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from the editor
T
his year will be an exciting one for Statesboro Magazine. With the March/April issue, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary as Statesboro’s leading quality of life publication, and the 10th Anniversary of our Fabulist! We’re so excited, we’re starting the year off right with some great stories about Economic Development in our area, but especially in Statesboro, where there is a boon of new businesses which have opened in the past year, and which are opening in 2024. One new business which just opened is The Collective & Vine. I sat down with entrepreneur Maria Proctor, (our cover girl!), who has owned stores in Statesboro for 12 years, to find out the secret to her success. She has invited area artisans, artists, Georgia Grown producers, fashionistas, and purveyors of gifts & accessories to join her in a new and innovative retail setting, where you can find locally produced homemade and handmade creations. Read all about her new concept in Retail Retell. We also talked to City Manager Charles Penny about all the new growth coming to our area and to get an update on how the City is addressing the growth in the areas of housing, infrastructure, business recruitment, transportation and amenities for residents. Get an overview of what’s going on in Great Things Coming our Way, starting on page 32. The City invites citizens to offer input on Statesboro’s Comprehensive Plan for the future at two 4:00 p.m. meetings this year: January 10th at the Honey Bowen Building on Fair Road, and February 13th at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. There are so many new businesses that opened in Statesboro in 2023 and so many more coming in 2024 that it’s hard to keep up! We made a list for you, so you’ll know where they’re all located to make it easy for you to find that perfect outfit, discover a new favorite restaurant or get an IV if you need one. Find a guide to all that’s new in Everybody’s Business beginning on page 42. With so much growth happening, it already feels like the party has started! So, after you’ve read all about the new Statesboro, go ahead and save the date for Statesboro Magazine’s 25th Anniversary & Fabulist party, it’s March 7th. We’ll send you a special invitation closer to the date. But the way things are going, feel free to go ahead and pop the champagne!
Jenny Foss, Editor
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contributors
Ric Mandes ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000
Jenny Starling Foss Editor
Joe McGlamery Publisher
Melanie Schmermund Senior Creative Director
Mindy Boyette
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.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Frank Fortune Contributing Photographer Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: abrown@StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 One Herald Square, Statesboro, GA 30459 Statesboro, GA 30458 p: 912.489.2181 f: 912.489.8613
ABOUT THE COVER We caught up with super entrepreneur Maria Proctor to find out about her innovative way of reinventing retail. She has formed a consortium of artisans, artists, fashionistas, Georgia Grown producers and purveyors of specialty items to form a new store concept, Collective & Vine, located on West Main. She’s captured here welcoming shoppers by award winning photographer Frank Fortune. #TheFortuneImage.
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.
WE LIVE HERE
Virginia Anne Franklin Waters Virginia Anne Franklin Waters is a fourth generation Bulloch Countian and loves all things about her hometown of Statesboro. She graduated from UGA and is a CPA. She spent her career in the hospitality industry. Her passions include entertaining friends at home and working in her gardens. Virginia Anne enjoys everything Gardening—planting seeds, arranging flowers, using raised beds, protecting native plants, propagating camellias and even pulling weeds. She has been a member of the Sprig-N-Dig Federated Garden Club since 1985. Virginia Anne has served on numerous philanthropic boards in our community and is currently the Executive Director of the Bulloch County Historical Society.
Doy Cave From Eagle Nation is a column brought to you by Georgia Southern University, where we cherish our place in the larger Statesboro community. In each issue, we hope to bring interesting and informative stories to the readers of Statesboro Magazine. Doy Cave is the Marketing Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University, and resides with his family in Statesboro.
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.
January/February 2024
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HUNTER
M C C U M B E R
2015
was a year of big change special publications including the Bulloch County Board at Statesboro Magazine. of Education’s Annual Report (Included in the July/August Reagan Daly joined issue), and EGRMC’s Physicians Guide (Included in our us as General Manager to oversee overall operations, our May/June issue). For three years he designed Georgia long-time graphic designer Melanie Schmermund left us Southern’s gameday football program, FLIGHT, which was to design community publications for another company, then published by us. and we hired Hunter McCumber, a shy-until-he-gets-toIn early December of 2023, Tanner called me with the know-you kind of guy, to replace Melanie. very sad news that Hunter had passed away. He celebrated At the time, Hunter was in his 20s just his 32nd birthday on Friday, and left us starting out in the world of graphic design. unexpectedly on Saturday. We were devastated. He had been building ads for our sister Our co-worker was so much more. He was also company, The Statesboro Herald. Founder our amazing friend, and my right hand. of MOMents Magazine, Reagan had worked In addition to his incredible talent, Hunter I see the with Hunter and believed in his talent had a great personality with a keen wit, always world as an and skills, opting to bring him on board ready to laugh. With his boundless energy, he at Statesboro Magazine as Artistic Director. elaborate worked early in the morning, and late into (Thank-you, Reagan!). the night to make things perfect. And, he was collage - a For the nine years since, Hunter has been lightning fast, which is a rare trait in graphic place where the one responsible for the overall look and design. He was always full of new ideas and was creativity quality of the magazine. He deserves the a pleasure to collaborate with. He made all of strikes in many our jobs easy. He is already greatly missed. credit for improving the layout and design; coming up with innovative ideas, and I’m sure Hunter would want the magazine unexpected challenging the SMAG team to do our very that he loved so much to go on in a positive and ways. best to make the magazine the highest quality exceptional way. We have reached out to our old Hunter McCumber publication of Morris MultiMedia, parent friend, Melanie Schmermund, and the January/ company of Statesboro Publishing. February 2024 issue will mark her return to the Along the way, Hunter attended SCAD magazine that she also loves so well. while working full-time for us to work on Once you work for Statesboro Magazine, a Masters of Fine Arts. He graduated with honors, and you are forever a part of us. I’m very proud of our former soon formed his own design company, Hunter McCumber employees who have moved on to greater things. That’s Creative. In Statesboro, Hunter met his soulmate, Tanner how we’ll think of Hunter. His legacy will always be his Deisch. They moved to North Carolina, and Hunter contribution to and influence on Statesboro Magazine. became a contractor for the magazine, continuing to be “I see the world as an elaborate collage - a place where our Artistic Director. Through his company, he also did creativity strikes in many unexpected ways.” – Hunter design work for other area businesses, such as the Statesboro McCumber. Convention & Visitors Bureau and Optim. Hunter is survived by his spouse, Tanner Deisch of We were so fortunate that Hunter continued to work Delane, NC, his mother Donna Williams of Reidsville, his with us even though he had moved onto bigger and more brother Harley McCumber (Bailey) of Statesboro, and his impressive clients such as FurnitureToday, AAA, Honda, many, many friends & co-workers. Durham Magazine, Chapel Hill Magazine and Princess Godspeed, my friend. Cruises. But he LOVED Statesboro Magazine. It showed in everything he did for us. Hunter also designed all our
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WE LIVE HERE
table of contents
THE CULTURE
IN EVERY ISSUE
4
From the Editor
22 Retail Retell T HE C OLLE C T IVE & VINE Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune
22
5
Contributors
10
Calendar of Events
16
News & Notes
64
Look Around
66
32
Transitions
Great Things Coming our Way! F O R T HE C IT Y O F S TAT ES B O R O Written by Jenny Starling Foss Photography by Frank Fortune
FEATURED COLUMNISTS
32
50 Buzz Worthy Bites
Written by Lazar Brown Oglesby
56 True Blue GSU
Written by Doy Cave
42 Everybody’s Business WHAT ’S NE W IN T OWN? Written by Jenny Starling Foss
58 Garden Variety
Written by Virginia Anne Waters
60 Words of Life
Written by Rev. Dr. John Waters
42
62 The View from Here Written by Ric Mandes
Circulation & Copyright Statesboro Magazine is published bi-monthly (six issues a year) at a $25.00 annual subscription rate by Morris Multimedia, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. Periodical postage paid at Statesboro, Georgia. Postmaster send address changes to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Statesboro Magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. Copyright © 2024 by Morris Multimedia. All rights reserved.
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WE LIVE HERE
the calendar
FRIDAYS – TUESDAYS
JANUARY 16
STATESBORO MAIN STREET MARKET2GO
RAISING THE BAR & CELEBRATING TRAILBLAZERS
TUESDAYS @ 10:00 P.M.
STATESBORO-BULLOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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.
ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS CELEBRATION
JANUARY 5
$75/MEMBERS $150/NON-MEMBERS 5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. NETWORKING 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. SEATED DINNER & AWARDS FOXHALL | 81 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET
Join fellow Chamber of Commerce members at the annual meeting, dinner and awards celebration. Enjoy this year’s western theme by dressing for the occasion. Tickets are available on the Chamber’s Annual Meeting page on FB. Statesboro.chambermaster.com/events www.statesboro-chamber.org
FREEDOM THROUGH ROCK: A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 7:30 P.M. $25/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Join the Averitt Center for the Arts and Freedom Through Recovery for an epic night of rock music to bring in a New Year full of hope, fresh starts, and brighter futures! Celebrate Recovery with us as we hear Ella Speed light up the stage in their 25-year reunion concert. www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
JANUARY 18
JANUARY 12
8TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BEHOLD, HERE COMETH THE DREAMER
ONE SERIES: ETHEL LANE
7:30 P.M.
7:30 P.M.
$20/PERSON | $16/STUDENTS
$20/PERSON $18/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYEES EMMA KELLY THEATER | AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$16/STUDENTS EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Bring in the New Year with local Gospel singer Ethel Lane accompanied by talented pianist Wemberly Ponder. Ethel’s low range perfectly complements spirituals both new and old in this one-ofa-kind close up and personal concert in the intimate Emma Kelly Theater. Tickets are available at www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org. 10 statesboromagazine.com
$18/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST RESPONDERS/CITY & COUNTY
January/February 2024
Celebrating the legacy of MLK, Jr through the Spoken Word. Recognizing the importance of original writing in our society, this series has become an annual favorite bringing together young emerging writers and poets with established spoken word artists. The evening is structured to give the young writers/rappers a chance to perform their works and, after intermission, an opportunity to experience an accomplished wordsmith. www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
2024 January & February JANUARY 27
2024 GREEN & GOLD GALA BULLOCH ACADEMY FUNDRAISER 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. $50/PERSON FOXHALL 81 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET
Join Bulloch Academy fundraisers, families and friends in a Gala to benefit the BA Capital Campaign. This event is sponsored by the BA PTA and promises a night of good music by Oxford Soul, great food by Blue Mile Catering, and incredible auction items. All of the proceeds from the Green & Gold Gala go right back to Bulloch Academy to help improve our facilities or to provide needed resources for our students in the classroom. All donations given to the silent auction can receive a donor acknowledgment letter that can be used for tax purposes. Tickets available at Eventbrite or to purchase tables contact Brittany Horn McLamb at brittanyhornmclamb@gmail.com.
