Houston County Living - Summer 2018

summer 2018

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Mike Rowland shares his love of history and the Air Force.

Ginger Lively’s keen business sense will help you stay healthy and happy, inside and out.

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478-955-3176 | ThePreserveAtAgVillage.com 1175 Perry Parkway at Exit 134, Perry, GA 31069

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With a thankful heart, Cole Brannen continues to prove himself every chance he gets.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Warner Robins - 478-953-2922 Macon - 478-449-4244

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contents 12

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Sugarplum’s future continues to shine bright in carrying on years of serving Perry families.

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Trusting the Process

Even as Cole Brannen continues to prove himself every chance he gets, he does so with what his mom calls a thankful heart.

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Finding Their Wings

Heart of Georgia Hospice Camp helps children grieving the loss of a loved one.

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Light Bulb Moments

Ginger Lively’s keen business sense will help you stay healthy and happy, inside and out.

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12 About the Cover The cover photo features Hannah Branham, taken by Kelly McDonald Photography. Turn to page 96 to read about her heart for giving.

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A Different Path

God has consistently turned what seemed to be a tragedy into good things in Jordan Kozloski’s life.

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A Heart for Giving

18-year-old Hannah Branham is happiest when she’s helping others.

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Building an Empire

Longtime friends Lauren Barnett and Alex Rasmussen team up to open local a performing arts studio.

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Once in a Lifetime

After a Lupus diagnosis, Randy and Melissa Wynn overcome life’s obstacles by facing them hand-in-hand.

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Providing Help

Many residents of Houston County, who would not have been able to afford to see a doctor, credit the Houston County Volunteer Clinic with saving their lives.

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Something to Smile About 2017 high school graduate Amelia Day’s service project has garnered a national award for citizenship.

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Larger Than Life

As Museum of Aviation curator, Mike Rowland shares his love of history and the Air Force.

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The Heart of the Matter

Cathy Smith’s life-changing story illustrates Houston Heart Institute’s valuable role in the Middle Georgia community.

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From the Publisher

Houston County Living

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

Jay and Patti Martin e d i to r Renee Corwine C reat i v e | D e s i g n Stacey Nichols

Mandi Spivey o f f i ce M a n ager Nikki Burkhalter

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Each issue I struggle with this letter! I’m never sure if anybody reads it and if so, what do they want to hear about!?! It’s impossible to pick a couple of articles and highlight them as “teasers”. All of the articles are selected to cause some sort of positive, emotional reaction, at least we try to make that the case.

I come from a small family, so there’s not a lot to share there.

And, I don’t want it to draw attention to us! By the way, when the November issue hits the streets our newest grandchild will be hitting the streets in Texas. I figured, deep down, you wanted to know that.

FEAR NOT!!! I will update you in the November issue also!

It was a lot of fun having a Mother’s Day contest in May on our Facebook. WOW! There are some amazing moms!!! It was also fantastic that so many people recognized how much mothers give of themselves to their children.

We appreciate the great article ideas and kind comments we receive after each issue!! The truth is that the credit for each issue should go to the sponsors listed on page 208. Please let them know when you enjoy something about the magazine. They would love to hear from you!! Each sponsor is also a distribution point to pick up extra copies of the magazines. The Chambers in Perry and Warner Robins also have extra copies. They would love to have you stop by and say, “Hi!” Well, it looks like it’s going to be a warm summer. So, find a cool, comfortable spot with some sweet tea and enjoy this issue of the Houston County Magazine!

John 10:10 P.S. Feel free to contact me, Jay, and let me know how moved you were by the Publisher’s Letter!! Or, get an update on the November Grandbaby!

Jay and Patti Martin Like us on Facebook!

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

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

Julie Braly

P h otograp h er s Ann Lester

Captured in Time Photography Bonnie Brant Photography Kelly McDonald Photography Tinika Bennett Photography

C ov er P h oto Hannah Branham, taken by

Kelly McDonald Photography Sale s Dorothy Sichelstiel

Dottie Hicks Landon Spivey Patti Martin

Contributing Wri te r s Kelly McDonald

Michael W. Pannell

Renee Corwine

Sherri Martin

Houston 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.

A DEPENDABLE SURGICAL TEAM Providing the best care to Middle Georgia since 1978 Michael A. Hellwege, MD F T. Kent McBride, MD FACS

Silvie Harrington, MD FACS

Surgical Associates of Warner robins 1701 Watson Blvd, Warner Robins, GA 31093 | surgicalassociatesofwarnerrobins.com | 478-923-0144

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heart for medicine

D Dr. Jeffrey Easom shares his love for healing through medical practice and cancer foundation.

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Dr. Jeffrey C. Easom has spent time in cities big and small. But if you ask him, Houston County is where he wants to spend the rest of his life. Dr. Easom grew up in Blakely, down in south Georgia. He developed an interest in medicine at a young age. That interest led him to a pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia, an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency in Michigan, a Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship in Virginia and more residencies in Tampa and beyond. But it was Warner Robins that won his heart.

“When I was trying to decide where to settle, practice and raise a family, I was looking for a community that provided to me the family values I grew up with, but understanding that the practice of orthopaedics required a larger sized population than where I was raised,” he said. “I grew up enjoying the outdoors hunting and fishing. I wanted to be somewhere I could get out to the country and get back to my roots.”

“When I was trying to decide where to settle and practice and raise a family, I was looking for a community that provided to me the family values I grew up with, and understanding that the practice of orthopaedics required larger sized population than where I was raised,” he said. “I grew up hunting and fishing, and wanted to be somewhere I could get out to the country and get back to my roots.”

- Dr. Jeffrey Easom

Growing roots in Houston County included establishing his medical practice, Middle Georgia Orthopaedics, as well as raising his family. He and his wife, Angel, have six children, one of whom has died from cancer. In November 2004, their daughter Macy was diagnosed with pediatric hepatoblastoma, a rare cancerous liver tumor. She died in June 2005 at age 5.

After her death, Dr. Easom realized that there wasn’t much federal funding being directed toward pediatric cancer research, and so he founded the Macy Easom Cancer Research Foundation, which raises money for hepatoblastoma research.

“I wanted to try to do something to give back a little bit,” he said. “I don’t want any family to have to go through that.”

In addition to hosting galas, 5K races, car shows and golf tournaments to raise money for the foundation, Dr. Easom helps coach his sons’ Little League team and is a deacon at Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins.

He said he loves practicing orthopaedics and sports medicine. “One of the things about medicine is that it’s ever changing. At the core, every physician has a heart to impact people’s lives in a positive way; that’s why I chose orthopaedics,” he said. “I don’t look at sports medicine as just for teens and young adults. Sports medicine affects the weekend athlete just as much as the 13-year-old soccer player.”

Coming from a family with a military background – both of his grandfathers served in World War II – he said he also enjoys helping to care for active duty military members in Houston County.

“I enjoy giving back to those who serve; those who ensure our freedom every day,” he said. “I love practicing orthopaedics in Warner Robins and I hope to finish out my career here. I don’t ever want to leave.”

To learn more about Middle Georgia Orthopaedics, visit www.mgo.md. To learn more about the Macy Easom Cancer Research Foundation, visit www.princessmacy.org.

3051 Watson Boulevard | Warner Robins, GA 31093 mgo.md | (478) 953-4563 Hometown Living At Its Best

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When Juli Waller came through the hot pink doors of Sugarplum Tree on April 1, 2017, it was an emotional entry. It was her first day entering to do business as the new owner of the popular downtown Perry children’s boutique.

“I was nervous and excited,” she remembered.

“I wanted to do well by customers who loved and depended on Sugarplum Tree, and by Nancy Jackson, who started it more than 30 years ago, and by Nancy Waters and her daughter Mallory Arnold, who I bought it from.”

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Going through Sugarplum Tree’s doors can be emotional for others, too. It’s exciting for youngsters expecting new clothes. It’s exciting, new and perhaps a touch perplexing for couples seeking a take-home outfit for their first-child.

Soon-to-be grandparents – or even greatgrandparents – may be delighted to shop for fashionable but not too trendy items for a longawaited grand or great-grandchild. For them, there’s likely the nostalgia of passing through the colorful doors many times over the years, shopping for dresses and such as little ones were added to their family and grew from baby to toddler to child to ‘tween.

For original owner Jackson, who opened the boutique in 1979 when she was in her late 20s, emotions are mixed. “I’m proud of the Sugarplum Tree,” she said. “It’s a different kind of children’s shop and I poured so much into it.

It was a joy to be there and help customers who became friends. I hated giving up that part.”

Jackson said increasing pain from a back ailment played a significant part in her decision to sell the store to Waters after 34 years.

However, she still operates antique booths in Macon’s Yesterday’s Antique Market on Sheraton Drive.

A dramatic store makeover by new owner

For original owner Jackson, who opened the boutique in 1979 when she was in her late 20s, emotions are mixed. “I’m proud of the Sugarplum Tree,” she said. “It’s a different kind of children’s shop and I poured so much into it. It was a joy to be there and help customers who became friends. I hated giving up that part.”

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Along with Sugarplum Tree, Waller said she was blessed to inherit its staff, who she said “are amazing and can run the store without me.” She said employees Alexa Bennett, Caroline Rowland, and Jameson Kratz are big answers to prayer.

Waller also brings up emotions for Jackson. “I think it looks precious and that makes me happy,” she said. “You can’t stand still and succeed. If things remain unchanged, they only get worse. The trick is to do a good job of changing and Juli is doing that.”

Jackson said she feels good about Sugarplum’s future and the store carrying on years of serving Perry families.

“People may not realize, but I redecorate every seven years. I missed the last time around so it was due. And I like

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“So far, everybody seems pleased with our selection and progress,” Waller said.

“We want it to be the place people come for everything from socks and shoes to outfits and gifts. We want to keep the tradition alive. And guess what? We’ve rented the space next door to create Sugarplum ‘Tweens.

We want older kids to come and not feel they’re going to the kid’s store. Of course, I prayed about it and I think it’s a great idea.”

how bubbly Juli is whenever I go in – and I’ve been in and bought several things,” Jackson said. “It’s good seeing the tradition continue, a tradition of sincere customer service and traditional, fashionable, quality clothes and merchandise for girls and boys. That’s happening still.”

For her part, Waller said she’s dedicated to keeping the shop and its traditions fresh and alive.

“I think Nancy Jackson did a fabulous job making this the best child’s boutique in Georgia,” Waller said. “There’s something that makes it seem like more than just a store. Everyone loved Nancy – people from Perry, Warner Robins, Macon and all over. This was her baby and her and Nancy Waters’ life. The last thing I want to do is ruin it. I take not failing them very seriously.

I can’t fill their shoes, but I can do my best to follow their footsteps and mold Sugarplum Tree into what it needs to be now and in the future. I can have the same integrity they had. I want customers to say, ‘This is great!’ It would be the worst thing in the world to hear, ‘Oh no! What has she done?’ ”

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Store founder Jackson came to Perry from Americus after growing up in Stewart County.

Waller is a Missouri/Arkansas native who came to Houston County via Atlanta. They come from different backgrounds, but they shared much in common in their experience of being new Perry businesswomen at Sugarplum Tree.

“It was scary for me with no experience in retail except working in a store in high school,” Jackson said. “I taught pre-school for three years before opening Sugarplum Tree and loved being around kids, but teaching wasn’t what I wanted. I liked the idea of a children’s shop with traditional looks for girls and boys. I wanted cute smock dresses for girls that were fashionable for casual to dress-up. That was the idea from the

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start. That and to stay current but change lines of clothes slowly, never suddenly.”

Jackson said her lack of business experience caused her to depend on other’s expertise – and on prayer.

“I couldn’t have done it without my husband, Mike Jackson, and help from other Perry business people like Louis Meeks. There were plenty of mornings I was up at 3 a.m. wondering what to do or where sales and money would come from to pay a bill,” Jackson said. “I prayed about all kinds of things and can tell you, I became a believer in prayer. The business wouldn’t be what it has become without prayer.”

Waller expresses a similar experience. Though her husband, Michael Waller, is the successful

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owner of 20 Sonic Drive-Ins in Georgia, she was more a stay-at-home mom of four boys who liked sewing and crafting – and especially sewing cute little girls’ clothes and selling them at craft fairs.

But Waller said selling at fairs was one thing, getting the opportunity to buy Sugarplum Tree in late 2016 was something quite different. “I kept it to myself,” she said. “I mulled it over and I prayed. God’s been faithful all these years so I believed He could open and close doors. You just have to trust Him. I prayed and went and talked to Nancy Waters one day and three weeks later it was mine. I know! That’s impossible, right? Amazing answers to prayer started happening.”

Along with Sugarplum Tree, Waller said she was blessed to inherit its staff, who she said “are amazing and can run the store without me.” She said employees Alexa Bennett, Caroline Rowland and Jameson Kratz are big answers to prayer.

The community response has been positive as well.

“So far, everybody seems pleased with our selection and progress,” Waller said. “We want it to be the place people come for everything from socks and shoes to outfits and gifts. We want to keep the tradition alive. And guess what? We’ve rented the space next door to create Sugarplum ‘Tweens. We want older kids to come and not feel they’re going to the kid’s store. Of course, I prayed about it and I think it’s a great idea.”  HCL Sugarplum Tree is located at 917 Carroll St., Perry. Information and internet sales are available at sugarplumtree.com.

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Building Starts Here WINDOWS | DOORS | GARAGE DOORS FLOORING | ROOFING | LUMBER HOME DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICES Located at our main location in Warner Robins

Warner Robins | 2756 Watson Blvd. | 478.953.4100 | Perry | 612 Ball Street | 478.987.2334 | wrsupply.com

KEVIN STEVENSON, MD HAS GOT YOUR BACK Dr. Stevenson uses his knowledge of the nervous system to help the residents of Houston County

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Dr. Kevin Stevenson has been fascinated with the brain and nervous system his whole life. The fact that he would pursue a career in neurosurgery surprised no one. Initially raised in a military family, Dr. Stevenson was born in Germany and raised mostly in Minneapolis, where he graduated from high school and met his future wife, Sara. He graduated from Loyola University School of Medicine in Chicago and completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Stevenson performed his fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle in complex and pediatric spine surgery.

“Neurosurgery is like Alaska,” says Dr. Stevenson, “it’s the last uncharted territory in

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medicine.” From the West Coast, he made his way to Atlanta where he worked at Northside Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital. From there, he joined a practice in Macon, and in October 2017 joined Optim Health System. The physicianowned practice is headquartered in Savannah, with offices throughout eastern Georgia and South Carolina. His office, in northern Macon, staffs a nurse, nurse practitioner, office manager and receptionist.

