Statesboro Magazine Fabulist 2018 Edition

March April 2018

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America the Beautiful!

Giving Back.

FMB celebrates 70 years of community service.

Brett Morgan FMB President

Gary Davis

Leonard Blount

Director FMB Board of Directors

Chairman FMB Board of Directors

Cliff Wildes

FMB Senior VP Business Banking NMLS#849139

FMB is honored to be a sponsor for the 39th Annual Schenkel Invitational, March 16–18.

This Southern golf tradition has developed into one of the most prestigious collegiate golf tournaments in our area. Helping to raise scholarship funds is just another way we have given back to our community over the last 70 years.

Walt Garvin Golf Pro Forest Heights Country Club

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FROM THE EDITOR

W

We’re so excited to bring you this special issue of Statesboro Magazine! Inside you’ll meet our 2018 Fabulist! There is so much fabulousness in Statesboro, we had to increase the number of categories this year! You, our fabulous readers, voted on the TOP 150 Most Fabulous people, places, and things in our area. Over 100,000 votes were tallied and the amazing results are in – Introducing Statesboro Magazine’s 4th Annual Fabulist!

This year we have special features inside on the 2018 Woman of the Year, the 2018 Man of the Year, and Statesboro’s 2018 Most Involved Couple. Read about the things that make these four people community stand outs and part of the Fabulist!

Another very fabulous special feature inside this issue is our annual Weddings by Statesboro Magazine. This complete guide for the Statesboro bride highlights the very best wedding vendors and venues in our area. You’ll also find exposés on the weddings of two local brides: Mary-Ashley Henley Burnett and Katy Howard Davis. From getting dressed to leaving for the honeymoon; from the ceremony to the reception, we bring you all of the romantic details of their very beautiful and distinctive weddings.

Don’t miss the Community Calendar on pages 8 & 9 full of local spring happenings. If you would like a more comprehensive weekly calendar of area events, subscribe to Statesboro Magazine’s Talk of the Town by emailing editor@statesboromagazine.com. Talk of the Town has all the events you don’t want to miss each week and is delivered to subscriber’s inboxes on Monday morning for a great start to each week! How fabulous is that?

Have fun with this one!

Jenny Foss, Editor

4 • Statesboro Magazine

Established March 1, 2000

Jenny Starling Foss Editor

Joe McGlamery Publisher

Hunter McCumber Art Director

Erica Sellers Advertising & Marketing Director

Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: esellers@StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. Box 1084 16 Simmons Statesboro, GA Shopping Center 30459 Statesboro, GA 30458 p: 912.489.2181 f: 912.489.8613

March April 2018

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AM ERI CA THE BEA UTI FUL !

March/April 2016 • 45

Proud publishers of Statesboro Magazine, Weddings by Statesboro Magazine, and GSU’s official football program – FLIGHT!

Featured Contributors Jason Hurst Jason Hurst graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2007 with a degree in Photography. He and his wife, Casey, have been photographing weddings across the Southeast ever since. Their passion for photographing weddings stems from their deep love for each other and their family. They have won “Best in the Boro” for the past five years and continue to push themselves as wedding and portrait photographers.

Mark Williams

P

artners in

rogress

To promote a better, healthier and happier community, Statesboro Magazine is forming partnerships with those organizations

In 1985, Mark Williams and his wife Andrea began a journey that would encompass Mark’s love for photography and Andrea’s love for people inspired by their own love for each other. Thirty-three years and over 500 weddings later they, along with their three daughters, Marielle, Julianne, and Caroline, continue the Williams family legacy of true passion for photography and documenting life’s most beautiful memories.

SPIRITUAL PATHWAYS Bill Perry grew up in Live Oak, Florida, a small town just south of Valdosta, GA. After graduating from Stetson University, he earned three degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2004, he retired as pastor of First Baptist Church of Statesboro after serving that congregation for 22 years. He and his wife, Margaret, registrar of Statesboro High School before her retirement in 2005, have two daughters, five grandsons, and one granddaughter. Bill has been very much involved in community life in Statesboro. He is an avid reader and has been a runner since 1973.

of our community who are dedicated to providing valuable services to the people

THE VIEW FROM HERE Ric Mandes, a popular essayist, retired after 27 years as Director of Public Relations and Development for Georgia Southern. His memories about growing up and living in South Georgia inspire his writings. He’s a published author and former newspaper columnist for the AJC.

of Statesboro and Bulloch County.

Call Erica Sellers at 912.489.9488 to learn how your organization can become one of our Partners in Progress.

Circulation Statesboro Magazine is published bi-monthly (six issues a year) at a $20.00 annual subscription rate by Statesboro Publishing Company, Inc. Standard postage paid at Statesboro, GA. To subscribe, email Statesboro Magazine Editor, Jenny Foss at jfoss@StatesboroMagazine.com or call 912.489.2181. The cover and contents of Statesboro Magazine are fully protected by copyright laws of the United States and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Statesboro Magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. Such materials will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA 30459. Copyright © 2017/2018 by Statesboro Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

March/April 2018 • 5

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N O I T A UC

Contents

About the Cover

March April 2018

Priceless

About the Cover: America the Beautiful! That’s our cover girl, America Minc, Director of RAC Operations at Georgia Southern University, yogi, fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, and Statesboro Magazine’s 2018 Most Fabulous Personal Trainer! America is also an alumnae of the Linda Brannen Williamson Leadership Academy. She knows all about flexibility and core strengthening. She makes looking fabulous look easy! Captured on the ball by award winning photographer Frank Fortune.

AMER ICA THE BEAU TIFUL!

THE CULTURE Statesboro’s Most Involved Couple David & Fayebeth Ball Written by Jenny Starling Foss S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

Winner 2018

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Photography by Frank Fortune ����������������������������������������������������������

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Statesboro’s Man of the Year!

Bob Mikell Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune ���������������������������������������������������������

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Statesboro’s Woman of the Year Kim Billings Written by Jenny Starling Foss

20 The 2018 Fabulist! ��������������������������������������������������������������������������24 Photography by Frank Fortune ���������������������������������������������������������

BONUS SECTION Weddings by Statesboro Magazine ��������������������������������������������

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IN EVERY ISSUE

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From the Editor �������������������������������������������������������������������������

4

Calendar of Events ��������������������������������������������������������������������

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News & Notes �����������������������������������������������������������������������

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Look Around ��������������������������������������������������������������������������

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Transitions ������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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FEATURED COLUMNISTS

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The Spiritual Pathway Written by Rev. Dr. H. William Perry ���������������������������������������������������

The View from Here Written by Ric Mandes ����������������������������������������������������������������������

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March/April 2018 • 7

March Sunday

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monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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Rockin’ Out

First Friday

Myrna Clayton

Alzheimers

Green Grits

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Emma Kelly Theater

GSU PAC

Downtown Statesboro

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10 Statesboro Voice!

Competition Semi-Finals • 7 p.m.

Emma Kelly Theater One of These Nights Eagles Tribute Band 7 p.m.

Statesboro High School Auditorium

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Harry O’Donoghue

Happy St. Patrick’s

7:30 p.m.

Day!

Emma Kelly Theater

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Lewis & Clark Circus

Green & Gold Gala

5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Portal, Georgia

Forest Heights

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Country Club

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Good Friday

Another Bloomin’ Festival Metter, Georgia

8 • Statesboro Magazine

April Sunday 1

monday 2

Easter

Tuesday 3

Wednesday 4

Thursday 5

Friday

Saturday

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Walk A Mile in Her

First Friday

Farmers Market

Shoes

Fine Arts Friday!

Opening Day!

5 – 8 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 8 pm.

Russell Union

Downtown Statesboro

Georgia Southern

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14 Farmers Market

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Resurrection

Spring into Statesboro

A Journey Tribute

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Downtown Statesboro

Emma Kelly Theater

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28 Statesboro Voice!

Competition Averitt Fundraiser 7 p.m.

Emma Kelly Theater Amazing Blue Mile Challenge 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Visit Statesboro!

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Main Street Farmers Market Every Saturday 9 AM-12:30 PM Charlie Olliff Square Downtown March/April 2018 • 9

News & Notes

Sponsored by:

J

The Johnson Firm, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors

Y O U H AV E A C H O I C E Attorney Francys Johnson

Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly.

www.francysjohnson.com | 912.225.1600 | 51 East Main Street

— Micah 6:8

Bernard’s Jewelers Cuts the Ribbon on New Market District Store Pam Anderson, Pam Reed and Polly Reed, owners of Bernard’s Jewelers, cut the ribbon in February on a new store located in the Market District at 100 Brampton Avenue, Suite H, next to Entourage clothing store. Known for hand selected and originally designed one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, Bernard’s has a reputation for not only creating fine jewelry, but also lasting memories for the customers they serve.

The jewelry store started as a clock repair shop founded

by Bernard and Pat Olliff in the 1970s. Originally located in the back of their home, the shop grew to include fine jewelry, watches and quality diamond rings and was relocated to a shopping center adjacent to Statesboro’s Lowe’s, where their home once stood. All three of the current owners worked for Bernard and Pat at the home store.

For the past 40 years, Bernard’s Jewelers has earned a reputation for quality workmanship and excellent service, with all three owners having over 25 years of experience.

They understand that jewelry can be an important part of one’s family history, and they take great pride in serving generations.

With three expertly trained jewelers on staff, Bernard’s can repair, redesign and work with you to custom design your jewelry piece. Bernard’s can also repair watches, clocks and eyeglasses. On site appraisal is available as well. Visit them at the new location, at the original location - 23999 Highway 80 East - or on Facebook at Bernard’s Jewelers.

