Sandersville Scene by The Union-Recorder

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2.Sandersville Scene

Sandersville Scene.

contents VOLUME III ISSUE I

Chance of a lifetime

Miss America Caressa Cameron brings message of self-esteem and volunteerism to a captivated audience at T.J. Elder Middle School

On the shoulders of giants

Elderite Association aims to preserve former school and carry on the legacy of Thomas Jefferson Elder

14 Breaking Free Local couple using Christian ministry to rescue young men from the bondage of drug addiction

22 Stranger than fiction Local physician paints vivid tales of small-town intrigue in his popular series of novels

A growing plan

Though small in number, First Presbyterian Church of Sandersville aims to reach souls and help those in need

Authentic tastes

Puebla’s mixes authentic Mexican flavor with Southern tastes to bring unique dining to downtown Sandersville

Not just a cake — an experience

For local cake boss Lorraine Downs, it’s all in the presentation

In Every issue

32 4.Sandersville Scene

6 Editor’s Note 27 Worship Guide 38 Arts & Entertainment 40 Photo Galleries 46 A Picture Worth 1,000 Words

Visit THE CITY OF SANDERSVILLE 141 W. Haynes Street • P.O. Box 71 • Sandersville, Ga 31082 • 478-552-2525 • www.Sandersville.net

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“Who we are is a sum of all the choices

sandersville scene

Established 2008 Volume 3 No. 1 Publisher Keith Barlow E d i to r N A T A L I E D AV I S Writers J o n at h a n J ac ks o n Stephanie Miller A dv e r t i s i n g D i r e c t o r Erin Simmons A dv e r t i s i n g S a l e s K a r e n M e rt z Chai Giles C i rc u l at i o n D i r e c t o r M i c h a e l E va n s C r e at i v e M a n ag e r B ro o ks H i n to n Graphic Designers Hamp jones Theresa Willis

that have been made — some positive, some negative.

hen the reigning Miss America, Caressa Cameron, stepped down in Sandersville recently, she undoubtedly discovered what most of us already realize — good, genuine people and the warmth of community. Cameron, in town to lend support for a fundraising effort put on by the local Elderite Association, shared her message of self-esteem and volunteerism with a captivated audience at T.J. Elder Middle School. That message seems to follow suit with the mission of the organization the fundraiser supported. The Washington County Elderite Association aims to preserve the history of the former T.J. Elder School and carry on the legacy of its namesake, Thomas Jefferson Elder. Inside this edition of Sandersville Scene, we discover what it truly means to be an Elderite, and learn more about the school’s barrier-breaking founder. Also in this edition of Sandersville Scene, we share details on the interesting writing life of local resident Dr. William Rawlings, a physician and writer with five novels under his belt. Read how his colorful stories of small-town life are often far better and more closely aligned with reality than most other fiction provides. Inside this issue, we also share the creative confectionary of local Cake Boss Lorraine Downs and her business, Artistry Cakes & Cookies, where she creates intricately sweet treasures that often look too good to eat. They are good — and I can vouch for that. Speaking of food, check out our dining profile on downtown establishment, Puebla’s, and read how owner Armando Puebla mixes his love for authentic Mexican flavors with Southern tastes that keep restaurant patrons coming back for more. Read also how Scott and Melanie Morman are helping to bring young men back from the brink through their mission, Breaking Free, located in Davisboro, and discover how one local congregation is establishing its own plan for growth and reaching out to those in need. We certainly hope Miss America enjoyed her recent stop in Washington County and all its hospitality. I’m sure there are plenty of good folks back in her native Virginia, but few communities possess the Southern warmth she experienced here in Central Georgia. We hope you enjoy this edition of Sandersville Scene, and keep those story ideas coming. Email us at ndavis@unionrecorder.com and give us your feedback. In the meantime, enjoy your summer. Hope to hear from you soon.

COVER PHOTO C o n t r i bu t e d B y: Sandersville Scene magazine is published by The Union-Recorder biannually at 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville, GA 31061 For more information on submitting stories or to advertise in Sandersville Scene, call (478)453-1436

6.Sandersville Scene

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Sandersville Scene.

Chance of a lifetime Miss America Caressa Cameron brings message of self-esteem and volunteerism to a captivated audience at T.J. Elder Middle School

hose who hoped to be inspired by Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron upon her recent visit to Sandersville were not disappointed. Cameron, a petite brunette beauty, visited T.J. Elder Middle School in Sandersville May 7, at the invitation of the Washington County Elderite Association, to support of the organization’s community projects such as offering afterschool tutoring, computer classes and other events held at the old Thomas Jefferson Elder High and Industrial School. “She is an important figure to me,” said Devonta Sutton, a 12-year-old T.J. Elder Middle School student. “I want to see how she thinks and acts as a role model for young people like me.” Sutton said although he wants to be a welder

8.Sandersville Scene

when he’s an adult, he still thought coming to hear what Miss America had to say was important. So did 16-year-old Katrina Walls, a dancer and track star, who attends nearby Brentwood School. “I thought that this would be a great opportunity for all the young women to come see an older black woman pursuing her dream in a professional manner. It’s a stepping stone to show all our young black women how we can get out there and do things in the world and be successful. I hope that she will inspire all the young women in this gym tonight to become what they would like to be when they get older,” said Walls. Cameron told the crowd of both teens and adults that at one time she had been an angry young lady who thought she was nothing based

on the crowd of people she hung around. She said she believed she had no beauty inside based on physical imperfections of the outside. She literally fought her way through life until she realized she was basing her beauty on the outward appearance. She worked to become beautiful on the inside and soon found her world changed. “Who we are is connected to someone else all the time,” she told the crowd, advising them that every decision they make affects someone else either in a positive or a negative way. She said her dreams began to change and instead of focusing on herself she began to focus on doing good for others. She looked for inspiration from the people around her who were making a positive impact on those around them. Then she made those people her friends. “I had to have a band of people around me

feature story who had the same dreams I had,” she said. “You need friends in your life…,” she said adding the influence and support of positive people can make a difference in decisions made and actions taken. “Who we are is a sum of all the choices that have been made — some positive, some negative,” she said. “I decided I was going to take charge of my life. I was going to decide who I was going to become.” She said she found inspiration in all sorts of people. Then she offered herself up as a person who would help change her community. She believes in serving others as is proven by her weekly visits to a local hospital where she encouraged those who were sick and volunteered when needed. As she focused on others, her attitude and life began to change. Those words were exactly what another beauty queen in the audience was hoping to hear.