“Our practice focuses on minimally invasive treatment of spine problems,” Dr. Stevenson explains. “We offer the only endoscopic spine treatment in the area; surgery is a last resort.”

He believes in a comprehensive approach to

treatment that includes therapy, exercise and nutrition.

An avid lacrosse enthusiast, Dr. Stevenson played the sport in school and now he coaches a recreational team. He founded Macon Youth Lacrosse, a recreation league. The organization recently applied for and was awarded a grant for equipment from U.S. Lacrosse that will allow them to add lacrosse to the physical education curriculum in the Macon public schools. Dr. Stevenson notes that because of the influence of Warner Robins Air Force Base – bringing in people from around the country and the world – lacrosse is becoming very popular in the region. “Lacrosse is the fastest growing youth sport in the country, by far,” he adds.

Dr. Stevenson’s three children play lacrosse, as well as other sports. He and Sara have a daughter, Marta, 17; and two sons, A.J., 15, and Kjell, 13. And then there’s the Havanese, Dogzilla. “I told Sara if she got to pick the breed, I got to pick the name,” Dr. Stevenson says. The ten-pound dog goes by ’Zilla for short. Marta has begun the college-application process, with an eye toward political science.

“She will be good in politics,” he says. “She has a mediator-type personality.”

Dr. Stevenson also does legal consulting work for area attorneys handling personal injury and worker’s compensation lawsuits.

Sara coordinates those cases and files. She is also “CEO of the Stevenson Family,” and very involved in the kids’ school activities as well as being on the Board of The National Charity League.

Dr. Stevenson’s Optim Neurosurgery office is located at 121 North Crest Boulevard, Macon. He may be reached at 478-841-9333, or visit optimhealth.com.

An avid lacrosse enthusiast, Dr. Stevenson played the sport in school and now he coaches a recreational team.

He founded Macon Youth Lacrosse, a recreation league.

The organization recently applied for and was awarded a grant for equipment from U.S. Lacrosse that will allow them to add lacrosse to the physical education curriculum in the Macon public schools.

121 NORTH CREST BOULEVARD, MACON. GA | 478-841-9333 | OPTIMHEALTH.COM Hometown Living At Its Best

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Melissa Gibson balances being a wife, mother, and career woman.

A Real Go-Getter

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As a wife, mother, and career woman, Melissa Gibson is a real go-getter. Reflecting on her 32-year career in the mortgage industry, Melissa says, “I just love what I do. Helping families obtain homeownership is what drives me. I know the importance of home and the stability it brings to families, and I cannot think of a better career than mortgage banking. I have the best job in the world.”

Seven years ago, moving from Atlanta to Middle Georgia, where she knew no one, Melissa began to research the Real Estate Market and found this to be the best decision she ever made! “A mortgage is like a story you have to tell to the underwriter. That’s what sets me apart, because I’m able to document and create a narrative to help people purchase

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a home. When it comes to mortgages, it’s not always a clear-cut yes or no,” she explains.

Because of Melissa’s love and determination, she has received the Top Gun President’s Council award for being in the top 1% and the Mortgage Executive Magazine Originator award for being in the top 1% of loan originators in the country.

You’ve heard the saying “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it was meant to be.” Melissa believes this to be true… she and her husband, Don, have a real love story. They were together in their 20’s and then went their separate ways. As fate would have it, they reconnected in 2016, later married and Don adopted Melissa’s son, Jack.

Don’s background is in commercial

Seven years ago, moving from Atlanta to Middle Georgia, where she knew no one, Melissa began to research the Real Estate Market and found this to be the best decision she ever made! “A mortgage is like a story you have to tell to the underwriter. That’s what sets me apart, because I’m able to document and create a narrative to help people purchase a home.

When it comes to mortgages, it’s not always a clear-cut yes or no,” she explains.

construction. With the hectic day-to-day life of a Mortgage Loan Officer/Branch Manager, Melissa and Don didn’t get to spend a lot of time together.

Don decided to change his career and go to work with Melissa. Now they have a great family/work relationship.

On a side note…Don bakes the most scrumptious cupcakes you will ever taste. Melissa says, “These cupcakes are to die for. Donny makes them from scratch with a lot of time, effort, and love. People who have eaten his cupcakes have labeled them as ‘Donny’s Famous Cupcakes.’” Don bakes his cupcakes for closings and the agents just love to help eat them.

Spending time with family is important to Melissa…they enjoy fishing, boating, and the beach.

Don loves hunting and Melissa goes with him to enjoy the campfire and their time together.

In November 2016, the Gibson’s opened a branch for New American Funding. Having outgrown the small office, they have moved to a new office at 110 Stillwater Circle, Suite A. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 8th and “Donny’s Famous Cupcakes” were a big hit!

For more information about Melissa Gibson of New American Funding, please call 770-337-8089.

100 STILLWATER CIRCLE STE A, BONAIRE, GA 31005 | (770) 870-5136 NEWAMERICANFUNDING.COM

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THE

RANCH Two unlikely partners are looking to take the fees and bull out of buying a car 26

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When J.P. Williams and John “Benny” Graham first met in 2009, they had no indication that their paths would be so intertwined just a few years later. Although there is more than a twenty year age gap between them, both say that pulling their unique talents together has proven very fruitful for them, as J.P. explains. “Benny has been a nutritional products developer for many years, and he happened to have a car lot in Macon for several of those years. As for me, I’m basically just a farm boy from Swainsboro, Georgia. When I married Hannah, I came here looking for work,” he recalls.

“A buddy of mine from Atlanta told me that I was made for the car business. I still don’t know if that’s a compliment or not,” he says with a chuckle. His friend soon helped him secure a job with a Middle Georgia Ford dealership.

After only three months in the car business, however, J.P. had second thoughts about his chosen profession. “It’s sad but trying to maintain your integrity in the world of selling cars is very difficult. People’s perception is their reality. As a salesman, you don’t have the authority or ability to complete the sales process.”

So instead of completely turning his back on the world of auto sales, he attained a position within a local credit union, bringing him to Houston County. He perfected a “crazy idea” which was basically to have a vehicle buying service for the members within the union itself. The position at the credit union allowed J.P. to meet many of his contacts and future customers, forging relationships that would last

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MAINTAIN YOUR INTEGRITY After only three months in the car business, however, J.P. had second thoughts about his chosen profession. “It’s sad but trying to maintain your integrity in the world of selling cars is very difficult. People’s perception is their reality. As a salesman, you don’t have the authority or ability to complete the sales process.”

years. “The people in Houston County are good, hard-working people. They deserve to be treated as such. Warner Robins is the largest small town that you’ll ever visit. There’s close to 400,000 people in Middle Georgia, but the area still has a small-town feel.”

As for Benny, he says that selling cars are far from being his first love.

“I’ve been part of the nutritional products industry as long as I can remember, and that doesn’t necessarily go with the used car business, but I love helping people” says Benny.

“I also think J.P. and I have a great partnership; I really couldn’t do it without him. He’s the face of J Auto Ranch, and he absolutely loves helping people. I stay in the background and use my experience in businesses to help us grow.”

After helping a friend get a car lot started in Macon, J.P. was approached

by Benny to start a business on property that Benny and his wife Kristy had purchased in 2001 with a vision for a car dealership. This vision became reality in 2016 when the unlikely duo decided to go into the car business. “It’s a prime piece of real estate currently,” says J.P., “and we now have a billboard on it. We chose to open a car lot at another (temporary) location just to see where it would take us.” Six months later, business was booming so the pair decided that they needed to relocate. “In October 2017 we settled on a property about three miles from our temporary location on Houston Lake Road. There’s a 100-year-old church there that was relocated to the property, and we now have plans to turn that church into our office,” says Benny.

“Growing up in Swainsboro, I try

to treat everyone the way I would want to be treated,” explains J.P. “I’ve always been grounded in my faith, and we try to instill those same Christian principles in our staff. We try to get to know each of our customers and their families. That’s why most of our business now comes from word of mouth.” He and Hannah celebrated their ten-year anniversary in April, and he’s excited about future of the business, faith and personal life. “Our customers understand that we have to make money to stay in business, but they also know if something goes wrong, we’ll take care of them,” he says proudly.

When customers first walk into J Auto Ranch, they’re likely going to hear Christian music and be greeted with a warm, smiling face. J.P. and Benny make sure everyone is made to feel welcome without feeling pressured. “We want the customer to have a laid-back “Ranch” experience with us that’s rooted in old-fashioned values,” says Benny. “We plan to have a wrap-around porch, complete with rocking chairs and boiled peanuts for folks to just hang out if they want to.”

J.P explains where the “Ranch” in J Auto Ranch originated. “In my spare time, I tend some cattle, and my wife is a horse lover, so that’s where the ‘ranch feel’ comes from,” he says.

“Both Benny and I love working with and talking to people and seeing their satisfaction. We want all our customers to be satisfied, and we want J Auto Ranch to be synonymous with a hassle-free experience. We have an incredible team that has a heart for the house, a team that rides for the brand, and it’s one that we take seriously.”

1250 S HOUSTON LAKE RD, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088 | JAUTORANCH.COM | (478) 333-8161 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Story and photos by

As a high school junior, Cole Brannen stood at home plate in Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field and dreamed of his future. As a senior, just one phone call sealed the deal. “How’s Boston?” is a common greeting these days. Quick to respond, Cole says, “I don’t know yet, but I will!”

Drafted by the Boston Red Sox, Cole has a long road ahead of him before taking the field at Fenway Park. But if he continues to focus on his future – like he has his whole life – it may not be quite so long.

“I remember being 5 or 6 years old and being overly excited for baseball season to get here,” Cole said.

“Not the normal excited to just play ball, but an obsession for the game already at the next level.”

In his youth, Cole played traditional recreation ball and quickly moved on to travel ball teams. Cole went on to play high school baseball as a Westfield Hornet at The Westfield School in Perry. As a sophomore, Cole had verbally committed to Georgia Southern College, but his dreams would take him higher.

His ultimate goal always has been to play major league baseball, and each year, swing by swing, he’s gotten closer. In the summer before his junior year, Cole was selected for the Under Armour All America Team. This team is comprised of the 40 best players from across the country, who are divided into two teams to battle it out on the field.

Kelly McDonald

“As a freshman, I stood in my living room and watched the game on television. I turned to my mom and told her that I would be on that team one day,” he said. Three years later, that is exactly what Cole did. He got the chance to stand among the best high school players in the nation and play ball in Wrigley Field.

Known for his strong offense, Cole had a natural swing and had worked hard for this once-in-alifetime chance to show it. The match up was pretty intense at the plate – a big Texas pitcher with incredible speed against a Georgia batter known for power. Cole would go on to win this battle with a triple off the outfield wall – proving his bat was among the best.

“We could not be prouder of Cole and all his hard work,” said his mother, Leanne. “I had his jersey framed from that game and kept the dirt from Wrigley on it forever.”

Cole not only played on that team, but was also chosen for the Perfect Game Nike All-American Classic as well. Soon, Cole began to hear rumblings about college and pro scouts coming to Westfield’s games to see him play.

“They say that the ones who are interested will come for a home visit. Well, we had all 30 teams come,” Leanne said. “It was an exciting time for

Drafted by the Boston Red Sox, Cole has a long road ahead of him before taking the field at Fenway Park.

But if he continues to focus on his future – like he has his whole life – it may not be quite so long. “I remember being 5 or 6 years old and being overly excited for baseball season to get here,” Cole said. “Not the normal excited to just play ball, but an obsession for the game already at the next level.”

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our whole family but a long process, too. We spent almost a full year with home visits, paperwork, interviews and a lot of batting practice.�

Cole and his family decided to stay as quiet as possible about all the attention so he could focus on school and playing his senior year of baseball. He would leave class and go take batting practice for 30

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scouts and return to class as if nothing special was happening. Part of that intense focus was treating his place on the team like a job; he was serious on the field. He also knew he would need this kind of concentration to play at the next level.

For him, the next level reached beyond

“He plays with a thankful heart.”

Cole went from a small stadium in Florida to playing in front of 6,000 eager fans in Massachusetts. To be pulled up your first year is a big deal for rookies, but there still is a long road ahead.

That road includes stops in Greenville, South Carolina; Salem, Virginia; Portland, Maine; Pawtucket, Rhode Island; then finally to Boston’s Fenway Park.

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“We could not be prouder of Cole and all his hard work,” said his mother, Leanne. “I had his jersey framed from that game and kept the dirt from Wrigley on it forever.” Cole not only played on that team, but was also chosen for the Perfect Game Nike All-American Classic as well. Soon, Cole began to hear rumblings about college and pro scouts coming to Westfield’s games to see him play.

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“We could not be prouder of Cole and all his hard work.”

“Cole is the sum of a lot of good men – from his dad, coaches and family,” she said. “He plays with a thankful heart. And to him, it is so much more than baseball.”

college. “I knew I could play in college, but I wanted more,” he said about his professional baseball dreams. Those dreams came one step closer to reality when Cole heard the news that he was projected to be chosen in the first round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.

His parents planned a draft party at their home in Unadilla for June 14, 2017.

Although the draft is three days long, only the first and second rounds, which happen on the first day, are televised.

“What if I don’t get picked? What if I have to send all these people home? I

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Cole and his family decided to stay as quiet as possible about all the attention so he could focus on school and playing his senior year of baseball. He would leave class and go take batting practice for 30 scouts and return to class as if nothing special was happening. Part of that intense focus was treating his place on the team like a job; he was serious on the field. He also knew he would need this kind of concentration to play at the next level.

had no more control at that point,” said Cole, who recalled being very nervous at the time. Surrounded by his parents, four siblings, as well as friends and family, Cole said, “I couldn’t eat a thing. My whole future had led up to watching strangers on the TV, waiting for one of them to say my name.”

The first round came and went. Cole told himself to calm down and trust the process. As the second round started, Cole got a text from his agent.

Nothing was guaranteed, but it looked like there

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would be a deal with the Boston Red Sox. At five picks away from Boston’s turn, Cole’s phone rang. It looked good, but nothing was for sure. At two picks away, Cole got a text from an unknown number. It said, “Welcome to the family.” Was this real? He had no idea.

Before Boston’s pick, Cole stood up and quietly walked outside. “I remember thinking that I couldn’t even deal right now,” he said. Then the phone rang. It was Mike Rikard, the national

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scouting director. He said, “Congratulations, you are a Red Sox.” Still unbelieving of what had just happened, Cole stood alone in silence outside.

