Tattnall County Living - 2018

2018 Issue

AMANDA “MANDY” GREEN SEE Southern Women Chair for Bulloch and Surrounding Counties B.B.A., ’97, MBA, ’01, Double Eagle

“Becoming involved with our Southern Women alumnae group has helped me reconnect with my alma mater and experience personal and professional growth.”

Helping Hands

Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County aims to make a difference in the lives of children.

Returning to His Roots Neal Anderson and his family have experienced lessons with purpose and life changing effects they will never forget.

STATESBORO • SAVANNAH • HINESVILLE • ONLINE

Coach, teacher and Tattnall County High School graduate, Jim Richardson, is named Teacher of the Year.

A Place of Peace in the Storm

Miracles from Heaven is how Tiffany and Ashley Sittle describe the survival of their twin boys borm prematurely.

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

TATTNALL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

912.557.4335 P. O . B O X 2 5

|

REIDSVILLE, GEORGIA

Hometown Living At Its Best

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214 South Main Street Reidsville, GA 30543 | 912.557.4701 2

tattnall county Magazine

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contents 10

Country Roots

Those of us who live in Tattnall County are glad that Dr. Mark Spivey has “magic” in his hands and “compassion” in his heart.

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Shooting to the Top

J.J. Frazier Jr. shoots to the top of the University of Georgia’s basketball team despite all the odds.

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A Place of Peace in the Storm

Twice blessed, definitely miracles from Heaven is how Tiffany and Ashley Sittle describe the survival of their twin boys born prematurely on September 5, 2017.

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Returning to His Roots

Coach, teacher and Tattnall County High School graduate, Jim Richardson, is named Teacher of the Year.

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10 About the Cover Featured on the cover is the amazing Anderson Family.

The photo was taken by HRH Photography. Turn to page 72 to their incredible story.

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City of Reidsville...

A Great Place to Live!

Small Town with Big City Convenience Shopping, Dining & Lodging

In the City of Reidsville, we are defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. Small town values, guided growth, preservation of historical, cultural, and natural heritage are just a few of the core principles that makes City of Reidsville a wonderful place to call home .

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

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A Path Well Traveled

Floyd and Dolores have been blessed to travel and help others in their 60 years of marriage.

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Passion for Life

Looking back, Neal Anderson can recognize turning points in his life. Some seemed like chance encounters. Others came as life lessons he’s never forgotten. But each one had a purpose and a life changing effect.

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The County Agent and the Vet

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Gem of the Gym

Their combined passion for animals, farms and agriculture has led Aubrey and Erica Shirley to make South Georgia their home.

An inspiration to others, 92-year-old Lillian Nash never misses a workout.

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Helping Hands

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Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County aims to make a difference in lives of children.

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Harvesting Success

John Baxter carries on the family’s timber business, which has 100-year-old roots in Tattnall County.

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Yes, You Can Come Home Again Jesse Bradley returns to his roots to make an impact on the Tattnall County School System proving that yes, you can go home again.

PAUL W. THOMPSON, MD

JESSE B. SCOTT, MD

KELLY DAUS, PA-C

SUZANNAH WILLIAMSON, NP-C

601 S. VETERANS BLVD. | GLENNVILLE, GA

501 E LONG ST. | CLAXTON, GA

(912) 654-0475

(912) 739-3354

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From the Publisher

Tattnall County magazine

P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications Jay and Patti Martin

e d i to r Renee Corwine C reat i v e | D e s i g n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC Stacey Nichols Robin T. Poole Mandi Spivey

I

It’s always a special time when we publish one of our “Hometown” magazines. That is especially true when it is the Tattnall County Magazine... OUR “HOMETOWN!” When we read the final version of our articles, we always find something new and interesting about people whom we have known for years; or we get to meet someone whom we didn’t know even lived or worked here!

For over 10 years, we have saved a copy of each issue to be able to show our grandchildren how blessed we have been to live here. Speaking of blessed! This year our youngest granddaughter, Kinsley, turned one year old!! (Makayla). She will be turning that crown over in November to an unnamed grandson in Texas (Matt).

This grandparent thing is AWESOME!! We can spoil them and then send them home with Mom and Dad to fix. Life is GREAT! We encourage you to get a cold glass of tea, get comfy and read about all of your neighbors that make Tattnall County a great place to live. We also want to encourage you to turn to page 152 and look at all the sponsors that made this issue possible!

Thank you!

o f f i ce M a n ager Nikki Burkhalter

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

Laura McCullough P h otograp h er s Eric S. Love Gail Dixon Hailey Lynn Photography Julie Braly Photo Shop by Allison Robin T. Poole Ryan Lee Photography The Journal Sentinel

C ov er P h oto The Anderson Family, taken by HRH Photography Sale s Dottie Hicks

Contributing Wri te r s Charles Barnard

Gail Dixon Julie Braly Kasey Kaiser Marsha Cunningham Bradley Pam Waters Tammy Wilds Teri R. Williams The Shirleys

May God bless each of you more than you could hope or ask for!

Jay and Patti Martin Ephesians 3:20-21 Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com 8

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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

888.841.8177 | www.cityofglennville.com City of Glennville | 134 S. Veterans Boulevard | Glennville, GA 30427 | (912) 654-2461 | Fax: (912) 654-2488

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[ Story by Marsha Cunningham Bradley Photos by Ryan Lee Photography & Julie Braly ]

Mark Spivey knew from childhood that he wanted to be a doctor. Growing up in a household that emphasized sports, he realized that orthopedics should be his specialty. After graduating from Georgia Tech (his father's alma mater), he went to Emory University and completed medical school and his orthopedic residency.

Dr. Spivey first practiced medicine in Henry County for 18 months, but he always had a draw to rural southeast Georgia.

He was soon recruited to Vidalia to work with Meadows Regional Medical Center. After several years he partnered with the Southeastern Orthopedic Center and began his

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"I think that belief is a big reason that you see a different level of care from our clinic."

Mark has often told Casey that patient care is a completely different ballgame when your name is on the door. He states, "I think that belief is a big reason that you see a different level of care from our clinic." Both Spivey physicians have developed an excellent bedside manner that includes a sincere concern for the patients.

journey with the hospital in Tattnall County. Like most small hospitals, the Tattnall Hospital was struggling and had actually closed twice. Dr. Spivey, in conjunction with the Southeastern Orthopedic Center, helped to begin the transformation of this small, crippled hospital. The group had a vision that this hospital could become an orthopedic destination center. Very few orthopedic centers have been founded in small communities, but the formula worked this time. The center services not only Tattnall County, but also draws from Bulloch, Evans, Appling, Bibb, and others in the area. Many

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patients travel 2-3 hours to come to this hospital.

The original group of physicians has grown, and recently added another Spivey- Mark's nephew Dr. Casey Spivey. Casey's route to medicine is quite an interesting story. When Mark graduated from Emory University's medical school, the extended family arrived to help celebrate the occasion.

Noticing the generous gifts that he received for graduation, some of the younger family members commented on his good fortune. Mark declared to the younger group that any one of them who graduated from medical school would receive a car

of their choice from him. Casey, who was in the fifth grade at the time, had his "Uncle Mark" put his offer in writing (on a napkin from the restaurant). Not only does Casey still have the napkin, but he also has the car. While Casey first chose medicine as his career for the financial rewards, he soon realized that he had been blessed with a natural talent for surgery and that there are many other rewards that come from helping others. Casey followed his mentor, "Uncle Mark" in his decision to study orthopedics, but also realized it was a perfect choice for him. After watching his uncle do a total joint replacement, he knew it was the right decision. He says, " I always loved being on the farm and seeing all the equipment work. Orthopedic surgery is not so different from that." Katrina Toler says that watching Casey is a flashback to when she and Mark began 15 years ago. "Those two are very similar in many ways and the talented hands are a common attribute." Mark describes Casey as an incredibly gifted orthopedic surgeon. He says, "We are blessed to have him here to help continue the name and reputation of the Spivey

Mark describes Casey as an incredibly gifted orthopedic surgeon. He says, "We are blessed to have him here to help continue the name and reputation of the Spivey Orthopedic Clinic. It is also great to have a second generation Spivey here with hopes that my kids will follow in our footsteps to bring a third generation of Spivey's back to the exact area where our name originated.�

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Orthopedic Clinic. It is also great to have a second generation Spivey here with hopes that my kids will follow in our footsteps to bring a third generation of Spivey's back to the exact area where our name originated. " Mark has maintained his personal practice, Spivey Orthopedics, with offices in Vidalia and Dublin. Casey has joined him there as well. Kudos are often given to the Physician's Assistants, Rick Proenza and A.J. Champion, who work with the practice also.

The physical transformation of the hospital is dramatic. When the group began, they did surgery in two tiny rooms with dark floors and walls. It is now laughingly referred to as the "closet." After two additions, surgery

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now occurs in a state-of- the-art facility with family members having comfortable, updated waiting rooms. But as important as the physical changes, is the positive climate of the facility.

Patients are efficiently and warmly welcomed and feel reassured as they are treated with respect and compassion throughout their procedure. There are even smiles through the temporary pain of their first post-surgery walk down the hall, because they know their intense, chronic pain is gone.

It is easy to find someone to give a testimonial for Mark, but one of the best comes from his long-time assistant, Katrina Toler.

She says, "He can make magic happen in the operating room. I do believe he has magic in

his hands. I am fortunate to have been with him for 15 years, and have seen him grow into the amazing doctor that he is today." She goes on to say, "Watching Casey operate gives me flashbacks to a time when Mark began. They are very similar in many ways and the "talented hands" are a common attribute."

Dannette Shuman agrees that Dr. Spivey is "amazing.' She says that the greatest reference that you can give someone is to recommend them to your family. "He has done surgery on my dad and mom.

That says enough."

Debbie Tatum adds that he has an extremely strong work ethic and "he really hustles." She also commented that the hospital has had a tremendous influence on the community. Jackie Trim, Chairman of the County Commissioners, says that as a small community we have seen the decline in rural health care that has occurred across the nation. Dr. Spivey and his group have turned our hospital around and it is a blessing to the citizens of our county. This has been a significant impact on the economic status of Tattnall County."

Mark may have magic in his hands, but he also has compassion in his heart. Patti Martin, a recent patient, describes him as "awesome." She says, "He is so humble and down-to-earth. When he talked to me before surgery, I felt reassured and at peace with the process." Shelly Smith, whose husband has had multiple surgeries, says, "He is always cautious in his approach. He makes certain that what he recommends is the best route for you." Mark tells a story that had a strong impact on the way he practices medicine.

When he was 12 years old he hurt his knee and was scheduled for surgery. He was very nervous the night before because no one had explained the process and he didn't understand what would happen to him.

Through an administrative error, the surgery was not performed the next day and had to be rescheduled. "I will never forget how I felt and I never want any of my patients to feel that anxiety." Consistent feedback from patients demonstrates that Mark's attempts to mentally and emotionally prepare his patients are very successful.

Mark has often told Casey that patient care is a completely different ballgame when your name is on the door. He states, "I think that belief is a big reason

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Mark has maintained his personal practice, Spivey Orthopedics, with offices in Vidalia and Dublin.

Casey has joined him there as well. Kudos are often given to the Physician's Assistants, Rick Proenza and A.J. Champion, who work with the practice also.

that you see a different level of care from our clinic."

Both Spivey physicians have developed an excellent bedside manner that includes a sincere concern for the patients.

Mark gives back to the communities that have made him successful. If you attended the Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner in Tattnall County, you saw his name listed with those who sponsored the event. He also supports the Paul Anderson Youth Home, FCA and the Rachel House in Toombs County. His wife, Tonya Spivey, participates in many of the activities that he supports and is a board member for the Paul Anderson Youth Home. Mark and Tonya have 3 children, Dalton (14), Stone (13), and Hollyann (11) and they enjoy spending family time at home and on their farm.

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There are deep roots to Tattnall County for Mark. L.J. Spivey, Mark's father, was raised in Tattnall County. Mark spent many summers with his grandparents, Enoch and Lessie Bradley, on their farm in the Jones Lake community. L.J. proudly says, "Mark has always been self-driven and personally motivated. I am so pleased that he is working in Tattnall County, a place where quality people live. I am very proud that my son came back to work in the place that I was raised." Mark's Uncle Jesse Bradley, who also lives in Tattnall County, is delighted that Mark and Casey are working in the family's home county.

Those of us who live in Tattnall County are glad that Dr. Mark Spivey has "magic" in his hands and "compassion" in his heart. We are glad that he encouraged his talented nephew to follow in his footsteps. But we are especially glad that he has a willingness to be a part of filling a great need in rural health care and now practices in our county. ď • TCM

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203 Savannah Ave. • Statesboro 912-681-8880

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Shooting

Story By Charles Barnard | Photos by The Frazier Family, Dale Zanine, David Barnes, and John Paul Van Wert

to the

top

J.J. Frazier Jr. shoots to the top of the University of Georgia’s basketball team despite all the odds.

M

Mark Twain is credited with having said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” That sentiment is especially true when applied to the on-court heroics of Glennville’s own James “J.J.” Frazier Jr., who was twice named by the Atlanta Tipoff Club as the statewide Men’s College Player of the Year.

The slender 5’10” guard for the University of Georgia men’s basketball team proved all naysayers wrong – and UGA Head Coach Mark Fox right – as he played his way into the record books, and more importantly into the hearts of Bulldog fans across the nation.

A consensus first team All-SEC player his senior year, J.J. ended his college career ranked among UGA’s top-10 career leaders in nine statistical categories. Loran Smith, the legendary UGA athlete and sports aficionado, describes J.J. as a player “who electrified Stegeman Coliseum like no other since Dominique Wilkins put his stamp on basketball in Athens.” That’s high praise indeed for the young man who, from as far back as he can recall, always wanted to play ball for the University of Georgia.

Coach Fox was the only power conference college coach who thought enough of the undersized guard to offer him a basketball scholarship. As a matter of fact, as Fox would later admit, he received “hate

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Reese’s All-Star game

mail” from several Bulldog fans who thought he had wasted a scholarship when he signed the two-star recruit from Faith Baptist Christian Academy in Ludowici.

