Statesboro Magazine - March/April 2023

THE 2023 FABULIST REVEAL

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE.

“We are proud to be a resource partner with the Georgia Grown Innovation Center to help companies in this area. We have experts in 6 key industries and our focus here has been on Ag-Technology. We are happy to be here and support companies locally.”

David Nuckolls, Executive Director, Georgia Center of Innovation

“The team that supports GGIC Members is top notch and unparalleled. They increase our access to resources, challenge us to think more broadly, connect us with strategic partners, and show up for us in ways we haven’t experienced before. Their investment in small businesses is changing the dynamics of our local economies and communities in ways that will enable us to thrive well into the future.”

Becca Creasy, Owner of 920 Cattle & Company, GGIC Member

It’s our most exciting issue of Statesboro Magazine! The yearly reveal of the Fabulist! You, our fabulous readers have voted in over 160 categories on the Most Fabulous people, places, and things in and around Statesboro. Over 150,000 votes were tallied and the amazing results are in – Who do you think made this year’s Fabulist? Could it be you? Your Mama? Your cousin? Your boss? Find out now starting on page 36 inside. You’ll simply be amazed at all the fabulousness! This year we have special features inside on the 2023 Woman of the Year, Mandy Fortune, the 2023 Man of the Year, Ben Ross, and several outstanding winners in multiple categories for multiple years! We’re celebrating our friend Adam Tsang, winner of Most Fabulous Entrepreneur and Most Fabulous Social Media Influencer categories. In addition, Adam’s restaurants The Saucy Shrimp and Soyumi were recognized as Most Fabulous Asian Cuisine, Most Fabulous Sushi and Finalist for Most Fabulous Seafood. Soyumi was chosen as a finalist for the Most Fabulous Date Night Restaurant and Caterer. And Adam was a finalist for Most Fabulous Local Personality! Whew!

If you’re looking for the most Fabulous Ice Cream/Frozen Treat or Most Fabulous Sweet Treat, no need to monkey around. You’ll find it at Rolling Monkey, owned by inventive and creative entrepreneurs, Garrett & Meagan Clark. The Clark’s walked away with six Most Fabulous categories including Local Place for a Selfie, Business that Gives Back, Place to Have a Birthday Party, and Mascot for friendly monkey RoMo. They were finalists in Most Fabulous Customer Service and Most Fabulous Boss – Garrett Clark. And if delicious handmade and rolled ice cream with unlimited toppings isn’t fabulous enough for you, Clark shares his comprehensive view of aligning your passion and your work to create a more meaningful (& fabulous!) life.

If you haven’t heard the Most Fabulous Local Band/Musician, The Ripleys, you are missing out on an excellent evening of entertainment! Inside read the story local music legend Jerry Roberson shares about The Ripleys secret for creating a fun, family friendly performance that either has you up and dancing or singing along. The Ripleys aren’t just a band, they’re an act!

Another very fabulous special feature inside this issue is our annual Weddings by Statesboro Magazine. This complete guide for the Statesboro bride showcases the very best wedding vendors and venues in our area. You’ll also find exposés on the weddings of two local brides: Ramsey Rigdon Waters and Anna Lee Snooks Waters, who married brothers Loy and Lee last year. From getting dressed to leaving for the honeymoon; from the ceremony to the reception, we bring you all of the romantic details of their very beautiful and distinctive weddings, with vendors throughout that can help you with your special day.

How fabulous is that? Have fun with this one!

Jenny Foss, Editor

ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000

Jenny Starling Foss

Editor Joe McGlamery Publisher

Hunter McCumber

Senior Creative Director

Ashton Brown Director of Sales & Marketing

Frank Fortune

Contributing Photographer

Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:

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

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MAILING ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 Statesboro, GA 30459 p: 912.489.2181

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: One Herald Square, Statesboro, GA 30458 f: 912.489.8613

ABOUT THE COVER

Our 2023 Most Fabulous Woman, Mandy Fortune, is kicking up her boots with Blind Willie McTell at the visitors center, celebrating her year of fabulousness in the town she loves and serves so well. Captured by (who else?) her husband, award winning photographer Frank Fortune.

THE 2023 FABULIST REVEAL

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.

Lazar Brown Oglesby

Lazar Brown Oglesby is the owner of Honey Catering and Dolan’s BBQ both 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. Visit her at Dolan’s & Honey’s new location on South Main Street.

Rev. John Waters

Since 2005, John Waters has been the lead pastor of First Baptist Church Statesboro. Raised in a military family, he spent his childhood years in Tokyo, Japan, and Selma, Alabama. He earned a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. As a teenager, he once worked a weekend as a circus clown but now enjoys collecting fountain pens, reading across many genres, and visiting the great cathedrals of the world. His wife, Cynthia, is a retired elementary school teacher, and they have two married adult daughters and five grandchildren.

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.

Hunter McCumber

Hunter is an award winning multidisciplinary Art Director, Designer and Illustrator from Reidsville, Georgia. He earned both his undergraduate and masters from Savannah College of Art and Design. Currently based in North Carolina, Hunter enjoys spending time exploring the creative aspects of the “Old North State” while working with several agencies around the Southeast as a designer and illustrator.

Frank Fortune

Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 24 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 Jack and Cate.

FRIDAYS – TUESDAYS

STATESBORO MAIN STREET MARKET2GO

FRIDAYS – T UESDAYS @ 10:00 P.M.

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 10:00 p.m. @ https:// 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 4

CHI-TOWN TRANSIT AUTHORITY LIVE!

7:30 P.M.

$30/PERSON

$25/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES

EMMA KELLY THEATER | AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Chi-Town Transit Authority (CTA) is an 8-piece Chicago tribute band founded in 2017 and based out of Atlanta, dedicated to reproducing the “Chicago” concert experience. The key to their success has been knitting together a highly accomplished team of long-time musicians who truly love the music of Chicago. They pay close attention to detail in recreating the best of Chicago’s songs from studio and live versions and then design a show that first captures the audience, then gets them involved, and finally brings down the house. It's easy to do because the band is having as much fun as the audience is. They are able to choose from the steady stream of Chicago hits starting in the late ‘60s. This allows the band ample opportunity to spotlight each of the three main vocalists as well as showcase a tight horn section and beautifully arranged vocal harmonies. They have honed their craft by playing over 90 shows at casinos, festivals, performing arts theaters, and music venues all around the Southeastern U.S. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.

MARCH 9

THE BLESSING OF THE CROPS

7:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED/BREAKFAST PROVIDED

FRONT LAWN & FELLOWSHIP HALL

PITTMAN PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Join local farmers and supporters for the annual Blessing of the Crops prayer breakfast. The annual Blessing of the Crops event is a breakfast program for farmers and agriculture supporters to pray for a bountiful harvest. The short program includes a keynote speaker, and a circle of prayer followed by the presentation of the Young Farmer of the Year Award. www.statesboro-chamber.org.

MARCH 9 – MAY 5

“AVANT GARDENER”

LISA D. WATSON GALLERY EXHIBITION OPENING

FREE FAMILY FUN EVENT

5:30 P.M. GALLERY OPENS

6:00 P.M.ARTIST TALK

MAIN GALLERY

AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Lisa D. Watson (LDW) is a Georgia-based artist and gardener whose environmental concerns are expressed in each project. Her assemblage pieces contain 90% reclaimed material such as paper products, metal, industrial wood, produce netting and more. She has used recycled objects as her medium for over 25 years and continually works towards a fully sustainable practice. LDW seeks balance between urbanization and conservation in her artwork and landscape design. Her company, Plan It Green Design, LLC, consults homeowners with native, drought tolerant, and pollinator friendly landscapes. Her work has been exhibited nationally in solo exhibitions. Subsequently, the Jepson Center purchased one of the artworks, Convergence, for their permanent collection. www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.

MARCH 10

ONE SERIES: DAN LARKIN

7:30 P.M.

$20/PERSON/MEMBERS/ MILITARY/FIRST

RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES

$15 STUDENTS

EMMA KELLY THEATER

AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Dan Larkin was born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey (right outside of Philly) and moved to Statesboro from Memphis, Tennessee in 2018. Growing up, he was exposed to many different musicians. His mom listened to many singer/songwriters such as James Taylor and Carole King whereas his father listened to mostly classic rock such as The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Dan has been a singer forever and sang in the church choir with his sisters. Later, he started playing guitar at age 15. His first ever gig was with his first-ever band called Mad Mardigan (which was named after Val Kilmer’s character in Willow), when he was 16. The gig was in the basement of the bass player’s grandmother’s house alongside four to five other bands. www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.

MARCH 10 – 11

DRIVE-IN LASER LIGHT SHOW

7:00 P.M. LASER CONCERT WITH CLASSIC AND POP HITS

9:00 P.M. CLASSIC ROCK LASER CONCERT

10:30 P.M. THE 80S HIT LIST LASER CONCERT

$29/CAR LOAD UNLIMITED PASSENGERS

KIWANIS OGEECHEE FAIR GROUNDS

This family friendly laser shows will include favorite musical hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, as well as current hits and classic rock. All music is choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and large screen laser projections. There will be exclusive infield seating offered at the event venue. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the concert sound, vendors, and food. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 678-701-6114.

MARCH 11

SOUTHEAST BULLOCH HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS

DINNER THEATER 2023

6:00 P.M.

$30/PERSON OR TABLE OF 8 FOR $200

PERRY FELLOWSHIP HALL

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

An evening of elegant dining catered by Southern Flair Catering. Individual tables will be uniquely decorated with different themes. Th highlight of the evening will be performances by talented chorus members! For tickets, please contact Kathryn Waters @ kathryndwaters@gmail.com or 912-690-7533. Please purchase tickets by Tuesday, February 21st.

SEND US YOUR EVENTS! EMAIL THEM TO EDITOR@ STATESBORO MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH 24

EXPERIENCE THE AURORA

6:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT!

SHOW TIMES ARE HOURLY AT 6:00 P.M., 7:00 P.M., AND 8:00 P.M.

PLANETARIUM – MATH PHYSICS BUILDING

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Over seven months in the Arctic Circle, our crews captured time-lapse images of the Aurora Borealis with high resolution digital SLR cameras outfitted with fisheye lenses. The results are spectacular. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. This immersive show shares the science behind the aurora and tells the story of our quest to find and photograph the aurora for wraparound display in full-dome theaters.

MARCH 25

5TH ANNUAL CASSEGA GRAND SLAM

HOSTED BY CORE CREDIT UNION

MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

MARCH 17 & 18

AG-GROW EXPO

12 NOON – 7:00. P.M. FRIDAY

10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. SATURDAY

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT!

BULLOCH COUNTY AG COMPLEX

The Bulloch County Agricultural Complex will host its second annual mini expo, the Ag-Grow Expo, on March 17 – 18, 2023! The Ag-Grow Expo will provide two days of education booths about the agriculture right here in Bulloch County, equipment vendors showing off their latest and greatest, a livestock exhibition, a Community Stage, and more! www.BullochAg.com.