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S END US YOUR EVENTS! EMAIL THEM TO EDITOR@ STATESBORO MAGAZINE.COM
FEBRUARY 3
BETTER IN BOOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT KENNEDY POND CONSERVANCY 10:00 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. $15/PERSON (KIDS 5 & UNDER FREE!) 6770 GEORGIA HIGHWAY 46
Join us for the inaugural Better in Boots Music Festival benefiting Kennedy Pond Conservancy! We will have live music stacked up all day long, food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, boat tours, and campfires and s'mores. $15 entry, kids 5 and under get in FREE! Tickets will be available for purchase soon on our website or will be available at the gate. www.KennedyPondConservancy.org
FEBRUARY 2
F1RST FRIDAY – WINTERFEST 5:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT! WEST MAIN & WEST VINE STREETS DOWNTOWN STATESBORO
Celebrate winter at 2024’s first F1rst Friday event! Join other happy Statesboro families in strolling downtown streets and enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, bouncy houses, arts & crafts vendors and more. No registration required. www.statesborodowntown.com
FEBRUARY 15
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE 5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. | LOBBY & OAK ROOM JACK HILL BUILDING | OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Join Chamber members & guests at Business After Hours popular business mixer. Enjoy refreshments, beverages and light entertainment as you mingle with Statesboro’s business and industry leaders. Free member event. www.statesboro-chamber.org January/February 2024
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WE LIVE HERE
the calendar
FEBRUARY 16 – 18
ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE 7:30 P.M. $30/PERSON $27.50/MEMBERS/MILITARY/FIRST REPONSDERS/CITY & COUNTY EMPLOYEES $24/STUDENTS EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Patsy Cline’s soulful voice coming from the radio spoke to Louise Seger like none she had ever heard. On a special trip to see Patsy at a honky-tonk bar in Houston, Louise saw her idol sitting alone and approached her. Out of that chance meeting, an unlikely friendship began. In Always...Patsy Cline the two share their letters, visits, and homespun stories of laughter and heartache that brought together a housewife and a legendary country singer. This down-home, crowd-pleasing musical features 27 of Patsy’s unforgettable classics, including “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Back In Baby’s Arms,” and more. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.” www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
Enter Statesboro’s Sweetest Race! Join 1000s as they walk, run, and sprint for Open Hearts Community Mission’s annual fundraiser. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards will be given for Overall Male, Female and Masters (40+). Age group awards will be given to the top 1st and 2nd place male and female (10 and under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over). Early Packet Pick-up @ GSU RAC Pavilion Friday, February 16 from noon-5:00 p.m. or pick-up on race day from 7:00 -8:00 a.m. Register online, in person or by snail mail. For more info visit www.thesweetestrace.com.
FEBRUARY 20
2024 STATE OF HEALTHCARE & BUSINESS EXPO 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. $15/MEMBERS $30/NON-MEMBERS OAK ROOM JACK HILL BUILDING OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
FEBRUARY 17
THE 11TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE RUN TO BENEFIT OPEN HEARTS COMMUNITY MISSION 8:00 A.M. FUN RUN RACE STARTS 8:30 A.M. 5K RACE STARTS $25/PERSON (EARLY REGISTRATION) $5/PERSON DISCOUNT FOR TEAMS OF 10 OR MORE GSU RAC PAVILION
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Join Chamber members & guests at the annual update on the state of healthcare. This year’s theme is “The Future of Rural Health & Wellness.” Topics include Regional Healthcare update; mobile healthcare; increasing access to fresh foods; mental wellness as a growth driver; rural practitioner recruiting & staffing; economic impact of health. Lunch included. Statesboro.chambermaster.com/events www.statesboro-chamber.org
News & Notes Sponsored By:
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Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Foundation Announce $2.2 Million Commitment to Georgia Southern University for Rural Healthcare Workforce Development Program
Peach State Health Plan (PSHP) a care management organization that serves the needs of Georgians through a range of health insurance solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced a new partnership with Georgia Southern University (GS) to provide education and training for healthcare professionals needed in underserved areas of rural Georgia. Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, and PSHP will invest $2.2 million to fund the expansion of a workforce development program designed to support rural healthcare through enhancement to GS’ existing nursing, physicians’ assistants and addiction recovery specialists programs. “PSHP is committed to increasing access to high quality health professionals for all Georgians. We have a history of developing public-private partnerships that bridge the gaps in healthcare access and coverage throughout Georgia,” said Centene’s Chief Growth Officer and Plan President and Chief Executive Officer of PSHP, Wade Rakes. “GS has the experience and capacity to provide residents in rural and underserved areas of the state with the trained medical professionals that help keep Georgia healthy. With this funding, Georgians will soon see increased access to maternal, behavioral and chronic care professionals. We are excited for the potential of this partnership and believe that, together, we can have a meaningful impact in our rural communities.” According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, 88% of Georgia counties qualify as Medically Underserved Areas (MUA) and 94% qualify as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (MHPSA). These communities disproportionately face barriers that include poverty, education, transportation and access to affordable, quality healthcare. In MUAs and MHPSAs, shortages of trained medical and mental health professionals prevent many Georgians from getting the care they need. Through this new public-private partnership, PSHP will work with GS’s Institute for Health Logistics & Analytics (IHLA) to support data-driven, targeted programs at the university to address these critical shortages and improve the health and well-being of the community. “GS is delighted to partner with PSHP on a project aimed at enhancing our capacity to bring a greater number of high-quality healthcare professionals to the rural regions of Georgia,” stated Kyle Marrero, President of GS. “Rural Georgia is facing a significant shortage of nurses, mental health specialists, and addiction counselors. To address this critical need, it is imperative that we streamline the educational pathways for students pursuing these fields. This strategic partnership is poised to set us on a trajectory to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape across rural Georgia.” In the Waters College of Health Professions, GS will expand recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation of Bachelors in Science Nursing (BSN) students, with a focus on students in rural Georgia. Funding will be used to develop and implement a Certified Nursing Assistant Program (CNA) that will serve as an early pipeline for the BSN program that will primarily focus on nursing student recruitment and retention. In the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, funding will be used to expand the addiction recovery program. This expanded program will allow GS to provide more staff and supervised post-graduate training opportunities in rural Georgia to increase the overall number of Certified Level II Addiction Counselors in Georgia. “This new partnership with PSHP marks a significant step forward in the capabilities of Waters College of Health Professionals to build a robust health care workforce in rural Georgia,” said Dean of the Waters College of Health Professions, Whitney Nash, Ph.D.” The imperative to deploy dedicated healthcare professionals in our underserved areas that specialize in nursing, counseling and abuse intervention cannot be overstated. This partnership will be a critical inflection point for growing the number of these health specialists.” “As a student hoping to enter the healthcare workforce, I am thrilled to see Georgia Southern partnering with PSHP to create more and better opportunities to advance my education,” said Suzanna Forehand, a junior pre-med student at GS. “These expanded programs and student support network will equip us with the skills, knowledge and support network needed to finish school and make a positive impact in rural healthcare.” 16 statesboromagazine.com
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SEB Flag Football Wins Third State Championship!