Sydney Price, International Junior Miss Georgia Teen, said she attended the program because in addition to enjoying participating in pageantry and scholarship programs herself, she is looking for words of encouragement from the ultimate beauty queen. “I hope she’s really nice and inspirational,” said Price, who sat with her mother, Susie, and a half dozen other young girls wearing crowns at eye-level in front of the podium where Cameron would be speaking. She still could not believe Miss America had come to Sandersville. “I’ve been participating in pageants for five years,” said the 17-year-old, who still could not believe she was going to get to meet the new Miss America 2010 right in her hometown of Sandersville. “When one of my friends told me about her coming I didn’t believe it. I had to find out for myself and I’m very excited. Reginald Massey, a member of the

“She is an important figure to me,” … “I want to see how she thinks and acts as a role model for

Washington County Elderite Association, was busy setting up the public address system as the crowd slowly arrived. He, too, was surprised that Miss America would come to Sandersville. “I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. How many times have you seen Miss America?” he asked. Massey said he rated the visit right up there with another visit that took place in Sandersville a few weeks earlier. “I met her mother a few weeks back when the Tuskegee Airmen were here. That’s when I found out she was coming. I haven’t met Miss America and I don’t know if I’ve seen any pictures other than on the Internet, but I’ve seen her mother, so I know she looks good,” he said with a laugh. He wasn’t the only one who thought Miss America would be beautiful. Juniah Walls, 8, was smiling from ear to ear at the prospect of seeing an all-American beauty queen. “I think she’s gonna say that she enjoys being here. I think she is going to be nice and beautiful,” said Walls. Sandersville Mayor, Jimmy Andrews, was also pleased that Miss America came to town to visit. “There’s been a former Miss America here, a couple years ago. The Sunshine House had her here, she was a Miss America back in the ‘70s, I believe. To my knowledge this is the only time we’ve had a reigning Miss America here,” he said. “We welcome her with open arms. I think

Sandersville Scene.

it’s great. We’re small-town America.” Andrews said the only other “national” level attention that Sandersville has received happened when Congressman John Barrow opened an office in Sandersville. “He was the first person on a national level to ever have an office in Sandersville,” he said. He said becoming Miss America is a huge accomplishment. “It takes a lot hard work,” he said. “I don’t know a whole lot about it, but I do know you’ve got to have talent, be smart and be beautiful. She certainly fills all those requirements,” he said. Felisha H. Cooper, a chairperson with the Elderite Association, explained just how they were able to get Miss America to Sandersville. “Her mother is a friend of my aunt Belinda Watkins, who lives in Virginia,” said Cooper. When Cameron won the Miss America 2010 title her aunt Belinda offered to help get her to come to Sandersville to do a fundraiser for the Elderite Association. Cooper said the group had to apply to the Miss America organization and get approval. Once approval was given an available date was offered to the group and confirmed. “We still don’t believe it,” she said, as she handed out program pamphlets while Miss America sat just a few feet away inside an automobile with her travel companions eating a home-cooked meal prepared by Katie Smith Poole. Poole, Cooper’s grandmother, said she asked what kind of food Miss America would like to have when she arrived in Sandersville. She was told a home-cooked meal. So Poole cooked ribs, smothered fried chicken and gravy, collards, cabbage, rice, potato salad, cornbread and banana split pie and served it up with some Southern hospitality.

10.Sandersville Scene

On the shoulders of giants Elderite Association aims to preserve former school and carry on the legacy of Thomas Jefferson Elder By STEPHANIE MILLER

definition for the word Elderite may not be found in the dictionary, but to any one of the thousands of students who have attended the old T.J. Elder School, the word makes perfect sense. Elderite is a word intended to honor Thomas Jefferson Elder by the alumni of his namesake school. “An Elderite is a past student, a friend or whatever of this school,” said Katie Smith Poole, current president of the Elderite Association. Thomas Jefferson Elder grew up when education was basically impossible to obtain for a person of color. Yet, through hard work, ingenuity and perseverance Elder became an educated man revered by all who came to know him. Even though he had achieved an education, Elder was not content with such an individual milestone alone. He wanted to see all AfricanAmerican children have an opportunity to learn and better themselves. Even in the face of seemingly impossible hurdles, Elder did not give up. It was that very persistence that brought about the building of the T.J. Elder School circa 1889. Elder first taught school in a local Baptist church until he could solicit help to build a school building. That building was destroyed by a storm shortly after opening. Again, Elder did not give up. He borrowed $300 from the school board with the promise that he could build a

12.Sandersville Scene

school in time to open for the new school year, four weeks away. With the help of the community the new school was completed and opened on time. The rest of the history of the school is an amazing story that foretells of students who have gone on to earn doctorate degrees, risen the ranks of professional athletics, and even help write entire sections of encyclopedias. Through the years the old school building saw generations of families come through its door in search of an education before it was closed permanently in 2009. As a Rosenwald Plan School, built with matching grant money from philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, the old building is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Washington County Elderite Association of Sandersville was deeded the school property when a group of former teachers and students showed their interest in preserving a vital part of their cultural history. On a recent breezy afternoon, members of the association met at the school to talk about its importance to the local community. The school is now named the Thomas Jefferson Elder Community Center with the namesake and his wife buried in a corner of the front lawn. Local residents including Grace Davis, Essie Bloodsaw, Emma Yorker, Pauline Braswell,

Debra Johnson and Katie Smith Poole are determined to preserve the community center for future generations. Yorker is currently secretary to the association. Davis is past vice president of cultural and academic affairs. Braswell is the historian with Johnson serving as her assistant. The ladies recently showed off the vast collection of old school photos, trophies, furnishings and other items in a room designated as the museum. On the wall over a trophy case filled to capacity is a list of collegiate and professional athletes who at one time attended school. NFL star and local football standout Takeo Spikes finished there in 1996. Other former students include basketball’s Greg Minor; brothers and former University of Georgia greats Terrence and Robert Edwards; Terry Jones, former defensive tackle with the Green Bay Packers; and Mance Cooper, who earned his fame in track. Not only did Elder students exceed in the sports arena, however, they also succeeded in academia as well. “Oh Lord, there’s so many of them we can’t even name them all,” said Poole, when asked about the alumni standouts in higher education. “The first PhD was Dr. Jean O. Cooper,” said Davis. “She was in my class — 1953. She received her doctorate from Cornell.” “She wrote the home economics section of Encyclopedia Britannica,” said Poole of Cooper’s

accomplishments. Then there are those who went on to success in the arts. “The great opera singer, McHenry Boatwright, lives in New York. He came down and performed at one of our reunions,” said Poole. For association members, their hope is to help others see the importance that both the school and the Elders played in helping AfricanAmerican students in Washington County reach for their dreams. “It’s a mission to carry on the legacy of Thomas Jefferson Elder,” said Poole. The Elderite Association was founded by Cooter Gibbons and the Rev. Gilbert R. Dean in 1970. Dean served as the first association president. Other presidents have been George B. Williams, George Prosser, Bernice Cooper, Farris Adams and Poole. Davis said the flux of people who wanted to visit the school launched the traditional reunion held every other year. “We just decided to start the reunion so folks could come back to visit,” said Davis. Braswell, who taught at the school for 32 years, said people don’t fully understand how important the school is to the community.

