FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO BE IN STATESBORO! THERE’S GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL, THE GREAT KIWANIS OGEECHEE FAIR, Tormenta Soccer, the Brooklet Peanut Festival and the Portal Turpentine Festival. The evenings are just now getting cool enough to enjoy these great events. We’re choosing this issue to focus on agriculture, tourism and tailgating! The three segments of the economy that football, fairs, festivals and special events represent. Our cover story celebrates the future of agriculture by highlighting the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Emerging Young Farmer of the Year Hayden Spence of the Middleground community. Hayden’s been farming since he was 3-years-old and his granddaddy gave him his first set of 3-in-1 cows. Now 18, he’s graduated high school and loving that he gets to do what he loves – farming fulltime.
Local Senator Billy Hickman has been appointed Chair of a Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands. He will be conducting meetings with stakeholders throughout the state to gather input on solutions to the challenges facing Georgia’s farmers. Highlights from the first meeting held in Statesboro on July 30th are included in this issue along with comments from Agricultural Commissioner Tyler Harper and the dates for future meetings. Statesboro and Bulloch County have been invited by the Georgia HiLo Trail organization to be part of a biking and walking path that when finished will extend from Athens to Savannah. In Statesboro the trail will link with the S&S Trail and the Blind Willie McTell Trail. Visionary Mary-Charles Howard was in Statesboro this summer with Bike Ride Across Georgia’s (BRAG) 1,000 cyclists to promote the new trail and garner support for an attraction that is not only healthy, but that provides economic, social, environmental, and tourism benefits.
We also sit down with Matthew Tyson, owner of Sully’s Steamers, home to those great steamed bagel sandwiches we all crave. Matthew talks about his love of great food and the traditions of some of Statesboro’s greatest restaurants. With nods to memorable places of the past like Snooky’s and Vandy’s, Matthew is creating that downhome, awesome place to gather in the Market District for friends, fans and neighbors to enjoy. Stock up on a bag of bagel sandwiches for a great tailgate!
Speaking of tailgating, there’s a section devoted to that favorite pastime for football fans and people who just like to eat, visit and enjoy the company!
It’s a great time to get outdoors, visit a farm, walk a trail, eat a “hot mess” of a steamed bagel sandwich and cotton to the fun events coming our way! Enjoy!
ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000
EDITOR
Jenny Starling Foss
PUBLISHER
Joe McGlamery
SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Melanie Schmermund
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Mindy Boyette
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Frank Fortune & Jeremy Wilburn
Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL: mboyette@ StatesboroMagazine.com
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MAILING ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 1084 Statesboro, GA 30459 p: 912.489.2181
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: One Herald Square, Statesboro, GA 30458 f: 912.489.8613
From Eagle Nation is a column brought to you by Georgia Southern University, where we cherish our place in the larger Statesboro community. In each issue, we hope to bring interesting and informative stories to the readers of Statesboro Magazine Doy Cave is the Marketing Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University, and resides with his family in Statesboro.
FRANK FORTUNE
Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 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.
ABOUT THE COVER
That’s Hayden Spence who’s been riding on a tractor since his dad strapped his car seat into the cab. This year he’s been honored by the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce as 2024 Emerging Young Farmer of the Year. He’s been captured here doing what he loves at Spence & Spence Farm in Middleground 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-N-Dig Federated Garden Club since 1985. Virginia Anne has served on numerous philanthropic boards in our community and is currently the Executive Director of the Bulloch County Historical Society.
JEREMY WILBURN
Jeremy Wilburn, Business Development Director at the Statesboro Chamber of Commerce, blends over 15 years as a commercial photographer with expertise in marketing, communications, and public relations. He holds a master’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois, combining creativity with strategic vision.
THE CULTURE FEATURES
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
SENATOR BILLY HICKMAN APPOINTED AS CHAIR OF SENATE STUDY COMMITTEE
Georgia Sen. Billy Hickman, center, welcomes Candler County Young Farmer teacher Jonathan Milligan to the
at Georgia Southern University.
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. @ https://statesboromarket2go.locallygrown. net/. Pick-up on Thursday afternoons at the Statesboro Visitors Center, 222 South Main Street or in Sylvania at the Victory Garden General Store, 124 West Telephone Street.
EVERY
SATURDAY
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!
SEPTEMBER 5
2ND ANNUAL JUVE KICK OFF TO FALL EVENT & FASHION SHOW
5:30 P.M. | $60.00/PERSON | FOXHALL
Juve Integrative Medicine and Wellness is excited to present the 2nd Annual Kick Off to Fall Event & Fashion Show! Grab your girlfriends and come to the beautiful FoxHall in Statesboro's West District on Thursday, September 5th. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and we will scan your mobile ticket to enter. You will then browse the latest fall arrivals from some of our favorite womenowned boutiques and jewelry designers. The Juve Team will be there chatting about the services they offer and have demos on some of their equipment. Grab some drinks and appetizers by Dolan's Bar-B-Que and get ready for the fashion show that begins around 7:00 p.m. You will have time before and after the show to shop and check out the vendors! OVER $8,000 worth of GIVEAWAYS! Must be present to WIN! A percentage of this year's ticket sales will be donated to the Camilla Foundation. Each ticket includes 2 drink tickets and 10% off a treatment/service at Juve Integrative Medicine & Wellness. Must be 21+ to drink alcoholic beverages. Please bring valid ID and drink responsibly. Can't wait to see you there!
SEPTEMBER 6
THREE TREE COFFEE ROASTING
WAREHOUSE RIBBON CUTTING
12 NOON | FREE ADMISSION/PUBLIC
WELCOME | COFFEE WAREHOUSE
1057 GA HIGHWAY 24
Join the celebration along with Statesboro-
Bulloch Chamber members for the ribbon cutting on Three Tree Coffee Roasters’ Roasting Warehouse! Sign-up to attend today at Statesboro.Chambermaster.com
SEPTEMBER 6
THE MAD HATTERS – TOM PETTY TRIBUTE BAND
7:30 P.M. | $30.00 - $35.00/PER PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Mad Hatters Formed in late 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Mad Hatters, while touring extensively, have quickly become the premier Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers tribute act. Comprised of rock veterans from the Georgia Satellites and other national and regional touring acts, The Mad Hatters deliver a pulse pounding sound and stage show that could only be matched by Tom Petty himself. Tickets available at www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
SEPTEMBER 7
6TH ANNUAL SHE WOMEN’S EXPO 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION THE VENUES – JACK HILL BUILDING OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Under the theme, Health | Wellness | Connections, SHE Women's Expo will bring together women, families, community-based health organizations, medical professionals, fitness, beauty, and wellness experts for a day of education, inspiration, and fun! Hosted by the Statesboro Herald and sponsors Southern OB-GYN and Southern Health & Wellness.
SEPTEMBER 11
GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL BOOK SIGNING
3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION THE LOBBY – JACK HILL BUILDING OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal will be hosting a book signing event for his first children’s book, Veto, the Governor's Cat. This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of real-life rescues, Veto and Bill, as they navigate their new lives in the mansion. While there, they encounter various challenges
and triumphs, with each chapter bringing a new adventure that reinforces the power of empathy and compassion.
SEPTEMBER 14
GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL
EAGLES VS SOUTH CAROLINA STATE BULLDOGS | 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. ALLEN E. PAULSON STADIUM
SEPTEMBER 19
MORRIS BANK
STATESBORO-BULLOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
5:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. | FREE ADMISSION FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
201 NORTH MAIN STREET
Please join host Morris Bank for StatesboroBulloch Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours business networking event featuring great food and drinks. This is a FREE member event. For membership information visit www.Statesboro-Chamber.org
SEPTEMBER 21
35TH ANNUAL BROOKLET
PEANUT FESTIVAL
10:00 A.M. – 7:30 P.M.
FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT!
RANDY NEWMAN COMMUNITY CENTER
DOWNTOWN BROOKLET
The Brooklet Peanut Festival is an event held annually with the goal of celebrating one of Georgia's most popular crops! Enjoy boiled peanuts, a parade, tractor races, local vendors, live music, carnival rides, food & drinks, crafts and much more!
& games to Christmas decorations. Proceeds benefit Statesboro non-profits & SSL special projects like Camp Gateway for area girls. Bring the whole family for a morning of great bargains. Check the Facebook page often for announcements leading up to the sale & notices of special on-line merchandise for sale.
SEPTEMBER 28
THE AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. | $35.00/PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Averitt Center for the Arts invites you to celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a Grand Reception & Theatrical Showcase. For refreshments, we’re providing finely selected hors d'oeuvres catered by Linens Cakes & Catering. To commemorate 20 years since we first opened our doors, we’re shining the light on one of the cornerstones of the Averitt Center, our theater department. Seasoned Actor and Director, Lee Walker, will be entertaining our guests for the evening with a series of performances from Broadway’s biggest hits through the ages. This spectacular showcase will star a stellar cast of experienced actors who’ve made quite a name for themselves in our community. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
SEPTEMBER 28
STATESBORO SERVICE LEAGUE’S ANNUAL ATTIC SALE
7:00 A.M. | $5.00/PERSON
KIWANIS OGEECHEE FAIRGROUNDS
Join the Statesboro Service League for the 2024 Attic Sale! This popular annual event features the area’s largest gently used merchandise sale. Find everything from home furnishings to children’s clothes; toys
After the parade, join us at the Turpentine Still for food and fun! You will have the opportunity to purchase turpentine, turpentine soap, rosin potatoes, and much more. Food, drink and
craft vendors available. Live entertainment. Following the festival, will be a street dance that starts at 7:30 p.m.
OCTOBER 12
ARE WE SCARED YET?
A SCARE ON THE SQUARE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE | 9:00 A.M.
FREE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Get ready for a frightfully family-friendly Theater show! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Original play/book by Bobby Keniston. Directed by Joni Mock.
Max and Katie are lost at a spooky campsite in the middle of the woods. Fortunately, Counselor Ned, a cheerful, but rather strange, camp counselor is there to help them out until the other campers and counselors find them.
