Albany Living Magazine - Summer 2020

S u m m e r 2020

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

MARCEL MCMANUS ALBANY LIVING

From Discouragement to Dependence

THEATRE ALBANY

Enriching the Community through the Arts

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

CONTENTS /

SUMMER ISSUE 2020

Hosting the Gospel

Marcel McManus uses his radio show as a way to spread the message of the gospel.

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A Soul Designed to Create If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with Melissa Strother, I can bet you’ve felt right at home… you’ve felt, heard, and known, and you’ve probably had a delicious homemade dessert or warm cup of tea in hand. This Albany “gem” is using her gifts to create and share God’s beauty, grace, and creativity with those in our community along the way.

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A Higher Calling After surrendering his heart to Christ, Mark Lane felt led into a full-time ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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A Living Dream Wynfield plantation embodies true southern hospitality and charm offering the quintessential quail hunting experience, and its hunters the ultimate guy’s weekend.

ON T H E C O V E R Wynfield Plantation >> DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY 4 SUMMER 2020 / ALBANY LIVING

Country Club

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Membership: Rindi Culberson | 229-436-6501 | rculberson@doublegatecc.com | Banquets: Danny Souza | 229-449-0802 | dsouza@doublegatecc.com

Albany H o m e t o wn L i v i n g at i t s B e st

C O NT E NTS

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Enriching the Community through the Arts Theatre Albany has been enriching the community through the arts since 1932. As Albany’s oldest cultural organization, it continues to draw from a wide range of people who come together for the joy of live theatre.

6 SUMMER 2020 / ALBANY LIVING

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Making the Best of Your Talents

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154

Paws in Remembrance For most of us, animals play a huge

Tim Adams’ diagnosis of Stargardt’s

role in our lives. Somehow these

Disease at the age of 11, led him to

creatures make their way into our

pursue a career in Massage therapy.

hearts and connect with us in ways

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A Change for the better

that humans could never replicate.

172

services for people struggling with

Gardening with Grandkids

mental health, behavioral health, or

Playing in Dirt isn’t Just Fun –

developmental disabilities.

It’s Healthy, Too!

The Change Center provides

Hometown Living At Its Best

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From the Publisher From the Publisher

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

i s hresr Jay With You in mind Publications E x e c u t i v eP uEb dli to and Patti Martin

Landon and Mandi Spivey E x E C u t i V E E d i to r S Jay and Patti martin

landon and mandi spivey C r e at i v e | D e s i g n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC

A

As we enter the “New Normal”, it is impossible to project what is ahead for our world, country, state, county, city and family. I have heard it said that “history repeats itself”. I’m not sure that “history” has ever seen anything quite like the last six months BUT, what history has shown us is that the world has previously faced wars, unrest and pestilence. Although devastating, we have come out Perhaps the greatest piece of advice i have ever heard was given by dory, on the other side – sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly – courtesty of the disney movie Finding Nemo when she sang her heart out sometimes painlesslySeriously, and sometimes painfully. to “Just Keep Swimming.” she ran into obstacle after obstacle andOur it seemed was impossible, yet she kept finding the of our issues goal ishertomission highlight some of the people in each strength to just keep swimming. that represent the solutions to the “new normal”. The people in this are part ofwhen thereading historythese andstories legacy of issue Albany.

Their stories i wasissue truly overwhelmed in this as the theme was clear. quitting or giving that, up wastogether, the message provide allsoof us not with confidence wetime will persevere and again when so many of these heroic people suffered huge life and thrive! devastations and made the ChoiCe to not give up. What truly brought me As always, we that could do this without continued to tears was the fact notnot just one of these stories,the but every single support one that experienced sort are of trauma, to turn184. their pain from our sponsorssome which listedchose on page We into hope that love and give to others from that place. that is what life is all about. so you will join us in thanking them. Be sure to drop in at any of those many of these pages are filled with our friends and neighbors who turned locations listed and grab your free copy that they make possible! love into action.

Shop with them, visit with them and just keep on showing the love relationships matter and is what our hearts are made for. Connection you so freely give. to those around us is our purpose. there are always rainbows after rain, growth after Winter, hope after trial. We get the opportunity to choose what we do with every single day.ALBANY STRONG

sharing these inspirational messages through these pages brings me the

John 10:10 KJV greatest joy and i am truly honored to present this issue. Please take the

time to go through the names of generous business owners on page 192 that give this community such a gift at no charge. We are so thankful for The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: each one of our readers and each one of these sponsors.

Relative Media and Marketing C r E At i V E | d E S i G n robin harrison mandi spivey Stacey Nichols relative media and marketing Stacey nichols o f f i c e M a n ag e r Amy Fritchman o f f i C E m A n AG E r laura mcCullough A s s i s ta n t i SetA rn s t June Dixon MAaSnSag m A n AG E r S June dixon

Nikki Burkhalter nikki Burkhalter

PPhhotog Parks Photography Cox Photography oto Grrap A PhheErrsS David david Parks Photography Evie Carver millie mac Photography Millie Mac Photography Perry revell Relative Media and Marketing relative media and marketing Shae Foy Photography rosemary West Photography Shannan Photography shae FoyBlanchard Photography shannan blanchard Photography

C ov e r P h oto Wynfield Plantation, C oV E r P h oto Brandy dew,

by David Parks Photography Photo by david Parks

Photography Sa l e s Keisha Cory s A l e s KeishaSpivey Cory Landon mike lane Patti Martin Patti martin landon spivey

Contributing

r i B te u tr i nsG Jessica Fellows C o n tWri Wri te r s Kimberly Jahnae nelson

Blaker

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more We love you Albany and we are so honored to be a part of this incredible abundantly.

View our magazines online at:

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Contact (912) 403-3004 Contact ususatat (912) 654-3045

Jessica Fellows Kris Morrill John stacy Worth Rachel Price Karen Cohilas

Rebecca Miller Kate deLoach Keisha Cory Ladonna ulrick

rachel Price Albany Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications.

Albany living magazine© is published www.withyouinmindpublications.com semi-annually With You in mind P.O. Boxby55 • Glennville, GAPublications.

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a Soul Designed to Create 10

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BY R E B E CC A M I L L E R | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

F

For 8th generation Albanian Melissa Barnhill

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with Melissa Strother, I can bet you’ve felt right at home… you’ve felt heard and known, and you’ve probably had a delicious homemade dessert or warm cup of tea in hand. This Albany “gem” is using her gifts to create and share God’s beauty, grace, and creativity with those in our community along the way.

Strother, she can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t creating. Melissa is the oldest of three children and was raised in a loving home where homemade Southern cooking and hospitality were a way of life. Melissa had many amusements as a child, including cooking, art, hand stitching, and collecting stationery and office supplies. “Growing up, I would spend all my allowance on ‘While You Were Out’ notepads, pens, and any other writing instrument I could get my hands on,” Melissa remembers.

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albany living magazine

Melissa imagined herself as a teacher her

Albany. A year into marriage, Melissa and

whole life. During her senior year at Auburn,

Jay discovered they were pregnant with their

student teaching at an elementary school, she

son Jack. “After Jack was born, I absolutely

quickly realized teaching was not her calling.

loved being a mother and wife and playing

“Teaching wasn’t what I thought it was going

house, but I started itching for something to

to be, but I’ve realized few things are ever

do during the day,” Melissa shared.

what you expect them to be,” Melissa shared.

Melissa reacquainted herself with a

Melissa had to give herself permission to

lifelong love: stationery. Melissa began

change the plans she made for herself many

selling stationery from a paper company

years ago. “I had to admit to myself that I

to friends and family, but often found she

didn’t have it all figured out.” Melissa met her

wanted to change the templates. “I decided

husband, Jay, at Auburn and quickly fell in

to start creating from scratch. I used Jay’s

love. After Melissa and Jay finished college and

old laptop and Microsoft Word to create

married, they moved back to their hometown

custom stationery and invitations.” Melissa Hometown Living At Its Best

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albany living magazine

Melissa imagined herself as a teacher her whole life. During her senior year at Auburn, student teaching at an elementary school, she quickly realized teaching was not her calling. “Teaching wasn’t what I thought it was going to be, but I’ve realized few things are ever what you expect them to be,” Melissa shared.

Melissa had to give herself permission to change the plans she made for herself many years ago. “I had to admit to myself that I didn’t have it all figured out.”

also brought in her love for art by scanning in custom watercolor elements to make each piece beautiful and incredibly special for each client. After three years of saving money from her growing business, Melissa purchased a Mac computer and taught herself the “ins and outs” of editing software and graphic design. Ten years after starting the venture, MB Strother Designs is a flourishing business that offers premier products in all things custom stationery. “It all started with my passion for loving paper, the joy of receiving mail, and the sentiment of a handwritten note.” Today, Melissa creates everything from invitations and cards to designing brands for businesses and events.

One of Melissa’s favorite projects is to work with brides to design a brand for their wedding “from inception to reception.” Melissa’s attention to

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Melissa reacquainted herself with a lifelong love: stationery. Melissa began selling stationery from a paper company to friends and family, but often found she wanted to change the templates. “I decided to start creating from scratch. I used Jay’s old laptop and Microsoft Word to create custom stationery and invitations.” Melissa also brought in her love for art by scanning in custom watercolor elements to make each piece beautiful and incredibly special for each client.

detail, collection of beautiful finishes, elegant calligraphy, and gift of getting to know her clients and weaving their story into her creations make her products one-of-a-kind and unrivaled.

Melissa has creativity and hospitality running through her veins, and she recently started a new endeavor, The Garden House, that combines the two. “I have always loved creating, and that can look really different depending on the day

16 albany living magazine

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of the week. It can be creating as far as decorating my house, designing works on paper, or creating in the kitchen by baking and cooking for friends and family.� Last summer on a beach trip with her girlfriends, Melissa shared her favorite cinnamon roll recipe and her friends were immediately interested and wanted to learn from her. After that trip, Melissa began to dream of cooking workshops where she could teach friends and strangers alike the joy of cooking

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Melissa has creativity and hospitality running through her veins, and she recently started a new endeavor, The Garden House, that combines the two. “I have always loved creating, and that can look really different depending on the day of the week. It can be creating as far as decorating my house, designing works on paper, or creating in the kitchen by baking and cooking for friends and family.”

in an environment that cultivated fellowship, freedom to make mistakes, and the excitement of learning new things together. “We all have different gifts, and just like I enjoy learning from others, I felt I had something to teach. It’s funny that I’m back to teaching, something I thought I would be doing my whole life.”