8:30 A.M. REGISTRATION OPENS

9:15 A.M. WELCOME & RULES

9:30 A.M. SHOTGUN START – SCRAMBLE FORMAT

1:00 P.M. LUNCH IS SERVED

$100/GOLFER

$20/3 MULLIGANS

STUDENT RATES AVAILABLE

1031 GOLF CLUB ROAD

Georgia Southern University Golf Course

Join us for the 5th Annual CASSEGA Grandslam hosted by CORE Credit Union on March 25, 2023. Golfers will tee-up for more than just a round of golf. They are playing to benefit abused and neglected children in Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven Counties. This annual tournament benefits the Ogeechee Visitation Centers and CASA Ogeechee. Contact Kristen@ casaogeechee.org for more information. „

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MARCH 25

WALLACE GREEN REUNION TOUR LIVE!

7:30 P.M.

$30/PERSON

$25/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES

EMMA KELLY THEATER

AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

2023 sees the reunion of the beloved 90s Statesboro-based band, Wallace Green. Wallace Green band members Chris Mitchell, Brian Hendrix, and Larry Summerlin are coming back together for a Home Town Reunion Tour starting at the Emma Kelly Theater. Wallace Green was founded by the members in the mid-90s while they were attending Georgia Southern University. Their first album, Wonderllamasoup, was produced by Mitchell and released in 1996. Before releasing their sophomore album, they signed with Knot Known Records, Inc, a small label in Arizona that produced their follow-up album. Their second and last album, evandrool, was released in 1999. www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.

APRIL 1 & 2

GEORGIA SOUTHERN BOTANIC GARDEN SPRING PLANT SALE

9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. SATURDAY

12 NOON – 4:00 P.M. SUNDAY

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT!

BOTANIC GARDEN

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

“Go Native” at the season’s extremely popular plant sale! The Botanic Garden offers plants, shrubs, and trees not commonly seen in big box store’s garden sections. Introduce a native plant from The Botanic Garden into your landscape and enjoy it for years to come! www.georgiasouthern.edu/garden.

APRIL 9

EASTER SUNDAY

APRIL 15

APRIL 1

STATESBORO MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY!

9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT!

222 SOUTH MAIN STREET

VISIT STATESBORO WELCOME CENTER

Enjoy 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 at Opening Day of the Farmers Market. Savor homemade products from jellies to jerky; from honey to muffins. Plus, Craft & Jewelry vendors and food trucks! Applications for the 2023 Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market are here! If you are interested in signing up to become a vendor at the Saturday market or online at Market2Go, follow the link below and download an application and the 2023 Market Guidelines. You can also pick up an application in person at the Visit Statesboro! office located at 222 South Main St. Completed applications with relevant attachments and payments can also be dropped off there, as well as mailed to:

Statesboro Farmers Market

P.O. Box 1135

Statesboro, GA 30459 www.visitstatesboro.org/farmers-market.

ARTSFEST

10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT!

SWEETHEART CIRCLE

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

There will be a variety of activities for all ages. The event will be spread out across Sweetheart Circle to give you space to social distance. The staff asks that you do what you know is right to help keep others safe. Many art stops will be available for attendees to create their own art. There will be the Artist Market where you can purchase art and live performances on stage throughout the day! T-Shirts will also be on sale at the event for $5 each and there will be a free tie-dye stop as well.

APRIL 15

OGEECHEE AREA HOSPICE DIAMONDS IN THE SAND GALA

6:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.

$100/PERSON

THE BELLE HOUSE

Come and join us for our Diamonds in the Sand Gala features a live band, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, the raffle for a Kawasaki mule and other items in the fabulous live auction. Call Tinker Lanier at Ogeechee Area Hospice today to inquire about a table for eight. 912-764-8441.

APRIL 20 – 23

BRIGHT STAR

APRIL 20 - 22 AT 7:30 P.M.

APRIL 23 AT 3:00 P.M.

$25/PERSON

$20/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES

$15/STUDENTS

EMMA KELLY THEATER

AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.

APRIL 22

EFAA $10,000 REVERSE RAFFLE & AUCTION

6:00 P.M.

$100/2 PEOPLE & ONE RAFFLE ENTRY

HANNER FIELD HOUSE

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Join the Eagle Football Alumni Association for their 16th Annual $10,000 Reverse Raffle & Auction at Hanner Fieldhouse on the campus of Georgia Southern University. The $10,000 Reverse Raffle & Auction includes live entertainment, food and an open bar with all proceeds directly benefiting the Georgia Southern football program, as well as the Erk Russell, Tom 'Doc' Smith, and Roger Inman Scholarships that are available to the University's student-athletes, student managers and athletic trainers. One ticket gains entry for two guests to the event and one entry into the raffle. Ticket Website: https://give.gseagles.com/event/usd10-000-reverse-raffleand-auction/e464543.

APRIL 27

LED ZEPPELIN PLANETARIUM

SHOW

6:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.

FREE FUN FAMILY EVENT

PLANETARIUM – MATH

PHYSICS BUILDING

GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

This show delves further into the surrealistic environments than any other music entertainment show, transporting visitors into dozens of mood provoking settings. The motions are more calculated to the transportive feeling, drawing audiences deeper into the scenes. And our planetarium dome is ideal for providing this immersive effect. During the show you’ll be treated to Led Zeppelin’s classics such as “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Rock and Roll,” and many others!

APRIL

28 & 29

12TH ANNUAL KIWANIS RODEO

5:00 P.M. GATES OPEN

7:00 P.M. RODEO BEGINS BULLOCH COUNTY AG ARENA

Grab your partner and boot scoot on over to the 12th Annual Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex! Hedrick Rodeo returns for another great performance and Kiwanis members say it will be will be incrediBULL! They can't wait to see you there! Tickets go on sale soon-- stay tuned to Facebook @ Kiwanis Club of Statesboro for all the details!

www.statesborokiwanisrodeo.com. S

“Thanks for recognizing AgSouth as the area’s best company to work for. Our staff is like a family and we are proud of how we care for each other. Our customers also make this a great place to work. It is a joy to serve them and our community.”

- Pat Calhoun, CEO

Leadership Southeast Georgia Announces Class of 2023

Three Bulloch County professional were recently chosen to participate in the Leadership Southeast Georgia Class of 2023: Demetrius Bynes, Matthew Shingler, and Cindy Steinmann. Leadership Southeast Georgia, a professional development and leadership program held in 10 coastal counties, has chosen 31 business, professional and civic leaders to take part in its Class of 2023. These individuals, chosen for their dedication to improving our region through effective and inclusive leadership, represent a diverse set of backgrounds, skills and personalities across the Southeast Georgia region of Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties.

The leadership development program runs from February to June 2023 and includes two- or three-day sessions, beginning in the Glynn/Camden County location and concluding after the Chatham County session. Class members are set on a course of ongoing personal and professional growth, building connections, and strengthening collaboration skills that empower leaders to elevate the Southeast Georgia region.

Bynes is Director of Human Resource for the City of Statesboro. Shingler is Facilities Services Director at Georgia Southern University, Bulloch County. Steinmann is Assistant County Manager for Bulloch County.

To learn more about the LSEGA Program, visit: www.lsega.com.

Clenny Named 2023 GOAL Winner

OTC's 2023 GOAL Award Winner Justin Clenny, a student in Ogeechee Technical College’s Cybersecurity Program was named OTC’s 2023 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner during a reception on January 26th.

Clenny, a native of Evans County, has already earned an associate degree in Information Technology from OTC, and has returned to earn a second associate degree in Cybersecurity.

Clenny went on to explain how OTC prepared him for his interview with The Sack Company and how he was immediately hired, and after his 90-day evaluation, received a promotion.

Hand, a CIS and Cybersecurity instructor at OTC, has been teaching for 20 years and was overjoyed to see his two nominees selected as finalists.

“It’s not me. Look at them. They are excited and energetic and they come through and they study hard and they’re prepared,” he said.

Also awarded at the reception was GOAL runner-up Kristin Goddard, and finalists Annabelle Sydnor, and Dalton Flanders. www.ogeecheetech.edu

Bulloch County School System Receives $125K Grant from DECAL

Bulloch County Schools has been awarded a $125,000 Community Transformation Grant from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The Community Transformation Grant will be used to increase access to early learning for children in rural areas.

Bulloch County Schools was one of 26 organizations who received a grant for 2023. The grant program assists community collaboratives with their initiatives that assist with the critical needs of children ages birth to eight years old and their families. The school district wrote the grant to support and expand the work of the Bulloch County Literacy Council and its BullochREAD initiative and to further provide literacy resources and training to early learning professionals in Bulloch County.

"Receiving this award is a great honor," said Crystal Simpkins, director of early learning and literacy for the school district. "The Bulloch County Literacy Council has worked to bring awareness and educate parents and the community on the importance of early literacy. This grant will allow us to continue our work, and we look forward to increasing access to high-quality early childhood programs for all children living in Bulloch County."

The term of the grant is 18 months, but DECAL hopes that many of the funded projects will be expanded or scaled-up over time. The Grants were created in 2021 to encourage the creation of early education partnerships composed of community agencies and other stakeholders that would design, tailor, and implement innovative projects to increase access to and the quality of early childhood services and resources. The 26 grants were funded under the American Rescue Plan and are directed to the birth-to-8 population. DECAL has engaged Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Community Transformation Grant program.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program and federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community-powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education.

Chris

Page

named

OTC Instructor of the Year

OTC's 2023 Instructor of the Year Award Recipient Chris Page, Paramedicine Technology Program Director, was recently named Ogeechee Technical College’s 2023 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction recipient at the annual Spring Faculty & Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony held on January 24th in the Jack Hill Building.

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.

“I never thought 10 years ago that I’d get to experience a moment like this,” said Page. “We have an incredible group of faculty here at Ogeechee Tech and I’m honored to join a long list of amazing instructors who have gone on to represent OTC as the Rick Perkins Award winner.”

Page’s dedication to creative instruction was a common thread expressed by his nominators, one of whom wrote, “He has been very creative with the space in our building, taking advantage of empty labs and offices to create simulation rooms, giving his students real-life situations to practice with mannequins. In these times where health care professionals are extremely difficult to find, he has grown his program and has had students excel in the field.”

The Faculty/Staff Meeting and Awards Ceremony, hosted by OTC President Lori Durden, is an opportunity for college faculty and staff to come together and celebrate the victories and achievements of the past year – among those is the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction.

“Chris’s success in the classroom stems from his ability to transfer his real-world experience as an EMT and firefighter into realistic and engaging health care scenarios in the classroom,” said Durden. “Not only are our EMTs and paramedics being well trained, but they have been prepared to provide the absolute best care to members of our community in times of need.”

Page, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Georgia Southern University, and a Masters of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. He holds 16 professional certifications and has served as a firefighter for the Statesboro Fire Department, as an EMT-Paramedic for the Emanuel County EMS, and currently serves in those same capacities for Bulloch County EMS and the Bulloch County Fire Department.

Following OTC’s nomination, Page will interview in the regional competition in Tifton on February 21st. If selected as one of three finalists from the region he will move on to compete for the state title the week of April 24-26th in Atlanta.

Other faculty and staff honored during the ceremony include:

Kristie Sanders – Leadership Award

Amanda White – Support Staff of the Year Award

Justin Goodman – Diamond Award

Jennifer Oglesby – Adjunct Instructor of the Year Award

If you want to know more about the Paramedicine Technology Program at Ogeechee Technical College please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/EMSP.