“I thought he was tough enough to overcome his size,” Fox said. “The only question anyone ever had about him was his size. Because he has great shooting range and great speed, he’s able to really oftentimes use his size to his advantage.”

It is no wonder then that several sports writers have described J.J. as “playing with a chip on his shoulder.” J.J. said as much when, on the eve of his final game in Athens, he replied to a reporter’s question about his relationship with his coach. “That’s my guy. He took a chance on me. Me proving him right, proving everybody else wrong, is just more so for the fact that I don’t want him to feel like he wasted a scholarship on me,” J.J. said.

Coach Fox would go on to say that J.J. “has become really an extension of our coaching staff. He’s a perfect example of what we want a student-athlete to be.”

J.J.’s determination to be the best he can be – on and off the basketball court

faith and family L to R: Kadeshia, J.J.’s older sister; J.J. in the middle, Cassonya, J.J.’s mother; and My Angel Walker, J.J.’s adopted little sister.

J.J.’s determination to be the best he can be – on and off the basketball court – is rooted in a lifelong commitment to his family and to his faith. His father, James Frazier Sr., is a self-employed concrete finisher.

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– is rooted in a lifelong commitment to his family and to his faith. His father, James Frazier Sr., is a selfemployed concrete finisher. His mother, Cassonya Mincey, describes herself as a housewife, although she has held many positions outside the home. J.J. has an older sister, Kadeshia, with whom he is very close, and an adopted little sister, My Angel Walker, who is 6.

Although they divorced in 2015, his parents continue to be very active in his life and extremely supportive and proud of their son.

“Church has always been an important part of our lives,” said Mincey. “We were members for 24 years at Holy Temple Pentecostal Church in Glennville. We have attended Faith Outreach in Claxton for the past

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two years. J.J. attends church with me when he is home and has stayed connected to the church while away at school. Even when many thought J.J. would have a better chance to polish his basketball skills and earn a scholarship at a public school, his father and I felt that it was best for he and his sister to attend Christian school.”

To that end, J.J. and Kadeshia were enrolled in Glennville Christian Academy from kindergarten through the seventh grade and then in Faith Baptist Christian Academy from the eight grade through the twelfth grade. Kadeshia graduated in 1993; J.J. in 1995.

J.J.’s first taste of organized basketball was with

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the Glennville Recreation Department.

His natural athleticism and developing basketball skills led to his playing on both the junior varsity and varsity rosters for Glennville Christian as a sixth grader. When the school closed, his parents enrolled their children in Faith Baptist. While there, both J.J. and Kadeshia continued to shine on the basketball court. In fact, Kadeshia was a big part of J.J.’s drive to succeed.

As a kid, J.J.’s first goal was to be able to beat his sister. “His sister was always bigger than him and usually got the best of him on the court,” Mincey said. “Finally, when he was 13 years old, he beat her. That was one of the happiest days of his life.”

At the same time that he was leading Faith Baptist to state and national championships, J.J. began to play Amateur Athletic Union basketball with the South Georgia Kings of Hinesville, further refining his skills and sharpening his basketball acumen. J.J.’s constant dedication to basketball has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, coaches and even public officials. His former Georgia teammate Kenny Paul Geno called J.J. “a special kid. He has a big heart. He wants to win.” “He refuses to let us lose,” said Coach Fox. “He is a phenomenal competitor. J.J. is a great leader in battle.”

Quick to identify himself as a product of Glennville and of Tattnall County, that loyalty was rewarded in 2017 when the Mayor of Glennville, the Chairman of the Tattnall County Commissioners and Georgia’s Governor all presented proclamations declaring April 25, 2017, as “J.J. Frazier Day.” Matt Sellars, J.J.’s coach at Faith Baptist, said, “J.J. Frazier is a true champion. He has become a role model for children throughout the state; one who proves that no matter what

Georgia vs Arkansas Game

Mom and J.J. at Arkansas Game

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J.J. playing at University of Kentucky

Quick to identify himself as a product of Glennville and of Tattnall County, that loyalty was rewarded in 2017 when the Mayor of Glennville, the Chairman of the Tattnall County Commissioners and Georgia’s Governor all presented proclamations declaring April 25, 2017, as “J.J. Frazier Day.”

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obstacles you face in life, you can overcome them, accomplish your goals and fulfill your dreams.”

Currently, J.J. is pursuing his dream of playing in the National Basketball Association. His agent, New York-based Zachary Charles, has had J.J. participate in nearly a dozen pre-draft workouts for NBA teams. Once again, based mostly on his physical stature, doubters are less than optimistic about his chances to be one of the 60 players taken in this year’s draft. But his agent remains optimistic about J.J.’s chances at a professional basketball career.

“People see (J.J.) plays with a chip on his shoulder; he plays with infectious energy,” Charles said in an interview with the Athens Banner Herald newspaper.

“He’s a real leader and I think it will open the door, if not this year, I think the NBA is a very, very big possibility at some point in his career.”

Mark Twain got it right. And, folks in Tattnall County and all across Bulldog Nation stand in agreement with Loran Smith when he said, “Time spent with J.J. is blessed time. He speaks with a joyful heart, deflecting praise and giving thanks to the Almighty and to his school and to his family and teammates. The NBA scouts may not flock his way, but one and all would like to give J.J.’s heart, if such were possible, to their starting five.”  TCM

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a place of peace in the storm Twice blessed, definitely miracles from Heaven is how Tiffany and Ashley Sittle describe the survival of their twin boys born prematurely on September 5, 2017.

S t o r y b y P a m Wa t e r s

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Photos provided by Tiffany Kicklighter Sittle

t

Twice blessed, definitely miracles from Heaven is how Tiffany and Ashley Sittle describe the survival of their twin boys born prematurely on September 5, 2017.

Although Tiffany had always wanted to be a mother, she never imagined that, at age 35, she would give birth to twin boys.

Finding “the one” never quite clicked for Tiffany until she met Ashley Sittle.

The daughter of Darla Kicklighter and the late Johnny Kicklighter, Tiffany dated in high school at Pinewood Christian Academy and during her college years at Georgia Southern University (GSU). After graduation from GSU in 2004 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a major in Finance, she joined her mother in her business, Kicklighter Realty, which Darla had owned since the late 1970s.

Tiffany became licensed as a sales agent and followed with an Associate Broker’s license two years later.

Tiffany dated and also enjoyed getaway weekends in Atlanta and New York with former college friends.

“However, I knew that God would always provide me with a mate, I just didn’t know when,” said Tiffany.

While they were in the hospital, the week they were born, Hurricane Irma threatened Savannah, and Cole and Clay had to be evacuated by helicopter from Savannah to Atlanta, one at a time. A respiratory team had to accompany each baby.

They were kept in Northside Hospital in Atlanta for seven nights, and then flown back to Savannah. Ashley and Tiffany were not able to be with the twins during their stay in Atlanta.

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Even though Tiffany and Ashley Sittle were in college at the same time, with Ashley earning his degree (BBA with a major in Management), she had never met him. Friends had attempted to introduce her to Ashley Sittle, and she hesitated each time. Finally, at the GSU October 2015 homecoming game, she met Ashley while tailgating with mutual friends.

Two weeks later, Ashley asked her for a date, and the couple dined at Elements in Lyons. He asked her to accompany him to the Georgia-Florida football game in Jacksonville, Florida, the next day, and Tiffany surprised herself by readily agreeing.

After that, the two began dating regularly, and she was impressed by this divorced but devoted father to his two children.

“I also immediately became attached to his children, then four-year-old Chi and two-year-old Lanier. We bonded quickly, and I could see firsthand what a wonderful father he was, how caring, how loving, how patient,” said Tiffany.

“He pursued me, and I always say ‘wore

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hope & miracles

The babies were at 25 weeks, and Dr. Johnston, one of the neonatologists, gave Tiffany and Ashley a bleak picture of the babies’ survival. She explained all the different scenarios that could happen, and death for one or both of the twins was a stark possibility. Bed rest was mandatory for Tiffany until the twins could be delivered.

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me down.’ Ashley came to Glennville almost daily, if nothing but to just ‘hang out’ together, and many times the children were with him.

“Ashley is definitely a romantic and still insists on our date nights, which we feel couples need – time for just each other.

“Although I had suspected Ashley might soon propose, I felt strongly that he would do so when I returned home from Atlanta after a few days’ trip with my college roommate and best friend, Jill Davis of Charlotte, North Carolina. I was returning home on

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Tuesday, and as I left Atlanta, he asked that I call him before I came to my house. He mentioned he had done some landscaping, and he wanted to surprise me by showing it to me,” said Tiffany.

“Well, when I arrived home (on J&J Farm Road) in Glennville, Ashley was already there and guided me with my eyes closed to the dock overlooking the pond. It was filled with two dozen blooming red rose bushes. At first, he rambled a bit, and then, on bended knee, proposed, and placed a diamond ring on my finger. I was overwhelmed with the romantic proposal, roses, and the sincerity I could see in his countenance. I readily accepted,” said Tiffany.

He had already asked Darla for Tiffany’s hand in marriage, so she was aware of what was happening and eagerly awaiting her daughter’s reply. The two dozen rose bushes are now planted and part of their landscaping, a sweet reminder of that day.

“I felt that I was in a scene off The Bachelor, and Ashley was so sincere and wanted everything just perfect for the proposal. I knew from our dating that God had selected this man to be my husband,” added Tiffany.

The couple soon set the wedding date for November 5, 2016. The two had dated for six months and were engaged for six months.

At the time of their wedding, Tiffany and Ashley were both 34.

“Even though we were not trying to start a family, I suspected that I might be pregnant in February.

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new normal They also learned to change the babies’ diapers through the portholes in the isolettes, which help keep the babies warm and regulates their body temperature.

(Even though they were able to touch their babies’ bodies, they felt fearful of dislodging the many tubes and wires.)

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Before I left Glennville on a girls’ only trip to Atlanta, I had taken a pregnancy test, and it showed I was pregnant. Still doubting that, I stopped at a pharmacy on the way and took a digital test, which was positive, too.

“I returned home Tuesday evening and told Ashley that I had brought home something special for him. I showed him a t-shirt that I had made in Atlanta that read, ‘Our family is growing by 2 feet.’ Little did I know then that our family expansion would be four feet,” said Tiffany.

“I was about six weeks pregnant when I first visited a doctor, Dr. Lisa Rogers, in Statesboro. Ashley was with me, and during the sonogram, the nurse asked if we had twins in our family. We both hesitated, and then she said – ‘Well, you’re having twins.’

Then she further scared us when she said - ‘Let me check to see if there might be a third heartbeat,’” said Tiffany.

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“She turned completely white, and her eyes were as big as baseballs. Tiffany didn’t hear anything else that was said, but I was excited, really thrilled at the news of twins,” said Ashley.

“I simply could not imagine how life would be with two babies. Thoughts initially flew through my mind. How are we going to have enough hands, eyes, and energy to raise two happy individuals at the same time. I admit to being overwhelmed with the news, but Ashley’s reassuring smile was a comfort,” said Tiffany.

“Since I was giving birth to twins at my age (35), I was referred to a medical group in Savannah who treat women with high risk pregnancies. I began seeing their team of doctors at Savannah Perinatology. I felt fine except for the normal nausea (but mine was in the afternoon and not morning), and the usual more tired than normal feeling,” said Tiffany.

At the end of the 25th week of pregnancy, the doctor told her that complications with the babies had been detected.

“Mama was with me this time, although Ashley had accompanied me on all my previous visits.

The doctor said that the blood flow from the umbilical cord was normal for Clay, but Cole was not receiving the normal blood flow,” said Tiffany.

This situation often occurs when the babies are monochorionic diamniotic twins, referring to the fact that the babies are in different sacs but share one placenta, thus causing one of the two to get less blood flow than the other baby.

A Doppler test confirmed that the blood flow was less than normal for one of the babies.

Tiffany was immediately hospitalized and was given two shots of steroids so as to help develop the babies’ lungs and a 12-hour dose of magnesium, to develop their brains.

After the night in the hospital, she returned home but returned Monday for an appointment with her doctor. It was determined that Cole’s blood went in reverse, and Tiffany was

hospitalized immediately.

The babies were at 25 weeks, and Dr. Johnston, one of the neonatologists, gave Tiffany and Ashley a bleak picture of the babies’ survival. She explained all the different scenarios that could happen, and death for one or both of the twins was a stark possibility. Bed rest was mandatory for Tiffany until the twins could be delivered.

Cole’s issue revolved around intrauterine growth restriction, which refers to a baby not growing at his normal weight, specifically below the ten percentile growth chart.

“When I was kept in the hospital that day (Monday, August 7), I felt like I was being placed in a prison. I had a shot in my stomach every

“At 12 months of age, both boys are crawling, pulling up, and ready to walk any day. Both Cole and Clay have good appetites, are happy and smiling babies, and love attention. In essence, they are thriving,” said Tiffany, with both she and Ashley realizing that the power of prayer made all this possible.

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day to prevent blood clots in my legs.

With more than one baby, the risk for complications heightens. Electronic sensors were attached to my belly with straps over both babies to monitor the beat of each heart. A third sensor was to measure for contractions. This shows if the babies become in distress and alerts the doctors and nurses. I was only allowed 20 minutes of outside time a day,” said Tiffany.

“I’m accustomed to being ‘on the go’ and seldom ever stay at home a complete day. I also enjoy my real estate career, so the hospital confinement for 29 days (before the twins’ birth) was excruciating, even though I felt fine. However, Mama visited almost every other day, and Ashley visited daily and spent most nights at the hospital. We still had our date nights while I was in the hospital, with Ashley bringing me meals from some of our favorite restaurants in Savannah. Ashley was amazing, working all day in his landscape business, (C.A. Sittle, Inc.), and caring for Chi and Lanier several days each week,” said Tiffany, since Chi and Lanier reside with Tiffany and Ashley half of each week.

