AAS THE HOLIDAY SEASON ENVELOPS US IN ITS WARM EMBRACE, I AM EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THIS VERY, special issue of our magazine, filled with stories and features that capture the essence of community, resilience, and the spirit of giving.
In this issue, we highlight the remarkable story, Powering Through, From Darkness to Light, which chronicles Georgia Power Company's response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. This moving piece showcases the dedication of linemen, community volunteers, and the united efforts that brought hope and power back to Statesboro during one of the most challenging events in recent memory.
Our feature on local coffee shops, A Latte Love for Community, takes you on a journey through three unique spaces where community thrives: Cool Beanz Espresso Bar, Three Tree Coffee Roasters, and Two Story Bookstore & Coffee Shop. These beloved establishments don’t just serve coffee—they nurture connections, champion creativity, and give back through sustainable practices and support for causes like anti-human trafficking efforts.
To celebrate Christmas, we invite you to reflect and rejoice with a Nativity Prayer as you set-up the Manger scene, and we share a feature exploring The Meaning of Advent. These pieces offer moments of contemplation and joy, reminding us of the deeper significance behind the season.
Our annual Gift Guide is back to showcase the area’s best shopping and gifting ideas, making holiday shopping a breeze with thoughtful, locally sourced options. Additionally, the Giving Guide shines a spotlight on non-profit organizations that inspire generosity and community support, encouraging us all to give in new and meaningful ways.
We hope this holiday issue brings you stories that resonate, inspire, and remind you of the true spirit of the season—one of resilience, connection, and boundless giving. From our team to you and yours, warmest wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000
EDITOR
Jenny Starling Foss
PUBLISHER
Joe McGlamery
SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Melanie Schmermund
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Mindy Boyette
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHER Frank Fortune
Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: mboyette@ StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: editor@ StatesboroMagazine.com
MAILING ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 Statesboro, GA 30459 p: 912.489.2181
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: One Herald Square Statesboro, GA 30458 f: 912.489.8613
Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 25 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.
ABIGAIL HERNDON
Abigail Herndon moved to Statesboro from Crawley, West Virginia in 2022 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in World Languages and Cultures. She is a senior at Georgia Southern University studying French and Spanish. During her time at Georgia Southern, she spent a summer studying abroad in Europe and interned with a U.S. consulate in Ecuador, where she taught English remotely. She also enjoys hiking and making pottery in her spare time.
ABOUT THE COVER
Georgia Power linemen and community heroes Travis Hutchison and Daniel Quinn helped restore light by supervising up to 100 men each during Statesboro’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Because of their work and that of many other linemen, support crews and engineers, we’ll all have a brighter holiday this year! They’re captured here doing, what else? Stringing lights! by award winning photographer Frank Fortune. #TheFortuneImage.
RIC MANDES
Ric Mandes, a popular essayist, retired after 27 years as Director of Public Relations and Development for Georgia Southern. His memories about growing up and living in South Georgia inspire his writings. He’s a published author and former newspaper columnist for the AJC.
LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY
Lazar Brown Oglesby is the owner of Honey Catering and Dolan’s BBQ both located in Statesboro. Lazar attended Ogeechee Technical College where she earned a Culinary Arts degree. In 2012 Lazar followed a lifelong dream and opened Honey Catering and Café. She enjoys cooking Southern food with an adventurous twist! Lazar is known for her famous cheesecakes of which she has over 100 flavors. Lazar recently started the Honey Blog to share her recipes and stories. Visit her at Dolan’s & Honey’s new location on South Main Street.
MELANIE SCHMERMUND
Melanie is Statesboro Magazine’s Senior Creative Director. Owner of Schmermund Design Studio, LLC, she is an experienced freelance graphic designer specializing in editorial design & branding. She is also a frequent contributing designer to Savannah Magazine. She holds a degree in Art from Auburn University and loves traveling & exploring the world, always looking for new places to visit. Her knowledge & passion are invaluable assets ensuring that each project she works on is of the highest quality.
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.
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-NDig 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.
FRIDAYS –TUESDAYS
@ 10:00 P.M.
STATESBORO MAIN STREET
MARKET2GO
Order the season’s freshest local fruits, vegetables and homemade baked goods, preserves, jams, jellies, candies and relishes. You’ll also find locally sourced meat, seafood, spices, dairy and eggs. Home and garden items, honey and locally grown flower bouquets.
Shop online Friday – Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. @ 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.
EVERY SATURDAY
(THROUGH NOVEMBER 23)
STATESBORO MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET
THE MARKET AT VISIT STATESBORO!
9:00 A.M.- 12:30 P.M | FREE ADMISSION FUN, FAMILY EVENT!
222 SOUTH MAIN STREET
Shop the season’s freshest local fruits and vegetables, from area producers, along with artisans, artists and craftsmen. Find select honey, fresh baked goods, candles, flowers, handmade crafts and more! EBT accepted. Bring the whole family for a Saturday morning full of fun. Enjoy music from local artists and specialty food from a variety of food trucks and booths. See you Saturday! statesboromarket2go.locallygrown.net.
NOVEMBER 9
J2B2 JOHN JORGENSON
BLUEGRASS BAND
7:30 P.M. | $25.00/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
J2B2 is an all-star bluegrass supergroup featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians – John Jorgenson on acoustic guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, acoustic guitar, and vocals; Mark Fain on bass; and Patrick Sauber on acoustic guitar and vocals – delivering bluegrass like no one has ever heard it before. The band’s undeniable live shows have received stellar reviews and have the bluegrass world buzzing. The four combine forces to form a spot-on union of impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting, incredible harmony vocals (a fresh twist combining bluegrass with elements of West Coast folk rock) and seasoned showmanship. This is the “high lonesome sound” of American roots music at its finest. For tickets visit www.averittcenterforthearts.com
NOVEMBER
15 & NOVEMBER 16
LA VIE BOHEME: A GEORGIA SOUTHERN OPERA THEATER PERFORMANCE & RENT
7:30 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Join us in the theater for an evening of drama, music, and more! We've teamed up with the Georgia Southern Opera Dept. to enchant audiences with this two-act theater production. Act One: La Boheme, Act Two: RENT.
La Boheme is an opera originally composed between 1893 -1895 by Giacomo Puccini about the Bohemian lifestyle of a poor Parisian seamstress and her artist friends. RENT is a rock musical loosely based on La Boheme an follows the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan's East Village. **Disclaimer: RENT contains mature content. It is suggested for audience members 18 and older. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.
NOVEMBER 16
GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL EAGLES VS. TROY TROJANS | SALUTE TO SERVICE/CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE 4:00 P.M. | PAULSON STADIUM
NOVEMBER 21 & NOVEMBER 24
DANCING WITH THE STATESBORO STARS 6:30 P.M. – NOV. 21 | 3:00 P.M. – NOV. 24
$32.50/PERSON | CONNECTION CHURCH AUDITORIUM | 1342 CAWANA ROAD
NOVEMBER 11
VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM
11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Annual Veteran’s Day event commemorating, honoring and remembering loved ones who bravely served in the armed forces in defense of the United States of America. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.
A Must See! Dancing with the Statesboro Stars is Safe Haven's signature fundraising event. At both events our local stars and dance pros will show our community their incredible dance routines they have been perfecting after months of hard work raising funds and awareness for survivors of domestic violence and Safe Haven. This year, the presenting sponsor is D & R Car Care. All seating is General Admission, unless otherwise noted. You will be seated as a complete group at the same time. Please arrive with everyone in your party. Late arrivals will not be added to a seated party. Tickets are available at etix.com
NOVEMBER 23
17TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT 5K
8:30 A.M. – MASCOT RACE
8:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. 5K RUN - $30/PERSON
8:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. 5K TEAM - $25/PERSON
8:30 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. 12 & UNDER FUN RUN - $15/PERSON
8:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. BULLOCH COUNTY EMPLOYEE TEAMS - $20/PERSON PRICING FOR REGISTRATION WILL INCREASE BY $5 ON NOV. 18 AT 11:59 P.M. Registration will remain open through race day. Interested persons may still register on event day, Nov. 23, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Look for the registration table on the Bulloch County Courthouse Square. T-shirts are limited, so participants are encouraged to register by November 18, 2024 to guarantee a t-shirt. Pre-register online at www.runsignup.com –key word = Statesboro Turkey Trot. Main race begins in front of City Hall. The Bulloch County Foundation for Public School Education, which is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, hosts the event each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Foundation is managed by a 12-member board of trustees. Since 2006, the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education has funded more than 290 innovative classroom teacher grants totaling more than $357,560 to provide learning experiences for Bulloch County children. The Foundation gives individuals, businesses, industries and civic organizations a way to invest in local education programs that benefit public, charter, private and home-schooled students. The Foundation’s two major fundraising campaigns are the Statesboro 5K Turkey Trot, donations, and Bulloch County Schools’ Payroll deduction option for employees. www.bullochschools.org/ statesboro5kturkeytrot.
experience for Rebekah Harville Carlisle, the director of the Cotton Rose School of Dance at the Averitt Center for the Arts. On the wall of her 5 North Main Studio are two excerpts from the Holy Bible. One states, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15). The other is more direct, “Let them praise His name with dance” (Psalms 149:3). That’s the concept behind Grace…A Performance of Praise. From the youngest ballerinas to the most accomplished young adults, these dancers will use simple elegance and refinement of form to worship through bodily movement. For tickets visit www.averittcenterforthearts.org.
NOVEMBER 26
SHOPPING BY LANTERN LIGHT
5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
FREE ADMISSION
FUN, FAMILY EVENT!
THE MARKET AT VISIT STATESBORO!
222 SOUTH MAIN STREET
Prepare your Thanksgiving Feast with locally grown items from the local Main Street Farmers Market at Shopping by Lantern Light. Purchase from the freshest ingredients or find that perfect baked pie or cake to complete your meal. Shop local artisans, producers, growers, craftsmen and more! An annual event that can’t be missed. The final Farmers Market of the year! www.visitstatesboro.org. statesboromarket2go.locallygrown.net.
NOVEMBER 30
GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL
EAGLES VS. APP STATE MOUNTAINEERS GAME TIME TBA SENIOR DAY/BLUE OUT PAULSON STADIUM
DECEMBER 5
ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTING OF METTER
4:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. | DOWNTOWN METTER
Join in the fun with arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, food booths, artisans, photos & visit with Santa. Flip the switch on the holidays in downtown Metter, where Everything is Better!