Goodman Receives OTC’s Diamond Award

Justin Goodman, Industrial Systems Instructor and Program Coordinator for Economic Development at Ogeechee Technical College, was recently presented the Diamond Award at the annual spring faculty and staff meeting.

The Diamond Award recognizes and honors an exceptional employee who goes the extra mile and exemplifies excellence in such things as customer service, innovation, improved efficiency, a positive attitude, teamwork, community service and exemplary service to the College. All employees of the College are eligible for this award, including part-time employees, and are nominated by their colleagues.

One nominator wrote, “I am continually amazed by his professionalism, dedication to his job, and his willingness to be an ‘all in’ team player. Always putting the college, his colleagues, and the students he trains first.”

Goodman who has been working at Ogeechee Tech since February of 2017, previously worked at Briggs & Stratton for 11 years as a technician and then as a Facilities Supervisor and A-Training Instructor. His extensive Industrial Systems training includes dozens of certifications including, Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, two FANUC Robotics Instructor Certificates, and most recently 14 SACA and 4 PMMI certifications. www.ogeecheetech.edu

W. Bede Mitchell Honored as Kiwanian of the Year

Kiwanian of the Year Bede Mitchell was honored at The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro’s 63rd Anniversary Party on Thursday, February 23rd. The party was held at the community building on the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds. The winner is selected by the last three Kiwanians of the Year and recognized for their exceptional conduct and services to the community and club. Mitchell currently serves on the executive board as the club’s secretary.

Trish Tootle, past president of the club and incoming Kiwanis District Ten Lt. Governor made the presentation to Mitchell who is responsible for ordering the plaques for award winners each year. Club members had to hide the fact that Mitchell had won the award in order to surprise him.

Mitchell has been a member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club for 23 years. He served as Dean and University Librarian at Georgia Southern University’s Zach S. Henderson Library from 1999 until his retirement in 2019. „

Georgia Southern Receives More National Recognition for Student Support Programs

Georgia Southern’s work to support students in their college journey is once again receiving national recognition. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)

Excellence Awards has included two of the University’s collaborative projects, The Eagle Experience and the Period Equity Movement, in its 2022-2023 list of winners.

“It is a tremendous honor for Georgia Southern to be recognized in this way, highlighting these programs that impact our students,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Shay Little, Ph.D.

Little said credit should be spread to many on campus, including Amy Smith, associate vice president for Enrollment Management, Dustin Anderson, Ph.D., associate provost for student success, and Ken Gassiot, Ph.D., associate vice president for student development, for The Eagle Experience; and Gemma Skuraton, DrPH, director of student wellness and health promotion, and Gabi Wiggell, president of the wellness ambassadors and undergraduate public health student, for leading the Period Equity Movement efforts.

The Eagle Experience, a cross-University effort to ensure new students’ successful transition to the Georgia Southern college experience, was selected as the 2022-23 NASPA Excellence Awards Gold Winner in the Enrollment Management, Financial Aid, First-year, Other-year, Orientation, and related category.

The Eagle Experience began with a charge and directive in fall 2020 from the vice presidents in enrollment management, student affairs and academic affairs to reimagine the transition experience for incoming students beginning summer 2021. This resulted in more than 50 faculty, staff and students working together to create an exemplary experience for new students that consists of a schedule of programming that engages and supports a broad range of student populations. By focusing on niche student populations such as online-only, first time-first year, graduate, LGBTQ+, multicultural, dual-enrolled, military-affiliated, honors, international and transfer students, among others, the experience showcases the value that Georgia Southern has in ensuring all voices and students feel welcome.

Georgia Southern was the only USG institution recognized in this year’s list of winners. The Eagle Experience was previously awarded the 2021-22 NASPA Excellence Bronze Award.

The Period Equity Movement (PEM), a multi-campus initiative led by faculty, students and staff to promote period equity, won the 2022-23 NASPA Excellence Awards Gold Award in the Athletics, Recreation, Counseling, Health, Wellness and related category. All Gold Award Winners were reviewed a second time to select the grand winners, and the Period Equity Movement was also selected as the Silver Grand Award Winner.

The goal of the PEM initiative is to reduce learning loss from menstrual product insecurity (period poverty) among Georgia Southern students by providing access to free sustainable and disposal menstrual products. The PEM consists of three pantry site types – the Green Period Pantry, the Disposable Period Pantry and Period Products On the Go. In addition to these pantries, PEM consists of engagement events and implementation of a comprehensive, medically accurate, culturally relevant reproductive health peer education certificate available to Georgia Southern students. The initiative currently has 21 trained reproductive health student educators, two ongoing research projects, collaborations with 19 campus partners, and 68 pantry sites across all three campuses.

The NASPA Excellence Awards recognize the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration. NASPA’s Excellence Awards cover 12 categories crucial to the success of students. Sharing our successes benefits students, improves institutions and promotes our profession. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu

New Dean of Georgia Southern’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Craig M. Harvey, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as the new dean of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing at Georgia Southern University beginning July 1.

“I am excited to welcome Dean Craig Harvey to Georgia Southern University as the next generation of leadership for the College of Engineering and Computing,” said Carl L. Reiber, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“Dean Harvey brings with him an understanding of what a vibrant and growing research university will need to move to the next level as our region expands in its engineering and computing needs.”

Harvey comes to Georgia Southern from Louisiana State University, where he serves as the associate dean for academic affairs of the College of Engineering, professor of Industrial Engineering and is the holder of the Donald W. Clayton University Professorship. He brings a wealth of knowledge in leadership, student growth and expansion and advanced engineering studies.

“It will be a great honor to serve as the next dean of the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing, a college that prepares graduates in engineering, construction and computing to be ready to take on the challenges facing Georgia and the country in the 21st century,” Harvey said. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, alumni and industry to position the college to meet the future demands in both education and research in the state where my engineering career began.”

Harvey worked full time as a maintenance engineer and captain at Grand Forks Air Base in North Dakota and served in the United States Air Force Reserves while earning a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Purdue University. He earned a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Industrial Engineering degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. GeorgiaSouthern.edu. S

Lauren Davis Ellen Jones

Lakeisha Howard

Lisa Jacobs

Barbara Gibson Marjorie Kennedy

Sam Dipolito Billy Allen Tim Montgomery James Lawson Sam Butler Mahtab Davoud

Mandy Fortune

WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

Being chosen as Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Woman of 2023 caught Mandy Fortune by surprise.

“I’m not sure why I was chosen by your readers, but thank-you so much!” she said.

We’re pretty sure why she had the good fortune to be recognized by our readers, it’s for her contributions to Statesboro’s business climate, her faith and leadership at First Baptist Church, and her many volunteer hours spent serving in various non-profit organizations and on boards of directors for local entities – with the unending smiles and positive energy for which she is known.

“I must have been chosen because I’ve been so active in the Chamber for the last few years,” said Fortune.

Actually, Fortune has been a faithful advocate for economic development in the area, since serving as Administration Director and then, Executive Director of the Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1996 – 2002. During Fortune’s time leading the SCVB, local tourism numbers more than doubled. Her creative ideas and ways of promoting Statesboro and Bulloch County to visitors and tourists garnered statewide and national attention and increased hotel occupancy locally. During her time at the SCVB she was elected by her peers in the travel industry as president of our travel region – The Magnolia Midlands, a testament to her leadership and vision for Statesboro and south-central Georgia.

For the past 25 years, Fortune also volunteered and made a commitment to the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, serving as Fundraising Chairman, Special Events Chairman, and Youth Leadership Chairman, before being elected to the executive board as Second Vice Chairman, and then ascending to the presidency during COVID-19.

“It was an interesting year,” said Fortune. “But God puts you where you need to be and gives you what you need to get the job done.”

During her Chamber presidency, she led the executive board in making a leadership change and in looking for a replacement for former director Skip Alford. Under her leadership the board promoted Jennifer Davis to Interim Director, and ultimately Executive Director of the Chamber, the position Davis currently holds. As president, Fortune continued to lead the Chamber staff, volunteers and board members through a very challenging time with optimistic success. Fortune identified areas of opportunity

such as increasing membership and fundraising, during a time in which many were working from home and not meeting in person. Her bravery and tenacity are especially appreciated by those who know that Fortune lost her father to dementia that same year. For her outstanding commitment and service, Fortune rightly received the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021.

In addition to her work at the Chamber, Fortune has also served in the Statesboro Service League as Attic Sale Chairman, SafeHaven Chairman and Sustainer Relations Chairman. She is a member of Downtown Rotary and General Advisor to her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA). She served on the board of the Lynda Brannen Williamson Foundation, mentoring cohorts of young business women annually through a leadership training class. She also

„

God puts you where you need to be and gives you what you need to get the job done.

Mandy Fortune

served on the board of the American Red Cross and was the United Way’s Fundraising Chairman. While her children, Jack and Cate, were students at Bulloch Academy, Fortune served as treasurer of the PTA.

“I have had wonderful mentors myself,” said Fortune. “Lynda was a friend who also served as Chamber President. She was a person I trusted and who’s leadership style I admired. My commitment to giving back to this community comes from people like Lynda and Bruce Yawn, servant leaders who have had such a positive impact on the area, not just in business, but in helping those less fortunate, too.”

"Fortune’s dedication also comes from her faith. Her family attends First Baptist Church where Fortune and her husband, (Statesboro Magazine’s Photographer) Frank, serve with the choir as vocalists and musicians. Many have seen Fortune virtually welcoming church members and visitors during COVID-19. In each video she enthusiastically shared her messages of promise and hope for better days ahead.

For many years, since leaving the tourism industry for the banking industry in 2002, Fortune has been on the rise as a marketing professional. Fortune worked for Park Avenue Bank as Marketing/ Customer Service officer, before joining Citizens Bank of the South in 2008 as Marketing Director. In her role with the bank, Fortune implemented marketing and advertising strategies in the bank’s markets in Sandersville, Statesboro and Milledgeville. She facilitated the name change and logo design for the company brand and created and managed social media presence for all markets. She also served as a member of the Georgia Bankers Association Marketing Peer Group. Most recently, she has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, V.P. of Citizens Bank of the South, with the responsibility of overall marketing for all three of the bank’s locations in Middle Georgia.

Fortune’s lifelong dedication to the community is evident in both her work and her areas of service.

Whenever there is an opportunity to make Statesboro shine, you can be sure our Most Fabulous Woman of 2023, Mandy Fortune, will be a part of creating the Most Fabulous impression on behalf of the community whether at work, at church or volunteering for the many organizations that are fortunate to have her leadership and support. S

My commitment to giving back to this community comes from people like Lynda and Bruce Yawn, servant leaders who have had such a positive impact on the area.

Mandy Fortune

Ben Ross

Ben Ross, Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Man of 2023, is a local pharmacist who is impacting the world of medicine by going above and beyond in serving his patients at Forest Heights Pharmacy and the community at large by the exceptional care he offers, the great service he provides and the new medicines he creates and compounds for the better health of all.

Ross grew up in Sylvania, the son of independent pharmacist Virgil “Sonny” Ross.

“I grew up in Dad’s pharmacy,” said Ross. “My first job was delivering medicine to customers. I learned at an early age that I wanted to do just what my dad did, serve the community.”