Earlier this year, Melissa launched The Garden House and I was lucky enough to go to one of her trial classes. From the moment I walked into Melissa’s eclectic, beautifully curated, cozy pool house, I felt right at home, relaxed and comfortable, with my soul ready to create.

As my friends and I laughed, sipped wine, and caught up on life, Melissa walked us through homemade cinnamon rolls; for someone who has never made a homemade dessert, I’d never been more proud. We tasted the delicious rolls at the workshop, and we took a pan of our own homemade cinnamon rolls home to bake.

I woke up an hour earlier than usual the next morning, giddy to show my husband my new skill. As my cinnamon rolls were

Hometown Living At Its Best

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rising before I popped them in the

about others more than she does

oven, I got ready for work. I suddenly

herself and is a graceful host without

noticed an eerie silence. My two dogs

trying. When asked what hospitality

that are normally lying at my feet

means to her, Melissa explained,

were nowhere to be found, and I had

“Hospitality is all about the person

a scary suspicion of where they might

in front of you. It’s about letting your

be. I sprinted into the kitchen to find

guard down, serving them, and being

my Golden doodle, Watson, eating

available to offer them whatever

the last raw cinnamon roll in the pan,

they might need, even when it’s not

licking his lips with utter delight.

convenient for you.”

After snapping a picture of my empty cinnamon roll pan on the floor with

Melissa launched her first round of

many tearful emojis, Melissa told me

The Garden House baking workshops

she’d make a fresh pan of cinnamon

and she sold out within a few hours.

rolls for me to enjoy. Melissa knew

Although COVID-19 put a temporary

how excited and proud I was, and

halt on The Garden House, Melissa

she was just as disappointed as I

has many dreams of what the future

was that I didn’t get to share this gift

holds, and I look forward to seeing

with my friends and family. Melissa

how God uses Melissa’s gifts to bring

made a heavenly (and much prettier)

people together around the table.

pan of cinnamon rolls for me, and

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Shortly after our trial class,

I’ve known Melissa for a long

I’ll never forget her act of kindness.

time, and I’ve always wondered

That’s just who Melissa is – she cares

how one person could have more

albany living magazine

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creativity in her pinky than most do in their whole body. Melissa attributes her creativity to her faith and relationship with God. “It’s humbling to know that nothing I create is original. God has placed every thought I have within me.

The more time I spend with the Creator, the more I can reflect His creation in what I create.” Melissa told me her greatest desire is to find a way to share the gospel in her creations. Little does she know, her hospitality is spreading God’s love to everyone she interacts with. If you’ve spent any time with Melissa, you know her love, grace, and selflessness are a reflection of God’s love for us. Our community is so lucky to be the canvas of Melissa’s many talents and gifts. I truly cannot wait to see what she creates next!

Earlier this year, Melissa launched The Garden House and I was lucky enough to go to one of her trial classes. From the moment I walked into Melissa’s eclectic, beautifully curated, cozy pool house, I felt right at home, relaxed and comfortable, with my

Melissa’s contact information: Melissa Barnhill Strother 229-886-4948 ALM

soul ready to create. As my friends and I laughed, sipped wine, and caught up on life, Melissa walked us through homemade cinnamon rolls; for someone who has never made a homemade dessert, I’d never been more proud.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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albany living magazine

BY R AC H E L P R I C E | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

hosting the

gospel Marcel McManus uses his radio show as a way to spread the message of the gospel.

I

“It’s another great day to give God the praise, the glory,

and the honor.” You can “hear” the smile, the confidence, the charisma in his voice as Marcel McManus opens his radio show. “I’m your host today, Marcel McManus of the Marcel McManus Radio Show, playing you great gospel music, uplifting interviews, biblical discussions, and so much more.”

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Marcel grew up in a musical family playing the keyboard. His great grandparents, Bishop James Holland and Mother Betty Jo Holland, pastored a church that he attended regularly. Marcel was always singing in the church and, as a family, they would go to the local radio station.

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albany living magazine

Marcel grew up in a musical family playing

operation. “I was very intrigued with radio

the keyboard. His great grandparents, Bishop

ever since then,” Marcel tells me. He desired

James Holland and Mother Betty Jo Holland,

to have his own radio show as he grew older.

pastored a church that he attended regularly.

In 2012, while living in Albany, Georgia,

Marcel was always singing in the church and, as

he released a blog talk radio show. However,

a family, they would go to the local radio station.

it didn’t take off as he’d hoped, so he focused

His grandparents started a broadcast called

on writing music and released a single

Good News to the World. As a child, Marcel

entitled I’ve Decided to Make Jesus My

sang and played music live on-air, alongside his

Choice. Marcel drove to a local radio station

grandparents and other members of the church,

and submitted his music. Shortly, they called

thus developing a love for the radio and its

back requesting an interview. Marilyn Creech

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albany living magazine

with WSLT 88.5FM in Statesboro was impressed with Marcel and immediately welcomed him back to the show as often as he desired.

Marcel soon received a job offer to play for Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany. He accepted and was

In 2012, while living in Albany, Georgia, he released a blog talk radio show.

However, it didn’t take off as he’d hoped, so he focused on writing music and released a single entitled I’ve

preparing for his move when Marilyn contacted him and

Decided to Make Jesus My Choice.

told him he needed to be on radio. He, too, felt a call from

Marcel drove to a local radio station

the Lord telling him he needed to be interviewing people.

Living in Albany, while hosting a radio show in Statesboro, posed a problem for Marcel. “At the time I was producing a radio show called The Wisdom Corner,” he shares. “I was

and submitted his music. Shortly, they called back requesting an interview.

Marilyn Creech with WSLT 88.5FM in Statesboro was impressed with Marcel and immediately welcomed him back to the show as often as he desired.

the producer and editor, I put everything together, and I recorded it...I had all of the equipment.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Marcel soon received a job offer to play for Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany. He accepted and was preparing for his move when Marilyn contacted him and told him he needed to be on radio. He, too, felt a call from the Lord telling him he needed to be interviewing people. Living in Albany, while hosting a radio show in Statesboro, posed a problem for Marcel. “At the time I was producing a radio show called The Wisdom Corner,” he shares. “I was the producer and editor, I put everything together, and I recorded it...I had all of the equipment.”

38 albany living magazine

So, in 2019, they released The Marcel McManus Radio Show (at the time, Marcel McManus Midday Radio Show) with WSLT 88.5FM. “The first show was a flop! The internet went crazy. The show dropped off-air,” he shares. His heart dropped. “I was thinking, this is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for.

I’m here and now it drops? So, I am thinking they are going to pull the show.” Marilyn tells Marcel this doesn’t look good for the show.

He was discouraged, but determined.

“We all go through different things; we have different failures or things that happen and discourage us,” Marcel tells me. “Difficulties always remind me of the scripture, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I grew up in the church; I had great faith and I was reminded that I can do all things through Christ. All of that gave me the energy and passion to say, ‘I am doing this for God.’” Marcel began pre-recording the then, 3-hour shows and submitting them for air. “Thankfully,

Hometown Living At Its Best

39

it worked,” he says. “Soon, I started to get things

is said can lift somebody up. Yes, my name

together. I got better internet and I started going

is on the show, but if it is not glorifying God

back on live.”

and uplifting anyone, I don’t want to do it.

Marcel has a home studio that reaches across the globe. Alone, in his studio, he is able to interview famous artists, independent artists,

Glorifying God is what it is all about. Putting a smile on someone’s face is my inspiration.”

It isn’t always easy for Marcel. He tells

and even television networks. Recently, he

me, “I am here in this room alone, by myself

interviewed the Lifetime Network about their

a lot of the time. No one is here. I sit here for

movie, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel,

hours, live on the radio, and not making a

as well as A Question of Faith film.

lot of money doing it. I get distracted when

“I get a chance to interview great people from

people bring up the fact that I am not making

all over the United States,” Marcel tells me. “I

any money. They suggest I get out and find

get a chance to play great gospel music and I get

a job that pays better. I do understand why

a chance to spread God’s word. That gives me

they say that, but this is the ministry God has

the drive and energy I need to keep going. Every

given me.”

time I get behind this mic or in this office…that

At one point, funds were not coming in

gives me the passion. To know I may be making

and Marcel didn’t have any sponsors. He

someone’s life better, like maybe they are going

contemplated listening to those saying he

to smile today, or a certain song I play will

needed another job. He seriously considered

be uplifting to them.” Marcel reads scriptures

quitting. He began to work with Uber/

or devotionals in hopes of uplifting and

Lyft. “I would drive Uber/Lyft when I was

encouraging someone. “Maybe something that

supposed to be on the radio,” Marcel shares.

“I needed to make money. One night God spoke to me and said, ‘you prayed for this.

You are supposed to be on the radio, and you are going to neglect it because you need some money?’ I heard Him say, ‘My God

“I get a chance to interview great people from all over the United States,” Marcel tells me. “I get a chance to play great gospel music and I get a chance to spread God’s word. That gives me the drive and energy I need to keep going. Every time I get behind this mic or in this office…that gives me the passion. To know I may be making someone’s life better, like maybe they are going to smile today, or a certain song I play will be uplifting to them.”

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albany living magazine

shall supply all my needs,’ and I remembered my

He takes his own lesson and tells those

focus needs to be on the ministry aspect. When He

in his life that whatever God is calling

spoke to me, I began to take it more serious.”

them to do, do it. No matter how hard or

“When my mindset shifted, greater doors

frustrating it may be. Marcel tells them, “You

began to open. I realized I can’t get discouraged

may not have everything you need. You may

because I don’t have everything that I need. It

be lacking money or knowledge. But it is the

may not come when I want it, but everything will

stepping out on faith part that is required.”

come when it is supposed to. My whole point is I

As a child, Marcel had the passion to be in

am doing it for God, not for money. When I hear

radio, but no one ever motivated him to take

the naysayers, I say, ‘God, You told me to do this.’

the steps he needed to take to get there. “So I

I didn’t chase it; this was an opportunity that was

tell kids, you can do whatever you want if you

given to me, and God reminded me it is not about

put your mind to it. It may be hard sometimes,

money or my name, but about Him being God,”

but I try to motivate them to do what they can

says Marcel.

with the help of God,” he explains.