Delia Mobley Chosen 2018 Rotary Citizen of the Year On Monday, February 26, 2018, Delia Mobley was honored as the Statesboro Rotary Citizen of the Year at a combined meeting of the two Rotary Clubs at a noon luncheon held at Forest Heights Country Club. Mobley was honored for her work with the homeless population of Statesboro since 2011 which culminated in the opening of a debt-free facility - the Opening Hearts Community Mission - in 2017. The Mission serves Photo by Scott Bryant/Statesboro Herald to provide temporary housing, life counseling and help with job placement for residents.

Mobley was instrumental in the planning, development and fundraising for the Mission. She also works with volunteers on the Mission’s annual fundraiser, a 5K event known as the Chocolate Run, held each February in downtown Statesboro.

She is a sustaining member of the Statesboro Service League and has served in the past on the boards of the Averitt Center for the Arts and the Statesboro-Georgia Southern Symphony.

10 • Statesboro Magazine

A check was presented to the March of Dines on February 12, 2018. Pictured are (L-R) Britt Hendrix, Peyton Fuller, Katie Harris, Laura Morris, March of Dimes Development Manager for Southern Georgia, Sharon Persinger, JNO Chair, Hugh Mays, Chris Wiggins.

Statesboro Jaycees Benefit Raises over $4,000 for March of Dimes On Saturday, January 6, 2018, the Statesboro Jaycees held their bi-annual fundraiser, Jaycees Nite Out with a masquerade theme for participants ages 21 and over, to benefit the March of Dimes. Title sponsor for the event was D&R Car Care, who along with many other Jaycees was able to provide a check in the amount of $4,076. The next Jaycees Nite Out event is August 4, 2018! For more information visit Facebook.com/StatesboroJaycees or www.statesborojaycees.com.

Locals Bradley and Bennett Named to Coastal 100 List

Southern Chiropractic & Statesboro Thrives Wellness Center Holds Grand Opening On Monday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m., Dr. Amy Kitching and her husband, Jeff Klare, held a grand opening event for a new facility located on Savannah Avenue in the former Colonial House of Flowers building. She has been practicing for nearly three decades as a chiropractor. All but five years have been in Statesboro. She is a third generation chiropractor and is passionate about transforming lives by providing healthy alternatives for care.

Previously at Southern Chiropractic, Dr. Kitching was limited by space with the amount of services she could provide. Kitching and Klare acquired the 8,000-square-foot building and began the process of rebuilding and renovating the entire facility. The new Wellness Center will house not only Dr. Kitching’s Chiropractic offices, but other areas of health care as well.

The team will include Melissa Dukquits a registered dietitian, Nature Path with Dr. Dale Madson, Acupuncture and Chiropractic care by Dr. Kitching, Helen Redding School of Dance offices and Fit to Fight Georgia, owned by Todd Mashburn, plus yoga classes and four massage therapists.

The facility will include the latest technology like digital x-ray machines and infrared saunas.

“Our hope is that Statesboro Thrives will become a center for wellness and positive energy for our community. We want to be a place of respite for everyone,” Dr. Kitching has said. For more information you can visit www.southernchirodc.com

Tormenta FC Goes Pro South Georgia Tormenta FC announced at a press conference held on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Gene Bishop Field House at Paulson Stadium that it will be a founding member of the USL’s Division III - a third-tier branch of American professional soccer that will begin play in 2019.

Game attendance and community support were instrumental in the overall success of Tormenta FC during the PDL team’s first two seasons and greatly contributed to the team’s ability to rise-up so quickly in standing. With Pictured (L-R) are majority team owners Netra and Darin Van Tassell and Steven Short, V.P. for USL Division III. the announcement of the new division, it was also announced that Tormenta FC will move forward on construction of a 5,382-seat stadium.

Since its creation in 2016, Tormenta has competed in the Premier Development League - a division consisting mainly of current collegiate players looking to impress professional clubs for a chance to advance their careers. The club has found success both on and off the field, notching a two-year record of 13-8-7 while also being named the PDL’s New Franchise of the Year in 2016 and finishing as a runner-up to the league’s overall Franchise of the Year last season.

For season tickets, 2018 schedule and other information visit www.tormentafc.com.

The One Hundred Miles 100 recognizes individuals and organizations for their diverse efforts to preserve and protect Georgia’s extraordinary 100-mile coastline. The 2nd annual list celebrates untold stories of coastal champions of all walks of life, each doing their part to make our coast a better place. Through their actions, their words, their votes, and their voices, these advocates show steadfast commitment to protecting and preserving our 100 miles. Some demonstrate their concern in the lab or on our beaches, maritime forests, rivers, and oceans; others make their contribution in classrooms, office buildings, elected office, neighborhoods, or even online. They are young and old, well-known and yet to be discovered.

This year The 100 Miles group received a record number of nominations. From that list two Bulloch County residents were chosen to be honored: Assistant D.A. and Georgia Author of the Year, Kathy Bradley, and Missy Bennett, Ed.D., professor in the Georgia Southern Department of Teaching and Learning.

Bradley and Bennett received the special recognition at a ceremony and reception held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the Choosing to Lead Conference at the Jekyll Island Convention Center.

March/April 2018 • 11

We are proud to announce the addition of Landon Lanier to lead our Mortgage division.

S

Please stop by and help us welcome Landon, and of course let him know if you need any assistance with the purchase, or refinance, of your home.

The teller line is gone!

I N N OVAT IO N S I N BA N K I N G

Southern Manor Statesboro’s favorite place to retire since 1988.

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2017

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

We boast being the region’s only community to offer a National Board Certified Assisted Living Executive Director as well as a National Board Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner to meet the needs our families, residents, and employees. With 45 private rooms in addition to a large spacious sun room, lobby and lifestyle center, our Residents and Families will agree we are the very finest in retirement living.

Voted “Best in the Boro” Five Years Running!

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Call us for lunch and a tour at (912) 681-2686 or visit us online at southernmanorstatesboro.com!

TRUSTED. CONSERVATIVE. LEADERSHIP. Georgia’s future is brighter than ever thanks to conservative leadership under the Gold Dome.

As Majority Leader, Rep. Jon Burns is committed to fighting for our community and working to keep Georgia the best place to work, live, and raise a family. His record in the General Assembly is clear: a stronger economy, balanced budgets, improved infrastructure, quality education, expanded access to health care, and a tireless commitment to rural Georgia.

Jon Burns is working for you! fb.com/JonBurnsGA

Dental Care That Cares.

Michael C. Whirt, DMD • Sharnn A. Shepheard, DDS

(912) 225-4400

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Don’t Break the Bank Use your tax refund on a new look!

Buy a complete pair of glasses and get a second pair of lenses 50% off!

Dr. Horace Deal / Dr. Erika Morrow 214 Savannah Avenue Statesboro, GA 30458 912-764-5609 www.drdeal.net March/April 2018 • 13

Most Involved Couple

David & Fayebeth Ball Most Involved Couple Written by Jenny Starling Foss - Photography by Frank Fortune

14 • Statesboro Magazine

T The winners of our 2018 Fabulist’s Most Involved Couple category have been “giving back” to the Statesboro community for many years. David and Fayebeth Ball were instrumental in founding and supporting the Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University; the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County; raising money for the new Visitors Center on South Main Street through the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau board of directors; serving on the Chamber of Commerce board; plus many other worthwhile community causes and organizations. For the past year, they’ve been using their fabulousness to bring top level soccer training opportunities to area youth and young adults through the Ibis Foundation, a 501c3 organization founded in conjunction with South Georgia Tormenta FC, Statesboro’s first pro USL Division III soccer team, owned by locals Darin and Netra Van Tassell.

When the Ball’s eldest son, David Ball II, became Assistant Director of Franchise Development for the Tormenta FC team during the inaugural season in 2016, he and former Director Heidi Jeffers were looking for a way to grow the program by starting with players at a younger age. They saw forming a foundation as a way to reach kids who have great skills but who may not be able to afford a higher level of soccer training. Along with Van Tassell, they saw it as a way to benefit area youth and involve parents in the sport.

“When we all met to talk about forming a foundation to benefit the kids, it just seemed like the right thing to do,” said Ball.

The Balls knew the advantages of children being involved in soccer because David II had been playing since he was five-yearsold.

“Little David ran around all the time as a child and was a kicker,” said Fayebeth. “He started getting involved when our church would take the kids to games. He started playing under Tom Norton, Pat Parris and Will Aver, coaches who mentored him. We joined the Ogeechee Soccer League, and his dad and I started getting involved by holding offices and traveling around with the team. They played at the old Georgia Southern soccer field on Fair Road. Some seasons we had to fight to keep a traveling team here in Statesboro. We wanted David to be exposed to the best level of playing with skills on both sides of the ball.”

The Balls were impressed with the way soccer could bring families together, while improving the player’s skill level.

When David II moved from sixth grade at Julia P. Bryant Elementary playing travel ball to William James Middle School, there was no soccer team, no money to start a program, and no coach. He joined the golf team, instead. But you can’t kick a golf ball.

“We talked to Vice Principal Tony Natson and he and Coach Massey worked with us to get a team started,” said Fayebeth. “We worked all summer to raise the money for a program. The first year WJMS won first division under Coach Massey with an integrated team (girls & boys). Langston Chapel also got a team. In seventh grade they won first place in regionals and in eighth grade they won second place.”

David II continued soccer through high school and majored in Recreation at Georgia Southern. He was hired by Tormenta FC prior to their first season in 2016 to help with developing the franchise. In addition to his role with Tormenta, David II also serves as head soccer coach for Statesboro High School.

Most Involved Couple

Because of his high school affiliation, David II isn’t able to coach high school players through the foundations outreach. Tormenta FC center back Josh Phelps, from Sunshine Coast, Australia, coaches the high school players for the Ibis Foundation and David II coaches players from ages five to middle school.

The foundation assists in providing kits (the uniform package) for those players who aren’t able to afford it. Ibis soccer programs have already been started for children in Tattnall, Screven, Evans and Bulloch Counties.

