Statesboro Magazine - March/April 2021 by Statesboro Magazine

Wed by Statdings e Magazsboro ine

THE 2021 REVEAL

Something borrowed Something borrowed

From Somewhere

BLUE.

From Somewhere

BLUE.

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TO GO THE EXTRA BLUE MILE

Awww, Statesboro! Y’all are too kind.

You named us the Best College in the ‘Boro among some great institutions. Colleges that are changing lives, and growing the workforce in our area. We thank you for that. We’re proud of our partnership with area colleges and with Statesboro and Bulloch County. For more than 110 years, we’ve done some pretty extraordinary things together. We have prepared generations of leaders for this area — men and women who are ready to go the extra BLUE MILE for their community. Ready to innovate. Ready to build. Ready to lead. We’re not in it for the awards. But we’re ready for more. Because at Georgia Southern, ready is what we do. GeorgiaSouthern.edu

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from the editor

e’re so excited to bring you this special issue of Statesboro Magazine! Get ready to meet our 2021 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 165 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 8th Annual Fabulist! This year we have special features inside on the 2021 Most Fabulous Man and Woman of the Year, the 2021 Most Fabulous Mail Carrier and Local Entertainer of the Year, and Statesboro’s 2021 Most Fabulous Barber Shop! Read about the inspiration and motivation that make these five people community stand outs and winners on 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 three local brides: Powell Fennell Asher, Caroline Burnett Wallo, and Abbey Lanier Cliett. From getting dressed to leaving for their honeymoon; from the ceremony to the reception, we bring you all of the romantic details of their stunning and distinctive weddings. Don’t miss the entire 2021 Fabulist featured on pages 27 - 52 and all of the other special columnists and features that make this issue one of our best each year. How fabulous is that?

Have fun with this one!

Jenny Foss, Editor

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contributors

Ric Mandes 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.

Carolyn Altman Carolyn Altman is the Director of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University. She holds degrees from Cornell University, Portland State University, and the University of Nebraska and has published, produced, and taught creative work of all forms, including dance, film, and writing. She spends as much time as possible outside, and has backpacked the Pacific Crest, telemark-skied the Northwest, white water paddled the Northeast, cycled Europe, and bike raced throughout the South. These adventures provide opportunities to learn local plants and how people live among them. Her son, Colby Parker, and daughter-in-law Jordan Miller, are USAF musicians who join Carolyn on wildflower expeditions in the Rockies and river trips through the Ogeechee cypress.

Frank Fortune Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 20 years’ worth of covers for Statesboro Magazine. He retired from Georgia Southern after having been responsible for capturing the University’s history on film and video for 30 years. Throughout his career Frank’s enjoyed all aspects of photography, including sports, still-life, landscape, and architecture. He and his wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of teens, Jack and Cate.

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Lazar Brown Oglesby Lazar Brown Oglesby is the owner of Honey Catering and Café and Dolan’s BBQ both located in Millen and Honey Too located in Statesboro. Lazar attended Ogeechee Technical College where she earned a Culinary Arts degree. In 2012 Lazar followed a lifelong dream and opened Honey Catering and Café. She enjoys cooking Southern food with an adventurous twist! Lazar is known for her famous cheesecakes of which she has over 100 flavors. Lazar recently started the Honey Blog to share her recipes and stories.

Doy Cave From Eagle Nation is a column brought to you by Georgia Southern University, where we cherish our place in the larger Statesboro community. In each issue, we hope to bring interesting and informative stories to the readers of Statesboro Magazine.Doy Cave is the Marketing Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University, and resides with his family in Statesboro.

Rev. Dr. H. William Perry 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.

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table of contents

ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000

THE CULTURE Noel & Laura Brown Most Fabulous Man & Most Fabulous Woman Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune Father & Son Chris Wiggins, Most Fabulous Postal Carrier & Drew Wiggins, Most Fabulous Local Entertainer Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune Vintage Barbers Most Fabulous Barber Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune

Jenny Starling Foss Editor

Joe McGlamery Publisher

Hunter McCumber Senior Creative Director

Mindy Boyette

Advertising & Marketing Director

Auna Phillips Director of Business Development

Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

SPECIAL SECTIONS 2021 Fabulist! Weddings by Statesboro Magazine

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Editor Contributors News & Notes Calendar of Events Look Around Transitions

FEATURED COLUMNISTS Buzz Worthy Bites

Written by Lazar Brown Oglesby

27 61 4 5 8 10 96 98 84 88

Garden Variety

The Spiritual Pathway

The View from Here

Written by Carolyn Altman

Written by Rev. Dr. H. William Perry

Written by Ric Mandes

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FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 One Herald Square, Statesboro, GA 30459 Statesboro, GA 30458 p: 912.489.2181 f: 912.489.8613

Weddings by Statesbo ro Magazine

True Blue GS

Written by Doy Cave

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: mboyette@StatesboroMagazine.com

ABOUT THE COVER

Join us in congratulating this year’s winners of the 2021 Most Fabulous Man and the 2021 Most Fabulous Woman in THE 2021 Statesboro – Noel & Laura Cowart. Noel serves as Sheriff of REVEAL Bulloch County and Laura is a RTI Coordinator for Jenkins County school system. They were captured kicking up their heels at The Barn at Olde Homeplace, on Johnny Brannen Road by award winning photographer Frank Fortune. thebarnattheoldehomeplacestatesboroga.com

September October 2020

July August 2020

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BON US

BEAUTY

Everything’s Even Better IN METTER

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2020 EGRM Physici C an Guide s

GARDENING GOES VIRAL!

Timeless

March April 2020

MAY JUNE 2020 Priceless

OU R HEA LTH CA RE HER OES

FROM PEANUTS TO PIRATES BETTER BY DESIGN BON US

SEC

Bulloch TION 2020 – BOE 20 Annual 21 Report

GOIN’ TO THE COUNTRY BABY DO YOU WANNA GO?

HEROIC LEADERSHIP

BORO STRONG

THE 2020 FABULIST

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January February 2020

November December 2019

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SUMMER HODGES’ TIPS FOR HOLIDAY DECORATING

TION US SEC

BON tive Get Ac en in & Womness Busi

HE’S ALL IN STEPHEN PENNINGTON

our COVER is only the beginning of the STORY.

WEST SIDE STORY JOSH WHITFIELD SKIP ALFORD CHAMBER PRESIDENT

July August 2019

September October 2019

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Fall Fun Guid e

Weddings

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S 2019 Guide – 2020 to ContinuOTC’s Educati ing on

100 YEARS OF FARMING ON THE WESTSIDE Not Just PEACHES & PECANS

BON t ay Gif Holid iving &G s Guide

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BY STATESBORO MAGAZINE

2019 C EGRMans Physici e Guid

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and the EMMY goes to...

E ch BO Bullo – 2020 2019 ual Ann ort Rep

some KINDA good

today a reader TOMORROW A LEADER

January February 2019

a joint effort AT OPTIM

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smile DOCTORS

Ogeechee TECHies

July August 2018

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SAVING STILSON’S HISTORIC SCHOOL

One Log at a Time

ASKED

Advance Catalog

Front Cover 8.25”

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Add Water

The 2E0thR S A RY A N N I V Edition

September October 2018

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BECAUSE

Just Cover

Joine Ande r Pre-Plarson nn Guide ing May/June 2019 • 1

November December 2018

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PARTIES FOR HOSTING! EASY HOLIDAY RECIPES

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May June 2019

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KIM MARSH KAISER THE BIG CHEESE

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

& Statesboro FOREVER LINKED

CRICK FAMILY CHRISTMAS

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At Home in Brooklet The BEST Gift Ideas of 2018

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BULLOCH BOE 2018 ANNUAL– 2019 REPORT

HOLD YOUR HORSES!

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MILL CREEK EQUESTRIAN

A LESSON IN FORGIVENESS WITH REV. JIMMY CASON

FAITH – FAMILY – FOOD

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TO GUIDE A 2018 EE TECH’S OGEECH INUING CONT ATION EDUC

V I S I T S TAT E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E . C O M A N D G E T T H E E N T I R E S T O R Y .

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FRIDAYS - TUESDAYS AT MIDNIGHT STATESBORO MAIN STREET MARKET2GO

Order the season’s freshest local fruits, vegetables and homemade baked goods, preserves, jams, jellies, candies and relishes. You’ll also find locally sourced meat, seafood, spices, dairy and eggs. Home and garden items, honey and locally grown flower bouquets. Shop online Friday – Tuesday at midnight at statesboromarket2go.locallygrown.net. Pick-up on Thursday afternoons at the Statesboro Visitors Center, 222 South Main Street or in Sylvania at the Victory Garden General Store, 124 West Telephone Street.

MARCH 11 CYNDY EPPS EXHIBITION OPENING 5:30 P.M. MAIN GALLERY AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Opening reception for an exhibit featuring the art of Cyndy Epps, an Adjunct Professor of Art at Augusta University. She received a BFA in Graphic Design from The Savannah College of Art and Design, and her MFA in Studio Art from Georgia Southern University. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally and is part of private collections around the world. Cyndy has also created numerous murals and has participated in public art movements including Augusta’s Art on the Wall and Art the Box. She and her husband live in Martinez, Georgia. www.averittcenterforthearts.org

MARCH 5 THE BLESSING OF THE CROPS 2021 7:30 A.M. BULLOCH COUNTY AGRICULTURE COMPLEX ARENA 44 ARENA BOULEVARD STATESBORO

Chamber members are invited to join the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee for a morning of prayer and fellowship as they host the annual Blessing of the Crops 2021 for area farmers. Breakfast will be served. www.statesboro-chamber.org

MARCH 5 ONE: ROBIN HOLMES – LANIER PERFORMING LIVE! 7:30 P.M. TICKETS: $20/PER PERSON – MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS: $18/PER PERSON – STUDENTS: $12 EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Robin is a musician, singer and songwriter and has served in these capacities well as she has always had a passion and love for music. She has played the piano/keyboard for church choirs and sang in churches, educational institutions and other venues all over the state of Georgia. She has presented as a guest soloist, as well as being a member of a few gospel groups who have toured the southeastern United States providing musical melodies and continues to do the same even today. Born and raised in Brooklet, Georgia, Robin Holmes-Lanier was educated in the Bulloch County School system where she graduated high school from Southeast Bulloch High. Robin went on to attend Albany State University, majoring in Early Childhood Education. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

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MARCH 12 PAINT – N - PARTY 6:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. $35/PERSON ROXIE REMLEY FINE ARTS CENTER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTs

No experience necessary! Just come and have fun with friends and your favorite drink! (21+ to drink alcohol). Price includes a 16 x 20 canvas and art supplies that you will use to create your very own masterpiece. Don’t wait, sign up today! Our instructor will guide you through the steps to paint your version of the painting-of-the-month. Call us at 912-212-2787 to register. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

2021 March & April MARCH 25 - 28 NEWSIES BOOK BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN, MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN, LYRICS BY JACK FELDMAN MARCH 25 – 27: 7:30 P.M. MARCH 28: 3:00 P.M. TICKETS: $25/PER PERSON – MEMBERS//MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS: $23/PER PERSON – STUDENTS: $15 EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

It’s time to carry the banner on your stage with Newsies! Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Featuring the now classic songs, “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. www.averittcenterforthearts.org

APRIL 1 – 3 ALL FIRED UP! APRIL 1: 6:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. APRIL 2: 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. APRIL 3: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M . ROXIE REMLEY CENTER FOR FINE ART AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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Shop this spring for local one-of-a-kind gifts! Ceramics, pottery, fine arts, and jewelry. Local artists and GSU students will come together to display their one-of-a-kind pieces for sale. www. averittcenterforthearts.org.

APRIL 4

APRIL 2 - 3 AN EVENING OF DANCE 7:30 P.M. TICKETS: $20/PER PERSON – MEMBERS: $18/PER PERSON – STUDENTS: $12/PER PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Join us for the Youth Ballet Program’s fourth annual modern dance performance. Filled with a wide range of music and variety in both choreography and themes, the goal of this performance is to bring to light the diversity that is found in the art of dance, from the abstract to traditional techniques and everything in between. Featuring original works by Ballet Director Taylor Ellen and guest artists. www. averittcenterforthearts.org.

HAPPY EASTER!