With a TV delay of a few minutes, his family inside was just then watching Boston announce their pick: the Red Sox chose Cole Brannen. The room filled with screams and cheers. Only then did Cole realize it was now official. He was a Red Sox. In the months that followed, Cole was flown up to Boston for a few days to complete paperwork and have a full physical. Most of that time was spent inside a hospital downtown.

“People don’t realize all the steps required before a player can walk onto the field at Fenway for a game,” Cole said. Part of that process is that rookie players start in Fort Myers, Florida. “It’s

like boot camp for rookies,” he said. If you can play your way out of Fort Myers, the next stop is Lowell, Massachusetts.

Cole went from a small stadium in Florida to playing in front of 6,000 eager fans in Massachusetts. To be pulled up your first year is a big deal for rookies, but there still is a long road ahead. That road includes stops in Greenville, South Carolina; Salem, Virginia; Portland, Maine; Pawtucket, Rhode Island; then finally to Boston’s Fenway Park.

Even as Cole continues to prove himself every chance he gets, he does so with what his mom calls a thankful heart. “Cole is the sum of a lot of good men – from his dad, coaches and family,” she said. “He plays with a thankful heart. And to him, it is so much more than baseball.”  HCL

Known for his strong offense, Cole had a natural swing and had worked hard for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to show it.

The match up was pretty intense at the plate – a big Texas pitcher with incredible speed against a Georgia batter known for power. Cole would go on to win this battle with a triple off the outfield wall – proving his bat was among the best.

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Your Teaminin Your Hometown Hometown Team Real Estate Estate for Real for over over 35 35Years Years

526 S Houston Lake Road | Warner Robins GA 31088 | 478.929.4444 | www.GoldenKeyRealty.net

526 S Houston Lake Road | Warner Robins GA 31088 | 478.929.4444 | www.GoldenKeyRealty.net

Houston Living 2018.indd 1

Houston Living 2018.indd 1

3/22/2018 11:35:46 AM

3/22/2018 11:35:46 AM

WELCOME TO

The Agricultural Village is a mixed-use property situated directly across from the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. The development offers a dynamic mix of select merchants, including Broken Arrow Outfitters, Perry Ford, Waffle House, and the newly-opened popular grocer Stripling’s General Store. A brand-new subdivision of single-family homes, The Preserve at Agricultural Village, is also part of the development.

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THE PRESERVE AT AGRICULTURAL VILLAGE The Preserve at Agricultural Village is a brand-new community located less than a mile off I-75 at exit 134. The latest collaboration from the Loudermilk Companies and C. W. Williams Homes, The Preserve features a variety of custom homes to choose from, and with the option of USAA approved financing, makes home-buying easy for qualified buyers. Private and secluded, The Preserve features a neighborhood pool and pavilion to enjoy summer nights and barbecues. Floor plan options range from 1,604-2,619 square feet and start at $170,000. And with the Westfield School just down the road, The Preserve is a perfect fit for families.

478-955-3176 | ThePreserveAtAgVillage.com | 1175 Perry Parkway at Exit 134, Perry, GA 31069

The Preserve offers Perry luxurious new construction homes in a private neighborhood that simply can’t be found anywhere else in this area.

- Developer Robin Loudermilk, CEO, The Loudermilk Companies

PERRY FORD Perry Ford has been in the same location for decades and is one of the oldest Ford dealerships in Middle Georgia. Their long-term success is due to fair and competitive prices, great customer service, and an outstanding service and parts department. Perry Ford is also Middle Georgia’s Used Car Headquarters, where General Manager Brian Bearden can be found picking up anything from a Lexus to a Volkswagen Beetle. Giving back to the community is also an important part of Perry Ford’s business. The dealership is proud to sponsor local school events and public safety initiatives. Recently, over $500 was raised for the victims of Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, showing support for a community in need.

478-987-2411 | PerryGAFord.com | 2010 Hwy 41 South Suite 200, Perry, Georgia 31069

Any dealer can sell you a car, but Perry Ford will provide you with the vehicle you want and need. Many people don’t realize we can get any make, model and price point a customer is looking for.

- General Manager Brian Bearden

BROKEN ARROW OUTFITTERS Broken Arrow Outfitters carries everything an outdoor sports enthusiast would need, including outdoor gear, hunting equipment, clothing, boots, and accessories. Spend some time in the gun room to brush up on hunting techniques with Tim, or sharpen your shot with the simulator in the archery demo room. Broken Arrow carries top brands such as Barbour, Onward Reserve, Orvis, Southern Tide, and many more. And the employees don’t just work there- -they love being there and are experts in all things outdoor.

Formerly known as Brannen Outfitters, Broken Arrow offers the same great products, staff and expertise that Middle Georgia has come to depend on.

478-224-1616 | BrokenArrowOutfitters.com | 106 Ag Village Blvd, Perry, Georgia 31069

Broken Arrow Outfitters will turn anyone into an outdoor enthusiast. Our love of the outdoors comes across in the quality of the products we carry. We’ve even been known to take our customers out with us and show them how it’s done!

- General Manager John Cannon

Family

HEALING GRIEVING HEARTS ONE AT A TIME

Every situation is different; we know this. From traditional to highly customized to purely simple, we can honor your loved one perfectly. We will meet any budget need. Period.

Beautifully maintained, Magnolia Park has options for every type of memorialization and offers both affordability and enduring quality.

Our newly expanded Veteran’s Garden of Valor features a custom-made POW-MIA memorial. Spaces for Veterans will always be provided at no charge.

Burial Lots | Private Estates Mausoleums | Cremation Options Free spaces for Veterans

2 05 S. Ple a s a nt H i l l R oad | War n er R o b i n s, G eo r g i a 31088 | (478) 922-5845 | m ag nol i aparkc emetery.c om

Offering exceptional value with compassionate service to our community has been the mission of McCullough Funeral Home for nearly 70 years.

Still family owned and operated, ours is a history of unmatched integrity and we strive to maintain our reputation through quality, sincerity, and trust.

We will never forget that our mission is one of service.

No matter your situation, McCullough Funeral Home can and will help you.

4 1 7 Sou th Hou s ton L ake Road | Warner Robi ns, GA 31088 | (478) 953-14 7 8 |mccullo ugh fh .co m

Boland Prosthetic and Orthotic Center helped Edward Daniels to walk again.

Reclaiming His Life

I

It may seem ironic to some, but Ohio native Edward Daniels views himself as a lucky man. In May of last year, the 61-year-old underwent an amputation below his right knee during what he thought would be a routine procedure. “I never expected this to happen to me, and it completely changed everything,” he says. The former surgical service technician says that he knew that life never be the same after the operation. “It was a real eyeopener to find myself in a wheelchair. I was shocked, but

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I quickly realized that I had to ‘man up’ and face the facts if I was going to get any better. If you fall down in life, you just have to get up.”

In July, Daniels’ surgeon recommended that he visit the Boland Prosthetic and Orthotic Center to get fitted for a prosthesis. “I didn’t know anything about the place or about Paul Boland, but I’m sure glad I (went there).

He and his staff have been a God-send to me. They don’t treat you like a patient at all, which is a rare thing these

days. It was a breath of fresh air.” Daniels soon explained to the staff that he wanted to secure a prosthesis before his birthday in August.

Mr. Daniels’ main goal was to walk again, so we were thrilled to help him get his prosthesis before his birthday in August in order to achieve his goal.”

For the past twenty years, Paul Boland has relished the opportunity to help people like Mr. Daniels regain their life and become active again. “The most fulfilling thing for me is helping people to reclaim their independence. Whether it involves the ablility to simply take care of themselves or to play golf, go hunting or do some yard work, we just want to help our clients increase their quality of life.”

Throughout the process of obtaining and learning to use his prosthesis, Boland and his staff marveled at Edward’s positive outlook

and sense of humor. “He was never depressed or down on himself,” recalls Boland. “In fact, he was quite the opposite, which was an inspiration to all of us at the center. We’re just thrilled that he’s happy, that he’s mobile and active again.”

Unfortunately, because of other health issues, Mr. Daniels has been on a waiting list for a kidney transplant at Emory University. He has been patiently waiting on a donor for the past four years, but true to form, he remains positive.

“I have to keep a great attitude despite (my circumstances) and not let anyone or anything determine my life for me,” he says. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way with God’s help.

He spared my life, so I’m just thankful to be alive.”

If you would like to assist with Mr. Daniels’ kidney donation, please write to him at edwarddaniels725@gmail.com or call him at (478) 334-0466.

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Once a year for the last 17 years, the children attending Camp WINGS experience a few days of fun, escape and much needed therapy. Camp WINGS (When In Need Get Support) is a bereavement camp for children ages 6-16 who have lost a loved one in death. The most recent camp was held in November at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley.

Offered free of charge, this camp is designed to help children understand that their feelings of grief and loss are normal and gives the campers a safe and supportive environment in which to express their feelings.

Even though the camp’s mission is to help families pick up the pieces after a loss, kids also get the chance to participate in fun activities such as horseback riding, arts and crafts, and bouncy houses. “Kids need to know that it is OK to have fun and laugh again,” said Sherry Robinson, who’s been camp director for the last eight years. “However, throughout the weekend, we have counseling by trained social workers and grief counselors.”

Offered free of charge, this camp is designed to help children understand that their feelings of grief and loss are normal and gives the campers a safe and supportive environment in which to express their feelings.

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The kids are encouraged to participate in several team-building exercises throughout the three-day camp. Activities such as these teach kids how to depend on others for support. While the children may not realize all that is going on mentally, these wellplanned activities are designed to help each child get over a hurdle in their life.

Many times, making a friend or two at camp can be the spark children need to come to terms with their loss. Finding a friend who can relate to their loss helps children realize they are not alone. Sharing memories, good and bad, is helpful to moving on, and camp counselors help teach children to verbalize their emotions.

Talking about their loss in a safe place can let children release some of those feelings they find difficult to deal with.

Many of the 40 or so campers have lost a parent and, in some cases, both parents in tragic events. The camp has seen kids with parents who were murdered or committed suicide. “It is extremely important to us that we become part of their support system to deal with this grief,� Sherry said.

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friend therapy

Many times, making a friend or two at camp can be the spark children need to come to terms with their loss.

Finding a friend who can relate to their loss helps children realize they are not alone. Sharing memories, good and bad, is helpful to moving on, and camp counselors help teach children to verbalize their emotions. Talking about their loss in a safe place can let children release some of those feelings they find difficult to deal with.

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Campers often are paired with a volunteer buddy. “The buddy is a volunteer who chaperones the camper all weekend and stays in touch after the fun is over,” Sherry said. “We even had a buddy who kept in contact with his camper all through high school, attended his graduation and even his wedding years later.”

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Many of the 40 or so campers have lost a parent and, in some cases, both parents in tragic events. The camp has seen kids with parents who were murdered or committed suicide. “It is extremely important to us that we become part of their support system to deal with this grief,” Sherry said.

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Camp WINGS, which was created when a social worker at Heart of Georgia Hospice recognized that some of the children of their hospice families may be getting overlooked, is having a proven impact on the children it serves.

“That was the best thing that ever happened to me,” was one 9-year-old’s comment to her foster mother as they pulled away from the campgrounds.

A foster child from a neighboring county, both of the young girl’s parents had died several years before. For her, the camp made all the difference in her healing process.

Each February, Heart of Georgia Hospice holds a Camp WINGS reunion. At that time, they ask campers and guardians to fill out survey sheets. “We ask questions about their experiences and what we could do to make it better,” Sherry said. “Although we encourage people to make suggestions, I can honestly say that we have never had a bad review.”

On the surveys, campers tend to say the worst parts of camp are bedtimes and not wanting to leave.

The surveys also are designed to give insight to the changes guardians are seeing at home. Children not skipping school anymore, or just being more open to talking about what happened are some of the great side effects of camp. And sometimes that’s all it takes: feeling comfortable and trusting someone enough to confide in them. To have a person really listen and validate what children are feeling inside, that’s the magic of Camp WINGS.

helping families Even though the camp’s mission is to help families pick up the pieces after a loss, kids also get the chance to participate in fun activities such as horseback riding, arts and crafts, and bouncy houses. “Kids need to know that it is OK to have fun and laugh again,” said Sherry Robinson, who’s been camp director for the last eight years. “However, throughout the weekend, we have counseling by trained social workers and grief counselors.”

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If you have a child or know of a child who could benefit from this camp, please call Heart of Georgia Hospice at 478953-5161. Camp WINGS is open to any child ages 6-16 who has experienced a loss, not just children of hospice patients.

Hospice also invites community members to sponsor a child for the camp. Sponsorships are $150 per child. ď • HCL

On the surveys, campers tend to say the worst parts of camp are bedtimes and not wanting to leave. The surveys also are designed to give insight to the changes guardians are seeing at home. Children not skipping school anymore, or just being more open to talking about what happened are some of the great side effects of camp. And sometimes that’s all it takes: feeling comfortable and trusting someone enough to confide in them.

To have a person really listen and validate what children are feeling inside, that’s the magic of Camp WINGS.

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Nowadays, some of us take electricity for granted. But no matter where you go, you expect it to follow. And it does. It’s there because your electric co-op is here. Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.

YOU’RE EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. SO IS YOUR POWER.

Flint Energies is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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SHORT TERM REHABILITATION LifeSpring delivers in-patient specialized, short-term rehabilitation services for those recovering from a hospital stay or needing to gain strength and skills following a surgical procedure. LifeSpring rehabilitation empowers residents to “spring back to the life they love.”

• State-of-the-art Rehabilitation Facilities • In-patient and Out-patient Rehabilitative Therapies • Cardio-Pulmonary Procedure Recovery • Orthopedic Surgery Recovery • Post-Stroke/Neurological Recovery • Dysphagia Therapy • Wound Care • New Private Rooms with Private Baths • Private Dining Room

2017

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www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare

FB.com/ChurchHomeLifeSpring

2470 US Hwy 41 N, Fort Valley, GA 31030 | (478) 987-1239 | www.ChurchHomeLifeSpring.com

6 miles north of Perry on US Hwy 41 near GA 96 54

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LONG TERM CARE For that time when nursing home care is required for safety and quality of life, Church Home delivers the highest quality skilled nursing care and therapy for long term residents.

• 5 Stars Overall Rating by CMS • Caring for Seniors in Middle Georgia for over 75 years!

• Health Monitoring and Medication Management • Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Restorative Therapies • Nutrition Monitoring and Management • Activities/Social Programming

HOSPICE/RESPITE CARE Church Home partners with area hospice care providers for those in need of hospice or respite care services for care and compassion at the Church Home.

