Houston County Living Magazine Summer 2019 by With You In Mind Publications

summer 2019

Let me be pa rt of you r family story! Ms. U.S. World Ambassador Lexi Henry brings awareness to child abuse prevention.

Specializing in: RESIDENTIAL REAL ES TATE, COMMERCIAL PROPER TIES, RELOC ATION AND REAL ES TATE INVES TMENT S

Amanda Fiebig

REALT OR, BROKER 760 COMMERCE S TREET, PERRY, GA 31069 C: 478.952.2499 | O: 478.224.1919 AMANDA@AFREALT YGROUP.COM WWW.AMANDAFIEBIGREALT OR.COM

Shane and Abbey Gottwals have built a successful business with their Christian faith and a love of good books.

Genesis Joy House will be the first transitional facility for homeless female veterans in Houston County.

Chad Bryant is passionate about his community and especially downtown Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preservation efforts.

H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t

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Warner Robins Location 1271 S. Houston Lake Road Warner Robins, GA 31088 478-218-8052

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From stylish furniture to unique lamps, rugs and accessories. Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has everything you need to re-imagine your home! Find top brands including Ashley, La-Z-Boy, Paula Deen, Serta, Tempur-Pedic and more... all under one roof! Come see one our design associates today and let us help you make your house a home. 785 GA HWY 96 (Corner of Hwy 96 & Houston Lake Road) 478-217-2165 | Mon-Fri 9am-8pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 1pm-6pm www.TURNERFURNITURE.com

J. Don Spillers, Jr., DMD, MS | Adam Gordon, DMD Spillers Orthodontics is where great smiles begin! Known for our friendly, well-trained team, we offer Invisalign®, Clarity™ Aligners, Smartclip™ metal and clear self-ligating braces, and much more. Our office uses the most advanced technologies, including intraoral scanning, 3D digital X-ray, 3D imaging and 3D printing to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. • Middle GA’s ONLY Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider • Complimentary Evaluation • No Referral Needed • No Impressions for Invisalign

Welcome To

Adventureland More than just exercise, Alyssa Madon work s with socializing dogs, which leads to better behavior and less anxiety

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Talk about a business that’s gone to the dogs! Eight dogs, to be exact. They’re what Alyssa Madon, owner of Canine Clubhouse in Perry, calls her A Pack, and they’re on the payroll. Canine Clubhouse offers boarding as well as doggy daycare. Open since 2012, what makes the business unique is Alyssa’s philosophy is that exercise and interaction with other dogs helps dogs function better, which is where her A Pack shines. Led by Cesar, a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois, the four-legged team members include Maximus and Baby, also Malinois; two Labs, Jake and Zeke; a Great Dane named Tux; Big Booty “Trudy,” an American Bulldog and Basset Hound mix; and the pack’s newest addition, Yoda, a Stratfordshire Terrier mix.

They’re Pack,

e rcise here

ers eat Hound

When visiting dogs, whom Alyssa calls “members,” come to the Clubhouse, the A Pack helps show them around, introduces them to their fellow playmates, and keeps group dynamics smooth. “My A Pack teaches and guides members to behave according to facility rules,” she said. Instead of spending all day in a kennel, Alyssa sends the dogs outside to Adventureland, a 3-acre space that includes trails, creeks, bridges and other areas to play. “At Adventureland, the A Pack interacts with members and keeps the group having fun under the watch

of the (human) dog tech employee,” she said. “More than just exercise, I work with socializing all of the dogs, which leads to better behavior and less anxiety.” For smaller dogs, Yoga and Trudy lead the group in Tiny Town, a space designed for petite playtime. And for new members who are shy or nervous, Alyssa calls on Zeke and Jake to help them feel more at home. She even works with rescue groups to help high-energy dogs who can’t be fostered. “They come to me and I have Max and Cesar help teach them to calm down using their own doggy language. It helps the dogs to be more balanced.”

606 Ball St., Perry canineclubhouseperry.com 478-224-2640

Houston County

contents 12

Stand Up Speak Out

Ms. U.S. World Ambassador Lexi Henry brings awareness to child abuse prevention.

Following in Footsteps

A name isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only thing this soft-spoken surgeon inherited from his father. A love for medicine and a desire to serve our country came naturally as well.

Passionate for the Community

Brenna believes that as police officers, they have the opportunity to enact change and better our communities and she is thankful that Perry PD is such a community-oriented department.

For the Love of Books

Shane and Abbey Gottwals have built a successful business with their Christian faith and a love of good books.

houston county living

12 About the Cover The cover photo features Chad Bryant and his handsome sons, taken by Tinika Bennett Photography. Turn to page 110 to read his passion for preservation.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Keeping it Cool

Rigby’s Water World is Middle Georgia’s newest place to stay cool this summer.

Dreams Become Realty

Genesis Joy House will be the first transitional facility for homeless female veterans in Houston County.

110

Designing the Future

A native of Houston County and a graduate of Georgia Southern University, Chad is passionate about his community and especially downtown Perry’s preservation efforts.

128

Body, Mind and Spirit

110

156

Dr. Andrew Wang uses a holistic approach to medicine and fills a need in the community.

142

Special Abilities

Through volunteerism and advocacy work, 15-year-old Kelsey Norris re-defines what it means to have intellectual disabilities.

160

Born to do This

Ken Smith’s journey to becoming a physical therapy assistant.

170

A Superb Spa Experience

Southern Accent Salon and Spa provides the very best experience for their clients while offering superior hair and spa services.

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160 182

Changing Lives

Phillip Collins is dedicated to promoting wrestling in Houston County.

200

An Unbreakable Bond

The impact of animals on civilizations across the world is undeniable; from the discovery of the wolves by our ancestors, to the use of domesticated animals today.

Commitment to Excellence.

Christi King Cell: (478) 662-4285 Direct: (478) 218-8055 christihking@robbinsfree.com Beverly Hardy (478) 951-7140 (478) 218-287-6156 leeandbeverlyhardy@robbinsfree.com

SPECIALIZING IN: RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RESALES, LOTS, A S S I S T I N G F I R S T- T I M E A N D E X P E R I E N C E D B U Y E R S A N D S E L L E R S 1271 S. HOUSTON LAKE ROAD | WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088

From the Publisher

Houston County P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications

Jay and Patti Martin e d i to r Renee Corwine C reat i v e | D e s i g n Stacey Nichols

Mandi Spivey

My last birthday was one of the most humbling days of my life. For a year my wife had secretly been planning and implementing a surprise birthday party for me. I’m not real big on being surprised, I am much better at being the “surpriser”. I like to think of myself as fairly observant and not easily tricked. Plus, I have grandchildren that are very good about sharing all that they know or have heard. In other words, there are not many surprises in the Martin household. The birthday plans were to go to our oldest daughter’s house for grilled steaks and vegetable sides. My son-in-law can season and grill amazing steaks; so, who cares about the veggies! Shortly before we left a pickup that I did not recognize pulled into our driveway. Since I was several hundred yards away, I headed back to investigate. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing - my son and grandson from Texas got out of the pickup. I couldn’t believe they flew into Jacksonville and drove up for my birthday!! When we hugged, a gnat flew into my eye and caused me to tear up. It had nothing to do with my son coming 800 miles to celebrate my 70th birthday! My son, Matt, drove me to my birthday cookout at his sister’s house. We had a great visit and laughed a lot. When we arrived, my awesome wife, Patti, was there to escort me into dinner. It did cross my mind that one of my family members might have procured a wheel chair for me as a joke, alas, it was not to be; instead, there were 30 or so of my most precious friends that I had come to know and love over the last 38 years living in Georgia. Wham!!!! Another gnat right in the eye! My awesome wife softly spoke in my ear, “That’s not all. We have one more guest.” Around the corner came my only brother! At that exact moment a squadron of gnats flew into my eyes as I hugged my brother. It must have been a large swarm as they got in my brother’s eyes too! I was completely humbled that all of these friends and family members had given up their time to celebrate 70 years of my life with me. My wife cared enough for me to orchestrate this whole party. My WHOLE family pitched in. I AM TRULY A BLESSED MAN. Nuts! Here comes another gnat! Ephesians 3:20-21

Jay and Patti Martin Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com 8

houston county living

o f f i ce M a n ager Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t M a n ager s June Dixon

Laura McCullough

P h otograp h er s Captured in Time Photography

Kelly Michelle Photography Tinika Bennett Photography C ov er P h oto Chad Bryant and his sons, taken by

Tinika Bennett Photography Sale s Dorothy Sichelstiel

Dottie Hicks Landon Spivey Patti Martin

Contributing

Wri te r s Glyne Greenidge DVM, CLS, MLT

Jamie Dickson

Kelly Mabie

Michael W. Pannell

Renee Corwine

Sherri Martin

Houston County Living© is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications. withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

home

The easiest way

Garrett Bennett is proud to play an important role in the growth of his hometown.

At 32, Homestar Financial Corporation’s local branch manager Garrett Bennett is one of the mortgage industry’s youngest professionals. A Macon native and Warner Robins resident, Garrett is proud to play an important role in the recent growth of his hometown area as a lender for one of Georgia’s best residential mortgage lenders. Homestar, headquartered in Gainesville, has more than 80 offices in 21 states and offers a variety of residential mortgages including VA, FHA, Conventional, Rehab, Jumbo, USDA and Refinances. Homestar also boast impressive numbers being the No. 1 USDA Mortgage Lender in Georgia the past nine years and the No. 1 FHA Mortgage Purchase Lender in Georgia the past five years. “Homestar is an awesome company. From my co-workers and team around me to the various mortgage products we offer, Homestar is top notch and our numbers reflect this. We take pride in our performance and customer service and do everything to

make this enjoyable for all parties,” he said. “Buying a house is exciting but it is also stressful and scary; especially for first-time buyers. As a young homeowner myself, I understand the stress and fears involved in buying a home. Buyers have all these numbers, percentages and new words thrown at them where it feels like a foreign language – except the risks are greater as it involves their money and future.” Understanding buyers and the mortgage process, Garrett encourages buyers to contact him at any time – even late at night or on the weekends. “There is a lot to comprehend and being accessible is a main priority. Not only do we have to be available, but we also have to relate to everyone and speak their language where they feel comfortable.” Garrett believes his success is due to this attitude as well as his team at Homestar. “I am only as good as the people around me. ... At the end of the day, we are all on the same team working toward the same goal.”

Garrett Bennett, Branch Manager NMLS #1510504 GA #60344 349 Margie Drive, Suite 200A, Warner Robins 478-747-4581 www.homestarfc.com/garrettbennett Garrett.bennett@homestarfc.com HFC NMLS #70864 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #17638 Hometown Living At Its Best

Family

HEALING GRIEVING HEARTS ONE AT A TIME

Every situation is different; we know this. From traditional to highly customized to purely simple, we can honor your loved one perfectly. We will meet any budget need. Period.

Beautifully maintained, Magnolia Park has options for every type of memorialization and offers both affordability and enduring quality. Our newly expanded Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden of Valor features a custom-made POW-MIA memorial. Spaces for Veterans will always be provided at no charge. Burial Lots | Private Estates Mausoleums | Cremation Options Free spaces for Veterans

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Offering exceptional value with compassionate service to our community has been the mission of McCullough Funeral Home for nearly 70 years. Still family owned and operated, ours is a history of unmatched integrity and we strive to maintain our reputation through quality, sincerity, and trust. We will never forget that our mission is one of service. No matter your situation, McCullough Funeral Home can and will help you.

4 1 7 S ou th Hou s ton L ake Road | Warner Robi ns, GA 31088 | (478) 953-147 8 |mccullo ugh fh .co m

Stand up speak out

houston county living

Story by Jamie dickson Photos by tinika bennett Photography

On a festive December morning in 2016, Lexi Henry was teaching Sunday school at her church when a 4-year-old changed her life. In the middle of story time, he confided to her that his father had physically abused him. “That just broke my heart,” Lexi said. While shocking, the conversation was revelatory. Lexi, who recently resumed an interest in pageants, was looking for a cause to support her platform. She knew she wanted to focus on children, but hadn’t nailed down something she felt passionate about. “I am a Christian and always pray about things before I make a decision,” she said. “That was when God was giving me the answer. I thought, ‘This is what I have to do.’ ” A wife and mother of three, Lexi competed in a few pageants when she was younger, but didn’t think much more about them until she was asked to enter the 2016 Dooly County Relay for Life pageant. “When I was asked, I thought, ‘I’m too old for that. I have kids and I’m married now, and

Hometown Living At Its Best

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I think it’s past time for me to do all that stuff,’ ” she said with a laugh. She soon learned, though, there are a variety of pageant systems for married women. With the support of her family, Lexi competed in the pageant and earned the crown. Since then, she has vied for – and achieved – a number of local, state and even three national titles. She is currently Ms. U.S. World Ambassador, a title she holds in the Ms. World Organization. Lexi now uses her work in pageantry to raise awareness of child abuse through her platform titled, “Stand Up. Speak Out.” She primarily works with the Rainbow House Children’s Resource Center in Warner Robins, the first of its kind in Georgia. Rainbow House, which opened in 1986, serves children who have allegedly experienced child abuse. The nonprofit offers free therapy and crisis counseling for victims, as well as support groups for non-offending caregivers. Additionally, Rainbow House provides a safe, caring environment for law enforcement to conduct forensic

Service and Support Rainbow House, which opened in 1986, serves children who have allegedly experienced child abuse. The nonprofit offers free therapy and crisis counseling for victims, as well as support groups for non-offending caregivers.

Hometown Living At Its Best

With the support of her family, Lexi competed in the pageant and earned the crown. Since then, she has vied for – and achieved – a number of local, state and even three national titles. She is currently Ms. U.S. World Ambassador, a title she holds in the Ms. World Organization.

interviews, which are video recorded and used during investigations. Victims’ advocates also are available to educate families about investigation and court processes. Kathy O’Neal is a member of the Rainbow House Board of Directors and a close family friend of Lexi’s. When she learned Lexi was interested in making child abuse prevention her platform, Kathy

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quickly reached out to her. She said having Lexi represent Rainbow House is invaluable, because child abuse is a topic many people do not want to discuss. “Pageantry is glamorous – it’s a way that women are elevated and empowered. Lexi is using this positive platform to bring awareness to something that society doesn’t want to talk

Hometown Living At Its Best

“This work makes me hug my kids a little tighter each night and always tell them multiple times a day that they’re loved and they’re cared for, and how proud of them I am.” She also said it’s important that children feel comfortable confiding in a trusted adult if they’re being hurt. “I want my kids to know they can talk to me about anything. A lot of kids who are abused feel like they can’t talk to anyone,” she said.

about,” Kathy said. “Her crown can get people’s attention so that we can make people aware of child abuse, and hopefully that awareness will decrease the incidences of abuse in Houston County.” It is clear there needs to be more dialogue about child abuse. According to Child Help – an international organization dedicated to helping

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victims of abuse – the U.S. has one of the world’s worst records of child abuse among industrialized nations; an average of between four and seven children die each day due to abuse and neglect. Lexi said her work with Rainbow House taught her to not take things at face value. “Just because everything looks fine on the outside, does not necessarily mean they’re always good on the inside,” she said. “This work makes me hug my kids a little tighter each night and always tell them multiple times a day that they’re loved and they’re cared for, and how proud of them I am.” She also said it’s important that children feel comfortable confiding in a trusted adult if they’re being hurt. “I want my kids to know they can talk to me about anything. A lot of kids who are abused feel like they can’t talk to anyone,” she said. A native of Hawkinsville and a graduate of Hawkinsville High School, Lexi earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Mercer University. She lives in Warner Robins with her husband and children, and is the director of sales and marketing for the Courtyard by Marriot in Warner Robins. In addition to her work with Rainbow House, she also volunteers with Family Promise and other nonprofit organizations in Georgia. In August, Lexi will compete in the Ms. U.S. World Pageant in the Bahamas. She said she enjoys pageantry not only because she can promote worthy causes, but also because it allows her to be a role model for younger girls. “What touches me is when I have a mother call or message me and say, ‘Thank you for what you are doing. My daughter wants to do pageants because of you,’ ” she said. For more information about Rainbow House, visit rainbowhousecrc.org. To report suspected child abuse, call 1-855-GACHILD. To follow Lexi on her journey to Ms. U.S. World, visit her Facebook page: facebook. com/MrsWarnerRobins.  HCL

For more information about Rainbow House, visit rainbowhousecrc.org. To report suspected child abuse, call 1-855-GACHILD. To follow Lexi on her journey to Ms. U.S. World, visit her Facebook page: facebook.com/MrsWarnerRobins.

