Connect Statesboro December 2016

December 2016

THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, & LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE OF STATESBORO

TMT

FARMS

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Christmas. What wonderful images that paints for me in my mind and in my heart. I get a bit reflective during the holidays. I suppose we all do. The difference with me is that there’s music – the opening music for the Charlie Brown special – that plays while images of my childhood in Lincoln County flash through my mind like they’re on a View-Master.

If you didn’t grow up in the 1970s, you might not know what a ViewMaster is. Of course, it’s still a popular toy today. For decades, kids of all ages have enjoyed popping in a disk of tiny little slides that enables them to see images of people and places all over the world. For me, in my small hometown, it gave me a glimpse of places I figured I’d never see in person.

I loved that thing. It was one of my favorite Christmas gifts.

Another one of my favorite gifts was a doll. The doll was associated with the television show, “Family Affair,” which featured a little girl named Buffy who had red hair, freckles and pigtails. She could have been my twin – or at the very least a distant cousin. Buffy’s favorite doll, Mrs. Beasley, wore glasses, a blonde coiffure, and a fierce blue skirt with white polka dots. She knew all of Buffy’s secrets, and smiled sweetly as she held them tightly to herself.

What’s told to Mrs. Beasley, stays with Mrs. Beasley.

My mother says she thought that since I resembled Buffy, I should have the doll, so I received my Mrs. Beasley on a Christmas when I was so young, I can’t even remember it. But I have never forgotten the doll. In fact, I still have her.

And I still get a little defensive when others look at her and think her large eyes are a bit, well, creepy.

They’re not creepy. Sure, they follow you around the room, but creepy? Nah. This Christmas season, I received an early gift. I was given the opportunity to become editor of Connect Statesboro. And it is just that – a gift.

I’ve been asked about my plan. “What’s your vision?” I’ve heard. “What will your thumbprint on Connect Statesboro be?”

My plan is simple: Enable you to use your View-Master. With each issue, I plan to create lots of “disks” that you can view that will enable you to experience events and people in Statesboro like you never have before.

And although I do share Mrs. Beasley’s blue eyes, I like to think mine aren’t creepy. They do, however, take it all in. That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m getting to know my new community, its people and its charms.

But don’t worry. My eyes are the only thing I have in common with that doll. I have to admit, though, what is told to me doesn’t always stay with me. In fact, it very often flows out of my fingertips onto the keyboard. Telling your stories will be the best part of my job.

Those View-Masters will need commentary, after all.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

MIRTH & MATTER

BEHIND THE SCENES PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN

ANGYE MORRISON, EDITOR 912.489.9402 | amorrison@connectstatesboro.com HUNTER McCUMBER, ART DIRECTOR 912.489.9491 | hmccumber@statesboromagazine.com STEPHANIE CHILDS, MARKETING MANAGER 912.531.0786 | schilds@connectstatesboro.com PAM POLLARD, CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER 912.489.9420 | ppollard@statesboroherald.com TIM WEBB, MULTIMEDIA twebb@statesboroherald.com DARRELL ELLIOT, DISTRIBUTION 912.489.9425 | delliot@statesboroherald.com JIM HEALY, OPERATIONS MANAGER 912.489.9402 | jhealy@statesboroherald.com Connect Statesboro is published monthly (12 issues a year). The cover and contents of Connect Statesboro are fully protected by copyright laws of the United States and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Connect Statesboro. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. Such materials will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Connect Statesboro, Angye Morrison, 1 Proctor Street, Statesboro, GA 30458, amorrison@connectstatesboro.com. Copyright © 2016 by Statesboro Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

EDITOR’S LETTER

ANGYE MORRISON Connect Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL EDITION

Dining Guide ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5 Calendar of Events ���������������������������������������������������������������� 6 TMT Farms �����������������������������������������������������������������������8-9 Southern Chorale ���������������������������������������������������������������� 10 The Holiday Gift Guide �������������������������������������������������� 12-13 Tailgate Tattler �������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Vampin’ Gamer ������������������������������������������������������������������ 15 A Taste of Christmas ������������������������������������������������������ 16-17 Bands Make Boro Stop ������������������������������������������������������� 18 Chili Town ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Day Trippin’ ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Celtic Christmas ����������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Overthinking It ������������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Doctor Strange ������������������������������������������������������������������� 26 Classifieds �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 December 2016 • 3

boro’s States ttle i own l ans rle New O

Contact us about our Winter Semester Specials!

912-681-6539 | Statesboro@gardendistrictrentals.com www.gardendistrictrentals.com

EXPIRES 03.30.17

4 • CONNECT Statesboro

DAILY SPECIALS

DINING GUIDE SECTION APPLEBEE’S

24087 HIGHWAY 80 EAST | STATESBORO 912.489.5656

Happy Mondays: Happy Hour all day! Half off all alcohol and select appetizers Trivia Tuesdays: Trivia at 7 p.m. with cash prizes; $10 buckets of beer, $7.99 shrimp and grits Wicked Wednesdays: Karaoke and live DJ at 9 p.m.; $13 buckets (imports), $8 buckets (domestics), $3 doubles all day Thirsty Thursdays: $10 buckets of beer, $3 doubles, $3 bombs, $3 Newcastle all day Fridays & Saturdays: Live music; $10 buckets of beer Sunday Funday: Happy Hour all day! Karaoke and live DJ at 8 p.m.; 45¢ wings Everyday Lunch Specials: $7 lunches with a drink, 7 days a week!

Applebee’s started with the same philosophy they follow today, focused on serving good food to good people. What was once a popular neighborhood restaurant has grown to become a popular restaurant in neighborhoods all across North America. The Statesboro Applebee’s serves up that nationally known taste for local foodies, with a menu full of grill options, steaks, seafood, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more — perfect for a lunch rendezvous or a dinner on the town.

Monday Pint Night: $2 pints (all draft beers), trivia at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday: $3.99 Titos, $3.99 Jim Beam Wine & Whisky Wednesday: $10 off any bottle of wine, $4.99 Crown Thirsty Thursday: $3.99 Titos, $3.99 Jim Beam Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $10 domestic buckets, $15 import buckets

Monday night: $1.99 Kids’ Night Wednesday: $1 off a glass of wine; $4 martinis Friday: Live music Saturday: Live music Sunday: $3 Bloody Marys and $3 Mimosas

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912.857.4002 • 422 Oliver Hwy • Newington, GA December 2016 • 5

CALENDAR

THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER

ART

Wednesday, Dec. 21 Kids Art Night, ages 8-12, 5:30 p.m.

Statesboro Regional Public Library

Through Dec. 17 Annual Statesboro Regional Art Association Juried Exhibition Statesboro Regional Art Association members will participate in a juried competition and art exhibition. This annual exhibition traditionally consists of beautiful local landscapes, figurative work and portraiture, narrative pieces, abstract paintings and still life in both traditional and non-traditional media.

Averitt Center for the Arts Dec. 2-31 Youth Gallery The Youth Gallery features the artwork of Bulloch County students. Each month new schools are featured, and Mill Creek Creek and Portal Elementary are featured in December. The new exhibits are celebrated with a reception in the third floor gallery on the first Friday of each month.

Averitt Center for the Arts

THEATER

Sunday, Dec. 4 Statesboro School of Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” Two shows, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the GSU Performing Arts Center box office or by calling (912) 478-7999. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.

Performing Arts Center, Georgia Southern University

OTHER

Saturday, Dec. 3 Family Fun Swim Splash in the Boro, 10 a.m. – noon Every Saturday through April Thursday, Dec. 8 Adult coloring class, 7-7:30 p.m.

Bring your own colored pencils and have some fun. Coffee will be served.

Statesboro Regional Public Library

6 • CONNECT Statesboro

MUSIC

Friday, Dec. 2 Brendan Roberts, 9 p.m.

