Sumter County Living Magazine - Spring 2020

Hometown Living at its Best S p rin g 2020

CREATIVE CLASSROOM

Jody Arrington helps reluctant students excel through Artistic Expression.

SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

FITNESS, BODY IMAGE AND GRATITUDE Caitlin Downs career passion is helping others feel more confident in themselves.

Horse therapy TRANSFORMATION FARMS

OFFERS A CONNECTION TO HORSES AND A REASON FOR

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EYEWORKS

208 East Lamar Street | Americus, GA 229.924.9998 www.chandlermorganeyeworks.com

serving Sumter county for 100 years.

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Sumter County Chamber of Commerce | 409 Elm Avenue Americus, GA 31709 229.924.2646 | www.sumtercountychamber.com

Providing opportunities and support for the growth and prosperity of local & regional business and industry.

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce

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Hometown Living at its Best

Classroom Art Exploration

CON TENTS /

SPRING ISSUE 2020

Through her art Jody Arrington serves others, including Sumter County Students.

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A Community of Friendship and Support The Americus Region Christian Home Educators, or ARCHE, is a group of like-minded people who support each other on the journey of homeschooling.

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A Dream Rediscovered Patrick Peacock’s dream to create a feature film has now become a reality.

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Going Above & Beyond Jarrod goes above and beyond in both his work and his personal life to serve the community.

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A Place for Transformation Through Transformation Farm, Sonya desires to offer a place for people that also love horses and may need to be refreshed or ­­ re-energized.

ON T H E C O V E R Transformation Farms >> DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY 4 SPRING 2020 / SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

Healthcare in the palm of your hand.

Download the free Phoebe Access app to schedule primary care appointments, streamline communication and stay in-the-know.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Living at its Best

C O NT E NTS

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The Ditch Doctor Marty Blankenship has been an EMT for eight years and a paramedic for six years, or what he

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Fitness, Body Image & Gratitude

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A Flair for Hair How wonderful that someone uses the

calls a “Ditch Doctor,� a popular expression of those in the field.

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A Legacy of Faith Stephanie and Frankie Williams

Catlin Downs is helping others to

talents and gifts that God has given

were a partnership not only in

build confidence in themselves and

them to lift others up!

matters of the heart, but also

also in the gym.

6 SPRING 2020 / SUMTER COUNTY LIVING

together in business.

a better way to bank

FIRSTATE BANK

ESTABLISHED 1964

Meeting the financial needs of the community, First State Bank has been serving its citizens since 1964

800 East Lamar Street | Americus, Georgia 31709 | (229) 924-3200 | Oncall Banking: (706) 547-4401 | Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

From the Publisher

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

bilto i sr hs e r Landon With You mind Publications E x e c u t i v ePEud andinMandi Spivey

E x E C u t i V E E d i to r S landon and mandi spivey C r eat i v e | D e s i g n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC

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Photo by Leslie Hand Photography

In this amazing world of technology and advancement, it can be so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind around us. We can look around us and buy into the comparison trap of not Gearing up fornot thehaving new school year, summer has come to a close being enough, enough, or not doing enough.

This and the back-to-school supply list is being checked off.

Oh, thefrom headspace can have the power to shift our focus away seasons of life. Learning to ebb and flow with all that life can bring what truly matters. At the end of the day, all that really can evoke so many emotions in us in various ways. I believe learning matters is those around us knowing they are loved. to embrace the flowing waters allows us to have peace and joy in all of the times.

This We issue is often packed countless people who have saidfull thatof people are ourstories passion,ofand learning choose love, family community towe hold and share about people’s storiesand is what makes what do close so incredible.

We with city. mistakes, lessons and choices that the hearthis andbeautiful learn the wisdom, fascinating people of Sumter County have and we get to share the in-depth and details. and We are so honored to so glean Life is anbackground amazing adventure onealways that can pass by from these and the hopedays you enjoy it as and muchthe as we do. are short. quickly.

As pages they say, are long years like the McNeills, are to on heart the forefront of preserving MayFamilies, we all take these lessons and gently remind history intertwined with modern additives and a good healthy dose we ourselves that we ARE enough, we HAVE enough and when of old-fashioned hard work! Also included is child music prodigy, feel that peace, we then have the energy to turn to our family David Busman, whose story will give you chills about how he uses and community and pour out the love on those around us that his ability to speak to the world through music. Sharad Patel and his this is so hungry hardworld working family showfor. such loyalty and passion to the Sumter

community and truly captivate what a family owned business looks Aslike. we all continue to walk this path together, hand in hand, we hopeEach youofknow, County, how much these Sumter stories, and so many more, walkwe youLOVE from each the one the present the different Please pages ofcontinue life that each have ofbeginning you andtotreasure ouroffriendship. to show experienced; lessons learned along the way and the journey ahead. love and support to all of our incredible advertisers who so Thank you to allthis of our readers foravailable sharing into ouryou joy at andnocontinuing graciously make magazine charge. to open your arms of friendship.

Weavailable are so grateful for our clients who Your complimentary copies are at each business listed continue to make this publication possible and they are listed on page on page 136.

136. Please thank them and continue to support them.

P roo f Reade r s Gail Dixon P ro o f r E A d E r S Gail dixon

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by David Parks Photography C oV E r P h oto mcneill children

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Contributing

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June Anderson Jessica Fellows

Kate DeLoach rachel Price

Rachel sherri Price martin

Sherri Martin sumter County living© is published © in mind Publications. semi-annually

by With You Sumter County Living is published www.withyouinmindpublications.com semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications.

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Sumtercounty countyliving Living sumter

A Cut Above SALON

The Creative Stylis t Team For Men, Women, and Children

C U T, C O LOR & CO N VERS ATIO N S 110 GA HWY 27 E, AMERICUS, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8849

Story by Rachel Price | Photos by David Parks Photography

exploring the classroom

through art

Jody Arrington “lives” her art. She loves art and through it she serves others, including local Sumter County students.

J

Jody Arrington is an artist in every sense of the word. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know her, chances are she’s gifted you something beautiful that was lovingly crafted from her hands. I get the pleasure of visiting Jody once a month. Each time I walk into her home, I am greeted by delicious aromas coming from her kitchen…roasted chicken or sautéed kale with garlic and onions grown from her garden. Barely into the door and I notice a beautiful lighted vine tree she made with vines, lights, and a tomato cage; a piece that I mistook as purchased from a high-end home goods store costing hundreds of dollars.

Jody’s home is eclectic and artsy, and each room is intriguing. There is a music room that her husband, Wayne, uses to compose music or practice one of his many instruments. The sitting room hosts pieces both Jody and Wayne have crafted. Even drawings, displayed proudly, that their children have gifted catch the eye. A favorite room of mine is what I like to call the “Jody Jewelry” room. In it, Jody has every chain, bead, shell, or pearl available, which she lovingly pieces into beautiful jewelry that she gifts.

As if everything I see around me isn’t enough, one day I discover pages upon pages of the most beautiful textured papers. I am further intrigued, and this is where the story of Jody Arrington becomes

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more interesting. Jody began teaching in 1978. At the time, her view of teaching was very narrow…that the only thing you could do with an elementary education background was to be a homeroom teacher and that was the very last thing she wanted to do. Therefore, she found other work after she graduated from college in 1976, at a Children’s Museum that was opening in Washington, D.C. “But you know how life changes and the person that you love moves to Memphis, so you go too,” Jody tells me. In Memphis, Jody accepted her first teaching job as an art teacher in a private school, where all she needed was her four-year degree; certification wasn’t required. She taught for four years and unexpectedly found her passion.

“I’ve been an artist since I was born,” Jody explains. “My first memory of my first art project was carving my initials in my dresser drawer with a kitchen knife; my mom wasn’t very happy,” she laughs. “Later, I became a wood carver.

Art has always been very important to me. Coming from a traditional home life,

an eclectic home Jody’s home is eclectic and artsy, and each room is intriguing. There is a music room that her husband, Wayne, uses to compose music or practice one of his many instruments. The sitting room hosts pieces both Jody and Wayne have crafted.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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art wasn’t a career option for me, so I didn’t pursue it, although I wish I had.” As an educator, however, Jody ensured she included art in all she did.

Relocating to Sumter County in 1986, Jody began teaching in Americus when it was “Americus City Schools” in 1987. Patsy Knotts, Assistant Superintendent, wanted Jody to get an art position.

However, that would require certification, which Jody was unable to obtain at the time with two nursery school children, as it would mean traveling to Athens each weekend. That was not feasible for their family’s lifestyle. Therefore, Jody made the decision to become a Chapter 1 teacher and began working with reluctant learners.

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She began developing her own techniques in helping them. Mentors, such as Pat Turner and Thelma Owens, innovators in education, recognized her creative ability.

In 1995 they started a program called “Immersion” for students two or more grade levels below coming into third grade. Recommendations from Valerie Duff “who later influenced me,” Jody explains, told her who should be in the program. The students came for 2.5 hours a day and learned from Jody and fellow educator, Lisa Hernandez. They had 20 students and the program lasted for five years. Within those five years, Jody’s development as a teacher and innovator in education exploded.

In 1995, Dr. Fritz Mengert, a neuro-cognitive

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specialist from the University of North Carolina, came to Americus and worked with Jody, among others, to educate them on brain-compatible learning and how to address the needs of a child’s brain in a classroom setting. “I thought there was something wrong with me for years because I couldn’t memorize or learn like others did, but Dr. Mengert helped me discover what kind of learner I was,” Jody says. “Turns out I’m a kinesthetic learner; I learn with my whole body. I must get up and move. I need things to change.”