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WELCOME TO

Warner Robins RANDY TOMS, MAYOR

478.302.5515 | www.wrga.gov | 700 Watson Boulevard | Warner Robins, GA 31093

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w i t h SK I N T EL L I G E NT

478.987.1938

933 Carroll Street

Perry, Georgia 31069

The

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Serving Lunch & Dinner Catering Available 58

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blessing a true

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Short-Term Rehabilitation Comprehensive Long-Term Care Specialized Memory Care Senior Independent Living

atherine McGehee was born on a farm in Moreland, Georgia. Her mother and father moved their family of 10 children to Atlanta when Katherine was 5 years old.

While in Atlanta, Katherine met her future husband John McGehee when she was 21 years old. The couple dated 3 years while John attended Georgia Tech and attained his electrical engineering degree. They got married in September of 1953, and John went into the service in January 1954 for two years.

After his time in the service, John McGehee got a job with RCA now known as NASA in South Merritt Island, Florida.

John McGehee helped put the first man on the moon! Katherine and John have 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl. Katherine says she was blessed to be able to stay at home with all of her children while they were little and later sold real estate in Florida. All of Katherine and John’s children achieved college degrees. Now there are 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Katherine and John sold their home in Florida and moved to Perry to be closer to one of their sons in 2007. In 2010, John was diagnosed with dementia. Katherine cared for him at home as long as she was able then John was admitted to Veranda West Memory Care at Summerhill in 2016. The same day John moved into Veranda West Memory Care, Katherine moved into Summerhill Independent Living Villas so that she was only a walk away from her husband at all times! John’s disease progressed, and he passed away in 2017. The couple was married 63 ½ years!

Ms. Katherine McGehee is one of those special people that God puts in your path as a true blessing. Ms. McGehee makes everyone that she comes in contact with feel welcome, and she always lends a listening ear as a friend. Her love for Christ shines through her actions in the love that she shows others.

Her sweet spirit and loving heart are a true inspiration, and you would never know her age based on the energy and spunk she has! She walks to visit the beautiful koi pond behind the villas twice a day and always finds someone to speak to along the way! She is a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Perry. When asked what the secret to life is, Ms. McGehee replied by saying, “Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. You go back and forth but get nowhere. If you have a problem, fix it. If you can’t fix it, give it to the man upstairs.”

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summerhillseniorcommunity.com

500 Stanley Street, Perry, GA | 1.478.987.3100

Entrepreneur, founder and CEO are words used to describe those who have the nerve to step out on a shaky business limb to reach for their dreams. None of those words can quite define Ginger Lively and all of her ambitions. We all have had those “lightbulb moments” of genius ideas, but most never follow through. When those light bulbs sparked in Ginger’s imagination, she turned them on one-byone.

Ginger started her career in hairdressing more than 14 years ago as an assistant. She was a young mother and needed a steady job. Ginger juggled working at several different salons trying to find the perfect fit, but nothing seemed right.

Ginger’s personal plate became full when she found herself at 26 as the caretaker of her two children, ages 4 and almost 1, as well as both of her ailing parents. Her mom and dad needed full-time care, so Ginger put a few dreams on hold to tend to her parents. Even then, she never questioned why all this landed in her lap; she just knew it had to be done and that she was the one to do it. “I was even going to churches asking for donations to support my mom

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Essential Body became business number three. Ginger created a Facebook page for her product and began to design a logo and develop lotions and scrubs, all while still working as a hairdresser, re-opening a juice bar, and being a busy mom and wife.

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The inspiration continued, as Ginger moved on with her personal life as well. She fell in love with and married Justin Lively, who works at Robins Air Force Base. His attention to healthy eating and living made another light bulb go off in Ginger’s head.

and dad. If I could get through this, I knew I could do anything,” she said.

Both of Ginger’s parents passed away, but she will never regret the time they had together while she took care of them. She said she will forever be grateful for those last moments with her mom, who left her with a resounding piece of wisdom: “As long as you are alive, you have a life to live and a life to give.”

Ginger took that message to heart and began to make her own path. She prayed for an answer nightly. In a random conversation with her sister, Kim Veal, Ginger mentioned that if she could, she would open her own salon.

Kim immediately offered to help, and so Ginger began to look for a space for their new salon.

“I was out driving around looking at buildings. I stopped and prayed. I felt a

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Ginger has taken advantage of every light-bulb moment she has had so far. “I want to make someone feel beautiful on the outside, so I do their hair. I want them to have beautiful smooth skin, so I do the lotion. I want them to be healthy on the inside, so I create the juices,� she said.

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need to turn right and drive, so I did. We ended up at this old, empty, realty company. I knew instantly this was it,” Ginger said.

A lot of construction, planning and decorating was done in a short period of time, and Salon Fusion was born. Through the coming together of sisters Ginger and Kim, Salon Fusion has been a thriving salon since 2011.

The inspiration continued, as Ginger moved on with her personal life as well. She fell in love with and married Justin Lively, who works at Robins Air Force Base. His attention to healthy eating and living made another light bulb go off in Ginger’s head.

“There are many people plagued by obesity,” Ginger recalled about the idea. “There just aren’t healthy options for a fast breakfast or lunch.”

And so, Ginger and Justin developed Wild Organics Juice Company, located near the corner of Lake Joy Road and GA. 96. A juice bar that offers something for everyone, they also have superfoods, veggies and fruits.

The road has been bumpy even for this businesswoman. The juice bar opened last year and quickly developed core customers who loved the option for a break from all the fast food. With major roadwork and construction blocking the entrance, the juice bar struggled. Ginger agonized over her latest project and finally decided to close. Thinking it was just not the right time or place, Ginger tried to reconcile the closing. But it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

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Less than a year later, Ginger began thinking about how to re-open the juice bar and make it better and more accessible to her customers. She approached her husband with the idea. Justin said no at once. He had seen her work so hard only to have the doors shut. The couple went out to dinner with friends of her sister. Walking out of the restaurant, one of the friends stopped Justin and told him that he had no idea what Ginger had planned, but she had so much passion for it all she would be successful no matter what she did.

That was the day Ginger and Justin decided to give the juice bar new life. They are planning to open again in a bigger location with all new juice recipes, salads, fresh protein bars, vegan and gluten-free products.

When another light-bulb moment came a few months later, Ginger thought she may need to clone herself to keep up with all of the business ideas. She had a long-time salon client who suffered from eczema. She told Ginger that nothing seemed to work. Ginger always had been interested in creating homemade skin care products and took this on as a challenge. At her next hair cut appointment, Ginger gave her client a lotion made with coconut oil, shea butter and other oils.

“In four days, her skin was smoother and less irritated. The flare-up was completely gone,” she said. The client said her skin felt amazing, and Ginger knew she was on to something good.

Essential Body became business number three.

Ginger created a Facebook page for her product and began to design a logo and develop lotions and scrubs, all while still working as a hairdresser, re-opening a juice bar, and being a busy mom and wife. “It was a little overwhelming, to say the least,” she said.

About two months ago, Ginger suffered from a severe shoulder injury. She lost all movement in her neck and arm. While most would complain and stress about it, Ginger said she believes God was telling her to be still. She was forced to stay home and take it easy. Of course, Ginger’s idea of taking it easy involved designing new lotion bottles and labels.

True to form, Ginger’s essential body lotion, called Between the Sheets, was a hit. She was invited to New York City by TV reality star Jill Zarin. Jill hosts a yearly luncheon to benefit cancer awareness with all her famous friends. Jill stocks her party with all of her favorite things, including

Both of Ginger’s parents passed away, but she will never regret the time they had together while she took care of them. She said she will forever be grateful for those last moments with her mom, who left her with a resounding piece of wisdom: “As long as you are alive, you have a life to live and a life to give.”

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Ginger’s lotion. Ginger made it happen and traveled to the Big Apple with 300 bottles of lotion for the party.

A public relations representative saw a picture of the lotions from the event and wanted to include them and Ginger in her West Coast event. Ginger now plans to attend an even larger cancer awareness event in Los Angeles in November.

Ginger has taken advantage of every light-bulb moment she has had so far. “I want to make someone feel beautiful on the outside, so I do their hair. I want them to have beautiful smooth skin, so I do the lotion. I want them to be healthy on the inside, so I create the juices,” she said.

When I asked her what she did for herself, Ginger responded, “I have a successful business with my sister, who believed in me from the beginning. I have a common passion for being healthy with my husband. I can honor my parents and leave a legacy for my children with my businesses and work ethic. I can show my kids the rewards of hard work and teach them to go for their dreams. I have a husband who is my rock. He will be there for the lows and the highs every time. I think that’s quite a lot that I get out of it all!”  HCL

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“I just got home from an event I attended in Los Angeles. While there for my Essential Body line, I was invited to include the Essential Body line in Oscar gift bags. The gift bags are specifically for the premiere of the new Christian Bale movie "Hostile".

This is definitely an exciting adventure. I am really looking forward to what else is to come in my future. I am still in awe.”

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A long history that started with simple steps Almost 100 years ago, a group of famers got together with an idea to offer farm insurance coverage to their neighbors. From those simple steps we grew into a company that can meet the many needs of our customers while maintaining the values that were the foundation of our existence.

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Some people look at the things that happen to them and question why. Others look at their lives and know without a doubt that everything has happened for a reason – to get them to the point they are today. Jordan Kozloski has no doubt that God has worked everything out in her life to get her to this point: playing a sport she loves with the USA Women’s Paralympic basketball team.

In addition to the echoing pounding of the basketball in the empty gym is a whirring sound and sometimes a skidding sound, as 16-year-old Jordan speeds, whirls and stops on a dime in her specially designed wheelchair. She is almost a blur as she maneuvers down the court, then spins to come back, dribbling behind her back and taking practice shots.

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Thanks to a Flint Energies grant, which paid for wheelchairs for the team, the Houston County Sharks were in business, with their home base at Bonaire Middle School. They are a co-ed team of all ages, from elementary to high school, and they play three sports: basketball, touch football and handball. They play against other teams in Georgia, and in March 2017, the team won their 20th state championship in just nine years of existence. “It’s like a big family.

We get frustrated with each other; we build each other up; we love each other; we cheer each other on,” Jordan said.

The life of this determined young lady didn’t come with such a promising start. “I was a drug baby,” Jordan said matter-of-factly.

“I was born in a hotel. My parents were very young,” Jordan said.

“I had heart defects – two pinholes in my heart.”

After 20 years of marriage, Mike and Sandy Kozloski came to Warner Robins for a new job, and with thoughts of retiring.

Sandy had a grown daughter, Diane, who Mike helped raise, but they were unable to have children together because of injuries from a car wreck Sandy had in her early 20s. That wreck took the life of her unborn son and left a void, which the couple tried to fill through years of going to a fertility specialist and trying adoption, but it never worked out. One day, they were surprised

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by an unexpected phone call about a little girl born in Madeira, California.

The couple was told the little girl had health issues but that did not stop the Kozloskis from wanting her.

Jordan was 6 months old when her adoptive parents learned about her, and 15 months old when she came to live with them. Sandy said that Jordan was a perfect fit from the very start. “It’s like she knew she belonged and she was loved. Mike and Jordan were inseparable; she was his little shadow. My void and emptiness of not having another baby was now gone. She filled my heart with so much joy and love it was overwhelming,” Sandy said. “She was a very outgoing, happy baby, playing with her dogs and toys.

She was very active.”

Just a few months after the adoption, when Jordan was 2 ½ years old, a terrible accident happened. On

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May 17, 2003, Sandy and Jordan were about to head to the store to get flowers to plant while Mike moved to the backyard to finish mowing the lawn. A fence they had installed to keep Jordan safe from traffic would play a part in the accident.

“We were stepping out the back door and I was getting my keys from my bag, looking down a few seconds, as Jordan went lickety-split across the yard to say goodbye to her daddy,” Sandy said. “As I looked up, I could see what was about to unfold.

I was running and screaming as if I were in slow motion. The mower was so loud Mike didn’t hear me calling him to stop. He had met the fence and was backing up after mowing the small strip of grass between the shed and the raised garden bed. He was looking over his left shoulder as Jordan was running up behind him on his right side and he didn’t see her. There it was before my eyes – my baby on the ground under the mower.”

Both parents quickly jumped into action. Mike jerked the mower off and ran to call 911 and to get towels. Sandy, a trained nurse, spoke softly as

“We are very proud of our girl,” Mike said while preparing to help Jordan go through some practice shots. He smiles, “My retirement is this.” “She is totally my heart,” Sandy added, knowing that what God has in store for Jordan is more than she could have ever imagined. The ringing of the basketball echoes across the court, and it sounds like dreams in the making.

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When she started on the team, she was the smallest – but also the fastest. As she grew, so did her skills. When she was in the eighth grade, she was invited to compete with Blaze Sports America, a national adaptive sports organization. Blaze Sports provides harder competition with more strategy, and often grooms athletes for college scholarships. There, the coaches were excited to find an athlete who was both coachable and willing to put in the hours of practice. Before long, she was one of the starting five members on the basketball team.

Jordan reached for her. Sandy had Jordan lie back so that she could administer first aid and apply pressure to the femoral artery to stop the bleeding. “I could see that her left leg was gone, with only a sliver of her left femur showing.

Inside, my heart was breaking and I kept praying for God to intervene and guide my hands and keep me calm,” she said. “It was very traumatic and dramatic and scary,” Jordan said.

Their neighbor Brian Purcell, a paramedic, came to help, and Sandy had the wherewithal to gather parts of her daughter’s leg to take with

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them. She was taken by ambulance to Houston Medical Center, then to the pediatric trauma center in Macon, where Dr. Lisa Ann Farmer contained the femoral bleeding. Jordan was then flown by medivac to Atlanta.

Because of the pieces of leg Sandy had saved, Dr. Timothy Oswald, a pediatric orthopedist, was able to use a piece of knee bone and graft it to her femoral bone and use parts of the calf muscle to reform her thigh muscle. “By the grace and will of God, the graft was successful in that her femur grew a few inches, allowing Jordan to be fitted with a prosthetic leg and walking by August 4, less than three months later,” Sandy said. “All of this is a God thing. He knew what he wanted to do with this girl, and I didn’t.”

The Kozloskis said it was clear from the start that God was putting the right people into place to help Jordan. Before being adopted, she lived with foster parents, with whom she is still close.

Her foster father worked with an orthotics and prosthetics company. He reassured them that with the advances made in prosthetics, she would be fine – and he was right.

Both Mike and Sandy made sure Jordan knew that the accident would not limit her. “This is going to be your life now,” they told her. “You can do anything you want to do. You will just have to figure out your way to do it.”

Jordan adapted quickly, and is fond of reminding her parents that she has two legs; she just has to put one of them on. “Once she was back up on her two legs there was no stopping her,” Sandy said.