Tiffany is also grateful for the many visitors while she was hospitalized, including her grandmother, MeMe (Margaret Joseph); other family members; her church family; close friends; sorority sisters; and business associates.

“These visits helped pass the time and helped me cope with the confining boredom in the hospital. I actually felt fine physically, and knowing the babies were struggling just increased my anxiety,” said Tiffany.

“I also missed our church (First Baptist Church of Glennville), but I could still watch a live stream of Sunday sermons of other churches,” said Tiffany.

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Ashley stayed with Tiffany at the hospital over the long four-day 2017 Labor Day holiday, and left the hospital Tuesday morning to make some connections with his business and get fresh changes of clothing.

After he left and was at home in Glennville, later in the day, the heart rate of the twins began to seriously drop.

Heart rate is usually about 150, and the twins’ heart rate had decreased to the 80s and 90s, and then plummeted to the 60s and stayed there for ten minutes.

Dr. Arthur Baker alerted Tiffany that this significant drop in heart rate was crucial for the babies and that the twins needed to be delivered immediately to save them. He recognized that neither Ashley or Darla was there and the C-section could possibly wait an hour, but the danger to the babies would be increasing.

“I had been adamant that Mama and especially Ashley be with me when the babies were delivered, and it is ironic that this happened after four days straight with me in the hospital. I knew God was in control of every situation, and being by myself encouraged me to trust God in this, too. I knew that the babies needed to be born immediately to save them. Time was a crucial factor, and I wanted to make sure the twins had the best chance for survival,” said Tiffany.

Tiffany gave birth by C-section and was numb to the pain due to an epidural.

The twins arrived at 3:11 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the boys were born just seconds apart.

“I felt so desperate for Tiffany. Here I was an hour and a half away, as was Darla, and she would be by herself when these little fellows came into this world,” said Ashley.

“God had such a hand in all that occurred. Dr. Baker was my favorite doctor of the team who treated me, and I really preferred him to be the one who

delivered the babies, and he did so. Dr. Baker’s compassionate nature was so comforting, assuring me that the babies were in the best of care,” said Tiffany.

“Beth Dodd, my favorite nurse, stayed by my side in the OR during the C-section, and she was so kind and calming during the procedure.

“I heard Cole cry, and someone showed him to me before the twins were whisked away by the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) team, who began administering the immediate care they needed,” said Tiffany.

At birth, Clay weighed 2 lb. 10 oz., and Cole weighed 2 lb. 4 oz.

“I was in shock right after the twins’ birth, with the realization that these two tiny miracles of creation were ours. At the same time, I was so grateful they were alive,” said Tiffany.

“I was finally able to see our babies at 9 p.m. the day they were born, although Ashley had already seen them. We were both so anxious for them, and I could see the tears in Ashley’s eyes, too, when he looked at their little bodies,” said Tiffany.

“All the monitors, tubes, and oxygen they were hooked to scared us. They looked like tiny aliens just being kept alive with the machines, and they literally were surviving because of the medical technology that was available,” said Tiffany.

While they were in the hospital, the week they were born, Hurricane Irma threatened Savannah, and Cole and Clay had to be evacuated by helicopter from Savannah to Atlanta, one at a time. A respiratory team had to accompany each baby. They were kept in Northside Hospital in Atlanta for seven nights, and then flown back to Savannah. Ashley and Tiffany were not able to be with the twins during their stay in Atlanta.

“I was released from the hospital two days after the twins were born, but the twins remained in the Neonatal

Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Memorial (known as the Cynthia and Dwaine Willett Children’s Hospital) for 78 days. Either or both of us went almost daily, but they could only be held every three hours and then for just a little while. (Touch times were only allowed every three hours.) Sometimes when we would arrive to hold them, some medical problem had arisen with one or both, and we had to wait to hold them. Oftentimes, a few hours after we returned to Glennville, we would get a call of a setback on Cole or Clay,” said Tiffany.

“I was so overwhelmed by the sounds, sights, buzzing alarms, bright lights, and in every isolette an unbelievably tiny baby. I was afraid to touch them for fear of hurting them,” said Tiffany.

Chi and Lanier did get to visit and see the babies while Cole and Clay were hospitalized, but once flu season started, no children were allowed.

“We experienced so many highs and lows while they were in the NICU. NICU is a roller coaster experience.

A common saying is babies take two steps forward and one step back.

It’s emotionally exhausting, and it’s magnified because each baby takes its own course to thriving/wellness. It was an excruciating time. Having one child in the hospital is stressful, but having two little preemies was a tremendously stressful ordeal. The most important things I could do for Cole and Clay during their NICU stay was contribute breast milk and kangaroo care,” said Tiffany.

Kangaroo care is a form of development care that has benefits for all newborns, especially those who are in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Also known as skin-to-skin contact or kangaroo mother care, kangaroo care involves direct contact when a newborn is placed skin-to-skin on mom or dad’s

bare chest.

They also learned to change the babies’ diapers through the portholes in the isolettes, which help keep the babies warm and regulates their body temperature. (Even though they were able to touch their babies’ bodies, they felt fearful of dislodging the many tubes and wires.)

“The NICU staff became like a second family. Even though they knew not to promise parents a happy ending, we formed close relationships with the doctors and nurses. We have returned with the babies to visit several times,” said Tiffany.

“My due date was November 14, 2017; the twins were born on September 5; and they finally came home on Wednesday, November 21, the day before Thanksgiving.

“We had a ‘rooming in’ the night before we left the hospital with Cole and Clay to make sure we were adept with the handling of the twins’ many tubes. In addition, they were required to pass a ‘car seat’ test (1-1/2 hours ) and a hearing test,” said Tiffany.

“When Cole and Clay left the hospital, they had a G-tube, breathing machine, and monitors on their foot that beeped 24 hours a day. Sleep was almost impossible. We slept on the sofa for months. When I did get to sleep in our bedroom, I could still hear the beeping monitors. Our living room became a hospital room. Finally, at age six months old, all tubes were removed,” said Tiffany.

Both had holes in their hearts (PDA), and Cole’s was larger than Clay’s, but both holes closed up, another miracle for the twins.

(Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The opening, called the ductus arteriosus, is a normal part of a baby’s circulatory system before birth that

usually closes shortly after birth. If it remains open, however, it’s called a patent ductus arteriosus.)

“I have never been so exhausted in my life, first for the severe lack of sleep and also for the worry and fear of something going wrong and not being able to reach the hospital in Savannah in time,” said Tiffany, another lesson she learned about turning her worry and fear over to God to carry that burden for her.

Tiffany kept a daily journal, and she strongly feels that her faith sustained and uplifted her during the bleakest days of their journey. She said she could sense encouragements from the many thoughts and prayers.

“I felt that God was glorified in the midst of our storm. The Bible and certain verses sustained and encouraged me of His goodness in whatever trial we faced,” said Tiffany. Mark Chapter 11:22 - Have faith in God, particularly spoke to Tiffany.

She admitted that in each of the twins’ medical upheavals, she was more likely to panic, whereas Ashley was calmer, and although brought to tears many times by the twins’ conditions, brought reassurance that this, too, would pass.

“He is such a rock. Tender, kind, and loving but so supportive and strong for me. I feel God has so richly blessed me with my life’s mate,” said Tiffany.

Darla Kicklighter, Tiffany’s mother, has helped wherever needed, spending some nights after the twins came home, to help in the every three-hour feedings. She also simply loves being a grandmother, and she can hardly miss a day without seeing the twins.

“Of course, when I have both boys at my house, that is all that I do. With two, you simply are on call every minute,” she said.

“We also went to see the doctor three or four times in Savannah the first week we were home and even the next few Hometown Living At Its Best

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weeks. Every trip required us to carry the monitor, oxygen, and feeding pump for each one. It took us 45 minutes just to pack our vehicle the first few months after they came home,” said Ashley.

“Cole and Clay had to be fed every three hours for several months or their blood sugar would drop. We also had to prick Cole’s heel twice a day.

“One of our main scares occurred when Cole’s bile ducts were not draining, causing excess bilirubin, which was noticeable in his jaundiced coloring. We prayed so fervently, and the blood work began to show improvement.

If it had not, Cole would have eventually faced a liver transplant. Prayer is so powerful, and that was reinforced so many times during the medical roller coaster ride we endured,” said Tiffany.

“Over and over again, I turned to scripture to pull me through the storms. We all endure storms, but at my lowest, a prayer would be answered in some way,” said Tiffany.

“One of our godsends has been Elizabeth Porter, age 20 and the daughter of Logan and Miriam Porter. She began helping with the twins within a week after we returned home, and she is still with us. She was not intimidated by the machines and tubes connected to Cole and Clay. She is yet another answer to prayer, and we prayed for a Christian compassionate nanny, and God gave her to us. The twins’ eyes simply light up when she enters a room, and her easygoing confidence puts them at ease. She is not rattled when both begin crying at the same time, and we can see that she genuinely loves our little fellows,” said Tiffany, in appreciation for Elizabeth and her Monday-Friday flexibility.

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“Keeping the boys has been one of those unexpected blessings that only God can put in place. I had never considered being a nanny, but when Tiffany asked me, I did not hesitate. I have not only grown to love the boys, but have also enjoyed being treated as family,” said Elizabeth.

“I sometimes bring Clay and Cole to the office (Kicklighter Realty) when Elizabeth is not available, but anyone knows that you simply can’t be too productive with two babies,” said Tiffany.

“Kicklighter Realty staff member Jan Bradley has been amazing as well, watching the boys as needed when clients are in the office,” added Tiffany.

Tiffany and Ashley have also tried to keep their commitment as CRAVE leaders at First Baptist Church in Glennville on Wednesday nights. Ashley’s mother, Susan McCorkle, often comes on Wednesday nights to relieve her son and daughter-in-law, and she has also spent several nights for the couple to have a much-needed date night on Friday evening. Ashley’s father and stepmother, Von and Marsha Sittle, also have helped with the children, coming several Sunday mornings so Ashley and Tiffany could attend church.

The twins actually began sleeping all night for a few weeks between six and seven months, but then teething started.

“We try to keep our household as normal as possible, especially for Chi and Lanier, who love the twins so much.

They argue over which one they can hold,” said Ashley.

“At 12 months of age, both boys are crawling, pulling up, and ready to walk any day. Both Cole and Clay have good appetites, are happy and smiling babies, and love attention.

In essence, they are thriving,” said Tiffany, with both she and Ashley realizing that the power of prayer made all this possible.

“God gives all of us challenges and trials in our lives.

But like many things in life, the rewards of our efforts far outweigh the sacrifices that are involved. That is why it is so important to keep our faith in that He is good in every situation, even though we may not realize it at the time. Through our challenges, we felt the strength, grace, and goodness of God. For me and Ashley, this medical struggle has caused us to grow closer to each other. In addition to strengthening our marriage, it has reinforced our commitment to be Christian parents and to rear all four children in His word and teachings. Our journey is a testament to the miracles God still performs. He may not have parted a sea for us, but He saved Cole and Clay for plans He has for them,” said Tiffany.

“How great is our mighty God that He performs such precious miracles,” said Tiffany.  TCM

801 W. Barnard Street Glennville, GA 30427 912.654.3433 www.rotarycorp.com

799 W. Barnard Street Glennville, GA 30427 912.654.3436 www.duramatic.com

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Glennville Sweet Onion Festival

Glennville Festival Sweet Onion

2018

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lennville’s biggest annual event, the Glennville Sweet Onion Festival, has hosted over 40 years of events, and sunny skies have shone upon almost every one. The festive day on the second Saturday of each May celebrates the harvesting of the famous Vidalia sweet onion crop.

The day begins with a sweet onion run and walk and a downtown parade. Then on to the State Farmers’ Market on Highway 301 South for an array of arts and crafts, delightful entertainment, children’s rides and games, the fascinating World Champion Turtle Races and delectable food (that includes fried sweet onion rings and blooming onions). The event draws over 6,000 people each year.

Tattnall County, of which the community of Glennville is the largest, grows more Vidalia Sweet Onions than any of the other official Georgia Department of Agriculture Vidalia Sweet Onion growing counties, contributing approximately half of the entire state crop each year.

FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN Wayne Dasher

FESTIVAL CO-CHAIRPERSON

Shellie B. Smith

Dr. Paul Thompson, Onion Run Chairman South Georgia Bank - Jay Hales, Parade Chairman Heather Leone, Entertainment Chairperson Anita Dasher, 2018 Miss Georgia Sweet Onion Pageant Director Shellie B. Smith, Craft and Food Vendors

Sponsored By Glennville Sweet Onion Festival Committee

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

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Jim Richardson, the son of Brenda and Kenneth Richardson, grew up in Tattnall County.

Raised in Reidsville, he graduated from Tattnall County High School in 1995. After graduating, Richardson joined the Marines.

During his five-year tenure, he worked on missile systems and microcomputers. From 1995-1999, Richardson was the Hawk Air Defense Systems technician for the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. His duties included coordinating maintenance shop personnel by implementing new maintenance procedures, which cut down completion time by 10 percent. He also supervised annual inspections and modifications on all Hawk equipment to ensure safe operating limits and general quality control.

Jim currently resides in Reidsville with his 13-year-old daughter, Marlee, who is in the seventh grade at Reidsville Middle School. He has one sister, Kibbie, who is married to John Ringer and has two sons, Barrett and Jones.

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At Tattnall High, Jim teaches a variety of students in all four grades. In his first year, he raised the content mastery score on CCRPI in Analytic Geometry from 35 percent to 45 percent. He also implemented and coached the school’s math team. “Jim is a great asset to Tattnall County High School. His rapport with the students is like no other, and students are excited to be in his classroom,” said Brianna Hill, the school’s math department chair.

In 1999, Richardson became the Avenger Air Defense System technician for the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, California. While there, he was one of two Marines selected to supervise depot level, the highest level of maintenance, on Avenger and Hawk Air Defense Systems. He also explored, recorded and wrote nearly 9,000 procedures and technical manuals while teaching his civilian counterparts about the electronic components and systems of the Avenger.