DECEMBER
BORO CHILI FEST
NOVEMBER 23 & NOVEMBER 24
GRACE, A PERFORMANCE OF PRAISE COTTON ROSE SCHOOL OF DANCE
7:00 P.M. – NOV. 23 | 3:00 P.M. – NOV. 24
$20.00/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Praise dance (liturgical dance) has always been an important component of the dance
DECEMBER 4
ANNUAL BROOKLET
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
6:00 P.M.
DOWNTOWN BROOKLET AT THE GAZEBO
Local choral and ensemble groups perform holiday classics as citizens of Brooklet usher in the holiday season.
6
5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION FUN, FAMILY EVENT! | THE MARKET AT VISIT STATESBORO! | 222 SOUTH MAIN STREET
This year Chili Town has moved to The Market at Visit Statesboro! Bring the whole family to taste and vote ($1.00/vote) for this year’s award-winning local chili. Free face painting, free pictures with Santa, & free chili tasting. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Statesboro & Bulloch County. Sponsored by Statesboro Properties and Georgia Power Company.
DECEMBER 6
CELTIC CHRISTMAS
7:30 P.M. | $25.00/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Carroll Brown and his musician friends are proud to present their CELTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT, a lively program filled with spiritual, secular, and Celtic traditional seasonal songs, complimented by stories of family holiday gatherings and Christmas then and now.
Carroll Brown is a gifted acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter from South Carolina. This talented four-piece band brings to the stage a gently paced acoustic show, drawing on their Irish and Celtic roots with an Appalachian influence to offer an eclectic holiday program of traditional, and original holiday pieces. The shows are interactive and acoustic in nature with no pre-recorded tracks and each program includes stories, songs, spoken word pieces of family friendly wit and entertaining banter between the performers and the audience. In the tradition of southern family shows, the audience will be included in a sing-a-long piece or two and the night will end with the audience joining in for numerous familiar Holiday songs. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.
DECEMBER 7
CHRISTMAS IN THE BORO
TO BENEFIT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
DOWNTOWN STATESBORO
Come Celebrate the holidays in downtown Statesboro. The parade starts at 4:00 p.m. Food Vendors, the Book Bus, Live Music, and More. Sponsored by StatesboroBulloch Chamber of Commerce & Bulloch Solutions. For more information visit www.eventeny.com/events/ christmasintheboro-15768/.
DECEMBER 7
CHRISTMAS ON THE LYNN FAMILY FARM NOON – 8:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION TO MARKET AREA | $10/PERSON AGES 3 AND UP FOR RIDES & GAMES | FUN, FAMILY EVENT | 75993 HIGHWAY 46 EAST METTER, GEORGIA
Join in the fun and excitement of Christmas on the Farm! 20 local vendors already signed to participate in the Holiday Market. Activities for adults & children. Jingle Bell Hayride; Charlie Brown Barrel Train Adventure; Bouncy-house; Corn Pit; Farm Games. The Lynn Family is on a journey to help bring food ole fashion fun to the community. From season to season they hope to grow and produce joy!
DECEMBER 8
TWITTY & LYNN, A SALUTE TO CONWAY & LORETTA 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. | $49.95 - $59.95/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Tre, grandson of Conway Twitty & Tayla, granddaughter of Loretta Lynn. Together, an unbelievable Country Music duo keeping the music of their grandparents alive while making their own historic mark in the country music scene. Tayla first had the idea for the show after witnessing Tre perform Conway’s songs during a concert at the ranch. She approached him about teaming up and, after a few shows to test the waters, they embarked on a tour of Canada in 2018. Now together as “Twitty & Lynn” for five years and poised to launch a huge summertime tour, the duo has cultivated
an audience and caught the attention of Nashville along the way. In 2022, they made their debut on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, singing “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” on the very same circle of wood where Conway and Loretta once stood. The duo credits their show’s popularity to the timeless songs of Conway and Loretta. But Tre and Tayla are busy forging their own artistic identities too. The duo has an album of originals (and a few covers) on the way. With Tayla as chief songwriter, she and Tre have written songs for the project with Jeffrey Steele, Mark Narmore, Shelly Fairchild, and their producer Scott Baggett.
DECEMBER 12
STATESBORO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
7:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION/RESERVED SEATING | EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Statesboro Chamber Orchestra & the Averitt Center for the Arts would like to warmly welcome its new director, Darrell Brown. When he's not at our Art center, Darrell also serves as the new Director of Bands in the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern University. The Chamber Orchestra rehearses and performs music by classical composers, ranging from Handel and Bach to Holst and Britten. Its repertoire also includes film scores, jazz, Celtic fiddling, and popular music. Students in this esteemed group are proficient in their instruments and can read music with ease. In addition to the large section of strings, the group also includes select wind instruments. www.averittcenterforthearts.org.
DECEMBER 14
CANDY CANE LANE
CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. | FREE, FUN FAMILY EVENT! | DOWNTOWN SYLVANIA
Get ready for a magical day filled with: Craft Vendors: Find unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list! Food Vendors: Savor delicious treats and festive favorites! Activities & Fun for All Ages: From holiday crafts to exciting games, there's something for everyone! Live Music: Enjoy festive tunes and performances that will get you in the
holiday spirit! And So Much More! Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season! Don't miss out on the holiday magic—this is an event you won't want to miss!
DECEMBER 14
A CROONING CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIS MITCHELL & FRIENDS
7:30 P.M. | $25.00/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Join us for “A Crooning Christmas” with Chris Mitchell (and friends), a spectacular holiday event showcasing the best local talent. Delight in an enchanting evening filed with jazz Christmas standards, spanning from the golden era of the 1940s to today’s beloved classics. Chris Mitchell, accompanied by a lineup of extraordinary performers, will serenade you with timeless tunes and modern favorites, creating a magical atmosphere that’s sure to warm your heart and get you in the festive spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of holiday music and community talent! For tickets visit www.averittcenterforthearts,org.
Send us your events!
Email your event, with one image, to editor@statesboromagazine.com for possible inclusion in next month's calendar.
HEATHER GONZALES
NAMED BULLOCH COUNTY
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
During Bulloch County’s annual celebration of its top educators’ dedication, passion, and perseverance, Heather Gonzales was named the 2024-2025 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year.
Gonzales will represent Bulloch County in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition which will begin this spring and culminate in a final announcement in May. The state winner will represent Georgia in the National Teacher of the Year competition in January 2026.
With a career spanning over 14 years, including 12 with Bulloch County Schools, this year’s district teacher of the year, Heather Gonzales, a visual arts teacher at Southeast
34 TEAMS COMPETE IN OTC’S ANNUAL J. DAVID RUSSELL GOLF TOURNAMENT
TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & ADULT LITERACY
In a spirited day of competition, 34 teams participated in the 2024 J. David Russell Memorial Golf Tournament at Forest Heights Country Club in Statesboro, all to support scholarships and adult education program at Ogeechee Technical College (OTC).
“We are so thankful for the continued generosity from our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers, both new and returning,” shared Larry Mays, Vice President for College Advancement. “Due to the overwhelming support, we were able to add a second flight of teams to this year’s competition. Congratulations to our tournament winners and thank you to all the teams who joined us to support student scholarships and our Adult Education Program.”
The over $25,000 raised during the tournament will help cover the cost of GED
Bulloch Middle School, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her students, a love for the arts and helping young minds find their confidence through creativity.
She first attended Ogeechee Technical College, where she obtained an associate’s degree in Advanced Early Childhood Education. She then attended the University of Alaska –Fairbanks for two years as a Ceramics major, before transferring to Georgia Southern University in 2004 to complete a bachelor’s degree in Art Education.
In 2008, she began her career with Bulloch County Schools as Mill Creek Elementary School’s visual arts teacher for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. She then transferred to Langston Chapel Elementary in 2015, and then Southeast Bulloch Middle School in 2018.
In addition to the recognition and gifts,
First-Place Net Total Winners.
Team Bulloch Solutions: (L-R) John Scott, Matt Meyer, Paul Reeves, and Logan Smith.
exams for eligible students, provide Integrated Education and Training (IET) opportunities, and bolster scholarship opportunities for students looking to achieve academic and career goals.
GROSS WINNERS:
1. Synovus Bank – Ryan Quick, Chad Wiggins, Larry Mays, Al Chapman.
2. Morris Bank – Cliff Wildes, Greg Oliff, Mitchell Morris, Michael Jackson.
3. Austin Garcia, Darrell Sirell, Matt Roberts, Nick Lust.
NET WINNERS:
1. Bulloch Solutions - Matt Meyer, Logan Smith, Paul Reeves, John Scott.
2. Franklin Toyota – Kyle Sherfesee. Geoff del Forn, Buddy Jones, Dirk Graham.
(L-R) Todd Veland, Ed.D, principal of Southeast Bulloch Middle School with Heather Gonzales, 20242025 Bulloch County Teacher of the Year
Gonzales received a $3,000 cash prize, courtesy of the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education, NFP Insurance Brokerage & Consulting, and Parker’s Convenience Stores’ Fueling the Community program. Parker’s and the Foundation also funded a $1,000 cash prize for the runner-up and $500 for each of the remaining 13 schoollevel teachers of the year.
First-Place Gross Total Winners.
Team Synovus: (L-R) Chad Wiggins, Larry Mays, Al Chapman, and Ryan Quick.
3. Lee, Hill & Johnston – Win Lee, Mitchell Hill, Charlie Marocco, Jeff Richardson.
PUTTING CONTEST WINNERS:
1. Nic Sherrod
2. John Hatcher
3. Mitchell Morris
LONG DRIVE WINNER: Dennis Reddick CLOSEST TO PIN: Nic Sherrod
The OTC Foundation extended special appreciation to this year’s sponsors including Diamond Sponsors, Morris Bank and Synovus.
For more information about the OTC Foundation, visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/ foundation/make-a-donation.
CONGRATULATIONS TO GERALD SMITH
ON RECEIVING THE “BEST OF THE BEST” SONGWRITER AWARD FOR 2024
We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible career of Gerald Smith, a true songwriting legend whose contributions have left an indelible mark on country music. Originally hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, and a Nashville resident since 1985, Gerald’s journey is a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication.