“We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Braswell in an attempt to explain all the changes she’s seen through the years in education and the adversities early educators had to overcome. Davis, who taught 18 years and served 16 as a school administrator as superintendent for instruction, said many aspects were different back then. The school library was no larger than 8 feet by 12 feet. Books were hard to come by. Johnson said she is still amazed at the “works they did” with basically no teaching tools. “We didn’t have globes, but they taught us how the world was formed with a grapefruit,” said Poole, explaining how the teachers had to improvise. Today, the building is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. for tours. An actual chair from T. J. Elder’s home is on display in the school. In addition to the museum, the school is used for tutoring sessions and computer classes for children, meetings for local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, for family reunions and youth groups,

and the building is available for rent. Yorker said she is proud of the tutorial programs that have gone on in the school. “We work with fourth-graders working to improve their testing skills with the CRCT and we offer SAT tutorials for seniors,” said the retired educator. She said the community center is the perfect place to offer programs for children. Bloodsaw, who serves as vice president of the building and grounds, said the building is maintained with membership money, fundraisers and donations. The association is a 501c3 non-profit so donations are tax deductible. In addition to the work done so far, the association hopes to raise enough money to start a Boys & Girls Club to help keep unattended children off the streets while providing a safe place to learn and grow. But, $150,000 must be raised first. “They cautioned us not to try to depend on grants because they go and come, but once you get that base you’ve got a roster of donors that would have continuing involvement,” said Poole of the plans for the Boys & Girls Club. “We are a community-based organization that really wants to get the community involved in what we do here,” said Yorker. Sandersville Scene.

Local couple using Christian ministry to rescue young men from the bondage of drug addiction

“I had nowhere to go and I realized pretty much my life was down the drain,” said Rinker, now 19. “I didn’t have anything. I didn’t own anything. I wanted to change my life.”

By STEPHANIE MILLER

Thomas Rinker was 17 and had hit rock bottom. He had no one who seemed to care about him as he sat in jail facing the consequences of where his drug addiction had led him. “I had nowhere to go and I realized pretty much my life was down the drain,” said Rinker, now 19. “I didn’t have anything. I didn’t own anything. I wanted to change my life.” That desire to change seemingly came too late for Rinker. He started using drugs at age 16 despite an understanding of their devastating effects on a life. His mother was an addict, as are most of his other family members. “I saw my mom doing it, and it had been in my life since I was born. I saw how it affected them and I still decided to use drugs,” the humble-sounding teen said. Rinker’s skirmishes with the law and drug use led him to a boy’s home where he was offered help and the opportunity to change his life. He didn’t take that opportunity. Instead he ran away and broke into a church to use a telephone to call a friend to come pick him up. That burglary landed him in jail where he had to stay for 15 months because he had nowhere else to go if he were released. But the time he spent incarcerated gave Rinker time to think — time to remember some of the people who had tried to help him — time for a deputy to realize he was just a scared young man who needed a positive force in his life. That deputy contacted Scott Mormon, founder of Breaking Free Inc., a Christ-centered training program aimed at helping drug addicts, ages 17 to 25, turn their lives around.

That deputy asked Mormon to take Rinker in. “When we found out about him he was ready,” said Mormon of Rinker. Mormon knew all too well the path Rinker had taken. He understood the loneliness and the feeling that no one cared. “I spent years in prison in the ‘80s,” he said, citing a list of crimes that would make some fear to be in his company. Yet, the transformation Christ had done in his own life is evident when he talks about his desire to offer a place to bring

… the transformation Christ had done in his own life is evident when he talks about his desire to offer a place to bring peace to troubled peace to troubled youth — a different kind of place. “One thing that really spurred this on is we just saw that there was nowhere that did not charge,” he said of the drug recovery services Breaking Free offers. “I felt the Lord telling us two things — never charge for services and stay out of debt. We just saw so many parents and people that could not afford help and there was nowhere for them to go.” With his wife Melanie by his side, five years ago the couple began Breaking Free Inc. at 2503 Breezy Hill Road in Davisboro, and started following the plans they felt God had for them to help others. In addition to not charging for the program, there is one

Sandersville Scene.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe in a community-type approachâ&#x20AC;Ś You have to recreate

other requirement to get into Breaking Free. “They have to want to be here first,” said Melanie. “By being free, we feel it’s very important that a young man wants to be here. The interview process is pretty intense. We have staff that lives with them. It is a 24-hour program.” She said the program aims at replacing what the young men are missing in their lives — the void that brought them to drug use in the first place. “We believe in a community-type approach. What’s missing is either family or they’ve lost connection with their family. For them to be whole again you have to create a family-type environment — which is why we max out at 14 guys. We felt that’s all we can work with. You have to recreate family. Working with them just eight hours a day is not reality,” she said. Mormon agrees. “[Our] roles are really mother and father.” But, he said the recovery program involves the real Sandersville Scene.

A lot of focus is placed on teaching each participant to pay attention to his inner being, to ask

God

daily what He is trying to reveal… parents if there are any. “We have a whole family recovery program with this that is for the parents,” he said. “We can actually bring the parents on. They can spend the whole weekend with us. They have to participate in the family recovery classes.” He said getting parents involved is not a problem. In fact, two “hotels” are being built at Breaking Free that allow parents and other family members to stay and work with recovery alongside their loved ones. “They are usually crying out for resources,” said Mormon of the desperate desire of many parents to help their children. Breaking Free participants are not allowed to sit around all day; their bodies are kept just as busy as their minds. Mormon said in addition to the education classes, the Bible classes, and the quiet time each participant is expected to participate in, they also work. The facility operates a plant nursery, a lawn maintenance crew, a construction crew, a landscaping crew and a car wash. “We believe in hard work,” said Mormon. “We believe this is a very hard-working part of the country. We never ask for gifts. We have people who do give, but 80 percent of our funds come in through our plant nursery and lawn care. These things are how we pay our bills. Being debt-free, we keep it at a minimum. We’re so thankful for the gifts that do come in. If we need food someone calls and says we’ve got food. We’ve not done without ever, never paid a bill late.” The young men are selected for the crews they’ll participate in sometimes because they’re good in that particular area, but usually because they’re not. “If a guy is really gifted in one area, we’ll put them in an area where they’ll have to struggle and relate to peers and grow. We basically pick where they’re going to be,” he said, but sometimes work placement depends on the needs of the person. For instance, Rinker was placed in the kitchen to work alone beside Sof Alvarez, an inner healing teacher, who has been working with troubled youth for 12 years. In the kitchen, Alvarez is able to mentor Rinker one on one — something the teen has never experienced. A lot of focus is placed on teaching each participant to pay attention to his inner being, to ask God daily what He is trying to reveal and what they need to work on and change, and to listen

18.Sandersville Scene

to His answer. “While they do lunch they sit around and share what the Lord is showing them that day,” said Mormon. Melanie Mormon says the important thing is for the participants to realize “there is hope in recovery for those in bondage to extreme things.” Mormon says when people are hopeless or have hopelessness in their families because of addiction that is when they need hope the most, but it doesn’t come easy. “Hope requires something,” he said, adding hope can be built by positive action aimed at following God. When the young men are finished with the program they have the option of staying and working to help others. “We’ve got a two-year training program that is to raise up staff,” said Melanie. “We’ve had 13 stay with us. It’s not like we ever say ‘you’re finished.’ Most of these guys could go to college, they’ve got parents but they’ve chosen to stay here.” Gayle Boggs, who creates the Breaking Free newsletters, maintains the website and handles bookkeeping and other clerical jobs alongside the Mormon’s daughters, Danielle Hatcher and Hannah Mormon, was brought to Breaking Free because of her husband, who was at the time her boyfriend. “I grew up in a conservative Christian family, went to a Christian school, but I lived lukewarm for the Lord,” said Boggs, adding she started dating her husband, Ryan, and soon learned he had a drug addiction. “I was just devastated.” Boggs soon realized his addiction had her in bondage too. “I was just as sick as he was in the sense of trying to rescue him, bail him out of the co-dependencies. The Lord really opened up my eyes.”