Gnat’s Landing Friday, Dec. 2 The Sound Experiment, 9:30 p.m.

Dingus Magee’s

Through Dec. 9 Alyce Santoro: Tonal Relativity Center for Art & Theatre, University Gallery Having set out early on to make subtle wonders of science and nature visible and/or audible, Alyce Santoro has come to explore the cultural phenomena that cause disciplines to be viewed as separate, and the ways that “social imaginaries” are formed and can shift. Santoro’s Tonal Relativity series uses a visual symbolic language to reveal patterns and interrelationships within a 12-tone musical system, and features work with both sonic and visual components.

Friday, Dec. 2 Christmas Holiday Celebration, 5:30-8 p.m. Come celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting, enjoy the holiday parade, and participate in Run the Boro 5K. Courthouse Square, Downtown Statesboro

Friday, Dec. 2 Jason White, 8:30 p.m.

Loco’s

Saturday, Dec. 17 Chad Cruze: Haunted Christmas, 2 p.m.

Magician Chad Cruze will weave “scary” ghost stories about Christmases long ago. Refreshments served. Statesboro Regional Public Library

Saturday, Dec. 3 Sing-a-long Christmas carols with Dr. Braz, 2 p.m.

Statesboro Regional Public Library Saturday, Dec. 3 Muscadine Bloodline, 9 p.m.

Gnat’s Landing Saturday, Dec. 3 Five40, 9:30 p.m.

Dingus Magees Saturday, Dec. 3 My Maiden Name and SNUZR, 10 p.m.

South City Tavern Sunday, Dec. 4 Georgia Southern Chorale Christmas Concert, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Statesboro First United Methodist Church Tuesday, Dec. 6 Open mic night Loco’s Grill & Pub, 9-11 p.m.

Youth Chorale for this Winter Showcase of music. Tickets are $10/adults and $5/youth.

Averitt Center for the Arts Tuesday, Dec. 13 Open mic night Loco’s, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 Karaoke at Applebee’s, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 DJ & karaoke Gnat’s Landing, 9 p.m Tuesday, Dec. 20 Open mic night Loco’s, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 Karaoke Applebee’s, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 DJ & karaoke Gnat’s Landing, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 Amy Taylor Live, 9 p.m.

Think spicy meets country music.

Taylor has been nominated seven years in a row for Georgia-Country Female Artist of the Year, was Georgia-Country Artist of the Month in April 2010 and nominated three years in a row for Georgia Music Awards’ Female Country Vocalist.

Millhouse Steakhouse

Tuesday, Dec. 6 Karaoke at Applebee’s, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Open mic night Loco’s, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 Backyard Love Seat, 9:30 p.m.

Dingus Magees

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Karaoke Applebee’s, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 DJ & karaoke Gnat’s Landing, 9 pm.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 DJ & karaoke Gnat’s Landing, 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 Celtic Christmas, 7:30-10 p.m.

Irish musician and storyteller Harry O’Donoghue will be joined on stage by Carroll Brown on acoustic guitar and Marci Shone on the fiddle. Tickets are $18/adult, $10/ youth and $20/box for Friends of the Arts; $21/adults, $10/youth and $24/box for non-members.

Averitt Center for the Arts

ONGOING Live music at Loco’s Musical acts perform every weekend, 9-11:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 Travers Brothership, 9 p.m.

Dingus Magees Monday, Dec. 12 Statesboro Youth Chorale: Winter Showcase, 7-10 p.m.

Join the orchestra, strings and choirs of the Statesboro

NOW LEASING FOR THE 2017-2018 YEAR!

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Q: What is the difference between a mouth guard I can have fitted at home, compared to a mouth guard by the dentist? Do they protect the same way?

LARRY G. HUBBARD, DDS, PC 912-764-9891 4 Lester Road | Statesboro, Ga www.statesborodentist.com

A: For very minor problems they both work for some people to protect your teeth from the forces of grinding or clenching. The dentist prescribed mouth guard is custom-fitted and will be thinner, less bulky and often more comfortable...

LOG ON TO CONNECTSTATESBORO.COM TO ASK OR VIEW MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS EXPERT! December 2016 • 7

TMT FARMS LIGHT DISPLAY CONTINUES AS IMPORTANT HOLIDAY ATTRACTION IN THE BORO ...

By Rashida Otunba Every year TMT Farms hosts thousands of eager patrons at their property to enjoy their annual Christmas light display. People from all over Georgia and South Carolina come to see the wondrous event with their families as a holiday tradition.

There is something at the light display for patrons of all ages. The trail is complete

8 • CONNECT Statesboro

with a multitude of different exhibits, ranging from blow-ups of characters from the film “Frozen” to Christmas scenes and a life-size manger with mannequins designed to represent the Nativity scene.

“It’s not just for children. I know a lot of times we think Christmas is just for children but there’s a lot of grown-ups who say what

joy it beings to them to come,” Deborah Thompson said in an interview.

According to Thompson, they receive calls as early as August and September from people asking about the light displays. This year it has taken 16 weeks for the Thompsons, assisted by volunteers from the Statesboro community, to put up the light display due to

“It’s not just for children. I know a lot of times we think Christmas is just for children but there’s a lot of grown-ups who say what joy it beings to them to come,” - Deborah Thompson

the time lost because of Hurricane Matthew.

While the lights are a popular attraction for thousands of people, it all started out as a family affair. Deborah Thompson and her husband, Bulloch County Commissioner Roy Thompson, are both from Statesboro and have been members of this community their whole lives.

Both love to decorate for Christmas and, along with their children and grandchildren, the extent of their decorating soon became noticed by others in the community.

“The drive-thru part probably started seven or eight years ago. We just started with it and people started coming out and we’d add something every year,” Thompson said.

Thompson adds that the amount of people coming to see the light display grew rapidly to the point where people were recommending they charge patrons for their time, an

idea that they refused.

“We’ve been blessed to be able to do it and as long as we can pay our power bill then we don’t want to charge anything,” Thompson said.

In place of asking patrons to pay for a ticket to the event, the Thompsons decided to use the holiday attraction as a way to serve the community. After becoming aware of the need for food by many families in the community, the Thompsons decided to ask patrons to bring canned goods and nonperishable food items instead.

These food donations are added to their food bank, which are then gathered up and distributed to members of the community.

The help does not stop there, though. TMT Farms also provides children of families facing hardships with gifts, thanks to their toy drive.

It takes a village to get this all done in. Volunteers from local churches, businesses and community organizations and clubs all play their part to keep the light display operational and distribute the goods to those in need.

“It’s really turned into a ministry for us and we always say that you don’t have to go across the ocean to find mission work to do because there’s a lot of need right here right around us,” Thompson said. “There’s a lot of hungry people and homeless people and a lot of people don’t realize the real need here around us. It’s been a blessing for us as a family and we feel like everybody who comes and gives is a part of this ministry. It’s not just us.”

TMT Farms is located on 16658 Old River Road North in Statesboro. The display will be hosted through December 28, with the lights on each night from 6 to 11 p.m.

December 2016 • 9

SOUTHERN CHORALE

BY ANGYE MORRISON

Southern Chorale is the premiere competition choral ensemble of Georgia Southern University, directed by Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, associate professor of Music and director of Choral Activities. The Chorale has won numerous competitions, most recently bringing home the grand prize in the mixed category and the spirituals category at the Laurea Mundi Budapest.

GSU CHOIRS TO BRING SOUNDS OF THE SEASON TO FUMC DEC. 4

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

And on Sunday, Dec. 4, it’s going to sound like it, too.