To pass the time, Counselor Ned suggests they all take turns telling scary stories, a "campfire tradition as old as time." As they take turns telling their tales, the stories come to life onstage! The story of "Taily-Po," an American folklore classic, reveals an old man living in the woods with his sarcastic dog… "The Backseat Driver" gives a new twist on a popular urban legend… and "A Girl and Her Dolly" becomes a cautionary tale of a possessive and very creepy doll. After each story, Max and Katie wonder when the other counselors will show up and lead them back to the cabins, while Counselor Ned becomes more and more mysterious. What could he be hiding? Are Max and Katie in the middle of their very own ghost story? "Are We Scared Yet?” is an easy-toproduce scare fest for any theater group, and delivers a ton of laughs... and maybe even a few goosebumps!
www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
OCTOBER
12
GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL
EAGLES VS MARSHALL UNIVERSITY
THUNDERING HERD | 6:00 P.M.
ALLEN E. PAULSON STADIUM
OCTOBER 14
THE GREAT 62ND ANNUAL KIWANIS OGEECHEE FAIR
5:00 P.M. MONDAY – FAIR PARADE THROUGH DOWNTOWN STATESBORO/ NORTH & SOUTH MAIN STREETS TO FAIR ROAD | 6:00 P.M. MONDAY – FAIR OPENS
$12 ADVANCED ONLINE ADMISSION
$15 ADMISSION AT THE GATE
CHILDREN 5 & UNDER FREE ADMISSION WITH ADULT | TUESDAY – SENIORS 65+ FREE ADMISSION | KIWANIS OGEECHEE
FAIRGROUNDS | FAIR ROAD/GA HIGHWAY
67 SOUTH
The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is an annual agricultural fair hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro. The purpose of the fair is to bring a fun-filled event to the seven-county area surrounding Bulloch County while raising money to give back to the communities that the fair serves. The fair brings carnival rides and midway games together with
local food vendors, local business booths, live entertainment and agricultural history as well as livestock shows. Our current club members and the community at large owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Kiwanians that came before us, in developing and nurturing this great fund-raiser over the past six decades. See you at the Fair! For more info & tickets visit www.kiwanisogeecheefair.com
OCTOBER 19
GEORGIA SOUTHERN FOOTBALL
EAGLES VS JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
DUKES | 4:00 P.M.
ALLEN E. PAULSON STADIUM
OCTOBER 25
ANDY GROSS – ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
MAGIC & COMEDY TOUR
7:30 P.M. | $35.00 - $50.00/PER PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Andy is a multi-talented entertainer that currently combines stand-up comedy, magic and ventriloquism successfully together
making him one of the most soughtafter corporate entertainers in the world. Audiences are absolutely unanimous in their praise of this amazing performer. His ad-libs during his stand-up are frequently compared to Don Rickles and Robin Williams. His voice throwing is amazing to hear and only a few people in the world can throw their voice, it is a must hear to believe! This show is intended for sophisticated audiences to enjoy, all ages are welcome, but we recommend those ages 16+ attend to fully enjoy the show. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org
OCTOBER 27
ERIC BAILEY & COLLIN MOULTON LIVE COMEDY!
7:00 P.M. | $25.00/PER PERSON
EMMA KELLY THEATER
AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Savannah stars, Eric Bailey & Collin Moulton team-up for a clean comedy night filled with family-friendly laughs. Tickets available at 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.
CHRISTY RIKARD NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AT OTC
Ogeechee Technical College is pleased to announce the appointment of Christy Rikard to the position of Vice President of Student Affairs. Rikard, who has been a dedicated leader in higher education for over 17 years, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student success to her new role.
Rikard's journey in higher education began at Georgia Southern University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration. During her time at Georgia Southern, she held several key positions in the Office of Admissions, culminating in her role as Interim Director of Admissions. Her strategic leadership and innovative approach in these roles significantly contributed to the University's enrollment management and student engagement efforts.
In 2019, Rikard joined Ogeechee
REV. MARK BURGESS APPOINTED TO SERVE STATESBORO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Statesboro First United Methodist Church (SFUMC) is pleased to announce the arrival of its new Senior Pastor, Reverend Mark Burgess. Burgess has been a United Methodist Pastor for the past 23 years with his most recent appointment at Dunwoody United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
“I am thrilled to be here at Statesboro First United Methodist Church,” Burgess said. “I am a second career pastor which means I had a career prior to following my heart and becoming a minister. In the brief time that my wife Shannon and I have been in
Technical College as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. In this capacity, she has served as Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator overseeing critical functional areas including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Support Services, Student Activities, and Campus Safety. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and dynamic campus environment.
Rikard's contributions extend beyond administrative roles. She has been an active participant in numerous professional organizations and has presented at various conferences, sharing her insights on topics ranging from customer service in higher education to strategic enrollment management. Her dedication to professional development and community engagement is reflected in her involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County Board of Directors, the Regional Education Collaborative, and the Career Workforce Planning Steering Committee.
Among her recent accomplishments, Rikard was named one of Statesboro Herald’s "20 Under 40" and was a finalist for Ogeechee Technical College's Diamond Award and Leadership
Statesboro, we are amazed at what a wonderful community of faith Statesboro is, and look very much forward to leading SFUMC into its next chapter.”
A native of South Dakota, Burgess has an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering. His career prior to ministry included building and leading multi-discipline technology teams with international responsibilities within the chemical industry. In early 2000, God called Burgess into the ministry, and he subsequently graduated from the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta with a Master of Divinity. He is an ordained Elder.
During his ministerial career, Burgess has served as the sole pastor, senior pastor, or lead pastor for small, medium, and large churches throughout Georgia watching the Methodist denomination evolve over the years.
Award. Her leadership and impact were also recognized when she graduated from Leadership Bulloch in 2023. She is a current member of the Technical College System of Georgia’s 2024 Senior Leadership Academy class.
"I am thrilled to take on the role of Vice President of Student Affairs at OTC," said Rikard. "It is inspiring to see students start their educational journeys and later achieve their dreams. I am honored to continue contributing to the success of our students and the future of our local workforce."
President Lori Durden expressed her confidence in Rikard's appointment, stating, "Christy Rikard has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to our students and community. Her extensive experience and dedication make her the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have on our college."
Rikard's personal connection to Statesboro, where she has lived since 2003, adds to her passion for serving the community. She resides in Statesboro with her husband, Weston, and their two daughters, Carolina and Chloe. www.ogeecheetech.edu
“It is not a secret that the United Methodist Church has most recently undergone a fundamental change within some of its core beliefs, but what has not changed is the love the church has for everyone, and its core mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ,” Burgess said. “We are a ‘big-tent’ denomination, and I look forward to continuing and building on the church’s core mission here in Statesboro for the next several years.”
An excellent story teller, Burgess said his calling is to lead people into a deeper relationship with God through the redeeming love of Jesus Christ.
The Burgesses have made their home in the church’s parsonage in Statesboro. They have two grown children, Katie and Jacob. www.statesborofirst.com.
OTC ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF MANDY FORTUNE TO THE LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ogeechee Technical College is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandy Fortune to the local Board of Directors. Approved by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia on June 6, 2024, Fortune will begin her term in July 2024, serving through June 2026.
“I'm thrilled to have Mandy join our board. Not only is Mandy well respected as a professional in our community, but her energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said OTC President, Lori Durden. “Her years of experience in marketing and banking will also help us gain new insights into ways OTC can be a catalyst for technical education in our community.”
Currently serving as Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Citizens Bank of the South since October 2022, Fortune has a proven track record in Nonprofit Organizations, Marketing Management, Budgeting, Banking and Finance, Fundraising, and Advertising.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication/Public Relations, Fortune’s career has spanned over 25 years. She has previously held significant roles such as Marketing Director at Citizens Bank of the South (2008-2022) and Executive Director at Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau (1998-2002).
Her community involvement is extensive. Fortune has served in numerous leadership roles, including Board Chairman of the Statesboro Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce in 2021, Board Member of the Lynda Brannen Williamson Foundation, and Board Member of the Rockin’ Out Alzheimer’s Disease (ROAD) Foundation. She has been recognized with multiple awards, such as Woman of the Year 2023 by Statesboro Magazine and Volunteer of the Year 2021 by the Statesboro Chamber.
Fortune resides in Statesboro, Georgia, and continues to contribute actively to various community initiatives and organizations. www.ogeecheetech.edu.
OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES DR. ANTHONY BERRIOS AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Ogeechee Technical College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anthony Berrios to the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Berrios is a visionary leader with a dynamic background in organizational growth, compliance, administration, enrollment, retention, and curriculum development.
"Joining Ogeechee Technical College as the Vice President for Academic Affairs is an incredible honor," said Dr. Berrios. "I am excited to collaborate with the faculty, staff, and leadership team to continue OTC’s tradition of academic excellence and to contribute to the success of our students and the community."
Dr. Berrios' extensive career in higher education is marked by his strategic leadership in enhancing academic management, student retention, and faculty development. Most recently, he served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Florida National University, where he was responsible for overseeing all academic operations, leading curriculum development, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. His leadership was instrumental in the successful
reaffirmation of the university’s accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the accreditation of multiple healthcare programs.
OTC President Lori Durden expressed her confidence in Dr. Berrios' appointment, stating, "Dr. Berrios is a proven leader with a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success. His extensive background in higher education and strategic insight make him an outstanding addition to our team."
The Vice President for Academic Affairs, reporting directly to the President, plays a crucial role in overseeing and enhancing the College's academic services. This position involves strategic planning, leadership, and management of the Academic Affairs division, ensuring alignment with the College's mission and goals. Berrios will be responsible for maintaining high standards in academic programs, overseeing accreditation processes, and continuously improving educational quality through the evaluation of outcomes and industry needs.
Berrios holds a PhD in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College. www.ogeecheetech.edu
DEEDEE SOUTHERLIN
NAMED CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR AT GSU
Deedee Southerlin, EdD, has been named director of Georgia Southern University’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE).
Southerlin, who has a diverse background in educational leadership and program development, joined Georgia Southern in 2017 as a senior program development specialist. She later served as a professional development and customized training manager before becoming interim director of CPE.