Hometown Living At Its Best

a one of a kind

place

Tim Lehenbauer and My Father’s Place have been a staple of the community for 30 years.

W 20

When folks ask Tim Lehenbauer why he decided to move to Georgia and get into the pizza business, he jokes that he just stayed in the “P” profession.

gotten involved in a startup,” he said. “It’s got a great base of customers, and people have spread the word that this is a good place to come.”

A pipeline industry worker from Ohio, Tim was feeling burnt out in his profession when his brother, John Lehenbauer, a pastor in Perry, urged him to move down South. Tim started working for Todd and Dorothy Sichelstiel at My Father’s Place, their family-owned pizza restaurant. Tim knew they were looking to sell the business, a Warner Robins staple since 1988, and about a year after starting there, he bought the business.

Locals have been spreading that word for 30 years, and Tim hopes to see the restaurant through to its 50th anniversary – with help from long-time managers Jen Knox and Chris Mullins.

Just over three years later, Tim said it’s not a decision he made lightly, and it’s one he’s never regretted. “I realized this business has been here a long time – I wouldn’t have

“We play Christian music in the dining room and we have a Christian background. My dad is a pastor as well, so I have a church background myself,” said the

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He credited the businesses success to what sets it apart: the family atmosphere and local ownership: “I like being one of a kind, and not part of a chain.”

“I love that we’re a place for a lot of kids who are just starting working. For many, this is their first job, their first step before moving on to college or to other jobs. It’s fun to see them progress and come back to visit over the years.” - Tim Lehenbauer

50-year-old Tim. “I love that we’re a place for a lot of kids who just starting working. For many, this is their first job, their first step before moving on to college or to other jobs. It’s fun to see them progress and come back to visit over the years.” One thing My Father’s Place is known for are its huge, sheet pizzas that have feed thousands of hungry kids over the years. “I love doing sheet pizzas for schools and churches and anyone who wants them. It’s something that no one else here in town has,” he said. Many of those sheet pizzas are ones Tim donates to local community groups. “It’s nice to be involved in community; it’s important and this is something I can do easily enough and it helps them out a lot,” he said. “I don’t make a big display that we’re doing it, it’s just something I enjoy.” Add that to the list of the many things Tim enjoys about being the owner of My Father’s Place. “The best part is the customers. They’ll come in asking for me and it cheers me up when I’m having a long day. I appreciate when they notice when I’m here and miss me when I’m not,” he said. “They see me in the restaurant because I’m a ‘working owner,’ meaning, I don’t sit at a desk. I’m making pizza, salads, subs, wings, answering phones – that’s another reason I enjoy My Father’s Place.”

My Father’s Place 2507 Moody Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088 478.929.0504 | myfathersplacepizza.com Hometown Living At Its Best

empower your

future

Darla Stahl has three nicknames. The first two, Little D and Little General, reference her diminutive stature and no-nonsense demeanor. The final and more foreboding moniker was given to Darla by her clients: the Grim Reaper. “Because I’m always preparing them for the worst, but expecting the best,” she said.

Darla Stahl has been helping young and old prepare for their futures for more than 40 years.

At 71, Darla has been helping young and old prepare for their futures for more than 40 years. She offers financial advisement about asset management, investing, retirement planning, caregiver resources, and preparation for assisted living or eldercare. Calling the topic “the most boring stuff on the face of the earth,” Darla said undoubtedly “it’s stuff you’re going to need to know to control your life.” Being empowered in such a way is something Darla has felt strongly about since she was a teenager. “When I grew up in the 1960s, I didn’t go ‘hippie.’ I went ‘save the world,’” she said. With a background in social work, Darla taught history for a time, all while considering herself an amateur economist. When

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“Forty years ago, people did business on a handshake. Now, you don’t know who to trust, who has an agenda, The purpose of the Lunch and Learns and workshops is so that people can ask questions get straight answers. I have no agenda, no motive.”- Darla Stahl

she was 27, she got a call from the wife of a local farmer who’d passed away. The wife asked Darla to accompany her to the bank and lawyer’s office to make notes about the settling of her husband’s estate. When Darla realized she had helped the woman feel empowered to make her own business decisions, a career in financial planning was born. It’s a field at which Darla excelled: “Everyone has something they do well, and this just happens to be mine.” The career took her across the U.S., leading lectures and advising advisors. At one point, she had 1,000 clients. But now, as she and her husband, Terry, are getting older, Darla keeps a client base of about 40 and focuses the majority of her time on education – free education. She leads 20-minute Lunch and Learn sessions, as well as longer workshops, on a variety of topics for anyone who’s interested. She encourages church groups, senior groups and even groups of friends to get in touch and inquire about the free workshops. “Forty years ago, people did business on a handshake. Now, you don’t know who to trust, who has an agenda,” she said. “The purpose of the Lunch and Learn and workshops is so that people can ask questions get straight answers. I have no agenda, no motive.” She said all ages can benefit from financial planning based on where they are in life. For young folks, it’s all about getting ahead of the curve with savings. Those in mid-life need a road map for retirement, and older folks need to know how to make retirement savings last. Darla also wants folks to reach out to her about free one-onone advice. “Anyone can call me and sit down with me for free, because I want to educate,” she said. “Everyone wants to know what’s in this for me. There’s not anything in it for me, except the desire to educate people to help them be in control of their lives.” To reach Darla Stahl, email her at darlamstahl@gmail.com, or call 478-442-2824. Hometown Living At Its Best

Derek Brass and his team bring you the best of both worlds; state-ofthe-art products and unbeatable, local service.

neighbors and friends

They’re your neighbors and friends. You’ve probably run into a local Hargray Fiber team member at the grocery store, ball field or Chamber of Commerce meeting. A leading telecommunications company, Hargray may be relatively new to the Middle Georgia market, but the folks who work for them have lived here most of their lives. “We’re not a bunch of folks who live across the U.S., we live here in Middle Georgia. We are local people engaged in the community, neighbors helping neighbors. We also didn’t appear overnight. Hargray has more than 70 years of experience in telecommunications. That means we bring you the best of both worlds; state-of-the-art products and unbeatable, local service,” said Derek Brass,

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Hargray Fiber’s Major Accounts Executive in Central Georgia. The company’s mission is to envision and deliver customer delight. It is hard to believe you could be delighted by a telecommunications provider, but you can hear the passion in their voices when they talk about serving the community. “You wouldn’t think Internet, phone and TV services matter that much to a business, but they do. Imagine your power going out or your water being turned off. The same shrill comes to mind when you think about your Internet going down. It matters and we take that very seriously,” said Derek. Those services include a full suite of communications products including Hosted

“You wouldn’t think Internet, phone and TV services matter that much to a business, but they do. Imagine your power going out or your water being turned off. The same shrill comes to mind when you think about your Internet going down. It matters and we take that very seriously,” -Derek Brass

Unified Communications, Metro-Ethernet, multi-gigabit symmetrical circuits and video services – all delivered via Hargray’s fiber-optic network. Hargray also provides colocation services. “We want to advance Middle Georgia,” he said. “Businesses need to be looking at Middle Georgia and saying, ‘This is where our next location should be.’ To achieve that, they must have robust and reliable connectivity available. That’s what we’re bringing to Middle Georgia.” Hargray itself was founded in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina more than 70 years ago. In the last 10 years, the company has expanded into Savannah, Valdosta, Macon, Warner Robins, and most recently, Conyers and Covington. Hargray services also are available in Hawkinsville, Perry and Eatonton, as well as Pell City, Alabama, by way of acquisition. Derek, who has been in telecommunications for 12 years and in Middle Georgia for 35 years, said helping businesses through telecommunications isn’t the only way Hargray is investing in Middle Georgia. “We mean it when we say we aim to invest in the community. The Hargray Capitol Theatre in Macon is a wonderful example of our admiration of Middle Georgia, coupled with our passion of connecting people. The theater is a prime reflection of honoring Middle Georgia and bringing people together. The parallel is there with our services. We admire these communities and we believe our products help bring it together,” said Derek. Part of investing locally means living locally, and all 10 members of the local Hargray team live in Middle Georgia. “This is not temporary for us,” Derek said about Hargray’s foray into Warner Robins. “We’re committed to being present in this market for the long term.” To learn more about Hargray’s local services, visit hargray.com/warner-robins-ga or call Derek at 478-232-2855.

877.HARGRAY (877.427.4729)

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Stor y by Renee Co rwine Photos by tinik a Bennet t Photogr aphy and ashlee culve r house photo

Dr. Paul John Syribeys is named after his father, John Peter Syribeys. So are his brothers Phillip John and Peter John. “It’s a Greek thing,” he said with a laugh. A name isn’t the only thing this soft-spoken surgeon inherited from his father. A love for medicine and a desire to serve our country came naturally as well. “My father was a general surgeon and he treated everything from colon cancer to ingrown toenails,” Paul said. “He operated from head to toe and took care of

Hometown Living At Its Best

everybody and had a huge following. He was an incredible role model. I watched him growing up and knew that’s what I wanted to do.” Growing up in Atlanta, Paul graduated from Lakeside High School in DeKalb County. He then attended The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. “I went up and visited and something just struck a chord with me,” he said. “I liked the discipline and regimen there, and I would not be where I am now without that school. They really had a way of shaving everybody’s head, putting them all in the same grey uniform and putting them all at

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the starting line – then you either do or not do. It works. It’s a good school.” After attending The Citadel, Paul obtained his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a general surgery residency. From there, he narrowed his scope of interest to plastics and reconstructive surgery, and completed a fellowship in that field at Emory University in Atlanta. “As I got further trained in general surgery, I realized things were getting boxed into specialties – you had to be a laparoscopic surgeon or thoracic

The desire to work with cancer patients is another innate need that stemmed from his father. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad got diagnosed with cancer as I was finishing up medical school, and I lost him to renal cell cancer. After that, I always knew I wanted to work with cancer patients and this is my way to do that,â&#x20AC;? Paul said.

Hometown Living At Its Best

“I really enjoy what I do because I take every patient individually. We build a relationship of trust and then we make a commitment to create a realistic goal that we can achieve,” he said. “And if it’s a reconstructive or cosmetic operation, we work to get the goal that they want and make sure it’s natural looking and beautiful, and work until we get to a point where they are satisfied.”

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or GI. I really wanted to operate head to toe and do all kinds of different surgeries,” he said. “I ran into a fellow in Greenville, South Carolina, who was a plastic surgeon and realized they do it all – kids, craniofacial, hands, abnormalities, reconstructive. You get to run the gambit in plastics and that’s what I love doing.” During his studies, Paul continued to feel a call to serve in the military. It was an example set by his father, and furthered by his time at The Citadel. Now 48 years old and a colonel at Robins Air Force Base with the 116th Air Control Wing, Paul has served as a flight surgeon since 1998.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Fortunately for all of his patients, it appears that Paul and his family are in Middle Georgia to stay. He and his wife, Alyssa, are building a home on Lake Tobesofkee, and are busy raising several children. Marline Elizabeth, 20, is a sophomore at Auburn University. John Paul, 5, is enrolled at Stratford Academy. The couple also is in the process of adopting a 10-month-old girl they are currently fostering, and Alyssa is expecting another child in December.

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During his studies, Paul continued to feel a call to serve in the military. It was an example set by his father, and furthered by his time at The Citadel. Now 48 years old and a colonel at Robins Air Force Base with the 116th Air Control Wing, Paul has served as a flight surgeon since 1998.

“My father, who was Greek and a first-generation American, grew up in Alabama and went into medicine. He joined the Georgia National Guard in the 1950s and was in it for 35 years. He, too, was a flight surgeon,” Paul said. “He was always my hero and I felt like there was no better role model. As I got into med school, I thought I should join the National Guard, too, and my father actually swore me in in 1996. He was a retired brigadier general when he swore me in.” Paul initially served as a medic for the Guard. When he finished medical school, he began serving as a flight surgeon, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa with 165th Air Lift Wing out of Savannah. “When I was deployed, I was on the expeditionary medical team and treated people out in the field as a general surgeon and a trauma surgeon. I saw everything from broken wrists back at camp to blast injuries and burns.” Paul said he hasn’t deployed in a few years but remains deployable should the need arise. At Robins with the 116th, his role is to keep all the 116th troops medically ready to deploy, making sure their shots are up to date and waivers are current. “It’s not very exciting,” he said with a laugh. While he was studying at Emory, it was at the suggestion of internationally-known surgeon Dr. T. Roderick Hester that Paul considered locating his practice in Middle Georgia. “The demographics, from a medical community standpoint, are great. Locating here, I was able to do everything I always wanted to do, and I wasn’t getting pushed into a box. Plus, Robins is right here, so it all fit,” he said. His practice, Renaissance Plastic Surgery, has offices on Riverside Park Boulevard in Macon, on Westpark Drive in Peachtree City and just off Smithville Church Road in Warner Robins. “By being in Middle Georgia, I’ve been able to do everything I was trained to do – working with the disabled, children with cleft lips and cleft palates, vascular work, tissue transplants for breast cancer patients, limb salvage and cosmetic surgery,” he said. “At my office in Warner Robins, I have privileges at Houston Medical Center, where I primarily do breast cancer reconstruction.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

The desire to work with cancer patients is another innate need that stemmed from his father. “My dad got diagnosed with cancer as I was finishing up medical school, and I lost him to renal cell cancer. After that, I always knew I wanted to work with cancer patients and this is my way to do that,” Paul said. Breast reconstruction for cancer patients is a long process, and it gives the doctor time to truly help his patients as they undergo treatment. “It usually takes about a year, no matter what path we take,” he said. “Some of these patients start with me the day of their diagnosis. We take them through the whole cycle – fear, anger, depression and back out of it – knowing they have defeated cancer and are made whole again. There is nothing more satisfying than having a patient who has been through all this come in and hug you and tell you how happy they are; you just can’t beat it. I don’t think there’s any other field of medicine that gets to see that.” Fortunately for all of his patients, it appears that Paul and his family are in Middle Georgia to stay. He and his wife, Alyssa, are building a home on Lake

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Tobesofkee, and are busy raising several children. Marline Elizabeth, 20, is a sophomore at Auburn University. John Paul, 5, is enrolled at Stratford Academy. The couple also is in the process of adopting a 10-month-old girl they are currently fostering, and Alyssa is expecting another child in December. When he’s not busy with family and work, Paul enjoys hunting and fishing, and said this area is perfect for those activities. He has never second-guessed his decision to become a plastic surgeon, and continues to truly enjoy his work. “I really enjoy what I do because I take every patient individually. We build a relationship of trust and then we make a commitment to create a realistic goal that we can achieve,” he said. “And if it’s a reconstructive or cosmetic operation, we work to get the goal that they want and make sure it’s natural looking and beautiful, and work until we get to a point where they are satisfied.”  HCL

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Hometown Living At Its Best

a home-buyer’s two-person dream team

Demi Parker and Alfreda Mitchell are in this business because they feel strongly about helping potential homebuyers overcome whatever obstacles are in their way.

At first glance, Demi Parker and Alfreda Mitchell may not seem like they have much in common. But get these “two misfits” in a room together and their unique personalities seem to mesh into a home-buyer’s two-person dream team. Working together creates what they like to call “misfit magic.” Demi and Alfreda are the two members of the Parker Group, which operates within Golden Key Realty in Warner Robins. They’re quick to laugh and even quicker to stress that despite their playful “misfit” spirits, they take their jobs quite seriously. Each having come to realty as a second career, they’re in this business because they feel strongly about helping potential homebuyers overcome whatever obstacles are in their way. “Working with us, you have people who are going to be empathetic in the home-buying process,” Demi said.