For the third time in its three years of existence, the SEB Flag Football team brought home the Division 1 State Championship title to Bulloch County. On December 11, in a shut-out win over North Oconee, 14 – 0, in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the SEB team outplayed the competition for a record-setting three-peat in a program that has only been a part of the GHSA for four years. An especially sweet victory for Southeast Bulloch High seniors Addie Hood, Ava King, Kaley Moore, Alex Odum and Korine Talkington. The team has been coached all three years by Marci Cochran, assisted by Paula Kitchings, Jenni Youmans, and Jay Reddick, with team manager Cameron Cochran. This marked the Jackets 62 straight win, never having lost a game since the team’s inception. SEB averaged 25 points/game throughout the season leading up to the match with North Oconee. LADY JACKET FLAG FOOTBALL ROSTER 2023 Dannie Whitchard #1 Alex Odom #2 Emma Cate Barron #3 Jaci Kitchings #4 Korine Talkington #5 Jadyn Williams #6 Lexie Cowart #7 Hannah Griffin #8 Natalya Odom #9 Ava King #10 Emily Grace Gay #11 Paige Nelson #12 Hali Long #13 Kayla Adams #14 Kaley Moore #15
Addie Hood #16 Ella Rae Jernigan #17 Laina Erickson #18 Peyton Kemp #19 Kristiana Tisby #20 Kelsey Johnson #21 Chloe Cochran #22 Isabelle Cruz #23 Marissa Waters #24 Quentrell Reed #25 Kamil Johnson #26 Sloan Nesmith #27 Madison Lanier #16 Ella Faith Roundtreee #4
Cole Swindell & Friends Headlining Spring GATA Jam
The heartbeat of Georgia Southern's GATA spirit meets the soul-stirring melodies of country music in a groundbreaking celebration! GATA JAM 2024 is poised to ignite Statesboro with an unforgettable night on Saturday, April 20, at the breathtaking Beautiful Eagle Creek venue. This inaugural country music festival, headlined by none other than the titan of country music, Cole Swindell, promises a night of chart-topping hits and unwavering entertainment, all inspired by the essence of GATA. The debut GATA Jam emerges from the collaborative efforts of Eagle Nation Collective, Peachtree Entertainment, and Airbound Entertainment. This powerhouse trio of industry leaders is poised to craft an unforgettable experience, skillfully merging their unique expertise to curate an epic night of country music that promises to leave attendees wanting more. A portion of the proceeds raised from GATAJAM will benefit Eagle Nation Collective, the official NIL Collective of Georgia Southern Athletics. The GATA spirit, beyond a phrase, embodies the very core of Georgia Southern—a beacon of resilience, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Originating from the revered legacy of legendary football coach Erk Russell, GATA symbolizes a spirit that surpasses boundaries and hurdles. It champions the ethos of rolling up sleeves, boldly confronting challenges, and delivering nothing short of excellence. Cole Swindell, riding the wave of triumphs from his fourth studio album, Stereotype, brings his string of back-to-back, Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 hits to the heart of Statesboro. From the infectious rhythms of "Single Saturday Night" to the soul-stirring harmonies of "Never Say Never" (featuring Lainey Wilson) and the chart-topping anthem "She Had Me At Heads Carolina," Swindell's musical journey mirrors the spirit of GATA. His three ACM Awards and an iHeart Music Award for Country Song of the Year for "She Had Me At Heads Carolina," embody the dedication and pursuit of excellence that GATA represents. In just seven years since his debut on Warner Music Nashville, Cole Swindell has emerged as a titan, boasting an impressive 12 No. 1 singles as an artist and 13 as a songwriter. His repertoire gleams with 12 certified Platinum singles, including a triple Platinum and four double Platinum hits. Notably, his debut album, Cole Swindell, attained Platinum certification, followed by the Platinum-certified sophomore effort, You Should Be Here, and a Gold-certified third release, All Of It. With over 5.2 BILLION global career streams, Swindell's indelible impact on the music industry mirrors the spirit of GATA—relentless, resilient, and dedicated to excellence. GATA JAM, where country music merges with the ethos of GATA, is a testament to the pursuit of greatness in all facets of life. A portion of the proceeds raised from GATAJAM will benefit Eagle Nation Collective, the official NIL Collective of Georgia Southern Athletics. This one-of-a-kind event where the heart of country music converges with the indomitable GATA spirit is not to be missed. For tickets visit https://www.bigtickets.com/e/airbound/gata-jam-cole-swindell/. January/February 2024
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news & notes
Left to right: David Tanner, Associate Director; State Services and Decision Support, UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government; Greg Dozier - Commissioner, TCSG; Jeff Davis - VP for Technology and Institutional Support; Dr. Alvetta Thomas - President, Executive Leadership Academy and Talent Initiatives, TCSG
OTC’s Jeff Davis Graduates from Senior Leadership Academy
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the completion of its first cohort of the Senior Leadership Academy, a transformative professional development program aimed at advancing careers within TCSG and its 22 colleges. Jeff Davis, VP for Technology and Institutional Support at Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), was among the graduates. The Senior Leadership Academy is a yearlong program divided into eight two-day sessions. The first cohort consisting of 25 individuals, received 160 hours of content, including 18 hours of leadership training through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government. “I’m truly grateful to have been selected to participate in the Senior Leadership Academy. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government professional development classes provided new perspectives on the evaluation and discovery of leadership opportunities in both myself and others,” said Davis. “Equally as beneficial were the frequent interactions with TCSG seniorstaff. These sessions provided invaluable insight on how each individual college contributes to achieving the workforce development goals of TCSG.” The Academy is designed to provide participants with a greater understanding of the operation and administrative functions of TCSG and its colleges such as strategic planning, data driven decision making, budgeting, student affairs, compliance, workforce development, and legal services, among others. 18 statesboromagazine.com
Left to right: Kali Boatright - President TCSG Foundation; Adam Kennedy OTC Foundation Board Member; OTC President Lori Durden; and Greg Dozier TCSG Commissioner.
OTC Foundation Board Receives Role Model Award for 2nd Consecutive Year
The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees recently received an award during the annual Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Leadership Conference in Savannah for attaining role model foundation board certification from the Technical College Foundation Association (TCFA), marking the second consecutive year for this distinction. “It is an honor to have such an outstanding Board of Trustees,” said VP for College Advancement, Michelle Davis. “This award is a testament of their desire to see our workforce flourish through technical education at OTC.” The esteemed TCFA Role Model Foundation Board Certification serves as a prestigious acknowledgment conferred upon TCSG foundations exemplifying superior standards in nonprofit governance, adept board management, and operational efficiency. Each board is steered by an engaged board of trustees deeply involved in the foundation's growth, while also prioritizing the professional development and active involvement of trustees, executive directors, and college advancement personnel at the state level. Members of the OTC Foundation 2023 Board of Trustees include: President Evan Brower, Vice President Jenny Foss, Chad Avret, Lagina Evans, Adam Kennedy, Ken Austin, Holly Durrence, Joel Hanner, Marty Holder, Dr. Diana Holland, and John Scott.
Georgia Southern Hires Accomplished Leader as New Vice President for Research and Economic Development
David Weindorf, Ph.D., has been selected to become the new Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Georgia Southern University. Weindorf comes to Georgia Southern from Central Michigan University (CMU), where he has served since 2020 as the Vice President for Research and Innovation. He has led CMU to a 32% increase in external grantsmanship, a 39% increase in scholarly output, and an 85% increase in research impact. “I am very excited to welcome David to Georgia Southern,” said David Weindorf, Ph.D. Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Carl Reiber, Ph.D. “He has a proven record that demonstrates his ability to move our office forward and is the perfect person to build on the legacy that has already been established.” Weindorf also helped CMU become an officially designated Space Grant institution. A soil conservationist by trade, he holds several patents, was a Fulbright Scholar in 2011 and a Fulbright Specialist in 2018, and won the Presidential Award in 2017 from the Soil Science Society of America. Weindorf and his research team provided emergency response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as well as the Gold King Mine spill. “I am so incredibly excited and honored to be joining the phenomenal community of scholars at Georgia Southern. The momentum, vision and aspiration of the entire community is palpable,” said Weindorf. “Georgia Southern’s confluence of the Statesboro, Armstrong and Hinesville campuses position it strongly within a corridor of incredible economic development. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and administration to cultivate the relationships that will empower the university to be a strong partner for growth across the region.” Weindorf holds a B.S. in Range Management, M.S. in Soil Science (geochemistry minor), and a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Texas Tech University (TTU). S
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GEORGIA’S LEADER IN LAND SALES www.LandandRivers.com 912.764.LAND (5263)
THE CULTURE
retail retell
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The Collective & Vine WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE
etail is an exciting, dynamic and diverse industry which is going through a period of profound change. Technology is transforming how people shop; costs are increasing; and growth in consumer spending is slow in brick-and-mortar shops. But, one local entrepreneur has found a distinctive way to encourage other entrepreneurs and at the same time, provide retail space for their homemade and handmade items. Maria Proctor, owner of three retail establishments, has added the Collective & Vine, a unique consortium of local vendors to her portfolio. Changing consumer behavior has brought about a channel shift in retail and opportunities for those retailers who are able to look beyond the norm for solutions that benefit vendors and local shoppers. “I was at the market in Atlanta buying prom dresses and I ran into one of my customers,” said Maria. “She told me about this business model. Having met other entrepreneurs at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market, who wished they had a store front, I began to see this business model as something we needed in Statesboro.”
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Proctor had visited the consortium developed by her friend, Claire in LaGrange, Georgia, Maker & Merchant. In that establishment entrepreneurs shared space that was rented by the square foot. “The look of the store was eclectic,” said Proctor. “I wanted something for Statesboro vendors that had a more uniform look, so the vendor areas were distinguishable and each little shop’s merchandise popped when shoppers came through the door.” To develop the Collective & Vine, Proctor relied on investments in technology and vendor control of inventory. She chose the former spot for The Material Girl at 39 West Main Street because of the building’s size and location. “I talked to Madison Casteel about the concept, but she wasn’t interested at the time,” said Proctor. “When her boutique, The Material Girl, moved to South Main, I immediately contacted Jason Lanier, the owner of the building.” The store has a bright neutral background throughout, with vendors renting space by 2 sq. ft. portions.
Fresh Mink Pets Products were created during the pandemic in 2020. Discovered in Las Vegas, picked up by Chewy.com, our featured products were the first national pet line by a black woman. I enjoy being a part of this collective because it has a variety of products from diverse businesses and backgrounds. Maria Lee-Driver
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Being part of the Collective is an honor. To be part of a new up and coming retail space that supports local artisans and vendors in their entrepreneurial endeavors is personally rewarding and it’s also a great benefit for our business. It brings personal joy and satisfaction to see communities come together in this way and uplift each other. Lynn Williams & Russell Canady
January/February 2024
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retail retell
The Artsy Girl was founded on the premise of supporting and lifting others up. My goal is to inspire others to be their best self, live out their dreams and passions, and find a reason to sparkle. I feel like I am living my ‘sparkle energy’ dreams. Sharmequa Franklin
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A vendor can rent shelf space, space for a booth or table, wall space, or a combination. Proctor pays all sales tax on merchandise, a service that is covered by a 15% “commission” that she receives on all sales. This also contributes to the rental of the retail space. Her commission also covers vendor listings on the Collective & Vine website, marketing on all social media platforms, and two parttime employees, so vendors who have other jobs don’t have to be in the store all the time. Plus, the employees can replenish for vendors with backstock in the store. Proctor uses data to better understand customer choices. She also employs software that gives her vendors real time access to what they have sold and what inventory may need replenishing. She has 25 vendors and counting, with a waiting list because of space limitations. “I wish I had leased the space next door as well so I could expand, since the demand is so great,” she said. Collective & Vine is changing retail by becoming a showroom, a vendor collaborative and a mini distribution point for vendors who have no other outlets for their wares. The
innovative concept and use of technology to stay connected to their employees and customers alike has transformed the experience for vendors and shoppers, who feel more connected with the local sellers who create the products being sold. Proctor also mentors young entrepreneurs that lease space from her. For one, she helped set-up an LLC for her business. In fact, four of her vendors are first time merchants. Others are seasoned, selling their products by setting up booths at farmers markets, doing pop-up shops, renting space inside other retail establishments, and through their own websites. “I’m already looking at expanding,” said Proctor. “I may have to look at a second location to meet the demand from vendors.” The Collective & Vine features artisans, artists and crafters, apparel for men, women and children, jewelry, gift items, sports fan apparel, soaps, candles, jelly, syrup and other Georgia Grown food products. Proctor has a shop on North, South and now West Main. Her shop, The Quince of Your Dreams, located at 17 South Main Street, has a wide selection of quinceañera dresses, party packages, first communion dresses, and more.
What makes my products special is the fandom of the customers. Everyone is so passionate about their teams or their schools. It always opens up to a great conversation about sports or personal experiences that they feel at liberty to share.