Hometown Living At Its Best

41

Marcel’s show has been going for over

us one, everywhere.’ That is my goal.” He

a year. He has been nominated for several

desires to be in one accord with people all

awards and had the privilege to go to a

over the world and make people feel as one.

movie premier with and interview Deitrick

Marcel says, “I want us to love family, build

Haddon, a well-known gospel singer.

within our families, and have unity.”

“A lot of things have happened in a

42

“It’s another great day to give God the

short period of time here in the “Good Life

praise, the glory, and the honor.” That is how

City” of Albany. I am glad to be able to

he kicks off his show each week. “I just want

say that the show was birthed here. I have

to let other people know that no matter what

to give God the praise and the credit for

they are going through, it is another great

it all,” he says. “My great-grandfather’s

day to give God the praise. Let’s be inspired,

motto for the church was, ‘Lord, make

motivated, and encouraged.” ALM

albany living magazine

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BY R AC H E L P R I C E | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

a higher

calling

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albany living magazine

After surrendering his heart to Christ, Mark Lane felt led into a full-time ministry with the The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

T

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an

interdenominational Christian Sports Ministry that began in the 1950s. Their mission is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Mark Lane, the Albany FCA Area Director, spent his high school years involved with FCA as an athlete, so his journey to the FCA staff started as a young teenager.

In August 1999, as a freshman at Lee County High School, Mark

surrendered his heart to Christ. “I had a lot of head knowledge about Christ, but NO heart knowledge. Those 18 inches were the

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difference between where I would spend eternity. I frequently share that part of my testimony with coaches and athletes,” Mark

High School, Mark surrendered his heart to Christ. “I had a lot of head knowledge about

says. “I thought I was going to Heaven; I was

Christ, but NO heart knowledge. Those 18

in church, I attended VBS, Summer Camp,

inches were the difference between where I

etc. I knew enough ‘Bible’ answers to get me by, but I never had a relationship with the Father.” That all changed in August 1999.

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In August 1999, as a freshman at Lee County

albany living magazine

would spend eternity.

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Mark felt the Lord’s prompting, “You have head knowledge, but you don’t know me, and I don’t know you.” It was then he accepted Jesus. “This is also when my FCA story started,” he says.

The Lee County High FCA Chapter held monthly Bible studies called huddles. During these huddles, Mark was surrounded by athletes, peers, and coaches, people of faith encouraging him.

After graduation from high school, Mark attended Georgia Southern University and

together. It became a very important part of Mark’s

became involved in their FCA chapter and

youth. FCA huddles helped to shape him and keep

with the First Baptist Statesboro College

him in line with his Christian faith.

Ministry. “Going into college I knew I wanted to be a Physical Therapist,” Mark tells me. “I was injured in high school and followed up with rehab. I loved it.”

52

They would fellowship, study the Bible and pray

albany living magazine

After graduation from high school, Mark

Assistant School and after graduation I

attended Georgia Southern University and

worked in Sports Medicine.” Later, Mark

became involved in their FCA chapter and

moved back to Albany and began his career

with the First Baptist Statesboro College

as a PTA.

Ministry. “Going into college I knew I wanted

Back in Albany he ran into local FCA

to be a Physical Therapist,” Mark tells me.

members and began talking to Mr. Bill Cox

“I was injured in high school and followed

who started the Albany Chapter 15 years

up with rehab. I loved it. The customer

ago. He initially wanted to get involved as

service, the interactions, the relationships

a volunteer. “I had a desire to pour into the

with patients. All of it. So, following Georgia

hearts of young athletes,” he says. “I wanted

Southern, I enrolled in Physical Therapist

to build relationships and be present as often

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The Lee County High FCA Chapter held monthly Bible studies called huddles. During these huddles, Mark was surrounded by athletes, peers, and coaches, people of faith encouraging him. They would fellowship, study the Bible and pray together. It became a very important part of Mark’s youth. FCA huddles helped to shape him and keep him in line with his Christian faith.

as possible. As relationships are built, people are more open to hear my story and the love of Christ.”

In February 2015, Mark attended the annual Albany FCA Fundraising Banquet. Bobby Bowden, Florida State Seminoles Coach, was the guest speaker. “While attending the banquet, I had the opportunity to meet with FCA volunteers and speak with them regarding their responsibilities. However, upon hearing local coach and student testimonies, as well as how the Lord was using FCA, I felt a tug. I felt God prompt my heart, ‘this is you.’”

54 albany living magazine

“Following the banquet, I went home to explain to my wife, Victoria, what I heard and felt that evening. At this time, we had two small kids and I began to explain how I felt like the Lord was calling me into a full-time ministry with FCA.” Victoria, unaware of FCA’s process, began to ask him for more information. Mark shared with her, “That means I’d be raising my own support and the full budget of FCA’s ministry.”

The pull to volunteer quickly changed into something more.

Sharing this, Mark has a smirk on his face. “Following the banquet, I went home to explain to my wife, Victoria, what I heard and felt that evening. At this time, we had two small kids and I began to explain how I felt like the Lord was calling me into a full-time ministry with FCA.” Victoria, unaware of FCA’s process, began to ask him for more information. Mark shared with her, “That means I’d be raising my own support and the full budget of FCA’s ministry.”

In agreement, they both believed this was worth pursuing and immediately began praying for God’s guidance. “We both knew that God is a God of unity, not a God of chaos,” Mark shares. “In May 2015, Victoria and I were standing in the kitchen and she says to me, ‘God is sending us to work with the Hometown Living At Its Best

55

FCA, isn’t He?’ and I said, ‘I think so.’”

God revealed to Mark in Acts 17:26-27…

Still praying and seeking God and the direction He wanted Mark and his family to take, Mark

From one man he made all the nations that

received an offer for his “dream” job in August

they should inhabit the whole earth; and he

2015. “I got a call that they wanted me to be the

marked out their appointed times in history

Physical Therapy Clinic Director. I had earned two degrees and spent five years in the field for this

and the boundaries of their lands. God

job offer. It was my dream!” he tells me. However,

did this so that they would seek him and

God had another plan. A few short hours later,

perhaps reach out for him and find him,

Mark received a call from Bill Cox informing him, “You’re fully funded for FCA.” Mark felt the pull and the call from God to this ministry and he put in his notice. Since October 2015, he’s been a missionary with FCA.

though he is not far from any one of us.

Still working full-time as a PTA, Mark started taking vacation days and lunch breaks from work to meet with potential financial partners and introduce himself to others while explaining his step of faith into a full-time ministry. Asking others if

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albany living magazine Hometown Living At Its Best

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they would be interested in supporting him financially was humbling for him. “God changed my heart and showed me that I wasn’t simply asking for money; however, I was seeking ministry partners to provide for His established and growing ministry.

It helped in altering how I approached fundraising,” Mark explained.

Still praying and seeking God and the direction He wanted Mark and his family to take, Mark received an offer for his “dream” job in August 2015. “I got a call that they wanted me to be the Physical Therapy Clinic Director. I had earned two degrees and spent five years in the field for this job offer. It was my dream!” he tells

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One of Mark’s favorite quotes originates from Coach John Wooden, an American basketball player and Head Coach at the University of California, Los Angeles, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” Mark excitingly states, “A coach will influence more people in a year than most people will in a lifetime! I want to empower great coaches!”

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albany living magazine

Albany Area FCA hosts annual fundraising events, sponsors coaches and athletes to attend FCA Summer Camps and shares the Gospel in local FCA huddles. It is important for FCA to build relationships with coaches and develop volunteers in every sport within a community to reach as many students as possible.

me. However, God had another plan. A few short hours later, Mark received a call from Bill Cox informing him, “You’re fully funded for FCA.” Mark felt the pull and the call from God to this ministry and he put in his notice. Since October 2015, he’s been a missionary with FCA. Albany Area FCA serves 12 counties and 43 schools: middle, high school, and college. “We have the amazing opportunity to share Jesus with 320+ coaches. We are building relationships, along with engaging, equipping and empowering thousands in this community. Whether it’s sharing a devotion, providing Gatorade or a meal, these coaches are open to FCA. Albany Area FCA’s vision is: Every Coach – Every Athlete – Every Community! We engage in building relationships and training these individuals in service, teamwork, integrity and excellence,” Mark shares. “After engagement, we equip them with Bibles and devotion materials in order to further influence the 32,000+ students they encounter. It’s planting a seed. It’s throwing a rock in the pond and witnessing the ripple.”

One of Mark’s favorite quotes originates from Coach John Wooden, an American basketball

player and Head Coach at the University of California, Los Angeles, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

Mark excitingly states, “A coach will influence more people in a year than most people will in a lifetime! I want to empower great coaches!”

Albany Area FCA hosts annual fundraising events, sponsors coaches and athletes to attend FCA Summer Camps and shares the Gospel in local FCA huddles. It is important for FCA to build relationships with coaches and develop volunteers in every sport within a community to reach as many students as possible. ALM

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BY R AC H E L P R I C E | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

dream a living

Wynfield plantation embodies true southern hospitality and charm, offering the quintessential quail hunting experience, and its hunters the ultimate guy’s weekend.

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albany living magazine

One of the experiences many guests look forward to most is sitting down to an impeccable dinner by Jeremy Gardner, Head Chef. He is famous for his appetizers, main courses, and luscious desserts. Drinks and dinner in the main lodge boasts warmth and comfort amid conversation before retiring the evening with a game of pool or poker with fellow hunters.

Finally, the guests are treated to a “home away from home” in one of their beautiful, private cabins.

T

Timeless, welcoming, and warm, Wynfield

Plantation is a 2,000-acre quail plantation located in Albany, Georgia. Wynfield is the quintessential quail hunting experience and offers its hunters the ultimate guy’s weekend.

From the moment you step onto the property

you enter a living dream. The plantation embodies true southern hospitality and charm.

The main lodge is where hunters can begin their day with a warm homemade breakfast.

Afterwards, a Plantation Guide, along with bird

Hometown Living At Its Best

69

Wynfield Plantation isn’t just abundant in beauty and connection, but it is rich in economic impact. Based on a study done by Tall Timbers Research Station in 2013, the economic influence of quail hunting is $145 million and creates an estimated 1,164 jobs in the Albany area alone.

It is a huge industry here. But Wynfield is more than quail hunting; they offer sporting clays, weddings, parties, corporate events/meetings, and family gatherings.

dogs, picks up the hunters and takes them to the field. There, they are surrounded by native grasses and shrubs, timberland, open land, fastflying birds, and woody draws.