“Often, we meet clients who aren’t quite ready to buy at that particular time, and we’ve heard so many stories about how other realtors drop them and they never hear back. But we stick with them, and put them on a path to homeownership.” “We invest in them,” Alfreda added. Talking together, the women tend to finish each other’s thoughts and sentences, a reflection of their dynamics. “There are different sides to us, and we appeal to different types of clients,” Demi said. “But we do everything together. We are truly a team and people know that.” You’d think that real estate would be a stressful second career option, but these ladies approach it with the same enthusiasm they had when they spent years in the classroom.

Demi said she loves her job for two reasons. The first is her ability to help people break the cycle of generational renting, and become the first members of their families to own a home. The second reason is the opportunity to give back to the community.

“We are usually stress free. We know from teaching that no two days are the same, and we attack real estate the same way,” Demi said. Just as their personalities differ, each has different things they love about their jobs. Alfreda said she feels passionately about the boot camp the Parker Group offers once a month for first-time homebuyers. It’s a chance for potential home-buyers to learn about the process, ask questions and set their reservations aside. “I love working with first-time home buyers and helping to educate them. Then, when everything comes together, seeing the expression of joy on their faces that they’ll finally be able to own a home; it’s very rewarding,” said Alfreda. Demi said she loves her job for two reasons. The first is her ability to help people break the cycle of generational renting, and become the first members of their families to own a home. The second reason is the opportunity to give back to the community. Every month, the Parker Group donates a portion of their commission to Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia. “We want people to come to us to buy homes, but what are we doing for the people of this community? I’m so thankful to be in a position to do what we’re doing with Safe House,” Demi said. “We’re building and maintaining long-term relationships with this community and with our clients,” Alfreda said. “It’s more than a transaction, our clients know we care.”

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Growing up a military brat helped prepare Brenna Banks for her future as a law enforcement officer. “I grew up a military child, my mother was in the Navy for the early part of my childhood. We lived in Japan for about three or four years on a Navy base, then moved to Marietta GA. Our next move was to Warner Robins, GA where my dad was in the Air National Guard and my mom worked as a civilian on Robins Air Force Base. The longest place I have ever lived is Warner Robins and this is where I have made my home,” Brenna said. In 2010, Brenna graduated from Warner Robins High School. She spent the first two years of college at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA and then transferred to Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA where she finished her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. “For as long as I could remember I was always interested in being a police officer. My grandfather is retired from NYPD and I have always aspired to follow in his footsteps.” Her family has always been involved one way or the other in police work or the military. It just felt right to Brenna to continue the legacy by being a police officer. “My family has always supported me during the process of becoming a police officer and during my career of being one. I am so thankful for their encouragement and support

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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which helped my interest in becoming a police officer grow and become a reality,” said Brenna. She set out to pursue her own career in law enforcement and was sent to GPSTC (Georgia Public Safety Training Center) in Tifton where she graduated in September of 2017. “I had heard nothing but good things about Chief Lynn and the Perry Police Department and how the department was organized and managed. That within itself was a good reason to consider employment there. Also, I have nothing but good things to say about the city of Perry itself. The residents here can be so respectful and appreciative of law enforcement making our job just that much better,” Brenna said. She feels that she has been welcomed into the department and always encouraged to flourish and grow within her career which helped to solidify that the Perry Police Department was the perfect choice for her. “I remember I answered one of the interview questions during the initial hiring process stating I wanted to be on

K9 Lilly lives at home with Brenna, sleeping next to her side of the bed and following her everywhere. Brenna says, “She is treated just like our other dogs, Charlie and Bravo, when she is home. But she knows when her work collar is put on and I’m in my uniform it is time to work.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

the K9 unit. I never thought that the opportunity would present itself so early in my career. I am very thankful that I was given this opportunity to work with the K9 unit. They are a great group of guys and people I look to for guidance in all aspects of my police career,” she says. “I am the only woman on the K9 unit. I’ve been referred to more than once as the “little sister” of the unit who likes to annoy her older brothers.” There are many things Brenna has seen during her short time as an officer. She has seen beautiful acts of human decency as well as things that make her go home and just hug her husband and family close. But, within her career she has also had the opportunity to work with young children to help educate them on how

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police officers help the community and how they are there to help people. “I have seen children who were too scared to initially approach us feel comfortable enough to give us a hug at the end of the program. We have the opportunity to enact change and better our communities as a police officer, and I am thankful that Perry PD is such a community-oriented department,” Brenna said. Perry PD gives Brenna the opportunity to go to local schools and talk with the students as well as go out and talk with the citizens of Perry during the many city events. “I can’t tell you how many people or children have approached me on calls for service saying they remember me from one event or another. This helps us to establish a better

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“I remember I answered one of the interview questions during the initial hiring process stating I wanted to be on the K9 unit. I never thought that the opportunity would present itself so early in my career. I am very thankful that I was given this opportunity to work with the K9 unit. They are a great group of guys and people I look to for guidance in all aspects of my police career,” she says. “I am the only woman on the K9 unit. I’ve been referred to more than once as the “little sister” of the unit who likes to annoy her older brothers.”

rapport on calls for service which may be one of the most difficult times of a person’s life,” she said. That connection allows for officers like Brenna to work with the community in a way that makes their job and, hopefully, the city of Perry so much better. During her career as a K9 officer she has witnessed grown men talk to their K9’s like big babies and it is one of the most adorable things ever according to Brenna. She is still fairly new to the K9 world but finds it amazing how close knit the K9 community is. “We annually host the NNDDA (National Narcotic Detector Dog Association) seminar at the GA National Fairgrounds in Perry and last year was my first time going. It was wonderful to see handlers from all over the country come to participate. I was able to meet some great people with some amazing experience with K9s. I look forward to immersing myself into learning all I can to be an asset to my department with my K9,” Brenna said. “Our K9 supervisor, Sgt. Jeff Keenom, is great at listening to our preferences when it comes to getting a new dog, and taking that into consideration,” says Brenna. Sgt. Keenom tries to take into consideration the bigger picture of being paired with a dog; for example, K9 Lilly will be retiring this year and the two have already talked in length about what dog would be best for Brenna to get next. “He has taken into consideration

Hometown Living At Its Best

that we do a lot of public K9 demos at schools, as well as my home life and what would work best there. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when looking at being paired with a dog,” she said. Brenna and Lilly train together twice a month, 12-hour days, on their tracking as a team as well detection work. Also, as a new K9 handler Brenna will be going to a month long K9 handler school in Dooly County with her K9 to help them bond and grow as a team. Before they ever get the dogs, they go through months and continued years of training learning to hone their specialty with a certified group or handler. “One of my career goals has already been accomplished with becoming a K9 handler. I just want to continue to learn and train to contribute not only to my department but the city of Perry as well,” said Brenna. She is now married to a wonderful man named Ryan Banks. “He is the absolute love of my life and I could not have accomplished a quarter of what I have without his unyielding support. He is a deputy with the Houston County Sheriff’s office, and it has honestly made my position as a police officer that much easier to manage. We are

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able to come home from a long day and immediately understand what the other one has been through – we are each other’s support and I wouldn’t trade that for the world,” Brenna says. The couple are expecting their first child the end of this August. K9 Lilly lives at home with Brenna, sleeping next to her side of the bed and following her everywhere. Brenna says, “She is treated just like our other dogs, Charlie and Bravo, when she is home. But she knows when her work collar is put on and I’m in my uniform it is time to work.” Lilly has been with Brenna on some of those terrible calls for service and was a great comfort at those times. “She has also been my partner when working in the community and going to schools and I see how happy she makes people when they get the chance to see her. She has been an incredible first K9 and has taught me so much already about being a handler – she will be retiring this year, so it is bittersweet. But she has done so much work over her nine years of life, I’m sure she is just looking forward to laying on the couch and playing with her Kong toy,” said Brenna.  HCL

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Houston County Living

STORY BY SHERRI MARTIN | PHOTOS BY CAPTURED IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY AND TINIKA BENNET T PHOTOGRAPHY

Shane and Abbey Gottwals have built a successful business with their Christian faith and a love of good books

There is a saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” But the Bible does promise that if we faithfully follow God, he will pour out his blessings. Shane and Abbey Gottwals can attest to the verity of both sentiments over the last twelve years through their business, Gottwals Books. They started with a simple idea: provide quality used books at an affordable price. Shane admits that they had no official business plan and—to put it kindly—a “shoestring

Hometown Living At Its Best

budget” when they opened in 2007. On top of that, they had both just graduated from college in May 2006 and were newly married that June. Shane and Abbey met in 2002 in their freshman English class at Mercer University. He is from Macon; she is from Cordele, although she grew up in Chile, where her parents served as Southern Baptist missionaries. While Shane was earning his English degree, he had the opportunity to study author and theologian C.S. Lewis at Oxford University. He learned under one of Lewis’ last pupils, Dr. Francis Warner, and

Houston County Living

his coursework took place in Lewis’ office at Magdalene College. It was just two weeks into this prestigious program that Shane received a phone call from his mother, telling him that his father had a heart attack and died. He came home for two weeks but then went back to finish the term in England. “My father was over the moon that I was accepted into the Oxford study program. I knew he wanted me to go back and finish my work,” Shane said. “That whole year leading up to my marriage was a complete life shift. It was such a powerful time.”

There is a saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.â&#x20AC;? But the Bible does promise that if we faithfully follow God, he will pour out his blessings. Shane and Abbey Gottwals can attest to the verity of both sentiments over the last twelve years through their business.

Hometown Living At Its Best

“One day, we only sold $3.97 worth of books, But we never, never thought the Lord wanted us to close. We just knew it needed to be there.”

The conversation turned to opening their business and what type of business it should be. “Her dad mentioned that he had had a bookstore in Chile as part of his mission work,” Shane said. “It was a very small shop with probably only a few hundred books inside.” That’s all it took. And so with very little money or experience, they opened the first Gottwals Books.

Houston County Living

After he came home, he helped his brothers get his mother settled into her new life as a widow, graduated from Mercer, and then got married. The couple knew they wanted to start a business. Abbey had earned a business degree from Mercer, and Shane had extensive retail experience, but they didn’t know what type of business they wanted to run. Then, Abbey’s grandmother died in August 2006. Following her funeral, Shane, Abbey and Abbey’s parents, Victor and Lucinda Lyons, stopped to eat on the way home. The conversation turned to opening

Hometown Living At Its Best

trying to make it work

Houston County Living

When the income from book sales wasn’t sufficient to pay the bills at the beginning, they quickly added a variety of antiques. “We tried to sell paintings, marbles, milk glass, gnome figurines, vintage sleds, and old horse saddles,” he said. “While a few of these items sound pretty ridiculous now, it made at least a little more sense back then. We were just trying to make Gottwals Books work.”

Keeping the shelves stocked with quality books was a constant concern. At first, they were afraid to start their now successful tradein program, and when they did, people were not trading enough popular books to keep up with the demand.

their business and what type of business it should be. “Her dad mentioned that he had had a bookstore in Chile as part of his mission work,” Shane said. “It was a very small shop with probably only a few hundred books inside.” That’s all it took. And so with very little money or experience, they opened the first Gottwals Books. “We did no comparison studies. We had no mentor,” Shane said. “Without a clue, we said, ‘Let’s find all the books we can and stick them in a good-looking space.’” That space was a 1,500-square-foot retail store on Russell Parkway in Warner Robins. “Abbey and I stood in the middle of that empty store after we signed the lease. We had never signed a lease before, didn’t have a realtor, and we definitely couldn’t afford the $135 an hour that an attorney quoted us to review it. But, we were ready to go. We stood there in that dark retail space that night, held hands and prayed for God’s will to be done,” Shane said. The store opened for business in March 2007. “Our idea was to buy low and sell … well, low. We knew our niche would be quality, low-priced used books,” he said. “We drove all over the Southeast, finding books at thrift shops, library sales, and random secondhand shops,” he said. When the income from book sales wasn’t sufficient to pay the bills at the beginning, they quickly added a variety of antiques. “We tried to sell paintings, marbles, milk glass, gnome figurines, vintage sleds, and old horse saddles,” he said. “While a few of these items sound pretty ridiculous now, it made at least a little more sense back then. We were just trying to make Gottwals Books work.” When they opened, the plan was for Abbey to run the store while Shane worked at a local electronics store

Hometown Living At Its Best

By winter 2009, after watching the great success of the Byron store—along with the growth of the Warner Robins location post-expansion—it was time to open a store in Macon.

selling home theater and car audio systems. Most months in the beginning, his income was helping to pay the rent at Gottwals Books. “One day, we only sold $3.97 worth of books,” he said. “But we never, never thought the Lord wanted us to close. We just knew it needed to be there.” Keeping the shelves stocked with quality books was a constant concern. At first, they were afraid to start their now successful trade-in program, and when they did, people were not trading enough popular books to keep up with the demand. “Abbey’s parents would go around and buy books based on what we told them customers wanted. Then, they would price and keep them in their living room in banana boxes. Every few weeks, we would go with a trailer and get all of the books to bring back to put in the store. ... That is what allowed the Warner Robins shoppers to have the quality and selection of books they wanted,” Shane explained. When the new school year started in 2008, Shane took a job at his alma mater, Central Fellowship Christian Academy. “The Lord called 66

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expanding the business

me to go teach high school English. We still weren’t making enough at the store to support it, and I was going to be taking a pay cut,” he said. “Abbey was working really long hours every day except Sunday. Teaching would make me a little more flexible to help Abbey, but my workday would be even longer. At that point, we did whatever we could to keep afloat. People were responding well to Gottwals Books. We believed in this company.” After two years of figuring out the business, things started happening much more quickly. They expanded the Warner Robins store by 1,200 feet at the beginning of 2009. That summer, they opened a new store in Byron at the Peach Shops. They stayed up all night getting the store ready for the first day. Abbey’s parents drove from North Carolina and arrived at 3 a.m. to help, and Shane’s brother and mother, Jason and Gherry Gottwals, came a bit later. Everyone pitched in to make that first day successful. “We sold at least $1,500 worth of books the first day,” Shane said. “The community really embraced it.” Shane shifted to teaching part-time in August 2009. He was at school in the mornings and

would then open the Byron store by midmorning and work until 8 p.m. By winter 2009, after watching the great success of the Byron store—along with the growth of the Warner Robins location post-expansion—it was time to open a store in Macon. Shane was able to quit teaching and work for the business full-time, and they began hiring employees. Early on, their only worker was a high school student who worked five hours shelving books each Saturday. “We were scared to death to pay someone five hours a week,” Shane said with a laugh. “It was tough to pay an employee when we weren’t even paying ourselves.” By the end of 2010, with three successful locations, Shane was approached by someone who wanted to buy the franchise rights to their business. With the idea of franchising on their minds, Shane decided to do some consulting work to see if it was really possible to translate the Gottwals Books experience to someone wanting to open their own bookshop. One of those consultations was with Abbey’s parents. Her dad was a part-time pastor in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, so he was able to run a store during the week. They opened the store, and the community loved it. When Shane and Abbey announced they were expecting their first child, her parents decided to close the store and move to Georgia. “This is why we opened a store in Perry when we did. We took the store in Mt. Airy, stuck it all on the back of a Penske truck, and started driving it down to Georgia,” Shane said. Within a mile, the truck broke down. To avoid moving all the books from the back of the broken truck into a new one, Penske towed the truck all the way to the shop door at 909 Carroll St. in Perry. Not wanting to sell the franchise rights—yet confident about opening up new stores around the country—the Gottwals family stepped out on faith. “At the end of 2011, we decided to franchise ourselves,” Shane said. “It was an expensive process, involving attorneys and lots of legality.” The Walls of Books franchise was formed in 2012. Their first franchise owner was a woman from Tifton who happened to come in the Warner Robins store while Shane was there. He told her, “We’re franchising now. Someone