After graduating with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UGA, Ross moved to Statesboro with his childhood sweetheart, Lauren, to purchase Forest Heights Pharmacy in 2008. Ben has since become a partner in seven other independent pharmacies in Georgia; Ross Drug in Sylvania, Coastal Drug Company in Midway, Georgetown Drug Company in Georgetown (Savannah), Clark Drug Company in Waynesboro, Pillar Drug Company in Guyton, Crawford & Breazeale Drug Company in Lincolnton, and Thomson Drug Company in Thomson.

Ross was one of the first providers in Georgia to receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine, subcutaneous Regen-Cov (a combination of monoclonal

WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

antibodies), and oral COVID-19 antivirals. He also co-created the company Frontline Nutrition with two other pharmacists to develop immune-boosting over-the-counter supplements, ID-6 and chewable children’s formulation kID-6, to support a healthy immune system. The supplements are sold in 40 states in more than 150 independent pharmacies across the U.S.

“I saw a real need during COVID to come up with an over-the-counter supplement that contained what many doctors were prescribing to boost the immune system,” said Ross. “I worked with Pete Nagel of Midway and Bryce Allfrey of Lincolnton to form a company and create a supplement with Zinc, Vitamins B, C, and D, elderberry and immuno-proteins. We started with a small batch of capsules, which quickly sold out. Now we have a manufacturer, a logo and a website, and we’ve sold over 30,000 bottles.”

Ross credits other independent pharmacists for the success of his new drug. A member of the Association of Independent Pharmacists, a national organization which represents a vast network of providers, Ross was awarded the 2022 Joe Mengoni AIP Pharmacists of the Year Award for his commitment to “Innovation and passion in the practice of Independent pharmacy.”

Each year, pharmaceutical company Upsher-Smith partners with the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and state pharmacy associations to honor innovators in the pharmacy field. Ross was selected as the 2022 Georgia recipient of the “Excellence in Innovation” award for his creation of ID-6.

In addition, Ross was honored as a member of the UGA Bulldog 100 Class of 2020. He was selected as one of UGA’s 40 Under 40 for 2018. He is a graduate of the Georgia Pharmacy Association’s Leadership Class of 2017. In addition to being Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Man, Ross is a multi-year winner of the Statesboro Herald’s Best of the Boro contest.

In all he does, Ross wants to be the best that he can.

“I want to be the best husband, the best father, and the best pharmacist,” he said. “I watched Dad and saw him serve his community. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. In many small towns, large chain pharmacies won’t locate because the market isn’t big enough. That’s where independent pharmacists cover the gap in care for rural patients. You don’t just serve the community, you become a part of it.”

"Ross serves Statesboro as a member of Downtown Rotary. He is on the board of directors of YoungLife and Ogeechee Technical College. He serves on the Bulloch County Hospital Authority Grant Committee, is chair of the Statesboro Drug Free Coalition, and is on the advisory boards of Bulloch First Bank and the Citizens Bank of Swainsboro. This year he was tapped as president-elect of the board of directors of the Georgia Pharmacy Association.

Even though he is involved in so many great organizations and seven other pharmacies, Ross spends most of his time in Statesboro.

“This is our home base 100% of the time,” said Ross.

Lauren is the school nurse at Southeast Bulloch Middle School, and Mom to the Ross’ three children: Lanie (12), Lucy (8), and Reed (4).

“I think of our children, Lanie is the most likely to follow in my footsteps,” said Ross.

The girls opened a lemonade stand this past summer to raise funds for the Hearts & Hands Clinic. Another organization in which Ross participates as a pharmacy provider.

“I can tell she already has the heart for it,” he said. S

My first job was delivering medicine to customers.

I learned at an early age that I wanted to do just what my dad did, serve the community.

Ben Ross

The Fabulous Ripleys

WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

Jerry Roberson, founder and creative director of Statesboro’s Most Fabulous Local Band – The Ripleys, likes to tell stories about how the band was started.

“Our high-wire circus act wasn’t working out. I was too old to catch the girls, so I started a band,” said Roberson. “Or, sometimes I tell the crowd that the Tiger King went to prison, so I had to find something else to do, and I started the band.”

Both stories allude to a circus theme, which is exactly where the name for the band originated.

“We were trying to think up a name for the band,” said Roberson. “We were listening to the theme song from the 1980s TV show Greatest American Hero. The song is titled ‘Believe it or Not,” and the bass player Michael ‘Redbone’ Walker asked, ‘Who is that by? The Ripleys?’ Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Get it? That was it. The name of the band. The Ripleys. And that’s the Ripleys with no apostrophe, because the band doesn’t own anything.”

They do own a unique play list of popular hits from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that includes those one-hit wonders that everybody knows. Familiar tunes that the crowd can sing along to and they often do. The band has a fan base of listeners from 2 to 102. Roberson calls their playlist Retro Pop, with a little bit of Country.

A local music legend, Jerry Roberson retired from his piano store a few years back and was having trouble getting live music out of his system. He was not alone. He found young and energetic people to form a band and sing along with him to the tunes that he personally picks for them. „

“I found three veterans and some new blood,” said Roberson.

Started in 2019, the core band consists of Roberson and dexterous female vocalists Rachel Elkins and Ashley Whittemore, who provide auxiliary percussion for many songs. When it’s just Jerry and the girls playing a venue, Roberson says, “We’re Half-Ripped.” When it’s the full band of Roberson, Elkins, Whittemore, Redbone, Pete Bragg on electric guitar and Kendahl Mims on drums, they’re The Ripleys.

“I’m thinking of adding some horns to the band for when we play special larger events,” said Roberson.

With three hours to fill at each performance, playing the songs that people like to hear and dance to really gets the crowd going each evening.

“We don’t play any slow songs, and we read the crowd when choosing our playlist,” said Roberson.

The band has played locally at Dolan’s, Nona Picci, the Moose Lodge, and at many private events. They’re becoming very popular for engagement parties and weddings. They’ve performed at Bernie’s and Cockspur Grill in Swainsboro, the Red Stag Tavern in Vidalia and Bevrick’s in Metter.

The band practices every week at Roberson’s house in a studio he has set-up for them.

“Before our first gig, we practiced for nine months,” said Roberson. “We wanted to get our sound down and work on harmonies, which the girls do so well.”

We often interact with the audience, joking and playing with the crowd... We celebrate the special occasions with them. We really want them to have a great experience.

Ashley Whittemore

Songs from Michael Jackson, Toto, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Adel, Hall & Oats, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Van Morrison, to name a few. Practicing each week is easier now that all band members live and work their day jobs in Statesboro. And the hard work has paid off in producing a band that is popular, fun and well liked.

“We often interact with the audience, joking and playing with the crowd,” said Whittemore. “We incorporate someone’s name or the name of the town into the song lyrics or we change the lyrics to fit the venue. Basically, we don’t just sing, we work the crowd. We dance with audience members. We celebrate the special occasions with them. We really want them to have a great experience.”

That enthusiasm and light-heartedness from the band pays off in sell-out venues and standing room only crowds at local bars and restaurants.

“You can find out our next scheduled appearance from our Facebook page –The Ripleys,” said Whittemore. In the first half of March the band plays at Bevrick’s on March 3, Dolan’s on St. Patrick’s Day and the Red Stag the next night.

If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to sit in on one of the area’s Most Fabulous Local Bands, The (very talented) Ripleys. Soon bringing their little circus to a location near you. S

Beauty & Health

BARBER SHOP

Vintage Barbers

Split Ends Salon

Merle Norman

DAY SPA/MASSAGE THERAPY

Healthy Touch Day Spa

Serenity Day Spa & Salon

Pure Wellness & Spa

FITNESS CENTER/GYM

180 Fitness

Empowher Women’s 24/7 Fittness

Fusion Training

HAIR SALON

Split Ends Salon

Haus of Luxe

30 Volume Salon & Boutique

HAIR STYLIST, INDIVIDUAL

Denna Hughes, Split Ends Salon

Falan McMahan, Haus of Luxe

Jaeda Bragg Wilburn

NAIL SALON

Annie’s Nails

Luxury Nails

Southern Nails

PERSONAL TRAINER

Mindy Fair

Trish Evans

Graci Padgett

TANNING SALON/BOUTIQUE

The Bronzed Beet

Taylor’s Sunset Tanning & Boutique

South Beach Tanning & Boutique

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC/COUNSELING

Southern Health & Wellness

Pure Wellness & Spa

Fusion Training „

Dining

ASIAN CUSINE

Soyumi Asian Kitchen

Orchid Asian Restaurant

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

BBQ

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Que Place

Hopeulikit BBQ & Market

BREAKFAST

D’s Friendly Diner

Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse

Loc’s Chicken & Waffles

BRUNCH

Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse

BURGER

Bites in the Boro

Patterson’s Station 67

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse

CATERER

Honey Catering

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Soyumi Asian Kitchen

CHICKEN WINGS

Wing Maxx

Dingus Magees

A Town Wings

COFFEEHOUSE/TEA, LOCAL

Cool Beanz

Espresso Bar

Three Tree Coffee Roasters

The Daily Grind

COUNTRY COOKING/BUFFETT

Fordham’s Farmhouse

Ralph’s Diner

Ole Times Country Buffett

DONUTS

Daylight Donuts

Krispy Kreme Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts

DRIVE THRU SERVICE

Chick-Fil-A

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse

FRIED CHICKEN

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Beaver House Restaurant

Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Que Place

FRENCH FRIES

Bites in the Boro

Gnat’s Landing

Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Que Place

ICE CREAM/ FROZEN TREATS

Rolling Monkey

Smallcakes

Boro Sno

MAC & CHEESE

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Uncle Shug’s Bar-B-Que Place

Beaver House Restaurant

MEXICAN CUSINE

El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant

El Riconcito

Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina

DID YOU KNOW?

Statesboro boasts over 120 restaurants that range from fine dining to fast food.

A top choice for our readers is Bull and Barrel - offering char-grilled hand-cut steaks and a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails.

OUTDOOR DINING

Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Gnat’s Landing

OVERALL RESTAURANT

Bull & Barrel Steakhouse

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Tandoor & Tap

PIZZA

Tarantino’s (Blue Mile Pizza)

Nonna Picci

Holiday Pizza

SEAFOOD

Ocean Galley Seafood

The Saucy Shrimp

SUSHI

Soyumi Asian Kitchen

Shogun

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

SWEET TREAT

Rolling Monkey

Honey Specialties Cheesecake

Jonny Boy Cookies „

Employers

BOSS

Michelle Lank, Kids World Learning Center

Garrett Clark, Rolling Monkey

Matthew Swafford, BenchMark PT

BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK

Rolling Monkey

The Therapy SPOT

Kids World Learning Center

COMPANY TO WORK FOR Ag South Farm Credit

Forest Heights Pharmacy

BenchMark PT

Entertainment & Leisure

BARTENDER

Garrett Riggleman, Tandoor & Tap

Taylor Rodgers, Soyumi

Kaylie O’Bryant, Patterson’s Station 67

PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY

Rolling Monkey

Southern Pottery & Art Studio

The Clubhouse

SPOT FOR LIVE MUSIC

The Blue Room

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Eagle Creek Brewing Company

COCKTAIL MENU

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Tandoor & Tap

Soyumi Asian Kitchen

DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Tandoor & Tap

Bull & Barrel Steakhouse

Sugar Magnolia Bistro & Bar

PARTY SUPPLY STORE

Boro Balloons

Party Impressions

Party Harbor Inc.