Boggs, a Florida native, was still living at home when Ryan began at Breaking Free. She too found help at the facility. “A lot of the time the family is left devastated and don’t know what to do once the addict goes to get help,” she said, adding his recovery process was hard on her as well. “Melanie meant the world to me just being able to relate to her and talk to her.” When Ryan finished the program the two married and went through the family recovery program. They decided they wanted to stay at Breaking Free and help others the way they had been helped. Since Gayle and Ryan Boggs went through the family recovery process they’re giving back too, according to Melanie. She knows the program is not easy, as it requires so much from the participants. One out of 10 guys who call, come; one out of the 10 who come, graduate,” she said. “It’s a very tough program, but if they do complete the program about 80 percent stay on or go into the ministry.”

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Stranger

than fiction

Local physician paints vivid tales of smalltown intrigue in his By STEPHANIE MILLER

here’s a saying that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and in the case of the Matt Rutherford, finding truth is not only stranger, but certainly more exciting. Rutherford, a young, former dot-com executive who inherits enough wealth to move back home to the middle Georgia town of Walkerville, without effort finds himself in one life-threatening situation after another. First, Rutherford’s life is threatened as gold-diggers search for the clues left by his great-grandfather that will help locate the gold stolen from the Confederate treasury at the end of the war. The map of clues eventually leads Rutherford and his “friends” to an old family burial site on the Savannah River, which now belongs to a private company and is part of a chemical warfare testing plot.

22.Sandersville Scene

Rutherford then finds out his houseguest, a local attorney, is involved in international espionage and murder plots, which leads to even more attempts on his own life. Rutherford’s life is saved only by the fact that he defies the FBI, leaves the FBI’s “safe” haven and returns to his Walkerville home, to the very house where at least two others have been killed, and at least two more will meet the same fate. Finally, Rutherford believes his life has settled down to small-town living when a woman he dated literally falls from the sky onto pineland he owns. Her nude body is found the next day on a seemingly pagan ceremonial altar. Rutherford is again unwillingly drawn into finding truth in order to save his community before an ethanol plant is opened nearby that promises wealth to pine-tree growers by turning pine tops into gasohol. While reading the books, “The Rutherford Series,” about the life of Matt Rutherford, one can truly see the habits and language of Central Georgia described so clearly and vividly it is easy to forget the stories are not true, but fiction. The ability to get the lines crossed between real life and fiction is a testament to the writing ability of Sandersville native, William Rawlings. Rawlings, who has had five books published and is working on another, found life in a small town so exciting he had to write about it. “I think what happens is this — if you are a keen observer of things around you, you can’t help but be fascinated by the bizarre nature of life and the interesting nature of life,” said Rawlings, adding that although the stories in his books are not based on fact, the small town life and characters he has woven into them make people believe they are. In fact, Rawlings said there is a man in Sandersville who actually believes the Rutherford character is based on him. Many others who read his books believe the characters are real, which is an indication of a well-written believable storyline and characters. Rawlings often runs into those who read his books. “You want people to say, ‘I know that guy’,” he said of the characters in his books, adding one man stopped him on the street one day and was talking about Rutherford. “This guy was talking to me about a character as if he was real. In the course of three books he’s gotten to know this guy ... he’s become real. ... he could be real,” said Rawlings. As a small-town physician, Rawlings has spent his life listening to the stories of his patients and of those in the community. He realized some of those “true” stories were far better than any fiction out there. “You say, ‘gee this would make a nice story’,” he said. Then one day he decided to sit down and write a book just to see if he could. He used the bits and pieces of the stories he’s heard through the years to weave completely new tales of intrigue into his novels. “I just decided I wanted to do it and did it. I said, ‘Gee I haven’t done that so I think I’ll do that for a little while’.”

To his surprise, that first book, “The Lazard Legacy,” was a success that has gone through three printings and sold about 8,500 copies. “Which is a huge thing for a first novel,” he said. “The Lazard Legacy” was a book about “bad doctors, bad lawyers, bad cops and bad undertakers in a small southern town,” all things residents of small towns have gossiped about for centuries. Rawlings would love to see any of his novels become a movie — and that dream may not be too far out of reach. “I’ve got two people in L.A. (Los Angeles) looking at my current book,” he said, adding that even if nothing comes of that consideration it gives him some pretty significant bragging rights. Rawlings’ family has lived in Washington County since the 1790s. Although, he has traveled the world and was introduced to the beauty of Arequipa, Peru, his favorite place, by his grandfather, Rawlings still loves and calls the small town of Sandersville home. As a graduate of Emory University in Oxford and Atlanta, and Tulane University in New Orleans where he earned a master’s degree and his doctorate in medicine; and having completed his postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., Rawlings could have chosen anywhere in the country to practice his medical craft. He chose Sandersville. Rawlings said home was the best choice for him for many reasons. “I enjoy practicing medicine,” he said. “If you live in a small town you can do a lot of things. When you go through medical school you do a lot of things. It was difficult for me to decide what to do or what I wanted to do. I came to the conclusion that it would be better for me to live in a small town and do a lot of things than to live in an urban area and practice medicine. If you live in an urban area and you practice a profession, you tend to get slotted into that one area. ... I have multiple, multiple interests.” In addition to practicing medicine, writing books and traveling the world, Rawlings is also a licensed general contractor and an accomplished photographer. His office overlooks the city square of Sandersville, much like the office of one of his characters, Matt Rutherford. Rawlings said he finds himself in many parts of his writing. “You have to become the character,” said Rawlings of the way he has learned to write realistically. “You end up putting your own self into the characters.” In addition to writing, Rawlings often presents programs to various civic clubs and educational venues. He and his wife, the former Beth Dunwody of Macon, have two teen daughters. Rawlings’ books can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, on Amazon.com or through his website at www.williamrawlings.com and locally in Sandersville at Geo’s Quarters, Carol’s and North Pointe Pharmacy and Gifts.

Sandersville Scene.