When the new school year started in 2008, Shane took a job at his alma mater, Central Fellowship Christian Academy. “The Lord called me to go teach high school English. We still weren’t making enough at the store to support it, and I was going to be taking a pay cut,” he said. “Abbey was working really long hours every day except Sunday. Teaching would make me a little more flexible to help Abbey. At that point, we did whatever we could to keep afloat. People were responding well to Gottwals Books. We believed in this company.” Hometown Living At Its Best

needs to open a store in Tifton.” She thought about it for a moment and said, “Why not me?” Walls of Books opened in Tifton in fall 2012. So, for anyone keeping a tally, that makes four Gottwals Books stores opened locally and one Walls of Books franchise opened in Tifton by summer 2012. Since then, many franchises have opened including stores in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Kansas, Iowa, and Washington, D.C. Shane spends his workweek in his office or traveling to new store prospects, speaking engagements, and trade shows. Abbey now stays home with their four children, Millie, Jack, Silas, and Hannah. Growing up around books and bookstores is the only way of life the children know. “My kids have all learned that sometimes mommy and daddy need to go work at the bookstores after supper, and they just come along and play. They are constantly surrounded by books. … We know it will encourage their love for reading,” Shane said. “It’s just part of what it means to be a Gottwals. When Millie first learned to write her name, she wrote ‘Millie Gottwals Books.’ ”

Houston County Living

After the couple opened their first few franchises, they needed a place to train franchisees and keep book inventories. They first bought an 8,000-square-foot warehouse in Byron but quickly outgrew it. They purchased a larger space in 2017 that is just off Interstate 75. It’s a 44,000-square-foot corporate headquarters that houses offices, warehouses, and a training center complete with a 100-seat meeting room. They have warehouse capacity to store over one million books. The business operation is a far cry from its humble beginnings. “Instead of driving to thrift stores like we did in the beginning, the books come to us,” Shane said. “Our customers trade thousands of books every week at our stores, and we supplement our inventory by buying books by the tractor-trailer load. We often buy 35,000-40,000 pounds of books at a time.” About 90 percent of the books in their stores come by way of the trade-in program. Gottwals will take quality used books in exchange for store credit. In turn, the customer can use the credit for half off the purchase of any used books in any Gottwals store. They sell used

and new books alongside hundreds of educational toy items. It’s a family-focused, learning-centric store. Gottwals Books has all the popular books that can be found at bigger bookstores and online, all with competitive prices. They also offer teacher and military discounts, buy college textbooks, and have a homeschool room in the Byron store. They run an innovative kids summer reading program, and they are constantly looking for ways to give back to the community. For the 2017-2018 school year, they gave away 6,000 copies of a picture book called First Day Jitters to every first grader in Houston, Peach, and Bibb counties. They did the same for 2018-2019 with the book It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. These giveaways are in addition to a variety of other literacy initiatives they support. Gottwals Books celebrated their 12th anniversary in March 2019. Going forward, Shane said they will continue to look for new franchise locations nationwide but haven’t really made any predictions about what the next 12 years will bring, based on what God has done over these last 12. “We just assumed it would be Abbey’s little bookstore. Our original goal was that she could eventually work five days instead of six each week, and I would keep a day job,” he said. “Our expectations were just blown out of the water. When you pray for specific outcomes, be careful. You might be trying to limit what God can do.”  HCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Coming Home

After living all over Georgia, Harris and Judy Churchwell are back home in Hawkinsville

After living all over Georgia, Harris and Judy Churchwell, who will be married 49 years come June, are back home in Hawkinsville. But they also have what Judy said feels like a secondary home, at Summerhill Senior Community’s Veranda Rehab, where “the beautiful rooms feel homey, not like a hospital environment.” Harris Churchwell has a passion for Civil War history which has led to hours spent re-tracing the steps of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment, in which his great-grandfather served. Harris succeeded in publishing two award-winning books about the regiment titled, “Captains at Rest” and “Seeking Glory.” No stranger to the pen herself, Judy, a retired teacher, is the author of “Tales from the Hotel,” a collection of stories from the historic hotel where she grew up in Hawkinsville. Harris has had three stays at Veranda Rehab – two following operations, and one

following a fall. “I mentioned to a friend that this is the third time we’ve been here,” Judy said, “and this friend said, ‘Third time’s the charm!’ And I said, ‘Well, you know we didn’t have to wait for the third time to be charmed; we were charmed the first time.’” After a long life together, Judy said she’s very choosy about who she allows to care for 80-year-old Harris, but has no qualms about his stays at Summerhill. “All of the rehab team is caring, conscientious and motivating. The key word is motivating ... they motivate each patient, every day,” Judy said. “Wound care, nurses, aids, housekeeping and the entire staff seems to have each patient’s needs as a top priority.” Channeling her years in the classroom, Judy continued, “Being a former school teacher, I must say, that I like to see my students receive A’s if possible, and Summerhill definitely receives an A+.”

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Rigby’s Entertainment Complex is poised to be the go-to summertime spot for Middle Georgia. This vast stretch of fun includes a 50,000-square-foot facility featuring 10 bowling lanes, a two-story laser tag arena, more than 80 arcade games, three billiards tables, the largest skating rink in the area, and full restaurant and bar – and that’s just inside the building! The outside attractions include 30 go-karts, a 19-hole mini golf course, and the outdoor oyster bar, which is adjacent to their newest park, Rigby’s Water World. The highly anticipated opening date of Rigby’s Water World was a hot topic last summer. Houston

This vast stretch of fun includes a 50,000-square-foot facility featuring 10 bowling lanes, a two-story laser tag arena, more than 80 arcade games, three billiards tables, the largest skating rink in the area, and full restaurant and bar – and that’s just inside the building!

Hometown Living At Its Best

County residents and visitors from all over the state were ecstatic when the gates to the water park finally opened last June. With temperatures in the high 90s, Rigby’s Water World offered a fun place to cool off. Owner Steve Rigby built the first phase of Rigby’s Water World next door to the Entertainment Complex. 80

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Wet weather was a constant issue – especially with the thousands of yards of concrete that it took to fill the first phase of what will eventually be a 26-acre water park. Construction initially began November 2016, with most of the focus being the infrastructure to support the park. “The first few months mostly

involved installing the underground system of pipes that deliver water to the park,” Steve said. “When we put up the first big slides, the internet blew up! People called every day wanting to know when we would open.” Houston County residents could then see the

colorful progress when passing Rigby’s in any direction. It is no accident that the rainforest structure is the new skyline along GA-96. “It will be the largest water park structure of its kind in the world,” Steve said. Upon entrance, there’s a splash pad, which will Hometown Living At Its Best

Surrounding these areas is the lazy river, which ambles for 1,500 feet and is 15 feet wide. The river is fully submersible and handicap accessible with a wave maker that pumps in 5-foot waves to give it a little extra flow. There are chairs and chaise lounges throughout the park, along with private cabanas that can be reserved in advance.

double as a stage for various performance acts. At its center, 12 water slides come together in a brilliant maze of fun. More than 40 water play implements have been added to suit visitors of all ages, as well as a surrounding splash pad and an 800-gallon dump bucket. The park also includes a leisure pool with a waterfall, nearby bar and three-tiered palm tree landscape in the middle. The kiddie area is in close proximity to the adult area, which allows for parents and grandparents to cool off while still being able to keep an eye on their families. Surrounding these areas is the lazy river, which ambles for 1,500 feet and is 15 feet wide. The river is fully submersible and handicap accessible with a wave maker that pumps in 5-foot waves to give it a little extra flow. There are chairs and chaise lounges

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throughout the park, along with private cabanas that can be reserved in advance. The current cost of the park is $12 million, and Steve expects to double or possibly triple that number as more features are added in the future. Steve said he’s not worried about the big investment, and hopes it will benefit all of Houston County. “It’s going to bring in hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. Rigby’s has completed five feasibility studies, and each one estimates that the drive time for attendance will be up to two hours. With a high heat index that stretches across Middle Georgia and down to South Georgia, Steve hopes many families will add Rigby’s Water World to their summer itinerary of cold water fun.

Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Water World maintains a mission to provide a place for everyone. Steve said his goal is to remain a locally-owned family business, “providing our community with a safe, clean and fun environment.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

In addition to driving tourism, Rigby’s will be adding more than 160 jobs to the area during summer. With a water park that is planned to eventually exceed the size of Six Flags White Water in Atlanta, Rigby’s is focused on training new employees with the mindset that safety for visitors is the first priority, Steve said. Lifeguards, slide attendants, maintenance staff and food service attendants are being trained extensively in preparation for this summer. The entertainment complex also offers summer camps for kids. As an alternative to long days at home, kids can come to Rigby’s and get social with full access to the whole facility, a hot meal and snacks. The park is located on the corner of GA-96 and Lake Joy Road, just east of Interstate 75. Steve intends to put up several billboards along the interstate to help draw in travelers. In addition to the water park and entertainment complex, Steve is in the process of building a hotel and conference center to host visiting families for overnight stays, as well as draw business professionals. As proof that the fun is not just for kids, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex hosted an Oyster Fest in February, a Crab and Margarita Festival in May, and every weekend is filled with live music. Theater-sized projectors over the bowling lanes are tuned to the latest event on television, and after 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays the entire facility is 18 and older only.

The entertainment complex also offers summer camps for kids. As an alternative to long days at home, kids can come to Rigby’s and get social with full access to the whole facility, a hot meal and snacks.

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Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Water World maintains a mission to provide a place for everyone. Steve said his goal is to remain a locallyowned family business, “providing our community with a safe, clean and fun environment.” Gone are the days of local residents driving for hours to find a cool and enjoyable place to spend quality time together. Thanks to Steve and his vision, whether it’s a birthday party, camp, festival or just a beautiful day spent outdoors, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Water World is the coolest spot to be this summer.  HCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

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story by

Michael W. Pannell

photos by

Kelly Michelle Photography

Genesis Joy House will be the first transitional facility for homeless female veterans in Houston County.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Most Saturdays, a smattering of volunteers work to get Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter Inc. ready for the day it will welcome homeless female veterans into comfortable surroundings for shelter and practical help toward a brighter future. The dream they simply call â&#x20AC;&#x153;Genesisâ&#x20AC;? is slowly becoming reality with the help of volunteer contractors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, other skilled workers, and energetic community helpers and young people. These include a youth group from Unity Baptist Church and a group of young adults from Hope Church, as well as representatives from businesses wanting to send workers or donate labor and supplies, such as the washer and dryer given by Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Improvement that will one day wash clothes for women who sacrificed for our country but later found themselves in

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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difficult situations, homeless and needing a hand. “It’s an outstanding vision Genesis has,” said Harry Anderson, pastor for students at Unity Baptist Church, who recently worked on floors with a half-dozen students he brought. “I guess joy and sacrifice was what Jesus was all about, and I’m thankful we can put our words about God’s love into practical action like this.” Genesis is a non-profit, faith-based effort whose organizers say its name stems from “Genesis” being a beginning, and “Joy” coming from the idea that putting Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last brings real J-O-Y. Though faithbased, the charitable group is inclusive of all who need help and all who want to help. At the center of the hustle and bustle of volunteers and the Genesis vision is founder Margaret Queen-Flowers. A native of Washington, D.C., Margaret came to Warner Robins when her civil servant husband

Genesis is a non-profit, faith-based effort whose organizers say its name stems from “Genesis” being a beginning, and “Joy” coming from the idea that putting Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last brings real J-O-Y. Though faith-based, the charitable group is inclusive of all who need help and all who want to help.

Hometown Living At Its Best

transferred to Robins Air Force Base in the 1990s. Though she started it – and has moved the work forward since it first took shape in 2011 – Margaret still works full time as a human resources professional. “I work full time but I’ve always known my God-given purpose was to help others,” she said. “I’ve helped through church and as a community volunteer, and usually ended up the one not afraid to visit crack neighborhoods or rough places others didn’t want to go. Becoming aware of the alarming number – and the growing number – of women veterans who are homeless, and seeing how drastically underserved they are, touched my heart so deeply I knew I had to do something. We’re making history by being the first transitional facility to house our homeless female veterans in Middle Georgia, a 98

houston county living

“It’s an outstanding vision Genesis has,” said Harry Anderson, pastor for students at Unity Baptist Church, who recently worked on floors with a halfdozen students he brought. “I guess joy and sacrifice was what Jesus was all about, and I’m thankful we can put our words about God’s love into practical action like this.”

community that appreciates its veterans and active military more than most. At Genesis, we don’t want to put a bandage on and say OK; we want to bring people real help, real healing, real solutions.” Margaret’s passion to help those experiencing homelessness came at a surprisingly early age. And it came through her grandmother. “Every Saturday, she’d take vegetables from her garden to sell at

a farmer’s market in D.C. and she’d take me along,” Margaret said. “Before we’d go, we made sandwiches and she’d send me to distribute them to the homeless people in the streets. At first, I didn’t realize they were homeless. I’d never seen it. Plus, every week my grandmother, Grandma Maude, would tell me to get my friends to come help so I wouldn’t have to do it alone. I’d try to Hometown Living At Its Best

In the meantime, Genesis continues toward its goal as more people become aware of the need and of the solutions the organization is working to provide. “It just takes working together,” Margaret said. “In a place like Warner Robins and Houston County, I don’t see why we all can’t do what we can to help our veterans, especially these women. I know we can do it and that all things are possible with God. We just have to pull together.”

get as many as I could to help when I could.” In many ways, Genesis is a continuation of doing what Grandma Maude said, a legacy Margaret carries on, and work that is desperately needed in Middle Georgia. Officials say they expect to see a continued rise in homeless numbers in Houston County, and Margaret said the greatest rise is among women who are largely undercounted and seriously underserved. That includes those living outdoors and those in the broader definition of homeless: anyone lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Margaret said women who are homeless face unique risk factors and often work to avoid notice. She said many feel unsafe and shun typical street locations or forest encampments and aren’t counted. Some become adept at “couch-surfing,” that is, living temporarily with a string of friends or relatives. Often, women are hesitant to seek services or be tallied for fear their children, if they have them, will be taken away. Margaret said bringing Genesis to fruition has gone slower than hoped, with disappointments coming when volunteers don’t arrive, monthly donations are lacking, and other frustrations mount. But she said there’s also great encouragement when

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you least expect it – like finding the property for Genesis. “It was a miracle, nothing but a miracle. A businessman donated the property at 501 Marshall Ave. that had been vacant and run down for years. This is specifically what we’d prayed for – a duplex house in the front, studio apartments in the rear, and a two-story building for a fellowship hall/ training facility,” she said. “When I get frustrated, I look at what God has blessed us with and go back to scripture that says nothing is impossible with God. It keeps me going. That and the vision of the good we can do. We’re slowly making progress to complete the renovations to allow 14 homeless women – 14 veterans who served and need help – find that helping hand.” Along with transitional housing, Margaret said Genesis will offer on-site and partnered education, health services, counseling, employment readiness programs, and additional assistance to help the women and the entire community. “To really help, we have to take a holistic approach that includes spiritual, mental, emotional, vocational and physical aspects,” she said. “We have to recognize many experience PTSD, addictions and other problems, including the hard

fact many have suffered sexual trauma. Getting beyond all that doesn’t happen by accident or out there on their own. They need help to regain control of their lives.” Though Genesis’ doors have yet to open, Margaret and others in the organization already help women through programs, referrals and partnerships with agencies like Volunteers of America, the Georgia VECTR Center, the VA and various southeastern shelters. Collen Baker is an example. An Air Force veteran, medically retired, Collen said she was surprised to find herself homeless following an incident of domestic violence in 2017. “They are amazing,” she said. “They are awesome. As a short-term homeless veteran, they helped me even though they didn’t have a place for me to stay yet. My situation was so stressful and bewildering, but they helped me find services and got me to a women’s veterans retreat in Fort Valley sponsored by the Peach Pit called Horsepower and Heroes. It helped me get through the emotional, psychological and physical pain I was dealing with and move on.” In the meantime, Genesis continues toward its goal as more people become aware of the need and of the solutions the organization is working to provide. “It just takes working together,” Margaret said. “In a place like Warner Robins and Houston County, I don’t see why we all can’t do what we can to help our veterans, especially these women. I know we can do it and that all things are possible with God. We just have to pull together.” You can help the Genesis dream become reality through tax-deductible monthly support, gifts and other means. To schedule a team for on-site volunteer work or information on in-kind donations, call Steve Davis at 678-218-8499 or Margaret Flowers at 478-918-7606. Visit their website at genesisjoyhouse.com.  HCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

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A long history that started with simple steps Almost 100 years ago, a group of famers got together with an idea to offer farm insurance coverage to their neighbors. From those simple steps we grew into a company that can meet the many needs of our customers while maintaining the values that were the foundation of our existence. So whether you need insurance for the things that are most important to you, or you’re looking for financial services to help you plan for the future, remember that even the biggest goals start with simple steps.

