-2245

www.browningbrasskeyrealty.com

17 Pearl Street 3 BR, 2 BA on .56 ac with outbuilding $159,000 MLS#903287

1720 Eastview Lane - Southgate 2 BR, 1 BA Townhome $85,000 MLS#903385

719 South Main Street Moultrie, Georgia 31768

229-985-3032 Reduced

1156 6th Street SW 2 BR, 1 BA home $47,500 MLS#903607

2212 5th Street SE 3 BR, 2 BA Fenced Yard $119,000 MLS#903609

Reduced

1159 6th Street SW 2 BR, 1 and a half bath $47,000 MLS#904311

459 Bob Taylor Road 3 BR, 1 BA $45,000 MLS#903706

4082 Old Doerun Road 2 BR, 2 BA 1,360 sf $99,000 MLS#903779

236 Langford Street 3 BR, 1 BA in Berlin, GA $59,900 MLS#903257

313 Floral Drive 2 BR, 2 BA Townhome 1,326 sf $110,000 MLS#902965

2 Old Tram Road 5 BR, 3 and a half bath Executive Home $368,000 MLS#903066

2 Bracken Drive 3 BR, 2 and half bath Executive Home $224,900 MLS#904310

Downtown Commercial Building 8,172 sq ft. Ready for your business! $130,000 MLS#904222

LAND - Mitchell County 11.82 acres in Mitchell Counth. Pond, and great homesite. $35,460 MLS#904248

Reduced

317 Star Circle -Norman Park Nearly new 3 BR, 2 BA 1,496 sf $139,900 MLS#903834

Reduced

C.O. Kennedy Road 3 BR, 2 BA w/ 5 acres 1,736 sf $90,000 MLS#904309

1624 Murdock Street 2 BR, 2 BA on 3.5 acres 1,550 sf $185,000 MLS#903915

Commercial Properties 156.7 acres Farm Excellent soil! 50 acres under pivot. Balance in timber and hardwoods. $5,000 per acre MLS#903954

515 US Hwy 133 South 6,484 sf building with 1.62 acres $185,000 MLS#:903070

233 Pineview Ave NE 1.02 ac w/1,250 sf building - formerly truck wash/repair shop $85,000 MLS#903673

Commercial Land Available -- Call Office

Land

Residential Lots REDUCED Sloanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village: $15,000/Lot Owner must approve plans

Hwy 202 & Lower Meigs Rd. 3 Lots, Owner Financing, Covenants $13,000 - $19,900 Countryside-Executive Lot $99,000

www.colonybank.com September - October - November 2014

SINCE 1957

709 South Main Street l P.O. Box 3007 Agents & Evening Phone Numbers Moultrie, Georgia 31768 Kirk Friedlander, GRI...................589-0618 (229) 985-1145 l Fax (229) 890-1445 Patricia Taylor...............................891-8456 E-mail: mattco@windstream.net Website: mattcorealtors.com

(229) 985-1145

SINCE 1957

Todd Hall.......................................850-0025 Wayne Cooper...............................891-6439 Regina Giles..................................891-8162

“For All Your Real Estate Needs”

159 Shady Grove Road

Solid, well built older home, well taken care of. 3 BR, 1 BA, nice neighborhood, close to town and all services. Great for first time buyer.

$49,900 MLS# 904023

504 4th Street SW

27 8th AVE SE

Well established office building in Colonial Village. Easy access from S. Main St. SE. 3 private offices, open work space, 2 BA, alarm system, ample parking.

$74,900 MLS# 902855

810 5th Ave SE

1500 10th Street SW

Newly renovated 3 BR, 2 BA home with beautiful old pine floors. The house is located in a great area with a view of Lake Sylvia at the end of 10th St. Corner lot with fenced back yard. Owner is licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of GA

$79,900 MLS# 903945

133 West Blvd

Nice brick 3 BR, 2 BA home that has been totally renovated with new flooring bathrooms, kitchen windows, etc. New wiring, lighting, A/C unit being installed.