APRIL 9 PAINT – N – PARTY 6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. $35/PER PERSON ROXIE REMLEY CENTER FOR FINE ARTS AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

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APRIL 29 NORTON PEASE EXHIBITION OPENING 5:30 P.M. MAIN GALLERY | AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

APRIL 15 ONE: MATHYN MILLER 7:30 P.M. TICKETS: $20/PER PERSON - MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS: $18/PER PERSON - STUDENTS: $12/PER PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Mathyn has trained in many forms of dance including Ballet/ Pointe, Jazz, Tap, HipHop, Lyrical/Contemporary, and Musical Theater. She has taken from many well-known choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Kenny Wormald, Teddy Forance, Misha Gabriel, Andrew Winghart, Bobby Newberry, & Shane Sparks to name a few. Mathyn has enjoyed choreographing many productions and musicals such as Chicago, Godspell, Oliver, The King & I, Metamorphosis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat & even music videos for the surrounding area. She has won many awards for her choreography and competitive team. She has now owned Technique Dance Company for four years and looks forward to many years to come. Mathyn is a Statesboro native who started dance at the age of three. She trained locally until the age of 18 and then decided to further her training in Savannah under the direction of Kelly Creek Studios, where she was a part of their competition team for two years. She then began teaching ballet, tap, & jazz for the Statesboro Youth Ballet for the next four years before deciding to pursue her dream of opening up her own dance company, Technique Dance Company. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

APRIL 17 38TH ANNUAL ARTSFEST 2021 (TENTATIVE DATE) 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT SWEETHEART CIRCLE GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HOSTED BY STATESBORO-BULLOCH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

The 38th Annual ArtsFest is tentatively scheduled for April 17, 2021. There will be fun activities for both kids and adults. There will be pottery painting, sand art, instrument petting zoo, paintball, animal display, face painting, hand puppets, paper making and more. Stroll through the artist’s market and shop for paintings, jewelry, handmade art, crafts, pearls, gemstones, and much more. Enjoy live performances on stage throughout the day. An array of food and beverage choices will also be available. www.bullochrec.com

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S. Norton Pease’s artwork encompasses both abstract and figurative portrayals that synthesize different traditions and genres while playing with perceptions of identity and social order. The paintings are an accumulation of various stylistic influences, which he uses to address political and social issues. He is engaged in both current events and day-to-day life; the work roots itself in life experiences and his understanding through illustrative means. Norton tends to use the colonizing imagery of vintage children’s books as source material, which takes on new meaning through a contemporary context. That figuration finds its way into his recent work, which is reflective of his relocation to the South in 2018. The paintings begin with an idea, the image that he wants to convey. Of course, there are always discoveries by way of accidents through the process of creation, but the underlying concept still resonates. Norton received his MFA from Washington University in St. Louis in1999 and is an Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Humanities as well as Professor of Art in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern University. www. averittcenterforthearts.org.

APRIL 29 - MAY 2 DEARLY BELOVED APRIL 29 - MAY 1: 7:30 P.M. MAY 2: 3:00 P.M. TICKETS: $25/PER PERSON - MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS: $23/PER PERSON - STUDENTS: $15/PER PERSON

The feuding Futrelle sisters put the “fun” in dysfunction in the Southern fried wedding comedy, Dearly Beloved. The rumor mill in Fayro, Texas, has been working overtime from the moment siblings Frankie, Honey Raye, and Twink started planning the “wedding of the century.” No surprise there -- the trio have been Town Topic No. 1 since the breakup of their almost-famous gospel singing group, The Sermonettes. But now caught up in a Texas twister of gossip, God, and gunfire, they desperately attempt to pull off the Gone with the Wind-themed nuptials for Frankie’s daughter ... even as the bride herself goes missing. This LOL-worthy comedy was written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, the successful team behind stage hits like The Dixie Swim Club, The Savannah Sipping Society and Doublewide, Texas. www.averittcenterforthearts.org. S

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Casey Corbett Named Instructor of the Year

Casey Corbett, Fish and Wildlife Management Instructor, was recently named Ogeechee Technical College’s 2021 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recipient at the annual Spring Faculty & Staff Meeting. “I work at a college full of amazing people, and I think the people are what make OTC such a wonderful place,” said Corbett. “I am incredibly honored to be named this year’s Instructor of the Year and I know that I have very big shoes to fill. I hope in the year to come that I can represent OTC well and be a solid advocate for technical education,” she added. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction is an annual, statewide competition that honors the Technical College System of Georgia’s most outstanding instructors. Started in 1991, this honor recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through service, innovation, and leadership in their field. Alongside Corbett’s many accolades her nominators applauded her intentionality with her students, one of whom wrote, “She loves what she is teaching, you can see the passion she has for her field and her students. Not only does she interact with students every day in the classroom, but you can tell that the quality of those interactions matter to her.” The Instructor of the Year is named each year during the spring faculty/staff meeting. Dr. Ryan Foley, Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs said, “Casey Corbett’s passion for both her students and her career field are evident in all that she does. She is an excellent instructor and will be an invaluable representative for technical education in the state.” Corbett received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia. She has previously worked as the Tech Prep and School to Work Coordinator at Southeastern Technical College, science teacher at Tattnall County High School, small business owner, and the Education Coordinator at the Georgia Southern University Center for Wildlife Education. She also holds Georgia Master Naturalist certification from the UGA Cooperative Extension Service and the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. To learn more about the Ogeechee Tech Fish and Wildlife Management program please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/ FWMT. 12 statesboromagazine.com

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Local Sixth-Grader Ava Mincey Wins National Award Ava Mincey, a sixth-grade student at William James Middle School, has been selected as one of two Georgia recipients of the national Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for 2021, due to her extensive community service with the Alzheimer’s Association and its Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Over 21,000 students applied or were nominated, and only 102 state honorees in the nation were chosen. Mincey will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an engraved silver medallion, and a virtual celebration with the nation’s other recipients. The Prudential Spirit of Community Award honorees are chosen based on their service initiatives, their impact and effort, and personal growth over the course of the project they conduct. Mincey has raised over $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association through online contributions to her Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, and by selling lemonade throughout Statesboro and surrounding counties. Ava dedicates her fundraising efforts, known as Ava’s Lemonade, to her late great-grandmother, Daisy Littles, for whom her team is also named. Besides these initiatives, she also advocates for personal devices for caregivers that alert them to the exact location of their Alzheimer’s patients. Her extensive hours of service have also qualified her for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. If selected she will receive an award and certificate from President Joe Biden this summer. www.bulloch.k12.ga.us

Georgia Southern Professor Awarded Grant to Study African American Museums

Bulloch County Schools Honors $10K REACH Scholarship Recipients Bulloch County Schools honored six middle school students on January 14, 2021, during a REACH Georgia Scholarship signing ceremony at the William James Educational Complex in Statesboro. The scholars, who will each receive a $10,000 scholarship for college, were selected from 184 eligible students across the school district’s four middle schools. Board of Education Chairman Mike Sparks, Superintendent Charles Wilson, and Director of School Social Work Keith Wilkey joined the scholars and their parents as they signed agreements to abide by the program’s requirements. The Bulloch County Foundation for Public School Education (Foundation) annually funds the seed capital for the scholarships. The Foundation has invested $50K in college scholarships since 2013. The 2020 cohort of scholars, who will graduate in 2025, are Shelbie Jones from Portal Middle High School; Janarria Wimberly from William James Middle School; Jaydon Lawson and Kelly Xochicale from Langston Chapel Middle School; and Saniyyah Jones and Michael Dixon from Southeast Bulloch Middle School. REACH Georgia is a needs-based scholarship program that helps ensure academically-inclined students have the mentoring, coaching, and financial support needed to graduate high school and continue their post-secondary education. Eligible students are identified in their seventh-grade year by school counselors. Bulloch County Schools is seeking additional volunteer mentors from either the school district or community. Mentoring a scholar can be done virtually or in-person. If interested, contact Keith Wilkey at bwilkey@bullochschools.org or 912.212.8883 for more information and requirements. Learn more about Bulloch County Schools’ REACH Georgia Scholarship program at www.bullochschools.org/reachga.

Georgia Southern Hosts Scholar Regina N. Bradley Georgia Southern University will host a virtual discussion with acclaimed author, professor and hip-hop scholar Regina N. Bradley, Ph.D., on March 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Department of Literature, is open to the public. Bradley, a Harvard University Nasir Jones Hiphop Fellow alumna and assistant professor of English and African Diaspora Studies at Kennesaw State University, will discuss her 2021 book, Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South, which explores how Atlanta, Georgia, hiphop duo OutKast influences the culture of the Black American South in the long shadow of the Civil Rights Movement. Bradley’s expertise and research interests, which include post-Civil Rights African American literature, hip-hop culture, race and the contemporary U.S. South, and sound studies, have been featured on NPR and in USA Today and The Washington Post, among other outlets. To register for the event, visit georgiasouthern.edu/GSLitRegistration.

Georgia Southern University Associate Professor of Geography, Amy Potter, Ph.D., has been awarded a $75,000 National Science Foundation grant for the project, “The Role of Museums in the Landscape of Minority Representation.” The research will explore how African American history and culture are presented at African American history museums, and the team will then work with each museum’s staff to develop public engagement projects. “This research will be among the first to survey the scope and breadth of how African American history and culture are presented at African American History Museums based on regional histories, ownership types and management philosophies at museums in four geographic regions across the United States,” Potter said. “By conducting fieldwork at museums in many states and cities, this project makes substantial strides to address this intellectual void.” Part of the funds will be used to hire an undergraduate student who will travel to various museums and provide assistance in the overall research process. Potter said the project has added importance due to recent racial inequality protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. “This research has become especially urgent to document how local museums are responding to geographies of racism and racial violence in 2020, as well as how these often underfunded institutions are navigating the devastating impacts of COVID-19,” she said. “A study published this summer suggests that a third of all museums in the United States may not survive and reopen because of the financial impacts of COVID-19.” Potter’s research is part of a larger multi-university collaboration, Tourism RESET (Race, Ethnicity and Social Equity in Tourism), which seeks to challenge prevalent social inequities in the tourism industry. www.georgiasouthern.edu

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Bulloch County Coroner Jake Futch Appointed to Georgia Board of Funeral Service Governor Brian Kemp recently appointed Jake Futch to serve on the Georgia Board of Funeral Service. Futch currently serves as the Bulloch County Coroner, a position he has held since 1999, after being reelected to the office last November. He also is the manager of Deal Funeral Directors of Statesboro. A lifelong resident of Bulloch County, Futch has over 30 years of experience serving families in the funeral industry. He began his career in 1982, working part time at Smith-Tillman Mortuary while still attending Statesboro High School. Futch is a 1989 graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science of Decatur, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Savannah River Police Academy and is POST certified. Futch is also a licensed real estate and insurance agent. He serves as past president of the Georgia Coroners Association. The Georgia Board of Funeral Service consists of six licensed and practicing funeral directors and embalmers and one consumer representative with no connection to the funeral industry – all seven members appointed by the Governor of Georgia. It is the Board’s responsibility to set a standard of proficiency describing the qualifications and fitness of embalmers and funeral directors, to revoke or suspend licenses for any violation of the standards, to adopt rules and regulations, and to set standards of sanitation to be observed in the embalming or cremation of dead human bodies by those in the funeral business. According to their website at www.gfds. org, “The Georgia Board of Funeral Service administers the Funeral Service Law for the purpose of better protection of life and health, preventing the spread of contagious, communicable, and infectious diseases, and regulating the practice of embalming and funeral directing and the care and disposition of dead human bodies.” Futch was appointed to serve a six year term on the Board. 14 statesboromagazine.com

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Sheila Kegebein Receives DAISY Award at EGRMC

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Sheila Kegebein, RN, was recently awarded the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. After leaving EGRMC for a brief period, Sheila began nursing at EGRMC again in 2015 in the Cardiac Care Unit. Sheila received multiple nominations for this award, and below are some excerpts of the kind words that were written about her: “Mrs. Sheila is exactly the nurse I want to be. She puts her patients and coworkers first, and remains calm and level-headed in all situations. Sheila is willing to help and teach, as she is extremely knowledgeable. She always goes the extra mile for her patients. Sheila is just an amazing, caring, smart, and compassionate nurse. You won’t find anyone better.” “Mrs. Sheila has taught all of us something. She takes the time to teach and explain, and makes me feel safe. Every person I know loves her, admires her, and respects her. There isn’t anyone more deserving of recognition.” “Sheila epitomizes compassion in dealing with developing nurses and families during their most stressful and needful times. She is an excellent communicator, wholly beloved by peers and patients. Sheila is selfless in sharing her expertise with new staff. ‘WWSD’ – What would Sheila do – is a credo to excel both personally and professionally.” Nurses may be nominated for the DAISY Award by patients, family members, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at EGRMC, upon review of all nominations. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, bouquet of daisies, a banner to hang in their respective department, fresh baked cinnamon rolls for their team, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called ‘A Healer’s Touch’, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. “We are proud to be among the hospital systems participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Stephen Pennington, CEO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.” To learn more about the DAISY Award, or to nominate a nurse for this prestigious award, visit www.eastgeorgiaregional. com/daisy-award-nominations. S