Several choirs from Georgia Southern University will join with the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church in Statesboro for their annual seasonal celebration. Southern Chorale’s 36 members will be joined by the 75-voice University Singers (directed by Dr. David Langley), Fermata the Blue (16-voice female a cappella ensemble), Southern Gentlemen (20-voice barbershop ensemble) and the Chancel Choir, a 28-member group directed by Dr. Pierce Dickens. Each ensemble will perform individually, but they will also combine as they perform songs reflective of this year’s theme, “Come and Worship.”

Taken from the refrain of the hymn, “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” the theme will be shown in the service structure, centered on the verse texts.

“We will open the service with all the choirs singing a gorgeous Dan Forrest arrangement of that hymn,” said Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, director of Choral Activities at GSU and director of the Chorale.

“The service will close with all choirs singing a Mac Wilberg arrangement of ‘Joy to the World.’”

Jeffreys says the music has been chosen since the beginning of the semester, and the university choirs began rehearsing in early November, right after hosting their second annual Southern Invitational High School Choral Competition and Festival on Nov. 3 and 4, during which 17 choirs from throughout the state competed.

Switching to Christmas music is a welcome change, Jeffreys said.

“This time of year the students are physically and mentally exhausted from the semester and are looking forward to the week off during Thanksgiving, so singing the Christmas music during rehearsal gives them a boost to make it through,” she said.

Jeffreys said moving the annual seasonal celebration performances from the GSU Performing Arts Center to First United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Cherry and South Main streets, came about in 2012, when she said it felt like “it was time for a change.”

“The Performing Arts Center is a wonderful, beautiful space; however, the acoustics are not ideal for choral music. I also wanted

10 • CONNECT Statesboro

to bring something to the Statesboro community that was more intimate, peaceful, and reverent and where the audience/congregation could join us in singing carols with the pipe organ. I like giving our students the opportunity to sing some of the beautiful arrangements for choir and organ,” she said. “My good friend, Dr. Pierce Dickens, the director of music and organist at First Methodist Church and parttime faculty member at Georgia Southern, talked about collaborating to bring our choral programs together for this new annual event.

After offering only one service to a standing room only crowd the first year, we added two service options: one at 3 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. This year’s Christmas concert will be our fifth year of service together.”

Jeffreys says each of the choirs rehearses the music on their own, and then they all come together for a long dress rehearsal the day before the services.

“We spend hours in the gorgeously decorated sanctuary and really all over the church preparing for the services. With so many choirs, we have much to work out logistically,” she said.

Jeffreys says she hopes the service will be as much of a gift to the community as it is to the staff and students at GSU. “I know the journey of preparing the music feeds my soul this time of year. And like I said before, the students welcome this opportunity to put aside their heavy load of coursework and sing for the pure joy, beauty and peace during this time of the year,” she said.

Jeffreys said this year’s services are extra special to Chorale members, because they want to thank the community for continuing to support the Chorale’s international competition endeavors.

“Without (the community’s) help, we would not have been able to travel to Budapest, Hungary this past summer to compete and then win the choral grand prize,” Jeffreys said.

The concerts will begin at 3 and 6 p.m. Admission is free, thanks to First Methodist and the GSU Office of Student Activities, but a freewill offering will be taken... which is divided equally between the FUMC Chancel Choir and the GSU choirs for their tours and activities.

For more information on the Georgia Southern Chorale, go online at www.georgiasouthern.edu/music.

2016 BORO AWARD WINNERS

180 Fitness Best Gym

Home Instead Senior Care Best Home Healthcare Facility

Boro Take-Out Express Best Takeout

Campus Crossings Best Pool

Core Credit Union Best Credit Union, Best Customer Service, Best Student Banking, Best To Show True Blue Pride

D&R Intensive Car Care Best Auto Repair

East Georgia Center for Oral & Facial Surgery Best Oral Surgery Center

Gnat’s Landing Best Happy Hour, Best Sports Bar, Best Salad, Best Trivia, Best Bar for GSU Alumni, Best Lunch, Best Live Music, Best Burger, Best Sandwiches, Best Fries

J’ Adore Bridal Best Bridal Store

Jarrard Pre-Owned Vehicles Best Auto Dealer

McCook’s Pharmacy Best Pharmacy

Millhouse Best American Restaurant, Best Italian, Best Steak, Best Appetizers, Best Outdoor Dining, Friendliest Bar

Moe’s Best Burrito

The Sir Shop Nevil Tire Best Tire Store

Ricky Lane, DDS Best Dentist Office

Shogun Best Sushi, Best Japanese

Sir Shop Best Men’s Clothing Store, Best Tuxedo Rental

The Brannen Law Office Walter Scott Brannen

South Georgia Immediate Care Center Best Urgent Care Center

Southern Downs Best Apartment Complex

Steak ‘n Shake Best Milkshake

The Brannen Law Office Best DUI Law Office, Best Criminal Law Office

The Painted Chef Best BBQ, Best Ribs, Best Shrimp & Grits, Best Catering, and Best Chef

University Store Best Campus Bookstore, Best GSU Merchandise

Three Tree Coffee Roasters Best Tasting Coffee, Best Coffee Shop

Westwood Nursing Center Best Nursing Home

Holiday Gift Guide the

Connect has the ultimate guide for finding gift ideas for everyone on your list. Find something for everyone on your list with fun ideas from our holiday gift guide.

Ocean Galley 912-489-4145 www.oceangalleys.com 503 Northside Dr E, Statesboro, Georgia

5999

$

TC Outdoors 912-489-3474 www.tc-outdoors.com 1242 Northside Dr E, Statesboro

GIFT CARDS H.L.Franklin’s Healthy Honey Pure, Raw, Unfiltered Local Honey 1-­800-­260­-4995 | www.franklinfoodsllc.com 127 N. Main Street, Suite 101, Statesboro

Gift prices range from

$ 00 6 3500

$

Give the Gift of Live Music!

Tickets and gift cards for the 2017 Savannah Music Festival season are now available.

Spread throughout intimate venues in Savannah’s historic district, the 2017 Savannah Music Festival lineup covers jazz, classical, Americana and world by renowned artists from across the globe. The 2017 festival takes place from March 23rd through April 8th and includes concerts, recitals, film and dance performances.

Chick-fil-A 912-764-7941 www.chick-fil-a.com 352 Northside Dr E, Statesboro

12 • CONNECT Statesboro

See the full festival lineup and order tickets at savannahmusicfestival.org or call the box office at 912.525.5050.

912-687-5016 Ahcorbin831@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleethecraftygal

Cork’s Kettle Corn 912-690-5587 www.corkskettlecorn.com

Anderson’s General Store 912-489-3443 www.andersonsgeneral.com 23736 US-80, Statesboro

1200 1300

$

$

1200 1300

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Three Tree Coffee 912-681-8733 www.3treecoffeeroasters.com/store 441 S Main St. Ste 1A; Statesboro, GA 30461

Simply Wasden Clothing Co. 912-623-2665 www.smithandwasden.com 1098 Bermuda, Statesboro, Georgia December 2016 • 13

TAILGATE TATTLER

By ALEX BROWN

PASSING THE TAILGATE TORCH I was approached in late summer of 2009 about writing the weekly Tailgate Tattler column for Connect Statesboro. I accepted the offer without a second thought because as a die-hard, lifelong Georgia Southern fan, I figured writing about something I was so passionate about would come pretty easily. Plus, it promised some extra spending money and, at the time, I was in no financial position to turn down an opportunity to make a few extra bucks.

While I have very much enjoyed my time as your Tailgate Tattler, it’s time to pass the torch to someone else. I consider myself very fortunate to have had my thoughts published in print and online on an almost weekly basis because I know that is an opportunity very few people are afforded. The editors I have worked with have all been great. They have allowed me the flexibility to make this column pretty much whatever I want and have worked with me when print deadlines don’t quite fit the sports schedule.

