Coffee County Living - Fall 2020 by With You In Mind Publications

Coffee Hometown Living at its Best

Fall 2020

COUNTY

COFFEE COUNTY LIVING

LIGHT IT UP WITH HOPE

As COVID descended upon the U.S., the residents of Coffee County refused to live in fear

FIVE BOYS & A BOW

For Charlie and Roni Jo Russ, a big family is an adventure of a lifetime.

Pearl

A COTTAGE MAKERY A BAKERY THAT REFLECTS THE DEDICATION AND HERITAGE OF THE WOMEN THAT INSPIRE KYLIE CARTER DAY

Gregory Kramer, DPM

Nicole Wilson, DPM

Put Your Feet in Great Hands! Make an Appointment today at one of our convenient locations! 204 Westside Drive Douglas, GA 31533 912-384-4121

175 Perry House Road Fitzgerald, GA 31750 229-622-0100

Most Insurance Accepted

www.AnklesandFeet.com

living an active lifestyle

Actor. Model. Coach. Husband. Danny (Buddy) Watkins wears many hats throughout his busy days, and as the proprietor of Anytime Fitness in Douglas, he trains his clients to be the best version of themselves. Growing up in Douglas, Buddy says he has always led a very active lifestyle. “I always loved playing sports; it’s really who I am at my core,” he says. “However, taking my lumps as a younger athlete propelled me to where I am today.” In May of 2011, Buddy married Jordan, who works in the medical field. That’s when he decided to take his workout regimen up a notch. “I became really dedicated to working out, and

coffee county living

Danny (Buddy) Watkins wears many hats throughout his busy days, and as the proprietor of Anytime Fitness in Douglas.

that led to my position as a trainer at the gym,” he recalls. “Now I get to stay active while helping others achieve their goals.” Buddy took over Anytime Fitness in November of 2019 after being a personal trainer there for about three years. “At the time, I was working seven days a week, running between my job at a WalMart Distribution Center and Anytime Fitness. So when the gym came up for sale, I took advantage of it and never looked back.” Anytime Fitness offers 24-hour access for all of its clients; some of the gym’s amenities include tanning beds and an indoor batting cage. You can also take your pick from classes like yoga, Zumba, Washboard Abs and many more. There are even 24-hour security

cameras on hand to ensure the safety of those who prefer working out after hours. Buddy’s list of clients is ever-growing and for good reason he pushes them out of their comfort zones in order to achieve their goals. “I tell them that you really don’t have to have a gym membership to accomplish your goals, but it all starts with you,” he says. “You don’t have to do it at Anytime Fitness, but you’ve got to do it somewhere.” Jan Brown, who has trained with Buddy for the last three months, says that his ability to tailor the workout to the client is what sets him apart from other coaches. “He listens well to what you want to accomplish. I wanted to get leaner, and I’ve gotten (those) results from working out with him. I’ve already lost about 35 pounds.” Along with operating Anytime Fitness, Buddy is also pursuing careers in modeling and acting. He’s worked on over 20 film projects and has also signed modeling contracts with the NFL and Adidas. Buddy attributes his success outside of the gym with his work ethic inside of it. “I push myself every day to do better because, when you ultimately succeed at one thing, it inspires you to try other things,” he says. “At Anytime Fitness, I have an opportunity to help people on a daily basis, and (the positivity that it brings) also helps me with the goals I’ve set for myself.”

Buddy took over Anytime Fitness in November of 2019 after being a personal trainer there for about three years. “At the time, I was working seven days a week, running between my job at a Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Anytime Fitness. So when the gym came up for sale, I took advantage of it and

1310 S Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 331-1501

never looked back.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Coffee Hometown Living at its Best

COUNTY CONTENTS /

106

Creating Something New

FALL ISSUE 2020

Haley Burnam and Michael Cation are baking up vegan goodness through their small business, Born and Bread.

Redefining the Corner Store J&D Designs and Café has built its business helping Coffee County celebrate life’s most wonderful moments.

Turning Eyesores into Sights for Sore Eyes Cindy McNeill, Douglas’s Mayor Pro Tem, is passionate about attempts to improve the distressed areas in her town.

Find Your Passion Keli Lowe has learned to never give up on whatever can bring her joy.

On the Wild Side Whether it involves removing a reptile from a residence, relocating a rare rattlesnake, or regularly working with over 50 species of indigenous wildlife, Tyler “Gatorboy” Lott loves his work. ON T H E C O V E R Pearl, A Cottage Makery >> TINIKA BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY 4 FALL 2020 / COFFEE COUNTY LIVING

Keeping Your Pet On The Path To

Wellness.

1330 West Baker Hwy | Douglas, GA 31533 | lindseyandwills.com | (912) 384-8160

Coffee Hometown Living at its Best

C O U N T Y C O NT E NTS

As COVID began its slow descent

Lane Morgan, Douglas County native

For Charlie and Roni Jo Russ, a big

onto U.S. soil, the residents of Coffee

and business owner of Renown Cargo

family is an adventure of a lifetime.

County refused to let the fear and

Trailers, believes Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love is not

hysteria that was starting to grip

contained inside the walls of any church

the world drive a wedge into their

building.

116

community.

Light it up with Hope

A Gift for Taste

Renown with a Purpose

Honoring the Journey After Sheila Hughes, tragically passed

After leaving her pediatric office to

away in February 2020, Dave Hughes

work out of her kitchen full-time,

pushed through his grief to honor the

Kylie Carter Day created Pearl, A

business they built together.

Cottage Makery. 6 FALL 2020 / COFFEE COUNTY LIVING

Five Boys & a Bow

Teachers Touch Lives Become what the Coffee County School System considers to be the most important profession, be a teacher!

Q U A L I T H O M E F O R Y O U FA M I L

Y S R Y

Micah Carter 912-292-1388 micahc12@live.com

AMERSON

HOMES 3 4 3 1

H I G H W A Y

4 4 1

S O U T H

D O U G L A S ,

G A

3 1 5 3 5

9 1 2 . 2 9 2 . 1 3 8 8

From the Publisher

Coffee County

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

Jay and Patti Martin

A Photo by Leslie Hand

As we enter the “New Normal”, it is impossible to project what is ahead for our world, country, state, county, city and family. I have heard it said that “history repeats itself”. I’m not sure that “history” has ever seen anything quite like the last few months BUT, what history has shown us is that the world has previously faced wars, unrest and pestilence. Although devastating, we have come out on the other side – sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly – sometimes painlessly and sometimes painfully. Our goal is to highlight some of the people in each of our issues that represent the solutions to the “new normal”. The people in this issue are part of the history and legacy of Coffee County. Their stories provide all of us with confidence that, together, we will persevere and thrive! As always, we could not do this without the continued support from our sponsors which are listed on page 128. We hope that you will join us in thanking them. Be sure to drop in at any of those locations listed and grab your free copy that they make possible! Shop with them, visit with them and just keep on showing the love you so freely give. John 10:10 KJV

C r eat i v e | D e s i g n Caffeine Generated Graphics, LLC

Courtney Kitchens Stacey Nichols o f f i ce M a n age r Nikki Burkhalter

M a n age r June Dixon

A s s i s ta n t

P h otog r ap h e r s Amber Bounds Photography

DJM Photography Southern Grace Photography Tinika Bennett Photography C ov e r P h oto Pearl, A Cottage Makery, taken by

Tinika Bennett Photography Sale s Dottie Hicks

Patti Martin Randy Montague

Contributing Wri te r s Alexa Tebben

David Pena

JoAnn Danna

Jordan Calhoun

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Blessings,

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

coffee county living

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

WE B EL I EV E L I F E I S

All About Your Vision

W e w e l c o m e D r . K e n n e t h T r e v o r S h e a ly t o

Fitzgerald

Family Eyecare

Redefining the

Corner Store

coffee county living

Story By Jordan Calhoun Photos by J&D

J&D Designs and Café has built its business helping Coffee County celebrate life’s most wonderful moments.

On the corner of Peterson and Bryan, nestled under a striped awning and tucked at the intersection of a crosswalk, stands a town treasure. J&D Designs and Café has built its business helping Coffee County celebrate life’s most wonderful moments. This year, its owners are celebrating a milestone of their own: 15 years of business in Douglas. The initials behind J&D, John and Debra Glosson, were a world away from Douglas, Georgia when they met as students at Liberty University over 20 years ago. “Debra was working at a local 50’s diner - poodle skirt and all - and she was my waitress one evening. Those eyes...well, I didn’t forget them. So, I chose to eat at the diner A LOT!” John laughed. “The rest is history. We have now been married 19 years!” “The first thing he ordered from me was a thick butter pecan shake,” Deb added with a smirk. Smitten, John couldn’t wait to put a ring on Deb’s finger and an “&” between their names. To help foot the bill of a honeymoon, John returned to a love he’d discovered in his teenage years, and began dabbling once again in the wedding, event, and floral industry.

Hometown Living At Its Best

Young and full of energy, the newlyweds moved to Douglas shortly after their wedding to serve in full-time ministry. On the side, they continued designing weddings, but also picked up a few catering gigs, as well as the management of a booth in the basement of The Atrium. Given their giftings in event design, it’s no surprise that their booth was always beautifully stocked with home decor, but the Glossons really hit their stride during the Christmas season.

“My first job was a delivery boy at a flower shop in the huge metropolis of Hazlehurst. I owe most of my beginning knowledge in floral design to Ms. Elaine Miles,” John explained. “I needed to have the funds for a honeymoon, so I decided to design weddings. Then I got married and needed more money, so I designed more weddings!” Young and full of energy, the newlyweds moved to Douglas shortly after their wedding to serve in full-time ministry. On the side, they continued designing weddings, but also picked up a few catering gigs, as well as the management of a booth in the basement of The Atrium. Given their giftings in event design, it’s no surprise that

coffee county living

their booth was always beautifully stocked with home decor, but the Glossons really hit their stride during the Christmas season. “Christmas has been a main focus since we started our business,” Deb confirmed. “John once decorated a purple Christmas tree that wouldn’t have been everyone’s taste, but it was beautiful. A lady came in and said, ‘I want to buy the whole tree and I want you to come to my house to decorate it just like that.’” “People were so supportive of our brand that I knew expansion was going to have to happen soon!” John added. Each week, the two made a habit of taking leisurely Saturday afternoon walks through their new little town, stopping to chat and check out the shops along the way. One afternoon, their stroll took them inside Evelyn’s Gifts and Antiques where Evelyn’s daughter, Angela, was

tending her late mother’s shop. Following a short conversation, Angela asked John if he and Debra would be interested in purchasing the store. In May of 2006, John signed the papers, changed the name of the store, and officially became a tenant in Downtown Douglas. Trading their booth for a brick and mortar storefront, John and Debra were faced with what they wanted J&D to become. “When we originally opened, we wanted to offer the locals a quality brand for upscale interiors and gifts, along with offering our fullservice wedding business,” John explained. “We also wanted to offer our out-of-town visitors an experience that would make them want to visit again, and we wanted to build special relationships with clients. Overall, we were working to create an atmosphere that made our clients know that they would be

Hometown Living At Its Best

taken care of when they walked through our door - no matter if they had a huge event to plan or a simple package to wrap.” With the extra square footage, J&D blossomed into a vibrant, upscale decor store with a wedding and event business that finally had a place to call home. “We did all of our design work for weddings and events out of our home before we had a storefront and it was just me and John. Those were crazy times!” Deb laughed. “It makes me proud when I reflect back on those days to see how far we have come!” To step inside of J&D now, it’s hard to believe that John and Debra could have ever contained all of the beauty, magic, and wonder in a small basement booth. But even 15 years later, the Glossons are still the wildeye kids with a booth when it comes to one thing: Christmas. “If it isn’t obvious, Christmas is definitely the part of my business that I enjoy the most, hence all the ‘bling’ hanging from the rafters in my store!” John smiled. “It’s always been the most wonderful time of