FRIDAY NIGHT IN YOUR 40’S

Vino 1910

Tandoor & Tap

Bull and Barrel Steakhouse

WEDDING VENUE/EVENT VENUE

The Venues at Ogeechee Technical College

Dutch Ford Farm

Hames Hall Wedding & Event Venue

WORK EVENT SPACE

The Venues at Ogeechee Technical College

Bull & Barrel Steakhouse

Vino 1910

PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME

Wild Wing Café

Eagle Creek Brewing Company

Gnat’s Landing

DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANT/PATIO

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Del Sur Taqueria & Cantina

Nonna Picci

Health & Wellness

ASSISTED LIVING/RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Southern Manor Senior Living

Willow Pond Senior Care

The Gardens Senior Living

CHIROPRACTOR

Ryan Family Chiropractic

Dr. Giancarlo Gutierrez

Dr. Kenneth Kitching

COSMETIC OR PLASTIC SURGEON

Statesboro Plastic Surgery

Renewal MD

Georgia Institute of Plastic Surgery

DENTIST

Dr. Jarrett Walden, Southern Family Dental

Dr. Willam C. Finley, Statesboro Dental Associates

Ronald Tosto- Tosto & Associates

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Caroline Callaway, Statesboro Dental Associates

Courtney Oglesby, Southern Family Dental

Kelley Burns, Southern Family Dental

DENTIST OFFICE

Southern Family Dental

Statesboro Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. McGibony & Associates

DERMATOLOGY OFFICE

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

Georgia Skin & Cancer Clinic

EYECARE CENTER/DOCTOR/OPTOMITRIST

Vision Source-Professional Eye Care

Aaron Davidson

Georgia Eye Institute

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

Abide Home Care

Enhabit Home Health

CenterWell Home Health „

HOSPITAL/EMERGENCY SERVICES

East Georgia Regional Medical

Center

Bulloch Co. EMS

LOCAL DRUG STORE/PHARMACY

McCook’s Pharmacy

Forest Heights Pharmacy

Southern Pharmacy

MEDICAL AESTHETICS/SKIN CARE

Refine-Statesboro

Pure Wellness & Spa

Allure MD

MEDICAL PRACITCE/OFFICE

Statesboro Family Practice

Southern Family Medicine

Ogeechee Ob-Gyn

NURSE

Haley Peed

Leanna Cowart, Mama Docs

Maggie Forehand, EGRMC

NURSE PRACTIONER

Jamie Bohler, Ogeechee Ob-Gyn

Alan Skipper

Henry Brower, Statesboro Urgent Care

OB/GYN OFFICE

Ogeechee Ob-Gyn

Southern Ob/Gyn

Statesboro Women’s Health Specialists

PODIATRY OFFICE

Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC

Affinity Foot & Ankle Specialists

ORAL SURGERY

East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery

Statesboro Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Inc.

ORTHODONTIST OFFICE

Wall Orthodontics

Dr. McGibony & Associates

Maginnis Orthodontics

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Optim Pain Management

East Georgia Pain Management

PEDIATRICIAN OFFICE

Mama Doc Pediatircs

Bulloch Pediatrics

East Georgia Pediatrics

PHYSICAL THERAPY OFFICE

Benchmark Physical Therapy

The Therapy SPOT

Optim Physical Therapy

PHYSICIAN (INDIVIDUAL)

Dr. Chelsea Mikell, Ogeechee Ob-Gyn

Dr. Glenn Dasher

Dr. Sreevalli Dega

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Shannon Hall, Ogeechee Ob-Gyn

Brandon Rowland, Georgia Dermatology

Scott Fouch, Statesboro Urgent Care

SPEECH THERAPY

The Therapy SPOT

Word of Mouth Therapy

Coastal Plain Therapy & Wellness

URGENT CARE

Statesboro Urgent Care

South Georgia Immediate Care

Peachtree Immediate Care

Home Services & Finance

APARTMENT COMMUNITY

Greenbriar Apartments

Cottage Row Living

The Hamptons

CARPET CLEANING

Allstar Carpet Care & Restoration

Rainbow International of Statesboro

Servpro

ELECTRICIAN

Neal’s Plumbing & Electric Inc.

Starling Plumbing & Electric

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION-BANK

Renasant Bank

Citizens Bank of the South

Bulloch First

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION-CREDIT

UNION

CORE Credit Union

GeoVista Credit Union

FINANCIAL PLANNER/INVESTMENTS

Carroll Kirkland, Synovus Bank

Jenny Daley, Consolidated Planning

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

FLOOR COVERING STORE

The Warehouse

Plank & Tile

Statesboro Floor Covering

GARDEN CENTER/LANDSCAPING

Southern Scapes Nursery

The Mad Potter

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

COMPANY

Deal’s Heating & Air

JD Heating & Air

Ogeechee Heating & Air

HOME CONTRACTORS/REPAIR/ REMODELING

Tim Durden Construction & Building Design

Boulder Custom Homes

Greg McKenzie Builders

HOME DÉCOR

The Warehouse

Graymont Designs

LA Waters Furniture „

We pride ourselves on the reliability that comes from over five years of building homes in South Georgia. Count on us for a trusting partnership throughout your build. Our company is rooted in family, and focuses on making all clients family.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Bulloch County Parks & Recreation Department is built upon a strong foundation of Athletics offering four seasons of different sports.

Fall — Football, Cheerleading, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Archery

Winter — Basketball, Wrestling, Archery, Tennis

Spring — Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Tumbling, Kickball, Track Meet, Golf, Archery, Tennis & Tennis Camps

Summer —Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis

HOME SECURITY

FEMAC Security Solutions

Southeast Fire & Burgler

GOL Security-Keith Marsh

HOMEBUILDER

Heritage Homes of GA

St. Andrews Builders, Inc.

Boulder Custom Homes

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Summer Hodges, Graymont Designs

Presley Terry, Watersedge Designs

Malinda Lanier, LA Waters

MAID/ JANITORIAL

Fluffy Clean, LLC

Bulloch Janitorial Statesboro Cleaning

MORTGAGE LENDER

Sara McCorckle, Bulloch First

Kelly Kahley, Renasant Bank

Katy Kirby, BankSouth Mortgage

MOVING SERVICES

R & S Packing & Moving, LLC

T & T Moving and Packing

PEST CONTROL

Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control

Deloach Exterminating

PLUMBER

Real Deal Plumbing

Neal’s Plumbing & Electric

Starling Plumbing & Electric

POOL & SPA COMPANY

ASP-America’s Swimming Pool Company

B & M Pool, Spa & Patio

Blue Prism Pools

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Hendley Properties

ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team

PMG Rentals

REAL ESTATE AGENT-RESIDENTIAL

Jessica Herrmann-Great GA Realty

Mandy Lane-ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team

Valerie Thompson-Coldwell Banker Conner Realty

REAL ESTATE AGENT-COMMERCIAL

Everett Kennedy-BHHS Kennedy Realty

Pat Hirsch-ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team

Bubba Hunt-RE/MAX Eagle Creek Realty

REAL ESTATE BROKER

Paul Newman-Statesboro Real Estate

Pat Hirsch-ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team

Jessica Herrmann-Great GA Realty „

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

ERA Hirsch Real Estate Team

BHHS Kennedy Realty

Great GA Realty

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Watersedge Design Company

DPR Architecture

SIDING/WINDOWS/ROOFING COMPANY

Chandler Roofing

American Roofing & Vinyl

Professional Roofing & Solar

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Bulloch Solutions

Vyve Broadband

STORAGE FACILITY

Arrow Storage

All Safe Storage Center

A1 Storage

Kids & Education

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County

Averitt Center for the Arts

Kids World Learning Center

COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

Georgia Southern University

Ogeechee Technical College

East Georgia State College

DAYCARE/ PRESCHOOL

Kids World Learning Center

Pittman Park Education Center Statesboro First United Methodist Preschool & Childcare Ministry

MASCOT

RoMo- Rolling Monkey

GUS the Eagle

Bulloch Academy Gators

PRINCIPAL

Stephanie Compton, Julia P. Bryant Elementary

Julie Mizell, SEB Highschool

Mike Yawn, Brooklet Elementary

TEACHER

Lynn Reeves, Bulloch Academy

Jana Aske, Kids World

Whitney McDuffie

People & Places

AREA ATTRACTION/ FAMILY FUN

Splash in the Boro

Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair

The Clubhouse

COACH

Marci Cochran, SEB High Flag Football

Clay Helton, GSU Football

Rodney Hennon, GSU Baseball

FIRE/EMT/LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Ben Adams, Statesboro Fire Department

Jamey Holloway, Georgia State Patrol

Jeff Smith, EMS

LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN

The Ripleys

Daniel Navarro

Miranda Winter

LOCAL PERSONALITY

Dal Cannady

Win Lee

Adam Tsang

MAN OF THE YEAR

Ben Ross, Forest Heights Pharmacy

Chris Wiggins, Synovus Bank

Benjy Thompson, Development Authority of Bulloch County

LOCAL PRODUCT

Honey Cheesecakes

Life As You Grow

Cork’s Kettle Corn

LOCAL PLACE FOR A SELFIE

Rolling Monkey

Dolan’s Bar B Que

Explore Your Selfie

COMMUNITY IN BULLOCH COUNTY

Brooklet

Nevills

Denmark

NEW LOCAL BUSINESS 2022-2023

Pure Wellness & Spa

Lift As You Grow

Esther’s Place

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Safe Haven

Habitat for Humanity

Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market „

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

Adam Tsang

Mary Michael Logue with May My Designs

Tess Newton

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Mandy Fortune

Jan Tankersley

Pat Hirsch

YOUNG ENTREPRENER

Adam Tsang

AJ Jetwani

Hannah Mims, HM Sweets

Services

ACCOUNTING FIRM

Lanier, Deal & Proctor, CPA’s

Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP

Denmark & Brown PC

ACCOUNTANT, INDIVUDUAL

Christina Young-Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP

Christy Bowen, Southern Accounting

Rick Deal-Lanier, Deal & Proctor, CPA’s

ATTORNEY, INDIVIDUAL

Paige Navarro

Charlie McCook

Francys Johnson

CHURCH OR PLACE OF WORSHIP

Connection Church

First Baptist Church of Statesboro

Statesboro First United Menthodist Church

CUSTOMER SERVICE

McCook’s Pharmacy

Ashley Kirkwood-BenchMark PT

Rolling Monkey

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Southern Pro Staffing

Hire Dynamics

FLORIST

The Florist

The Flowergirl

Funky Flower Lady

FUNERAL HOME

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory

Hill’s Mortuary

Craig R. Tremble Funeral Homes, Inc.

GRAPHIC /DIGITAL DESIGN

Up Market Media

Pioneer Design & Marketing

Davis Marketing Company

INSURANCE AGENT

Clay Boerner-BBWH

Win Lee-Lee, Hill & Johnston

Mitchell Bohler-Brinson, Williams & Groomes

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

For over 20 years, Southern OB/GYN has provided the highest level of service and care to the women of Statesboro and the surrounding area. Our physicians and staff are committed to serving our patients with the outstanding care that they have come to expect and deserve.