Under her leadership, CPE will continue to offer a diverse range of training programs designed to equip professionals with the skills they need to succeed in their respective
fields. Her holistic approach focuses not only on individual career advancement but also on the broader goal of regional economic development. She believes that by investing in professional education, Georgia Southern can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation in the region.
“In our mission to support regional growth, we are committed to providing comprehensive professional development resources and strategic guidance to empower individuals, businesses and organizations, fostering a culture of continuous learning and success,” said Southerlin.
Southerlin is a three-time graduate of Valdosta State University. www.georgiasouthern.edu.
Recent reports from the University System of Georgia (USG) highlight that Georgia Southern University continues to make a significant economic impact both on its surrounding region and on the graduates it produces.
The USG recorded a $21.89 billion total economic impact from July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2023, while Georgia Southern’s annual economic impact has soared beyond $1.145 billion for FY 2023, a 3.4% increase over the previous year and a new recorded impact total.
Conducted on behalf of USG by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, PhD, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, the study also showed USG over the same period generated 163,332 full- and parttime jobs across Georgia.
In terms of economic impact, there are 3,265 jobs on Georgia Southern’s campuses in Statesboro, Savannah and Hinesville. Because of institution-related spending, 6,550 jobs exist off-campus, meaning that a total of 9,815 jobs exist due to institutionrelated spending in fiscal year 2022. The report also noted that Georgia Southern students spent $417,549,495 in the region in fiscal year 2023.
Ogeechee Technical College announced the appointment of Ryan Quick and Cliff Wildes to its Foundation Board of Trustees, both of whom were added to the board on July 1, 2024.
“Both Ryan and Cliff add invaluable financial wisdom and expertise to our board,” said VP for College Advancement, Larry Mays. “Their experience in the financial sector, and deeply rooted connections to our community, will be instrumental in positioning the OTC Foundation for continued growth.”
Ryan Quick is a commercial banker at Synovus, where he excels in financial
“Georgia Southern’s record economic impact throughout the region is a direct reflection of the remarkable work being done by our dedicated faculty and staff on all three campuses,” stated Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “As we move into the fall semester with increased enrollment, we remain committed to meeting the needs of Southeast Georgia by developing talent and supporting the University’s robust public impact research initiative.”
In a companion study, Humphreys found that USG bachelor’s graduates from the Class of 2023 will earn $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree.
Based on work-life earnings estimates for Georgia, the analysis showed that the 72,037 USG graduates from the Class of 2023 can expect combined total lifetime earnings of $220 billion, which is $70 billion more than they could expect to earn had they not gone on to college or graduate school.
The study shows graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree will earn $1.4 million more throughout their lives. In fact, high school graduates who obtain a bachelor’s degree will boost their work-life earnings in Georgia by 82%, exceeding the 80% increase estimated for the nation.
The average increase in lifetime earnings fluctuates year-to-year for each graduating class depending on how many bachelor’s degrees are awarded compared to the other degree categories. If factoring in less-than-four-year degrees for the Class of 2023, the average amount of extra earnings is $911,459.
The full reports are available online: USG Lifetime Earnings 2022 and USG Economic Impact 2023 at www.georgiasouthern.edu.
OTC
APPOINTS TWO NEW MEMBERS TO FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
expertise and client relations. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is deeply rooted in the Statesboro community. Quick is a member of Statesboro Worship Church, an active member of the Statesboro Rotary Club, and serves on the local board for Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County. He is also an active member of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce and Homebuilder’s Association. Quick is a passionate fundraiser, helping lead efforts through The Last Drive campaign and contributing as a member of the Schenkel Invitational committee.
Cliff Wildes is a Commercial Banker at Morris Bank. He began his banking career in 1996 after earning a BBA in Finance from Georgia Southern University. Wildes furthered his education by graduating from The Graduate School of Banking at LSU in 2009 and The Georgia Banking School in 2006.
He is an active member of the community, having held leadership positions in several organizations, including the Rotary Club of Statesboro, United Way of Southeast Georgia, Statesboro Homebuilders Association, American Red Cross, and Statesboro Sigma Chi Alumni Housing Corporation.
The Mission of the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation is to secure and administer monetary donations, grants, and other funds from constituents within its service delivery area to support Ogeechee Technical College in its quest to contribute to economic, educational, and community development by providing quality technical education and services, adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry workforce training to the citizens of the communities it serves. www.ogeecheetech.edu.
COURTESY
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Cliff Wildes
Ryan Quick
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 life-limiting illness and their families in Bulloch, Evans, Candler, Jenkins, Screven, Tattnall and in the nearest parts of Emanuel, Bryan and Effingham counties.
"I’m very happy to be a farmer. If I wasn’t doing this, I don’t know what else I would do.”
– HAYDEN SPENCE
HFarming from the Heart, adition in his Roots
AYDEN SPENCE STARTED FARMING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HIS DAD AND HIS uncles at age 11. His uncle, the late Kevin “Bull” Spence, had him planting, digging and picking peanuts after school in the 5th grade. He was driving a tractor by age 8. Before that he rode along as often as he could absorbing everything about farming operations through osmosis.
“He told his kindergarten teacher, Ms. Mallard, that he was leaving to go farm,” said Beth Spence, Hayden’s mom.
At age 3, his grandfather Jappy Akins gave him a 3-in-1; a dam (mother cow) with her calf, where the cow has been bred again and is pregnant. Some of those cow’s descendants are in the herd of 150 Black Angus & Simmental cows that he still helps his family tend today.
His father, Alan Spence, has been farming 40 years this year. Alan and his brother Stacy farm their mother’s family farm (The Jack Mallard Farm) on Akins Pond Road in the Middleground area of Bulloch County as
Spence & Spence Farm. Spence & Spence Farm was honored by the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce as 2008 Farm Family of the Year. In 2011, the Ogeechee River Soil & Water Conservation District honored Spence & Spence Farm as Conservationists of the Year. Their grandfather, L.E. (Bud) Spence, was also a farmer.
You could say farming is in his blood. According to Hayden, in total the Spences have around 2,800 acres, including the cows, for which they also grow hay for feeding.
" You have to be a good Christian and believe. It is hard to rely on what you can’t control. You just have to do the best you can do and put the rest into the Lord’s hands.”
– HAYDEN SPENCE
They have about 500 acres under cultivation in Jenkins County, the farthest north they farm is Highway 121.
Hayden has 20 acres of cotton in partnership with Uncle Bull’s widow Kelly this year. He has about 30 more acres he’s rented; his own to tend, plus helping his dad and Uncle Stacy with the cows and Spence & Spence Farm.
He can tell Ms. Mallard that he’s finally farming fulltime.
Hayden is 18-years-old now, graduating from Portal High School in May of this year. His family made a graduation sign for him that read “PHD - Portal High Diploma, (bound for) Spence & Spence College of Agriculture.”
“There isn’t anything that I have ever wanted to do besides farming,” Hayden said. His mother Beth (nee Akins) is also from a farming family that has been in production for over 100 years in the Bella Terra area. Her father Jappy and his father Jesse were both farmers. Her mother Charlotte’s father, Harry Jarriel, farmed in Tattnall County. A self-
proclaimed farm girl, Beth works as a Program Analyst for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s office here in Bulloch County.
Beth met Alan at Tillman & Deal Farm Supply, when she was working there as a secretary. They courted, married, and now have two sons, Hayden and Haynes (7). Primitive Baptists by faith, Beth and Alan have endeavored to instill those values in their children.
In order to be a good farmer, Hayden says, “You have to be a good Christian and believe. It is hard to rely on what you can’t control. You just have to do the best you can do and put the rest into the Lord’s hands.”
Hayden’s biggest challenges are weather, low commodity prices, and high production costs.
In school he tried baseball and soccer, but he’d rather be on a tractor than a ball field. Math was Hayden’s favorite subject under Coach Moore. He also liked the one year of Spanish he took under Señor Hattaway. Hayden’s biggest influence has been his father who told him while he was in school to “Do
it right the first time and you’ll never have to do it again,” a motto that Hayden applies to what he does now, too.
He lives with his parents on the family farm surrounded by tawny cow pastures and green fields of peanuts. The farm’s shop is across the dirt road from the house. That’s where Hayden, his dad and Uncle Stacy work on the farm’s equipment repairing all they can themselves. Hayden carries a wrench in a holster on his belt like a cowboy carries a six-shooter.
“We go over everything and do maintenance on the equipment before the planting starts,” said Hayden. They also tend to the herd of 150 cows before planting season begins. They planted peanuts in April that will be harvested in September.
“We try to eat as a family at least once a day so we can discuss what’s going on and what we’re doing the next day,” said Hayden.
It could be tagging cows, fixing a backhoe, mending fences, spraying crops, planting, turning peanuts, defoliating cotton, and the list goes on. Unlike Hayden, brother Haynes likes sports, but says he will help Hayden when he’s big enough. Which could be next year when he turns 8.
The thing Hayden loves most about farming is the freedom of being outside every day. He enjoys the satisfaction that comes from planting, growing and harvesting. He likes working with like-minded people. He also loves the variety that farming brings to each day.
“I was working on fences with Daddy on Wednesday and a cow calved right by us,” he said. “You can see it laying in the grass over there.” He pointed to the Mama cow and you could just see the calf’s head above the tall grass. As we got closer, the calf stood haltingly on spindly legs with knobby knees, right up under Mama; the youngest of the herd.
While Hayden understands all the traditional farming operations, he embraces the new technology. Since 2017, the Spences have been using GPS. The accuracy of GPS allows farmers to create farm maps with precise acreage for field areas, road locations and distances between points of interest.
“Before GPS, there was a row marker on the planter or cultivator that cuts a little furrow and you put the middle of the tractor in the furrow to keep straight rows,” Hayden said. Now GPS positions the tractor and keeps the rows straight for him.
When asked if he ever considered planting anything other than peanuts and cotton, Hayden said, “I’ve thought about it. But, with things like melons, you have to have them contracted before you even begin to plant.”