The following year, Richardson served as the field service engineer at ADAC Laboratories, where he facilitated and performed regularly scheduled maintenance on various types of nuclear cameras, and also oversaw installation and performed operational checks on single- and dual-head nuclear cameras.

Following his enlistment, Richardson took a job working on nuclear cameras at Tri-State Technical Services in Virginia, and then moved to Destin, Florida, where he worked in the hospitality industry.

From 2003-2005, Richardson was the support operations manager at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and from 2005-2008 he was the general manager of associated services for Housekeeping Services of Hilton Head. Jim worked in Hilton Head until he decided to pursue his college degree.

With the persuasion of his father, Jim became a substitute teacher in Evans County and was offered a job as a paraprofessional at Claxton Middle School. His time spent in the classroom inspired him to pursue a degree in education. In May 2012, Jim graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics. He then secured a position at Claxton High School while finishing his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Georgia Southern.

While at Claxton High, Jim implemented disciplinary study hall/detention after school to assist fellow teachers. He then implemented and coached the school’s math team and also led the track team to a third-place finish at the GHSA State Track Meet for region 3A.

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With the persuasion of his father, Jim became a substitute teacher in Evans County and was offered a job as a paraprofessional at Claxton Middle School. His time spent in the classroom inspired him to pursue a degree in education.

In May 2012, Jim graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics. He then secured a position at Claxton High School while finishing his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Georgia Southern.

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In the 2016-17 school year, Jim introduced and coordinated the school’s soccer program. He was the head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, and led the boys’ team to the Elite Eight in their first season. In their second season, with the help of Coach Joshua Torres and Coach Jonathan Mobley, Jim led the boys to a Region Championship and to the Elite Eight.

In August 2015, Jim returned to Tattnall County High, his own alma mater, where he continues to teach today. “It feels great to be back at Tattnall, teaching the children of my classmates,” Jim said. “I was a mental mess in high school, lacking direction and overwhelmed by teenage angst. I graduated from TCHS and went on to attend the school of hard knocks. It took me quite some time to find my path

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and purpose. All my trials and mistakes are genuinely contributions to my ability to serve the community that raised me.”

At Tattnall High, Jim teaches a variety of students in all four grades. In his first year, he raised the content mastery score on CCRPI in Analytic Geometry from 35 percent to 45 percent. He also implemented and coached the school’s math team.

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[ Jim Richardson ]

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. This past school year, Jim was selected as the Teacher of the Year at Tattnall County High School, and then the Tattnall County Teacher of the Year. “Jim Richardson is truly a story of returning to his roots in order to make a difference in the lives of boys and girls of Tattnall County,” said Principal Glenn Stewart.

“Being a graduate of Tattnall County High School and a Marine veteran, Jim has a love for his school and his students like no other. He challenges his math students daily in a way that not only makes them engaged, but solicits their desire to want to succeed.”

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“Jim is a great asset to Tattnall County High School. His rapport with the students is like no other, and students are excited to be in his classroom,” said Brianna Hill, the school’s math department chair.

In the 2016-17 school year, Jim introduced and coordinated the school’s soccer program. He was the head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ teams, and led the boys’ team to the Elite Eight in their first season. In their second season, with the help of Coach Joshua Torres and Coach Jonathan Mobley, Jim led the boys to a Region Championship and to the Elite Eight.

Jim said it feels good to be at Tattnall County High and to give back to his home town through teaching. “I have the life experiences to guide these kids growing up in rural Georgia to hopefully make their path a bit easier and their choices a tad more enlightened. I love it at Tattnall and plan to be here for a while,” he said.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed.

This past school year, Jim was selected as the Teacher of the Year at Tattnall County High School, and then the Tattnall County Teacher of the Year. “Jim Richardson is truly a story of returning to his roots in order to make a difference in the lives of boys and girls of Tattnall County,” said Principal Glenn Stewart. “Being a graduate of Tattnall County High School and a Marine veteran, Jim has a love for his school and his students like no other. He challenges his math students daily in a way that not only makes them engaged, but solicits their desire to want to succeed.”

Jim currently resides in Reidsville with his 13-year-old daughter, Marlee, who is in the seventh grade at Reidsville Middle School. He has one sister, Kibbie, who is married to John Ringer and has two sons, Barrett and Jones.  TCM

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“You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children�

If you have a child or grandchild that is from birth up to five years of age you can register them in this program and they will receive an age appropriate book each month. The expense for these books will be funded by the Glennville Rotary Club.

Contact: Jay Martin For more info Please call 912.654.3045 or 912.288.0469

5

PLEASE REGISTER your child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

TODAY!

• The child must have a Tattnall County mailing address • The address must be a physical address • The child must be from the age of birth to the age of five

To Charleston, SC

SCREVEN

BULLOCH

To Macon EVANS

To Sav TATTNALL

LONG

95 WAYNE

Nahunta BRANTLEY

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To Jacksonville, FL

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o Charleston, SC

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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

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By Marsha Cunningham Bradley | Photos by Delores James, Delicia Kennedy, Journal Sentinel & Eric Love

A Path Well Traveled

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Floyd and Dolores have been blessed to travel and help others in their 60 years of marriage.

Floyd and Dolores James celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June, 2018. They were good friends while attending Reidsville High School and only began to date when two other couples invited them to a Metter football game. The other two couples were going steady at the time, but never married, but that was the beginning of the courtship destined for marriage for Floyd and Dolores. The foundation of their strong relationship is built on this early friendship that continued throughout the years.

In their 60 years together they have lived in a number of places, had 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Floyd spent most of his career in corrections and his career advanced to Deputy Warden, Regional Director, Warden of the Women’s Prison, Warden of Metro Mental Health, Warden of Montgomery Prison, and auditor for the American Corrections Association. Dolores shaped her career paths around Floyd’s. Following him to different locations, she worked with multiple agencies such as Ft. Stewart Civil Service, Marine Corp Supply Depot, USDA and school systems. She also owned and operated a floral shop in Reidsville.

In telling others about her husband, Dolores says, “Floyd is a gentle, kind man who has a strong work ethic, and a character of honesty and integrity. He speaks softly, but with wisdom, strength, and a touch

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of humor. He meets others with a warm smile and a handshake.”

Floyd says, “Dolores is my encourager and supporter. She encouraged me to go to college after we had three children and she assumed full responsibility for the children and the household. She never complained when we were transferred with my job and always called it a new adventure.”

Dusty, Darla, and DeLicia, their children, are counted as very special blessings. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are called the icing on the cake.

In their dining room behind a decorative screen you can see folding tables ready to be pulled out for the frequent Sunday family lunches. Dusty says of his parents,“When I look for an example of love, I look no further than Mama and Daddy. They are the true meaning of love. At times when I have felt lost, I always knew I could come to my parents. Through their wisdom and faith, they could show me the direction I needed to go.” Darla agrees as she says, “Our parents are always there for us. When my husband died, my children and I would not have made it through without their support and comfort.

My faith in God has grown watching them serve in the church and community. We will be forever grateful to them for the Christian home that they provided for us.” Delicia added that her parents were

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an inspiration to her and,” We were so blessed to be raised in such a loving home and to see in them the model of Christian life to emulate. I was always a Daddy’s girl growing up, but now I see my mother in so many things that I do. She and I talk every day.”

All 26 family members stayed together in a mountain cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to celebrate the 60th anniversary. There were times of separate activities, but also time for the entire family to eat, fellowship, and give thanks together.

Through opportunities at work and recreation, Floyd and Dolores have traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Canada and Mexico. They discovered that God’s world is beautiful, but even more beautiful are the kind people they have met along their journey.

Many of these people are a part of their life journey in Tattnall County, and others were met during times when they were far from home. While some names have escaped their memories, the impact on their lives has remained.

They often speak of the many blessings in their lives, but they admit that their lives have not been pain free. They have lived through the ups and downs of fighting cancer and other illnesses, the death of a son-in-law, geographic moves with career changes, and all the normal trials families face in life.

But Floyd and Dolores believe in the goodness

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In their 60 years together they have lived in a number of places, had 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Floyd spent most of his career in corrections and his career advanced to Deputy Warden, Regional Director, Warden of the Women’s Prison, Warden of Metro Mental Health, Warden of Montgomery Prison, and auditor for the American Corrections Association.

of life and the goodness of people, even in this troubled world. They have worked to make life better for others and make a difference in the world and especially in their community. Their current pastor, Ray Sullivan, spoke to the intense drive and passion that they exhibit in all of their work for the Lord. He says, “Floyd and Dolores are the real deal. It’s obvious how much they love Jesus and take seriously His command to love their neighbors. God is using their faithfulness in amazing ways.”

Floyd and Dolores have found a variety of ministries in Tattnall County. Floyd has served as a church deacon for the past 30 years. In 1998 Rev. Marion Patton, the pastor at their church at the time, suggested a live Christmas event. Floyd and Dolores led the charge to make it happen.

With others in the community, they created and directed the drive- through Christmas presentation depicting the life of Christ. For the 12 years that the event ran, hundreds of people from Tattnall County and the surrounding area attended the event and lives were touched. There was a glimmer of tears in many eyes as participants slowly drove away from a recreation center transformed on those dark nights into a voice for Christ. Describing the event to friends, Floyd and Dolores said, “This undertaking was a God-driven community event and a miracle of God.” Later, discussing community needs with church friends, Floyd and Dolores decided to help pursue a Food Pantry at their church. After gaining permission from the pastor and the Deacons, they gathered the forces together to find a mission statement and a plan to make it a reality. The mission statement stresses the fact that the purpose of this ministry is to feed the physical and spiritual needs of the community. The group realized that often people crave a gentle touch, a warm smile and Christian love more than the food that they receive. The ministry is centered on Christ and his love for people. Once again Dolores and Floyd model the love that Christ taught us to give freely.

They often hear from those they help, “Thank you for everything, but especially for caring.”

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Another ministry for Dolores is music. It has been an important part of her life for many years. She became the church pianist at Elza Baptist Church at 10 years old and continued until she and Floyd were married, at which time they attended Reidsville Baptist Church. Dolores began playing the piano for the Youth Choir and later began to play the organ and piano for church services. She says, “I am not naturally talented and never really learned the necessary requirements of a professional musician, but I have a love for it that God has blessed.”

Early in their married life their faith was put on the back burner. They attended church, but worldly activities had a stronger hold on their lives. In 1987, when Dolores was diagnosed with advanced mixed cell lymphoma, they both began to examine their priorities. They were told that treatment was a two year ordeal and that most people did not live through it. Facing cancer treatments and an unknown prognosis, Dolores declared to a friend, “I just want my old life back.” Very seldom do we get to turn the clock back. But this event was a turning point in their lives and rather than turning the clock back, they moved forward with a promise to be better servants for God. The promise to serve Jesus everyday in every way has been honored and she has been cancer free for 31 years. Those of you, who know

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this couple, know that their lives reflect this promise daily. In their Sunday school room a plaque reminds everyone to let their light shine for Jesus. Now they do not want their old life back, but are grateful to God for showing them the light.

Dolores learned of an American Cancer Society program called “I can cope,” and organized a seminar in the local hospital to reach out to other cancer patients. She had been blessed with a strong friend who helped her cope with her illness through prayer, discussions and laughter and she wanted to help others in that way. Many people in Tattnall County receiving a cancer diagnosis got a call or visit from Dolores to help them “cope” with this devastating diagnosis.

Sunday school is another ministry for Dolores and Floyd. The evolution of the current Sunday school class is an interesting story, and one that shows the faith of this couple. In 1991, Dolores was asked to start a new Sunday school class for college students.

She began with 2-3 students who came sporadically.

It grew as single women and young married women began to attend and then their husbands came with them. Attendance averaged 8-9. But God had a plan for this class. Over the years the class has grown in number to 45 active members with an an average attendance of 25-30. But more important than the

“When I look for an example of love, I look no further than Mama and Daddy. They are the true meaning of love. At times when I have felt lost, I always knew I could come to my parents. Through their wisdom and faith, they could show me the direction I needed to go.” Darla agrees as she says, “Our parents are always there for us. When my husband died, my children and I would not have made it through without their support and comfort. My faith in God has grown watching them serve in the church and community. We will be forever grateful to them for the Christian home that they provided for us.”

numbers are the hearts of those who attend. It is a diverse group, including ages from 20-83, but there is a common thread of a love of Jesus and a thirst for more knowledge. Dolores stands up front to teach the lesson, but, as always, Floyd is supportively behind her. He sits at the door with a warm welcome for everyone and smiles as his wife shares her faith. Many discussions in class remind the group that Jesus modeled a life for us of constant service to different kinds of people in various types of circumstances. He expects the same from us. Floyd and Dolores model this for the class as they serve Jesus with their time, talents, energies and resources. Norm Seibert, a long time class member, says, “As the needs of the church changed to reflect a greater diversity, this Sunday school class morphed into a warm, welcoming community that encourages diversity and open discussions. The richness found in this class is a result of the acceptance of all types of people with all types of ideas, sharing the concept of loving the Lord and all his people.

Dolores and Floyd have helped the class to embrace new people and new ideas through their open arms and open hearts.” Carol Jones became a member of the class when Dolores invited her to be a part of the group. She says, “I came to the class because of Dolores’s invitation, but I have stayed for four years because I felt love and total acceptance when I entered the door. I learn something every Sunday and it prepares me for a true worship experience in church. This class keeps me yearning to learn more about Christ and keeps my faith strong.”

Floyd and Dolores feel that they have grown spiritually because of God’s placement of wonderful, loving, kind people from all walks

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Through opportunities at work and recreation, Floyd and Dolores have traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Canada and Mexico. They discovered that God’s world is beautiful, but even more beautiful are the kind people they have met along their journey.

