Sumter County Living Magazine - Fall 2018

fall 2018

We Make HOME Happen.

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about the cover

The cover photo is of a delicious dish you can find at Gyro City Grill. Check out the diversity of this story on page 82. www.dparksphotography.com

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generous

help your community hospital and lower your tax bill

Your tax credit donations are helping improve our community’s health.

Thanks to generous donors like you, heart patients now have access to cardiac rehabilitation services right here in Americus for the very first time. Donations given through the Georgia HEART Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program helped bring cardiac rehab equipment to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center so that heart patients no longer have to travel long distances to improve their health.

The tax program is even more beneficial this year. You can now earn a 100% tax credit when you designate your gift to Phoebe Sumter.

Sign up at georgiaheart.org to donate.

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You can find great retail shopping, restaurants, and services around each corner. If you haven’t done so lately, take the time to look around and discover all the wonderful things there are to find.

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A BETTER WAY TO BANK

FIRSTATE BANK

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

From the Publisher

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P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications E x e c u t i v e E d i to r s Landon and Mandi Spivey C r eat i v e | D e s i g n Stacey Nichols

Mandi Spivey O f f i ce m a n age r Nikki Burkhalter P roo f Reade r s Gail Dixon

[ Gregory & Jackie Pope, Love Works...always ]

What a wonderful summer it has been! This particular season brought a full schedule of baseball for our family and we couldn’t have enjoyed every second any more. We cheered until we had no voice. But perhaps the most memorable moments were feeling the love and support of our parents on the bleachers with us as our son’s team inched their way to the championship game for the state title. Feeling their love through every mile they drove and every scorching hot game they sat through reminded me what just being there can mean to those we love.

As we watched this issue melt together, LOVE was the theme that tied all of the ends together. From the gorgeous pictorial of the Jimenez wedding featured as this precious couple begins their journey as husband and wife, to the non-stop energy of 86-year-old Mrs. Joan Cordell who tirelessly volunteers to those in need around her, LOVE permeates the pages.

Each of the stories in these pages honor the lives of people who are living out their purpose and using their gifts to show love to those around them. What a simple, yet profound, imprint we can leave on this world by showing love.

As always, please continue to shop local and support the advertisers listed on page 136. You can always pick up your own personal copy, at no charge, at any of those locations thanks to these generous businesses.

May we all take the extra step to just be there for those we love as we move through our days. It is an honor to be on this journey of life with all of our friends and people from this amazing area.

June Dixon

A s s i s ta n t

Ma n age r s Laura McCullough

June Dixon

P h otog r ap h e r s David Parks Photography

Lisa Shiflett Shannan Blanchard

C ov e r P h oto Gyro City Grill

Photo by David Parks Photography Sale s Patti Martin

Landon Spivey

Contributing Wri te r s Anita Theiss

June B. Anderson

Kate DeLoach

Katie O’Neill

Rachel Price

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

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A Cut Above Salon “We curate a space that feels at once energetically upbeat and like a calming oasis from the hectic pace of our lives.�

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story by

June B. Anderson

photos by

David Parks Photography

Kristi and Neal Weaver have only lived in Americus for about a year, but you would think they had lived here all their lives by the way they talk so fondly of the area. Of course, they recognize that it’s because of the caring and friendliness of Sumter Countians.

They’ve lived in a variety of towns outside of Georgia, so it is pleasing to hear that they are so quickly considering this area their home, a plus if you’re the President of a university.

Dr. Neal Weaver began his tenure as President of Georgia Southwestern State University in July of 2017, after serving as Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. During the search process, Dr. Steve Wrigley, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, shared a draft of a report with Neal that has been pivotal in Neal’s and Kristi’s perception of, and excitement about, Georgia

The Weavers love to give back and see others reach their goals. Entertaining and having people in their home is a must, as relationships are important to them.

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Southwestern. In the report, authored by Chancellor Emeritus Steve Portch, it is noted that “Georgia Southwestern State University has unmet potential that, with the right leadership and vision, and with active support from the Board of Regents, could be realized within the next three to five years. That future includes becoming an institution that is distinctive: intellectually and socially vibrant; engaged with its community in meaningful ways; with an enrollment between 3,500 and 4,000 students; financially stable; and with an engaged and unified faculty and staff.”

Neal is quick to comment that this potential outcome is why he thinks GSW is such an important institution.

He holds to the confidence that “if we all work together and commit ourselves to the mission of this university, we can exceed the potential that the Board of Regents, the Chancellor, and Steve Portch see in us.” He and Kristi have found the campus an exciting and inspiring place to work.

Neal believes if this type of attitude and behavior is embraced, the university will not only be able to better serve students, but will also make the campus

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Neal has the attitude that higher education institutions can be “the same, only different.” While each university has the same goal…to provide a quality education to its students…each one is also different in a variety of areas, among those being cultural differences and diverse needs in each region of the country.

a more enjoyable place. Having only been here a year, his initial goals for the university are three-fold: putting the best interests of the students first; inspiring, recognizing and rewarding aggressive innovation; and believing and acting like this is more than a place to work.

“To Kristi and me, this campus and this University is more than a job and more than a place to work. It is a community and, in many ways, a family. I want to encourage all of us to believe and act like this is more than a place to work…to understand that the people we work with can be more than people we pass each day on the sidewalk. When you behave more like a family, you accept and appreciate what people are and you love them for who they are.

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You understand that the strength of a family is in the diversity that knits it together into a beautiful fabric.”

A bit of excitement is on the horizon for them, and that is Neal’s upcoming investiture ceremony, an event at which the Board of Regents officially bestows rank and authority upon an individual to hold the office and perform the duties of that office. The ceremony, slated for 11 AM on Friday, October 5th, will be open to the public. Additionally, there will be events during the week leading up to the actual ceremony featuring a number of activities for the students, faculty, staff, and community. Neal sees this investiture ceremony as a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many sterling qualities of GSW

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and to build up the institution to the public.

When asked what drew him to work in higher education, Neal will tell you that it began with his grandfather, Buck Weaver, the first of his family to go to college. This set a benchmark for his sons and their children where education was valued and promoted. College is the path to middle class for hundreds and hundreds of students and Neal understands firsthand how important that first step is for a family.

Neal attended Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City and despite the many moves his family made, he was fortunate enough to spend all of his junior high and high school

years there. He graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University with a degree in Speech/Communications, obtained his MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, and his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

All of Kristi’s elementary and high school education was in Guymon, Oklahoma, and she graduated from Guymon High School. She graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a degree in Elementary Education.

Neal’s work in education began serendipitously while he and Kristi were finishing their summer

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as lifeguards at a pool in Durant where he taught swimming lessons to the children of the secretary of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s president.

She introduced him to Janie Umstead in the public relations department at the university who offered him the job of producing a football coach’s show, which aired on local TV. He eventually was named Assistant Director of Public Relations, and continues to be thankful that his first supervisor saw his potential and mentored him during his stay.

From there, he moved to Lucent Technologies in Oklahoma City as Public Relations Specialist, where he served for 18 months, before moving to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to work with Dr. Larry Williams at Northeastern State University. After 10 years at NSU, peaking with his promotion to Vice President for University Relations, he was offered a position at West Texas A & M University, where he worked for eight years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The Weavers then traveled to Nicholls State University and stayed for three years, where he was Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation. In 2017, he came to Georgia Southwestern State University where he began his duties as the 11th President of GSW on July 15, 2017.

One can assume Dr. Weaver probably knows his way around a college campus!

Neal and Kristi understand the meaning of family…in fact, when asked what they are really enthusiastic about, they both say, “my family,” and Neal also says, “this institution,” although he indicates that the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboys are pretty high on the list!

Neal and Kristi met in college. Neal will tell you that she was the only value he got out of Art Appreciation 18

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class! They married and briefly lived in McAlester, Oklahoma before moving to Durant. While in Durant, their three sons were born, but they chose to drive just over the state line into Texas for their births. Kind of makes them all Texans, doesn’t it? Austin, now 25, will graduate next May from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with an MBA and a JD. Brett and Blake are 23-year-old twins. Brett graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, in December 2017, with a Sociology Degree and is working in New Orleans. Blake will graduate in December 2018, from West Texas A & M University with a degree in Animal Science and will soon apply to veterinary school. All three have played college sports: Austin, football; Brett, basketball; and Blake, baseball. Can you imagine the dinner conversations when they all come home?

Kristi and Neal are also sportsminded having come from sports-loving families. One of the sports they like to play is golf, but they enjoy attending a variety of sporting events. Both also like to read and both love dogs. Though Neal and Kristi come from somewhat dissimilar backgrounds, it is surprising that they have so much in common.

They are both middle children; they both have two brothers two years apart; and they both have only nephews, no nieces. Seven between them! Kristi smiles as she ponders that maybe she is the oddball. Hardly a descriptive word for her, as you will see!

Kristi taught kindergarten for a while and had their first son soon after starting that position. Once the boys began school, she became parent liaison and PTA president at the school. It was through this work that she became passionate about fundraising. Her experience and success in this area led to her appointment as the Executive

Director for the Tahlequah Public School Foundation.

Kristi and Neal have fundraising backgrounds and have used their skills both professionally and as volunteers.

Beyond helping to raise money and make improvements to the school systems, Kristi has also served in leadership positions for Canyon Hope Ministries, the Canyon ISD Education Foundation, the United Way of Amarillo-Canyon, and the Muskogee Area United Way. As a couple, they have enjoyed their involvement with the Chambers of Commerce and Main Street organizations in the various communities where they have lived and serving in the community has been a significant part of their lives.

The Weavers love to give back and see others reach their goals. Entertaining and having people in their home is a must, as relationships are important to them.

Neal has the attitude that higher education institutions can be “the same, only different.” While each university has the same goal…to provide a quality education to its students… each one is also different in a variety of areas, among those being cultural differences and diverse needs in each region of the country. Through the various experiences at each university and community they have served, they have learned much, and they give a large amount of credit to the good role models they had along the way. They say it would be impossible to name everyone who influenced them over the years, but Pam and Larry Williams, a revered mentor couple, Betty and Jim Pate and Janie Umstead were powerful influences…along with each President they have worked with.