Gerald Smith’s songwriting prowess shines brightly with a string of number one hits, including the iconic “What Part of No” for Lorrie Morgan and “Every Second” for Collin Raye. His impressive portfolio also includes unforgettable songs for country greats like George Strait, George Jones, Johnny Rodriguez, Justin McBride, and many others. His melodies and lyrics have touched countless lives, reflecting his deep connection to the heart of country music.
A proud graduate of Georgia Southern University with a BS degree in Education, Gerald’s versatility extends beyond songwriting. Known as the “Georgia Quacker” from the nationally syndicated Hee Haw show, he has graced the stage alongside legends such as Barbara Mandrell, Jerry Reed, Ricky Van Shelton, Waylon Jennings, and many more. His performances on Hee Haw and Nashville Now in the 70s and 80s are fondly remembered by fans and fellow artists alike.
Recently, Gerald has ventured into the Christian country genre, collaborating with Double E Promotions. His heartfelt song “Shorty Was a Big Man,” a tribute to his father, climbed all the way to #2 on the Christian Country charts, while his follow-up release, “One of Us,” reached the Top 25. His latest Christian country CD, Born Again, co-written with his long-time friend and picking partner Doug Flowers, reflects his continued evolution and passion for music.
Currently, Gerald Smith is a dedicated staff writer for Melody Roundup Music in Nashville, where his creativity continues to inspire and influence the industry. His enduring legacy as a songwriter and performer is a true testament to his extraordinary talent and love for music.
Congratulations to Gerald Smith on receiving the “Best of the Best” Songwriter Award for 2024. Your songs have been the soundtrack to so many lives, and your contributions to music will be celebrated for generations to come. - Contributed by Steve McNaron, Nashville Ear. nashvilleear.com/Best-of-the-Best.
Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) recently purchased a Hybrid/Electric Vehicle trainer to bolster hands-on training for Electric Vehicle Professional and Hybrid/ Electric Vehicle Repair Technician Certificates.
“The AVI Hybrid Electric Cutaway Vehicle Trainer is unique in the aspect that it
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSOR
WINS INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AWARD
Gulzar Shah, Ph.D., professor and department chair of Health Policy and Community Health in Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH), was recently awarded a 2024 Best Researcher Award by the organization International Academic Achievements.
International Academic Achievements recognizes scholars who have made significant accomplishments in the field of education, research and scholarly work that have global recognition and impact.
“As department chair, Dr. Shah has been consistent in leading by example through excellence in scholarship,” said JPHCOPH Dean Stuart Tedders, Ph.D. “An impactful scholar, he embraces JPHCOPH values of passion for improving the health of rural and underserved populations and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Recognized for honorable achievement in innovative research in the categories of social determinants of health, health equity and child nutrition, Shah garnered the accolade for his published work in Children, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on children’s health.
“This award not only reflects individual achievement but also the collaborative and supportive environment that our college fosters,” Shah said.
Shah won Georgia Southern’s 2016 Award for Excellence in Research. Recognized for his contributions, he was listed in the 2019 Marquis Who’s Who for his outstanding achievements in health. Shah holds numerous editorial leadership roles in prominent public health journals. He serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Public Health and is the consulting editor for biostatistics for the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. He also contributes as an editorial board member for the scientific journal, BMC Public Health, in public health informatics, is a topic editor for the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and is an associate editor for Frontiers in Public Health. www.georgiasouthern.edu.
is a complete car with sheet metal and other panels removed to give students full access to many of the components usually not easily accessible,” said Automotive Instructor, Allen McDaniel. “It is a fun unit to work on because at first glance it appears half of the car is missing, but even though it is not road legal, it is fully operational.”
The AVI trainer offers instructors a valuable tool for demonstrating the normal operation of automotive systems or selectively disabling components for instructional purposes. This allows instructors to guide students through in-depth lectures, showing the locations and functions of various automotive parts. Additionally, the trainer
introduces common, real-world faults that can be remotely activated, helping students build practical skills in diagnosing and addressing issues they may encounter in the field.
“With clear labeling of all vehicle components, systems, and parts, students can easily identify and test essential elements such as high-voltage components, batteries, inverters, and motor/generators,” added McDaniel. “It’s important for our students to get this sort of hands-on training as technicians are increasingly being asked to work on electric or hybrid/electric vehicles.”
For more information on the Automotive Technology program at OTC, please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu.
OTC
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION DONATES $4,765 TO OTC’S CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) received a $4,765 donation from the Home Builders Association (HBA) that will support training and education efforts for students enrolled in the Construction Management program at OTC.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Home Builders Association for their generous donation to our Construction Management Program,” said Larry Mays, VP for College
Advancement at OTC. “It’s inspiring when like-minded organizations such as the HBA and our Construction Management Program come together with a shared vision. By working collaboratively, we are not only advancing educational opportunities but also supporting the growth and development of the region we all serve.”
The donated funds were proceeds from the Home Builders Association’s 1st Annual
Cornhole Tournament, held in August, that went to benefit both the Ogeechee Technical College Construction Management Program and the Georgia Southern Military Resource Center. Students and administration were presented the check at the monthly HBA meeting on October 10. www.ogeecheetech.edu.
LOCAL EDUCATORS ATTEND GULFSTREAM’S DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE EVENT
Bulloch County Schools’ College and Career Academy program is being bolstered by Gulfstream after local educators attended the aerospace manufacturer’s Discover the Difference event on October 4.
A group of seven guidance counselors, work-based learning coordinators, and administrators from the school district took part in an experience organized just for area teachers which was hosted at Gulfstream’s facility in Pooler, Georgia. They were given a tour of manufacturing areas and learned more about career opportunities with the company for current students and graduates.
The school district’s College & Career Academy Program comprises work-based learning, dual enrollment, 43 Career Technical & Agricultural Education career pathways, student technical organizations, career discovery events for fifth through twelfth grades, and career assessment resources and guidance for students.
During the tour Gulfstream also donated $2,250 in equipment to Bulloch County Schools’ science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related classes. The district plans to use the equipment, which it was able to pick out themselves from a provided list, at its middle schools.
Partnerships with local and area business and industry benefit the school district’s College & Career Academy program. Currently 285 partners serve as work sites for
340 work-based learning students from Portal, Southeast Bulloch, and Statesboro High Schools. Last school year, work-based learning students worked more than 166,301 hours and earned $1,711,263 in wages. Business and industry partners also serve as advisors to the district’s 43 career pathways and offer many career exploration experiences to students in pathway courses.
The Bulloch County Schools group who attended the Gulfstream event included the following educators: Teresa Phillips, assistant superintendent of school improvement; Bethany Gilliam, Career Technical, & Agricultural Education director; Breanna Calamas, the district’s college and career specialist; Kristen Rogers, a workbased learning coordinator at Statesboro High School; Renee Rogers and Brent Osborne, work-based learning coordinators for Southeast Bulloch High School, and Katherine Wellman, a counselor from Southeast Bulloch High School.
SUPPORTING PUBLIC EDUCATION SUPPORTS OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE.
Bulloch County Schools believes that public schools are the cornerstone of educational opportunity, fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and civic engagement. Investing in public education is synonymous with investing in the future workforce. A well-educated population drives
innovation, productivity, and economic growth. By providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the 21st-century job market, public education helps create a robust and adaptable economy capable of competing globally. Our public schools are equipping students with the skills needed for college and the workforce through advanced placement courses, dual enrollment programs, and career and technical education pathways. Partnerships with local and area businesses, like Gulfstream, are critical to our success.
BULLOCH COUNTY SCHOOLS IS A GEORGIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNER.
Visit the Career Ready Bulloch website (careerreadybulloch.org), a collaborative tool which helps students, families and local businesses and industry learn more about how to be part of career education with Bulloch County Schools.
Bulloch County Schools has been designated by the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Economic Developers Association, and Georgia Power Corporation as a Georgia Economic Development Partnership school district due to its collaboration with Bulloch County’s leading economic development partners and its continued work to position itself to best benefit the work and career readiness needs of its students.
Wishing you Holiday Blessings.
Compassionate, Experienced Professionals Guiding You & Your Family Through Life’s Change
Ogeechee Area Hospice is excited to announce they have achieved a significant milestone by earning The Joint Commission accreditation, placing it among the top tier of hospices in Georgia. This prestigious recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care and sets them apart as the area’s premier non-profit hospice with an inpatient center.
For thirty years,Ogeechee Area Hospice has been serving individuals with lifelimiting illness and their families in Bulloch, Evans, Candler, Jenkins, Screven, Tattnall and in the nearest parts of Emanuel, Bryan and Effingham counties.
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT THROUGH POWERING
HURRICANE HELENE MADE LANDFALL ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:00 P.M., UNLEASHING ITS FEROCIOUS WINDS AND RAIN ACROSS GEORGIA WITH THE GREATEST PATH OF destruction reaching from Valdosta to Augusta. By dawn on Friday, the storm had left devastation in its wake, bringing down thousands of trees, breaking over 8,300 power poles, and grounding more than 1,000 miles of power lines. This led to over one million Georgians losing electricity in what became Georgia Power Company’s most destructive weather event in its 140-year history.
In response to this historic challenge, Georgia Power mobilized an unprecedented effort to restore power throughout the state and in our own community. More than 20,000 personnel— including linemen, engineers, and support staff—joined forces from across the nation, with help coming from as far as New Jersey, California, and Canada. These teams worked tirelessly, day and night to rebuild the grid from the ground up, often facing hazardous conditions themselves to reconnect essential services and homes.
Locally, the recovery operation began with a strategic plan focused on re-energizing power stations and restoring critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency service locations. This prioritized approach ensured that the most vulnerable populations such as those in assisted living facilities and nursing homes regained access to power as quickly as possible, saving lives and supporting public safety.
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY GEORGIA POWER COMPANY
1.5 MILLION TOTAL OUTAGES 53
COUNTIES DECLARED
MAJOR DISASTER SITES BY FEMA
DESTRUCTION
8,300 POWER POLES BROKEN
1,000+ MILES OF DOWNED POWER LINES
4,500+ TRANSFORMERS DAMAGED
3,200+ TREES IMPACTING LINES
523,000+
CUSTOMERS HAD POWER RESTORED WITHIN THE FIRST 48 HOURS
95% OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS HAD BEEN RESTORED BY MIDDAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5.
