Tattnall County Living Magazine - 2021 by With You In Mind Publications

Hometown Living at its Best 2021 I S S U E

C O U N T Y

TATTNALL COUNTY LIVING

GOD’S WILLING DISCIPLE Sarah Beth Boyett‘s love for the Lord colors every aspect of her life, including her music.

A Lasting Impact EARNEST AND JENEAN ARMSTRONG, FOUNDERS OF THE NEW HORIZON COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER ARE IMPACTING FUTURE GENERATIONS ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Call or come see us for all your

automotive needs

Locally Owned & Operated Automotive Repair Facility! oil changes • air conditioning • brakes • computer diagnostics • engines • transmissions & more

(912) 557-1092 2 7 1 2

U S - 2 8 0

W e s T

R e i d s v i l l e

G A

3 0 4 5 3

www.RustyPigBBQ.com

How do you make great BBQ?

Slowly.

ship

anywhere in the

USA. Stew, Sauces and Rubs.

We start with marbled fresh meats flavored with just the right amount of smoke to enrich the juices and flavor. Our biggest ingredient is TIME! Making the area’s favorite BBQ must be done SLOWLY to bring out all of the flavors. Add one of our sauces for the perfect combination! Our investment in time means you will be enriched with flavor! Come enjoy today!

600 N Veterans Blvd, Glennville, GA 30427| (912) 654-4744 | 360 S Columbia Ave, Rincon, GA 31326 | (912) 826-4233

www.rustypigbbq.com

Collins INSURANCE AGENCY

Collins Insurance is proud to announce we are now a Full Service Allstate Agency. We are now offering Life Insurance, Retirement planning, and Work place Benefits. Collins Insurance is your one stop shop for ALL your Insurance needs. Tina Collins & Brianne Walsh

132-B W. Brazell St., Reidsville, GA 30453 | P.O. Box 908, Reidsville, Ga 30453 | 912-557-6351

Tina J. Collins Inc. DBA Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio Independently Owned & Operated P.O. BOX 981 | REIDSVILLE, GA 30453 | 912.557.1102

Tattnall county living

city of

Reidsville A Great Place To Live!

City of Reidsville | 130 South Main Street | Reidsville, GA 30453 | PH: (912) 557-4786 | cityofreidsvillega.com/home

Hometown Living at its Best

C O U N T Y CONTENTS / 2021

GOD’S Willing Disciple Sarah Beth Boyett‘s love for the Lord colors every aspect of her life, including her music.

Golfing for Charity The inaugural Jack Hill Memorial Golf Tournament was a day of fun and fellowship and to support a good cause.

Fulfilling Dreams in God’s Time GIGI & Company, also known as GIGI & Company Fresh Market, is a family-owned business located in Reidsville.

Georgia Gobblers and Good Deeds GobblerFest unites turkey hunters for kids with life-threatening illnesses.

A Lasting Impact To invest in children is to invest in the next generation. Earnest and Jenean Armstrong, founders of the New Horizon Community Outreach Center nonprofit organization, are impacting future generations one student at a time. ON T H E C O V E R Earnest and Jenean Armstrong >> PHOTO TAKEN BY: ROSE COLORED LENS 6 2021 / TATTNALL COUNTY LIVING

118

130

Cal Avery, local Swainsboro

With golf on a steady decline a new

resident since 1959, took up

sport called footgolf has been a breath

photography upon retirement and

of fresh air. Some struggling courses

has never been happier.

have even embraced the hybrid sport

118

as a way to boost their revenue.

The Barn Hunter

Turning Grief to Legacy

A New Type of Game

144

The annual Rajin’ Cajun 5K and

Paying Homage to the Annie House

Fun Run honors Jeff Armstrong

The Annie House has been a fixture

with family fun.

for the Thomas family and local community for several decades.

HOMETOWN LIVING AT ITS BEST 7

From the Publisher

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

Jay and Patti Martin C r eat i v e | D e s i g n

Caffeine Generated Graphics

Stacey Nichols Robin T. Poole

Photo by Rose Colored Lens

As I sit down to write the publisher’s letter I review in my mind the articles that are in this issue. Many times I look for similarities. It dawned on me that one of the biggest similarities is that a year ago we were all in a time of confusion and questions and it was called COVID-19. There were no answers just questions, theories and a lot of fear. This coming Saturday, I will be at a baseball tournament watching our oldest grandson play here in Georgia. In Texas, 2 of our grandchildren will be practicing for all-stars. Our middle daughter is planning her wedding. Our youngest daughter is enrolling her daughter in school. In the last 12 months most of the fear has been replaced with hope, the uncertainty with conviction and courage. As you fill your glass with sweet tea and cozy up in your favorite chair, read these stories about your neighbors and it will be easy to see why hope is replacing fear. Please help thank our partners listed on page 168 by continuing to pray for them and supporting their businesses. John 10:10 KJV The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Blessings,

Jay and Patti Martin Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com 10

tattnall county living

o f f i ce M a n age r Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t M a n age r June Dixon

P h otog r ap h e r s Gail Dixon

Melanie McCullough Photography Rose Colored Lens LLC Stacy Stanfield Photography The Journal Sentinel C ov e r P h oto Earnest and Jenean Armstrong,

taken by Rose Colored Lens LLC Sale s Dottie Hicks

Randy Montague

Contributing Wri te r s Alexa Tebben

David Pena

Gail Dixon

Lisa Walenceus

Ronnie Thomas

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

City Of Glennville Mayor, City Council and Appointed Officials

Administration

Fire Department

Police Department

Public Works

www.cityofglennville.com City of Glennville | 134 S. Veterans Boulevard | Glennville, GA 30427 | (912) 654-2461 | Fax: (912) 654-2488

HIGH-QUALITY, COMPASSIONATE, WORLD CLASS CARE Optim’s Orthopedic Centers of Excellence are led by board-certified, fellowship trained surgeons that oversee teams of highly trained medical specialists.

Tattnall county living

Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, one of the most decorated facilities in our region, holds awards for patient safety and high-quality outcomes for their consistency in delivering compassionate world class care right at home. They focus on the patient first and foremost adding elevated care to their comprehensive, specialized treatment. Optim’s Orthopedic Centers of Excellence are led by boardcertified, fellowship trained surgeons that oversee teams of highly trained medical specialists. Each talented provider offers outstanding medical treatment that has made a significant impact of their patients. Jay Martin, publisher of With You in Mind Publications, had surgery at Optim Medical Center-Tattnall’s Hip and Knee Center of Excellence in early 2021. “I was having troubles and I thought

Hometown Living At Its Best

it was an IT band issue,” he recalls. Looking for a simple referral to physical therapy, he scheduled a consult with expert orthopedic surgeon Dr. Casey Spivey. When reviewing Jay’s x-ray results and detailed medical history, Dr. Spivey saw a greater issue that required a total hip replacement. “His [case] was a little more complex than normal,” Dr. Spivey says. About 20 years prior, Jay had a small hip fracture and underwent surgery where they placed three screws inside his hip. Before he could perform a total hip replacement, Dr. Spivey says, “We had to get those screws out.” While this procedure was complex, Dr. Spivey was more than qualified to perform this operation. “My whole experience was awesome,” Jay testifies. “Every person that I met regardless of what their function was – whether it was bringing in food or Dr. Spivey doing the surgery – enjoyed what they were doing.”

Tattnall county living

Because of the dedicated care of the entire team at Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Jay’s surgery went beautifully and soon he was on the road to recovery. Following the doctor’s orders, he attended physical therapy at Optim Medical CenterTattnall where he received even more specialized, quality care. Jay attributes the success of the surgery to the excellence of Optim Medical Center-Tattnall and every hand involved in his journey. “There is not a person that was inside those walls that was not a joy to be around,” he says. “I would recommend them to anyone for any need.” Jay is simply one in thousands who have undergone such exceptional care by Optim’s highly trained surgeons medical staff. Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is one of only a few hospitals in the state of Georgia that has repeatedly earned the prestigious Healthgrades designation as America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement™. It is a DNV GL Healthcare Accredited facility and Certified for Quality and Patient Safety, and is the only hospital in the state of Georgia to hold all four certifications for: Orthopedic Center of Excellence, Hip and Knee Replacement Program, Spine Surgery Program and Shoulder Surgery Program. This orthopedic specialty-focused facility affords patients access to unique, highquality care that sets the standard in today’s healthcare marketplace. Life is too short to live in constant pain. Their team of board certified and fellowship trained surgeons are experts in the field who cherish the opportunity to provide genuine, heartfelt care that will impact their patients’ lives for many years to come. When you choose Optim Medical Center-Tattnall for your orthopedic needs, your body will thank you for seeking exceptional care at the hands of those who dedicate their lives to improving yours.

247 SOUTH MAIN STREET REIDSVILLE, GA, 30453 912.557.1000 | OPTIMHEALTHSYSTEM.COM

Hometown Living At Its Best

golfing for charity The inaugural Jack Hill Memorial Golf Tournament was a day of fun and fellowship and to support a good cause.

16 tattnall county living

BY LISA WALENCEUS | PHOTOS BY ROSE COLORED LENS

The inaugural Jack Hill Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the beautiful Brazell’s Creek Golf Course at Jack Hill State Park on Saturday, April 17, 2021. With 24 teams including over 90 players, this was one of the largest tournament fields for a charity golf tournament in the history of Brazell’s Creek Golf Course. While the players came out for a day of fun and fellowship and to support a good cause, they also had the opportunity to win some outstanding prizes. The top prize was a chance to win $10,000 in cash for a Hole-in-One on the challenging Hole #17 with bonus prizes for a hole-in-one on any of the other Par 3 holes. While none of the players were able to claim one of the hole-in-one prizes, Jerry Gravely came within

Hometown Living At Its Best

tattnall county living

just a few inches on Hole #2 to win a $50 cash prize for the Closest to the Pin contest. The other individual contest winners were: Longest Drive-Women (Hole #1) – Jeanna Richards ($50 cash prize) Longest Drive-Men (Hole #6) – Jarrett Greene ($50 cash prize) Longest Drive-Seniors (Hole #8) – Dr. Roger Beville ($50 cash prize) Closest to the Pin 50/50 (Hole #4) – Johnny Payne ($150 cash prize)

To provide the opportunity for multiple teams to win, the tournament field was divided into three flights with eight teams in each flight. The flights were determined by total score for all 18 holes on the course. First place teams in each flight received a cash prize of $500, second place teams received $400, and third place teams received $300. The clear weather and relatively calm winds, especially on the back 9 of the course, provided almost perfect scoring conditions for the scramble format of the tournament. These

Hometown Living At Its Best

tattnall county living

scoring conditions were evident as four teams posted a remarkable top score of 58 (13 under par). To determine the winners of the 1st Flight, regression from Hole #11 was used to break the tie score. The tiebreaker results were: 1st Place in 1st Flight – Shelby Griffin, Jeffrey Blocker, Jeff Beck, Bo Eason (sponsored by NorthSpring Senior Living) 2nd Place in 1st Flight – Jarrett Greene, Ryne Huggins, Chase Purvis, Luke Joyner (sponsored by Tattnall Insurance) 3rd Place in 1st Flight – Seth Edwards, Jake Rogers, James Haliford, Ben Lee (GIGI & Company Fresh Market) The 2nd and 3rd Flights were also closely contested with several ties being broken by regression. The winners of these flights were: 1st Place in 2nd Flight – Ronnie Barnhill and Jimmy Beasley (sponsored by T. Charlton Rogers-NY Life Agent) 2nd Place in 2nd Flight – Hugh McCullough, Donnie Mulligan, Glen Cheney, and Mickey Peace (sponsored by The Law Office of Hugh J McCullough, PC) 3rd Place in 2nd Flight – Trevor Boyett, Spencer Hinson, Ethan Lynn, Kameron Tatum (sponsored by Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce)