Around 37 percent of a classroom are kinesthetic learners, but teachers are mostly more visual and auditory. This caused Jody to pause and take notice.

“So I vowed to become the champion of kinesthetic learning and my class became a kinesthetic workplace,” she tells me. “We changed and moved and there was more exploration. I found out it worked! Suddenly, discipline problems weren’t discipline problems.

If you allow children to move, change, discover, and create, everything changes. That was my first step towards becoming the teacher I was meant to be. If you cater to the kinesthetic child, then you take care of everybody because visual and auditory children can learn no matter how you present it to them.”

After Dr. Mengert, more programs became available that backed up the concepts of brain compatible learning.

Another mentor of Jody’s, Debbie Messer, was responsible for bringing Beth Olshansky’s program, “Image Making within the Writing Process,” to Americus. “This program ticked all the boxes. It was writing, reading, discovery, creation, art, movement, and language,” Jody tells me. “So I began to use that with my students in the “Immersion” classroom. These were students that were language bereft and

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suddenly their writing was filled with imagery and creativity; it gave them confidence.”

“Image Making within the Writing Process” begins with a student creating his/her own portfolio on colorful, textured, hand-painted papers. It takes a complete year to create. The first nine weeks of school are spent using different painting techniques; nine to be exact, from blowing paint with a straw and bubble painting, to using a historic technique called marbleized painting, the children are wowed each time they create a watercolor masterpiece.

After the first nine weeks, the classroom has “Reveal 18

sumter county living

Day,” where the children get ready to see all their paintings at once. Jody puts together 20 pages in a portfolio and the students then look at their papers to find stories hidden in the dramatic images they have created. After this, the writing process begins.

The students decide on a theme for their book by looking at their papers and pulling images to create a picture collage. Once they have the images to match their theme, the language comes. Each student, no matter the learning ability, benefits from this process because they are individually created. The students can share their book and describe each painting technique

and how they developed their story.

Jody retired from teaching in 2014 and now volunteers as a mentor for the program at Furlow Charter School because she couldn’t bear to see the process die out after she left the school system. “Children who think they can’t draw, they can’t do this or do that, yes they can…and they do with this process!” Jody smiles. “I’ve seen children create books that revealed talents no one knew were there. Because it is a kinesthetic process, children who can’t sit still are totally focused, almost to a fault. This process gives children so much confidence and I love that. It makes everything worthwhile.”

Jody “lives” her art. She loves art and through it she serves others. It could be decorating for her husband with hundreds of hand-cut hearts and cute or funny puns. It could be her gifting a beautiful piece of “Jody Jewelry” at Christmas, or how she served for 31 years as an educator helping reluctant learners excel by changing the classroom artistically. If you ever get to meet Jody, I can assure you, one way or another, you will be impacted by her heart.  SCL

Around 37 percent of a classroom are kinesthetic learners, but teachers are mostly more visual and auditory.

This caused Jody to pause and take notice. “So I vowed to become the champion of kinesthetic learning and my class became a kinesthetic workplace,” she tells me. “We changed and moved and there was more exploration.

I found out it worked! Suddenly, discipline problems weren’t discipline problems. If you allow children to move, change, discover, and create, everything changes. That was my first step towards becoming the teacher I was meant to be. If you cater to the kinesthetic child, then you take care of everybody because visual and auditory children can learn no matter how you present it to them.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Experience the Magic HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PLAINS 2020 EVENTS February 14: Valentine’s @ The Buffalo Café March 14: 1st Annual Cheesy Wine Tasting April 4: Car Show on Main Street May 9: Spring Fling Street Dance June 13: Beach Party in the Courtyard June 20: Carter Presidential Auction June 27: Plains, Trains, and Fireworks July 11: “We All Scream for Ice Cream” Social and Yard Sale August 8: Back to School Again Bash September 26: Plains Peanut Festival October 23, 24, 30 &31: The “Real” Haunted House October 31: Downtown Trunk or Treat November 14: 1st Annual “Just Soup for Supper” Competition November 28: Christmas in Plains December 12: Downtown Open House December 31: “It’s 12:00 Somewhere” Peanut Drop

1 0 6 M A I N S T R E E T P L A I N S G A | 2 2 9 . 8 2 4 . 4 5 1 7 | W W W. P L A I N S I N N . N E T 20

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Plains

HISTORIC INN & ANTIQUE MALL SHOP • DINE • STAY

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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STORY BY Sherri Martin

//

o

PHOTOS BY David Parks Photography

a community of friendship and support THE AMERICUS REGION CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS, OR ARCHE, IS A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT EACH OTHER ON THE JOURNEY OF HOMESCHOOLING.

On a Monday evening, a group of women meet in a church fellowship hall. They have snacks, fellowship, and then get down to business. The discussions are quick, varied, and multi-layered, but not heated. Topics include history, art, crafts, science, drama, financial planning, and survival skills. These women form the education committee of the Americus Region Christian Home Educators (ARCHE), a homeschool cooperative group, and they are planning the next semester of classes that will educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten their children.

ARCHE, as the group is typically called, was formed in the days when homeschooling was still fairly uncommon. The simple concept began simply in

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the early 2000s as a support group for homeschooling families. Then, three moms, Pat Fenner, Melissa Harbuck, and Judy Patenaude, had the idea to start coop classes in 2004; the group grew from there.

“As we gathered to discuss the structure, we decided to expand it to include a support group with social activities for both students and parents, along with co-op classes,” explains founding member Chanh Tu. “We came up with the by-laws and then filed as a 501©3 tax-exempt corporation.”

ARCHE became “official” in 2006, and has existed to help and encourage Christian homeschooling families ever since. There have been many fluctuations through the years – size, meeting place, and style of classes – but the intention

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ARCHE, as the group is typically called, was formed in the days when homeschooling was still fairly uncommon. The simple concept began simply in the early 2000s as a support group for homeschooling families.

Then, three moms, Pat Fenner, Melissa Harbuck, and Judy Patenaude, had the idea to start co-op classes in 2004; the group grew from there.

has remained the same…to help parents as they navigate their chosen “road less traveled” and to provide opportunities for their children.

“For my family, ARCHE means support, encouragement, friends, and fellowship. Our kids get to have time with their homeschool friends to play, learn, and grow,” says member Shelly Harbuck. “ARCHE has made me a better homeschool mom.”

“It’s a family that fellowships together with the same purpose,” member Kristy Nolt adds.

Members represent many church affiliations and several surrounding counties, as well as a widespread age group, but they join together with a desire to help fulfill Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Currently, ARCHE meets for two six-week semesters of classes a year, with meetings taking place during the semester on every other Friday at Cornerstone Church. Students Hometown Living At Its Best

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ARCHE became “official” in 2006, and has existed to help and encourage Christian homeschooling families ever since. There have been many fluctuations through the years – size, meeting place, and style of classes – but the intention has remained the same…to help parents as they navigate their chosen “road less traveled” and to provide opportunities for their children.

are divided up by age groups: nursery, preschool, 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds, and 13 and up. Classes offered come in a wide variety: arts and crafts, hands-on science, cooking, sewing, Bible study, ukulele, drama, survival skills, dissecting, car maintenance, communications, music, board games, P.E., Greek history, first aid, and more.

“It’s a way for my children to get to do stuff that we don’t get to do at home,” explains member Kerri Kirkland.

The classes are taught by the parents, both moms and dads, according to their interests or areas of knowledge.

The students benefit from having a different, but still trusted, voice.

“I know what my children are learning, and you know who they’re hanging around with,” says Danisha Dewberry. “You get to choose your child’s biggest influences,” Stacy Brown adds.

The group also offers organized field trip opportunities for all ages. Recent trips have been to the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, the Flint Riverquarium in Albany, the Georgia National Fair, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon, and the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton.

Some trips are less educational and more recreational, like trips to go bowling or to a trampoline park, which are popular.

Another highlight of the year is the spring formal, a time for the 13 and older group to dress up, enjoy a nice meal together, and fellowship. Activities during the formal, in addition to lots and lots of photographs, might include a scavenger hunt, a movie, line dances – including traditional ones such as the Virginia Reel, and bowling.

The time in classes, on field trips, and at the formal are important ways homeschoolers help answer the ubiquitous question, “But what about socialization?”

Lasting friendships are formed at ARCHE. “I’m a senior in high school this year, and I’ve been going to ARCHE for as long as I can remember. ARCHE has always been a place for me to be able to take fun classes

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and learn exciting things. I was able to make some of my closest friends who share the same Christian beliefs and principles that I do while in this group,” says Emily Saunders, 17.

Her siblings agree. “I enjoy ARCHE because I get to see my friends,” says Jack Saunders, 13. “I can learn new stuff and I can see my friends,” adds Andrew Saunders, 15.

Charlotte Saunders, 10, explains, “ARCHE teaches you about God, and you get to spend time with the people you enjoy being with. You get to do crafts and be with your friends.”

Other siblings agree with the sentiment that being with friends is important. “It’s fun learning new things and playing with friends,” says John Allen Schlabach, 8. “It’s fun

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and you get to meet friends and play with them. I enjoy doing different crafts,” says Susan Schlabach, 9.

Of course, the benefits of ARCHE are not just for the students. Just getting together with other homeschooling parents through the group, parents who know what you are experiencing, and developing friendships is vital. Mom’s Night Out events are popular, and these can range from a paint party to a night of musical theater, to just a night to get together to discuss two of the favorite topics of homeschool moms: curriculum and advice.

“It’s a community of like-minded people,” says Stacy.

“Everyone’s struggling with different things, and we encourage one another.”