Neal realizes and readily says, and Kristi agrees, that she is an important partner when it comes to his duties and

she influences not only the GSW campus, but also Sumter County and the surrounding area through her efforts. They are very communityminded and want the public to know that you need not fear whether they are approachable.

While it is true that they are busy, they want to assure you that they enjoy interacting with those around them very much.

Neal is serious as he says, “GSW is a community and regional resource and it belongs to the area.” He and Kristi believe that, along with many others, it is their job to make the University as good as possible and their desire is for the community to be engaged with them.

He says GSW is not his…it belongs to the people of the community. It is theirs for their needs. He wants the community to come to the campus and experience what is there. They are very involved in the activities at the university and spend considerable amounts of time there.

They love Americus and Sumter County and hope to reside here at length, their influence at GSW living on many years past their time here.

Such God-given talents as this couple possess must surely be taken advantage of as long as they wish to share them!

For details on the upcoming Presidential Investiture, visit www.gsw.edu/investiture.  SCL

Neal and Kristi understand the meaning of family… in fact, when asked what they are really enthusiastic about, they both say, “my family,” and Neal also says, “this institution,” although he indicates that the Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboys are pretty high on the list!

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An Atlanta native, Kelli Taranto, grew up in the kitchen with her grandmother, who was a huge influence in her life. “She taught me how to cook basic things as a teenager.

We were always very close.” Being in the kitchen, having her hands in ingredients, and seeing what beauty and flavor could come from creativity further inspired Kelli. Her love for baking and cooking led her to take a cake decorating class. Instantly, Kelli was hooked… she stayed up until 3 AM the first night of class practicing flowers when she had to get up at 5 AM for work.

Her passion and dedication was immediately evident to everyone around her. Co-workers began paying her to make cakes for them.

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Her husband, Chris, encouraged her to go to culinary school. She enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu Atlanta and proudly received a culinary degree in 2006.

Working at incredible places like The RitzCarlton Buckhead and the famous Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia, Kelli now calls Americus “home”. “I love Americus because of the people. Never have I felt so welcomed. We fell in love with Americus immediately. The beautiful old homes and history are fascinating.

I also enjoy my time with the Junior Service League and serving our community,” she says.

She sweetly serves our community well since relocating to Americus in 2015. Her expectations for her career were few. She

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was simply open to seeing what people wanted. She worked at Bittersweet until it closed in 2017. Through the power of social media and word of mouth, her business has grown exponentially.

“I am so thankful for the orders and the response,” says Kelli.

Kelli is always taking orders, which could be a dozen cookies, a cake, or a variety of French pastries. Aside from her daily orders, Kelli offers specials around the holidays. I had the pleasure of purchasing a couple of boxes of cookies from her for Valentine’s Day. From that moment, I knew Americus had someone special in its midst.

From presentation to taste, Kelli captures sweetness in every sense of the word. When you meet her, you instantly fall in love.

She has such a sweet spirit and is extremely kind. Our one-time meeting had me very interested to know more about her and her love for culinary arts.

“I have always enjoyed cooking and sharing with others. I knew after my first cake decorating class that I wanted to do more than cakes, I wanted to learn how to make all pastry,” Kelli explains.

When she doesn’t have her hands in sugar and flour, you can find Kelli with Chris and their rescue dog, Chloe. Chris is an Emergency Physician at Phoebe Sumter; they will celebrate 11 years of marriage this year. “He is my best friend,” she beams.

They enjoy taking Chloe on walks and spending time together traveling. She also enjoys concerts with her older brother, Wade, and bragging on her younger brother, Christian, and his mechanic skills. “He’s been repairing motorcycles since he was 5,” she proudly tells me. A true “southern lady” never forgets her mother and father, “My dad is in sales and is the Chaplain for the VA in Marietta, GA. My mom works a few days a week in Asheville and enjoys time with my ‘very creative’ nephew, Kennan.”

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From presentation to taste, Kelli captures sweetness in every sense of the word. When you meet her, you instantly fall in love. She has such a sweet spirit and is extremely kind.

Our one-time meeting had me very interested to know more about her and her love for culinary arts.

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Kelli is always taking orders, which could be a dozen cookies, a cake, or a variety of French pastries. Aside from her daily orders, Kelli offers specials around the holidays. I had the pleasure of purchasing a couple of boxes of cookies from her for Valentine’s Day. From that moment, I knew Americus had someone special in its midst.

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A self-proclaimed wife, doggy-mom, daughter, sister, friend, college football fanatic and professional pastry chef, Kelli loves sharing and taking care of others. Her desire to help others stems from her relationship with her grandmother.

“She always made extra food on Sundays in case someone from church needed a place to eat after the service,” Kelli says. Recalling her grandmother’s shortening-based drop biscuits, which were “perfect, right out of the oven or even the next day” and her famous coconut cake, Kelli lets me know she can still taste them to this day.

While Kelli loves being a pastry chef, it doesn’t come without its hurdles. “Every day is an obstacle in the culinary world. Timing is everything. I am a stickler about time and time management,” she says.

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Serving others, serving community, love for family, football, and friends…holding true to one’s roots…acknowledging those that have helped you along the way…these are components of an amazing person.

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“The patience and dedication to pastry is intense. You must love it. You don't become a chef overnight. After culinary school, you are a cook; many years of hard work and paying your dues lead to becoming a chef. The term should not be used lightly.” I agree after meeting Kelli and seeing and sampling her cookies, candies, and pastries; she rightly deserves that title.

I had to ask Kelli what her favorite dessert is. Being a Pastry Chef and always around sweets, I imagined she would say she doesn’t eat sweets, maybe she gets tired of them. However, she didn’t hesitate. “Classic Opera Cake,” she told me. Classic Opera Cake is almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup and layered with ganache and coffee buttercream and topped with a chocolate glaze. In Kelli’s words, “Divine!” Besides, what else would be expected from someone whose favorite quote is "Eat dessert first"? “I mean, come on. How great is that!!” she exclaims. Indeed!

Serving others, serving community, love for family, football, and friends…holding true to one’s roots… acknowledging those that have helped you along the way… these are components of an amazing person. Kelli Taranto is a Pastry Chef, but just like quality ingredients and a unique talent are the basis for her beautiful desserts, they are also the basis of her character.  SCL

decorating unlimited

229.924.6669 | 1211 Crawford St. (HWY 49N) Americus |M-F 9-5 • SAT 10-4 | After Hours By Appointment Hometown Living At Its Best

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Homegrown Education Programs.

World Renown Workforce.

Homegrown. World Renown.

Sumter County Development Authority | 409 Elm Avenue Americus, GA 31709 229.924.2646 | www.sumtercountychamber.com

Sumter County Schools 100 Learning Lane | Americus, GA 31719 229.931.8500 | www.sumterschools.org

Fifty-eight years of coaching and teaching keep Coach Doug Parrish young.

story by June B. Anderson

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photos by David Parks Photography

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It is obvious in his speech that he cared deeply for his students and athletes over the years, and although he isn’t in the classroom now, he still has that same level of care for those currently under his sports instruction.

c

Anyone who has worked in education and coaching in the same area for fifty-eight years and has earned the respect of adults and teenagers alike has also earned the right to have his name recognized immediately. Of course, he is much too modest to agree with this, but it’s true.

Richard Douglas Parrish, known rarely as Doug and everywhere as “Coach,” was born in 1938 in the little farming town of Morven, Georgia, in Brooks County, just outside of Valdosta. Coach Parrish

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grew up on a farm there and speaks of how the hard work shaped him into a person able to train others to work hard to reach a goal. No pun intended!

He graduated from Morven High School in 1956, a time when there were only eleven grades, and was active in several clubs and programs, including the student government, Beta Club, One-Act play, and the debate team. He was president of his junior class and salutatorian of his senior class. He laughs as he says that a friend beat him out of valedictorian by one point!

He played basketball all four years, grades eight through eleven, and one would suspect that he was a decent player since he won a basketball scholarship to Valdosta State College.

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He retired from Americus High School in 1991 and went to Tri-County High School in Marion County working half-days where he taught and coached and ran the In-School Suspension program. At one point, he discontinued directing In-School Suspension and coached track and football in the position of defensive coordinator. In 2008 he went to Southland Academy as a volunteer coach of the defensive line and is in his eleventh year there.

He graduated from Valdosta State in June, 1960, having attended all four years there. He stayed as busy there as in high school, serving in the student government, Circle K Club, and earning a spot in Who’s Who among Colleges and Universities his senior year. Lettering in basketball all four years, he served as the captain of the team his junior and senior years. He earned a B. S. in education, his teaching field being Social Studies. Later he received a Masters in Social Studies from Georgia Southwestern and his Administration and Supervision degree from the University of Georgia through Georgia Southwestern.

In 1967, he married Linda Payne from Leslie.

He has one son, Doug, Jr., who is retired from Becton, Dickinson and Company, a large medical technology firm, and lives in Boca Raton, Florida.

He is an Americus High graduate who won a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he graduated. Doug, Jr., has a daughter, Shelby, who graduated from Seton Hall University with a PA degree, and a son, Tyler, also a graduate from Seton Hall with a communications degree.

Both live in Sussex, New Jersey.

Coach’s hobbies over the years have included water skiing, fishing, tennis, and watching college football. He says he made an attempt at golf but decided that maybe he should leave well enough alone.

In 1960 a friend, Jimmy Melvin, heard that Doug Parrish had graduated from college and was seeking employment and told him of an opening at Union High School in Leslie. He applied and was hired and began his service there in August, 1960, teaching and coaching baseball and boys’ and girls’ basketball. In 1963 he went to Americus High School and taught American History and coached Junior High football and B-team basketball with Coach Jimmy Hightower. Upon Coach

Hightower’s departure in 1971, Coach Alton Shell came on as head coach and Coach Parrish became his defensive coordinator. In 1965 he moved to varsity boys’ basketball and B-team football and taught American History, worked with boys’ track, and scouted varsity and B-team football until 1971 when he moved into the position of assistant principal, a post he held until 1991. He coached boys’ varsity basketball until 1979.