And everything she wanted to do involved a ball.

“Dolls were never my thing. I was never really a girly-girl. I was always playing with the boys, tackling them in football,” Jordan said. “I ran; I swam; and I’ve always loved basketball.”

She dreamed of playing team sports, but could not find a team that could accommodate her situation. She also dreamed of playing stand-up basketball, but because she is missing her knee joint, she is unable to pivot quickly and stay balanced. However, when she was in second grade at Quail Run Elementary School, God provided the next step in her path.

The Kozloskis said it was clear from the start that God was putting the right people into place to help Jordan. Before being adopted, she lived with foster parents, with whom she is still close. Her foster father worked with an orthotics and prosthetics company.

He reassured them that with the advances made in prosthetics, she would be fine – and he was right.

Christy Jones, then a counselor at Bonaire Middle School and a referee with the American Association of Adapted Sports, brought the idea of an adapted sports program to the administration of Houston County Schools. They held a meeting for any families interested, and six students showed up. Jordan was the youngest.

Being the youngest did not stop Jordan from voicing her opinions. She did not care for any of the original names suggested for the team – Ducks, Ladybugs, Lizards – but instead said Sharks. She also agreed that orange and black were better team colors than some of the tamer ones suggested.

However, she was not so sure about sitting in a wheelchair to play basketball, when she was used to standing up and dribbling. “But she sat right down and took to it like a duck to water,” Sandy said.

Thanks to a Flint Energies grant, which paid for wheelchairs for the team, the Houston County Sharks were in business, with their home base at

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As for what is in store for this Houston County High School junior after the USA team, Jordan already has thoughts. “I am hoping for a scholarship for college – maybe Illinois, Texas, Alabama or Arizona,” Jordan said. “I would like to go into criminal law – maybe be a detective, or a police officer, or go into forensics – or do sports management or coaching.”

Bonaire Middle School. They are a co-ed team of all ages, from elementary to high school, and they play three sports: basketball, touch football and handball. They play against other teams in Georgia, and in March 2017, the team won their 20th state championship in just nine years of existence. “It’s like a big family. We get frustrated with each other; we build each other up; we love each other; we cheer each other on,” Jordan said.

When she started on the team, she was the smallest – but also the fastest. As she grew, so did her skills.

When she was in the eighth grade, she was invited to compete with Blaze Sports America, a national adaptive sports organization. Blaze Sports provides harder competition with more strategy, and often grooms athletes for college scholarships. There, the coaches were excited to find an athlete who was both coachable and willing to put in the hours of practice.

Before long, she was one of the starting five members on the basketball team.

About this time, she also acquired a new wheelchair. It is taller and narrower than a regular wheelchair, with a tapered front for Jordan’s right leg.

She does not wear her prosthetic while playing.

Her success with Blaze Sports brought her even more national attention, and she was invited to try out for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association U.S. Women’s Paralympic team. After the try-out process, she became one of 32 women on the basketball team, made up of three veteran Paralympians, four high school students, and the rest college students. She regularly travels to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to train with the team.

This spring, she made the final cut to 16; she is the youngest team member and is one of four alternates for the team, which travels and plays all over the U.S. Her ultimate goal is to play as a member of the NWBA U.S. Women’s Paralympic team in Tokyo in 2020, but that is years away. Only a handful of the team will make it to Tokyo. In the meantime, she is training. “The coach has her on a regiment, shooting 1,050 shots a week and weight training,” Mike said.

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“They are developing her to be a shooter.” She has specific workouts to build her core strength and spends extra time studying videos of her games, critiquing her every move. “The coaches say they wish all of their players had her dedication,” Mike said.

As for what is in store for this Houston County High School junior after the USA team, Jordan already has thoughts. “I am hoping for a scholarship for college – maybe Illinois, Texas, Alabama or Arizona,” Jordan said. “I would like to go into criminal law – maybe be a detective, or a police officer, or go into forensics – or do sports management or coaching.”

She enjoys mentoring the Houston County Sharks JV team, which adds to her already hectic schedule, which includes dual enrollment classes through Central Georgia Technical College. “When she graduates from high school, she plans to graduate with an associate in science degree,” her mom said.

Not bad for someone who has had to work through developmental delays, particularly in math, from her less than favorable beginnings. And not exactly a restful retirement for two parents who stay plenty busy getting her from team to team.

“We are very proud of our girl,” Mike said while preparing to help Jordan go through some practice shots. He smiles, “My retirement is this.” “She is totally my heart,” Sandy added, knowing that what God has in store for Jordan is more than she could have ever imagined. The ringing of the basketball echoes across the court, and it sounds like dreams in the making.  HCL Note: Because of Jordan’s accident, she and her parents participate in the action group Limbs Matter, to raise awareness of lawn mower safety. A public service announcement featuring Jordan and Mike is on limbsmatter.com.

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XX Warner Robins Hometown Living At Its Best 301 Margie Drive 478.971.1153

Hometown Living At Its Best

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A heart for

giving 96 houston county living

STORY BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOS BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

W

What were you doing as a senior in high school? Cramming for a test, applying to college, deciding what to wear to Friday night’s big game? Hannah Branham is an 18-year-old senior at Veterans High School who does all of those things – and a few more that might surprise you. Hannah loves to hang out with friends, to show pigs in her Future Farmers of America (FFA) program at school – and she also has a strong passion for helping others.

In 2010, Hannah and her mom, Laura, went with their church to feed the homeless in downtown Macon. That trip changed Hannah’s life and opened her heart to all the people around her who needed help. “I just thought they needed help and I could do something, anything,” Hannah said. As soon as they returned home, Hannah began to collect every coat, jacket and hat she could

18-year-old Hannah Branham is happiest when she’s helping others

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“She has such a sweet spirit of giving, you can just feel God in her.”

- Carla Fyre, manager of Rainbow House.

find for another trip to Macon. “She did it all on her own at 10 years old,” Laura said. “Every time you turned around, she was planning some way to help someone.”

In 2012, Hannah noticed there was a fellow church member who always seemed cold during service. He had been diagnosed with cancer and because of his illness and treatments he could not get warm. Quietly, Hannah found out his favorite football team, bought material and made him a blanket. This small gesture of kindness would have a bigger impact than she expected.

When the church member passed away, Hannah and her mom attended the funeral. As they walked into the church, they noticed that her handmade blanket was draped over the casket “keeping him warm forever”. Hannah knew then that God had placed her exactly where she needed to be to keep changing people’s lives even in small ways.

A few years later, they were driving through a Target parking lot and saw an older gentleman in need of help. He was a parking lot regular who would panhandle for change. He was friendly and always waved – whether or not they stopped to give money. It was common knowledge in that area that he enjoyed to color while he sat. Hannah always asked if she could buy him something, but her mom was cautious.

A few weeks later, Hannah put on some old jeans and found a $20 bill in her pocket. “She called me immediately.

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Supply and Demand

This year Hannah decided to gather as many school supplies as she could. She got boxes and decorated them for collections. She left the boxes at Coldwell Banker, Allen’s Stone Baked Pizzeria, and at her mom’s real estate office, Robbins & Free Realty Company.

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Giving Back to Others In 2012, Hannah noticed there was a fellow church member who always seemed cold during service. He had been diagnosed with cancer and because of his illness and treatments he could not get warm. Quietly, Hannah found out his favorite football team, bought material and made him a blanket. This small gesture of kindness would have a bigger impact than she expected.

She wanted to go right then to Target and buy him all the coloring books she could with her new-found money,” Laura said. “How many teenagers would be that excited to give away money as soon as they found it?” Perhaps not many, but that is exactly what Hannah wants to change in this world.

For the past two years, Hannah has asked to substitute birthday presents for help raising money. She raised more than $1,000 for “Together We Rise” and a few other causes that benefit less fortunate children. “Hannah doesn’t just take the donated money and buy things, she calls around to see who has the best deals before she shops,” her mom said. She makes the most out of the money even when it’s not hers she is spending. She has clipped coupons and reached out to both Walmart stores in Warner Robins for help. Managers at both places either matched her money or donated a gift card.

In April 2017, Hannah convinced her boyfriend to join her in a fundraiser. The dynamic duo set off to organize a truck show event. They are a part of several truck groups in other counties and reached out to those friends for help.

“The goal is always to raise money but to also increase awareness among more people our age about what they can do to help,” Hannah said.

Swamp Donkey Off-Road donated money for the park fee and the insurance fee came from Laura. With that help, they secured North Peach Park in Byron for the event location. They charged an entry fee, raffled off truck accessories, and some people just donated what they could.

Trucks came from all over the state to support their cause, the Crescent House at the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital in Macon. They raised enough money to buy car seats, diapers, wipes, toys, bottles and formula not only for the Crescent House, but also for the Rainbow House Children’s Resource Center in Warner Robins.

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“It’s in my heart to see things for what they are and how I can make them better. I want to inspire all kids my age that they can make a difference.”

- Hannah Branham

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“She has such a sweet spirit of giving, you can just feel God in her,” said Carla Fyre, manager of Rainbow House. Healthy Families Houston, a free home visiting program for families with newborns, is a big part the Rainbow House’s mission. “Our goal is to make sure (new mothers) know they have support,” Carla said.

Carla said she received a phone call from Hannah asking what she could do to help Rainbow House. Hannah came by, picked up a list of items, went to purchase them all, brought them back and has never stopped giving. “I think that’s her beauty. It’s magical because of her age,” Carla said. The Rainbow House has more than 50 families in need of help at any given time, and Hannah has touched many of them personally through donations of baby items, toys and car seats, but she wanted to do more.

This year Hannah decided to gather as many school supplies as she could.

She got boxes and decorated them for collections. She left the boxes at Coldwell Banker, Allen’s Stone Baked Pizzeria, and at her mom’s real estate office, Robbins & Free Realty Company. After a few weeks, she went to pick up the donation boxes.

They were not as full as she wanted them to be, so Hannah spent her own money on even more supplies. Hannah said she wants every child to experience the first day of school feeling confident that they have all they need to be successful. She said she worries about the ones who don’t have the newest clothes or shoes, but wants to make sure they at least have all of their supplies.

“It’s in my heart to see things for what they are and how I can make them better.

I want to inspire all kids my age that they can make a difference,” Hannah said about why she’s so motivated to make a difference in her community. She said she hopes young people reading this article will reach out to her and ask what they can do to help.

After the truck show, a friend in Atlanta contacted her for advice. He wants to hold his own truck show to raise money for school supplies in his county. Hannah’s dream is to have that surge of kindness spread throughout her town, county and state. Making her mark through kindness, Hannah said it just take one ripple to make a wave.  HCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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Our Patriotic Pride! g n i t a br

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Houston County’s Kick-Off Event!

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Tinika Bennett Photography

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Myers Local Event Venues

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Forest Hill Park is a privately owned wedding and event venue located right off Main Street going east out of Perry, Georgia. Its beautiful scenery and unique features make it ideal for: Weddings • Kid’s Birthday Parties • Family Reunions • Anniversary Parties • Company Parties • Church Events & More 1251 FOREST HILL DR. | PERRY, GA | 478.662.2568 FORESTHILLPARKOFPERRY.COM

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STORY BY KELLY MCDONALD | PHOTOS BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY AND DEBORAH PRIEST

Building an Empire

Longtime friends Lauren Barnette and Alex Rasmussen team up to open local performing arts studio

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In 2008, two recent high school graduates were randomly selected to room together in New York City at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of a lifelong friendship and an exciting business partnership.

Lauren French Barnette and Alexandra “Alex� Rasmussen lived in that small dorm room for two years. The girls trained together in all things performing arts and

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Making a Move Could the young women leave their jobs, convince their husbands and make a new business plan? The answer was yes. Within a year, both couples had made the move to Cordele

became a great team. Both shared a love and a passion for the stage.

After graduation, they went their separate ways but always stayed in touch no matter where new opportunities took them. Lauren went on to perform in professional shows in New York and in regional theaters around the country. She acted in “Legally Blonde,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “The King and I,” among others. Alex moved to Orlando where she worked as an entertainer in several theme parks, including Universal Orlando and The Holy Land Experience.

Even though they were thousands of miles apart, the girls were traveling down similar paths. Both took on teaching positions and directed children’s shows.

Both struggled to bring more of their vision to the stage.

Lauren and Alex also met and married their husbands within years of each other.

While their personal lives were on track, they felt limited professionally. Deciding to take a small break, the pair split the distance and met halfway for a vacation. It was in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that they begin to joke about leaving their careers behind and starting their own performing arts business. “It really was a joke at first,” Alex said, “but the more we laughed about the idea, the more real it became.”

Could the young women leave their jobs, convince their husbands and make a new business plan? The answer was yes. Within a year, both couples had made the move to Cordele. Lauren had grown up there and her mother, Kim French, still lived there.

“My mom taught voice and piano lessons

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for almost 30 years here and it made sense for us to begin here, too,” Lauren said. “We started looking for a space and making phone calls to all of my mom’s students trying to start a studio.”

The interest grew quickly for something so different than your average dance class. In 2015, they created Empire Theater LLC. In May of that year, just a few weeks after Empire opened its doors, they staged a performance of “The Jungle Book.” “We were excited to see amazing talent in Houston, Crisp, Turner and Wilcox counties all come together in one show,” Lauren said.

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That summer, Empire offered a few acting and musical camps for area kids. “Frozen” was the first, and Lauren and Alex were thrilled to have 54 children show up. “We knew we were onto something good,” said Alex.

Since that first show, Empire has gone on to produce more musicals, including “Matilda,” “Elf” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

They also added two dance recitals each year. As their offerings began to grow, so did the Empire team. Kyle Whitaker, a childhood friend, was one of the first to join.

“If you would have told me that we would have been part owner of a dance and performing arts studio, I would have called you crazy.

Now we are here almost every day and my husband and all three kids are involved in every show,�

- Lisa Stanage

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Growth Of An Empire Since that first show, Empire has gone on to produce more musicals, including “Matilda,” “Elf” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” They also added two dance recitals each year. As their offerings began to grow, so did the Empire team.

Kyle graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in dance. He had performed in “Cats” on Broadway and was a dancer, singer and actor at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre and The Legacy Theatre. Kyle became a teacher and choreographer at Empire, and recently helped the Empire competition team win several awards in Alabama.

Singer Hannah French, Lauren’s sister, also was added to the team. “I was singing from such a young age that I don’t even remember when I started,” said Hannah. Currently living in Nashville, Tennessee, Hannah is pursuing her own music career, but still serves as the media director for Empire.