I have tried to call things like I see them instead of just being a homer wearing bluetinted glasses. There have been times I was very critical of Georgia Southern when I felt it was warranted. And sure, there were other times when I slipped into being a fan. And I

14 • CONNECT Statesboro

won’t apologize for that because I am one.

We have celebrated championships and memorable performances. We have also suffered through heartbreaking losses and disappointing seasons. And on occasion, I strayed from sports when more important things needed to be addressed.

Then there was this one time I somehow got duped into writing a relationship advice piece for the Valentine’s Day edition of Connect. Yes, me…of all people. Maybe I should go back and re-read some of my own advice?

Ha. Either way, my friends still give me a hard time about “the Dr. Love article.”

So much has changed in the time I have been writing this column. Georgia Southern has moved to the Sun Belt Conference as the football program (finally) made the jump to the FBS level. And the Eagles are on their fourth head football coach since I started in 2009. During that time, Southern enjoyed three consecutive trips to the FCS semi-finals (2010-2012), celebrated a historic win over Florida (2013), won the Sun Belt championship its first season in the league (2014), and dominated its first bowl appearance (2015 GoDaddy Bowl).

On the hardwood, Charlton Young had just taken over as head men’s basketball coach in

the fall of 2009. He led the Eagles for four seasons before current coach Mark Byington took over. Longtime head women’s basketball coach Rusty Cram was beginning his 14th season at the helm. He would eventually be let go following the 2012-2013 season. Chris Vozab led the program for three years before current head coach Kip Drown took the job in 2015.

Eagle baseball head coach Rodney Hennon’s tenure outdates my Tattler career (he has been with the program since the 2000 season), but he has won three conference tournament championships since 2009. His 2014 team went on to knock off No. 5 national seed Florida State in NCAA Regional play.

In some ways, 2009 seems like an eternity ago. Georgia Southern is on its third president (fourth if you count Interim President Bartels) and second athletics director since then.

But for me, it doesn’t seem like I have been writing this column for over seven years. The time has flown.

I am well aware Connect’s target audience is students. Sure, others read it, but much of the content is geared toward a younger crowd. Somehow, I’m 34 years old all of a sudden and becoming less and less in touch with that demographic. That’s really hard for me to admit because I feel like I’m still a part of that age group.

Not only am I not getting any younger, but sometimes in life you just realize your plate is too full. I have come to that realization lately.

I’ll miss being able to put my thoughts on Georgia Southern athletics—and sometimes life in general—in writing each week. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to share my take on things for the last seven years and I appreciate you enjoying the ride with me.

I’ll leave you with a few parting thoughts that have been some recurring themes I have shared over the last several years.

Be good to each other. Help each other.

Love each other. We’re all in this thing called life together.

Cherish your time in college—trust me, it goes by way too fast. You’ll miss it when it’s gone. Make it count.

Georgia Southern is a special, special place. Be proud of it and represent it well.

After you graduate, come back. Visit often.

And give back if you can.

Finally, always remember Erk’s only rule: Do Right. If you follow that one, everything else should fall into place.

Thank you for reading for all these years. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

See you at the game, Eagle Nation!

VAMPIN’ GAMER

GSU

EAGLE NATION

GSU

By TIM WEBB

PLAY THE SYSTEM THAT STARTED IT ALL: THE NES CLASSIC

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On November 11 the NES Classic Edition was NES released for gamers to relive their past gaming CLASSIC life. The console comes with 30 built-in games GAME LIST: with a high defintion output. Also featured to the • Balloon Fight console is a replica controller.

• Bubble Bobble The NES Classic comes with one NES Classic • Castlevania Controller, an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. • Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest Extra classic controllers cost $9.99 each. Nin• Donkey Kong tendo has also said that the Classic Controller • Donkey Kong Jr. or Classic Controller Pro for the Wii and Wii U • Double Dragon II: The Revenge will also work with the mini NES. The NES Classic Edition itself retails for $59.99 however both • Dr. Mario • Excitebike console and controller are sold out everywhere.

• Final Fantasy The NES Classic includes a great selection • Galaga of NES original games that have been perfectly • Ghosts’n Goblins ported. The games give the user the ability to • Gradius • Ice Climber save progress at any time so that they can leave • Kid Icarus at the drop of a dime and return to the video • Kirby’s Adventure game action whenever they choose. Also, the • Mario Bros. small price of $59.99 isn’t so bad for 30 AAA • Mega Man 2 • Metroid NES titles to choose from.

• Ninja Gaiden Although the nostalgia of playing these NES • Pac-Man games is great, the NES Classic does suffer from • Punch-Out!!

Featuring Mr. Dream a few negatives. First of all, the controllers are • StarTropics very impractical with their short cables, which • Super C are a huge design flaw for most gamers who play • Super Mario Bros. far away from their televisions and entertainment • Super Mario Bros. 2 systems in a world where we are used to wireless • Super Mario Bros. 3 • Tecmo Bowl everything. Also, Nintendo dropped the ball in • The Legend of Zelda not allowing the console to have internet capa- • Zelda II: The Adventure of Link bilities or any ability to add extra game titles to the included 30 built-in games. Finally, the actual inventory amount of consoles and controllers was subpar and many gamers were left without grabbing one.

Despite the few negatives, NES Classic has still delivered an overload of nostalgia in a big way. Revisiting these old titles on HD screens of today is refreshing and very entertaining. The console is a welcomed retro tech gift for gaming fans and does not disappoint in delivering classic Nintendo titles on today’s screens.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT STEPHANIE CHILDS 912.531.0786 December 2016 • 15

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a taste of

Christmas

SQUASH CASSEROLE

Submitted By: Lee Tillman Mitchell • 4 tablespoons butter/margarine • 6-8 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced • 1 large onion, diced (Use Vidalia if in season) • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated • 2 cup sharp Cheddar, grated • ½ cup sour cream • 2 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed *For the best flavor, always use fresh grated cheese*

HOT COCOA ICE CREAM Submitted by: Angye Morrison

• 2 c. heavy cream • 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk • 2 hot cocoa packets • 1 c. mini marshmallows, plus more for garnish 1. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

2. Fold in sweetened condensed milk, hot cocoa packets, and mini marshmallows.

3. Transfer mixture to a 9-x-5” loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Top with additional marshmallows and freeze until firm, 5 hours.

4. When ready to serve, remove from freezer to let soften, 10 minutes.

16 • CONNECT Statesboro

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 2qt baking dish with 2 tbsp margarine or butter. Boil the sliced squash until tender, drain when ready and set aside, 2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.

Sauté the diced onions until soft and slightly golden in color. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in parmesan cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, sour cream, 1/2 a sleeve of crushed crackers, salt/pepper to taste and mix real well. Once mixed thoroughly, add the drained squash and mix until chunks of squash are almost diminished.

3. Pour into the greased 2qt baking dish, cover with 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, top with remaining sleeves of crushed crackers and pour the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter evenly over the crackers. Bake for 2025 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

SHRIMP CHOWDER

Submitted By: Stephanie Childs • 2 tablespoons butter/margarine • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 cans cream of potato soup • 1 can cream of celery soup • 2 ½ cups of milk • 1 cup of heavy cream • ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper • 1 ½ pounds medium-size fresh shrimp, peeled & deveined • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese • ¼ cup of dry white wine (I use a pino grigio) • Salt/pepper to taste • 1 tbsp minced garlic • Sherry Wine, *do not use cooking sherry* *For the best flavor, always use fresh grated cheese* Sauté shrimp in a large pan with olive oil and 2 tbsp butter together. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

Cook for about 2 min on each side until just pink. Remove and layout shrimp on paper towels and pat dry.