January/February 2024
Chad Hill
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retail retell
Cynthia Martinez, co-owner shares Proctor’s goal of helping young area women celebrate their quinceañera with a dress that makes them feel confident and beautiful. Proctor’s first shop, Madame Couture, opened in February of 2012, located at 5 North Main Street it is now called Prom Bae, a retailer of gently used formal wear for women. She also has a booth at The Painted Tree in Burford, Georgia, called The Korner Closet Boutique. With all of the outlets and innovations, retail has become Proctor’s passion and she relishes being able to help those entrepreneurs who have created custom items reach the public market through a collaborative home base. “At one point when this project wasn’t coming together like I wanted, God said, ‘This is about the vendors,’” Proctor said. “When I started in retail, I didn’t have the support that I can now give to other people. I have a servant’s heart. One thing I can say about Statesboro, the community support here is like no other place I’ve been.” S
Coastal Country was created by our family living in the country but also near the coast. Our love for the outdoors is what inspires our designs. We love being a part of The Collective with other vendors so we can all learn from each other. I believe The Collective gives each vendor an opportunity to grow their business in ways that we couldn’t do on our own. Julie Kubeck
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VENDOR LIST
MELISSA HOUSTON – Turning Heads Fashion & Design (headbands) COURTNEY HOWARD – Howard Bead Boutique (jewelry & accessories)
STACIE ANDERSON – Overbrook Farms (scented candles)
I think my cookies are special because I hand make and decorate each one, so even if you get dozens of the same design, they are still unique, like a snowflake. For the art, I believe any piece of art is special because it can “speak” different things to different people. It is also a way to preserve a time and place in our minds long after the moment has passed. Christy Marsh
LEEYAH HUFFINE – Aliyah’s Sweets & Gifts
JACQUELINE BRICKLE – Jackie’s Jellies & Jams
JENNIFER KIMBRELL – Humble Bumble Bee (honey)
ABBY CALHOUN – ASAP (women’s & children’s apparel
JULIE & CHRIS KUBECK & MISTY BRANDON, business partner – Coastal Country (gifts and apparel)
RUSSELL CANADY & LYNN WILLIAMS – Indulge Coffee (coffee& related products)
SUE LEE – Exquisite Lee Designed (wood carving)
SHERRY CROSBY – Sweet Southern Delight (jellies)
MARIA LEE-DRIVER – Fresh Mink Pets (natural pet products)
SHERRI DOLLAR & JANNA BRYANT – The Funky Pineapple (home décor, gifts and apparel)
DIANE LIGGETT – The Boro Soapery
CARLY DURDEN – The Prickly Pig (children’s apparel) SHARMEQUA FRANKLIN – The Artsy Girl (handmade jewelry & accessories) BETSY GWINETT – Betsy & Babies (infant & children’s apparel)
EDDIE LOTT – Savannah Syrup CHRISTY MARSH – Sugars & Sketches (custom cookies plus hand drawn cards & pictures) HADLEY MIMS – Leaf by Leaf (tea) KIERRE MORGAN – MoonFire Boutique (jewelry & accessories)
CHAD HILL – Game Day Sports Gifts/Gameday Chairs
CARRIE ROUSE – Refined Threads & Bold Sold (apparel)
BAILEY HODGE – Beloved the Label (women’s apparel)
BRITTANY WILLIS – Naturally Crafts Designs
Our soaps are created with very recognizable ingredients that are both cleansing and gentle on the skin. I use locally sourced goat’s milk, honey and raw beeswax in many of my products. All of our products are scented with pure essential oils or phthalate free and paraben free fragrances. Having products at the Collective gives me more free time to dream up and create new products for customers! Diana Liggett
January/February 2024
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great things coming our way!
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GREAT THING S
Way! C O M I N G
O U R
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE
Over 3,000 new homes have been approved for construction. In the past two years, 20% of those homes are under construction. We are headed in the right direction. We have another 1,000 in line for approval before city council. Charles Penny
S
tatesboro is on the cusp of realizing the benefits of the greatest impetus of economic development to ever come this way. Statesboro Magazine sat down with city manager Charles Penny to recap the improvements the City of Statesboro has implemented in the recent past and to forecast what’s being done about the expected growth in the near future. “Over 3,000 new homes have been approved for construction,” said Penny. “In the past two years, 20% of those homes are under construction. We are headed in the right direction. We have another 1,000 in line for approval before city council.” According to Penny, to meet the demand for housing that will come with the new industries locating in Bulloch County, and the metaplant in Bryan County, the city is being diligent in meeting with prospective developers, looking at annexation of property and neighborhoods, and increasing city services to those new residents. “The city planning staff meets three or four times a week,” said Penny. “Jason Boyles and Steve Hotchkiss meet with local developers and prospective builders to work through each step of the process from architects to engineers; from surveyors to inspectors. We do our best to facilitate the process for those investing in Statesboro.” January/February 2024
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THE CULTURE
great things coming our way!
Jason Boyles and Steve Hotchkiss meet with local developers and prospective builders to work through each step of the process from architects to engineers; from surveyors to inspectors. We do our best to facilitate the process for those investing in Statesboro. Charles Penny
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Kathy Fields, director of planning & development, and Justin Williams, planning and housing administrator, whose responsibilities include the economic and community development of the city, hold Right Start meetings for potential business operators and developers. The Right Start meetings provide builders with the opportunity to meet with staff from all development-related departments including Engineering, Fire, Natural Gas, Planning, Public Works, and Water & Sewer, to have a comprehensive picture of all the steps necessary to make their development a success. “We’re finding that more folks on the perimeter of the city want to be annexed,” said Penny. Projects like the developments on Cawana Road and Burkhalter Road which will provide more housing to meet the demand and grow the city’s tax base to provide for necessary services to new residents. Bryant Landing at the old Julia P. Bryant sight being developed by W.H. Gross Construction, a leading provider of senior housing in southeastern Georgia, is affordable housing which qualities for low-income tax credits for the developer. Phase 1 is 60 units, which will repurpose the existing building. The City of Statesboro applied for $750,000 in grant funding for the Whitesville Revitalization Project. This project includes road improvements, a Whitesville Park and improvements to some of the housing in the area. The Whitesville Community is one of the areas identified in the City’s Urban Redevelopment Plan as a Redevelopment area. There are also several pending developments on the west side of Statesboro. Quail Run next to West Main & Stockyard Road, has zoning approval for 80-90 new homes. Devco Residential is constructing a 168-unit multi-family housing development on Miller Street. On the north side of town Horizon Home Builders has plans for two developments of 245-unit and 172-unit townhouses. Another 151-unit townhouse development is planned by Simcoe Investment Group on Jones Mill Road. January/February 2024
M A N U FAC T U R I N G HYU N DAI Hyundai Meta Plant for the manufacture of electric vehicles broke ground in late 2022 in Bryan County. 8,100 jobs will be created. Supporting manufacturers will be located within miles of the plant, including two in Bulloch County.
AS PE N AE ROGE LS Aspen Aerogels, a manufacturer of insulation used in insulating electric vehicle batteries is constructing a $325 million plant in the Bruce Yawn Industrial Park in Bulloch County creating 250 jobs
ABOVE: Charles Penny meets with Administrative Assistant Olympia Gaines and Assistant City Manager Jason Boyles.
S ECO ECO PL ASTI C SECO Ecoplastic America is the maker of plastic automobile parts including bumpers, trims, consoles, and plastic molds. The tier-1 supplier to Hyundai will create more than 500 jobs and invest over $205 million in the new Bulloch County facility located in Bruce Yawn Industrial Park at 4800 Highway 301 South.
R EVALYU R ESO U RC ES An environmentally friendly recycling company, Revalyu is investing $50 million in a plastic recycling center in Bulloch County. The plant will process more than 200 tons of plastic bottles per day and employ more than 70 people.
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THE CULTURE
great things coming our way!
BULLOCH COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
We’re finding that more folks on the perimeter of the city want to be annexed. Charles Penny
LEFT: Bulloch County Comprehensive Plan for Residential Growth
One of the biggest and most anticipated project is the roundabout on South Main Street. The report on the roundabout has been presented to city council and staff continues to work with the Georgia Department of Transportation on the project.
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Phase I of Blue Mile improvements has been completed. Phase II of the Blue Mile will begin with construction of a roundabout where Fair Road meets South Main Street.
“We are fortunate to have a mixture of residential development going through the planning process for the city. In the past most new development occurred in the county,” said Penny. “Now that the county has redefined new development areas on the south end, and put in new guidelines for builders, we are seeing an increase in developers who wish to build within the city. They find it is more advantageous to be on the city’s water and sewer.” With more residents comes the demand for more restaurants, retail stores and services. The city has recently entered into an agreement with the Business Innovation Group at Georgia Southern to fund Small Business Recruiter Alan Gross to assist in attracting those businesses to Statesboro. Formerly with Manack Signature Properties, the real estate team that recruited the Statesboro Crossing stores and restaurants, such as Cracker Barrel and TJ Maxx, Gross brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. “Alan went in May of 2023 to Las Vegas for the International Council of Shopping Centers annual meeting,” said Penny. “He went to a similar conference in Atlanta in the fall to help attract new commercial investment to our area.” Such as the new development on U.S. Highway 80 West which includes 5 Guys Burgers & Fries, Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, and Texas Roadhouse. And the Old Register Road Tax Allocation District (TAD), which includes Chick-fil-A, Blaze Pizza, Eggs Up Grill, GATA Package Store, Little Ceasars, Starbucks, Annie’s Nails, Stella’s, Huey McGoo’s and Crumbl Cookies. All this growth, both residential and commercial calls for needed support services. “We’re now looking at the need for a new fire station because 21 additional firemen will need quarters,” Penny said. “A new station will better deploy staff. Fire station number three is under construction and will be in operation before 2024 ends. We want the response time in the city to be under four minutes.” January/February 2024
We are fortunate to have a mixture of residential development going through the planning process for the city. In the past most new development occurred in the county. Charles Penny
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great things coming our way!