Hometown Living At Its Best

tattnall county living

1st Place in 3rd Flight – Rob Snipes, Jeff Richards, Jeanna Richards, Dr. Roger Beville (sponsored by Optim Medical Center-Tattnall) 2nd Place in 3rd Flight – Will Jarriel, Nic Hart, Gregg Arnold, Matthew Hendrix (sponsored by Triangle J, Inc.) 3rd Place in 3rd Flight – Chase Edwards, Jeremiah Taylor, Jeremy Halligan, Kyle Durrence (sponsored by Canoochee EMC) Conducting a successful charity golf tournament requires teams and players but also volunteers and other supporters. The tournament committee and other members of the Rotary Club of Glennville were instrumental in planning and preparing for the tournament, including contacting prospective sponsors. There were also several volunteers from the Glennville Rotary Club on hand the day of the tournament to register teams and players, setup sponsor signs, act as Hole-in-One witnesses, take pictures, and serve a delicious BBQ lunch to the players. Course superintendent Robert Greer and the other staff of Brazell’s Creek Golf Course ensured that the course was in great shape and plenty of carts were available for the players as well as helping with the scoring and placement of the winners. State Representative Bill Werkheiser took time out of his busy schedule to attend the

Tournament Director Mark Thompson said, “Thanks to the support of the corporate sponsors and the hard work of the tournament committee and other volunteers from the Rotary Club of Glennville, the tournament was a tremendous success as it raised over $11,000 for the Jack Hill Memorial Scholarships at TCHS and STC.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Conducting a successful charity golf tournament requires teams and players but also volunteers and other supporters. The tournament committee and other members of the Rotary Club of Glennville were instrumental in planning and preparing for the tournament, including contacting prospective sponsors.

tattnall county living

tournament and honor the memory of his friend and former colleague in the Georgia General Assembly. Tournament Director Mark Thompson said, “Thanks to the support of the corporate sponsors and the hard work of the tournament committee and other volunteers from the Rotary Club of Glennville, the tournament was a tremendous success as it raised over $11,000 for the Jack Hill Memorial Scholarships at TCHS and STC. After the challenges of the last year, it was wonderful to see so many come out to honor the memory of Senator Jack Hill and help support educational opportunities for Tattnall County students.”  TCL

“Is your agent there when you need them the most?” Charli Grace Joyner Case Greene Kallen Huggins

Bennett Greene

Car accidents happen. Call us today to ensure you are covered in the event of an accident! We will stand by your side every step of the way!

TATTNALL INSURANCE 125 W. BARNARD STREET | GLENNVILLE, GA | 912-654-2128 phone | 912-654-1847 fax | www.tattnallinsurance.com

NEW LOCATION DOWNTOWN GLENNVILLE

The Best

Glennville Sweet Onion Queen Camy Bland

Is Yet To Come!

Glennville Sweet Onion Festival

Join Us For The Next Sweet Onion Festival! Now accepting vendors. Visit www.glennvillesweetonion.com for more information.

Glennville Festival Sweet Onion

2022

Sponsored By Glennville Sweet Onion Festival Committee

912-654-1616 | 706-970-5738 | www.glennvillesweetonion.com

company

heart of a

At Altamaha Propane, you can trust the value and service of this local, family-run business. 28

Tattnall county living

When it comes to propane, cutting corners is never the answer. At Altamaha Propane, you can trust the value and service of this local, family-run business. Owner Andy Jenkins gives us an exclusive peak into the heart of the company. Having joined Altamaha Propane in 2008, Andy worked as a gas truck driver, serviceman and manager before becoming owner. “I learned roads and where the customers lived,” he says of those early years. In service, he gained more hands-on experience. From propane tanks and gas logs to stoves and clothes dryers, Altamaha Propane exists to service a variety of residential and commercial needs. “They just call our office

Written By Alexa Tebben

and we’ll get them started,” Andy says. It is that simple. In 2020, after twelve years in the business, Andy decided to take ownership. With the support of his wife, Christine, and four loving children, Andy took this exciting next step. The previous owners guided him through the process of taking over. “I can’t speak highly enough of them,” he says. “They had a lot of faith in me.” Andy runs the company with the same values and principles he had when he was manager. “Our customers are very important to us,” he says. “Whatever they have that they’re going to run out of, we want to get them hooked up and running.” Committed to providing excellent service, Andy says they make every effort to service customers the same day of their request. “We pride ourselves on that,” he says. “We put forth a big effort to do it.” The team of employees, which largely consists of close relatives, creates a familial atmosphere that makes customers feel right at home. “All our employees are very personable,” Andy assures me. Every transaction is complete with genuine, quality service to enhance you experience and keep you coming back for more.

ALTAMAHA PROPANE 731 W Barnard St, Glennville, GA 30427

(912) 654-4800

Hometown Living At Its Best

Owners Danny and Laura Toole

The Drug Store

214 South Main Street | Reidsville, GA 30453 | 912.557.4701

plus a whole lot more!

Fulfilling Dreams

in God’s Time

tattnall county living

Story by GAIL DIXON Photos Provided by GIGI & Company and Gail Dixon

GIGI & Company, also known as GIGI & Company Fresh Market, is a family-owned business located in Reidsville.

GIGI & Company, also known as GIGI & Company Fresh Market, is a family-owned business located in Reidsville. Kenny and Angie (GIGI) Edwards are the owners of the Specialty Grocery Store. For years, Kenny was self-employed. But, in later years, he worked as an outside sales rep with Lawson Products, Glennville Electric Motors and Reedy Creek Meats. Kenny has also been the Pastor at Elza Baptist Church in Reidsville, for the past seven years where Angie also serves alongside him as pianist and choir director. Angie recently retired June 30, 2021 from the Tattnall County Board of Education. While out traveling, Kenny and Angie would stop at Home Fresh Bistro in Louisville. They enjoy eating at this small town restaurant because it always has an at-home feeling. This Bistro offers homemade cakes and casseroles in addition to their delicious menu items. Every time they would eat there, the conversation would come up on the way home of how they

Hometown Living At Its Best

Right now, other than Kenny and Angie, GIGI & Company has two employees. Letty Puga is a full-time employee managing the front and she greets you with the sweetest smile when you walk in the door! Caleb Edwards, one of Kenny and Angie’s sons, also works full-time assisting Kenny. “Our goal was to bring the ‘Old Time Market’ atmosphere back to Tattnall County.”

would love to have something like this in Tattnall County. Kenny and Angie checked into the business guidelines because it was something they thought they would like to do. They felt that a small, country market that sold meats, vegetables and desserts, along with a little cooking, is just what Tattnall County needed. Eventually, the opportunity arose for them to open their own business. Angie knew she was getting close to retirement and wanted to find something to do that she would enjoy. In May 2020, Angie began selling jams, salsas, and barbeque sauces. After doing some

tattnall county living

research, she found a private labeling company that would fix her right up for business. These items are now being sold in eight different locations. GIGI & Company was selling jellies and sauces, but wanted to add to their inventory; they added salad dressings, honey, and dipping sauces. GIGI & Company is a Georgia Grown company and our goal is to support our local farmers and other Georgia Grown vendors. “In Tattnall and surrounding counties there are many fruits and vegetables that are grown by local farmers. These farmers support us and we support them by selling their product,” explains Angie. “It has become very important for people to know where their meat comes from. We go to great lengths to buy local and Georgia

Grown beef, pork and chicken. We only carry USDA certified meats!” Angie brags on Kenny, “He loves to cook and is the Grill Master at our house! He can grill a piece of meat to perfection. He is always looking for new ways to cook meat, whether on the grill or on the smoker.” Kenny explains, “We carry Filet Mignon, three grades of ribeyes (Prime, Choice, and Select), New York Strip, T-bone, and Sirloin steaks. A few of our in-house items at GIGI’s includes Bull Bites (filet mignon wrapped in bacon) and Hog Bites (pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon), jalapeno poppers, and kabobs with veggies and meat. We have bacon wrapped asparagus, which is really tasty. You can also

Hometown Living At Its Best

purchase stuffed bell peppers and stuffed poblano peppers. Our hamburger is ground fresh daily here in the store. We have hamburger patties and jalapeno cheddar patties. We also have fresh pork, jalapeno cheddar and smoked pork sausage, which I make inhouse.” What would a good country store be without fountain drinks in several flavors and with that good chewy ice, which you can buy in a cup or by the bag? If you’re not big on fountain drinks, try some of GIGI’s homemade sweet tea…or as Jacob’s friends refer to it, Mrs. Angie’s sweet tea! Iced coffee has also been a big hit at GIGI’s. They serve mocha, caramel or vanilla iced coffees all day. GIGI & Company also has delicious sweets baked by Kristen Waters. They have cheesecakes with several different toppings, which are sold by the slice or the whole cake. They also have pound cakes, 12-layer chocolate and other

tattnall county living

Three weeks after opening, GIGI’s had a fire. “There were customers in the building and a volunteer firefighter from Dublin, who works at Food Lion in Reidsville, drove by and saw smoke on top of the building. He stopped and called the fire department. They were able to contain the fire to one small area; there was minor damage to the roof and little water damage… lightning got the heating and air. Because it happened on Saturday night and we were closed on Sunday and Monday, this gave us time to get the damaged repaired and we didn’t miss a day of business. We felt very blessed! God was watching out for us,” Angie explains.

Hometown Living At Its Best

specialty cakes that are made to order. You can call ahead, place an order, and come inside or go to the drive-thru for pick up. GIGI’s carries several farm fresh dairy products provided by Southern Swiss Dairy in Waynesboro, Georgia, a Georgia Grown vendor. The farm fresh ice cream is a big seller; they currently have 20 plus flavors in stock. They also carry chocolate milk, regular milk, whipping cream, and buttermilk. The farm fresh butters are also a big seller. “GIGI’s is now serving breakfast daily. We serve breakfast biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and muffins. But, Fridays are a little different; it is called Flap Jack Friday! Flap jacks, or what others call pancakes, are served with bacon or sausage. We are planning to add different breakfast menu items in the future,” Angie tells me. GIGI’s has a drive thru window which has been

tattnall county living

a big asset. Customers love to call and place their meat or grocery order or breakfast and drink order and pick it up at the window. It’s also very helpful for the customers that are not able to come inside. When asked about how the business name came about, Angie laughed and replied, “Well, the grandkids call me GIGI. We added the ‘& Company’ so our children and grandchildren can all be a part of it.” This is like a dream come true for Kenny and Angie because they both wanted to own their own business. They work well together too! Three weeks after opening, GIGI’s had a fire. “There were customers in the building and a volunteer firefighter from Dublin, who works at Food Lion in Reidsville, drove by and saw smoke on top of the building. He stopped and called the fire department. They were able to contain the fire to one small area; there was minor damage to the

When asked about how the business name came about, Angie laughed and replied, “Well, the grandkids call me GIGI. We added the ‘& Company’ so our children and grandchildren can all be a part of it.” This is like a dream come true for Kenny and Angie because they both wanted to own their own business. They work well together too!

roof and little water damage… lightning got the heating and air. Because it happened on Saturday night and we were closed on Sunday and Monday, this gave us time to get the damaged repaired and we didn’t miss a day of business. We felt very blessed! God was watching out for us,” Angie explains. Right now, other than Kenny and Angie, GIGI & Company has two employees. Letty Puga is a full-time employee managing the front and she greets you with the sweetest smile when you walk in the door! Caleb Edwards, one of Kenny and Angie’s sons, also works full-time assisting Kenny. “Our goal was to bring the ‘Old Time Market’ atmosphere back to Tattnall County. We want you to have that old country warm feeling when you come to visit. I would like to add more items as we continue to grow,” explains Angie. “Also, I would like to offer special orders for special occasions, but this is still in the works.” Lots of great ideas for the future of GIGI & Company are in the making. “Kenny and I look at this adventure as a way to serve others and be a Christ-like witness to others. We enjoy meeting new people and helping them however we can,” Angie says.

Hometown Living At Its Best

GIGI’s carries several farm fresh dairy products provided by Southern Swiss Dairy in Waynesboro, Georgia, a Georgia Grown vendor. The farm fresh ice cream is a big seller; they currently have 20 plus flavors in stock. They also carry chocolate milk, regular milk, whipping cream, and buttermilk. The farm fresh butters are also a big seller.

tattnall county living

Kenny and Angie live in Mendes and have four children. Seth works for D&D Pinestraw and is married to Audrey, a Special Education Teacher at TCHS. They have two children, Rae (8) and Rhett (6). Claire works at Job Training Unlimited in Claxton and is married to Tyler Barnard, who works with Claxton Oil. They have one child, Tylee Kate (2). Caleb works at GIGI & Company. Jacob works for D&D Pinestraw and is attending East Georgia College to earn a Business degree. Looking for something really good to eat? Go by and check out GIGI & Company…you’ll be glad you did! Store Hours: Closed Sundays and Mondays Tuesdays – 7 AM – 7 PM Wednesdays – 7 AM – 6 PM (Church on Wednesday nights) Thursdays-Saturdays – 7 AM – 7 PM You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram!  TCL

THE SOUTHEAST’S

BEST

TRUCKING & TRANSPORTATION COMPANY

Triangle-J, Inc. is a full range Trucking and Transportation service company.