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add onion, and sauté until tender and golden in color. Stir in cream of potato soup, cream of celery soup, milk, white wine, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Add heavy cream; reduce heat, and simmer on low. Add shrimp & stir in cheese until melted. *This recipe can also be made using peeled crawfish tails, crab meat and/ or chicken*

BLUE RIBBON POUND CAKE

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

Submitted By: Stephanie Childs • 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated • 1 can cream of mushroom soup • 1 can cream of celery soup • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 2 ¼ cups crushed buttery crackers • 2 tablespoons butter, melted *For the best flavor, always use fresh grated cheese* Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13 by 9 inch baking dish with margarine or butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, mayo, cheese, 1/4 cup crushed crackers, soup and eggs & mix well. Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups crushed crackers and pour the melted butter evenly over the crackers. Bake for 35 minutes or until set and browned.

Submitted by: Jenny Lynn Anderson

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES Submitted by: Pam Pollard

• 1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated sugar cookies • ½ cup all-purpose flour • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans • ½ teaspoon vanilla • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Heat oven to 350ºF. In large bowl, break up cookie dough. Stir or knead in flour, pecans and vanilla until well blended, Shape dough into 54 (1-inch) balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until set but not brown.

Remove from cookie sheets. Cool slightly on cooling rack.

Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on cooling rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

Locally Owned & Operated by the Ellis Family Since 1967!

“MEAT ME THERE” MONDAY - SATURDAY 8AM - 7PM

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours!

(912) 489-8032 • (912) 489-4216 • WWW.ELLISMEATS.COM

WEST MAIN STREET • ACROSS FROM POST OFFICE

• • • • • • • •

2 sticks margarine ½ cup Crisco 3 cups of sugar 3 cups of Swan Cake Flour 5 eggs 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. lemon flavoring

Preplanning: Set out margarine and eggs so they will be at room temperature.

Measure 3 cups of flour and then sift flour. Set aside.

Measure one cup of milk and set aside.

Steps: 1. Cream margarine and Crisco.

2. Add sugar gradually and cream with margarine until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, one a time, beating only until incorporated….I count to 10 seconds on each egg.

4. Add flour and milk to the batter, alternating, starting with flour and ending with flour.

5. Add vanilla and lemon flavoring.

Mix until blended together with batter.

Cover bottom of tube cake pan with wax paper and then spray the bottom of pan and sides with Baker’s Joy cooking spray. You can also spray Baker’s Joy on bottom of pan before putting wax paper on it. Put in a cold oven. Turn to 300 degrees and cook 1 ½ hours. Use cake tester at this time and make sure it comes out clean.

Leave in pan for 10 minutes on top of a cake rack to cool and then turn out on cake/cookie rack to cool.

December 2016 • 17

MONTH KICKS OFF STRONG AS BANDS MAKE BORO STOP

BY ANGYE MORRISON

What do you get when you take a little ‘90s alternative, add in some ‘80s new wave, sprinkle on a bit of underground hiphop, and top it off with a dash of Brazilian pop?

You get Savannah-based band, My Maiden Name. And an unbelievable music experience.

Fronted by Anne dos Santos and rounded out by guitarist Jason Beck, bassist Dennis

18 • CONNECT Statesboro

Barber and drummer Rhett Coleman, MMN will wind their way back into Statesboro Saturday, Dec. 3, when they appear at South City Tavern. They will be joined on stage by local band, SNUZR. The band took a break during the month of November to work on new material and plan a music video, as well as spend some time in the studio to work on their full length album, set to be released in May/June

2017. The album features the single “Weak Case.” You can give it a listen using the link on their Facebook page.

MMN’s members have a wide range of musical pedigrees, and it all shows up in their original music, which has its own uniqueness. Styles range from dramatic, acoustic songs to scratchy, driving rock. A night spent watching this band light up the stage will definitely not be boring.

SNUZR is a hometown favorite in Statesboro. The band features Kade Bell on drums and percussion, and Preston Pound on guitar, bass and vocals. The band’s sound is a mix of rock, blues and indie.

My Maiden Name and SNUZR are set to hit the stage at 10 p.m.

Muscadine Bloodline will appear at Gnat’s Landing on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m.

Mobile, Alabama natives Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster formed Muscadine Bloodline in early 2016, and they’ve been traveling from sea to shining sea since day one. The duo’s music is a nod toward early southern rock with a hint of ‘90s country love song.

Muncaster has performed since he was 12, and has opened for big names like Brad Paisley, The Cadillac Three, Cole Swindell, The Band Perry and Blackberry Smoke.

Stanton first picked up a guitar at the tender age of 8, and later fronted a hard rock band and was even an aspiring rapper. In his late teens, he discovered a love for country music.

Muncaster’s vocals are complemented perfectly by Stanton’s harmonies and guitar licks, and their songs are filled with authentic sound that can only be described as Muscadine Bloodline.

Five40 will take the stage at Dingus Magees at 9:30 p.m., also on Dec. 3.

A group that calls Atlanta their hometown, Five40 is a reggae/rock/ska hybrid.

The band features Matt “MJ” Johnson on vocals, rhythm guitar and trumpet, Mark Mendel on drums, and Dustin Massingill on lead guitar.

After meeting in high school in Calhoun, Georgia in the early 2000s, the guys determined that their mutual love of music could only mean one thing: forming a band was a must.

A part of the reggae rock scene since 2013, Five40 has a passion for the genre, and continues to contribute their unique spin to it. They are creating a fan base that is rabid about their music.

586 Brannen Street Statesboro, GA 30458 912-871-6611 Mon. – Fri. 7:30 am – 7:30 pm, Sat. 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

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1066 Bermuda Run Road Statesboro, GA 30458 912-764-5625 Mon.-Thur.: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

57 Granade Street Statesboro, GA 30458 912-764-5643 202 Northside Dr West Statesboro, GA 912-764-6175 1198 Merchants Way Statesboro, GA 912-681-3784

23630 A Hwy 80 East Statesboro, GA 30461

Mon-Sat 9am - 9pm Sun 2pm - 7pm

912-764-2223

1601 Fair Road Statesboro, GA 30458

Open Mon. thru Fri. 9am to 6:30pm, Sat. 9-1, Closed Sunday.

912.681.2333 Mon-Fri 9am - 6pm Weekends & Holidays Closed

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16915 US Hwy 67 South Statesboro, GA 30458 912-681-2500 Mon - Fri: 8 am – 5 pm Urgent Care – Mon - Fri: 5 pm – 8 pm

214 Savannah Avenue, Statesboro, GA 30458 912-764-5609 Mon. 8:30am – 5:30pm Tues. 8:30am – 7:00pm Wed. 8:30am – 5:30pm Thurs. 8:30am – 4:00pm Fri. 8:30am – 2:00pm

1499 Fair Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458 912-486-1000

CHILI TOWN

BY KENNETH LEE

OLD AND NEW CONTESTANTS PREPARE FOR STATESBORO’S CHILI TOWN COOK-OFF On Friday, December 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., residents and students alike will be able to partake in the fun festivities being held at the downtown Statesboro holiday celebration, particularly the annual Chili Town Cook-Off where businesses, local organizations and ambitious chefs can sharpen their skills and showcase their best chili recipes for the public to taste and judge.

Sponsored by the Statesboro Gas Department, this culinary competition generally attracts a lot of participants.

Among the many contestants is the Statesboro Fire Department, a long-standing participant in the chili face-off. The SPF’s team varies each year depending on who is assigned to what shift and station; typically it’s led by the department’s head chili chef, Capt. Stacy Wilson.

“Getting to interact with all of the tasters as they come by our booth and being able to represent the city of Statesboro well in such a fun atmosphere and event is what really tops it for us,” Lt. Derek Stoddard of the Statesboro fire department said.