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THE CULTURE

most fabulous

Most Fabulous Man & Woman 16 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Noel & Laura Brown WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

or the first time in the history of the Fabulist, this year we decided to remove the category of Most Fabulous Couple from the contest. But, our readers showed us that fabulousness can’t be suppressed. The top choice among Statesboro Magazine’s Fabulist contest voters was Sheriff Noel Brown and his wife, Laura, chosen as the Most Fabulous Man and the Most Fabulous Woman in Statesboro! The fact that they’re a couple, well, that’s just the cherry on top! They met while both were attending Bulloch Academy in the late 1980s. She was in seventh grade, and he was in the tenth. “I remember that I always thought he was so cute,” said Laura. Originally from Millen, Laura rode to school each day with her mother, Jean Cowart, who had gotten a job teaching at BA. From seventh grade until she graduated in 1991, they made the 40 minute commute twice each day. After graduating Laura stayed in Statesboro and went on to attend Georgia Southern majoring in Early Childhood Education, and eventually obtaining a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Reading & Literacy. She spent over 20 years of her career in education in Bulloch County, teaching K-2 at Mill Creek Elementary, first grade at her alma mater BA, and is now Coordinator (Response to Intervention (RTI) in her home county of Jenkins.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

“Noel and I live at the northwest end of Bulloch County, so the commute is not as long as when I was in high school,” said Laura. “Jenkins County is my family’s home and I get to work in the same system where my sister, Jeana Jenkins, is teaching first grade.” Laura’s father, the late Phil Cowart, was a funeral director for over 50 years with Crowe-Fields Funeral Home, Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home, and Clark-Shaw Monument Company. Her father’s career also had an influence on Laura. “I always wanted to work with Daddy,” said Laura. “In addition to my career in education, I work with Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory in Statesboro part time.” She has been with them since 2016. Laura has two sons from a previous marriage, Cole, 22 and Hunter, 20. As the boys got older, Laura wanted to pursue her interest in the funeral service. She has future plans to attend Ogeechee March/April 2021

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most fabulous

Technical College or Gupton School of Mortuary Science to become a licensed funeral director. “I look at it as a calling to be able to serve families in their time of need,” she said. Serving and caring for others is a quality of faith that is shared by Laura and Noel. “I went to Scarborough Baptist Church all my life,” she said. “I became a Christian as a young child, and my children did, too.” She has led both Children’s Church and Bible School. “We love being a part of that congregation. They still hold baptisms in the Ogeechee River just like old times,” she said. Laura is also a sustainer with the Statesboro Service League, and has a strong love for animals. The couple has two cats named Ollie and Patches, and a Shih Tzu named Marley. In her spare time, Laura enjoys working in the yard, reading, and traveling to the beach and the mountains with Noel. They’ve been together for three years, and will celebrate their 2-year anniversary in April. Noel grew up on a farm in Portal, Georgia. The son of Bill and Carol Brown attended both BA and Portal High School and graduated as a Panther in 1988. 18 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

“Thank God for farm life,” said Noel. “Working with people at a young age, I was able to see the haves and the have nots. We were all in it together. Everyone worked hard and worked together in rural life. I care about the fact that agriculture is in the blood of Bulloch County.” In the early 1990s, the farm boy left Bulloch County to join the U.S. Air Force. He was first stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonia, Texas. While in the Air Force, Noel received tech school training and served bases in Illinois and England before being called to duty in the Gulf War in the Middle East when Iraq invaded Kuwait. “I served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm,” said Noel. “I knew I wanted to be sheriff even then. My NCOs wrote that about me.” When Noel returned to the states, he enrolled in Georgia Southern where he attended from the end of 1993 until he graduated in 1998. After graduation, Noel joined the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Arnold Ray Akins. “Arnold Ray had a great influence on me,” said Noel. “I learned early on that it’s not about all you know, it’s about relationships. You work with someone to get them where they need to be.” Many may believe that the Bulloch County Sheriff works for the County, when the Sheriff actually works for the citizens who elected him and the governor of Georgia. “The office is not about being Sheriff,” said Noel. “It’s about the men and women of the office and the others they represent. The sheriff belongs to the citizens. My biggest goal is to expand our services to properly meet the needs of the citizens of our County.” Noel oversees court, the jail, inmates, staff members, and deputies. Plus logistics and planning for the future with services the office provides. The Sheriff’s office is currently undergoing an expansion, with the Criminal Investigation Unit, logistics and administrative staff moving to the cedar building on U.S. Highway 301 North. Law enforcement training will be expanding into the newest building where classes will be available remotely by computer from the Law Enforcement Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia, for local law enforcement officers. The Sheriff will remain in his current office in close proximity to the jail. “We’re also implementing an infirmary for inmates and staff members that will be staffed 24/7,” said Noel. “Most of these amenities have been mandated by state law, we have to have them. These improvements will bring our operations into the 21st century. We have to have a plan for the future. I represent the people of Bulloch County, who deserve the best we can offer.” While the Sheriff is all business when talking about taking care of Bulloch County citizens, he is quick to point out that both he and Laura are just regular people. “We walk by faith, and not by sight,” said Noel, quoting 2nd Corinthians. One of his favorite scriptures is 2nd Corinthians 12:9, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” For Noel, serving as Sheriff is almost a ministry. “I look at it as a ministry of prayer, love and spreading fruit,” said Noel. “The greatest thing in life for both of us is the church.” When not protecting and serving Bulloch County’s citizens, Noel likes to sing Gospel music with a group known as the Revelations, featuring Noel, Martha Sue Coleman, Melinda Hunnicutt, and Carol Brown. He and Laura also enjoy riding the four-wheeler around their land north of Portal. “We are the loves of each other’s lives,” said Laura. “We are very down-toearth, very real people. We’re just Noel and Laura. We like to do the same things. We enjoy each other’s company. We work hard. We live a very rural life between Portal and Millen. We’re no more special than anyone else.” They may think that they are “no more special than anyone else,” but their neighborly friendliness, selfless service, and caring attitude are exactly what makes them Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Man and Most Fabulous Woman of 2021! S

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most fabulous

Chris Wiggins & Drew Postal Carrier WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

Most Fa 22 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Wiggins Local Entertainer

very day is a “special delivery” for Chris Wiggins. Voted the 2021 Most Fabulous Postal Carrier in Statesboro by readers, Chris has been delivering mail with a caring smile and friendly manner to businesses in downtown Statesboro for seven of the 25 years he’s been a USPS carrier. “I start at Thayer Monument and Donaldson Barber Shop and go from there,” said Wiggins. “My route covers Vine Street, East Main, College Street, all the way from Morris Bank to the Board of Education at old William James.” Wiggins’ route takes him into the storefronts and main offices of many businesses mainly on the west side of downtown Statesboro. Where he enters each day calling customers by name, shaking hands and exchanging news with the friends he makes everywhere he goes. “I usually see the same folks every day,” said Wiggins. “So I get a chance to learn about their business, their families, and what’s going on in their lives. I don’t like to just hand over the mail. I’ll ask them, ‘Where do you want me to leave it?’ Then, how’re they doing? What’s going on today? I’m a people person. I love my downtown people.” Wiggins was especially thankful to hear from so many of his mail customers during a recent serious bout with COVID-19 that uncovered some more serious health issues for him. “My children encouraged me to go to the hospital in Augusta,” he said. Where Wiggins spent several weeks fighting and recovering from the virus. Wiggins and wife, Teresa Beasley Wiggins, whom he affectionately calls “Bunny,” are the proud parents of four children: Christopher, Andrew, Hannah and Rachel; and doting grandparents to four grandchildren. Home recovering for a couple of months now, Wiggins is working on getting his oxygen levels and his strength back up. He’s been fighting the effects of the virus since December 13, 2020. He misses the mail route that is more of a mission to him than a job.

abulous March/April 2021

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“While I’ve been sick I heard from so many people on my route. I was overwhelmed with people’s prayers and the love shown to me and my family during my illness,” he said. A resident of Bulloch County for 53 years, Wiggins moved with his parents and siblings to Statesboro in 1968. He attended school here and first worked in the metal roofing business with his father, Billy, and uncle, Wallace Wiggins. He can still point out the businesses downtown that he worked on as a roofer, early on in his life when he met and began dating his wife. “We got married in 1981 at Oak Grove Baptist Church,” said Wiggins. “I was 21 and she was 17.” They first lived at the old Beasley home place, where they reared their children. The Beasley and West families are known for having the gift of music. Wiggins’ mother-in-law is Barbara West Beasley, sister to well-known local musicians Johnny, Archie and Billy West. The West brothers have long been known to strum, pick and sing at social functions and whenever the family gets together for fish fries and reunions. The old family tradition of gospel and bluegrass music extends throughout the generations. Wiggins’ wife Teresa, has four brothers and sisters: Tony Beasley, Carolyn Beasley Ethridge, Shirley Beasley Mincey, and Travis Beasley. Inspired by uncles Johnny, Archie and Billy West, Tony Beasley writes song lyrics, while nephew Andrew (Drew) Wiggins has been writing and singing since he was 8-years-old. What makes the connection between father and son Chris and Drew Wiggins even more exceptional? 24 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Drew was voted Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Local Entertainer for 2021. “I guess I started around 8-yearsold playing Amazing Grace with guitar chords written out on a sheet of paper,” said Drew. “I had a little guitar that my grandma Rita gave me. I could play it good enough for church.” “He started writing at 6-years-old,” father Chris Wiggins said. “The song was I’m Going North, North, North! When he sang it he was talking about going north to heaven.” Drew grew up in a family of strong faith surrounded by church music, older country music, and especially blue grass. “I guess outside my great uncles, I’ve been most influenced by Brad Paisley and George Jones,” said Drew. “And my mama has always told me to tell a story with my songs.” Drew performed at two sold out Hometown Concerts series at the Emma Kelly Theater singing original songs that he wrote and recorded. The most recent are “Falling” released in 2020 and his latest Nashville recording, “Georgia Boy.” Both are available on Apple, Pandora, YouTube, iTunes and Spotify. He’s now working on three or four songs for a themed release he’ll call, “Back in Time.” “I’m also working on a group of songs I’ll call, ‘Screen Porch Conversations,’” said Drew. He promises some Facebook live concerts soon. You can follow Drew’s musical journey on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube under “Drew Wiggins Music.” Drew performs many of the songs with his sister Rachel, who in addition to being a gifted vocalist, also writes lyrics. They recently were the opening act for Marty Haggard, son of Country Music legend Merle Haggard, performing to another sold out crowd at the Averitt Center. The two also performed original music for the Colgate Country Show Down. The Country Showdown began in the Early 1980’s sponsored by Wrangler. Throughout the years the dreams of many up and coming artists such as Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Chris Young, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Carrie Underwood and many more were made possible by the country music competition. Drew and Rachel were chosen from the first round to attend further competition in Los Angeles, before finally being cut. “I met Jason Aldean’s dad,” Drew remembers. “He was a judge and he said, ‘I don’t know what the judges were thinking.’ For me it was the greatest thing, I sang an original song and he was impressed.” By day, Drew is the manager of Anderson’s General Store in Statesboro. He is married to Brittany, whom he met at Bible Baptist Church and married in 2015. They are the parents of two children, 3-year-old Nash, and 3-month-old Isabella, whom they call Izzy, the most recent addition to the large extended West/Beasley/Wiggins family. Every Sunday they continue to get together in the afternoon after church for dinner at Chris and Bunny’s, a friendly game of disc golf or half rubber in the backyard, (Chris was on the 1989 World Invitational Half Rubber Tournament Championship team), and some more Fabulous singing, pickin’ and grinnin’ on the porch or in a circle under the trees. S

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2021

THE

2F A0B U 2L I S1T W

ho has the most fabulous nail shop? Who makes the most fabulous hamburger? Who provides the most fabulous service imaginable to their customers? Each year we ask you, our readers, to nominate and then vote on the most fabulous people, places, events and things in our area. We know you have the most discriminating taste and can easily recognize and acknowledge the most phenomenal among us. Thank-you for voting and for recognizing our amazing advertisers, friends and partners. This marks our eighth year of fabulousness and we believe this year’s list is the most spectacular we’ve seen. Over 100,000 votes were cast for this year’s FABULIST in over 160 categories! Because we think the top three in each category deserve recognition, we have chosen to highlight the winners in each category AND the other two top finalists. The list is impressive, we think you’ll agree, this year’s Fabulist is the most awesome, remarkable group yet! So, here they are, the Fabuleux of 2021!