“I do it for my kids because they love it,” member Jamie Saunders adds, “but I do it for myself because of that support group.”

The culmination of the ARCHE school year is the Odyssey of Talent, an endof-year program that allows students to showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or displaying artwork. Parents have the opportunity to recognize some achievement their students have accomplished throughout the year.

The Odyssey also serves as the graduation ceremony for both kindergarten graduates and high school graduates. It is a celebration that includes special videos of the graduates; extended family and friends are invited to come to the ceremony and then enjoy a meal afterwards.

The Odyssey is a way to come together

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Currently, ARCHE meets for two six-week semesters of classes a year, with meetings taking place during the semester on every other Friday at Cornerstone Church. Students are divided up by age groups: nursery, preschool, 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds, and 13 and up. Classes offered come in a wide variety: arts and crafts, hands-on science, cooking, sewing, Bible study, ukulele, drama, survival skills, dissecting, car maintenance, communications, music, board games, P.E., Greek history, first aid, and more.

and say that this homeschooling journey they are all on might be different, it might be hard, but it is what God has called them to do.

Through ARCHE, they have a support system to help along the way.

“I think that ARCHE is a great community of like-minded people coming together to create lasting friendships rooted in the Word of God,” says homeschool graduate and Georgia Southwestern student Jordan Brown. “Through ARCHE I learned many practical skills, as well as further developed my social skills. Everyone always made me feel welcomed and included; I never felt like I had to pretend to be someone I’m not just to get people to like me.

I could be myself.” “During my years at ARCHE, I made a group of friends that extended beyond just classes and into my everyday life. I will always be grateful for the group of Godly friends and Godly leaders that influenced me during those years. ARCHE was a great experience and through it I’ve made some of the best memories of my life.”

“ARCHE was a great place to hang out 32

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The culmination of the ARCHE school year is the Odyssey of Talent, an end-of-year program that allows students to showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or displaying artwork. Parents have the opportunity to recognize some achievement their students have accomplished throughout the year.

with friends and learn some great, new practical skills. It was also a good environment to discuss and learn more about God alongside various different groups of people,” adds homeschool graduate and recent GSW graduate Chance King. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with ARCHE and would highly recommend it to homeschooling families from all over.”

Any homeschooling families interested in joining ARCHE, or if anyone is interested in homeschooling and would like some information, go to the website homeschool-life.com and find ARCHE on the map’s pull-down list of groups in Georgia.  SCL

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a dream Rediscovered

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Story by RACHEL PRICE | Photos by DAVID PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Patrick Peacock‘s dream to create a feature film has now become a reality.

Y

“You just have to do it. Just make it happen. Do not wait on permission. Study, look at your favorites, dissect, make intentional choices, and get better.” These are words of advice for aspiring filmmakers that ring true for any ambition or desire we are consumed by.

Patrick Peacock grew up in Americus, Georgia. His family had a small 8mm home-video camera that mostly sat unused. These were not the days of videos, selfies, and all-consuming technology. Graduating from high school,

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Patrick entered the Art Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, with the intentions of recording music. Television wasn’t anything he ever considered as a career. “At school I had the opportunity to get behind a studio television camera. We had our first day of video production class. I was not anticipating video being a thing at all for me,” Patrick explains. “They had a studio camera set up with a viewfinder and handles.

We each got a turn to operate it. I stepped up, as it was my turn, and one of my classmates was sitting on the stool to be the subject for the shot. I remember grabbing the handles and moving the camera and that

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made the picture change. In that moment, there was something that clicked for me.”

Patrick’s first job was in Albany, Georgia, with WALB. He ran the video camera for the news.

From his earliest days at WALB, co-workers talked about making a movie. “We talked, and talked, and talked about it and never made anything,” he said.

But the interest remained with Patrick for 20 years.

About 12 years ago, he began making a film that was an earlier version of his first feature length film, Back Focus, which debuted in Americus at The Rylander Theater in June 2019. “I just tried to

Patrick’s first job was in Albany, Georgia, with WALB. He ran the video camera for the news. From his earliest days at WALB, co-workers talked about making a movie. “We talked, and talked, and talked about it and never made anything,” he said. But the interest remained with Patrick for 20 years.

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“At school I had the opportunity to get behind a studio television camera. We had our first day of video production class. I was not anticipating video being a thing at all for me.”

A couple of years ago, Patrick pulled out an old script he happened upon by chance. It was an early version of Back Focus. He was approaching his 50th birthday and his goal was to produce his first feature before he turned 50.

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dive right into a feature film, but it fell apart very quickly,” Patrick said.

“So, sitting down for lunch with a friend, Faith Fuller, lamenting the failure of that project, she told me that I needed to make a short film,” he says. She gave him instructions to meet back for lunch in a month and have a script for a short film; she offered to produce it to help get him started. For three weeks, Patrick struggled with trying to figure out what the script was going to be about, until one day he had an idea and wrote a script of about 15 pages. He went back to her and, upon

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reviving a creative past

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“I was focused on the feature being my comedy/horror and I was going to commit to earning the tens of thousands I needed. But then, I pulled the early version of Back Focus out shortly after I turned 49. I looked at it and suddenly got excited. I had to totally rewrite the script to improve it. I had gotten more practice and became better at writing. I realized ‘ok, I probably won’t have it completed by 50, but I started filming.” The film premiered on June 29, 2019, the day after he turned 51.

An independent film in the truest sense of the word; there were no investors. Patrick paid for everything out of pocket. However, he got tremendous support from the community as far as locations. “Nobody charged us to film at their locations. People were just offering up places. We would ask and they would say yes.”

her approval, they made his first short film titled By the Light of Dark, which Patrick describes as a pretentious title, but he felt the film turned out well. For Patrick, this film is a personal favorite as it holds sentimental value.

After the completion of his first film, he continued to produce short films; all the while thinking of his hopeful feature length film and believing that the film would be a horror/comedy he had written. However, he soon realized it was going to require a bunch of special effects and didn’t know if he could get around the potential cost.

A couple of years ago, Patrick pulled out an old script he happened upon by chance. It was an early version of Back Focus. He was approaching his 50th birthday and his goal was to produce his first feature before he turned 50. “I was focused on the feature being my comedy/ horror and I was going to commit to earning the tens of thousands I needed. But then, I pulled the early version of Back Focus out shortly after I turned 49. I looked at it and suddenly got excited. I had to totally rewrite the script to improve it. I had gotten more practice and became better at writing. I realized ‘ok, I probably won’t have it completed by 50, but I started filming.” The film premiered on June 29, 2019, the day after he turned 51.

The reaction to Back Focus was amazing. Social media was buzzing over a local feature film with local actors. On June 29, over 250 people arrived for the film.

“Here they were laughing at the parts I’d hope they would laugh. There were tense, dramatic moments in it and I could feel that energy happening in the room too!” he told me. As the credits rolled, the crowd erupted with a loud standing ovation. “It was wonderful. I could

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The film is not a biography, but Patrick did pull from a few personal life experiences for the main character; the obvious one being a career in videography. Patrick spent six years with WALB at the start of his career. He later moved on to OnMedia as the Production Manager for the past 15 years. Currently, he is the Marketing Specialist at South Georgia Technical College.

not be more pleased.” And the community could not be more pleased either. Ever since the premier, people have approached him and are very complimentary. “People were surprised by the quality of it; our cast of local actors were all amazing,” he said.

An independent film in the truest sense of the word; there were no investors. Patrick paid for everything out of pocket. However, he got tremendous support from the community as far as locations. “Nobody charged us to film at their locations. People were just offering up places. We would ask and they would say yes.” Back Focus was filmed at Café Campesino, Pats Place, The Rylander, Toboggan Steve’s (at the time JJ’s Wings), The Lee Council House, GSW, the home of Charles and Kim Christmas, and other locations around Americus and Sumter County. “Everyone worked with us and we were able to film in beautiful locations. Community support was huge,” Patrick said. “One of our principal locations was the home of Kim and Charles Christmas. We found that location through a friend-of-a-friend scenario. We didn’t know them at the time. They immediately were like ‘whatever you need. If this is the house for you, we will get out of your way.’ Their house was perfect for what we needed. I didn’t have to do any set decoration, which was wonderful. We could use it as it was and not adjust anything. They were incredible. Their home was the most featured location…we shot 8-10 days there and they let us leave our equipment so it wouldn’t have to be moved each day. They were really amazing with their support as was everyone else. Steve Miller, at Toboggan, provided food for the extras and the crew when we needed a scene where they needed to be eating.”

The film is not a biography, but Patrick did pull from

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a few personal life experiences for the main character; the obvious one being a career in videography. Patrick spent six years with WALB at the start of his career.

He later moved on to OnMedia as the Production Manager for the past 15 years. Currently, he is the Marketing Specialist at South Georgia Technical College. In his spare time, Patrick has created over six films between his short and feature films; his first being By the Light of the Dark. Another film entitled Life After Death is a favorite for many, especially the one fan that matters most, his wife, Wendy. It is the one comedy in the lot and has been played at several festivals. It won “Best Comedy” at the 15 Minutes of Fame Festival in Orlando, Florida in 2015, along with

six other awards from various festivals.

Patrick formed Acondo Films in 2017 and describes Back Focus on his website as “the first step in a longrange plan to turn my creative passion into a sustainable profession. I also wanted to establish a vibrant film community in my hometown.”

Patrick is proud of his hometown, Americus, and the support he has experienced for this film. He would welcome the community, in return, if there is an interest in being a part of future films or staying in the know.