“Soccer is one of the least expensive sports to play and we like to see the players and their families enjoying the game,” Fayebeth said.

The Foundation’s vision is simple – “focusing on the benefits of a soccer lifestyle by teaching the fundamentals of the sport at the highest level in a healthy and competitive setting.” They hope to provide a professional environment in which less advantaged kids can play to inspire character, teach discipline and promote excellence on and off the field. Plus it keeps kids out of trouble and promotes fitness. All donations go toward the kids who play and are tax deductible.

“It also means they don’t have to travel to get scholarships,” said Ball. “We now have the ability right here to raise money to support them.”

The teams start at age five for both boys and girls. Teams are mixed based on ability to play. Football coaches find that players who participate in soccer during the spring improve their speed, agility and strength. That’s the kind of benefit that make soccer popular in a region heavily dedicated to football.

Within the Ibis program, the kids play each other; Claxton vs.

Statesboro, etc. Keeping it regional makes sure it is not difficult for the families and the players as far as travel is concerned.

“We can provide a coach and outfit a player with bags, kits and shoes for ten weeks of play at $150 each,” said Fayebeth. “We held an Opening Day where we had a hamburger and hotdog cookout for the kids to make the season opener a special occasion. So far it has been very rewarding for us and the kids. Most of those kids had not experienced soccer at that level and they loved it. I asked some of the children if they liked it and their only complaint was that they didn’t get to play enough games!”

David II cleverly calls his soccer camps held on weekends and during holiday breaks, “Ball for All.” Games are played at The Clubhouse soccer fields and online registration is available through TormentaFC.com. A fundraiser for the Ibis Foundation, The 3 v 3 Ibis Cup Challenge will be held April 14 & 15 at The Clubhouse soccer fields for ages U6 – Adult. A FIFA 18 Tournament is also planned for April 15. For information on these and other tournaments or fundraisers contact DBall@TormentaFC. com.

The Ibis Foundation board of directors includes The Balls, Dr. Francis Desiderio, Dennis Key, Dr. Don Aaron, Lori Grice and Heidi Jeffers. Beth Mathews was instrumental in forming the foundation and Josh Phelps serves as Ibis Head Coach.

You can see the Ibis players escorting the Tormenta FC players onto the field at each home game this season and at halftime the kids get to experience playing in front of a big crowd.

“It’s a family sport,” said Fayebeth. “For eight years we drove David II to games in Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah. Being a soccer mom is a great way to bring kids and their friends together.” S March/April 2018 • 15

Man of the Year

16 • Statesboro Magazine

Man of the Year

Bob Mikell

Visionary, Community Activist & Man of the Year Written by Jenny Starling Foss - Photography by Frank Fortune

There’s a lot Bob Mikell does that makes him a superlative member of the community.

He’s Vice-Chairman of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce. He has served as Chairman of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority, President of Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County and President of the Bulloch County Bar Association. He’s been a leader in the Blue Mile development plans. He serves on the boards for Kiwanis and the Georgia Southern Alumni Association. But spearheading the local effort to bring a YMCA to Statesboro is what makes him the 2018 winner in three Fabulist categories: Community Activist, Visionary & Man of the Year!

A member of one of Bulloch County’s pioneer families, Mikell is the eighth generation to call Statesboro home. He traces his ancestry to Barnet Mikell and his son James, a revolutionary war veteran who settled here in 1784, almost 11 years before Bulloch County was created by the legislature.

Son of State Court Judge Gary Mikell and wife Kim, Mikell followed in his father’s footsteps attending college at Georgia Southern and graduating cum laude from the University of Georgia Law School with a juris doctorate in 2010. Then he came back home to practice law.

He joined the firm of Brown Rountree, PC, as an associate in 2011.

“I love Statesboro, the place and the people,” said Mikell. “I like it that my family has a story here. My grandfather Felton Mikell retired from the postal service, and I loved him more than anybody. His love of Statesboro and our family history must have rubbed off on me.”

Starting a family in Statesboro was a no-brainer for Mikell. He and wife Kelley, a fifth grade teacher at Sallie Zetterower Elementary, have two daughters Claire, four, and Abby, three.

Kelley is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and one of the things she asked Mikell about

when they came back home to settle down was, “Where’s the Y?” Kelley had been involved with the YMCA during her childhood and in college.

Mikell saw an opportunity to meet some of the needs of the community he loves through pursuing the opportunity to have a YMCA locate in Statesboro.

He contacted Rachel Meuser Bowman, Chief Advancement Officer with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia to find out about the possibilities. He also had meetings with Joel Smoker, Chief Operations Officer, who is now Chief Executive Officer.

“Joel is also a graduate of Georgia Southern and he shared with us the process of bringing the Y here. It’s not a top down move, the community has to decide they have a need for the facility and they have to build support,” said Mikell.

A steering committee was formed and a survey process began reaching citizens through an online questionnaire and interviewing people at the Main Street Farmers Market.

“We received over 500 responses and we found that the services people thought weren’t being addressed were additional programming for senior citizens, soft skills workforce development for teens, activities for homeschooled children and their parents,” said Mikell. “Generally there was a need for a place where families from birth to seniors could come together.”

That’s what the Y does – strengthens the community through three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A Christian organization, the YMCA serves men and women, girls and boys of all ages and from all walks of life regardless of the ability to pay. The Y’s Mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body.

Bringing the YMCA to Statesboro has been a grass roots effort that Mikell has spearheaded like a man on a mission. Through handshakes

and face-to-face conversations, Mikell has found what’s most important to the people of Statesboro.

“We’re not trying to take away from other non-profits who offer similar services,” said Mikell. “We’re not in competition with each other and a duplication of services would be a waste of time. We want to address real needs. Let me give you an example, for $30 at the Y you can take a six week dance class, if you find it’s something you are great at and want to pursue, you can take more advanced classes at a dance school or at the Averitt. Here people can dabble to determine what they like or may enjoy.”

In just three months since the Y opened on November 1, 2017, in the renovated former Sallie Zetterower Elementary school building at 409 Clairborne Avenue, membership has reached 2,000, with 899 families being served.

“Savannah Corporate has been blown away by our progress,” said Mikell. “A lot of credit goes to Tory Joyner, our executive director.”

Mikell’s next mission is to go back to the community in the coming months to hammer down a strategic plan for the future. He envisions a walking track and an expanded gym. Two new programs already being launched are Diabetes Prevention and Live Strong for Cancer Survivors.

“We have the whole Sallie Zetterower and a 99-year lease to work with,” he said.

For now Mikell finds his biggest reward in seeing the cross section of Statesboro at the Y and seeing people take steps to become healthier who wouldn’t do it if not for the affordability of the Y. Fundraisers will be held to help with an annual campaign to support scholarships.

“Our greatest challenge is generating the resources to meet the needs,” said Mikell. “Historically Statesboro is not the wealthiest community, but it is a very giving community and so far our progress has been phenomenal.” S March/April 2018 • 17

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2018

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Call to Make Your Consultation Appointment with Designer Summer Hodges March/April 2018 • 19

Woman of the Year

Kim Billings Woman of the Year

T

Written by Jenny Starling Foss - Photography by Frank Fortune

The fabulous Kim Billings, Public Relations and Legal Services Director for Safe Haven, was chosen by readers of Statesboro Magazine as the 2018 Woman of the Year, putting her in one of the top spots on this year’s Fabulist. Billings was chosen for her work with the local domestic violence shelter, Safe Haven and for her effort with its annual fundraiser - the much anticipated local event – Dancing with the Statesboro Stars, now in its eighth year.

Her daily work at the shelter includes answering crisis calls from those desperate to escape abuse, assisting those same individuals in addressing their concerns to law enforcement and securing protective orders for them through her advocacy in the court system. Billings prepares these frightened women, children and men for attendance and testimony at mandatory hearings and she remains by their side during the court process.

While her greatest satisfaction comes from serving those clients in need, Billings also works to educate groups on the specialized services the shelter offers. She frequently conducts training and educational seminars directed at groups from the fields of law enforcement, education, civic organizations, and businesses. In addition, she facilitates two family violence task forces in Bulloch and Screven Counties and is currently working on establishing one in Candler County.

“So many people who did not know the staggering statistics of physical, mental and emotional abuse, have become more aware and better understand the need for our community’s support,” she said.

“There are always people who need help, need protecting, need someone else to lean on and need another’s voice because they are too paralyzed with fear to speak for themselves,” said Billings. “I have tried to be someone these folks can lean on, and be their voice and to provide a place of solace and peace for those who have

20 • Statesboro Magazine

found themselves in a position they never imagined they would be in.”

Billings stresses that domestic violence is not always between couples. One in three high school aged students are affected by teen dating violence. There’s also stalking, elder abuse and violence between family members. Safe Haven works with each individual client to get them out of their abusive relationship.

Each day Billings and Safe Haven’s dedicated staff serves clients of the shelter by acting as advocates for them during what can be the complicated and dangerous process of leaving an abusive situation. She assists these individuals in navigating any legal proceedings they may have and works with other agencies on behalf of their clients when appropriate. Billings has a passion for protecting these clients and assuring their needs are met during what can be a difficult transition.

Her passion for those in need started in middle school, when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice. “I just wanted to help others,” she said.

She came from North Georgia to seek a degree in Criminal Justice at Georgia Southern, and subsequently earned a Masters in Public Administration. Her first job was as Registrar at Ogeechee Technical College. Billings loved serving the students during her tenure there.

“I was motivated to protect others and I had an opportunity to do so by working at Safe Haven,” she said. “My favorite saying by Trent Shelton is about being the umbrella in somebody’s storm. I try to calm the fears of women, men and children who have lived in abusive relationships for weeks, months, years, or a lifetime. Everyone deserves to be safe in their own home.”

“They are the brave ones,” she said, “for taking that first step. We have to be there to let them know they are important and we’re going to help them every step of the way.”