The team has had fun supporting the city’s holiday festivities with their involvement, and small traditions have even emerged within the department since then.

“The department now uses the preparation for the chili cook-off as an annual fellowship event that all of our members look forward to,” Stoddard said. “Our December training drill always falls before the Chili Town Cook-Off, so our members are able to try the chili, usually both the regular and the city-famous hot, before it’s put out to the public at the cook-off. And withstanding the hot chili has become an annual contest just within the department.”

With a small brain-trust of “sous chili chefs” led by Wilson, the department’s recipe is able to change and evolve with each consecutive year.

Stoddard said, “The thing with our chili is that there is no set, standard recipe that is followed. Every year it tends to be a bit different. We’ve never made it the same way twice, and we think that we’re able to build upon and improve our recipe every time we cook.”

20 • CONNECT Statesboro

Also entering the competition is first-time contestant Chad Montgomery, owner of 4 and 20 Bakers. Largely known for catering cupcakes, pies and other sweets in his mobile food truck, Montgomery is thrilled to show Statesboro that desserts aren’t the only dish he can make in the kitchen.

“This is my first chili cook-off; I always wanted to do it, because I have a really mean chili recipe. I have friends of mine that want me to ship them chili when I make it. We started with desserts and coffee.

Now, we’re doing more appetizers onto full-scale catering. For us, this is an introduction to what we can do,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, confident his recipe will charm tasters into voting in his direction, will try and produce a chili that hits the sweet spot between spicy and atomic.

“It’s definitely sweet and more of a hot,” Montgomery said. “I’m using four to five different types of chilies, all in different grades of hotness. It doesn’t just put your mouth on fire. You’re actually tasting the different flavors. I already started experimenting with different peppers – chili peppers and jalapeno peppers – that farmers are offering in the season. It’s definitely going to have some bite to it. We’re going for the win.”

Another key component of Montgomery’s chili is the meat he uses from Savannah River Farms and Hunter Cattle.

Montgomery said, “They’re both grass-fed farms. I tend to use both of them. Grass-fed meat is totally different. Much better flavor. That’s one of the big keys.”

The Chili Town Cook-Off offers businesses and vendors the opportunity to gain immediate feedback on their chili and cultivate a relationship with potential future customers.

“I just love sharing food. I got the nickname ‘Grandma Chad,’ because I like to feed everybody,” Montgomery said. “The other part is that it’s a perfect market-study for my chili. Instead of putting it on my menu and hoping they like it, I can put it in front of people and they’ll tell me ‘too spicy’ or ‘not sweet enough’ right in front of me. I’m using that information to help my catering.

Both 4 and 20 Bakers and the Statesboro Fire Department – along with many other vendors, organizations and businesses – are looking forward to the event and the fun it brings to both participants and tasters.

“First, have fun. Firefighters are extremely competitive at almost everything that we do. But what’s the point in doing a chili cook-off if you can’t have fun too?” Stoddard said.

First Friday events are free and open to the public. Events start at 5:30 and usually end around 7:30 p.m. All First Friday events are sponsored by Downtown Statesboro Development Authority, the Averitt Center for the Arts and participating downtown merchants.

Magnolia Village The Oaks on West Inman

The Village At Midtown

Walnut Grove

The Manor

The Fountain At Mulberry

The Retreat

Bulloch Square

Greenbriar Office: Phone: 912.681.1166 | Fax: 912.871.6116 WWW.HENDLEYPROPERTIES.COM

21 Greenbriar Apartments | Statesboro, GA 30458

DAY TRIPPIN’

By KENLEY ALLIGOOD

YOUR ONE-STOP GUIDE TO THE BEST WINTER EVENTS IN GEORGIA Whether you’re the kind of person who starts decorating on November 1 or the type who wants to rip their hair out when they see Christmas stuff in stores before Thanksgiving, the holidays are upon us.

Whether you spend this time of year traveling to visit family or right here in Statesboro, you’re never far away from a winter-themed activity or event. I’ve done my best to compile a comprehensive list of the best events and attractions in the state to help get you and your family in the holiday spirit.

OUTDOOR FUN Georgia isn’t known for its fantastic winter weather. I can count on one hand the number of snow days I have experienced in my lifetime, so if you’re looking for a white Christmas this year, why not check out your area’s ice skating rink?

Savannah’s Martin Luther King Jr. Arena will be open through January 3, and Macon’s Centreplex will be open through the end of December. Columbus Ice Rink is open year-round. In Atlanta, check out Centennial Olympic Park through January 19, or Atlantic Station through February 15.

Cost for admission and skate rental at all of these venues falls in the $10-$15 range.

Or, if what you really need this year is a snow day, look no further than Stone Mountain Park’s winter event “Snow Mountain.”

Come out to Stone Mountain until February 26 for a day of sledding and snowball fights. Ticket packages include access to the Christmas Village and all of the park’s regular attractions.

ARTS AND CULTURE Now through December 24 see David de

22 • CONNECT Statesboro

Vires star as Ebenezer Scrooge for his third season in a row alongside Neal Ghant and Cynthia Barker as the Alliance Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol.” Adult tickets are $40-$65.

For another holiday classic, come to Savannah’s Lucas Theatre December 29 for the Moscow Ballet’s presentation of “The Nutcracker.” Shows will be held at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and tickets range from $28-$68. Go by the box office on East Broughton or call (912) 525-5050 to reserve your ticket.

Join the Savannah Philharmonic on December 17 as, for the eighth year in a row, they bring you “Holiday Pops,” a concert full of sounds of the season and holiday classics. Tickets for the 7:30 pm evening show range from $16-$75 and the 3 p.m. matinee costs $10 per person.

LIGHTS Growing up, it was an unspoken tradition in my family to “go look at the lights,” meaning that we drove to a particular neighborhood that went all out with their decorations every year and looked at all of the houses.

This year, I’ve decided to leave it to the professionals.

Join the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for its sixth season of “Holiday Nights,” a light display to be enjoyed as you stroll through the beautiful gardens. Tickets are around $25 for adults. Visit now through January 7.

Also through January 7, Callaway Gardens boasts over eight million lights in their annual “Fantasy in Lights” display. Visitors can drive their personal vehicle or take the provided trolleys. They offer several overnight packages which give guests access

to both Fantasy in Lights and the gardens themselves. Tickets are sold per person and prices vary based on which package you choose.

CHARITY EVENTS For a lot of people, this time of year is the perfect time to give, so I’ve found a few events in the Savannah area that will provide more than enough fun while also giving back to the community.

On December 31, lace up your running shoes and warm up for the annual Jingle Jog (5K). The race takes place at the Grand Prize of America Road Course on Hutchinson Island and starts at 5:30 pm. The race route is lined with Christmas lights and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to various children’s charities.

Or, on December 16, bring yourself and your ID, holiday spirits provided. (Sorry, it was too good to pass up.) The “Twelve Bars of Christmas” Charity Bar Crawl will begin at 4 p.m. at 21 E McDonough St. and wind all over historic Savannah. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local food bank.

Maybe everything you’ve read so far isn’t really for you. For something a little more off-beat, check out Thomasville’s 30th annual Victorian Christmas Festival featuring carolers, a live nativity, carriage rides and a carousel. The event takes place the evenings of December 8 and 9. Or take a drive up to Helen for their ninth annual “Christkindlmarkt,” a festival and market offering traditional German gifts and food.

I wish you all Happy Holidays, and I hope 2017 finds you well.

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WWW.GSUEAGLENATION.COM WWW.STATESBOROHERALD.COM December 2016 • 23

‘CELTIC CHRISTMAS’

BY ANGYE MORRISON

HARRY O’DONOGHUE TO BRING ‘CELTIC CHRISTMAS’ TO AVERITT STAGE ON DEC. 9 Harry O’Donoghue is no stranger to the stage. He’s been in the business we call “show” for more than 30 years.