Each week, the two made a habit of taking leisurely Saturday afternoon walks through their new little town, stopping to chat and check out the shops along the way. One afternoon, their stroll took them inside Evelyn’s Gifts and Antiques where Evelyn’s daughter, Angela, was tending her late mother’s shop. Following a short conversation, Angela asked John if he and Debra would be interested in purchasing the store. In May of 2006, John signed the papers, changed the name of the store, and officially became a tenant in Downtown Douglas. Trading their booth for a brick and mortar storefront, John and Debra were faced with what they wanted J&D to become.

coffee county living

the year - and to see peoples’ faces light up when they walk through the door makes it all worth it. At the end of the day, our world stops every year to celebrate Jesus’ birth and I always want to be a part of that.” And to think it all started with a purple tree in a basement booth. “The woman who purchased that tree from The Atrium - she coined the name, ‘Dr. Christmas’ for John that year. He still has that nickname with close friends and family,” Deb added. “Christmas was always a big deal in both of our families, so it wasn’t hard to bring that inner joy to our store. It’s now become something that we feel like we do for the community and even the people who now make it their tradition to visit from out-oftown. From Florida to Atlanta, our Christmas visitors come from all over!” Just when it was suspected that the town might start fighting over a coveted invitation to a J&D catered wedding, the Glossons’ warm hospitality spilled over into the store’s adjoining building and cooked up a café. Serving up catering favorites,

family recipes, and meticulously perfected creations of his own, John took on yet another hat: chef. If you’re keeping track, John and Debra were running a store, purchasing merchandise, cooking meals, washing dishes, designing weddings all while continuing to like each other just as much as they loved each other. “We truly work as a team. Working as husband and wife obviously has its challenges, but I think we do a pretty good job at it. I’m sure a few of our employees could tell some stories.” John smiled. Though John and Debra are the faces of their store, J&D is really a family affair. From their beloved Whoodles, Bing and Tallulah, to their talented staff, the Glossons credit their support system for helping them maintain a culture of excellence within their business. “We wouldn’t be who we are and I wouldn’t have all these incredible memories if it weren’t for my sister Rebecca, and our friends Archie, Ms. Debbie, and Austen…the list goes on and on. It’s making me emotional thinking back on all of

Hometown Living At Its Best

it now. They’re no longer working here at J&D, but they will always be a part of our family,” Deb reminisced. For its 15th birthday, J&D gifted their beloved corner store with a fresh coat of paint and a little facelift. Boasting a new logo, a modern menu design, and a renovated space, the shop could be confused as being newly opened. But if you take a seat in the café and take a look at the commissioned photographs hanging on the walls that each highlight the beauty of Coffee County, it’s easy to tell that you’re in the same place that has worked tirelessly to love, support, and honor our community for so many years. “When I think of where we are and where we’ve been, I give all glory and thanksgiving to God. When I think of J&D’s history thus far, it’s overwhelming to think of all of the wonderful clients who have walked through our doors,” John expressed. “It’s not every day that a business makes it even one year, but I’ll be the first to say that it’s all about the customers who have faithfully

coffee county living

supported our business. I’m so grateful for each of you. We have the best little town around!” Tucked between bushes and a mere six feet from the welcoming doors of J&D sits a metal bench. One might think it’s odd for a bench to face a storefront; who would sit there to pass the time? More than once, the bench has been a shady spot for the husband tapping his feet and holding a togo box stuffed with that night’s midnight feast: remnants of the blue plate special. And often it’s been the setting for final moments of rushed conversation between girlfriends who bumped into each other somewhere near the candles. Seasonally, it’s a place to rest your feet as you examine your holiday shopping treasures and marvel at the Christmas display twinkling in the windows. Yes, some might think it’s odd for a bench to face a storefront. But for the citizens of Coffee County, we know. That bench faces one of the most beautiful views in town: a place built on and sustained by love.  CCL

Proudly serving South Georgia! Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest we can lend a helping hand to ensure you make the best decision for you, your family, or your business.

Doretha Jenkins, Agent 912-381-1630

William Amerson, Agent 912-592-8854 Debra Gillis, Agent 912-381-6759

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Tyler Ware, Agent 912-381-2119

E. Bruce Brewer, Broker, GRI 912-592-1796

Breanna Ware, Agent 912-850-6641

802 Ward Street East | Douglas, GA 31533 | brewerrealty.net | 912-384-0900

A Real

Family Atmosphere Dr. Wilson enjoys the family atmosphere at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC.

coffee county living

For the past five years, expert podiatrist Nicole Wilson, DPM, has been providing highly personalized care for her patients at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC at their Douglas and Fitzgerald locations. Known for her compassion and gentle nature, Dr. Wilson says she enjoys the team spirit of working at the practice. “We strive to have a real family atmosphere here. Doctors David Murphy and Gregory Kramer began the practice two decades ago with only the locations in Waycross and Douglas,” she says. “Since that time, we’ve grown to around sixteen physicians at over fifteen locations. Our growth results from the fact that when a patient comes to us, they can rest assured that their concerns will be met head-on. We treat them as if we were treating our own family members.” A native of Chicago, Dr. Wilson earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was there that she focused her studies on hospital administration as well as health education. She worked as the director of a Cancer Resource Center before graduating with her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2011. “I now take a special interest in the areas of the diabetic foot and ankle care, reconstructive surgery,

With close to fifteen convenient locations throughout Southeast Georgia and South Carolina, Ankle and Foot Associates, LLC provides superior lower extremity care to patients of all ages. Dr. Wilson and the entire team at Ankle & Foot Associates are either board qualified or board-certified, so their team has the skill and experience required to meet any patient’s needs.

total ankle joint replacement, pediatrics, lower extremity wound care, and flatfoot,” she says. As a board member of the Georgia Podiatric Medical Association, Dr. Wilson is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. She is currently on staff at Coffee Regional Medical Center, Irwin County Hospital, Dorminy Medical Center, and Bacon County Hospital. “It’s funny because when I was going through training, I was always the girl who said I would never do surgery; now I specialize in it, and I’m happy to bring my skills to this area,” she explains. “I really love the fact that in podiatry, we can normally resolve a patient’s issue by the time they walk out of our office.” Outside the office, Dr. Wilson says she enjoys singing, reading, and helping others through her ministerial work. “I love the joy I get from helping others, whether through my practice or at my church, FaithONE17 in Douglas. I feel

204 Westside Drive Douglas, Georgia 31533 912.384.4121 www.anklesandfeet.com

like I continue my ministerial work in the medical field,” she says. She also loves spending time with her husband, Brandon. “We are real couch potatoes,” she laughs. “We love to watch movies or spend time with our dog, Quest.” With close to fifteen convenient locations throughout Southeast Georgia and South Carolina, Ankle and Foot Associates, LLC provides superior lower extremity care to patients of all ages. Dr. Wilson and the entire team at Ankle & Foot Associates are either board qualified or board-certified, so their team has the skill and experience required to meet any patient’s needs. “We have also managed to remain purely podiatric-based, which makes us rather unique,” adds Dr. Wilson with a smile. “Normally, you’re combined with other specialties, but we have remained all-inclusive. I think it goes back to our founding physicians, who seem to have discovered the magic formula for our success.” Hometown Living At Its Best

Turning Eyesores into

Sights for Sore Eyes

coffee county living

Story By David Pena Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography & Provided

M Cindy McNeill, Douglas’s Mayor Pro Tem, is passionate about attempts to improve the distressed areas in her town.

Most of us have driven around town, only to notice some vacant, dilapidated property that’s in dire need of renovation. Aside from being eyesores to the community, abandoned properties can also present a real problem for the surrounding neighborhood. And if you live next to one, you know first-hand that they can bring down property values, and may also pose a threat to the nearby residents. When properties remain vacant for long periods of time, they generally fall into disrepair, and eventually they might even be abandoned by the owners. When this happens, the property poses significant fire and safety hazards. They can even attract vandals, as well as criminal activity to the area. This ultimately creates a negative ripple effect, lowering adjacent property values and contributing to the decline of entire neighborhoods. Cindy McNeill, Douglas’s Mayor Pro Tem, says, “As a member of the city commission, I am passionate about these private properties and our attempts to improve the distressed areas in our town. I’ve seen many local properties just plummet in their value from either neglect or

Hometown Living At Its Best

Front row: (L-R) Theodore Braswell, Benny Dockery, Shanda Henderson, Cindy McNeill Back row: (L-R) Adam Lott, Rodger Goddard, Dennis Josey, Georgia Henderson

coffee county living

When properties remain vacant for long periods of time, they generally fall into disrepair, and eventually they might even be abandoned by the owners. When this happens, the property poses significant fire and safety hazards. They can even attract vandals, as well as criminal activity to the area. This ultimately creates a negative ripple effect, lowering adjacent property values and contributing to the decline of entire neighborhoods.

vandalism. That’s why I’m extremely proud to be part of our local Land Bank Authority.” The Douglas-Coffee County Land Bank Authority (LBA) was formed in 2016 as a five-member citycounty board whose primary aim is to work closely with the community to generate property redevelopment. Land banks are basically governmental entities or nonprofit corporations that help convert vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties into areas of productive use. “We have tried to pattern our LBA after the one in Thomasville, Georgia,” says Mayor McNeill. “We’ve witnessed their success and want to duplicate what they’ve been able to do.” Land banks, in essence, are a direct response to the growing trend of vacancy and abandonment. The land banks acquire the title to problem properties and

Hometown Living At Its Best 23

then transfer these properties to new, responsible owners, which result in outcomes that are consistent with community-based plans. LBA treasurer Benny Dockery, a Douglas commercial real estate broker, says, “We have many distressed private properties in Douglas, and through the LBA we’re trying to help the owners who don’t know what else to do with their property. We basically provide an avenue for landowners who have no other option.” Like other Land Banks across the country, the Douglas Land Bank’s main objective is to acquire tax delinquent, or non-revenue generating property, and return it to productive use. This can include the sale of land and property for the development of affordable housing and the abatement of delinquent taxes. Cindy McNeill, who is also chairperson of the LBA, says, “We basically acquire and maintain problem properties and then transfer the properties back to responsible ownership and revenue-generating use in our community. Sometimes, because of zoning and other issues,

coffee county living

the property will just not fit with the overall makeup of the surrounding neighborhood, so that’s where we come in.” This, in turn, creates a more efficient way to eliminate problem areas in Douglas and Coffee County. Land banks originated in the 1960s as an urban planning tool. Over the past two decades, however, they have become an increasingly important tool for cities ripe with vacant and abandoned properties due to foreclosure or when owners often simply leave without notice. The LBA works collaboratively with city and county departments to produce affordable housing, new industry, as well as tax revenue. “When landowners donate their property to the LBA in exchange for tax relief, we then try to sell the property to prospective landowners who would, in turn, do something productive with it,” explains Benny Dockery. “This trend helps to increase the land’s property value while decreasing the chance for criminal activity in the area.” Rodger Goddard, City Marshal and Code

Land banks, in essence, are a direct response to the growing trend of vacancy and abandonment. The land banks acquire the title to problem properties and then transfer these properties to new, responsible owners, which result in outcomes that are consistent with community-based plans. LBA treasurer Benny Dockery, a Douglas commercial real estate broker, says, “We have many distressed private properties in Douglas, and through the LBA we’re trying to help the owners who don’t know what else to do with their property. We basically provide an avenue for landowners who have no other option.”