He retired from Americus High School in 1991 and went to Tri-County High School in Marion County working half-days where he taught and coached and ran the In-School Suspension program. At one point, he discontinued directing In-School Suspension and coached track and football in the position of defensive coordinator. In 2008 he went to Southland Academy as a volunteer coach of the defensive line and is in his eleventh year there. Somehow he finds the time to also coach their boys’ and girls’ track teams. One has to admire his drive and dedication…and energy!

He marvels at receiving one particular honor twice. He was chosen as STAR teacher at Union High School by STAR student Gloria Stanger (Gardner) and at Americus High School by STAR student Rosalind Moore (Gatian.) It is wonderful to be chosen once in a career, but to be chosen twice and from two different schools is quite an accomplishment. Still, he is awed at the fact.

Coach enjoyed some particularly rewarding times every summer between 1961 and 1991 when he was given charge of Coach Jack Finklea’s Volume

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With a total of fifty-eight years in education and coaching, you might think this is a man of longevity and you would be right; however, he humbly credits his success to the fact that God has blessed him with good health, that He has also blessed him with years of working with administration and coaches who allowed him to do his job and treated him with respect and dignity, and that He has blessed him with his wife, Linda’s, understanding and support in all of his duties.

Summer swimming lessons. The program consisted of over twenty-five instructors who taught swimming to between 600 and 700 students per summer. Instruction was given at three pools: Leslie Men’s Club Pool and Plains Lions Club Pool in the afternoons and the Barlow Street Pool in Americus in the mornings. Ages ranged from first grade through seniors in high school on levels from beginners to senior lifesaving. One has to wonder how many adults now owe their above-average swimming ability to Coach Parrish

and this program. Many have probably taught their own children to swim because of the quality of instruction they received during that time.

When asked what he is zealous about, he thought for only a moment and answered that because of his coaching and teaching duties, which have consumed most of his time over the years, he is probably most enthusiastic about working with young people. It stands to reason that if you’re doing something you love, you come to enjoy

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being with the people around you. It is obvious in his speech that he cared deeply for his students and athletes over the years, and although he isn’t in the classroom now, he still has that same level of care for those currently under his sports instruction.

He has followed his many athletes in their endeavors through the years and when Bryan Myers, a former athlete/student of his, became pastor of Central Baptist Church in Americus several years ago, he decided to take a sabbatical from his beloved Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he and Linda have been members for years, and attend Central to show his support of Bryan. He is quick to say that he continues to be supportive of Pleasant Grove, where he is still a member.

With a total of fifty-eight years in education and coaching, you might think this is a man of longevity and you would be right; however, he humbly credits his success to the fact that God has blessed him with good health, that He has also blessed him with years of working with administration and coaches who allowed him to do his job and treated him with respect and dignity, and that He has blessed him with his wife, Linda’s, understanding and support in all of his duties.

Teaching was never difficult for Coach Parrish but was always a pleasure. As one might imagine, administration and coaching are sometimes hard jobs in that they require long hours, and having the respect, support, and understanding of all those around you means the world to the person in that position.

He adds that a major contribution to the success he experienced was that he had athletes with great ability who loved the game and always worked hard to become the best they could be. I suspect this has much to do with the attitude of their coach.

Nowadays when they stop by to visit him and tell him about their success in life after college, it makes him so proud. My guess is that a farm boy who learned how to work hard for something and strived to teach others to do the same was responsible at least in some way for their success.

I’m curious. I wonder how many times over the years he heard, “Put me in, Coach!”  SCL

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CENTRAL BAPTIST C H U R C H

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fter spending 100 plus years at 502 South Lee Street, due to growth, it was necessary for Central Baptist Church to relocate to 190 Upper River Road.

The first service was held at the new location on December 4, 2005. Over the last 12 plus years, the Lord has continued His blessings on Central and conversations have evolved regarding the need for more children and preschool space as well as a multi-purpose facility. Those conversations are now a reality! Through much prayer and consideration, this project was started in late January 2018 and is on schedule to be completed by April 2019.

Central is very excited with the efforts to move FORWARD in ‘Reaching the Next Generation’!

We invite you to join us for worship every Sunday at 9:30 AM 190 UPPER RIVER ROAD | AMERICUS , GA 31709 | (229) 924-4092 | CBCAMERICUS.ORG

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March 10, 2018 On March 10, 2018 Amanda Shiflett and Ricky Jimenez were married at Cornerstone Church in Americus followed by a beautiful reception at the Plains Community Center. As they became one on that beautiful Spring day, you could feel God’s presence.

Amanda and Ricky wanted the focus to not be just on them, even though it was their special day, but on our Heavenly Father who pours out His blessings on us. They chose to include God in all aspects of their relationship from keeping themselves pure for each other, a unity cross that symbolized God as the center of their union and choosing to sing a worship song with all their friends and family. They used Amanda’s late grandmother’s Bible as their guest book having each guest highlight their favorite verse and signing the Bible commemorating the day as a special keepsake.

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[ Lisa Shiflett, Mother of the Bride ] Flowers: Gatewood’s Florist Caterer: Cousins Catering Photos: David Parks Photography Decorator/Planner/Coordinator: Amanda Anderson and Maigan Yarber Videographer: Zach Brown Media

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h a p p i ly e v e r a f t e r

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Mark is originally from Altoona, Alabama, where he played tuba in the high school band and lettered in basketball. Upon graduation in 1991, he enrolled in the University of North Alabama’s music program, in Florence. He played tuba in the university’s marching band and piano in the jazz ensemble. “I played in every ensemble they offered,” says Mark. He also played piano in a community band, the Florence Area Big Band, an experience that would have a profound impact on him.

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Story by Kate DeLoach

Photography by David Parks Photography

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In 1998, with a bachelor’s of music in hand, and a recommendation from his major professor, Dr. Gail Steward, Mark enrolled in graduate school at the University of Memphis. There he studied under Mr. Samuel Viviano. In 2000, he earned a master of music in piano pedagogy.

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Mark went to the National Black Belt League’s World Games in 2008 in Sacramento, California.

He competed in six divisions and came home with three world titles. “I rested up for a week, and went back at it harder,” he says. The 2009 World Games were held in Buffalo, N.Y. “The record was four world titles [by a single competitor]. My goal was to break that record.” Naturally, he did. Mark came home with seven world titles, competing in nine divisions, with two silver medals.

Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, saw big-name artists come through its doors on a regular basis – names such as The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Cocker, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, and Cat Stevens. “Charles Rose and Harvey Thompson played with those biggies, and then with us [in the community band]. It was a really amazing experience,” Mark says.

He switched his major from music education to piano performance, which cost him some

courses and time. In 1998, with a bachelor’s of music in hand, and a recommendation from his major professor, Dr. Gail Steward, Mark enrolled in graduate school at the University of Memphis. There he studied under Mr. Samuel Viviano. In 2000, he earned a master of music in piano pedagogy.

Mark applied to his top two university choices for a doctoral program, the University of South Carolina (in Columbia) and the University of Texas at Austin, and was accepted to both. He chose the former. “I felt

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Mark went to the National Black Belt League’s World Games in 2008 in Sacramento, California. He competed in six divisions and came home with three world titles.

very comfortable there,” Mark says of visiting USC. “I didn’t get a feeling of competition among the teachers.” He studied under Scott Price. He was the recipient of the coveted William H. Nolte Graduate Teaching Award, one of two winners in a university-wide competition, and received the Two Thumbs Up Award for teaching and mentoring students with disabilities.

Three years later, Mark was awarded his doctor of musical arts in piano pedagogy. He began teaching as an adjunct instructor at several colleges, while applying for a permanent position. While in Columbia, Mark met his future wife, Leigh Nein, who was a criminal justice student at USC. “At one point I was teaching five classes at three institutions in two states,” Mark jokes. “That’s what you have to do – piece it together until you get a permanent position. I don’t think most people realize how tough the competition is. There might be 64

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Mark’s luck looked up, and he was hired for a full-time position at GSW, where he began teaching fall semester 2008. Over the past decade, Mark has been a quarter-finalist for the Music Educator Grammy Award three times.

There are approximately 2,700 nominees that are culled to a pool of about 150-200 as quarter-finalists.

150 applications for one job; and they all have doctorate degrees!”

Mark’s luck looked up, and he was hired for a full-time position at GSW, where he began teaching fall semester 2008. Over the past decade, Mark has been a quarter-finalist for the Music Educator Grammy Award three times. There are approximately 2,700 nominees that are culled to a pool of about 150-200 as quarter-finalists. And Mark was recently named the 2017 Steinway and Sons’ Teacher-of-the-Year. Part of Mark’s credentials include teaching numerous workshops and seminars throughout the region, often as a volunteer.

So, what does such a high-achiever and performer do for fun? Compete some more, of course. “I had always wanted to learn karate,” Mark says. “As a kid, I’d watch ‘Kung Fu Theater’ and then go outside and imitate the moves.” But it was only after earning his doctorate that Mark had the time to pursue his interest in martial arts. “Teaching and playing piano is a sedentary lifestyle; I needed to do something for my health and weight.” He chose to learn kickboxing at Lifeforce Karate and Self-Defense in Columbia under Sugarr Banks.

After about six months, Sugarr’s husband, Billee Purvis, suggested he take up karate. It was an easy sell.

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His second year into it, Mark started competing in tournaments. He was good … and hooked. “Next thing I knew, I was competing in one or two a month,” Mark says. He competed in forms (katas), weapons and sparring. Competitions carried him to California, New York, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. After four short years, he earned his black belt.

Mark went to the National Black Belt League’s World Games in 2008 in Sacramento, California. He competed in six divisions and came home with three world titles. “I rested up for a week, and went back at it harder,” he says.