Billings gets much of the inspiration for her life of serving those in need through her faith.

“I do so by the grace of God Almighty, Himself. He has guided me on this journey, to fulfill a need. I try to greet each day, void of my own agenda, rather, yielding myself to serve,” she said.

“As long as there is that need, with the continued support of our staff, law enforcement, the judicial system and community, I will continue to do all I can to make a child’s worry lessen, a Mother’s fears diminish, to comfort and support, to help them build a new start filled with peace and love we all deserve.”

Billing’s mission has become not only one of serving families, but one of raising awareness within the community.

“I am overwhelmed each year by the incredible willingness and selfless giving of time, effort and financial support from the amazing people of our community,” she said. “It is so important to me to have strong community relationships.

I enjoy working with our community partners to accomplish our mission. It is so helpful to be able to call on schools, doctors, local businesses– whatever we need to serve our clients.”

Each year the community comes together to help support Safe Haven’s annual fundraiser of music and dancing, which provides a fun way to raise awareness for the shelter, while also raising funds for support. Billings, along with the DWTSS planning committee, work diligently each year to bring the community a truly spectacular event that showcases—not just Statesboro’s talent, but also our community’s ability to come together and support a great cause.

“DWTSS has been the vessel for so many amazing things. I am truly honored to be such a small part of such a big thing,” she said.

“DWTSS is celebrating its 8th anniversary, this year. Each year has proven to be bigger and better than the previous. It is always such a showing of the good, in us all.” S

Woman of the Year

Editor’s Note: The 2018 DWTSS event is scheduled for Thursday and Sunday, October 4th and 7th at Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center. Safe Haven is seeking sponsors and dancers for this year’s event.

For more information visit: www. dancingwiththestatesborostars.com

March/April 2018 • 21

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S T A T E S B O R O

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THE

S TAT E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E ’ S M O S T FA B U L O U S There’s no group more fabulous than the readers of Statesboro Magazine! Each year we ask you to nominate and then vote on the most fabulous people, places, and things in our area. (Takes one to know one, right?) This is the fourth year of fabulousness and we believe 2018’s list tops them all!

This year we had more nominations in more categories than in all previous years combined. Over 100,000 votes were cast in categories ranging from Date Night Restaurant to Personal Injury Lawyer; Pest Control to Nail Salon, and everything in between. This year’s contest winners represent over 150 of the most remarkable, the most phenomenal, most spectacular le cours superieur imaginable. Ladies and gentlemen, we present (drum roll, please), the 2018 Fabulist!

24 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

5K Chocolate Run Accounting Firm Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP After School Program Averitt Center For the Arts Antique Store 67 Antique Mall Apartment Community Hendley Properties Inc. Appliance Store Statesboro Appliance Center Artist Dylan Bragg Assisted Living Facility & Senior Living Southern Manor Senior Living Attorney (Individual) April Stafford Author Tony Beasley

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 25

Auto Dealer Franklin Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Auto Loan Provider Farmers & Merchants Bank Auto Parts NAPA Auto Parts Statesboro Auto Service/Repair D & R Intensive Car Care Bakery Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Market Bank Sea Island Bank/Synovus Bankruptcy Law Hall Law Group P.C. Barbecue Vandy’s Bar-B-Q (Downtown) Bartender Dustin ‘Dirty’ Grace Biggest News Story Mayoral Race Results

Jason Hurst Photography

26 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Tha n k You Statesb oro ...

M O ST FAB U LI ST M a r ket i n g Ag e ncy

Thank You!

Most Fabulous Bankruptcy Law Practice

J. Michael Hall

Paige Boykin Navarro Martha Hall

S T A T E S B O R O

36A Courtland Street Statesboro, GA 30458

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

YOUR HOMETOWN LAW TEAM • EXPERIENCE. REPUTATION. RESULTS. 2036 Hwy 21 South, Springfield, GA 31329 / 912-754-7078 | 5 Oak Street, Statesboro, GA 30458 / 912-764-6757 Since 1990

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THANK YOU, STATESBORO! MOST FABULOUS ANTIQUE STORE THE MARKETPLACE ON 67

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Russ Lanier Most Fabulous Entertainer

Formerly 67 Antique Mall New Additions-New Merchandise-Same Owners 912-839-2167 | 67ANTIQUEMALL.COM 7041 GA-HWY 67, STATESBORO (AT INTERSTATE 16, EXIT #127)

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S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

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Thank You, Statesboro!

DARK DESERT HIGHWAY BAND Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 27

Breakfast RJ’s Grill Bridal / Formal Wear J’Adore Bridal Buffet Emma’s Restaurant and Lounge Build a Burger Bites on Brampton Business that Gives Back Willingway Hospital Business Lunch Beaver House Restaurant Car Wash GooGoo 3 Minute EXPRESS WASH Carpet Cleaning SERVPRO of Statesboro Catering Honey Catering Chicken Wings Loco’s Grill & Pub

28 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Children’s Clothing Bellies, Babies, and Ballerinas Chinese food Soyumi Asian Kitchen Chiropractor Southern Chiropractic Choir First Baptist Church or Place of Worship Believer’s Church Cocktail Selection Gee-Da’s Table Coffeehouse 3 Tree Coffee Roasters College or University Georgia Southern University Commercial Real Estate Company Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kennedy Realty Community Activist Bob Mikell Contractor Lavender & Associates Cosmetic Dentist Dr. McGibony & Associates

30 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Come Join the Bulloch Academy Family...

FAMILY LAW PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE LAW THANK YOU FOR VOTING APRIL STAFFORD MOST FABULOUS ATTORNEY!

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2017

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

117 S. ZETTEROWER AVE, STATESBORO | 912-764-5555 STAFFORDLAWGROUPLLC.COM

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

S T A T E S B O R O

Challenging, Teaching & Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today www.bullochacademy.com 912.764.6297 873 Westside Road | Statesboro, Georgia PreK - 12 grade * College Preparatory Curriculum

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

MOST FABULOUS SKIN CARE, KAREN PENROSE, APRN

SIDNEY P. SMITH, MD | GEORGIASKINANDCANCER.COM 912-839-4949 | STATESBORO/BROOKLET LOCATION: 6667 HIGHWAY 67 Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 31

Thank you for allowing us to serve you!

We are proud to be named the 2018 Most Fabulous Contractor

BUILDING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1989

SAFETY • SERVICE • SATISFACTION

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT S T A T E S B O R O

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M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Thank you for allowing us to teach Authentic Christianity in a church of Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness for 17 years!

Most Fabulous Church & Place of Worship

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Back row L-R Pastor Joe Sconyers, Worship and Creative Pastor Laura Smiley, Guest Assimilation Coordinator Pastor Barbara Kidd, Children’s Pastor Front Row L-R Pastor Scott Moore, Lead Pastor, Amy de la Cruz, Church Administrator Not Pictured: Pastor Chris Hagan, Youth Pastor, Cindy Muhmel, Youth Leader Pastor Mike Oglesby, Outreach Pastor, Courtney Stephens, Secretary

32 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

BelieversStatesboro.com 6495 Harville Rd. Statesboro | 912-682-1440

Craft Beer Eagle Creek Brewing Company Credit Union Core Credit Union Culinary Genius Jimmy Melton Dance Company Helen Redding School of Dance Dance/Theater Group Statesboro School of Dance Date Night Restaurant Orchid Asian Restaurant Day Spa Serenity Salon & Spa Daycare/Childcare First United Methodist Church Preschool Desserts Dairy Queen Downtown Bar Gee-Da’s Table

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 33

Entertainer Russ Lanier Event Venue OTC Natural Resources Bldg Financial Planning CFG Wealth ManagementTravis Chance Fire Officer/EMT Ronnie Shaw Flooring/Carpet Store Plank & Tile Florist The Florist Fried Chicken Uncle Shug’s Chicken Barn Furniture Store LA Waters Furniture & Mattress Center Game Day Apparel Georgia Southern University Store General Dentist Larry Hubbard, DDS

34 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

THANK YOU!

Most Fabulous Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

TCSBUILDIT.COM | 912-823-3675 | JASON TURNER, OWNER A Local Veteran-Owned Business Specializing In Residential Remodeling & Repairs.

50 Years of Excellence

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

THANK YOU, STATESBORO! MOST FABULOUS ACCOUNTING FIRM

WWW.DHHCCPA.COM 912-764-6951 | 319 SOUTH MAIN STREET | STATESBORO 912-233-9004 | 33 BULL STREET, SUITE 400 | SAVANNAH Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 35

Girl’s Night Out Free Spirit Pottery & Glass Golf Course Georgia Southern University Golf Course Guy’s Night Out Gnat’s Landing Hair Salon 30 Volume Salon & Boutique Hair Stylist (Individual) Jenae Lynn Health & Fitness Club 180 Fitness Heating & Air Conditioning Company JD Heating & Air Home Decor The Warehouse Home Security Eagle Alarm & Electrical Insurance Provider Brinson, Williams & Groomes Insurance

36 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

MOST FABULOUS MEDICAL GROUP

Thank You Statesboro!

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ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY SPECIALISTS

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

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Say I Do To Each Other & A New Home VALERIE A. THOMPSON, REALTOR®

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER

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2018

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TA N N E R R E A LT Y Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 37

S T A T E S B O R O

THANK YOU, STATESBORO! MOST FABULOUS FLOORING/CARPET STORE

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER

QUITE POSSIBLY THE COOLEST FLOORING STORE, EVER!

2018

9020 US HIGHWAY 301 SOUTH, STATESBORO | 912-623-2205 | PLANKANDTILE.COM

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

t hanK you ! m oSt

F abulouS c oSmetic d entiSt J aSon r. m c g ibony , d.m.d. | K athryn W. m entzer , d.m.d. | t homaS e. m arShall , d.m.d.