You can follow Back Focus and Acondo Films on Social Media by typing in the names. And for those interested in watching Back Focus, DVD copies are available on his website…acondofilms.com. SCL

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above and beyond JARROD GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND IN BOTH HIS WORK AND HIS PERSONAL LIFE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

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espite being one of the most successful public developers ever, and a multi-national award winning transit personality, Jarrod McCarthy’s efforts go far beyond his work through the River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC). His effort began when he decided to pursue, instead of business, a bachelor’s and then a master’s in sociology at UGA. He did this so that he could gain a deeper understanding of serving instead of profiting. This background, blended with his work experience, has allowed him to develop an understanding of people’s needs to access certain resources and services, the means to achieve those goals, and to do so in a manner that stimulates community and population stability. After graduating with his master’s, Jarrod returned to his hometown area and began working for the Middle Flint Regional Development Center, later to become the RVRC. Jarrod goes above and beyond in both his work and his personal life to serve the community. He remains employed in Americus, Georgia by the RVRC and serves all local governments in a 16-county area.

The organization provides a variety of services that the cities and counties are not equipped to undertake alone. The duties are demanding, both in quantity and the diversity of skills that they require.

He originally began his career as a Community Developer. The position entailed composing grant applications for local governments. It is because of Jarrod’s 52

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extra efforts that he has been one of the most successful, if not the most successful, of the grant writers in the state. Jarrod procures and works with engineers or architects to design and budget projects.

Jarrod’s selfless motives are revealed as he does not keep his success for himself. Rather than using his methods as his trademark, he seeks to share his strategies and standardize success across the region. He relishes the chance to help internally train employees and consult outside his organization. He is quick to point out that everyone at the RVRC contributes and serving is a team effort.

Jarrod’s success in impacting the region he loves is largely due to the fact that he is constantly the person who volunteers to learn new things in order to expand services provided to the people. When he took on a housing project in 2007, it was new to his organization, and he had no prior training.

Yet, he successfully obtained funding.

Likewise in July 2011, Jarrod suddenly found himself in transit without any previous training or experience. For a time, he also performed the previously described duties of a full-time developer while heading Transit.

Despite being the only full-time transit person, Jarrod still participates in the annual CDBG applications. In his new role, Jarrod began receiving the accommodations from the state and national levels.

In Transit, one way Jarrod serves through the Department of Human Services (DHS), takes people to senior centers where they access resources they would not otherwise have and often receive meals. It also provides

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job-related trips to training and/or places of employment, transports developmental and disability clients, and has taken many to dialysis.

Jarrod immediately took on an eight-county area. In 2014, that area suddenly increased to the full 16 River Valley region when the other major transit provider in the area suddenly ceased operations. Jarrod worked quickly to absorb the area, and to incorporate the four new subcontractors with his own. This resulted in six subcontractors with eight offices. Jarrod blended their efforts so seamlessly that there were no major complaints from passengers when the transition occurred!

Jarrod noted the relatively low payment rates that subcontractors were receiving in his region compared to other regions. He took it upon himself to construct a statistical analysis advocating a restructuring of complex, and varying, DHS transit rates across the region. (The new rates would benefit only the subcontractors, not Jarrod’s organization, which is the contractor.) The endeavor showed how to simplify rates by making them more uniform (which reduces administrative costs), the need to raise certain rates, and how to remove some unneeded expenditures so that overall rate increases are not excessive. After years of advocating, the rate increases were awarded, alleviating many transit issues in the rural region. This is important because it keeps the subcontractors that serve as transit providers in business.

Jarrod essentially performs multiple jobs at once. These include development grant writing, Mobility Management, DHS compliance, DHS procurement, addressing the needs of 40+ organizations that are able to utilize the DHS transit system for their clients in need, resolve DHS passenger complaints, report DHS accidents, and all other DHS administration. He also supervises six DHS transit subcontractors, their eight total offices, and applicable staff. This includes composing contracts, annual vehicle inspections, and reviews of each driver’s training,

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driving history, background checks, etc. He accomplishes this with also serving as an officer and committee chair for the Georgia Transit Association (GTA) and while maintaining memberships in the American Planning Association (APA) and the Georgia Association of Zoning Administrators (GAZA).

National recognition for his work in development includes: • Received a national award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Mobility Management program (2013) • Received a national award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the DHS Transit program (2014) • Received a Letter of Accommodation from DHS for the quickest implementation of the new statewide TRIP$ online trip ordering and invoicing system (Nov 2014) • Received a third NADO award recognizing additional accomplishments by both the Mobility Management and DHS Transit programs jointly (2016) • Received a fourth national award when the Department of Human Services transit subcontractor for Muscogee, Harris, and Chattahoochee Counties had to terminate the contract unexpectedly…Jarrod got a new company operational within two weeks, although it would normally take many weeks. Lives may have been saved since medical trips, such as dialysis and cancer treatments, were involved. (2017) • Received a fifth national award for a multiphase water and sewer project in Montezuma across several years (2018) • Selected to provide a nationwide presentation (2018) • Presented with a Letter of Recommendation from the former American Planning Association (APA) Georgia Chapter President (2018) • 40 Under 40 Top 4 (2019)

Through his church, Jarrod has also volunteered to restore a local park, perform regular nursery duty, participate in the AWANA after-school program, and participate in the Back Pack Blessings program. The latter works with teachers to identify children who have little or no food outside of school. The program sends easy-to-prepare or meal-ready food to the children in bags that will fit in their back packs. Furthermore, Jarrod posts notes from his pastor’s sermon on his personal Facebook page each Sunday for those who cannot attend. Outside of church, he seeks out ways to participate in charity as well.

Serving the communitty

Jarrod goes above and beyond in both his work and his personal life to serve the community. He remains employed in Americus, Georgia by the RVRC and serves all local governments in a 16-county area.

The organization provides a variety of services that the cities and counties are not equipped to undertake alone. The duties are demanding, both in quantity and the diversity of skills that they require.

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Jarrod is also an avid supporter of rural internet upgrades. Moreover, he hopes to one day establish an Interdenominational Activism Board. This would be an entity compromised of churches throughout the community (which has hundreds) in order to expand the scope of the previously described activities and other benevolent and charitable efforts.

In the political arena, Jarrod plans to promote moderate politics. This is not a matter of his own beliefs, but rather a strategy to shape policy by first taking the goals from each side of the aisle and pursuing them both. He notes that these objectives are surprisingly rarely in conflict with one another, and that we have simply reached a point in our nation where the two major parties will abandon good ideas at the national level simply because they come from the other side. Rather than run for office himself, Jarrod hopes to aide existing law makers by advocating for this just cause to unite Americans and their goals.

Jarrod and his wife, Jennifer, live in southern Schley County, but work and attend church in Sumter County. Jennifer works in Customer Relations at Woodgrain in Americus. They have two children: Allie (11) and Kasen (7). Jarrod is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, and jogs a 5k once a week. He says he is one of the chubbiest runners ever because he also likes food.

Jennifer works with AWANA at Central Baptist church and as a volunteer for Called to Care, which provides immediate needs to foster children and their families.

Jarrod is constantly chasing down other people’s needs, pushing himself to serve others in any way his unique intellect can fathom. He is not satisfied with merely his extra efforts at work, or his volunteering or charity. He has to build larger processes and link people and organizations so that he knows that positive impacts on people’s lives will continue to grow long after he is gone. He invests his identity, his sense of purpose, and his measure of success completely in serving others. ď • SCL

A true volunteer

Through his church, Jarrod has also volunteered to restore a local park, perform regular nursery duty, participate in the AWANA after-school program, and participate in the Back Pack Blessings program. The latter works with teachers to identify children who have little or no food outside of school.

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THROUGH TRANSFORMATION FARM, SONYA DESIRES TO OFFER A PLACE FOR PEOPLE THAT ALSO LOVE HORSES AND MAY NEED TO BE REFRESHED OR RE-ENERGIZED. “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is one of Sonya Farrell’s favorite verses of scripture and you will soon find out why.

In February 2016, Transformation Farm was founded by Sonya and Brian Farrell and their three daughters. Leaving the North Georgia area and searching for property from Kentucky to Alabama, South Carolina and everywhere in between, they found their forever home in Ellaville, Georgia. Their land and home was the first place they purchased,

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Transformation Farm has about 23 acres with four barns and one house. There are currently 13 horses…12 on the land, as one is away at college with Karmin, one of the Ferrell’s daughters… eight cats, two dogs and an unknown number of hens, roosters, and guineas.

since they had gotten married, that Brian would never have to leave for deployment; he is retired military.

Transformation Farm has about 23 acres with four barns and one house. There are currently 13 horses…12 on the land, as one is away at college with Karmin, one of the Ferrell’s daughters…eight cats, two dogs and an unknown number of hens, roosters, and guineas. There is always a lot to be done on the farm…much to be cleaned, groomed, or fixed. Fortunately, the farm is always open to volunteers to assist with any of the projects going on and to help with grooming the horses.

Sonya has loved horses her entire life.

She recalls being little and desperately wanting a rocking horse on a spring, but never receiving one. She would often visit

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her friend, who just so happened to have one of these rocking horses, and she would ride it to her heart’s content.

Finally, when she was in the 6th grade, her parents bought her a real horse and told her, “Okay, here you go!” With no instruction or training, Sonya taught herself how to care for and ride her horse. Her determination as a child led her to where she is today.

Through Transformation Farm, Sonya desires to offer a place for people that also love horses and may need to be refreshed or re-energized. “Our goal is to use this farm to transform other people’s lives. We want people to come

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Our goal is to use this farm to transform other people’s lives. We want people to come here and be renewed. We want to help that person who needs confidence, who needs to connect with something to give them hope, and to remind them there is always hope.”

