Milledgeville Scene - March/April 2011

In its former glory Digital Bridges builds fresh perspectives in renovated and restored downtown space

The Quality of Life Live Healthy Baldwin promotes healthier lifestyles from the ground up

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NEW PLAY

scene Established 2007 • Volume 4 No. 2 PUBLISHER Keith Barlow

It is with great pleasure

Freedom Church

presents its Twenty-fifth Annual Easter Play April 15-16 7:00 p.m. & April 22-23 7:00 p.m.

Nursery Provided • Free Admission

MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Davis ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Erin Simmons CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Michael Evans CREATIVE MANAGER Brooks Hinton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sarah Beth Ariemma Jonathan Jackson Jessica Luton Valerie Niblett Vaishali Patel ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Chai Giles Melissa Hinton Miriam Lord

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You will see: a blind man healed, Lazarus raised from the dead, the whipping post, the crucifixion, Jesus raised from the dead, the ascension, and many other scenes.

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GIFT STORE AT THE OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Hamp Jones Derrick Richmond Theresa Willis

COVER PHOTO Danielle Fields

Milledgeville Scene magazine is published by The Union-Recorder bimonthly at 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

For more information on submitting story ideas or advertising in Milledgeville Scene, call (478)453-1430.

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120 S. Clarke Street (Entrance on W. Greene St.) MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 3

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL2011

FEATURES 10 In its Former Glory 16

A Cozy Nest

22

New Beginning Calls to us All

28

Green Space

32

The Quality of Life

IN EVERY ISSUE From the Editor

6

A little bit about what’s inside from our

Dining Directory

42

Where to find exactly what you’re craving

very own Natalie Davis

Scene and Heard Arts and Culture and news of note

4 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

5

Sightings Scenes from events throughout town

48

ON THE COVER Photographer Danielle Fields snaps a wonderful photo of the Oconee River

a look at the arts & culture of Milledgeville and Baldwin County ALLIED ARTS and the Georgia College Arts Unlimited Committee will present the Ailey II dance ensemble Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at Russell Auditorium.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded in 1958 by dancer, choreographer and visionary Alvin Ailey in an effort to bring Ailey II dance ensemble African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world. Ailey II was formed in 1974 as the theater’s junior company designed to showcase rising young dancers and choreographers.

The universally renowned dance ensemble has been under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters since its formation. Ailey II features 12 members from the student body of The Ailey School.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens, and the event is free for Georgia College students with a valid Bobcat ID. For more information, call (478) 452-3950 or visit www.milledgevillealliedarts.com

“MUSIC WILL FILL THE HALLS of the Baldwin Fine Arts Center Friday, March 25 as the Baldwin High School and Georgia Military College Prep School jazz bands and choirs present “A Concert in Springtime” a benefit performance to support Communities in Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County.

Tickets for the show are $10 general admission and $30 for reserved seating. The reserved seating admission will feature a full-service dinner and a pre-show performance by the BHS and GMC literary teams. Dinner is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The goal of the first-ever fundraiser is to raise $8,000 for CISMBC to support adult education programs and community literacy in an effort to decrease the local dropout rate. Tickets are available at both BHS and GMC. For more information, call (478) 452-3408 or visit www.cismilledgeville.org.

WE’VE ALL HEARD OF RECYCLING, but for this Green Issue of Milledgeville Scene, why not learn a bit about up-cycling? Georgia Military College and Digital Bridges have teamed in an effort to take used computers into local schools to broaden the technological opportunities for local students. Surplus computers from GMC are being refurbished by the staff at Digital Bridges and given to local schools and nonprofit organizations. See page 11 for more details.

GMC replaces more than 200 computers each year, and thus far 40 refurbished computers have been delivered to Sinclair Christian Academy and Baldwin County Schools. This effort is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, providing a cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly way to put computers into the hands of those who could use them. Going green locally has never been so studious.

THANK YOUR MOTHER, EARTH THAT IS. Each year, the Georgia College Environmental Science Club organizes activities during the month of April in observance of Earth Day, aimed at showing appreciation for our planet and educating the public on the value of a clean and healthy environment. Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. This student group sponsors environmental forums on topics ranging from recycling to global warming. According to its website, the purpose of the GC Environmental Science Club is to “educate students, staff, and faculty on environmental issues, improve environmental practices on campus and in the community, and sponsor environmental affairs and events.” Club meetings are held weekly in Herty Hall. The group participates annually in the Rivers Alive Cleanup efforts and conducts its own recycling drives.

The 41st annual observance of Earth Day is April 22. To find out more about the Georgia College Environmental Science Club and its Earth Day activities, visit their Facebook page at Environmental Science Club or visit their website at http://www2.gcsu.edu/orgs/student/esc/ MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 5

from the editor Milledgeville 111 Fieldstone Dr. 478-452-0578

Hearing Associates 5 Minute Hearing Test Almost Half Occasionally Never Always the Time (1 pt.)

(0 pt.)

(3 pts.) (2 pts.)

1. I have problems hearing over the phone.

“To the dull mind all nature is leaden. To the illumined mind the whole world sparkles with light.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson Changes are underfoot in Milledgeville.

Spring is upon us, and the skies are just a little bit brighter. As patches of earth break with the promise of new vegetation, a greener, healthier community is also on the horizon.

In this our annual Green Issue of Milledgeville Scene, we explore this newfound potential. Not just for the physical, dietary or environmental impact alone. These are quality of life issues that affect economic development, business, tourism and even education. And inside this issue, we share stories of several locals who are taking charge and making a difference in this realm, one green initiative at a time.

Inside, writer Vaishali Patel reveals the components of the Live Healthy Baldwin project and how its successes mean overall gains for the local community, and Jonathan Jackson explains how it ties heavily to the next phase of the Oconee River Greenway expansion.

Writer Jessica Luton shares background on Milledgeville’s locally owned, environmentally sustainable downtown coffee shop, Blackbird Coffee, and Sarah Beth Ariemma shows us how the folks at Digital Bridges are making a green impact while creating greater local access to technology. And writer Valerie Niblett gives us details on Tom and Jenny Hansel’s somewhat accidental successful business venture, Ultra Pampering, their all-natural specialty soaps, lotions and candles.

From the Live Healthy Baldwin project and its community garden initiatives and efforts to create biking and walking trails along the Oconee River Greenway and surrounding areas, to the Greenway’s next phase and continued expansion to Digital Bridges and Blackbird Coffee — there’s a connectivity and a communal bond.

It connects transportation, technology, tourism and recreation to diet and nutrition and a greener tomorrow. And by working as a community with the common goal of promoting healthier, greener and cleaner neighborhoods, it all comes together.

Coming together is a beginning. Working together is progress, and staying together takes a commitment toward success.

E-mail us and tell us what you think of this issue, and pass along your ideas for future issues of Milledgeville Scene — ndavis@unionrecorder.com.

Natalie

NATALIE DAVIS/MANAGING EDITOR

6 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

2. I have trouble following the conversation when two or more people are talking at the same time 3. People complain that I turn the TV volume too high 4. I have to strain to understand conversations 5. I have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background such as a party.

6. I miss hearing some common sounds like the phone or doorbell ring.

7. I get confused about where sounds come from 8. I misunderstand some words in a sentence and need to ask people to repeat themselves 9. I especially have trouble understanding the speech women and children 10. I have worked in noisy environments.

11. Many people mumble when they talk 12. People get annoyed because I misunderstand what is being said 13. I misunderstand what others are saying and make inappropriate reponses 14. I avoid social activities because I cannot hear well and fear that I’ll reply improperly To be answered by a family member 15. Do you think this person has a hearing loss?

16. Do you have a blood relative with hearing loss?

yes

no

Your Score

Joy Pritchett, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology www.HearAtlanta.com

What does this mean?

Score Analysis 0-5 Your hearing is good Suggest a hearing evaluation 6-9 10 or above Strongly recommend a hearing evaluation

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The fun filled include afternoon will ce painting, the egg hunt, fa r Bunny, games, the Easte Be sure and much more! asket to to bring your b your collect eggs and pictures camera to take Bunny. with the Easter

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 7

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MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 9

By SARAH BETH ARIEMMA

Digital Bridges builds fresh perspectives in renovated and restored downtown space

Digital Bridges, a part of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has been actively improving Milledgeville’s technological quality of life since its doors opened. Digital Bridges is a venture of Georgia College spearheaded by the Knight Foundation’s grant. The project is a citizen-led initiative that involves the innovative uses of technology to improve the understanding and computer literacy of Milledgeville and surrounding communities interested in seeing how the initiative works with society.

Daniel McDonald, communications coordinator for Digital Bridges, joined the staff last summer. Like the facelift Digital Bridges is making throughout Milledgeville in terms of technology, the physical building itself, which houses Digital Bridges, the Knight Innovation Center, received a second chance in the 21st century.

“This building is folk-Victorian,” McDonald said. “It is a storefront building and roughly 100 years old. People all over the county remember this building in different ways. Being able to get one of the beautiful buildings downtown has weaved us into the community.

We hope to stay emblematic in the direction the community is headed in.”