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

S T A T E S B O R O

WINNER 2015

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER

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38 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

drmcgibony . com

2017

Interior Designer Summer Hodges - LA Waters Jewelry Store Bernard’s Jewelers Kid Friendly Restaurant Chick-fil-A Kitchen & Bath Remodeler Turner’s Contracting Solutions Landscaping Company Statesboro Southern Scapes, Inc. Law Enforcement Officer Todd Mashburn Litigation The Johnson Firm P.C. Live Music Venue Gnat’s Landing Local Personality Dal Cannady, WTOC Man of the Year Bob Mikell Marketing Agency UP Market Media Mattress Store Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 39

Medical Group East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery Medical Spa Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery Men’s Clothing / Formal Wear The Sir Shop (Men’s Clothing) Mexican Food El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant Mortgage / Home Loan Provider Renasant Bank Mortgage Most Innovative Local Product Kim’s Cheese Straws Most Involved Couple David and Fayebeth Ball Motorcycle or Off-Road Vehicle Dealer Statesboro Yamaha Musical Instrument Store Pladd Dot Music Nail Salon Luxury Nails

40 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Lord

Where the

is the pilot of our ministry

Thank You, Statesboro! Most Fabulous Childcare!

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

Winner 2018

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

Winner 2017

First United Methodist Preschool & Childcare Ministry 912-764-1876 | 101 South Main Street, Statesboro www.statesborofirst.com | Ann N. Haskins, Director of Preschool

New Home Builder NeSmith Construction Co. Inc. Nursery/Garden Center The Mad Potter Optometrist Vision Source Professional Eye Care Outdoor Dining Statesboro Millhouse Steakhouse Overall Restaurant 40 East Grill

LHOUSE L I M More Than a

Party/Event Rockin’ Out Alzheimers

Statesboro, GA

Pawn/Resale Shop Charlie’s Funky Junk Shop

STEAKHOUSE

Pediatrician Mama Doc Pediatrics Personal Injury Law Taulbee, Rushing, Snipes, Marsh & Hodgin, LLC Attorneys at Law

26 • pocketbook

42 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Personal Trainer America Minc

iba Most Fabulous Sushi & Date Night Restaurant! Thank You!

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

O

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2017

rchid Asian Restaurant

912-243-9101 | 1525 FAIR ROAD | STATESBORO, GA 30458 Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 43

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

Winner 2017

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

Winner 2018

Thank you for voTing nesmiTh ConsTruCTion & Land deveLopmenT

mosT fabuLous buiLder

Pest Control Yates Astro Termite & Pest Control Pet Boarding/Grooming/Daycare South Paws Dog Resort Pharmacy McCook’s Pharmacy Philanthropist Hoke Brunson Photographer Krisha Craven Photography Physician (Individual) Don Aaron, MD Pizza Your Pie Place to Buy Farm Equipment Blanchard Equipment Place to Dance Gnat’s Landing Place to Find Perfect Gift Walker Pharmacy & Boutique

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 45

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Thank You For Voting McCook's Pharmacy Most Fabulous Pharmacy!

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S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Great Service • Convenient Drive-Thru • Free Local Delivery • Flu and Shingles Vaccines New Customers Always Welcomed 23630 Hwy 80 East | Statesboro, GA | 912-764-2223 46 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Place to Get Married The Belle House Place to Take Kids For Fun Splash In the Boro Waterpark & Aquatic Center Place to Volunteer Soup Kitchen Place to Work Agsouth Farm Credit Plumber Akins Plumbing & Electric Politician Senator Jack Hill Principal Pam Goodman Property Management PMG Rentals Real Estate Agent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kennedy Realty - Everett Kennedy

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 47

Real Estate Law The Mock Law Firm Recreational Vehicle Dealer (RV, boat, etc) Custom Marine Roofing Company American Roofing & Vinyl Siding Running Specialty Store Swim Bike Run School, Elem/Middle/High Bulloch Academy Seafood Ocean Galley Seafood & Steaks Shoe Store Cheeky Bliss

48 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

Thank You, Statesboro!

Most Fabulous Heating & Air Conditioning Company 24/7 Emergency Services • 100% Financing Available • Service All Makes & Models

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Locally Owned And Operated by Jason Dyches Licensed And Insured CN210884

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Most Fabulous Innovative Local Product Shop Online at kimscheesestraws.com

Most Fabulous Children’s Clothing

BELLIES, BABIES & BALLERINAS Shop Online at belliesbabiesballerinas.com

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2018

Thank You For Voting Us Most Fabulous Desserts 2191 Northside Drive East, Statesboro, Georgia Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 49

Skin Care GA Skin and Cancer Center Karen Penrose Sporting Goods Store TC Outdoors Sports Bar Buffalo Wild Wings Statesboro Attraction Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern Univ.

Statesboro Hotel Holiday Inn StatesboroUniversity Area Storage Facility Mill Creek Storage Sub Shop Baldinos Sushi Orchid Asian Restaurant

50 • Statesboro Magazine • Fabulist

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

S T A T E S B O R O

WINNER

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER

2017

2018

Thank You For Voting Us Most Fabulous Property Management 912.489.4432 | 1550 A Brampton Avenue, Statesboro, GA 30458 www.BuyStatesboro.com to Purchase & www.RentPMG.com to Rent

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER 2016

S T A T E S B O R O

M A G A Z I N E

WINNER

Most Fabulous Trendiest Boutique Shop Stella Style With A Boho-Chic Collection Of Clothing And Accessories At stellastatesboro.com

2018

912-681-7008 |1098 Bermuda Run Road, Suite 12, Statesboro

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 51

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE Most Fabulous Golf Course

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY STORE Most Fabulous Game Day Apparel

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Most Fabulous College or University

BOTANIC GARDEN AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Most Fabulous Statesboro Attraction

Thank You Statesboro!

Tax Law Edenfield, Cox, Bruce & Classens PC Teacher Richard Stubbs Tire Store D & R Intensive Car Care Trendiest Boutique Stella Veterinarian Statesboro Bulloch Regional Veterinary Hospital Visionary Bob Mikell Weight Loss Clinic/Counseling Medi-Weightloss Woman of the Year Kim Billings

Fabulist • March/April 2018 • 53

Here with you then.

Here with you now.

For decades, we’ve been your local hospital.

We’ve been here for emergencies, surgeries and to help you deliver your newest bundle of joy. We were here for you then. We are here for you now.

And we will be here for you tomorrow.

Talk to a nurse 24/7 or find a doctor by calling (912) 350-WELL (9355).

Memorial Health 4700 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404 | www.MemorialHealth.com

Mary-Ashley & John Keith Burnett Photos Courtesy of Jason Hurst Photography

56 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

Bride’s full name: Mary-Ashley Henley Groom’s full name: John Keith (J.K.) Burnett Where you reside: Statesboro, Georgia Where you both work: Mary-Ashley: Lee, Hill, & Johnston Insurors JK: United Parcel Service Date of Wedding: March 4, 2017 Wedding Location/Venue: Mossy Oak Farms, Brooklet, Georgia Wedding Officiant: Brandon Williams of Connection Church, Statesboro, Georgia Dress Shop: J’Adore Bridal, Brooklet, Georgia Dress Designer: Mori Lee Custom Made Bolero Jacket: Judie Mixon, Statesboro, Georgia Tuxedo Rental/Purchase: R.J. Pope Traditional Menswear, Statesboro, Georgia Wedding Colors: Gold, Burgundy and Black Stylist: Angel Driggers, Halo Salon, Statesboro, Georgia Photographer: Jason Hurst Photography, Statesboro, Georgia Videographer: W.C. Hodges Wedding Cake: Emily Henley, Brooklet, Georgia (the bride’s great aunt).

Groom’s Cake: Emily Henley - Brown Sugar Pound Cake Caterers: Rehearsal Dinner: Bevricks Char House Grille, Metter, Georgia Wedding: Bevricks Char House Grille, Metter, Georgia Musicians: Ceremony: Amy Thompson, Statesboro Reception: Shockwave Entertainment - Jeff Wells, Statesboro, Georgia Florist, Designer & Decorator: Joann’s Florist, Springfield, Georgia Wedding Directors: James Carlson - Carlson’s Premier Events, Springfield, Georgia Reception Location: Mossy Oak Farms, Brooklet, Georgia Honeymoon Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Wedding Favors: Personalized cups and koozies Wedding Theme: Classy Rustic Elegance Parents: Bride: Ricky and Mary Henley Groom: Cyndi and Tony Usry, and John Burnett weddings • March/April 2018 • 57

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your special day?

From the moment JK and I got engaged I knew what I wanted our wedding day to look like. I didn’t want the typical rustic wedding with mason jars everywhere. I wanted a different twist to how everything looked and special touches all around. To me, flowers and candles add a lot to the atmosphere and helped provide what I wanted for our special day. The day was perfect! The weather was just what any bride would special order. Cool, crisp, sunshine in abundance, and South Georgia pollen at its peak. LOL! All of the bridesmaids dressed in the cottage at Mossy Oak. I carried my grandmother’s crystal rosary that was gently wrapped around my bouquet. Nonna’s rosary was my “something old.” My mother carried this rosary when she got married in 1981, as did my sister and my sister-in-law when they got married. My wedding dress was my “something new.” For my something “borrowed and blue,” I wore a family heirloom diamond and sapphire ring that belonged to the same grandmother, who inherited it from her mother. My mother and sister wore the ring as well when they married.

My father drove me to the end of the aisle in a refurbished teal 1966 Chevrolet S10 pick-up truck that we borrowed from a friend.

My thoughts were, “Why have a ring bearer if he isn’t going to carry the real rings?” My nephew, Jordan Henley, carried our actual wedding rings in a bird’s nest to the altar. They were lightly tied into the nest, just in case he took a tumble down the aisle. Jordan was flanked by my nieces, Raegan and Reese Watkins who showered the aisle with flower petals. J.K.’s brother served as his best man. It was a family affair, as the entire family was included in the wedding party.