CALL US TODAY: 1-866-358-7695

a passion for

improving your health

Tattnall county living

STATESBORO CARDIOLOGY OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE WITH MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS THAT ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CARE AND HEALTH OF EACH PATIENT.

Statesboro Cardiology offers exceptional service with medical professionals that are passionate about the care and health of each patient. Dr. Julio Schwarz joined the Statesboro Cardiology team in 2016 following extensive years learning and practicing medicine. “My dad is a cardiologist,” he says. “When I first went to medical school I was thinking I would do anything but cardiology due to the demanding lifestyle.” However, Dr. Schwarz became more intrigued with the specialty as he studied it, and he decided it was just the thing for him. “The more I got into it and the more I learned, it just made sense to me.” Originally born in Guatemala, Dr. Schwarz moved to the United States at the age of 7. He studied premed at the University of New Orleans followed by medical school at the University of Arkansas. Then, Dr. Schwarz completed his Internal Medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at the University of Florida. Later recruited to Statesboro Cardiology by a friend and fellow cardiologist, he made the move to Georgia where he has worked since 2016. “It’s the community I was looking for,” he says of Statesboro. “I’m a family guy. I have a wife and three girls. My family and my faith are my primary focus.” The Schwarz family has found their rhythm in the community and enjoy all that the town of Statesboro has to offer. Dr. Schwarz’s care for his patients goes far beyond his concern for their health. He genuinely values each patient and works to build a good trusting relationship with each person he meets. “I take the time and I get to know my patients and we develop a good rapport,” he tells me. “That’s probably the most important thing to me.” When he takes the time to get to know his patients, they can trust that their health is in the hands of someone who truly cares. Dr. Schwarz speaks of Statesboro Cardiology and the excellent treatment they provide. “People may think we are a small, rural community, but we offer cutting edge procedures,” he says. “We can take care of most cardiac issues locally.” He encourages community members to trust their local

hospital where he says they will receive top notch care. On any given day, Dr. Schwarz can be found in surgery, clinic or following up with his patients in the hospital. “I really like the physiology and the procedures,” he admits easily. “In many cases, it’s mechanics. You see an issue and you fix it.” He describes being able to improve his patient’s well-being as a thrilling, rewarding experience. Dr. Schwarz feels entirely in his element helping others, and it is a joy to do so every day. The team at Statesboro Cardiology is equipped to serve the community with excellence and a passion for improving your health. The variety of cardiology services and procedures performed by top tier medical professionals is intended to meet all types of cardiology needs. It is a quality of care you can trust knowing that your health and your heart are in good hands.

5 Grady Johnson Rd, Statesboro, GA 30458 | (912) 489-6246 | statesborocardiologyga.com

To Charleston, SC

SCREVEN

BULLOCH

To Macon EVANS

To Savann TATTNALL

LONG

95 WAYNE

Nahunta BRANTLEY

To Jacksonville, FL

Tattnall county living

Charleston, SC

Discover the Real South ...and real Southern charm!

To Savannah

• Award-Winning Georgia Grown Trail 301 Watermelon Creek Vineyard • Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery Georgia Sweet Veterans Cemetery • Glennville Onion Memorial Festival • Unique Shops and Boutiques Glennville Sweet Onion Festival • Fun Family Events Year-round Unique Shops and Boutiques • Annual February Tattnall Productions Event Fun Family Events Year-round • December Glennville Celebration of the Season Downtown Event

On the on Georgia Grown Trail 301in my heart Georgia my mind... Glennville 912.654.1616 • wwwglennvillechamber.com Come see what all the fuss is about. Shellie B. Smith, Executive Director - 912-654-1616

912.654.1616 • www.glennvillechamber.com

P. O . B O X 3 9 1 • 1 3 6 S . V E T E R A N S B L V D . • G L E N N V I L L E , G A 3 0 4 2 7

Hometown Living At Its Best

Weddings Quinceañera Events Portraits 679 Old Collins Manassas Rd | Collins, GA, US 30421 | www.rosecoloredlensllc.com

Hometown Living At Its Best

Story by LISA WALENCEUS | Photos by Rose Colored Lens

GobblerFest unites turkey hunters for kids with lifethreatening illnesses

Harris ACE GobblerFest, a 501(c)3 nonprofit annual turkey hunting competition, was born from a conversation between two friends who love to hunt. “At the end of turkey hunting season, my friend Dennis Dowdy and I were talking about how great it would be to organize a competition. My father organized a ‘Big Buck’ competition in Wayne County back in the 70s and 80s, and I thought we could do something like that,” explained Colby Harris, who organizes the event along with his wife, Amber, and several friends. “That’s why we started as a competition between our hunting buddies — we were just competing for bragging rights.” “All the hunting and fishing tournaments I’d ever been involved with were organized for a good cause,” Dennis said. “I told Colby we needed to have a charity to give to because we didn’t really need any of the money if we made any from the tournament. So, the next day, Colby was having breakfast with another friend, Tracy Brown, who told him about the Outdoor Dream Foundation.” He continued, “Tracy connected us with Stan Elrod, who was the Georgia chair of Outdoor Dream. It happened just like that. It’s like it was meant to be and since then, it’s just blossomed.” Since that fateful beginning, the annual event, open to all hunters, has raised over $100,000 for the Outdoor Dream Foundation (ODF). ODF connects young people under the age of 21, who are suffering from a chronic or terminal illness, with a hunting or fishing adventure of their choice. In 15 years of service, the organization has served more than 1000 children and their families, with the help of dozens of volunteers and support from individual donors, small businesses, and corporations. GobblerFest takes place each year during turkey hunting season in Georgia, which opens around mid-March and ends in mid-May. Three-member teams pay a $75 entry fee and youth teams pay

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Georgia Gobblers and Good Deeds Hometown Living At Its Best

The 2021 Harris ACE GobblerFest Youth Weekend was held in honor of Stan Elrod, an ODF board member and a captain who served with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for 28 years. Elrod was killed in the line of duty on September 3, 2020.

$15 to compete for six prizes: first place: $1500; second place: $600; third place: $300; youth (15 and under): $200; ladies: $200; and multiple beard: $200. “The success of this event really hangs on the generosity of our local sponsors and volunteers from all over South Georgia,” Amber said. “We are blessed with friends who are willing to get involved, to help out with what they can — especially if it helps kids.” Lisa Barry, manager of the Supply Company in Glennville, is both a sponsor and volunteer for the event, and her family competes in it. “Colby and I have known each other for a long time, ever since his grandfather started their hardware business,” Lisa said. “When he asked me, of course I wanted to help out — we were the first site, other than his stores, to weigh and measure birds for hunters. We measure about 20-30 birds a year for people

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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who live in Tattnall and Evans Counties. My oldest son, Blake, who’s 22, takes my eight-year-old, Jase, on turkey hunts,” she continued. “Really, it’s more than shooting birds — it’s about the experience and the bonding that happens when you go on a hunt.” Judd Stanfield, who hunts in the competition as well, agrees. “Hunting turkeys is one of the hardest things you can do. Those birds are the smartest animal in Georgia and if they had a sense of smell that matched their eyesight, you’d never catch them,” he laughed. “Unless everything lines up perfectly, you stand a good chance of coming back empty-handed on a turkey hunt; so in many ways, it’s about enjoying a walk in the woods, the quiet, and the people you’re with as much as it is about getting a turkey,” he continued. “I started taking my children out when they were old enough to walk and they fell in love with it. Now they can’t wait for turkey season to open every year.” Early training has made Judd’s son, Gage, at the age of just 14, a well-respected hunter that some compare to Michael Waddell, a star in the outdoor

Colby also finds personal meaning in mentoring ODF hunters, “I’ve been blessed all my life to be able to hunt whenever I wanted and, if I didn’t have to work, I’d probably hunt every day. It’s a blessing that I sometimes take for granted, but it’s something these kids, kids who are going through so much, really want to do. Sharing my passion with them, being with them, and seeing them smile and enjoy the experience — well, for me, that’s what GobblerFest is all about.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Much of the success of the youth hunt depends on the volunteer mentor hunters like Paul Durham, an accomplished turkey hunter with three grand slams to his credit and an award-winning turkey call maker.

world and host of the Outdoor Channel’s Bone Collector and Realtree Road Trips. Gage has won the GobblerFest youth prize twice and each time, he’s given the money back to the charity. “Gage loves to hunt, but he wasn’t just in it for the prize,” Judd explained. “He also wanted to help people like his older brother, Hunter, who beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is six years cancer-free. That’s what I’m most proud of.” Donations like Gage’s help to fund the opening event for GobblerFest, the Stan Elrod Youth Hunt Weekend, which was added to the hunting competition in their second year of operation. Colby explained, “We knew from the start we wanted the competition to raise money for ODF, but we also wanted to do more than make a donation. That’s why we host a turkey hunting outdoor adventure for ODF kids here in South Georgia.” “Our friend, Joe Gill, lets us use his tree farm in Liberty County for the event,” he continued. “That cuts down on the kids’ travel time to different hunting sites and gives us 20,000

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acres to hunt on. His generosity makes the hunt so much better for the kids.” “We’re so lucky to be able to take kids from Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama out there,” Amber said. “They stay for the whole weekend. When they come in on Friday, they have a cookout that’s put together by the Tattnall County Shriners, Scott Freeman makes breakfast for them the next day at dawn, and Justin Gordon from Long County makes dinner for them on Saturday. If the kids aren’t hunting or fishing, they are having fun riding fourwheelers or just hanging out around the campfire.” Much of the success of the youth hunt depends on the volunteer mentor hunters like Paul Durham, an accomplished turkey hunter with three grand slams to his credit and an award-winning turkey call maker. Paul not only helps kids with their hunting, he also makes a turkey call for each participant. “When Colby texted me about his idea, I was ready to pitch in right away,” Paul said. “I think the Youth Hunt is special because it gives these kids who are dealing with so much a chance to spend time where

they’re not focused on their treatments; they get to do something they really want to do. It’s special because you get to make memories with them. To make the hunt work, you have to get to know the kids and their parents, to understand what they’re physically capable of — for a kid with brain and spinal tumors, walking 300 or 400 yards is going to be like walking three to four miles. I’ve worked with some rock star kids who were ready to do “We’re so lucky to be able to take kids from Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama out there,” Amber said. “They stay for the whole weekend. When they come in on Friday, they have a cookout that’s put together by the Tattnall County Shriners, Scott Freeman makes breakfast for them the next day at dawn, and Justin Gordon from Long County makes dinner for them on Saturday. If the kids aren’t hunting or fishing, they are having fun riding four-wheelers or just hanging out around the campfire.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Early training has made Judd’s son, Gage, at the age of just 14, a well-respected hunter that some compare to Michael Waddell, a star in the outdoor world and host of the Outdoor Channel’s Bone Collector and Realtree Road Trips. Gage has won the GobblerFest youth prize twice and each time, he’s given the money back to the charity. “Gage loves to hunt, but he wasn’t just in it for the prize,” Judd explained. “He also wanted to help people like his older brother, Hunter, who beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is six years cancer-free. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

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whatever it took to go on a hunt, even with wheelchairs and walkers,” he continued. “You stay in touch with social media and sometimes you lose a young friend, but I’m just glad to share these moments with them.” Colby also finds personal meaning in mentoring ODF hunters, “I’ve been blessed all my life to be able to hunt whenever I wanted and, if I didn’t have to work, I’d probably hunt every day. It’s a blessing that I sometimes take for granted, but it’s something these kids, kids who are going through so much, really want to do. Sharing my passion with them, being with them, and seeing them smile and enjoy the experience — well, for me, that’s what GobblerFest is all about.” “This event is becoming more than we ever thought it would,” Amber said. “And it’s all because people in South Georgia have a lot of heart.” The 2021 Harris ACE GobblerFest Youth Weekend was held in honor of Stan Elrod, an ODF board member and a captain who served with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for 28 years. Elrod was killed in the line of duty on September 3, 2020.  TCL

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Hometown Living At Its Best

God’s

Willing Disciple 64

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Story by GAIL DIXON Photos by Sarah Beth Boyett & Family & Stacy Stanfield Photography

Sarah Beth Boyett‘s love for the Lord colors every aspect of her life, including her music.