Sonya has loved horses her entire life. She recalls being little and desperately wanting a rocking horse on a spring, but never receiving one. She would often visit her friend, who just so happened to have one of these rocking horses, and she would ride it to her heart’s content.

here and be renewed. We want to help that person who needs confidence, who needs to connect with something to give them hope, and to remind them there is always hope,” Sonya says. The farm and all its expenses come from the family’s own money.

“We are not out to make a profit with our farm,” Sonya explains. “We are not a nonprofit, but we have had a few people donate money to our hay fund and we are so thankful for them. We just try to be the hands and feet of God.” People often ask why Sonya rescues horses, especially if she is not planning to show them.

She replies, “So no one will ever hurt those horses

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again.” Many of the horses on the farm come from an abusive or neglected background. They come with trust issues and are skittish and afraid. But just as I eased into a comfortable relationship with Sonya after mere minutes of meeting her, these horses soon heal and become comfortable in their new environment. “Our animals, the horses, need us, but most of all, we need them. They are the ones that really rescue us,” she explains.

As Sonya walks me around the farm, we stop to pet and get to know each horse. Each one in their own way is beautiful. Their personalities are as unique as their stories. My personal favorites were

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Captain Max, a 16-year-old Clydesdale from Louisiana, and Nick Nack, a beautiful Pony of America from North Georgia. Captain Max was purchased to help Brian with PTSD. He was purchased by a family in Ball Ground, Georgia, and was set to be a “movie star,” but Captain Max had other ideas. When they sent him to train to pull the cart for the film, Captain Max didn’t like it. His mind was made up, Hollywood was not for him. So, onto Transformation Farm he went. Now he enjoys days of grooming, petting, eating, and resting.

One of the most beautiful horses on the farm is rightfully named Maybelline.

A gorgeous Black Percheron cross from Pennsylvania. Maybelline was purchased from a sale by a trail riding business and then the Farrell’s bought her from that business.

Maybelline was terrified at first; she comes from an abusive background. She was broken.

“You can see some of her scars. It took three

People often ask why Sonya rescues horses, especially if she is not planning to show them. She replies, “So no one will ever hurt those horses again.” Many of the horses on the farm come from an abusive or neglected background.

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weeks before she would let me touch her.

She would literally shake when I would reach my hand out to her. I had never seen a horse shake from fear before,” Sonya tells me. “So, every day I would just stand in the paddock with Maybelline and talk to her.

Each day I would stand a little closer. Finally, after three weeks, she started to trust me and let me touch her. She will let me halter her now and stands still for the farrier to trim her feet. I have not ridden her and if I never do, it’s okay. I love her and no one will ever hurt her again.”

Sonya has many ideas for Transformation Farm. She wants to combine her love for horses, people, God, healing, and nature into a retreat for the community. From offering classes like “How to Grow Plants” in the barn, to horse camps in the summer, the family’s goal is to spread God’s love and

One of the most beautiful horses on the farm is rightfully named Maybelline.

A gorgeous Black Percheron cross from Pennsylvania. Maybelline was purchased from a sale by a trail riding business and then the Farrell’s bought her from that business.

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Aside from her daily activities on the farm, Sonya frequents the Farmers Market in Americus to sell her homemade jams, lotions, soaps, dog treats, and more. The care and attention to detail in her products do not go unnoticed. Everything Sonya touches turns into beauty. Her spirit is welcoming and her personality is inviting. She can transform a broken, abused horse into a loving, trusting spirit. She can transform land, filled with debris and clutter, into a beautiful home for farm animals.

offer a place of peace and healing. One of the most interesting programs to come is for military families. She would love to offer a place for people to spend a day or a weekend shut off from the world‌no televisions, no phones, no outside connection. She wants them to experience peace while working on projects, grooming, learning to ride, and more.

Aside from her daily activities on the farm, Sonya frequents the Farmers Market in Americus to sell her homemade jams, lotions, soaps, dog treats, and more.

The care and attention to detail in her products do not go unnoticed. Everything Sonya touches turns into beauty.

Her spirit is welcoming and her personality is inviting.

She can transform a broken, abused horse into a loving, trusting spirit. She can transform land, filled with debris and clutter, into a beautiful home for farm animals. She can provide her community with a physical place of therapy, responsibility, enjoyment, and compassion. Sonya Farrell and her family farm are two beauties you want to meet‌you will be transformed. ď • SCL

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On Fitness, Body Image and

Gratitude I

n high school, Caitlin Reid was a typical teenage girl – she had a poor body image. In fact, she had OED (obsessive eating disorder). Her struggles with eating and exercise led her to pursue a degree in dietetics and nutrition at the University of Georgia. After earning a bachelor’s in 2015, she moved back to her hometown, Americus, and went to work managing the bridal registry at Minick Interiors.

In December 2016, Caitlin married Rett Downs. “I said I would never marry a farmer,” Caitlin jokes. “And that’s just what I did.” They began dating when she was in ninth grade and he was in eleventh. “He’s the

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CAITLIN DOWNS HAS SET OUT TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF HELPING PEOPLE FEEL MORE CONFIDENT IN THEMSELVES AND THE GYM.

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only boy I’ve ever dated,” she says. The couple lives in Sumter County in Caitlin’s father’s old office that they renovated. “Rett is very creative and artistic. He’s brilliant,” she beams. “I told him I trust him totally to renovate and decorate.” Her brother lives nearby in her grandfather’s old house. Her parents are next door.

“Yeah, it’s a family compound,” she laughs.

Caitlin got into group fitness as a teen. That led to teaching classes and working as a personal trainer at Georgia Southwestern State University (she began her education there and transferred to UGA). From there she became a personal trainer at Southwest Georgia Fitness Center. “When I first started training, my goal was to help people feel more confident in themselves and the gym,” says Caitlin. “The gym and fitness equipment can be so intimidating. And I take pride in getting to know my clients on a personal level. I listen to them and encourage them.”

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Getting into fitness

Caitlin got into group fitness as a teen. That led to teaching classes and working as a personal trainer at Georgia Southwestern State University (she began her education there and transferred to UGA). From there she became a personal trainer at Southwest Georgia Fitness Center.

Today, Caitlin is the Wellness Coordinator at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. She continues to offer personal training at Southwest Georgia Fitness Center, as well as teaches classes, but has scaled back to primarily evening hours there. At Phoebe Sumter, Caitlin works with employees on their fitness goals and manages other trainers and classes, such as Zumba, yoga, barre and strength training. “The nurses work 12-hour shifts, and during their breaks they can get a good, 20-minute workout in,” Caitlin explains. “It is great for stress release. There’s often a disconnect – I try to help them bridge that gap between working and

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Pride in a job well done

“When I first started training, my goal was to help people feel more confident in themselves and the gym,” says Caitlin.

“The gym and fitness equipment can be so intimidating. And I take pride in getting to know my clients on a personal level. I listen to them and encourage them.”

working out.” Caitlin adds, “Working at Minick Interiors really helped me learn the management end of things.” The physical fitness part has always been an important part of her adult life.

October 18 ushered in Julie Garrett Downs, Caitlin and Rett’s first child.

Caitlin credits her healthy pregnancy and delivery to training and working out right up until her daughter was born. “I stopped working out one week before she was born, and started back two weeks after delivery,” she says.

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“When I was 21 years old,” Caitlin says, “I realized, ‘This is my body; I can punish it, or I can run with it.’” She says her family is large, literally. “Most of the men in my family are 6-foot-5; we are tall and big-boned.” She says she feels immense gratitude for being able to carry a child and to have a healthy, easy delivery. “I like learning and teaching others how to nourish their bodies.” She says she loves to cook, and to come up with simple, healthy recipes.

For the New Year, Caitlin offers this advice: “Make small, attainable goals.

First, drink your body weight in ounces of water each day; second, try to hit your steps-per-day goal using a smartwatch, or shoot for moving 30 minutes per day; third, incorporate one vegetable at every meal.

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Over time, these small steps will make a difference.” She adds, “And keep a food journal – if you bite it, write it!”

Keeping her clients motivated when they aren’t seeing results is a challenging part of Caitlin’s job. “People want instant results,” she says. “It probably took a year or more to gain that weight, and it will take some time to lose it. I encourage them to give themselves some grace. Life is not on their timetable.”

When Caitlin is not working at one of the gyms, she is likely outside. She says she grew up on a farm, and being outside feels best. She likes to walk her six-yearold golden retriever, Jemma. “I know this

A “large” family

“When I was 21 years old,” Caitlin says, “I realized, ‘This is my body; I can punish it, or I can run with it.’” She says her family is large, literally. “Most of the men in my family are 6-foot-5; we are tall and big-boned.” She says she feels immense gratitude for being able to carry a child and to have a healthy, easy delivery. “I like learning and teaching others how to nourish their bodies.” She says she loves to cook, and to come up with simple, healthy recipes.

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Enjoying the outdoors

When Caitlin is not working at one of the gyms, she is likely outside. She says she grew up on a farm, and being outside feels best. She likes to walk her six-year-old golden retriever, Jemma. “I know this is weird,” Caitlin says, “but I love to clean! And I am a homebody. A good cup of coffee and a good book on a rainy day is perfect.”

is weird,” Caitlin says, “but I love to clean! And I am a homebody. A good cup of coffee and a good book on a rainy day is perfect.”

Caitlin believes her own poor body image as a teenager was necessary to get her where she is today. “I had to walk through my own valley to be able to help others learn to love themselves,” she says.