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3051 Watson Boulevard | Warner Robins, GA 31093 | mgo.md | (478) 953-4563

WELCOME TO

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Warner Robins RANDY TOMS, MAYOR

478.302.5515 | www.wrga.gov | 700 Watson Boulevard | Warner Robins, GA

Story by Jamie Dickson Photography by Tinika Bennett Photography

Chad Bryant has a unique perspective when driving around Houston County. As the president of Bryant EngineeringLLC, he’s had a hand in a number of projects that have transformed the landscape of the county, including Rigby’s Water World, Freedom Field and the Little League Southeast Region Headquarters, as well as several parks and recreation centers. When he’s with his sons – 9-year-old Carson, 6-year-old Colton and 4-year-old Cameron – he chuckles when they ask, “Did you make that?”

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Bryant Engineering is truly a family affair. His sister, Lindsay Bryant Bailey, serves as the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office manager, and his brother, Tyler Bryant, is the business development manager. 112

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“Lindsay has been here since the beginning,” Chad said. “From the day we opened our doors, she was our first employee. She basically runs the business side of things. You have to have a lot of trust in someone in that position, so having a family member who’s looking out for your best interest, who has grown with the company and really treats it as her own, is extremely valuable.” Chad said his brother has a knack for public relations, which is why he handles the firm’s communications. “Tyler is great at communicating with people. He’s not scared to get out in front of people,” Chad said.

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When he’s with his sons – 9-year-old Carson, 6-year-old Colton and 4-year-old Cameron – he chuckles when they ask,

“They really like to brag,” he said. “They like to say, ‘My dad designed Rigby’s water park. My dad designed the football stadium.’ I have to tell them to be careful and stay humble. But I’m proud of it, and I think they’re proud of it, too.” A partner with Ocmulgee Inc. for more than 12 years, Chad founded Bryant Engineering in 2018 with the aim to strengthen client relationships and services within his specific areas of expertise. Bryant Engineering has nine employees, and its services include engineering, consulting and planning.

Civil engineers don’t always get the glamorous jobs; they’re often responsible for designing sewage systems and parking lots. Chad, however, said he takes pride in that work, and likes to remind people that without civil engineers, their lives wouldn’t be pleasant – or sanitary. “The things civil engineers do are the necessities of life, but they’re not really luxuries of life,” he said. “They’re not iPads and iPhones. We deliver water to your house and sewage from your house. People don’t really think about what they have to have on a

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daily basis.” But while Chad enjoys providing those services for his community, he said the recreational projects he’s designed are the most fun. “To have something recreational that my team is creating, and people actually see and appreciate, there’s satisfaction associated with that,” he said. For example, when Chad was a partner at Ocmulgee Inc., he was part of the team responsible for bringing the Little League Southeast Region Headquarters to Warner Robins, which broke ground in 2009. “They were going somewhere else, but after meeting with us, we, as a team, really wowed them and won them over,” Chad said. “We designed an amazing facility.” Chad created the master plan for the entire facility, taking inspiration from the Little League championship stadiums in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. “We were able to tour

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Bryant Engineering also has helped design several other recreational projects, including Freedom Field – Houston County Schools’ newest football stadium – as well as Warner Robins’ new tennis center, which is scheduled to open later this summer. “That facility is going to be one of the top tennis facilities in the state of Georgia,” he said. “It’s going to be amazing.”

the facilities where the Little League World Series games are played,” he said. “I took the qualities I liked from the two championship stadiums and merged them. What you see at the Southeast Region Headquarters now is a merger of those two stadiums.” Bryant Engineering also has helped design several other recreational projects, including Freedom Field – Houston County Schools’ newest football stadium – as well as Warner Robins’ new tennis center, which is scheduled to open later this summer. “That facility is going to be one of the top tennis facilities in the state of Georgia,” he said. “It’s going to be amazing.”

Chad said the timing of these projects couldn’t be better, thanks to his children. “I’m at a perfect age to be designing these facilities, because I’m thinking of them from a parent’s perspective,” he said. “When I’m laying these things out, I’m thinking about where to place the playground so I can see my kids while I’m trying to watch baseball. I’m trying to look at it from the point of view of a parent when I’m designing the parking lot. I don’t want to walk a mile carrying three kids and baseball equipment.” Chad also is especially proud of his preservation work – particularly by way of conservation subdivisions, which are designed

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A native of Houston County and a graduate of Georgia Southern University, Chad is passionate about his community and especially downtown Perry’s preservation efforts. He is a member of the Downtown Development Authority and has taken on a few preservation projects of his own.

in an effort to better preserve land. “Instead of taking 100 acres of land and developing all of it, we dedicate half of the property to open space,” he said. He’s done civil engineering work for subdivisions such as Perry’s Lake Forest Estates and Legacy Park. Bryant Engineering is truly a family affair. His sister, Lindsay Bryant Bailey, serves as the firm’s office manager, and his brother, Tyler Bryant, is the business development manager. “Lindsay has been here since the beginning,” Chad said. “From the day we opened our doors, she was our first employee. She basically runs the business side of things. You have to have a lot of trust in someone in that position, so having a family member who’s looking out for your best interest, who has grown with the company and really treats it as her own, is extremely valuable.” Chad said his brother has a knack for public relations, which is why he handles the firm’s communications. “Tyler is great at communicating with people. He’s not scared to get out in front of people,” Chad said.

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His boys also make regular appearances around the office. “They come in here and roll out my plans and sketch up stuff. They don’t have a 100 percent understanding of what I do. I think they believe their dad colors for a living, which, to a 4, 6 and 9-year-old, is pretty interesting,” he said with a laugh. A native of Houston County and a graduate of Georgia Southern University, Chad is passionate about his community and especially downtown Perry’s preservation efforts. He is a member of the Downtown Development Authority and has taken on a few preservation projects of his own. He recently renovated a former Carroll Street jewelry store and is in the process of renovating the old Houston Bank with the goal of bringing more business to the area. “I have a huge interest in getting downtown Perry growing again,” he said. “We’re just doing our part, as a hobby, to grow downtown.” What’s in store for the young company’s future? Bryant Engineering is licensed in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, and is working to obtain additional licenses in Florida and South Carolina. However, Chad is quick to say he’s not looking to grow too big. “What makes us different is that we try to be a company that has large-firm capabilities but still provides that small-firm connection for our clients, and I don’t ever want to get away from that,” he said. “I know it’s not sexy to say, ‘I don’t want to grow a lot,’ but what we’re doing now is working.”  HCL

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Watson-Hunt Funeral Home is your choice for

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Previews Retail Shop is the Premier Destination in Central Georgia for Timeless Design 478.474.7666 | previewsinteriors.com 4420 Forsyth Road Macon

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Service Smile With A

Neal Spence believes there are three people we all need in our lives: a good spouse, a good doctor and a good mechanic. J.P. Williams, co-owner of J Auto Ranch, said he can’t help you find the first two, but by partnering with Neal on the business’ new Service Center, he’s got you covered on number three. Neal started working on cars at age 16. It was a hobby that turned into a job, and he’s now been a mechanic and service manager for more than 20 years. “With this job there’s something new every day,” said Neal. “I love that and I love the relationships I’ve built with customers; that’s something people miss in my line of work. It’s a distrusting industry and I’ve always treated customers with respect.” J.P. understands that sentiment, and has built his business on trustworthiness. When he and John “Benny” Graham opened J Auto Ranch in 2017, providing customers with a Service

Center was always part of the plan. “I knew I wanted a Service Center to get used cars into their best condition, and a finance program to help people. There are a lot of great people in Houston County who might have made a mistake or two in the past with their credit, but they don’t deserve to be pounded because of it,” J.P. said. “We’ve always wanted to do everything we could to help those people out.” After growing their business from eight cars to more than 200, once J.P. met Neal, he knew it was finally time to make the Service Center happen. “A mutual friend introduced us and over 18 months we started talking, and Neal was looking for a change,” J.P. said. “God really showed up and brought us together; it’s meant to be.” They both hope the service center, opening in June; will fulfill their desire to help people. “We’re called to help people, not take advantage of people,” J.P. said. “At the end of the day, Neal will do what’s right, and I will, too.”

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2106 US Highway 41 North Perry, Georgia 31069 Office 478-987-2423

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Across the nation, there is a shortage of physicians. Although not as apparent in large metropolitan areas, it’s especially evident in smaller towns and more rural communities. It’s a problem Houston Healthcare is working to solve in Middle Georgia, and Dr. Andrew Wang is part of the solution. Having grown up in Peoria, Illinois, and graduating from medical school in Missouri, Dr. Wang said Houston Healthcare was his first choice for residency. “The weather’s

really nice,” he said with a laugh and a smile. In all seriousness, he’d heard about the Family Medicine Residency Program on the campus of Houston Medical Center and after visiting, he felt like it was the right fit for him. “It was my first choice for two reasons, really. One, the people I met there were all very personable. Two, no one seemed like they hated it, which is actually the case with a lot of residencies because of the workload associated with it,” he said. “But Houston

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“You never know when your health is going to deteriorate from unexpected circumstances, so spend time doing things that you love,” he said. “And go see the doctor! If you have something that’s bothering you, go. Don’t just put it off. That’s the reason why preventative medicine is so good. There’s a reason why screenings and general exams are so important.”

Healthcare fosters a good sense of comradery amongst residents, and the various attending physicians are all very good with encouraging that.” In 2011, the Houston Healthcare Board of Trustees established the residency program in affiliation with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus. In 2012, the first class of residents were enrolled. “The objective was to develop them into compassionate, highlytrained physicians providing excellent medical care for a wide range of patients in Houston County and the surrounding areas,” said Kevin Rowley, executive director for marketing and business development at Houston Healthcare. The ultimate goal of the program, he added, was to get those doctors to stay in the region, thus combatting the growing shortage of doctors experienced by other similar-sized communities. When Dr. Wang, now 34, graduated from the residency program in 2017, Houston Healthcare was in the beginning stages of opening a family practice in Perry, and looking for the right doctor to fill the position. “As a resident, Dr. Wang was dedicated to learning and taking care of his patients at the Pavilion Family Medicine Center, as

One of the benefits to working in a practice owned by Houston Healthcare is that Dr. Wang is able to focus 100 percent of his attention on his patients. That’s something Houston Healthcare greatly values. “By operating the physician practices,” Rowley said, “it allows the physician to focus more on the delivery of patient care and less on the managerial and day-to-day operational aspects of running a practice.”

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well as those in the hospital,” Rowley said, and so he was offered the position to open Perry Family Medicine Associates in May 2018. For Dr. Wang, it was the welcoming community he found in Middle Georgia that sealed the deal on his decision to stay. “I met a lot of good friends outside the hospital,” he said, which included his new bride, Shealey Stafford. The couple were married in April.

Dr. Wang is a board certified doctor of osteopathy, which is a doctor who also is trained in a holistic approach to medicine. “We believe overall health is the combination of body, mind and spirit, so we treat all three,” he said. This is accomplished through not just treating physical symptoms of illness, but the underlying mental or emotional issues that may be affecting

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a person’s overall health. “I encourage people to not just improve their body, but to do things that help the mind and spirit, like suggesting patients get involved in the community, connect with family, go to church, talk to a counselor, things like that,” he said. “The doctor of osteopathy concept is a different way to approach medicine, and there’s definitely a lot of people now who are beginning to value that approach.” That particular approach to medicine is one Dr. Wang always has been interested in. His undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois is in Psychology. In 2014, he graduated from medical school at the A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri.

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In his own life, Dr. Wang enjoys playing board games with friends, reading and traveling. His parents live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother is a chiropractor in St. Louis. Spending time doing things he loves, like reading the book “Steelheart” by Brandon Sanderson, is advice he gives to his patients as well. In fact, his two biggest tips for living happy and healthy are to do what you love and to go see the doctor.

Through his family medicine practice, Dr. Wang sees patients age 6 and older. One of the things he loves about his job is the potential to restore patients to their optimum health. “I like seeing patients when they first come in, and helping restore them to what their potential would be, based on where they are in life. I want to restore and increase what they can do in their daily lives,” he said. “I also enjoy the investigative, detective aspect of medicine. I have to figure out what’s actually going on with the patient, not just the symptoms. I enjoy asking questions to get to the true heart of the issue they are having, and working from there to help them heal.” In his own life, Dr. Wang enjoys playing board games with friends, reading and traveling. His parents live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his brother is a chiropractor in St. Louis. Spending time doing things he loves, like reading the book “Steelheart” by Brandon Sanderson, is advice he gives to his patients

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as well. In fact, his two biggest tips for living happy and healthy are to do what you love and to go see the doctor. “Enjoy your life! You never know when your health is going to deteriorate from unexpected circumstances, so spend time doing things that you love,” he said. “And go see the doctor! If you have something that’s bothering you, go. Don’t just put it off. That’s the reason why preventative medicine is so good. There’s a reason why screenings and general exams are so important.” Since his decision to stay in Houston County, he said it’s been really nice to get engrained in the Perry community. “During my residency, having friends from Perry really helped me get a glimpse into the community. It’s quiet, and people know everyone else,” he said. “I do enjoy being here in Perry.” Perry Family Medicine Associates is one of a few practices operated by Houston Healthcare. It also operates behavioral health, diabetes and endocrinology, urology and vascular practices in the community. “They offered me the job and I was excited to do it. This was an area in need, and it worked out well for me to stay here,” he said. One of the benefits to working in a practice owned by Houston Healthcare is that Dr. Wang is able to focus 100 percent of his attention on his patients. That’s something Houston Healthcare greatly values. “By operating the physician practices,” Rowley said, “it allows the physician to focus more on the delivery of patient care and less on the managerial and day-to-day operational aspects of running a practice.”

Perry Family Medicine Associates is one of a few practices operated by Houston Healthcare. It also operates behavioral health, diabetes and endocrinology, urology and vascular practices in the community. “They offered me the job and I was excited to do it. This was an area in need, and it worked out well for me to stay here,” he said.

Relieved of those responsibilities, Dr. Wang has more time to connect with his patients, and doesn’t need a nurse practitioner to help manage the load. “I don’t have a nurse practitioner, so if you come here, you will see me, and that’s a plus for a lot of people,” he said. “Many patients comment on it and are pleased with that.” Jacqueline Caskey-James is one such patient. Jacqueline started seeing Dr. Wang after a visit to the emergency room. After many visits to other doctors, Jacqueline admitted she was discouraged at the thought of another doctor not being able to help her – that is, until she met Dr. Wang.