During that time, he’s become a wellknown singer, songwriter and teller of tales.

O’Donoghue performs with his guitar and bodhran, an Irish frame drum. His easygoing onstage manner, coupled with his sweet and gentle voice, has become his trademark. He’s known for his songs telling the story of Ireland’s past and present.

Add to that his sharp wit and you have an engaging show you won’t want to miss.

O’Donoghue, along with Carroll Brown on guitar and Marci Shone on the fiddle, will present “Celtic Christmas” on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Averitt Center for the Arts.

According to his website, O’Donoghue was born and raised in Drogheda, Ireland, on the banks of the River Boyne, just three miles inland from the Irish Sea. He began his career at the tender age of 20, performing at folk masses and for the Irish Wheelchair Association. He’s a founding member of the group Terra Nova, which was signed in the mid-1980s to Polydor Records. He went solo in 1987.

O’Donoghue has called Savannah, Georgia, home since 1987.

He is the host of The Green Island Radio Show, which broadcasts live each week on Georgia Public Broadcasting. It’s also streamed live online at GPB.org, and he is the creator, co-producer and host of the show, which features interviews with touring artists and airs new Celtic music.

O’Donoghue performs throughout the U.S. and Ireland, and hosts singing workshops. He has performed with the Savannah Symphony and the Savannah Philharmonic, and has shared the stage with artists such as Cathie Ryan, Mary Black, Danny Doyle, The Fureys, Natalie McMaster, Joanie Madden and Gabriel Donohue. O’Donoghue has recorded more than a dozen albums, many of which were critically acclaimed. He also performs, on occasion, on Irish-themed cruises. He is on the advisory board of the Centre for Irish Studies at Georgia Southern University.

Tickets for the family-friendly event at the Averitt Center for the Arts will be $18 (adults) and $20 (box) for Friends of the Arts.

Non-members may purchase tickets for $21 (adults) and $24 (box). Tickets for youths are $10 for members and non-members alike. Purchase tickets by calling (912) 212-2787 or go online at www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

24 • CONNECT Statesboro

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OVERTHINKING IT

By KATHERINE FALLON

‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN’ I’m not sure of the precise moment or reason that the wind slipped out of our sails on the night of November 8, but we of so little faith assumed early on that our candidate would lose. We were right.

We turned off the television hours before the decision. I felt a punched-in-the-gut hopelessness, and couldn’t sleep, so I left my partner in the bed with all of the animals, and crept into the living room, where I grew dry-eyed from refreshing the results, watching Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania go red.

Each state felt like a personal loss, a direct assault against my life and the lives of my loved ones. Each state was an assault on the lives of people who have fled violence and terror to seek asylum here; against marginalized communities rural and urban, racial and socioeconomic; against gender and sexual minorities.

Soon, there was a red check mark beside his name, and suddenly, he was “ours.” I turned my phone off, put my face to my pillow, and cried. I cried until I got back into bed around 6 a.m., when the alarm went off in the bedroom. We didn’t say anything, just held each other beneath the covers in that protective pocket of our selves, enveloped in what was soft and warm, and

would receive us both.

The sun came up, as it always does, and we drank coffee, as we always do. She took the dog out, and fed the stray cat, which happens every day, no matter what. The view of the porch swing from the bedroom window was the same, the groove in the mattress was still there, no bigger or smaller.

Our paychecks would still arrive at the end of the month, the bathtub still needed scrubbing, and our people were still our people.

I could not make myself leave the bed, though, knowing that this fact of normalcy, the hush of stasis, would not last for us or anyone else in a marginalized population.

The outcome of this election will directly, negatively impact so many human beings.

It already has in terms of personal violence, and no judiciary or administrative changes have even taken place yet.

This election, from beginning to end, has told us, and all other people who do not fit the paradigm of the dominant candidate’s voter, that in order to Make America Great Again, our freedoms need to be curtailed, our labors exploited, our safety patently disregarded, and our relationships with one another stripped of social sanction.

So this is the America we’ve just elected ourselves into: one that focuses not on the

strengths of the electorate but on perceived deficits; one that focuses not on diversity but ostracism; one that tells a huge portion of its citizenry that they are not respected, even fundamentally, as human beings.

To say that I’m disappointed in the election outcome is an egregious understatement. To say that I am being dramatic means you haven’t considered that had your candidate lost, you’d be disappointed, yes, but you would not be unsafe.

To say I am overreacting is to show that you, yourself, have never been so threatened. Clearly, your civil liberties have never been questioned, and good for you. I hope that you stay so safe. I just wish that everyone could be, too.

At best, I hope that the people who voted us into this situation did not wholly realize what they were doing. At worst, I am afraid that our own community hates us, our own families don’t care about our wellbeing, and the people we have long called friends find taxes and disillusionment more important than our safety and our value.

Regardless, it is going to be a very long four years of looking each other in the eye.

A long four years of holding each other accountable, while somehow remaining human.

December 2016 • 25

‘DOCTOR STRANGE’

BY KENNETH LEE

‘DOCTOR STRANGE’ BREAKS THE MOLD FOR MARVEL As the 14th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Doctor Strange,” which serves as an introduction to otherworldly magic, has adopted the same weaknesses of earlier Marvel movies: a lack of a strong villain, an overreliance on humor, and an underdeveloped love-interest (sorry, Rachel McAdams). However, director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) is able to engage viewers through exciting visuals and special effects previously unseen in Marvel’s repertoire. This is Marvel’s most visually stunning movie to date.

In “Doctor Strange,” a bustling metropo26 • CONNECT Statesboro

lis becomes an ever-changing, kaleidoscopic maze where alley stairwells spin and morph in unpredictable motion and steel skyscrapers fold onto one another like a deck of cards. With physics and gravity rendered irrelevant, the climatic set pieces are more trippy and bizarre than ever before: characters chase one another by running aside the ceilings and walls of hallways, cast flashy spells that sparkle and surge with neon lights, and even engage in fisticuffs in projected astral forms.

An arrogant but talented neurosurgeon, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch)

– a slight variation of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark – loses his career and becomes a broken man after a car crash costs him the use of his hands. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, Cumberbatch plays Strange as a truly pitiful and desperate creature, lashing out in almost unsympathetic anger. However, once the movie moves past the obligatory prologue to his superhero journey, he’s able to show more charisma in his bewilderment to the events unfolding around him.

Desperate for alternative solutions to heal his hands when Western medicine fails him, Strange travels towards the East, encountering The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who counters his science-based skepticism by plunging him towards a multi-dimensional wormhole where both he and the audience zip and zoom through various landscapes with their own distinctly psychedelic visuals – one where giant purple spores float ominously in dark space, one where hands unnervingly sprout from the ends of one’s fingers, one is a Rubik’s Cube cityscape and so on.

Assisted by The Ancient One, and fellow sorcerers Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Wong (B.D. Wong), Strange is later tasked with preventing a band of former disgruntled students, led by Kaecilius (an underutilized Mads Mikkelsen), from summoning an ancient evil lurking in the Dark Dimension.

As an origins story, the focus in “Doctor Strange” is largely on its titular hero. The star-studded supporting cast could definitely benefit from more focus; however, they’re able to make up for it with powerful screen presences across the board.

Compelling character work is still delivered with Swinton’s Ancient One, who is both warm and aloof. She operates under a moral compass that’s gray rather than white or black, creating an intriguing mentor-student dynamic between her and Cumberbatch. Ejiofer’s Mordo, who works closely with Strange, is also given a parallel arc and a narratively satisfying conclusion that makes him stand out in a way previous sidekicks – Terrence Howard’s War Machine, Anthony Mackie’s Falcon – weren’t able to achieve in their first appearance.