The 2009 World Games were held in Buffalo, N.Y. “The record was four world titles [by a single competitor]. My goal was to break that record.” Naturally, he did. Mark came home with seven world titles, competing in nine divisions, with two silver medals. (Read: He placed in every event in which he competed.)

The League’s 2010 World Games were back in Sacramento. He won nine world titles and one second place. “I was tired by then,” he grins. That record still holds today, he says. He needed a break, and today doesn’t compete much.

When Mark and Leigh moved to Americus with their three children (Robin, Eric, and Ian) – he had time for a family?! – he looked for a karate studio where he could work out and maintain his craft. There was no such place in town. “I looked in Columbus and Albany,” Mark says, “but those places were too testosterone-driven for me; there was too much macho stuff.” Leigh suggested they start up their own karate school here. On June 1, 2014, the Titan Karate Academy opened its doors on the GSW campus.

The Academy consists of the Tiny Titans, ages six to nine, and the adult classes for 10 and up. “We’re flexible on the ages of students, depending on the individual student and the parents,” says Mark. He teaches Saturdays and Monday nights. For information, visit www. titankarate.com.

Mark is clearly proud of Titan Karate Academy’s fist black belt recipient, Ginny Calhoun. Ginny is a graduate and valedictorian of Schley County High School. She has been accepted into Mercer University and Mercer Medical School. “She takes piano from me, too,” he beams.

Mark also teaches free women’s self-defense classes with Leigh (who serves as academic lead/advisor for the Criminal Justice program at GSW). They teach these for various organizations such as student government, continuing education, public schools, and other outreach programs.

Piano, karate, kids – surely this guy is a couch potato at home, right? Last year, Mark and Leigh purchased a house with some acreage in Schley County. The five of them live there with Manny, the rescue Chihuahua; Flioky and Carter, the cats; Iron Chicken, the eccentric and protective rooster; and a new Great Pyrenees puppy.

And they intend to add some hens. “Casa Laughlin is growing,” says the tireless martial arts musician. The community is watching for the next gig.  SCL

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Citizens Bank of Americus has a proud history of serving the banking needs of our customers for over 80 years.

We are a locally owned community bank headquartered in Americus, Georgia. We offer a full range of products in order to serve the banking needs of businesses and residents in Sumter and Webster Counties and the surrounding areas.

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Americus-Tripp Street Preston-Washington Street 106 Tripp Street 534 Washington Street Americus, GA 31709 Preston, GA 31824 Phone: 229-924-4011 Phone: 229-828-3325 Hometown Living At Its Best XX

A Story by Kate Deloach

Photography by David Parks Photography

Americus native John H. (Johnny) Aldridge had always been an outdoorsman; he loved to hunt, to fish, and to do “boy” things. So, when he became a service-connected disabled vet in 1980, he had to get creative about ways to stay busy.

But first things first…Johnny’s father, John D. Aldridge, was in the Army Air Corps in WWII working at Souther Field when he met his future bride, Joyce Shy. They married, and Johnny’s father went to work with his grandfather, Harry Shy, at Aldridge Sheet Metal Shop as a tinsmith. His mother was a homemaker and later worked at The Tog Shop. They had three children: Harriet, Johnny, and Jeff.

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those who serve Johnny feels compelled and honored to serve those who serve others.

“Americus and Sumter County have always honored and supported veterans of all wars,” says Johnny. “I was shocked to learn, when I returned from my tour of duty, that not all of the country felt that way! I especially enjoy making walking sticks for veterans and first-responders; it’s my way of giving back to those who have served.”

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But make no mistake: not everyone buying Johnny’s canes are elderly or unsteady on their feet. Hikers and walkers like to use them as walking sticks.

loving the hobby

Johnny estimates he has made 50 or 60 canes since he started the hobby in 2012, making them mostly for relatives, neighbors, friends and veterans at no charge, and $50 for the rest of us. It takes him about three weeks to complete a cane, so the cost doesn’t come close to covering his time and talent. “I do this as a hobby; I don’t advertise,” Johnny says. “The $50 really just covers my materials.”

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In 1967, Johnny met Deborah Mills. He graduated from Americus High School in 1968, joined the Air Force, got engaged, and left for Guam. He would return a year-and-a-half later to marry “the love of my life.” But he would return a very sick man.

Johnny attended boot camp at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, and then Chanute Technical School in Illinois, where he was trained as a fuel specialist. From there, he was sent to Guam where he worked in direct support of the Vietnam War, refueling diverse aircraft with various types of fuel. He returned to Americus, married Deborah, and they then went on to Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas. After two years, they returned to Americus and civilian life.

“When I was in Guam, I ate or drank something that caused me to end up losing my large intestine,” Johnny says. “I was

customizing for all Johnny makes canes, and not just your average cane either. He customizes them for the recipient. He sits down with the person wanting a cane and sketches their ideas, interests, hobbies, careers, etc., on a paper plate. Then, he paints images reflecting those things onto the cane. His own canes have an American flag; his dog tags, ribbons and aircraft from the Vietnam era; Air Force bases where he was stationed; and other personal mementos, such as “Mills Food Center” (James Mills, his father-in-law’s business) when he met Deborah, and where they both worked. Some of the women who have bought canes from him like paintings of birds and flowers; it’s all about the owner of the cane.

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doing something

Johnny’s slower-paced lifestyle took a jolt in 2000 when he had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. In 2003, he suffered another heart attack; in 2005, yet another. “I used to be very active, but rather than sit around and feel sorry for myself, I decided to do something,” Johnny says. That something was walking Brad and Mercedes’ property looking for small trees or limbs that had vines choking them – honeysuckle, kudzu and even poison ivy.

in incredible pain for more than 10 years; every test known to man was done on me. The doctors never could find out what it was.”

Finally, in 1980, his large intestine was removed. The worst of his pain was over, which was a relief. But his lifestyle necessarily changed.

Deborah worked as a dental assistant at Dr. Riccardi’s practice, where she still works part-time in the office. The couple has two children: Scott, who is married to Melanie, and they have three children, Hunter, Kylie, and Anna Kate; and Brad, who is married to Mercedes, and they have a daughter, Shy. Johnny’s slower-paced lifestyle took a jolt in 2000 when he had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. In 2003, he suffered another heart attack; in 2005, yet another. “I used to be very active, but rather than sit around and feel sorry for myself, I decided to do something,” Johnny says. That something was walking Brad

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and Mercedes’ property looking for small trees or limbs that had vines choking them – honeysuckle, kudzu and even poison ivy. He also has an eye for oak, sweet gum, crepe myrtle – anything straight or interesting and sturdy. Then the real work begins.

Johnny makes canes, and not just your average cane either. He customizes them for the recipient.

He sits down with the person wanting a cane and sketches their ideas, interests, hobbies, careers, etc., on a paper plate. Then, he paints images reflecting those things onto the cane. His own canes have an American flag; his dog tags, ribbons and aircraft from the Vietnam era; Air Force bases where he was stationed; and other personal mementos, such as “Mills Food Center” (James Mills, his father-in-law’s business) when he met Deborah, and where they both worked. Some of the women who have bought canes from him like paintings of birds and flowers; it’s all about the owner of the cane.

“I didn’t know I was artistic,” Johnny says. “I think I learned to draw from making signs when I was a produce manager at Mills [Food Center]. If you personalize the stick, it’s not so bad to have to use it.” But make no mistake: not everyone buying Johnny’s canes are elderly or unsteady on their feet. Hikers and walkers like to use them as walking sticks. One artist had a walking stick made with tiny replicas of all of her paintings on it.

“I have never seen anything attract people like the canes,” Deborah says. “Everywhere we go, people stop him and ask about his cane and then they want one.”

“I saw him in Wal-Mart,” says Wink Conner, “and I noticed his cane. I said, ‘That’s a goodlooking cane you’ve got there. Where’d you get it?’ He told me he made it.” Wink ordered one for himself…and then his wife…and then two friends.

“He puts anything on it and he does research to get the right insignia.” He offers examples, such

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Johnny’s canes attract people, who become customers, who become friends. The Conners and Aldridges, along with another cane-purchasing couple, have become fast friends who gather regularly for dinner.

as Johnny finding the correct insignia for the Dixie Division of the U.S. Army National Guard during the Korean War for one customer, and the Alabama Medical Association emblem for another. Johnny’s canes attract people, who become customers, who become friends. The Conners and Aldridges, along with another cane-purchasing couple, have become fast friends who gather regularly for dinner.

Johnny estimates he has made 50 or 60 canes since he started the hobby in 2012, making them mostly for relatives, neighbors, friends and veterans at no charge, and $50 for the rest of us. It takes him about three weeks to complete a cane, so the cost doesn’t come close to covering his time and talent.

“I do this as a hobby; I don’t advertise,” Johnny

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says. “The $50 really just covers my materials.”

Johnny feels compelled and honored to serve those who serve others. “Americus and Sumter County have always honored and supported veterans of all wars,” says Johnny. “I was shocked to learn, when I returned from my tour of duty, that not all of the country felt that way! I especially enjoy making walking sticks for veterans and firstresponders; it’s my way of giving back to those who have served.”

So how does Johnny “raise a cane”?

Meticulously, there are 13 steps: (1) he cuts the stick in the fall when the sap is down; (2) lets it dry for at least three months; (3) debarks it with a draw knife; (4) dremels it to get the remaining bark off; (5) sands it by hand; (6) attaches a handle (deer antler is a favorite); (7) puts a coat of clear lacquer on it; (8) sands it again; (9) puts another coat of lacquer; (10) hand-paints designs (often after researching them); (11) puts a top coat of lacquer; (12) puts another top coat of lacquer; and (13) puts a rubber stopper on the end.

Johnny has a shed in his back yard where the debarking, sanding and handle-assembling take place. It is a small space with an impressive stash of sticks awaiting their metamorphosis. He does the painting and lacquering inside the house.

However, he says he is slowing down production now, due to health issues and the fact that Brad and Mercedes no longer own the property where he found most of his unique sticks. “All the medication I was on for the intestinal problem ruined my joints,” he says. He often uses two canes now or a walker outside.