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of life who have shared their experiences and wisdom of God’s mercy and grace. Individually and together they have accomplished many things and have discovered that their greatest achievements center on God, family and community. Their ministries speak to their love of God and his people and their dedication to act upon the needs they see before them. As a friend said, “God uses Floyd and Dolores in so many ways to touch lives. I think of them when I read Matthew 25:21 ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”  TCM

Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet - 2018

Lew and Joy Graham, Tattnall Citizens of the Year

Community Involvement Award - Bobcat’s Diner L-r: Charles Rushton and David Avery

Deborah Carter and Wanda Mosley, Tattnall Citizens of the Year

Entrepreneur of the Year - Aadam Malek. L-r: Tanzil Malek, Aadam Malek, and Wanda Mosley

Special Service/Leadership Award - Kenneth Jarrell L-r: Sandra Spikes, Kenneth Jarrell and Wanda Mosley

Service Business of the Year - AirEvac Life Team/Air MedCare L-r: Rafe Waters, Marshall Worth, Becky Palmer, John Rogers and Wanda Mosley

Lifetime Achievement Award, Rotary Corporation, Front l-r: Ashley Nelson, Olivia Powell, Jeannie Nelson, Tara Martin and Don Martin.

Back l-r: Landon Heilman, Lacy Martin, Austin Martin and Tyler Martin

Business Person of the Year - Business Angie Duckworth with Renasant Bank L-r: Angie Duckworth and Wanda Mosley

Business Person of the Year - Business Debbie Reddish, Armstrong’s Cricket Farm L-r: Debbie Reddish and Wanda Mosley

The Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce Junior Board of Directors Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce presents their Junior Board of Directors for 2017/2018

SENIORS, Front row (l to r): Maddison Holder, Treasurer; Jacob Kingery, Secretary; Kasey Kaiser, President, Deondre Johnson, Vice President; and Kaitlyn Terrell. Middle row: Araceli Clemente, Natalie Mack, Cayla Thompson, Jenson Bland, Ruby Gonzalez, Lesley Limon, and Hemangi Patel. Back row: Morgan Bryant, Dylan Dansby, Emmi Gaston, Hannah Beasley, and Mary Grace Oliver.

JUNIORS. Front row (l to r): Hally Spikes, Leslie Granados, Treasurer-Elect; Eli Deloach, Vice President-Elect; Jack Shuman, President-Elect; Emily Juarez Salas, Secretary-Elect; and Brody Kicklighter. Second row: Mackenzie Davis, Abby Foster, Brady Kicklighter, Chloe Oliver, Dezrae Lockett, Jenna Dasher, Emma Waters, and Macy Longo. Third row: Asia Bacon, Lyric McGee, Tanya Saucedo, Guadalupe Martinez, Anjale Wicker, Mykala Bond, Aiyana Pearson, and Taniya Cooper. Fourth row: Willie Laurent, Abigail Mauldin, and Kayla Garrett. Back row: Storm Caswell, Zynasia Anderson, Keandre Cain, Patrick Oglesby, Chase McCloud, Carson Deloach, and Edwin Flores.

Employee of the Year Brenda Sikes

Employee of the Year Ananias Thomas, Jr.

Employee of the Year Jimmie Nell Cain

S t o r y b y Te r i R . W i l l i a m s P h o t o s p rov i d e d by A n d e r s o n Fa m i ly, HRH Photog raphy and Lead Dog

Looking back, Neal Anderson can recognize turning points in his life. Some seemed like chance encounters. Others came as life lessons he’s never forgotten.

But each one had a purpose and a life-changing effect.

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While the experience might have seemed like more of a rude awakening, Rusty Pig, now owned solely by the Andersons, was also a revelation about the people you employ. “We've worked real hard to create an environment that is more than punching a clock. We care about our employees and their families.�

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Neal Anderson was the picture of health. Sure, he had been more tired lately, but he chalked it up to getting older. Hadn’t he always heard that everything after forty was downhill?

Even so, it wasn’t like him to come home in the middle of the day and almost immediately fall asleep before he could sit down good. “I’d never slept during the day unless I was sick,” said Neal.

If he had any concerns, he might have thought something was off with his diabetes. Neal was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes right out of high school and had worn an insulin pump for over twenty years. But he always kept his diabetes under control. He ate right and exercised. In fact, Neal was a runner.

He ran 5ks and 10ks and competed in a couple of half marathons. But that was a few years back. All he knew was that one day he couldn’t run anymore.

“I figured I was just done. Like Forest Gump,” said Neal. At the time, he put the blame on age and a busy schedule.

In addition to Clyde’s Market Convenience Stores, a convenience store business owned at that time by his wife, Cindy, and her family, Neal was also busy with Rusty Pig, his BBQ

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restaurant with locations in Glennville and another in Rincon. But no matter how busy he was, Neal’s number one priority was always his family. Between tennis, competitive cheer, basketball, and softball, he was always at a game, an event, or volunteer coaching.

Looking back, Neal can recognize turning points in his life. Some seemed like chance encounters. Others came as life lessons he’s never forgotten. But each one had a purpose and a lifechanging effect. His first lifechanging encounter happened at a Glennville Onion Festival street dance when he met his future wife, Cindy. Even though they grew up in the small town of Glennville, Neal went to Glennville High School, “which doesn’t even exist anymore,” he said, and Cindy went to Pinewood Christian Academy. Both went off to college and returned home to marry and start a family. Becoming a father was Neal was given a clean bill of health and released by his doctor in January 2018. To celebrate, he spent three and a half days snow skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, with his family.

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another life-changing experience, and one that is difficult even today to put into words as it continues to shape him into something greater than himself.

The idea for a BBQ restaurant did not necessarily begin as a lifechanging moment. The idea came as an observation: Glennville needed another eating option.

The life lesson would come later in one of those teaching moments that comes to you after you’ve put a toy together at Christmas without looking at the directions first. “For a solid year, me and my brother-in-law, Greg, ate at every BBQ restaurant around. I decided two things right away: First, I wanted the meat we served in our restaurant to be of the same quality that you would get if you were eating at my table in my home. And second, our sides needed to be special. Many of the places we ate served sides dumped out of a can. I would use family recipes and make things from scratch whenever possible.�

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The BBQ sauce needed no deliberation. “My grandfather, Henry ‘Big O’ O’Neal, made a BBQ sauce from a recipe he got from his dad,” said Neal. “I’d grown up eating that sauce.” With his grandfather’s recipe, Neal made two original sauces: Rusty Pig BBQ Honey Do and Rusty Red sauce.

When the big day came, Neal opened Rusty Pig with eleven employees, just like he would have done with a new Clyde’s convenience store. “We sold things like fried chicken and biscuits at a lot of our stores, so I figured I knew how to do a restaurant,” said Neal. By the end of three days, he had hired twenty more employees.

“I had a big learning curve. Thankfully, I had Eric Couch as my manager to help smooth the way. He is my main

guy, my righthand man, and the one who really makes it all happen.”

While the experience might have seemed like more of a rude awakening, Rusty Pig, now owned solely by the Andersons, was also a revelation about the people you employ. “We’ve worked real hard to create an environment that is more than punching a clock. We care about our employees and their families.”

When friends invited Neal and Cindy to the Walk to Emmaus, a spiritual retreat for men and women, he did not want to go. He did not plan to go. His wife even gave him an out saying she would gladly go to the three-day event alone. Perhaps it was pride, but regardless of the reason that got him there, the experience changed his

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Their whole world had been turned upside down, but Ella (then 11), and Milli (then 7) had the love of their grandparents, Neal’s mother, Peggy Anderson “Meme,” Cindy’s parents, Clyde and Sylvia Woodard, Nana and Papa to get them through. Neal’s father, Danny Anderson barely left Cindy’s side at the hospital the entire time. “His dad believes the sun rises and sets on Neal. He was there with us for whatever we needed.”

life. Neal had always been a good man, but after the weekend retreat, he became more purposeful with his spiritual journey. Instead of looking at the world with his head, he now saw it with his heart. And everyone from his family at home to his family at Rusty Pig took note.

In 2015, while Clyde’s Market was going through a few changes, Neal’s brother-in-law, Greg, suggested he see about getting more life insurance.

“I had just enough to plant me in the ground,” said Neal. “Once you have that diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, affordable life insurance is a joke.”

But his brother-in-law wouldn’t let it go. But it was Charlton Rogers, a dear family friend who was also in the insurance business that finally said to Neal, “What if something happens to you? If you’re not going to do it for yourself, at least do it for your wife and girls.”

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“Man, that was a punch below the belt,” said Neal.

But he knew his reluctance to take action had forced his friend to speak frankly.

Charlton found three companies willing to take a look at Neal’s medical history. “I didn’t have time to deal with all this,” said Neal. “I was still aggravated about the whole thing because I knew how it would go down. The insurance companies would want to run a bunch of tests so they could take more and more of my money. I was cynical to the bone about the whole thing,” he said with a sheepish half-smile on his face.

While looking through his medical records, one of the companies noticed that Neal had had a pediatric cardiologist as a child. “Our family physician noticed I had a heart murmur, which was no big deal. People walk around with heart murmurs all the time. I was released when I was about thirteen and the doctor kept an eye on it for about three or four years.”

But the life insurance company insisted it was cause for an echocardiogram, which was exactly the kind of thing for which Neal did not have time, he complained to his wife. With no choice now in the matter, Neal showed up at Evans Memorial Hospital for the echocardiogram. “The technician who performed the test was someone I graduated from high school with,” he said, “so we chatted a minute and she started the test. While I was laying there, I heard her say, ‘hum,’ a couple of times. But when I asked her about it, the only thing she would say was that I’d gotten myself an appointment with a cardiologist.”

Neal’s family doctor gave him the name of a cardiologist. “I took my grandfather to that doctor many years ago,” he said. “I’m not going to my grandfather’s cardiologist.’” A compromise was made and Neal agreed to see the other cardiologist in the same office, a Dr. Elkin.”

An EKG and stress test were ordered, and when Neal’s heart rate went up beyond the normal range, the

doctor ordered another stress test. The result revealed that Neal had a valve issue. “It wasn’t something that needed to be addressed right now,” said Neal. “Dr. Elkin said, ‘We’re probably looking at having to do something ten to fifteen years down the road. But to have a benchmark, I want to do a CAT scan.”

Neal’s frustration was out of the roof. But again, there was nothing to do but to do the test. Angrily, he drove himself to St Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah for the CAT scan. On the way home, Dr. Elkins’ nurse called. She said the Doctor was working in Claxton that day and wanted him to drop by.

Neal called his wife to let her know he would be making an extra stop. He fussed and fumed to Cindy

on the phone aggravated by what he felt was an absolute scam by the insurance company.

He nearly burst into the doctor’s office and was halfway across the waiting room before it hit him that he was the only one in the room.

“I can tell you this,” said Neal. “If you ever get a call to see your doctor and when you walk in there’s no one in the waiting room but you, it’s not good news.”

Dr. Elkins got right to the point. “He said, ‘Neal, here’s the deal. The CAT scan shows that you have an aortic aneurism. We do surgery at 5 to 5.3 and yours is already at 5.6.’”

At first, Neal could only stare at the doctor as

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if he was speaking a foreign language.

“Finally, I asked, ‘What does that mean?

Dr. Elkin said, ‘It means you need open heart surgery, and at the same time, we’re going to replace your aortic valve and do a root repair.’”

In his mind, Neal thought, “I’m only forty-one-years old. This can’t be happening.” In the next second, his family flashed before his eyes. The girls were only 15, 12, and 8. He brought his attention back to the doctor as he continued to explain that this kind of aortic aneurism was not caused by diet. ‘It’s calcified,’ he said, ‘which is different from plaque buildup.’”

Neal wasn’t sure if he was about to drop dead in the floor. He thought, “I’m fixing to checkout. The ride’s over.”

Silently, he prayed, “Lord, I really do want to go, eventually. Just not right this minute.’”

Dr. Elkin said, “You’ll need a cardio thoracic surgeon, and I’ve got a great guy for you to see. His name is Dr. Robert Jones.” Dr. Jones would be one of the greatest blessing Neal would ever know.

Neal waited for five weeks. “I’m thinking I’m a ticking time bomb. But the doctor said my aneurism wasn’t the kind that happened overnight. All the tiredness that he’d begun to experience through the years now made sense. In rudimentary terms, it was what they call a root repair. The aorta comes out the top of your heart and bends over like the crook of a cane. My aneurysm was just above that aortic valve and that’s where it was pinched down like a garden hose.

Blood was shooting out on both sides hitting my aorta and causing the walls to balloon out. They determined I was functioning on about 40% flow rate.”

In order to fully grasp the situation, Neal did his own research. According

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to the Mayo Clinic website, “In aortic valve and root replacement (composite aortic root replacement), your surgeon removes a section of your aorta and your aortic valve. The section of your aorta is replaced with an artificial tube (graft), and your aortic valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.”

In addition, the Cleveland Clinic website states: Aortic aneurysms that occur in the chest area are called thoracic aortic aneurysms and can involve the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch or descending aorta….A primary cause for surgery is when an artery wall in the aorta weakens and the wall abnormally expands or bulges as blood is pumped through it. This bulging is called an aortic aneurysm, and can lead to aortic dissection….Aortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States.

When the day of the surgery finally came, Neal’s family crowded into the waiting area. He figured he was as ready as he was going to be. He had even watched the surgery performed on YouTube. His aorta valve would be replaced with an ON-X aortic mechanical valve and mesh Kevlar used for the root repair. His heart would be stopped and everything while he was kept alive with a bypass machine.

“They make an incision in your chest here,” Neal said pointing to his chest, “and run that thing in so they can tie up all your blood. The machine circulates your blood while they stop your heart.

It’s mind blowing.”

The surgery went perfectly, and everything was going great until day five. On day five, Neal started running a fever. “The surgeon immediately came

to my room,” said Neal. “Fever meant infection.”

Over the next thirteen days, Neal would go back into surgery three times more to clean out the infection. “The incision was left partially open and a wound vac pump used to evacuate the infection,” he said.

“The fever made him crazy,” said Cindy. “He was out of his mind. He wouldn’t eat anything and we had a couple of bouts with his blood sugar.”