Leaders of the community-based initiative knew they would need to stay as centrally located to the people as possible if they were going to make an impact on how Milledgeville uses technology. Maintaining the historical structure of the building remained a top priority.

“The renovations have been in an attempt to maintain the character of the building, as well as function. Our director, Heather Holder, worked with professionals to restore the building to its former glory,” McDonald said.

In an attempt to shop local, Digital Bridges leaders hired only local contractors and artists to restore the building and craft its logo.

“We hired local artist, Matt McGee, to craft our logo. We wanted to highlight the local artists in the area in the spirit of goodwill, as well as remind everyone to shop locally.

Holder made sure to hire only local contractors to do the renovations. When we keep our dollars local, our entire community wins,” McDonald said.

“Digital Bridges commissioned Matt McGee to interpret the organization’s logo in his chosen medium as a means of celebrating the creative and artistic talents present in Milledgeville-Baldwin County,” said Holder in a statement issued about the logo design concept. “The eye-catching interpretation Matt envisioned for Digital Bridges’ logo is just MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 11

one more example of how you don’t have to leave Milledgeville to obtain creativity and craftsmanship that can’t be found anywhere else.”

The money used to renovate the building came from part of the grant from the Knight Foundation.

Before the Knight Foundation, Ga. Gov. Sonny Perdue awarded a wireless grant to the city of Milledgeville, making Milledgeville a unique adoption center for widespread wireless Internet throughout a rural community. The Knight Foundation wanted to continue the grant for three more years and see if technological literacy and the Internet would improve the quality of life, graduation rates and job placement throughout the area.

“We are trying to raise people’s literacy and help local businesses become more efficient online. When businesses become more proficient, their profits rise and our local economy increases as well,” McDonald said.

Digital Bridges is more than a technological literacy center. The group is now embarking on a new recycling venture.

“We discovered there was a need for disposing old technology. We talked to Marion Nelson with the 12 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

Baldwin County Environmental Compliance Office about setting up a system to have people safely dispose of their old technologies. The program Nelson had implemented was a once-a-year program, but we’d like to be a year-round drop off point,” McDonald said.

“At least once a week now we have someone who drops off a full trunk of old cell phones, stenographer machines and other things.”

As Digital Bridges becomes full, Nelson collects all of the old technology and sees that the waste makes it safely to a recycling center in Atlanta.

“We receive a receipt that lets us know how many pounds have been recycled. As of right now we have recycled two-and-a-half tons of recyclable materials.

We’re looking forward to continuing this program and adding more programs like it to our services for the community,” McDonald said.

In a press release McDonald compiled, the exact number of recycled pounds was revealed.

“Since it began collecting electronic materials in summer 2010, Digital Bridges has collected 1,037 pounds of electronics. Together with the Baldwin County Environmental Compliance Office’s efforts, to date, Milledgeville-Baldwin County residents have

Local artist Matt McGee works on the Digital Bridges logo design on the front of the building.

A look inside the Knight Innovation Center.

contributed 5,271 pounds of recyclable materials.”

Digital Bridges is also home to a professional and safe learning environment to those who are pursuing higher educational goals.

“Because of our relationship with Georgia College, we have access to graduate assistants and other college students. We always ask our students to propose new plans and a workable goal that we can work to achieve together. We had a student who wanted to use his IT skills to reformat used and older computers to make sure that everyone could have access to a computer,” McDonald said.

The renovated space, located at 127 West Hancock St., is also home to any organization that wishes to have a quiet place to hold meetings and seminars. McDonald hopes that more students and businesses will use the Knight Innovation Center building for both learning and professional events.

“We want to make this a location for everyone. We want suggestions always. I always tell people that the greatest initiative Digital Bridges is undertaking is the one we don’t know about yet — yours.”

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 13

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By JESSICA LUTON Photos by JAMES MCCUE

I

n the midst of the hectic pace of everyday life, it’s nice to have a home away from home. A place to observe a few moments of peace and quiet, to read a book or just socialize with others over a cup of coffee.

For many local residents, that home away from home is known as Blackbird Coffee, a local independently owned coffee shop that’s been serving up freshly roasted java in a uniquely friendly atmosphere for almost six years now.

“We like to think of it as a third place,” said fiveyear Blackbird Coffee employee and local resident Chris Averitt. “You have home, you have work, and then a third place.”

Blackbird Coffee, which is located at 114 W. Hancock St. in downtown Milledgeville, prides itself on standing out from the competition, giving customers a friendly atmosphere to enjoy socializing, reading or surfing the internet and, at the same time, providing an inviting and educational experience for both coffee lovers and those who have never before stepped foot in a coffee shop.

“The main reason that we’re different is that we

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 17

roast our own coffee,” said Averitt. “With other companies, it’s roasted far away, shipped to stores and then it sits on the shelf until it’s served. When we roast it, two or three days later, we’re serving it. It’s a constant race to keep it stocked in the store.

That’s one of the biggest things that set us apart. After that, I honestly think that we have a group of people that work here that a lot of people just see as baristas, but we try to create a family unit behind the counter.

And that carries out to our customers. As a roaster and one of the general managers, I definitely care about the coffee.”

The shop offers three different caffeinated coffees on any given day including the house roast, a rotating roast and a flavored coffee, but the shop offers 13 roasts for customers to enjoy. The coffee beans originate from all over the world and are then shipped to a company called Coffee Holdings in New

York before being sent down to Georgia.

Large burlap sacks filled with coffee beans are then checked, and the roasting process begins.

Roasting coffee beans, he said, is an art that’s almost impossible to really fully master, however you can come close.

“I feel like I am better at it than I was a year ago,” he said. “I understand more what’s going on chemically and physically. I have a better grasp on our machine. I think our coffees are better than what they were. But because coffee is just like any other crop and [it] changes with each season, being a master roaster is a mythical term. I only hope to keep getting better at it.”

Beyond coffee, the shop also offers a host of options for those who’d prefer decaffeinated or non-coffee beverages. White chocolate mocha, hot chocolate and handmade sodas are just a few of the offerings for those with-

We have people willing to wait in line for a bit longer for our coffee.

We’ll take you through the menu and help you find the beverage that suits you best. OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE, WE’RE REALLY, REALLY

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18 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

out an affinity for coffee.

A host of delicious breakfast and lunch items keep customers coming back for more, time and time again. From cinnamon rolls that are large enough to feed a small family, to scones, biscotti, muffins and biscuits, Blackbird is a hot spot for breakfast on a daily basis. Three types of biscuits, including a sausage, egg and cheese, bacon, egg and cheese, and egg and cheese are available. The shop carries banana nut muffins, cranberry nut muffins and blueberry muffins on a rotating basis, and four types of scones including blueberry, apple cinnamon, cranberry orange and raspberry white chocolate.

Additionally, fresh bagels are available in six different flavors including plain, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, everything, wheat and sesame seed. And gigantic cinnamon rolls and biscotti finish out the selection of breakfast foods available at the venue.

For lunch, the shop keeps its offerings simple, at least for now, by offering two bagel sandwiches.

“During lunch, we offer two bagel sandwiches. One is the vegetarian delight, which has garlic hummus, carrots, roasted red peppers, spring mix and white balsamic vinaigrette,” Averitt said. “The other is a turkey sandwich with roasted red pepper sauce, spring mix and oven roasted turkey. We’re trying to develop a few more options for people in the future.”

Blackbird offers a unique atmosphere for customers, with art from local artists on display on every wall, hip, catchy music playing in the background and an all-around vibe that makes customers feel welcome as soon as they step in the door. For Averitt and other employees of the shop, a friendly, welcoming atmosphere is just what they strive for.

“We have that kind of atmosphere. You come in and we’re going to educate you,” he said. “We have people willing to wait in line for a bit longer for our coffee. We’ll take you through the menu and help you find the beverage that suits you best. Our customer service, we’re really, really good at it. I really like the way that people are treated here. Sometimes when you go to other coffee shops, you get treated poorly. You have to create that relationship. And it’s amazing what happens out of that.”

As an independently-owned coffee shop, Blackbird has been able to institute some small measures that help reduce the business’s carbon footprint, even if just a little, he said.

“While we are working toward being more and more green, we don’t yet consider ourselves to be a green company,” he said. “One of the more green things we do is roasting our own coffee. It’s all done right here. We use biodegradable bags for that. We try our best to recycle our aluminum as the county permits. We donate our post grounds to anyone who wants them. We have the in-house mugs. And we’re trying really hard to move more and more toward [being a green company]. It’s hard to balance that with business practices. But we want so badly to make our footprint as small as possible.”

For Averitt, the sum total experience of working at Blackbird has meant a world of new people and friends that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The people, he said, are by far his favorite aspect of the job.

“The people. I could do all of the coffee stuff at my house if I had the equipment,” he said.

“But my relationship with my fiancé built out of her coming into this shop. A lot of my friends have come from this shop. The customers are great. We just created this atmosphere that I have never felt before. I love this place because of the people that are here. And access to the coffee is a plus.”