So, the Vietnam-era vet is raising canes a little more slowly now, making the one-of-a-kind stick all the more treasured by the one it supports…and personifies.  SCL

Come Be A Part Of OUR FAMILY!

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EYEWORKS 208 East Lamar Street | Americus, GA | 229.924.9998 | www.chandlermorganeyeworks.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Story by Katie O’Neill Photos by David Parks Photography

Wael (pronounced Y.L.) Zahrouni was born in Tunis, Tunisia, but he grew up in Dubai, where his parents moved when he was an infant. In Dubai, Wael’s father was an English teacher and his mother was a realtor. They would add three more boys to the family.

At 18, Wael moved to the United States. “I wanted to be a commercial pilot,” the 27-yearold says. Being an aviation-centered community, Americus and South Georgia Technical College seemed like a logical place to land; in addition, he had an uncle living in Americus. “When I got here, I realized the only pilots being trained were crop-dusters,” Wael jokes. He changed course and moved to Albany, enrolling in Darton College’s pre-dental program. He completed two years of college and then moved back to Americus to work in his uncle’s furniture business, Americus Bargains and Treasures.

His uncle – his mother’s brother – moved to the area 15 years ago, owing to love and Habitat for Humanity, but that’s another story. Five years

They decided they should open a restaurant with a different cuisine, and Mediterranean seemed like a logical choice – who doesn’t like the flavors and spices from that region? Thus, on October 1 of last year, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill opened its doors at 116 W. Lamar Street in Americus.

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ago, one of Wael’s brothers moved to the area and has since married and had two children.

In Sumter County, Wael met Hamza Idries, a Jordanian who moved to this country when he was 18, also, 16 years ago. “Hamza is my brother from a different mother,” says Wael. Since Hamza settled in the Americus community a year-and-a-half ago, the two men have become fast friends. They share two passions: soccer and food.

“We thought the food in Americus was kind of boring,” says Wael. “I mean, how much barbecue and burgers can you eat?” They decided they should open a restaurant with a different cuisine, and Mediterranean seemed like a logical choice – who doesn’t like the flavors and spices from that region? Thus, on October 1 of last year, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill opened its doors at 116 W. Lamar Street in Americus.

Hamza, who has extensive restaurant experience, is the chef, and Wael is the host, greeter, waiter, and all-around social guy. It doesn’t hurt that his English is impeccable;

Soccer and Food In Sumter County, Wael met Hamza Idries, a Jordanian who moved to this country when he was 18, also, 16 years ago. “Hamza is my brother from a different mother,” says Wael. Since Hamza settled in the Americus community a year-and-a-half ago, the two men have become fast friends. They share two passions: soccer and food.

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With only eight employees in the business, Wael says he sees new customers every day, and the restaurant is often full during lunch hours. He wants to add menu items, including lunch specials. Some of their popular items now include gyros (lamb and chicken), falafel wraps or patties, lamb chops, tabouli salad, kibbeh patties, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, baba ganoush, fattoush, burgers, fries, a Greek salad and more.

he also speaks fluent Arabic, French and Spanish.

The first-time restaurant owners financed the venture themselves. “I ate a lot of tuna fish while I was working for my uncle,” says Wael. He saved most of what he earned. “I knew that was the only way I would be able to make it, to be successful.”

The restaurant is not big, and is a little Spartan with furnishings, but Wael says he has plans to

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upgrade as they go along. “It’s what we could afford as a beginning, but I think it is a cute space,” he says, “and I think the [metal] chairs are really comfortable.” It is a comfortable, clean space that suits its purpose well.

Wael found, not only success in business in Americus, but in love as well. He is engaged to Americus native Zoya Hasnain, a law student at

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“We thank God for everything.

We made Him our partner first.”

Wael says the restaurant is a family place. They do not sell alcohol and they have several church groups that come in. “We thank God for everything,” Wael says. “We made Him our partner first. We are all brothers and sisters; we all came from Adam and Eve.”

Mercer University. Zoya’s mother, Yasmin Hasnain, owns an art gallery in downtown and some of her paintings hang on the walls of the restaurant, adding vibrancy and personality to the space. Zoya’s father is Dr. Baqar Hasnain, a dentist in Americus. Wael says he and Zoya will marry after she graduates from Mercer, in about two years.

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With only eight employees in the business, Wael says he sees new customers every day, and the restaurant is often full during lunch hours. He wants to add menu items, including lunch specials. Some of their popular items now include gyros (lamb and chicken), falafel wraps or patties, lamb chops, tabouli salad, kibbeh patties, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, baba ganoush, fattoush, burgers, fries, a Greek salad and more.

For the uninitiated, falafel is a deep-fried ball made with chickpeas, similar to hush puppies. Tabouli is a vegetarian salad made of chopped parsley with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur wheat and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Kibbeh is made of bulgur wheat, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef and spices and formed into patties and cooked. Baba ganoush is cooked, mashed eggplant mixed with tahini (sesame seed spread), olive oil, and various seasonings. Fattoush is salad made from toasted pieces of Arabic flat bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables, such as radishes and tomatoes.

Wael, who is Muslim, announced the opening of Gyro City Mediterranean Grill on Facebook. Some uninformed person responded, “Here comes ISIS.” Wael says he was busy that day and didn’t check the Facebook page early.

By the time he looked, there were well over 500 posts in response to that comment, all apologizing for it. “That guy really did us a favor,” says Wael. “Our doors didn’t stop swinging that day – people were coming from Leslie, Leesburg, all around…to apologize to us.”

Wael says the restaurant is a family place. They do not sell alcohol and they have several church groups that come in. “We thank God for everything,” Wael says. “We made Him our partner first. We are all brothers and sisters; we all came from Adam and Eve.” Moving from the international metropolis of Dubai to Americus, Georgia, was quite a culture change for Wael, but he says he likes it here. “You can think here; in Dubai there is so much going on all around you. I like the pace here.” And area residents like the food.  SCL

The restaurant is not big, and is a little Spartan with furnishings, but Wael says he has plans to upgrade as they go along. “It’s what we could afford as a beginning, but I think it is a cute space,” he says, “and I think the [metal] chairs are really comfortable.” It is a comfortable, clean space that suits its purpose well.

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Story by June B. Anderson

Meeting Shirley Trice for the first time is like taking in a breath of fresh air! She is genuine and bubbly and makes you feel at home right from her enthusiastic, “Hello! Have a seat!” She’s a busy lady but graciously took all the time we needed to talk about her position with Aramark as Director of Food Services at South Georgia Technical College (SGTC).

Photos by David Parks Photography

Shirley was born in Americus and, because of extenuating circumstances, was raised by her grandmother. She received all of her education here in Sumter County, from pre-K through 12th grades, graduating from Americus High School in 1982. Not only is SGTC her place of employment, but it is also her alma mater. She earned two degrees there, one in Information and

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Office Technology (now referred to as Business Technology and Accounting) and one in Accounting. Little did she know at the time that her school would become more important to her in the future than she anticipated!

Since she is very family oriented, she relishes the time she can spend with her loved ones and, with her bubbly personality, those times are sure to be fun. She is a single parent of three daughters and her face beams as she describes them. The oldest, Valarie Trice, lives here and teaches ELA (English and Language Arts) at Sumter Middle School. Valarie has a five-year-old son who “rules the household!” The middle daughter, Kinyatta Trice, lives in Marietta and is studying for her Ph. D. in Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University. She owns her own editing company, performing edit work for publications, theses, and other printed material. The third, Brittny Wright, lives here in Americus and graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) with a B.S. in Sociology and also from Mercer University with a Masters in Higher Education Leadership and is employed at SGTC with the Dual Enrollment Program.

After her graduation from high school, Shirley worked for Manhattan Shirt Company briefly from January 1983, until July 1983. She then moved to Aramark at GSW in September 1983, as a line server and on to SGTC in July 1999, as Food Service Director, which is her present position with Aramark. She takes on the daunting task of managing the entire food service department with the help of two lead people and doesn’t know what she would do without them and all the other great assistants she is so grateful to have been given.

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I often hesitate to ask such a busy person about the existence of hobbies in their lives for fear of “the look,� but Shirley was kind as I ventured to ask and discovered that she really enjoys reading food publications, romance novels, certain mystery novels, and she loves decorating. She especially enjoys decorating for events and functions at her church,

Union Tabernacle, where she sits under the leadership of Pastor Larry B. Sims. Being a member of the Serving Team fulfills the volunteer spirit in Shirley as she works to assist with food service events at the church or if there is a need in a church family, such as a birth, sickness, or funeral.

After her graduation from high school, Shirley

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The duties of her department are considerably rigorous, as you might expect. Food and other supplies must be purchased from approved vendors, their major food supplier being Sysco in Atlanta.

Strict guidelines must be met regarding such details as food temperature and storage.

Shirley says one aspect of her job that consumes much of her time is the fact that seemingly every move in her department is documented.

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worked for Manhattan Shirt Company briefly from January 1983, until July 1983. She then moved to Aramark at GSW in September 1983, as a line server and on to SGTC in July 1999, as Food Service Director, which is her present position with Aramark. She takes on the daunting task of managing the entire food service department with the help of two lead people and doesn’t know what she would do without them and all the other great assistants she is so grateful to have been given.

Because there are students in dormitories on campus almost year-round, her department and her job are true necessities. Some students don’t have the means to go into

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Shirley says the work is hard and demanding but when people approach her during or after an event with complimentary words, it is very rewarding. When people show appreciation for a job she has poured herself into, it makes the hard work well worth it and she looks forward to the next event.

town to buy food or meals so she and her team are needed virtually every day to provide tasty and nutritious meals for the students. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt the faculty’s feelings to have her around either!

Her day begins around 10:00 a.m. and ends around 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Some Fridays she is able to leave sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. She and her team serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through Friday and two meals, brunch and dinner, on Saturday and Sunday. She is off most weekends except for when there is a catering job on the books, but is at every function, if possible. There is a certain joy in her face as she relates the fact that because of

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her position she has made lots of friends with students over the years, both at GSW and at SGTC, some of which she still keeps in contact with.

