Sumter County Living - February 2017

From

Anywhere Anytime

at

Remote Deposit Anywhere allows you to deposit checks from your mobile device wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.

It’s fast, easy, and secure. Call 229.924.4011 to learn more!

spring 2017

Deposit Checks

sumter county also...

Happy Together Southland Academy is celebrating 50 years and we can certainly expect them to continue its positive effect on education.

Making a Difference

Started in 2004, this community event has grown into a local fundraiser benefitting sick children.

A First Class First Lady Americus-North Lee Street (Main) 119 North Lee Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Americus-Tripp Street 106 Tripp Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Preston-Washington Street 534 Washington Street Preston, GA 31824 Phone: 229-828-3325

In just one meeting with Mrs. Carter, you’ll want to be a better person, to change lives and make the world a better place.

Forever Home Decorating is his passion and life’s work, and never it is more evident than when one enters his beautiful abode and steps back in time.

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

Jessica S. Brown, DMD Andrew J. Hamilton, DMD

Americus

DENTAL ASSOCIATES

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL TREATMENT IMPLANTS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL IV SEDATION ROOT CANALS CROWNS & BRIDGES WHITENING COSMETIC DENTISTRY

1108 FETNER DRIVE • AMERICUS, GA 31709 | (229) 924-4479 | MON - THURS: 8AM - 5PM | FRI: 8AM - 1PM

THE STAFFING PEOPLE

END THE HEADACHES OF: •UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS •WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS •DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AUDITS • Locally Owned & Operated • We handle Recruiting • We support short-term & long-term staffing along with permanent positions • Workers Comp & Payroll Services • Drug Testing & Background Screenings

WE HANDLE IT ALL! ALL OF YOUR HUMAN RESOURCE NEEDS... MET IN ONE PLACE WITH EXCELLENCE.

WWW.THESTAFFINGPEOPLE.NET HIRING GREAT TALENT STARTS HERE! Albany Address/Phone: 1118-D Stuart Ave/229-434-1182 Americus Address/Phone: 400 West Lamar St/229-924-0476

2 n

Growth Growth PROVIDING OPPORTUNITITES AND SUPPORT

FOR THE FOR THE

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITITES AND SUPPORT

AND PROSPERITY

OF LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

AND PROSPERITY

OF LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce | 409 Elm Avenue Americus, GA 31709,GA 229.924.2646 | www.sumtercountychamber.com Sumter County Chamber of Commerce | 409 Elm Avenue Americus, 31709, 229.924.2646 | www.sumtercountychamber.com 2

Sumter County Living

ww.sumtercountychamber.com chamber.com

#sumtergachamber #sumtergachamber Hometown Living At Its Best

3

Sumter County l i v i n g

36 46

contents 10

A First Class First Lady

In just one meeting with Mrs. Carter, you’ll want to be a better person, to change lives and make the world a better place.

24

Making a Difference Originally started in 2004 as a fun experience for the children of the original members of the committee, this community event has grown into a local fundraiser benefitting sick children.

36

Counting Blessings

In addition to building a top State Farm Agency, Ginger Starlin has worked all of her life to build a strong community.

46

Happy Together

Southland Academy is celebrating 50 years and we can certainly expect them to continue its positive effect on education in Sumter and the surrounding counties as they set their sights on the next 50 years!

4

Sumter county Living

About the Cover

The cover photo is of Mark Minick. You can read more about his breathtaking farmhouse transformation on page 60. The photo was taken by David Parks.

www.dparksphotography.com

10

24

The innovation you can rely on.

Introducing Cooper Lighting by Eaton.

Offering the brands you count on for quality, efficient lighting and controls, Cooper Lighting by Eaton continues its tradition of providing the latest in LED technology and industry-leading design that improves energy efficiency, light quality and safety.

With a focus on new technologies that exceed customer expectations, Eaton

continues to build upon its heritage of innovation with a broad portfolio of market-leading lighting and controls solutions.

Ambient, recessed, outdoor and architectural lighting for the home owner, contractor, builder and specifier, available from the brands you trust to light the way.