& SUPPORT FROM HURRICANE HELENE:
20,000 PERSONNEL RESPONDING
35+
ASSISTING PARTNER COMPANIES –FROM CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, INDIANA, NEVADA, NEW JERSEY, OKLAHOMA, OREGAN, PENNSYLVANIA, TEXAS AND CANADA
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.
“Our Storm Services division set-up a staging sight at the fairgrounds,” said Joel Hanner, Area Manager for five counties including Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Evans and Screven. “We provide tents, cots, food, water and supplies for our own responders. Staff from lesser hit places, like Rome, Georgia, come and help us manage because our guys have to sleep after working from 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. most days.”
There are also teams that work through the night to ensure that power is restored to all those affected as quickly as possible. Scott Ackerman, Linemen Supervisor, led his team by assigning as many as 100 personnel from out of town crews to each of his regular linemen.
“Our guys stepped up to supervise those from out-of-town who responded to help us,” Ackerman said.
We have to do damage assessment first, by hand. We know our area best, so our guys ride around and determine the areas where we need to start first, and then take that information back to the crews.”
– SCOTT ACKERMAN, LINEMEN SUPERVISOR
“We have to do damage assessment first, by hand. We know our area best, so our guys ride around and determine the areas where we need to start first, and then take that information back to the crews.”
With the storm damage to roads and trees, power station outages and so many lines affected, both Hanner and Ackerman agreed that communication was the greatest challenge. Relaying information to men in the field was a hurdle that had to be overcome. Once the clean-up and repairs began, power stations and infrastructure had to be repaired first. Trees were removed to make way for the bucket trucks. Live wires had to be found and secured.
Georgia Power kept customers informed by supplying up-to-date information through their companywide website and texts to those customers who had signed up for the notifications. On the website, customers can report outages, check statuses, report damaged and downed wires, and view outage maps to gauge timeframes for restoration. For local information residents can follow social media and texts for immediate updates.
Georgia Power’s crews worked methodically, focusing on restoring power to areas that would benefit the greatest number of residents at once. This strategy paid off: within the first 48 hours, more than 523,000 customers in Georgia had power restored. In Bulloch County, 17,000 were restored the first day. By October 5th, 95% of affected customers had service restored, though crews continued working until every single home and business was reconnected.
As linemen toiled to restore power, the Statesboro community came together in a show of incredible solidarity to support them.
Tara Mincey, Cicely Sikes and Kelli Newman, Georgia Power’s local logistics team organized the many churches and local businesses who mobilized to provide meals and refreshments for the workers, expressing gratitude for their relentless efforts. The Logistics Team also coordinated hotel rooms, all meals, water, supplies, snacks, and kept up with who-was-
where, during the recovery process.
In addition to restoration efforts, Georgia Power committed to supporting those impacted by the storm in other ways. Georgia Power, Southern Company and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations collectively donated $3 million to aid Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The Georgia Power Foundation donated $1 million to local organizations serving Georgia’s impacted communities. The Southern Company Foundation donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts across the Southeast, while agreeing to match employee donations to the Red Cross of up to $500,000. The Southern Company Gas Foundation donated $500,000 to support local communities in recovery efforts in the state of Georgia through its Atlanta Gas Light Foundation. Georgia Power’s employee volunteer group, Citizens of Georgia Power, facilitated volunteer activities across the state, providing an extra layer of support to affected communities.
Recognizing the financial strain faced by customers, Georgia Power introduced several customer assistance measures. The company suspended service disconnections, waived eligible late fees, paused collection activities, and offered an Installment Payment Plan to help residents manage their energy bills during recovery.
Despite the widespread destruction— over 4,500 transformers were damaged and 3,200 trees impacted power lines—Georgia Power’s response exemplified its dedication to resilience and service. With helicopters, boats, and cutting-edge technology, crews reached remote and inaccessible areas, ensuring that no community was left behind.
The recovery from Hurricane Helene showcased the power of unity. The combined efforts of Georgia Power’s linemen, partner crews, and the local community underscored the enduring strength of neighbors helping neighbors. Together, they proved that in the face of immense challenges, hope, support and community connection will always light the way forward. S
Guests enjoy holiday refreshments served with a personal touch by
Love COMMUNITY A Latte FOR
BY
BY
WRITTEN
ABBY HERNDON
PHOTOGRAPHY
FRANK FORTUNE
Two Story owner Trevor Wright.
INSTATESBORO, COFFEE
SHOPS ARE MUCH MORE THAN A CAFFEINE FIX.
Three local favorites, Cool Beanz Espresso Bar, Three Tree Coffee Roasters, and Two Story Books & Coffeehouse, have unique and impactful missions that motivate their businesses. Each of these coffee shops has created welcoming spaces where anyone can study, read, have conversations, or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee, an idea that has surged since people of all ages are seeking new places to meet and converse.
The concept of “Penny Universities” originated in 17th-century England, where coffeehouses became popular gathering spots for intellectual exchange. For the price of a penny—what it cost to buy a cup of coffee— patrons could engage in lively discussions on topics ranging from politics and philosophy to science and the arts. These coffeehouses became places where people of all social classes could come together to share ideas and debate in a time when formal education was reserved for the elite and wealthy.
The term “Penny University” reflects how these spaces democratized access to education and information. Today, the concept of the Penny University still exists in modern coffee shops, where people gather not just for caffeine, but for conversation, connection, and community.
In addition to serving the area’s freshest roasted coffee, Cool Beanz Espresso Bar, Three Tree Coffee Roasters, and Two Story Books & Coffeehouse have each prioritized giving back to the community as part of their individual business plans. From offering complimentary or discounted coffee to first responders through loyalty points at Cool Beanz; to using proceeds from coffee sales at Three Tree to fight human trafficking; to providing a safe space for artistic creativity and conversation at Two Story, these businesses are redefining what it means to be a coffee shop. By offering more than just quality coffee—they’re contributing to the well-being of their community, both locally and globally.
Cool Beanz
Two Story
Three Tree
Cool Beans Espresso Bar
Cool Beanz Espresso Bar was born from owner David Hoyle’s passion for quality coffee and his desire for a connection with the community. After traveling extensively for work and exploring the diverse world of high-quality coffee, David was inspired to create an inviting space where people could enjoy the exceptional coffee that he discovered.
David’s journey into the coffee world began over 13 years ago when he was introduced to specialty coffee while working in Kansas City. His travels included an experience in Caracas, Venezuela, where he had his first taste of black coffee brewed from locally grown beans. He recalled the taste as “amazing.” His love for quality coffee and for the authentic experiences of meeting locals and spending time working and talking to fellow travelers, eventually led him to open his own coffee shop.
Hoyle’s love for people and creating a unique space for fellowship are equally as motivating to him as his love for fresh roasted coffee. Community is at the heart of Cool Beanz’s mission, “to create a feeling of community, belonging, and inclusion, one great cup of coffee at a time,” Hoyle said. The shop focuses on making every customer feel welcomed and valued by prioritizing personal connections and interactions. Each staff member is encouraged to remember the names and orders of customers to help in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Cool Beanz also participates in local festivals and events, offers sponsorships and donations, and provides support for first responders through a unique loyalty points donation program. The newly developed program is designed to allow customers with an excessive amount of loyalty points to donate what they don’t use. These points are then utilized to provide free coffee to police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.
At Cool Beanz, the focus isn’t just on the product, but on the people. As David puts it, “We’re in the customer service business, and we just happen to sell coffee.” This philosophy has built a loyal customer base and turned Cool Beanz into one of the most popular coffee shops in Statesboro, where the crowd starts coming in at 9:00 a.m. each morning and seems to stay all day.
Three Tree Coffee Roasters
Founded in 2015 by Philip Klayman, Three Tree Coffee Roasters was created out of a desire to see people connect over coffee, and become more open to each other. When people gather over a common love for coffee, a community is formed. Klayman wondered how he could mobilize the community for the greater good.
An opportunity arose during when Klayman had an eye-opening experience during a trip to Southeast Asia. Meeting a trafficking survivor gave Klayman a strong desire to do something that really mattered. Three Tree was created with a mission to “empower our farmers, end human trafficking, and engage the community.”
From the very beginning, the goal was to combine a love for coffee with a mission to give back to the community and support those in need. “The founders wanted to do something that gave back in a big capacity,” Zach Donahue, the manager of Three Tree, explained. He also discussed the importance of the mission to the staff, and himself personally, “I love the mission. That’s what gets me up.”
A key part of their mission is financially supporting anti-human trafficking organizations. Twice a year, Three Tree hosts fundraisers, with all proceeds going to organizations that work on the front lines to rescue victims and raise awareness. Additionally, three percent of the shop’s total annual sales are donated to this cause and one dollar from each bag of coffee sold is donated to a safe house. This financial commitment plays a crucial role in helping sustain these efforts, whether it’s funding direct rescues or supporting the work done behind the scenes to end trafficking.
Three Tree also prioritizes ethical sourcing practices. Zach emphasized how crucial it is for the business to support the farmers who grow the coffee. “A lot of the people involved in coffee farming are stuck in difficult situations, working for low wages,” he explained. The shop engages in direct trade with their farmers to ensure that the farmers who grow their coffee beans are paid fair wages, eliminating any exploitative third parties. This approach not only supports ethical farming practices but also empowers the farmers by creating sustainable livelihoods.
Locally, this coffee shop creates a sense of community by hosting events like bingo nights and live music, creating a space where people can come together, have fun, and connect with each other while joining in the cause over a cup of quality fresh roasted coffee direct from Colombia or Honduras.
Two Story Books & Coffeehouse is nestled in a charming, century-old house in the heart of Statesboro. Built in 1900, this cozy spot combines books, coffee, and community in a way that brings people together. Trevor Wright, the owner of Two Story wanted to create a European styled coffee experience where people can slow down, meet new friends, and enjoy meaningful conversations. “A place where people can feel really calm and comfortable to hang out for hours at a time,” he explained. The house, with its beautiful architecture and walls lined with books, is the perfect environment for students, locals, and visitors to relax, study, or chat with a friend.
The core mission of Two Story is to encourage genuine human connections, “Most of the time, you don’t really meet someone— you just encounter them,” Wright said, “We don’t really see them as a soul in need of friendship and a purpose.” The goal of the coffee shop is to change the way that people see and treat each other by being the change that they want to see. Two Story is a place where people can go when they want to “not be anonymous anymore,” Wright said.