Though small in number, First Presbyterian Church of Sandersville aims to reach souls and help those in need

24.Sandersville Scene

By STEPHANIE MILLER

Regardless of the old-time faith and beliefs, the church has taken on a new attitude about growing… Although the membership may be small, the First Presbyterian Church of Sandersville has big plans. “We've got a growing plan, and we're going to do it,” said William Phillips Jr., who serves as clerk of the session. “We may not grow fast but we're going to grow if the Lord wants us to.” Chartered in 1954, the First Presbyterian Church began as a branch of the old Church of Scotland and is today still conservative in its beliefs. “We do a Reformation Day. Once a year on Reformation Day we put (tiny banners with tartans) at the graves of people that were members,” said Phillips. “Usually we get a bagpiper to come and play.” Phillips explained that Reformation Day is celebrated the closest Sunday to October 31 each year in celebration of the day the Protestants split away from the Catholic

Church. “That's the day Martin Luther put the 95 thesis on the door of the Cathedral and said, ‘We don't believe (as Catholics do).’ Our church actually still believes the same way Martin Luther did; we haven't veered from it. We just decided to do it the way the old church did years ago. This year we may just do it (Reformation Day) all on St. Andrew’s Day, the last Sunday in November. The hanging of the tartans — all it is, is it brings you back to our Scottish heritage.” While the church is draped in Scottish history, and “a lot of our traditions are still Scottish,” Phillips said those who attend do not have to be of Scottish ancestry. They are just asked to accept the beliefs of the church and its doctrine. “If they want to come they're welcome to come. Our business is saving lives …,” he said. “We have an open communion. If some-

one comes and they're in good standing with ‘XYG church’ and believe in Jesus Christ, they are welcome to take communion with us.” While only about 20 members attend the church regularly, Phillips said there are many of the Presbyterian faith in Sandersville who attend other churches because they are seeking a larger, more active church. “We're in an area that's mostly Baptist and Methodist. We believe a lot like the Baptists, so do the Methodists. They were very Calvinistic. This church is definitely a Calvinistic church, so are the Episcopalians. Our worship service is similar to theirs. We take communion the way they do. We’re just an old-line denomination. We’ve been around forever.” Regardless of the old-time faith and beliefs, the church has taken on a new attitude about growing. Members realized that in order to make people feel comfortable at the church some things must change. A new, larger kitchen and social area is being added, and bathrooms have been enlarged and upgraded. “We spared no costs,” said Phillips, pointing to the new tile floors. In addition, church members have real-

Sandersville Scene.

ized that many people want to attend a church with various regular weekly services, not just a Sunday morning service. “We're so small, but we’re trying to reorganize that. We're really reinstituting a lot of things,” said Phillips. “We've gotten kind of in a rut, but we’ve realized if we don't hustle we're going to go under.” He meant membership-wise because the church is “financially in good shape.” Phillips said while financial stability is wonderful, it is not the main goal of the church. “Our mission to be here is to bring people to Christ. Membership, church building, all that doesn't mean anything. It’s what you bring to Christ. We're in the ‘trying to save lives’ business,” he said. Another project under way is to create a church history book. Some of the founding families to be mentioned in that book include: the Newsoms, Mersiers, Godfreys, Neals, Wilkeses and Plaxicos. And, Wednesday night services will be started once again. While the church is currently without a pastor, Pastor James Wagner, a retired Presbyterian minister, is filling in. “We do pick our own pastor just like the Baptists,” he said. “When we do pick one he has to go before the Presbytery (a board that oversees the churches) and they review him.” The pastor review by the Presbytery is to make sure the pastor believes in Presbyterian doctrine, such as predestination. “We believe in predestination and the older I get the more I understand it, the more I see it. For some people it's hard to understand. If they haven't been taught it,” said Phillips, adding the belief comes easy to him and makes perfect sense. He has learned to appreciate “the structure of the church and what they believe.” “It’s why I still come,” he said, adding the stability of the church and its membership’s desire to help others has helped him remain strong when others have left.

Phillips believes God has blessed the church because of the many times it has reached out to those in need. “We do believe in helping. It doesn't matter who you are or what color you are, we've always believed in helping,” he said. Although he tries to make sure the help given is truly needed, the church is trusting God to help them make the right choices, and they give where called upon. “Our philosophy is, if they do it in an unworthy manner that's between them and the Lord, He'll deal with it. I know that my God is in complete control. I don't question. ... I know he did it for a reason. It makes my life easy. I know he did it for a reason and it's not for me to know,” said Phillips, adding all the church can do is respond when called upon as God leads them to do. “We do believe in helping. I know the Lord has blessed us for that.”

then. The clerk of the session is the same position as a head of the board of deacons at Baptist churches. “He said I'll give them the money and we'll get money out of the plate and pay the preacher. That very same week a check came in the mail from a family in South Carolina that said they were Presbyterians and wanted to support our church,” he said. “If that doesn't strengthen your faith — it was $275. God gave more than we did. That strengthens your faith. That was in the ‘60s.” Currently church services are at 9 a.m. and Sunday School starts at 10. “We’re through by 11,” he said. “We've been doing that for 50 years. We swapped to 11 one time and everybody hated it.” Phillips has invited anyone who is seeking a church home to visit the First Presbyterian Church located at 521 North Harris Street.

Phillips recalled one time when the church was asked years ago to help a family passing through town. “They had broken down and they needed help. They needed $250 and that was all the money the church had.” Phillips’ dad was clerk of the session

“It was a good church to grow up in as a kid. I have a lot of good memories,” he said. He hopes others will attend and find it is a good place for their family. The church is seeking believers who want a church home. “We want to grow. We want to help people. If they're eager, we're eager too.”

“Understanding Othe rs’ Ne E.K. May • Deborah M. May • Jeffery T. Smith Advanced Planning Specialist 1119 Riddleville Rd. • Post Office Box 1016

(478) 552-2501 26.Sandersville Scene

Sandersville, GA 31082 www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

eds”

WHERE WE WORSHIP Harrison Springs Baptist Church 127 Mills St. Harrison, GA 31035 (478) 552-8967 Bay Springs Baptist Church 319 Bay Springs Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3545 Bold Spring Baptist Church 3177 Poole Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0464 Camp Spring Baptist Church 9919 Old Savannah Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8511 Church Of Christ 101 E 2nd Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0356 Church Of The Nazarene 619 S Harris St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5300 Deepstep United Methodist Church 9744 Deepstep Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-6825 Deliverance Center Of Jesus Christ 401 Hall St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1030 Faith Temple Holiness Church 334 Railroad Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8965 First Baptist Church 316 Mathis Lane Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-2371 First Christian Church of Sandersville 166 E Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3495

First Presbyterian Church Of Sandersville 521 N Harris St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1842 First Southern Methodist Church 5998 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5442 Gardner Church of God & Christ 450 Grand St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-0331 Gideons International 118 S Smith St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5075 Gordy Grove Church of God In Christ 10466 Ga. Highway 272 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 240-0092 Grace Episcopal Church 114 E 2nd Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5295 Green Grove Baptist Church 5030 Highway 242 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0260 Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall of Sandersville 1567 Ridge Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-6789 Kendall Heights Church Of God 829 Jordan Mill Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5483 Mount Zion A.M.E. Church 379 Suburban Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 348-6514

New Baptist Church 941 Yank Brown Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-0515 Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church 45 Oak Grove Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-0330 Pine Hill Baptist Church P.O. Box 6014 Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 348-5223 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 14139 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-7450

Second Washington Baptist Association 402 Evans St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-1313 Sisters Baptist Church 1807 E McCarty St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-2473 Springfield Baptist Church 415 W Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5317 Saint Galilee Baptist Church 316 Augusta Ally Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 553-9220 Saint Williams Catholic Church Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3352