What should have been a five-day hospital stay turned into a twenty-one day stay.

“We were blessed to have a strong support system,” said Neal. All the support he’d given others came pouring back in. “I never had to worry one minute about my business,” which he attributed to the importance of connections with the right people.

Most days, their oldest daughter, Hanna, (then 15), stayed with Cindy at the hospital. “But the hospital would not allow me to stay with Neal at night,” she said “so Hanna stayed at a hotel with me.”

Their whole world had been turned upside down, but Ella (then 11), and Milli (then 7) had the love of their grandparents, Neal’s mother, Peggy Anderson “Meme,” Cindy’s parents, Clyde and Sylvia Woodard, Nana and Papa to get them through. Neal’s father, Danny Anderson barely left Cindy’s side at the hospital the entire time. “His dad believes the sun rises and sets on Neal.

He was there with us for whatever we needed.”

On day thirteen, the surgeon finally stapled Neal’s chest back together. And twenty-one days after the first surgery, he was finally able to go home. Friends who came to see him found it difficult to hide the shock. “He had lost thirty

Some might have called the experience a wake-up call. But Neal wasn’t sleeping.

He loved and lived life well. But this lifechanging moment brought gratitude to center stage and lit up Neal’s world in a whole new way. “It’s crazy to shake the hand of the guy who literally held your heart in his hand. It’s just mind blowing.

But Dr. Jones is remarkable. And we’re so grateful for all the surgeons, the doctors, and the nurses that cared for us.”

pounds in those twenty-one days,” said Cindy.

Some might have called the experience a wake-up call. But Neal wasn’t sleeping. He loved and lived life well. But this lifechanging moment brought gratitude to center stage and lit up Neal’s world in a whole new way.

“It’s crazy to shake the hand of the guy who literally held your heart in his hand.

It’s just mind blowing. But Dr. Jones is remarkable. And we’re so grateful for all the surgeons, the doctors, and the nurses that cared for us.”

Neal was given a clean bill of health and released by his doctor in January 2018. To celebrate, he spent three and a half days snow skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, with his family.

After everything that happened, Hanna, Neal and Cindy’s oldest daughter, decided to go into nursing.

She will begin her first semester at Auburn University in the fall. And for the record, even though Neal was not approved for the life insurance policy, he decided it was worth all the trouble, after all.  TCM

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/testsprocedures/aortic-root-surgery/care-atmayo-clinic/pcc-20383400 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/ treatments/16884-complex-aortasurgery

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ST O RY BY

Julie Braly |

P H O T O S BY

Julie Braly and Lillian Nash

gem of the gym An inspiration to others, 92-year-old Lillian Nash never misses a workout

I

It’s a hot July in Georgia and that means six months have passed since all those New Year’s resolutions were made to read more books, spend more time with family, eat healthier and exercise. The latter, for Glennville’s 92-year-old Lillian Nash, is nothing new, but rather an ongoing way of life. Standing at 4 feet11inches tall, this petite powerhouse is full of life and goes to the gym seven days a week.

“Exercise always has been a part of my life. I can remember my sisters and I getting down on the floor and doing exercises – sit ups, stand up and touch your knees and toes. We enjoyed it, had such fun, and would laugh.

It was just in us, I guess,” Lillian said. “Later, when I got a bike, I would stay gone all day. Every Saturday when there was no school, I would eat my breakfast, head out and stay gone all day. I’d ride everywhere and stop to have a hot dog sandwich and a drink. Things were different back then, nobody bothered you and there wasn’t much traffic. My mother didn’t care as long as I was home for supper. I loved bike riding.”

Lillian is of Assyrian decent. “My parents were born in Iran. That is when the Turks were killing the Christians and my mother’s parents were killed for their beliefs.

The Episcopal church helped my father and a group of men escape and they came here to the United States and got jobs and found places to stay. They all went to night school to learn to speak English and to read and write.

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Later, they sent for the women because in those days the marriages were arranged,” she said. “I am always sorry that I didn’t sit down with my parents and get more family history, but you don’t think about those things when you are young.”

Lillian’s father was a painter and did wallpapering.

Even during the Great Depression in the 1930s, he still was able to find work. “Out of all the men at the company where he worked, they kept my father because he was a hard worker, honest and everyone liked him.

My mother was a homemaker. She was small and dainty: 4 feet 11 inches and 110 pounds. She went to work once during the war, World War II. We all thought she should work to get out of the house. She worked one day and came home sick. The doctor said, ‘Don’t send your mother to work, she’s not the working kind,’” Lillian said with a laugh.

Lillian enjoys a good cup of coffee and singing.

When she was younger, she had a voice coach who she remembers fondly. “I sang in the chorus at the local opera house in Hartford. Later in life, I sang in the church choir for about 15 years. I was the soloist, and I loved it. When I sing, I sing to God and it gives me so much joy,” she said.

Lillian met her future husband, Dick, one September at a ballroom dance. They were married the following February. “Dick and I settled, bought some land way up

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on the mountain in a very small town in Massachusetts, not far from Springfield. We paid $300 for eight acres, a nice wooded area with an artesian well, and it was beautiful. He built our house himself. We had a quiet life there, raised our children, and lived there until he died,” she said.

Dick served in the Navy and later became a pastry chef.

Lillian was a homemaker but also worked for a time as a bank secretary. The couple had three sons: Richard, Peter and Mark. All of them followed in their father’s footsteps 92 tattnall county magazine

and joined the military. Richard served in the Navy; Peter served in the Marines but died during the Vietnam War; and Mark served in both the Navy and the Army.

“When my husband died, my son was worried about me being up there on the mountain, especially in the winter. I came to live with him in Georgia in 2010. I always wanted to live in the South and I love it here,” she said.

Even while living on that Massachusetts mountain, Lillian went to the gym for 13 years. “At home in the

Lillian said people come up to her all the time at the gym. “I don’t like all the attention, but it’s alright. Yesterday a woman came to me and said, ‘You are an inspiration. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. A lot of times I don’t feel like coming to the gym but when I get here and see you, I’m glad that I came,’” she said.

afternoon I did floor exercises and lifted small weights. Before I started to the gym here, I read a book and learned yoga. I did that at home in addition to the floor exercises and weights,” she said. “The greatest exercise is walking, and they say 20 minutes is a good amount of time. I used to walk on the road in front of my house and if I ever stop going to the gym, I will go back to that.”

In July 2017 she started going to Anytime Fitness in Glennville. She no longer drives, so her son Mark, who she lives with, takes her each day. She stays at the gym for an hour and a half. During this time, Mark enjoys his daily run. “I start on the bike for about an hour. Then I use the other machines that are for your arms, legs and abs. I like all of them and don’t really have a favorite. I don’t particularly like the elliptical machine, but I do it as a chore because it’s good for the legs. I don’t lift heavy weights. It isn’t necessary to lift so much weight that it makes you groan,” she giggled.

Lillian said people come up to her all the time at the gym. “I don’t like all the attention, but it’s alright. Yesterday a woman came to me and said, ‘You are an inspiration. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. A lot of times I don’t feel like coming to the gym but when I get here and see you, I’m glad that I came,’” she said.

Even though she doesn’t like the attention, for many people who come across Lillian’s path, at 92 she truly is an inspiration.  TCM

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The mission of Kiwanis is to empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.

Their vision is to be a positive influence in communities worldwide so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive.

The Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County was organized in Reidsville on Oct. 22, 2015, and came about because of a desire to help local children. While there are some amazing civic organizations in Tattnall County, there are none solely focused on providing for the health and welfare of children.

Hoping to form a Kiwanis chapter, Tammy Wilds reached out to Kiwanis International and was contacted by then Lt. Governor for this district, George Elkins. She met with him and the future district Lt. Governor Bryon Mullican at Rusty Pig BBQ in Glennville. In order to form a charter, the club needed 15 members. At the time of the meeting, Tammy had

The Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County was organized in Reidsville on Oct. 22, 2015, and came about because of a desire to help local children.

While there are some amazing civic organizations in Tattnall County, there are none solely focused on providing for the health and welfare of children.

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about 10 serious members. A Facebook plea was sent out to Tattnall County and within a few days there were more than 30 members. When the club actually chartered in October, there were more than 60 members, making the Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County the largest charter club in the history of Georgia.

With such a large group of charter members, the goal to help local children came into clear focus. “The goal for Kiwanis is to help as many children in Tattnall County as possible,” said Michelle Anderson-Lands. “We try to fill in the gaps within our community where we can help children. ...

Basically, all money raised stays in our county for our children. We have served over 50 children each year in our summer camps and over 500 children yearly at Christmas.”

In order to fund these two events, the Kiwanis Club has two major fundraisers: a monthly gun raffle With such a large group of charter members, the goal to help local children came into clear focus. “The goal for Kiwanis is to help as many children in Tattnall County as possible,” said Michelle Anderson-Lands. “We try to fill in the gaps within our community where we can help children. ... Basically, all money raised stays in our county for our children. We have served over 50 children each year in our summer camps and over 500 children yearly at Christmas.”

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(held the first Saturday of every month) and a mule raffle in December. The Kiwanis Club also hosts a Family Fun Day for everyone in the county. There are games for children and a softball tournament to help fund the summer camp in June.

Not only is the Kiwanis Club involved, but other community clubs and organizations help out, too. “There’s a need for so many different things within the community,” said Tammy, who serves as the club’s president. “We find that little niche that needs to be filled, we get a group of volunteers together, and we do it. It’s just wonderful to see the children’s faces and everybody else that we can give back to.”

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the mission

The mission of Kiwanis is to empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Their vision is to be a positive influence in communities worldwide so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive.

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helping families The Kiwanis Kids Kamp was started in 2016 because the club saw a need in the community. There are children who never leave the county, never attend summer camp, go on field trips or enjoy a summer vacation. Kiwanis teamed with the Tattnall County School System to identify these children. Each year, teachers and counselors select 50 children based on various needs, one of which is financial.

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Another way the Kiwanis Club gives back to the community is through the Back-to-School Clothing Pantry at Tattnall County High School. At the start of the school year, people within the community donate lightly used or new clothes for students ages Pre-K through high school. When people within the community attend to get clothes for school, each person receives a bag of hygiene items.

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The Kiwanis Kids Kamp was started in 2016 because the club saw a need in the community. There are children who never leave the county, never attend summer camp, go on field trips or enjoy a summer vacation. Kiwanis teamed with the Tattnall County School System to identify these children. Each year, teachers and counselors select 50 children based on various needs, one of which is financial.

Kiwanis rents the entire Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Reidsville for a whole week. Children participate in archery, paddle boat races, nature hikes, camp fires – complete with songs and stories – crafts, and more. In addition, they go on field trips to the movies, a trampoline park and other places. Kiwanis pays for the entire experience.

On Wednesday nights the children are treated to a “dance.” “Kiwanis purchases dresses for the little girls and nice khaki shorts/polo shirt outfits for the boys.

They are cleaned up, their hair is fixed, and they are dressed like little ladies and gentlemen for the dance,” Tammy said. “It is an amazing night of smiles and laughter.”

On the last night of camp, a graduation ceremony is held and the campers’ families are invited. “The children put on a short program for their families, awards are given out to the ‘best’ campers, and the families are fed. It is a very rewarding experience – not only for the campers, but for the volunteers as well. A lot of hearts are touched that week,” Tammy said.

The Kiwanis Christmas outreach, called Christmas at Home, actually started as a Chamber of Commerce

project five years ago. It was the idea of Tammy’s son, Brandon Guthrie. He had been a contributor to the DFACS Christmas program since he was a little boy and was devastated when he found out that budget cuts had left DFACS without the personnel needed to carry out the program. He asked his mother to help him get a program started.

Tammy, along with David Avery, started the program by collecting donations from the community. Tammy made contact with the Toys for Tots program and was delighted when she was accepted as the official representative for Tattnall County. “The Board of Education joined forces with the Christmas at Home program and provided applications to students whose teachers and counselors thought would benefit from this program,” Tammy said.

The Georgia State Patrol assisted with toy collections in Tattnall County, and the Reidsville Police Department and Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department assisted them with getting Toys for Tots boxes delivered and set up. Many businesses and organizations hosted toy drives, and hundreds of toys were collected. Last year, the program reached more than 600 children in Tattnall County.

“On delivery day, the Shriners, every law enforcement agency in Tattnall County, Kiwanis and local volunteers load up and deliver the bags to all of the families. It’s like a parade of blue lights, sirens and horns leaving the sorting location; it is an amazing sight,” Tammy said. “The children are excited about the ‘policemen’ and ‘Santas’ who go to their homes and deliver gifts. This experience is very rewarding, and Kiwanis encourages anyone within the community to join us to experience this heart-touching day.”

Another way the Kiwanis Club gives back to the community is through the Back-to-School Clothing Pantry at Tattnall County High School. At the start of the school year, people within the community donate lightly used or new clothes for students ages Pre-K through high school. When people within the community attend to get clothes for school, each person receives a bag of hygiene items.

In addition to the back-to-school hygiene item giveaway, Kiwanis has started a hygiene pantry

Tammy made contact with the Toys for Tots program and was delighted when she was accepted as the official representative for Tattnall County. “The Board of Education joined forces with the Christmas at Home program and provided applications to students whose teachers and counselors thought would benefit from this program,” Tammy said.

at the high school. “This pantry is stocked with items that the children will need on a daily basis.

Any child who is in need can see the counselor and receive a bag of items like laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, etc. Many children live in homes where these everyday items – that we take for granted – are not available to them. Kiwanis wants to make sure that every child has what he/she needs in order to go to school and have a productive day,” Tammy said.

The Kiwanis Club has an ongoing recruitment campaign called “Get on the Bus.” The purpose of this campaign is to encourage individuals, corporate and business members to “Get on the Bus” for the children in Tattnall County. “We try to spotlight our new members in the paper, too,” said Michelle. “We meet every first Thursday of the month at Bobcat’s Diner in Collins and every third Thursday at Smith’s in Reidsville at 6 p.m.”