“Dr. Wang cheerfully walks in and we discussed so many options about my health. I was excited again about the possibility of feeling better so I could at least get back to work,” Jacqueline said. “I have recommended so many of my friends and colleagues to visit his office if they are in need of a great physician who’s super friendly, warm spirited and has a wealth of knowledge. ... I have observed Dr. Wang and his highly-spirited personality in action and his sensitive, warm spirit toward people. ... I am a Dr. Wang and staff fan!”  HCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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Here. For you. At Synovus, we truly understand what matters to you; that’s why we’re doing all we can to help you grow. Not just a bank, we’re your neighbors and friends. People from here who understand here. And we’re here. For you. 1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com

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Puzzle Pieces

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Through volunteerism and advocacy work, 15-year-old Kelsey Norris re-defines what it means to have intellectual disabilities. 142

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Story by Renee Corwine Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography

Kelsey Norris has a resume of good deeds and volunteerism pages longer than some people twice her age. She’s a swimmer, a writer, a pageant winner and an honor roll student. It’s impressive enough that she’s just 15, but her activities become all the more meaningful when you consider that she also has autism and intellectual developmental disabilities. Then again, as her mom, Carol Norris, was quick to point out, “special needs means special abilities” – not the other way around. And special abilities are something of which Kelsey has no shortage. During the last few years, Kelsey has spent more than 3,500 hours volunteering in her community. Hometown Living At Its Best

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Another volunteer program Kelsey particularly enjoys is the Adventure Bags Project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We collect toys, stuffed animals, coloring books and other thingsâ&#x20AC;? for local children in need, said Kelsey, who serves as the local coordinator for Houston County.

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Among her volunteer efforts are serving as an Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador, where she contacts federal legislators about autism issues and helps with autism advocacy activities in Georgia; and she’s an advisory board member for the nonprofit Halo Group, which offers vocational and life skills training for young adults with developmental disabilities. Her favorite way to give back? Volunteering for the Flint Humane Society. “I feed the dogs and collect dog food for the shelter,” Kelsey said. “It makes me very happy.” Kelsey has donated more than 3 tons of food for the shelter in the last three years, and she uses her own allowance money to pay for it.

Snuggled up with her own adopted pup, Maggie, on her lap, Kelsey went on to say that she also enjoys reading to the dogs. That’s a pastime she’s also shared with her own animals throughout the years, and one that became the subject of the book, “A Girl and Her Dogs,” that Kelsey wrote in conjunction with her mom. Another volunteer program Kelsey particularly enjoys is the Adventure Bags Project. “We collect toys, stuffed animals, coloring books and other things” for local children in need, said Kelsey, who serves as the local coordinator for Houston County. Carol explained that Adventure Bags collects items to give to children and teens that are unexpectedly placed in foster care, often with only

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[Mom, Carol]

“Kelsey and I have worked on a lot of projects together, but the ones that mean the most to us – and make us the most emotional – are ones that deal with helping others with developmental disabilities, because not everyone can advocate for themselves like Kelsey can. And not everyone has been given the opportunities that Kelsey has been given, and every child deserves those opportunities.”

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the clothes they are wearing at the time. “It’s supplies they will need when they are dropped off at a foster family home,” Carol said. “An age-appropriate bag with supplies such as shampoo, socks, a blanket, a journal ... things they can call their own.” Kelsey also loves helping the Backpack Buddies program, which provides food on holidays and weekends for children in need. Every week she’s pledged to make a donation using her allowance money. “I like giving the kids macaroni and cheese and other food, so they don’t need to go to the store and buy something, because they can’t afford to,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey also loves helping the Backpack Buddies program, which provides food on holidays and weekends for children in need. Every week she’s pledged to make a donation using her allowance money.

Coming from a place of need, and being someone who has nothing, is an experience that mirrors Kelsey’s own – although fortunately she was much too young at the time to remember it. Carol, however, remembers it well. “Kelsey was 11 months old when I found her in an orphanage in Volgograd, Russia. She was sick and starving, and her head was shaved because of lice,” Carol said. “But I fell in love with her instantly.” Carol, who owns her own grant writing company, Norris Consulting Group, turned to adoption after hearing from some friends about a successful adoption in Russia. “I was 42 at the time. I always thought I’d be married,

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During the last few years, Kelsey has spent more than 3,500 hours volunteering in her community. Among her volunteer efforts are serving as an Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador, where she contacts federal legislators about autism issues and helps with autism advocacy activities in Georgia; and she’s an advisory board member for the nonprofit Halo Group, which offers vocational and life skills training for young adults with developmental disabilities.

but I started my business in my early 30s and was loving doing that,” Carol said. “I realized that if I wanted to raise a child, I needed to make the decision to do it.” Working with an international adoption agency in Atlanta, Carol traveled to Volgograd to meet some children. “I met Kelsey, fell in love with her immediately and agreed to adopt her,” she said. She completed the paperwork and went back to the U.S. to await a court date. That was October 2004. In late January 2005, Carol traveled back to Russia, where she

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stayed until the adoption went through in February of that year. At the time of her adoption, Kelsey was 14 months old, and only weighed 14 pounds. “I knew she was a special needs adoption,” Carol said. “But she’s been my light and joy.” Kelsey has autism and a rare genetic condition called Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Children with this syndrome are characterized by learning difficulties, a short stature – with girls only growing to 4’11 – and distinctive facial features such as almond-shaped eyes. “Oh, but I love her beautiful, blue eyes,” Carol said, adding that Rubinstein-Taybi is a spectrum of disease, and that Kelsey is on the upper, more capable end of the spectrum. After her diagnosis at a few years old, Carol got proactive by asking the doctor what she could start doing immediately to help Kelsey. The answer was physical activity. “Kids with RTS tend to be overweight because of lack of activity, and they have poor motor coordination. Kelsey

She’s received letters of encouragement from people like Gov. Nathan Deal, First Lady Melania Trump and former President Jimmy Carter, who wrote, “I am pleased to learn of your new life in the United States, the incredible challenges you have overcome, and your love for serving others. You are an inspiration to friends of all ages around the world.” Hometown Living At Its Best

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started gymnastics at age 2, dance at 3, and the swim team in early elementary school,” Carol said. All that physical activity has come in handy with volunteering, especially as Kelsey recently completed a goal of walking 126 miles before Christmas to raise awareness for the Halo Group. And Kelsey’s mind is just as fit as her body. An eighth-grade special education student at Bonaire Middle School, she’s a member of the National Junior Beta Club and an Honor Roll student. She’ll soon be moving on to high school, and is looking forward to it. “I’m excited to see my friends,” she said, adding that after high school she wants to pursue a career as a police woman. Ever her champion, Carol believes Kelsey can do anything she puts her mind to. “Everyone deserves a chance in life, and what I’ve realized working with Kelsey, her teachers and her therapists, is that everyone has potential. In some people, it will take longer to develop that potential, and they’ll have to try harder, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be given the chance to try,” Carol said. “Kelsey and I have worked on a lot of projects together, but the ones that mean the most to us – and make us the most emotional – are ones that deal with helping others with developmental disabilities, because not everyone can advocate for themselves like Kelsey can. And not everyone has been given the opportunities that Kelsey has been given, and every child deserves those opportunities.” Kelsey chronicled her adventures in volunteering in the book, “I Want to Make a Difference,” co-written with her mom. It briefly recounts her adoption and the advocacy work she’s done to overcome perceptions about special-needs children. It highlights her achievements in school and beyond, and the book itself has gained some national attention. She’s received letters of encouragement from people like Gov. Nathan Deal, First Lady Melania Trump and former President Jimmy Carter, who wrote, “I am pleased to learn of your new life in the United States, the incredible challenges you have overcome, and your love for serving others. You are an inspiration to friends of all ages around the world.” Even more so, she’s an inspiration to her mom. “She’s my pride and joy, and I don’t know what I’d do without her,” Carol said. “I never knew what love was until I adopted Kelsey. By getting to see firsthand how a child can overcome so many disabilities just by her perseverance and by trying as hard as she does, she’s taught me a lot about life and about what’s important in life.”  HCL

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The

Smile The Care you deserve. you want.

Dr. Ryan Davis and our friendly team of dental professionals are delighted to provide adult and children’s dentistry for patients in the Warner Robins and Macon area. We always want you and your loved ones to have a comfortable and pleasant experience with us!

We Accept Care Credit. Dental Implants • Porcelain Crowns & Veneers • Root Canals Sedation Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Wisdom Teeth Removal

200 Corporate Pointe • Warner Robins, GA 31088 | 478.922.5882 | davisdentalcarega.com

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1 0 1 9 J E R N I G A N S T | P E R R Y, G E O R G I A | ( 4 7 8 ) 2 2 4 - 1 0 3 0

The Dream Starts Here

SAT T ERF IELD & DEMP SE Y JE W ELERS

Vo te d t h e B E S T 5 y ears i n a row!

621 South Houston Lake Road | Warner Robins, GA 31088 478-971-1200 | satterfieldanddempsey.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Enjoy the Journey Boutique

Enjoy The Journey Boutique @ Merle Norman has an exclusive line of clothing from Grace & Lace as well as Ruffle Butts & Rugged Butts. Please come Enjoy your shopping Journey with us.

100 N. Houston Lake Blvd. Suite W | Centerville, GA www.EnjoyTheJourneyBoutiqueAtMerleNorman.com dsw@enjoythejouneyboutique.com 478.953.5365

LASSETER TRACTOR COMPANY 970 SW BOWENS MILL RD. | DOUGLAS, GA | 912.384.4400

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Perfect PEAR

THE

922 CARROLL ST | PERRY, GA | (478) 224-7327 | PERFECTPEARPERRY.COM

R. JASON KENT PHYSICAL THERAPY Www.RJasonKentPhysicalTherapy.com

• Manual Therapy Certified • Dry Needling Certified • Gait & Balance Training • Strengthening & Flexibility • Postural Training & Spine Stabilization • Myofascial/Trigger Point Therapy • Modalities including traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more!

• Pre & Post Op Rehabilitation • Sport & Work Related Injuries • Headaches & TMJ • Neck & Back Pain • Upper & Lower Extremity Injuries • Muscle/Joint Pain or Dysfunction • General weakness & instability • And More!

WE TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY 6040 Lakeside Commons Dr. Ste. A Macon, GA 31210 Phone: (478) 254-6880

150 Osigian Blvd Suite 300 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Phone: (478) 333-3075

4861 Bill Gardner Pkwy Locust Grove, GA 30248 Phone: (470) 885-0880 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Phillips FURNITURE

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SEND A TASTE FROM HOME W W W. P E A R S O N FA R M . CO M

5 575 Z E N I T H M I L L R OA D F O RT VA L L E Y, GA | 478 - 82 7- 075 0

SERVING FOR 35 YEARS - INPATIENT UNIT - KIDS GRIEF SUPPORT CAMP

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Great Smiles, Amazing Faces 1721 Russell Pkwy Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 328-7049 drpoolortho.com

WE FIND PEOPLE JOBS. WE

WHAT WE DO!

Specializing in: Clerical, Forklift, Hospitality, Industrial, Machine Operators and Professional Positions. We Staff On A Project Level, Temp-Perm & Permanent Basis! LOCATED IN THE PEACH SHOPS | BYRON, GA 31008 | (478) 956-1700 | WWW.SPHERION.COM

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“We should be about more than just selling chicken. We should be a part of our customers’ lives and the communities in which we serve.” - S. TRUETT CATHY | 1921—2014

Bonaire 790 GA-96, Bonaire, GA 31005

Discover Westfield.

Galleria Mall 2922 Watson Blvd. Centerville, GA 31028

Warner Robins 1867 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GA 31093

College Preparatory Curriculum Christian Environment Average Class Size = 15 students Fine Arts Instruction Pre K - 12 Foreign Language Pre K - 12 18 AP & Honors Classes Dual Enrollment Courses 1:1 Tablets in Middle School 1:1 Laptops in Upper School Athletics & Fine Arts Leadership Opportunities SAIS/SACS Accreditation

THE

WESTFIELD SCHOOL

2005 US Highway 41 South • Perry • 478-987-0547 • westfieldschool.org Hometown Living At Its Best

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Story by Jamie Dickson | Photos by Kelly Michelle Photography

Born to do this

Ken Smith is proof the old adage is true: Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Ken is a licensed physical therapy assistant at the Cantrell Center for Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in Warner Robins, where he works to help patients relieve pain and get back to their lives after sustaining injuries or confronting significant health events, such as strokes. Ken is uniquely equipped for his job. He has cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder affecting body movement and muscle coordination. Individuals with cerebral palsy are diagnosed up to three years after birth. But Ken’s condition hasn’t stopped him from doing what he loves. In fact, he said it allows him to better relate to his clients. “My cerebral palsy is kind of a benefit, because I have ‘been there,’ to some extent,” he said. “I’ve had therapy since I was little, so I can understand better.”

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Ken Smith’s journey to becoming a physical therapy assistant

Ken credited his experiences with physical therapy as a child to his desire to make a career out of it. “When I went to therapy as a kid, I didn’t work; I played,” he said. “The therapists had to come up with creative ways to get me to do things, and that was fun. So, ever since I was little, I knew this was something that interested me.” While he knows he is different, Ken doesn’t want to be called “disabled.” “I don’t see cerebral palsy as a disability. And I don’t really like that term – ‘disability’ – because it creates a stigma. This is who I am, and it’s taken me 28 years to be comfortable in my own skin. It took me that long to realize this is who I am; I can’t change. God made me this way for a reason, and it’s through this profession that I’ve seen that I am how I am for this very reason. It sounds cliché, but it’s almost like I was born to do this,” he said. A native of Albany, Ken earned his bachelor’s degree

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in exercise science from Georgia Southwestern State University before attending Darton College. There, he received his physical therapy assistant degree. He now commutes 45 minutes from his home in Cordele to the Cantrell Center and back every day – a drive he’s happy to make. “I love this place. I don’t work a day in my life,” he said. “I play every day, and no day is ever the same. I’ll go from treating a 17-year-old soccer player to a 75-year-old who underwent a total hip replacement, so it’s never the same thing.” 162

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Tassie Cantrell is a licensed physical therapist and the president and CEO of the Cantrell Center. She said Ken is a valued team member who pushes his clients to work. “Ken has this drive within him,” Tassie said. “He has physical challenges himself, but he’s never let those challenges be a limitation. If anything, it’s a drive for him to do more. You couldn’t ask for a better person in your corner to help you achieve your goals.” Ken’s patients sing his praises, too. In summer 2017, Tyron Davis was in a tractor-trailer accident that

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left him severely injured. He broke his left leg, sustained major nerve damage in his right leg, and was unable to lift his right foot. Tyron came to the Cantrell Center for physical therapy and met Ken, and the two have been friends ever since. “Ken’s attitude is amazing. He motivates me to work harder in therapy. We’ve spent so much time together, and I really consider him a friend,” Tyron said. “When my therapy is over, I hope to keep in touch with him and come back to the Cantrell Center to volunteer.” Ken said the most difficult part of his job is convincing patients they can get better. “It’s not knowing what to do or how to do it,” he said. “Most of it is mental. If you can convince someone 164

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they can do it, the rest of it just falls into place.” In addition to his physical therapy assistant license, Ken also is certified in postural restoration – a posture-based approach to physical therapy. He is one of only six individuals in Georgia with the certification. The knowledge he gained from obtaining the certificate helps him treat his patients more thoroughly. “Postural restoration gives practitioners a set of tools for an assessment that can allow us to explain … ‘why’ in a lot of cases that seem unexplainable,” he said. When he isn’t helping his patients, Ken enjoys wake boarding, weight lifting and training for triathlons. In fact, he plans to compete in three races this year. “The first one I did, I legitimately finished last, but my only goal was to finish,” he said, grinning. Mostly, though, he enjoys spending time with his 1-year-old son, Rhett, and his wife, Jana – a special education teacher in Crisp County. “She has a huge heart for people, and she loves kids,” he said. Ken said Rhett changed his life for the better. “You don’t know love until you have a child,” he said. “It’s a whole other kind of love. It’s a whole other perspective.” He said while it’s hard being counties away from his family during the day, the team at the Cantrell Center makes it easier. “This job doesn’t make sense on paper. It’s too far from my family, but I love it,” he said. “The people here are just like family.”  HCL

Dr Uwa Iguobadia was born in Nigeria and grew up in New Jersey. She has lived in Middle Georgia for over five years. She has a calling to serve and care for all children and is honored to care for the children and families here in Middle Georgia, changing and improving the lives of those around her.