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 19

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SERVICES • Diagnostic Assessment • Physician Care & Assessment • Nursing Assessment & Health Services • Comprehensive treatment planning • Individual therapy and counseling • Group Therapy and Counseling • Consumer/Family Education • Community Support Individual (CSI) Free and Confidential HIV Testing • Medication Management ON-SITE PHARMACY SERVICES • Residential Support Services • Telehealth (Telemedicine) • Psychosocial Rehabilitation • Peer Support • Supported Employment • Gender-Specific Substance Abuse • Substance Abuse Intensive • Child and Adolescent Services Outpatient Services & Residential Treatment Services • Developmental Disability Services MILLEDGEVILLE LOCATIONS Addictive Disease Outpatient Services 900 Barrow Ferry Rd Milledgeville • 478-445-5518 Administrative Services 131 North Jefferson Street Milledgeville • 478-445-4817

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CHURCH PROFILE

New Beginning calls to us all story and photos by: SARAH BETH ARIEMMA

New Beginning Worship Center is a place for the lost to be found, for the hopeless to find hope and the unaccepted to find their family.

Pastor Earnest Franklin Jr. and his wife, CoPastor Ramona Franklin began New Beginning Worship Center as an answer for those whom society had cast out. The church’s structure, located on 200 Southside SE in Milledgeville, was also given a new beginning. The structure once housed an elementary school that has since been closed.

“We’ve been here going on four years,” Pastor Franklin said. “The Lord sent us here and made all of the plans for us to be here. As far as the vision, it will take this, plus some.”

The church began in 2001. Right away the ministry reached out to those who needed a second chance in life.

“My wife and I had a vision to start a church to accept people who had been rejected by the community and the other churches. We went to the Lord for a name, and he gave us ‘New Beginning,’” Pastor Franklin said.

The church has around 110 members in the congregation. Co-Pastor Franklin felt very strongly that New Beginning should truly accept anyone who walked through the doors of the church, no matter their past.

“My philosophy has always been to love people as they are. We need to bring the love of Jesus to everyone. We have to live the life and love, not just one day a week, but also every day.

We can’t judge others by how they live or dress.

In spite of even prisoners, God has given us a second chance, so we too should give second chances,” Co-Pastor Franklin said.

New Beginning Worship Center is also part of a very special community effort- the Community Garden. The Milledgeville Community Garden is a product of hard work MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 23

and an idea to provide plots of land to anyone wishing to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only does this save participants money on fresh food, but it also provides a wonderful space for the youth in the community to learn about horticulture and grow food.

“When the Community Garden leaders came to me and told me about their meetings to plan the garden, I was very impressed. We had all of this land that wasn’t being used and we gave it to the garden and the community for everyone to use and enjoy. Next year the garden will have four plots for New Beginning parishioners so we are very excited about that,” Pastor Franklin said.

Lin McKnight, a former president of the garden association, went to Pastor Franklin with the idea that the garden might fit in perfectly with the unused acres of land behind the church.

“The New Beginning Worship Center provides the location for the garden. We’ve worked with Pastor Franklin rather closely since the whole thing began. The church has never charged us rent and have been wonderful,” McKnight said.

“It has taken us about two years to really make headway with the garden, but what keeps us going is membership. We’re always looking for as many members as we can find.”

A plot in the garden is a once-a-year fee of $20 (or a $10 hardship fee). The garden is always looking for new members, as well as volunteers for the garden.

“Our fruit trees should start producing next year. Everyone can reap the rewards,” McKnight said.

The church is also planning to open a food bank to assist

24 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

the needy during their times of trial. The church is actively pursuing a grant, but until a grant can be secured, the food bank will be entirely community donation-based.

The come-as-you-are church prides itself on not turning anyone away from its services and assistance. A few years ago the church hosted a tent revival service in Milledgeville Manor. Urging from God brought them to the Manor and the people.

“We are a non-denominational church. We come and let the Lord have his way. If you come and get the word, your convictions will be strong. We never discriminate against race.

We are a multi-cultural church without a dress code. Just be decent- no hats and First Lady suits necessary here,” Pastor Franklin said.

Co-Pastor Franklin began a ladies ministry, “RAMO” ministries. The focus is Women Gone Wise.

“It is meant to encourage women of any age to make wise decisions in their every day. Everything is Bible-based. We minister to everyone. We don’t care what you have done. This ministry teaches love to all, and support to women where they need it most,” Co-Pastor Franklin said.

The church has a Praise and Worship team that assists Pastor Franklin in ministering every Sunday. The five-fold ministry offers something for any type of worshipper. The church also has a dance team to help minister to parishioners through movement.

“I am the Praise and Worship leader,” Co-Pastor Franklin said. “We do singing, clapping, screaming, running. The Lord moves throughout our five-fold ministry.”

New Beginning Worship Center is also implementing a new program called “Mentor Plus.” Children whose parents or family members have been incarcerated are eligible to participate in the afterschool program. Members of the church and community teach children motherly and fatherly love, as well as give them positive role models to emulate.

Church services are held every Sunday at 11:30. Bible study is held on Thursday nights at 6 p.m., as well as a Joy Night at 7:30, which is a regular church service. The church is working on a nursery service currently, however both Rev. Franklin and his wife believe it is good for both children and adults to hear the service together.

New Beginning Worship Center is on Facebook, as well as YouTube. The church also has a website, www.nbwc.thischurch.org, that is updated frequently to keep parishioners and potential church members abreast of all the latest information available for the church and programs.

Both Pastor and Co-Pastor Franklin have hearts wide open for anyone walking through the doors to listen to the message of God. “We’re a group of giving people.

We’re very giving of our sanctuary and we help everyone in need of help. We’re the church that will help you through, and lift you up through the word of God.”

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 25

worship directory

Located at 2988 Hwy. 441 N. Lake Sinclair Inside the Ranch Park Complex

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Antioch Primitive Baptist Church 512 NW Monticello Rd. 478-968-0011 Baldwin Church of Christ 57 Marshall Rd. 478-452-5440 Bible Rivival Church 101 Deerwood Dr. 478-452-4347 Black Springs Baptist Church 673 Sparta Hwy NE 478-453-9431

First United Body of Christ Methodist Church Deliverance Church of

Milledgeville

366 Log Cabin Road Milledgeville, GA 31061

478-452-4597

478-452-3015

“Where Caring Comes From the Heart”

325 Allen Memorial Drive

453-8514

Countyline Baptist Church 1012 Hwy 49W 478-932-8105 Countyline Primitive Baptist Church 120 NW Neriah Rd. 478-986-7333 Covenant Presbyterian Church 440 N. Columbia St. 478-453-9628 Discipleship Christian Center Church 113 SE Thomas St. 478-452-7755

First United Methodist Church 366 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-4597 Flagg Chapel Baptist Church 400 W. Franklin St. 478-452-7287 Flipper Chapel AME 400 W. Franklin St. 478-453-7777 Freedom Church, Inc. 500 Underwood Rd. 478-452-7694

140 SW Effingham Rd. 478-453-4459

Elbethel Baptist Church 251 N. Irwin St. 478-452-8003

Freewill Fellowship Worship Center 115 Cook St. 478-414-2063

Central Church of Christ 359 NE Sparta Hwy 478-451-0322

Emmanuel Baptist Church 384 Gordon Hwy 478-453-4225

Friendship Baptist Church 685 E Hwy 24 478-452-0507

Church of God 385 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-2052

Faith Point Church of Nazarene 700 Dunlap Rd. 478-451-5365

Friendship Baptist Chapel 635 Twin Bridges Rd. 478-968-7201

Church of Jesus Christ 1700 N Jefferson St. 478-452-9588 Community Life Baptist Church 1340 Orchard Hill Rd. 478-414-1650

First Baptist Church 330 S. Liberty St. 478-452-0502 First Christian Church 555 N. Columbia St. 478-452-2620

Community Baptist Church 143 NE Log Cabin Rd. 478-453-2380

First Presbyterian Church 210 S. Wayne St. 478-452-9394

OCONEE UROLOGY

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M. FREDERICK STEWART M.D. BORIS VELIMIROVICH M.D., F.A.C.S.

Grace Baptist Church 112 Alexander Dr. 478-453-9713 Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church 171 Harrisburg Rd. 478-452-9115 Green Pasture Baptist Church 150 N. Warren St. 478-453-8713

Gumhill Baptist Church 1125 Hwy 24 478-452-3052 Hardwick Baptist Church 124 Thomas St. 478-452-1612 Hardwick United Methodist Church 195 Hardwick St. 478-452-1513 Hope Lutheran Church 214 Hwy 40 W. 478-452-3696 Hopewell United Methodist Church 188 Hopewell Church Rd. 478-453-9047 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2701 Irwinton Rd. 478-452-7854 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 110 NW O’Conner Dr. 478-452-8887 Lakeshore Community Church 882 Twin Bridges Rd. 478-986-7331 Life and Peace Christian Center 116 SW Frank Bone Rd. 478-453-3607

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1217 Columbia Dr. Milledgeville 478-453-7516

453-9335

26 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

Service for Generations

“I am a full service Real Estate Agent. Give me a call and we will get started today.”