Sarah Beth Boyett attended public school thru the 6th grade, attending GES and GMS. Her parents decided to try homeschooling when Sarah Beth was in the 4th grade, but it didn’t work out. “The Lord turned all of our hearts and we decided to homeschool our girls. Sarah Beth would start in the 7th grade, Anna in the 5th grade, and Landry in Kindergarten, and the next year we joined Christian Home Educators Association,” explains Tori, Sarah Beth’s mama. Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA) was founded in 1993 with five pioneering families who shared the same heart and mind for educating their children at home. Forty families and more than 75 meet for co-op classes. Each family represents an individual school choosing to come together bi-weekly for enrichment at two locations, Hagan and Glennville. Like a true cooperative, all parents assist in working towards a common goal and contribute their skills, abilities, and talents. In addition to offering

Sarah Beth writes in her blog…As I continue on my journey Heavenward, becoming more like Jesus, I strive to make it my goal to welcome all parts of Jesus’ heart, not just the ones this world counts as pretty but the ones that the world would credit as vulnerable and messy.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Sarah Beth’s daddy, Landon, farms and drives a school bus for Tattnall County. Her mama, Tori, is a homemaker and a homeschool teacher. She has three sisters…Anna (16), Landry (11), and Gintry (4). There is never a dull moment in the Boyett household and you can tell that God is always first in their lives.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Now that Sarah Beth has graduated from Boyett Boarding School, she plans to attend Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville and obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Creative Arts Therapy, with a concentration in Music. She wants to continue recording music because it is a big part of her life. One day within the next few years, Sarah Beth would like to write a book about life’s lessons. “God may change my plans, but I feel my plans are rooted in the desires He has given me,” she says. “I dream big!”

various classes, CHEA provides an opportunity for students to participate in community activities, mission outreaches, field trips, formals, and drama productions, as well as graduation ceremonies. CHEA’s highest goal is to honor the Lord and serve Him in everything. “I wanted to be homeschooled and it was better than I could have imagined. Mama and Daddy have

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us read our Bibles every morning on our own. This set the tone for my growth in my relationship with Jesus. I have a closer relationship with my parents and Anna, my sister, is my best friend,” Sarah Beth tells me. Before COVID the co-op groups would meet once every week, but after COVID they had to change their meetings to once every other week. Co-op

Hometown Living At Its Best

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classes are considered supplemental to what families learn at home and Bible and science labs are taught in these groups. Every other year, students would take classes like art and life skills. Sarah Beth said she learned a lot in the life skills classes because they taught general things that most of us take for granted…how to wash clothes, how to cook, etc. but she also learned CPR. Teaching/learning the subjects at home are the “meat” of the program. The chapter work is done at home and a lot of it is learned independently, which helps prepare students for college. Another good thing is that homeschooled students can meet DualEnrollment requirements, which means they can take classes for homeschool and college credit. Tori thinks one evidence of the impact of this experience will be if the girls homeschool their children. She said it means a lot to have her children at home. Sarah Beth instantly replied, “I will homeschool my children 100% if it is possible!” Tori’s concern, early on, was that their children would miss out on things, but “they’ve gained more and experienced some unique things through their homeschool experience.” Sarah Beth says that she hasn’t missed out on anything! CHEA has a Spring Formal with a very nice meal for the students old enough to attend. She also attended two proms this year…Pinewood Christian Academy and Tattnall County High School. Of course, after the proms, there was graduation to look forward to with her classmates. CHEA has lots of field trips too! Some of Sarah Beth’s favorites include the Turtle Center at Jekyll Island, the Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University, and Grad Bash at Universal Studios in Florida. Sarah Beth self-taught herself to play the guitar using her daddy’s guitar. (Her mama says she is an overachiever and had no music training.) Soon after, she was then asked to lead worship at the Women’s Conference at Glennville First Baptist.

Hometown Living At Its Best

The girls have also had the opportunity to be involved in school sports with Appling Christian Academy in Baxley. Sarah Beth played volleyball at ACA during her 10th-12th grade years, being offered a scholarship to Brewton-Parker College for volleyball. She also played basketball during her 10th and 11th grade years. Another program that Sarah Beth was involved in was SWAT…Students with a Testimony! SWAT is a group, based in Athens, for high school seniors and college age students that can pass the application process and interview. This group has mini retreats for youth groups where they build relationships and develop discussions with the students. Before each group goes to a retreat, they are trained on small groups and what is to be expected for that retreat. SWAT has been to churches in Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Kenya. “I love it and I am passionate about discipleship!” explains Sarah Beth.

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Sarah Beth has been on three mission trips…two to Haiti and one to Kenya. She enjoyed the discipleship role that she had and she loved the people. Some of the experiences were uncomfortable and other times were exciting. God was with them as they went to teach His Word. Maybe Sarah Beth will blog about her mission trips for her readers. SWAT is how Sarah Beth got connected with her producer, Luke O’Kelley. Luke’s friend, Caleb Barnes, leads worship for some SWAT weekends. “We got to talking one weekend and found out that we have the same interests…worship, discipleship, and counseling. A few days after a SWAT weekend – this is a God-thing – I asked Caleb if he had ever recorded music, because the Lord kept prompting me to ask,” Sarah Beth recalls. Caleb introduced me to Luke, who produces in Athens, and another producer from Atlanta who plays guitar with Crowder,” Sarah Beth continues,

Sarah Beth spent a lot of time praying about what to do and who to go with and God lead her to go with Luke. She had already been praying that God would bring people into her life so that she could obey God by recording her music because Sarah Beth knew that was something God wanted her to do. She knew that these connections were answered prayers because of the many confirmations and the peace that came with the decision.

“and I think it’s so cool that I have had a conversation with someone who plays with Crowder!” (For those that may not know, David Crowder is an American Contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and author.) Sarah Beth spent a lot of time praying about what to do and who to go with and God lead her to go with Luke. She had already been praying that God would bring people into her life so that she could obey God by recording her music because Sarah Beth knew that was something God wanted her to do. She knew that these connections were answered prayers because of the many confirmations and the peace that came with the decision. On June 12, 2021, “So Loved” was released. Sarah Beth’s major music inspiration was Jamie Grace, an artist in Atlanta, because she admires the artist’s lifestyle influences on her personal music. Sarah Beth self-taught herself to play the guitar using her daddy’s guitar. (Her mama says she is an overachiever and had no music training.) Soon after, she was then asked to lead worship at the Women’s Conference at Glennville First Baptist. She was scared to death and experiencing enemy warfare. She felt she was not good enough, she didn’t know enough, and she was just inadequate. Knowing that her daughter was stressing, Tori stepped in and encouraged Sarah Beth. “His truth is what conquers my fear,” says Sarah Beth, who now leads worship for the youth on Wednesday nights, as well as for various other retreats and groups as the opportunities arise.

Hometown Living At Its Best

SWAT is how Sarah Beth got connected with her producer, Luke O’Kelley. Luke’s friend, Caleb Barnes, leads worship for some SWAT weekends. “We got to talking one weekend and found out that we have the same interests…worship, discipleship, and counseling. A few days after a SWAT weekend – this is a God-thing – I asked Caleb if he had ever recorded music, because the Lord kept prompting me to ask,” Sarah Beth recalls.

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“So Loved” was originally written on the ukulele. “I believe that God gave me a chorus. I have tried to write the song on my own, but it wouldn’t come to me. Then God gave me the verses. The song talks about us being loved because He makes us enough,” explains Sarah Beth. Now that Sarah Beth has graduated from Boyett Boarding School, she plans to attend Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville and obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Creative Arts Therapy, with a concentration in Music. She wants to continue recording music because it is a big part of her life. One day within the next few years, Sarah Beth would like to write a book about life’s lessons. “God may change my plans, but I feel my plans are rooted in the desires He has given me,” she says. “I dream big!” Sarah Beth’s daddy, Landon, farms and drives a school bus for Tattnall County. Her mama, Tori, is a homemaker and a homeschool teacher. She has three sisters…Anna (16), Landry (11), and Gintry (4). There is never a dull moment in the Boyett household and you can tell that God is always first in their lives. Sarah Beth writes in her blog…As I continue on my journey Heavenward, becoming more like Jesus, I strive to make it my goal to welcome all parts of Jesus’ heart, not just the ones this world counts as pretty but the ones that the world would credit as vulnerable and messy. I want to know every part of Jesus’ heart, so as I press on I strive to welcome every piece of my Dad’s heart, knowing that as I experience His heart I will come to know Him in a more intimate way. And that is my heart’s desire. I want what He wants. He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30 – NIV) What better way to live life! To read more about Sarah Beth, go to her blog – LegitLivinwithsb.blogspot.com. TCL

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impact

A LASTING

To invest in children is to invest in the next generation. Earnest and Jenean Armstrong, founders of the New Horizon Community Outreach Center nonprofit organization, are impacting future generations one student at a time. The Armstrong’s are passionate about teaching, serving and entertaining children. Jenean says, “We have ten children between us, so we’ve had a lot of experience with children.” Earnest and Jenean met during their service in the U.S. Army. Together they blended their families and finished their commitment to the military. “After Earnest retired from 22 years of his service, we decided to follow his mother to Reidsville,” Jenean says.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Being the change they wished to see in their own community, Earnest and Jenean are making breakthroughs with each child, man and woman they serve. The results are extremely evident to which Jenean attests, “We’re changing the community one family at a time.”

The couple moved their younger children to Tattnall County where they spent the rest of their childhood. Earnest’s two older children decided to move back with their mother in San Antonio, Texas and only visited Tattnall County in the summers. He says, “When they came, there was nothing for them to do. I felt bad because I was still working at the time and therefore I had to leave them at the house with little to do.” After a few years, the older kids no longer wanted to visit because of the lack of activity in the area. This inspired Earnest to take initiative and make a change in his community. “At that point, I made up my mind that I would develop something for the kids to do,” he states. Earnest and Jenean opened New Horizon Community Outreach Center and developed summer programs for children. “It was financially hard,” Jenean recalls. “But we did have a lot of kids that wanted to do stuff so we came up with unique ways to have fun.” Using any means available to them, Earnest and Jenean created games and activities to entertain the community’s youth. They made a slip and slide with a tarp and bubbles, punched holes in metal cans to play with and organized indoor and outdoor games. “They were just happy to be with friends, play around and just be kids,” Jenean says. Over the years, they have taken the kids to museums, water parks, zoos and the beach. It is just the entertainment and fun they were looking to provide. As the years went by, more and more kids took part in their programs. “It always increased, but there would always be a fluctuation of kids,” Jenean says. After the summer program, they began an after-school homework assist program where children first complete their homework and then participate in games and outdoor activities including musical chairs, basketball and kickball. They also have Barbie dolls, play houses, Legos and puzzles. Primarily serving kindergarten through middle school-aged children, Earnest and Jenean help the students in areas including reading, math, science and language arts. “If kids are having problems in a certain area, they get more one-on-one help,” Jenean explains. With their commitment to each child’s education, kids enrolled in this program are well prepared for the school days ahead. To top it off, each day is made complete with a hot, homecooked meal.