Our angels among us (our deceased family members) were represented by all of the candles that were lit for the evening in their memory.

Our first dinner together was set up in a private area so we could enjoy our first meal as a married couple in a more intimate setting.

For the reception I removed my bolero jacket so it appeared that I changed dresses.

The wedding party entered the reception to Bruno Mars song “24K Magic,” which was in keeping with the gold theme. The weather was chilly after the sun went down, but the excitement of the evening kept everyone warm.

We used my parent’s old rusted-out 1964 Chevrolet S10 step-side pick-up truck as a bar so everyone could grab a cold beer out of the bed of the truck. At the end of the night J.K. and I were showered with sparklers as we left the reception in the same 1966 Chevrolet S10 pick-up truck that daddy escorted me to the aisle in to begin the celebration of our new life together.

58 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

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weddings • March/April 2018 • 59

Kathryn Cecile & Williams Glenn D av i s Photos Courtesy of Mark Williams Photography

60 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

Bride’s full name: Kathryn Cecile (Katy) Howard Groom’s full name: Williams Glenn (Will) Davis, Jr. Where you reside: Statesboro, Georgia Where you both work: Katy – Bethany Hospice and Palliative Care of Coastal Georgia Will – Roadrunner Intermodal, Savannah, Georgia Date of Wedding: July 29, 2017 Wedding Location/Venue: Statesboro First United Methodist Church Wedding Officiant: Rev. Jimmy Cason, Senior Pastor at SFUMC Dress Shop: The House of the Bride, Augusta, Georgia Tuxedo Rental/Purchase: The Sir Shop, Statesboro, Georgia Wedding Colors: White, Champagne, and Gold Stylist: Hair – Hair Studio 101 Make-Up - Mac Cosmetics Photographer: Mark Williams Photography, Swainsboro, Georgia Wedding Cake: Cathy’s Cakes by Cathy Black, Sylvania, Georgia Groom’s Cake: Cathy’s Cakes by Cathy Black, Sylvania, Georgia Caterers: Rehearsal Dinner: Honey Catering, Millen, Georgia Rehearsal Location: The Hall on Vine Wedding: Forest Heights Country Club Musicians: Ceremony: Pierce Dickens, Organist Reception: Ed Bradley, Pianist Band: The Maxx

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your special day?

My mother, Kathy Jones Howard was the wedding planner and did an amazing job of planning our beautiful day. It was our dream wedding, absolutely the most beautiful wedding I could have ever imagined.

We honored our late grandparents with a memory table of photographs.

The bride’s engagement and wedding rings were passed down to the bride by her paternal great grandmother, Cecile Brannen Howard.

The bride wore a diamond pendant that belonged to her maternal grandmother, the late Betty Ruff Jones.

The bride carried a six pence in her shoe, a gift from the wedding director, Jeanne Anne Marsh.

The bride wore blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps finished with crystal embellishments.

The bride chose as one of her attendants, Duygu Erdogan, who lived with the Howard Family ten years ago while an exchange student at Bulloch Academy.

Duygu flew in from Berlin, Germany, to be a part of the wedding party.

The groom’s fraternity brothers sang “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi,” to the bride at the reception.

Florist, Designer & Decorator: Todd Branyon & Barry Cowart of The Florist, Statesboro, Georgia Wedding Director: Jeanne Anne Marsh Reception Location: Forest Heights Country Club Honeymoon Location: Ponte Vedra Lodge, Ponte Vedra, Florida Wedding Favors: Wine tumblers engraved with couple’s name and wedding date. Golf balls embellished with couple’s name and wedding date.

Parents: Bride: Mr. & Mrs. Claude Arthur Howard, III Groom: Mr. & Mrs. Willliams Glenn Davis, Sr.

weddings • March/April 2018 • 61

62 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

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weddings • March/April 2018 • 63

Madison Phillips Darsey Photography by Bethany Keisler of Bethany Keisler Portraits

How We Met

Written from Madison’s perspective: Garrett and I have lived what Georgi (Garrett’s mother) likes to call, “parallel lives.” We are both from Statesboro, Ga, we were both in the gifted program growing up (we even went on the same QUEST trip in 7th grade, stood 4 people apart from each other for the group picture, but did not know each other), our parents both worked at the Board of Education when we were younger and attempted to plan play dates for us, but they never took place. So, even though we grew up with similar lives and upbringings, even in the same town, we did not know each other. We often talk about how if we had met each other when we were younger, or even knew each other through grade school, we most likely would not have dated when we ran into each other, in college. I am forever thankful for God’s perfect timing.

Once in college, Garrett pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and I pledged Phi Mu. We both went through our exciting freshman year, still without meeting. To add a plot twist, SAE’s fraternity house was straight across the street from Phi Mu. Towards the end of Sophomore year, my friend Katherine and I decided to get out of our regular “social mixer” comfort zone and attend SAE’s biggest party weekend of the year, Paddy Murphy. I am so glad that we did. On Friday, March 6th, we went to the SAE house and that is where Garrett and I met. We immediately hit it off comparing local stories, people we knew, and a million different things. We were inseparable the rest of the night and Garrett asked me to dance when the song “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was played. That later became “our song.” I left that night so excited that we had met and eagerly awaited to hear from Garrett the next day. FINALLY, he messaged me the next afternoon and asked if I was going to attend the party that same night, which of course I was. The next week we went on our first date and the rest is history!

Written from Garrett’s perspective: It was March 6th 2015 and my fraternity was hosting our big spring semester party. I was hanging out with my Little brother in SAE, Dylan Carter. We came in from outside and there she was. I saw Madison and in that instant I knew I was in love. I knew right then and there that she was going to be the woman I would spend the rest of my life with. I leaned in to Dylan to ask him if he knew who she was. He responded, “That’s Madison Phillips. We went to high school together.” So Dylan walked me up to her and introduced us. We spent the remainder of that evening dancing and talking.

When the night was coming to close I asked her for her number. She graciously gave me her real number.

The following day I reached out to her to see if she would be coming back to the SAE house for the party that night. She replied with a coy, “I don’t know, I may.” 9 o’clock that evening she finally showed up. I now know that she was playing hard to get. We were inseparable for the rest of the evening. Finally as the party was winding down I asked her if she would like to go out sometime, and now we are here. I am also forever thankful for Gods perfect plan and timing.

Also for SAE and cheap whiskey. I am so overjoyed that after that fateful day in March, I will soon be able to call Madison my wife.

64 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

Where you reside: Statesboro, Ga Where you both work: Garrett is a teller at Renesant Bank Madison is the social media and web marketing manager at Walker Pharmacy and Boutique Wedding Location/Venue (ceremony and reception): Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville, NC (ceremony and reception both took place at Laurel Ridge Country Club) Dress Shop: BlueBelle Bridal in Savannah, Ga Custom Jacket and Accessories: Hope Wallace Designs Tuxedo Rental: The Sir Shop, Statesboro, Ga Wedding Colors: Deep Forest Green (I called it Scarlett O’Hara Green!) with Black Watch Plaid as the accent (the flower girl dresses were custom made in Scotland, using handmade black watch plaid dupion silk; the groomsmen’s bow-ties were handmade with the same black watch plaid dupion silk fabric; our custom monogram also features a subtle black watch plaid pattern) Florist: Flora Asheville, Asheville, NC Cake/caterer: Cake: Nettie’s Bakery in Waynesville, NC Catering: Laurel Ridge Country Club Musicians: Ceremony: Pianist - Jake Hallman of Statesboro, GA (prelude and bridal party processional) Bagpiper - Gordon Warburton of Marion, NC (bridal processional and recessional) Reception: Chris Mitchell Band of Statesboro, GA Honeymoon location: Ireland and Scotland (Dublin, Ireland; St. Andrews, Scotland; Edinburgh, Scotland) Wedding favors: Campfire mugs that donned our monogram with a gourmet chocolate dipped marshmallow Gold ornaments featuring our monogram, the wedding location and our wedding date, topped with a black watch plaid bow Wedding theme: I coined the term “Ralph Lauren Rustic” Winter Wedding Parents of both bride and groom: Bride: Tony and Diane Phillips Groom: Jerry and Georgiana Darsey

Mr. & Mrs. Garrett Darsey November 25, 2017

weddings • March/April 2018 • 65

SA MC

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Nestled among swaying pines towers our over 8400 square foot rustic inspired Lodge. The grounds of Beaver Creek Plantation provide the idyllic setting for a simple, rustic, yet elegant wedding.

weddingsatbeavercreek.com 478-763-2920 3698 HWY 80 EAST TWIN CITY, GA

weddings • March/April 2018 • 67

The Bridal Expose Hosted by elevated events

January 21, 2018 | tHe belle House

Hosted by: Fairy Tale Tents and Party Rentals Shockwave Entertainment Kristian Designs The Belle House Decor Contributions: Frazier’s Flowers Celebrations Unlimited Fairy Tale Tents Kristian Designs Shockwave Entertainment Photographer: Jason Hurst Photography Tuxedos: R.J. Pope Traditional Men’s Wear The Sir Shop Wedding Fashions: Frills by Scott Vendor showcase • 30 vendors • Vendor Demonstrations • Cocktail Social--beer, wine and champagne Fashion show by Frills by Scott • Plated Dinner-catered by The Painted Chef Door Prizes • Cake Cutting by Katie’s Cakes • Ask the Experts Q and A session • Grand Prize Drawing

Participating Vendors: Fairy Tale Tents and Party Rentals • Shockwave Entertainment • Kristian Designs • Frills by Scott • RJ Pope The Painted Chef • Celebrations Unlimited • The Sir Shop • Jason Hurst Photography • Vanilla and the Bean Mary K Cosmetics--Crystal Clark • Merle Norman • The Belle House • The Barn at the Old Home Place Katie’s Cakes • Rustic Image Production • Paines Limo Service • Woodard Photography Classical Touch to all Occasions • Doodle Bugs • Lucille the Vintage Photo Booth • Fraziers Flowers Party Harbor • LipSence • KC Lashes of Statesboro • Salon 441 • MLM Photography • Hawks Point Mill Creek Equestrian • Stouthouse Media • Sunshine Planning • Southern Soaked • Mommy Made Creations Old Freeman Family Farms • Visit Statesboro • Hames Hall

Mill Creek Equestrian Center Mill Creek Equestrian Center is a picturesque, elegant, 53-acre property available as an exclusive destination for weddings, corporate events and social occasions. Offering a spectacular backdrop of horses, green pastures, lake views and wooden paddocks, Mill Creek Equestrian Center is an ideal location for uncommon and sophisticated entertaining. The Manor, The Stables and The Barn offer guests three distinct venues from which to choose, making each affair beautiful and unforgettable.