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County, contact Tammy Wilds at 912536-5387 or Michelle Anderson-Lands at 912-2130316.  TCM

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story by

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Julie Braly, Journal Sentinel & Provided by the Baxter family

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When one thinks about the history of the timber industry in Southeast Georgia, the Baxter family name immediately comes to mind. While the fourth and fifth generations of the family are now owners and managers of Baxter Forest Products, the Baxter influence dates back to the 1890s.

When one thinks about the history of the timber industry in Southeast Georgia, the Baxter family name immediately comes to mind. While the fourth and fifth generations of the family are now owners and managers of Baxter Forest Products, the Baxter influence dates back to the 1890s.

The late S.M. “Mack” Baxter, whose son, John, and grandson, Wiley, are now managing the company, started S.M. Baxter Timber Company in the early 1950s, when Mack began shipping pulpwood and saw logs to various mills in South Georgia. Mack’s

father, Raleigh Baxter, and grandfather, Wiley W. Baxter, had been in the turpentine business as far back the 1890s. From an early age, Mack grew up working in the woods, dipping pine tar, or gum, as it was called.

The “naval stores,” which was a name given to the turpentine business, was a fascinating and unique business.

Prior to the construction of any paper mills or corporate sawmills in the southeast, the only profitable use for timber was to dip gum from cups placed on scraped pine timber, or either float pine logs down the Altamaha Hometown Living At Its Best

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“My father, Mack, definitely had the turpentine and timber industry in his blood, having been exposed to two generations of Baxters in these enterprises.�

Prior to 1940, large turpentine producers owned their own stills and distilled gum through a process similar to a liquor still. The turpentine still was filled with pine gum and then heated. Then, the turpentine would evaporate and separate from the rosin.

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John and his brother-in-law, Bran Thompson, a Certified Public Accountant, started Coastal Wood Products Inc. in 1983. The company produces utility poles and piling and is located on Cyril P. Burkhalter Road, sharing the office premises with Baxter Forest Products. Together, John and Bran own the “pole mill,” as it is referred to locally, and both have worked to manage S.M. Baxter Timber Company. “In 1995, when my father decided to retire, Bran and I assumed control over the company and changed the name to Baxter Forest Products Inc.,” said John.

River to Darien to the sawmills there. The Baxter family did both. However, cutting and dragging the logs to the Altamaha River, then banding them together in rafts and riding them to Darien, was a time-consuming and daunting task.

In about 1905, Mack’s grandfather, Wiley, built a steam-powered sawmill on what is now BaxterDurrence Road on the outskirts of Glennville. It was at the top of the hill at the intersection of BaxterDurrence and Zachariah Church roads.

“Wiley would do custom sawing for area landowners as well as saw lumber for sale. My greatgranddaddy operated this private mill in addition to

his turpentine business,” John said. Then, around 1939, Wiley’s son, Raleigh, also got into the turpentine business. “My father, Mack, definitely had the turpentine and timber industry in his blood, having been exposed to two generations of Baxters in these enterprises,” said John.

That influence was compounded after he met and married Betty Durrence in 1950. Her family was an even larger operator in the turpentine business.

Prior to 1940, large turpentine producers owned their own stills and distilled gum through a process similar to a liquor still. The turpentine still was

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John’s wife, Rhonda, is a credit analyst at Rotary Corporation in Glennville.

John has two stepdaughters, Shanea Weitman and Carsyn Weitman.

filled with pine gum and then heated. Then, the turpentine would evaporate and separate from the rosin. Turpentine had countless purposes, from paint thinners to medicinal uses. Rosin also was useful as a sealant similar to our modern-day silicone or caulking.

Betty Durrence Baxter’s grandfather, James H. Durrence, was one of the largest turpentine producers in the area. At the peak of his company’s production, he gathered gum from nearly 17,000 acres and owned several turpentine distilleries.

Some of the acreage was owned, although additional acres were leased from other timberland owners.

J. Cleve Durrence was James’ son and Betty’s father. J Cleve began his own turpentine operation near his home, across from the present-day Hopewell United Methodist Church on the west end of Baxter-Durrence Road. It is only natural to see why this road today bears the two families’ names. Until 1940, J. Cleve operated a still on his property for himself and neighboring producers.

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“Turpentine and rosin produced by Raleigh Baxter and J. Cleve Durrence was shipped by rail and truck to Savannah and sold,” John explained.

“The sale was through a factor that represented the producer, loaned him money to operate as needed, and took a commission on all sales he handled. J. Cleve Durrence and Raleigh Baxter used Southern States Naval Stores in Savannah as their factor. For those who have been to River Street in Savannah, this is the reason the street above River Street is called Upper Factors Walk.”

After graduating from Glennville High School in 1945, Mack attended Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) in Tifton. He then graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949. After his marriage to Betty in 1950, Mack’s new fatherin-law further mentored him in the turpentine business.

“My father was eager to come back home and immerse himself in the turpentine and timber business of his father and grandfather,” John said.

“He literally grew up in the business and was

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already committed to it as a teenager.”

From the forming of S.M. Baxter Timber Company in the early 1950’s until the turpentine business declined to the point it was no longer feasible to operate, Mack was buying and cutting timber from area landowners as well as dipping tar (gum) from other area landowners.

“Gradually, as the paper industry began in this area, large commercial mills began extracting gum from the wood pulp in the paper process. This gradually drove down the price of gum, which, eventually, stopped almost all gum dipping. Timber companies, such as our own, soon evolved to total timber harvesting,” said John.

In the early 1960’s, Mack discontinued the turpentine business and began focusing solely on the timber business. “By 1977, I began working for my dad on weekends and evenings. As a fourth generation Baxter to work in the timber business, I quickly developed a passion for this industry,” said John, who, after graduating from Pinewood Christian Academy and ABAC, returned to Glennville to help run the family timber business.

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John and his brother-in-law, Bran Thompson, a Certified Public Accountant, started Coastal Wood Products Inc. in 1983. The company produces utility poles and piling and is located on Cyril P. Burkhalter Road, sharing the office premises with Baxter Forest Products. Together, John and Bran own the “pole mill,” as it is referred to locally, and both have worked to manage S.M. Baxter Timber Company. “In 1995, when my father decided to retire, Bran and I assumed control over the company and changed the name to Baxter Forest Products Inc.,” said John.

After Jimmy Dubberly retired as CEO of South Georgia Bank, Bran became CEO, and John’s son, Wiley, who has a degree in Business Management from Georgia Southern University, came on board to help manage the company. “Wiley assists me in the management of Baxter Forest Products and is the Plant Manager at Coastal Wood Products, the pole mill. Bran still assists in various accounting aspects of both businesses,” said John, adding that the company’s other key employees include office manager, Ann Floyd; part-time office assistants, Elizabeth Edwards and Staci Joseph; procurement manager, Brad Coley; and foresters, Tommy Patrick and Tim Bland.

John said he feels blessed to continue his family’s business and share it with his son. Wiley’s wife, Mallory, is employed at Glennville Bank.

Maggy, John’s daughter, owns and operates High Maintenance Salon in Glennville and her husband, Tyler Trull, is employed by a contractor on Ft. Stewart. They live in the Mendes area with their two-year-old son, Mack, named after his grandfather.

John’s wife, Rhonda, is a credit analyst at Rotary Corporation in Glennville. John has two stepdaughters, Shanea Weitman and Carsyn Weitman.

John’s sister, Becky, is married to Bran Thompson. Becky is a retired school teacher and former coordinator of Brewton-Parker College classes on the Glennville campus. Bran and Becky have three children.

John’s brother, Mark, is a corporate attorney for the Stone & Baxter law firm in Macon. He and his wife, Meg, have three children.

“I have been extremely blessed to be able to continue the Baxter family timber business that has been active in Tattnall County for over a hundred years. I’m also grateful that I can work with Wiley and mentor him in the business. We hope to continue to be an active timber company for another generation as well,” said John.

“My gratitude is also extended to the many loyal landowners who continue to allow us to help manage their timberland and purchase their timber year after year. I have learned from generations of the Baxters in this business to be fair and honest. The golden Rule applies in all areas of life, and the timber business is no exception. Trust in the Lord and seek Him in every decision that you make, and you will be successful,” said John.  TCM

John said he feels blessed to continue his family’s business and share it with his son. Wiley’s wife, Mallory, is employed at Glennville Bank. Maggy, John’s daughter, owns and operates High Maintenance Salon in Glennville and her husband, Tyler Trull, is employed by a contractor on Ft. Stewart.

They live in the Mendes area with their two-year-old son, Mack, named after his grandfather.

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THE

County Agent Vet AND THE

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Story By Gail Dixon & The Shirleys |Photos by The Shirley Family, Gail Dixon and Poetic Photography

Their combined passion for animals, farms and agriculture has led Aubrey and Erica Shirley to make South Georgia their home.

A

Aubrey Shirley was born to Christopher and Sharon Shirley. Chris and Sharon were both teachers in the Jackson County School System. Aubrey has a younger sister, Natalie, who is a pharmacy technician in Jefferson, Georgia.

Aubrey grew up in Jackson County, attending Jefferson Elementary and Middle Schools and Jackson County High School. Growing up, Aubrey and his father always enjoyed being outdoors together and hobby farming. Aubrey fondly remembers all the pet pigs they had and argues that pigs are some of the smartest animals he’s ever encountered! It was his experiences as a young man that led him to eventually

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“WHATEVER CAN MAKE LIFE AND THE LIVELIHOODS OF THE FARMERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN TATTNALL COUNTY EASIER IS WHAT I WANT TO HELP DO.”

obtain a master’s degree in Crop and Soil Science.

His master’s research focused extensively on water flow through different soil types. From his studies he developed a keen interest in water. Married life took Aubrey to North Carolina where he furthered his interest in water by working at a wastewater plant. Here he learned about the different purification processes of wastewater. It gave him a keen appreciation for exactly how much it takes to purify water after a toilet is flushed.

Erika Tootle was born to Jim and Mary Tootle.

Jim and Mary first met in Tennessee where Jim attended Vanderbilt University. After marrying, they moved to Louisiana for several years before finally settling in Tattnall County. Erika has an

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older brother, Jeremiah, who currently resides in Texas and is an aeronautical engineer.

Erika grew up in Tattnall County, attending Reidsville Elementary and Middle Schools and Tattnall County High School. Growing up, she loved animals and had many pets, most of which were strays that showed up in their yard. “Actually, people would drop them off at our house. We did have one dog, Webster, that we bought because my mom wanted a beagle. Webster tolerated most of the strays that came up to our house. He was a good dog but was one of our most short-lived after he was bitten by a snake,” says Erika. At some point, while taking care of these strays and Webster, she decided that she wanted to be a

CALLED AT AN EARLY AGE

Growing up, she loved animals and had many pets, most of which were strays that showed up in their yard. “Actually, people would drop them off at our house. We did have one dog, Webster, that we bought because my mom wanted a beagle. Webster tolerated most of the strays that came up to our house. He was a good dog but was one of our most shortlived after he was bitten by a snake,� says Erika.

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A DEEPER LOVE Throughout her time in Athens, GA, Erika held a job at a small animal clinic that deepened her love for veterinary medicine. She also worked part time at a barn performing research on neonatal foals.

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veterinarian. During her senior year at TCHS, Erika was a volunteer at the Claxton Veterinary Clinic.

After high school graduation in 2005, Erika attended the University of Georgia from 2005-2009 majoring in Avian Biology. She finished Veterinary School in 2013. Throughout her time in Athens, Erika held a job at a small animal clinic that deepened her love for veterinary medicine. She also worked part time at a barn performing research on neonatal foals.

After graduation, she moved to North Carolina and worked at a small animal practice for two years.

During the chaos of both Aubrey and Erika graduating from their prospective programs and moving to North Carolina to start their careers, they married. Shortly thereafter, the call of home beckoned, and in December 2014, the pair moved to Vidalia to be closer to Erika’s family.

Erika is currently a veterinarian at Four Rivers Veterinary Clinic.

Another huge reason they moved back to South Georgia is because of the abundance of farms and agriculture. Although Aubrey’s passion for water and its conservation is not gone, his love for agriculture and being outdoors was still present and untapped. Aubrey began working at Stanley Farms, known now as Generation Farms, in April 2015.

He worked two onion seasons and loved it. “It was fun, but nerve-wracking. I spoke to brokers, took orders, and planned the production board...it was non-stop from 8:00 AM to as late at 7:00 or 8:00 PM,” recalls Aubrey.

On August 1, 2016, Aubrey was hired at the UGA Extension Tattnall County Office as an Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent.

His mentor is Chris Tyson, the other ANR Agent in Tattnall. So far, Aubrey has been learning, training at UGA, and concentrating on homeowner calls. “If anyone needs anything, I’m there to help out. UGA

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Aubrey began working at Stanley Farms, known now as Generation Farms, in April 2015. He worked two onion seasons and loved it. “It was fun, but nerve-wracking. I spoke to brokers, took orders, and planned the production board...it was non-stop from 8 a.m. - to as late at 7 or 8 p.m.” recalls Aubrey.

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helps a lot of farmers by keeping up with research and lending a helping hand. I enjoy meeting people through my job and being a part of the Tattnall community,” says Aubrey.

Aubrey enjoys working with his hands and watching stuff grow. He loves flowers, gardening and spending time outdoors. “It’s fun to experiment with plants and watch them grow. One thing that I am working on right now is grafting tomato plants. Grafting helps cut back on diseases in the soil,” explains Aubrey. (Grafting is a technique where tissues of plants are joined so their growth together will continue. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the root stock. In stem grafting, a common grafting method, a shoot of a desired plant is grafted onto the stock of another plant. Both tissues must be kept alive until the graft has “taken,” usually a few weeks.)

Aside from loving to work outside, his position as the new agent in Tattnall County affords him the opportunity

to meet all kinds of people in the community. And one thing Aubrey loves is meeting people and hearing their stories. “This job is as much about being a part of the community as it is about the actual day-to-day work. Chris and I are here to help the public with any questions or concerns they may have about farming, agriculture, insects, and the environment.” Aubrey looks forward to performing his own research trials that would help in the production of fruits and vegetables in the community. “Whatever can make life and the livelihoods of the farmers and members of the community in Tattnall County easier is what I want to help do.”