Around lunchtime, a delicious meal of southern comfort food is served. With full bellies, a “sit” on the shaded front porch offers a cool breeze and time for a quick power nap. Hunters then head back out to the field to finish the afternoon.

One of the experiences many guests look forward to most is sitting down to an impeccable dinner by Jeremy Gardner, Head Chef. He is famous for his appetizers, main courses, and luscious desserts.

Drinks and dinner in the main lodge boasts warmth and comfort amid

70

albany living magazine

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72 albany living magazine

conversation before retiring the evening with

in the Albany area alone. It is a huge

a game of pool or poker with fellow hunters.

industry here. But Wynfield is more than

Finally, the guests are treated to a “home away

quail hunting; they offer sporting clays,

from home” in one of their beautiful, private

weddings, parties, corporate events/

cabins.

meetings, and family gatherings.

Wynfield Plantation isn’t just abundant

The plantation will accommodate

in beauty and connection, but it is rich in

large and small events in the heart of

economic impact. Based on a study done by

their gorgeous scenery. Many couples

Tall Timbers Research Station in 2013, the

begin their lifetime journey at Wynfield

economic influence of quail hunting is $145

with a beautiful wedding. Couples can

million and creates an estimated 1,164 jobs

choose from catering and bar packages,

Hometown Living At Its Best

73

cabin rentals, coordinating assistance, rental The plantation’s deep rooted knowledge and

equipment, and more. Since Wynfield is mainly a quail hunting plantation, their weddings and

true southern charm have

other events are offered April 1st through the

yielded many accolades.

first weekend in October.

Two of those are one of the “Top Fifty People, Places and Things in the South” by Garden and Gun magazine and “Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year” in 2005.

The plantation’s deep rooted knowledge and true southern charm have yielded many accolades. Two of those are one of the “Top Fifty People, Places and Things in the South”

by Garden and Gun magazine and “Orvis Wingshooting Lodge of the Year” in 2005.

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albany living magazine Hometown Living At Its Best

xx

Hometown Living At Its Best 75

From the moment you step onto the property you enter a living dream. The plantation embodies true southern hospitality and charm.

plantation and their services, but ultimately, their hearts are for the guests. “We love

The main lodge is where hunters

seeing first-time hunters, ladies, and children

can begin their day with a warm

getting involved in hunting and shooting, and

homemade breakfast. Afterwards, a Plantation Guide, along with bird dogs, picks up the hunters and takes them to the field. There, they are surrounded by native grasses and shrubs, timberland, open land, fastflying birds, and woody draws.

76

The staff at Wynfield takes pride in the

albany living magazine

then coming back to the lodge with smiling faces and sharing stories from the field,” Wes Smith, General Manager, shares with me.

“We pride ourselves on becoming friends and family with our guests.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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albany living magazine

The staff at Wynfield takes pride in the plantation and their services, but ultimately, their hearts are for the guests.

“We love seeing first-time hunters, ladies, and children getting involved in hunting and shooting, and then coming back to the lodge with smiling faces and sharing stories from the field,” Wes Smith, General Manager, shares with me. “We pride ourselves on becoming friends and family with our guests.”

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have a veteran of USMC hunt with us; he is a double-amputee. He thoroughly enjoyed his first quail hunt with us.

He had so much fun that he will be returning to hunt this season,” Wes continues. “For us, the impact is what is most important. We enjoy creating lasting friendships with our guests and seeing them return each year.”

Wynfield is both a state-of-being and a state-of-mind, and if you are ever able to experience the lifestyle, you will agree. The habitation and experience leave guests fulfilled, refreshed, and recharged. Fellow hunters become friends, the staff becomes family, and the plantation becomes home. Wynfield is a part of what being Southern is all about. ALM

Hometown Living At Its Best

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through the arts

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albany living magazine

BY RACHEL PRICE P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

Theatre Albany has been enriching the community through the arts since 1932. As Albany’s oldest cultural organization, it continues to draw from a wide range of people who come together for the joy of live theater.

C

Communities are often judged by

what they have to offer their residents.

Good schools, good shops, good

churches, and good leadership – all are important. But also important is the opportunity for people to participate in the arts.

Thanks to Theatre Albany, the people

of Albany and surrounding areas have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live theater, either through participation or attendance; this opportunity has been around for a long time. Theatre Albany started in 1932 and is in the middle of its 87th season. It is Albany’s oldest cultural organization, according to Diane Lamb, theater member and office manager.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Even its residence is steeped in history.

The theater has had a few locations through

says Diane. “The theater purchased

the years, including an upstairs space over

the building in 1964 for its permanent

a business downtown and on Jackson Street

residence.”

between Broad and Oglethorpe where an

90

National Register of Historic Places,”

One member who has been involved

outside door led to a set of stairs which led to

for many of the theater’s years is Jo

the theater. However, the organization now

Jones. “I came here in 1947. I wasn’t

occupies the Captain John A. Davis home at

here long before I got involved in the

514 Pine Avenue. “It’s an antebellum structure

theater,” she explains. “It’s lasted this

built around the 1860s, and it’s listed on the

long, even through World War II.” Jo has

albany living magazine

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albany living magazine

been involved in many productions; her last role

Doug Lorber. “Everyone has a job and we’re so

was as Miss Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy. She and

active,” he adds.

her husband, Charles, who did not act, but who

In previous years, there has been an artistic

was a “good audience member,” helped provide

director on staff, Mark Costello, who has

leadership to the organization, both serving as

recently retired and left the area. Now, the group

president of the Board of Directors at various times

is entirely volunteer-driven. Diane is the only

through the years.

staff and she works part-time in the office.

Theatre Albany has a 22-member board that is a “working board,” according to current president

In addition to the board, the theater has a total of 425 subscribers. Some of these are actors,

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94 albany living magazine

Thanks to Theatre Albany, the people of Albany and surrounding areas have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live theater, either through participation or attendance; this opportunity has been around for a long time. Theatre Albany started in 1932 and is in the middle of its 87th season. It is Albany’s oldest cultural organization, according to Diane Lamb, theater member and office manager.

some musicians, some work behind the scenes, and others simply enjoy supporting the theater.

It takes many people to put on the five productions they have in the SeptemberJune season. They currently present three musicals, one comedy, and one children’s show in a season. In addition, they will again offer a children’s workshop next summer. The workshops have not been held for the past few years due to renovations.

The children’s show this season is Annie Jr., which will be on stage in December. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is scheduled for February, and Mamma Mia! will be presented in May. “We would love for people to come see the shows!” says Doug. He adds that about 1200 people attended the production of Oklahoma! during its run earlier in the season.

Doug and his wife, Nancy, have been involved with Theatre Albany for 37 years. He recently acted in the comedy The Nerd, his 67th production. He has Hometown Living At Its Best

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albany living magazine Hometown Living At Its Best

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seen firsthand the many talented people who have walked across the stage. “The talent in this town, vocally, is just outstanding,” he says. “It just amazes me that a town this small has this much talent. There’s nothing like live theater. It brings so many people from the community to one place,” he adds.

Jo remembers when the theater provided an outlet for members of the Armed Forces. “We used to have an Air Force base here and the guys at the base really liked to be involved. They contributed a lot. It’s a great social mixer and it pulls from a wide range of the community,” she says.

“We are extremely diverse in all areas – ethnicity, careers, and social levels. It’s a wonderful melting pot,” says Diane. “We have something for everybody, and everybody has something for the theater.” She

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albany living magazine

continues, “I moved here from North Carolina in 1980, and within two weeks I was involved in Theatre Albany.

Even its residence is steeped in

It was very important; we found a house, found the kids’

history. The theater has had a

school, and then found the theater. When I first moved here I had no friends. All of my longtime friends have come through the theater. They are part of the family at this point.”

Even those who never acted or were part of a production have good memories of Theatre Albany.

“My parents are second generation theater people,” Jo’s daughter, Nancy Presley, explains. She remembers going upstairs at the downtown location to see the shows and the fun of after parties held at her parents’ home. “Mother used to write a column in the paper about the theater. She did that for years and years,” Nancy recalls.

few locations through the years, including an upstairs space over a business downtown and on Jackson Street between Broad and Oglethorpe where an outside door led to a set of stairs which led to the theater.

However, the organization now occupies the Captain John A. Davis home at 514 Pine Avenue.

“It’s an antebellum structure built around the 1860s, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” says Diane. “The theater purchased the building in 1964 for its permanent residence.”

Theater enriches the lives of the people who are

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involved in it or who love people involved in It takes many people to put on

it, and it also enriches the lives of those who

the five productions they have in the

attend. “If people have never been to a show

September-June season. They currently present three musicals, one comedy,

before, there are no words to describe the

and one children’s show in a season.

experience,” Diane says.

In addition, they will again offer a children’s workshop next summer. The workshops have not been held for the past few years due to renovations.

“Going to a show is just a nice break,” Doug adds. “You leave with a smile on your face, and it makes you feel better.”

To make it easier for people to enjoy the shows, Theatre Albany now provides online

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purchase of tickets at theatrealbany.com.

Season tickets are available in a “flex pack,” with six tickets that can be used at any time for any show throughout the season. The six tickets can all be used for a group to see one show or they can be spread throughout the year so that more shows can be enjoyed.

“The arts are so important…not just theater, but also the symphony and ballet,” says Doug.

“We just hope to enrich lives.”

With an active, diverse membership, a beautiful historic home, and a strong tradition, Theatre Albany is poised to continue enriching lives for many years to come.ALM

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making the best of your talents

Tim Adams‘ diagnosis of Stargardt’s Disease at the age of 11, led him to pursue a career in Massage therapy.

a

At a young age, Tim Adams began to

experience symptoms similar to having a piece of trash in his eye. It took several trips to Ophthalmologists for him to receive a diagnosis of Stargardt’s Disease at the age of 11. Stargardt’s is an inherited form of macular degeneration for which there is currently no cure. The disease

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does not make a person completely blind, but

a driver’s license and drive a car. For Tim, this

vision greatly deteriorates to the point of becoming

is a rite he would be denied. When he turned 16,

legally blind. Tim lives with a blind spot in his

his diagnosis hit him the hardest emotionally.

central vision and has poor depth perception. He

Reality sank in as his friends were getting their

has trouble with details and reading small print,

license to drive and he could not. “When you are

distance, and more.

young and you’re looking at things like driving,

A rite of passage for most teenagers comes at the age of 16 when they have the ability to obtain

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it is hard,” Tim shares. For a teenage boy craving independence, this can be extremely hard to deal

with. But Tim didn’t feel sorry for himself for long. “I thought, okay, well my life is going to look different than others. I can’t buy special glasses or contacts and there are no surgeries to fix this. There is no cure. I wanted to be independent, but there was a level to it where I was going to have to depend on others. There was a long time I beat myself up over it. I was dwelling on what I couldn’t do, verses what I could do.”