“If you want a trainer’s help with competition fitness goals, I’m not your girl.” She says she’s more concerned with the whole person – mind, body and spirit.  SCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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STORY BY June Anderson

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PHOTOS BY David Parks Photography

Flair Hair for

HOW WONDERFUL THAT SOMEONE USES THE TALENTS AND GIFTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN THEM TO LIFT OTHERS UP!

There are all kinds of people, personalities, and temperaments in this world. Many of them we just need to take with a grain of salt.

Sometimes you just don’t know what to expect when a person walks into the room or when you enter their place of business.

With Jenny Vanzant, there is never a question. She is the real deal and presents herself exactly the same way every time you see her. At least that’s been my experience with her and I’ve known her for well over 25 years. Our relationship goes back to when my daughter, Anita, was a little girl and wanted a certain hairstyle and when Jenny’s son Jeremy and my son, Jay, played baseball together as little fellas. She

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Jenny and her twin brother, Jeff, were born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Sumter County. For the past 19 years, she and her family have lived in Schley County, but her business has been solidly planted in Sumter County that entire time.

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Although she says she loved riding horses when she was growing up, times have changed and she has little time for hobbies. Her preference is taking care of her family and spending time with them and with friends. She also loves to take the occasional trip to the beach.

has been my hairdresser for many of those years. I took Anita to her during Jenny’s first days “on her own” as a hairdresser in her own little trailer, just big enough for a couple of chairs, on her own little spot on Southland Drive across the road from Southland Academy. We arrived for Anita’s hair appointment and Jenny was the bubbly lady I’ve known for all those years, and I don’t think I’ve seen her once since then when there wasn’t a beaming and welcoming smile on her beautiful face.

Her eyes smile at you before her face

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does. She’s one of those rare special people who may be hurting or concerned about something on the inside, but you will never know it from how she presents herself to you at her salon or even at the grocery store. Her easy-going demeanor is contagious. Just step inside her salon and look at the faces of the clients. Each one seems to feel gloriously relaxed, as if there isn’t a care in the world. They may be reading a magazine from her selections, taking a piece of candy from the jar, or just quietly relaxing on the couch.

Jenny and her twin brother, Jeff, were born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Sumter County. For

the past 19 years, she and her family have lived in Schley County, but her business has been solidly planted in Sumter County that entire time. She graduated from Americus High School in 1983 and then from South Georgia Technical College in 1986, having completed the course of study to earn her cosmetology diploma.

Jenny and husband, Larry, who works at the Jimmy Carter Plant and Material Center, have four amazing children. Jeremy is 32, lives in Sumter County, and works for Transmontaigne. Trevor is 27, lives in Schley County, and works as an assistant district attorney for Sumter County and Schley

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Like many people, she says her job is her real hobby. She’s one of those who can claim Mark Twain’s saying, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

She truly desires to make people happy, to satisfy them and make them feel good about themselves.

Everyone knows that if you look nice on the outside, it can sometimes make you feel better on the inside. Even if you’re having a great day, sometimes a little trip to the salon is just icing on the cake! She will do just about anything to brighten someone’s day, even strangers.

County. Noah is 22 and is a senior at Georgia Southwestern State University. Brooklyn is 11 and is in sixth grade at Schley County Middle School. How in the world does she juggle all of that and run a very successful salon? She and Larry share the duties of keeping their family on an even keel. Jenny can relax knowing that Larry is shouldering a large part of life’s responsibilities.

Although she says she loved riding horses when she was growing up, times have changed and she has little time for hobbies. Her preference is taking care of her family and spending time with them and with friends. She also loves to take the occasional trip to the beach.

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Like many people, she says her job is her real hobby. She’s one of those who can claim Mark Twain’s saying, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” She truly desires to make people happy, to satisfy them and make them feel good about themselves. Everyone knows that if you look nice on the outside, it can sometimes make you feel better on the inside. Even if you’re having a great day, sometimes a little trip to the salon is just icing on the cake! She will do just about anything to brighten someone’s day, even strangers.

Jenny says she got interested in the beauty business while still in high school. When she would get together with her friends, her “girls,” she would style their hair and soon

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Jenny says she got interested in the beauty business while still in high school. When she would get together with her friends, her “girls,” she would style their hair and soon realized it was something she loved, so she went to school for it and never looked back.

She knew this was her destiny.

realized it was something she loved, so she went to school for it and never looked back. She knew this was her destiny.

She began her journey after completion of her coursework at SGTC at the Windsor Parlour with Dot Boyette. She was there for eight years and says that Dot taught her EVERYTHING! She was a mentor for Jenny and Jenny wanted to be just like her. In 1996 she left Windsor Parlour and opened her own beauty shop, Cuttin’ Up Salon, in the aforementioned trailer on Southland Drive. A year later she moved into a little house on Hudson Street. It is gone now but stood on the present site of Cookout Burgers. She was there upwards of 20 years then sold the land and purchased the building at her current location, 502 Tripp St. She remodeled it and transformed it into quite a jewel.

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Although each location gave her a feeling of accomplishment, her present site is a real dream come true, the culmination of the hard work, determination, and passion she’s possessed since high school. She wanted her clients to experience that “wow” factor when they entered the door of her new place. She wanted their experience to be different than any place they had ever been for this kind of care. I must say that the first time I went there after she opened her new place, I was taken aback a little. Had I made a wrong turn and ended up in Atlanta? I wonder if my mouth

flew open when I went in. Probably, because I was stunned at the beauty. The décor rivals that of big city salons, yet somehow does not take on the expected stuffiness. Instead, it is a place to relax. It is glamorous and makes her clients feel glamorous. Jenny is now the mentor to other hairdressers at her salon where each has their own room that they can personalize and feel comfortable in as they serve their clients.

She knew who to turn to for help in making the décor unique, so she called on him…her brother, Jeff Williams, renowned artist…to help her give it just the right touch.

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She knew who to turn to for help in making the décor unique, so she called on him…her brother, Jeff Williams, renowned artist…to help her give it just the right touch. She likes his style and wanted to incorporate it into her salon’s atmosphere. The first touch of his that you will see is the beautiful painting on the building as you enter. His work is sometimes ethereal, sometimes continental, sometimes from another place and time and shows beautifully, not only on the outside of the building, but also inside on the walls.

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She likes his style and wanted to incorporate it into her salon’s atmosphere. The first touch of his that you will see is the beautiful painting on the building as you enter.

His work is sometimes ethereal, sometimes continental, sometimes from another place and time and shows beautifully, not only on the outside of the building, but also inside on the walls.

If you spend more than a minute or two with Jenny, you can feel the joy and love she has for her newest salon. She looks so at home as she serves her clients.

She says that so far it seems everyone has fallen in love with it, as she has. I know I have!

How wonderful that someone uses the talents and gifts that God has given them to lift others up!  SCL

A COMMUNITY OF LIFE AND LIVING! At Magnolia Manor, you’ll have plenty of time to concentrate on the things you truly enjoy. We’ll take care of everything else. We’ll cook your meals. Pick up around the place. Do the laundry. Even cut the grass. We also feature a vibrant social calendar and a friendly staff of professionals whose only goal is to make you happy. So relax. Kick up your heels. Make yourself at home. To find out more about the Magnolia Manor campus near you, call 1 (855) 540-LIFE (5433)

MANOR SENIOR LIVING

2001 South Lee Street, Americus, GAHometown 31709Living At Its Best

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Confederate and Union Encampments | Mock Civil War Battles Performances by Dixie Jubilee, Southern Gunslingers and special guest H.K. Edgerton Old Time Craftsmen at Work at the Syrup Kettle and all through Pioneer Farm Dealers in Arts, Crafts, Antiques and Collectibles | Activities for Children

The Andersonville Guild, sponsor of the Andersonville Historic Fair, is proud to announce that H.K. Edgerton will be the grand parade marshal for this year’s event.

Admission $5.00 - Children 10 and under free with adult Students with Student ID card - $3.00 Free Parking – Pets Must be leashed and No Pets over 25 lbs.

Hours 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday For More Info on being a Vendor or Attending Please Call 229-924-2558 or visit www.andersonvillegeorgia.info

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STORY BY Elizabeth Sheffield

PHOTOS BY

David Parks Photography

The

Ditch Doctor

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MARTY BLANKENSHIP HAS BEEN AN EMT FOR EIGHT YEARS AND A PARAMEDIC FOR SIX YEARS, OR WHAT HE CALLS A “DITCH DOCTOR,” A POPULAR EXPRESSION OF THOSE IN THE FIELD.

Some of the first sounds we learn, along, of course, with cows and horses, dogs and cats, are those that cop cars and ambulances make. But the unmistakable wail and yelp of the ambulance stays with us, pricking our ears when we hear it, causing us to look for the sound, and, if in a car, the slowing down and moving to the side of the road. However, for Marty Blankenship (47), this noise means off to another call to potentially save a life or verify everything will be okay.

Marty Blankenship has been an EMT for eight years and a paramedic for six years, or what he calls a “ditch doctor,” a popular expression of those in the field. He is, in fact, able to administer medicines in much the same way as a doctor, though many people do not realize paramedics on the ambulance are able to do so.

“Many people don’t realize paramedics have the ability to administer medicine while in the truck,” says Blankenship, who explains that many people, including some doctors and nurses, think them to be just ambulance drivers. “A lot of people don’t know that we take care of them while they are in the truck.

They just know the ambulance comes and gets them and takes them to the hospital.”