Southern OB/GYN understands that the doctor patient relationship is the key in a practice providing optimal care. Since each patient we see is an individual, each patient’s cares, concerns, cares, and worries, are handled on a case by case basis, to ensure their satisfaction. Our practice remains solid and unified group due to our commitment to providing the best medical care through strong values and a common goal.

Jenny Coulter, FNP-C •Summer Strickland, NP James L. Hiller, M.D., F.A.C.O.G • Jennifer Williamson, PA-C

LAW FIRM

Hall & Navarro

Stafford Law Group

Davis, Bozeman, Johnson Law

MARKETING AGENCY

Up Market Media

Davis Marketing Company

The Marketing Department

NON-PROFIT

Lift As You Grow

Fixing the Boro

Open Hearts Communuty Mission

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ashley Broadie

Photography

Lori Grice Photography

ART Photography

PLACE TO BUY

FARM EQUIPMENT

Shea Tractor & Equipment

Blanchard Equipment

Georgia Equipment

VETERINARIAN

Dr. Gary Edwards,

Gateway Animal Hospital

Dr. Barry Wolfe, University Animal Hospital

Dr. Andy Lee, Westside Veternary Clinic

Shopping

ANTIQUE STORE

Charlie’s Funky Junk Shop

Orchid Antiques & Gifts

Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet

APPLIANCE STORE

Statesboro Appliance Center

United Appliances & Furniture

KIDS’ CLOTHES

Max & Molly Children’s Boutique

Walker Pharmacy-Little Doses

Miracle Children’s Boutique

CONSIGNMENT STORE

Material Girl

3 Beau’s & a Belle

Madame Couture

FURNITURE STORE

LA Waters Furniture & Mattress Center

The Warehouse

Deal’s Furniture & Mattress Outlet

GAME DAY APPAREL

Southern Exchange Company

University Store True GSU

GIFT STORE

Forest Heights Pharmacy

Honey Specialties

Walker Pharmacy

JEWELRY STORE

Bernard’s Jewelers

Treasure Box at Statesboro Mall

LOCAL STORE ONLINE SHOPPING/APP

Jaxe + Grace Boutique

Dish & Lily Boutique

Posh Boutique

MEN’S CLOTHING/FORMAL WEAR

The Sir Shop

RJ Pope Men & Ladies Apparel

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DEALER

Statesboro Yamaha

Statesboro Power Sports

Statesboro Golf Carts

LADIES FASHION/BOUTIQUE

Bleu Blush Boutique

Dish & Lily Boutique

Jaxe & Grace Boutique

SPORTING GOODS STORE

TC Outdoors

Anderson General Store

Bowtreader „

DID YOU KNOW?

You’ll find the most delicious and fresh food available at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market! Produce, meat, cheese, and eggs are brought to you straight from local family farms. While you’re there, browse unique, handcrafted items while enjoying fresh coffee or homemade lemonade and live music.

The Main Street Farmers Market will reopen Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the new facility behind the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and operate there each Saturday morning, from 9:00 to 12:30, through November 18, 2023.

Dont forget to check out the Statesboro Market2Go!

Vehicle Dealers & Services

AUTO BODY/COLLISION

Preferred Collision Center

Joe Hudson’s Collision Center

AUTO DEALER- NEW VEHICLES

Franklin Toyota

Vaden Nissan

Jimmy Britt-Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram

AUTO DEALER- PREVIOUSLY OWNED VEHICLES

Franklin Chevrolet Buick GMC

Jarrard Pre-owned Vehicles

JC Lewis Ford

AUTO GLASS REPAIR

Rick’s Glass Company

Total Tire & Auto Care of Statesboro

AUTO SERVICE/REPAIR

D&R Intensive Car Care

University Tire & Service Center, Inc.

Statseboro Tire & Brake

OIL CHANGE

D&R Intensive Car Care

University Tire & Service Center, Inc.

Express Tune & Lube

TIRE CENTER

D&R Intensive Car Care

Cotton’s Tire Statesboro Tire & Brake S

Rolling Monkey

WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

There’s something extra sweet about a business that’s the winner of six Most Fabulous awards. Rolling Monkey is Statesboro Magazine’s Most Fabulous Ice Cream/Frozen Treat, Sweet Treat, Place to Have a Birthday Party, Place to Take a Selfie, Business that Gives Back, and Mascot, RoMo. Rolling Monkey is a finalist for Most Fabulous Customer Service, and Most Fabulous Boss in Garrett Clark. With so many wins, we had to find out what makes Rolling Monkey so Fabulous!

It’s the unlikely combination of Christian values, engineering principles, and Eastern philosophy. An inspiring work culture that permeates the way Rolling Monkey does business.

“Putting people first is the way to build a business,” said Garrett. “Whether you’re pouring into your employees or serving your customers, you must reach for the best possible outcome. We make it our mission to unlock the potential in all our employees, providing them with a workplace in which they can develop their best skills, experience joy in their work; which reaches in an impactful way the customers they serve, and the community.”

The Clark’s way of doing business is founded in the Christian faith, based on the Truth found in the Gospel, first and foremost.

“We approach everything from that perspective,” said Garrett. “Being partners in our marriage, being good parents, being good stewards, mentoring our employees, every aspect of creating our business is founded in our faith.”

Garrett builds upon that foundation by drawing from his experience working as a civil engineer for companies like Mitsubishi Power Systems

of America and JTEKT North America in Sylvania, companies which incorporate Eastern ideals into plant production.

"“Ikigai (ee-key-guy) is the Japanese concept defined as a reason for being, or the thing that gets you up in the morning,” said Garrett. This appealed to the entrepreneur who was searching for meaning in the workplace beyond a paycheck.

“You have reached Ikigai when you have found your purpose and it meets four components: you’re doing something you’re good at, that you love, you receive compensation for your work, and your work gives back to the community,” said Garrett.

While value stream mapping complex production systems at his engineering jobs, Garrett discovered the most critical gap in performance and production was in how the systems related to people/employees, the company’s most valuable assets.

“I could envision the model that incorporated a deeper level of personal fulfillment for the employee and I wanted to work on developing it,” said Garrett.

After graduating from Georgia Southern with a special degree Education, Meagan started „

Our vision is to change the way businesses do business. We want to leverage our employees’ talents by allowing them to do what they are good at doing

Meagan Clark

teaching elementary school in Effingham County.

“We had both achieved our primary goals within our respective fields,” said Meagan. “But we both felt that together, we could accomplish so much more.”

The couple put their ideas about personal fulfillment, job satisfaction and community outreach to work, when they stepped out on faith to start Rolling Monkey in 2018.

“At first we were going to call it Cold Roll Creamery,” said Garrett. “Using the initials of our son, Connor Riley Clark (16). But our market research showed that the name wasn’t particularly appealing. We tossed around ideas and in the process, we realized that we often referred to Connor as ‘Monkey Man,’ so Rolling Monkey it became!”

“Garrett is the real visionary,” said Meagan. “He can solve complex problems, find the most efficient way to operate, develop business strategies, and create and design things.”

The interior of the shop in Southern Square Shopping Center was Garrett’s design. It has trees constructed from two by fours that have branches stretching across the ceiling. There are swinging chairs, half-booths and high-top tables, with plenty of lighted Rolling Monkey logo signs to accommodate social media selfies. Customers form a line and get to watch employees creating the rolled ice cream treats from 12 regular menu choices accented by unlimited toppings.

“We knew when we started that we would be different,” said Meagan. “Our vision is to change the way businesses do business. We want to leverage our employees’ talents by allowing them to do what they are good at doing or what they love doing and nurturing those skills within our company.”

“Unlocking their potential achieves a triple win,” said Garrett. “Joy-filled employees, inspired communities and legacy partners. It’s a business model that we believe we can replicate.”

Garrett & Meagan quickly outgrew the office space at Rolling Monkey and in searching for new accommodations they discovered Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group in downtown Statesboro.

If you see the Rolling Monkey trailer outside the BIG campus downtown, now you know why. While working from their new office space, Garrett started brainstorming ways to add value to the Business Innovation Group’s offerings. He was instrumental in the development of the Learning Management System (LMS), a self-paced system utilized by entrepreneurs to achieve business development goals, and the BIGx accelerator, a peer-to-peer advisory group that meets monthly to support each other and problem solve. The Clarks have also been asked to share their revolutionary business principles with other BIG entrepreneurs.

“At Rolling Monkey, we create to inspire,” said Garrett. “Our vision is to change the way retail businesses do business by unlocking the potential in people. We aim to develop and showcase people-first business models that deliver the win-win. A model that brings the best in people out so that they can be fulfilled and have a positive impact in their community, wherever they serve.” S

MOST FABULOUS BREAKFAST!

Adam Tsang

WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

If you look for Adam Tsang, chances are you will find him on the cutting edge of things. Tsang likes to be in touch with the latest and greatest next thing on the horizon. He’s a marketing phenom with the instincts to look for popular trends and then take risks in incorporating them into the business plans for his restaurants and his popular podcasts.

This razor-sharp business acumen has earned him multiple titles in the 2023 Fabulist: Most Fabulous Asian Cuisine, Most Fabulous Sushi, Most

Fabulous Social Media Influencer, and Most Fabulous Young Entrepreneur. Tsang was also a finalist in multiple categories: Caterer & Date Night Restaurant, Most Fabulous Seafood, and Most Fabulous Local Personality.

“I love to be on the leading edge of things,” said Tsang. “Small towns provide the best opportunity for entrepreneurs. There’s a gap between what’s happening in the big cities and what filters down to small towns. Statesboro has changed a lot over the years and it’s exciting to be a part of new and existing projects.”

Tsang grew up in Statesboro and attended Marvin Pittman School. He graduated from Statesboro High School and left for college in California. At U.C. Irvine, he earned a degree in Computer Sciences.

“I came back in 2014,” said Tsang. “I felt the restaurant (The Boiling Shrimp) was a great place to work on my entrepreneurial spins. We were blessed to make it through COVID.”

Tsang’s parents Jean Hsu and Charles Tsang have long ties to Statesboro having been associated with the Peking Chinese restaurant located where the Bulloch County offices now stand on North Main Street.

“I am grateful to my parents for providing support and the opportunity for success,” said Tsang. “All I do is because of them. They provided a phenomenal foundation on which to grow.”

Tsang is quick to give credit for his many wins to his family and his work family. „

“It’s not me,” said Tsang. “It’s the team behind me.”

Currently, Tsang has a hand in several local enterprises. He is owner of The Saucy Shrimp (formerly The Boiling Shrimp) restaurant and Soyumi Asian Kitchen. He is a partner in Blue Mile Liquor & Spirits, locating in the old Midtown Bar building on South Main. And, he is a partner in Two Fly Guys Media Production and Pep Public Relations (PepPR).

Through Tsang’s media production company, he produces a podcast, “U Know Adam Tsang” (which not by accident sounds like ‘You know what I’m saying” when spoken), and uses it to not only promote his businesses, but the businesses of his neighbors.

“I’m all about giving back,” said Tsang. “I want to help lift up everyone. And I can do that through my podcast. I invite other local entrepreneurs to have a conversation with me about their business and ideas for investing in Statesboro.”