Despite his diagnosis, Tim was a typical South Georgia boy. He was athletic, loved the outdoors, and was taught to hunt and fish. He was influenced the most by his uncle and grandparents and spent his teenage years in their care. “They had the most influence on me as a person,” he tells me.

A rite of passage for most teenagers comes at the age of 16 when they have the ability to obtain a driver’s license and drive a car. For Tim, this is a rite he would be denied. When he turned 16, his diagnosis hit him the hardest emotionally.

Reality sank in as his friends were getting their license to drive and he could not.

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Despite his diagnosis, Tim was a typical South Georgia boy. He was athletic, loved the outdoors, and was taught to hunt and fish. He was influenced the most by his uncle and grandparents and spent his teenage years in their care. “They had the most influence on me as a person,” he tells me.

As Tim maneuvered high school, focusing on the athletic side with wrestling, he began to play on his strengths. He knew college life would be different for him and therefore a career path might be harder to choose. He wanted to go to school for Orientation and Mobility… working with blind students and adults. His desire was to teach them how to be independent by reading the road and being aware of their surroundings. However, this would require a teaching degree out-of-state, which wasn’t feasible at the time. He then considered Physical Therapy, but attending school for six years accruing debt and not being able to work did not appeal to him.

Tim tells me, “I’ve always been an athlete. I wrestled in high school, and some in college, but then I got into Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Because I’ve always been in tune with athletics, how the body works, recovery, etc., I kept looking

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for other career routes. Massage therapy crossed my mind. I had been intrigued by it just from watching my past coaches and trainers. I knew my life was different and I needed to gear my focus towards picking up a trade or anything I could accentuate with my disease. For instance, my palpation skills are ahead of a lot of people because there are things I am more in tune with concerning my hands, things that I pay more attention to because I can’t see as well.”

Tim was unsure which direction he would need to pursue until he came across a NMT program, Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, at Southern Regional in Moultrie. “It was like the clouds parted! I knew this was what I wanted to do.” In 2017 he received his licensure for massage therapy and certification for NMT. Tim tells me, “I’ve always been an athlete. I wrestled in high school, and some in college, but then I got into Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Because I’ve always been in tune

Tim began his career with WilPower Massage Therapy a little over

with athletics, how the body works, recovery, etc., I kept

two years ago. Aside from difficulty

looking for other career routes. Massage therapy crossed my

reading small print and seeing small

mind. I had been intrigued by it just from watching my past coaches and trainers. I knew my life was different and I needed to gear my focus towards picking up a trade or anything I could accentuate with my disease.

116 albany living magazine

details, he has no issue. He enjoys his

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work and the people he works with.

“I can pick people’s brains, like Wil and Melissa, who have been here over 20 years. They have the experience and I can mentor behind them. Our Physical Therapist, Sue Freeman, works part-time with us and I can pick her brain,” he shares.

“I enjoy what I do and the clients we have here.”

He does everything from relaxation massage and lymphatic drainage to muscular and sports massage. Wil-Power Massage Therapy also offers stretching and

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xx

works on everyone from athletic kids to geriatric groups. “We can work on and improve almost everyone. We work with autoimmune disorders and more,” Tim shares.

He is great at his craft and is proving successful. Life for Tim is good and he is a positive person. You can tell that he does not let his vision hold him back. “I am a believer that everyone can find their niche. You don’t have to be like ‘I enjoy medicine, but I can’t ever be a doctor because of this or that.’ No, you need to find what you are good at and get laser-focused,” Tim tells me. “Those

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that have influenced me have all said, ‘Once you find what you are good at, get laser-focused and make that the best thing you can make it.’ Everyone can be good at a lot of things, jack of all trades and master of none.

But whenever you have a talent and you’re not paying attention to that talent, you’re selling yourself short.

So, take it and make it the best you can.” ALM

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a change for the better

I

BY J E S S I C A F E L LOW S | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y

If you have driven down Pine Avenue in downtown

Albany, you have undoubtedly passed a non-descript building displaying a modest Aspire sign out front. If you blink, you miss it. But if you walk inside, you will find an ambient atmosphere that welcomes everyone who enters with couches, a positive encouragement chalk board, game centers, a media room with Wi-Fi access, and a yoga/tactile room to promote mindfulness. The three people busying themselves within these walls are professionals: Kathryn Newcomb is the program’s Director, Alesha Burgman

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The Change Center provides services for people struggling with mental health, behavioral health, or developmental disabilities.

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is the Program Coordinator, and Daniel Fleuren is the Outreach Coordinator. They each have very important roles in helping individuals in the community; given their responsibilities with running this program and effecting positive change among citizens, you would never know you were conversing with three people who have, themselves, been to jails, drug rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities.

What is The Change Center? What is its actual purpose? Some in our city are familiar with Aspire Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Community Service Board (CSB), which provides services for people struggling with mental health, behavioral health, or developmental disabilities.

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But let’s back up for a second. What is The

the storms. Whatever the need, Aspire works

Change Center? What is its actual purpose? Some in

to alleviate the problems of everyday people

our city are familiar with Aspire Behavioral Health

working through the everyday struggles of life.

and Developmental Disabilities, the Community

The Change Center is no exception.

Service Board (CSB), which provides services for

Focusing on progressive health and well-

people struggling with mental health, behavioral

being, with an emphasis on individuals with

health, or developmental disabilities. There are

addictive diseases and mental health disorders,

multiple programs throughout eight surrounding

this program aims to help people of our

counties (Baker, Calhoun, Dougherty, Early, Lee,

community recover in whatever way they feel

Mitchell, Terrell, and Worth) that house individuals

relevant to their own lives. Typically, when one

or specialize in treatments for people dealing with

enters a treatment facility, the organization has

these common difficulties. The CSB even provided

an agenda—a one-way path that a person has

programs after the tornadoes of 2017 and Hurricane

to follow in order to try and achieve recovery.

Michael to deal with traumatic stress caused by

The Change Center has broken out of that mold

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and seeks to help people attain recovery and functionality Focusing on progressive health and well-being, with an emphasis on individuals with addictive diseases and mental health disorders, this

in life according to what each individual feels is right for him/her. The staff directs the individuals to resources, gives them ideas, and walks beside them on a journey that is often

program aims to help people of our

terrifying for a person who is essentially being reborn into

community recover in whatever

society. What qualifies someone to help another individual

way they feel relevant to their own lives. Typically, when one enters a treatment facility, the organization has an agenda—a one-way path that a person has to follow in order to try and achieve recovery.

do this? Substance abuse and mental health are so often elusive and taboo subjects are not discussed because they are not understood by the general population. Kathryn, Daniel, and Alesha do understand because they have been there. Beyond professional, their qualifications are personal, involving difficult life-stories that give them the tools to be

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132 albany living magazine

able to help their peers who come into The

meant. I struggled with addiction

Change Center looking for others who have

for 18 years, and I had no idea that

overcome the same struggles. I sat down

substance abuse would become the

with each of them to hear their separate, yet

primary factor in my getting well and

similar experiences.

becoming whole. When I finally got

Kathryn begins, “I had a semi-normal

to Albany, to Graceway Recovery

upbringing, good parents, and a proper

Residence, I learned the meaning of

education. But the pivotal point that

surrender. I allowed women to teach

changed the trajectory of my life was

me how to live. I was finally able to

a diagnosis of a chronic mental health

undo some of the wreckage of my

disorder at age 14. Shortly thereafter, I

past and got the opportunity to start

turned to drugs and alcohol to escape from

with a clean slate. At that point, I was

the diagnosis that I allowed to define me.

separated from my daughter and it

I created the mindset that I was never

became my mission to take on the

going to amount to anything due to the

charge of assisting other women in

negative external messages in the early

getting their children back. I heard

90s about what mental health was and

about people living in recovery

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This is an organization that brings together an addict’s family, friends, and allies to assist in the person’s growth and well-being throughout the recovery process. Recovery happens in communities. If one person recovers, the family recovers, then the community recovers, and when we focus on inclusivity, we help communities. That’s why we have arrows as our logo…Empowering choice to heal communities. People choose the direction they want to go and it creates a ripple effect of healing. Our vision statement is Empower choice. Promote change. Heal communities. I knew, and I believed that connection would work.” Kathryn speaks with a passion that is palpable; I can tell she lives for what she does. She stops suddenly while discussing the connectivity that aids in recovery and points to a card pinned to the wall above her desk. She says, “I wrote this to myself in 2016 and didn’t open it until 2019. It says, ‘Kathryn, live your dream. Deal hope. Who have you met? Who have you helping other people for a living, and I heard about Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists (CARES), which is an organization that provides peerassistance for multi-path recovery. That means one addict helps another to recover from the disease of addiction in whatever way feels appropriate for them. It was like my life had prepared me for this opportunity.

So, I went to training with Georgia Council on Substance Abuse and I heard about recovery community organizations (RCOs), and that was what I became on fire about.

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spoken with? What ideas can you achieve?

What resources can you access? Live, love, dream, and go get it.’ I had no idea that when I wrote that I would be given the opportunity in 2018 to write a program description and create The Change Center, but I am so grateful I got the chance.”

I knew Kathryn then, before The Change Center, and I remember her being on fire to create a program that works. She has not lost that ardent drive. “I don’t really know if I can capture my job description in one sentence,” she says. “But my favorite quote is ‘people support what they help to create’

albany living magazine Hometown Living At Its Best

xx

and that is so important to me because we must

opportunities to serve and to listen to what

get people involved in their own recovery. This

our community says we need. In that, we

place was designed, decorated, had input, and

build a sturdy foundation.” Kathryn goes

was built on people in recovery. It was founded

on to tell me that The Change Center

on what they liked and thought they needed.

engages a focus on the whole-health

There was buy-in and participation.” She turns

action management piece (WHAM),

to me to make me feel what she’s feeling and I

which embodies a belief in the healing of

do. She continues, “That’s what creates long-

mind, body, and spirit. “You can’t treat

term, sustainable, consistency and healing. It’s

one thing without the other. You can’t

their place, it’s not our place. We just get to

exclude a piece of a person and expect a

assist. That’s what we built the dream upon.

whole result. We want people to recover in

You have a choice, and you get to make the

all areas not just one.” And that’s exactly

choice, but we get to be the guiding light. I look

what she does, in and out of work. Three

at our positions here at The Change Center as

years ago, Kathryn helped lead me to

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recovery from my own battle with addiction.

on; I spent the next 16 years in a whirlwind

She makes it her primary purpose in life to help

of apartments, jobs, and relationships,

others and I know first-hand that she practices

spiraling toward the deep end. In December

her own preaching.