Poplar Springs Christian Church 13580 Ga. Highway 24 West Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-4747

Bethany Baptist Church 1132 Hartsford Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7563

Ridgeland Heights Baptist Church 305 Ridgeland Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3171

Bethesda Christian Church 2740 Buckeye Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-4166

Robin Springs Baptist Church 3178 Deepstep Road Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-5612

Bethesda Christian Church 720 Hurst Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-0063

Saint Galilee Holy Felowship Church 613 Temple Drive Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-8280 Sandersville United Methodist Church 202 W Church St. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-3374 Second Community Baptist Church 511 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Sandersville, GA 31082 (478) 552-7738

Georgia Grove Baptist Church 4574 Old Savannah Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1605 Good Shepherd Church of the Nazarene 316 E South Central Ave Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-2424 Hubbard Chapel Church 22 Old Watermelon Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 864-2015 Mount Gilead Primitive Baptist Church 154 Mount Gilead Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1013 Mount Moriah Baptist Church 1183 Mount Moriah Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-1942 Piney Mount United Methodist Church 3065 Old Savannah Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5394 Samuel Grove Baptist Church 11651 Ga. Highway 68 South Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9955

Burnett Grove A.M.E. Church 157 Hurst Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-0510

Smith Grove Baptist Church 3659 Tennille Harrison Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-1990

Faith Apostolic 140 Knight Lane Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-8911

Saint James Christian Fellowship Church 210 Chaloux Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-3451

Genesis New Life Apostolic Faith Church 4573 Grady Mertz Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9555

Saint John Church of God And Christ 320 E. 3rd Ave. Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 240-9713

Swint Spring Baptist Church 6623 Tennille Oconee Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-9811 Tennille Baptist Church SBC 203 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7350 Tennille Christian Church 402 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5557 Tennille Grove Baptist Church Greta St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-0083 Tennille United Methodist Church 297 W Adams St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-7883 Union Hill Baptist Church 2389 Deepcut Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-9578 Victory Central Church 320 N Main St Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 553-0891 Zion Hope Baptist Church 4507 Watermelon Road Tennille, GA 31089 (478) 552-5838

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CALL

AND LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.

478-453-1436

Sandersville Scene.27

Puebla’s mixes authentic Mexican flavor with Southern tastes to bring unique dining to downtown

Sandersville

By STEPHANIE MILLER

s the oldest of six boys and a baby girl, Armando Puebla had no choice but to learn to cook as a child. “I had to help my mom with the cooking,” said Puebla, speaking of the small family farm his parents had in Mexico where crops such as corn and beans kept the family fed along with the goats his dad raised. Although leaving the old farm was difficult, by 1983 Puebla did just that in search of a way to help his family survive. “Times were difficult in Mexico back then,” he said, adding he came to the United States desperate to find work. Although he had plenty of cooking experience Puebla never thought of making a living in the U.S. by working at a restaurant. He took whatever jobs he could find and spent five years in Texas. It was about that time that President Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill that allowed illegal immigrants working in the U.S. to apply for citizenship. Puebla grabbed that opportunity. Then his world changed again. One of his brothers had come to Georgia and

landed a job at a Mexican restaurant chain. That brother recruited Puebla to come to Central Georgia where he started at the restaurant working alongside his brother as a bus boy. Because he had learned to speak some English, and he was a hard worker, his duties quickly changed at the restaurant. “They promoted me to waiter, then assistant manager,” he said. “When I left that company, I managed the whole restaurant.” Puebla began to dream big. He had learned that in the U.S. hard work most often helps one see dreams become reality. “I never thought to go into the restaurant business, like I am right now, but I just wanted to try,” he said. A location was selected in Milledgeville where he opened a small restaurant with a limited menu. His brother, mother and other family members came to help. “I had more authentic Mexican food back then, but I noticed authentic Mexican food did not do well — it was too hot. So I started making a little bit of changes. I ended up with a few different combinations. I knew people were asking for different combinations,” he said. “I tried to make my food more likeable to the American people instead of being hot, more a southern taste — close to barbecue.” Puebla believed he had learned the secret to operating a successful Mexican restaurant in the South.

Sandersville Scene.

He was ready to expand, but where? He wanted a small town, but it had to be the perfect small town. “Sandersville was growing,” he said. “I knew that this area needed Mexican, so I picked Sandersville. It's a small town. I really liked the area, plus it's close to where I live.” He believes he made the right choice. “I'm still here. People like me. For two years it's been a difficult time, but finally it is starting to stabilize a little,” he said. Puebla takes pride in trying to live up to the slogan of his restaurants, simply named “Puebla’s” with the slogan of “Best Mexican Food in Town since 1997." He explained 1997 is the year he opened his first location at 112 West Hancock St. in Milledgeville. The Sandersville restaurant is located on the downtown square at 123 West Haynes St. It was opened in 2004. He loves to say “You’ve experienced the rest, now try the best,” and he means it.

30.Sandersville Scene

“I just want everybody to know that as I said on my advertising that this is the best Mexican food in town. The things we specialize in are anything that comes from the grill. I cannot compete with other restaurants that sell sandwiches and hamburgers. I want to be more authentic,” he said. On a recent weekday afternoon, even near closing time, several patrons were settling in for lunch. They didn’t hesitate to say why they liked eating at Puebla’s. “We come here a good bit,” said Debra Everett of Sandersville. “My son loves Mexican. I love quesadillas, but the chips and dip, to me, are the best in town. To me the food is more authentic tasting here.” Her son, Taylor, says he also likes Puebla’s chips better than any other place. And, the salsa is just right. “It's homemade, but it's not too hot. To me it's just right,” she said, hitting on one of the aspects Puebla said he learned early about American patrons – there’s a fine line between too hot and just right when it comes to the food tastes. Everett said her husband likes the restaurant as well and is usually with

“We come here a good bit,” ……“My son loves Mexican. I love quesadillas, but the chips and dip, to me, are the best in town. To me the food is more authentic tasting here.”

the family when they eat there. She also appreciates the downtown location. “It's more convenient for lunches. Especially since I work with one of the kaolin plants the location is really good. We like it here because the atmosphere is a little bit quieter. The service is always good,” she said. While customers will eagerly share their individual tastes, only the waitresses and Puebla know the best selling entree. “Texas rice — everybody seems to get it,” said Kayla Marsh, who has been with the restaurant just a few months. “It has shrimp, onions, chicken and steak over rice and it’s covered in cheese. There was one table where that’s all they got. People order it a lot.” Veteran waitress, Liz Baker, who has been at the restaurant for several years, agrees. “The Texas rice — I think it's really good. I don't know what it is, but I love it. We sell so many during the day,” she said. Puebla said he has enlarged the menu to a “build your own”

section where customers can pick exactly what they want on their burritos, taco salads or quesadillas. Puebla said he loves to prepare items on the grill and believes that’s his specialty – another reason customers love the Texas rice — all the meat is grilled including the shrimp. Puebla’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. for dinner. It is closed on Sunday. “We invite them to come and try our food. I'm glad to be in Sandersville. Thanks for the support, the patronage,” he said. “I'm grateful to be here and I appreciate all the people in Sandersville and Milledgeville.”

Sandersville Scene.