Very nice starter home with plenty of space. 3 BR, 2 BA, hardwood floors, fireplace and unique coffered ceilings.

One of the better Southgate Townhomes on the market today. 2 BR, 2 BA fireplace, patio, end unit. Move in ready.

2220 Azalea Drive Affordable home in popular Jacqueline Circle neighborhood. 3 BR, 2 BA. Two car garage, nice back yard with deck and storge building. $94,900 MLS# 903484

724 5th Ave SE Complete former medical office, can be converted to a professional office or retail with ease. Excellent location, high traffic counts. $99,900 MLS# 904100

Beautiful restored home in downtown Norman Park, This house has loads of character and sits on a large corner lot. 3 BR, 2 BA, family room, eat in kitchen.

$79,000 MLS# 904129

518 1st Street SE

Historical home close to downtown with access to shopping, churches, recreation and schools. 5 BR, 3 BA, oak floors downstairs. Large KIT w/cherrywood cabinets. Double car garage w/ one BR apt.

$129,900 MLS# 903166

4853 Tallokas Road

Well maintained home just outside Moultrie. 3 BR, 2 BA move-in condition. Vaulted ceilings, fireplace, two car garage. Nice deck in back.

$179,000 MLS# 904072

$85,000 MLS# 901985

2189 GA Hwy 202

Beautiful older farm house on almost 11 acres in S.W. Colquitt County. 2 BR, 2 BA all heart pine construction, pond, lots of privacy.

$129,000 MLS# 904255

6 Ridge Road

Beautiful home in one of Moultrie’s most desirable neighborhoods. 3 BR, 3 BA has a spacious floor plan with upgrades. Large kitchen and laundry room. Master bath has walk-in closet. Screened in porch, ground pool and deck.

$185,000 MLS# 904130

$88,250 MLS# 904122

126 West Broad Street

$125,000 MLS# 904106

149 Martin Lane

Very unique home located just outside Moultrie. Three acres include a 2 BR, 2 BA house. Workshop, storage building, cook house, stocked pond and new dock. House has beautiful wood work inside. Large wood burning fireplace, office enclosed porch with custom blinds.

$169,900 MLS# 903886

10 Wifregrass Circle

Lakefront living with great in-town location. 3 BR, 2 BA with lots of upgrades. Entire inside has been repainted and brand new carpet installed in all bedrooms. Plantation shutters, nice deck overlooking lake.

$189,000 MLS# 904071

SINCE 1957

(229) 985-1145

SINCE 1957

Todd Hall.......................................850-0025 Wayne Cooper...............................891-6439 Regina Giles..................................891-8162

“For All Your Real Estate Needs”

1758 Gatewood Circle

This beautiful home has it all, 3 BR, 2 BA, foyer, dining room, living room, kitchen w/ breakfast room. Large master suite, spacious fenced in back yard. Beautiful hardwood floors w/carpet in bedrooms.

$194,500 MLS# 903903

107 Holly Trail

Really nice 4 BR, 3 and a half bath all brick home in Clubview. NIce big yard with great views. Very spacious inside, excellent neighborhood and school district.

$289,900 MLS# 903996

24 Cherokee Road

Your chance to own a great home in Moultrie’s first upscale neighborhood. This home has been almost entirely renovated. 4 BR, 3 BA all bath’s have been updated, new hardwood floors and carpet. New roof, windows (upstairs) are just part of the improvements. Move in condition.

$345,000 MLS# 903869

143 Southlake Drive

Beautiful 3 BR, 3 and one half bath in one of Moultrie’s finest neighborhoods. 2+ acres, pool, pool house, 2 car garage and mother in law suite.

$479,900 MLS# 904258

165 Hugh Bannister Road

When location and quality are important, then consider this home. 4 BR, 2 and a half baths on four acres with expansive views of the backyard and lake. Open and bright with ample room for the entire family.

$549,900 MLS# 904080

1336 Fairview Drive

Frank McCall house located just off Main Street. This large brick home has everything and is move-in ready. Foyer, 4 BR, 2 and a half bath. LR, large sun room, breakfast room, kitchen, laundry, dining etc. Located in R.B. Wright School District..