Enforcement Officer, explains that safety is also an important issue when it comes to abandoned or neglected properties. “Some of the older houses in the city may have asbestos siding or lead paint. If someone inherits this type of property, they usually don’t have the funds to go through the proper abatement procedures in order to bring it up to code,” he explains. “They have the option to donate it to the LBA. Then we can sell it to a developer or investor who does have the means to do it, thereby improving the quality of life for the community as a whole.” “My role includes helping to coordinate and promote activities and events that foster a strong and active community,” states Georgia Henderson, Community Development Director. “Part of this responsibility involves encouraging compliance, through

Hometown Living At Its Best

Rodger Goddard, City Marshal and Code Enforcement Officer, explains that safety is also an important issue when it comes to abandoned or neglected properties. “Some of the older houses in the city may have asbestos siding or lead paint. If someone inherits this type of property, they usually don’t have the funds to go through the proper abatement procedures in order to bring it up to code.”

coffee county living

code enforcement efforts, to declining neighborhoods and business districts due to these blighted properties.” In May 2020, the Land Bank Authority received their first donated property from the city of Douglas, which received their donation from Wells Fargo Bank. The property quickly sold to a young college student, and the new homeowner is currently making renovations to it. He soon plans to lease the property for a single family dwelling. Since May, the LBA has also received other donations of land, which is very promising. “We are so pleased to have recently had our first success story, and there’s more to come,” says Cindy McNeill. “In fact, we are now in the process of obtaining our 501c3 status. It’s also important to note that no single person benefits from the sale of these properties, not the attorneys or realtors or any of us on the board - the funds go right back into the budget for the best use by the city. So many little towns like Douglas are dying; however, I want to see Douglas become a place that my children would like to come back to.” Benny Dockery adds, “I was born and raised in Coffee County, and I’m very passionate about this area; this is where my roots are. We want folks who are moving to our area to be proud of what they see. As a member of the Land Bank Authority, I’m pleased to help generate a win-win situation for everyone involved with it.” For more information about the Land Bank Authority or about deeding a property to the LBA, please contact Georgia Henderson, City of Douglas Community Development Director, at (912) 3830277 or email ghenderson@cityofdouglas.com. CCL

ITALIAN QUALITY AT AMERICA’S PACE®. 1351 SE BOWENS MILL RD UNIT F | 912.260.1280 502 S PETERSON AVE, DOUGLAS, GA 31533 | 912.260.1280 230 KINGSBAY RD KINGSLAND GA 31548 | 912-576-1320

Preserving

History Bryan Rumker is honoring Douglas’ history and taking an active role in preserving that history for the next generation.

coffee county living

When Bryan Rumker began looking for a permanent home for his law practice, he knew he wanted to honor Douglas’ history and take an active role in preserving that history for the next generation. Purchasing a home on 118 W. Bryan St. to serve as his offices, Bryan quickly delved into learning about the home’s history while working to bring the building up to today’s standards. “We wanted it to look as new and professional as possible while maintaining what was here originally,” he said. Built in 1908, the home was purchased in 1923 by Mose Hanna, an immigrant from Lebanon who settled in Douglas with his brother, Joseph Hanna, and their families. Mose and his wife, Rose, founded Hanna’s, a children’s clothing store in downtown Douglas. Their daughter, Louise Patricia Hanna, eventually took over the family business, and lived at the house on W. Bryan Street until very late in life. She never married and had no children, but was known as being a motherly figure to many nieces and nephews. In 1991 she was named an honorary member of the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, a Catholic order founded in 1816 and called “specialists of the most difficult missions” by Pope Pius XI. Louise served as a volunteer for St. Paul’s Catholic Church her entire life.

In practice since 2014 and a lifelong Douglas resident, Bryan’s offices are now up and running from this beautifully preserved home. The majority of his law practice is child advocacy, and the firm is the Special Assistant to the Attorney General for three counties, and represents the Division of Family and Children Services and the state in those proceedings. In addition, they practice criminal defense, personal injury and family law.

When she passed in 2018 at age 97, her lifelong home sat vacant, and remained so until Bryan purchased it for his law practice. He spent the next 10 months working to restore the house to its original splendor. “We intended to leave it all original, but we had to change out some of the old wood that was warped. We realized the house had very little insulation, and that forced us to strip the walls to put in new insulation,” he said. “We discovered the wiring was original to 1908 and plumbing was original as well. It turned into much more of a project than we anticipated, but the end result was so worth the effort.” When upgrading the home, he tried to use as much of the original elements as possible. “The flooring is the same, the trim work around windows is same and the windows at the top of the doors are original, which is really cool,” he said. In practice since 2014 and a lifelong Douglas resident, Bryan’s offices are now up and running from this beautifully preserved home. The majority of his law practice is child advocacy, and the firm is the Special Assistant to the Attorney General for three counties, and represents the Division of Family and Children Services and the state in those proceedings. In addition, they practice criminal defense, personal injury and family law. Just as he took the time to invest in a historic home, he feels that same investment in his clients. “My staff and I get personally involved in cases. We answer the phone, we call you back, we listen to you,” he said. “We get emotionally involved, and that’s what sets us apart.”

118 W Bryan St, Douglas, GA 31533 Hometown Living At Its Best

FIND your passion 30

coffee county living

Story By Alexa Tebben | Photos by Paintbrush Keli & DJM Photography

Keli Lowe has learned to never give up on whatever can bring her joy.

It’s never too late to find your passion. It’s only too late if you never try. Keli Lowe grew up near the lake in Baymeadows and thrived on the fresh air and serenity of the neighborhood. The lake was a comfort in those years of self-discovery, and she loved it so much she wanted her own children to have the same experience. “I chose to move back to Baymeadows when I became a mother,” Keli tells me. “I wanted my daughter to enjoy outdoor living in a quiet, peaceful environment.” As a child, Keli found joy in creative expression often by means of color pencil drawings. When she was eight-years-old, Keli was drawing outside with a friend when the local newspaper came by and took a picture of her hard at work. They printed the picture in their next issue. Keli relishes the sheer joy she experienced as a child receiving recognition for art, and she describes it as one of the best experiences she’s had to date. Despite her young love of drawing, Keli had hesitations about art that may have delayed her artistic career. “As a child, I wanted to be an artist,” she remembers, “but I was told you can’t be an artist in a small town and make money.” As an adult, however, Keli decided to stop listening to these claims and found a way to make it work. It was a process that included 20 years and a few career searches along the way. Following her years at Coffee County High School, Keli attended East Central Technical College to study computers for one brief semester. She quickly decided that a career in computers was not for her, and she switched paths to pursue cosmetology. With a prominent background in cosmetology and a history of working at her mom’s beauty shop since age 13, she felt well equipped for this career change. In fact, it didn’t feel like a change at all. Hometown Living At Its Best

Although always interested in art, Keli never had a strong pull towards painting. Watching her mother, Dora Winters Jardine, paint at home in the same familiar style, Keli thought of painting as a restricting form of art. “I thought it [art] was expected to be painted one way,” she admits. Now an adult, she decided to pursue painting in her own style. “I just started using a paintbrush like I would a pencil and went from there,” Keli says simply.

Despite moving to Atlanta and receiving her microblading license and eyelash extension license, she still wanted more. The cosmetology industry was a familiar world that Keli had outgrown. In the meantime, Keli moved back to her hometown and reconnected with Jeremiah Lowe, a man she had known briefly before. He encouraged Keli to pursue whatever would bring her joy, and she appreciated his unwavering support. “I wouldn’t have gotten this far without him being there and rooting me on,” she says beaming with love. They got married and started a family with a beautiful little girl. Jeremiah’s encouragement never faltered, and Keli continued the search for her passion. Although always interested in art, Keli never had a strong pull towards painting. Watching

coffee county living

Hometown Living At Its Best

her mother, Dora Winters Jardine, paint at home in the same familiar style, Keli thought of painting as a restricting form of art. “I thought it [art] was expected to be painted one way,” she admits. Now an adult, she decided to pursue painting in her own style. “I just started using a paintbrush like I would a pencil and went from there,” Keli says simply. Keli quickly broke into the artistic world making friendships and connections with local artists. She collaborated with Lisa Folsom on a mural inside a butcher shop and eagerly joined a few paint parties Lisa hosted. “It got me into the calligraphy part of art and helped me improve my writing skills with paint,” Keli says of the experience. She later painted a mural of a hare at the Gopher Tortoise Festival, and it helped her realize her love of painting large. Lee Mobley, another painter who did a piece for the festival, was stepping down from the window painting he had been doing around town. Keli saw an opportunity for something new and ran after it with eager ambition. “I wanted to find my own way and I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes in the process,”

34 coffee county living

Having finally found her calling, Keli breathes easily with every paint stroke. She has decided to encourage her four-year-old daughter to pursue her passions despite any stigmatisms surrounding her profession of choice. To her delight, her young daughter enjoys art just as much as she does. “She paints with me,” Keli says affectionately. “I let her paint with watercolor because it’s easier to clean up. Usually she wants to paint when I paint.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Keli quickly broke into the artistic world making friendships and connections with local artists. She collaborated with Lisa Folsom on a mural inside a butcher shop and eagerly joined a few paint parties Lisa hosted. “It got me into the calligraphy part of art and helped me improve my writing skills with paint,” Keli says of the experience.

she tells me. Window painting was just the thing she felt was missing, and she quickly got to work. Her paintings are hardly indicative of a new artist. Even today, it’s difficult to believe she has only done window painting for one year. Much of her beautiful artwork is done with latex on glass windows because it can easily be removed. Businesses in the area love hiring Keli to spruce up their outside look. One of her favorite places to paint is the area near Tip Top Restaurant. Behind the restaurant are outside seating options, a pergola and cute shops to browse. Restaurant and shop owners hire Keli to paint the windows of their buildings and she loves it more than anything. “I get over there and I just paint one building after another,” she explains. “I love it back there and the people are great. They’re like family.” She has gotten to know these business owners because of the vast amount of time she spends painting there, and the friendships she has gained through this have added much joy to her work.

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In the two years that she’s been painting, Keli has done work for restaurants, boutiques, a floral shop, a COVID-19 appreciation piece for essential workers, another in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and much more. She has painted her way all through town to support and love on the community. As a new artist, she’s still blossoming into the role and loving every minute and learning experience along the way. “I’m so new at painting that I’m still trying to find my way. I’m trying to find my style and my thing,” she admits. It might take more work, but Keli is optimistic she will find her perfect niche in the art world. Having finally found her calling, Keli breathes easily with every paint stroke. She has decided to encourage her four-year-old daughter to pursue her passions despite any stigmatisms surrounding her profession of choice. To her delight, her young daughter enjoys art just as much as she does. “She paints with me,” Keli says affectionately. “I let her paint with watercolor because it’s easier to clean up. Usually she wants to paint when I paint.” Since

Keli’s mother is also an artist there are three generations of painters in the family. What great talent and passion for the paintbrush they each possess, and it brings joy to them to share this gift. For Keli, specifically, it has been a new beginning, a way to enrich her community and the creative outlet she never knew she needed. CCL

One of her favorite places to paint is the area near Tip Top Restaurant. Behind the restaurant are outside seating options, a pergola and cute shops to browse. Restaurant and shop owners hire Keli to paint the windows of their buildings and she loves it more than anything. “I get over there and I just paint one building after another,” she explains. “I love it back there and the people are great. They’re like family.” She has gotten to know these business owners because of the vast amount of time she spends painting there, and the friendships she has gained through this have added much joy to her work.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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ON THE

WILD SIDE 42

coffee county living

Story By David Pena Photos by DJM Photography & Tyler Lott

Whether it involves removing a reptile from a residence, relocating a rare rattlesnake, or regularly working with over 50 species of indigenous wildlife, Tyler “Gatorboy” Lott loves his work.