A lesson learned from local melon farmer Daly Glenn, who helped the Spences harvest cotton last year, in the way that neighbors help neighbors in the farming community.
“We finished crop picking on December 12th last year,” said Hayden. “We’ll start picking peanuts this month.”
“I’m very happy to be a farmer,” said Hayden. “If I wasn’t doing this, I don’t know what else I would do.”
You don’t really choose to farm you are born to farm. You almost have to have been reared on a farm to even understand what that means.
This year the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce honored Hayden with the 2024 Emerging Young Farmer award. Trent Senkbeil with Tidewater Agriculture Equipment Company presented the award to Hayden. Senkbeil said in announcing the award, “We hope this award inspires and empowers more young people to enter the farming profession, ensuring a bright future for agriculture.”
As long as we’re still growing them like Hayden, the future of Agriculture is in good hands. S
SENATOR BILLY HICKMAN CHAIRS SENATE STUDY COMMITTEE ON
Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands
LOCAL SENATOR BILLY HICKMAS HAS RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED CHAIR OF the Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands. The committee is being tasked with studying the conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to the preservation of Georgia’s farmlands and recommending any action or legislation that could help preserve an important part of the state’s heritage – Agriculture.
Georgia’s agricultural landscape is shrinking at an alarming rate, with the state losing 20% of its farmland over the past five decades. What was once fertile ground for farming has been replaced by urban sprawl, including housing developments, gated communities, and apart-
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
ment complexes. Since the mid-1970s, land development projects throughout the state have consumed an estimated 2.5 million acres— that’s 750,000 football fields.
Bulloch County is facing unprecedented growth in the coming years due to the location of the Hyundai Meta Plant nearby in Bryan County and due to several supporting industries filling local industrial parks. The formation of the senate committee is particularly relevant for our region. Bulloch County alone is home to 20 Centennial Family Farms certified by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Until now, the growth has largely been around urban hubs like Metro Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah,
which have seen the largest spikes in new developments, as millions are flocking to Georgia for job opportunities, a trend that pre-dates COVID-19. The Peach State, now home to over 11 million residents, is projected to grow even further, with the population expected to surpass 13 million by 2050.
“The loss of viable agricultural land is a serious concern,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said during the first meeting of the study committee, held in Statesboro on July 30, where the public was invited to gather insights from agricultural and natural resource experts. Harper is a 7th generation farmer, small business owner, and former State Senator. He lives in Ocilla and is a lifelong resident of South Georgia.
Other speakers at the event included Senator Billy Hickman, Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University, Katherine Moore, President of Georgia Conservancy, Inc., Dr. Asli Aslan, Director of Georgia Southern Institute for Water and Health, Heidi Jeffers, Director of the Georgia Grown Innovation Center, Bill Worthington, Agribusiness Teacher at Ogeechee Technical College, along with Ag Commissioner Harper. Moore emphasized that Georgia’s sustainable economic and environmental future depends on the integrity of the land, stressing that we cannot build such a future without addressing the use of our land. Aslan talked about the hot-point issue for area farmers - water control. His department’s
mission is providing scientific and technological solutions to support a collective vision of safe abundant water, a sustainable environment, and resilient communities.
Jeffers, also Director of Economic Development for the city of Metter, spoke on how the city has fully incorporated Georgia Grown into its economic development strategy. Metter is the first “Georgia Grown Community” in the state. Jeffers shared how her community is committed to fostering the growth and success of agricultural producers, from grassroots growers to expansive food manufacturers. Under Jeffers’ leadership, Metter’s Georgia Grown Innovation Center has become a model of success for the growers, producers and manufacturers represented,
with plans already underway to expand programming to Albany this fall, with additional locations throughout the state to follow. The GGIC provides the synergy for entrepreneurs and experts to share best practices and innovations impacting the future of farming.
One of Jeffers’ growers from the GGIC, Grant Anderson, owner of Better Fresh Farms, shared at the meeting how he has embraced innovation to bring better food quality to the surrounding area. Anderson grows lettuces and other vegetables hydroponically in shipping containers. He is able to produce seven acres’ worth of lettuce a year on less than an acre of land, the type of farming innovation that the committee is hoping to hear more about around the state.
AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA
• Agriculture Contributes approximately $83.5 billion annually to Georgia’s economy, it is the state’s #1 industry.
• The 2022 total Farm Gate Value for the state was $18.3 billion.
• 1 in 7 Georgians works in agriculture, forestry or related fields.
• There are over 40,000 farms in Georgia. The average farm size is 235 acres.
COLIN T. STRUB, D.D.S.
THOMAS E. MARHSALL, D.M.D.
Worthington shared the importance of training farm machinery mechanics & operators, and foresters through technical education. He also shared important statistics on agriculture in Georgia (see sidebar above).
Harper closed the meeting by asking the committee to consider further participation in conservation programs in order to save more Ag land from development. He also asked them to continue to support the agriculture industry through the Georgia Grown program, his department’s marketing and economic development arm. Harper stressed the importance of providing more grants, Ag protective policies and safety net programs for Georgia farmers.
State legislators have already begun to take action on preserving the family farm. The Georgia Farmland Conservation Act, passed last year, established a state conservation fund, which received $2 million this year. The funds will help preserve farmland and attract additional federal funding for conservation efforts. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 420 was passed to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing Georgia farmland.
Even with the challenges brought on by residential and industrial development for Georgia’s farmlands, the first meeting of the committee was successful in gathering the input needed from growers in our region.
KATHRYN W. MENTZER, D.M.D.
JARRETT H.
WALDEN, D.M.D.
“These discussions are crucial as we work to protect Georgia’s farmland for future generations,” said Hickman, also a farm owner.
“Input from our industry leaders, local officials and the public is invaluable in shaping policies that support our agricultural communities while fostering sustainable growth. I look forward to continuing these important conversations at our next meeting.”
The Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands is scheduled to hold four more meetings across the state: August 30 in Clarksville at Habersham EMC, September 25 in Moultrie at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, October 28 in Cedartown, and a November meeting in Atlanta, date pending. S
AUGUST 30: Clarksville, at Habersham EMC
SEPTEMBER 25: Moultrie, at the Sunbelt Ag Expo
OCTOBER 28: Cedartown
NOVEMBER: Atlanta, date pending
For over 40 years, the Bulloch County Historical Society has joined like-minded people interested in preserving history and heritage, especially that of Bulloch County, Georgia. The society is dedicated to the idea that knowledge of the history of one’s community is basic to our democratic way of life. It gives us a better understanding of our state and nation and promotes a greater appreciation of our heritage.
Regular meetings, special events, and publications sponsored by the Society help discover and disseminate the history of Bulloch County’s people, institutions, and culture.
A MEMBERSHIP IN THE BULLOCH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUPPORTS THE PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP ALSO ENTITLES YOU TO:
• a copy of Rambling through Bulloch, the Bulloch County Historical Society’s newsletter
• mailings
• notices of meetings
• publications
• discounted tickets to programs like Tales from the Tomb
• and invitations to special events.
GEORGIA HI-LO TRAIL: A JOURNEY BEGINS
WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GEORGIA HI-LO TRAIL/MARK TAYLOR FILMS
ANEW CHAPTER IN GEORGIA’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY was written with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. This ambitious 211-mile trail will hopefully one day traverse from Union Point to Savannah, making it the longest paved trail in the United States. The groundbreaking ceremony for the start of the trail took place at 11:00 a.m. on July 27, 2024, at 1200 Bartow Road in Sandersville, Georgia, hometown of trail visionary Mary-Charles Howard, following the annual Sandersville Sizzler 5K Trail Run and MTB Race.
The event marked the beginning of Phase One of the Washington County Model Project, a significant milestone in Howard’s vision. This initial 2.2-mile segment will
wind through the Forest Grove Preserve, a historic Georgia Centennial Farm listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail will start at Ridge Road Elementary, extending southward to the end of the Forest Grove property. The groundbreaking on this first part of the trail is the result of years of planning by trail organizers, the railroads, land owners and local governments.
“We’ve been pushing the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail vision forward for five years since we launched in April of 2019,” said Howard. “To have a groundbreaking in my hometown of Sandersville just five years later in July of 2024 has only been possible with the support of our regional partners. We’re honored to have Statesboro leadership by our side now and in the future to make the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail happen for rural Georgia.”
Getting to this day has been a big lift. We have been fortunate to earn support from amazing partners that have helped move this ambitious project forward. None have done more to promote progress than the PATH Foundation. Greta deMayo and her team have helped us realize the dreams of Hi-Lo Founder, Mary-Charles Howard.”
– MITCH SHEPPARD, BOARD PRESIDENT FOR GEORGIA HI-LO TRAIL, INC.
The trail’s development is a collaborative effort between Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc., of which Howard is founder and executive director, and the PATH Foundation. Mitch Sheppard, Board President for Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s progress: “Getting to this day has been a big lift. We have been fortunate to earn support from amazing partners that have helped move this ambitious project forward. None have done more to promote progress than the PATH Foundation. Greta deMayo and her team have helped us realize the dreams of Hi-Lo Founder, Mary-Charles Howard.”
Greta deMayo, Executive Director of the PATH Foundation, highlighted the broader impact of such projects: “PATH is proud to work with Georgia Hi-Lo Trail to help implement the vision to connect and empower rural Georgia. We see how trails promote community prosperity and wellness – from spurring economic development and offering alternative transportation options to creating safe, peaceful greenspaces that nurture physical and emotional health. We’re excited to join Georgia Hi-Lo and are with them for the long haul as they embark on this ambitious journey over the next three decades. We look forward to the day we celebrate the first ribbon cutting!”
The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is projected to span eight counties—Greene, Hancock, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham—connecting them with a continuous paved route. Upon completion, it will link up with the 38-mile Firefly Trail, which connects Athens to Union Point, creating a seamless recreational corridor.
The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail aims to do more than just connect points on a map. With other trails, it would connect Athens to Savannah and Tybee Island running through small towns that are just dots now, but that will benefit from the bikers and visitors the trail will draw. Numbers already show that communities in the U.S. that incorporate biking trails experience economic, social, health, environmental, and tourism benefits. Today, more people from all generations are looking to live, visit and work in areas that support their hunger for outdoor recreation opportunities and their desire to commute and explore by bike or foot.