Expect more.

Eaton.com/expectmore

60

Forever Home

Decorating is his passion and life’s work, and never is it more evident than when one enters his beautiful abode and steps back in time.

74

Taking Art to the World

Phil Vinson and Chuck Wells are sharing their love of glass art; making it easy and affordable for people to get involved in the age-old craft of glassblowing.

96

in every issue Hometown Happenings

86

Hometown Service

It’s a proud legacy Jeryl Pinnell has built for and with his family.

96

Called to Serve

Jacob Battle shares a message of God’s love wherever he goes.

110

Serving Town and Country

Happy 40 anniversary to The Sheppard House and its owner, Tracy Sheppard, who serves down-home cooking to all who will stop in! He also serves his country by tending to the needs of a small portion of the military. th

6

Sumter county Living

A glimpse inside a few of the exciting events recently held in Sumter County.

126

Scenes of Sumter

Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Sumter County is a great place to live.

86

74

Rylander THEATRE

310 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 931-0001 | www.rylander.org Hometown Living At Its Best

7

From the Publisher

Sumter County l i v i n g

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 Chatterbox

Eric S. Love Stacey Nichols Mandi Spivey O f f i ce m a n age r Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t

Ma n age r s Julie Braly

June Dixon

Photo by Meghan Maria Jones Photography

P h otog r ap h e r s Chris Usrey

David Parks Photography

Eric S. Love Lisa Shiflett

[Socrates] Day by day, we live our lives, blissfully unaware that we are each, in fact, writing a story. A story that the world around us can

C ov e r P h oto Mark Minick,

Photo by David Parks Photography

read and one that generations from now can remember. From the moment we are born, facts and moments and experiences surround us as we continue to shape our environments.

Sometimes, the paths we choose lead us straight to our intended

Sale s Patti Martin

Dorothy Sichelstiel

destinations. However, many times, the paths we follow twist

Landon Spivey

and turn landing us in unchartered territories. Such was the case

with Officer Nicholas Smarr and Officer Jody Smith. Their story is one of the utmost of bravery and service and protection to those around them. They so selflessly left their mark on this community as they fulfilled their duties they so graciously agreed to.

With the most sincere appreciation and gratitude in our hearts, we honor the memory of Officer Smarr and Officer Smith and all those who have so bravely left their story for us to share. We will

Contributing Wri te r s June B. Anderson

Mandy Barr

Sherri Martin

Crystal Waddell

continue to share the stories of all of those around us that make up this amazing community of Sumter County.

In this issue, we are so honored to present readers with the gift of those who are featured in these pages. Please be sure to thank the advertisers listed on page 136 that make this publication possible. You can pick up your own very own copy at no charge at any of those locations.

Sumter County LivingŠ is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications. www.hometown-living.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.

8

Sumter county Living

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

A Cut Above Salon

Shay - Leigh

Megan

Laura

Lauren

Cut, Color & Conversations The Creative Stylist Team For Men, Women, And Children Coloring - Cutting - Makeup - Facials - Nails - Waxing - Formal Styles for Weddings and Prom 110 GA Hwy 27 E, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8849

Story by Mandy Barr

Photography by David Parks

Upon entering the cozy apartment inside The Carter Center, I reminded myself I shouldn’t be nervous. After all, I was interviewing someone I had known my entire life—but it felt like so much more than a simple exchange of words was about to take place. I wasn’t just writing an article about my great Aunt Rosalynn; rather I was writing about Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a woman who has been acknowledged in history books as being a true trail blazer both inside and beyond the walls of the White House. As soon as she came into the study and hugged my mother and me, my anxiety was 10

Sumter county Living

Home & Community Growing up as a young woman in rural South Georgia, Rosalynn Carter began to learn the importance of community involvement at a young age. As a town that most people would affectionately say is “stuck back in time,” Plains has always provided a safe and inclusive environment that still allows its children to play freely throughout its neighborhoods.

Hometown Living At Its Best

11

[1 Corinthians 13:13]

pioneer woman Alongside her husband, Mrs. Carter has been a pioneer of sorts in regards to her philanthropic projects carried out during her post-White House years.