Whether it involves removing a reptile from a residence, relocating a rare rattlesnake, or regularly working with over 50 species of indigenous wildlife, Tyler “Gatorboy” Lott loves his work. The 23-yearold educator and naturalist lives to spread the word about the importance of the various native wildlife found throughout the Southeast. To date, he has given over 200 wildlife presentations to eager audiences throughout the state of Georgia. “When it comes to my demonstrations, I try to educate others, but I also hope to encourage them to get out and enjoy the outdoors like I’ve always done,” he explains. The young naturalist says he truly enjoys educating the public about native wildlife, but education is only part of the picture. “I really feel that education is the key to conservation, and that has become my mission statement,” says Tyler. “I want to promote conservation and wildlife appreciation by using reptiles in my presentations. Since most people are usually afraid of them, I feel that if I can get them to appreciate reptiles more, then they’ll learn to appreciate all wildlife.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

Tyler’s love for wildlife began while growing up in Ambrose, Georgia, where his father and grandfather would take the young boy hunting and fishing. “We hunted anything that had a legal hunting season. I’ve always really loved sportsmanship, and I’ve never been the type of person to sit around and play video games,” he says. When he began high school, Tyler began to look at wildlife in a whole new way. “I began thinking of ways to make it my career path,” he explains. “It was around that time that I completed a wildlife presentation at General Coffee State Park in Douglas. I really enjoyed the process and wanted to do more shows.” However, there was a stumbling block; because he was under the age of eighteen, Tyler needed to obtain a permit to use native wildlife in his presentations. “Luckily, my dad reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to obtain written permission for me.” It was also around this time that he began working on his book entitled Georgia’s Reptiles and Amphibians: A Quick Field Guide, which is in the process of publication. After receiving his permit, Tyler began to do presentations on native wildlife all around the state. Gina Gibbs, Program Coordinator for Coffee County Parks and Recreation, says, “Tyler has a great way to connect with children. His love for the wildlife is infectious,

Far from being a one-trick pony, Tyler is also a well-known radio personality. His father, Stanley Lott, was an athletic trainer at the University of Georgia with an extensive sports background. This naturally carried over to Tyler’s interests. so the father and son duo began a call-in radio program on 101.9 WPNG about a year ago. “We basically focus on high school, college and pro level sports throughout the state,” says Tyler. The show airs from 5 to 7 pm every Friday night.

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and he motivates our campers to take care of it!” He also began assisting with 911 calls that dealt with reptiles. In the summer of 2018, Tyler responded to a call from a woman who spotted a large snake in her home. When Tyler arrived, he was met by a frightened boy holding a broom handle with steak knives duct taped to it, and his mother was sitting on top of the refrigerator. When they described the snake to Tyler, he immediately knew it was a rat snake, which commonly ventures into residences. They directed him to a bottom cabinet, where he spotted a penny-sized hole leading into the wall. The woman then called her cousin who lived next door. “He came in carrying a sledgehammer and handed it to me,” laughs Tyler. “She told me to tear a hole in her wall and

find the snake, but there was no way I was going to do that!” After debating with the woman about performing the impromptu home “renovation,” Tyler noticed something out of the corner of his eye. When the woman looked over her shoulder, all her fears were confirmed. The three-foot-long rat snake was hanging on the wall above her. She jumped down, knocking the refrigerator over. “The cousin was already out the door in full sprint across the lawn, still carrying his sledgehammer,” he says with a laugh. Ultimately, though, he caught the snake for the woman. “I explained to her how the rat snake’s job is to catch and eat mice; it must have ventured inside looking for mice. It just Hometown Living At Its Best

Tyler doesn’t just rid residences of reptiles. In 2019, “Gatorboy” also assisted David Evans with getting a rare wild albino eastern diamondback rattlesnake from Coffee County to Zoo Atlanta so that a vet team could treat its injuries.

shows that from the smallest gnat to the biggest elephant, all things have a purpose.” Tyler doesn’t just rid residences of reptiles. In 2019, “Gatorboy” also assisted David Evans with getting a rare wild albino eastern diamondback rattlesnake from Coffee County to Zoo Atlanta so that a vet team could treat its injuries. That’s why Tyler says he founded Southeastern Wildlife Encounters, to educate others about the importance of all living things. This involves camps with the Parks and Recreations Department and presentations for the local Boys & Girls Club.

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“I’ve done presentations at schools, festivals, and parks all over the state,” he says proudly. In addition, Tyler is also a certified nature guide at the Broxton Rocks Preserve for the Nature Conservancy, where he conducts about five tours a year. Tyler also took time to start a nonprofit in the summer of 2017 called “Keeping Coffee Green.” Its sole purpose is to help keep the county’s parks and rivers free of litter, and so far he says the nonprofit has definitely made a difference. “It’s a 501c3 that I created to help clean up around our

county.” A few times a year, Tyler enlists some volunteers to help clean up a river, creek, wildlife sanctuary or park. One of the biggest projects Tyler and his group took on involved a public biking trail. “We had around 30 volunteers for that project. We cleaned approximately 100 yards of a creek bank near a biking trail with enough litter to fill 143 bags of trash as well as over 50 car tires,” he recalls. Currently a senior in the Agricultural Education Program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College,

Hometown Living At Its Best

After receiving his permit, Tyler began to do presentations on native wildlife all around the state. Gina Gibbs, Program Coordinator for Coffee County Parks and Recreation, says, “Tyler has a great way to connect with children. His love for the wildlife is infectious, and he motivates our campers to take care of it!”

Tyler is working toward getting his teaching degree so that he can educate youngsters full time. Farish Mulkey, Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Education Department, says, “Tyler is really passionate about forestry and wildlife, and he brings a tremendous amount of practical experience. That’s why I think he’ll be an effective teacher, and he’s been very involved in our program here.” Far from being a one-trick pony, Tyler is also a well-known radio personality. His father, Stanley Lott, was an athletic trainer at the University of Georgia with an extensive sports background. This naturally carried over to Tyler’s interests. so the father and son duo began a call-in radio program on 101.9 WPNG about a year ago. “We basically focus on high school, college and pro level sports throughout the state,” says Tyler. The show airs from 5 to 7 pm every Friday night. Through efforts like his Wildlife Encounters, Tyler says that he’s fighting the good fight for the environment and the great outdoors. “I feel proud to help impact young lives with this program while encouraging them to enjoy the outdoors. My motto has always been ‘Encounter your wild side.’ In my opinion, there’s too many people on the couch these days. I also want kids to know that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from as long as you have a passion for something, you can set goals and accomplish just about anything in this world, if you set your mind to it. Everything I do, whether it’s through wildlife presentations or clean-up projects, it has all been about leaving a positive impact on future generations.” CCL 48

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Emory Healthcare Network Affiliates collaborate with Emory on quality and safety initiatives to improve care locally. Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hope

Light it Up with

54 coffee county living

Story By Jordan Calhoun Photos by Amber Bounds, Archie Rish, Tinika Bennett Photography and others

As COVID began its slow descent onto U.S. soil, the residents of Coffee County refused to let the fear and hysteria that was starting to grip the world drive a wedge into their community. Before there was a single positive COVID-19 case in Coffee Regional Medical Center, the county was already banding together to support small business, serve the at-risk and immunocompromised, and encourage one another to keep the faith. As the community hunkered down and prepared for the inevitable, a local church decided that there had to be a way to lean on each other from six feet apart. “It actually started with me thinking about crawling up into my attic to grab Christmas lights so that I could create a visual reminder for my lawn that Jesus is light in the darkness,” Archie Rish, the Discipleship Pastor at GracePointe Church in Douglas remembered. “I told my idea to some friends and one of them mentioned that it would be great if the folks inside the hospital could see those lights.” The friend, healthcare professional Holly Mobley, was speaking from a place of knowing what healthcare workers in other hospitals were already experiencing.

As COVID began its slow descent onto U.S. soil, the residents of Coffee County refused to let the fear and hysteria that was starting to grip the world drive a wedge into their community.

Hometown Living At Its Best

As cars continued to fill the parking lot that just a few weeks later would host a COVID-19 testing site, nurses waved from windows overlooking the vigil and held up signs for those gathered to see. Many people surveyed the crowd from the sunroofs of their cars and filmed the scene to post on social media. Kristen Deen’s video in particular was shot from her floor of the hospital and went on to be recognized by several national news organizations.

“As a nurse who worked for a short time in the hospital setting, I know how hard those nurses work and the hours they put in. It’s not easy work. So I thought it was a great idea to encourage CRMC and other healthcare workers and let them know that our small community cares and is thankful for them,” Holly expressed. “At the same time, I thought it would be great to pray for them as well, because we know that the Lord cares for us, hears our prayers, and ultimately, has the final say in COVID-19...along with everything else.” Archie’s wheels began turning. What if what he imagined as a testimony to his neighborhood was meant to be a testimony to the whole county? Inspired, Archie took to his computer to create a quick graphic for an event he dubbed, “Light It Up With Hope.” He called the pastor of GracePointe Church, Chris Watson, who immediately became excited about the event. “It was a no brainer. When Archie called I was immediately on board. I said to him, ‘I love it. Let’s do it.’” The plan was to host a drive-in prayer vigil where attendants would stay in their cars and lift up the hospital workers with their own families…a powerful expression of Matthew 18:20 (“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”) in the midst of social distancing. To display their support to the hospital staff, cars would turn on their flashers to literally illuminate the darkness. After collaborating with the rest of the church staff, as well as CRMC’s Sarah Brown to finalize the details of the vigil, the team posted the event on their Facebook page. Within hours, the post announcing Light It Up With Hope had over 250 shares. Despite the success on social media, it wasn’t until dozens of cars began rolling into the CRMC parking lot that the community’s support of healthcare workers was truly seen and felt. “I honestly didn’t know what to expect,” remarked ICU nurse Kristen Deen, who had heard about the event through a friend on social media. “To be honest, it took my breath away. I cried, knowing that so many people in our community wanted to rally behind our hospital staff; to encourage us and to pray for us to make it through the fear of COVID-19 that we were facing. I recall

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hearing some of my coworkers say how appreciative they were. They felt as though a simple thank-you wasn’t enough to show the gratitude we felt for Coffee County for showing up for us. It sparked big smiles on a lot of faces.” Cars continued to fill the parking lot that just a few weeks later would host a COVID-19 testing site. This site would be staffed by the Southeast Health District which manages the 17 health department sites across 16 counties. However, the site would be primarily comprised of staff from the Coffee County Health Department. Nurses waved from windows overlooking the vigil and held up signs for those gathered to see. Many people surveyed the crowd from the sunroofs of their cars and filmed the scene to post on social media., nurses waved from windows overlooking the vigil and held up signs for those gathered to see. Many people surveyed the crowd from the sunroofs of their cars and filmed the scene to post on social media. Kristen Deen’s video in particular was shot from her floor of the hospital and went on to be recognized by several national news organizations. “I was shocked at just how far my video reached. I had no idea that my video would go ‘viral,’ as the kids call it,” said Kristen. “I took the video because I wanted to be able to look back on it when the tough times came,

to remember the very reason why we do the job we do. I shared the video on Facebook and Tik Tok and it was shared thousands of times. I was amazed. If I could share just a little bit of hope with everybody, then I felt my job was done. I was contacted by several news outlets including Fox 5 News in Atlanta, ESPN, and even CNN, where it appeared on the Cuomo Primetime segment ‘Ameri-can.’” The next night, the community called for round two. As word continued to spread, Archie and his team at GracePointe took advice from local healthcare workers and created a prayer guide for the evening. Local radio station, 106.3 The Tree, created a worship playlist that would broadcast live during the event. Police officers parked illuminated vehicles in the hospital’s turn lane and directed people safely into the entrance. As the early-arrivers watched the community stream into the lot, it was clear that the crowd had doubled in size from the previous night. Worship music poured out of car windows, neighbors shared encouraging words from across white parking lines, and people knelt at parking block altars. It seemed that in a time where church buildings were forced to close their doors, the body of Christ proved that they weren’t contained by four walls. “We were able to see the love and support our community has for one another and it truly was an

Hometown Living At Its Best 57

As light tends to do, the small flame that was ignited during Light It Up With Hope in Douglas spread like wildfire to other cities. Many churches across the country reached out to GracePointe Church to learn what they needed to do to host a similar event in their community.

coffee county living

overwhelming, heartfelt experience,” expressed Sarah Brown, the Director of Marketing & Public Relations for CRMC. As light tends to do, the small flame that was ignited during Light It Up With Hope in Douglas spread like wildfire to other cities. Many churches across the country reached out to GracePointe Church to learn what they needed to do to host a similar event in their community. “We had several churches reach out to the GracePointe Facebook page or contact our members to learn how we pulled off Light It Up With Hope,” Archie remembered. “The truth is…we just live in the most incredible community of people. We didn’t do much. We just issued a call and Coffee County answered.” It’s possible that most will remember this season as a time when the toilet paper aisle was always empty. But for the citizens of Coffee County and the professionals at Coffee Regional Medical Center, they will remember the nights when darkness was illuminated and hearts were full. “The kindness and prayers offered on behalf of our caregivers by GracePointe Church still brings a smile to the face of all of us at Coffee Regional,” reflected Vicki Lewis, the President and CEO. “The thoughtful gesture was seen and heard by many and made such a difference that night and throughout these unprecedented times. Truly amazing.” CCL

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Coffee County Living

A GIFT

for taste

coffee county living

Story By Alexa Tebben Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography

After leaving her pediatric office to work out of her kitchen full-time, Kylie Carter Day created Pearl, A Cottage Makery.