2006, I was picked up on my first felony

I have also known Daniel throughout my

136

drug charge. This resulted in my first of

journey of recovery and we have grown up

nine trips to treatment. I still spent another

together in a program that has taught us how

decade on the same roller coaster putting

to live. His success story began in Clayton

together some sobriety and even a college

County, Georgia, “I took my first drink when I

degree, but it was all mixed with a struggle

was 12 and had a couple of DUIs before I ever

with addiction and subsequently, perpetual

got out of high school, but I think everybody

relapses. When I got to The Anchorage,

assumed it was a phase, that it was just part

in Albany, on August 10, 2017, however,

of growing up. However, I didn’t know what

I somehow realized I needed to forget

social drinking meant, I thought you drank to

everything I thought I’d learned about

get drunk, and that’s how I did it my entire life.

how to stay sober, what to do, and how to

Other substances came into play when I was

live my life in general, because all those

around 26, and it got progressively worse, as

decisions of my own always led me back to

the disease does. In 2001, I lost an eight-year

the bottle. I finally started listening to those

job, and that was the beginning of the end.

before me and following every suggestion

That was the last adult thing that I had going

they made. And I mean following all of

albany living magazine

“That’s what creates long-term, sustainable, consistency and healing. It’s their place, it’s not our place. We just get to assist. That’s what we built the dream upon. You have a choice, and you get to make the choice, but we get to be the guiding light. I look at our positions here at The Change Center as opportunities to serve and to listen to what our community says we need. In that, we build a sturdy foundation.”

their suggestions, not just the ones I wanted to follow. I finally realized there was not going to be a magic fix—I’m not going to leave treatment and be better, which was what I always wanted and expected. I was going to have to put in the work and take the action. When I met the guy who would take me to The Anchorage from The Bridges of Hope, I told him I thought I was missing the spiritual aspect all these years, but that I didn’t think a faith-based recovery program would help me. That just proved that I was confused. I had no idea and I needed help

of my history. Six months after I started as a

from other people. Little did I know I wouldn’t

security guard on 11th Avenue, The Change

have to face this thing alone anymore, as long

Center was being created, so I applied for

as I accepted the help that was being offered. I

this position and was able to help build

do like to say that God brought me to a 12-step

this from the ground up with Kathryn. In

program, and that program led me to God.”

the meantime, I have acquired my CARES

Daniel continues, “While I was at The

certification, so this has given me a platform

Anchorage, Mrs. Gennie Marcus from Aspire

to talk about and advocate for recovery in a

would come talk to us and she pushed me to

way that I had previously not been able to

apply at Aspire. I didn’t have the required sober

do. These opportunities along with continual

time, and I still had a criminal record, but Aspire

work in a 12-step program, has allowed

has been really focused on peer support (addicts

me to acquire my CPS-AD (Certified Peer

helping addicts), so my lived experience with

Specialist-Addictive Disease). I’ve also

addiction issues and the criminal justice system

been able to become certified as forensic

has actually become an asset. I did have to finish

peer mentor, which puts me in direct contact

probation before formally starting work, but

with returning citizens who have been in the

Aspire put the trust in me to hire me regardless

corrections system. That allows me to go to

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Dougherty County Jail and focus on people who are re-entering society to help them make better decisions, to hopefully cut down on recidivism, and to generally give them the same opportunities I was

During these interviews, these guys were

given. It’s pretty amazing that the same state that

on duty. I overheard a conversation

used to incarcerate me now employs me.” That, in itself, is one of the many profound miracles of recovery.

Alesha Burgman is the third (but not in that order) staff member at The Change Center. Because each employee is a peer and CARES personnel, I asked her to share her story with me as well. I don’t know her as I do Kathryn and Daniel, but because we have all survived the same “shipwreck,” I do know this is why peer-recovery works. Alesha’s story begins in Mobile, Alabama. She says, “I started using substances at the age of 18 and I went to my first recovery center at age 19, so I had been in and out of treatment facilities and rooms

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about an individual who didn’t have money to pay for her mental health medication. The ladies discussed, not only how to support the person financially in order to obtain the meds, but also decided that they would sit down with her to discuss a financial plan to prioritize such purchases. I witnessed a young woman coming in who was looking for a job, not with Aspire, but who simply needed a place to access the Internet. She was graciously aided in logging onto a computer in order to do that.

of recovery since then, and it didn’t stop until

From then, I started following suggestions,

July 5, 2015. I went on tour through rehabs

attending meetings, and doing service work for

and jails in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida,

the first time ever. People started to trust me. I

and I came here to Albany running from a

was given a key to a meeting building, which

mess that I made in Mobile. What I didn’t

blew my mind. At a year clean, I put in an

know was that I was running to a new life that

application at Aspire as a peer specialist, and I

God had planned for me. I was here for about

had no idea a person who had gone to jail and

a week when I found myself driving around

done all the things I had done would be offered

and looking for my drug of choice. However, I

a position to work, not in spite of, but because

called my boyfriend (who is now my husband)

of my lived-experience. For the first time, my

and told him I wanted to get high. He asked

tumultuous past had value.”

me what I wanted to do about it and I said, ‘I

Alesha continues, “I had previously worked

think I want to go to a meeting.’ So that day,

for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

instead of finding drugs, something compelled

where we assist individuals in obtaining

me to find a 12-step meeting and I was finally

and maintaining independent living in the

able to hear what people were saying because

community, and I had done that for three

they were telling my story. I guess I found

years. But when a position opened here with

some hope while I was there; I was finally

substance use disorder, I jumped on it. It is

able to identify, although I had been to many

my wheelhouse to work in recovery. Here, we

meetings before. Something just clicked.

are open to all pathways of recovery, whether 12-step, faith-based, or just whatever path an individual feels suits him/her. We are a holistic health and well-being program. Each person is able to paint the picture of recovery in his/her life and I get to be a part of that,” Alesha says as tears begin to well in her eyes. I recognize her overflow of emotion as gratitude for a life we never expected to live

Although I know from watching and listening that their duties cannot be covered in a simple article, Daniel also puts The Change Center’s mission in a nutshell for me. He says, “First and foremost, what we’re here to do is offer one-on-one and social support for people who are sick in recovery or already in recovery and looking to enhance that. My primary job is to use my lived-experience to guide others to find their pathway to recovery.”

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140

and a humility for helping others that, in turn, keeps

health medication. The ladies discussed, not only

us sober. “To watch lives change—we get to be a

how to support the person financially in order to

small part of that. We get to encourage that. Our

obtain the meds, but also decided that they would

objective is never to push, pull, or drag anyone to

sit down with her to discuss a financial plan to

sobriety because that is ineffective, but we get to

prioritize such purchases. I witnessed a young

walk along side of them on their recovery journey.

woman coming in who was looking for a job,

I don’t have to hide anymore and I don’t have to

not with Aspire, but who simply needed a place

be ashamed of where I’ve come from. I can live in

to access the Internet. She was graciously aided

transparency and out loud and say ‘Here’s where

in logging onto a computer in order to do that.

I’ve been, here’s where I am, and here’s where I

Obviously, their focus is not only on recovery, but

know you can go.’ I think when I tell my story, and

how to live in recovery, since many individuals

there’s no guilt and no shame, it gives other people

who suffer from substance use and mental

permission to tell theirs without guilt or shame and

disorder have not functioned successfully in

to get free, and that is what helps me stay sober as

society up to this point. Kathryn tells me that they

well because this disease never goes away.” While

have been at work every single day since Covid

talking to each one of the staff, I notice that they all

hit because their jobs don’t stop. People need to

say, “I get to” not “I have to.” They all consider it a

use computer labs, find 12-step meetings, go to the

gift to be able to help the next suffering person.

grocery store, to DFCS, to treatment, to probation

During these interviews, these guys were on

officers, and to the health department. They come

duty. I overheard a conversation about an individual

in from long-term treatment or jail and have no

who didn’t have money to pay for her mental

forms of identification, so they need assistance in

albany living magazine

obtaining birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and

Although I know from watching and listening

medical records. You can’t function in society

that their duties cannot be covered in a simple

without this basic paperwork; some don’t even

article, Daniel also puts The Change Center’s

know where to begin or have any transportation

mission in a nutshell for me. He says, “First

for fulfilling simple tasks, and many don’t have

and foremost, what we’re here to do is offer

families or friends to help them out either. She

one-on-one and social support for people who

says, “If we can get them past the first hurdles

are sick in recovery or already in recovery and

and keep them connected for the first year or

looking to enhance that. My primary job is to

so, they have a fighting chance. We don’t just

use my lived-experience to guide others to find

initiate recovery, we seek to sustain and maintain

their pathway to recovery. In addition, I go out

an individual to establish success. On average,

into the community and promote awareness of

people die 20 years younger with a substance

The Change Center, try to garner financial and

abuse issue and 25 years younger with mental

community support, and attract volunteers in

health disorders. We are working to increase

order to make our services easier to access. The

longevity.”

cool thing about this is that every service that

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“We are also very much interested in what someone thinks is going to work for them. I am not here to try to tell someone how to live his/her life, as if there is some formula or trick to get better. That was my problem early on, what I didn’t understand.