Statesboro has long benefitted from hosting the Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) cyclist group, which in June 2024 featured over 1,000 cyclists pedaling county roads and highways in a “City to the Sea” ride from Atlanta to Savannah. Several towns joining the Hi-Lo Trail initiative were stops
on this year’s ride. Each year’s ride is curated to showcase the best each community has to offer along the way including local sites, parks, entertainment, the arts, activities and food & beverages.
You may already be familiar with wellused bike trails in Georgia such as the Silver Comet Trail located northwest of Atlanta, which travels through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. The Atlanta Beltline is a popular urban trail starting at the Howell Mill area near the Inman Yard, passing through the Westside Provisions area, connecting to the Atlanta Amtrak station, continuing northeast paralleling I-85, and on north of the Ansley Golf Club. St. Simons and Jekyll Islands also have over 50 miles of beautifully maintained biking trails for visitors and residents.
In Statesboro, the S&S Trail on Gentilly Road is proposed to be part of the local urban portion of the trail connecting with The Hi-Lo. The Creek on the Blue Mile and The Blind Willie McTell Trail could also be considered as portions. Proposed maps show future tentative trail sections running through northwest Bulloch County from George L. Smith State Park near the Emanuel County line to the Ogeechee River near either Oliver or Guyton in Effingham County.
The popularity of biking trails is easy to sum-up: We are all pedestrians.
Kids Bike League
To support the trail’s development, promote its mission, and provide kids with more recreational options before the trail is completed, Howard’s Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. launched the Kids Bike League, which provides children in the region with access to bikes and riding opportunities, fostering empowerment and growth. To date the organization has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from a foundation to finance it. The program teaches kids how to ride bikes and funds cutting dirt paths for them to do it on.
“We’re thankful to have found a friend at 7th Mile Farm for Kids Bike League,” said Howard. “Chris Yaughn and his staff have gone above & beyond to make sure that kids in foster care who are in the Fostering Bulloch summer camps have a chance to ride a bike with Kids Bike League as a partner. We were able to install a pump track at the 7th Mile Farm location thanks to a donation from Conte Bikes in Marietta. Now the foster community can use this incredible campus and pump track in Bulloch County!”
The popularity of biking trails is easy to sum-up: We are all pedestrians.
October 17-20, 2024 visit www.AthenstoSavannah.com for more information and to register.
This fall, the organization is hosting the Athens to Savannah Ride from October 17-20, 2024, offering cyclists a choice between a 3-day road ride or a 4-day gravel ride, both covering 285 miles and finishing in Historic Downtown Savannah.
“The Athens to Savannah Ride is our annual fundraiser for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail,” stated Howard. “People don’t have to participate in all the days, but can instead choose to participate in one or two days. Many east-Georgia-based cyclists choose to ride from Tennille to Statesboro on Saturday, October 19, or from Statesboro to Savannah on Sunday, October 20. Those who want to sign up for the 2024 Athens to Savannah Ride can visit www.AthenstoSavannah.com for more information and to register. Registration closes on October 3rd.
State and federal grants set aside specifically for trails could potentially cover 75% of the trail’s construction costs, which are projected to be over $200 million, with the cooperation of state and local governments and private citizens on easements. That’s
about $1 million per mile. In Bulloch County, we’ll need to come up with some funding, in-kind services and land donation along the trail to make it happen.
As the first cyclists and hikers take to the trail, they’ll be stepping onto a path forged by dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of outdoor spaces to transform lives.
The Athens to Savannah Ride, will serve as both a celebration of progress and a call to action. Every pedal pushed and every step taken will be a contribution to a larger dream, one that continues to unfold with each new supporter, donor, and volunteer.
With each mile completed, the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail will not only unite diverse landscapes and small towns, but will also foster economic growth, enhance community wellness, and provide a new dimension of outdoor recreation. The trail is poised to become a symbol of connectivity and resilience, demonstrating how a shared vision can bridge distances and bring people together. S
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WRITTEN BY JENNY STARLING FOSS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK
Full Fu Steam Steam Ahead Ahead
Matthew Tyson’s Creating New Traditions with Sully’s
FORTUNE
M MATTHEW TYSON, A PROUD STATESBORO NATIVE AND GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY graduate, has embarked on a journey that blends his passion for food, community, and his alma mater. Earlier this year, Tyson and his wife, Larsen, opened the first Sully’s Steamers bagel sandwich franchise in Georgia, in the Garden District of Statesboro. Sully’s, a franchise known for its signature steamed, never toasted, bagel sandwiches and its upbeat, community-oriented atmosphere, is already a popular hang-out. With its playful slogan, “We’re a Hot Mess!” Sully’s is quickly becoming a beloved spot for students, locals, and football fans alike.
Tyson’s decision to bring Sully’s to Statesboro was a natural extension of his deep-rooted connection to the community and his love for Georgia Southern football.
“We weren’t even looking for this opportunity,” said Tyson, reflecting on how Sully’s entered their lives unexpectedly. It was a trip to Greenville, SC, for a country music festival in November 2022 that planted the seed. “We had never been to Greenville before, but friends of ours suggested we try Sully’s while we were there,” Tyson recalled. “We didn’t go to the flagship store; instead, we went to the one in Simpsonville, and as soon as we walked in, the wheels started turning.”
Tyson and his wife, who consider themselves foodies, were instantly impressed by the atmosphere, the unique menu, and the concept of steaming sandwiches.
“We love grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, wrapping them in tinfoil, and letting the buns steam. So, we were already sold on the idea,” Tyson said. “When we saw how the sandwiches were being made—wrapped in foil with steam rising— and how friendly everyone was behind the counter, I started looking for a reason not to pursue the franchise. But I couldn’t find one.”
Within six months, the Tysons were sold on bringing Sully’s to Statesboro, but not without careful consideration. “I wasn’t going to make a decision without Larsen’s full support,” said Tyson, acknowledging the long hours that come with operating a restaurant. To his surprise, Larsen was on board immediately. “She said, ‘Yes!’—and that’s when I knew we were going all in.”
A Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Matthew’s ties to Statesboro and Georgia Southern football run deep. His father, Alan Tyson, became a local legend for his role as the “prognosticator” of Georgia Southern football—a tradition that started as a fun way to promote the family’s former restaurant, Vandy’s, but soon gained iconic status. Alan’s humorous football predictions, often delivered in creative costumes, became a hit with GSU fans.
“When YouTube came out, Dad transitioned to video,” said Matthew. “He would film these 75-second spiels in the kitchen for each football game. People loved them.”
This deep connection to Georgia Southern football is reflected in the decor of the Statesboro Sully’s. A large part of the restaurant pays tribute to legendary Georgia Southern football coach Erk Russell, including his famous quote about Statesboro: “I’m gonna say it one more time. We are Georgia Southern. Our colors are blue and white... and you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” Tyson has also named a signature sandwich on the menu the “Freedom Burger,” in honor of Georgia Southern’s eagle mascot, Freedom.
In homage to Statesboro’s past, the bathrooms at Sully’s feature painted signs from beloved local restaurants that have since closed. One of those is Snooky’s, which was a famous meeting place for a local group known as the “Snook Pac,” a collection of friends who gathered regularly for fellowship and political banter.
“The round table at Snooky’s was where people came together for good times and good conversation,” said Tyson. “I want Sully’s to be that kind of place—a place where people can gather, have a great meal, and connect with each other.”
A Unique Dining Experience
From the moment customers walk through the door, Sully’s offers a dining experience unlike any other. The menu features cleverly named sandwiches, all steamed to perfection, the most popular being the Griswold.
“This isn’t your average sandwich shop,” Tyson said. “The steam creates a flavor and texture that’s just different—better. It’s all hot and gooey, definitely a sandwich you’ll remember.”
Matthew often spends time in the dining area, engaging with customers and ensuring that their experience is top-notch.
“I believe in touching tables,” said Tyson. “It’s important to me to be present, to connect with people. I’ll deliver food to customers, suggest menu items—it’s a great opportunity to make a lasting impression.”
Sully’s commitment to exceptional customer service is at the heart of its success.
“Our culture is all about saying ‘Yes,’” Tyson explained. “There’s a sign in the restaurant that says, ‘Life’s too short to work for jerks!’ That’s something we live by. We make it really hard for our diners to say ‘No’ to us. If someone’s carb-conscious, we’ll scoop out the center of the bagel for them. We go the extra mile.”
The Sully’s team also caters to local events, from business luncheons to tailgates.
“We’re a perfect spot to grab everything you need for a great tailgate,” said Tyson, noting that Sully’s has quickly become a favorite among Georgia Southern’s teams and fans.
We want Sully’s to be the
community’s restaurant. We’ve got big tables, small tables, and a big round table right up front—places where folks can meet, eat a great sandwich, and enjoy the fellowship.”
– MATTHEW TYSON
This isn’t your average sandwich shop, The steam creates a flavor and texture that’s just different—better. It’s all hot and gooey, definitely a sandwich you’ll remember.”
– MATTHEW TYSON
A Community-First Approach
From the beginning, Tyson has embraced Sully’s model of giving back to the community. Since opening in February 2024, the restaurant has participated in numerous community events, including GATA Jam, the Downtown Live concert series, and Tasting Statesboro for the United Way.
“We look for opportunities to give back,” said Tyson. “During the flooding caused by Hurricane Debbie, we fed first responders.
We also work with local organizations like Broken Shackle Ranch. We make sure nothing at Sully’s ever goes to waste.”
Sully’s has even sponsored the GATA Spirit Award at Georgia Southern, further cementing its connection to the University and the local community.
“We want Sully’s to be the community’s restaurant,” Tyson said. “We’ve got big tables, small tables, and a big round table right up front—places where folks can meet, eat a great sandwich, and enjoy the fellowship.”