We have shared the plans for the city’s Memorial Park adjacent to the Creek on the Blue Mile with council and look forward to that development which will positively impact all citizens. Charles Penny
During the summer of 2023, the city hosted four outdoor concerts in downtown Statesboro on East Main Street. Two concerts in June featured the Tams and The Grapevine Band, while two in July had The Swingin’ Medallions and Liquid Pleasure headlining. Admission to the concerts was free. Food trucks and beverage vendors opened at 6:00 p.m. on concert evenings with residents being encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
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The city is also looking at other infrastructural improvements such as the Waste Water Treatment Plant. “Initially we thought it would cost $60 million for updates and renovations to the Waste Water Treatment Plant,” said Penny. “But it ended up costing $100 million. The good news is the plant is in good shape for this growth. We are licensed to handle 10 million gallons/day and we are at between 3 - 4 currently. We have the capacity.” The city is currently working with Mayor Nicky Gwinnett of Brooklet to install sewer service to that community before the end of 2024. Transportation is an area that the city also addresses for residents. With the passing of the T-SPLOST in 2023, the city will be working with the county on necessary road and intersection improvements. One of the biggest and most anticipated projects being the roundabout on South Main Street. The report on the roundabout has been presented to city council and staff continues to work with the Georgia Department of Transportation on the project. “It’s a continuous multi-year project, like the Creek on the Blue Mile,” said Penny. “We have also shared the plans for the city’s Memorial Park adjacent to the Creek on the Blue Mile with council and look forward to that development which will positively impact all citizens.” The City’s new buses started routes in May of 2023. The smaller buses operated by the Coastal Regional Commission seat from 8 – 10 riders, which means costs are lower than larger urban buses. So far, ridership has been increasing each month, with the peak month so far being October of 2023. The city keeps updated on usage and popularity of routes to better serve the public. In addition to city buses, other transportation improvements include traffic cameras. Eighteen were installed in 2019, mostly on Chandler Road and Lanier Drive near Georgia Southern. In an ongoing program more have been installed in subsequent years at intersections within the city in which the most traffic accidents occur, such as Fair Road and the bypass. During the summer of 2023, the city hosted four outdoor concerts in downtown Statesboro on East Main Street. Two concerts in June featured the Tams and The Grapevine Band, while two in July had The Swingin’ Medallions and Liquid Pleasure headlining. Admission to the concerts was free. Food trucks and beverage vendors opened at 6:00 p.m. on concert evenings with residents being encouraged to bring a lawn chair. With all of the new developments, amenities and services that are ongoing, the city is constantly working on updating plans for the future. The public is always invited to be a part of the planning process. Three meetings have been announced by the city and the Coastal Regional Commission to address the Statesboro Comprehensive Plan. Guided by a committee of community stakeholders, the meetings will seek input from citizens and business owners on the direction of Statesboro’s future. The meetings include information on the city’s goals, public comments from citizens, and analysis of new opportunities for growth. Two meetings in the new year are January 10 at 4:00 p.m. at the Honey Bowen Building on Fair Road, and on February 13 at 4:00 p.m. at Statesboro First United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall. All interested residents are invited to attend and take part in planning the Statesboro of the future. S
S TAT E S B O R O H O U S I N G DEVELOPMENTS S I MCO E I NVESTM E NT GRO U P, LLC Development of 151-unit townhouses on 26.3 acres of property on Jones Mill Road. There will be six units per building maximum. Each townhouse will have a garage with three parking spaces per unit. Approved by city council fall of 2022. Simcoe also has two more projects in development on Cawana Road. Rezoning has been approved for 34 townhouses, and another 71 townhouses to be constructed there. H O R IZO N H OM E B U I LD E R S Approved for development of 245-unit townhouses on 42.87 acres at 538 East Main Street and the Bypass. Also, development of 172 townhouses at US Highway 301 and the Bypass behind Jimmy Britt Chrysler dealership. L & S ACQ U I S ITI O N S Development of 140-unit single-family detached subdivision on 34.88 acres of property located at 1263 S & S Railroad Bed Road. Lisa P. Hodges, developer. D EVCO R ES I D E NTIAL GRO U P Domenic Spencer is the development associate assigned by Devco to oversee the development and construction of a 168-unit multi-family housing development on Miller Street. S M ITH FA M I LY H OM ES Developer Lamar Smith has plans for a 126-house, detached single-family subdivision on Beasley Road in Bel-Air Estates.
DAVI D PEARC E & M ITC H E LL BALL The developers requested approval from the City for two 3.7-acre parcels for a single-family attached subdivision at 17 Gordon Street and one at 224 East Main Street. K . B . R E NTALS , LLC Developer Clinton Brown has obtained zoning approval for 182 single-family homes for property on Miller Street. R AE L CO R P A national company specializing in student housing creates properties “both functional and memorable.” They will be designing and rebuilding the former University Plaza property into a 290-unit student housing complex adjacent to campus. LI SA H O DGES & STE PH E N SAU E R S Developers are working on an 80-home subdivision, Fernhill Farms, to be located on Lakeview Road north of the city. This development is part of the City’s Subdivision Incentive Program which provides funding for infrastructure to encourage construction of single-family homes within the city. TH E W H ITESVI LLE R EVITALIZ ATI O N PROJ ECT The Whitesville Revitalization Project is being partially funded by a $750,000 grant secured by the City’s Planning & Development department. The project will improve roads, housing in the area, and the Whitesville Park. The Whitesville Community was identified in the City of Statesboro Urban Development Plan as a Redevelopment area. January/February 2024
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Welcome Home to Statesboro-Bulloch County Aspen Aerogels
AJIN Georgia
We’re proud to welcome our newest industry partners, representing combined commitments of over 1,600 jobs and over $1 Billion of capital investment and providing economic opportunities for our citizens for years to come.
Ecoplastics
Hanon Systems
Revalyu Resources
January/February 2024
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everybody's business
Everybody’s W
e haven’t seen such an influx of industries and businesses in Statesboro since the 1990s when Viracon, Briggs & Stratton and the Walmart Distribution Center came to town. With those vital industries and better jobs came an elevated workforce and bigger demand for all the amenities working people with disposable income expect, such as a variety of restaurants, better retail stores, parks, cultural opportunities, leisure activities and mobility. Out of that great influx came infrastructural improvements, too. The bypass, about which everybody used to say, “it’s located way out on the bypass.” And, now look at us. We have grown all the way out to the bypass and beyond! Other community improvements followed. The Averitt Center for the Arts opened downtown becoming the focal point of culture for the area and revitalizing historic buildings that had gone into disrepair. Mill Creek Park opened becoming the envy of every county that didn’t have the motivation or resources to build their own fields of dreams. To supply the workforce necessary for new industry,
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Georgia Southern University and Ogeechee Technical College experienced unprecedented growth. The construction starting in 2023 of new higher-paying industries locating here, in rural South Georgia, will be another boon for the area. Even with the challenges brought about by our growing pains, comes the opportunity for better jobs, better pay and a better standard of living for all of us. Back in the 1990s we struggled with our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) rating. Our median income and population numbers kept us just under what the big chain stores, franchise restaurants and other investors look for in a community when forecasting profitability. Thank goodness, we no longer have that problem. Statesboro is poised once again to become a regional powerhouse of shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment that was enjoyed before the turn of the last century. To show how growth and economic development bring good things, we’ve compiled a list of the new businesses that have opened in 2023 and that will open in 2024. While some may see growth as a challenge, others see it as an opportunity, and the latter attitude is what always leads to success.
B US I N E S S WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
Opened in 2023
BI R DI E S AT T H E M A L L Sports Bar featuring virtual golf, sandwich and snack menu, and full bar. Opened September 2023. Owner John Simmons had experienced virtual golf in a few other cities and chose Statesboro as the home of what he calls a “neat attraction.” Already enjoyed by individuals and groups like the GSU Basketball team, Birdies provides food, fun and entertainment, three of our favorite things! Look on their Facebook page for specials like Ladies Night and Bingo. Located in the former space of Vandy’s Barbeque. You can schedule a time to play in advance or just walk in. Open every day, except Monday.
C RU M BL C O OK I E S Fabulous cookies that make online ordering and pick-up or shipping easy. Or you can just visit the store and experience the heavenly aroma of fresh cookies for yourself. Each week the menu rotates to give you six deliciously gourmet flavors to experience. They have favorites like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, plus savory ones like banana bread and waffle, (that comes with a dollop of buttercream frosting, served with a side of maple syrup!). Located in the Eagles Corner (Publix) Shopping Center at Tormenta Way. Franchise owned by Rima Friends and Corey Fields. Open every day except Sunday.
M I S O H U NGRY NO ODL E B A R Combining Asian and American tastes, Miso is not the ramen you ate in college. Opened in June 2023. Owners Rober Van Den Bosch and Brandon Blair are captivating customers with a menu that takes ramen to the next level with steaming standards and add ins from around the world. The inviting interior blends Asian influence with great neon graphics and gaming icons. Located in the same shopping center as Shogun near the Statesboro Mall. Open 7 days a week.
BIRDIES AT THE MALL
CRUMBL COOKIES
MISO HUNGRY NOODLE BAR
325 Northside Drive East, Suite 35A (old Vandy’s) 912.295.4575 | Birdiesatthemall@gmail.com
113 Tormenta Way, Suite 205 912.225.4445 Ga.statesboro@crumbl.com
609 Brannen Street, Suite 9 912.259.9650 misohungrystatesboro@gmail.com
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everybody's business
V I R IGI N I A BR A N D S The newly elected Statesboro city council representative for District 3, Ginny Lee Hendley, has a real estate management background combined with the spirit of an entrepreneur. Hendley opened an astonishing three (!) women’s clothing boutiques in 2023. Her mission: to help shoppers find the beauty within and celebrate their individuality. Virginia Luxe is the flagship store located in the old Talbot’s on South Main; Virginia Curvy for fuller figures is located in the Market District; and Virginia Love Thrift with gently worn clothing is located on historic Savannah Avenue. She has also added men’s and children’s clothing selections. Featuring trendy, special occasion and every day fashions for all. www.ShopVirginiaLuxe.com.
Opened in 2023
SP ORT S B A R GR I L L & L OU NGE The menu of the Sports Bar Gill & Lounge is full of soul food, featuring fried or baked chicken, fried or baked pork chops, stew beef, fried or BBQ ribs, a full list of Southern sides and a salad bar. On the side, customers can enjoy squash casserole, macaroni and cheese, yams, and collard greens, just to name a few choices. With reasonable prices and daily specials like Salisbury steak with onions and peppers and squash casserole, the line will soon be out-the-door. Opened by Otejia Hughes in February.