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Paige Acheson then joined the growing group of teachers. Paige has been a dancer since she was 4 years old. Kyle, Hannah and Paige still audition and act in several shows at Empire during the year. Acting, musical theater, ballet, tap, modern dance and acro dance are just part of what Empire offers.

“We drive from Houston County every week just for the acting class taught by Alex. Boys may not always want to participate in a musical.

Empire has comedy and drama classes that teach them how to learn lines and ad-lib. The drive is nothing compared to what all our boys get in return,” said the mothers of Cameron Crawford and Tanner Thompson.

Todd and Lisa Stanage also were making the drive from Houston County to Cordele several times a week for their three kids. Last year, Todd and Lisa joined the company to help it thrive even more. “They brought expertise in business and management to help round out our needs, as well as their friendship and talent,” Lauren said.

Empire became such a part of their lives that the couple made the move

In November 2017, Empire held a special talent showcase. They invited agents from Atlanta and Orlando to choose the top performers. Each student learned a song, a commercial and a monologue to be performed in front of the agents

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“Our goal is to prepare each child for actual careers in performing arts. I remember being in a talent show at about 5 or 6 years old and falling in love with every aspect of it. I want to be able to give that to someone else, like my mom gave it to me,” - Lauren Barnette

to Cordele. “If you would have told me that we would have been part owner of a dance and performing arts studio, I would have called you crazy. Now we are here almost every day and my husband and all three kids are involved in every show,” Lisa said. By day, Todd is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force stationed at Robins Air Force Base, and by night he’s Buddy from “Elf.” In November 2017, Empire held a special talent showcase. They invited agents from Atlanta and Orlando to choose the top performers. Each student learned a song, a commercial and a monologue to be performed in front of the agents. With a few weeks practice, more than 30 children and a few adults took to the stage to try to earn a spot on an Empire-sponsored trip to New York City. Thirteen extremely talented kids were chosen for the trip. They saw “The Lion King” and “Anastasia” on Broadway, and also had private auditions with casting directors and master classes with Broadway stars. “We will hold a showcase each year for the opportunity to visit and possibly work in New York

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City, Chicago and Los Angeles,” Lauren said.

Alex added that the showcases are just one of the new and exciting things happening at Empire, but at the core, the group of dedicated teachers and students remain a family. “We want to instill confidence and joy in every student we meet. These students have become our family.

I think we are just as nervous and thrilled to see them on stage as their moms and dads are,” she said.

Lauren and Alex, now moms themselves, have become more than business owners. “Our goal is to prepare each child for actual careers in performing arts. I remember being in a talent show at about 5 or 6 years old and falling in love with every aspect of it. I want to be able to give that to someone else, like my mom gave it to me,” Lauren said. “We also want to thank this county and all the surrounding counties for everything they have given us.

The support here makes us realize daily that Alex and I definitely picked the right place to share our dream with you.”  HCL

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After a Lupus diagnosis, Randy and Melissa Wynn overcome life’s obstacles by facing them hand-in-hand.

Eleven years ago, when Melissa Wynn slowly started to lose her hair, she thought, “If this was the worst thing that happened to me, then I would be OK and learn to live with it.” Otherwise in great health, Melissa was diagnosed with alopecia, a permanent loss of body hair.

After the diagnosis, she decided to embrace her fate and shave her head. “I had suffered a miscarriage. My hormone levels were a little crazy, but I knew this was not the end of the Hometown Living At Its Best

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world if I didn’t have hair,” Melissa said.

Randy Wynn, who’s now her husband, said that even bald, “Melissa is the most beautiful girl I have ever set eyes on.” Randy first saw Melissa at the gym. He was taken aback by her piercing eyes and amazing smile. The two became fast friends, and that’s where things stayed – for a while.

“I was 100 miles an hour every day all day. I trained and worked at the gym,” Melissa said. She stayed busy with her job, her kids and her passion for bodybuilding. Melissa woke up determined to make the most out of each day. Her energetic personality was a magnet for making friends and living life to its fullest.

Meanwhile, Randy was living the life of a Marine. He joined the service after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He was sent to Iraq from 2003-2005 and came home with a Purple Heart for his service during the Battle of Fallujah.

Since returning home, Randy was determined to make the most out of life and take a chance on the girl he fell in love with six years ago at the gym. “I am used to making big decisions quickly and trusting my gut. This was no different to me,” he said.

Five years ago, Melissa’s home flooded and she and her children were staying temporarily in a hotel until construction could be “You never know what someone is going through, so be kind to everyone you come across,” Melissa said. “I would never have believed that I would have married my husband after two weeks of dating, but now I can’t imagine going through this without him.”

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completed. “We were eating out three meals a day, five days a week,” she said. When her friend Randy found out, he offered to choose a restaurant for dinner that night. “Somewhere between dinner and dessert, it turned into a date,” Randy said.

After hours of conversation, the pair realized that they really enjoyed each other’s company and became

inseparable. Randy even went so far as to tell his mother that he would marry Melissa. Two weeks later, over a romantic breakfast at the local Waffle House, Randy proposed.

“I jokingly said yes. Then Randy pulled out his phone to call his work and tell them he would be taking the day off. He was serious!” Melissa said.

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Blending their families proved to be an easy task for this Marine, too. “There are no step-children here. If you sit at my table, you are my child,” Randy said. About a year later, the couple – along with Austin, Dylan, Kaylee and Isabella – welcomed a new addition: Penelope. “I felt great pregnant. We were so happy to have a new baby girl in our family. Our lives were just about perfect,” Melissa said.

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She remembers being shocked but excited. “Before I could even grasp what was happening, we were in the courthouse getting a marriage license,” she said. The couple was married the same day in the living room of Randy’s father, a retired judge. “When you know, you know,” Randy said about his wife.

Blending their families proved to be an easy task for this Marine, too. “There are no step-children here. If you sit at my table, you are my child,” Randy said. About a year later, the couple – along with Austin, Dylan, Kaylee and Isabella – welcomed a new addition: Penelope. “I felt great pregnant. We were so happy to have a new baby

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While scientists continue to make progress in forming new treatment plans for Lupus, Melissa and Randy work to spread awareness about the disease. “Pay attention to your body and what it is trying to tell you,” Melissa said, adding that she wants people to realize that just because a person doesn’t look sick, doesn’t mean they aren’t sick.

girl in our family. Our lives were just about perfect,” Melissa said.

After having Penelope, Melissa seemed more tired, but assumed it was her hormones.

As the months passed, she knew something was wrong. Melissa made a doctor’s appointment with a local physician. She sat in shock when results came in from blood work and other tests her doctor performed. Most of her levels were abnormal; she had walking pneumonia, a heart mitral valve prolapse and extremely low blood pressure. The doctor then sent Melissa from one specialist to another. “I have always been in great shape, but failed the

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basic general stress test. I had no idea what was happening to my body,” she said.

During the next year, the couple sat in waiting rooms all over Georgia trying to find answers. A pulmonologist referred them to a rheumatologist with the possibility of a Lupus diagnosis. “Honestly, we googled Lupus before the appointment. I had every symptom listed,” she said, adding that symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, swelling, fever and hair loss.

Melissa and Randy had never heard of Lupus and therefore didn’t know what to expect. After confirming her diagnosis, the doctor explained that Lupus is a chronic condition. It is a complicated and unpredictable disease. Patients generally don’t know when symptoms will strike or how long they will last. It can affect any organ in the body and cause a wide range of problems.

“We had no idea what our next step was, but we knew we would take it together,” Randy said.

Melissa said she felt relieved to finally put a name to what she’d been feeling, and happy to know there was treatment. Lupus has no cure, but Melissa could go on an aggressive plan to treat her symptoms. “I realized that I had Lupus all along. It was a strange feeling to be so sick and not always look sick,” she said, adding that she could go for months at a time with no real problems and then be blindsided with a week in bed.

“The first year we were married, I was TDY 15 separate times,” said Randy. He said he loved his job, but he loved his wife more.

Randy knew when Melissa was diagnosed

She has an apparent love for her city, which is obvious in the way she speaks of her business, but also in the way that she has instilled in her work and her family a desire to help the community.

Neither Mona nor Magid specifically state that generosity and service are foundations on which their business thrives. It is apparent in their giving of time and food within the communitythat they were happy in bringing aid to their hometown friends.

that he needed to be home more frequently. “I have been to every appointment with her and will continue to be. We are truly facing the unknown together,” he said.

Melissa has since suffered several setbacks in her treatment. She is currently dealing with the effect of Lupus on her kidneys and liver. “I have stopped planning anything. I can’t guarantee how I will feel when I wake up, but I refuse to let this disease get the best of my life,” she said.

Even with the pain of Lupus, Melissa and Randy continue to see specialists on a monthly

basis. Some days Melissa is too weak to leave the bed. Some days she feels well enough to do normal things. This has left Randy as the sole provider. “I have the best wife in the world and I will do anything I can to make her better. People see her beauty and determination, but they don’t get to see the days she becomes bed-ridden,” he said. “It has come with struggles, but I would marry her all over again no matter what day it was!”

While scientists continue to make progress in forming new treatment plans for Lupus,

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Melissa and Randy work to spread awareness about the disease. “Pay attention to your body and what it is trying to tell you,” Melissa said, adding that she wants people to realize that just because a person doesn’t look sick, doesn’t mean they aren’t sick.

“You never know what someone is going through, so be kind to everyone you come across,” Melissa said. “I would never have believed that I would have married my husband after two weeks of dating, but now

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I can’t imagine going through this without him.”

When Melissa and Randy repeated the words, “in sickness and in health,” they really meant it. The couple and their family continue to take advantage of every good day and make it count. Life isn’t always fair, but they believe you can still find joy in every day and celebrate love. Randy said, “She is not one in a million; she is one in a lifetime.”  HCL

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Fringe salon

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808 Carl Vinson Pkwy.

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Here. For you.

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Many residents of Houston County, who would not have been able to afford to see a doctor, credit the Houston County Volunteer Clinic with saving their lives.

Since it opened in 2005, the Houston County Volunteer Medical Clinic on Russell Parkway has been helping those who have jobs but no insurance. It opened thanks to the assistance of many community resources including Houston Medical Center Auxiliary, Community Health Works and Houston Healthcare, as well as businesses and individuals such as the late Dr. Dan Callahan. All of the clinic’s physicians,

residents, nurse practitioners, nurses and medical personnel volunteer their time to provide the best quality care for those eligible.

The eligibility requirements for patients include being between the ages of 18 and 64, living in Houston County, and meeting an income limit based on household size.

The unique requirement of this clinic is that patients must have jobs but not have

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insurance. For those who fall in the gap between full-time and part-time jobs that offer no benefits, this is an option for medical care. The clinic offers free appointments for those individuals who are not offered insurance, who cannot afford insurance or who do not qualify for government assistance such as Medicaid or Medicare.

“People need to come in and see if they qualify before they have an emergency so they will already be a patient here if they need us,” said executive director Beth Greene, also a registered nurse. “If they are eligible to be seen here in the clinic, we can get usually get them seen in a week.”

Beth has been the executive director for less than a year and already has seen what a blessing this clinic is to working people. “This clinic offers an option for people to receive a high

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The eligibility requirements for patients include being between the ages of 18 and 64, living in Houston County, and meeting an income limit based on household size. The unique requirement of this clinic is that patients must have jobs but not have insurance.

For those who fall in the gap between full-time and part-time jobs that offer no benefits, this is an option for medical care. The clinic offers free appointments for those individuals who are not offered insurance, who cannot afford insurance or who qualify for government assistance such as Medicaid or Medicare.

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Since it opened in 2005, the Houston County Volunteer Medical Clinic on Russell Parkway has been helping those who have jobs but no insurance. It opened thanks to the assistance of many community resources including Houston Medical Center Auxiliary, Community Health Works and Houston Healthcare, as well as businesses and individuals such as the late Dr. Dan Callahan. All of the clinic’s physicians, residents, nurse practitioners, nurses and medical personnel volunteer their time to provide the best quality care for those eligible.

standard of care, a great facility and friendly faces,” she said.

The clinic offers primary medical care including health maintenance, disease prevention, laboratory and diagnostic testing, prescription assistance, flu vaccines and office visits.

Monthly specialty clinics open to see patients for gynecology, cardiology and endocrinology. Patient education is provided by Houston Healthcare’s EduCare Community Health Education program. The clinic consults with Phoenix Center Behavioral Health services for psychiatric care, Rehoboth Life Care Ministries for dental care and Advance Eye Care in Warner Robins for vision care.

According to the 2017 Houston County Community Health Needs Assessment prepared for Houston Healthcare by professional research

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consultants and using the most recent census data, 4,000 people in Houston County are working, in the target age group, and uninsured.

While numbers demonstrate a need for this clinic, it is the personal stories that keep the volunteers coming back – most after completing their own full days of work. A young man walked through the doors with severe heart problems and eventually received a heart transplant. A single mom was diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer. And, more recently, the clinic was able to help one of its patients get the emergency surgery she desperately needed. The impact of this clinic on our community is tremendous. During the last year alone, the clinic has been able to provide a Hepatitis C patient with free medication, which normally would cost $30,000 a month. A volunteer cardiologist is monitoring a 20-year-

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old patient with major heart damage. And a patient with family history of breast cancer received a free mammogram and follow-up appointments.

The doctor in charge of holding it all together is Dr. Virgle W. McEver III. As the medical director at the clinic, he oversees medical staff and patient care.

Specializing in vascular surgery, Dr. McEver is also a talented doctor, a golfer and most importantly, a great volunteer.

Each January, the staff begins planning the annual golf tournament, called “A Day in the Sun,” which serves as the clinic’s biggest fundraiser. This fundraiser is meant to be a fun day for all participants, a little competitive, but mostly productive financially. Held at Houston Lake Country Club, four-man teams compete in a morning or an afternoon round. There are special drawings and door prizes offered, along with a day out on the links with friends. Fellowship, good drives, better putts and raising money is the business Each January, the staff begins planning the annual golf tournament, called “A Day in the Sun,” which serves as the clinic’s biggest fundraiser. This fundraiser is meant to be a fun day for all participants, a little competitive, but mostly productive financially. Held at Houston Lake Country Club, four-man teams compete in a morning or an afternoon round. There are special drawings and door prizes offered, along with a day out on the links with friends. Fellowship, good drives, better putts and raising money is the business of the day. The fundraising board also offers several sponsorship levels for the tournament that can help businesses gain exposure.

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of the day. The fundraising board also offers several sponsorship levels for the tournament that can help businesses gain exposure.

At the end of a long day of golfing, a big check is presented to the clinic representatives. “It is worth all the work we all put into that one day. It is a combined effort with committee and board members and the staff

at the clinic to make this day happen,� said Priscilla Raffield, public relations and marketing coordinator with Houston Healthcare.