Starting a business is like taking the first bite of a homemade cupcake. Is the business unprepared, the cupcake undercooked? The anticipation of opening day builds just like the mouthwatering sensation of taking baked goods out of the oven and watching them cool. And while opening the doors of your new business is like opening your mouth to a new flavored cupcake, the possibility of failure is ever present. But for Kylie Carter Day, opening Pearl, A Cottage Makery was like taking the first bite of a perfectly sweetened cupcake she so desperately craved. Kylie’s love of baking began over 20 years ago under the watchful eye of the women who raised her. “I learned how to make a layered cake when I was a little girl in my grandparent’s kitchen and in my mama’s kitchen,” Kylie says. “I really enjoyed it.” In 11th grade, her home economics teacher introduced her to the school’s layered cake fundraiser, where she sculpted her baking talents even further. As Kylie grew up, she pursued other career opportunities, but baking in the kitchen was always her place of comfort.

Hometown Living At Its Best

The store itself reflects the dedication and heritage of the women that inspire Kylie. On the walls of the bakery is custom-made wallpaper consisting of handwritten recipes of Pearl and the women in the entire family. There also hangs a handwritten note from Pearl to Kylie that was etched in wood when she opened the bakery. It speaks of Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride in her greatgranddaughter and of the wonderful woman Kylie has become.

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In spring of 2017, Kylie’s sister-in-law called her in a quandary needing a last-minute cake for her daughter’s birthday. Kylie had been baking and fine-tuning her great-grandmother Pearl’s recipes for years and was up to the task. She told her sister-in-law, “I know how to make good tasting cake. I don’t have much decorating experience but we’ll figure it out.” Not only was the birthday cake a huge hit at the party, it received all sorts of recognition on Facebook when the girls posted a photo of the result. Word of her talent spread, and before Kylie knew it, she was selling cakes and goodies out of her own home. “That’s when wheels started turning and I realized I could make a living out of this,” Kylie explains. In April of 2019, Kylie left her job at a pediatric office to work out of her kitchen full-time. Demand for her orders quickly grew and Kylie wanted to expand her business. In June 2020, she moved her work into an adorable shop and spread the word of her new location. Naming her business in honor of the great-grandmother whose recipes have inspired her since childhood, Pearl, A Cottage Makery was created. Kylie admits, “The first week we opened, I said on Monday, ‘let’s just fire these ovens up. Let’s get people Hometown Living At Its Best

used to coming into Pearl and not coming to my house and calling my cell phone, but finding our new location.’” Never imagining they would attract more business than they could handle, Kylie opened the front doors of Pearl with the help of her mother, Kyndal Haney, and her grandmother, Betty Lott. In celebration of the store opening, they put together Welcome-to-Pearl boxes complete with oatmeal cream pies, homemade turtle treats and a red velvet cupcake with a pearl on top. “I told my mom, ‘if I sell 15 boxes I’ll be tickled,’” Kylie says. That first week, she sold 92 boxes. The demand far exceeded the supply, and Kylie quickly hired a small staff. To Kylie’s surprise and delight, Pearl, A Cottage Makery was an instant hit from the start. “I had hoped that it would be great and I knew that I had a good client base at home,” she says, “but this far exceeds more than you 66 coffee county living

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can ever imagine.” Her dream come true, she dove into the role of business owner and full-time baker with eager ambition. With cupcakes ranging from staple chocolate and vanilla flavors to things like strawberry jalapeño, maple bacon, and creamsicle, there’s always something new to try. “I like being able to be creative,” Kylie says. She thrives off new ideas and flavors, tweaking and perfecting each cupcake to her liking. “Kylie really has a gift for taste,” says her grandmother, Betty, beaming with pride. “It’s her excellence of the product that makes people want to come back because everything is fresh every day.” The store itself reflects the dedication and heritage of the women that inspire Kylie. On the walls of the bakery is custom-made wallpaper consisting of handwritten recipes of Pearl and the women in the entire family. There also hangs a handwritten note from Pearl to Kylie that was etched in wood when she opened the bakery. It speaks of Pearl’s pride in her great-granddaughter and of the wonderful woman Kylie has become. Handfuls of family members have contributed their own unique touch to make Pearl, A Cottage Makery all that it is today. Kylie, along with her mother, Kyndal, and her grandmother, Betty, helped design the shop and purchase materials to get the

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ball rolling. Betty’s son, Morgan, cut a tree which Betty’s nephew, Payton, built into a beautiful 10 foot coffee bar. The intricate woodwork compliments the quaint atmosphere of the shop while providing additional seating. Aunt Cheryl, Betty’s sister, often works the counter while Betty’s youngest daughter, Cassidy, is the CPA that takes care of the shop’s books and taxes. Kylie’s husband, Adam, helps enormously at home with their children, which enables Kylie to pursue her dreams. “We have an incredibly amazing family who gives of their time and love in a big way,” Betty says gratefully. She humbly desires to give God the credit for the success of this family-run business. “He was at work for years to prepare us for this,” she says. “The skills He put together make this business.” Five generations of family have combined all their God-given talents to create this business, and each one of them is excited to help nurture it to its full potential. From the start, the women at Pearl, A Cottage Makery immediately got involved in charity missions and donations. Insisting on baking fresh goods every day, they donate leftover cupcakes and other treats at the end of each day to local hospitals, police departments and fire stations. “It’s just a cupcake,” Kylie says, “but when you

extend it and say, ‘we see you, we love you and we support you,’ it’s a really nice thing.” In addition to giving away cupcakes, Pearl, A Cottage Makery donated to The Good Deed Club in Coffee County to support children in need. They bought 30 pairs of shoes for kids going back to school and put brownies in 50 boxes they donated to the food bank. They also auctioned off a four-layered cake to raise money for back-to-school supplies. “We like to give,” Betty says. “We feel like that’s part of our purpose.” In the span of two weeks, community members joined Pearl’s initiative and bought 70 dozen cupcakes and fresh ground coffee that Pearl, A Cottage Makery donated to school teachers. Because of these efforts, every single person who worked in the Coffee County school systems received a free cupcake. “Our community really has pulled together,” Kylie says. “Everybody is supporting local [businesses] and taking care of their people.” After just a few shorts months of operation, Pearl, A Cottage Bakery has regular customers they absolutely adore. Betty tells me, “The most special thing about our customers is they’re giving [cupcakes] away. Often times, they say, ‘I want a box for me and a box to share.’” The giving spirit of the customers has touched the women of Pearl, A Cottage Makery, and they feel blessed be part of such a giving community. To show her support for her namesake, Pearl checks in with Kylie a few times a week to see how the shop is doing. “She walks in and everybody says, ‘Hey, Grandmother,’” Kylie says laughing. “That’s her name, she’s everybody’s grandmother.” At 86-years-old, Pearl has the pleasure of watching her own recipes not only being made with love, but refined and tailored to perfection. And she couldn’t be more proud. Kylie is thrilled about the work she does and the creative outlet it provides her. “Every day is a learning experience,” she says of being a new business owner. But it’s a joyous season and one she hopes continues with as much success as it began.  CCL

With cupcakes ranging from staple chocolate and vanilla flavors to things like strawberry jalapeño, maple bacon, and creamsicle, there’s always something new to try. “I like being able to be creative,” Kylie says. She thrives off new ideas and flavors, tweaking and perfecting each cupcake to her liking. “Kylie really has a gift for taste,” says her grandmother, Betty, beaming with pride. “It’s her excellence of the product that makes people want to come back because everything is fresh every day.”

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Renown with a Purpose 74

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Story By Alexa Tebben | Photos by Tinika Bennett Photography

Lane Morgan, Douglas County native and business owner of Renown Cargo Trailers, believes God’s love is not contained inside the walls of any church building. It lives in the hearts and actions of His followers, and Lane passionately desires to show people that love every day. Lane’s journey has been an unexpected one. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Georgia Southern University before becoming a Christian in 2010. After Lane met the Lord, he decided to attend Liberty University and pursue a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and church planting. “I think the biggest obstacles that somebody faces in life is not knowing their identity in Christ,” Lane says. After completing his Master’s, Lane planned to work with churches in spreading the message of Christ. But the Lord had a different plan. While going to school full time, Lane worked at Rock Solid Cargo under owners Tony Wright and Caleb Wright. He tells me the father and son duo took him under their wing and taught him many things about the business. “I knew nothing about cargo trailers,” Lane admits

Lane Morgan, Douglas County native and business owner of Renown Cargo Trailers, believes God’s love is not contained inside the walls of any church building.

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In August, 2019, Lane and Kimberly had a daughter despite believing that would never be a possibility. Yet once again, God blessed them with the desires of their heart and they couldn’t be more thankful. “She is the love of my life,” Lane says of one-year old Vanna Morgan. He speaks dotingly about their little bundle of joy immensely thankful the Lord chose to bless them with a child.

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when he started out. But he was eager to learn and see if he could make something of this career. Despite his plans to advance inside the church, Lane felt called to stay in the cargo trailer business. Following this calling, he moved back home to Douglas after completing his Master’s. It was then that Lane met and fell in love with Kimberly who was working at his mother’s Still Water’s Outreach for women seeking a life of sobriety. Lane and Kimberly got married, and in February of 2018 they started Renown Cargo Trailers. “We wanted this business to be a platform for the gospel and be able to give more than we’ve ever been able to give,” Lane says. When asked why they chose the name Renown Cargo Trailers for their company, Lane says, “The word renown means to make famous or worldwide and that was our focus. We just want to make the name of Jesus famous.”

Renown Cargo Trailers is quickly expanding as the Lord provides them with new innovative ideas to change their industry. In addition, Lane has created financing options for his customers to help them finance their purchases.