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JUVE An aesthetic & integrative medical center that specializes in infusions, Botox, fillers, laser hair removal and anti-aging lifestyle medicines. There’s a weight loss clinic, counseling, and massage therapy. They provide the highest quality of care, with compassion and privacy, in a relaxing atmosphere. JUVE has a comprehensive approach to totalbody wellness that leaves you feeling youthful and energized.
JUVE SPORTS BAR GRILL & LOUNGE
2390 Northside Drive West 912.324.4218 Sportsbargrillandlounge@gmail.com
73 South College Street 912.259.9802 info@juvemedwell.com
VIRGINIA LUXE BOUTIQUE
721 South Main Street, Suite 12 912.682.7284 virginialuxellc@gmail.com
VIRGINIA LOVE THRIFT
217 Savannah Avenue 912.682.7284 Virginialoveinc@gmail.com
VIRGINIA CURVY BOUTIQUE
H A N S USH I Han Sushi originated in Savannah and opened the Statesboro location on Northside Drive West this year. Han Sushi features fresh-every-day selections of raw sushi, cooked sushi, and poke bowls. Plus, a cross-culture invention – Sushi burritos.
100 Brampton Avenue, Suite 1H 912.682.7284 Virginiacurvyllc@gmail.com
COMING SOON! MAMA & ME MATERNITY
HAN SUSHI
2949 Northside Drive West 912.547.0150 Hanshein01@gmail.com
B OR O B AGEL C OM PA N Y Opened by Britt Hendrix & Maria Phillips next to Cool Beanz in the old College Pharmacy building, Boro Bagel gives Statesboro a taste of the Big Apple with a menu full of freshdelivered bagels of all flavors. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches, from brisket to breakfast fare, plus wraps. Your lunch spot on Mondays downtown. Open every day except Sunday.
BORO BAGEL COMPANY
23 South Main Street 912.259.9055 FB = Boro Bagel Company
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Opening in 2024 L ET ’ S FAC E I T ! Local Beauty consultant and esthetician Lora Wilson has opened the day spa of your dreams on Savannah Avenue. She provides a full range of beauty treatments for glowing skin in a relaxed and private setting. “Where beauty meets Tranquility.” Treating Statesboro and surrounding areas. Online appointment bookings available on her website.
LET’S FACE IT!
T H E C OL L E C T I V E & V I N E Owner Maria Proctor has assembled a group of local artisans, artists, Georgia Grown producers, and specialty apparel vendors to create a new and unique retail shopping experience. A collaborative group of entrepreneurs, each vendor showcases specialty items from handmade jewelry to sports socks. Items include men’s, women’s and children’s clothing; homemade jams & jellies; gift items; handmade soaps and candles; custom handdecorated cookies and notecards; gourmet coffee and tea; home décor items; plus, accessories for every occasion.
218 Savannah Avenue 912.659.7160 letsfaceitskinbylora.com
THE COLLECTIVE & VINE
T E X A S R OA DHOUSE Fresh cut steaks, fall off the bone ribs, seafood and country dinners, what does Texas Roadhouse not have? Anything pre-made. At the Roadhouse, everything is made from scratch including the croutons on the salads. Get ready for a casual steakhouse with a ranch-style theme, known for great grilled beef, also featuring a bar. Locating on US Highway 80 East next to Jim ‘N Nicks.
39-B West Main Street 912.259.9988 info@TheCollectiveandVine.com
S TAT E SB OR O M ER CA N T I L E Owner Ashlee Redding’s goal in opening Statesboro Mercantile is to provide a warm and friendly shopping experience, while offering a wide selection of carefully curated items, including jewelry, candles, clothing, home decor and more. Each product is thoughtfully selected for its unique charm and quality. Their commitment to ethical sourcing shines through, as most of their items are proudly made in the U. S. by small businesses and artisans.
T H E DR I PB A R S TAT E SB OR O Local physician Sreevalli Dega has opened a new wellness oasis offering IV infusion and aesthetics in the Miraya Plaza near Orchid Asian Restaurant. The new health and wellness center helps people feel great through IV therapies and IM Quick Shots. IV therapies bypass digestion required by nutritional supplements to help you feel better quicker – giving you a quick and effective boost! Feel better fast in the modern relaxing setting. Appointments available online at the website.
THE DRIPBAR STATESBORO STATESBORO MERCANTILE
28 South Zetterower Avenue, Suite B www.StatesboroMercantile.com
1525 Fair Road, Suite 105B 912.600.2207 www.thedrip.bar/statesboro/iv-therapy S
SL I M C H IC K ENS With a targeted opening at the end of January, Slim Chickens will feature your favorite chicken in every way: tenders, wings, sandwiches, wraps, and salads, plus chicken & waffles and mac bowls. Operating under Georgia partners Jim Bennett and Rusty Skalla, the restaurant will be located in the former Hardee’s building at 6612 Northside Drive East. Opening scheduled for late January.
S TA R BUC K S (3RD LOCATION)
Construction has begun on Statesboro's third Starbucks to be located in the Eagle Corner Shopping Center in front of Publix. Statesboro has two other Starbuck’s locations; one on Northside Drive East at the Statesboro Mall, and the second in the Russell Union on the Georgia Southern campus.
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J I M ‘N N IC K S B A R-B- Q Owned by Roark Capital Group of Atlanta. Larry Ryback is the CEO of the chain. Started in Alabama, Jim ‘N ‘Nicks is rapidly expanding in Georgia. No more waiting! The Statesboro store is opening in January. The menu features never-frozen pit smoked barbeque like classic and delicious spare ribs and brisket. Each side dish is better than the next, but nothing goes better with BBQ than bourbon. Jim ’N Nick’s offers a hodge podge of options, truly giving the people what they want – good, old fashioned southern BBQ. JIM ‘N NICKS
24106 US Highway 80 East 912.567.0454 www.jimnnicks.com
F I V E GU YS BU R GER S & F R I E S Founded by Jerry & Janie Murrell & their five sons, Five Guys is known for serving only hand-formed burgers cooked to perfection on a grill along with fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil. Also known for large portions and serving everything in a brown paper bag; dine-in or carry-out. Five Guys is the place to get a fresh, juicy burger with all the toppings you can stuff between a fresh-baked bun.
DU N K I N ’ D ON U T S P OPE Y E ’ S This will be the third Dunkin’ location for local franchisee Tiku Shroff, and the second Popeye’s both to be located on US Highway 80 East across from Lowe’s. Shroff has been so successful with the Dunkin’ location on Fair Road, that many mornings a line of cars
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Opening in 2024 waiting for hot coffee and donuts in the drive thru stretches out into the right lane of traffic. Shroff came to Statesboro in 1981, attending GSU and working for his uncle at Sub Station II, which was located next to Gnat’s Landing. He purchased Sub Station II in 1987, and has been expanding his portfolio of restaurants in the area since then. The new Popeye’s is also Shroff ’s and will be located next to Dunkin’ Donuts.
H U E Y M AG O O’ S Rapidly expanding franchise specializing in hand-breaded chicken fingers, Huey Magoo’s restaurant in the Eagle Corner (Publix) Shopping Center is currently under construction at 141 Tormenta Way. Huey Magoo’s serves only the chicken tenderloin and has trademarked the tag line “The filet mignon of chicken.” The menu includes sandwiches, wraps, fried, grilled and sauced tenders, salads and fresh sides, plus homemade ranch dressing.
BL A Z E PI Z Z A Blaze Pizza is a modern-day pizza joint serving artisanal, custom-built pizzas at lightning-fast speed, all at an affordable price. Blaze has an assembly line format where diners choose toppings, connecting them to the good food their about to eat. The hot open-flame oven is the centerpiece of the store. Blaze supports community fundraising by partnering with local organizations. Their mission: good relationships, good causes, good vibes and especially good food! The new Blaze Pizza will be located in the Eagle Corner (Publix) Shopping Center by franchisee Brandon O’Mahoney.
January/February 2024
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S U L LY ’ S S T E A M ER S Sully’s offers bagel sandwiches breakfast and lunch that are steamed to soften the bagel and melt the cheese. The ooeygooey result is a handful of messy flavors. Started in the Carolinas by Robert “Sully” Sullivan, the franchise is expanding into Georgia, with Statesboro being the first location, in the Market District next to Annie’s Nails. Local franchisee Matthew Tyson is managing partner. The new Sully’s is at 1098 Bermuda Run Road, Suite 7.
E G G S U P GR I L L Serves farm-fresh eggs, hand-cracked and cooked to order. But it’s not just for breakfast. Eggs Up also offers tastetempting entrees like Coastal Crab Cake Benedict, Shrimp & Grits, Southern Bowl, and Steak & Eggs. Other options include breakfast classics pancakes, French toast, waffles, and omelets, plus, burgers, sandwiches, salads and loaded home fry bowl. Eggs Up will be located in the Eagle Corner (Publix) Shopping Center, also. Owned by local franchisees and GSU grads Ashley & Nate Pennington.
L I T T L E C E A SA R’ S Eagle Corner will also be home to the second Little Ceasar’s pizza pick-up location in Statesboro. The first is located at 331 Henry Boulevard in the Statesboro Crossing (TJ Maxx) Shopping Center. Little Ceasars is known for “hot-nready pizza” and Crazy Bread. Little Caesars products are made with quality ingredients, like fresh, never frozen, mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. S
BULLOCH COUNTY
REAL ESTATE UPDATE PRESENTED BY
PAUL NEWMAN, BROKER® OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT OF GEORGIA SOUTHERN ATHLETICS
What's your home value?
Average Sold Price Per Square Foot Johnson Run
Iron Gate
Stonebrook/Bridgewater
Weatherstone
$169.85/SQFT
$165.57/SQFT
$157.86/SQFT
$174.55/SQFT
Multiply Your Home's Square Footage by the Average Sold Price Per Square Foot
example 2,500 Sqft Home X $150/Sqft Avg Sold Price = $375,000
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Want a more accurate estimate? Reach out today! Smith Creek
Open Floor Plans Custom Cabinets Stainless Appliances Walk-In Closets Starting in the $250Ks
Call Paul! 912-481-1117
PAUL@BUYSTATESBORO.COM 912-489-4433 1550 BRAMPTON AVE STE B STATESBORO, GA ALL DATA IS FROM GAMLS MAY-JULY 2023
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A new approach to PERSONAL WELLNESS Feed your Cells. Fuel your Life.