112 Joyner Rd. Milledgeville, GA 31061

Office (706) 484-2153 • Cell (478) 456-3797 www.janiceward.georgiamls.com

478-452-7576

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Living Word Church of God 151 W. Charlton St. 478-452-7151 Milledgeville Christian Center The Sheep Shed 120 Ivey Dr. 478-453-7710 Miracle Healing Temple 133 Central Ave. 478-452-1369 Missionaries of Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints 141 Frank Bone Rd. 478-452-5775 Montpelier United Methodist Church 449 Sparta Hwy 478-453-0040 Mosleyville Baptist Church 106 SE Oak Dr. 478-452-1723 Mount Nebo Baptist Church 338 Prosser Rd. 478-452-4288 Mount Pleasant Baptist Church 265 SW Mt Pleasant Church Rd. 478-452-7978 Milledgeville Study Group 140 Chase Ct. 478-414-1517 New Beginning Church of Christ 325 Hwy 49 478-454-5489 New Beginning Worship Center 200 Southside SE 478-696-9104

HATTAWAY SCREEN PRINTING Church Events • Family Reunions School Events & Clubs T-Shirts-Jackets • Caps

478-452-6435 800-792-8228

New Covenant Community Outreach Ministries 321 E. Hancock St. 478-453-3709 New Hope Baptist Church 345 E. Camden St. 478-452-0431 New Life Fellowship Church 123 Ennis Rd. 478-414-7654 New Life Foursquare Church 112 Jacqueline Terrace 478-452-1721 New Life Ministries 1835 Vinson HWY SE New Vision Church of God in Christ 941 NE Dunlap Rd. 478-414-1123

Pine Ridge Baptist Church 657 Old Monticello Rd. 478-986-5055 Rock of Ages Baptist Church 601 W. Montgomery St 478-453-8693 Rock Mill Baptist Church 2770 N. Columbia St. 478-451-5084 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 110 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-2421 Salvation Army Corps Community Center 478-452-6940 Second Macedonia Baptist Church 2914 SE Vinson Hwy 478-452-3733

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church 220 S. Wayne St. 478-452-2710 Tabernacle of Praise 304 Hwy 49 W. 478-451-0906 Torrance Chapel Baptist Church 274 Pancras Rd. 478-453-8542 Trinity Christian Methodist Church 321 N. Wilkinon St. 478-457-0091

Northridge Christian Church 321 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-1125

Seventh Day Adventist Church of Milledgeville 156 Pettigrew Rd. 478-453-8016

Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church 1980 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-9140

Northside Baptist Church 1001 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-6648

Shiloh Baptist Church 204 Harrisburg Rd. 478-453-2157

Oak Grove Baptist Church No. 1 508 Hwy 49 478-453-3326

Sinclair Baptist Church 102 Airport Rd. 478-452-4242

Old Bethel Holiness Church 866 SE Stembridge Rd. 478-451-2845 Pathfinder Christian Church 120 N. Earnest Byner St. 478-453-8730 WHIPPLE OFFICE EQUIPMENT Sales & Service Since 1964

Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church 994 Sparta Hwy 478-451-5429 Saint Mary Baptist Church Hwy 212 478-986-5228 Saint Paul Baptist Church 485 Meriweather Rd. 478-986-5855

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Victory Baptist Church 640 Meriweather Road 478-452-2285 Wesley Chapel AME Church 1462 SE Elbert St 478-452-5083

478-452-8080 Wesley Chapel Foundation House 211 S Clark St. 478-452-9112

812 N. Columbia St. at the railroad tracks

Milledgeville, GA 31061

Westview Baptist Church 273 W Hwy 49 478-452-9140

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Zion Church of God in Christ 271 E. Camden 478-453-7144

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Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church 121 Lingold Dr. 478-453-9564

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By JONATHAN JACKSON Photos by DANIELLE FIELDS

Tucked away in downtown Milledgeville near the river bridge crossing is a treasure with a mission and goal to provide green space for the region — a living and breathing area fed by the mighty Oconee that is sanctuary, play area and garden in one.

And it’s all down by the riverside.

The Oconee River’s origin is found in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Gainesville in Hall County. From there, the river makes its way through Athens, lakes Oconee and Sinclair, through Milledgeville to southeast Georgia. The Oconee combines with the Ocmulgee to form the Altamaha River near Lumber City. The waters then flow out to sea near Brunswick and Jekyll Island.

While winding its way through Georgia, the Oconee provides Milledgeville and nearby counties with a vast selection of recreational possibilities on the lakes and on the river itself. One additional area found along the winding

path of the river is home to a plethora of opportunities for activity and is located in the downtown Milledgeville. The river and the town share legacies of making their marks; the Oconee carved its shape across Georgia just as Milledgeville carved a shape of its own of historical significance that helped determine the course of a nation.

The Oconee River Greenway is located just off Hancock Street on the west bank of the Oconee River. A spacious lot allows for plenty of parking and is connected to a boat ramp that allows boaters and anglers access to the flowing waters of the Oconee. The Greenway opens up to well-maintained green space: paved walking trails, planted gardens, river bank observation decks, enhanced wetlands, and a large space designed for festival and recreational use.

Dr. Heather Langston is director of the Oconee River Greenway, a post she has held since 2007. Langston said the use of the Greenway has increased every

year since it was officially established by the Georgia state legislature in 2002. The Oconee River Greenway Authority board met for the first time that year, organized, and adopted a mission statement.

Some of the board’s goals include the creation of a corridor along the Oconee River for public use beginning in Baldwin County and following the Oconee River through other counties along the river. The authority hopes to eventually involve other cities and counties in the management of the corridor, promote archaeological and historical sites along the river, and provide educational opportunities for users of the Greenway. The authority also hopes to promote recreation, stewardship and the balanced co-existence of wildlife and natural vegetation along the Greenway.

“The Oconee River Greenway Foundation is a private foundation that supports the Greenway Authority,” Langston said. “The foundation is planning more special events at the Greenway and wants to promote them more.”

Langston said there are multiple plans and phases under consideration for Greenway expansion, and while some are dreaming big, others are fairly easily manageable and may happen soon.

“Ever since I took the job, my dream has been to build an amphitheater down there,” Langston said. “I think that would be a huge asset to the area.”

The idea for an amphitheater has long been touted, but Langston said that portion of the plan so excites her that she won’t let anyone forget about it.

Future expansion plans include a trail along tributary Fishing Creek that extends to the property near the Animal Rescue Foundation on Wilkinson Street in downtown Milledgeville. Another trail expansion is planned south of Fishing Creek, but another expansion could soon see benefits for the Greenway and for the community at-large as a proposed second phase.

“There will be more concrete trails north of the bridge, and where the old power plant is we plan to have an overlook,” Langston said. “There will probably be a couple more fishing stations here.”

The park will likely eventually connect with Buzzard Island near the area of rapids visible from the bridge to the north.

The new trail will include a little more than one mile of paved trail north of the bride, more parking areas and the construc30 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

tion of a new boardwalk through a wetland.

The city of Milledgeville will soon extend Greene Street into the park. As part of the Greenway’s upcoming second phase, the entrance will hopefully move from the congested state Highway 22 to an entrance on Greene Street. This should allow safer entry into the park by vehicle. The former entrance will still accommodate pedestrian traffic.

As it is now, the park gets plenty of use.

“I took my son down there Sunday afternoon — he is learning to ride his bike,” Langston said. “There were kids rollerblading, they were on scooters and bicycles, and there were dogs everywhere. Sometimes you can’t even see them, but you can hear them giggling as they’re floating between the two water access points. It’s a good addition to the community, and this is fun job to have.”

Langston said wildlife viewing is a fastgrowing activity at the Greenway as bird-

watchers are using the area more. Greenway supporters are working on a list of birds that are found in the area for birdwatchers to use as a checklist.

Local garden clubs consistently support the beauty of the Greenway with plantings.

The Carrington Woods and the local Master Gardeners have placed gardens at the Greenway. Langston said the goal is to use native species of plants and trees and to add trees in February to mark Georgia Arbor Day. There are times throughout the year when the Greenway floods. At different times the Oconee River overcomes its banks and floods, temporarily submerging the park.

“Any problems we’ve had with flooding have been human error,” Langston said. “It has been built to withstand flooding.”

During flooding Langston said there seems to be a natural curiosity of all the water, but she cautions people to stay away as there is a

reason the park closes during periods of flooding.

“We don’t allow any kayaking or boating during flooding,” she said. “You just never know what you are going over or what you are going to encounter.”

During summer months when the river is at regular levels, though, Langston said the park is more popular than ever. Access to the river is at the swimmer’s own risk, and should be carefully considered. Langston said people who access the water should exercise caution.

While not unsafe, because of the nature of the flow of water based on power generation at Sinclair Dam, people should be aware.

“This is a working river, especially during the summer. They are generating electricity all day long. The river rises one to two feet. The current moves a little faster. It’s not unsafe, you just need to pay attention.”

The facilities on the site were all designed and installed with flooding in mind.