The Steam Dream Team
At the core of Sully’s success in Statesboro is what Tyson calls his “Steam Dream Team.” General Manager John Martinson, who previously managed a Sully’s in Mauldin, SC, now leads the Statesboro location. Martinson and his wife, Macie, are both from nearby Screven County, which helps reinforce the local ties that Sully’s strives to cultivate.
“Our team is like family,” said Tyson. “I met John through local realtor Paul Newman, and his experience with Sully’s has been invaluable. Our management team also includes Blake Slagel, who I met while he was working at Publix. His customer service skills were outstanding, and I knew he’d be a great fit.”
The entire staff is local, which helps create a sense of camaraderie and familiarity in the restaurant.
“All of our employees grew up in Statesboro. They’ve gone to school together, know each other’s families—it creates a great dynamic,” said Tyson. “We don’t have a lot of turnover because we treat our employees well, and they love working here.”
Looking to the Future
Now that Sully’s has been open for six months, Tyson is confident in the restaurant’s future. “We’re all in,” he said. “It was meant to be. We weren’t looking for this opportunity, but the door was never shut.”
For Tyson, Sully’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a way to serve the community he loves.
“I feel like we’re in the infancy stage of something great,” he said. “I want this to be a place where people feel welcome, where they can gather and make memories. We’ve created a culture here that’s all about connection and community.”
Inspired by a scripture that hangs in his office—Isaiah 40:31—Tyson believes in the importance of perseverance and faith. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
It’s a message that resonates not only with Tyson’s personal journey but also with the spirit of Sully’s, as it continues to soar in Statesboro. S
The Ultimate Football Tradition
S FOOTBALL SEASON KICKS OFF, SO DOES ONE OF THE SPORT’S MOST CHERISHED TRADITIONS: TAILGATING. THIS TIME-HONORED RITUAL IS MORE THAN JUST A prelude to the game—it’s a celebration of community, food, and fanfare that unites people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a die-hard Georgia Southern fan or just along for the fun, tailgating offers an unforgettable experience that blends the thrill of the game with the joy of gathering with friends and family. »
THANK 2024 GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug 31 HOME vs Boise State
Sep 7 ..........
Sep14
Sep 21
Sep 28........
Oct 12
Oct 19
vs. Nevada-Reno
vs. South Carolina State
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Georgia State
vs. Marshall
HOME vs. James Madison
Oct 24 AWAY vs. Old Dominion
Nov 16 HOME vs. Troy
Nov 23 AWAY vs. C. Carolina
Nov 2 AWAY vs. South Alabama
Nov 30....... HOME vs. App. State
The essence of tailgating goes beyond just firing up the grill or setting out a spread of snacks. It’s about creating a space where the excitement of game day begins long before kickoff. As the parking lot around Paulson stadium transforms into mini festivals, fans set-up & decorate tables & tents, pop open their coolers, and break out their best game-day recipes. BBQ ribs, burgers, wings, and a variety of grill specialties fill the air with mouthwatering aromas, while cold drinks keep spirits high. For many, the food is just as important as the game itself.
But it’s not just about the food—tailgating is a full-on social event. Eagle Fans bond over their love for the traditions, trading predictions, talking strategy, and showing off their True Blue pride with jerseys, flags, and face paint. Families pass down tailgating know-how to the next generation, while newcomers quickly learn the ropes. Games like cornhole, ladder toss, and even impromptu football throwing keep the energy up, while music blares and fans practice their chants and cheers for when the yellow busses pull into the parking lot, the Eagles disembark and start their walk to victory.
As the ultimate fusion of football, food, and community, tailgating has evolved into an experience that’s almost as essential as the game itself. It’s a place where memories are made, rivalries are (mostly) friendly, and the passion for the home team truly shines. Whether you’re in it for the grill, the camaraderie, or the love of the game, there’s no better way to start game day than Tailgating! S
WRITTEN BY LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY
IHAVE A CONFESSION. HONEY HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE FOOD. I HAVE WORKED HARD TO ACQUIRE A TASTE FOR HONEY BECAUSE PEOPLE expect me to LOVE it!! I named my company which has practically become part of my identity, Honey Catering. It comes with the territory. I chose the name Honey not because of flavor but because of its qualities and characteristics. Honey is a nourishing and nutritious food in its purest form. No additives. No preservatives. Honey never spoils. I wanted my life’s work to be synonymous with simple yet delicious food and longevity. Bees are industrious creatures, and I wanted to emulate their hard work while building my business. Plus, bees are cute and usually make people smile!
My obsession with bees and honey started long before my culinary journey. “You’re just a bee charmer, Idgie Threadgoode. That’s what you are, a bee charmer,” is a line from one of my favorite movies, Fried Green Tomatoes. I can picture sweet Ruth’s incredulous expression as she watches wide-eyed as rebellious, wild-haired Idgie harvests honey from a live hive swarming with its angry, winged guardians. I wanted to be brave like Idgie and kind like Ruth. Those characters shaped my idea of what a strong, Southern woman should embody.
I offer many specialty food products in my store, Honey Specialties. Customers often inquire about our favorite local honey we carry in store. It’s hard to choose just one when you appreciate the different flavors and nuances associated with each brand. I have become a honey connoisseur! I enjoy eating the honey and using it in recipes, but I enjoy even more talking to the vendors and seeing the passion and pride they have for their products.
When you say the words Bear Hug Honey my eyes light up! I love a great product with local ties. I’ve known the owner, Sam Johnson and his family since childhood. His Mother, Mrs. Debbie and I bonded
over our love for antiques and entertaining. I truly enjoyed catering at her home because she encouraged me to comb through the treasures in her pantry to find the best serving pieces for each event. She had an antique Hoosier cabinet that I coveted. Ladies like her nurtured my creativity and gave me permission to be myself when I was finding my way as a young entrepreneur. I know she was very proud of Sam and his honey endeavors.
Sam decided to launch his own honey business after a wise old beekeeper once told him, “If you are going to work for a fool, it might as well be yourself.” Bear Hug Honey was founded in the Spring of 2017. Sam has a degree in Agricultural Economics from UGA. He worked with various beekeepers and honey companies after graduating college to gain experience and knowledge of the honey industry. Bear Hug offers a variety of flavors and products! Their Wildflower and Blackberry Honeys, come from around Statesboro. Both Sourwood and Tupelo Honey are named after the flower that the bees gather the nectar from. Sam says, “Just how every flower smells different, the nectar is going to have its own unique and delicious taste.” Sam also infuses honey with all natural ingredients. Some of Bear Hug’s top sellers are: Southern Sriracha Spicy Honey, Vanilla Bean Honey, Ginger Honey, and Lavender Honey. I love the Vanilla Bean Honey with real specks of vanilla!
When I asked Sam if he had any interesting honey facts he said with enthusiasm: “If you’ve never had Sourwood Honey, it’s a treat. The only place in the world you can get Sourwood is up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia, North Carolina and parts of Tennessee. Our bees are actually up around Toccoa right now collecting Sourwood Honey. It has a rich, buttery, caramel flavor to it, and it’s my most favorite honey.”
Sam couldn’t resist a nod to Statesboro when he offered a quick tip on ways to use Southern Sriracha Spicy Honey. Sam says, “Drizzled over pizza or any kind of cheese, salmon, or chicken is so good.” It’s like a cheat code, which reminds me of an Erk Russell quote: “At Georgia Southern, we don’t cheat. That costs money and we don’t have any.” Bear Hug has a retail store in downtown Athens, GA at 193 East Clayton Street, where they sell honey as well as Skin Care and Candles. You can shop online at BearHugHoney.com. They offer wholesale too! Bear Hug Honey can be found in the ’Boro at Honey Specialties inside Dolan’s BBQ.
GATA HOT TODDY
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz. Bourbon
1Tbsp. H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey
Juice from 1/2 Franklin Farms Satsuma Mandarin
Juice from 1/2 Franklin Farms Meyer Lemon
PREPARATION:
4 oz. Hot Water
1 Tea Bag
1 Cinnamon Stick
6 Cloves Satsuma Slice
Place water, cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves in a pot and heat until barely boiling. Remove from heat. Add tea bag and steep for 1-2 minutes. Pour bourbon in a mug and add citrus juice and honey. Add hot spiced tea mixture. Garnish with satsuma slice studded with 3 cloves. This is great for the common cold!
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DIP
INGREDIENTS:
2 8 oz. blocks Cream Cheese (softened)
2 c. Pimento Cheese
4 c. Fried Chicken Tenders (chopped)
1/2 c. chopped Dill Pickles
1 Tbsp. Sriracha
2 Tbsp. Bear Hug Sriracha Spicy Honey
1/8 c. Dill Pickle Juice
1/4 c. Brown Sugar
TOPPING:
2 c. Crushed Potato Chips
3 Tbsp. Butter
Dash Dill Weed
Dash Granulated Garlic
Melt butter and mix with remaining ingredients!
PREPARATION:
Combine cream cheese and pimento cheese. Fold in chicken fingers. I recommend buying 12 chicken fingers from your favorite chicken spot. (Dolan’s or Chik-fil-A). Pour in 9x13 casserole dish or medium size cast iron skillet. Sprinkle dill pickle pieces over the top. Place sriracha, honey, dill pickle juice, and brown sugar in a pan and cook on stovetop until sugar is melted and sauce begins to thicken. Pour over the top of dip and bake for 20-30 minutes at 350˚. Add topping and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.
I have long been an advocate for local farmer’s markets. This is where you find the best of the best in local food products. I fell in love with Honey Toast Farms clover honey this spring at Millen’s Produce Market. I was drawn to their cheerful table decorated with bottles of glistening honey. Alan Stewart and his wife Sharon offered me a taste and gained a lifelong fan!
Alan’s son Anthony started beekeeping around 2014. He built a trap out of a Styrofoam cooler and caught his first swarm that he relocated to their farm. The rest is history. They now have 100 hives!!
Everything the bees eat is grown on the farm in Screven County. They plant clover, wildflowers, and other forage for the bees and supplement with only pure sugar during colder months.