Integrating his faith into every aspect of his new business, Lane set forth to sell trailers while promoting the gospel. Lane has gotten creative in serving the needs of his customers. They offer a variety of custom trailers such as office trailers, pet grooming trailers, portable restroom trailers – you name it. When a customized trailer is ordered through a manufacturer it can take up to 20 weeks after purchase before the customer can take it home. To shorten the wait period, Lane decided to order the shell of his trailers from the manufacturer and have them customized elsewhere for a wait time of 4 to 6 weeks. He calls this aspect of the business Kingdom Creations Customizing, and his customers love the quality and customization Renown Cargo Trailers offers. To make his cargo trailer company even more unique, Lane has partnered with Aaron Bennett to create what they call, Taste and See. Complete with a 26ft fully loaded concession trailer with a full kitchen, they plan to serve food and provide conversation to show their love for the community. “Food brings people together,” Lane says. They want to lavish the Lord’s love on those that come both spiritually and physically hungry to taste and see that the Lord is good. “God’s put us all together and we’ve got one vision and one mission and that’s just to bless each other,” he says. Renown Cargo Trailers is quickly expanding as the Lord provides them with new innovative ideas to change their industry. In addition, Lane has created financing options for his customers to help them finance their purchases. He tells me, “We built our business on four simple things: we do what we say we’re going to do, we work hard and hustle, we treat people right and we glorify God. Those were the four simple things that the Lord told me to build this business on and that success would follow.” Ever convinced of the Lord’s faithfulness, Lane continues to run his business on these

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To make his cargo trailer company even more unique, Lane has partnered with Aaron Bennett to create what they call, Taste and See. Complete with a 26ft fully loaded concession trailer with a full kitchen, they plan to serve food and provide conversation to show their love for the community.

principles believing in the mission of spreading the gospel through this unique avenue. Lane and Kimberly are business owners that truly care not only about their customers’ needs but the needs of their employees. “God surrounded me with a bunch of champions,” he says, humbly commending each of his employees for their dedication and hard work. “We love creating jobs for people and seeing them financially free and being able to support their families,” Lane says. He paraphrases Rex Crain, a motivational speaker, author and life coach, saying, “A job will bore you to death but a calling will invigorate you and energize you.” And anyone who speaks to Lane can immediately see how invigorated and enthusiastic he is to be a business owner and use that position to fulfill the calling God has placed on his life. Lane says of the Lord, “He wants us to be the church outside the walls. And we’re having the time of our lives,” he adds, confirming that there is fulfillment and joy when you follow in the Lord’s will for your life. In August, 2019, Lane and Kimberly

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had a daughter despite believing that would never be a possibility. Yet once again, God blessed them with the desires of their heart and they couldn’t be more thankful. “She is the love of my life,” Lane says of one-year old Vanna Morgan. He speaks dotingly about their little bundle of joy immensely thankful the Lord chose to bless them with a child. Renown Cargo Trailers seems to be expanding by the day as more opportunities arise for the business to grow. “It’s been amazing what the Lord is doing,” Lane says of the rapid development and success of his business. He recites The Passion Translation of Ephesians 3:20 that says, “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most

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unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination. He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” That verse serves as Lane’s foundation. “God has really done that in my life. He’s exceeded my most unbelievable dreams. He’s using us, this business, as a platform to spread the gospel.” And that is truly Lane’s greatest goal and desire, to add to the kingdom of heaven guiding others to the immeasurable joy and fulfillment that is found in the Lord’s love.  CCL

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Story By Alexa Tebben | Photos by DJM Photography

honoring JOURNEY

THE

After Sheila Hughes, tragically passed away in February 2020, Dave Hughes pushed through his grief to honnor the business they built together.

Coffee County’s adorable baby boutique, Kribs and Kradles, has been home to an array of baby products for over 20 years. Offering toys, baby furniture, accessories and genuine customer service to its clients, the store has established a reputable name for itself within the community. But when its beloved owner, Sheila Hughes, tragically passed away in February 2020, the future of the store was left hanging in the balance. Only the hard work and dedication of loved ones she left behind could keep it up and running, but in a time of grief and loss it was a daunting task that threatened to produce more sadness than success. Sheila Hughes opened Kribs and Kradles in July 2000. Her husband, Dave Hughes, tells me that Sheila first opened a kid’s consignment clothing store. “It was a unique business the way she did it,” Dave says. He explains that she got into the business when their own daughter, Renae, was going into 10th grade. Instantly finding joy in the work, Sheila quickly knew she would be in the business for the long haul. The consignment shop did very well the first year, and Dave and Sheila decided to expand. They added infant/juvenile furniture, accessories and other new products coming into the market. The store grew under Sheila’s nurturing supervision quite to her delight. What began as Sheila’s little project expanded into the

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beautiful Kribs and Kradles boutique that still thrives today. In February of 2020 while enjoying a nice evening together, Sheila and Dave were struck by a vehicle. While Dave did not sustain any serious injuries, Sheila passed away after two weeks in the hospital. The sudden loss of his beloved wife was devastating. Dave describes the following months after Sheila’s passing and the distress he had to overcome to keep the store functioning. “After the funeral, I almost didn’t want to go into the store,” he admits. Dave felt the memories made with Sheila in that store were too painful to face, but it was something he knew he would have to overcome. “Finally, I said to myself, ‘Dave, you’re going to have to get involved in that store or it’s not going to be successful.’” Determined to honor Sheila’s work by keeping the store running, he threw himself into the business like never before. Dave went from being unable to walk into the store to spending every Saturday there learning what items they sell, their functions, where they are kept and how much they sell for. “I physically moved every item in that store over a nine-week period,” he says proudly. This helped him learn the setup of the store so he could easily navigate his way through it. “Last fall, my wife and I sat down and we came up

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with some plans,” Dave says. “After the first of the year we wanted to do some small cosmetic type renovations.” They set out to begin painting, retiling and dressing up the store with new fixtures and displays. After Sheila’s passing, the renovations were put on hold as Dave struggled with what to do with the store. As he eventually settled into his new role and decided to keep the store running, completing their remodeling plans was one of the many things he did. “It’s very important to me, that once I got refocused and got myself involved in the store, to carry through in all the plans that she and I discussed,” Dave says. “That’s what she wanted, so that’s what she deserved.” Part of revamping the store included broadening their toy selection. “We increased the toy department and we set up a separate department to infant and toddler developmental learning toys,” Dave says. Having only offered toys during the holiday season, they now sell unique learning games and toys year-round. With the wooden toys, blocks and puzzles found at Kribs and Kradles, your infant can gain fundamental education through these unique means of learning. The store also offers an array of clothes for children under the age of two. “There’s a zip-up onesie for newborns,” Dave says about one of their most popular items. “It’s by Posh Peanut. It’s what the moms are looking for now because it’s just very soft.” Kribs and Kradles also carry Dockatots which are plush inserts to lay your baby in. It’s a hands-free cradle that can The store also offers an array of clothes for children under the age of two. “There’s a zip-up onesie for newborns,” Dave says about one of their most popular items. “It’s by Posh Peanut. It’s what the moms are looking for now because it’s just very soft.” Kribs and Kradles also carry Dockatots which are plush inserts to lay your baby in. It’s a hands-free cradle that can be placed on the floor, sofa or inside a crib. “They feel secure in that,” Dave says. “And that’s the biggest thing babies want – to feel secure.”

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Hometown Living At Its Best 87

be placed on the floor, sofa or inside a crib. “They feel secure in that,” Dave says. “And that’s the biggest thing babies want – to feel secure.” Although he is there on the weekends and stops by during the week, Dave maintains his original job as Main Street Director for Downtown Douglas with the Chamber of Commerce. “I’m not there every day with the customers, my people are,” he says of his employees. Dave values the Kribs and Kradles staff and the personal expertise they each bring to the company. As some of them are mothers themselves, they are well-equipped to guide customers and optimize each shopping experience. But more than that, they strive to continue the work Sheila began with as much enthusiasm for the store’s success as its owner. Dave tells me about a yearly event that Kribs and Kradles, along with many other local businesses, participates in. “We do a

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Holiday Open House in the month of November,” Dave says. “We’ve been doing that here in Douglas for over 30 years. We hold it on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.” On that day, businesses run specials and provide drinks and snacks for shoppers. It allows the stores to introduce their new holiday products for that year while partaking in a joyful event. Kribs and Kradles has always featured a Santa Claus for children to meet and take pictures with. The line often extends out the door and down the street, bringing with it many cheerful customers and shoppers. “On that day, you have a chance to capture a new audience every year,” Dave says. “It’s a real festive atmosphere that day. It’s very successful for Downtown Douglas.” To the delight of its staff and customers, the darling boutique continues to flourish as Sheila always intended. The dedication of her husband in continuing these efforts in her honor speaks

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volumes of their love and commitment to one another. “We worked together on everything we ever did in our lives, but that was her baby,” Dave says. “I really want it to be focused on being Sheila’s business and the great job she did.” He anxiously sets out every day to keep his wife’s memory alive in the work he continues with her store. To honor her even further, Dave is rebranding the store and calling it Sheila’s Kribs and Kradles Baby Emporium. “Everything is dedicated to her,” he tells me. Through his dedication to the store, Dave continues to honor Sheila’s journey with her precious boutique that she nurtured and adored for all those years. And when customers walk into the store today, they are still greeted with the energy and care that Sheila inspired in the people that revered her and continue to honor her name and her store by keeping it alive. CCL

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Five Boys a Bow

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Story By Alexa Tebben | Photos by DJM Photography

For Charlie and Roni Jo Russ, a big family is an adventure of a lifetime.

Starting a family is an adventure of a lifetime. It might turn out exactly as you’ve always dreamed, but for some, there are constant surprises along the way. And sometimes, those surprises make all the difference. For Charlie and Roni Jo Russ, a big family was not always part of the plan. Roni Jo was born and raised in Douglas, Georgia as one of three girls. She was happy with the two siblings she had and wanted the same for her children. “That was the number I was comfortable with,” she explains. For Charlie, things were a bit different. He was one of four siblings, but when they grew up, his parents adopted three more. Coming from a larger family, Charlie was more open and excited about the prospect of having a big family himself. Hopes of growing their own family began to dwindle when Charlie and Roni Jo had difficulties getting pregnant. After a year of trying, they grew discouraged and considered seeking professional medical help. Initial tests did not show anything wrong with either of them, but nonetheless they started considering other options. “Our next step was fertility treatments,” Roni Jo tells me. But just before they moved forward with this, she found out she was pregnant with Harrison.

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With six kids, they often receive more attention than your average family. Roni Jo makes light of the attention and even coordinates the kid’s outfits when on trips and vacations. “For us, it’s just everyday life,” she says. “Having six children is not for everyone, but it is the number we have felt the most complete with and could not imagine it any other way.“

Harrison, although born healthy, arrived five weeks early. With the premature birth following the difficulties of conception, Charlie and Roni Jo did not believe another pregnancy would be easy. But 15 months after Harrison was born, Roni Jo gave birth to twin boys. “Our twins were a surprise blessing to us,” she says of the now 12-year-olds Luke and Brady. Roni Jo finally had the three children she always planned for, but Charlie was less convinced they were done growing their family. He managed to convince her to try for another child, and a few years later they had Joseph. The now seven-year-old was named after Roni Jo’s father, and she speaks of her fourth son’s gentle nature with great fondness. After having Joseph, Roni Jo suffered a miscarriage 11 weeks into her next pregnancy. It was the last straw. “It was emotionally traumatic,” she says, explaining how her boys were old enough to understand what happened and were also saddened by the loss. “We were not going to have more kids.” Hometown Living At Its Best

But she was wrong. Only months later, Roni Jo was pregnant with Elijah. To make this child even more special, he was born on his oldest brother’s birthday. Roni Jo says of “the most amazing little hero” that he was the bundle of joy the family needed immediately following their loss. To Roni Jo’s surprise, she became pregnant with her sixth child. The family held a gender-reveal party where they shot fireworks to reveal the sex of the child. When pink fireworks exploded in the sky, Roni Jo was shocked. “It never crossed my mind that it could be a girl,” she admits. “I was floored; I just knew I was having a boy. I’m a boy mama,” she says laughing. It was certainly unexpected. Six weeks before her daughter was born, Roni 98