When people come up with their own ideas of what their recovery will look like, they’re more apt to follow those ideas. My job is to work sideby-side, not to lead or to push, but to help them reach the goals they’ve set for themselves because I don’t know what’s best for their recovery. We are person-centered, person-first, so we identify ourselves as a person in

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we offer is 100% free, no insurance

long-term recovery. We respect that

required, no behavioral health

everyone’s journey is different. And

analysis, it is not clinical in any

we support all pathways whether 12-

way, shape, or form. Everyone who

step, Celebrate Recovery, faith-based,

works here is in recovery as well, so

medicated assisted treatment, YS12

we know how we’re often treated

(12-step yoga), recovery dharma

upon first walking into a center. That

(with a focus on Buddhism), or any

also leads us to asking, first-thing

Anonymous program. There’s an

when someone comes in, ‘What’s

‘A’ for everything…crystal meth,

right with you today?’ Because we

over eaters, gamblers, sex addicts,

know from our own experience of

etc. We try to take people from

going to doctors, treatment centers,

that isolated feeling that they’re in

and even jail, that everyone wants to

when they’re drinking and using

know right away what the problem

and connect them with like-minded

is and why we can’t get it together.

people who are moving in the same

Therefore, we try to approach people

direction as they are. The opposite

with a more positive inquiry about

of addiction is connection. We try

themselves.”

to show people what they recover to

Alcoholism and addiction are the same disease with a different title. The pandemic that we have been living through has exacerbated the mental health issues that lead to self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, and people need to know that help is ready and available. Stopping into a 12-step meeting to hear stories of survivors is free, and there is one every day of the week in Albany.

rather than focusing on what they are recovering from. The old idea is that the word alcoholic or addict is someone living under a bridge or a wino with a brown bag down on skid row. We’re trying to eliminate that stigma and let people see that when we get better, we are good people. We pay taxes, we vote, we help other people get better. We try to dispel that old misconception that we’re bad people trying to get good…we’re not that. We’re people who are sick and are trying to get well. So when someone comes in, we try to figure out what needs are there. We work to remove whatever barrier is standing in the way for someone who is trying to make the next step to permanent and

meeting to hear stories of survivors is free, and

lasting recovery. Our real niche is people coming

there is one every day of the week in Albany.

out of treatment who have learned the basics of

Times can be found at aageorgia.org or grscna.

what recovery is, so we take it from that kind of an

com. Visiting The Change Center and talking

existential thought process and into action—here

with people who have experienced what you

are some things I can do on a daily basis to secure

have is free. Contact them during business

my recovery…practical application…getting into

hours at 229-299-9678, email at changecenter@

action is the solution.”

albanycsb.org, or visit them on the web at

Alcoholism and addiction are the same disease

aspirebhdd.org/the-change-center/. Recovering

with a different title. The pandemic that we have

from substance abuse or mental health disorders

been living through has exacerbated the mental

can be free, and the gifts that you will receive in

health issues that lead to self-medicating with

turn are invaluable. We, who have been through

drugs and alcohol, and people need to know that

the tumult, live to help others and we help others

help is ready and available. Stopping into a 12-step

to live. Please reach out. ALM

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FAITH • DIVERSITY • UNITY

Hope City United is a vibrant non-denominational congregation in the heart of our city.

1501 Schley Ave Albany GA 31707 | Sunday Services @10:30 | LIVE on FB and YOUTUBE We are part of the Hillsong Leadership Network and welcome you to join us for worship!

For more information, email hopecityuc@gmail.com or visit www.hopecityuc.com facebook.com/hopecityuc Instagram @hopecityuc Twitter @hopecityuc

Strong Albany

Hope City United is passionate about serving our community and bringing hope to the broken. During the pandemic, our outreach ministry, City Care, partnered with United Way to SWG to care for 1,149 people! We fed first responders, provided care packages to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, helped foster families, and assisted families with basic needs.

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I

I

I vey’s

It’s a Lifestyle

108 N WESTOVER BLVD • ALBANY, GA 31707 • WWW.IVEYSALBANYGA.COM • 229.432.0622

For people who feel their pet is a family member

410 N WESTOVER BLVD, ALBANY, GA 31707 FOR AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 229-883-1618 WESTOVERANIMALHOSPITAL.COM

WESTOVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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M. Hill

INTERIORS Distinctive Design & Decor

L ANC A STER VILL AGE | 2 3 51 L AKE PARK DR , ALBAN Y, GA 31707 | (2 29) 888-0752

turning

old new into

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Allen’s Jewelers Hometown Living At Its Best

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Bison Valley Lodge

1 0 8 5 T A L E N T S T O R E R D | A M E R I C U S G A 3 1 7 1 9 | 2 2 9 - 9 2 8 - 8 8 6 6 | B I S O N VA L L E Y L O D G E . C O M

It’s All About

the meat!

1629 S Philema Rd | Albany, GA 31701 | 229-483-0444 | 3203 Gillionville Road | Albany, GA | 229-496-1026 2305 Liberty Expressway | Putney, GA | 229-496-1055

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Focusing on your

beautiful smile From first contact at Southwest Georgia Periodontics, our Albany dentists are committed to your individual attention and strive to provide personalized oral health care tailored for your unique dental needs and goals.

1503 W 3RD AVE A, ALBANY, GA 31707 | (229) 883-1600 | WWW.SOUTHWESTGEORGIAPERIODONTICS.COM

DJ’s II Car Wash & Quick Lube

DJ’s Car Wash & Quick Lube, Locally owned & operated for over 43 years | 2535 Stuart Ave Albany GA 31707 | 229.888.6262 Hometown Living At Its Best

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C o f f e e • b r e a k fa st • lu n c h 2 7 2 6 L e d o R d , St e 1 0 | A l b a n y , G e o r g i a | ( 2 2 9 ) 4 3 5 - 1 1 6 3 | o r d e r . e l e m e n ts c o f f e e . c o m 152

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Certified Public Accountants & Advisors

Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby, P.C. 406 North Westover Boulevard, Albany, GA 229-435-4611 | www.hcrhcpa.com

Best

THE

RENTAL STORE

IN ALBANY

1604 SOUTH SLAPPEY BLVD | ALBANY, GA | LOCAL 229-420-8513 | TOLL FREE 800-768-2892 | WWW.YANCEYBROS.COM

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BY KRIS MORRILL | PHOTOS BY SHAE FOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Paws in Remembrance “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” ~ Will Rogers 154

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“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” ~ Agnes Sligh Turnbull

T

The above quote speaks of dogs specifically, but I’m sure the same

can be said for most any animal that we bring into our lives and love unconditionally. For most of us, animals play a huge role in our lives.

They offer companionship, warmth on cold nights, a shoulder to cry on, and the ability to share a laugh. They can be our sounding board when no one else is around, an exercise partner, or just someone to share a bowl of popcorn with while watching our favorite show.

Somehow these creatures make their way into our hearts and connect with us in ways that humans could never replicate.

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When I personally think of all the amazing animals that have been with me in the past, one in particular, stands out. His name was Oly, a Rottweiler that met every single stereotype of the breed. He was big, weighing in at around 130 pounds; he was goofy and he was ridiculously loyal and loving. Oly was not just my dog, Oly was my partner!

Unfortunately, because of the way life is designed, they are never here long enough. It just doesn’t seem fair.

Sure, another animal may come along and touch us in a similar way, but there will never be a duplicate. Each animal, whether you choose to believe it or not, has his or her own thought process and personality and there are no carbon copies.

When I personally think of all the amazing animals that have been with me in the past, one in particular, stands out. His name was Oly, a Rottweiler that met every single stereotype of the breed. He was big, weighing in at around 130 pounds; he was goofy and he was ridiculously loyal and loving.

Oly was not just my dog, Oly was my partner! Every morning I would be met with his big brown eyes and wet nose, encouraging me to get the day started! “I guess we have work to do buddy,�

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I would say aloud. He went with me everywhere I went and was a staple in the fitness facility I owned for years! He was loved by everyone, including kids and the elderly. Like most dogs, Oly’s life was taken way too soon, leaving a 130 pound hole in my heart. Because of the impact that this particular animal had in my life, I decided to set up just a small place on a shelf in my living room that I would pass

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Unfortunately, because of the way life is designed, they are never here long enough.

It just doesn’t seem fair. Sure, another animal may come along and touch us in a similar way, but there will never be a duplicate. Each animal, whether you choose to believe it or not, has his or her own thought process and personality and there are no carbon copies.

by every single morning in honor of one of the greatest dogs to ever walk this earth. Not a day goes by that I don’t look at his picture and box and think to myself, “I guess we have work to do buddy.” I will forever be grateful for Oly, and I will also be forever grateful for the service that Dr. Ivy Chupp, a Veterinarian, provides through the family owned business Paws in Remembrance.

Dr. Chupp began Paws in Remembrance in September of 2018 to give pet owners options on preserving the memory of their beloved pets. “It’s already a hard enough time as it is, I just want to help in any way I can,” says Dr. Chupp. “Animals, like people, should be remembered, honored, and never forgotten.”

Paws in Remembrance offers many options…from a stained wooden box with a paw print to urns and even jewelry that will house the ashes of your companion.

Each package includes a clay imprint of your pet’s actual paw. Every case is handled

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Paws in Remembrance offers many options‌ from a stained wooden box with a paw print to urns and even jewelry that will house the ashes of your companion. Each package includes a clay imprint of your pet’s actual paw. Every case is handled separately and specifically, in order to ensure that there are absolutely no mix ups.

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separately and specifically, in order to ensure that there are absolutely no mix ups. “We all grieve differently,” Dr. Chupp says. “Some people would like the ashes spread out at a favorite place, some want to have the smaller box to bury at home, and some want something to see every day to remember the good times and favorite memories.”

Being a veterinarian since 2007, working with both animals and people alike, Dr. Chupp realizes the emotions that one runs through when a loss like that of a family pet occurs.

Her support system is her husband, Jay, sons, Hudson and Colson, and three dogs named Eagle, Jake, and Molly.

You can contact Dr. Chupp directly through any of the social media outlets or the company’s website, www.pawsinremembrance. com, if you would like to make any provisions for your pet. Since many local veterinarians have access and also contract with Paws in Remembrance, you could simply ask your veterinarian if the need were to arise.ALM

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p O

Sausage Company

L e e s b u r g , G A 2 2 9 . 4 3 2 . M E AT C o r d e l e , G A 2 2 9 . 5 3 5 . M E AT

Family owned and operated since 1997

(229) 995-6611 www.sscomforts.com

ALBANY|ATHENS|ATLANTA|MACON www.pellicanoconstruction.com

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North Macon Plaza ~ Macon , GA

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1 4 9 1 P h i l e m a R d, L e e s b u r g, G A 3 1 7 6 3 | ( 2 2 9 ) 4 3 9 - 2 2 6 6 | w w w. p h i l e m a-a n i m a l- c l i n i c.c o m

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GET THE GEAR AND GET OUT AND RUN! 2341 LAKE PARK D RIVE. ALBANY | 229.395 . 5 7 7 8 WILD SID ERUNNING.COM

WEDDINGS, EVENTS, BUSINESSES, PASSION PROJECTS | VIDEOGRAPHY

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APPAREL• GIFTS 1545B US HWY 19 SOUTH LEESBURG GA | (229) 483-0501

Knights Apparel and Gifts knightsapparel

Maybe a

cupcake will help?