Alan and Anthony are both certified beekeepers. They love sharing their knowledge and have started hosting beekeeping classes on the farm. The farm shop at Honey Toast Farms is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All honey flavors are available to sample! They also have seasonally
infused flavors, honey gift sets, and baked goods.
You can visit the shop at 6339 Statesboro Highway, Sylvania, Georgia. You can also purchase honey at the Millen Market on Tuesdays and Sylvania Market on Thursdays during the market seasons. Anthony’s wife Kari is also a part of the daily honey operations. Kari is currently working on an infused honey made with lavender and vanilla. She said one of her favorite ways to enjoy their lemon ginger honey is on fish and pork.
I can’t mention honey without including my friend Laura Franklin Cooke. I think of Laura as a fellow Queen Bee. Our paths have crossed many times throughout the years. I was first introduced to Laura when my cousin babysat her girls.
Laura is the owner of H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey. Laura purchased the honey business from her brother in 2013. Her background in marketing helped the business blossom. H.L. Franklin Honey is pure, raw, and unfiltered. They offer eight honey types. Their honey is harvested from floral sources
HOT HONEY CHEX MIX
INGREDIENTS:
1 box Wheat Chex cereal
1 box Honey Nut Chex cereal
1 box Rice Chex cereal
1 box Corn Chex cereal
1 box Cheez-It Crackers
4 c. Cheerios
1 15 oz. bag Pretzels
16 oz. Honey Roasted Peanuts
1 Tbsp. Seasoned Salt
1 Tbsp. Granulated Garlic
1 lb. Salted Butter
1 c. Bear Hug Southern Sriracha Spicy Honey
1 c. Worcestershire
PREPARATION:
Combine all the dry ingredients in a big bowl and mix well. Add butter, honey, and Worcestershire to a pot and heat until butter is melted. Stir to combine. Pour over dry ingredients and toss until well coated. Spread mixture on cookie sheets in one even layer. Bake at 250˚ for one hour. Stir mixture every 15 minutes. The mixture should be dry and toasty. Store in sealed containers for up to a month. This makes a big batch so you can share with friends!
grown in the Southeast. Each Honey is named after the flowers the bees use to pollinate. Franklin’s honey is never mixed with chemicals, syrups, or fillers. Laura is dedicated to keeping all the powerful enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen that make her honey healthy and the highest quality! Laura also offers creamed honey and hand cut honeycombs. I love to use the honeycomb on cheeseboards and charcuterie displays. Laura and I were both finalists in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Science’s signature event, the Flavor of Georgia competition back in 2018. Laura’s creamed honey stole the show that year. She won her category and people’s choice! She is always so gracious and kind.
H.L. Franklin Healthy Honey is a fixture at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market. You can find Laura and her daughters selling honey and anything bee related such as jewelry, honey gift boxes, honey straws, wooden honey wands, and more at the market. You can also purchase products at www.franklinfoodsllc.com or call 1-800-260-4995. Also, available at Honey Specialties! S
BACON ONION JAM BURGER SLIDERS
INGREDIENTS:
1 12-pack Hawaiian Rolls
6 slices Cheddar Jack Cheese
4 lbs. Ground Beef
1 tsp. Season Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
1 tsp. Chili Powder
BACON ONION JAM:
1 lb. Bacon
1/2 tsp. Granulated Garlic
PREPARATION:
BURGERS:
Combine ground beef with seasonings. Mix well. Place ground beef in an 8x11 casserole dish. Press meat in a 1-inch layer to the edges of the pan. Don’t pack too firmly. Bake at 400˚ for 25 minutes. Drain off any excess drippings and grease. Top with cheese slices.
ASSEMBLY:
1 Tbsp. Bacon Grease
1 Onion (chopped)
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/4 c. Honey Toast Farm Clover Honey
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire
BACON JAM:
Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in skillet until done. Drain on paper towels. Reserve one tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook chopped onion in reserved bacon drippings until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Cut the top of the rolls off in one big piece using a serrated knife. Place the big burger patty on the bottom portion of rolls. Top with bacon jam and place the top portion of rolls on top. Bake at 400˚ for 4-5 minutes. Use a knife to slice between rolls so sliders can be easily pulled apart.
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Ticked Off: A Commonsense Guide to Tick Season
WRITTEN BY DOY CAVE
IF YOU VENTURE ANYWHERE OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE IN GEORGIA, YOU’VE PROBABLY PICKED UP A TICK OR 12 IN YOUR LIFETIME. WHICH ALSO MEANS you’ve experienced the gory task of getting ticked off — removing ticks, that is. What did you think I meant?
You don’t have to venture far to find a new tick BFF. They usually hang out along wood trails on lower vegetation or in leaf litter, just waiting to feast on your blood like miniature vampires. But nobody is Team Edward in tick world. Nobody.
Truth is, tick bites cause more than 500,000 new illnesses per year, which is a frightening prospect for parents. But Lorenza Beati, M.D., Ph.D., professor of biology and curator of the Smithsonian U.S. National Tick Collection at Georgia Southern University, says it’s not that difficult to keep yourself and your kids safe during tick season.
“It’s really about using your common sense,” she said.
RECLAIM YOUR YARD
Like pretty-boy vampire Edward Cullen, ticks like to hang out in the woods, but they can also hitch a ride on birds, deer and rodents that make their way into your yard.
One of southeast Georgia’s most prevalent ticks is Amblyomma americanum, the Lone Star tick (Go back to Texas!). While these ticks don’t carry Lyme disease, some of them do carry Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial illness which usually causes flu-like symptoms, but can also require hospitalization. In some cases, it can also cause red meat allergy.
And unlike some other ticks that hang around on vegetation until you pass by, this tick will follow you until you rest on a log or lay in the grass, stalking you with vampire-boy energy. Good news, though! They don’t like a clean-cut yard.
“If you have cut grass, the chances of ticks being happy there are slim,” said Beati.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
If you’re going to let your kids play outside, you should dress them with creepy-crawlies in mind.
“When I see people in the woods with shorts and flip-flops, I think they’re asking for it,” said Beati.
Kids should wear socks and sneakers rather than open-toed shoes. If possible, let them wear long pants and tuck those pants into their socks so ticks can’t crawl inside their pants legs. Tuck in their shirts so they can’t crawl up there, either.
Beati says DEET still seems to work on ticks in southeast Georgia, so in addition to spraying arms and legs, you can spray the sleeves, neck, and pants openings with repellant to keep ticks away. If you want to take your tick repellant to the next level, treat your kid’s clothes with permethrin. Beati says that’ll do the job, too.
IT MAKES
ME .
. . ANXIOUS
. . . TO BE AWAY FROM YOU.
As much as these little Edward Cullens need you, want to latch on to your skin and drink themselves silly, you and your kids must become tick detectives if you want to be tick-free.
After a day outside, check your kids where a tick might hide. Ticks love to nestle in cozy places behind the ears, in hair, around knees and in belly buttons. Unfortunately, ticks also love to latch on the groin area, so make sure they check there thoroughly. And contrary to what some believe, showering won’t remove an attached tick.
If you find a tick, Beati says the best thing to do is yank it off by pinching it as close to the skin as possible — preferably with fine tweezers, if you have them.
“Just make sure you don't break the body of the tick and don't wait,” she said. “If the tick is already a little bit engorged, you may break the tick by yanking them off, and that may cause pathogens in the tick to enter your skin through the bite site.”
It goes without saying, but don’t forget to sanitize your skin and hands after pulling it off.
These are just a few of the ways to keep ticks out of your life this fall. To learn more about ticks and see some seriously humongous ones — don’t worry, they aren’t alive anymore — visit the Smithsonian U.S. National Tick Collection at Georgia Southern.
And if you never read “Twilight” or saw the movie, sorry for all the obscure references. It was only a cultural sensation, so in reality it’s your own fault. S
Fall Container Ideas
WRITTEN BY VIRGINIA ANNE WATERS
ILOVE FALL LEAVES AND I ALSO LOVE FALL CONTAINER GARDENING. COMBINING BOTH WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH SEVERAL MONTHS OF COLOR at your front door, on the dining room table or beside your mailbox. Let’s see what will work in our area because fall is still very hot in Bulloch County.
We all are planting pansies later and later every year. After Thanksgiving is a good time for planting pansies to ensure, they do not become tall and leggy. It is nice to approach a home and find a fresh container garden in sight. It is a positive indication that the homeowner enjoys their home and cares what neighbors and guests see when driving by the home.
This past summer has been the hottest one ever and even daily watering has barely kept some plants alive. It is time to remove these dead and almost dead plants and replace with new ones in order to keep the arrangement looking fresh and attractive. Many positives for container gardening include: no heavy work like digging or mulching; no huge budget for dozens of plants and the container can be moved from one area to another. This fall I am going to try at least one “foliagefocused” container garden. Even in container gardening you need to pick plants that like sun or plants that like shade.
There are many plants with leaves that do well in container gardens. Coleus comes in so many colors that a container of it alone creates a dramatic effect. Sweet potato vines come in several shapes and colors.
One of my favorite plants is Fatsia Japonica or “spider’s web.” Fatsia can grow very large so be sure and find a miniature variety. Wellington Bronze is used for contrast and has deep bronze saw-toothed leaves. One of the best ornamental grasses that does well in shade is Japanese Forest Grass or Hakone Grass. Coral-bells come in many colors from lime green, to bronze and orange and almost black. Friendship plant, Pilea Involucrata “Norfolk” has great texture with leaves having spine-like veins. They are metallic silver with charcoal green veins. When shopping for foliage prospects, make sure you visit all corners of your favorite garden center. Be sure and check out the hardy perennials, small shrubs, houseplants and vegetables. Herbs are wonderful for adding fragrance to a container. A small conifer can add height and texture. Be sure and include succulents for interesting shapes and colors. We certainly cannot use all of these plants in one container, but these are good choices for Bulloch County.
There are as many containers as there are stars in the sky. Choose what you like and what works for the space it will “live and grow.” Be sure that the container has drainage holes. If placing on a patio, you may also wish to have a saucer for your container. Logs of wood and dough bowls are great containers for the fall.