“Doctor Strange” may follow an origins story template and operate under a cookie-cutter Marvel formula, but it promises enough bizarre set pieces, strong performances, and a unique and creative climax in its third act, making it worth the price of admission.

Items for Sale

Pets & Animals

Produce

Pets

HAY FOR SALE

Square Bales Only!

Jacobs Produce

Sweet Potatoes $8.00/5 gallon bucket Tomatoes are going fast!

12½/miles, Lakeview Rd to Ga Hwy 17.

Take left. Located 1/ mile on left.

912-863-7522

2016 Fresh cut Coastal Bermuda and Tift 85. Hay Barned square/bales $10.00/square, 50 or more squares $7.00.

Call before pickup.

912-659-9726 leave message on 912-925-9796 dpierce56@comcast.net

Peanut Hay for Sale

Round Bales. Net wrapped. $45/bale.

Call 912-531-0774.

Special; All pants, jeans, and skirts on sale for $1.50. Worn Threads, 515 Denmark St. M/S/F(10-2) Tue(10-12), Thur(2-4). 912-4895204.

Spay and Neuter!

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General Merchandise

THIS PAPER attempts to exercise diligence in the acceptance of all ads submitted as Help Wanted & Business Opportunities.

Because of the volume of ads submitted of this type, If You Like Bargains we suggest that you investigate thoroughly any Classifieds are Terrific, advertisements that solicit Be a regular reader and money prior to responding get in on the saving.* to the ad.*

GE Washer (Model GTWP1800H0WS), GE Dryer (Model GTDP200EF3WS).

Both in very good condition.

Household consolidation so I don’t need them anymore. Text or call 912-536-8937.

Adopt a Shelter Pet Homeless Pets need love too!

The Bread of Life

By Joyce S. Hilton A book of inspirational faith and hope. For sale on amazon.com or call Joyce at 912-678-5633 .

Adopt@countyshelter 912-764-4529, petfinder.com statesborohumane. org @912-681-9393 Low-cost spay/neuter, free transport: SNAC 843-645-2500 hhhumane.org

Miniature Horses 912-481-1770

December 2016 • 27

Great Pyrenees Pups.

Extra large loyal & protective family friend. Ideal for farm or ranch. First shots/ worming. $250/each.

Parents on premises.

912-531-3441.

Services Computer Services

COMPUTER REPAIR/VIRUS REMOVAL I’ll come to You! Service Begins at $50.0

This Months Specials!

Complete computer system including monitor. $299.00

Miscellaneous Services

Employment Wanted

Need a Deck or Shed ?

Call Brian at 912-398-6363, or Stephen 912-755-0939 No Job too big or small.

20 years experience!

References available.

Call

Statesboro Herald CLASSIFIEDS

489-9455

28 • CONNECT Statesboro

Carpenter Specialist

If you need any work done in Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, framing, flooring or painting. Call Leroy White. 541-1260

Certified CNA

would like to assist in care for your loved one. 9 years experience.

References available. Call Jean 912-288-0949 Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant

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Professional Service with a Personal Touch Residential & Commercial Insured and Bonded

912-618-8104

Looking For BARGAINS?

Jobs

10% off Early Holiday Booking 20% off Annual non cancel contracts

Linda Gail

912-318-8963 Free Estimates. References.

cherkee33843@yahoo.com lindacleanmasters@gmail.com

Needed for insurance and front desk. Basic accounting and office skills necessary. Send resume or apply in person to 502 Gentilly Rd. Statesboro, Ga 30458.

Established Dental Practice

is seeking professional, reliable, energetic, patient oriented Receptionist to join our team. Must have a passion for dental care and patient education.

Please email resume to familysmilez@yahoo.com

Place Your Ad Today!

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Growing family practice is seeking a Medical Assistant and LPN for our Statesboro location. Submit cover letter & resume to majobsbulloch@ gmail.com

Need Your House Cleaned?

Save some money. Have your house cleaned once a week or once every other week?

912-536-9686

Now hiring electricians and electrician helpers for full-time work. Commercial electrical experience preferred.

912-863-4589

Public Works Department

Maintenance Worker and

Groundskeeper

$11.32/hr + Competitive Benefits.

Must apply online @ www.statesboroga. gov Equal Opportunity Employer

Real Estate

For Rent

Homes For Sale

Duplex

Westover Subdivision 3bd, 2ba brick home. 1760sqft.

2405 Westberry Ct. 2 car garage.

Very clean. $139,900.

912-657-4484.

Land/Lots For Sale 20 Acres in Jenkins County, off of Hwy 25. Shared access to pond.

Willing to divide for mobile homes. $4,000/acre. Also available - 1 acre adjacent with mobile home, $30,000. 912-618-9853.

3 Acre Lots

10 minutes from Statesboro, water/septic available. Owner financing $1000 down + closing. 912-7649955. www.southgeorgialand.com

2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex. $585/month +$550 deposit, all appliances, washer/dryer hook-up. No pets.

Call 425-218-7517.

Beautiful 3bd 2ba brick home recently remodeled. Fireplace, attached 2-car garage, large storage shelter on premises.

Sits on exceptional 5 AC lot with 2 AC pond and wooded creek. SEB schools. $875/ mo. $875 Deposit Required.

Background Check. Serious Applicants Only.

912-682-7488 NOW LEASING-COLLEGE WALK! NEWLY UPGRADED ONE&TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS. ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES INCLUDE: POWER, WATER, CABLE&HIGH-SPEED INTERNET. RATES STARTING AT $525 PER MONTH. CALL (912)681-2437 TO INQUIRE.

Deer Wood Apartments

Quiet Living

1 bedroom unfurnished or

Studio Furnished Conveniently located near Statesboro Mall . Visit or call Mill Run 912-489-8402

Automotive Cars/Trucks/Vans

Classic Car for Sale

1972 LTD, 2door, blue with lack hard top.

Runs good with cold ac. $4200. Call 912-334-2526 SUVS 2007 Tahoe LT pkg., loaded, burgundy red, Garage kept, super clean, 86000 miles. 1 owner.

Very nice auto. $17900.00 9125314482, 912-5872826

560 East Main Street Statesboro, GA 30461 (912)225-3089

Under New Management Please stop in and visit our newly- total renovated 1&2 bedroom apartment units All new Stainless Steel Appliances & MUCH more!!

First Month’s Rent FREE! Don’t be left behind!

APPLY TODAY!!!

Statesboro’s Newest Conventional Apartment Community

Looking for a great deal on a hard drive, laptop, CD burner or wireless keyboard? Find it in the classifieds. Every day, you’ll discover hundreds of classified listings for all sorts of merchandise, from computers to cars. It’s a fast and easy way to find exactly what you’re looking for, for a lot less.

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Call Today…Enjoy Tomorrow!

912.764.9460

912.489.9455

December 2016 • 29

We make appointments available fast.

Looking for a doctor who can see you quickly? We can help!

At East Georgia Primary Care, we often can see you on the same day you call us.

We treat adults, providing preventive care, treating routine illnesses and helping patients manage serious chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and COPD. To schedule an appointment, call 912-764-2273 and ask about same-day appointments.

Mark Crick, M.D. Board Certified in Internal Medicine

4451 Country Club Road, Suite 3A Statesboro East Georgia Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians. Member of the Medical Staff at East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

BE MERRY & BRIGHT

Military Discounts & Student Discounts CHECK OUT OUR STATESBORO STORE (ACROSS FROM THE FAIR GROUNDS) 17067 HWY 67 STATESBORO • 912-681-7766 Mon - Wed: 10am-10pm • Thurs: 10am-12am • Fri - Sat: 10am-1am • Sun: 12pm-8pm