The large festival area is frequently used by organizations including the Animal Rescue Foundation, which holds its annual Pet Walk fundraiser at the park.

The Boy Scouts of America have a Walk-a-Thon planned, and Langston said the participants in the annual April Fool’s Ride sponsored by the local bicycle club and the Rotary Club of Milledgeville will hold an after party there. The park is also used for more romantic events. Langston said there have been several weddings held at the Greenway.

The park is maintained by a collaboration of agencies. Langston said the city maintains a portion of the property and cuts the grass in the summer. The county takes turns with volunteer organizations, including Georgia Military College, emptying trash cans.

Volunteer organizations and GMC cadets, along with the members of the Georgia College Environmental Club, the Green Extream club at Oak Hill Middle School and other groups including scout troops, fraternities and sororities help with trash pick up.

The fabric of the Greenway is tightly woven with that of GMC. “[GMC President] General [Peter] Boylan is chair of the authority board. The position of President of GMC is a board appointed position by law,” Langston said.

GMC leases property to the Greenway and provides office space for Langston as part of the school’s engineering department. Langston is the Greenway’s only employee.

Langston said both GMC and Georgia College provide support for the Greenway, as do city, county and state government installations and officials.

“Any time people get grumpy and say [the local goverments] don’t work well together I remind them that this is a community project and I am just organizing it.”

She said the existence of the Greenway is a success story for intergovernmental cooperation.

“When I need help, I ask for it and seldom see any resistance.”

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 31

32 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

The Quality

OF LIFE

By VAISHALI PATEL

Live Healthy Baldwin promotes healthier lifestyles from the ground up

Live Healthy Baldwin aims to promote health and exercise by working to create bike trails and community gardens throughout the area.

To fight the battle of childhood obesity — that has been the mission of the Live Healthy Baldwin project since December 2009 by encouraging children and families of Milledgeville and Baldwin County to live a healthier and more active lifestyle.

When the Center for Health and Social Issues at Georgia College was awarded a $360,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) last year, city and county governmental agencies, organizations, businesses, faith-based groups and educational institutions collaborated to kick off the planning and development of five focus areas throughout the community as part of the Live Healthy Baldwin initiative to improve opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy, affordable foods over a four-year period.

“We are hoping that by addressing obesity in school-aged children, we will begin to enact change across the board for our community, lower our health care costs and help those less fortunate because health care is an ever increasing amount,” Bicycling Club of Milledgeville President Adam Heagy said. “If we can improve, then we can become more attractive to others.

Health care cost is a big cost to companies, and if we can provide a healthier community for them, it gives them more reason to choose our community.”

As one of only 50 Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities grant recipients in the country addressing the root causes of childhood obesity, Baldwin County was able to establish a community vegetable garden on the former Southside Elementary School playground using the first $90,000 lump sum for residents to plant, grow, harvest and share healthy foods.

“On the big MLK Day of Service, we had 50 volunteers get

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 33

the garden ready for the coming growing season by We are trying to improve dens, we want to find a way to get it into the putting in new dirt and mulch and building up the school food program, that way locally-grown food the quality of by tying in plots to make them fertile. We are expanding the can be used instead of processed food,” Lidstone healthy foods and physical said. “I would love to see local growers in Baldwin garden and partnering with Milledgeville Housing Authority to try to get gardens established on their activity with economic County ... be able to provide a farm to school progrounds,” Georgia College Center of Health and gram. If people were interested in agriculture and development and tourism.

Social Issues Director Dr. Jim Lidstone said. “Our getting into producing food for the community, local schools also seem to want to create school that’s a job opportunity right there.” gardens, so we’re working with teachers out there Another action team of the Live Healthy and making plans to put raised beds in the spring.

Baldwin coalition is working to implement SNAP Midway Elementary School got a [United States Department of and WIC benefits to Milledgeville Marketplace Downtown Farmers Agriculture] fruits and vegetable grant, so they’ve been implementing Market shoppers. fresh fruit and snacks for their students.”

“Getting more vendors creates price competition and makes food Incorporating nutritious snacks into afterschool programs, such as more accessible for people who think might be too expensive otherthe Boys & Girls Club of Baldwin County, 4-H, High Achievers, wise. The SNAP and WIC benefits is an encouragement for people Youth Enrichment Services and Georgia College Early College, is to come to the market,” Lidstone said. “We’re also trying to come up another area of concentration in which the Live Healthy Baldwin with funding so people can get two for one purchasing power. Faithproject is progressing. based organizations can provide financial supplementals for people “Instead of the Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispie squares, students can who use the farmers market so it makes it inexpensive to access qualiget fresh fruits and vegetables and have healthier options. For the ty food.” food that we’re growing at the community garden and school garThe centerpiece of the physical activity component is the Safe

life

34 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

Routes to Schools initiative. A 9.36-mile pedestrian and bicycle path will travel along Fishing Creek from the Oconee River Greenway on the easternmost edge of the community to the Baldwin County Board of Education, the local industrial park and the recreation department complex on the west side of town.

“Any neighborhoods in a reasonable distance of school property can use the trail to avoid major highways. We hope people use the trail for recreational purposes and daily transportation, which reduces car traffic and transportation costs,” Lidstone said. “It relieves congested parking in downtown areas and contributes to a greener environment because we don’t get the carbon emissions. And in turn, we hope it contributes to Milledgeville as a tourist destination and be attractive as a retirement destination.”

With the help of a $3 million to $5 million construction grant, the planning and layout of the Fishing Creek Trail began to take shape. Phase I of the trail extends 1.04 miles, beginning at Oconee River Greenway and stretching out to the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) on South Wilkinson Street. From the ARF office to Central City Park, located off of West Hancock Street, Phase II-A is a distance of 2.46 miles.

“A year ago at this time, we partnered with Oconee River

Greenway to write a $100,000 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Recreational Trails Program grant to complete Phase I of the [Fishing Creek Trail],” Lidstone said. “Around Thanksgiving, we wrote another $100,000 DNR grant for Phase II-A, and then another schools grant to cover the cost from the Central City Park to the Board of Education to school property on Blandy Road.”

While the Live Healthy Baldwin project team waits to hear back about funding for the trail, fingers are crossed that Phase I will be finished six months after breaking ground later this year. “[Georgia College Associate Professor of Geography] Doug Oetter has been there to do survey work and accurate cost estimate to get it out for bid. We hope to bid the first phase of it and have construction start late spring or early summer,” Lidstone said.

“Eventually we want to have an eight-foot-wide concrete trail suitable for walking, running, bicycling, wheelchairs, skateboards, rollerblades and just any form of active transportation. Depending if we get the other grants, construction should start in a similar timeframe.”

Heagy is an advocate of incorporating a network of bicycle lanes that connect all parts of the community in order to move toward becoming a “Bicycle Friendly Community.”

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 35

“I’m working primarily toward applications for the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Program to hopefully recognize our community as incorporating bicycling, and show that we are serving all members of the community in transportation options and recreational options.

Working toward the Bicycling Friendly Community program is to really show our part to our city government and leadership that we are committed to this and we can implement this to identify lesser traveled streets and maybe include bicycle trails,” he said. “It’s about creating vibrant areas in town and connecting those areas. I would like to work to improve the number of off-road trails. The only bicycling facilities we have are Oconee River Greenway, Bartram Forest and a nature preserve.”

The deadline to apply for and submit the Bicycle Friendly Community work plan is by August. Heagy said a presentation detailing the benefits of increasing bicycling activity in the community to create a healthier environment is already in the works as part of the application.

“We’re kind of using this to spur economic development and improve quality of life in our area and be attractive to new start-up businesses and retirees. We’ve been fairly successful with it so far, but our obvious concerns are, for example, educate bikers on how to use bike racks, both on campus and off. I would like to see bicycle racks in appropriate places downtown because there’s a shortage in downtown parking,” he said. “Gas and insurance keep getting more expensive, and if we continue on the path we’re on we are putting undue burden in our community.”

Lidstone and Heagy are set to travel to Washington, D.C. come late March to represent Baldwin County, along with 15 other communities selected nationwide, to participate in Connect Training as a way to develop relationships with legislative delegations.

“I’m really looking forward to that as a great opportunity to meet with our state and national leaders. I know that we are working with issues that a lot of states are dealing with,” Heagy said. “We want to bring recognition to our community, and if we can have success with this, then we can become a model community throughout the state.”

More than 30 percent of men, women and children in Baldwin 36 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

County designated as obese, and one in nine residents, or 10.6 percent of the local population, have diabetes.

“We are trying to improve the quality of life by tying in healthy foods and physical activity with economic development and tourism.

We’re trying to increase the opportunities for physical activities and healthy eating in the population of obese and low-income individuals because we do have 23 percent of low-income families in Baldwin County,” Lidstone said. “The overall goal of the RWJF project is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015. It’s going up right now, and we hope to have it trend downward. Our project will end in December 2015, so hopefully these initiatives will sustain on and be used for generations to come.”

For more information about the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities project, visit www.healthykidshealthycommunities.org.