From the spacious grounds and accommodations of The Manor, to the 18,000 square feet of modern Stables, and the rustic charm of The Barn, for your next event experience the rare beauty and sophistication of Mill Creek Equestrian Center. www.millcreekequestrian.com 912-587-4072 407 Bruce Groover Road, Statesboro, GA 30461

OTC Venues When it comes to a memorable wedding celebration, exciting holiday parties, large regional meetings or an executive retreat, people often turn to The Venues. From computer labs to auditorium, conference room to boardrooms, we have unique spaces for all types of events.

The crown jewel of The Venues is a beautiful ballroom with floor to ceiling windows overlooking acres of water birch and tall Georgia pines, with stone columns, and state of the art audiovisual service. Amenities the ballroom offers include a spacious front atrium and veranda, a full service prep kitchen, Wi-Fi access, two LCD projectors & screens, a computer, podium, wireless microphone and sound system.

Beautiful outdoor spaces, and warm and inviting interior spaces, all combine for one of the most striking settings in this region.

Conveniently located just minutes from I-16 and downtown Statesboro, our space is the ideal location for business and social gatherings of all kinds. Voted one of the best places to have an event, The Venues is easily accessible, has ample free parking, and has multiple options at affordable rates.

(912) 871-8544 venues.ogeecheetech.edu Email: venues@ogeecheetech.edu

Ad v e r t i s e r I n d e x 70 • Statesboro Magazine • weddings

Scratch Made Catering Scratch Made Catering is a new business featuring a chef with years of experience. After Chef Jimmy Melton obtained a Business degree from the Citadel, his love for food led him to culinary school at The Five Star Cloister Resort on Sea Island. There he completed a three-year apprenticeship and earned his certificate in Culinary Arts. Melton worked in various departments of Sea Island learning all aspects of the culinary profession from baking to butchering.

After finishing culinary school, he went on to work at the best restaurants and catering companies in Savannah for a number of years.

Now, living in Statesboro, Melton has decided to start a new venture of his own. In addition to offering catering on small and large scales, Scratch Made Catering has weekly ready to go specials (casseroles, dips, soups, salads), healthy prep cooked meals, and cooking classes.

912-481-5178 letseat@scratchmadecatering.com

Bernard’s Jewelers Bernard’s Jewelers has been a locally owned and operated jewelry store in Statesboro, Georgia, since 1970 and carries a wide selection of unique and elegant diamond and gemstone jewelry, pearls and Citizen Watches, as well as a nice selection of fine sterling silver jewelry, baby gifts and men’s gifts and accessories. Bernard’s Jewelers is also pleased to be able to offer onsite jewelry and watch repair, as well as custom jewelry design. We have well-trained and knowledgeable jewelers on staff with combined experience of over 50 years.

912-764-5379 23999 Hwy 80 East, Statesboro 912-259-9100 100 Brampton Ave., Suite 1H, Statesboro

Beaver Creek Plantation There are multiple ceremony and reception location options available on the Plantation including the Grand Room of the Main Lodge, the romantic outdoor lawn, the cascading stone steps that embellish the front of the Lodge, or any one of the waterfront locations on our beautiful 30-acre lake. The most unique ceremony location available is our man-made island. Enjoy decadent cuisine prepared by our onsite chef and house your guests at one of three overnight facilities including a charming lake cabin. www.weddingsatbeavercreek.com 478-763-2920 3698 East US-80, Twin City, GA 30471

Honey Catering Honey features Southern favorites with a modern twist! The Honey girls are known for their superb catering services and creative eye for presentation. Catering Manager, Mary Beth Brown works hard to accommodate any and all needs to insure every event is a success while owner/chef Lazar Brown Oglesby creates an unforgettable culinary experience!

Honey Café 650 Millen Bypass Millen, Georgia 30442 478-982-8086 Honey Too 20 East Main Street, Statesboro, GA 30458 912-259-9200

Ad v e r t i s e r I n d e x weddings • March/April 2018 • 71

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Cover Kid Contest Enter the Statesboro Magazine Cover Kid Contest! Upload your photo below once a day through April 30, 2018. The staff of Statesboro Magazine will choose the kid best representing our area to be featured on the cover of our July/August 2018 issue! Photos entered may appear on our website: statesboromagazine.com. Submitted photos will not appear on covers; cover shots will be taken by a professional photographer. Photos of kids up to the age of 12 will be accepted.

Thank you for participating and don’t forget to share on social media with #smagcoverkid Presented by:

74 • Statesboro Magazine

THANK YOU! MOST FABULOUS VETERINARIAN

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74 • Statesboro Magazine

912-690-1792 Family Owned and Operated Since 2001 Owner, Pat Darby “Big Dawg Darby” and Terri Darby-Howard

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March/April 2018 • 75

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www.statesborobank.com • 912-681-8880 | 203 Savannah Ave. • Statesboro, GA 76 • Statesboro Magazine

I

The Spiritual Pathway s Rev. Dr. H. William Perry

I

Persistence Pays I was on my early morning walk, crossing a parking lot, when I saw a large envelop on the pavement. I stopped and picked it up, hoping to find money in it. But alas, it was only a greeting card. Even before I opened the card I heard music playing, loud and persistent. I smiled, sang along, and headed for home. I placed the card in Margaret’s bathroom and went to the kitchen for my second cup of coffee. When Margaret came in a few minutes later she asked, “Where’s the music coming from?” I acted ignorant, which is not hard for me to do. She headed down the hall and in a few moments came in with the card, asking, “Where’d you get this?” I told her the story and we both had a good laugh. She put the card in the hallway, and it kept playing, over and over and over. When I could take it no longer I retrieved it and placed it in my rocking chair on the porch.

I forgot about it until the next morning when I took our little dog out for her walk.

When we approached the porch the music accosted us, as loud and persistent as ever.

The same was true the next day. And the

next. In fact, it went on like that for nearly a week. Then I began to notice the music was becoming faint, but when I held the card up to my ear I could still hear it. Finally, after about two weeks, the card gave up.

I still have the card, and one of these days I’m going to tear into it and retrieve the battery. It must be nuclear powered! I have come to a firm conclusion: the card was not accidentally dropped in the parking lot; it was deliberately thrown there by someone who could take it no more!

Persistence. Sometimes it’s good; sometimes it’s bad. We all have acquaintances that we avoid unless we have plenty of free time.

Like the card they will go on and on and on.

We all know people who love to talk about themselves. Like the young man who was on his first date with the lady, and toward the end of the meal he said, “I’ve spent the whole evening talking about myself. Now why don’t you talk about me?” And he wondered why she wouldn’t go out with him again.

But persistence is not always negative.

Much has been accomplished because once a

person got started he kept on until the job was completed. I love the story of the plumber in London. A record-setting freeze struck the city and the plumber woke up thinking about all the busted pipes. He sat down with pencil and paper, and figured that there were 591,129 pipes in London that needed to be replaced. A neighbor walked over and said to the plumbed, “Would you come fix my pipes?” The plumber replied, “Do you know how many busted pipes there are in town?

Five-hundred ninety-one thousand, onehundred and twenty-nine! There’s no way to replace them all!”

Such encounters went on all morning.

When the plumber gave his reply to one man he said, “I don’t care how many pipes are busted, you’re coming right now to fix mine!”

He grabbed the plumber by the neck and began to drag him toward his house. “Let me get my tools,” the plumber shouted, “and I’ll go with you.” He fixed that man’s pipes, then went with the next neighbor and fixed his. This went on day after day, the plumber rescuing one neighbor after another. No, he couldn’t fix all 591,129, but he could restore water to home after home by persistently working.

One more story to substantiate my point: A century or two ago a baby boy was born into a prominent family. Even when he was still an infant the parents could tell something was not quite right with their son’s back. As the months went by it became evident that the boy was going to be terribly humpbacked.

The parents took him to doctor after doctor, but no one had a solution, until finally, one doctor gave a suggestion that might help.

“Have a sculptor make a statue of a boy, and place it out in your garden. Several times a day have your son walk out close to the statue and make him look up at the face of the boy.

Do this over and over and over. It might make a difference.”

The parents followed his advice, and a few weeks after the statue was in place they thought they were beginning to detect a difference. It seemed as if their son was standing taller. This went on month after month, and the day came when the boy stood as straight as the statue. Persistence had made the difference.

Don’t quit too soon! Be persistent in positive ways. Don’t be a quarter horse, be a plow horse. Quarter horses run for a quarter of a mile and stop. Plow horses work all day.

They get the job done; so can you.

March/April 2018 • 77

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Practice Manager Tim Fleming

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6/4/12 10:42 AM

Check Out All of the Great Events From the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Class.Georgiasouthern.edu 78 • Statesboro Magazine

Mobility, function, freedom await you. Stop by today and meet your local clinicians.

The View From Here s Ric Mandes

I

All by Myself It was early evening; a Thursday, as I occupied a tabletop at Archibald’s Restaurant. January, 1990. Finally, sweater weather.