Many residents of Houston County, who would not have been able to afford to see a doctor, credit the volunteer clinic with saving their lives. All of the doctors, residents and nurses are volunteer workers.

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The doctor in charge of holding it all together is Dr. Virgle W. McEver III. As the medical director at the clinic, he oversees medical staff and patient care.

Specializing in vascular surgery, Dr. McEver is also a talented doctor, a golfer and most importantly, a great volunteer.

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Many have full-time jobs; school and families, but still devote time each week to the clinic and its patients. Without them, there would be no clinic. Without the funding they receive, there would be no clinic. Any help is welcomed to aide them in reaching their goals, which include continuing efforts to recruit volunteer medical staff, extend clinic hours, have more follow-up plans, and increase donations.

“Everyone deserves the best medical care. Houston County Volunteer Medical Clinic will continue providing the best medical care and serving the working uninsured of Houston County,” said Greene.  HCL

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Great Smiles, Amazing Faces 1721 Russell Pkwy Warner Robins, GA 31088 (478) 328-7049 drpoolortho.com Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell

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Dr. Stuart Slappey, DVM, M.Sc, Veterinarian

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Your local mortgage lender.

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UNLOCK YOUR TRUE BEAUTY

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smile

Something to

about

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STORY BY KELLY MCDONALD | PHOTOS BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

2017 high school graduate Amelia Day’s service project has garnered a national award for citizenship

E

Ever wonder about the power of a simple smile? Science says when we smile it relaxes our muscles and reduces stress. The news says smiling can ease anxiety and make you feel more positive. Amelia Day says a smile can open your heart. Amelia is an 18-year-old high school graduate from Houston County who found a passion in seeing people smile.

“Amelia has always been able to pick out those who seem sad, not included, or those who just need a friend,” said her mom, Kellie. At 12, Amelia accompanied her dad, Ken, to a doctor’s appointment. Ken is a veteran and sees a doctor at the VA Medical Center in Dublin. Amelia vividly remembers

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Gifts For Our Veterans In 2012, Amelia, armed with hygiene bags and homemade cards, walked the halls of the VA hospital again. This time she brought back-up.

Amelia convinced her Georgia 4-H friends to come with her. The group split up and gave out all their bags and cards. Amelia sat with some of the men to listen to their stories. “Veterans are a forgotten part of our community. We need to remember,” Amelia said. “Sometimes they just need someone to sit and listen.” Amelia was blessed with patience and would attentively listen, smile and take it all in.

walking into the VA that day. “Some of those veterans just seemed lost and alone,” Amelia said. She was so impacted by the visit that immediately after returning home, she began to think of what she could do to help bring joy to the veterans’ lives.

After a quick suggestion from her mom, Amelia and her sisters started to make homemade cards. “Amelia has always been artistic, but before I knew it, they had made about 75 cards,” Kellie said. She thought that her daughter would eventually lose interest and move on to something else. To her mom’s surprise, Amelia meant business and asked to 164

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“Amelia has always been able to pick out those who seem sad, not included, or those who just need a friend.”

- Kellie Day

personally deliver the cards to the VA hospital. Kellie agreed, thinking they would drive over and drop off the cards in an office somewhere. “It was pouring down rain that day, but once inside, Amelia insisted on hand-delivering each card to all 75 long-term patients,” Kellie said.

Amelia stopped at each bed, smiled and thanked the veterans individually for their service. At first, the seasoned men were a little apprehensive of the smiley 12-year-old approaching them. It didn’t take long for Amelia to win them over.

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What the family learned later was that veterans have to go to wherever beds are available, no matter if the hospital is hours away from home and family. Some have no visitors. Some have only a few. The veterans are given a limited hygiene supply that usually doesn’t last long.

Amelia’s heart told her what to do next. She began to ask for donations and hygiene items.

Northside High School and local churches were among the first to start collecting for Amelia.

In 2012, Amelia, armed with hygiene bags and homemade cards, walked the halls of the VA hospital again. This time she brought back-up.

Amelia convinced her Georgia 4-H friends to come with her. The group split up and gave out all their bags and cards. Amelia sat with some of the men to listen to their stories. “Veterans are a forgotten part of our community. We need to remember,” Amelia said. “Sometimes they just need someone to sit and listen.” Amelia was blessed with patience and would attentively listen, smile and take it all in.

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An Eye For Design In addition to community service, Amelia also works part time at Keri Moore Interiors in Perry and has decided to pursue interior design in college. “She is such a hard worker and wants to learn everything,” Keri said about Amelia.

Kellie refers to Keri as Amelia’s “second mom” and knows they have a plan at the store for her future. “She wanted to start interning with Keri when she was only 12,” Kellie said. “Keri has helped her discover her other passion, and I am thankful for that.”

At age 13, Amelia and her family gave a name to her mission, Operation Veteran Smiles, or OVS. The plan always had been to expand her mission to other VA hospitals in Georgia. In 2015, when she turned 15, Amelia won the Disney Summer of Service Award, which allowed her to receive grant money for more supplies.

Georgia 4-H also had started partnering with her by asking kids coming to 4-H events to bring hygiene items with them for OVS. Amelia was asked to speak about her project to several 4-H groups.

The kids all thought it was pretty cool and asked how they could be involved.

Amelia sent them home with information and a plan. Shortly after that, those 4-Hers were delivering cards and hygiene to the veterans in their communities.

In 2016, Amelia won the Georgia 4-H Leadership in Action award, which put her in the running for the national level of the 4-H Youth in Action Award. After submitting her application and video, Amelia moved on with life thinking her project was not big enough for a national award. She was wrong. In November 2016, she was contacted and told that she was in the final three. The week of Christmas, she found out that she had won the Citizenship Pillar Award. There are four pillars at nationals: Agriculture, STEM, Health and Citizenship. All four winners were flown to Washington, D.C., for a gala where they would announce the overall winner.

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Amelia and her family sat at tables with donors and fellow 4-H winners.

“These kids were amazing,” said Kellie. The Agriculture Pillar winner had brought urban kids into his family farm to teach them all how farming works. The Health Pillar winner had organized a 5K run for a town plagued with obesity. The STEM Pillar winner had put together a program for kids to become interested in engineering.

Among all those outstanding youth, Kellie said they were “stunned” when Amelia’s name was announced as the overall winner. “It was like slow motion watching her walk up to the stage, smiling the whole way,” Kellie said. As the 2017 national winner, Amelia will take a gap year before college to complete all her speaking engagements for the award.

In addition to community service, Amelia also works part time at Keri Moore Interiors in Perry and has decided to pursue interior design in college. “She is such a hard worker and wants to learn everything,” Keri said about Amelia. Kellie refers to 170

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Keri as Amelia’s “second mom” and knows they have a plan at the store for her future. “She wanted to start interning with Keri when she was only 12,” Kellie said. “Keri has helped her discover her other passion, and I am thankful for that.”

Even with all the accolades and national attention, Amelia still finds the time to deliver her cards and bags to Dublin – and now all over the country. “To be honest, I still don’t even believe it. I have been truly blessed in so many ways, and I am not sure that I deserve it,” Amelia said. Amelia is quick to thank her family, 4-H, volunteers, U.S. Cellular and anyone who has ever made a card or packed a bag for OVS. They have given out almost 5,000 bags and cards at this point. Amelia has heard hundreds of veterans’ stories, some several times, and has listened with patience and a smile. “The best part is that I will have more support to make more deliveries to more veterans to see more smiles,” Amelia said. “I am truly grateful.”  HCL

Award Winning In 2016, Amelia won the Georgia 4-H Leadership in Action award, which put her in the running for the national level of the 4-H Youth in Action Award

We are who we are becoming.

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Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Practice

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Phillips Furniture www.phillipsfurnitureinc.com

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We offer many different services to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle.

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PERRY DRUG COMPANY Ben and Von Bartlett, Owners

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“People love stories,” said Mike Rowland.

“They love hearing them and love telling them. What we do at the Museum of Aviation is tell a story – a lot of stories – and they’re some really good ones.”

Rowland is curator at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins and considers himself part of a dedicated team who get to tell the story of the U.S. Air Force and Robins Air Force Base in a unique way.

“What makes the museum unique in its storytelling is we do it through artifacts,” he said. “Instead of strictly using spoken or written words, we focus on using threedimensional objects that can be as big as the biggest airplane you’ve ever seen to the smallest patch on an airman’s uniform.”

Officials say nearly half a million people visit the Museum of Aviation each year.

Some come to view exhibitions for the first time – the artifacts large and small – and others frequently bring friends and family, often telling them their own stories as they tour the museum’s 51 acres.

The Museum of Aviation is the second largest Air Force museum in the United States and fourth most visited Department of Defense museum. It’s also home to the

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The Museum of Aviation is the second largest Air Force museum in the United States and fourth most visited Department of Defense museum. It’s also home to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, training and education programs, and special events such as automobile shows, marathons and private parties and banquets.

Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, training and education programs, and special events such as automobile shows, marathons and private parties and banquets.

Rowland’s love for telling Air Force stories started in his youth. “My interest in history, aviation and transportation goes back to childhood,” he said. “I built all the models I could afford and have memories of visiting the Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia. They have vehicles back to colonial days and I was fascinated. I’ve always liked history and museums and historic sites. Plus, my dad was in the Navy, so I 182

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can’t discount being surrounded by military vehicles and equipment growing up.”

Rowland served six years in the Air Force himself after being in Air Force ROTC at Brigham Young University. He had considered becoming a history teacher but chose active duty instead. “Along the way, somebody put a bug in my ear about a museum career,” he said. “That sounded good, so I left the Air Force for the University of Florida and a museum studies degree.”

Rowland said the program required a three-month internship. “By then I was married to Merrilee and we

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had two children,” he said. “I drew a circle on a map to find museums close enough for me to get home on weekends. I hadn’t heard of the Museum of Aviation, but there it was, just up the road. I called and got an unpaid internship.”

That was in 2003. As a graduate student living away from his family and with limited funds, he arranged to stay with a local family who were members of his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He kept busy at the museum doing whatever was asked of him.

“From research to inventory to working with the art collection to yard work, it was a great experience,” he said. “When I left, I assumed I was done. But in 2004, after I graduated, I got a call saying there was a position open for museum archivist if I wanted it. I did. Four years later, in 2008, I became curator. I’m grateful to use my talents to serve the Air Force and my community through the museum.”

Rowland acknowledges the museum’s own story as remarkable. It was founded in 1984 by a cooperative group of community and military

“The story the museum tells really starts pre-World War II,” he said. “Robins Air Force Base is itself a war baby that has grown strong and mature. The museum provides a window into the base and the Air Force overall because as a depot it connects to the Air Force worldwide.”

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leaders who turned a swamp into a showplace.

He said it has taken ongoing commitment to make the museum the amazing place it is today.

“A lot of people think starting a museum is a good idea but few pull it off,” he said. “I’m amazed at the vision people had and their commitment. It shows the value our area puts on the Air Force, those in service, and those who’ve worked every day to make the base’s story what it is.”

As curator, Rowland gets to explore the exhibits from two perspectives – as a history buff and as a co-creator. So, what are some favorites? “Gosh, there are too many. Our extensive D-Day exhibit is one of the first I worked on and tells one of the most remarkable stories ever, so of course there’s that,” he said.

Rowland goes on to talk about particular aircraft connected to Robins or made in Georgia. He continually researches to discover who flew them,

Rowland goes on to talk about particular aircraft connected to Robins or made in Georgia. He continually researches to discover who flew them, where they flew, what missions were and other facts.

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“What makes the museum unique in its storytelling is we do it through artifacts,” he said. “Instead of strictly using spoken or written words, we focus on using threedimensional objects that can be as big as the biggest airplane you’ve ever seen to the smallest patch on an airman’s uniform.”

where they flew, what missions were and other facts.

“The story the museum tells really starts pre-World War II,” he said. “Robins Air Force Base is itself a war baby that has grown strong and mature. The museum provides a window into the base and the Air Force overall because as a depot it connects to the Air Force worldwide.”

Roberts goes on to talk about post-World War II exhibits about people, conflicts and equipment. There’s even a tiny uniform that baffled Rowland and others until they discovered it was the hand-sewn uniform of a live duck, who was mascot of a World War II bomber crew.

And there’s the anything-but-tiny B-29 Superfortress and famous SR-71 Blackbird, which officially holds the fastest-ever air speed record of 2193.3 mph.

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“We have these artifacts and each is interesting,” Rowland said. “It’s a challenge to tell all the stories of more than 80 aircraft, missiles and other items.

We preserve and present the collection in order to tell the Air Force story because the real story is the men and women who were and are warriors, wrenchturners, engineers, and on and on. We use artifacts to connect people with people’s stories. Some exhibits are humorous, but some powerfully cause us to realize the dangers of combat and the sacrifices our service personnel face. I hope people take that away along with a new appreciation for them. And I hope they find something that sparks their interest so they’ll go and do their own research about our history.”  HCL

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Bankers Who Work For You

Sunmark Community Bank offers smart local banking in Middle Georgia We offer VA, Conventional, FHA, USDA and Construction Loans 311 Margie Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088 | (478) 953-4490

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Building champions for life

“I want to be part of your family story” Amanda Fiebig MBA, Associate Broker Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) Golen Key Realty Multi Million Dollar Producer

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At Moore Insurance you experience local service that makes a difference. As an independent agent, we know a variety of insurance companies which means more options for you. We help you protect your assets and help save you money. We also believe it’s important to work with companies, like Donegal Insurance Group, which deliver outstanding claims service and support.

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Heart

The

Of The Matter

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Cathy Smith’s life-changing story illustrates Houston Heart Institute’s valuable role in the Middle Georgia community

STORY BY RENEE CORWINE | PHOTOS BY TINIKA BENNETT PHOTOGRPAHY

T

The day that forever changed Cathy Smith’s life came on a Tuesday. She was watching the news in the morning when she had a funny feeling in her chest. “It was like pressure, and I thought, ‘Huh, I’ve never felt that before.’ But I was getting ready to go to the grocery store and just decided to take an aspirin. Part of me thought I was having a heart attack, but the other part was in denial,” she said.

On the way home from Kroger, she got that same funny feeling again. Cathy said “the big one” came just before noon. “It felt like somebody was sitting on my chest and also like a knife going from my chest to my back,” she said. “I don’t know how long it lasted, but it eased up and as soon as I got home I called the ambulance.”

The ambulance arrived at her home in Bonaire and confirmed her worst fears: Hometown Living At Its Best

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Timing Is Everything “With the way her symptoms were progressing, the difference in being treated here and being treated 15 miles down the road made all the difference in the world. We are so fortunate to have this level of service available here in our own backyard.”