For tips and advice on bicycle safety, a calendar of events, local meeting dates, discussion forums or to join The Bicycling Club of Milledgeville, visit www.mvillebikes.com.

We service all makes and models

Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 37

38 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

Nature Friendly

Tom and Jenny Hansel’s Ultra Pampering is a once fledging project turned accidental business success

By VALERIE NIBLETT Photos By K&B PHOTOGRAPHY

C

reativity, ingenuity, resourcefulness and perseverance: all of these things and a fancy wicker basket more represent the quiet energetic couple behind Innovative Ideas, Inventions and Improvements? business owned and operated by Milledgeville residents Tom and Jenny Hansel.

Perched in their expansive workshop on a beautiful acre of property at the edge of town, Jenny and Tom took a chunk out of their day to enlighten me on what’s new with their home-based business.

“The whole business was originally going to be Tom’s inventions,” Jenny explained slightly sheepishly while surrounded by dozens of soap molds, countless bottles of fragrances and boxes of candle wax. Tom stood nearby casually leaning against a counter in the lavender painted shop. Glancing up at him, I caught a hint of a smile as he gazed at his wife seated in a black leather desk chair at the end of the work island we were gathered around.

“Tom’s always been an inventor. He’d invent something, tell someone about it, they’d get the patent and all the money, and he never did,” she said matter-of-factly.

Tom’s been too busy in the past five years to entertain many serious inventions, but has dabbled in kit cars, custom hot rods and other activities that exercise his creative mind.

“We built the shop almost nine years ago,” Jenny continued. “We bought the 1,200 square-foot house brand new for a good price with no idea at the time we’d be building a shop.”

With more than 2,470 square feet of overall space and the upstairs 1,000 square footage all by itself, the shop boasts an automotive side, carpentry area, lawnmower shop in back as well as the peaceful lavender workroom. With cabinets, work benches, storage and office space in the workroom, the couple installed a half bath and even insulated it to keep the heat out in the summer and in during the winter. The entire upstairs is used for storage.

With Tom’s obvious passion for inventing, carpentry and automotives, Jenny had a few tricks up her own sleeve as well. It seems the cou-

ple is more alike than they imagined.

“I started making my own soaps about 28 years ago out of necessity,” said Jenny. “My skin is super-sensitive and I hadn’t been able to use a bar soap for ages.”

She’d find a liquid or gel soap she could use for a while, but eventually her skin would become irritated and she’d have to try something else if she could find it.

“It got so bad that I couldn’t use Ivory or even anything that could be used on babies,” she continued.

By sheer necessity, she visited a hobby and craft store in south Georgia and found a book on soap making. Dog-eared and tired, the thin paper pamphlet holds recipes for soaps, lotions, liquids and the like that are time tested and truly mother approved.

“Old-timey soap making uses lard and lye, which I knew I couldn’t use. I needed something that was very moisturizing. Things that most people can use like lanolin I’m allergic to so I couldn’t use things like that,” Jenny explained.

She purchased a clear glycerin soap base at the craft store, read her booklet and went to work.

She started making herself a few bars of soap using the glycerin and an olive oil base. At Christmas that year, she made a few bars for her sister and nieces. Over the years she has given them as gifts for friends and relatives. “They’d ask me to make some for so and so. It was a hobby more than anything,” she said.

“Tom and I met about 11 years ago, and I was making soap occasionally for myself at that point. Then we talked about wanting to retire at 62 and what we could do to have some more income besides retirement,” she said.

They talked about things that interested them individually and thought about their hobbies and crafts.

Besides making soaps, Jenny likes to do just about any craft. She especially enjoys anything to do with the ocean and feels drawn to anything nautical in nature. Tom is a hands-on Mr. Fix-It kind of guy dabbling in woodworking, carpentry and machinery. The two stretched their creative minds and settled on a home business where their skills, talents and interests meet and will still leave them with plenty of time to enjoy retirement.

“We were going to have six websites, now we’re just going to have three,” Jenny said of Innovative Ideas, Inventions and Improvements.

“One whole part was going to be a nautical theme site, which I’m still going to do with our Nautical and More site. I have boxes of my creations. Seascape Visions will include everything that comes from the ocean. The sand, everything like you’re looking at, little pieces of the ocean and beach.”

“The other site has to do with stuffed animals and puppets,” Tom said as he pushed away from the counter and joined his wife at the worktable. “You can hardly find puppets anymore.”

With a nod and smile, Tom disappeared upstairs to the storage room while Jenny continued to explain the creatures held captive above.

Gift Bears and More is the second website that will be up and running in the near future under the couple’s ownership. These friendly fuzzy creatures are as cute and cuddly as they are plainly unique in nature. Penguins, lambs and bears were displayed in their full glory, all soft and squishy and completely huggable. A comfortable fit over the hand magically brings these creatures to life. Beautifully made and quite charming, the beasts make a fantastic display as well as a favorite toy for a tot.

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 39

“They’re so lifelike,” Tom said as he pulled a black bear out of its cellophane wrapper and handed it to me. “This one has weighed paws to drape over your shoulders. It feels like it’s hugging you.”

Without hesitation, I tossed a softly clawed paw over my shoulder and settled in for a very nice bear hug.

“All of the different things we make, any of the supplies we buy or any of the items we get from wholesalers are all from right here in the United States,” Tom said with a hint of well-deserved pride in his voice.

Ditz Designs makes the critters, a third generation familyowned business based in Ohio. Another husband and wife team makes solar chimes that are a visual work of art as well as aural. A small solar panel picks up trace amounts of light and creates enough energy to turn the chimes to tinkle angelic tunes.

“We didn’t plan it that way, but it seems that it’s what we found.”

The third portion of their company is definitely the most well known. Going back to what Jenny developed out of necessity, the couple has transformed making occasional bars of soap for family and friends into a thriving business.

“Ultra Pampering has taken off like a rocket,” said Jenny of what was once a fledgling project handled out of their kitchen. It could be the entire business — and right now it is the entire business, but it wasn’t intended to be.

“When you’re pampering yourself, it doesn’t have to just be soap and lotion. You’re pampering yourself in the tub when you want candles and things,” Jenny explained.

They have candles in three different candle bases. They also have a plug in wax melter that uses a light bulb instead of a flame and reed diffusers that send wonderful scents throughout the room.

Gift baskets are available with specialty soaps and lotions as well as other unique items for special occasions. Although some of their products may be considered pricey, the obvious quality of each item, extra effort and personal attention is worth every penny.

The melt and pour soap bases used in Ultra Pampering soaps are made from natural ingredients such as goat’s milk, glycerin, olive oil, aloe vera, honey, oatmeal, silk and shea butter. They come in huge blocks that are carefully measured with other natural ingredients and specialty fragrances, then melted and poured into various moulds.

Children’s soaps are generally made from clear glycerin, lightly colored and contain a plastic or rubber toy or figurine embedded in the soap. Customers can choose from delightful frogs on soap lily pads, SpongeBob cheerfully waving hello, any number of Disney characters perched atop soap pedestals or interesting lizards deep within a glistening bar just begging to be released with avid hand washing.

Bars are generally poured in three ounce or six ounce molds in fragrances to please both men and women using the various bases.

More than one hundred fragrance bottles line one wall of the workshop and contain anything from light, flowery scents to deep, earthy tones and nearly anything imaginable in between.

“Some of our most popular soaps carry signature fragrances that smell very much like Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Armani or Ralph Lauren favorites,” Jenny explained. “Cotton Blossom smells like the Bath and Body Works collection and is gender-neutral and has a clean scent.”

Other aromas come from the natural ingredients such as laven40 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011

Above: Tom and Jenny pose with their other creations from Gift Bears and More.

Below: A few of the couple’s soaps and lotion items.

der blossoms, lemongrass, mint, almond or oatmeal.

“We have even made soap with an oatmeal base that smells like a rich fall lager,” Tom chimed in excitedly as he pulled out yet another box of carefully wrapped and packaged soaps. Dubbed as their beer soap, I peered over the edge at the dark bars and inhaled deeply enjoying the light scent of earthy hops.

Specialty soaps make up a good percentage of Ultra Pampering’s sales. The almond complexion bar contains fresh ground almonds to help exfoliate and absorb excess oils. Teens and adults alike have used the bar and reported an improved complexion within a few days. Among the top sellers is also the calamine lotion bar in a goat milk base that helps soothe and heal itchy skin following insect bites, poison ivy, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and other minor skin irritations.

“We think that because it’s in the soap,” Tom explained, “it gets that calamine down in your skin pours. Plus goat milk itself is very healing.”

I popped my nose to the bar and took a tentative sniff, considering I’d heard that goats don’t smell very fresh. Surprisingly, the bar had a light, clean scent from both the calamine lotion and the cotton blossom fragrance oil.

“Everyone loves this scent; it’s a neutral smell that guys like, and it’s real clean smelling,” Jenny said. “So far nobody has had a problem with the fragrance oil with sensitivity. I can also make it without the fragrance. Calamine lotion itself has its own little smell.”