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Jo’s beloved father had a heart attack and passed away. “It almost crushed me,” she says choking up. “My dad and I were very close.” To make an already difficult time worse, during labor they experienced complications with the baby and Roni Jo had to have a rushed C-section. It turns out the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck and knotted in two locations. Thankfully, the skilled delivery staff managed to save the baby, now two-year-old Jolie Ruth. “We could have had a very different ending to that delivery,” Roni Jo says, “but she was perfect and she is perfect. I truly believe that my daddy traded his life for hers.” Jolie Ruth was a blessing, not only to her parents and brothers, but to Roni Jo’s mother who found comfort in caring

for her granddaughter so soon after the loss of her husband. With their sixth baby in their arms, Charlie and Roni Jo finally felt the completion they had been looking for. “We knew that she was it,” Roni Jo says, “not only because she was a girl and number six, but when we held her we just knew she was what God had sent us to complete our family.” Raising six little ones is no easy task. When the children were young, Roni Jo admits they went through 72 jars of baby food a week at daycare alone. Between the diaper changes, the packed lunches and the 3:00 a.m. feedings, it’s hard to imagine how Roni Jo kept her sanity, let alone her job. But having already opened her medical practice, Oasis medAesthetics and establishing her career as a PA before having kids, Roni Jo knew she could not give up her work. In the madness of raising those six kids she has continued to excel in her career. “My work is kind of like my first baby. I love my job,” she exclaims, “that’s my thing, that’s what brings me happiness. It doesn’t feel like work to me. Charlie also loves his job and, as a teacher and father of six, he educates and impacts the lives of dozens of children every day. Roni Jo boasts of her husband and the system the two have worked out together. Charlie spends the summer months watching and interacting with their children, and it’s a joy like none other. He takes them road tripping, peach picking and to daytime movies in what the kids have lovingly come to know as Daddy Day Care. Roni Jo tells me of the value she and Charlie put on the outdoors and importance of playing with your siblings. At their encouragement, the boys can often be found riding bikes, fishing, swimming or helping their dad build things. “That’s how kids are supposed to be raised,” she says, “not in front of electronic devices, but outside using their bodies and their minds.” And the boys love it. Two years back, Charlie and Roni Jo purchased a camper to accommodate their travel needs. They have taken the kids on mountain vacations, beach trips, to Disney World – you name it. They love traveling with their children; the unique memories they have created are priceless. Currently, Charlie and Roni Jo are in the process of building a house and barn on 25 acres of land. With two ponds, rafts, dogs and plenty of space to run their horses, the boys will never be bored. To make the experience

While sharing a room, toys and attention may be difficult for the children from time to time, they have an unshakable bond that makes all the headaches worth it. “Yes, we yell and fuss and the boys get in trouble and we get on each other’s nerves,” Roni Jo admits, “but it never lasts.” At the end of the day, they’re all family and they love each other more than anything. Although not every day is perfect, Charlie and Roni Jo are creating a childhood of memories their children will cherish for a lifetime.

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Raising six little ones is no easy task. When the children were young, Roni Jo admits they went through 72 jars of baby food a week at daycare alone. Between the diaper changes, the packed lunches and the 3:00 a.m. feedings, it’s hard to imagine how Roni Jo kept her sanity, let alone her job. But having already opened her medical practice, Oasis medAesthetics and establishing her career as a PA before having kids, Roni Jo knew she could not give up her work.

even more memorable during the building process, they are living out of their camper. Roni Jo laughs nervously as she describes the difficulties of living such a mobile life with a large family, but they love every bit of the experience. Roni Jo boasts of her six children with obvious motherly pride. “Harrison was born to be a big brother,” she says of the oldest. “He’s a very responsible young man even now. We wouldn’t be able to do some of the things we can do if the older boys didn’t pitch in.” The boys recognize ways they can help their parents and eagerly set out to do so. They even indulge their little

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sister in doing pedicures and face masks with her. Roni Jo laughs as she admits that Jolie Ruth has the entire family wrapped around her little finger. Additionally, Roni Jo brags on Brady who babysits the younger children while his parents attend the older boys’ barrel races. The maturity Brady demonstrates at this young age is an immense help to his parents, and it certainly does not go unnoticed. With six kids, they often receive more attention than your average family. Roni Jo makes light of the attention and even coordinates the kid’s outfits when on trips and vacations. “For us, it’s just everyday life,” she

says. “Having six children is not for everyone, but it is the number we have felt the most complete with and could not imagine it any other way. We were chosen to have six kids. I just think how much they love each other blesses us and reminds us to love each other and other people.” In February of 2020, Roni Jo’s mother passed away of lung cancer. Experiencing the loss of both her parents was especially sad for Roni Jo as they would not see her children grow up. However, the support and daily love of her husband and children are reminders to be thankful for every moment spent

with loved ones; she’s truly grateful for every single day with them. While sharing a room, toys and attention may be difficult for the children from time to time, they have an unshakable bond that makes all the headaches worth it. “Yes, we yell and fuss and the boys get in trouble and we get on each other’s nerves,” Roni Jo admits, “but it never lasts.” At the end of the day, they’re all family and they love each other more than anything. Although not every day is perfect, Charlie and Roni Jo are creating a childhood of memories their children will cherish for a lifetime. CCL

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912.654.3045 editor@withyouinmindpublications.com

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Story By Jordan Calhoun | Photos by Karin Merritt

CREATING something new Haley Burnam and Michael Cation are baking up vegan goodness through their small business, Born and Bread.

In the land of buttermilk biscuits and cracklin’ cornbread, two seasoned bakers are creating something new in Coffee County. Defying the status quo of Crisco and bacon grease, Haley Burnam and Michael Cation are baking up vegan goodness through their small business, Born and Bread. It certainly seems like the perfect set up for a holiday Hallmark flick… two small-town bakers find love between eggless buns…but in actuality, their love for each other was discovered long before they kindled a mutual affinity for whipping up baked goods. Michael and Haley met during their time at Coffee High School, but didn’t discover their chemistry until a few years after graduation when they started spending time together through mutual friends. After realizing

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“Haley and I began a lifestyle change about six years ago. We grew our first garden together and fell in love with eating a plant-based diet. We feel our best when we are eating whole foods and that’s enough for us.”

they had many shared interests, the two began a relationship that is now in its eighth year. Growing up, Michael was raised in a family that placed heavy emphasis on eating locally grown produce and often bought from farmers’ markets. Early on in their relationship, Haley had to adjust to a new, more health-conscious way of living. “As a child, I was very picky. I was the girl who always ordered chicken tenders,” Haley laughed. “Before I met Michael, I wouldn’t even eat tomatoes or onions.” It’s not uncommon for relationships to see their fair share of compromise; from sports teams to music tastes, partners will usually take on some preferences of the other. But this wasn’t just a seasonal adjustment for the pair. Two years into their relationship, Haley and Michael began their journey towards a more simplistic way of buying and eating food that holistically affected their lifestyle and well-being. “Healthy eating was definitely something my parents encouraged throughout my childhood and as I got older, I learned even more about the importance of taking care of myself both mentally and physically,” Michael explained. “Haley and I began a lifestyle change about six years ago. We grew our first garden together and fell in love with eating a plant-based diet. We feel our best when we are eating whole foods and that’s enough for us.” As their health improved and their bodies began preferring a more colorful palette, Michael and Haley moved into a lifestyle of veganism, a way of eating that focuses on food that comes from the ground instead of from animals. Though they were feeling better than ever before, Haley noted that there was some difficulty finding vegan foods in a small, agrarian community. “When I first stopped eating animal products, I had to completely relearn how to cook. I had to find alternatives to most things in my diet. For example, instead of eating an egg, I learned to substitute flax or chia,” Haley remembered. “But one thing that was really hard to come by was the bread. We couldn’t find anything with simple ingredients, so we decided to make our own.” Missing the breads they previously enjoyed, Michael and Haley began baking out of necessity. By trial and error, they slowly perfected breads that were delicious, hearty, and supported the simplistic lifestyle that they were chasing. “The first time I

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ever shaped a loaf of bread, I cried and threw it out the door. It was all wrong! Really, I’ve cried hundreds of times over bread,” Haley laughed as she recounted their earliest days of baking. “It took me several tries to get a sourdough starter that worked. But now, as I knead the dough by hand, I can tell just what it needs. I can tell if it needs more water, more flour, a temperature adjustment, everything. All I needed to do was get a feel for the dough.” As their understanding of the bread baking process grew, so did their excitement about sharing their creations with others. During a trip to Atlanta, Michael and Haley visited a farmer’s market where they sampled rich sourdoughs and pastries made by La Calavera Bakery. The experience lit a flame of interest in their hearts and ignited a question that had been growing for a while: is this something that WE could do? Inspired by the diversity of foods offered at farmers markets, the two decided to look for opportunities to begin selling Hometown Living At Its Best

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In their two years of operating Born and Bread, Michael and Haley have expanded beyond their original offerings and have introduced local favorites such as scones, muffins, and focaccia. Though the bulk of their sales are made through Facebook, they have also found a faithful following by selling with The WayGreen Local Fare Market in Waycross, Georgia.

their breads in Coffee County. Soon enough, an opportunity came knocking at their oven door. “The first event that we attended was the CRMC Health and Wellness Festival in the fall of 2018,” Michael reflected. “We were so nervous and stayed up all night baking. We ended up selling out within a few hours.” After securing an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, Born and Bread began its rise. “I think we just decided one day to do something we loved,” Haley said about their passion-turnedlivelihood. “We’ve always wanted to live our lives doing things we enjoy. So why not take a hobby and turn it into a business?” Michael added. Born and Bread is known today for the same great breads that wowed Coffee County at their first festival: sourdough and rustic loaves that are both nutritious and easily digestible. They favor this type of bread for its fermentation process that both breaks down gluten and introduces probiotics that do wonders for gut health. Having worked in the restaurant industry for over a decade, Michael and Haley would both say that the traditional 9-to-5 is not for them. However, breads don’t usually bend to the American work

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“We want to continue selling our product to the community through events and markets, and we hope that Douglas can start a great artisan market so that others can sell their items.”

schedule either. In fact, it takes three days to create a single loaf of sourdough. In Michael’s childhood playhouse that was renovated to become a miniature professional kitchen, the pair make each Born and Bread product by hand. No commercial stand mixer. No preservatives. No commercial yeast. All good things that are good for you. In their two years of operating Born and Bread, Michael and Haley have expanded beyond their original offerings and have introduced local favorites such as scones, muffins, and focaccia. Though the bulk of their sales are made through Facebook, they have also found a faithful following by selling with The WayGreen Local Fare Market in Waycross, Georgia. WayGreen is a market made up of South Georgia farmers, growers, artisans, and bakers that produce within 100 miles of Waycross and are seeking to make local, organic foods more available to consumers. While WayGreen has pick-up points across the southeastern portion of our state, it’s a dream of Michael and Haley’s to bring a true, foodbased farmer’s market to Coffee County. “We want to continue selling our product to the community through events and markets, and we hope that Douglas can start a great artisan market so that others can sell their items,” Michael explained about their vision for our community. “Getting a nice farmer’s market started is really the short-term goal that we most want to see happen,” Haley confirmed. Down the road, Haley and Michael have dreams to live on a homestead with their puppy, Chili Beans, and perhaps even open a plant-based café. But for now, they’re content to continue enjoying their life together as they provide rural communities with healthy and hearty breads. While each Born and Bread product is filled to the brim with wholesome ingredients and hours of careful labor, some folks will say that it’s really the love that Haley and Michael share for a sustainable way of living, and above all, for each other, that makes their bread so fulfilling. Michael captures the Born and Bread philosophy perfectly: “The thing I enjoy most about baking is getting to do it with the person I love most.” CCL 112

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By JoAnn Danna | Photos provided

TEACHERS

TOUCH

Lives Become what the Coffee County School System considers to be the most important profession, be a teacher!