The duties of her department are considerably rigorous, as you might expect.

Food and other supplies must be purchased from approved vendors, their major food supplier being Sysco in Atlanta. Strict guidelines must be met regarding such details as food temperature and storage. Shirley says one aspect of her job that consumes much of her time is the fact that seemingly every move in her department is documented. She says she operates by the acronym PRIMA: production, receiving, inventory, menu, analysis. This is also true of the catering aspect of the business.

Every item on the menu is prepared using a recipe and the menus are on a four-week rotation so that diners don’t get tired of eating “the same old thing.” (Wish I had that kind of system at my house!) She pulls the recipes daily so that her staff can begin preparation of the day’s delicious meals.

When asked if there is anything in her life that she is particularly eager about, she says there are two things: the catering aspect of her position and decorating for various functions and events, whether they be at her church, at the school, or at other places where her talents may be requested.

Shirley says the work is hard and demanding but when people approach her during or after an event with complimentary

She and her team serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through Friday and two meals, brunch and dinner, on Saturday and Sunday. She is off most weekends except for when there is a catering job on the books, but is at every function, if possible. There is a certain joy in her face as she relates the fact that because of her position she has made lots of friends with students over the years, both at GSW and at SGTC, some of which she still keeps in contact with.

words, it is very rewarding. When people show appreciation for a job she has poured herself into, it makes the hard work well worth it and she looks forward to the next event.

Life might not have started out on its best foot for Shirley Trice, but she was determined to succeed and she worked… and continues to work hard to achieve and maintain the position and reputation she has attained! She’s proved that entrance into the world can be as unstable as Jell-O, but with hard work and determination life can be a bowl of cherries!  SCL

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Join hundreds of reenactors at the 42nd Annual Andersonville Historic Fair on October 6-7, 2018 in the downtown area & Pioneer Park as they setup camps and stage two realistic Civil War mock battles. Gates open at 10 am both days, with the battles taking place on Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 2pm as history comes alive in Andersonville, Georgia. The Andersonville Historic Fair takes place on the first full weekend each October. This is a family-friendly event, so bring everyone!

Civil War Village of Andersonville | 117 E. Church Street | Andersonville, GA, 31711 | For More Information: Call 229-924-2558

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story by

Katie O’Neill

photos by

David Parks Photography

There are ephemeral angels of lore and literature; and then there are human angels who live among us. Joan (pronounced “Jo Ann”) Cordell is one of the latter.

Joan Deavours was born and raised in Leslie, Georgia, where she graduated from Union High School in 1948. She attended Georgia Southwestern (Junior) College and Tift College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies. She went on to earn a master’s degree in elementary education

from Women’s College of Georgia (now Georgia College) in Milledgeville.

She moved back to Americus and began teaching at Thalean School. She also taught at Anthony School, and ended up teaching in the Sumter County School System. Later, she attended UGA to earn her certification in supervision.

And it was in supervision that she spent the last 13 years of her 31-year career in education. She retired in 1983.

On June 28, 1953, Joan married John Cordell, an Americus native. She had attended college with his sister. Joan met John at a Sunday school social. “He was with someone else,” she remembers, grinning. John had a long, successful career with Life of Georgia Insurance in Americus.

It was after retirement that Joan really got busy. In 1987, she began volunteering with Sumter Regional Hospital (now Phoebe Sumter). She is still a volunteer and is in charge of scheduling the volunteers at the front desk. “I fill in a lot when no one else is available,” says Joan. “I work a lot of Saturdays and Sundays because those days are not popular with the other volunteers.” She began her volunteer work in scheduling, then moved to Oncology – which she describes as difficult – and then to the gift shop. “I see a lot of kids I used to Hometown Living At Its Best

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teach,” Joan says. “It is really hard, because sometimes they are in wheelchairs and in bad shape.”

Joan and John stay fit and maintain good health “walking in the pool” at Magnolia Manor most days. “It bothers me that more people don’t use the wellness center there,” she says.

Joan used to teach Sunday school at Magnolia Manor once a month. Her mother lived in the nursing home from 1987 to 1991.

“I visited her twice during the day and then went back at night to put her to bed,” Joan says. Prior to moving to Magnolia Manor, her mother had a live-in assistant. “I put an ad in the newspaper for a live-in, and I got a call from someone I went to school with at Georgia College,” Joan explains. “In fact, we were roommates one summer.” Her friend’s name was Georgia, and she ended up living with Joan’s mother for seven years.

Teaching at the Manor evolved into a once-a-week event – something she recently had to quit doing because of the amount of walking involved. She continues to teach Sunday school at Perfect Care, an assisted living home, once a week. Joan taught Sunday school at her church for many years, but gave that up not too long ago, also. She

It was after retirement that Joan really got busy. In 1987, she began volunteering with Sumter Regional Hospital (now Phoebe Sumter). She is still a volunteer and is in charge of scheduling the volunteers at the front desk. “I fill in a lot when no one else is available,” says Joan.

“I work a lot of Saturdays and Sundays because those days are not popular with the other volunteers.” She began her volunteer work in scheduling, then moved to Oncology – which she describes as difficult – and then to the gift shop.

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and John have been members of Central Baptist Church in Americus for 65 years.

Teaching Sunday school, volunteering and “visiting the shut-ins” at the hospital aren’t the only selfless activities Joan has been involved in. She is a past president of the Sumter County Education Association of Retired Teachers. She is still an active member of the group and is committed to its mission of supporting local education through scholarships and advocacy.

Joan was president of Delta Kappa Gamma at the state level from 1975 to 1977. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional international honors society of key women educators. State organization activities include planning and hosting conferences, conventions and leadership training for women and providing a networking mechanism for women.

The seemingly tireless Joan is also an active volunteer in the Americus Pilot Club, an

international organization that was begun in Macon, Georgia, in 1921. The Pilot Club’s signature project since 2001 is BrainMinders™ -- “Protecting Your Brain for Life.” Aside from encouraging brain safety and health, the Pilot Club prepares youth for service and supports those who care for others.

In December 2017, Joan was awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Sanford Bishop, as well as a Proclamation from the City of Americus, signed by the mayor, honoring her for her years of service to the community.

At 86, Joan doesn’t show many signs of slowing down. “I got my first computer at 75,” she says. But she only uses it to look at the news. “I don’t do any of this social media stuff,” she says. Because, of course, she doesn’t have the time.  SCL

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“Inspiring Minds to Lead for Tomorrow”

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL MINDS CLUBHOUSE PROGRAM & OUR PURPOSE? A Resiliency Support Clubhouse Program that provides a comprehensive and unique set of services for youth and families ages 6-15 coping with the isolation, stigma, and other challenges of behavioral health disorders. Beautiful Minds Clubhouse services youth ages 12-15, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday’s (every 2nd and 4th Friday); youth ages 6-11 Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday’s (every 1st and 3rd Friday).

Beautiful Minds Clubhouse is a place where youth can hang out, learn and socialize with others their age that share similar challenges. Youth participate in social outings, educational supports, group discussions, and other activities that help them build pro-social behavior and life skills.

Beautiful Minds Clubhouse also offers Parent’s Alliance Meeting

to help parents learn, socialize with parents who may be facing similar challenges with their children. Parent’s Alliance meeting also offers parents a chance to discuss their needs, any issues/ problems they may be facing, or to share supportive interventions that may be working for their household.

Our purpose is to provide a network of care that supports the families of children with diagnosed behavioral health conditions, to help them function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life.

Beautiful Minds Clubhouse motto is, “Be yourself because everyone else is taken.” We strive to help youth, families, and the community to look beyond the diagnosed behavior and see the individual. Our purpose is, “Inspiring minds to lead for Tomorrow.”

CLUBHOUSE SERVICES

OUR GOALS

• Therapeutic Support • Positive Peer Support • Family Involvement/Engagement • Social Activities/Outings • Transportation to the Clubhouse and offsite activities • Aftercare • Positive peer mentoring • Healthy nutrition education and activities • Educational supports • Onsite counseling and learning • Structured recreational activities

• Increase Mental Health Functioning • Improve School Functioning • Decrease DJJ Involvement • Increase Youth Engagement • Increase Community Involvement • Increase Youth Satisfaction • Increase Community Collaboration

If you have any questions or wish to learn more information about Beautiful Minds Clubhouse, please feel free to contact us at 229-591-0465 or 229-591-0967 or come by and visit us at 209 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709 Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm | Friday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm *Saturday’s Hours vary by activity

“Be Yourself Because Everyone Else is Taken”

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As set forth in its student catalog, South Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Karen Werling, 229.931.2902 or kwerling@southgatech.edu; or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, LaKenya R. Johnson, 229.931.2595 or ljohnson@southgatech.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed a program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.southgatech.edu/academics/gainful-employment/

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Story by Rachel Price Photos by David Parks Photography

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend; words we use to describe many women. Each have their own beautiful definition and embody multiple characteristics. At times we are fortunate enough to meet someone that exemplifies all of these traits simultaneously. I’ve been fortunate to meet Chrissy Ambos.

In 1975 Chrissy was born the daughter of Charles and Carolyn Law and sister to 3-year-old Dawn.

Charles was in the Navy for 30 years. He then relocated to Americus where he began working for Kyle Tindol at Rees Park Chapel. Later, he went to mortuary school in Atlanta, while Carolyn stayed in Americus and raised their family; he would come home on the weekends. He later opened Americus Insulation.

At the age of 5, Chrissy began to learn sign language. She could communicate verbally but had a difficult time communicating with her sister.

Dawn was born special needs and Chrissy wanted to connect with her on a deeper level than play. Not that lack of communication hindered their relationship.

“Dawn and I have always had a normal relationship, sometimes I think we may be closer than others. We get along well, but that doesn't mean we don't drive each other nuts too!” she tells me.

Growing up they would go to the Barlow Street Pool.

Then they would spend their days riding bikes and playing kick ball with the neighborhood kids.