Tsang also likes to give back to the community by volunteering and serving on local boards such as “Dancing with the Statesboro Stars,” the annual Safe Haven fundraiser. Tsang has performed twice in the danceoff, and each year holds the afterparty at Soyumi for the cast and sponsors of the event.

“Giving back to the community is an important way to stay connected,” said Tsang. “We’ve done philanthropic projects with the Humane Society and others. We’re holding two American Red Cross blood drives at The Saucy Shrimp and Soyumi on March 6th and 7th from Noon until 5:00 p.m. Creating a little friendly competition with the goal of helping with the critical call for blood donations.”

Tsang finds great value in pouring into everything he does.

My favorite thing is being able to develop talent.

Adam Tsang

"

“I love the game of entrepreneurship,” he said. “For me it’s about the journey versus the angle. It’s not always about the money. It’s about working hard and having an impact. I hate to see people who don’t enjoy their work. If you are doing something that you don’t enjoy, find something that you do enjoy. You have to have a good balance.”

For Tsang, much of the enjoyment comes from spending time thinking about new ideas.

“I’ll see a new idea; I’ll see someone doing it,” said Tsang. “Then I will watch it develop to see if it has muscle. That will validate it for me.”

Tsang’s favorite thing to invest in is his workers.

“I love it all,” he said. “But my favorite thing is being able to develop talent. At the core, we all do the same thing – offer service in exchange for money. It’s how we go about doing this that makes us different. Mentoring young people about giving great service, working hard, developing ideas and giving back to the community is the best.”

Running his many businesses and investing in his workforce brings Tsang’s greatest challenge. Time.

“You always have the most of everything, except time,” said Tsang. “You have to become the most efficient with the time you have.”

And that’s his secret sauce.

“I’m always available,” said Tsang. “Any business equals the people behind it. The team is very important. And timing is important. Sometimes you have to wait for the right market conditions.”

And that’s something Tsang is always on top of. If he’s not waiting for the right market conditions, he’s moving things forward by creating excitement and bringing attention to the latest and greatest next big thing. Mixing in those big city ideas with a touch of small-town charm, creating his Most Fabulous recipe for success. S

Anna & Lee WATERS

Bride’s full name: Anna Lee Snooks Waters

Groom’s full name: Lee Powell Waters

Where you reside: Brooklet, Georgia

Where you both work: Groom works at L.A. Waters Furniture, Bride works as a Registered Nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Savannah

Date of Wedding: December 3, 2022

Wedding Location/Venue:

Ceremony: Statesboro First United Methodist Church

Reception: Ogeechee Technical CollegeJack Hill Building

Rehearsal Dinner Location/Venue: Statesboro Farmers Market

Minister: Rev. Dr. Scott Hagan, Rev. Dr. Robert LeFavi

Dress Shop: J’Adore Bridal

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero Designs

Tuxedo Rental/Purchase: The Sir Shop

Wedding Colors:

Emerald/Forest Green, whites and creams

Stylists: Bridal Hair:

Jessica Hutcheson (30 Volume)

Bridal Make-up:

Abbigail Eubanks (Altogether Beauty)

Photographer(s): Mark Williams Studio

(Videographer: Paros Films)

Wedding Cake: Cathy Black

Groom’s Cake: Honey Catering (cheesecakes instead of cake) „

Caterers:

Rehearsal Dinner: Honey Catering Wedding: Honey Catering

Musicians:

Rehearsal Dinner: Miranda Winter

Ceremony: Jackson Borges (organist and pianist), Taylor Yarbrough (trumpet soloist), Brandi Harvey (soloist)

Reception: The Voltage Brothers (band); Tommy McMillan (pianist during cocktail hour)

Florist, Designer & Decorator: James Carlson and staff at Carlson and Co.

Wedding Director(s): Jeanne Anne Marsh

Reception Location: Ogeechee Technical College Jack Hill Building

Honeymoon Location: Punta Cana

Parents:

Bride: Mr. Steven Snooks and Mrs. Harriett Snooks

Groom: Mr. Loy Anthony Waters III and Mrs. Sally Waters

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

My bridal bouquet had a beautiful pendant with a blue charm for my “something blue” and a photo of my grandfather that passed away. I was very close to him, so this was very sentimental and special to me. My maid of honor gifted me this the morning of the wedding.

We also did a memorial table for all of our immediate family members that have passed and were not with us. This was also very special to look at, and we were so happy we were able to incorporate this into our special day. S

Ramsey & Loy WATERS

Bride’s full name: Ramsey Editha Rigdon Waters

Groom’s full name: Loy Anthony Waters, IV

Where you reside: Statesboro, Georgia

Where you both work: Ramsey - Connection Church, Loy - L.A. Waters Furniture

Date of Wedding: October 29, 2022

Wedding Location/Venue: Statesboro First United Methodist Church

Rehearsal Dinner Location/Venue: Gene Bishop Field House at Georgia Southern

Minister: Reverend Brandon Williams

Dress Shop: J’Adore Bridal

Dress Designer: Justin Alexander

Tuxedo Rental/Purchase: R.J. Pope

Wedding Colors: White, creams, neutrals

Stylists: Hair: Maika Weathers

Make-up: Beauty Babes ATL

Photographer(s): Mark Williams Studio for photography, Lindsey and Ryan Callahan from Paros Films for videography

Wedding Cake: Sugar Doll’s Kitchen (vanilla and strawberry layered cake)

Groom’s Cake: Sugar Doll’s Kitchen (cookie butter cake)

Caterers:

Rehearsal Dinner: Blue Mile Catering

Wedding: Ricky Patrick from Metter „

Musicians: Rehearsal Dinner: Miranda Winter Ceremony: Rachel Wiggins, soloist and Tommy McMillan, organist Reception: Right to Party band

Florist, Designer & Decorator: Ceremony flowers - Terri Reeves, Reception Decorator and Florist - Luella Floral from Dublin, GA

Wedding Director(s): Wedding Planner - Adeana Mann, Wedding Ceremony Director - Jeanne Anne Marsh

Reception Location: Main Street Farmer’s Market

Honeymoon Location: Sandals Grenada

Wedding Theme: Romantic Tuscany-inspired theme - olive leaves/trees, all white flowers, candles

Parents:

Bride: Steven and Tina Rigdon from Metter Groom: Loy “Anthony” and Sally Waters (III) from Statesboro

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

Loy was the ringbearer in Brandon’s wedding exactly 29 years and a couple weeks from our wedding date.

Candles were lit in the narthex of the Church in honor of the groom’s maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lee Powell, Sr. and two uncles, Mr. Herbert Lee Powell, Jr. and Dr. Hudson John Powell, Sr.

The bride carried a handkerchief given to her by her mom, which she carried on her wedding day. It was embroidered with her parents’ names and wedding date, and now has Ramsey and Loy’s also.

The groom’s fraternity, Sigma Chi, sang The Sigma Chi Sweetheart Song to the bride.

Friends of the bride and groom, Tara and Jase Brooks, read Psalm 145 to begin the ceremony in worship.

The bridal party arrived to the reception on the Seventh Mile Farm trolley.

The Gene Bishop Field House was special to the bride and groom, but the groom especially as he played football at Georgia Southern, just like his great-grandfather Loy A. Waters, Sr., who is in the GS Hall of Fame that is listed in the Gene Bishop building.

The last farmer’s market of the season was on the morning of the wedding, so that is why a second decorator (Luella) was hired to get that completed in the time crunch. We had 5 hours from the end of the Farmers Market clean up to the beginning of the wedding! S

Egg Entrepreneurs

WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY

Owning chickens is forecasted to become the next big fad. Eggs have more than doubled in price at supermarkets across the country and people are getting their feathers ruffled! My Facebook feed is filled with folks going berserk about the rising price of eggs, even going as far as threatening to dye potatoes in place of Easter eggs this spring. Considering the current hoopla over what was once an economical grocery staple, I suggest finding an alternate route. Surely, there are more pocketbook friendly options, and they don’t include becoming a chicken farmer. I happen to know a young man who has cornered the secondary egg market!

One of the most exciting parts of growing older is watching your friends have little versions of themselves. I think all parents hope and pray their kids are wiser, smarter, and kinder. My lifelong friend, Tiffany gave me the best birthday gift ever on April 14th, 2010. Her first son, Parks was born on my birthday! Boy was I proud!! Watching Parks grow has been a joy. Recently Parks has turned a family hobby into a full-fledged business.

Parks’ daddy, Bry dabbled in raising chickens and eggs for a couple of years. Once Bry realized Parks’ passion for poultry he brought him under his wing. Parks took an egg candling class and his mom helped him procure the proper licensing to sell his eggs to the public. “Across the River Eggs” was born! Parks’ chickens produce 6 dozen eggs a day. Many people see this number and see dollar signs. Parks sees the future! He keeps a ledger and knows down to the pound and penny: production costs, pricing, feed bills, and profits. Parks was encouraged to turn something recreational into a school project and lucrative business by Jenkins County Middle School Ag teacher, Carmen Bennett. Mrs. Bennett saw the potential for a budding business and the beginning of an FFA project.

Parks doesn’t do all the work alone. That’s where his brother, Porter and baby sister, Ella fall into the family business. The sibling trio are not afraid of hard work. Nothing goes to waste. The kids have found even chicken manure is a marketable product. The kids’ drive and work ethic are encouraged by their parents, grandparents, and customers. Bry built a state-of-the-art chicken coop, nesting boxes, and is tripling their flock this coming year! Grandparents, Bunny and Brenda, help deliver eggs and check on things while everyone is at work and school. Tiffany oversees social media posts, formulating recipes, and marketing. It takes a village!

Parks’ grandmother, Brenda, is one of the best cooks I know. I spent many a night at the Johnson home. Mrs. Brenda could always be found in the kitchen cooking biscuits, cakes, homemade bread, vegetable soup, and pickles! Her home was always filled with wonderful smells and the laughter of family and friends. She gladly shared her egg custard recipe. It’s Mr. Bunny’s favorite!

Tiffany and I cheered together in high school and quickly bonded over our love for food. Twenty-five years later our conversations often gravitate to food and our text message threads are peppered with pictures of dishes we want to show off. I have included Tiff’s homemade pasta recipe. The rich orange yolks from their eggs give the pasta a golden tint. Once you make homemade pasta it’s hard to go back to the boxed version. I suggest investing in a Kitchen Aid mixer with a pasta attachment if you plan to make pasta night a staple at your home.

TIFF’S HOMEMADE PASTA

INGREDIENTS:

3 Large Eggs

1 Egg Yolk

2 c. Semolina Flour

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Olive Oil

PREPARATION:

Mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and crack the eggs into the well. Add olive oil. Begin mixing by gently folding in the flour from the outside of the well to the center using a fork. The mixture will be wet and messy but keep working until all of the ingredients are combined. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. This is where your KitchenAid mixer comes in very handy! Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 1 hour. Roll the pasta to 1 mm thickness with a rolling pin or a pasta attachment. Cut into ¼ inch strips. Drop into boiling salted water and cook until tender.

ALFREDO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1 stick Butter

4 cloves Garlic

1 1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

¼ c Heavy Cream

Salt and Pepper to taste

PREPARATION:

Sauté garlic in melted butter. Add heavy cream and Parmesan and cook until thickened. Serve over freshly cooked pasta.