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912.489.3700
1161 Sarahlyn Lane, Ste A - Statesboro, GA Across from Mill Creek Park - Splash in the Boro
Dr. Matthew Lucas
Brandon Rowland, PA-C January/February 2024
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WE LIVE HERE
buzz worthy bites
Cowboys WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY
M
y heroes have always been cowboys, is not just the title of a song by legendary country music star, Willie Nelson, but a statement that resonates with many. I’m not a “horse girl” and I’ve never been to a ranch, but cowboys have always mystified me. My family raised cows when I was a child, but I barely remember those days. The only time I spent near the cattle was on a 1980’s Honda 250 4-wheeler or in Grandaddy’s old Mercury. I remember riding through the pastures at sunset with my Uncle Mark while he counted the cows. We always looked for newly born calves or the family of red foxes whose den was mounded atop a hill in the pasture.
COWBOY STEW INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs. Ground Beef 1 lb. Smoked Sausage 1 Vidalia Onion (diced) 1 Bell Pepper (diced) 4 Yukon Gold Potatoes (cubed) 1 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Pepper ½ tsp. Garlic Powder 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire 2 14.5 oz. cans Petite Diced Tomatoes (not drained) 1 14 oz. can Green Beans (not drained) 1 14 oz. can Corn (not drained) ½ c. Ketchup PREPARATION:
Brown ground beef, onions, and bell pepper in a dutch oven or soup pot until just brown. Add sausage and cook until warm. Drain grease and return to the pot. Add potatoes and seasonings. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes. Add tomatoes, green beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender. Add ketchup and adjust seasonings.
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LACY CORNBREAD INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c. Plain White Cornmeal 1/2-3/4 c. Hot Water ½ tsp. Salt Oil The real secret to this recipe is the ratio of water to cornmeal, hot oil, and a well-seasoned skillet. PREPARATION:
Whisk together the cornmeal, water, and salt. Cover the bottom of the skillet with oil and heat until a drop of batter makes it sizzle. Use a ¼ c measuring cup and pour batter in hot oil slowly. Making 2-4 pieces of cornbread per batch. The edges will begin to brown and turn lacey. Turn over and cook on the other side until brown. Drain on paper towels. Add more grease to skillet and heat to make additional pieces of cornbread.
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WE LIVE HERE
buzz worthy bites
SKILLET APPLE DUMPLINGS INGREDIENTS:
12 Frozen Biscuits 2 cans Apple Pie Filling 1 c. Water 1 stick Butter 1 c. Sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon PREPARATION:
Allow frozen biscuits to partially thaw. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Spray a 15-inch cast iron skillet or a 4-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray. Place biscuit pieces in skillet and cover with pie filling. Place butter, water, sugar and cinnamon in a pot and cook until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Pour over biscuits and apples. Bake at 350˚ for 30 – 45 minutes until biscuit pieces start to brown and are cooked through. While the biscuit and apples are cooking, make icing. Place powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix until smooth. Pour icing over hot biscuits. Serve warm with Bourbon vanilla ice cream. You could easily halve this recipe if you are not feeding a crowd.
My earliest experience with cowboys was watching them on television. Growing up in the “country” approximately 20 miles from town the selection of TV shows for a child was slim and none. Once I outgrew Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, I quickly graduated to Gun Smoke, Bonanza, and The Big Valley. I always wondered what delicious dishes Hop
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Sing cooked that the Cartwrights ate so enthusiastically, especially Hoss. Their friendly banter during meals made me want to pull up a chair at the dinner table. I watched The Big Valley simply because Heath Barkley was so handsome! The movie, The Cowboys solidified my love for John Wayne and began my era as his biggest fan! That era still hasn’t ended. (LOL!) My collection of John Wayne movies outgrew my TV cabinet in college and I made it my job to watch every movie he made no matter how obscure! Mr.
Nightlinger, the cook in The Cowboys piqued my interest in chuck wagon cuisine. There is something romantic and nostalgic about cooking over an open flame under a blanket of stars. I think food just tastes better cooked in cast iron over red hot coals. My friend, Ted introduced me to what some call the greatest western of all time, Lonesome Dove. Ted’s friendship, loyalty, and love remind me of the relationship Gus and Woodrow had in this great movie. He enjoyed cooking steaks, pork chops, and sausage over an open fire under the oak trees in
his yard. After watching the miniseries, I read the book by Larry McMurtry and fell in love with the western genre of literature. Louis L’Amour is another novelist who can make you feel as if you are astride a horse riding the open plains. These recipes lend themselves to the cowboy way of cooking: in cast iron with a fire or hot coals. S
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Make
this year
Memorable
2
0
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DID YOU VOTE?
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Outstanding Quality Construction
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CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Georgia Business Journal ‘s Best of Georgia Construction & Remodeling Contractors for 2022 and 2023 January/February 2024
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WE LIVE HERE
true blue GSU
Starting a business? You’ll want to start BIG! WRITTEN BY DOY CAVE
S
tarting a business can be a daunting task. Entrepreneurs have to do business research, get a business license, find funding, test products, find office space, find distribution and a whole lot more before they open their doors to the public. In Statesboro, however, this difficult process now begins with a simple drive downtown to the offices of Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group, or BIG, for short. Area entrepreneurs can walk in with a business idea and have immediate access to business experts and agencies that can get them up and running quickly and efficiently. Associate Vice President for Innovation and BIG Director Dominique Halaby, DPA, calls it a “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs, and a way for Georgia Southern to give back to the community it calls home. “By creating this one-stop shop, we’ve been able to maximize the role the University plays in
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helping spur our economy,” he said. “We’ve now become that conduit for people to start businesses. I think that’s pretty important for us.” Inside the offices of BIG are several local and federal agencies specifically tasked to get small businesses off the ground. These services include business research and economic development services, low-cost or free training and consulting services, and special training and business consulting for veterans. For instance, BIG serves as the host of the UGA Southern Coastal Small Business Development Center, and houses the second U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center in Georgia. Both programs provide training, technical assistance, and research support to area small business owners and entrepreneurs, and in the case of the EDA University Center, to community and state stakeholders. “Some would say we can only do this if we’re in a major urban area,” said Halaby. “Well, that’s a fallacy. Creative ideas come from all walks of life and from all locations across the country. They happen more in the urban areas because they have the facilities and the equipment to be able to encourage that. Now, we have it here, too.” BIG also worked with the City of Statesboro, the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to renovate a 14,000 square-foot space downtown for a Fabrica-
tion Laboratory, or FabLab, and its first Innovation Incubator. A third 11,000 square-foot building is currently under construction thanks to the same partners. This expansion will add office suites giving entrepreneurs space for their growing businesses. It will also be the new home of the FabLab. The FabLab contains 3D printers, a CNC routing machine, a laser cutter, table saws and hand tools in a cutting-edge maker space which allows entrepreneurs to create new products prototypes for their businesses, or just learn about new manufacturing processes. The Innovation Incubator holds office space for 20 new businesses, with access to meeting rooms, shared printers, shared audiovisual equipment and a wireless network on the University’s high-speed fiber line. In addition, entrepreneurs have access to ongoing advisement, coaching and leadership assessment, as well as business consulting and technical assistance. “I think we’re pioneering in a very integral space that connects the U.S. economy back to rural communities as opposed to just major urban areas,” said Halaby. “I think that’s important. And I think that
we’re starting to get recognized and get eyes placed on us to see how successful we can be in our efforts to do that.” In fact, Halaby and the team at BIG led the effort to get Georgia Southern University designated as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public & Land-grant Universities, a distinction earned by just 90 other institutions in North America. Halaby has worked in economic development for more than 20 years, and has owned several businesses. His love of economic development work isn’t just rooted in his love of business, however. It’s rooted in the rewards. “It is extremely gratifying and rewarding in the sense that you get to see the fruits of your labor,” he said. “In economic development, you actually get to see the end of a process you started, whether that’s a firm recruitment — you get to see them break ground, you get to see the ribbon cutting, you get to see the lines at the job fairs — you get to see those things.” He hopes to see even more of it here in Statesboro. S
January/February 2024
By creating this one-stop shop, we’ve been able to maximize the role the University plays in helping spur our economy. We’ve now become that conduit for people to start businesses. I think that’s pretty important for us. Dominique Halaby
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garden variety
Dahlias Can Thrive Here! WRITTEN BY VIRGINIA ANNE WATERS
A
t the beginning of each new year, I receive many seed catalogs. I was fortunate to grow up with parents that loved digging in the dirt and growing beautiful plants. Daddy had orchid greenhouses for years and Momma had a prize rose cutting garden. They were both members of the Statesboro Camellia Garden Club, and had dozens of large camellia bushes growing in the yard at our home and at Daddy’s Hideaway on Savannah Avenue. January meant the seed catalogs would start being delivered to our mailbox on College Boulevard in downtown Statesboro. Even if you aren’t going to order seeds, a seed catalog is a mini encyclopedia or “paper Google” for plant classification. There are many seed catalogs. Park Seed, located in Greenwood, South Carolina, is a best bet for our area. I see certain plants at the big box stores that will not grow in our area. The temperature, both hot and cold, play an important decision on what plants you should select
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for a garden or landscape project. Bulloch County is located in the USDA planting Zone 8b. The United States Department of Agriculture defines zones by average, annual, minimum temperature. The plant hardiness zone map “is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.” Some plants require “chill hours” to thrive. Another useful standard is the American Horticultural Society’s HeatZone Map, which defines zones by the number of “heat days” (temperatures over 86 degrees F) per year. The heat zone map is much newer (developed in the 1990’s) than the USDA’s standard so you may not find a categorization on every plant. The Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days.) If a given plant has two sets of ratings such as 5-10, 11-1 it means this: The plants will survive winter temps in zones 5-10 and the 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1. Bulloch County is in Heat-Zone 9 which means we have more than 120-150 days a year over 86 degrees. I have shared the heat and cold zones with you because a favorite flower of mine that grows wonderfully in Bulloch County is the dahlia. They do grow beautifully in the mountains, but mine here in Statesboro have proven, year after year, to be spectacular. Thanks be to the good Lord and to good tubers! And, the wonderful thing about growing a dahlia in our area is that you don’t have to dig the tubers and “over winter” them. In
cooler areas or zones the tubers will freeze if left in the ground. You may be asking, “What is a tuber? I know about seeds and bulbs, but a tuber!” The tuber is a starchy body that contains food, water, and nutrition for a dahlia plant to grow until it establishes a root system. They look very much like sweet potatoes. Of course, a dahlia can grow from seed. Also, a camellia can grow from seed. But both dahlias and camellias grown from seeds are not genetically stable and often turn out to be “duds.” I start planting in March or April. An early frost will kill the new plant that emerges from the tuber. I have planted tubers as late as the end of July with success. I plant my dahlias in full sun and mulch them well with pine straw. The more you cut your dahlias, the more they will bloom. Dahlias were first recorded in 1615 in Mexico. They were named after an 18th century Swedish botanist Anders Dahl who categorized them as a vegetable. The tubers are said to taste like a mix between potatoes and radishes. I can’t verify this! There are 30 species and over 20,000 cultivars of dahlias. The cultivars are based on size, color and flower pattern. The “flower pattern” refers to the characteristic of how they resemble other flowers like waterlilies or cactus blooms.