March/April 2021

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WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist ACCOUNTING FIRM

Lanier, Deal, & Proctor, CPAs Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP Melissa Rhodes, CPA

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Kids World Learning Center Statesboro-Bulloch Recreation Department Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County

ANTIQUE STORE

Heirloom Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet Hodges Antiques

APARTMENT COMMUNITY

Cambridge at Southern: The Pines The Beacon Place The Garden District

APPLIANCE STORE

Statesboro Appliance Center W A Bragg & Co. United Appliance & Furniture

AREA ATTRACTION

Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education Averitt Center for the Arts Splash in the Boro Waterpark

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY/SENIOR LIVING

Southern Manor Senior Living Willow Pond Senior Care Bethany Assisted Living

ATTORNEY, INDIVIDUAL

Paige Navarro, Hall & Navarro, LLC Wess Taulbee April Stafford, Stafford Law Group, LLC

AUTO BODY/COLLISION

Preferred Collision Center Phillips Custom Works Paint and Collision Repair

AUTO DEALER

Franklin Toyota JC Lewis Ford Lincoln Vaden Nissan Statesboro

AUTO GLASS REPAIR

Ricks Glass Company Auto Glass Service Inc AAA Glass Window Repair

AUTO PARTS

G T Auto Supply Statesboro Advance Auto Parts O’Reilly Auto Parts

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March/April 2021

Thank you For Voting Paige Navarro Most Fabulous Attorney!

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AUTO SERVICE/REPAIR

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK

D & R Intensive Car Care

Statesboro Properties & Southern Properties

Southside Service Center Total Tire and Auto Care of Statesboro

BAKERY

Smallcakes Cupcakery & Frozen Treats

CAR WASH

Sugar Magnolia Portal Bakery & Gifts

Goo Goo Express Car Wash - Statesboro Auto Shine Car Wash & Lube Center

BARBER SHOP

CARPET CLEANING

Vintage Barbers

All Star Carpet Care & Restoration

Split Ends Hair Salon Eagle Clips & Tanning

Citrussolution Carpet Cleaning of Statesboro Coastal Carpet Care & Restoration

BBQ

CATERER

Hopeulikit BBQ & Market

Honey Catering

Vandy’s Bar-B-Q (Downtown) Smoque Pit

The Painted Chef Lettuce Eat Catering

BISCUITS

CHICKEN WINGS

Country Store- Ms. Lena

Wing Maxx

Hardee’s Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Wild Wing Cafe Locos Grill & Pub

BLOG

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

UP Market Media

Max and Molly Children’s Boutique

Visit Statesboo! H Lehman Franklin, P.C.

Miracles Children’s Boutique Little Doses

BOSS

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Stephen Pennington – EGRMC

Orchid Asian Restaurant

Keith Boyett - The Sir Shop Sharon Persinger - UP Market Media

Southern Palace Chinese Restaurant Top’s China Express LLC

BREAKFAST

CHIROPRACTOR

D’s Friendly Diner

Dr. Amy Kitching - Southern Chiropractic & Wellness Center

Daylight Donuts Round About Cafe

BRIDAL / FORMAL WEAR

New Life Chiropractic Gian Guitterrez-Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness

CHOIR WORSHIP & PRAISE TEAM

Frills by Scott J’Adore Bridal

Cross Roads Community Church First Baptist Church Statesboro First United Methodist

Fordham’s Farmhouse

CHURCH OR PLACE OF WORSHIP

Ralph’s Diner Cane Pole Kitchen

Connection Church Statesboro

BURGER

Grace Community Church CrossRoads Community Church

Bites

COFFEEHOUSE, LOCAL

Locos Grill & Pub Ralph’s Diner

Three Tree Coffee Roasters

BUSINESS LUNCH

March/April 2021

W4 Express Car Wash – Statesboro

The Sir Shop

BUFFET

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Core Credit Union - Market District Synovus Bank

Cool Beanz Espresso Bar Ellianos

Del Sur

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

Sugar Magnolia Bakery and Cafe Forest Heights Country Club

Georgia Southern University Ogeechee Technical College East Georgia State College

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist COMPANY CULTURE

Davis Marketing Company UP Market Media Forest Heights Pharmacy

COMPANY TO WORK FOR

East Georgia Regional Medical Center Bleu Blush Boutique Statesboro Family YMCA

CONSIGNMENT STORE

Reflective Collective 3 Beau’s and a Bell Savannah Home Consignment Furniture and Home Decor

COSMETIC OR PLASTIC SURGEON

Renewal MD, Meghan McGovern, MD Statesboro Plastic Surgery The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery

COUNTRY COOKING N NE R WI

Thank you Statesboro! The Most Fabulous Plumber & Most Fabulous Electrician

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

Fordham’s Farmhouse N NE R WI

CUSTOMER SERVICE S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Ralph’s Diner Cane Pole Kitchen

2021

912.764.5225 970 BRANNEN RD, STATESBORO, GA 30461

Deal’s Heating & Air Forest Heights Pharmacy Southern Pottery & Art Studio

DANCE STUDIO/SCHOOL

Thank you so much for voting us the Most Fabulous

Carpet Cleaning Company. We are here to serve you!

Statesboro School of Dance Statesboro Elite Dance, LLC Cotton Rose School of Dance

DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Tandoor and Tap Bull and Barrel Steakhouse Coconut Thai Cuisine

DAYCARE

Kids World Learning Center Pittman Park Education Center Smiles Giggles & Hugs Child Development Center

DENTIST OFFICE

Southern Family Dental Group

All Star Carpet Care & Restoration Smoke, Water & Mold Ricky Hutchinson, Owner 912.489.8182 • allstarcarpetcarestatesboro.com 22831 Hwy 80 E • Statesboro, GA 30461 32 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Larry G. Hubbard, DDS Lane Dentistry

DEPARTMENT STORE

Belk TJ Maxx University Store at Georgia Southern

DERMATOLOGY OFFICE

Georgia Skin & Cancer Clinic Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

DESSERT

Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Café Honey Too Bull & Barrel

N NE R I W

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

THANK YOU STATESBORO FOR VOTING ME THE MOST FABULOUS REAL ESTATE AGENT

THE OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT OF GEORGIA SOUTHERN ATHLETICS

PAUL NEWMAN

OFFICE: 912-489-4433 | CELL: 912-481-1117 WWW.BUYSTATESBORO.COM 1550 BRAMPTON AVENUE, SUITE A | STATESBORO, GA

Kelly and the entire Renasant Team made our home mortgage experience easy and seamless. We feel so fortunate to have had their assistance in making this house our home.” Travis & Shannon Chance

Kelly Kahley Statesboro, GA 173 Northside Drive East | 912.489.9500 | 335 South Main Street | 912.764.8900 www.renasantbank.com

Official Sponsor of Georgia Southern Athletics

NMLS ID: 402669

Thank you! for voting us MOST FABULOUS MARKETING AGENCY AND BLOG!

market media

912.536.4898 • UPMARKETMEDIA.NET • 100 BRAMPTON AVE SUITE 2 F - B 34 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Thank You!

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Afterschool Program, Daycare, Learning Center & Tutoring! WHERE THE FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION BEGINS 912.764.4298 | 367 Savannah Avenue, Statesboro, Georgia www.kidsworld1statesboro.com

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Thank You

FOR VOTING US MOST FABULOUS TOWN IN BULLOCH COUNTY!

912-764-5468 | 50 EAST MAIN STREET, STATESBORO, GA | WWW.STATESBOROGA.GOV March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist

DJ Jammin J (Benji Lewis) DJ Nino DJ Vince Viga

DOG TRAINER

Southern Edge K9 Shady Acres Retreivers South Paws Dog Resort

DONUTS

Daylight Donuts Krispy Kreme Dunkin’ Donuts

DRY CLEANER

Andrews Klean Korner Town & Country Dry Cleaners

ELECTRICIAN

Neal’s Plumbing & Electrical Starling Plumbing & Electric BT Electrical Inc

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Be a Hero-Hire a Hero Sizemore Inc. Southern Pro Staffing

ESTHETICIAN

Molly Manley at The Healthy Touch Day Spa Maria Calderon - Serenity Day Spa & Salon Lashay Mikell - Serenity Day Spa & Salon

EVENT VENUE

Ogeechee Technical College Mossy Oak Farm Weddings & Events The Belle House

EYECARE CENTER/DOCTOR/OPTOMETRIST

Vision Source – Professional Eye Care Georgia Eye Institute Inc, - Dr. Strub Boomers Vision Center

FAMILY AMUSEMENT

Board and Brush Splash In the Boro Waterpark Southern Pottery & Art Studio

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (BANK, CREDIT UNION)

Synovus Bank Morris Bank Statesboro Queensborough National Bank and Trust Company

FINANCIAL PLANNER/INVESTMENTS

Travis Chance, CFG Wealth Management Carroll Kirkland, Synovus Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Logan Dale

FINE DINING

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse Orchid Asian Restaurant Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Café

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N NE R I W

THANK YOU

Most Fabulous Children’s Clothing Store

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

FOR VOTING FOR US!

Most Fabulous Trendiest Boutique 100 Brampton Ave, Statesboro, GA 30458 912.243.9394 Bleublushboutique.com

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”Proverbs 31:25

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist

FIRE/EMT/LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

HAIR SALON

Kyle Briley and K9 Rio

Split Ends Salon

Julie Daughtry Chief Mike Broadhead

67 Styles Paul Mitchell Focus Salon & Spa Market District Salon

FITNESS CENTER/GYM

180Fitness Statesboro Family YMCA Snap Fitness

HAIR STYLIST, INDIVIDUAL

Denna Hughes Angie Collins Jason Sapp

FLOOR COVERING STORE

The Warehouse Floors Outlet Plank & Tile

HARDWARE STORE

McKeithen True Value Hardware Howard Lumber Co. Harbor Freight Tools

FLORIST

Frazier’s Flowers and Gifts The Florist The Flowergirl

HEARING AID CENTER

Professional Hearing Clinic Beltone Hearing Aid Center Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center

FRIED CHICKEN

Fordham’s Farmhouse Ralph’s Diner Cane Pole Kitchen

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY

J D Heating and Air Deal’s Heating & Air Peach State Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, LLC

FUNERAL HOME

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory Craig R. Tremble Funeral Home Deal Funeral Directors

FUNERAL PLANNING

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory

Holden Hall Olen Anderson

HOME DÉCOR

The Warehouse

Deal Funeral Directors

FURNITURE STORE

HOME REPAIR/REMODELING

JAB Construction Absolute Remodeling & Painting

Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet Savannah Home Consignment Furniture and Home Decor

HOME SECURITY

GAME DAY APPAREL

Southeastern Alarm & Tech Bulloch Telephone Co-Op Inc

The University Store Southern Exchange Company The Sir Shop

GIFT STORE

Walker Pharmacy & Boutique Forest Heights Pharmacy The Sir Shop (Men’s Clothing)

GOLF COURSE

Forest Heights Country Club

FEMAC Security Solutions

HOME/NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

The Mad Potter Southern Scapes Nursery, Inc.

HOMEBUILDER

Nesmith Construction Co Inc JAB Construction JCH Homebuilders

HOSPITAL/EMERGENCY SERVICES

Georgia Southern University Golf Course Willow Lake Golf Course

East Georgia Regional Medical Center

GRAPHIC/DIGITAL DESIGN

Statesboro Urgent Care South Georgia Immediate Care Center

Davis Marketing Company Daly Creative Group UP Market Media

March/April 2021

Avery Jaynes (SEB)

Forest Heights Pharmacy Savannah Home Consignment Furniture and Home Decor

L A Waters Furniture & Mattress Center

38 statesboromagazine.com

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE (BOY OR GIRL)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE

MOST FABULOUS AUTO GLASS REPAIR SHOP IN STATESBORO!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US MOST FABULOUS URGENT CARE PRACTICE

INSTANT COVID TESTS NOW AVAILABLE!