A fun product for feet or elbows has a perfect slice of loofah embedded in a bar of soap. Liquid soaps are available in an organic gel, goat milk or castile soap base. Scented candles can be ordered or purchased in paraffin, soy or palm bases. Wax potpourri tarts with flame-free wax melters, reed diffusers, wooden rose buds sprayed with a fragrance or added to a reed diffuser all send soothing aroma into the space around you.

Handcrafted shea butter, goat milk or yogurt based lotions are also available in many of the same fragrances to match the soaps making for a very nice gift set. Shea butter doesn’t leave skin greasy or tacky feeling. It goes on smooth and absorbs easily leaving gentle moisture behind without that annoying heavy feeling of some discount lotions.

Many more original offerings from Ultra Pampering are available through their website www.ultrapampering.com or by visiting their Etsy store www.etsy.com/shop/ultrapampering.

Local residents can drop by the Milledgeville Marketplace Farmers Market on Tuesdays or Harmony Crossing in Greensboro on Saturdays from May through September to look over the amazing array of handcrafted soaps, lotions and gift items on display. In the fall, Jenny and Tom set up at Deep Roots and other festivals throughout the area.

“We’re both retiring this year,” Jenny exclaimed excitedly. “We’ll finally be able to give our full attention to what we love to do and enjoy our retirement together.”

Their dogs, Cody and Barney, happily agree by wagging their stumpy tails. Both dogs relax in the workshop while Jenny and Tom are busy. They’ve even created an organic citrusy dog shampoo they sell to bathe and soothe the pooches.

Jenny and Tom’s dream is to eventually move to Blairsville to rest their weary bones and live out their days. Selling the house and packing up belongings doesn’t scare the intrepid couple. With a portable nature-friendly business, the sky’s the limit.

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 41

dining directory 119 Chops 30 W. Main St. Milledgeville AJ’s Hotwings & More 2601 North Columbia ST Suite 4 Milledgeville (478) 804-0101 Amici Italian Cafe 101 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-5003 Applebee’s 106 NW Roberson Mill Rd. Milledgeville (478) 453-8355 Asian Bistro & Grill 124 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville (478-452-2886 Aubri Lane’s 114 S Wayne St. Milledgeville (478) 454-4181 Barberito’s Restaurant 148 W Hancock St Milledgeville (478) 451-4717 Blackbird Coffee 114 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 454-2473 Bo Jo’s Cafe 3021 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-3234 The Brick 136 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0089

Chick-Fil-A 1730 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 451-4830 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 452-0585 Chili’s Bar & Grill 2596 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-1900 China Garden 1948 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 454-3449 China Wings 3 1071 S. Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 453-3655 Choby’s at Little River 3065 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-9744 Church’s Chicken 620 N Jefferson St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1808 Country Buffet 1465 SE Jefferson St., Milledgeville (478) 453-0434 Crooked Creek, Bone Island Grill 208 Crooked Creek Dr., Eatonton (706) 485-9693 Dairy Queen 1105 S Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 452-9620 Domino’s Pizza 1909-B N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-9455

Bruster’s Ice Cream 1801 North Columbia St Milledgeville (478) 453-1303

Down South Seafood 972 Sparta Hwy Milledgeville (478) 452-2100

Burger King 2478 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-3706

Dukes Dawghouse 162 Sinclair Marina Rd Milledgeville (478) 453-8440

Captain D’s Seafood 2590 N. Columbia St, Milledgeville (478) 452-3542

El Amigo Mexican Restaurant 2465 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-0027

El Tequila 1830 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1702

Kuroshima Japan 140 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 451-0245

Golden Corral 1913 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1344

Lieu’s Peking Restaurant 2485 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 804-0083

Goodie Gallery 812 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-8080

Little Tokyo Steak House 2601 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-8886

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 1304 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-5200

Margarita’s Mexican Grill 2400 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-9547

Grits 132 Hardwick St. Milledgeville (478) 453-2520 Harold’s BBQ 411 Pea Ridge Rd. Eatonton 706-485-5376 Haynes Snack Bar 113 SW Davis Dr. Milledgeville (478) 453-4155 Huddle House 300 E. Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-2680 206 NW Roberson Mill Rd., Milledgeville (478) 452-3222 IHOP 2598 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0332 James Fish and Chicken 905 S Wayne St. Milledgeville (478) 453-8696 Judy’s Country kitchen 1720 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 414.1436 Kai Thai 2600 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville 478-454-1237 Kentucky Fried Chicken 2337 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-2456

McDonald’s 2490 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1312 611 S Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 452-9611 McDonald’s Wal-Mart, Milledgeville (478) 453-9499 Mellow Mushroom 2588 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville 478-457-0144 Metropolis Cafe 138 N. Wayne St., Milledgeville 478-452-0247 Mida Sweet 201 S. Wayne St Milledgeville (478) 453-8634 Octagon Cafe Milledgeville Mall (478) 452-0588 Old Clinton Barbecue 2645 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 454-0080 Old Tyme Dogs 451 W. Montgomery St. Milledgeville Original Crockett’s Family Cafeteria and Catering 1850 N. Columbia St. Suite 10 Milledgeville (478)804-0009

Paradise Country BBQ 111 Old Montgomery Hwy Milledgeville (corner Hwy 441 N. & Log Cabin Rd) (478) 452-8008 Papa John’s Pizza 1306 N Columbia Street, Milledgeville (478) 453-8686 Papa and Nana’s Wang House 174 Gordon Hwy SW Milledgeville (478) 414-1630 Pickle Barrel Cafe & Sports Pub 1892 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1960 Pizza Hut 650 W Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 453-3703 2511 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-7440 PJ’s Steak House 3052 Highway 441, Milledgeville (478) 453-0060 Puebla’s Mexican Restaurant 112 W Hancock St, Milledgeville (478) 452-1173

Soul Master Barbecue & Lounge 451 N Glynn St. Milledgeville (478) 453-2790 Subway 1692 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-2604 Subway 2600 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 804-9976 Super China Buffet 1811 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 451-2888 Sylvia’s Grille 2600 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-4444 Taco Bell 2495 N Columbia St.,Milledgeville (478) 452-2405 Velvet Elvis 118 W Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 453-8226 Vinson Diner 2136 SE Vinson Hwy, Milledgeville (478) 453-1171

Quizno’s Subs 1827 N Columbia St, Milledgeville (478) 451-0790

Waffle House 1683 N Columbia St Milledgeville (478) 452-9507 3059 N Columbia St.,Milledgeville (478) 451-2914

Ruby Tuesday’s 2440 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-5050

Wendy’s 2341 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-9216

Shrimp Boat 911 S Elbert St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0559

Zaxby’s 1700 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1027

Sonic Drive In 1651 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 451-0374 Sonny’s Brew’N Que 120 N. Greene St., Milledgeville (478) 452-0004

If you don’t see your restaurant listed here then please call us at 478-453-1436 to have it added to our directory.

arts & entertainment JANUARY March 4-5 Margaret McCloskey, visiting writing. 8 p.m. Location TBA.

April 19 Georgia College Small Ensembles Spring Concert. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

April 26 Music Theatre Scenes. Wendy Mullen, director. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

March 5 Animal Rescue Foundation Annual Auction. Milledgeville Country Club. 6 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets $35.

April 28 “Sound Sculptures 6.” Electronic Music Concert. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

March 7 Faculty/Guest Artist Recital. Wendy Mullen, soprano and Jennifer McGuire, piano.

7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

April 29 “Jazz Fest.” Performances by local middle school and high school bands, and the Georgia College Jazz Band. 6 p.m. Front Campus

March 12 International Dinner. Sponsored by the International Club. 7 p.m. Magnolia Ballroom. (478) 445-4789.

April 30-May 1 Georgia College Dance Minor Spring Concert. Time TBA. Russell Auditorium.

Tickets start at $11.

March 13 Guest Artist Recital. The Balkan String Quartet. Dr. Gregory Pepetone, piano 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

ONGOING

March 15-18 “Milledgeville Memoirs.” By David Muschell/directed by Karen Berman. Campus Black Box Theatre. In previews for Off-Broadway debut March 24-26.

March 17 Georgia College Concert Band Spring Concert. Victor Vallo Jr., music director. Robert Sheldon, guest conductor. 7:30 p.m. Russell Auditorium.

March 25 “A Concert in Springtime.” GMC Prep Jazz Band, choir/BHS Jazz Band, choir.

Benefit concert for Communities in Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County. $10 admission, $30 reserve seating/dinner. 7 p.m. Baldwin Fine Center.

March 31 Ailey II dance ensemble. Sponsored by Town & Gown/Allied Arts. 8 p.m. Russell Auditorium. $12 adults, $10 students and senior citizens. Free to GC students with valid Bobcat card.

APRIL April 2 “Voices of Earth.” Georgia College Choral Ensembles. Stephen Coker, guest conductor Jennifer Flory, director. 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church. Donations Requested.

2010-2011 President’s Hall Student Exhibition. Georgia College Department of Art. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Parks Hall, 3rd floor. Call (478) 445-4572 for more information.