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While holding a bachelor degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University, Jenean is a wonderful source of guidance to the children. “I really enjoy the counseling side of it,” she says. “I like talking to the kids and listening to their problems and issues and giving them advice.” Previously, Earnest was the assistant director of Regional Youth Detention Center in Claxton, GA until he retired again. He gained valuable skills that improve each interaction with the children he encounters at the community center. He also enjoys cooking and prepares snacks and meals for children in the summer and after-school programs. While Earnest and Jenean run the program efficiently and gracefully, they depend on the support of other community members as well. Some people have stepped up voluntarily and offered their services or a financial contribution. Bland Farm and Greg Armstrong of Armstrong Cricket Farm of Glennville were major Hometown Living At Its Best

When children spend any time in this after-school program, they gain a mentor for life. Jenean talks fondly of the kids that return to them in adulthood, seeking them out after all these years. “I love when they stop me in the grocery store or they call me on the phone or find me on Facebook,” she says sweetly. “It makes me feel like what I did was not for nothing. It meant something for them.”

donors at the start of these programs. Earnest says, “Greg would love to take the kids on tours through the cricket farm and he would always call me in the office and give me a check when we left.” Jenean admits the couple gets worn down and says that the support and love of their community energizes them in these moments. “There are days that we feel like ‘how are we going to make this work?’” she says. “And God will send a little angel, and someone will say, ‘Hey, we went by the store and bought a case of chicken or soda for you.’” Each act of kindness they receive from the community drives them to continue the work they so joyfully love. With the rise of COVID-19, the after-school program was suspended. To continue pouring into the community during this time, the Armstrong’s partnership with Second Food Harvest of Coastal Georgia expanded to include the packaging and delivering of Grab-and-Go meals to various locations in other counties. “Not only are we preparing meals here,” Jenean says, “we also prepare meals for Bulloch County Boys and Girls Club, Statesboro Board of Education, Bulloch County Board of Education, Claxton’s Camp Stars and we deliver to some of the schools in Statesboro as well.”

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Hometown Living At Its Best

The couple has been thrilled to join such a large initiative. Earnest says of the partnership, “It began almost 10 years ago, and a friendship and a working relationship has blossomed. We went from feeding our 40 or 50 kids to roughly about 500 kids a day.” In addition to this partnership, they host Feed the City every Thursday where anyone is welcome to stop by and grab a meal. Earnest says people come by asking for a few adult meals and a few kids meals at a time. “And they can get the meals they need,” he adds. “No questions asked.” Providing food for the community has brought them renewed strength through such an uncertain time. At the community center, there are multiple groups and programs ranging from small children to senior citizens. Their primary focus is to educate, entertain and love on the community. Their long-standing impact on children’s lives has stretched far and wide throughout the years. The Armstrong’s ability and willingness to help does not stop when the children grow out of the program. Jenean says proudly, “Still to this day the kids that we’ve had in the past, if they have something going on they don’t hesitate to come to us and talk. Right, wrong or indifferent we try to always be there for them.” When children spend any time in this after-school program, they gain a mentor for life. Jenean talks fondly of the kids that return to them in adulthood, seeking them out after all these years. “I love when they stop me in the grocery store or they call me on the phone or find me on Facebook,” she says sweetly. “It makes me feel like what I did was not for nothing. It meant something for them.” While past students may no longer be part of the various programs offered at the community center, Jenean assures me, “They’ll always be my babies.” Some of these very students have grown up, started a family of their own and are now sending their kids to New Horizon Community Outreach Center afterschool program. “I’ve enjoyed watching the kids grow up,” Jenean admits smiling. Being the change they wished to see in their own community, Earnest and Jenean are making breakthroughs with each child, man and woman they serve. The results are extremely evident to which Jenean attests, “We’re changing the community one family at a time.”  TCL

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

We help women to overcome past obstacles, to develop improved relationships, and more importantly to develop their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. An addiction recovery program that works for you. The Promise of Hope System helps you live a life of freedom through faith. Learn more about living a life free from addiction. Promise of Hope Tattnall serves as a faith-based long-term recovery residence for women. We offer nine month and yearly recovery programs for women over 18 years of age. Your recovery process with us will include weekly church attendance on Sundays, consistent AA and NA 12-step programs, and fellowship with others in recovery. Classes will be provided during recovery, including subjects such as life skills, boundaries, education, insight meetings, and re-lapse prevention. Regular Bible study will be observed as well as several outside group activities. Most important, we will do our best to provide a much needed safe space for your recovery here at Promise of Hope Tattnall. Your recovery needs and your recovery pace will be heard, considered and recognized. Join us and take those precious first steps towards a life free from addiction and abuse.

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Story by ALEXA TEBBEN | Photos Provided by Cal Avery

Jesse Lynn Rd

barn hunter The

Cal Avery, local Swainsboro resident since 1959, took up photography upon retirement and has never been happier.

If retirement teaches you one thing, it is never too late to try something new. Cal Avery, local Swainsboro resident since 1959, took up photography upon retirement and has never been happier. In 2010, Cal and Marisue Avery celebrated 30 years of marriage. To commemorate their time together, the couple took a month-long trip to the Oregon coast and back. “We didn’t have a reservation anywhere,” Cal admits. “We just took off and went.” Following the advice of his son, Will, Cal bought his first DSLR camera to document their travels. Cal Hometown Living At Its Best

Cal inspires an atmosphere of positivity and relaxation with each post on The Barn Hunter page. His followers appreciate the pure content and safe space this page provides them.

Tobacco Barn on Cedar Creek Rd

recalls, “I bought it about a year before our trip and started playing with it and learning how to operate it.” While journeying crosscountry with Marisue, Cal captured the profound beauty they saw along the way. The experience sparked within Cal a true passion for photographic art. “I got bitten by the bug,” Cal says laughing. “I just love photography.” When the couple returned from Oregon, Cal did not want his adventures to end. He maintained this hobby until his retirement from Swainsboro Middle School in 2013 where he taught for 21 years. After retirement, photography, which had taken a back seat to his career, became his focus. “I’m mainly a landscape photographer but I still photograph a lot of other things,” he says. “Waterfalls, old houses, rusty vehicles, tractors – anything I find interesting.” While these

Joe Cowart Home Place on Old Reidsville Collins Rd

Pearson Chapel on Old River Rd

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Carrot Field on Lynntown Road

Waters Service Station in Mendes

Elza District Rd

everyday items are nothing extraordinary, Cal sees them for the beauty they offer. “When somebody sees a piece of trash, I see a piece of art,” he reveals. Deciding he needed a point of focus, Cal chose to use nostalgic old barns as his main subject. He explains, “There’s something about barns that triggers memories and good thoughts of days gone by in people’s minds.” He was also motivated to create a record of the structures knowing they will not always be with us. With a mission for finding and photographing barns, Cal set out on a journey to discover as many of these structures as possible. “I love riding roads

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Cox Barn on Bubba Kennedy Rd

With a mission for finding and photographing barns, Cal set out on a journey to discover as many of these structures as possible. “I love riding roads just to see what’s out there,” he admits easily. On these days, Cal dedicates his time to exploring roads untraveled and scenery unappreciated. He often spends sun-up to sun-down driving hundreds of miles

Alex and Donna Tootle’s Barn on Highway 178

to create a perfect shot.

just to see what’s out there,” he admits easily. On these days, Cal dedicates his time to exploring roads untraveled and scenery unappreciated. He often spends sun-up to sun-down driving hundreds of miles to create a perfect shot. While taking photos is a highlight of these days, he simply enjoys the drive. Ever optimistic about his endeavors, Cal says, “If I happen to get in an area that there’s not a whole lot I want to photograph, the worst thing is I’ve had a nice drive in the country.” With this candid spirit, he breathes in the fresh air as he travels the beautiful country roads. To share his photography with others, Cal created a

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Facebook page called The Barn Hunter. On this page, he posts his photos for the pure enjoyment of his followers. “In this crazy world we live in, everybody is under stress in their day to day lives,” Cal says. “I [want this] to be a place where people can come and forget about the cares of the world and just enjoy the view.” Cal inspires an atmosphere of positivity and relaxation with each post on The Barn Hunter page. His followers appreciate the pure content and safe space this page provides them. A follower commented on a simple photograph of a rocking chair on a porch saying, “I can see my grandmother sitting in that chair and me and my cousin

Byron Rogers Home on Rogers Rd

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Dog Trot House on Bea Durrence Rd.

Left: Fish pond on Troy Jarriel Rd

when we were kids playing around her and her laughing and cutting up with us.” For Cal, reminding people of simpler times with a single photograph is a joy and an honor. “When one of my pictures brings back memories for someone, I’ve done my job as a photographer,” he says. Another follower wrote in saying, “Mr. Cal, I just want to let you know that I’m trying to limit my exposure on media, but when I do get on I can literally feel my breathing slow and a peace come over me when I look at your photos. Thank you.” This encouraging feedback energizes Cal and motivates him to continue sharing his love of photography with the world. One of Cal’s favorite things about his adventures is the people he meets along the way. “I’ve met lots of people,” Cal reports since starting this hobby. When he spots a photo opportunity on private property, he will speak to the owners and ask if he can take some photos. “Since I’ve

Old River Rd

To share his photography with others, Cal created a Facebook page called The Barn Hunter. On this page, he posts his photos for the pure enjoyment of his followers.

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been doing this, I can count on both hands [the times] I’ve been told ‘No,’” he says. All in all, this has allowed him to meet and talk with many different people. The relationships developed through this hobby have greatly enriched Cal’s life. “There are good people wherever you go,” he says. Within the photography community, Cal’s experience has shown him the value in helping others. “I have found that a lot of the photographers that I’m friends with on Facebook that I have never met, they are all open and willing to answer questions, to give you advice, to talk to you,” he says. “They are willing to share their knowledge with no reservations.” Cal encourages people to pursue their passions at all stages of life. “It’s never too late to do anything,” he says assuredly. In regards to photography, Cal states, “You don’t have

“I’m mainly a landscape photographer but I still photograph a lot of other things,” he says. “Waterfalls, old houses, rusty vehicles, tractors – anything I find interesting.”

Henry Tippins House in Manassas

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Mule Barn at Georgia State Prison

Old Manassas Train Depot

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Foy-Hodges House in Manassas

When the couple returned from Oregon, Cal did not want his adventures to end. He maintained this hobby until his retirement from Swainsboro Middle School in 2013 where he taught for 21 years. After retirement, photography, which had taken a back seat to his career, became his focus.

to have the most expensive camera. You don’t have to have a lot of equipment to take good pictures. And the learning curve is not that steep.” Using every opportunity as a learning lesson, simply getting out there and trying something new will open doors of possibility and enjoyment. In addition, Cal speaks about individuality and the unique flare each artist brings to the world around them. “Don’t ever compare your work to somebody else’s,” he cautions. “Every photographer is different. Every photographer has their own style.” In remembering this,

you will see the beauty in the distinctions and develop an appreciation for what sets each person apart. Cal boasts about the people of Tattnall County and the friendliness with which they treat him. There is a warm familiarity in each interaction he has. “People have been so good to me down there,” he says. “I photograph all over the state, but Tattnall County is one of my go-to places when I want to revisit things.” Savoring each opportunity to return, he enjoys the constant flow of kindness and beauty he encounters with each visit. Every day provides an opportunity for new adventures,

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Pearson Tod House on Old River Road

Following the advice of his son, Will, Cal bought his first DSLR camera to document their travels. Cal recalls, “I bought it about a year before our trip and started playing with it and learning how to operate it.” While journeying cross-country with Marisue, Cal captured the profound beauty they saw along the way. The experience sparked within Cal a true passion for photographic art. “I got bitten by the bug,” Cal says laughing. “I just love photography.”

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discoveries and entertainment. “There’s beautiful scenery everywhere,” Cal says of our beloved country. Always looking forward to what is ahead, he relishes each chance he gets to capture a beautiful moment in time. “My favorite place to shoot is the next place I’m going to,” he says optimistically. Retirement has offered him perspective, and photography is the outlet with which he captures each new point of view. For the first time in his life, Cal feels that he can appreciate the beauty and brilliance that has surrounded him for all these years.  TCL

Providing the care we would expect for our own families.

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Watermelon Creek

BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor, Steve Miller

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Wednesday Services: Wednesday Recharge - 6:30 pm Creek Kidz (ages 2 - 5th grade) - 6:30pm Radical Teens - 6:30 pm

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TRICKLAND’S PHA MACY

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Caughey Hearn, Agent 7573 US HWY 280 | Claxton, GA 30417 | 912-739-4545

PINEWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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Glennville

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Turning Grief to Legacy 118

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Story by LISA WALENCEUS | Photos by Rose Colored Lens

The annual Rajin’ Cajun 5K and Fun Run honors Jeff Armstrong with family fun.