Each room of Two Story is a separate inviting environment with comfortable seating and nooks for reading. There’s a guitar in the corner if anyone wants to strum a tune. Easels
Two Story Books & Coffeehouse
if anyone wants to paint and a piano if anyone feels like playing. Visual artist Briton Bradley, an RN, uses a back room full of her paints and canvases to create paintings by commission. She comes each day to get coffee and work on her painting. The atmosphere encourages artistic freedom and expression.
One event that has quickly become a favorite among locals is Two Story’s monthly swing dancing night. What started as a simple suggestion from friends has become a regularly scheduled event. There’s no cover charge for Two Story’s swing dancing nights and everyone is welcome. The purpose of these events is not to turn a profit, but to create a fun and open environment where people can come “with no expectations and leave having met some genuine friends,” Wright said.
As the holiday season approaches, Two Story plans to host festive community activities, including a Santa Story Hour and outdoor Christmas movie nights with campfires and hot chocolate. The coffeehouse will also roll out seasonal drinks like a new peppermint marshmallow hot chocolate and a “Noah Kahan Latte,” a blend of pistachio and hazelnut, plus freshly made waffles with whipped cream and toppings. Two Story celebrates every season with special offerings, and every day is like a holiday. S
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Advent
Symbols: What Do They Mean?
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
ADVENT CANDLES, WREATHS—AND OF COURSE, ADVENT CALENDARS—ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMONLY RECOGNIZED SYMBOLS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. ADVENT IS A SEASON IN which Christian people around the world prepare for the miraculous birth of Jesus. The Advent season is the four-week period that begins on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew the Apostle’s feast day and lasts for the next three Sundays. During Advent, some churches use purple cloths and linens in the sanctuary to adorn the communion table and the pulpit or as banners in the sanctuary. Choirs and congregations usually sing Christmas hymns and carols during services for those weeks.
Most often, this period is a time of anticipation and beloved traditions. For many of us, our fondest Advent memories go back to our childhood when we had eagerly counted down the 25 days to Christmas with a special Advent calendar.
Wreaths, candles, communion, and nativity scenes are important symbols of Advent. But what do they actually represent? Each symbol has a rich history and holds a special meaning in the Christian faith. Families often pass down Advent traditions from generation to generation, but if you’d like to add a Christmas tradition, or have just started a family of your own, you may be looking to learn more about the Advent symbols and traditions.
Wreaths
The Advent wreath, a circular garland made of evergreen branches, symbolizes eternity; Its circular shape represents God’s eternal life and love. Advent candles are nestled in the wreath and the four candles represent the four weeks of Advent and the Christian concepts of hope, peace, joy, and love. Each candle is lit in a sequence throughout the Advent season. The Prophecy candle, which is purple, is the first candle to be lit. It represents hope and the anticipation of Christ’s coming. The Bethlehem candle, which is also purple, symbolizes peace and preparation. The third candle, the Shepherd’s candle, is rose-colored and represents joy. The fourth candle, also purple, is the Angel’s candle and symbolizes love. Sometimes pine cones are added to the greenery to symbolize hope and the seeds of life. Holly and berries can be added for their red color that points ahead to Jesus’ sacrifice, death and resurrection.
Candles
Advent candles, which are set in the wreath, are lit on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. We have learned that three candles are purple, symbolizing hope, love and peace, while the third one is pink to symbolize joy. A more recent tradition adds the white candle to be placed in the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. Called the “Christ Candle,” it represents the pure and sinless nature of Jesus. Advent candle lighting is a perfect hands-on tradition for children as well as a great way to build anticipation during the Holiday season for something other than Christmas presents. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy a peaceful moment with family in the midst of busy errands and everyday activities.
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
—LUKE 2:10-12
Nativity Scene
The Nativity scene, or Crèche, is used to commemorate the birth of Christ. Families all around the world create beautiful Nativity scenes at home to honor Mary, Jesus and Joseph at the manger; often, angels, shepherds, wise men, children and animals are added, too. Families celebrate the birth of Jesus with a Nativity as the centerpiece of Christmas in the Christian home. Some people prefer to keep the manger empty until Christmas Eve and then add the baby Jesus to celebrate the day of his arrival. Many churches put together an outdoor display or host live nativity scenes with church members and live animals representing the characters of the Christmas story. If you want to make your Nativity scene more interactive, have each family member add a piece or character to it each week throughout Advent, or pray the Nativity Prayer found on page 40 as you bring your Nativity to life.
Advent Calendar
The tradition of Advent calendars originated in Germany in the fourth century. German Lutherans first used them in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the tradition has since spread to other Christian denominations. Advent calendars can start on December 1 or on the First Sunday of Advent, which can fall between November 27 and December 3. The calendars can be constructed of fabric, paper or wood and have a small door or window that is opened for each new day of the Advent season leading up to Christmas. Some Advent calendars include a gift behind each door. Others include Bible verses, such as shorter lines from the Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of John, Isaiah, or the Psalms.
Communion, The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist at Advent
Communion, also know as The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist for Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Lutherans, holds a central place in Advent worship. It is the sacrament in which the Church receives the very body, blood, spirit, and divinity of Jesus Christ. During Communion, the ritual brings together the past, present, and future as it celebrates the memory of Christ’s passion, his presence in the upper room, and the promise of his second coming.
In the context of Advent, the connection between it and Communion becomes even more profound. Advent prepares us for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we encounter the resurrected Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary and became one of us. It is through the Lord’s Supper that we commemorate the Last Supper, when Jesus broke bread with his disciples before he was crucified.
“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”—Matthew 26:26–28
Just as Advent is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christ, the Lord’s Supper is a constant source of expectation and longing for Christ’s presence in our lives. Every time we participate in Communion, we are reminded of the Incarnation. We remember how Christ became Emmanuel, “God with us,” humbling himself to be born in a manger. Similarly, in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus humbles himself again to be present among us, hidden under the simple elements of bread and wine. Through the Lord’s Supper, often served by Christian churches on Christmas Eve, Christ continues to be with us, nourishing our souls with his love and grace. S
SETTING UP YOUR NATIVITY SCENE
with a Nativity Prayer
Words of Praise and Thanksgiving as you Enjoy this Christmas Tradition
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
DO YOU SET UP A NATIVITY SCENE (OR CRÈCHE) DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON? MANY PEOPLE DO—SOMETIMES ON A MANTEL OR TABLE. OR A SCENE OF LIFE-SIZE figures on the front lawn. Some even collect nativity scenes and display them throughout their homes. Setting up your manger scene can be a meaningful activity, evoking rich memories of Christmases past. But have you ever prayed your way through setting up, contemplating, and putting away your nativity scene? Have you ever tried a nativity prayer?
Saint Francis of Assisi had a special devotion to the Child Jesus, and he is credited with creating the first nativity scene on Christmas Eve of the year 1223.
It is believed that Saint Francis was first inspired by this idea after visiting the historical place of Christ’s birth on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land—the humble stable in a Bethlehem cave. It is likely this event deepened his devotion to the Child Jesus, who was born into the world in such poverty, humility, and simplicity. In fact, Francis founded his new religious Order to imitate these very virtues.
Saint Francis recreated the scene of Christ’s birth in a special ritual and Mass he held inside of a cave in Greccio, Italy, inviting both his fellow friars and the townspeople to join in the celebration. What a beautiful scene!
Saint Francis’ recreation of that first Christmas night was so popular that soon every church in Italy had its own nativity scene. The devotion also spread to private homes, and in modern times even to secular institutions, so much so that it’s now impossible to imagine Christmas without a nativity scene to behold.
The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at the beginning of Advent in the Christian calendar. The blessing may start with the reading of scripture which tells the story of the birth of Jesus the Savior, Emmanuel. Luke Chapter 2 tells the story of the Savior’s birth in humble surroundings.
As the crèche is assembled in your own home, each piece can be blessed with the accompanying scripture from the Book of Luke or with a prayer that brings reverence and worship to all witnessing the tradition.
As you put the crèche in place and set-up the manger, a simple prayer may be: “Lord, make our home a place of shelter that welcomes you and exalts you, just as you provided shelter for Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus.”
When placing the animals:
“Jesus, please let a spirit of humility—like that of your surroundings at your birth—be a characteristic of our lives as we serve you.”
As you add Mary: “Lord, please place in us the trust in you that Mary showed when the angel appeared unto her with glad tidings of great joy!”
When Joseph is placed: “Joseph exemplified faith and obedience as he took Mary to be his wife, please allow us to have the same faith and obedience according to your will.”
When Jesus is placed in the manger: “Gracious Christ, as you condescended to take on human flesh, be born in a stable, and laid in a manger, so that all may be saved, please condescend to us today and abide with us through this season in a holy and enduring way.”
Positioning the angel(s):
“As the angels said, Lord, please let there be peace on earth and goodwill toward all, and multiply the peace in my family this Christmas season.”
As you add the shepherds:
“Lord, how excited those shepherds were to welcome you and spread the good news about you. Make us all like them.”
When the Wise Men are placed (in the scene or at some distance): “As the magi came from afar to worship and present their gifts to you, let my life and dedication be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
This nativity prayer can, of course, be adapted to your circumstances and preferences. But the hope is that the prayer— or one from your own heart —will transform an otherwise routine part of this special season into a rich moment of worship and meditation for you and your family.
Merry Christmas! S
20 24 GIFT GUIDE
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with thoughtful and delightful gifts for your loved ones? Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for family, friends, or colleagues, our carefully curated Holiday Gift Guide is here to inspire and guide you through the season of giving.
From engagements, weddings and anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and special events... Since 1970 .... Bernard’s Jewelers has been your source for fine jewelry and heirloom gifts. When the moment really matters let Bernard’s Jewelers help you with your holiday shopping.
Bernard’s Jewelers Annie's
MARKET DISTRICT: 1098 BERMUDA RUN RD | 912.225.3700
EAGLES CORNER SHOPPING CENTER: 105 TORMENTA WAY | 912.259.9915
ANNIENAILSSTATESBORO.COM
Annie’s Nails is a professional and clean nail salon now with two locations in Statesboro. At Annie’s Nails we strive to provide every customer with a luxurious experience and nails they will love! With a wide array of services, including pedicures, SNS dip powder, manicures, acrylic nails, waxing and eyelash extensions, there is something for everyone at Annie’s Nails! Located in the Eagles Corner Shopping Center and the Market District, appointments and walk-ins are welcomed!
walk-ins are welcomed!
future plans
Your locally owned and operated pharmacy is also a great source for Holiday gifts! Be sure to check out these beautifully detailed ladies holiday sweaters! Share your Christmas Spirit in one of these stylish sweaters!