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Cake Boss

By JONATHAN JACKSON

n a small mobile unit behind a brick cottage on Highway 24 headed toward Davisboro, Artistry Cakes & Cookies is headquartered.

The boss for these cakes has spent a lifetime improving the life of others around her through a noted education career and now through a business that has her name mentioned first for events that call for cakes. Conventional or not, Lorraine Downs can supply. From a tiered white wedding cake to carved bulldogs or ducks — all made of cake — Downs has yet to meet a challenge she hasn’t been able to conquer. Before she met the needs of party planners, expectant mothers and brides, Downs met the needs of students as a well-respected educator

in Washington County Schools. Downs first entered the classroom around the time that Ronald Reagan entered the White House. She had, and still has, a passion for learning and chose education as her career. While working in the Washington County school system, Downs dedicated herself to becoming a teacher of special needs students. Throughout the years, Downs was noted for turning every experience with her students into a time of learning. With retirement from her teaching career growing closer, she started baking cakes. She took a beginner’s cake decorating class from Milledgeville caterer and baker Betty Martin. “I did hobby baking out of my home,” Downs said. “I launched my business later and I wanted to take the next step.” As word-of-mouth spread, orders increased and she embarked on a path to develop technique. Downs is largely self-taught and uses a wide variety of resources, including the Internet. Downs again called on her passion for learning and became the student. She learned the ins and outs and refined the use of icing and fondant. “The fondant is marshmallow-based,” Downs said. “Everything I make is homemade, and I think that is why my business has thrived.”

Sandersville Scene.

Wedding Cakes

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As television shows like “Ace of Cakes,” “Cake Boss” and Food Network’s cake challenges, became popular during the last few years, so did Downs’ cakes. Downs retired from her education job five years ago and has since turned actively baking as a hobby into a business. About a year ago, Downs decided to take her hobby baking to the next level and open a full-fledged business. With the help of her husband and her family, she located a small mobile home behind her own home and upgraded the building to accommodate a large kitchen with multiple ovens, commercial sinks and lots of counter and storage space. Artistry Cakes & Cookies was licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last fall. The licensing has allowed Downs to more freely advertise, and though still enjoying the best advertising available — word-of-mouth — Downs has seen the difference and has many more marketing opportunities. Downs meets with clients by appointment and in addition to cakes, offers decorated cookies as well. From there, the business has taken off. In the first half of the year, Downs estimates she has made 60 cakes or more. And while some may classify the majority of them as easy (layer cakes and tiered cakes of different flavors and decoration), there are also cakes that allow Downs to reach deeper into her creative drives to meet any request from customers who may ask for, at times, the type of event cake that may seem impossible. The cake that Downs said may inspire the biggest response is a carved cake in the form of a bulldog.

34.Sandersville Scene

“I personalize cakes for people, especially brides and grooms,” she said. “The Georgia Bulldog cake is a prime example.” In fact, when looking through Downs’ portfolio, the bulldog stands out and looks much more like a sculpture than a cake. Joining the bulldog in the response department, is a largemouth bass sculpted cake that looks so much like a fish mounted by a taxidermist, people didn’t believe it was edible. Many of her cakes are painted and for that particular technique, Downs often calls on her sister, artist Tonia Marynell to assist her with the intricate and time-consuming creations. Thus far, she said, they haven’t tackled a project they haven’t been able to figure out. “Lots of people don’t want to cut these cakes,” she said. “Between the two of us, we can figure out just about anything. One thing I want to do, is a structure cake of a horse that actually looks like a horse.” Downs said often the horse cakes she has seen look more like cartoon horses than real ones. The bulk of the business is smaller cakes for events such as birthdays, showers and parties as well as wedding cakes, including groom’s cakes, which tend to be where the wild cakes are concentrated. She hasn’t had to make a “Steel Magnolias” red velvet armadillo groom’s cake, but aside from the largemouth and the bulldog, Downs has sculpted ducks in a duck blind as well as the Nautilus from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and she even once created a replica of a movie theater with working lights. Downs and Marynell work as a team on sculpted and painted cakes.

Specialty Cakes

Cakes that are sculpted, or require massive amounts of support are often built around an armature, or skeleton. The armature supports the cake and keeps it stable for transport. The armature may be made of pipes, dowel rods, wire or wood — and sometimes a combination of all of those materials. “My husband Charlie works on special projects, too,” Downs said. “He makes the armatures for my cakes.” Once a cake is at the appropriate venue, Downs is far from finished. One service that she offers through Artistry Cakes & Cookies is the service of the cake. “It’s very important that [people] know what they are doing when they are cutting a cake,” Downs said. “Presentation of the cake is key and is important, so I have all the silver utensils, plateaus and votives.” Downs looks at the provision of an Artistry cake as an experience rather than just a delivery. She prefers to serve the cake herself, but may at times call on family members to serve the cake in her absence, which sometimes occurs when she has multiple deliveries on the same day. “I don’t just put a cake on the table and leave it,” she said. Although sour cream pound cake is by far the most popular and most requested flavor, Downs also works with chocolate, lemon cheese, strawberry and Italian cream. “Think about it,” she said. “A wedding cake is the primary dessert at a wedding reception. Some brides want variety.” In addition, the cake serving area is decorated using Downs’ materials and serving pieces that always match or compliment the wedding or event. Her approach leaves the person who ordered the cake without any worry at all about the cake, its set-up or serving. Several brides have called Downs a year later to tell her that the top layer they have frozen and eaten on their one-year anniversaries, tastes just as good as the original cake. Downs has a good working relationship with others in the wedding business in the area. She coordinates with wedding planners, florists and caterers to make sure that each component she contributes flows seamlessly with the others. “The client has to have what they want,” she said. “So far I have not had a Bridezilla.” Downs said her inspiration for her business was her mother, Edith Marynell. “My mother taught me how to cook,” she said. “My mother’s side of the family — the Bray side — were blessed with ability in visual arts.” Marynell was a home economics major at the University of Georgia and imparted her love of the arts on her four daughters. “One of my favorite bakers said he has always wanted to work with people with a background in art — artists,” Downs said. “He said something along the lines of ‘I can teach an artist how to bake. I cannot teach a baker to be an artist’. Presentation is key.” To reach Downs at Artistry Cakes & Cookies, call her at (478) 552-1108. Sandersville Scene.

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36.Sandersville Scene

Profile

Close Up

Georgia Military College Sandersville Campus 415A Industrial Drive, Sandersville, GA 31082 Day, Evening & Weekend classes available

Focus on Your Academic Success! Find out more about the GMC-Sandersville campus by contacting Carol Trussell, Director of the GMCSandersville Campus location @ 478-240-3012 or ctrussell@gmc.cc.ga.us Sandersville Scene.

Arts & Entertainment CALENDAR

Arts & Entertainment June – December 2010 Sandersville Farmer’s Market on the Square. Downtown Sandersville. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning.