Losing a spouse or parent is never easy. When it happens suddenly, it’s even harder. In fall 2016, Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Cricket Farm in Glennville, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a late-stage cancer. In just a few weeks, his daughters, Paige Ewing and Jessica Curran, his son, Jacob and their mother, Debbie, were left to deal with the grief of his illness and passing. “Our father loved this community and he always gave back to it by supporting everything he could,” Jessica explained. “We wanted to do an event in his name that he would have loved to be a part of. Getting people together for some good times for the benefit of Tattnall County’s

children — that’s just the sort of thing that he would have been excited about.” Creating a community 5K and fun run in his memory just seemed to them like a natural way to find some comfort and peace in that difficult time. “We chose the Mardi Gras theme for the race because our family has Louisiana roots,” Paige added. “Daddy kind of lived the Cajun saying ‘laissez les bons temps rouler’ — let the good times roll.” “He enjoyed big gatherings and making everyone feel like family. He was always the life of the party and tried to find the fun in everything,” she laughed. “We wanted to create something that would reflect his joy

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in life, something that people could look forward to and bring their kids to every year.” The first Rajin’ Cajun race took place in February 2018, giving them just a few short months to pull the event together. The first step for Paige and Jessica was starting the Jeff Armstrong Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, to handle the money raised. “I serve as board president and Paige serves as V.P.,” Jessica said. “But, we were so lucky to have Debbie Reddish, Wayne Dasher, and Zuber Malek agree to be board members right away. This event never would have happened without them.” “We got a lot of help from the City of Glennville with getting all of the permits we needed and making sure we weren’t conflicting with any other events,” she continued. “Dr. Paul Thompson was a huge help, too — he runs the Onion Festival race every year, so we leaned on his expertise. Toby Davis, Southeast Bulloch schools’ track

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and cross country coach, helped us actually run the race on the day.” “We are so grateful that everyone was so willing to share their knowledge with two people who wanted to do something but didn’t quite know how,” Jessica laughed. Paige said, “So, once arrangements were made, we just got on the phone and started calling sponsors. It was just amazing how responsive the community was! The Farmhouse Restaurant pitched in with making gumbo to sell and a lot of people donated things for goodie bags in addition to cash sponsorships. We raised $11,000 the very first year and we’ve increased the amount we raise every year since.” For the first three years of the race, money was given as college scholarships for high-performing seniors at Tattnall County High School and Pinewood Christian Academy who were involved in community service,

In 2021, the Foundation introduced a new giving program, Supplementing Tattnall’s Resources to Offset the Needs of Growing Warriors (S.T.R.O.N.G. Warriors) that will give money to the three local elementary schools’ efforts to provide food, clothes, books, and basic school supplies to students in need.

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“Our father loved this community and he always gave back to it by supporting everything he could,” Jessica explained. “We wanted to do an event in his name that he would have loved to be a part of. Getting people together for some good times for the benefit of Tattnall County’s children — that’s just the sort of thing that he would have been excited about.”

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with runner-up awards given in their brother Jacob’s name (Jacob Armstrong passed away in February 2018). A total of $27,000 in scholarships was given to 12 students. In 2021, the Foundation introduced a new giving program, Supplementing Tattnall’s Resources to Offset the Needs of Growing Warriors (S.T.R.O.N.G. Warriors) that will give money to the three local elementary schools’ efforts to provide food, clothes, books, and basic school supplies to students in need. This year’s 5k race raised $15,000 for that program, a record for the event. Paige said, “We felt that we could have more impact if we focused on elementary school programs and initiatives at this time.” The annual race has brought the sense of joy and remembrance that Paige and Jessica hoped it would.

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“We got a lot of help from the City of Glennville with getting all of the permits we needed and making sure we weren’t conflicting with any other events,” she continued. “Dr. Paul Thompson was a huge help, too — he runs the Onion Festival race every year, so we leaned on his expertise. Toby Davis, Southeast Bulloch schools’ track and cross country coach, helped us actually run the race on the day.”

“It means so much for our girls to grow up with an event that celebrates their papa,” Paige said. “We feel like we’re passing on our dad’s commitment to community to them — the girls just see it as part of their lives and that’s just what he would have wanted.” Held every February, the Rajin’Cajun race day starts at 8:00 a.m. with a one-mile fun run/walk for participants in full Mardi Gras regalia. The 5K starts at Southern Medical Group on Highway 301 and runs through downtown Glennville. Live music, a bouncy castle, a cake walk, food, and face painting fill the morning with fun for all ages.TCL

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McCurdy’s

On Main

Handcrafted in the USA, Ronaldo Jewelry is a family-owned, heritage brand founded on the principles of integrity, intention and individuality. The absolute Power of Prayer is undeniable. Through prayer, our hearts are filled with joy, our burdens lifted, and our faith strengthened. The Power of Prayer is undeniable. This inspirational bracelet has 7 beads, one for each day of the week, to remind us to pray every day.

Monday - Friday: 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday: 10 - 2

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"QUALITY CARECLOSE CLOSETO TOHOME.” HOME." “QUALIT Y CARE

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Chantilly’s Floral Decor & More

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a New Game type of

With golf on a steady decline a new sport called footgolf has been a breath of fresh air. Some struggling courses have even embraced the hybrid sport as a way to boost their revenue.

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Story By David Pena | Photos By Rose Colored Lens

Ask any avid golfer (myself included), and they’ll tell you that golf can be an exceptionally frustrating endeavor. Some may even add that it’s an exercise in futility most of the time. Not only is golf an incredibly difficult sport to learn, it is also never really mastered by anyone, at least for any extended period of time. Just ask any PGA tour pro, Tiger Woods included. Moreover, golf can be quite expensive, so it’s often considered a sport reserved only for society’s elite. Along with the costly club fees, there’s also the price of clubs along an abundant amount of lessons. And, considering the current state of the economy, golf is simply not an option for most folks. As a result, there has been a fairly steady decline in the number of golfers over the past few years. People who would normally take up the game are now looking for activities

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that provide more exercise, like biking, tennis, or running. Moreover, a round of golf generally takes around four hours to complete, and with all the other options available, the game may not seem as appealing as it once did. With golf on a steady decline and course closings becoming more prevalent, a new sport called footgolf has been a breath of fresh air for some superintendents. Some struggling courses have even embraced the hybrid sport as a way to boost their revenue. According to Robert Greer, Superintendent at Brazell’s Creek Golf Course, footgolf may prove to be a much needed shot in the arm for golf. “Prior to the virus, we were losing about 1% of our golfers every year, so footgolf can bring some of those people back to the course. It also brings people to the course that wouldn’t normally come (to play golf). There are entire families who play together, so it’s been a real boost to the game.” As the name implies, footgolf combines two sports, soccer and golf. Instead of hitting a golf ball with a club, players kick a regulation soccer ball into a large cup that’s only 21 inches in diameter. The first shot is played from the tee

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“Anyone can kick a soccer ball, but not everyone has the coordination to put a club onto a one inch ball,” explains Jordan. “Footgolf is great because it’s the perfect blend of soccer and golf.” Plus, it’s no secret that soccer is on the upswing, while golf is trending downward, so this hybrid of the two sports may just be the remedy.

box, and bunkers and water must be crossed or avoided in order to reach the hole. The sport is usually played on actual golf courses, but there are even courses now dedicated exclusively to footgolf. Because soccer balls cannot be propelled as far as golf balls in one shot, footgolf is played on holes shorter than those used in golf. As in golf, though, the player who finishes the course with the fewest shots wins. “It also takes about half the time to play as a round of golf,” adds Robert. Michael Jansen is generally given credit for the creation of footgolf, along with its basic rules, when he officially launched the sport in the Netherlands in 2008. However, Robert says its origins can be traced to more humble beginnings. “Basically, whenever folks would kick a soccer ball at something to see how Hometown Living At Its Best

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many times they could hit it, whether it is a park bench or tree, that’s where it all began, but Michael was the first to put a hole in the ground on a golf course for the purpose of a round of footgolf.” One of the major obstacles for the sport has been the pushback from purists from the golfing community who claim that footgolf is hindering their pace of play and is an impediment to golf. “Our members initially didn’t want the footgolfers on the course, kicking soccer balls and taking up their tee times,” says Robert, “so we had to make some compromises. For instance, the footgolf holes are located away from the greens. It took some time, but our members now understand its benefits.” One of these benefits is that the sport requires a very minimal investment with a pretty decent return. “At all the courses I’ve been to, as well as my own course, the equipment that is invested in footgolf has paid for itself within the first year,” says Robert. “I run a state-funded golf course in Reidsville, and if I can maintain

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a high end footgolf course with my small staff, then it should be much easier for more highend courses. It does take some forethought to put a footgolf course in, but once it’s in, there’s little upkeep involved. In fact, there are courses around the area where half of the total revenue has been from footgolf alone.” Robert, who is also the National Tour Director for the American Footgolf League (AFGL), says, “I’ve been one of the few superintendents in the golf industry to actually embrace footgolf. I try my best to make it successful at my home course by incorporating the footgolf course into our course. I’ve seen some courses put the footgolf course in out-ofthe-way areas or under trees, so I try to educate (other) superintendents about the course setup. However, we don’t usually do a whole lot in terms of setup, except for the major events.”

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Footgolf seems to be bringing more diversity in race, age, and gender to golf courses. Almost all first-time players say they are likely to return and play footgolf again, and that’s good news for golf fans. “The PGA of America actually approached the AFGL not long ago to push for more footgolf courses in the U.S. Now we have about 500 courses, and the AFGL celebrated its ninth year in November,” explains Robert.

One such event took place at Robert’s home course, Brazell’s Creek Golf Course. “We held a Georgia Invitational Footgolf Tournament from November 5-8,” he says. “The event was also the AFGL 2020 National Championship, as well as our big push to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. It’s always been a dream of mine to host a major. The AFGL was so happy with the setup and player feedback that we’re now in negotiations to host the event next year, so I’m thrilled about that.” One of the players who took part was the 2020 Men’s Footgolf National Champion, Jordan Godfrey, a Californian who also won the title back in 2015. “We had over 100

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players show up for the tournament, which was a great turnout, considering the circumstances with the virus,” he says. 53-year-old Darrin Karuzas became the men’s senior division’s National Champion this year as well as the sport’s first three-time winner, putting it away on the final hole. “It was a threeround aggregate scoring process, and I was fortunate to win on the final putt of the last hole, so that was pretty exciting,” he says proudly. Footgolf seems to be bringing more diversity in race, age, and gender to golf courses. Almost all first-time players say they are likely to return and play footgolf again, and that’s good news for golf fans. “The PGA of America actually approached the AFGL not long ago to push for more footgolf

courses in the U.S. Now we have about 500 courses, and the AFGL celebrated its ninth year in November,” explains Robert. “Anyone can kick a soccer ball, but not everyone has the coordination to put a club onto a one inch ball,” explains Jordan. “Footgolf is great because it’s the perfect blend of soccer and golf.” Plus, it’s no secret that soccer is on the upswing, while golf is trending downward, so this hybrid of the two sports may just be the remedy. “We are still growing the game,” adds Jo Reid, 2020 National Women’s Champion. “It’s a great way to stay active, and you never know if footgolf is the sport for you until you try it.”  TCL

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Left: Jake and Luke Shuman sons of John and Lana Shuman. Right: Mason & Chap Shuman sons of Mark and Victoria Shuman.

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Paying Homage to the

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Annie House

Story by RONNIE THOMAS | Photos by Ronnie Thomas

The Annie House has been a fixture for the Thomas family and local community for several decades.

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The Annie House was a fixture for the Thomas family and local community for several decades. Located about seven miles south of Reidsville just off GA Hwy. 121, it was built circa 1905 by Columbus (Lummie) and Annie (for whom the house is named) Thompson. It’s important to note that Lummie owned the local sawmill and ensured that his new home was built from the best wood products available. As Susan and Ronnie took the house down some 100+ years later, it was obvious that all building materials were cut from heart pine that had aged into ‘fat lighter.’ Dating back several decades was Ronnie’s hope/dream of someday taking down the Annie House (his ancestral home) and using the recovered wood in a new home on the ole home place. The reality of that dream waned into near nonexistence many times as he moved around the world through two careers, but came back with a vengeance when he gained his lovely bride, Susan, as an advocate. Susan became enamored by a 3” x 3” floor plan in a Southern Living magazine. She found it to be aesthetic and pragmatic, and decided that if she

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The Annie House circa 1958

Lummie & Annie Thompson circa 1940s

Left of the Christmas closet is the entrance to the master bath which is classified as a three-quarter bath. Susan and Ronnie both prefer a shower, since this is their retirement home and neither is fond of getting up and down that a tub requires; everything is made to handicap/wheelchair standards. There are two large walk-in closets off the master bath and Susan insisted that the washer and dryer go in her closet.