$199,995 MLS# 903836

603 Rowland Drive

Well maintained office building located just off Veterans Parkway. Moultrie’s fastest growing retail and commercial area. Excellent condition with plenty of parking.

$299,900 MLS# 903962

1900 2nd Street SE

Newly restored Mid-Century modern home can be yours! William Frank McCall designed home, built by O’Neal Construction in 1963. 4 BR, 3 BA, new electrical wiring, new roof, fresh paint inside and out. Located on a large corner lot in a great neighborhood.

$349,900 MLS# 903870

217 Lakespring Drive

Custom built for a large family. 7 BR, 7 and a half baths, well maintained home on beautiful lake lot. Salt water pool in back yard. Professional kitchen w/granite countertops, theater room upstairs, five car garage, much more!

$524,990 MLS# 904216

116 Silverwood Court

Beautful well kept home in Southlake Subdivision. 4 BR, 2 and a half bath, custom kitchen with breakfast area. Formal dining room, patio and fireplace.

$249,900 MLS# 903750

384 Tanglewood Drive

If location and quality are important to you then you should consider this custom built home on Tanglewood. 4 BR, 3 and a half baths. Granite counter tops, hardwood floors, hardiboard siding, screened in porch, fireplace, oversized garage.

$314,995 MLS# 904210

6 Dogwood Circle

One of the best homes in Dogwood Subdivision. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this executive home has lots of privacy. 6 BR, 3 BA, 3 fireplaces, game room, deck, fenced back yard. Outside fireplace on patio.

$395,000 MLS# 903488

112 Fairway Drive

One of the most beautiful and prestigious homes in Moultrie. Jack Wilson A1A architect designed home on 5 acres. Adjorning the Sunset Country Club. 4 BR, 2 and a half baths. This home is 2 story Georgian style brick, wide heart pine floors. This joins a 10 acre lake with all rights of ownership.

MLS# 903934

“For All Your Real Estate Needs” Residential l Commercial l Land

229-985-1145

Realtors Terrie Alderman, Broker/Owner..................229-985-2206

Realtors

Lee Redmond, Realtor Associate................229-985-0177

Debbie Mock, Realtor Associate.................229-873-2533 Lifetime Member Million Dollar Club

Judy Burnham, Broker Associate................229-589-0758 Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Club Jenny Ray, Realtor Associate......................229-873-2291

Office: 229-985-0177

“We Handle All Your Real Estate Needs” 125 South Main - At the Grand Downtown Moultrie, Georgia 31768

Connie Garcia, Realtor Associate............... 229-891-6443 “se habla español”

Margaret O’ Neal, Realtor Associate...........229-873-7102

Fax: 229-985-0178

2 BR,1 BA $49,900 MLS#904215

3 BR, 2 BA $52,900 MLS#904221

16 Acres $66,900 MLS#904170

Commercial or Residential $68,900 MLS#904193

3 BR, 2 BA $97,000 MLS#904154

3 BR, 1 BA $99,900 MLS#904178

3 BR, 2 BA $115,000 MLS#904186

3 BR, 2 BA $115,500 MLS#904194

3 BR, 2 BA $119,900 MLS#904136

4 BR, 2 BA $119,900 MLS#904302

3 BR, 2 BA $119,900 MLS#904218

3 BR, 2 BA $124,900 MLS#904076

3 BR, 1 BA $129,900 MLS#904279

3 BR, 2 BA $132,200 MLS#904276

3 BR, 2 BA $138,000 MLS#904207

2 BR, 2 BA $138,500 MLS#904278

Commercial Building $139,900 MLS#904124

3 BR, 2 BA $149,900 MLS#904075

3 BR, 2 BA $149,900 MLS#904195

Commercial $159,900 MLS#904177

3 BR, 2 BA $178,000 MLS#904155

3 BR, 2 BA $185,000 MLS#904277

3 BR, 2 BA $187,500 MLS#904243

5 BR, 3 BA and 1 half bath $369,900 MLS#904303

September - October - November 2014