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Not every paramedic has the ability to administer drugs, however. “An EMT has different levels – a basic, an advanced, and a paramedic,” says Blankenship, who explains that “Basic EMTs can drive the ambulance and take paces and stuff like that. An A can do everything a paramedic can do, so I can give cardiac medicine, narcotics - everything in the drug box I can give. We have standing orders; I don’t have to have a doctor’s orders for the medications in the back of the truck. We can give the drugs without having to call the doctor, which would take too long when a life is on the line.”

Even though Blankenship is able to dispense medicine that can potentially save a patient’s life while on the way to the hospital, Blankenship notes that many EMTs and paramedics must work more than one job because of low pay. Currently, Blankenship works two full-time jobs and one part-time job – a part-time gig with Goldstar, a fulltime job with Grady Health/EMS in the Albany, GA area, and a full-time job with Macon County EMS. “We work long hours, and the job can be very stressful, but the pay is not what it should be,” says Blankenship, “which means that most EMTs and paramedics must work more than one job. Many of them work several paramedic jobs, like me, or as firefighters, or different EMS jobs.” These jobs allow room for working several jobs

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“Many people don’t realize paramedics have the ability to administer medicine while in the truck,” says Blankenship, who explains that many people, including some doctors and nurses, think them to be just ambulance drivers. “A lot of people don’t know that we take care of them while they are in the truck.

They just know the ambulance comes and gets them and takes them to the hospital.”

because most shifts are 24 hours on and 48 hours off, allowing the ability to work in between shifts, though sometimes the shifts flip with 48 hours working and 24 hours off. However, because of the need for sleeping, eating, family-time, and the stress coming from these types of jobs, this can be difficult and exhausting.

Blankenship tells of children and elderly people that need assistance, but cause stress and “get to you.” The biggest thing that “gets to” Blankenship, though, are the children. “The pediatric patients that we get that are on ventilators or, as an example, I took a pediatric patient to hospice about two years ago, who was only three years old. She had a disease, and she wasn’t with us very long. But that makes this job stressful,” says Blankenship. “The hours and some of the patients get to you and you have to take a break from it sometimes.”

Blankenship notes that many of the calls are not anything to worry about. These are calls where people have a toe that may hurt and nothing is really actually wrong. Though these cases tend to end well, they can be tedious for someone who is already exhausted and stressed. Blankenship says that even through the stress and exhaustion, he tries to keep the “same professionalism no matter the call because I want to keep integrity with these people because to them it is an emergency even if it isn’t to me. I try not to judge anybody for when they feel they need to go to the hospital.” He continues that professionalism in this field, and to him personally, means that he “keeps a good bedside manner and attitude while trying to treat each patient the same and really care about the patients. We try to soothe the patients and ensure them that they are safe in

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Not every paramedic has the ability to administer drugs, however. “An EMT has different levels – a basic, an advanced, and a paramedic,” says Blankenship, who explains that “Basic EMTs can drive the ambulance and take paces and stuff like that. An A can do everything a paramedic can do, so I can give cardiac medicine, narcotics - everything in the drug box I can give. We have standing orders; I don’t have to have a doctor’s orders for the medications in the back of the truck. We can give the drugs without having to call the doctor, which would take too long when a life is on the line.”

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the ambulance and that we are trained and there to help and give the best care possible until they get to the hospital.”

This understanding has changed the way Blankenship views the world and people he interacts with daily. “You do this job,” he says, “not for the money, but because you really want to help people.

Not everyone can deal with the blood and vomit.”

The years working as an EMT and paramedic have pulled back the scales from his eyes, leaving him more empathetic towards people.

“It has made me look at people differently. It has made me able to meet different kinds of people and hear their stories and made me understand that people aren’t who you initially think they are,” Blankenship says. “On this job you see a lot of different people; like I went to a call for a homeless person one time. Passing him on the street originally I might have thought of him differently than when on the call, and afterwards when I had heard his story and realized how intelligent he was. I have learned that you really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

This understanding of people and passion for what Blankenship does may have never happened, however,

This passion for the field Blankenship works in has led to more than just a love for what he does, it has led to several “life saves” where his knowledge and abilities have led him to save people on the ambulance who would possibly have died had he and his team not been there to help.

if something the community deemed bad hadn’t happened first. Blankenship began working at Cooper Tire in Albany, Georgia, but after a little over a year of working there, the plant shut down, leaving him without a job. But through the Workers Investment Act, he was able to go back to school, choosing the fast-track route to be an EMT. “They paid for us to go back to school, and I took the opportunity.

I got into the medic school and went through EMT and medic school on what they used to call the fast track,” meaning it only took a year for him to complete the program at the time. “It was a very aggressive program that they don’t do anymore because of how aggressive it was. I worked as an EMT for about a year and a half to get experience, and then I took the paramedic test to advance,” says Blankenship, who knows that without the shutting down of the plant, he may have never found his passion for working as an EMT/Paramedic. “If I had never been laid off at Cooper, I might still be there,” says Blankenship. “The only reason I got into this field is because I got laid off, so I could have gone to Miller, P&G, or anywhere else like that,” he says, “but something led me there, and now I love what I do. It’s really what I wish I would have been doing 20 years ago instead of starting off at Cooper,”

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This job isn’t for everyone, though. Blankenship says that

he acknowledges. “But I didn’t realize that until I actually went into it, and I feel that God led me to do it because it’s what I have ended up loving to do.”

This passion for the field Blankenship works in has led to more than just a love for what he does, it has led to several “life saves” where his knowledge and abilities have led him to save people on the ambulance who would possibly have died had he and his team not been there to help. He doesn’t take all the credit, though. Blankenship says that the people, usually two, though more hands are sometimes brought on to help, on the ambulance “work as a team. When we get a call, we already know who will be on IVs and who will hook the patient to the monitor and who will intubate the patient and put a tube in. We already know when we get in the back of the truck who is doing what. The lead medic delegates people, so everything runs as smoothly as it can. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way, but we try to get a little rhythm going,” he says.

though he loves his job, he doesn’t get to spend much time with his family. As a father of two, a 23-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old boy, and a grandfather to an almost five-month-old son, he has had to carve time to see them, when off and in between sleeping periods.

This job isn’t for everyone, though. Blankenship says that though he loves his job, he doesn’t get to spend much time with his family. As a father of two, a 23-yearold daughter and an 11-year-old son, and a grandfather to an almost five-month-old boy, he has had to carve time to see them, when off and in between sleeping periods. He also says the job brings situations that are easy to internalize, such as loss of life, and exhaustion, on top of not being very well paid. “People don’t do this job for the money,” Blankenship says, “We do it because it’s a passion. We do it because we want to help people. We try to make a difference.  SCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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STORY BY Rachel Price

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PHOTOS BY David Parks Photography

a legacy of

faith

STEPHANIE AND FRANKIE WILLIAMS WERE A PARTNERSHIP NOT ONLY IN MATTERS OF THE HEART, BUT ALSO TOGETHER IN BUSINESS.

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In 1973, the late Frankie Williams stood on the runway of his future as he joined the team at Souther Field in Americus, Georgia. In 1976, he took over the lease and in 1984 changed the name of the business to Souther Field Aviation. Using his GI Bill to get his mechanics license at South Georgia Tech, and attending Ayres Flight School in Albany, Georgia to get his commercial pilot’s license, both his career and the success of Souther Field Aviation began to takeoff.

On a beautiful sunny day in October 2019, I stood outside the doors of Souther Field Aviation and watched as two planes prepared to take flight. One, an agricultural plane on a ferry trip, headed to Brazil, and the other, a Cessna 210 that Souther Field prepared for a ferry trip

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to Argentina and assisted in the export of the airplane. I was overcome with emotion. Maybe it was the beauty.

Maybe it was the power. Maybe it was the fact that I am a local and know the story of Frankie and Stephanie Williams. Either way, the moment was powerful and moving.

In 2004, Stephanie Williams began her career at Souther Field Aviation and, in 2009, she and Frankie married. Joining partnership, not only in matters of the heart, but also together in business ventures, Frankie and Stephanie were inseparable. They shared every moment of their lives together. It was the happiest of times for them both. Sadly, in 2018, Frankie unexpectedly passed away. Overnight, a multi-million-dollar corporation was thrown into Stephanie’s lap. The morning after her loss, Stephanie walked into the office at 5:30 am to start the coffee, open Frankie’s office door, and prepare the day for employees. Not taking a moment to grieve, she

In 2004, Stephanie Williams began her career at Souther Field Aviation and, in 2009, she and Frankie married. Joining partnership, not only in matters of the heart, but also together in business ventures, Frankie and Stephanie were inseparable. They shared every moment of their lives together. It was the happiest of times for them both.

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wanted to make it look like just his body was gone, not his spirit.

But, gone was the partnership. “I no longer had my person to bounce everything off of,” Stephanie shares, “No one to discuss the day’s work load in the office or the day’s spray schedule, not to mention the financial matters. Not to have that anymore is one of the hardest parts. I know without a doubt Frankie wouldn’t have left the business to me if he didn’t think I could handle it, but it’s a huge weight. His death was immediate and there was no opportunity for me to stop. I had to come in and do payroll. I had employees; I didn’t want to

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interfere with their families.”

Souther Field Aviation currently has 11 full-time and 2 part-time employees. More than co-workers, they are family. “We have a genuine concern for seeing one another succeed and making our customers happy and successful,” Stephanie explains. “We go to Holly’s, employed 14 years, and trim goat toe nails, we come to my house and catch donkeys, or go to Patrick’s, employed 5 years, and put up a fence. We fight like families do and then we get over it. It is what Frankie wanted; he wanted that first and everything else after. We all work

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Souther Field Aviation currently has 11 full-time and 2 part-time employees. More than co-workers, they are family. “We have a genuine concern for seeing one another succeed and making our customers happy and successful,” Stephanie explains. “We go to Holly’s, employed 14 years, and trim goat toe nails, we come to my house and catch donkeys, or go to Patrick’s, employed 5 years, and put up a fence. We fight like families do and then we get over it. It is what Frankie wanted; he wanted that first and everything else after. We all work together, it doesn’t matter if we must scrub a toilet or fix an engine on an airplane, we work together and that’s why it works so well.”