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ever built a house this was going to be the floor plan. She held onto that magazine for over a decade. Converging in March 2011, Susan, Ronnie, and a contractor took down the Annie House and recovered 90+% of the original building materials. In 2016, they took Susan’s floor plan to Threatte Signature Homes and explained what they had in mind. They also explained all materials they wanted to incorporate as much as possible. Joey and Casey Threatte immediately set about explaining how to make their vision a reality and identifying some of the more inherent challenges in dealing with antique materials. Going into that meeting, Susan and Ronnie had a tiny floor plan, a high-level vision of what they wanted, and a positive opinion of Threatte Signature Homes based on conversations with previous customers. By the end of the meeting, Joey and Casey had

The Annie House probably would have gotten electricity around 1935. At the time (middle of the depression, not too many electrical appliances available), electricity was used for lighting; it’s reasonable to date the light fixture to the mid-1930s since it would have been installed with the addition of electricity. Because electricity was for powering lights, there was no need for wall sockets or light switches since the lights were turned on and off with a pull string.

validated their reputation and convinced Susan and Ronnie that they had the working knowledge and expertise to make their vision happen. Prior to the gingerbread gable’s current placement, it stood front and center of the Annie House for over a century and withstood everything Mother Nature could throw at it. Its remediation consisted of replacing some of the framing wood, but the gable itself is completely original. On the porch, you can see the tall antique windows; this was the style of windows throughout the Annie House. By March 2011 the windows in the Annie House were in varying stages of disrepair, but Susan and Ronnie salvaged all of them. Joey invested many hours of his craftsmanship and creativity in scavenging pieces and creating four “turnof-the-century” windows; they are exactly as they appeared on the Annie House. When Ronnie’s daddy, Rufus, bought the Annie house (~ 1950), the exterior wood had never been painted. Ronnie’s mama, Bertha Mae (Barrow), had always wanted a big white country home and the Annie House was two of three. Along comes a traveling salesman peddling a protective treatment for tin roofs. The treatment left a tin roof with a protective silvery sheen and he sold it as a magical, cure-all elixir. Rufus had him spray the roof and the exterior of the house (excluding the gingerbread gable) thinking it would be a good base coat ahead of the white paint Bertha Mae wanted. The roof and house got sprayed, the salesman got paid, and as soon as the silvery elixir was dry, Rufus set in with the white paint. The silvery stuff was apparently oil-based and just as quick as Rufus would put on a coat of white, the silvery sub- coat would bleed through with an ugly shade of mustard yellow. It didn’t matter how many white coats he applied, the sub-coat was persistent, pervasive and ugly. Bertha Mae was

The Culhanes, Joann, Anita (the baby), Kerry, Wanda & Lyndal

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Knowing how disappointed Susan and Ronnie were at losing their front-yard center-piece, Joey and Casey asked the tree folks to cut four cross-sections from the trunk. After some treatment for the wood and mounting of some sturdy metal legs, three of the cross sections (about 6” thick and 24” in diameter) became rustic end tables.

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mad enough to chew nails and never completely got over Rufus ruining her big white country house dream, which is probably why Rufus started building her a new house about 200 yards up the road a couple of years later. The front entrance is flanked by lights with pineapple shaped globes. The pineapple has long been a symbol for welcome, but Ronnie selected it for its nautical connection as a nod to his naval career. The pineapple, by virtue of its rarity and prominent placement, let friends and neighbors know the Captain was safely home and they were welcome to visit, share in his food and wine, and listen to the tales of his voyage. Ronnie can share some sea stories and, per the pineapple’s reputation, Ronnie and Susan sincerely hope everyone feels welcome. Susan and Ronnie have made the foyer into a bit of an Annie House showcase. The crosshead above the inside front door was originally on the exterior of the Annie House; it was the crosshead above the double-windows on the front center of the wraparound porch immediately below the

gingerbread gable. Its only remediation before placement in its current position was having the dust and dirt knocked off. The wood on the upper half of the walls is some of the shiplap siding and at the bottom of the boards, you can see where they were overlapped by the board above. The ceiling has a cross beam arrangement that’s made from some of the same siding. The foyer window framing is antique wood and has a unique touch that’s a strong testament to Joey’s creative problem solving. Susan didn’t want traditional curtains or blinds that would hide the antique framing, but she did want some privacy. She thought that plantation shutters on the lower half of the windows would be a good solution, but they wouldn’t work within the available space. Joey’s solution was an

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insert which covers the lower half of the window and is made from the same bead board as the lower half of the foyer walls. The antique wood is exposed and Susan has privacy as needed/wanted. There are some old looking bricks on the floor which are antiques too. The Annie House had two, double-sided fireplaces and a couple of dozen brick footers which yielded several hundred solid, hand-packed Georgia red clay bricks. The bricks were cut in half to double the number of face bricks and to more closely approximate the thickness

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The majority of the debris generated by clearing the site became a very large pile behind the house and Hurricane Irma came to visit. With regard to the debris pile, Ronnie called the Forestry Office and asked to have an agent stop by. The agent’s only advice was, “Well, you can’t burn it” (within a thousand feet of a structure) but then he added, “but you’ve got bigger problems, if you don’t get that oak tree out of your front yard, Irma’s going to leave it in your living room.” Ronnie was left to find solutions for both the pile and the oak tree.

of the adjacent wood floor in the living room. Once the bricks were cut, the non-consistency of the grain on the inside made the hand-packing obvious. On the foyer wall opposite the front door, Susan and Ronnie have created a pictorial homage with the few available pictures of the Annie House from its earlier years. The framing is made from the Annie house’s front door sidelights. Joey put his talent and expertise to work to make these sidelights look like nothing more has happened than a simple relocation. When you walk into the Family/Living Room, you’ll notice the transition from brick to wood flooring. When taking the Annie House down, they recovered thousands of board feet of rough cut lumber; there was the issue of residual, broken off and leftover nails. They were up against hard fat lighter boards harboring fugitive cast-iron, brittle and square nails that were illinclined to give up their home of the last 100 years. Finally, the boards were clear enough for planing and sizing for flooring boards. These were delivered to Morris Sawmill in Baxley, Georgia, for milling into tongue and groove flooring. When they picked them up, they had somewhere between 1800 and 2000 sq. ft. of antique heart pine flooring. (The cast iron nails were saved too!) The ceiling has 6x8 exposed beams, which were supports for the floor joist in the Annie House. When Ronnie saw them he knew that he wanted to use them for exposed beams in the new house. When they got them all out, they had 168 linear feet of useable beams. Joey and Casey figured out how to best use them and even modified the family room ceiling so they’d have enough to make four A-Frame sets. The beams were planed just enough to expose the natural wood luster, cut to length, and coated with Dutch oil. Each section of those beams weighs in north of 300 lbs. Hometown Living At Its Best

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In the kitchen, you’ll see Ronnie’s wet bar. The counter-top is a manufactured product called Cambria; Susan and Ronnie chose the Bradshaw pattern, but there is beautiful woodgrain and cabinet work. The wet bar, kitchen-island, and kitchen cabinets were made by Grover Bragg. Susan and Ronnie were planning on a four-stool, foot-rail bar in front of the wet bar, but once they saw everything they decided that a bar may encroach a bit much into the living room. The eastern yard of the Annie House was dominated by a huge Magnolia tree which came down during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Before Ronnie’s sister, Wanda, had the rest of the tree removed, Ronnie hired his nephew, Kameron, to cut out a 14-foot section of the trunk and roll it to the side. Ronnie’s plan was to give it a full year to season before he cut a 4” thick slab out of the center to use as his fourstool, foot-rail bar top. After a year, Ronnie hired Derwood Tootle to bring his portable sawmill over and do some cutting. By the end of the afternoon, Derwood had produced five cross-section cuts about a yard in diameter each. The remaining trunk was cut into a beam that was 17” square and 9’ long. Derwood cut two, 4” thick beams, and four 2” beams. All the

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wood has been drying in the Threatte woodworking shop since. When properly seasoned, the 4” beam will become two high tables and a serving tray. The handles for the serving tray will be fashioned from some of the cords recovered from the window counter weights. The cross-cut sections will become bistro tables for the wraparound porch. In the kitchen, the house plan called for a breakfast nook that grew with some of the modifications. Since Susan and Ronnie didn’t have anything in their household furniture that would fit the available space, Susan asked for a table and light fixture made from antique wood that would fit the space. The end result is a 10-seat family table. The tabletop is made from tongue and groove flooring boards, complete with unrepaired nail holes and scaring. While most of the tabletop is made from 3” wide boards, Casey spaced out four, 6” boards to delineate proper placement for place settings. The table legs don’t look exactly new; the Annie House had a three-quarter wrap-around porch with decorative banisters and matching posts. Back in the 80s someone stole the banisters and left enough posts to keep the porch ceiling from falling. Because of this, they only had three or four original posts so Casey cut two of them in half to make the legs for the family table.

Above the table is the antique wood light fixture. The wood was the last of the 6x8 beams. While the fixture looks like it’s being supported by a vertical section of ¾” galvanized pipe, there’s actually an 800 pound-test cable running through the pipe, attached to the beam, and anchored very firmly in the ceiling. The origin of the light fixture globes will be obvious to folks who grew up in the local area in the 60s. The globes on the light fixture are some of those watering jars used in Ronnie’s daddy’s commercial chicken houses, so they were able to include some family history and memorabilia. In the rear foyer, the garage door is to the right, which is 1200 sq. ft. and will easily accommodate three vehicles or the whole family as needed. Susan and Ronnie have several vehicles to house and they wanted the garage to do double-duty as a banquet room for large gatherings. It’s on its own zone for heating and cooling and they had the floor done in a Polyaspartic floor coating for protection and a more finished look. The other door in the rear foyer is the entrance to Susan’s pantry. In its previous life, it was the front door of the Annie House. The original glass in the upper half of the door was a single frosted, translucent pane with border etchings in a tulip design. That glass had been broken and replaced with two clear glass panes with a spacer board between. The door had also been kicked in at some point breaking the knob and lock assembly, and shattering the surrounding wood. Also, the fanciful wood trim pieces on the lower half were either missing or broken. When Susan and Ronnie couldn’t find anything with etchings, they decided to go colorful and found a stained glass piece online. Joey did some matting to get the glass centered, finished the wood with an antique stain and reversed the sides for the knob and hinges.