I had just returned from Athens where I spent a year free from deadlines and decisions as Georgia Southern’s Director of Institutional Development. It would become a role I enjoyed every day to the fullest starting in 1961, when President Henderson invited me to his office and asked if I would take over the Public Relations Directors’ position.

Now almost thirty years later, I am back in the ‘Boro and have become a staff member with Roy Akins’ Southeastern Marketing Services. So here I sit watching the distillery side of this café fill up. Thursday evenings were always full due to the wonderful musical offerings of The Downright Brothers.

Three good buddies. Frank Fortune, Benji Thompson and Mark Mandes. They came on

at eight thirty filled those souls with ballads

by Jim Croce. Billy Joel. Kenny Rogers – a true arcade of tunes.

“Excuse me sir, would you mind if I joined you, there just ain’t a seat to reckon with?” I turned to the voice and there stood a young man, early thirties, with a full pitcher of beer.”

“Jumped on it,” I offered. Throughout the evening, he spun his personal story about the highs and lows. The tough and the blessed.

The finale being that unwanted force, loneliness.

“I know for certain I’m not the only soul having to put up with this sad affair,” he expressed. “For certain there are short visits by this ugly creature, then others are here for the duration.”

He takes a strong swallow of ale. Wipes his mouth with the back of his rough hewn

hand.

“Is Mr. D. visiting the long or the brief visit?” I asked.

“It’s the never ending version,” he said with a heavy tone.

And for the next forty-five minutes, The Downright Brothers filled this warm café, as my trucker shared his invasion by loneliness.

“My step-father was Indian. Mean as hell.

Drank a lot, loved fried squirrel with his eggs for breakfast. My two older brothers ran away one night, tired of Wade’s livid manner. Heard they had joined the Navy. I was fifteen when my mom let him move in. I put up with his mess for another two years. But the night he beat me so unmercifully with an acorn limb, for not locking the front gate, I stole way into the refuge of the night.”

“I had a buddy who was in the trucking business. I hooked up with him, just dong short runs. I worked there until I was eighteen. That’s when I bought a second hand truck and went on my own. Still am. Trucking doesn’t leave me much time for social life. Then one night I was on the road like tonight, I met Sarah. A mighty fetching lady who worked as a waitress. We hit it off right away.”

“Six months later she moved in with me.

We lived for the weekends. She was off and I never drove those two days.”

He pauses, takes off his shades and rubs is eyes.

“I put a down payment on a pretty mobile home; it was real nice with a king-sized bed.

And we wore that baby out Saturday and Sunday.”

“Sounds good to me,” I added.

That’s when he put “a wrap” to his story.

“It was not quite a year later, I pulled into the yard. Her car was gone and so was she.

I looked around and it was as if she had never been with me. I hurt. Man did I ever, especially on those weekends when I slept all alone in that king-size bed. Those sweet memories of her making love smothered me and I cried, Mister, I mean I cried.”

“You ever slept alone in a king-size bed?

Don’t do it.”

He drained his glass. Stood up. Shook my hand, thanked me for hanging out with him.

“Got to be in Jacksonville bright and early.”

I watched this solo figure walk into the night with his broken dreams and an empty king-size bed waiting for him back at the trailer. The Downright Brothers were filling the chamber with “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

March/April 2018 • 79

LOOK AROUND Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Parade 2:00 p.m.

Monday, January 15, 2018 Downtown Statesboro

80 • Statesboro Magazine

LOOK AROUND Tormenta FC Press Conference Announcing Rise to USL Division III & New Soccer Stadium Thursday, January 25, 2018 Gene Bishop Field House

March/April 2018 • 81

TRANSITIONS

Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid.”

- Langston Hughes Mrs. Marci Metzger Aiken

12.12.17

Mrs. Mary Lynnnette Gonya

01.02.18

Mrs. Nancy Faye Anderson Preslar

12.22.17

Mrs. Linda Gail Allen

01.02.18

Mrs. JoAnn Godbee Green

12.24.17

Mr. John Willie Rich

12.15.17

Mr. Danny K. Anderson

12.13.17

Mrs. Mary “Macy” Hardy

12.04.17

Mrs. Bertha Hodges Richardson

01.19.18

Mrs. Edith Lee Anderson

01.29.18

Mrs. Era Chavers Harrison

01.26.18

Mr. Christopher Turner Roberts

12.26.17

Mrs. Mary Kay Andrews

12.09.17

Mrs. Hazel Loretta Hodges

01.24.18

Mrs. Dorothy M. Robinson

12.06.17

Mrs. Brunetta Bacon-Couch

01.12.18

Mrs. Julia Earleen Mock Holland

12.11.17

Mr. James Tracy “Tra-Tra” Robinson

01.15.18

Mr. Marcus Stanley “Stan” Ballew

12.12.17

Mrs. Lynn Newsome Hubbard

01.11.18

Mrs. Julia Suddath Rozier

12.17.17

Mr. William Melton Barksdale

01.22.18

Mr. George Arnold Hudson

12.20.17

Mrs. Earlene Huff Rozier

01.04.18

Mrs. Ouida Will Barrineau

01.12.18

Mrs. Dolores Jeffries

01.14.18

Mr. Timothy Sapp

01.21.18

Mr. William “Tommy” Barrow

12.18.17

Mrs. Glayvera Lee Jenkins

12.25.17

Mrs. Dorothy Henry Sarratt

12.11.17

Mrs. Martha Ann Beasley

12.02.17

Ms. Gloria Johnson

01.12.18

Mr. Gregory Earl Sasser

01.06.18

Mrs. Martha Alderman Bennett

12.02.17

Dr. John Barnard Karrh

12.05.17

Mr. Randy Sutton Saunders

12.29.17

Mrs. Elsie Juanita Brown Bird

12.02.17

Mr. Johnny Ray Kimball

01.08.18

Miss Neely Pearl Scott

12.18.17

Mrs. Jeanette Parker Brantley

12.29.17

Mr. Reginald King

01.08.18

Mr. William “Bill” Seymour, III

01.12.18

Mr. William “Billy” Brown

12.07.17

Mr. John Danny “Goatman” Kingery

01.06.18

Mr. Ronald “Ronnie” Kenneth Shaw

12.30.17

Mr. Harvey Walton Brown

12.15.17

Mrs. Ruby Gay Lane

01.19.18

Mrs. Nancy Margaret Sikes

01.04.18

Mrs. Lisa Brunson

01.23.18

Mr. Josh Robert Lanier

12.26.17

Mrs. Lynn Joanne Wade Smith

12.23.17

Mrs. Audrey Cammack Campbell

12.14.17

Mrs. Mary Frances Seaborn LeCain

12.31.17

Ms. Elizabeth Counts Smith

01.06.18

Mrs. Shirley Hodges Carter

12.10.17

Mrs. Lucille Pace “Lucy” Lee

12.04.17

Brother Sammy Strouse

12.16.17

Mr. Woodrow E. “Woody” Chatman

12.26.17

Dr. David Wylie Mathew, III

01.15.18

Mr. Gordon Amos Thigpen

01.06.18

Ms. Carole A. Chiolero

12.20.17

Mrs. Elizabeth Anne (Savage) Miller

12.04.17

Mr. Ernest Tremble

12.06.17

Mr. Ronald Clark

01.23.18

Ms. Carolyn Mincey

01.13.18

Mr. Randy J. Turner

12.29.17

Mr. Ricky Lee Clements

01.10.18

Mrs. Martha Carolyne Davis Mixon

01.11.18

Mrs. Bonnie Ann Campbell Turner

01.22.18

Mrs. Florence Childrey Coleman

12.25.17

Mrs. Betty Mobley

01.09.18

Mrs. Ramona Rae Tyson

01.22.18

Mr. James Cuthbert “Bucky” Crockett, Jr. 12.03.17

Mr. Alvin Lavon Moore

01.26.18

Mrs. Dorothy Ann Kennedy Walker

12.28.17

Mr. Charles Edwin Crosby

12.31.17

Mrs. Virginia L. Morris

12.30.17

Mrs. Bernice Andrews Waters

01.16.18

Mrs. Runette Hitchcock Davis

12.03.17

Mr. James A. “Pete” Myers

12.09.17

Mr. Allen E. Webb

12.09.17

Mrs. Betty Sue Blocker DeLoach

01.28.18

Mr. Charles R. “Charlie” Nelson

01.03.18

Mrs. Elizabeth Y. Webster

12.05.17

Mrs. Lisa Malcomb Drury

01.16.18

Mr. Terrell Allen “Toby” Nesmith

12.07.17

Mr. Donald Lee Wegmann, III

01.06.18

Miss Layla Ona Edenfield

12.01.17

Mrs. Grace Newkirk

12.21.17

Mr. Malcolm W. Williams

12.03.17

Ms. Patricia Gail Edenfield

01.07.18

Mrs. Jewell Clifton Newsome

12.24.17

Mrs. Ruth Becton Williams

01.09.18

Mr. Randy Ray Allen “R.J.” Eunice, Jr.

12.22.17

Mr. George Edwin Newton, Jr.

01.06.18

Mr. Henry Luther Williams

01.16.18

Mr. Troy Denton Fields, Jr.

01.23.18

Mr. Charles Nixon

12.05.17

Mrs. Mary Evelyn Barnwell Woods

12.09.17

Mr. Robert Lewis Forehand

01.22.18

Mr. Eric O. Palmer

01.13.18

Mr. Patrick Neeley Yurek

01.14.18

Mrs. Jean Starling Galbreath

01.31.18

Mrs. Carol “Toni” Altizer Parker

12.14.17

01.20.18

Ms. Katherine Ola Godbee

01.04.18

Mr. Lincoln V. Penny

12.06.17

Mrs. Dorothy Daughtry Hendley Woodcock Zetterower

82 • Statesboro Magazine

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