LIFEGUARD

Pediatrics

YOUR CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO US 107 Peacock Drive | Warner Robins, GA | 478-922-3074 | lifeguardpediatrics.com

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We love having you here!

102 Hampton Ct, Perry, GA 31069 | (478) 987-7681 | www.hilton.com/Hampton_Inn/Perry 166

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121 Constitution Drive Suite 400 | Warner Robins, GA 31088 | (478) 953-3172 ext. 1011 | www.allsecuresafe.com

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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR HOME REPAIRS!

HILLTOP DR | WARNER ROBINS, GA | (478) 334-0829 | UNAMEIT WEDOIT.COM

A DEPENDABLE SURGICAL TEAM Providing the best care to Middle Georgia since 1978

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Braswell Family D e n ti stry

1133 Macon Road Perry, GA 31069 478-988-3200 www.drtbraswelldds.com

family taking care of family

Elegant Senior Living

600 South Kimberly Road | Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 328-3800 | summerslandingwr.com

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a superb spa experience

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Story and Photos by Kelly Michelle Photography

Southern Accent Salon and Spa provides the very best experience for their clients while offering superior hair and spa services.

Southern Accent Salon and Spa was established January 1, 2010, in Warner Robins, GA by owner Jenni Kerr. Jenni was born in Warner Robins, and attended Warner Robins High School. She started her career cutting her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair in the kitchen before she was even a teenager which eventually evolved into getting her first job in a very busy salon in town as an assistant while still in high school. After attending college, she realized that the job that

supported her through college was actually the one she loved and wanted to be her full-time career. Jenni worked in a number of great salons through the years, making many friends and memories and learning a great deal from the many talented stylists in Warner Robins, and the south. She is now a salon owner, mother of three and wife to her husband, Jason Kerr. Jason was also born in Warner Robins, attended Houston County High School and is employed at Robins Air Force Base. Hometown Living At Its Best

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Jenni worked in a number of great salons through the years, making many friends and memories and learning a great deal from the many talented stylists in Warner Robins, and the south.

In the early years of SASS the focus of the salon was to provide the very best experience for their clients while offering superior hair services. After achieving this goal, Jenni noticed the immense growth of Warner Robins and that there was a great demand and need in the middle Georgia area for a superb spa experience along with excellent salon services. Jenni had a vision for her salon to become something that middle Georgia didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer... until now. While you can receive a massage, facial, pedicure or manicure many places in Warner Robins, there is not a place that offers the experience of relaxation before and after your treatment. Clients may have the option of lunch, or wine on a chaise lounge in front of a grand fireplace in a calm and serene environment with their own personal assistant catering to their every need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer limousine services if needed also. A large entertaining room can be rented for any occasion from wedding parties getting their hair, nails and make-up done on their special day, to birthday parties, reunions, or any special day! Whatever you can dream up, we can do,â&#x20AC;? Jenni says. SASS offers numerous styles and types of massage, facials of many varieties, manicures, pedicures, aromatherapy steam

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“Whatever you can dream up, we can do!” -Jenni Kerr

showers, teeth whitening, spray tanning, full body waxing, superior hair services, eyelash extensions, hair extensions, permanent make-up, sugar and salt scrubs, and much more. “There is something for everyone here!” said Jenni. SASS is also excited to announce that Dr. Anayo Umerah and her highly trained staff have joined forces

with the salon and spa. The doctor will be working at SASS so that both facility’s clientele can receive the absolute best treatment people require from their spa experience, from Botox and fillers, to Vampire facials, spider vein treatment, laser peels and microdermacion. Their services are too numerous to mention.

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Jenni also enjoys interior design, and has designed the focal point fireplace located in the library of the spa using wood from the old dock on the lake she grew up on in Bonaire, and where she still lives. Her neighbor is also her mother, Deanna Griffin, who is a local artist that has been featured in Houston County Living before, featuring her paintings and sculptures created on that same lake. Jenni designed the layout of the new spa addition as well as the existing salon, and is also doing a lot of the work of the expansion herself with her husband, Jason. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He shares my dream of what this salon and spa can be.

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“There is something for everyone here!” SASS is also excited to announce that Dr.Umerah and her highly trained staff have joined forces with the salon and spa. The doctor will be working at SASS so that both facility’s clientele can receive the absolute best treatment people require from their spa experience, from Botox and fillers, to Vampire facials, spider vein treatment, laser peels and microdermacion. Their services are too numerous to mention.

We have broken through walls, rebuilt walls, painted, sanded, and much more, but have done it all together. This salon and new addition is a true labor of love for me,” says Jenni. Jenni and Jason would like to invite all of Houston County to stop by their Smithville Church Road location for a tour of the new spa. The grand opening is scheduled for May 2019. “Spend as long as you

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would like before and after your designer treatments. We would like to encourage a “phone quiet” environment for clients to connect with friends and family while lounging on the chaise sofas by the fire, sipping on a mimosa. The atmosphere is about relaxing and reconnecting with yourself, even for just a few hours. You deserve it!” Jenni said.  HCL

DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU MEET YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

AUTO, HOME, LIFE AND BUSINESS

AMY HARMON 4993 RUSSELL PKWY STE 320, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088 | (478) 953-9966 WWW.ALFAINS.COM/AMYHARMON | AHARMON@ALFAINS.COM

Albany | Athens | Atlanta | Macon

www.pellicanoconstruction.com

“Pellicano Construction would like to congratulate and thank Butler Automotive Group for the opportunity to construct their new Audi South Atlanta Facility at 4332 Jonesboro Road in Union City, Georgia.”

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Experience Southern Hospitality at our Warner Robins Hotel

221 Margie Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088 | (478) 953-4200 | www.marriott.com

A Better Way To Sleep

3815 Mercer University Drive in Macon | 478-405-0679 3070 Watson Blvd Warner Robins | 478-971-1220 5011 Riverside Drive Ste B in Macon | 478-219-9250

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Think Well... Feel Well... Be Well

Southern Bridge Inc. Counseling and Family Therapy 10 9 O S I G I A N B O U L E VA R D , S T E 4 0 0 | WA R N E R R O B I N S , G A 310 8 8 | ( 47 8 ) 4 4 9 - 147 5 | S O U T H E R N B R I D G E C O U N S E L I N G . C O M

The

FLOOR STORE Warehouse & Showroom

& Cabinet Shoppe

We have more than 30 years of experience designing, installing and selling custom cabinets and flooring in Warner Robins and the surrounding areas. Sunday: Closed | Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

4027 Watson Blvd., Suite 190 | Warner Robins, GA 31093 | (478) 333-3396 Hometown Living At Its Best

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YOUR UPTIME. OUR PASTIME.

110 PAT JOINER BLVD, BYRON, GA 31008 | (478) 219-5880 | WWW.SYNERGYEQUIP.COM

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Darryl Hodson, MD - Mark Bonner, MD C. Russell Harris, MD - Misty Banknell, PA-C Tamika Chester, NP - Jim Lekas, PA-C Kelly Miller, NP - Huntley Sanders, PA-C

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Houston Hardware & Garden Center L.L.C

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Phillip Collins is dedicated to promoting wrestling in Houston County.

Story by Kelly Mabie and Photos by Kelly Michelle Photography

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Olympic gold medalist and wrestling icon Dan Gable once said, “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” Warner Robins native Phillip Collins tends to agree. First introduced to wresting in 1982 as a sophomore at Northside High School, Phillip showed promise in the sport. But, as it often goes, life had other plans. “I often wonder how good I could have been, but the lessons learned on the mat served me, and continue to serve me well in life,” Phillip said. “It’s true; once you wrestle, life is easy.” After graduating from Northside in 1984, a Naval career awaited and Phillip was eager

for a change of scenery. “I was so ready to get out of this town. Back in the 1980s, that’s what you did; you graduated and left,” Phillip said. “I remember vowing never to return to Houston County. My favorite saying was, ‘The best thing about coming to Houston County was leaving Houston County.’” But now that Phillip’s been around the world, his sentiments have changed. “This is the best place in the world, and I’ve seen the world. Houston County is great; I never want to leave. I can’t believe I just said that,” he said with a laugh. After the Navy, Phillip attended Georgia Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Wrestling is adding a higher level of toughness, both mental and physical,” Scott said about the impact of the training. “My players said, ‘Football practice was never this hard.’ I did not require my players to compete, but once they got started wrestling, a bunch stayed and competed. They did great for first-year wrestlers.”

Southern University. While there, his mother had a stroke and Phillip left school to work and to care for his mother. After working for numerous companies, Phillip realized he wanted to work for himself, and so he studied real estate. In 2005, he opened A Choice Realty. In August 2010, Phillip’s mother fell ill again, and he rushed home to care for her. She died soon after, of ovarian cancer. “I was going to take a year to mourn her loss, but after six months I realized my mother would always be with me, so I brought my company to Houston County in 2011,” he said. “I went back to school as I promised her, and finished my degree in 2013. I still live in the house I grew up in; there are so many great memories here.” Settled and operating his real estate business in Warner Robins, Phillip began looking for ways to give back to a community that had been good to him. “I would ask God to open a door and use me and my company to do his work – boy did He ever do that,” Phillip said.

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It was that prayer which led Phillip to the idea of creating WrestleLife, a nonprofit dedicated to the growth of wrestling in Houston County. “It was late summer 2017. I was invited to list a home in Perry, and after meeting with the homeowner, Todd George, I found out he was a wrestling coach. We shared some stories and began to form a friendship. A few months went by and I received a call from the coach asking if he could borrow my A Choice Realty Championship Belt to use as a motivator for his wrestling team,” he said. But instead of just saying yes, Phillip upped the ante and told him he’d have a school wrestling belt made for the team. “The belt turned out great, and a new tradition was started with the Pin Belt,” he said. “The Pin Belt is taken to every wrestling tournament, and when a wrestler on your team pins his opponent,

“Wrestling changes lives.” After the success found with the county championship, Phillip and WrestleLife searched for ways to grow the sport. “The focus is to put wrestling in our middle schools,” Phillip said. “Wrestling changes lives; it makes you better. If teachers want better students, if football coaches want better players, if parents want better children, get them involved in a wrestling program.”

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Phillip believes that middle schools are the best places to start, and has a plan in place to make it happen. “We are so very fortunate to have an awesome wrestling coach here in Middle Georgia. Coach Gerald Carr of Storm Wrestling and WrestleLife will be offering scholarship wrestling camps this summer,” he said. “We – high school wrestling coaches and myself – will speak with middle school athletes who would like to come out and give wrestling a try this summer. There will be no charge to any middle school athlete selected to participate in this program. Right now, we are setting up two camps, but if things go great, we will add as many camps as we need.”

the Pin Belt is handed to the wrestler. The belt is his to possess until one of his teammates pins an opponent. Then, as an act of honor, the belt is passed to the next wrestler to earn a pin, and so on.” The concept worked so well as a motivator that Phillip had Pin Belts made for every Houston County public high school wrestling program. Wanting to be more involved in wrestling tournaments, Phillip was seeking to sponsor an event when Todd asked if he’d like to be the sole sponsor of an upcoming tournament. Phillip jumped on the opportunity. “Remember when I said that God opens doors? Well, He did and I kept

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walking through them,” Phillip said. By the time the county championship was held, Phillip had 14 belts made, one for each individual weight class champion. They each were marked with a WrestleLife logo. After the success found with the county championship, Phillip and WrestleLife searched for ways to grow the sport. “The focus is to put wrestling in our middle schools,” Phillip said. “Wrestling changes lives; it makes you better. If teachers want better students, if football coaches want better players, if parents want better children,

get them involved in a wrestling program.” Phillip believes that middle schools are the best places to start, and has a plan in place to make it happen. “We are so very fortunate to have an awesome wrestling coach here in Middle Georgia. Coach Gerald Carr of Storm Wrestling and WrestleLife will be offering scholarship wrestling camps this summer,” he said. “We – high school wrestling coaches and myself – will speak with middle school athletes who would like to come out and give wrestling a try this summer. There will be no charge to any middle school athlete selected to participate in this program. Right now, we are setting up two camps, but if things go great, we will add as many camps as we need.” As a bonus, WrestleLife will be sponsoring two camps for local high school students this summer. Any wrestler who attends a public Houston County high school will be eligible for free entry to the camp. One of the first football coaches to recognize the benefits of wrestling is

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Houston County High’s Scott Lamb. As a part of his off-season training program, Coach Lamb required his defensive players to train with the wrestling team. The football players were not required to compete in tournaments, but were required to go to wrestling practice twice a week. “Wrestling is adding a higher level of toughness, both mental and physical,” Scott said about the impact of the training. “My players said, ‘Football practice was never this hard.’ I did not require my players to compete, but once they got started wrestling, a bunch stayed and competed. They did great for first-year wrestlers.” The growing popularity of wrestling is evident. Georgia became the fifth state to have an allfemale wrestling program. Before, girls were required to wrestle boys in their weight class. That ended this season, and girls now will be able to

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compete against other girls in their weight class. History was made this year when Veterans High School had three young ladies qualify and place at the first state tournament for girls. Markayla Stewart and Hailey Spraggins both earned second place finishes, and Emilie Rohme got fourth place. “What a fantastic opportunity for the young ladies to compete,” Phillip said. “Wrestling is growing in popularity – girls wrestling especially. There are so many opportunities for girls to gain wrestling scholarships to further their education. Our girls are smart, tough and beautiful, and can do anything they want to. The Veterans High School girls wrestling team has inspired other girls who want to wrestle. Watch and see, our county will have the best girl wrestlers in the state. Wrestling changes lives!”  HCL

“ We Are Who We Are Becoming”

104 Tommy Stalnaker Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088 www.WeArePediatricDentistry.com (478) 953-4800

YOUR

HEARING

SOLUTION SPECIALIST

Mara L. Moncrief, M.S., CCC-A Natalie P. Gibbs, Au.D

Kenneth J. Walker, M.D.

300 S. Houston Lake Rd. | Warner Robins, GA 31088 | (478) 971-2500 Hometown Living At Its Best

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THE DOG FENCE EXPERTSâ&#x201E;˘ DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED IN THE USA

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We sell & install Plexidor pet doors

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reat things are happening at South Georgia State College. Learn about our bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs in Nursing, Biological Sciences, Management and the in newest in Long-term Healthcare Management, plus many opportunities within our Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs located on our Douglas and Waycross Campuses. You can also apply to our Entry Programs located at Valdosta State University and Georgia Southwestern State University. Flexible class schedules, affordable housing, clubs and our winning athletic teams make SGSC one of the best choices you can make. Apply via the web to learn more about our Summer and Fall admissions.

Please visit sgsc.edu/admissions; sgsc.edu/entryprograms to schedule a tour, or call for details.

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Douglas Campus 100 West College Park Drive Douglas, GA 31533 912-260-4206 Waycross Campus 2001 South Georgia Parkway Waycross, GA 31503 912-449-7600 Valdosta State University Entry Program 1500 Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31698 912-260-4660 Georgia Southwestern State University 800 GSW State University Dr. Americus, GA 31709 912-260-4682

HELP W H E N

Y O U

NEED IT

MOST

105 KIM WAY | WARNER ROBINS, GEORGIA 31088 | (478) 293-9166

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Microblading (Semi-Permanent tatoo) Individual Lashes • Acrylic, SNS and Gel Nails Pedicure • Make Up 15% Discounts for Military and Seniors

4501 Russell Pkwy Suite #8 | Warner Robins Ga | 478.918.7487

LOCAL SERVICE that MAKES A DIFFERENCE South Houston Internal Medicine

At Moore Insurance you experience local service that makes a difference. As an independent agent, we know a variety of insurance companies which means more options for you. We help you protect your assets and help save you money. We also believe it’s important to work with companies, like Donegal Insurance Group, which deliver outstanding claims service and support.

Local service that makes a difference…

that’s Moore Insurance.