Dahlias are used at weddings for not only their good looks, but their symbolic meaning. During the Victorian period, dahlias were used as a symbol of commitment and an everlasting union. Interesting fact is there are no blue dahlias, nor black. I use my dahlias for cutting and bringing them inside to enjoy. I stake my dahlias with colorful tomato cages. They are not prized for their plant shape! Their shelf-life when cut is about 3-4 days—not near as long as a zinnia but their “wow” factor surely makes up for this tiny flaw. Don’t buy your dahlias from Big Box stores! Search online and order these great catalogs showcasing dahlia tubers that are ready to thrive in our climate: The Flower Bulb Farm, Bear Creek Farm, Eden Brothers and White Flower Farm. Dahlias should start at about $15 for one tuber and they go up from this price. S January/February 2024
The tuber is a starchy body that contains food, water, and nutrition for a dahlia plant to grow until it establishes a root system.
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words of life
Forgeries and Faith WRITTEN BY REV. DR. JOHN WATERS
A
ccording to Scotland Yard, the biggest art fraud of the 20th century was perpetrated by a British artist named John Myatt. Working as part of an extensive criminal organization, Myatt forged paintings, along with fabricated papers of provenance and certificates of authenticity, for more than 200 art masterpieces. The forgeries were then sold surreptitiously through museums and auction houses such as Christie’s, Phillips and Sotheby’s, as well as major dealers in London, Paris, and New York. After his arrest, John Myatt worked with Scotland Yard to track down the forgeries, but the criminal organization was so well-refined, that only 60 of the 200+ fake paintings could be located. The forgeries were so good and the false papers of provenance so convincing, that more than 100 forged masterpieces hang undetected on the walls of museums, art galleries, and people’s homes today. Art lovers look unknowingly at these masterful forgeries every day, but they don’t even realize that what they are admiring is nothing more than a fake. Spotting a fake painting may be difficult; spotting a fake faith is not. In an effort to teach me the importance of being a good example for others, my mother would often quote the phrase, “Your actions speak louder than your words.” I also heard a similar phrase—and I used it myself in many sermons throughout the years—that “your talk must match your walk.” Indeed, many believers talk a good talk, but they do not walk a good walk. And what the world often sees is a fake faith. 60 statesboromagazine.com
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When the Apostle Paul described his ministry colleague, Timothy, he said, “you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel” (Philippians 2:22). This description meant that Timothy’s character, motives, and life had been tested repeatedly and that no falsehood had been found within him. In other words, Timothy’s faith and character were the real deal. Examined at the deepest level with the utmost scrutiny, Timothy was proven to be authentic, genuine, and real. Are you the real deal? Can your faith and character withstand the deepest level of scrutiny? Each day, countless Christians try to fake their way through the Christian life. Like master counterfeiters, they put on a forgery that looks good from the outside but is nothing more than a cover up for a life out of step with God on the inside. These forgeries of faith may stand up to a cursory examination, but eventually the false and artificial nature of their lives is found out. Recently I visited the website of the U.S. Secret Service to investigate how they equip people to spot counterfeit currency. After a few clicks, I was taken to some resources that help citizens know what to look for when determining whether a bill is genuine or counterfeit. Interestingly, the U.S. Secret Service says very little about the character of fake bills. Instead, it goes to great lengths to highlight the identifying traits of genuine currency. In other words, you can spot a fake more easily if you know what the real thing is supposed to look like. Timothy was put forward as an example of someone with a “proven character.” In a world filled with cheap imitations, may each of us strive to be the real deal when it comes to our faith. Our proven character, acts of integrity and service, along with a lifestyle consistent with the Scriptures will all demonstrate what the genuine article looks like, modeled ultimately in the life of Jesus himself. Don’t let your faith be a forgery. Live an authentic, genuine life for Christ—even if you have to admit your faults and fumbles along the way. Let your character be “proven” as genuine for Christ, with nothing artificial mixed in. And the next time you visit an art gallery, try to locate one of those missing forgeries that Scotland Yard can’t seem to find. S
OBSETRICS • GYNECOLOGY • INFERTILITY
DR. JAMES HILLER, MD DR. FRANCIS LAKE, MD
J E N N Y C O U LT E R , F N P - C • S U M M E R S T R I C K L A N D , F N P - C J E N N I F E R W I L L I A M S O N , PA - C
912.681.3111 • W W W.SOUT H E R N-OBG YN.C O M 1094 B E RMUDA R UN • STAT E SBOR O, G A 30458 January/February 2024
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WE LIVE HERE
the view from here
Micah WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES
I
’ve had tea with Julie Harris; I’ve sat with Dr. Margaret Mead as she rapped with students; I’ve written copy for Bob Hope and I stood by Tony Butala of the Letterman and sang (with a group of my friends) “When I Fall in Love.” I have had my share of being in special places with fine folks. And I appreciate it … as Andy Griffith would say. Recently, I went to a birthday party. And I must say, that event fits right at the top with other events which have come my way. No! I take that back. This one outdid them all. There were ballons and ice cream and cake. There were presents and laughter. Oh, let me not forget the delicious lunch served before the presents and dessert. There were seventeen of us. We filled the home of these young parents who designed the party. Among the seventeen were aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. There were grandparents and a great grandaddy. Of course, cameras and video machines were all about, catching the day. Pictures capture memories and will give back that special feeling when in years to come we get out the album or put in the tape. The guest of honor was Micah. He was celebrating his first birthday. And did he ever enjoy it. 62 statesboromagazine.com
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His mom and dad helped open the presents. They read each of the pretty birthday cards with messages of love. His eyes followed the activity, and at times he seemed to want to gather in the wrapping paper and have a chew. Typical! We about ripped his ears right off his cute face when the crowd sang “Happy Birthday!” There was something special in everyone’s voice that day as we lifted the notes. It all took place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Micah had woken early that morning. Had his breakfast and like a good little boy, took a nap. So, he was ready when the gang arrived. Micah is beautiful. He has big brown eyes, curly dark hair and a smile that will knock your socks off. It appears he is going to have his dad’s good build and his mother’s good looks. On the other hand, Micah is going to grow up and be Micah with his own stuff. Isn’t that really the way it is? Before the noon meal, Micah’s parents asked us to gather around his baby bed where he was just waking up. “We would like to say thanks for today and we want Micah to be a part of this time …” It was a simple prayer. Just as his dad was finishing up, Micah let out a big “coo …” that served for us all a resounding “amen.” Micah was ready to get things started. This kid wanted to get to the red wagon his mom and dad had given him … which now was stacked full of presents. This little boy … this special little boy … is an angel. He truly is. And for those of us who said, “Hip! Hip! Hooray! Way to go Micah!” on that Sunday afternoon, we drove into the evening knowing we had been a part of a very special moment. S
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BE A PART OF THIS SPECIAL ISSUE, CALL MINDY TODAY! MINDY BOYETTE | 1 Herald Square | Statesboro, Georgia 30458 209.419.6022 | mboyette@statesboromagazine.com | www.statesboromagazine.com
January/February 2024
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WE LIVE HERE
look around
JUDGES CHOICE AWARD 2nd Runner Up: Benji Johnson and Karlye Brooke Mainer 1st Runner Up: Paul Dorsett and Elizabeth Colston Winner: Dr. Brian Sellers and Courtney Cribbs
Dancing with the Statesboro Stars Thursday, Nov. 9 & Sunday, Nov. 12 Over $130,000 raised for Safe Haven victims of Domestic Violence
TOP FUNDRAISERS AWARD 2nd Runner Up: Dr. Brian Sellers and Courtney Cribbs 1st Runner Up: Darien Adams and Zachary Dalgard Winner: Lisa Horton and Michael McCurdy
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FAN FAVORITES Paul Dorsett and Elizabeth Colston
TEAM PLAYER AWARD Darien Adams and Zach Dalgard
January/February 2024
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Joiner Anderson FUNERAL HOME www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home - Statesboro 502 Miller Street Ext., Statesboro, GA 30458 | 912.764.7725 Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home - Screven Chapel 202 Ennis Street, Sylvania, GA 30467 | 912.564.7725 Bulloch Memorial Gardens 22002 Highway 80 East, Statesboro, GA 30458 | 912.764.4626
Mrs. Ruby Ann Skinner Akins 09.04.23
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Deacon James Fred "Stuckey" Smith 09.08.23
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Mrs. Peggy Allene Metzler Motes 10.23.23
Mr. Nat Harwell 11.11.23
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Ms. Linda Gale Hendrix-Figg 11.06.23 Mrs. Sylvia Ann Zetterower Hodges 12.04.23 Ms. Jane Hoggard 10.21.23
Mrs. Reba Jo Beasley Neville 10.07.23 Mrs. Martha "Bobbie" Snell Norman 09.20.23 Mrs. Dawn Michelle Oliver 10.09.23
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Mother Iretha L. Perkins 10.27.23
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Mrs. Myrtle Sanders Jonson 10.05.23
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BUILDING & GROWING BULLOCH COUNTY
Bulloch First is a full service financial institution, offering a full line of banking services. The mission of Bulloch First is “to exceed expectations by providing a wide range of quality banking services to our market area which includes Bulloch and surrounding counties; to maximize shareholder value, to provide a good working environment and standard of living for our employees and to promote the economic growth and stability of our community.”
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