Choose the container you want to use and then decide where you will place it. Shade or sun will decide which plants you choose. I use a year-round primary plant in my large containers and then change the smaller plants seasonally. I like to use a small shrub, a one-gallon size,
such of Loropetalum, boxwood, Pittosporum or a holly. When they get too large, just transplant to an area in your yard that needs some attention. I do like to lift the shrub out and loosen the soil to make sure it is not root-bound or suffering from a dry spot in the center of the roots. Fill your container with fresh or amended soil. Everyone has his or her own favorite. I use the one sold by Tillman Brannen & Minick Farm Supply.
Whether you have a very large planter or a smaller container, it is now time to select your plants that will grow in either shade, partial shade, sun, or full sun. I like to use the old reliable container design process known as the “filler, thriller, spiller” method. The “filler” is the main plant, which can be the central plant you keep all year. The “thriller” call be a tall plant to provide height, a visually exciting plant, or an unusual specimen. Succulents make good “thriller” plants. The “spiller” is a trailing plat that spills out of the container. With this design method, you should have tall, medium and short heights throughout the container.
If a certain plant gives up the ship, simply remove it and replace. Also during October, remember to add small pumpkins into the design. In November, gourds add shapes and interest. A weathered, turkey garden stick can be fun as well. Happy gardening in a container! S
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
WRITTEN BY REV. DR. JOHN WATERS
MANY CHILDREN ARE AFRAID OF THE DARK. LOTS OF ADULTS ARE TOO.
When my grandchildren sleep over at our home, we always leave some light in their room—perhaps a closet light, a night light in the wall socket, or a hall light drifting through a door left ajar. The primary goal is the removal of complete darkness, regardless of the source of the light.
Even as adults, we strive to remove darkness from our lives. Broken promises, medical diagnoses, dysfunctional family relationships, and the troubles and trials of life all represent forms of darkness that none of us welcome. But is there a way to rid our lives of darkness? Is it possible to find some way to fend off the pain, hurt, and brokenness of this world?
You don’t have to search very far to find darkness today. World events, political vitriol, natural disasters, unhealthy families, and general stress from the twists and turns of life cast shadows of shade and darkness all around us. There is no avoiding it, and we often feel no escape from it. Like children being tucked in bed at night, we long for a little light, just enough to fend off the foreboding sense of darkness.
What is the solution for darkness? The answer in a word is: Light.
Several years ago, my wife and I visited the Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. The Park Ranger guiding us on our tour explained how the labyrinth of passageways was initially explored with only candlelight. Long before the days of flashlights and LED bulbs, candles were they only portable light source they could carry underground. As I listened to her explanation, I was a little skeptical of how such an extensive network of dark, underground spaces could have been mapped with only candles, regardless of how adventurous those early explorers might have been.
To prove her point, she turned off the artificial lights of the passageway where we all stood, plunging us into complete darkness for a few moments. She then proceeded to light a single candle to illuminate the space and illustrate her point. The darkness was pushed out of the underground cave, and the light from the candle seemed to scatter the shadows and shroud the passageway with the soft glow of light. I was amazed at the difference one candle made.
Standing in the cave that day, I realized that all that was needed to remove the darkness was a single light. One simple candle had enough power to alter a world of darkness.
In the Old Testament, Isaiah the prophet declared that “the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.” His words encouraged the people of his day that the doom and gloom of their world would one day be shattered by the shining brightness of the coming Christ.
King David, famously writing with shepherding images in Psalm 23, described walking through deep darkness as if he were in a “valley of the shadow of death.” But even though he might walk through such a desperate place, he did not fear evil because the light of God’s presence would be with him.
When Jesus began to teach his disciples in Galilee, he bluntly said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). His message was clear and unmistakable—the only way to get rid of darkness was to trust him as the light.
Are you looking for a way to rid yourself of darkness? The Scriptures clearly teach us that faith does not remove the pain, stress, and difficulties of life. Neither Jesus, the apostles, nor the prophets ever promised an easy, care-free life if you follow the Lord. The promise, however, was that moments of darkness could be filled with light, as you find peace during pain, hope during sorrow, and life during death.
Like a candle lit in a dark cave, the Lord can dispel the gloom that hovers over you and dismiss the doom that falls around you. It involves taking God at his word, believing the promises that he has made, and trusting him when darkness falls.
Don’t be afraid of the dark. The light of Christ brings hope, peace, and joy, even when the circumstances of life grow dimmer and darker all around you. S I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”
– JOHN 8:12
The Great One, Revisited
WRITTEN BY RIC MANDES
(Originally published in Statesboro Magazine, in March/April 2011).
IT’S A RAINY NIGHT IN GEORGIA.
A FRIDAY EVENING, TO BE EXACT. MAY, 1981, TO BE MORE EXACT.
This nocturnal setting is aglow as reflections of car lights glance from the wet streets, those corridors leading from somewhere to somewhere. Statesboro seems in slow motion. No one is in any particular hurry. This happens now and then: rush is not around.
My time, date, and place have been decided earlier on this day. I sit parked behind a service station on South Main. I am forty-eight years of age. I have been a part of Georgia Southern for a long time. Been involved with the design of dreams. Dreams, you ask? Yes, we dreamed. Our dreams, you see, were the early compositions of what now entitles Georgia Southern to be a university.
That is why I am now in my sedan. I have been asked to sit in my sedan alone.
“Anticipation” is the clarion ring of the community. It’s called “buzz.”
He is on his way; bringing confirmation to what seemed the impossible.
All those undeniable candles are aglow, as I sit waiting.
By now the rain has turned to a misty dance. A sprinkling minuet on the windshield. A melody of God’s rain drops seems fitting at this time. There indeed is the touch of ritual needed, an anointment to the arrival of a mighty force. How did I ever know how mighty this force would be to the destiny of the college, its students, this community, and its people?
Amazing movements have passed my way, but nothing compares to this Friday night.
Ah. Let me take that back. There was a powerful ignition during that afternoon ride home the spring of ’79 from Brunswick, when University President Dale Lick, stretched and just casually said, “Ric. Let’s talk about bringing football back to Southern.” Dale’s intonation was as if he said, “Pull over at the next exit; I need a Coke® and some crackers.”
That simple statement of Dale’s, designed the setting of this rainy night, thirty years ago this May (2011), as I am waiting for Erk who will walk into the Hanner Fieldhouse tomorrow morning, turning a dream into the right stuff.
He will wear blue and white and a smile, a bit brown at the corners, from his having just discarded a chaw. We remember his pronouncement, bounding and resounding from the coastal waters of St. Simons to the North Georgia Hills: “Folks, my name is Erk Russell and I love the game of football, I hope you do, too. I’m 54. Turn that around and that’s 45. To me age ain’t nothing but two numbers.”
With that, he takes a football from Athletic Director Bucky Wagner, fakes a handoff to “Coach” Lick and offers these immortal words, “Today, I am proud to say Erk Russell is turning in Red and Black for Blue and White.” This maestro of Sanford Stadium, who helped Vince Dooley six months earlier win a National Championship in the Sugar Bowl, was on the hunt for a dream.
And he found it.
Folks, my name is Erk Russell and I love the game of football, I hope you do, too. I’m 54. Turn that around and that’s 45. To me age ain’t nothing but two numbers.”
– ERK RUSSELL
This past fall, I entered Paulsen. I was both touched and moved, when my daughter said, “Just watch Daddy.” And there the parade of Eagles full in uniform ready for battle, young men taking time to revere our Great One, yet to be born that long ago rainy night in Georgia, tapping helmets with the bronze bust of Erk. I cherish that evening of mine and Erk’s ride, bathed by God’s holy water.
As we moved about in the rain, I asked him what were the needs for “restarting football at Southern.”
“Two things: Tradition and a house to play in.”
“Tradition,” Mandes, “Is when our team is 0 and 6 and folks are still hunting tickets. A house is a stadium that belongs to us and where we win every damn game. If we can’t do it in our house, then we ain’t no good.”
This is ’81.
In l984, thanks to the sharpness of Bucky Wagner and the check writing of Allen Paulsen, M.C. Anderson, and Glen Bryant, our kicker teed up the pigskin in OUR HOUSE!
l985 - Tracy fires the bullet to Johnson, killing Furman.
1986 - Erk’s Eagles do a repeat and another National Champs Banner joins the flags.
1989 - Erk’s last season. Our bald Eagle will be leaving the sideline path which has been his trail to bringing moments forever remembered. His Eagles give him a most deserved and honorable going away gift: 15 and 0, and his third National Championship Banner.
It was a cold day that last contest in ’89. Now the lights are lowered. The great one is walking to his truck, body aching and wracked with pain from worn out knees. In the distance he hears what he created beginning that rainy night in Georgia. A roar. A mighty roar of victory from a student body which grew from 6,000 to 16,000 all because Erk called his buddy Frank Inman and Inman called Lick and….
As his story ends in his book: ERK: FOOTBALL, FANS AND FRIENDS, he climbs into his truck. Turns the key, revs the motor, and moves toward Sammy Johnson’s for a cold one and a cigar.
What am I left with?
How truly special those ninety minutes were. Sitting beside me was the man who would bless the destiny of GSC students, bring national attention to this campus, and hold all in awe with his ability to put words together effectively beyond the imagination, especially when he reads to his granddaughter’s third grade class. He became the man of the hour; the individual who gave, and gave and gave, leaving a nine year folio of magical moments which will live on forever.
Three decades have passed and so has the Great One, who now looks from heaven upon the crew who dared to dream: Lick at Florida State; Wagner, retired; and THE DIRTY DOZEN, led by Bruce Yawn. S
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East Georgia Regional Medical Center Ribbon Cuttings
FOR EAST GEORGIA UROLOGY: DR. TIMOTHY THALLER & NICOLLE DIGEROLAMO THALLER, APRN-BC | MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING, SUITE 102 AND THE SLEEP LAB: EAST GEORGIA PULMONARY & SLEEP DISORDER MEDICINE | DR. ANDREW CHICELLI, DR. TAREK AMOUN & DR. BASIL BANGASH
FOLLOWED BY STATESBORO-BULLOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