“Labor Behind the Veil.” Old Governor’s Mansion. Tours by appointment only. A historically documented tour that provides mansion visitors a glimpse of the working lives of men and women who lived and worked on the mansion grounds. Call (478) 445-4545.

“The Collections Tour.” Old Governor’s Mansion. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (by appointment only). $15 for adults; $8 for seniors; $10 for groups; $4 for students.

Hear an in-depth discussion on the Mansion’s varied material and textile collections, the process of building the collection, recent restoration, and culminating in the methodologies employed in locating both original and period appropriate pieces and materials for display within the museum. Call (478) 445-4545.

E-mail your events to ndavis@unionrecorder.com.

Please include time, date, location, including address, cost for the vent and a contact phone number.

April 4 Orchestra Spring Concert. Dan Auerbach, director. The Balkan String Quartet, guest artists. 7:30 p.m. Magnolia Ballroom.

April 13-16 “A Celebration of the Legacy of Flannery O’Connor.” Georgia College. Andalusia tours, speakers, short movies and adaptations. $175 registration. Visit www.gcsu.edu/startlingfigures. Register by March 1 to receive an early registration discount. (478) 445-5277.

April 14 Georgia College Music Department Spring Concert. A fundraising concert featuring the Music Department choral and instrumental ensembles. 7:30 p.m. Russell Auditorium. $10 per person April 15 Guest Artist Recital. California E.A.R. Unit. Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Russell Auditorium.

THE OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION Special Curator’s Tour and our new Labor Behind the Veil Tour by Appointment Regular Tour Hours: Tues - Sat 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday 2:00 pm - 4 pm

102 S. Clarke St. Call 478.445.45.45 www.gcsu.edu/mansion

Bees, please Local beekeeper’s blog gives us something to buzz about

By VALERIE NIBLETT Milledgeville resident John Pluta is known throughout these parts for his delicious honey, quality beeswax, healthful bee pollen and anything else that has to do with honey bees. His blog, georgiabees.blogspot.com, offers a plethora of information regarding bees and was just the place to go to learn a little more about these fascinating creatures; some of which gift us with golden sweet liquid sunshine.

First things first. Things that buzz make me nervous. I had a difficult experience as a youngster and as a result, any tiny yellow and/or black buzzing thing makes my heart race. Learning the difference between friends and enemies was top priority on my list of things to do.

Since moving to Georgia, I have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of carpenter bees as they hover around the eaves drilling bee-sized holes into the wood. According to information found on the Georgia Bees blog, while these critters are rather large chubby fellas and can be destructive, they are proposed to be gentle.

I’m still giving them their space — and their apartment in my eaves.

Paper wasps have made their presence known with their slim waists, and long brown bodies. They hang their partially open nests from long stalks under our eaves and other shaded areas. The nests

haven’t been very large and I’ve recently learned that they eat spiders and garden pests. They’re not very aggressive unless provoked. I’m OK with that. You go your way, I’ll go mine.

Bald-faced hornets are shiny, black and white like a sleek car with a loud horn. They sting. More than once, it seems. Their nests are large paper orbs usually hanging in trees by late summer. They are aggressive, fiercely protect their nests and are easily agitated. No thank you.

Then we come to my nemesis, the yellow jacket. It’s shiny like the hornet but with bright yellow and black stripes. It can build ground nests that are dangerous to bare little feet and lawnmowers. It likes to build smaller paper orbs in high places, as well. These little devils hold a grudge when disturbed. They sting multiple times and it doesn’t take much to fire them up. Believe me, they have my respect.

Our next fuzzy fellow falls in the friend category. He’s big and bumbly, and is a sucker for pretty flowers. He sort of eases through the spring breeze seemingly not much in a hurry falling in and out of upturned blooms. Pollen sticks to him and he carries it like a sloppy dirty dog to the next bloom to roll around some more before shuffling off chasing butterflies or what not. The yellow and black bumble bee, while still a buzzing thing, gives me pause to thing pleasant thoughts. But only for a moment.

Our last creature and the one we’re most interested in is the hon-

eybee. Compact, fuzzy, brown or dark in color and sometimes with stripes, these little guys put the buzz in being busy as a bee.

Collecting pollen for food and nectar for honey, they pollinate many different kinds of plants and are nature’s little nurturers. Be sweet to them, they’ll eventually be sweet to you. But like most folks, they don’t like to be messed with and may defend their homes with gusto.

Be cautious and be careful.

Now that we know who makes the honey that sweetens the tea, how do they do it? Easy beesy. Bees and other critters like wasps and butterflies are attracted to flowers by the sweet nectar the plant produces. Honeybees collect the nectar in little nectar backpacks, which is a separate section of their body used to store and transport the precious liquid back to the hive.

Once the worker bee arrives, she’s met by a hive bee and the nectar is transferred mouth to mouth. The hive bee fills up and contributes enzymes that help break down the nectar into what will eventually become honey.

After the second transfer, hive bees deposit small drops of the liquid, which is nearly 80 percent water into the honeycombs. More nectar will be added and the evaporation and aging process begins.

To get to the 12 to 18 percent moisture level, the process is aided by heating and cooling attended to by more hive bees through the fanning of their wings.

There’s more to the process and of course many adversities may

come into play, but in a nutshell for the layperson, that’s how honeybees make honey. The essence or flavor of the honey rests on several factors not the least of which is what types of plants the nectar is taken from. The physical location of the bees also plays a part in honey making as does the type of bee itself.

Collecting the honey is a fete all its own. Some beekeepers use protective gear from head to toe while others rely solely on gentle smoke to calm the bees. Some use a combination of both, but regardless of how the honey is collected, the end result is the same: golden sunshine in a jar.

The history of honey can be traced back to ancient times and the viscous liquid has as many uses as my mom used to say Carter has little liver pills. Used medicinally and as a food, natural honey provides a sweetness and unique flavor unmatched by any other sweeteners on the shelf. Nothing beats a homemade cathead biscuit slathered with a thick smear of naturally sweet honey straight from the hive. Of course I wouldn’t know that as I don’t keep bees, but the closest I have gotten is by visiting our local honey man for a fix now and again.

John Pluta’s honey pot can be found at 165 Sparta Highway to the right just over the river bridge headed out of town in Milledgeville. Visit his blog at www.georgiabees.blogspot.com for more information on honey, bee-produced products, or on starting your own beekeeping colony. You may get a bit of a buzz out of it.

MARCH/APRIL 2011 • MS • 45

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Sightings

CIVIL WAR 150TH OBSERVANCE

Local re-enactors, including Edward Shelor (right) played the key roles of state legislators involved in the Secession Convention.

Georgia Historical Society President and CEO, Dr. Todd Groce, speaks during the marker dedication ceremony in observance of Georgia’s Secession convention.

Mayor Richard Bentley and Dr. Todd Groce of the Georgia Historical Society unveil the historic marker in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Secession Convention.

CIVIL WAR 150TH OBSERVANCE

Dr. Todd Groce and ceremony attendees view the historic marker erected in observance of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary.

State Sen. Johnny Grant gives remarks during the marker dedication downtown in observance of anniversary of Georgia’s Secession Convention.

Rusty Henderson of Dublin takes on the role of Robert Toombs during the re-enactment of the Secession Convention debates held in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Below, local re-enactors and Amy Wright of Georgia’s Old Capital Museum (second from right), pose for a photograph after the event.

Sightings

JARRETT SPRINGS MARKER DEDICATION

Milledgeville Mayor Richard Bentley gives remarks during the Jarrett Springs historic marker dedication ceremony hosted Jan. 29 by the Colonial Dames XVII Century.

Brittany Curry and Jack Morris take a closer look at the running springs.

Dr. Bob Wilson of Georgia College was presented a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in preserving the history of Jarrett Springs during the marker dedication ceremony held in late January.

JARRETT SPRINGS MARKER DEDICATION

Fran Passmore, chair of the Georgia Marking & Preservation Committee views the marker dedicated to Jarrett Springs, the location of Milledgeville’s founding.The marker dedication, hosted by the William Sherrill Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, featured a brief presentation on the history of Jarrett Springs, also known as Commissioner Springs.

Visitors who came out for the Jarrett Springs marker dedication ceremony were encouraged to were period dress.

Dr. Therry Deal of the William Sherrill Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century gives remarks during the marker dedication ceremony.

W

hen you are expecting a little miracle of your own, it is a comfort to know there’s an experienced support team waiting to serve you every step of the way. From the earliest stages of your pregnancy, the dedicated staff at Oconee Regional Medical Center is ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and share your excitement. We also offer special childbirth education classes to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

You’ll also find our “Place for Women” offers personal attention throughout your childbirth experience. From compassionate nursing care and skilled physicians to private labor rooms and the latest medical technology, it’s no wonder ORMC’s obstetric services and staff consistently receive high ratings for patient satisfaction.

Call 478-454-3760 to schedule a tour and see the state-of-the-art amenities we have to offer.

Photo by Kyle Hitchcock Photography

www.OconeeRegional.com • 821 North Cobb Street • Milledgeville, GA 31061 A Division of Oconee Regional Health Systems 52 • MS • MARCH/APRIL 2011