When you were younger, well-meaning adults frequently asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” You might have answered doctor, astronaut or firefighter. Maybe you dreamed of teaching and “played school” with your siblings and friends. As we grow up, our passion for careers shift and change, but the dreams of our childhood never fully go away. It is never too soon to plan for your future nor even too late to become what the Coffee County School System considers to be the most important profession. As a teacher, you constantly touch others’ lives making a difference for individuals and for the world. Teachers like Annie Sullivan, Booker T. Washington and Christa McAuliffe were notable for their commitment and dedication to the profession. The rewards of teaching, however, are

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Keela Swinson, 7th Grade Science Teacher on the campus of Coffee Middle School is a non-traditional teacher, who completed her initial certification through the Georgia Teacher Alternative Education Program (GaTAPP). While completing the program, she was selected as a GaTAPP Ambassador and continues to mentor new teachers each year. Completing her 15th year in education, Mrs. Swinson initially earned her undergraduate degree in Allied Health. She has continued her education and now holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning as well as her Educational Specialist in Middle Grade Education.

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not necessarily financial or social. Instead, teaching allows you to influence the futures of individual students, schools and communities, if not the nation. McAuliffe said as she prepared to become the first Teacher in Space in the 1980’s, “I touch the future. I teach.” Coffee County Schools are concerned with the current teaching shortage throughout the nation. There are some factors which are driving this shortage. Fewer college students are majoring in education at every level. Fewer college-educated mathematicians and scientists are teaching, primarily because of inflationary starting salaries in private industries. Students fear long-term student debt and are being steered into careers they believe will pay more. If you have had an opportunity to work with students who are doing online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have come to realize that there is no parallel substitute for in-person learning. Students need teachers! For many years in Coffee County, there have been strong efforts to persuade high school students that teaching is a necessary and valuable profession. Wall-to-wall academies on the Coffee High School campus provide opportunities for students to serve in apprenticeships with dedicated local professionals at all levels. This exposes students to the teaching profession before they head to college and choose a career.

Since the fall of 2019, all 9th graders attending George Washington Carver Freshman Campus take the Freshman Seminar course. The focus of the course is an exploration and identification of students’ strengths and interests that will guide them when selecting an academic pathway. What makes this pathway so strong is the teacher behind it – Tara Blankenship Carver. Tara, who is entering her ninth year as an educator, is an alumnus of Coffee High School and was a teacher apprentice when she was younger. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Tara holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science. “As a freshman at Coffee High School, I had no clue what I wanted to be when I grew up,” Tara admits. “That is, until my first introductory Family and Consumer Sciences class with Mrs. Renee Roberson. She saw an ounce of leadership potential in me and encouraged me to participate in Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). From there I

For individuals with four year degrees who did not major in education but have decided to give teaching a try, Coffee County has joined with Okefenokee RESA and with Wiregrass Technical College to provide an alternative certification program called Georgia Teacher Alternative Teacher Preparation Program or GATAPP. This program educates people with no teaching experience, preparing them for a successful career as a teacher. Referred to as ‘career switchers,’ these teachers bring a lot to the classroom from their experience in the private sector.

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Coffee County Schools current Teacher of the Year, Darci Tuten, is shown with her principal, Dr. Rowland Cummings from Coffee High School and Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent, following the Teacher of the Year announcement that is traditionally held during the first home football game. Mrs. Tuten is completing her 15th year with the system. She teaches American and Multi-Cultural Literature as well as Advanced Placement Literature.

flourished, finding my passion for service and leadership.” Tara took advantage of the opportunities Coffee High School provided her. She interned at Satilla Elementary but almost instantly knew she wanted to teach older children. The Teaching as a Profession Pathway program helped ease her into the Family and Consumer Sciences Education program at Georgia Southern University and ultimately her teaching career. Tara reflects on her youth saying, “The Teaching as a Profession Pathway well prepared me for entering college. I will forever be grateful for my time as a Family and Consumer Sciences/Teaching as a Profession student, and FCCLA member at Coffee High School.”

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Following college, Tara returned home to teach the children of the community that she herself grew up in. Her years as a teacher in Coffee County have been rewarding and memorable, and she finds immense joy in teaching and inspiring young children every day. “It is my hope, my mission,” she says, “that I help my students not only be prepared for graduation, for college, career and life but that they are provided the education and skills to build a life they love.” Another opportunity for students interested in becoming a teacher is with South Georgia State College (SGSC) located in Douglas with an additional campus in Waycross, Georgia. In 2019, SGSC partnered with the University

Marisol Rivas is completing her second year as a Pre-K Teacher on the campus of West Green Elementary. As a child, Ms. Rivas attended West Green. Now serving as a classroom teacher it is very special to her.

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Another opportunity for students interested in becoming a teacher is with South Georgia State College (SGSC) located in Douglas with an additional campus in Waycross, Georgia. In 2019, SGSC partnered with the University of North Georgia to offer an Elementary/Special Education degree program using both online and in-person classes. Dr. Kit Carson, Chair of Teacher Education, states, “Our unique partnership permits SGSC to provide a highquality dual-degree program for teacher candidates that focuses on rigorous academics with more time spent in practical classroom environments than most other teacher preparation degree programs.” The program allows students to work almost full-time in the school systems while attending classes. This opportunity provides students with unmatched hands-on experience.

of North Georgia to offer an Elementary/Special Education degree program using both online and in-person classes. Dr. Kit Carson, Chair of Teacher Education, states, “Our unique partnership permits SGSC to provide a high-quality dualdegree program for teacher candidates that focuses on rigorous academics with more time spent in practical classroom environments than most other teacher preparation degree programs.” The program allows students to work almost full-time in the school systems while attending classes. This opportunity provides students with unmatched hands-on experience. Dr. Wendell Stone is a part-time field placement supervisor for SGSC’s program. Dr. Stone says, “Before my retirement in 2015, as a principal in the Coffee County school system, the shortage of qualified elementary and special education teachers was a problem that I faced almost daily.” The shortage of qualified teachers persists today. The Elementary/Special Education degree program, however, works to provide a continuous, homegrown supply of talent to fill the employment deficits in the Coffee County school system. Rachel Douglas, a senior who will graduate from the program in May 2021, has greatly benefited

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Tara Blankenship Carver, who is completing her ninth year as an educator and her first leading the Teaching as a Profession Pathway, is an alumnus of Coffee High and served as a teacher apprentice during her high school years.

from this program. “With each placement, you grow as a teacher and you grow as an individual,” she shares. “You realize you can do things you have never thought possible. You realize that the hard work pays off. This program fully prepared me to be a professional teacher.” Having already conquered the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, Rachel feels more than prepared to refine her teaching skills as a certified teacher. She is one of many young adults this program has equipped to properly educate and lead the younger generations. For individuals with four year degrees who did not major in education but have decided to give teaching a try, Coffee County has joined with Okefenokee RESA and with Wiregrass

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Far left Amy Fitzgerald - Assistant Professor, next is Silvanna Corona - ELE/SPED Administrative Assistant, Dr. Kit Carson - Chair for Teacher Education and Professor of Education, and Niki Hersey - Assistant Professor.

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Spencer Highsmith, pictured in the middle, serves as the Young Farmer Teacher within the CTAE Program at Coffee High. Earning his Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Diversified Agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, Mr. Highsmith completed his certification through the Georgia Alternative Teacher Preparation Program (GaTAPP).

Technical College to provide an alternative certification program called Georgia Teacher Alternative Teacher Preparation Program or GATAPP. This program educates people with no teaching experience, preparing them for a successful career as a teacher. Referred to as ‘career switchers,’ these teachers bring a lot to the classroom from their experience in the private sector. Many TAPP candidates have been selected as Teachers of the Year in their buildings. Some TAPP candidates have gone on to pursue a Masters of Arts in Teaching at colleges and universities throughout the state. Opportunities like this allow people from all backgrounds and career fields to tap into their potential as a teacher and help grow the younger generation of professionals. The people within Coffee County school systems support and encourage their teachers in every way possible. They are thankful for the hard work and dedication of every individual who has left their mark in the community and look forward to the young students who will later step into these very roles.  CCL

For many years in Coffee County, there have been strong efforts to persuade high school students that teaching is a necessary and valuable profession. Wall-towall academies on the Coffee High School campus provide opportunities for students to serve in apprenticeships with dedicated local professionals at all levels. This exposes students to the teaching profession before they head to college and choose a career.

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Index of Advertisers Al’s Paint & Body ………….....................................……….. 115 GracePointe Church ………................................………….. 105 Amerson Homes ……………...........................................…….. 7 House of Magnolia …………..................................……….. 127 Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC …………………............. 1, 18-19 Hungry Howie’s ........................................………………….. 127 Anytime Fitness …........................................……………….. 2-3 JMC Tire Co. …...............................................……………….. 82 Austin Respiratory & Medical ………………..................….. 104 Johnny’s New York Style Pizza ………....................………….. 71 Bee Gee Travel Consultants ……......................…………….. 114 Kentucky Fried Chicken ……………...........................…….. 102 Brewer Realty Group ………...................................………….. 17 Kingdom Climate Solutions …….....................…………….. 127 Bryan Rumker Attorney at Law …....................………….. 28-29 Krystal …………………....................................................... 102 Burger King …................................................……………….. 50 Lasseter Tractor Company ……………….......................….. 103 Carter Thompson Insurance, Inc. …………….............…….. 126 Lindsey & Wills Animal Hospital …...................……………….. 5 Chick-Fil-A .........................………………….. Inside Back Cover Logic4Design …..................................................…………. 126 City of Nicholls ……………...........................................…….. 40 Lone Pine Charolais ……….................................………….. 104 Coffee County Living ……..............................................…. 105 Lyon Management Co …………..............................……….. 102 Coffee County Schools ……….......………….. Inside Front Cover McCrary Daniels Insurance Agency ………………...........….. 52 Coffee Regional Hospital - Bariatric & Metabolic Center .... 91 Miller Chiropractic Clinic ………...........................………….. 72 Coffee Regional Hospital - Family Medicine Group …….….. 82 O’Malley Musical Instruments ………………...................….. 92 Coffee Regional Hospital - Women’s Center ……………..... 103 Paulk Vineyards …………….........................................…….. 81 Coffee Regional Medical Center …………..................…….... 51 Pearl, A Cottage Makery ………..........................………….. 127 Collins Cardiology …….........................…………….. Back Cover Promise of Hope ....................................................………. 113 Covenant Church ………….......................................……….. 61 Property Hunters of South Georgia ……............…………….. 71 Crawford Jewelers …………....................................……….. 126 Quality Health Foods …...............................……………….. 127 D. Conrad Harper, MD ……................................…………….. 41 Renown Cargo Trailers ….............................……………….. 126 Danny’s Pizza ……….............................................………….. 93 Ricketson Funeral Home ............................………………….. 73 Dewey Hayes Attorney at Law ………...................………….. 114 Solid Waste Management Authority ………........………….. 102 Douglas Coffee Chamber of Commerce ……….....………….. 93 Southern Real Estate Group, llc …...............……………….. 115 Douglas Coffee County Chamber …………….........…….. 38-39 State Farm Insurance - Daniel P. Ross ……….......………….. 83 E. Allen Peacock Construction ………………...................….. 83 Surcheros Fresh Mex ……….................................………….. 59 Ellianos ………......................................................………….. 27 Tanner Insurance Company ……………….......................….. 72 Eve ….............................................................……………….. 81 The Blueberry Barn …………..................................……….. 114 Family Home Center …………...................................……….. 53 The Bow Shop ….........................................................…… 113 Farrar Hennesy & Tanner ……………............................…….. 91 The Sandbox ……..............................................…………….. 70 Fesperman Real Estate …………............................……….. 127 The Southern Pearl Boutique LLC ……………….............….. 114 Fitzgerald Family Eyecare ……….............................………….. 9 Tip Top Deli …………..............................................……….. 115 Fletcher Oil Company ………….................................……….. 73 Ward Monument Company ………………........................….. 92 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center ………...…….. 115 Woody Folsom Automotive CDJR …………………................. 60 Please thank our sponsors for making this publication possible! 128

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COFFEE COUNTY LIVING

LIGHT IT UP WITH HOPE

As COVID descended upon the U.S., the residents of Coffee County refused to live in fear

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