In April of 2015, Aubrey and Erika were blessed with their first child, Wyatt; they welcomed their second son, Wynn, this past September. If you were to visit them, you would notice that both have the right careers. They have two dogs, Chessi and Alice, and two cats, Mowgli and Motor. Aubrey has a vibrant growing garden in the backyard and is teaching Wyatt how to grow vegetables. They also have lots of fruit trees in the front yard and beautiful flowers around the house. If you love your job, then you enjoy going to work every day and it doesn’t seem like a job – that is definitely true for these two. TCM

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LASSETER IMPLEMENT COMPANY 1601 US HWY 1 SOUTH | LYONS, GA | 912.526.3410

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Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM · 101 Harris Industrial Blvd., Suite E, Vidalia · 912.277.207 · No Referral Necessary 136

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We provide you with the best patient care from the very best doctors!

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Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center

Where there is hope for healing.

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TRIANGLE-J, INC. along with TRIANGLE-J BROKERAGE is a full range transportation service company. We utilize a wide range of trucks & trailer types to haul a variety of products such as: temperature sensitive products, dry goods, building & construction products, grain & feed products, oversized & over-length loads. Both company & brokered trucks travel in all 48 states but the majority of our customers are in the Southeast.

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Story By Marsha Cunningham | Photos By Hailey Lynn Photography and Jesse Bradley

Yes,

you can come HOME again.

Jesse Bradley returns to his roots to make an impact on the Tattnall County School System proving that yes, you can go home again.

T

They say you can never go home again.... but Jesse Bradley did it. He left Tattnall County, where he was born and raised, with tears in his eyes that matched those in his father’s. His career as Superintendent of Tattnall County School System was cut short due to a decision to consolidate the two high schools into one system- wide school. He was warned by many that this would end his career, and reminded that superintendents who closed schools did not get reelected. But after studying the impact on finances and quality of education, he felt he had no other choice.

His dad said he would always see Jesse’s blood on the highway in front of TCHS....

Jesse graduated from Reidsville High School in 1964 and received his undergraduate degree in Industrial Arts in 1968 from Georgia Southern College. His masters was earned at University of Georgia and his doctorate at Nova University. He was one of two persons in the nation in 1985 to receive the Scottish Rite Scholarship for Doctoral Studies in Public School Administration.

He began his teaching career at Reidsville High

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School and served as assistant principal there. He also began his 24 year career with the Georgia National Guard during this time. After a short detour into banking, Jesse returned to education and served as teacher and assistant principal at GHS and principal at GMS. After much thought and many prayers Jesse decided to try to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a superintendent. His dream came true in 1989 when he was sworn in as Tattnall County Superintendent.

During his tenure the first bond referendum was passed and the two older, small high schools were consolidated into one centrally located modern high school. This larger school allowed the students to

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have stronger academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs.

After a defeat in his second run for the office, Jesse redirected his educational expertise and became a principal at Georgia State Prison and Smith State Prison. When educational positions were abolished from the prisons, he became a deputy warden at Telfair State Prison. It was during this time that the Griffin-Spalding BOE was searching for an educational leader with courage and conviction to make significant changes in their school system. A recruitment firm sent Jesse information concerning the position, and he decided to apply. The board was

very serious in its search as they had just lost the fifth leader in 10 years. A team was sent to interview not just Jesse, but community members in the county.

Jesse was selected for the job and began as superintendent in Griffin-Spalding County in April 1997. He accepted this appointment instilled with a passion to make a difference in the school system. Carefully studying the school system, the community and the dynamics of the two, he realized that connecting the school system with the community was a key responsibility and vital to moving the system forward. He also recognized the need for a strong presence in the political arena and was often in the Georgia Capital halls as an advocate for the system. But most of all, he lived his vision of children first and recruited staff to help with that vision.

Fulfilling The Dream After a short detour into banking, Jesse returned to education and served as teacher and assistant principal at GHS and principal at GMS. After much thought and many prayers Jesse decided to try to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a superintendent. His dream came true in 1989 when he was sworn in as Tattnall County Superintendent.

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Many local and state awards clearly document Jesse’s successful twelve years in Griffin. He humbly says that his success is due to the many blessings he has had in his life. He credits first his parents, Enoch and Lessie Jones Bradley, who shaped his life and provided a Christian foundation in their home. Jesse proudly recognizes that the character lessons he learned on the farm are invaluable. The existence of God and His influence can never be questioned when you see the sun color the landscape as it rises over the freshly plowed fields and sets creating warm colors on the pine trees and the pond.

He has used his mother’s reminder that there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel in the dark times on many of the challenges in his life. His parents taught him to always do what is right and fair, but if you take a wrong path, admit it and change course.

Jesse said he has been fortunate to also have many mentors in his life - people like Wilton Hill, Tom Wommack, Phil Russell, Charlie Rowland, E.B. Register, Barbara Balkcom Christmas-Golden, and many more. From his mentors, friends, and life

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experiences, Jesse learned to surround himself with positive, quality people, both in his professional and in personal life. He learned the courage of conviction and the need to meet problems head-on. From his mentors, he learned that recognizing when we need help and asking for trustworthy advice is a sign of strength and maturity, not weakness.

Military experience also provided lessons for Jesse. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard for 17 years with the 165th Supply Company in Savannah and seven years with the 75th Engineer Detachment at Ft. Stewart in Hinesville. A strong sense of patriotism and duty continue to be a part of Jesse’s life.

After retirement from Griffin, Jesse returned to Tattnall County with a history of accolades and awards and a state wide reputation as an educator who made a difference. He now enjoys his farm, friends and family in Tattnall County. On the walls of his small study are pictures with dignitaries and prestigious awards of what could be considered the highlight of his life - that time when he put on his suit and tie everyday and went into the office as respected “Dr. Bradley”. But he will tell

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A Fruitful Retirement After retirement from Griffin, Jesse returned to Tattnall County with a history of accolades and awards and a state wide reputation as an educator who made a difference. He now enjoys his farm, friends and family in Tattnall County.

you that although he is proud of his accomplishments and enjoyed his career, that this is the highlight of his life. He is surrounded by photos of his family and lives in the midst of God’s beauty every day. Looking out of his window he sees the light reflecting from the Cyprus pond and as he opens the door, the ducks fly away in a flurry of wings and water.

His decision for the day is no longer stress filled, but centers on choosing to ride around the farm in his truck, mule, or four wheeler. His problems to be tackled now are the “sticker weeds” that invade his precious space.

Today, that time period following 146

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the election loss in Tattnall County is just a slightly sad memory that provided him with the opportunity to learn one of life’s greatest lessons.

God will give you the strength to get through anything if you trust in Him, believe in yourself, regroup and move forward. Jesse smiles as he remembers how dim the light was in 1992, but his mother was right - there was a light at the end of that tunnel. Keeping his eyes on God and that light moved him forward and on to other adventures that carved him into the man he is today- a peaceful, happy man who loves living in Tattnall County.  TCM

Do you enjoy writing?

Do you like to take photos?

Do you have a great story idea?

For More Details Call our office 654-3045 or email us jay@wyimpublications.com

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21

Jack Hill District 4 State Senator Jack Hill representing the counties of Bulloch,Candler, Effingham, Evans and portions of Tattnall and Emanuel.

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2 n

STATE SENATOR

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800 South Lewis Street | Metter, GA. 30439 | (912)685-6900 912.764.5609 • www.drdeal.net 130 Tattnall County Magazine 148 tattnall county Magazine

CROSS EYED Southern Flair Catering

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CITY OF

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Repairs & Upgrades Consulting Network Installation & Service On-Site Technical Assistance Computer Products

www.taborcomputers.com • 912.537.3339 222 Mose Coleman Drive, Vidalia, GA 150

tattnall county Magazine

Metter, GA

912.685.5411 Rincon, GA

912.826.1997 856 Lyons Center Road • Lyons, GA 30426

(912)526-4444 • 866-839-4563 Larry Wright, Owner 140

Tattnall County Magazine

Reidsviie

214 S Dom

Wrong P. O.

KING’S Pump & Technical Service 119 West Barnard Street Glennville, GA 30427 912.654.0149

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Seated L to R: Cheryl Perkins, MD, FAAP and Katie Marucco, CPNP www.bullochpediatrics.com Standing L to R: Kirsten Coulter, CPNP, Michelle Zeanah, MD, FAAP Kirsten Coulter, Jessica French, CPNP, Cheryl Perkins, andCPNP, P. Austin Whitlock, III, MD, FAAP

• Full-service auto repair shop • 24 hour Towing and Recovery, light and heavy vehicles • Heavy Equipment Hauling

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

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Index of Advertisers

Ace Hardware …………............................................………. 147 Anytime Fitness ...........................................…………………. 46 Armstrong’s Cricket Farm …….........................……………. 138 Baxter’s Paint & Body Shop, Inc …………………................ 125 Bobcat’s Diner ……...........................................……………. 96 Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home ………………..............…. 108 Bulloch Pediatrics Group ………..........................…………. 151 Bumper to Bumper | Glennville Auto Parts ……........……. 134 Canoochee EMC …….......................................……………. 106 Central Pharmacy …….....................................……………. 121 City of Cobbtown ….......................................………………. 150 City of Collins …............................................………………. 149 City of Glennville …............................................………………. 9 City of Reidsville ............................................…………………. 5 Clark and Shaw Monument Company ……….......…………. 150 Claxton Oil Company ………...................................…………. 96 Claxton Poultry Farms …………...............................………. 120 CleanWay The Carpet & Floor Gallery ……………..........……. 85 Collins Mobile Homes ……...............................……………. 109 Community Hospice …….............................……………. 30-31 Cross Eyed Cricket Sports Bar ……….........................……. 148 Dasher Industries, Inc. ……..............................……………. 150 Dermatology Associates of Savannah ………….......………. 106 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ………………........…. 58-59 DQ Grill & Chill …............................................………………. 47 Driggers Country Market …………............................………. 88 Dubberly & McGovern Attorneys at Law ………………....…. 121 Duramatic Products …....................................………………. 45 Durrence Layne ………………...................…. Inside Back Cover Evans Memorial Hospital ………......................…………. 29, 87 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center ………………. 122 Georgia Eye Institute …….................................……………. 135 Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance …………………................ 151 Georgia Southern University …………………..... 95, Back Cover Glennville Bank …...........................................………………. 17 Glennville Chamber of Commerce ……………….........…. 60-61 Glennville Sweet Onion Festival ……….............…………. 48-49 Graham’s Floor Covering …...........................………………. 149 Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce …………………. 70-71 Kennedy Funeral Homes ……..........................……………. 124 Kennedy Network Services, Inc. ……..................……………. 69 Kicklighter Realty, Inc. ……..………...............................…. 147

King’s Pump and Technical Service ……..........……………. 151 Lasseter Implement Company …..................………………. 136 Logic4Design ....................................................……………. 86 Marco’s Pizza ………..............................................…………. 46 McCurdy’s on Main …...................................………………. 123 McDonald’s …..............................................………………. 139 Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center ….………………. 136 Mi Plaza Mexican Restaurant ………………...................…. 120 NorthSpring Senior Living ………...........................…………. 97 Obsession Bows ……...............................................……….. 94 Optim Medical Center …………...................................………. 1 Paul Anderson Youth Home ………..........................……….. 84 Pinewood Christian Academy ……...................……………. 122 Randy’s Wrecker and Service Center …………........………. 151 Reidsville Family Dentistry ………........................…………. 137 Reidsville Pharmacy ……….................................…………. 148 Reidsville Veterinary Clinic ………........................…………. 149 Renasant Bank ……….........................................…………. 137 Rotary Club of Glennville ……….......................…………. 58-59 Rotary Corporation ………….....................................………. 45 Rusty Pig BBQ …………….......................................……. 18-19 Shuman Produce ……….......................................…………. 97 South Georgia Bank ….................................………………. 107 South Georgia State College ……....................……………. 134 Southern Flair Catering ……….............................…………. 149 Southern Medical Group …………........….......................……. 7 State Farm Insurance - Caughey Hearn …………………..... 135 State Senator Jack Hill …………..............................………. 148 Strickland’s Pharmacy ……..............................……………. 125 Tabor Computer Solutions ………........................…………. 150 Tattnall County Commissioners …….………. Inside Front Cover Tattnall County Magazine ……………..........................……. 147 Tattnall Insurance ….....................................………………. 109 Terrell Brothers, Inc. …..................................………………. 124 The Claxton Bank ……........................................……………. 89 The Drug Store ……...........................................……………. 2-3 The Farmhouse Restaurant ………….......................………. 107 The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery ……………...……. 139 The Supply Company ………................................…………. 123 Triangle-J, Inc. …………...........................................………. 138 Vision Source Professional Eye Care ………………........…. 148 Watermelon Creek Baptist Church ……...........……………. 108

Please thank these sponsors for making this publication possible!

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TATTNALL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

912.557.4335 P. O . B O X 2 5

|

REIDSVILLE, GEORGIA

2018 Issue

AMANDA “MANDY” GREEN SEE Southern Women Chair for Bulloch and Surrounding Counties B.B.A., ’97, MBA, ’01, Double Eagle

“Becoming involved with our Southern Women alumnae group has helped me reconnect with my alma mater and experience personal and professional growth.”

Helping Hands

Kiwanis Club of Tattnall County aims to make a difference in the lives of children.

Returning to His Roots Neal Anderson and his family have experienced lessons with purpose and life changing effects they will never forget.

STATESBORO • SAVANNAH • HINESVILLE • ONLINE

Coach, teacher and Tattnall County High School graduate, Jim Richardson, is named Teacher of the Year.

A Place of Peace in the Storm

Miracles from Heaven is how Tiffany and Ashley Sittle describe the survival of their twin boys borm prematurely.

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