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

912.764.4527 WWW.RICKSGLASS.NET 301 S Main St Statesboro, GA, GA 30458

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

We offer Occupational Medicine onsite at your business.

1176 BRAMPTON AVE, STATESBORO, GA 30458 LOCATED IN THE MARKET DISTRICT 912.259.9474 | BOROURGENTCARE.COM

March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist

HOTEL

LOCAL BAR

Holiday Inn Express – Statesboro

Gnat’s Landing

Home2 Suites by Hilton Statesboro Hampton Inn Statesboro

Del Sur The Blue Room

LOCAL DRUG STORE/PHARMACY

ICE CREAM

McCook’s Pharmacy

The Rolling Monkey

Forest Heights Pharmacy Walker Pharmacy and Gifts

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

LOCAL MUSICIAN/ENTERTAINER

INSURANCE AGENT

Drew Wiggins

John Lee - Lee Hill & Johnston Insurors

Michael Braz Clayton Hackle

Kyle Williams Ginger Larrabee

LOCAL PERSONALITY

INSURANCE PROVIDER

Dal Cannady

Brinson, Williams & Groomes Insurance

Brandi Harvey Josh Whitfield

Glenn/Davis & Associates RaDonna Sapp: Allstate Insurance

LOCKSMITH

INTERIOR DESIGNER

B & B Lock & Key, Inc.

Graymont Designs - Summer Hodges The Layout - Stephanie Shuman Howell Little Highpoint Home

Statesboro Locksmith LLC Jason Cone - Access Controls Locksmith - Georgia Southern University

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

MAN OF THE YEAR

Holiday Pizza

Sheriff Noel Brown

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Tarantinos of Statesboro

Coach Chad Lunsford Ted Wynn

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

MANICURE

Soyumi Asian Kitchen

Luxury Nails

Orchid Asian Restaurant Shogun Hibachi Grill & Sushi Bar

Annie’s Nails Sugar Coat Nail Lounge

JEWELRY STORE

MARKETING AGENCY

Bernard’s Jewelers

UP Market Media

Walker Pharmacy & Boutique Bennet’s Fine Jewelry & Repair

Davis Marketing Company Daly Creative Group

KARAOKE BAR

MATTRESS STORE

Coconut Thai Cuisine

Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet

LAW FIRM

Sit & Sleep Mattress - Statesboro I Save More Furniture & Mattress Store

Gnat’s Landing

Stafford Law Group, LLC Hall & Navarro Taulbee, Rushing, Snipes, Marsh & Hodgin, LLC Attorneys at Law

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Walker Home Medical Medical Equipment Professionals Aerocare

LAWN CARE/LANDSCAPING

DEA Landscaping A-1 Grassroots Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping On the Spot Lawn Care

The Sir Shop R.J. Pope Men’s and Ladies Apparel

LEARNING CENTER/TUTOR

MORTGAGE LENDER

Kids World Learning Center

Rhonda Busby, Homestar Financial Corporation

Averitt Center for the Arts Sally Beecher

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

The Blue Room Averitt Center for the Arts Locos Grill & Pub

40 statesboromagazine.com

MEN’S CLOTHING / FORMAL WEAR

March/April 2021

Jenny Brenner- Synovus Ilona Fountain- CORE Credit Union

STAY CLASSIC GUYS THE CENTRAL MEETING PLACE FOR MEN. Kick back, have a beverage, and let one of our barbers work their magic.

N NE R WI

THANK YOU FOR VOTING Vintage Barber the Most Fabulous Barber in Statesboro!

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

912.243.9402 | borovintagebarbers.com | 15 Simmons Shopping Center | Statesboro, GA 30458 March/April 2021

2021

statesboromagazine.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist MOST FABULOUS TOWN IN BULLOCH COUNTY

Statesboro Brooklet Clito

MOST INNOVATIVE LOCAL PRODUCT

Better Fresh Farms The Bees’ Knees Beehive Installation, Service, and Honey H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey

MOVING SERVICES

R & S Packing & Moving LLC HG8766 Statesboro Transfer & Storage, Inc

NEW LOCAL BUSINESS 2020-2021

Tandoor and Tap Max and Molly Children’s Boutique Southern Pottery & Art Studio

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Georgia Police K9 Foundation Safe Haven Statesboro Family YMCA

OB/GYN OFFICE

Statesboro Women’s Health Specialists Southern Ob/GYN Ogeechee OB-GYN

OIL CHANGE

D & R Car Care Southside Service Center Total Tire and Auto Care of Statesboro

THANK YOU

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery: Dr. Suketu Patel DMD MD Statesboro Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Inc

ORTHODONTIST OFFICE

Wall Orthodontics Maginnis Orthodontics

OUTDOOR DINING

Gnat’s Landing Del Sur Tandoor and Tap

OVERALL RESTAURANT

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse VOTED V O TMOST E D B FABULOUS E S T C A T CATERER ERER

El Sombrero Restaurant Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Cafe

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Southern Chiropractic & Wellness Center Optim Pain Management - Statesboro East Georgia Regional Medical Center Pain Clinic

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March/April 2021

THANK YOU STATESBORO! MOST FABULOUS SHOE STORE

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 3pm • Closed Sunday 912.681.2453 • 1098 Bermuda Run Suite 12 • www.sbrboro.com

March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

STATE OF THE ART PAINT BOOTH • FRAME INSPECTION • FREE ESTIMATES • RENTAL CAR ASSISTANCE ASSIST WITH CLAIMS PROCESS & PROCEDURES • COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE DETAILING

N NE R WI

Thank You!

Most Fabulous Auto Body/Collision Owners, Ken & Lisa Daniels

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

912.871.6677 | PREFERREDCOLLISION.NET | 22204 US-80, STATESBORO | MON-FRI 8AM-5PM

Thank you for again voting us Most Fabulous Pediatrician’s Office!

1044 Bermuda Run, Statesboro, GA 912-871-HUGS (4847) | bullochpediatrics.com 44 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

FULL-SERVICE FIRM WITH

OVER 100 YEARS

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

RUSS LANIER, CPA RICHARD DEAL, CPA KAY PROCTOR, CPA

BLAKE BLOSER, CPA OF COMBINED FULL-SERVICE FIRM WITH TIFFANY JENKINS, CPA ACCOUNTING OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF COMBINED ACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE RICK DEAL, CPA

201 S. ZETTEROWER STATESBORO, GEORGIA 201 S. ZETTEROWERAVE. AVE. STATESBORO, GEORGIA WWW.STATESBOROCPA.COM ••912-489-8756 WWW.STATESBOROCPA.COM 912-489-8756 March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist PARTY/EVENT

Georgia K9 Police Foundation An Evening With the K9’s Dancing with the Statesboro Stars Tasting Statesboro

FURNITURE AND HOME DÉCOR

Savannah Home Consignment Furniture & Home Decor ReTails Thrift Shop Pawn City

PEDIATRICIAN OFFICE

Bulloch Pediatrics Group Mama Doc Pediatrics South GA Pediatrics- Dr Rao

PERSONAL TRAINER

Joel Toledo Mindy Fair America Minc

PEST CONTROL

Pestmaster® Services, Inc. Deloach Exterminating Yates-Astro Termite and Pest Control

N NE R WI

PET BOARDING/GROOMING DAYCARE/KENNEL

Cindy Lou’s Dos Pet Grooming & Boarding Kaycee’s Pet & Groom Sweet Paws Mobile Grooming

PHARMACIST (INDIVIDUAL) S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Thank you for Voting us Most Fabulous Assisted Living Facility/ Senior Living 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 of 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!

Len McCook - McCook’s Pharmacy Ben Ross - Forest Heights Pharmacy Janie McCook - McCook’s Pharmacy

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jason Hurst Photography Frank Fortune Cedric Bacon

PHYSICAL THERAPIST OFFICE

Optim Therapy East Georgia Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation The Therapy SPOT

PHYSICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)

Dr. Stephen Tankersley, Orthopedic/Total Joint Surgeon, Optim Health System Dr. Glen J. Dasher, MD, Southern Family Medicine Dr. W. Scott Bohlke, MD, Bohler Family Practice

PIZZA

Nonna Picci Wood Fired Pizza Call us for lunch and a tour at 912.681.2686 or visit us online at southernmanorstatesboro.com 46 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Mellow Mushroom Statesboro Holiday Pizza

Thank you for voting Statesboro!

DR. STEPHEN TANKERSLEY Most Fabulous Physician

“Coaches are notorious for being hard-headed, and I’m no exception to the rule! Once I talked to Dr. Tankersley, I couldn’t wait to get my hip replacement surgery done. He’s the best, and the outcome is better than I could have hoped for.” Bob DeBesse Offensive Coordinator Georgia Southern University

N NE R I W

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Tankersley, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of knee and hip disorders including total joint replacement surgery. He specializes in knee and hip surgery that ranges from routine to complex procedures. KNEE • Total Knee Replacement • Bi-lateral Knee Replacement • Revision Knee Replacement

HIP • Total Hip Replacement • Bi-lateral Hip Replacement • Revision Hip Replacement

Call to make an appointment:

912.486.2360 | OptimHealthSystem.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist

PLACE FOR GIRLS NIGHT OUT

PRE-SCHOOL

Southern Pottery & Art Studio

Statesboro First United Methodist Church

Board & Brush Creative Studio Statesboro, GA Coconut Thai Cuisine

PLACE FOR GUYS NIGHT OUT

Kids World Learning Center Georgia Southern University Child Development Center

Eagle Creek Brewing Company

PRINCIPAL

APW - Pro Wrestling Wild Wing Cafe

Julie Mizell (WJMS)

PLACE TO BUY FARM EQUIPMENT

Mike Yawn at BES David Lattner, TCS

Agri Supply of Statesboro

PRODUCE

Tractor Supply Co. Blanchard Equipment

Statesboro Farmer’s Market

PLACE TO DANCE

Aldi BI-LO

The Blue Room

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Gnat’s Landing Southern Social

ERA Hirsch Real Estate

PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY

PMG Rentals Hendley Properties

Board & Brush Creative Studio - Statesboro, GA

REAL ESTATE AGENT

The Rolling Monkey Southern Pottery & Art Studio

Shelley Stringer Nick Propps

PLACE TO HAVE A MARGARITA

REAL ESTATE BROKER

El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant

Nick Propps

Del Sur El Jalapeño

PLACE TO HOST A WORK EVENT

The West District Whitfield Signs Ogeechee Technical College - The Oak Room Averitt Center for the Arts

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Fostering Bulloch Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch Statesboro Soup Kitchen

PLACE TO WATCH A GAME

Wild Wing Café Del Sur Locos Grill & Pub

PLUMBER

Neal Burnsed Plumbing and Electric Starling Plumbing and Electric Akins Plumbing & Electric

POSTAL CARRIER

Chris Wiggins Pam Martin Donna Clemmons Ackerman

Paul Newman

Everett Kennedy Jack Conner

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Kennedy Realty Statesboro Properties & Southern Properties Real Estate Team ERA Hirsch Real Estate

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER (RV, BOAT, 4-WHEELER)

Adams Motorsports of Statesboro Statesboro Golf Carts Custom Marine

RIBS

Shane’s Rib Shack Smoque Pit

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse Tandoor & Tap Orchid Asian Restaurant

RUNNING EQUIPMENT STORE

Statesboro’s Best Running Dunham’s Sports

SANDWICH

Firehouse Subs - Gentily Square Jimmy John’s Jersey Mike’s Subs

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March/April 2021

our customers!

Thank You Everyone!

23999 HWY 80 EAST • 912-764-5379 www.bernardsjewelers.com

Thank you Statesboro Magazine readers for your support! Most Fabulous Personality

DAL CANNADY

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

“We Put the Muscle in Your Move”

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2020

Thank You Statesboro For Voting Us Most Fabulous Movers!

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

10 E. Olliff Street, Statesboro | 912-541-2809

Thank you for voting Nick Propps as Most Fabulous Real Estate Broker and Statesboro Properties as Most Fabulous Business That Gives Back.