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In the kitchen, the island’s wood and counter top are the same as the wet bar in the family room. The cabinets above the cooktop are another case of Susan showing Joey a magazine picture which Joey in turn showed to Mr. Bragg, who produced the cabinets. Adjacent to the kitchen is Ronnie’s office/study. The first thing you notice is the yachtsman’s wainscot. The original plan to do this in the family room didn’t work out, so it was used in Ronnie’s office. The bead board for the wainscot came out of the pear tree bedroom of the Annie House (there was a pear tree right outside the window) and that room was never painted. The treatment of this wood was to knock the dirt off, cut to length, install. In its unimproved state, the house site was populated by pines, vines and various scrubs, but it did have one substantial oak and Susan and Ronnie decided early on that they were going to position the house so the oak tree would be in the center of the front yard. They worked with a number of contractors for clearing underbrush, cutting trees, and stump removal, but always emphasized to please be careful around the oak tree. The only visible damage to the oak tree was a single, non-lethal scrape in the lower trunk, but its root system sustained unavoidable damage when the surrounding stumps were removed. The majority of the debris generated by clearing the site became a very large pile behind the house and Hurricane Irma came to visit. With regard to the debris pile, Ronnie called the Forestry Office

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and asked to have an agent stop by. The agent’s only advice was, “Well, you can’t burn it” (within a thousand feet of a structure) but then he added, “but you’ve got bigger problems, if you don’t get that oak tree out of your front yard, Irma’s going to leave it in your living room.” Ronnie was left to find solutions for both the pile and the oak tree. Ronnie wasn’t ready to give up on their front yard centerpiece just yet, but it had issues…scar and root problems notwithstanding, it wasn’t a pretty tree. Ever since it was an acorn it was surrounded by competing foliage and roots. Against the odds, it had survived and was the biggest oak in the area, but it was neither full nor shapely and as it stood, it wasn’t centerpiece material. With hopes of finding a way to get it to fill out and make a pretty tree, Ronnie called the Forestry Office again and explained what he wanted. Ronnie told the agent what his concerns were and the agent explained with the competing foliage and root systems removed, by next spring it should fill out and make a pretty tree. The agent explained that they needed to get the oak tree out of the front yard before Irma came through or they would have bigger problems. Not what Ronnie wanted to hear, but having heard it twice from independent offices of the Forestry Department, he contacted a tree removal service. He convinced them of the urgency for getting this tree down and by the end of the next day there was nothing left but the stump. Knowing how disappointed Susan and Ronnie were at losing their front-yard center-piece, Joey

and Casey asked the tree folks to cut four cross-sections from the trunk. After some treatment for the wood and mounting of some sturdy metal legs, three of the cross sections (about 6” thick and 24” in diameter) became rustic end tables. Down the hallway is the half bath or powder room. The mirror came from the home Susan grew up in and was the bathroom mirror Susan and her sister, Donna, shared through their formative years. The Annie House probably would have gotten electricity around 1935. At the time (middle of the depression, not too many electrical appliances available), electricity was used for lighting; it’s reasonable to date the light fixture to the mid-1930s since it would have been installed with the addition of electricity. Because electricity was for powering lights, there was no need for wall sockets or light switches since the lights were turned on and off with a pull string. The guest bedroom features the only full bath in the house. To the right is the master bedroom. On the far wall of the bedroom is a set of double doors which give access to Susan’s Christmas tree closet. Dave Williams built a wheeled platform onto which she mounted a fully decorated Christmas tree. It gets rolled out in early December and then back in when Christmas is over. The back wall has shelves for other decorations and Susan’s Christmas stuff is confined to this closet. Left of the Christmas closet is the entrance to the master bath which is classified as a three-quarter bath. Susan and Ronnie both prefer a shower, since this is their retirement home and neither is fond of getting up and down that a tub requires; everything is made to handicap/ wheelchair standards. There are two large walk-in closets off the master bath and Susan insisted that the washer and dryer go in her closet. On the south roof are 31 solar panels capable of producing 9.146 kW of electricity at peak production. The output of the panels can go to three places… house, Tesla Powerwall, or electrical grid. You’re now cordially invited to the front porch for some southern hospitality and iced tea. TCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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Classic Southern Cooking

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The Farmhouse Restaurant looks forward to making you feel like you’re at home and most importantly, that you’re our family.

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Heavy Lifting Mulching Mowing Pond Building Land Clearing

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taste the difference! At Reedy Creek Meat Company, our customers come first, and we stand behind the quality of our products. That’s why we offer healthy, honestraised beef and locally sourced pork that your family will love.

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Collins CITY OF

MAYOR BOBBY SCHWALLENGERG | COUNCIL | EMPLOYEES

Computerized Bookkeeping & Payroll Services Individual & Business Tax Return Preparation Business Consulting Call us! 912.537.7638 P. O. Box 96 | Collins, Georgia 30421| 912.693.2581 164

tattnall county living

201 Paradice Circle, Vidalia madonna@mparadicecpa.com

For All Your

flooring

Needs

Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home

RAHAM’S FLOOR COVERING

112 E Brazell St, Reidsville, GA 30453 | (912) 557-0082

make your next next event Make your event

unforgettable.. unforgettable

Obituary Line: Glennville - 654.9409

206 North Veterans Blvd. Glennville, Georgia 30427 | 912-654-2060

Gilbert Jones & A SSOCIAT E S

Accounting Bookkeeping Tax and Payroll Services

Wedding & Event Center 3095 Lyons Center Rd, Lyons 3095 Lyons Center Rd, Lyons

Family Reunions • Banquets • Birthday • Retirement • Graduation • Holiday Parties

Rental includes full kitchen, chapel, bridal suite, dance floor, and tables/chairs

Call TyAnn Copeland for an appointment, (912) 314-9942 /thegatheringplaceoflyons

311 Church St., Vidalia Mailing: P.O. Box 526, Vidalia, GA 30475 Phone (912) 537-8811 Fax: (912) 537-1637 email: taxxes@bellsouth.net

GilbertJonesandAssociates.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Specializing in residential, new construction, commercial, acreage, appraisals and property management.

Septic Problems? We’re here to help! • Installation of New Septic Systems • Septic System Repairs and Tank Pump • Installation of Drain Lines • Backhoe Work

• Move and Set up Mobile Homes • Re-Level Mobile Homes • Licensed and Insured in Septic Systems and Mobile Homes Service

Willis Septic Systems & Mobile Home Movers Inc. Serving Tattnall and the surrounding counties for over 30 years.

SOLD

For more information, call Tony or DeAnn Willis 912-654-4820 | kicklighterrealty.com

MedEx Immediate Care

706 W Barnard Street | Glennville, GA 30427 | 912-822-1941

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tattnall county living

912-293-7800 2697 Hwy 56 W • Reidsville, GA 30453

Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day Saturday, December 18, 2021 At 12:00PM Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery 8819 US Hwy 301 | Glennville, GA 30427

Sponsor a wreath today and join us for the National Remembrance Ceremony at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery

DeAnna Kemp, Pharmacist

Arkeeta Crawford, CPhT

Casey Kirkley, CPhT

REIDSVILLE PHARMACY www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

246-A SOUTH MAIN ST | REIDSVILLE, GA 30453 | (912) 557-4000

Mayor James R. “Buddy” Collins Danny Ray Collins, Mayor Pro Tem John F. Kennedy, Council member Debra Burns, Council member Gerald Powell, Jr., Council member Betty Jo Collins, Council member Francine L. Jarriel, City Clerk

CITY OF

COBBTOWN Southern Flair CATERING

Catering For All Your Needs

City Of Cobbtown | 912.684.3448

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Index of Advertisers Ace Hardware ………………...................................................…………… 164 Altamaha Propane ..................................…………………………… 28-29, 91 Anytime Fitness ………................................................…………………… 162 Appearances Beauty Studio | Med Spa ……………….............…………… 95 Armstrong’s Cricket Farm ……...................................……………………… 78 Baxter’s Paint & Body Shop ………….............................................…...… 75 Better Living Therapy & Fitness ……….........................…………………… 138 Brannen Kennedy Funeral Home ………………………......................…… 165 Brewton-Parker College ………………......................................…………… 83 Bulloch Pediatrics Group ..................................…………………………… 158 Canoochee EMC …...............................................………………………… 140 Central Pharmacy ………………….............................................………… 164 Chantilly’s Floral Décor & More …………........................………………… 127 City of Cobbtown …………………..............................…................……… 167 City of Collins ………………....................................................…………… 164 City of Glennville …………….................................................……………… 11 City of Reidsville …………………....................................................………… 5 Claxton Oil Company …………………........................................………… 128 Coley Electric & Plumbing Supply …...........................…………………… 112 Collins Insurance Agency …………................................................………… 4 Collins Mobile Homes ……………................................................……… 113 Community Hospice …...............................................………………… 58-59 DQ Grill & Chill …………………......................................................………… 9 DeLoach, Odell & Associates - New York Life ….........……………………… 79 Dermatology Associates ……………………...........................................… 82 Dubberly & McGovern Attorneys at Law …………………..................…… 142 Duramatic Products ………………………............................................…… 92 Evans Memorial Hospital ……………………..................................……… 126 Evans Memorial Hospital Surgical Associates ……………...........………… 93 Evans Memorial Jack Strickland Rehabilitation Center .....……………… 161 Farmers Natural Foods ………..……………….................................… 57, 111 Fowler Automotive & More ………………....................................…………… 1 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center …………........……………… 127 Georgia Eye Institute ……………………….........................................…… 142 Gilbert Jones & Associates ………………...............................…………… 165 Glennville Auto Parts | Bumper to Bumper ……................……………… 143 Glennville Bank …………………...................................................………… 31 Glennville Chamber of Commerce …………................………………… 44-45 Glennville Sweet Onion Festival ……………....................……………… 26-27 GNNradio ……………………….........................................................…… 138 Graham’s Floor Covering ……..................................……………………… 165 Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce ……….…................………… 62-63 Jay Donahue ………………………….....................................................… 159 Jim Jordan Farms …………..............................................………………… 129 Jincy’s …………...............................................................………………… 139 Kennedy Funeral Homes ………...................................…………………… 117 Kennedy Network Services, Inc. ………………........................…………… 112 Kicklighter Realty, Inc. ….…………........................................…………… 166 King’s Pump & Technical Service, Inc. …………………………..............… 143 Kyle Durrence Chevrolet ……………..............……………… Inside Back Cover Lasseter Tractor Company …………………................................………… 126 Logic4Design ………………...................................................…………… 162

Lone Pine Charolais ………………….........................................………… 163 Madonna H. Paradice, PC ………………………................................…… 164 Marco’s Pizza ………………….......................................................………… 8 McCurdy’s on Main ………………..........................................…………… 125 Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center ………………………..........…… 114 Meadows Health ……………………................................................……… 96 MedEx Immediate Care ………………….......................................……… 166 Merle Norman Cosmetics ……………….....................................…………… 4 Metter Ford …………………......................................................………… 160 Mobley’s Well & Pump Service, Inc. …………..............................……… 161 Optim Medical Center ……………………...................................……… 12-15 Paul Anderson Youth Home ………………..............................…………… 166 Pinewood Christian Academy ……………….................................……… 116 Promise of Hope …………………….................................................……… 94 Reedy Creek Meat Company …...……................................……………… 160 Regenerative Medicine Associates, LLC ………................……….……… 163 Reidsville Family Dentistry ………………................................…………… 113 Reidsville Pharmacy ………………….........................................………… 167 Reidsville Veterinary Clinic ……………..................................…………… 129 Renasant Bank …………………….................................................……… 141 Ringer Veterinary Hospital ……………................................……………… 140 Rose Colored Lens ………………........................................…………… 46-47 Rotary Corporation ……………….............................................…………… 92 Rusty Pig BBQ ………………...................................................…………… 2-3 Serenity Inn ………………........................................................…………… 80 Shuman Farms ………………….................................................………… 139 Solace Hospice …………………................................................………… 109 South Georgia Bank ………................................................……………… 117 Southern Flair Catering ……....……................................………………… 167 Southern Medical Group ………..…………................................………… 128 Spa on First ……………………......................................................……… 110 State Farm - Caughey Hearn, Agent ……..………................……………… 116 Statesboro Cardiology …………………….…................… 42-43, Back Cover Strickland’s Pharmacy ………………......................................…………… 115 Tattnall County Board of Commissioners ….................... Inside Front Cover Tattnall Insurance …………...............................................………………… 25 Terrell Brothers, Inc ……………..........................................……………… 115 The Barn at Collins Family Farm ………………....................…………… 76-77 The Claxton Bank …................................................………………………… 81 The Drug Store …………....................................................………………… 30 The Farmhouse Restaurant ……………..............................……………… 159 The Gathering Place of Lyons LLC …………….....................……………… 165 The Supply Company ………………........................................…………… 125 Tots to Teens Medical Center ………………..............................…………… 60 Triangle-J Trucking & Transport ……………...........................……………… 41 Vidalia Golf Carts ………………….............................................………… 158 Vidalia Honey Company ……………………....................................……… 141 Vidalia Mattress Outlet …………….......................................……………… 97 Vidalia Pediatric Clinic ……………........................................……………… 61 Watermelon Creek Baptist Church …………………...................………… 114 Willis Septic Systems & Mobile Home Movers Inc. …………….………… 166 Wreaths Across America ……………...................................……………… 167

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tattnall county living

Hometown Living at its Best 2021 I S S U E

C O U N T Y

TATTNALL COUNTY LIVING

GOD’S WILLING DISCIPLE Sarah Beth Boyett‘s love for the Lord colors every aspect of her life, including her music.

A Lasting Impact EARNEST AND JENEAN ARMSTRONG, FOUNDERS OF THE NEW HORIZON COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER ARE IMPACTING FUTURE GENERATIONS ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.