The DripBar
The Holidays can be stressful! Give the gift of physical, mental, and cellular wellness. The DripBar offered a preventative approach to health and wellness. Check out memberships and packages at thedripbar.com
73 SOUTH COLLEGE ST, STATESBORO 912.259.9802 | JUVEMEDWELL.COM
Look Better, Feel Better, Live Better with Juve, Statesboro's source for healthy skin. This holiday season give the gift of pampered skin. Skinbetter science is a new biotech-based paradigm in skincare and makes the best stocking stuffers. Gift cards are available for all your skincare needs, fillers, injectables and more.
Sparkle, Shimmer and Shine this holiday season and year-round! The Artsy Girl®creates unique confidence boosting, handmade jewelry and accessories for all ages. Our brand is located in Statesboro, GA. Be sure to check out our website at theartsygirlshop.com
L.A. Waters Furniture & Mattress Center
MALL STORE:
300 LOVETT RD, STATESBORO
912.764.5431
DOWNTOWN STORE:
8 W MAIN ST, STATESBORO
912.764.6576
LAWATERS.COM
For over 80 years, L. A. Waters Furniture and Mattress Center in Statesboro has combined the greatest looks in home furnishings with the best in customer service to become the destination of choice for generations of wise furniture shoppers in the Georgia-Carolina area! For a memorable gift idea, the perfect finishing touches are sure to be a winner every time! Completely transform any space with our wonderful selection of home accents; mirrors, lamps, stunning new selection of pillows, art, we have it all! These picks are perfect for freshening and adding luxe to any room. With so many styles to choose from, traditional, rustic, coastal, cottage, modern, find a favorite signature piece to share this holiday season! The best part of giving a beautiful selection from L.A. Waters is giving a gift that keeps on giving, these picks are sure to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.
Bubba Golf
TC Outdoors
1242 NORTHSIDE DR EAST, STATESBORO 912.489.3474 | TCOUTDOORSGA.COM
Corks
Your hunting & fishing headquarters - TC Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all of your hunting, fishing and gun supplies. With a wide variety of supplies, you are sure to be ready for the next big catch! Our gun store includes firearms for your every need in self defense and shooting sports, including concealed carry, police supplies, LE law enforcement, military, tactical firearms, target shooting, sport shooting and hunting. We carry all the major brands of hand guns brands from all the top manufacturers and specialty firearms makers.
CORKSPOPCORN.COM
Celebrate the holidays with delicious popcorn! Send family, friends, co-workers and neighbors scrumptious popcorn gifts. Corks Popcorn is a proud member of the Georgia Grown program. Visit corkspopcorn.com to check out all their varieties of flavors and to order.
Building Stronger Communities
‘tis the Season
of Giving
THE GIVING GUIDE
You’ll find that the more you give, the more you receive in peace, love and understanding throughout the year. The year-end holidays are a time of reflection that inspire many people to reach out to those who are in need.
One way to help is by volunteering with one of Bulloch County’s many non-profits. These organizations exist to support the elderly and infirmed, to raise money for medical research, and to provide shelter for those who need it most.
Keep your giving spirit going year round by contributing to one of these worthy organizations. To qualify for a tax deduction in the current calendar year, make your contributions by December 31st.
Since 2006, the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education has funded 283 innovative classroom teacher grants totaling more than $360,000 to fund learning experiences for Bulloch County children.
The Foundation provides a way for individuals,businesses, industries and civic organizations to invest in local education programs that benefit public, charter, private and home-schooled students. In addition, the Foundation’s two major fundraising campaigns are the Statesboro 5K Turkey Trot, donations, and Bulloch County Schools’ Payroll deduction option for employees.
The Foundation funds Bulloch County School’s annual participation in the REACH Georgia Scholarship Program with a $7,500 annual contribution. As a result, five graduating REACH scholars each receive a $10K scholarship for college, that may be doubled by participating GA colleges & universities. This is in addition to any HOPE or private scholarships they may receive.
The Foundation is the local underwriting sponsor for the Professional Association of GA Educator’s STAR program. The Foundation’s financial support makes this program possible locally for Bulloch County’s public, private and charter schools. The Foundation is one of the main corporate sponsors for Bulloch County Schools’ Teacher of the Year program. The Foundation annually provides a $1,000 grant to the district’s teacher of the year.
Bulloch County Historical Society
PO BOX 42
STATESBORO, GA 30459
912.682.9003
BULLOCHHISTORY.COM
Choices of the Heart, Pregnancy
Resource Center
425 EAST GRADY ST STATESBORO, GA 30458
912.764.4303
CHOICESOFTHEHEART.ORG
Feed the Boro
PO BOX 2736
STATESBORO, GA 30459
912.541.0411
FEEDTHEBORO.COM
Foundations
Resource Center
418 MAIN ST STATESBORO, GA 30458
912.259.9596
FRCFRIENDS.ORG
The Bulloch County Historical Society is dedicated to educating the community — young and old — about the rich history of Bulloch County with various society sponsored programs. Such programs include Historical Markers, Hideaway Tidbits, Tales of the Tomb, Family Tree Eagle on Parade, The Ole’ Scarecrow Statesboro Medicine Show Puppet Show for Bulloch County third graders, Special Projects, and Exhibits.
The Historical Society has also cleaned over thirty rural family cemeteries and is currently cleaning Eastside Cemetery Plots using a product called D-2. If you wish to honor your family or a friend, please call or email 912.682.9003 or hideaway@frontiernet.net to make an appointment. Our cemeteries are holy grounds which honor our ancestors.
To join or donate, visit our website.
Choices of the Heart Pregnancy Resource Center is a non-profit resource center for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. We serve Bulloch County and the surrounding areas, and we are a safe place for all. Choices of the Heart exists for the sole purpose of supporting all women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, no matter their age, race, circumstances, religion, marital status, or financial situation. We share the love of Jesus with those experiencing a pregnancy-related crisis by providing abortion alternatives and a network of care before and after the pregnancy. All of our services are free, which include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, resources, education, options counseling, and post-abortion counseling.
Being a non-profit, we depend highly on our community’s support. Financial gifts are utilized for the clinical operations of our facility so that women in need don’t have to worry about paying for our services. Material donations in the form of diapers, wipes, baby clothing, and hygiene products make it possible for us to keep our baby boutique fully stocked and able to serve the many needs of the community. This Holiday Season, won’t you join us in sharing the love of Jesus and protecting the unborn?
Feed The Boro was started 27 years ago here in Bulloch County with the goal of reaching people that may not have a warm Thanksgiving meal available on Thanksgiving Day. Since then, they have expanded and have conducted a series of over 1,000 family food drops and distributed over 1,500,000 meals in the Bulloch County area.
Recently, they have been able to provided 1,000 families a week’s worth of groceries at no charge for 34 continuous months. This December they will surpass 2 million meals distributed in the Bulloch County area in the battle against food insecurity.
This holiday season, please consider volunteering one to two hours of your time to help provide wholesome meals to those in need. If you feel lead please make a monetary donation by visiting www. feedtheboro.com or mail a check to Feed the Boro, P.O. Box 2736, Statesboro, GA 30459. Each $5.00 donation will help feed a family of four for a week.
If you have questions, please contact Don Poe at 912.541.0411 or feedtheboro2020@gmail.com.
Our mission is to walk alongside women and families as they face pregnancy and parenting crises and challenges. If you are experiencing the unexpected, we invite you to visit us today. We will provide the support you deserve while helping you find a new way forward!
SERVING:
• Sylvania, GA
• Metter, GA
• Swainsboro, GA
• Statesboro, GA
• Millen, GA
Lift As You Grow
515 DENMARK ST, STE 2000, STATESBORO, GA 30458
912.421.8856
LIFTASYOUGROW.SQUARE.
SITE/DONATE
Ogeechee Area Hospice
200 DONEHOO ST
STATESBORO, GA 30458
912.764.8441
OAHOSPICE.ORG
Open Hearts
Community Mission
201 MLK, JR DR STATESBORO, GA 30458
912.623.2528
Lift As You Grow is an organization dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after being displaced during the pandemic. Acknowledging the need in the Bulloch County community, Founder Sally Scott worked tirelessly on a program that would support these women.
In December of 2021, the Georgia Power Foundation awarded a legacy gift of $10,000 to Lift As You Grow, and in the spring of 2022, Lift As You Grow became a United Way of Southeast Georgia Community Partner. Then in April, Lift As You Grow launched its inaugural class and soon after, women were already earning professional certifications and receiving job placement.
Participants for Lift As You Grow programming are vetted through referrals or applications for the free, 12-week course that is catered to the need of the approved applicant. As part of transitional employment, program participants create candles to sell in support of Lift As You Grow’s mission. These candles can be found at the Main Street Farmer’s Market and other various locations.
Together, we’re better. Donations to Lift As You Grow support the program’s mission to empower at-risk and vulnerable women within our community by way of continuing education, counseling, and transitional employment.
Ogeechee Area Hospice is a not-for-profit corporation operating in the best interest of our Community. Ogeechee Area Hospice was the first hospice to serve Bulloch, Evans, Candler, Jenkins, Screven, Tattnall and the nearest part of Emanuel, Bryan and Effingham counties. We continue to be the only not-for-profit hospice in our area. Ogeechee Area Hospice exists for the sole purpose of providing expert comfort and bereavement support to persons affected by life threatening illness and/or grief. We carry out this important mission by caring for anyone in our service area who is hospice eligible, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay or insurance status.
Holiday needs: Being a nonprofit we depend highly on our community’s support. Monetary gifts are utilized for the clinical operations of our agency, to help fund our bereavement and volunteer program. Your investment will also go to help maintain our beautiful state-of-theart Inpatient Center. Your support could make a difference in so many people’s lives.
OHCM.ORG
Open Hearts Community Mission is to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, clothe the needy and restore the downtrodden. OHCM is a privately funded communitybased 501(c)(3) rescue mission serving the residents of Bulloch County with High Standards, Strong Boundaries, and Clear Direction. We share the Gospel of Jesus Christ by extending a hand-up, not a hand-out to our Friends and Neighbors. If residents do not have a job when they enter the mission, their job is to get a job. There is never a charge for staying at the mission. All net earnings are deposited in the residents’ personal savings account. It is open to those who are willing to work, to save their earnings and to move forward in life. All residents have a mentor and a financial counselor. Together with the resident they craft the goals, markers and duration of the program.