912.681.5000

28 East Main strEEt | statEsboro, Ga 30458 statEsboropropErtiEs.coM

Thank You Statesboro! BOOK NOW FOR SCHOOL SPRING BREAKS Specializing In: • Wisdom Teeth • Extractions • Dental Implants • TMJ Disorders • IV Sedation Suketu Patel, DMD, MD | Rodrigo Uribe, DMD Mark Clayton, DDS, MPH Board Certified Oral Surgeons

NALIST FI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2020

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

912-764-5435 1222 Brampton Avenue, Statesboro, GA 6 Medical Office Way, Swainsboro, GA www.eastgeorgiaoralsurgery.com 50 statesboromagazine.com

March/April 2021

Comfy Stylish Clothing For Women All Ages, Shapes, & Sizes

THANK YOU STATESBORO!

Accessories • Limited Children’s Clothing

N NE R WI

Most Fabulous Boutique & Women’s Clothing

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

CONGRATULATIONS KYLE BRILEY & K9RIO. VOTED MOST FABULOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

N NE R WI

www.jaxeandgraceboutique.com 912-512-3661 | 65 East Main Street, Statesboro

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

STATESBOROPD.COM | 912.764.9911 | 25 W GRADY ST

Congratulations to Dr. Barry Wolfe! statesBoro's Most faBulous Veterinarian!

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

912.243.9162 | 409 South Zetterower Avenue | StAteSboro, GA 30458 March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

WE LIVE HERE

2021 fabulist SCHOOL, ELEM/MIDDLE/HIGH

TATTOO PARLOR

Bulloch Academy

Blue Phoenix Tattoos & Piercings

Nevils Elementary School Trinity Christian School

Ivory Tower Tattoo Studio New Era Ink

SEAFOOD

TEACHER

The Boiling Shrimp

Heather Akins

Ocean Galley

Channel Frazier Michelle Mock (NES)

SERVICE CLUB

Statesboro Service League Exchange Club of Statesboro Kiwanis Club of Statesboro

TIRE CENTER

University Tire & Service D & R Intensive Car Care Southside Service Center

SIDING/WINDOWS ROOFING COMPANY

TRENDIEST BOUTIQUE

Chandler Roofing

Bleu Blush Boutique

Howard Lumber Co. American Roofing & Vinyl Siding

Jaxe + Grace Boutique Forest Heights Pharmacy

SPA

URGENT CARE PRACTICE

Healthy Touch Day Spa

Statesboro Urgent Care

Southern Chiropractic & Wellness Center Serenity Day Spa & Salon

AppleCare Urgent Care Statesboro South Georgia Immediate Care Center

SPORTING GOODS STORE

USED CAR DEALER

TC Outdoors

Jarrard Pre-Owned Vehicles

Dunham’s Sports Statesboro’s Best Running

Franklin Toyota J.C. Lewis Ford Lincoln of Statesboro

SPORTS BAR

VETERINARIAN

Wild Wing Café

University Animal Hospital

Locos Grill & Pub Buffalo Wild Wings

Best Friends Animal Clinic Statesboro Bulloch Regional Veterinary Hospital

STEAKHOUSE

WEDDING VENUE

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse

Mossy Oak Farm Weddings and Events

LongHorn Steakhouse

Quinney Oaks Plantation The Copper Barn

STORAGE FACILITY

All Safe Storage Center Public Storage A Affordable Storage

SUB SHOP

Larry’s Giant Subs Jersey Mike’s Subs Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

SUSHI

Orchid Asian Restaurant Soyumi Asian Kitchen Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

TAKEOUT

Season’s of Japan Del Sur El Riconcito

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC COUNSELING

Medi-Weightloss Statesboro Metabolic Research Center Southern Weight Loss Clinic, LLC

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Laura Brown Kim Billings Lori Durden

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Jaxe + Grace Boutique Bleu Blush Boutique Forest Heights Pharmacy

YOGA STUDIO

Sacred Space Yogi, LLC MindBody Center Yoga

TANNING SALON/BOUTIQUE

Taylor’s Sunset Tanning & Boutique Eagle Clips & Tanning GLOW Sunless Studio

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March/April 2021

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Ben Ross, Forest Heights Pharmacy Renee Thompson, Bleu Blush Boutique & Max + Molly Children’s Boutique Sharon Persinger, UP Market Media S

Thank you Statesboro! MOST FABULOUS CAR DEALER IN STATESBORO!

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

N NE R WI

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

MOST FABULOUS SPORTING GOODS STORE

HOME DEFENSE | FISHING TACKLE HUNTING ACCESSORIES | APPAREL & MORE

SERVING STATESBORO FOR OVER 13 YEARS LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

912.489.FISH (3474) | tcoutdoorsga.com Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM ; Sat 7AM-5PM 1242 Northside Drive East, Statesboro, GA

2330 NORTHSIDE DR W, STATESBORO, GA 30458 912.764.8484 WWW.JARRARDPREOWNED.COM

Free Local Delivery

INNER

Convenient Drive-Thru

Flu and Shingles Vaccines Fast, Friendly Service

S T A T E S B O R O M A G A Z I N E

2021

Voting Len McCook Most Fabulous Pharmaci r o f u o Y k n st! Ta Len is Dedicated to Serving You with All Your Prescription Needs and Making Sure Customers Come First! Continuing The Tradition of Our Family Caring for Your Family! New Customers Always Welcomed 23630 Hwy 80 East | Statesboro, GA | 912-764-2223 www.mccookspharmacy.com March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

THE CULTURE

most fabulous

Vintage Ba Most Fabulous Barber Shop WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

54 statesboromagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

March/April 2021

Scott Rogers

rbers March/April 2021

statesboromagazine.com

THE CULTURE

most fabulous

Misty Carter

new shop opened in September of 2020 in downtown Statesboro, bringing a new, yet vintage feel to barbering that hasn’t been in town since Cone’s Barber Shop and Henry’s were open. It’s called Vintage Barbers, and since opening, it has become the most popular spot for men’s beard and hair grooming in town. Winning it Statesboro Magazine’s top spot as the Most Fabulous Barber Shop. The dream of owner, business developer and marketing expert, Joe Arnold, Vintage Barbers takes you back to the old time barbershop where boys and men sat around in chrome chairs waiting their turn for a weekly trim, a shave and an hour or so of catching up on the news from around town. Joe and his wife Misty are the owners of 67 Styles Salon on North Main Street. After the restrictions placed on their business by COVID-19, over the last year or so they have looked for other ideas and have seen the need for this type of barbershop in Statesboro. “I was in the logistics business and I was laid off because of COVID,” said Joe. “I’m also in 56 statesboromagazine.com

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business development with a background in sales and customer service. I’ve never been a risk taker, but I decided to step up and look for more opportunity for us.” Joe got in contact with Atlanta master cosmetologist and friend, Scott Rogers, who was moving back to Bulloch County, and who has the expertise to do beard trimming and grooming. Joe hired Scott as Lead Barber and Operations Manager. Misty Carter joined the team by answering an ad on Facebook. She is a veteran master barber of 17 years with Country Gentleman in Claxton, Georgia. Together the three have been busy building business and exceeding customer expectations. “We are the only barbershop with vintage style barber chairs that offer a unique experience for our clients in men’s cuts, beard trims, and straight razor shaves. Every haircut comes with a hot lather neck shave and hot towel treatment,” said Joe. “Vintage Barbers has become the central meeting place for men to come relax, have a beverage, and let one of our barbers work their magic.” Vintage Barbers is open Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but because the business has been so successful, scheduling an appointment is recommended. The shop’s many services include: hair cutting and styling, beard trimming, full face shaves, partial shaves, head shaves, all done with a straight razor, hot lather and hot towels. Joe is excited about the opportunity to build the business by providing excellent customer service and the perfect alternative for men that aren’t comfortable in a salon environment. “We started first on Instagram promoting the business,” said Joe. “Then by word of mouth we attracted an older market that valued the services we offer that harken back to when they were a child going to the barber shop with their dad or granddad. The college crowd has also found out about us, and that’s the icing on the cake.” Of course, Joe, Scott and Marie run a COVID-safe operation, following all of the CDC guidelines including sterilization, masking and social distancing. In addition, Vintage Barbers is offering a full line of grooming products for hair and beards. “We have beard balms, oils, shampoos, conditioners, hair gels, palmades, and pastes,” said Joe. “Everything for hair and beards. Plus we have our own swag.” Logoed hats and t-shirts are also available for sale. “We have beard combs coming soon,” Joe said. Why did he choose to locate in the Simmons Shopping Center less than a block from 67 Styles? “We can help each other by referring clients,” said Joe. And he appreciates the opportunities that running a small town business brings. “I like the small town feel,” he said. “There are great people here. In this business you have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. You have lawyers sitting next to plumbers or mothers who are bringing their boys for their first haircuts. You see everybody and you get to connect with people. Not like in a big city with all the hustle and bustle.” If things keep going this well, Joe sees the potential for long term growth with the possibly of a second location in Statesboro. “Anything’s possible, I just like helping people,” said Joe. “And, as my daddy always said, ‘You take care of people, and they’ll take care of you.’” S

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Caroline & Jay WA L L O Bride’s full name: Caroline Burnette Wallo Groom’s full name: Joseph James “Jay” Wallo, Jr. Where you reside: Atlanta, Georgia Where you both work: Caroline works at Occupied Renovations as an Account Manager. Jay at Batson Cook as a Project Engineer. Date of Wedding: October 5, 2019 Wedding Location/Venue: Ceremony: Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Georgia Reception: The Georgia Freight Depot, Atlanta, Georgia Minister: Drew Turner Dress Shop: Frills by Scott Dress Designer: Scott Marchbanks Bride’s Make-up: Merle Norman of Statesboro Wedding Colors: Shades of blue Wedding Director & Stylist: Taylor Doehrman (Owner of Taylor Dawn: Wedding Planning and Design) Photographer: Mark Williams Studio Videographer: Ollie & Panda Productions Wedding Cake: Perfect Wedding Cake Groom’s Cake: Perfect Wedding Cake Caterers: Rehearsal Dinner: Held at Morton’s Steakhouse Wedding: Distinctive Catering and Events March/April 2021

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Is there anything else that you would like to share about your special day? Jay is a Sigma Chi and Caroline is a Phi Mu. The Sigma Chis sang the Sweetheart Song to Caroline, and the Phi Mu sisters serenaded her with the traditional Picture a Girl. Both of Caroline’s grandfathers have passed away. On her wedding day, she had a penny in her shoe that was engraved with her Pop’s favorite Disney character. Her parents had the penny pressed on a trip to Disney. Caroline’s parents surprised her with one of her Papa’s embroidered handkerchiefs, which became an element of her bridal bouquet. Caroline’s paternal grandparents met at the Fox Theatre. Her father grew up in the Atlanta area. Growing up, Caroline always loved the city and knew she wanted to live in a city one day. Caroline and Jay met at Georgia Southern and he was from the Atlanta area. Before graduation, Caroline was offered a job from a commercial renovation company in Atlanta. Once she began working, the majority of her work took place downtown. She loves her daily drives into the city, looking at the skyline and being a part of the hustle and bustle. Caroline had gone to a commercial real estate event at the Freight Depot and loved it. One night when Jay and Caroline were discussing where to get married, they both said they imagined it being in a brick building. Caroline and Jay both love historical buildings. Caroline quickly thought back to the Freight Depot. She called the next day and they were booked. Three days later, they called with the news that the booking had cancelled for the date they wanted! There is something so magical about the city of Atlanta. The history, the pace, the beauty- and they were excited to get married in the true heart of it at all. The photos with the capitol in the back are just one piece of history and beauty that embodies downtown Atlanta. Both the church and the freight depot are historical buildings. Jay and Caroline both love old fashioned things. Caroline and her dad danced to The Way You Looked Tonight, as Frank Sinatra is one of her favorite singers. Jay always wanted to leave in a cool, old fashioned, fancy car. He surprised Caroline with the Bentley for going away. Caroline and Jay both began going to 12stone Church when they moved to Atlanta after college. They both grew in their faith as individuals and a couple. They knew they wanted to continue to grow in their faith through marriage and at the church. They were connected to a pastor at 12stone who completed their premarriage counseling and married them! During the wedding weekend the family stayed at the Westin which has one of the very best views of the Atlanta skyline with its floor to ceiling windows. Caroline and Jay wanted to get married in October because their very first event in college as “dates” was in October. The couple also exchanged letters prior to the ceremony! Caroline has always loved Keds®. Since she was young, they’ve always been her favorite shoe. She has always loved bows as well. She knew she wanted to wear something comfortable and easy to dance in. She found the Keds® that embodied everything she loved and they were perfect! 64 statesboromagazine.com