Cathy was having a heart attack. The EMTs gave her nitroglycerin on the way to the emergency room at Houston Medical Center, where she was immediately admitted. “When the heart doctor came in, I started having another episode and they couldn’t even wait for my blood results to come back; they took me right away and did the stint,” Cathy said. “It was not a day I had planned on for sure.”

That day was April 4, 2017, and the stint performed at Houston Heart Institute saved her life. Ray Jones, RN and associate director of cardiovascular services at the heart institute, said Cathy was lucky. “With the way her symptoms were progressing, the difference in being treated here and being treated 15 miles down the road made all the difference in the world. We are so fortunate to have this level of service available here in our own backyard.”

Part of Ray’s job at Houston Heart Institute is to educate the community about the symptoms of a heart attack and knowing when to take action. He said Cathy’s story illustrates several key points, and is thankful she 196

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Know Your Symptoms “We tend to talk about the typical different symptoms that women have, but Cathy had classic symptoms,” Dana said. “The most common symptom in women is fatigue, and people have fatigue every day. So how do you know? The difference is, like Cathy said, in the back of your mind, you just know. It’s that impending feeling of doom.”

was willing to share her story. The biggest point he stressed was that nagging feeling Cathy had in the back of her mind, the little voice saying, “I think this is a heart attack.”

Unlike symptoms typical for women, Cathy, age 64, didn’t have pain in the neck and jaw. Her symptoms were more traditional for men having heart attacks.

Which, Ray said, is why you can’t rely on a list of symptoms alone to identify what’s happening. You have to trust your instinct.

“The one key thing is that in the back of your mind you really knew it was your heart; that feeling was new to you,” Ray said to Cathy. “There’s a list of symptoms a mile long, but the key is this: Nobody knows if the pain you’re having is indigestion, if it’s 198

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just a stomach ache or bad Peking duck.

Nobody can tell. But the key is that the feeling was new to you. That’s when the bell should start, and that’s one of the strong points we try to push.”

Dana Toth, RN and nurse manager at Houston Heart Institute, works with Ray to educate the community about heart attacks and the services offered by the heart institute. “We tend to talk about the typical different symptoms that women have, but Cathy had classic symptoms,” Dana said. “The most common symptom in women is fatigue, and people have fatigue every day. So how do you know? The difference is, like Cathy said, in the back of your mind, you just know. It’s that impending feeling of doom.”

For Cathy, that nagging feeling that something was wrong started several years ago, when she was working as a nail tech and a hairdresser. For several years before the heart attack, while she was still working, she started having

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health issues due to some nerve damage. She was on several different mediations to alleviate discomfort and pain. But she also was having what she called “spells.”

“These spells would come out of nowhere. I’d have tightness in my lower throat and it felt like I was going to faint. I was dizzy, real short of breath,” she said. “I’d just lay my head down and it would go away, and I’d have a headache for a little while.” Those spells continued and her doctors performed stress tests, EKGs and more – all of which were normal. But Cathy had a nagging feeling: “I felt like it was my heart.”

She retired shortly after that, and was living happily with her husband, David, taking care of her four dogs, and being a mother and a grandmother. She said the heart attack three years later was a wakeup call. “I truly believe that heart attack was caused by stress. My regular doctor said I have never had high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, nothing. ... I guess I’m not as healthy as I thought I was,” she said.

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Listen To Your Heart “These spells would come out of nowhere.

I’d have tightness in my lower throat and it felt like I was going to faint. I was dizzy, real short of breath,” she said. “I’d just lay my head down and it would go away, and I’d have a headache for a little while.” Those spells continued and her doctors performed stress tests, EKGs and more – all of which were normal. But Cathy had a nagging feeling: “I felt like it was my heart.”

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“The key is to educate people that you don’t have time to sit around and wonder if it’s indigestion or what. The common theme, just like Cathy said, is that in the back of your mind you know it’s your heart.” { - Ray Jones, RN }

Healthy or not, heart attacks can happen to anyone.

“You’re never too young or in too good a shape to have a heart attack,” Ray said. Dana went on to explain that everyone is susceptible to heart attacks.

“As we age, plaque builds up in our arteries; it’s just something that happens. Genetically some of us are more predisposed to it, and some of us speed up that process by eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet – but all of us have it,” Dana said. “When plaque builds up, it can rupture and block off the heart artery. It literally pops like a pimple and then blocks the blood flow. If blood isn’t moving in an artery, then it’s not circulating oxygen. Your heart is a muscle and needs oxygen. If it doesn’t get oxygen, the heart muscle will die.”

Dana said there’s a 90-minute window for success in keeping the heart muscle from dying.

That success usually comes in the form of a stint being inserted in the artery. A stint looks like a tiny spring, like the ones in ballpoint pens. When it’s inserted, it pushes plaque up against the wall of the artery and holds the artery open, letting the oxygenated blood flow to the muscle.

Ray stressed that those 90 minutes start ticking at the onset of symptoms. “Having that 90-minute window means very little to you if you don’t take 202

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action as soon as you have symptoms – that’s when the 90-minute window starts – and there’s no guarantee you get that whole 90 minutes. The quicker you act, the more time we have on our end,” he said. “The key is to educate people that you don’t have time to sit around and wonder if it’s indigestion or what. The common theme, just like Cathy said, is that in the back of your mind you know it’s your heart.”

Passionate about education as a tool to prevention, Ray said that every 40 seconds someone dies from a heart attack in the U.S. “We have a lot of good saves here. We put stints in about 450 people each year, that’s 30 percent of people we’re treating with prevention before they have a heart attack,” he said. “We average 100 true heart attacks a year here. That just illustrates the critical nature of having this level of service in this neighborhood.”

Cathy is certainly thankful to have had the heart institute so close to home: “They were wonderful; they don’t play around with people coming in with chest pains.” Nowadays, Cathy said she tries to take life a little slower: “I take it easier and try not let things bug me. I try to enjoy life more, because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.”  HCL

Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker, LLC

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Index of Advertisers

180° Home Realty …………..........................……………………….. 121 Abreanne’s ……..…..........................………………………............... 206 Agricultural Village ……………………………….......................….. 38-39 Alfa Insurance - Amy Harmon ………………..........………………….. 159 Allen’s Tree Service …………………..........................……………….. 140 Allstate - Kevin Lashley, Agent …………...............………………….. 124 Ashley’s Business Solutions ……...……………...............…………….. 88 Beauty By MYA ……………………………................................…….. 126 Best Signs …………………….......................................…………….. 126 Bob White Self Storage …………...................……………………….. 204 Bodega Brew …………………………………..................................... 191 Boland Prosthetic & Orthotic Center ……………….………….. 2, 42-43 Bridals by Gilbert …………………….............................…………….. 125 Broken Arrow Outfitters ….....................……………………………….. 39 Canine Clubhouse …………………………...........................……….. 110 Captured In Time Photography ………………………………….......... 122 Carlyle Place Navicent Health …..........……………………………….. 173 Carmel W. Sanders P.C. …………………...................……………….. 175 Central Georgia Heart Institute, LLC …………………..……………….. 72 Cherokee Pines Golf, Events & Fitness Club …………..............….. 110 Church Home LifeSpring ………………………..............………….. 54-55 City of Centerville ……………………...............................…………….. 94 City of Perry ……………………......................................…………….. 172 City of Warner Robins ……………………….........................………….. 56 Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker, LLC ……………………....…….. 203 Colony Bank ……………………....................................…………….. 140 Comfort Air Cooling & Heating ………………………….........……….. 187 Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Inc. …………………... 190 Computer ETC …………..........................………………………......... 206 ComSouth ……............................................…………………………….. 5 Cornerstone Medical Associates, LLC ………………………………….. 76 Cory Allen Jones ……..…………............................………………….. 193 Country Financial - Shawn Buchanan, MBA ………………………….. 71 Daisy Patch Flowers ……………………………........................…….. 205 Davis Dental Care ……………………............................…………….. 177 Do It Best Houston Hardware & Garden Center …………………….. 174 Dolly James …………..........................………………………............. 207 Dorothy Sichelstiel ………………………..........................………….. 204 Elite Realtors of Georgia …………........................................…….. 125 Essential Body Organic Skincare ……………………………….......….. 93 Events at Cherokee Pines ……………………….................………….. 111 Evergeen Propane ……………………...........................…………….. 127 Factory Wrestling Academy ……………………………….............….. 190 Flint Energies ………………………….....................................……….. 53 Floor Pro …………..........................…………………................…….. 207 Forest Hill Park …………………….................................…………….. 111 Forest Hill Park Event Rentals ……….......................……………….. 111 Fricks Bohan, LLC ……………………………............................…….. 137 Fringe Salon ……………………....................................…………….. 139 Genesis Weight Loss & Body Sculpting ………………......………….. 174 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center …………….………….. 142 Georgia Southern University ………..............………………………….. 90 Golden Key Realty ………………………………..............................….. 37 Golden Key - Amanda Fiebig …………………............……………….. 190 Golden Key - Lisa Corley ………..................………………………….. 203 Golden Key Realty - The Balletto Team ………..……………………... 141 Griggers Wealth Management …….........…………………………….. 108 Guild Mortgage - Anita Stewart …………….....................….. 159, 207 Hampton Inn by Hilton …………………….....................…………….. 172 Heart of Georgia Hospice ……………….................………………….. 161 Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory …....……………….. 77 Houston County Galleria Mall ……………………………..........…….. 160 Houston Healthcare …………………...........................……………….. 89 Houston Lake Country Club ……………………………….............….. 143 J Andrews Salon …………..........................…………………....…….. 207 J Auto Ranch …………………................................……………….. 26-27 JWS Construction ……………………............................…………….. 204 Kerri Moore Interiors ………………........................………………….. 177 Lake Joy Assisted Living & Memory Care …………………………….. 137 Lasseter Implement Company ………………….........……………….. 157 Loden Dental Associates …………...................……………………….. 73 Macon & Robins Bed & Mattress …………………………....……….. 156 Magnolia Park Cemetery & Mausoleum ……………………..……….. 40 McCullough Funeral Home .....................……………………..……….. 41 McReynolds Automotive ………………………..................………….. 192 Merle Norman ……………………………...................................…….. 57 Microtel Inn & Suites ………......................………………………….. 188

Middle Georgia Orthopaedics ………………......………………….. 10-11 Mike’s Tree & Landscaping ……………………….............………….. 154 Mistletoe Market ……………….......………………….. Inside Back Cover Mobley Furniture & Bedding ………...………………………….. 139, 187 Moore Insurance Agency ……………….................………………….. 193 Morris Bank ………….........................................……………………….. 3 My Father’s Place ……………............................…………………….. 138 Myers City Florist ……………….............................………………….. 110 New American Funding ………………………………................….. 24-25 Occasions at Lake Joy …………………......................……………….. 111 OdoBan …………………….............................................…………….. 75 Optim Neurosurgery ………………............................................. 22-23 OrthoGeorgia Orthopaedic Specialists ………....…………………….. 92 Peachy Baby …………………....................................……………….. 141 Pearson Farm ……..………………....................................…………….. 7 Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry …………………………..……….. 171 Pellicano Construction ………………………………....................….. 123 Perry Chamber of Commerce ……..........…………………………….. 106 Perry Drug Company ………………………........................………….. 175 Perry Ford …………..........................................……………………….. 39 Perry Memorial Gardens ………………………....................………….. 70 Perry Spine & Wellness ……...................…………………………….. 203 Pet Stop …………………...........................................……………….. 176 Phillips Furniture …………………….............................…………….. 173 Pool Orthodontics …...........................……………………………….. 157 Primary Pediatrics ………………………...........................………….. 138 Pulmonary Associates LLC ……..............…………………………….. 155 Raccoon Stone and Tile Works …………........……………………….. 188 ResCare HomeCare ………….........................……………………….. 206 Robbins & Free Realty …………………………….. 74, Inside Front Cover Salon Fusion …….....................................…………………………….. 93 Sandpiper Apartments ………………………......................………….. 91 Sea Shells Seafood Restaurant ……….......………………………….. 190 Smith Animal Hospital ………………………….....................……….. 191 South Georgia State College ……………...........…………………….. 176 South Houston Internal Medicine, LLC ……….....………………….. 203 Southern Bridge Inc ………….........................……………………….. 171 Southern Dynamic Realty ………………………................………….. 193 Southern Lighting ……………............................…………………….. 127 Sperion Staffing Services .............................................………….. 124 Spillers Orthodontics ………………………...........................………….. 1 Spotless Cleaning Service Inc. ……........…………………………….. 109 State Farm - Kevin Barry ……………………..................…………….. 191 State Farm - Ryan Lyons ……………..................…………………….. 205 Sugar Plum Tree ……………………..............................…………….. 192 Summerhill Senior Living Community ………………………………….. 59 Summer’s Landing of Warner Robins ………………………........….. 123 SunMark Community Bank …………………….............…………….. 189 Surgical Associates of Warner Robins …………………..……………….. 9 Synovus Bank ………………………..................................………….. 143 The Bank of Perry …………………………............................……….. 192 The Butcher Shop ………………………............................………….. 154 The Floor Store Warehouse & Showroom …………………..……….. 158 The Local Marketplace ………………………………….............. 206-207 The Preserve at Agricultural Village ……………...…….. 39, Back Cover The Railroad Café ……………............................…………………….. 205 The Swanson ………………….....................................……………….. 58 The Westfield School ……………….......................………………….. 155 Tinika Bennett Photography …………………………............……….. 107 Town & Country Animal Clinic ………….............…………………….. 207 Trusted Real Estate Expert Advisors - Kim Williams ………......….. 156 Turner’s Furniture ….............................……………………………….. 105 Two Friends ………….....................................……………………….. 193 Upshaw General Construction …………...............………………….. 206 Vision Savers …………………...................................……………….. 205 Walker-Rhodes Tractor Company ………....………………………….. 192 Warner Robins Building Supply Co. ………...………………………….. 21 Warner Robins Cosmetic Center ……………......…………………….. 160 Warner Robins E.N.T. Associates ………………….....……………….. 142 Warner Robins Property Management ………………….……..…….. 121 Warner Robins Rehabilitation Center ……………….....…………….. 161 Watson-Hunt Funeral Home ………………………………............….. 104 We Care Heating & Air …………........................…………………….. 207 Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital …………….....……….. 158 Wild Organics Juice …...........................……………………………….. 93 Women’s Health Care ……………………........................…………….. 95 Yelverton Jewelers ……………………...........................…………….. 191

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