(229) 420-9700 Check our Facebook page or website for hours.

2818 Old Dawson Rd. | Suite 4 Albany, GA 31707

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623 North Westover Blvd. | Albany, GA 31707 229-483-9977 | 229-854-4014 cell tony@tonysgym.com | tara@tonysgym.com

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1914 Dawson Rd | Albany, GA 31707 | www.wilpowermassage.com | 229-446-1146

65

YEARS OF SERVICE

ALBANY General Tire 1002 W Broad Ave | Albany, GA | (229) 436-2484

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B Y K I M B E R LY B L A K E R

Grandkids

Gar d eni ng wi t h

Playing in Dirt isn’t Just Fun – It’s Healthy, Too!

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As it turns out, dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article by Clare Milliken, “Germs at four, less inflammation at forty.”

T

There’s no question, playing in the dirt tops the list of fun

for kids, particularly young children, despite the protests of many well-intended grandparents. If you happen to be one of those worried grandparents, you can put your fears aside.

As it turns out, dirt is actually beneficial to the long-term

health of kids, according to a Northwestern University article by Clare Milliken, “Germs at four, less inflammation at forty.” Studies have found that early exposure to certain germs, like those found in dirt, actually helps kids’ immune systems learn to regulate inflammation better. In turn, this

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This will help build your grandchild’s enthusiasm for the garden and encourage him or her to take ownership and responsibility for it.

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exposure reduces kids’ risk for many diseases throughout their lives.

For that reason, a family garden is a perfect opportunity to build your grandkids’ immune systems. Better still, gardening offers lots of other benefits to kids and families.

Through gardening, kids learn to be responsible by caring for their own plants.

It’s also a great way to help kids learn about and develop an appreciation for science. Another health benefit is that gardening encourages healthier eating.

Not to mention, it’s an excellent activity for bonding with grandkids.

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So gather up your grandkids and gardening supplies, head outdoors, and get ready for some dirt-filled fun.

Getting started First, decide where to plant your garden. Then allow a small space for your grandchild to have his or her own garden, too. This will help build enthusiasm for the garden and encourage him or her to take ownership and responsibility for it. Having their own garden can be exciting and rewarding for kids because they know that they, alone (or with minimal help), grew those little seeds into a marvelous plant.

Next, decide what to plant. For young children, consider fast-growing plants they are familiar with.

Little kids also love plants that are colorful or have strong scents.

If your grandkids are older, let them choose what they want to grow. But keep in mind your grandchild’s personality. If he tends to be impatient, suggest plants that are easy to care for and grow quickly.

As you proceed in planning and preparation, include your grandchild in it as much as possible.

Remember, this stage is as much fun for kids as it is for grandparents and helps build kids’ enthusiasm. Also, let your grandkids help you draw up the garden plan. If they’re old enough, they can also create their own shopping list.

When you go shopping for the supplies, take your grandkids along and let them pick out their own seeds and gardening tools. For the safety of young children, look for kids’ gardening tools made of durable plastic.

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Having their own garden can be exciting and rewarding for kids because they know that they, alone (or with minimal help), grew those little seeds into a marvelous plant.

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activities, when each plant sprouts, the amount of growth of the plants, and the harvesting.

Finally, after harvesting, have your grandchild help you prepare the vegetables.

Try different ways of preparing or cooking them to help your grandkid develop a lifelong love for fresh, healthy veggies.

Books on gardening with kids To get your family’s gardening project off on the right foot, consider an ageappropriate book. This will also help build your grandchild’s enthusiasm. To help make your family garden a success, a book for grandparents is included below as well.

The Little Gardener by Jan Gerardi (ages 3-4) The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes (ages 3-7) Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner (ages 5-8)

Planting your garden

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy (ages 4-10)

When you begin planting, show how to plant the seeds and space them apart correctly. Then have your

Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments

grandchild water the seeds as directed.

to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy

To help your grandchild take responsibility for his or

Your Garden by Renata Brown (ages 8-12)

her own garden, put a daily gardening task list on the refrigerator.

Also, to help your grandchild maintain enthusiasm,

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The Book of Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty,

suggest keeping a garden log. Kids can have fun

and Having Fun by Whitney Cohen (for

recording the date of plantings, each day’s gardening

grandparents) ALM

albany living magazine Hometown Living At Its Best

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Through gardening, kids learn to be responsible by caring for their own plants. It’s also a great way to help kids learn about and develop an appreciation for science. Another health benefit is that gardening encourages healthier eating. Not to mention, it’s an excellent activity for bonding with grandkids.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing, at kbcreativedigital.com

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C e l e b r at i n g

12 years

LIVE in business!

140

Years Of Service

Naturally

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS

We carry a large variety of products: Essential oils, hygiene products, tinctures, capsules and tablets, protein powder, healthy snacks, and grassfed meats.

We also offer these services: MSA Testing, Detoxing Footbaths, Live Blood Cell Anaylsis, and Thermal Imaging.

2726 Ledo Rd Suite 4 & 5, Albany, GA (229) 888-2466

livenaturallyvitamins.com

Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home

1503 Dawson Road | Albany, GA 31707 | 229-883-4152

we do things differently here

The

OF ALBANY

Cookie Shoppe

115 N Jackson St Albany, GA | (229) 883-3327 | Mon-Fri: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

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2701 Ledo Road, Albany, GA, 31707 Sales: 888-494-2829 | Service: 888-497-0668

Take the first step today towards living a life free from addiction

Trust The Glass Experts

An addiction recovery program that works for you. The Promise of Hope System helps you live a life of freedom through faith. Learn more about living a life free from addiction.

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Dougherty

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Index of Advertisers Adams Exterminators ……….......................................................… 86 AirPro Heating and Cooling …..............................................……… 65 Albany Air Conditioning & Heating ……...................................…… 85 Albany Fish Company …….....................................................…… 109 Albany General Tire …........................................................……… 171 Albany Internal Medicine ……............................................…… 44-45 Albany Motorcars ……...........................................................…… 108 Albany State University …...................................................……… 148 Albany Strong - Hope City United ……......................…..............… 146 Allen’s Jewelers ..............................................................………… 149 Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia …...............................……… 121 Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia ………….................... Back Cover Art Sign Company, Inc. ……...................................................…… 106 Austin’s Firegrill ................................................................………… 43 Bison Valley Lodge …….........................................................…… 150 Brad Lanier Oil Co. Inc. ……...…................................................… 102 Concrete Enterprises LLC …................................................……… 2-3 Custom Interiors ............................................................………… 125 D & D Kitchen Center ………..................................................… 24-25 Dental Partners of Southwest Georgia ……...........................…… 167 DJ’s II Car Wash & Quick Lube ………........................................… 151 Doublegate Country Club ...................................................………… 5 Dougherty Board of Commissioners | Admin ………................… 144 Dougherty Glass Company …….............................................…… 183 Dunn’s Business Services ……................................................…… 84 Elegance Nails …………............................................................... 183 Elements Coffee Co. ….......................................................……… 152 First State Bank of Albany ………........................… Inside Front Cover Fleming & Riles Insurance ……................................................…… 63 Harvey Drilling ….............................................................……… 30-31 Hickory Grove Storage...................................................... ………… 82 Hinman Pool Supply ……….......................................................… 170 Homerun Foods ……..............................................................…… 102 HopeCity United …….............................................................…… 145 Hutchins Clenney Rumsey Huckaby, P.C. ……........................…… 153 Ivey’s …..............................................................................……… 147 Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home …………......................................... 182 Knight’s Apparel ….............................................................……… 169 Lee Power Equipment ……….......................................................… 81 Live Naturally Vitamins and Supplements ………......................… 182

Logic4Design .................................................................………… 168 LRA Constructors, Inc. ……....................................................…… 148 M. Hill Interiors …..............................................................……… 149 Mellow Mushroom ……...........................................................…… 83 Mike’s Country Store ……….....................................................… 150 Millie Mac Photography ……...................................................…… 46 Oakland Plantation ……........................................................…… 104 Oxford Construction Company ….......................................……… 122 Pellicano Construction ………...................................................… 166 Philema Animal Hospital ……...............................................…… 167 Phoebe Physicians ………….................................................. 62, 105 Potter Motor Company …….............................…… Inside Back Cover Prince Automotive Group of Albany ………................................… 182 Promise of Hope …............................................................……… 183 Renasant Bank ………..............................................................… 152 SafeAire Heating & Cooling ………...........................................… 123 Sellers Tile ………..........................................................................… 7 Shae Foy Photography ……...............................................…… 47, 87 SL Sausage Company ………....................................................… 166 Smallcakes ……....................................................................…… 169 Southern Tractor & Outdoors ………......................................… 26-27 Southland Children’s Dentistry ......................................………… 107 Southwest Georgia Periodontics ………....................................… 151 Southwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, LLC ……..................…… 9 Stewbos ……...........................................................................…… 80 Sunbelt Ford Lincoln ………......................................................… 103 The Bread House & Granary .......................................………… 28-29 The Cookie Shoppe ………........................................................… 182 The Flint …….........................................................................…… 109 The Flower Basket ……..........................................................…… 183 The Sandbox ....................................................................………… 60 Tony’s Westside Athletic Club …….........................................…… 170 Turner’s Fine Furniture …........................................................……… 1 WALB News ……......................................................................…… 64 Westover Animal Hospital ………..............................................… 147 Wild Side Running ……..........................................................…… 168 Wil-Power Massage Therapy ………...........................................… 171 Women’s Health Professionals ………......................................… 124 Wynfield Plantation ……..........................................................…… 61 Yancey Rents | The Rental Store ……....................................…… 153

Please thank our sponsors for making this publication possible!

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S u m m e r 2020

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

MARCEL MCMANUS ALBANY LIVING

From Discouragement to Dependence

THEATRE ALBANY

Enriching the Community through the Arts

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TIMELESS, WELCOMING, AND WARM

THE QUINTESSENTIAL QUAIL HUNTING EXPERIENCE