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Musicians: Ceremony: Tess Hammock Reception: The Funk Brotherhood

Florist, Designer & Decorator: Stylish Stems Reception Location: The Georgia Freight Depot Honeymoon Location: Sandals Resort in the Bahamas Wedding Favors: Coozies. We also passed out glow sticks to everyone and had LED Baton Wands with our names for everyone to dance to! Parents: Bride: Darron and Kim Burnette Groom: Joe and Kelly Wallo S

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Powell & Asher

KENERLY Bride’s full name: Powell Catherine Fennell Groom’s full name: Asher Lanier Kenerly Where you reside: Warrenton, Virginia Date of wedding: February 22, 2020 Wedding location: The NeSmith Farm in Rocky Ford, Georgia. Minister: Reverend Warren Skinner Dress Shop: Frills by Scott, Statesboro, Georgia. Dress Designer: Scott Marchbanks Tuxedo Rentals: Men’s Wearhouse Wedding colors: Vibrant winter wildflowers bound by ivory satin ribbons accented the navy bridesmaid dresses and grey tuxedos. Stylist: Brandi Colson, Savannah Avenue Salon. Makeup and hair styled by 67 Styles Salon, Jamie Grady, makeup artist. Photographer: Hannah Marilyn Photography, Atlanta, Georgia Wedding Cakes: Salted Caramel cake with five tiers of three layers each, created by Shannon Ward at CAKE Statesboro. Friends of Powell & Asher’s pitched in to bake an additional 22 delicious homemade cakes. Caterers: Rehearsal Dinner: Watermelon Creek Vineyard Wedding: Honey Catering Musicians: Ceremony: Dr. Tim Kintzinger, Trumpeter Nathan McDonald, Soloist Reception: Jeff Wells, Shockwave Entertainment March/April 2021

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Florist: Emily Wildes, Em Creative Floral Designer & Decorators: Scott Marchbanks, Mitchell O’Barr & Keely Fennell Wedding Director: Scott Marchbanks Reception: The NeSmith Farm at Rocky Ford, Georgia. Honeymoon location: Mont-Tremblant Resort, Quebec, Canada. Wedding Favors: Personalized Three Tree Coffee individual coffee bags. Wedding Mission Statement: Everything about our wedding day should reflect our love for God, our love for our families, and our love for our guests. Parents: Bride: Mr. & Mrs. Bo and Keely Fennell, Statesboro, Georgia. Groom: Dr. & Mrs. Lex and Joy Kenerly, Jesup, Georgia.

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What else would you like to tell us about your special day? It has been almost a year since we got married, and as I reflect on our wedding day, the word that crosses my mind most often is Thankful. In the four months we had to plan the wedding, I am so thankful for my family, Scott, and the countless friends that helped make our farm wedding a reality! On the day of our wedding, I am thankful for our friends and family that traveled from New York and North Dakota, and everywhere in between, to join us on our special day. I am thankful for the local folks that were our guests who drove to the farm in and on everything from truck beds to Kawasaki Mules, to get them down the last mile to the ceremony site. (It rained constantly for three months prior to our sunny wedding at the farm, and the dirt road was washed out!). And, as I look back, I am so thankful we got to have our wedding as planned, because just two weeks later, COVID-19 began ramping up in the U.S. We will forever have fond memories from our wedding day: getting to see our Georgia Tech friends dancing their hearts out; enjoying homemade cakes from people that have poured love into our lives for years; my grandmother’s jewelry in my bouquet; and Asher’s family’s handmade cake stand; just to name a few. But more than anything, we are thankful for the love that the Lord has shown us, a love that is so much more than any wedding can provide. He has saved us, and now Asher and I get to live to make Him known- something I hope was done on our very special day. S 74 statesboromagazine.com

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Abbey & Thomas CLIETT Bride’s full name: Abbey Lanier Cliett Groom’s full name: Michael “Thomas” Cliett Where you reside: Metter, Georgia Where you both work: Abbey is an Occupational Therapist at Meadows Health. Thomas is an On Road Supervisor for United Parcel Service. Date of Wedding: September 12, 2020 Wedding Location/Venue: Dutch Ford Farms, Metter, Georgia Minister: Bo Fulginiti Dress Shop: Sweet Elegance Bridal of Decatur, Georgia Dress Designer: Essence of Australia Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal Tuxedo Rental/Purchase: The Sir Shop, Statesboro, Georgia Wedding Colors: Ice blue, Cream & Gold Stylists: Hair: Market District SalonJessica Pierce Makeup: Makeup by Ansley Tatum

Photographer: Mark Williams Studio, Swainsboro, Georgia Wedding Cake: Cathy Black Groom’s Cake: Honey Catering, Millen & Statesboro, Georgia

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Is there anything else that you would like to share about your special day? One special person that took part in our ceremony was our ring bearer and one-year-old nephew, Easton Joshua Vining. He is not only special because he’s the first baby in our family, but also because he was born with Down syndrome which doesn’t let it slow him down. We knew he wouldn’t be old enough to walk down the aisle so we found a shiny white remote-controlled jeep to drive him down just before I walked the aisle. He was dressed in all white with the cutest blue bow tie. We attached a sign to the front of his jeep that said, “Here comes my Auntie,” while the song Ridin’ played from his jeep. It was adorable and one of the highlights of our wedding! Another special part of our wedding was when Thomas’ first cousin, Austin Meyer, sang and played the guitar to Diamonds and Twine as we danced our first dance under the moonlight surrounded by our friends and family. Another groomsman and best friend, Skyler Smith, played guitar along with him. They did an amazing job and we felt it was a very special highlight of our wedding. My papa Jerry, who passed away when I was very young, restored and painted his 1958 Chevy Apache truck. I, along with my sister and cousins, have been able to exit our weddings in his antique truck. Using his truck made it feel like he was an important part of our special day! Several of my Phi Mu Sisters were able to spend the entire wedding weekend with me at the venue. They, along with several more sisters, circled around me at the reception. They serenaded me with our sorority song while passing a candle around the circle. After the song all the girls huddled around me and we chanted the Phi Mu chant. S

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buzz worthy bites BAKED CHEESE GRITS INGREDIENTS:

4 c. Water 1 c. Grits ½ tsp. Seasoned Salt 4 oz. Cream Cheese ½ c. Heavy Cream ½ stick Butter ½ c. Sharp Cheddar shredded ½ c. Parmesan shredded 2 Eggs beaten Black Pepper to Taste Dash Hot Sauce PREPARATION:

Bring water to a boil and add cream cheese. Whisk until cream cheese is dissolved. Whisk in season salt and grits. Cook 5-7 minutes until thickened and grits are tender. Stir in heavy cream, butter, and shredded cheese. Temper beaten eggs with a few tablespoons of hot grits and add to remaining grits. Season with additional salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

My Grandmother, Bett Bett WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY

am a terrible speller and my proficiency at grammar is more than lacking. Spell check and my mother helped me through many a book report, college paper, business plan, menu, and now this column, but the one who would enjoy proofing my column the most left us almost ten years ago. She would have relished marking these paragraphs with bold red ink in her cursive script, not out of malice but out of love for the English language and me. My grandmother, Betty Strickland Cramer, aka Bett Bett, will always be one of my favorite people. She was petite in stature; her feet matched her tiny frame. They were the definition of dainty, a size 6 quad A. Shoes and jewelry were her weakness. She had the former and the latter to match every outfit. Bett Bett was prissy and sassy and made no apologies. She could hold a grudge indefinitely, but if she loved you, she would fight for you until the end. Bett Bett taught English, at Jenkins County High School, for almost thirty years so at one time or another she taught someone related to 84 statesboromagazine.com

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every person in Jenkins County. She did not tolerate the word “ain’t” or unruliness. She was beyond proud of the fact she had paddled several of the JCHS boys’ basketball team. If I had a penny for every time she said I taught his/her father, mother, aunt, uncle, cousin, I could retire at the age of 37! Bett Bett had a quick wit that wavered on the verge of sarcastic but she was never mean. Her delivery was cool with a hint of indifference. My mother was often the subject of these little “zings” as we called them. These episodes offered us endless entertainment at Mom’s expense. Bett Bett and Mother were closer than close. Not some silly movie screen mommy-daughter mush but the real-life kind. My mother practically doted on her, and we all knew their love ran deep. Bett Bett was my number one biggest fan. She did not think I was perfect or too precious to receive a reprimand. We were too much alike to never butt heads. A pop on the thigh in the Bi Lo parking lot after our bi-annual dentist appointment is still etched in my memory to prove this fact, but let someone else mess with me. I would call my mother squalling over one of life’s injustices. She ever played the devil’s advocate and always advised me to “be the bigger person.” I would immediately hang up and speed dial Bett Bett. She would commiserate. She would threaten to call their mother, call the teacher, or write a seething Letter to the Editor to The Millen News to right the wrong. It would be all “their” fault and none of mine.

My family lived 17 miles from town so most afternoons we ended up at Bett Bett’s house, a convenient in-town squatting spot until our next engagement: t-ball, softball, cheerleading, Bible school, church, dance, or just to hang out. Her house was like a second home. We were always welcome, but there were understood limitations to her hospitality. One did not interrupt The Young and the Restless. EVER. If you wanted something to eat other than Lance Peanut Butter Crackers, Raisin Bran, or Crystal Light lemonade you should bring it with you. Plundering was also a “no no”. Ditto, eating on the carpet. We loved going to Bett Bett’s. She never bothered us and let us watch cable cartoon channels on her 10-inch bedroom TV. That was the life! Bett Bett was a diehard Braves fan. The kind of rabid fan, who, if out of pocket during the actual game, recorded the game on VHS to be watched later. She talked to the TV as if the entire team and coaches were a part of her 9th grade English class at Jenkins County High School. She admonished a missed catch, walk, or bad call and she likewise commended a 3-2-1 double play, a sliding catch in center field, and pick-off by a quick handed pitcher. Our bond was solidified by our love for the Braves. We tomahawk chopped our way through the 90’s with the passion only an overweight, awkward preteen and a retired widow in her late sixties could muster. We didn’t miss a game, and if we did the next day, we discussed in detail the finesse of a great catch made by David Justice, a stand-up homer by Chipper Jones, or the spectacle of a Bobby Cox tirade that ultimately got him thrown out of the game. We had our favorites. Greg Maddox was always a topic of conversation. He was our favorite pitcher with his cool demeanor, Clark Kent glasses, and a touch of endearing goofiness. Fred McGriff, the “Crime Dog” was as solid as they come. A commanding presence on first, he always kept us on the edge of our seats waiting for his next homer and it was hard not to love Lemke with his boyish good looks and kind eyes. The Braves 1995 World Series win was the culmination of our years of fandom. It was our time and our moment. After the ultimate win I lost interest and ventured into my teenage years, but every time I flip through the channels and see our boys at bat, I can’t help but smile. I asked my mother, “How do you sum up Bett Bett in just a few paragraphs?” Well, you just don’t. I don’t have to try, because at the most random moments I think of her. The other day I heard Simon and Garfunkel and I was transported to the back seat of her Cutlass station wagon with the wood grain side paneling belting out Bridge over Troubled Water. Each time I have to wait at Herndon for the train to cross the tracks I hear her say, “Trains a camin,’” to which I would respond, “How you knew?” We would always laugh when she completed our banter with “I heard it blew!” I caught myself chewing gum in church a few Sundays ago and saw her pursed lips because I “looked like an old Billy goat chewing his cud.” As I walk by the hearth in my living room, I catch a glimpse of the little white milking stool I perched on at the foot of her recliner as we shelled peas or pealed peaches. Her cast iron skillet sits seasoned in my cabinet and ready to fry up the prettiest mess of pale white shrimp you can imagine. Her fried shrimp were a treat. The recipe at right is as close as I could get! S

BETT BETT’S FRIED SHRIMP INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. of Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 c. Whole Milk 2 Eggs 2 c. Plain Flour 1 c. Self-Rising Flour 1 tsp. Salt 4-6 cups Wesson Oil Cast Iron Skillet PREPARATION:

Heat oil to 350°in cast iron skillet. You must use a cast iron skillet! These little delicacies just don’t taste the same fried in another vessel, and be sure to use fresh grease. Bett Bett’s shrimp were always beautiful with the palest crust. Beat eggs and add milk mixing well. Combine plain flour, self-rising flour, and salt. Add your shrimp to egg and milk mixture. Make sure all shrimp are coated well. Add shrimp a few at a time to flour mixture and coat well. Add to hot grease a few at a time. Do not overcook. Shrimp will be a light golden brown. Serve piping hot with tartar sauce. Bett Bett preferred ketchup much to my mother’s dismay!