“My aunt was the one who got my parents to understand Dawn couldn't talk. My parents, of course, didn't want to see it. My dad's sister made him so mad that day that he went out and built my granddad a storage shed. He then came back in and said, ‘Well what do you suggest?’ and she said, ‘She needs to learn sign.’”

Alongside Dawn, as Chrissy learned sign to bridge that gap, she also learned that in order to play with her sister, compromise was essential. “We didn't play Barbie’s together, she preferred cars. I would throw a Barbie in one of her cars just so we could play together.”

Being the sister of someone with special needs never bothered Chrissy. Dawn’s medical diagnosis, however, has always been a sore spot for Chrissy. In fact, she won’t even say the term. She will tell you she is non-verbal with special needs.

Chrissy’s parents taught her to shield and protect Dawn with love and support. Dawn was not to be treated any differently than anyone else. This didn’t mean challenges outside of the home never arose, but Chrissy was equipped to handle it.

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“I've always tried to shelter Dawn from the bitterness of the world. Ever since I was a small child, 7 and 8 years old, I've tried to shield her from the bullying and harsh words of others,” Chrissy says.

Moving forward with life, in 2004, Chrissy married Darrell Ambos and they began their own family. Emily, 13, and Franchesca, 9, are beautiful, intelligent, loving girls. Chrissy beams, “They remind me of Dawn and me growing up. They play together, fuss, fight, watch movies, and go to the park. They act like typical siblings and they have a great relationship with my sister.”

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Franchesca is autistic with an auditory processing disorder. “She gets excellent therapy and has come a long way over the years. She has overcome so much,” Chrissy says. “Emily is your typical teenage girl, she loves fashion and going to the gym.”

As they became adults, the fear in the back of Chrissy’s mind was what would happen to Dawn when her parents were no longer here. She knew without a doubt that Dawn would move in with her, but how would this transition effect Dawn?

In 2007, not long after her father passed away, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Chrissy immediately began helping her family. For the next six years, she cooked dinner and her mother and sister would go to her house and eat. Friday, they would treat themselves to a night out.

On Easter Sunday 2011, Mrs. Carolyn passed away. Through the heartbreak of losing her best friend, Chrissy had to find the strength to do as her mother instructed her to do during her entire 118

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life. “You have to advocate for Dawn. Once I pass, nobody will ever fight as hard for your sister as I did, so you have to. If you don’t, who will?”

“The biggest challenge for us was adjusting after my mother passed. I think we are still adjusting,” Chrissy tells me of her and Dawn. “We just have a good routine. I mean think about it, when you lose your parent(s), you gather with your siblings, say your goodbyes, and you go home and return to your routine. Dawn and I had to say our goodbyes and begin to figure out a new routine.”

Chrissy moved in with Dawn for six months.

A dear friend to Chrissy, Beverly Smith, would come stay with Dawn one night a week so Chrissy could spend time with Darrell and the kids in their home. During the week, Darrell, a police officer at the time, would take the girls when he was off and each night they all ate dinner together. Missing their family dynamic, Chrissy and Darrell got a night sitter for the next five months while they worked on getting their home ready to move Dawn in. After a few nights of Dawn coming over and spending the night, they gradually moved her.

“My personal joy, from my sister living with me, is watching her grow,” Chrissy says with pride.

When their mother passed, Chrissy had to teach Dawn to care for herself. “My mother basically did everything for my sister,” she says. “She bathed her, fixed her plate, cut her food. Everything a parent would do for a young child.”

Chrissy has pushed Dawn to learn simple tasks.

“Well simple for you and me,” she tells me. But these tasks were hard for Dawn. However, she learned to take a shower without assistance, brush her teeth without prompting, and get dressed.

Medically, Dawn has changed dramatically.

She has gone from 287 lbs. to 147 lbs. “Initially, the weight loss began over Dawn stressing about the loss of our mom. But with compliments from people in the grocery store and throughout town, she wanted to lose more. She was able to swim daily at Magnolia Manor and it really helped her mentally and physically,” Chrissy says. With the weight loss, Dawn has been able to come off certain medications.

“My parents taught me to shield Dawn and protect her. I just carry on the things they did,” she says. But Chrissy does more than she gives herself credit for. Being unhappy with Dawn’s

diagnosis, Chrissy began fighting to get that changed.

For the past six years she has advocated for Dawn with therapists and doctors. She has pushed to get her re-evaluated, to get her communication devices, and to further her independence. There are very few people Dawn can communicate with; Chrissy wants the peace of mind knowing, should Dawn one day be here without her, that she could express her needs and wants.

Dead ends, detours, and stops along the way hasn’t stopped Chrissy from forging ahead fighting for Dawn’s rights. Her victory journey began earlier this year.

"After 46 years, my sister has a diagnosis other than MR nonverbal; I've never liked the words or initials MR, so with this I find strength,” Chrissy boasts.

“She's been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which led to her being nonverbal.”

All of the work Chrissy put forth has paid off.

Dawn recently tested to see if she would be able to use a communication device, and she passed. On May 1st, she went to try out different devices to see which she is compatible with. “She will finally be able to communicate with us, express herself so it is known.

She'll be able to order food, tell a doctor what hurts, and say she wants this or that. Of course, I understand 99% of her wants, but if something were to happen to me, others will be able to communicate with her.”

“This is so huge for Dawn! I don't think she realizes how huge. But she sat yesterday, smiling, laughing, and communicating all through her test. She loved that she understood everything the instructor was saying to her. She didn't get frustrated trying to get a complete stranger to understand,” Chrissy says. “I want her to have that feeling every day!”

Homeschooling her daughters Monday through Friday, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy twice a week, horse riding as therapy for Franchesca, and the gym with Emily...couple this with additional appointments, melt downs, laughs, family moments, cleaning, laundry, yard work, cooking, and other household chores…this is a week in the life of Chrissy and her family.

And underneath this fighter, advocate, wife, mother, and friend is a giver. She’s the first to take someone a casserole, the first to rummage her attic for furniture and clothes to give to the needy, the first to take in

Moving forward with life, in 2004, Chrissy married Darrell Ambos and they began their own family. Emily, 13, and Franchesca, 9, are beautiful, intelligent, loving girls. Chrissy beams, “They remind me of Dawn and me growing up. They play together, fuss, fight, watch movies, and go to the park. They act like typical siblings and they have a great relationship with my sister.”

an animal, and the first to drive someone to run their errands without asking anything in return.

Humble and kind, she tells me, “I’m no different than anyone else. We all struggle at some point in life.

Whether it is with a toxic relationship, drugs, family, money, or our own self. We all get down on our luck and need someone, be it a stranger or friend to help out, lend a hand or ear. My parents were always there for people. They often overlooked the trail and just saw the person. They wanted to help them; I'm that way. I have struggled and been thankful for the person that was there to help me up and not judge me.”

Chrissy has a heart that yearns for others. She seems almost invincible, like a super hero. How she manages everyday life is beyond me. For Chrissy, it simply is life. “My mom and dad told me that I was handpicked by God to be Dawn's sister. No matter the joy, milestone, obstacle, or hurdle, He thought I would be strong enough to handle it. And then He chose me to be the mother to two beautiful girls. He knew I could handle whatever was thrown our way. He chose this life for me. Yes, I wish my parents were here to see it all, but honestly, they have the best seat.”  SCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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w story By Anita Theiss

photos By David Parks Photography

While Americus might not be considered “fast paced,” our personal lives certainly can be busy and rushed. It’s nice to have a place that feels personal, homey, and relaxed…a place to slow down, sit with friends and enjoy a glass of sweet tea and good conversation. Places like this are reminiscent of Mayberry, where you might just walk in and see Andy Taylor and Aunt Bee sitting at a corner table having a laugh over Barney Fife’s most recent shenanigans. Well, on the outskirts of Americus, we have our very own little slice of Mayberry, a good old home cooking restaurant called Granny’s Kitchen, owned by Dean and Paul Bush.

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Granny, born Dean Driggers to Fannie Lou and Charlie Driggers, grew up in Union Springs, Alabama. As a teenager, she spent her weekends working at the local dime store. One providential weekend, a young man named Paul Bush came into the store with his sister and spotted Dean behind the jewelry counter. He took her to a movie that very night, and as they say, the rest is history.

Paul and Dean were married on May 16, 1954, and that’s when Dean made the big move from Alabama to Sumter County, Georgia. Paul worked in construction, mostly as a brick mason, and built the very building that Granny’s Kitchen is in today.

According to Dean, she always wanted to open a restaurant. Her restaurant dreams started a bit smaller, right down the street from her current location on Highway 19, with a hot dog place simply known as “Dean’s.” But she really wanted a larger building with a wider menu, so when the current location opened up, she grabbed it. On August 1, 1991, Granny’s Kitchen opened its doors to the community offering its very first menu of Southern homemade comfort foods: banana pudding, rice and gravy, green beans, fresh veggies and fried chicken (which have been served every day at Granny’s Kitchen since it opened)! Country ham with red eye gravy and homemade biscuits are some breakfast favorites. Many of the recipes used at Granny’s Kitchen were developed by the cooks themselves from good old-fashioned stove top trial and error, but some of the favorites like the chicken pie, the chicken n dumplings and the sweet potato

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crunch are old family recipes that have been passed down through Dean’s family for generations.

Granny’s Kitchen might seem like an easy-going place where you can eat and ‘sit a spell’ (and usually it is), but they’ve seen their share of excitement as well. Habitat for Humanity founder, Millard Fuller, was a regular at Granny’s Kitchen and was known to bring all sorts of well-known people in to eat… the most well-known probably being South African President Nelson Mandela. Former Braves third baseman, Chipper Jones, frequents Granny’s Kitchen when he’s in the area hunting, and President George

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W. Bush even stopped by (unfortunately a little too late to eat) when he was in Americus after the tornado in 2007. They had a man climb on their roof to hide from police during a chase, and they’ve even had to evacuate the building when a gas pump next door caught on fire! So you really never know what could happen during your visit to Granny’s Kitchen!!