A FEW HELPFUL HINTS FOR RAISING CHICKENS:

You don’t have to have a rooster to have eggs. Just feed laying-mash or laying feed to your adult hens.

Be consistent with water and feed. Happy chickens lay more eggs!

Give your girls a treat: mealworms, kernel corn, sunflower seeds, fresh herbs, pumpkin, and watermelon are favorites of my flock.

Adult chickens don’t need a heat source in cold weather. Chicks need a heat lamp until 4-6 weeks of age.

A coop that is clean and large enough for your flock is essential. Nesting boxes need fresh bedding.

Chickens produce better in a non-stressful environment that is maintained.

I received chicks for my birthday last April. My husband finally surrendered and had a simple coop built with 5 nesting boxes. It was the perfect surprise! We started out with 24 chicks from our local feed and seed. Rhode Island Reds, Golden Comets, and Plymouth Rocks make up my flock. We quickly learned that an automatic feeder and waterer are a MUST for raising chickens. My flock started laying eggs late summer 2022 and I was not prepared for the large quantity of eggs that kept appearing in the nesting boxes each day. 150 eggs a week!! I had eggs in bowls, baskets, platters, cartons, and even in the cupholders of my car. I cooked quiche, pound cake, scrambled eggs, deviled eggs, and any other egg rich recipe you can imagine. I was still literally overflowing with eggs! I ended up selling all but seven chickens to good homes. Seven is a much more manageable number for me and I still have eggs to give away to family and friends.

Nothing is more aesthetically pleasing than an antique stoneware bowl filled with eggs resting on my kitchen counter. I love the rich creams and browns of the eggshells. Some are speckled with lighter hues. Each egg is different. Its own work of art. My next goal is to procure some “fancy” chickens. Bry is ordering a few Americana chicks this spring. Americanas are referred to as “Easter Eggers “due to their bright colors. I can’t wait to add their blue/green eggs to my Easter baskets! It’s good to have friends in the chicken business! S

BRENDA’S EGG CUSTARD PIE

INGREDIENTS:

5 Eggs

2 c. Milk

¾ c. Sugar

½ c. Self-Rising Flour

½ stick Butter (melted)

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 c. Grated coconut (optional)

PREPARATION:

Whisk ingredients

until smooth and pour into a greased Pyrex pie plate. Bake at 350˚ for 40 minutes. Cool and serve. (Add 1 c. grated Coconut to make a Coconut Custard Pie).

Top Ten Things To Do While Waiting For Spring

WRITTEN BY CAROLYN ALTMAN

FINAL PRUNING.

Sneak in your last bit of structural pruning before the sap starts to flow. To minimize trauma to trees and shrubs, prune while dormant. Remember that the plant will need enough leaves to feed itself during the growing season, so limit pruning to no more than ⅓ at a time. If you want flowers, avoid pruning off branches with buds.

CUT BACK GRASSES AND PERENNIALS.

You can leave brown leaves for winter interest and wildlife habitat, but cut them back as soon as you see green shoots coming up so that you won’t end up with straggly dead fronds mixed into new growth.

SHARPEN YOUR TOOLS.

If you don’t know how to do this, take them to someone who does. It’s worth the money. You should have already oiled what needs to be oiled to prevent rust over the winter, but if your chain saw chain needs attention, take care of it now.

CONSIDER ELECTRIC TOOLS.

Think about replacing gas tools with electric, which are far better for the environment and are on the whole far easier to use. For most gardeners, it is far more pleasant to work cord free with lighter tools. It is also wonderful to not have to siphon, funnel, or inhale gas.

PREPARE YOUR POTS.

Scrub your pots so they are ready when you are all excited from your trip to the plant sale and come home ready to plant. Soak them in 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for half an hour to sterilize them. You don’t want to start

out the season with the horticultural handicap of last year’s problems.

GARDEN ROAD TRIPS.

Get out of the house and visit some gardens. There is always something interesting at a garden, and you can learn a lot about grouping and growing habits by visiting the pros. We are lucky to have the many diverse plants of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University to visit for ideas, and there are others throughout the state. Make a day trip and be inspired. Google for possibilities and check online for hours. If you are a member at the Sustainer Level of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern, you will receive free or reduced admission at over 300 gardens around the country, including the Atlanta Botanic Garden.

SPRING PLANT SALES.

Join a garden and get first crack at the spring plant sales, in addition to other benefits. Most gardens have unique plants not available from big box retailers, and your sales help support the gardens. The extremely popular plant sale at the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University is March 31st for members only, April 1st and 2nd for everyone else. Visit georgiasouthern.edu/garden a few weeks before the sale to scope out the available plants and extensive information about them that will aid in your planning.

JOIN A GARDEN CLUB.

Garden clubs are a wonderful Georgia tradition, and a great way to learn about gardening while making plant-loving friends. Call 912-8715666, leave a message, and Susan will call you back with information about garden clubs in Bulloch County.

SPEND TIME IN YOUR GARDEN.

Take a lawn chair and a lap blanket out and just sit. Notice where the birds hang out, and where the sun lingers. Move your chair to a part of the yard you never visit and see what calls your attention there. Try not to get up to work, but just pay attention and feel out what your garden needs. Then, if you must, get up and just remove a few of those weeds before they take S

COMPOST.

Figure out how you are going to compost, if you don’t already. We are lucky that things decay quickly in our region. You can find an out of the way place and just pile on your yard waste and too-far-gone produce from your fridge, as long as there are no fats. Basically, if it came from a plant, it’s no different than the leaves and acorns in your yard and it can be composted. Turn the pile now and then, and enjoy the occasional surprises. I once had a bumper crop of acorn squash that grew from an unredeemable squash I’d composted. Even if you don’t put the good compost that results to work in your garden, you are returning nutrients to the earth and not adding to our environmental woes. If you’d like, there are plenty of composting bins and systems available.

Seasons of Suffering

WRITTEN BY REV. DR. JOHN WATERS

According to popular Christian author Max Lucado, “A season of suffering is a small price to pay for a clear view of God.”1 It doesn’t take long in life to encounter a season of suffering, as the flowers of heartache and hardship spring up regularly in our family, health, and personal lives.

But do dark seasons and difficult moments really give us a clearer picture of God? And have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people?

A quick observation of life quickly shows us that people who deserve suffering the least often encounter it the most. Good and godly people face trials and hardships that are unexplainable, and our minds search aimlessly for answers, like grasping for the wind.

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus’s disciples saw the man who was blind from birth, their question reflected their lack of understanding about pain and suffering. “Who sinned,” they asked, “this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

Jesus responds that the blindness of the man was the result neither of his sin nor of his parents, “but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” After he spits on the ground, Jesus mysteriously makes clay with the saliva and rubs it on the eyes of the blind man, who then goes to the pool of Siloam to wash and receive his sight.

More than a magic trick, this miracle was an opportunity for Jesus to reveal the greatness and glory of God, during hardship and suffering. The healed man became a walking and witnessing testimony of Jesus’s power, even responding to the Pharisees’ doubts later by declaring, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing

I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

In this simple but profound story, Jesus is teaching why sometimes God allows suffering. The longstanding question of why a good God would allow bad things to happen is puzzling to us, and the tension it causes it not easily resolved. But pain is often a place for God to exhibit his power and grace, so that we become living testimonies of those who trust unreservedly in the Lord, regardless of circumstances.

Like a diamond made more brilliant by viewing it against a dark velvet pad, the beauty of God’s sustaining grace shines more brightly in the dark places of pain. Low valleys and difficult moments are unwanted places for any of us, but we learn to trust God in those places more than we do on the mountain tops.

As you journey through pain, your life becomes a story of God’s strength, presence, and unfailing love. The broken and wounded places of your life become scars that remind people of God’s sufficiency. As one Christian author wrote, “Like the spine of a good book, scars, by their very nature, imply there’s a story to tell.”2

None of us desires to walk through the scars and brokenness of pain, but our time of suffering becomes a canvas upon which God can paint a beautiful portrait of his sufficiency and grace. Our sovereign God permits pain and hardship, but he sees things we do not see and knows things we do not know. He does not give us answers, but he gives us himself.

David, the shepherd boy who became king, knew this when writing his famous Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me.” We would do well to remember the pithy phrase: If God leads you to the valley, he will lead you through the valley, too. During the dark, difficult valleys of life, we find that God himself is leading and guiding us.

Seasons of suffering are times to listen and learn from God, leaning upon his goodness and promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. We learn things about God during pain we simply cannot learn any place else. We see his beauty, and we feel his strength. His grace shines brightly, and his promises never fail.

I think Max Lucado is correct: A season of suffering is a small price to pay for a clear view of God. S

Max Lucado, It’s Not about Me, 2004 2Sharon Jaynes, Your Scars Are Beautiful to God, 2006

I’m A Teacher!

WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES

It’s Friday night. Late.

The convenience store is crowded: kids are on their way home from dates; mill workers stop for a cake and a pint of milk.

Ice box doors pop open as customers reach in for cool canned goods. Someone puts the finishing touches on a hot dog. Two teenagers idle with comic books. And the lonely stand around watching the others.

Holding it all together is a medium age, well-built man behind the counter, working the midnight shift. His voice choreographs the crowd: “Who’s next?”, “Will that be all?” His fingers fly across the register. Brown bags are opened with a snap and soon another customer leaves for the night and the outside.

The store empties.

The clerk pauses and takes a long drag from a cigarette. “Ever afraid of being held up?” I asked. He smiled back. “If that kind of stuff worries you, don’t work here. No time to think about it. When I get here at eleven there’s plenty to keep me busy. I just look up and try to be friendly when someone walks in.”

“It’s an all-right job. It gives me the better part of the summer days to be with my son. When I get home in the morning. I take a shower, eat breakfast, and then he and I go play tennis. Later my wife and I might drive him into Savannah to shop.

“I sleep in the afternoon.”

This is the man’s summer employment. This is what he does five nights a week. It helps pay for his kid’s tennis lessons. “He’s really getting good. I’m proud of him. Hope he can play on the high school team. I want him into some kind of sport.”

“My wife has had some problems with her health. Hospital bills can mount up. It takes a lot.”

Another customer comes in. The transaction is handled. The conversation is picked up easily.

“By the way, I’m a school teacher.”

“So, if it gets slow, I’ll study some. I have to recertify myself next year. They won’t let you teach unless you go back every three years and take at least ten hours in your major field.”

From September to June, he teaches in a rural county school near Savannah. “I get a great deal of satisfaction from it. I feel I’m doing something important. My field is sociology and anthropology. The kids are really something. I work hard every day at closing the generation gap. We adults need to keep that in mind. Too many times we think it’s just the kids’ problems. It isn’t. Believe me!”

He pulls the long midnight shift through the summer months to make ends meet. Occasionally during the nine months He’s teaching he’ll work a Saturday or Sunday night. He does it because this country still doesn’t pay teachers enough to live on, especially men with families.

He doesn’t want to be a banker. He tried that. He wants to teach. He affords being a teacher by working summer nights and being with his wife and son during the day.

It was three in the morning when we finished talking. I told him I was impressed. He smiled and said, “We’ll make it.”

He will too. S

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