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Georgia Southern Gets Ready to Rock WRITTEN BY DOY CAVE

emember what live concerts were like? The last concert I attended before the pandemic was in November 2019, which now seems a lifetime ago. My youngest son and I saw the hard rock band Dinosaur Jr. at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta — an unfathomably loud concert that I’m pretty sure rearranged my intestines...which means it was awesome. My son stood right up at the front to watch guitarist J. Mascis shred, and the next day he was practicing the riffs on his own guitar. It was an experience we’ll never forget. Along with restaurants and other service industries, music and entertainment have taken a beating during the pandemic. Most live events have been cancelled or severely limited in size, and musicians have been forced to adapt and reach their audiences in new ways. “Globally, the music business is about $50 billion, and half of that is ticket sales for live performances,” said Steven Harper, Ph.D., chair of the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern. “So that’s dried up almost completely.” Despite the obstacles, Harper says he believes there is reason for hope — both for the music industry and especially for the generations of students who come to Georgia Southern to pursue a career in music. In February, Fred and Dinah Gretsch made a $3 million naming gift to Georgia Southern’s school of music, adding their Gretsch Collection of historic drums, guitars and company archives to the University. The gift and collection not only associate Georgia Southern’s music school 86 statesboromagazine.com

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with a legendary music company, it expands their reach and their reputation. “Well, the most sort of obvious thing is that we’re going to be double, triple the size 10 years from now,” said Harper. “There’s an opportunity to vastly increase what we’re able to do. The Gretsch name is known all over the world. It’s really a big deal for us.” The school also recently announced a new music industry program, which combines music and entrepreneurship, at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. “Fifty years ago, popular artists toured in order to boost their album sales. That’s how they made their money. And now it’s the opposite,” said Harper. “You put out recordings because you don’t make much on streaming, but you put out your recordings to boost your live performances. “The other thing is that everybody has to know everything. You have to be able to be your own agent and your own recording engineer and your own producer. And it’s so entrepreneurial, which is great not only for people who are making their careers in music, but as preparation for any career.” Georgia Southern music students -- like many others in music and entertainment -- have had to figure out creative ways to engage with their audiences during the pandemic. Since March of last year, singing was deemed one of the more dangerous activities that spread the virus. As a result, they’ve turned more to recording and social media to perform. However, with COVID-19 cases in Georgia rapidly falling, and cases in the U.S. falling to their lowest since July 2020, Harper says there is reason to see flashing stage lights at the end of the tunnel. And when the gate is finally opened on social interaction again, he imagines a scenario similar to the Roaring ‘20s after the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. “I think there’s going to be a huge demand for all sorts of live experiences — an explosion in live music and sports,” he said. “Again, just about anything that involves getting out and doing something, and then it’ll kind of settle down. This is basically what they found in 1920 after that pandemic ended. There was just a huge explosion of activity.” Until that day comes, however, Georgia Southern is getting ready to rock. S

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Healthy Soil & How to Make It

WRITTEN BY CAROLYN ALTMAN

s creatures who walk the earth’s surface, we notice what we see above ground: trees, shrubs, and bold, beautiful flowers. But to have those things, we need to look not up but down, at the ground. The great successes of gardening begins humbly, with good soil. Soil is composed of air, water, living organisms, minerals, and humus, which is fallen, chewed-up, pooped-out, decaying plant and animal matter, like leaves and manure. Different places have different amounts of these things, which combine into soil textures or types. Determine your type by gathering soil in your hand. Give it a squeeze, then open your palm. Sandy soil crumbles apart when you tap it. This means water and nutrients will pass through quickly. A compacted wad means you have super-fine grained clay, which is hard on a plant that needs air and drainage around its roots but holds moisture for plants that require more consistent moisture. Silt is in between, and loam is the soil of Eden, with approximately equal parts sand, silt, and clay. Loam means you have sand enough for good drainage and air around roots, and enough silt and clay to retain necessary nutrients and water. If you are not yet living in Paradise, don’t despair. You can build good soil 88 statesboromagazine.com

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structure. If your soil is sandy, which it most likely is here where the ancient ocean used to be, you can add humus, such as compost, to hold moisture and nutrients. If your soil is clay, which is the result of weathering and erosion, humus solves that problem too, by creating space for air and water around the roots. Eventually, the critters and micro critters that live in those spaces and build your soil by decomposing dead material into fertilizer will move in, and your soil structure will begin to improve on its own. Humus is easy to make. Mow over dead leaves to break them up, and pile them in an out of the way spot, preferably sunny. Throw in your vegetable peelings and fruit remnants – anything that comes from a plant and would return to the soil in nature. Toss more leaves over the pile and water if you’d like. If you are lucky, any leftover seed might even sprout and you will end up with the occasional butternut squash like I do. Even if you don’t, you will have rich compost to mix into your soil when you plant, or to use as mulch once plants are in. Consistent application of a thin layer of compost (1-2”), in a simulation of nature, will result in good soil for any kind of garden, from vegetable to flower to woodland. Another fundamental soil consideration is pH, or the degree to which your soil is acidic (pH 0 to 7ish) or alkaline (7ish to 14). Purchase an inexpensive test kit at your local garden store and conduct the simple test. What difference does pH make? Simply put, the pH of a soil determines what nutrients and minerals are freed up in the soil and available to a plant. Different plants need different things; azaleas like it acid, cabbages like it alkaline. Generally, it is better to grow what is compatible with your natural pH rather than to adjust the pH especially for trees and shrubs. In raised beds, pH can be adjusted by adding lime if the soil is too acidic or sulfur if it is too alkaline. Soil also provides nutrients, which can be added via fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the big nutrients. Percentages of each are listed on packages. It’s human nature to think that if a little is good, more is better, but this is not true about fertilizers. Too much burns roots and bloats plant cells, requiring more from the internal cell systems than they have to offer, ultimately making the plant vulnerable to pests and disease. Worse, excess fertilizer is a major cause of water pollution, destabilizing ecosystems and threatening water supply. Organic fertilizers may have lower numbers on the package but are released more slowly in ways the plant, in partnership with soil microorganisms, can more effectively absorb. These tend to offer the best results for plants and the planet. We have just a month or so until the Botanic Garden has its online plant sale and nurseries fill with plants. Take time now to tend your soil so you feel proud when you introduce the roots of your living treasures into their new underground world. www.georgiasouthern.edu/garden S March/April 2021

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the spiritual pathway

What do Fish, Aircraft and Swine have in Common? WRITTEN BY DR. H. WILLIAM PERRY

he most widely spoken language in the world is English, with over one billion users. Many, many of these are Englishas-a-second-language users. One of the things they have the most trouble with is words that change drastically when you move from singular to plural. Most of the time you add an S to a singular word to make it plural. For example boy is singular, boys is plural. But then there are exceptions to the rule: child is singular, children is plural. And, words like fish, aircraft and swine can be singular or plural. The little bit of research I’ve done tells me that in the Middle English period, 1100 to 1400 A. D., plurals were formed by adding en, not s, to singular words. For example, brother was singular, brethren was plural. The plural of shoe was shoen, the plural of eye was eyen, and the plural of house was housen. On and on I could go. By the 1400s most of that changed, so that adding an S to singular words began to dominate. Treen was changed to trees, devlen to devils, englan to angels, and tungan to tongues. You get the idea. However, we still have a bunch of those old 90 statesboromagazine.com

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Middle English words in our vocabulary, and they are the ones that give our English-as-a-second-language speakers such a hard time. The plural of foot is still feet, the plural of tooth is still teeth, child – children, mouse – mice, (except when you’re talking about your computer mouse; the plural then is mouses). Changes are continuing to take place, but very slowly. When I was a boy I would hear preachers use the word sisteren, as in “Would the sisteren who teach Sunday School please stand up.” I haven’t heard that in decades. I do hear brethren occasionally. And as a boy growing up in rural north Florida I heard the words “us’ens” and “we’ens.” It seems to me that as logical as we English speaking people are we would do it one way or the other, either “All the childs who need to have their tooths cleaned, or their shoen shined, or have wax removed from their earen, please lift your handen,” or “All the children who need to have their teeth cleaned, or their shoes shined, or have wax removed from their ears, please lift your hands.” And while I’m at it, let me help our Northern friends here in the United States learn the proper uses of the word “you.” In practical usage “you” is a singular word. If there are two or three people across the street and one of them is yelling at you, you say, “You are aggravating me. Stop it!” If the three are yelling you say, “Y’all stop yelling! Y’all are aggravating me!” “Y’all” is a wonderful plural word. Northerners used to have a similar word: “Youse,” as in “Hey youse guys! Wait up!” Well, English is still a developing language. And while we may continue to say mice as the plural of mouse I don’t want to have to say hice when I’m talking about houses. S

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the view from here

For a Moment, There Were Roses WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES

t was just a simple Sunday afternoon drive. I had read the papers, trying to ignore the “ink” punctuating the pages on what Michael Jackson or Di were or were not doing. The Falcons were offering their best, which, to this day, still isn’t saying much. The phone kept ringing. And my canine buddy, Bandi, was staring at me with a “how about a bone, buster?” look. I just pulled the curtain on the whole scene and decided on a late winter Sunday afternoon drive. I can remember the Sunday afternoons when I was a kid. With dinner dishes put away, we’d sit around waiting for Dad to come up from his nap to announce, “Let’s go for a ride.” That’s all we’d need to hear. We would just ride along, windows down, taking in the scenery. About forty-five minutes into the program, Dad would say, “An ice cream cone sure would taste good.” And it did. So, being the kid again, I eased from the driveway and moved toward the South Georgia countryside. I turned onto a dirt lane leading to land that still provided crops for America. I drove past barns that leaned. I stopped to take in 92 statesboromagazine.com

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a front yard with an oak tree and a tire swing. I whistled at old Hank, the hound, asleep under the front steps. He raised his head, blinked once and returned to his nap. I moved onto a hill. I looked back into meadows turning dusty brown, as winter whispered to the fields that spring wasn’t far away. I listened to the music of life on this hill. The melody was special. There was no television. No phone. Nothing modern with this hill. Just amazing grace. Later, I circled the farms and headed toward home. Just on the edge of my town, there is a small park, nestled nicely among a glen of South Georgia pines. There are benches and paths. It is a nice place. As I moved closer to the fast lane, the phones, and yes, microwaves, I glanced into the park and there is an elderly couple. They, as I, have gone out for the afternoon and offer a sweet pose in the park. She is in a wheelchair. He is standing by her. She is leaning forward, reaching, running her hand through a soft hedge of green. My afternoon is now a postcard: country roads and pastures; ole Hank napping; the hill’s music and the couple in the park. I pull into the driveway. I sit there, thankful I have stopped the pace for just a moment. I step from the car and take a deep breath. For just a second, all about me, there is the scent of roses...and it is spring! Thanks, God! S

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Mical Whitaker Named Averitt Legend Sunday, February 14th, 2021 | The Averitt Center for the Arts On Sunday, February 14th, 2021, The Averitt Center for the Arts proudly inducted Mical Whitaker as the Averitt Center 2021 Legend of the Arts. He joins six other Averitt Legends who have made a substantial contribution to the arts in our area. Whitaker has been an actor, director, patron and supporter of the performing arts since joining the Georgia Southern faculty in 1981, where he currently serves as Assistant Professor Emeritus of Communication Arts. The Averitt Center’s Whitaker Black Box Theatre is named in his honor. Nominees for the Averitt Legend honor are evaluated on their level of achievement which includes the scope of their artistic endeavors, their influence on others, and their professional conduct and image. The ceremony was held on Whitaker’s 80th birthday, the same afternoon as his starring performance in Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys in the Emma Kelly Theater.

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“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

March/April 2021

Psalm 121: 7-8 KJV

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