And if you have a question or concern, you have the peace of mind knowing you won’t have to deal with an automated voice menu or sit on-hold waiting for the next available operator. Instead, with Moore Insurance you’ll be able to talk to a real person, someone who can help.

478-987-1832 1009 Jernigan Street • Perry, GA 31069 196

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10 18 Ke ith D r S uite A , P e r ry, GA 3 10 6 9 | ( 4 78 ) 98 7-74 4 4

HOUSTON LAKE COUNTRY CLUB Fine Dining. Special Events. Golf

478.218.5253 www.houstonlake.com 100 Champions Way Perry, GA 31069

478.333.5549

lcorley@goldenkeyrealty.net GoldenKeyRealty.net

Corley - LH.indd 1

4/11/2019 1:18:19 PM

917 Carroll St, Perry, GA 31069 | (478) 987-0970 | sugarplumtree.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Two Friends Sophisticated Style for You & the Home

916 MAIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR | PERRY, GA 31069 478-987-0947 | MMMCPA.COM

926 CARROLL STREET

IN PERRY | 478.987.0751

STOP BY AND SEE THE

WE CARE SHOWROOM

924 S HOUSTON LAKE RD, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088 (478) 218-2273 | WECAREHEATANDAIR.COM

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JWS, LLC | Commercial & Industrial | Joe Shuttlesworth 1205 Ball Street | Perry, GA 31069 | (478)988-8620

Kevin Barry State Farm

Caring Animals FOR YOUR

Kevin Barry State Farm Ride with the #1 insurer in Georgia

Providing Insurance and Financial Services 3520 U S Highway 41 N | Suite 1005 | 478-333-3377

WWW.KEVINBARRYINSURANCE.COM

2032 N HWY 341| PERRY, GA 31069 | 478-987-1514

BOB WHITE SELF STORAGE

Greater Perry’s Safest, Cleanest Storage • Fenced & Secured • Video Security Cameras • 24-Hour Access • Non Climate & Climate Controlled • Boat & RV Storage • Locally Owned & Operated

Custom Made Children’s Clothing And Monogrammed Gifts

103 Woodlawn Drive (Across from Mike’s Golf Carts) Perry, GA 31069 478-218-5967 | www.bobwhitestorage.com

1019 Ball St, Perry, GA 31069 (478) 224-7465 thepreppypinkpineapple.com

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an unbreakable

bond

S TO R Y B Y G LY N E G R E E N I D G E D V M , C L S, M LT

The importance of animals to human civilization is well established. This symbiotic relationship was established before civilization as we know it today. It was our ancestors who noted the benefits of using animals to aid in the performance of many daily tasks. They used the superior senses of animals to make their lives easier. The sense of sight, hearing, and smell along with the speed and stamina of dogs was especially beneficial for hunter gathers. Animals were use on a larger scale to aid in hunting, farming and played a vital role in warfare. Ancient civilization with better quality animals thrived. As the relation between man and beast developed, humans started to recognize the benefit of animals as pets. The Egyptians were known

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to keep animals as pets. This is depicted in drawings and engravings found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians. Some ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians even worshiped animals as God. The Romans were also very fond of animals as pets, despite also sacrificing animals for entertainment and in religious rituals. Centuries of developing the human animal bond has led to increased awareness of the impact and importance of animals in our society today. Animals and humans work to provide added security in our homes and business today. Dogs and cats have emerged as the favorite species for human companionship. Dogs also play a vital role in the security of the homeland. Through selective breeding, humans have

The impact of animals on civilizations across the world is undeniable; from the discovery of the wolves by our ancestors, to the use of domesticated animals today. We use animals for the protection of goods such as agriculture products to the detection of illegal narcotics and weapons crossing our borders whether by land or sea. Animals are our first line of defense.

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Centuries of developing the human animal bond has led to increased awareness of the impact and importance of animals in our society today.

over centuries selectively bred animals to suit our needs. The impact of animals on civilizations across the world is undeniable; from the discovery of the wolves by our ancestors, to the use of domesticated animals today. We use animals for the protection of goods such as agriculture products to the detection of illegal narcotics and weapons crossing our borders whether by land or sea. Animals are our first line of defense. The impact of companion animals on the well-being of humans has long been suspected. Research has now proven the impact of companion animals on our health is even greater that we first imagined. Interacting with companion animals reduces stress hormone levels and enhances the levels of endorphins and dopamine. Dopamine and endorphins are hormones that gives us a sense of happiness and well-being.

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Dr. Glyne Greenidge Hospital Director Hudspeth Animal Hospital 510 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon, GA 31204 Hudspethanimalhospital.com

Studies also revealed that children who were exposed to pets during infancy had fewer allergies. Elderly dog owners have fewer doctor visits per year than non-owners. Companion animals helps preserve good health and reduce healthcare cost. The well-being of man-kind is directly related to animals. Through the use of animals, humans are capable of achieving tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for us to perform. Our companionship with animals helps both our physical and mental health. Despite advancement in technology, the use of animals in our day to-day activities continues to increase. It makes sense for us to protect the health and well-being of animals by providing them the care and resources needed to thrive. Protecting animals is investing in our health and well-being. ď &#x2022; HCL

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Catering

MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT WONDERFUL

Known for our Grazing Tables, we have a full catering license -Including Food, Beer, and Wine- and our services are structured to meet almost any budget.

BODEGA BREW

Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker, LLC Certified Public Accountants and Consultants

Warner Robins Office 468 S. Houston Lake Rd. | Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 953-0125

1025 Ball St. Perry, GA 31025 | www.bodegabrew.com

Expand your reach advertise today

Dorothy Sichelstiel

478.396.2447 | dorothysichelstiel@yahoo.com 4025 Watson Blvd suite 220 | Warner Robins, GA | (478) 333-3717

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Kamerin Bazemore

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Keller Williams Realty Middle GA

Let me show your family the way home.

Vision Savers

O:478.333.5050 C: 478.542.1111 F: 478.333.5060 kamerinbazemore@kw.com

Monday - Friday - 9:00 - 6:00 | Saturday 9:00 -12:00 6011 Watson Blvd, Suite 320, Byron, GA |478-328-3937 (New Publix Shopping Center)

Photo By Christina Elmore photography

4851 Russell Parkway | Ste. 800 | Warner Robins, GA

Mind-Body-Spirit

TEE2GREEN LLC Roofing & Remodeling

478-442-7326

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THIS IS

HOME. HOUSTON COUNTY

The Houston County area is growing and steadily becoming a central marketplace. You can find great retail shopping, restaurants and services around each corner. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done so lately, take the time to look around and discover all the wonderful things there are to find.

CHECK OUT THE LOCAL MARKETPLACE

Tanner park

Abreanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your fun girly stuff store

Clothing S-3XL, shoes, accessories, and gifts MON THRU SAT | 10 AM - 6 PM 150 S Houston Lake Rd #700, Warner Robins, GA 31088 | (478) 832-1462

TOWN & COUNTRY 2507-D Moody Rd Warner Robins

478.293.1880

Animal Clinic

1241 S Houston Lake Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088 www.tcacwr.com | 478.953.7297

Because all care is personal

Houston County Tanner park

WELCOME TO

Warner Robins RANDY TOMS, MAYOR

478.302.5515 | www.wrga.gov | 700 Watson Boulevard | Warner Robins, GA

906 Commerce St Suite A, Perry, GA 31069

478-224-1714 | www.rescare.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Index of Advertisers

Abreanne’s ……....................................................................……. 207 AF Realty Group ………..................……………………………. Back Cover AF Realty Group ………………………...............................……………. 56 Alfa Insurance - Amy Harmon ……….............................…………… 177 All Secure Safe Locked ……......................................……………… 167 Allen’s Tree Service ….....................................……………………… 140 Ashley’s Business Solutions ……….................................…………… 74 Bob White Self Storage ……..............................................………. 199 Bodega Brew …………….......................................................……. 204 Boland Prosthetic & Orthotic Center …………................…………… 73 Braswell Family Dentistry ………………..................................…… 169 Bridals by Gilbert …………………….........................................…… 165 Canine Clubhouse ……………........................................…………… 2-3 Carmel W. Sanders P.C. …………………...............................……… 139 Central Georgia Heart Institute, LLC ……….................……………… 70 Chick-Fil-A ….........................................................………………… 159 Church Home LifeSpring ………………..........................………… 36-37 City of Perry ……………….........................................................…… 86 City of Warner Robins ………..............................................………. 109 Clean Control | OdoBan …....................................................…… 102 Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker LLC ……………...............…… 204 Coldwell Banker - Beverly Hardy & Christi King ………...................... 7 Coldwell Banker Robbins & Free Realty …..................................… 72 Coldwell Banker Robbins & Free Realty …..........… Inside Front Cover Colony Bank ………......................................................…………… 152 Community Foundation of Central Georgia ………………...........… 197 Computers ETC ……..........................................................………. 207 Cornerstone Medical Associates, LLC …………..................………… 91 Country Financial - Shawn Buchanan, MBA ……….…………..…… 103 Courtyard Marriott …………...............................................………… 88 Daisy Patch Flowers ……...........................................……………… 140 Darla Stahl ……………………………………………………………….. 22-23 Davis Dental Care ……..........................................................…… 152 Do It Best | Houston Hardware & Garden Center ……….….......… 181 Dolly James Boutique …………..................................................... 204 Dorothy Sichelstiel …….....................................................………. 204 Enjoy the Journey Boutique at Merle Norman …………….......…… 154 Essential Body Organic Skincare ……………............................…… 57 Fairfield Inn & Suites …….........................................……………… 178 Flint Energies …………........................................................……..… 76 Geico - Jesse C. Warren LLC ………………...............................…… 166 Georgia Air National Guard ……............................……………… 52-53 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center …………………......… 181 Georgia Southern University ………...........................……………… 127 Golden Key Realty - The Parker Group ……………...............…… 38-39 Golden Key Realty - Lisa Corley ………...............................………. 197 Griggers Wealth Management ……..……...........................………… 35 Hampton Inn by Hilton ……………….......................................…… 166 Hargray Communications ……………..................................…… 24-25 Heart of Georgia Hospice ………………...............................……… 157 Hello Beautiful Salon …….........................................……………… 153 Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory …..….......….…… 106 Homestar Financial Corp - Garrett Bennett ……….....................…… 9 Houston County Living Magazine ..........................................…… 125 Houston Healthcare …………...........................................………… 105 Houston Lake Country Club ……...............................……………… 197 J Auto Ranch ……….....................................................…………… 123 JWS, LLC ….............….......................................................………. 198 Keller Williams Realty - Kamerin Bazemore ……………….......…… 205 Kelly Michelle Photography ………………...............................…… 122 Lasseter Tractor Company …………...........................………......… 154 Lifeguard Pediatrics ………………..........................................…… 165 Lifestyle Sandbox ………………..............................................…… 104 Loden Dental Associates …………….....................................……… 71 Macon & Robins Bed & Mattress …………………......................… 178 Magnolia Park Cemetery & Mausoleum ….................……………… 10 Mays Mitigation Water Damage Restoration …………..…......…… 195 McCullough Funeral Home ..................................……...…………… 11

McNair, McLemore Middlebrooks & Co ……........................……. 198 Middle Georgia Dumpster Rentals …….............................…… 40-41 Middle Georgia’s Best Home Inspections ……………….........…… 138 Middle Georgia Orthopaedics ……………........................………… 108 Mike’s Tree & Landscaping ………………...............................…… 156 Mobley Furniture & Bedding ……...............………………........…… 195 Moore Insurance Agency ……….....................................…………. 196 Morris Bank …...........................................................………………… 5 My Father’s Place …………….......................................………… 20-21 Mya Salon & Spa ……………………………..................................… 196 New American Funding ………………....................................……… 77 OrthoGeorgia Orthopaedic Specialists ………….........……………… 54 Paul Anderson Youth Home ………………...............................…… 126 Pearson Farm ……..…………..................................................…… 157 Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry …...............................………. 193 Pellicano Construction ………......................................…………… 177 Perry Chamber of Commerce …..............................………………… 90 Perry Memorial Gardens ………………………………............………. 124 Pet Stop ……............................................................……………… 194 Phillips Furniture ………...............................................…………… 156 Pool Orthodontics ….............................................………………… 158 Previews Interiors & Antiques, LLC …….......................…………… 121 Puzzle Pieces Intervention Center ...............................…………… 141 R. Jason Kent Physical Therapy …………….............................…… 155 ResCare HomeCare …………....…….........................................…. 207 Salon Fusion ……........................................................……………… 57 Satterfield & Dempsey Jewelers …….................................……… 153 Serenity Adult Day Health ………………....................................…… 51 Smaha Orthodontics ..……………..........................................…… 137 Smith Animal Hospital ……..................................................……. 199 South Georgia State College ……….............................…………… 194 South Houston Internal Medicine ........…………......................…. 196 Southern Bridge Inc. ….....................................................………. 179 Southern Charm Waxing Co. ……….................................………… 138 Southern Lighting ……………..............................................……… 136 Spherion Staffing Services ...…………...................................…… 158 Spillers Orthodontics ……….............................................…………… 1 State Farm - Connor Suttles …………...............................…………137 State Farm - Kevin Barry …………..............................……......…… 199 Sugarplum Tree …….............................................................……. 197 Summer’s Landing of Warner Robins ………….............…………… 169 Summerhill Senior Living Community ………………..................…… 75 SunMark Community Bank ………...............................…………… 180 Surgical Associates of Warner Robins …………......................…… 168 Synergy Equipment ……...........................................……………… 180 Synergy Wellness & Body Care …….....................................……. 205 Synovus Bank ………………....................................................…… 139 Tangerines Tanning & Oxygen Bar ………….......……...............…… 167 Tee2Green LLC ………………..................................................…… 205 The Butcher Shop ………..............................................…………… 136 The Floor Store Warehouse & Showroom ………………..........…… 179 The Local Marketplace ………..........................................…. 206-207 The Perfect Pear ………………................................................…… 155 The Preppy Pink Pineapple ………...........................................….. 199 The Swanson ………….......................................................………… 55 The Westfield School ………….........................................………… 159 Tinika Bennett Photography ………..............................………..…… 89 Town & Country Animal Clinic ….......................................………. 207 Turner’s Furniture ….........................................…… Inside Back Cover Two Friends ………...................................................................…. 198 U Name It Roofing ……………….............................................…… 168 Vision Savers ………................................................................…. 205 Warner Robins Building Supply Co. ………..……...........…………… 107 Warner Robins E.N.T. Associates ………….......................………… 193 Watson-Hunt Funeral Home ………………..............................…… 120 We Care Heating & Air ...................................................…………. 198 Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital ……….……….......…… 141 Women’s HealthCare …….…………..........................................…… 87

Please thank these sponsors for making this publication possible!

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Re-Imagine Your Home with Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!

1101 Washington Street Perry, GA 31069 478-987-0763

Where service to others runs in the family offices in Perry & Warner Robins

Scott Free Broker / Owner 478-218-2600

Residential

Perry Proud for over 50 years!

Warner Robins Location 1271 S. Houston Lake Road Warner Robins, GA 31088 478-218-8052

new construction c commercial land/lots

summer 2019

Let me be pa rt of you r family story! Ms. U.S. World Ambassador Lexi Henry brings awareness to child abuse prevention.

Specializing in: RESIDENTIAL REAL ES TATE, COMMERCIAL PROPER TIES, RELOC ATION AND REAL ES TATE INVES TMENT S

Amanda Fiebig

REALT OR, BROKER 760 COMMERCE S TREET, PERRY, GA 31069 C: 478.952.2499 | O: 478.224.1919 AMANDA@AFREALT YGROUP.COM WWW.AMANDAFIEBIGREALT OR.COM

Shane and Abbey Gottwals have built a successful business with their Christian faith and a love of good books.

Genesis Joy House will be the first transitional facility for homeless female veterans in Houston County.

Chad Bryant is passionate about his community and especially downtown Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preservation efforts.

H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t