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together, it doesn’t matter if we must scrub a toilet or fix an engine on an airplane, we work together and that’s why it works so well.”

Souther Field Aviation is a global name. “Most of our guys have passports. We travel out of the country and perform maintenance.

John Lott, a mechanic employed here for 28 years, has been everywhere…

Kazakhstan, the Azores, Dubai, Mexico, and Ecuador,” Stephanie says. “Also, we are a Thrush service center and parts’ distributor. We’ve sold their aircraft since the 90’s, so that keeps us busy on top of exporting airplanes. We maintain most of the Crop Dusters in South Georgia; we also have a spray business with a great farmer customer base. These people depend on us. It’s a lot of work, but we do it,” she says. “It has been a consistent worldwide business and we are very proud of that and what we do. It is overwhelming at times, but it is fulfilling. We talk to people in different countries every day. Frankie traveled the world doing business, so the export part got started in the late 90’s when he did the Drug Eradication Program in Belize. When he was there, he got in tight with the Belize government. They reached out to him to start importing and exporting aircraft engines and parts, so he began small and the business grew from there.”

But it hasn’t all been clear skies for Stephanie since Frankie’s passing.

Her heart has experienced much turbulence. “In a moment, he was gone,” she tells me. A lot of days are tough for her; overwhelming. There are days when she must leave work early or close her door and breathe.

Stephanie was raised by a strong, independent woman‌her mother.

Her mother has spent her entire life, even today at 70 years of age, taking care of five children and a husband.

From a distance, watching her mother overcome obstacles and adhering to her words of wisdom, Stephanie has found a way to cling to her faith and keep going.

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Stephanie gets through because her focus, her drive, her motivation is her “dash”...what she does with her life between the time she was born and the moment she will leave this earth and see Frankie again.

“It really has helped when there are demanding situations. A lot of what I’ve clung to, with Frankie’s passing, was just his ‘leave it better than you found it’ attitude.”

She spends a good bit of time coaching herself and trying to push through. “I do get resentful that I’ve never taken a week and just cried and grieved, but maybe I’m not supposed to,” she says.

Stephanie was raised by a strong, independent woman…her mother.

Her mother has spent her entire life, even today at 70 years of age, taking care of five children and a husband.

From a distance, watching her mother overcome obstacles and adhering to her words of wisdom, Stephanie has found a way to cling to her faith and keep going. But just as her heart has experienced rough skies, so has her faith. There have been moments of doubt…“I’ve shied away from my faith at times; I get angry and question God and question if there is a God but, in my heart, I know there is and that is my driving force. By the grace of God, I have gotten through,” she tells me.

Stephanie gets through because her focus, her drive, her motivation is her “dash”...what she does with her life between the time she was born and the moment she will leave this earth and see Frankie again. “It really has helped when there are demanding situations. A lot of what I’ve clung to, with Frankie’s passing, was just his ‘leave it better than you found it’ attitude,” she shares. “You do not look for gratitude; you look for what you know being a human being is all about.

Watching Frankie do that, it is easy to

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get inspired. I want to live for what is between my 1973 and the day I die. We don’t need a statue or an award; we need someone to remember that we helped them when they needed us.”

On the days that she can’t deal with the pain or the memories and needs to go home, she does. But she won’t allow herself to wallow in pity. “I can either give in to it and let the grief consume and take me to places I don’t even want to think about going, or I can push through and realize I have to survive it and go through it… and THROUGH is the key word. I cling to the fact that Frankie gave me so much joy in life. I don’t want to take that joy away in his death, to treat it as if none of that mattered. I don’t want to stay sad and not live life. If I did that, I would let all the great 14 years with him be for nothing.” She continues, “His everyday life was ‘How can I make you happy? How can I make it easier?’ And it hit me, how do I do that? I can’t be a mad, miserable person every day because I was blessed. I need to carry that on and show

my children and the people around me that everyday life can be devastating, but how you deal with it is what matters.”

It took Stephanie about a year before she stopped opening Frankie’s office door, experiencing great disappointment and seeing that empty chair as empty. The people that surround her have loved her through it by stepping up and helping.

Souther Field has become her “forever family” because of the connection and support. “What it took to build this place…the reputation, hard work, and 45 years of blood, sweat, and tears, I can’t let go because I’m sad,” Stephanie says and smiles. “Because I know Frankie would come to work every day to make sure everyone had a place to go to make a living for their families.”

Not long ago, someone told Stephanie that Souther Field Aviation is not Frankie’s legacy anymore. Frankie did all he could do while he was here and now, he can’t do anymore.

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This is Stephanie’s legacy…it is up to her and to the employees to continue another 40+ years.

Souther Field Aviation is the staff’s saving grace. It is a staple of the community, as well as abroad, and that motivates everyone to work as a team and ensure life there goes on. Still struggling to find out whom they are without Frankie’s presence, they know that it is not the person that makes you, but Frankie would go on with life and would expect them to as well, so they do not give in to the pain.

As with any storm, turbulence is unavoidable. It brings fear, uncertainty, and confusion. However, it is the storm that makes you stronger. When you come out of it, you will not be the same person. Your breath will be cleaner, your pulse will be lighter, and the sunny skies will be sweeter. What once was a struggle is now a smooth cruise into a clear view of landing. “I get in ruts, but I can regroup,” Stephanie says. “I am fortunate to have that in me. It has been a struggle, but I know I’m okay.”  SCL

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Not long ago, someone told Stephanie that Souther Field Aviation is not Frankie’s legacy anymore. Frankie did all he could do while he was here and now, he can’t do anymore. This is Stephanie’s legacy…it is up to her and to the employees to continue another 40+ years.

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Index of Advertisers A Cut Above Salon ……………….............................…………….. 9 Accelerated Physical Therapy …………………………..........….. 74 Ace Hardware ……...............................……………………….. 118 Adams Exterminators …………………….....................……….. 86 Albany Symphony Orchestra …….....……………………….. 34-35 Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia …………………………….. 89 Americus Apartment Homes …………….........……………….. 131 Americus Dental …….............................……………………….. 37 Americus House of Flowers ………………...........…………….. 134 Andersonville Historic Fair …............………………………….. 103 Arnold & Hooks, LLC ……….....................…………………….. 135 Bison Valley Lodge …........................………………………….. 118 Blanchard Photography ………………................…………….. 102 Chandler Morgan Eyeworks …..............………………………….. 1 Citizens Bank of Americus …………….………….. 48, Back Cover City of Americus …………………………..............................….. 59 City of Andersonville ….......................………………………….. 87 David Parks Photography ………………................…………….. 75 Decorating Unlimited ……………......................……………….. 49 DeVane Pool Service & Supply ………………….....………….. 133 Eaton Cooper Lighting ………………………….. Inside Back Cover FirstState Bank ……………………….................................…….. 7 Friends of Jimmy Carter ………................…………………….. 104 Gatewood, Skipper, and Rambo, PC Attorneys at Law ….... 105 Geico - Jesse Warren ….....................………………………….. 105 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center ……….……….. 134 Georgia Rural Telephone Museum …………………………….. 132 Georgia Southwestern State University ……………..……….. 131 Harper’s Animal Clinic …………..................………………….. 133 Harvey Drilling …………………...........................………….. 22-23 Hooks Simmons Insurance ……………………...........……….. 133 Inscape Design Studio …………........……….. Inside Front Cover

Johnston Realty Group Inc. …………...........………………….. 117 Logic4Design ………...............................…………………….. 134 Louis A. Riccardi, DDS, PC …………………..............………….. 57 Magnolia Manor Senior Living ……......……………………….. 101 Merle Norman …………..............................………………….. 135 Middle Flint Behavioral HeathCare ………….………………….. 58 Mossy Pond Retrievers ……...................……………………….. 60 Nutrien ……………….........................................…………….. 119 Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning ……………......………….. 36 Perfect Care, Inc …………………...........................………….. 116 Perry Brothers …..............................………………………….. 132 Phoebe …………………….............................................……….. 5 Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall …….........…………….. 20-21 Pro-Tech Security Group, Inc. …………………........………….. 117 Roberts Jewelers …………………..........................………….. 134 Rylander Theatre ……….............................…………………….. 51 South Georgia Technical College …………..………………….. 116 Southland Academy ………….......................………………….. 72 Southwest Trophy & Gifts ….............………………………….. 133 Strickland Accounting LLC ……………............……………….. 119 Sumter County Chamber of Commerce ………..…………….. 2-3 Sumter Retirement Village …………..............………………….. 88 Sunbelt Ford of Americus ………………………...............…….. 73 The Local Market Place ..................................................... 135 The Sandbox ………………...................................…………….. 50 The Scott Law Foundation ...............…………………………….. 74 Three’s Company Too …………………...................………….. 135 TL Guitars ….....................................………………………….. 135 Toboggan Steve’s ……...........................……………………….. 61 Town & Country - Poole Realty Inc. ……..…………………….. 135 Turton Properties ………………..........................…………….. 131 Windsor Parlour ………………............................…………….. 135

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Hometown Living at its Best S p rin g 2020

CREATIVE CLASSROOM

Jody Arrington helps reluctant students excel through Artistic Expression.

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