HOLIDAY NEEDS:
• Stocking Stuffers
• Gas cards
• Walmart $10 Gift cards
• Men/Womens Shower Shoes
• Lowes Gift Cards
• Fresh Fruit
• Holiday treats for Christmas Eve and Day
Over the last 11 years, we began holding a softball tournament (Striking Out Alzheimer’s) and a music concert (Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s). These two events have raised over $1,100,000. Our primary focus has been the Miriam Burnette Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s concert. The goal is to turn this concert into the premier event in the region which has net approximately $100,000 annually. The money raised supports Alzheimer’s research, provides educational materials for caregivers, and funds an annual donation for Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia initiatives. In addition, we assist with the education expenses for both the Georgia Southern Nursing students majoring in Geriatric Healthcare and for Ogeechee Technical College students completing the CNA program.
Furthermore, in 2020, we opened a Caring Closet to provide personal hygiene items for Dementia patients throughout the region. Our facility is open the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Outreach Center.
We have partnered with the Cognitive Awareness Research Education Center (CARE) at University of Georgia. They are educating patients, caregivers, medical staff and law enforcement. Their impact has been incredible for our region.
The Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, Inc. was formed with the hopes of expanding awareness and fighting this terrible disease. The majority of funds will remain in Southeast Georgia. We still make an annual donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia.
WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY
LET’S TALK COOKIES. I’VE NEVER SEEN A PERSON MAD OR UPSET WHILE EATING A COOKIE. SURELY, IT’S NOT HUMANLY possible to be unhappy with a mouth full of dessert. Child misbehaving and whining? Stuff their chubby hand with a cookie. Husband grouchy after a long day of work? Greet him at the door with a warm platter of chocolate chip cookies. Teenager in a brooding state of adolescent acrimony? Walk in the door with a pale pink box of Crumbl® cookies and see their mood instantly improve. Know an exhausted new Mom feeling a little low? Add a cookie to her favorite coffee order and watch her spirit soar. We can all use a little happiness and cheer and cookies provide just that.
My husband and I weathered Helene with our four dogs in my tiny cement block farmhouse. We figured that was as secure a spot as any! The house is sheltered from the blistering sun in spring and summer by a huge pecan tree. The tree shares its bounty in the fall and stands stark and bare, a dark, leafless sentinel in winter. That tree has known life on the farm and seen sights I’ve only heard about. We have enjoyed this little house in many seasons of life. I thought it only appropriate to include pecans in some of the recipes below honoring our tree that weathered the storm of 2024.
My friend Anna Herrington hosts a cookie party each year at Christmas. She sent me a sampling of her Texas Sheet Cake Cookies a few years ago. Now a forever fan I tweaked the recipe by adding a hint of coffee. Coffee makes chocolate taste even better! My mother has a tradition of holiday baking each year: pecan tassies, Chex mix, cheddar crispies, and lady fingers often grace her list of baked goods deemed worthy of spreading holiday cheer. Lady fingers are a quintessential Southern treat, served at brunch, bridge club, bridal luncheons, and baby showers. Served on dainty silver trays dusted with copious amounts of powdered sugar these pecan studded morsels melt in your mouth. Don’t try to eat these in secret. A telltale sprinkle of powdered sugar will always give you away! Mother says the key to making the best version of this treat is to make the cookie small: the size of a dainty lady’s pinky finger.
One of the best cooks I know is a tiny red-headed spitfire named Alaina Jewel Radford. She is quiet as a mouse and the most efficient kitchen helper I’ve ever had the pleasure of employing! Alaina is a gifted baker and uses recipes handed down from her namesake. Her grandmother, Jewel Lanier was known far and wide for her legendary baked goods. I asked Alaina if she would share a “good” cookie recipe. She happily obliged and I trust her knowledge of baked goods implicitly! She also makes the best sweet pickles I’ve ever tasted!
I love all of the stereotypical holiday recipes. I’m a sucker for nostalgia. Give me a bag of Toll House morsels and I can bake all day but sometimes I want something with some zing! Cranberry recipes always signal the advent of fall and the holiday season. I buy bags of fresh cranberries when in season and freeze them so I can enjoy them year-round. My favorite way to enjoy cranberries is to simmer them into a jam made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. I swirl the cranberry jam with my oatmeal for breakfast. Creating a cookie version of this recipe. I added orange zest and an orange icing to give this treat that extra pop of flavor.
I hope this holiday season is extra sweet not only because of cookies but because we all realize how precious life is. S
CRANBERRY ORANGE COOKIES
COOKIE MIX:
1 c. Salted Butter
1 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Granulated Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 c. All-Purpose flour
PREPARATION:
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of Ground Cloves
3 c. old fashioned oats
3/4 c. Craisins®
1 c. Sprite®
Pour Sprite into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 40-60 seconds until warm. Rough chop Craisins® into smaller pieces. Add Craisins® to Sprite® and soak for at least 1 hour. Drain before adding to the recipe. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. Mix in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves. Add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture and mix until well combined. Stir in oats. Fold in drained Craisins®. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until cookies start to brown around the edges. Cool on a cooling rack for 5 minutes and drizzle orange glaze over the top.
ORANGE GLAZE:
1 ½ c. Powdered Sugar
2 Tbsp. Orange Juice
½ Tbsp. Orange Zest
1 Tbsp. Heavy Cream
PREPARATION:
Zest orange to make ½ tablespoon of zest. Squeeze juice from orange to make 2 tablespoons of juice. Combine zest, juice, heavy cream, and powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
ALAINA’S TREASURE CHEST COOKIE
INGREDIENTS:
1 Jar Treasure Chest Cookie Mix
¼ c. Butter (softened)
½ c. Peanut Butter
1 Egg
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract
PREPARATION:
Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add the cookie mix slowly until the ingredients are well blended. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Dip the bottom of a glass in sugar and use it to flatten the cookies. Bake for 9-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.
TREASURE CHEST COOKIE MIX:
2 c. Old Fashioned Oats
1 c. Brown Sugar
½ c. Mini M&Ms
⅓ c. Sugar GIFT IDEA:
½ tsp. Baking Soda
Layer the ingredients in the order given in a wide mouth quart jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient. Attach a gift tag with the mixing and baking
¼ tsp. Salt
½ c. Mini Chocolate Chips instructions.
LADY FINGERS
1 c. (2 sticks) Butter (softened)
4 c. Sifted Confectioners’ Sugar (2 Cups for cookies plus more to sift over the baked
3 c. Sifted All-Purpose Flour 1 1/2 c. Finely Chopped Pecans
in the nuts and mix well. The dough should
Heat oven to 325˚ F. In the bowl of an electric mixer cream the butter. Add the vanilla. Slowly cream in the confectioners’ sugar. Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time. Stir in the nuts and mix well. The dough should be crumbly so that it will not stick to your fingers. Add the water and mix until it forms a dough and is no longer crumbly. If the dough is still sticky, add a little additional flour. Place about 1/2 tablespoon of dough in the palm of your hand. Roll dough between both hands about four times to form a finger about 3 inches long and an even thickness. Arrange the fingers about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, until set but not brown. Only the edges will have a slight brown color. They should be blonde in color. Remove the cookies from the oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes and roll in confectioners’ sugar. Allow to cool completely. Sift additional confectioner’s sugar over the
Sift additional confectioner’s sugar over the top of the cookies.
TEXAS SHEET CAKE COOKIES
COOKIE MIX:
1 box Chocolate Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1/3 c. Butter (softened)
PREPARATION:
Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Combine cookie ingredients in an electric mixer bowl and mix until completely incorporated. The consistency will be like playdough. Make little balls out of a tablespoon of cookie dough and place onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool on a cookie sheet for 4-5 minutes. Repeat until all of the dough is baked.
FROSTING:
1/2 c. Butter
2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
1/2 tsp. Instant Coffee Granules
3 Tbsp. Milk
1 c. Chopped Roasted Pecans
2 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar
PREPARATION:
Combine the first 4 frosting ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the mixture has melted. Remove from heat, add powdered sugar and pecans. Whisk until smooth. Spoon warm frosting over cookies. Let the frosting set and serve. Keep your Texas sheet cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Profiles of Success
JANUARY/FEBRUARY ISSUE
You’ve succeeded as a female business leader — and our readers want to know your business! Our annual Women in Business section has a sophisticated look — with beautiful photography and an engaging, editorial-style Q & A format. People do business with people they know. Here, we help you connect our readers with your story. CALL MINDY TODAY!
HIPPEASTRUM IS THE BOTANICAL NAME FOR MY FAVORITE WINTER FLOWER THAT WE CALL AN AMARYLLIS. NOTHING BRINGS MORE JOY, color and beauty to our spirits than a potted amaryllis. There are Dutch amaryllis and Christmas flowering amaryllis. The latter are a hybridized version resulting in well-proportioned plants and huge flowers from smaller bulbs. The South African varieties usually flower in four to six weeks once potted. They come out of dormancy more quickly than Dutch amaryllis since they were grown in the Southern hemisphere. The Dutch amaryllis take eight to twelve weeks to bloom once potted.
Years ago, the late Cissy Olliff Mercer presented an informative program on Hippeastrum to the Bulloch Council of Garden Clubs. I will never forget the botanical name, as I can hear Cissy saying, “HIPPIE—A—strum.” She gifted me an amaryllis each winter and an Easter lily each Good Friday. Bulloch County is blessed with fine people like Cissy from fine families.
Another fun fact about amaryllis is that they are close kin to onions and garlic. The large genus for these is Allium. According to Greek mythology, the amaryllis originated from the love Amaryllis had for Altea. Amaryllis, a maiden, fell in love with the shepherd Altea. He was strong and handsome and had a passion for flowers. The name amaryllis comes from the Greek word amarysso, which means “to sparkle.” Amaryllis are native to South America, the Caribbean Islands in the West Indies and Mexico. We think of them as being Dutch, but that is not correct. However, the Netherlands has a long history with amaryllis. They were the first commercial breeders of this bulb in the 18th century. They imported species from Mexico and South America and developed hybrids from them. The hybrids first reached North America in the earth 19th century. Dutch growers artificially induce dormancy in their amaryllis bulbs by cutting off their foliage and drying them.