June 26 4th of July Celebration. Downtown Davisboro. Arts and crafts, food, bands and fireworks after dusk. Call (478) 348-4400 for more information.. JULY

Tennille Farmer’s Market on the July 31 Square. Downtown Tennille. Washington County Touchdown Every Wednesday morning. Club Golf Tournament For more information, contact Joey Giddens at 478-553-9400

JUNE June 2-July 28 Summer art lessons with local artist Tonia Marynell. Open to ages 10 and up. Space limited, $200 per student. Call (478) 247-3880 for more information. toniamarynell@att.net. June 25 Farmer’s Market Friday Night on the Square. Downtown Sandersville. Live entertainment. Call (478) 552-3288 for more information. 38.Sandersville Scene

October 9 Kaolin Festival. Downtown Sandersville. Food, music, arts and crafts and parade. Call (478) 552-3288 for more information. October 16 Tennille BBQ Blast. Call (478) 552-7875 for more information. Attractions

Old City Cemetery First documented burial in SEPTEMBER 1831. Located on the corner of West Church Street and Virginia September 18 Avenue in Sandersville, the site Hamburg State Park Festival. Music, arts and crafts and food. is on the National Register of Historic Places for its signifiCall (478) 552-2393 for more cant Civil War history. Features information. federal era, Greek Revival and Victorian grave markings. OCTOBER Historical figures buried at the October 5-9 site include former Ga. Lt. Gov. Washington County Agricultural Thomas W. Hardwick, worldFair. Tennille Fair Grounds. renowned surgeon William Washington County Farm Rawlings, Central of Georgia Bureau. Call (478) 552-3491 for Railroad president Benjamin more information. James Tarbutton, the Rev. J.D. Anthony and Coleman R. Pringle, known as the Father of Prohibition in Georgia. For more information, visit www.sandersville.net or call (478) 552-6965.

Arts & Entertainment CALENDAR

Hamburg State Park With modern-day facilities amidst reminders of days gone by, Hamburg State Park offers a mix of history and outdoor recreation. Anglers can enjoy lake fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bream, as well as boat ramps and a fishing pier. Campers will find shaded campsites along the edge of quiet Hamburg Lake fed by the Little Ogeechee River. A restored 1921 water-powered grist mill is still operational. The 741-acre park also features a country store and museum.

Charles E. Choate Exhibit A look at the life and work of the architect and builder and the official Georgia Historical Plates Display. Washington County Chamber of Commerce, 131 W. Haynes St.,Sandersville. For more information call (478) 552-3288.

Oldest Jail Visit Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oldest Jail on state Route 15 North in Warthen. For more information, call (478) 552-3288.

Revolutionary War Park Visit the Revolutionary War Park on state Route 15 South of Tennille. For more information, call (478) 552-3288.

Brown House Museum A private residence during the Civil War where Gen. Sherman spent the night of Nov. 26, 1864, 268 N. Harris Street in Sandersville. For more information, call (478) 552-3288.

Genealogy Research Center Visit the Genealogy Research Center, 129 Jones Street, Sandersville. For more information, call (478) 552-6965.

SEND US YOUR

Events

Community events you would like published in the calendar may be emailed to ndavis@unionrecorder.com Sandersville Scene.

Sightings

•Bridal Registry •MAINSTREET COLLECTION •Collegiate

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership pose for a photo with their certificates of completion at their graduation ceremony.

•High School •Custom Onsite Invitations, Stationary & Greeting Cards

129 W. Haynes St. • Sandersville • 478.553.9400 • Shop online www.gqgifts.com

40.Sandersville Scene

GOAT-A-RAMA

The Washington County Meat Goat Association held its 2010 Goat-A-Rama at the Farm Bureau Ag Center, 882 Grady Mertz Road in Tennille. The event featured educational seminars, food and special programs for the community.

P.O. BOX 151 • SANDERSVILLE, GA 31082 • 478-552-5119 Sandersville Scene.

Sightings

SANDERSVILLE FARMERS MARKET Bobby Hendricks views squash with a customer at the Sandersville Farmers Market.

202 Central Ave â&#x20AC;˘ Tennille, GA

478-552-7286 42.Sandersville Scene

Squash for sale outside at the Sandersville Farmers Market. The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday morning through the fall in the downtown square. Sandersville Railroad has served the transportation needs of Washington County for more than a century. With a fleet of modern locomotives and high capacity freight cars, we can ship your goods to points throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and overseas. Sandersville Railroad provides transportation service including a rail-to-truck transloading facility for dry bulk commodities. We have the experience and up-to-date equipment to get the job done. Whatever your transportation needs may be, Sandersville Railroad Company can handle them. We have many choice rail served industrial sites available.

Efficiency Through the Application of Technology Sandersville, Ga.

478-552-5151 sandersvillerailroad.com Sandersville Scene.

Sightings

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Left: Washington County Teacher of the Year Deborah Cain of Washington County High School. Above: Gary Emmons, 2010 Brentwood School Teacher of the Year.

44.Sandersville Scene

Advertiser Index BH Transfers ...................................................................................................41 Citizens Bank of Washington County ...............................................................2 City of Sandersville ...........................................................................................5 Country Buffet................................................................................................20 Farm Bureau Insurance ...................................................................................21 Georgia Military College.................................................................................37 Geo’s Quarters .........................................................................................6 & 40 Geo Warthen...................................................................................................47 Herb’s Fish Place ...............................................................................................7 Imerys .............................................................................................................44 Karol’s .............................................................................................................46 Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Company ...............................................................45 May & Smith Funeral Home ..........................................................................26 Merle Norman ................................................................................................21 Moye’s Insurance .............................................................................................21 North Pointe Pharmacy & Gifts........................................................................5 Queensboro National Bank...............................................................................7 Sandersville Railroad .......................................................................................43 Sandersville Technical College .........................................................................48 Sleepy Package Store .......................................................................................42 Studio Designs Printing ..................................................................................47 The Hair Palace.................................................................................................7 Thiele..............................................................................................................20 Twin City Realty .............................................................................................21 Warthen Lane Interiors ...................................................................................47 Washington County Chamber of Commerce ....................................................3 Please be sure to thank the advertisers for supporting this publication!

Sandersville Scene. 45

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This image, captured with an Olympus E-410 40-150mm camera, was taken of the Sandersville Courthouse during the February snowfall. Photo By Danielle Baucom

We want your pictures

We accept e-mail submissions of digital photographs for this feature. Photos need to be at least 300 DPI. We also accept digital submissions on cd. Please include your name with a brief description of your photographic background, daytime phone number, the type of camera used and the location and or subject of the photo(s). E-mail photos and information to bhinton@unionrecorder.com. Mail photos to Milledgeville Scene, 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville GA 31061

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For all your gift-giving needs.

hÇ|Öâx Z|yàá yÉÜ TÄÄ bvvtá|ÉÇá44 China • Crystal • Silver • Linens • Invitations • Cookbooks • Baby Gifts • Office Products • Beatriz-Ball

^tÜÉÄËá of Sandersville on the Square since 1969

46.Sandersville Scene

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Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 2pm or by special appointment

125 West Haynes Street or call us at 478.552.5124

karols@karolsgifts.com www.karolsgifts.com

Studio Designs 111 W. Church St. • Sandersville • 478-552-7722

Sandersville Scene.