And when the community sees excitement—like the aforementioned tornado and flood of 1994— Granny’s still manages to keep its doors open and its kitchen hot! In fact, the only time that Granny’s Kitchen has closed its doors on a regular business

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day was during some recent winter storms when curfews were instilled for the county, making it impossible for workers to get to work early and open up.

While lunch is definitely the busiest meal of the day, Granny’s Kitchen opens at 6:00 AM and serves breakfast as well. Workers arrive at 5:00 AM to start making biscuits and getting the tables ready for diners. Granny’s Kitchen has been up and running for over 26 years, and many of its workers have been there almost since the beginning. Cooks, like Doris Harris and Hattie Walker, have been fine tuning their recipes that keep guests returning day after day for over 20 years. Tina Pearson and Ginny Gordon are familiar faces at Granny’s as well, working hard to serve the patrons with warm comfort food and a smile. Regular guests and employees of Granny’s Kitchen fondly remember Willie Solomon, who worked busing tables until his death in January 2012.

According to Dean and her daughter Johnna, Willie knew all the ins and outs of the restaurant, and “if you can’t listen to Willie, you can’t work here.”

And speaking of regulars, boy, has Granny’s Kitchen got them. There are regular diners who eat at Granny’s Kitchen every day and have been since it opened. Some of them eat there more than once a day! It sure sounds like Granny’s food is good enough to be addictive. All of the staff at Granny’s Kitchen’s appreciates all of their customers, and they have really come to love those familiar faces they see every day. Johnna says that she has “made a lot of really good friends” during her years working at the restaurant. You had better believe if a regular customer doesn’t show up, someone from Granny’s is going to call and check on them. Dean says, “when someone isn’t here, it’s like one of the family is

You had better believe if a regular customer doesn’t show up, someone from Granny’s is going to call and check on them. Dean says, “when someone isn’t here, it’s like one of the family is missing.”

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Some regulars eat there more than once a day! It sure sounds like Granny’s food is good enough to be addictive. All of the staff at Granny’s Kitchen’s appreciates all of their customers, and they have really come to love those familiar faces they see every day.

missing.” When thinking about the years of Granny’s Kitchen’s operation, Dean says, “we are very blessed to have met and made so many friends over the years. We are so thankful to our patrons and hope we can be a blessing to others.”

While the name of the restaurant is Granny’s Kitchen, if you talk to Dean, the real star of the show has always been her husband Paul. Up until recently when his health began to decline, Paul, affectionately known as Papa to the many restaurant guests, was the greeter, meeting people at the door and welcoming them to the establishment. As the self-appointed public relations manager for the restaurant, he was always advertising for Granny’s Kitchen, giving away free meals locally and when he travelled. And there was a good chance that if you visited on your birthday, he would serenade you with “Happy Birthday” at your table! Together, Dean and Paul have three daughters: Brenda Crawford, Monica Horne, and Johnna Hortman (who herself works at Granny’s Kitchen and

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mans the ship most of the time). They have four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. All the grandchildren have grown up working at Granny’s. Grandson Patrick Hortman works the front end and great-grand twins, Kaylyhn and Braden Jennings work weekends.

Granny’s Kitchen is closed on Sundays, which Granny and Papa set aside as the Lord’s Day. Dean is an active member of Rehoboth Baptist Church, was a part of the Plains Garden Club for over 10 years, and still lists gardening as one of her favorite hobbies.

When asked about her small-town fame as Granny and the success of her restaurant, Dean says, “we want everyone to feel welcome.” But she is honored to be “Granny” to so many in Americus and the surrounding area. Granny’s Kitchen is a well-loved establishment in this community and will continue to be for years to come. Sitting down in Granny’s Kitchen is a lot like sitting down in a Norman Rockwell painting (in fact the mural on the wall in Granny’s Kitchen was painted by Jo Knox and it is based on Papa’s description of his boyhood).…it’s our little piece of Americana, our slice of Mayberry, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.  SCL

When asked about her small-town fame as Granny and the success of her restaurant, Dean says, “we want everyone to feel welcome.” But she is honored to be “Granny” to so many in Americus and the surrounding area.

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A Beautiful Event Destination

Bison Valley Lodge 1085 Talent Store Rd | Americus GA 31719 | 229-928-8866 | bisonvalleylodge.com

This is the birthplace of the affordable housing movement, and we’re proud to call Sumter County home!

1602A EAST FORSYTH STREET AMERICUS, GEORGIA 31709 | (229) 924-9798

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Fuller Center for Housing

FullerCenter.org

All creatures great & small, The Lord God made them all.

The Kinnebrew Co. CLOTHING FOR SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN AND LADIES SINCE 1947

509 West Forsyth Street | Americus, GA 31709 (229) 928-3300 | harpersanimalclinic.com

208 West Lamar Street | Americus, GA 31709 | 229-924-8888

412 W. LAMAR ST. AMERICUS, GA 31709 | 229-924-2924 THEHOOKSAGENCY.COM

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life t h e

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The Sumter area is growing and steadily becoming a central marketplace.

You can find great retail shopping, restaurants and services around each corner. If you haven’t done so lately, take the time to look around and discover all the wonderful things there are to find.

DON’T SIT GET FIT S.W.G.A SOUTHWEST GEORGIA FITNESS CENTER This areas hometown gym for over 30 years.

Locally owned and operated

1608 E Forsyth St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-6869 134

Sumter county Living

Residential/Commercial Real Estate • Criminal/DUI Defense • General Civil Litigation • Estate Planning & Administration • Corporate & Small Business • Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury

416 West Lamar Street Americus, Georgia 31709 (229) 389-2045 www.arnoldhooks.com

Roberts Jewelers 110 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 (229) 924-5024

Soon to be known as Americus House of Flowers

TL Guitars Instruments, Repairs, Lessons 1560 East Forsyth Street | Americus, GA 31709 229-944-8131 | www.tlguitars.com

Sheppard HOUSE

Shear

REFLECTIONS

Dill’s Florist & Gifts 1600 E Forsyth St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8171

530 Tripp St # A, Americus, GA 31709 (229) 815-5111

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Southern COOKING! 1608 H East Forsyth St, Americus, GA 31709 Hours: 11am-2:30pm Sun-Fri 5pm-8pm Friday Night

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Best Kept Secret In Southwest Georgia! sewing Services Available!

Pam Horne Owner/Designer 223 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-5616

Scott’s Jewelry

210 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 (229) 928-3630 www.scotts-jewelry.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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A Cut Above Salon …………..........................................…………….. 9 Housing Authority of Americus ……………...................………….. 120 Accelerated Physical Therapy …………….......................………….. 91 Johnston Realty Group Inc. ……………........................………….. 122 Adams Exterminators ……………...................................………….. 92 Louis A. Riccardi, DDS,PC ……………..........................………….. 103 After Hours Care of Americus, Inc. ……………..............………….. 112 Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare …………............…………….. 110 Allergy & Asthma Clinics of GA, P.C. ………………………............... 81 Nutrien ……….......................................................……………….. 120 Americus Dental ………………...........................................……….. 67 Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning ……………….............……….. 90 Anderson-Bailey Real Estate ………………......................……….. 102 Phoebe Physicians ……….......................................……………….. 93 Arnold & Hooks, LLC ……………...................................………….. 134 Phoebe Sumter …..............................................…………………….. 5 Beautiful Minds Clubhouse …………........................…………….. 110 Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall …………………..........…….. 22-23 Better Hometown Program ……...........................………………….. 68 Pro-Tech Security Group, Inc. ………….....................…………….. 122 Bison Valley Lodge …………….....................................………….. 132 Roberts Jewelers ………........................................……………….. 134 Central Baptist Church .................................……………………….. 44 Rylander Theatre ………..........................................……………….. 47 Chandler Morgan Eyeworks …………………..........................…….. 79 Scott’s Jewelry ...........................................……………………….. 135 Citizens Bank of Americus ………............................……………….. 69 Shannan Blanchard Photography …………..............…………….. 105 Citizens Bank of Americus ……………...............………….. Back Cover Shear Reflections ………….......................................…………….. 135 City of Andersonville …………….............………….. Inside Front Cover Sheppard House ……………........................................………….. 135 City of Andersonville Historic Fair ………................…………..….. 104 South Georgia Technical College …………................…………….. 113 Concrete Enterprises, LLC …………….......................………….. 20-21 Southland Academy .....................................……………………….. 57 Decorating Unlimited ……………...................................………….. 31 Southwest Georgia Farm Credit ………………..................……….. 113 Dill’s Florist & Gifts ………….....................................…………….. 135 Southwest Georgia Fitness Center ………….............…………….. 134 Eaton Cooper Lighting ……………………..........….. Inside Back Cover Strickland Accounting LLC …………….........................………….. 123 Firstate Bank ….................................................…………………….. 7 Sumter County Chamber of Commerce …………………..…….. 32-33 Fuller Center ............................................................................. 132 Sumter County Living Subscription …………………………......….. 111 FYI - For Your Interiors Fabric & Trim …………………...........…….. 135 Sumter Retirement Village …………...........................…………….. 55 Gatewood, Skipper & Rambo Attorneys at Law …………….…….. 121 Sunbelt Ford of Americus ………….............................…………….. 54 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center …………………..….. 133 The Deriso Agency, Inc. - Country Financial ……………………….. 45 Georgia Power ………………..............................................……….. 56 The Kinnebrew Co. ………….....................................…………….. 133 Georgia Rural Telephone Museum ………….............…………….. 112 The Local Marketplace ……….......................……………….. 134-135 Georgia Southern University …………….........................………….. 80 The Staffing People ………………........................................……….. 1 Georgia SouthWestern State University …………………......…….. 121 Three’s Company Too ………….................................…………….. 132 Harper’s Animal Clinic …................................…………………….. 133 TL Guitars ………...................................................……………….. 135 Harvey Well Drilling ……….....................................……………….. 2-3 Turton Properties …….......................................………………….. 123 Hooks Simmons Insurance ………........................……………….. 133 Women’s Health Professionals ………………….....................…….. 46

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