You can buy an amaryllis bulb as part of a kit containing the bulb, a heavy pot and a sterile, soilless planting mix. Often times this planting mix is coconut coir (pronounced choir) which comes compressed and is expanded with warm water. Amaryllis are commonly forced to bloom in winter in time for the holidays. The boxed choices generally offer blooms of red, pink or white. They usually have one or two blooms.
Some garden centers and catalog companies sell many types and colors of amaryllis. Generally the larger the bulb, the larger the bloom. Reputable companies sell great bulbs that come with fairly long, fleshy roots. After you receive the bulbs, if you can’t pot right away, store them in a cool, dry, dark place until you can. Amaryllis bulbs may not bloom if they are in too large a pot. Amaryllis like to be pot-bound! Make sure the pot you have has good drainage. My favorite pots to use are terra cotta. I have a lot of these in my potting area because of my father’s gardening influence.
My daddy had an orchid green house for many years. He supplied brides, funeral directors and florist with beautiful cattleya blooms. It was a great hobby and one that he could share with others by gifting something very extraordinary for big life events. Daddy bought terra cotta pots from Billy Craven before he started “The Pottery” in Commerce, Georgia! He bought them by the hundreds.
Before I plant amaryllis bulbs, I soak the roots in lukewarm water for a few hours to rehydrate them. I put a layer of soil or the growing medium in the bottom of the pot and position the bulb so the top third sticks up above the rim of the pot. I put soil or medium about an inch around the edge of the pot and make sure it is firm. If the bulb is covered completely, it may rot.
Place your pot in a bright spot and water, but don’t over water. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. The bloom will usually be the first thing to sprout. Leaves will then appear. For a continuous display, start bulbs at 2-week intervals. As one finishes blooming, the next will be reaching its peak. Turn the pot every several days for even lighting and to prevent leaning. If the stalk starts to lean, insert a stake next to it. Be proactive with this. I have found beautiful blooms and bulbs and soil on the floor when a plant that was top heavy took a tumble. In Bulloch County you can plant these bulbs in very early spring directly in the ground. Do not remove their leaves. They will bloom for you for years to come.
My all-time favorites are: Red Lion, Apple Blossom and Merry Christmas. The prettiest white is Alfresco Sonata and a stunning red is Inferno Symphony. I buy my bulbs from two very reputable companies. Van Engelen, Inc. is in Connecticut and is a fourth-generation family farm. Blooming Bulb is owned by a group of friends in Michigan. S
TThe Holiday Spirit
WRITTEN BY REV. DR. JOHN WATERS
HE FINAL TWO MONTHS OF THE CALENDAR YEAR CONTAIN TWO JUGGERNAUT HOLIDAYS—
THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS. THESE HOLIDAYS loom large as retail outlets, school systems, churches, and governments all adjust to work around them. People often talk about the holiday spirit, which is an attempt to capture the feelings and activities that orbit around these twin towers of festive celebration.
The impact of holidays is felt in almost every area of our lives, but have you ever tried to dissect how holidays affect us? And why are holidays so special?
• HOLIDAYS ARE NOSTALGIC DAYS.
As our family makes plans and hangs decorations each Thanksgiving and Christmas, I find myself thinking back over years gone by. Hanging ornaments on our tree transports me to my childhood, reminding me of the bickering among us siblings while decorating our family tree, as well as the way Mom and Dad made it a special time regardless. Every Thanksgiving is reminder of the years that have gone before, when my daughters were younger, and life seemed simpler.
Perhaps holidays are special because they make us remember. Looking forward to the ones in front of us turns our attention to the ones behind us. We smile while remembering the special traditions we enjoyed and the unique places we visited. The nostalgia of time gone by cements the memories of happy times we experienced, causing us to long for that feeling once again.
• HOLIDAYS ARE STRESSFUL DAYS.
Even though we know Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming, the stress of those moments still catches us by surprise. We plan our gatherings, we make our shopping lists, and we think we are prepared, but the busyness of the season stretches our time and our budget. Like thieves sneaking into our home when no one is looking, the stress and strain of these so-called happy moments steal the joy we long to find. Instead of fun, laughter, and merriment, the holidays too often are filled with arguments, family tension, and grief. And to our surprise, the grinch who steals Christmas is not a curious looking green character but rather a stressful and unenjoyable experience that robs us of the joy we thought we would have.
• HOLIDAYS ARE EMOTIONAL DAYS.
Not a single Thanksgiving or Christmas go by where I don’t think of my mom and dad. Having lost Mom more than a decade ago and Dad almost seven years ago, the holiday season resurrects my grief. Certainly, the first Thanksgiving or Christmas without a loved one is indeed difficult, and only those who have looked at the chair left empty by a deceased father, mother, or family member know the deep emotions and grief associated with the experience.
Holidays are also emotional as many people battle loneliness and depression. Instead of basking in the happy and carefree holiday spirit, people often live under a hovering cloud of depression, despondency, and disconnectedness. Emotions are powerful, affecting us in ways that are often difficult to explain, and the holiday season presents a roller coaster ride of feelings that twist and turn us from one side to the other.
• HOLIDAYS ARE HOLY DAYS.
The best part of the holiday season, however, is when we push past the nostalgic, stressful, and emotional experiences to focus on the bigger picture of God’s love and graciousness to us. Thanksgiving becomes a time to be grateful, and Christmas becomes a reason to rejoice.
The gratitude we express during Thanksgiving turns our attention away from ourselves and puts it on our heavenly Father, the one who provides what we need in abundant and life-giving ways. The realization that God’s Son was born in a lowly manger at Christmas enables us to find light and life, even in a world filled with darkness and despair. By turning our focus to the Lord during these times, the holidays become holy days, and the trappings of this world slip away as we see something, or someone, larger than ourselves.
How will you approach the holidays this year? To find the elusive holiday spirit, don’t get trapped in the feelings of nostalgia, the hustle of busyness, or the dark corners of unhealed grief. Instead, remember what the Lord has done for you. His love is enduring, and His gifts are magnificent. Turn your eyes and heart toward Him, and see how holidays transform into holy days. S
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!
WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES
(Originally published in Statesboro Magazine, in December 2011).
IREMEMBER WELL THOSE CHILLY EARLY DECEMBER DAYS WHEN GRANNY WOULD SAY, “RICKIE, IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO GO FIND US A CHRISTMAS TREE.” And with that Jennings, my buddy from across the branch, would join me walking the banks of the canal, looking for a baby pine.
What a trail that was. There we’d be moving on those rough corduroy roads changed from hot sandy trails by the winter winds. Such were our paths into the forest glens surrounding Dock Junction, my small village, where for ten years I grew to be a man under the guiding light of my Granny’s spiritual beam.
Upon locating what Jennings and I thought would appeal to Granny’s small living room, we would trail back to her white lapboard dwelling with the news of our discovery. Before her knees became crippled with the angry invasion of arthritis, Granny would walk with us to our offering and pass judgment.
“Oh, that’ll be a good one, boys,” was her phrase of praise.
“Leave it be for a little longer,” she would add.
“But Granny, somebody might come along and get it,” was mine and Jennings’ chorused refrain. As always Granny, with a complete calm and convincing look from those blue eyes, would say simply, “No one
would dare do such a thing.” Like all commandants from this angel of a lady, who were Jennings and Rickie to even think differently?
Fourteen days before Christmas Eve, Granny gave the nod and off Jennings and I would go armed with shovel to unearth this beautiful gathering of branches soon to sit in a bucket of dirt positioned in front of Granny’s living room windows. Such an event always took place after school had let out; allowing us to stay up past our bedtime as we changed this pastoral packet with two strings of lights and home-made Noel decorations into a Dixie Christmas tree.
This seasonal event, the appearance of Granny’s Christmas tree, grew to be a spiritual ritual throughout the hamlet of Dock Junction. How it came to be, I have no earthly idea. I just knew midst those brisk days of early December, my cousins would ask, “When is Granny gonna send you for the tree?” Even the adults who came to love my Christian mentor, would stop by on their way home from work and if Granny was moving about her front yard, offer, “Hey, Mrs. Donnell, we’re a waitin’ for those front windows to start shining.”
I walk now midst the offering of that symbol, the Christmas tree, which appears seemingly right after the 4th of July. And I am left to wonder what my Granny would think of the tinsel tone kits packed in cardboard boxes with directions for assembling. Dear Lord, I would never do that to Granny. For in her day, stores were closed on Wednesday afternoons and for certain on Sundays.
Taking in what today’s world does to her Sabbath, she would shudder in disbelief as to what became of His day of rest. No, I will let her stay in the Attic of My Memory, when in the yesteryears she would send me to the woods for a tree. Further, I will not be judgmental about how commercial our society is. It is too much with us. At 78 years of age, I will maintain my right not to judge, but to be a bit sad as to what my “grands” are missing due to the speed of life as we know it, when last century we went from the mule to the moon. Quite an accomplishment, I do admit. But on the Armstrong journey, we were moved to a different wonder of space out there, which Granny always referred to as her “blue edge of heaven.”
But in this story of the long-ago Christmas tree, I am deeply moved now as I was as a lad when on Sunday morning worshipping before that Noel Day our Savior was born, I can still hear my Granny’s voice lifting to her blue edge of heaven, “Silent Night, Holy Night. All is Calm. All is bright.”
Oh, Granny. Thank you for taking me in. Thank you for being strict. Thank you for showing me the necessity of kneeling beside the bed if I’m going to pray. “And Rickie, say your offerings out loud. No whispering. Talk to Him. Release the names of those whom you ask him to bless.”
Thank you for ten wonderful Christmases. Thank you for sitting with me and Jennings on Christmas Eve as you read the miracle of the Magi. And before Jennings left to cross the branch, treating us to cups of hot chocolate and a piece of your homemade apple pie.
Allow me to close this Holiday message with this offering: those of you who still believe; those of you who do remember what Christmas is all about; when you come to that sectioned verse of Silent Night, push forward in your hearts when you sing All is calm; All is bright. BRIGHT!
“Because we’ve got a long way to go to get back the peace on earth where, “All is calm, All is bright…” S
Editor’s Note: Ric Mandes is the first editor of Statesboro Magazine He is now 91 and a resident of Southern Manor Senior Living. His vintage columns continue to delight and inspire our readers. You may send cards and letters to Ric Mandes c/o Southern Manor, 1532 Fair Road, Statesboro, GA 30458.
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