Working hand in hand together, the Carters have helped build numerous houses, alleviated poverty in third-world countries, and have worked tirelessly in their attempts to eliminate the Guinea worm disease in various countries through the efforts of Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center.

12

Sumter county Living

immediately put at ease. She asked if I wanted to “have my face and hair made up for the pictures”. Being 25 weeks pregnant at the time and seeing that gracious smile, how could I possibly say no?

Allowing me to receive a special treat from her very own stylist is just one small example of how this sweet woman shows her love for others.

When I first began compiling notes for this article, I have to be honest and say that I was stumped over how I could possibly put into words how stunningly extraordinary a woman Rosalynn Carter is both inside and out. Sitting across from her during our interview, I couldn’t help but wish that I could one day accomplish the poise and grace exuding from her slight frame, answering each of my questions as if she had all the time in the world. I left her office that day feeling more honored than ever at not only growing up down the street from this special lady, but also being able to call her “Aunt Rosalynn”.

mission & Partnership Most certainly, it is with great love for this underserved population that Aunt Rosalynn took her platform beyond the White House years and later created the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving based in Americus, GA. Their mission is to establish local, state, national, and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term, home and community-based services.

They believe this begins with providing caregivers with effective supports to promote caregiver health, skills and resilience.

Hometown Living At Its Best

13

14

Sumter county Living

family & Friends Whenever she is “home” for any length of time, this wonder woman of the world still manages to make time for family and friends as much as possible.

Having raised four children, three boys and one girl, she loves talking about the most recent escapades of her many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren…all of whom you can tell she is tremendously proud of.

Where does one begin sharing such an inspirational story?

Why, from nowhere else but her hometown of Plains, Georgia, of course. Growing up as a young woman in rural South Georgia, Rosalynn Carter began to learn the importance of community involvement at a young age. As a town that most people would affectionately say is “stuck back in time,” Plains has always provided a safe and inclusive environment that still allows its children to play freely throughout its neighborhoods. It’s the type of place that keeps many an urban tourist coming back for that special taste of simple, small-town life. Speaking fondly of her hometown, Mrs. Carter shares her sentiments on the “village” that raised her and the importance of community involvement.

Hometown Living At Its Best

15

“We can just be Jimmy and Rosalynn there. In Plains, everybody helps everybody else. That is what a true community does. Community involvement is important. When you are in the White House, the First Lady needs those volunteers to help her accomplish her goals. I don’t know what I’d do without them. The government can’t do everything… both volunteers and community support is crucial in helping the First Lady accomplish what she wants to do. You learn that all of it is important.”

16

Sumter county Living

“No matter where I am, I always want to go home. We can just be Jimmy and Rosalynn there.

In Plains, everybody helps everybody else. That is what a true community does. Community involvement is important. When you are in the White House, the First Lady needs those volunteers to help her accomplish her goals. I don’t know what I’d do without them. The government can’t do everything…both volunteers and community support is crucial in helping the First Lady accomplish what she wants to do. You learn that all of it is important.”

It was also within the community of Plains that Mrs. Carter began to see a special need— assistance for individuals and their caregivers battling mental illness. Little did the world know at the time that the young Rosalynn Carter would not only become a First Lady, but also one of our nation’s most influential and powerful advocates for mental health awareness and caregiver support.

Having personal experience as a caregiver of an older relative as well as her experiences with

those struggling with mental illness during the campaign years, Mrs. Carter was able to see firsthand a rising crisis at the hands of our nation—an extreme lack of support for those families and individuals suffering under an absence of proper care and treatment as well as from societal stigma.

When her husband, Former President Jimmy Carter, first became Governor she began working on the foundations of what would later become a nationwide initiative. Taking the words of one of her role models, Margaret Mead, to heart, she then turned her passion for helping others into an impactful platform while serving as First Lady of the White House. During our interview together, I could hear the passion in her voice still as strong today as she quotes one of the women she admired most: “If we select for our first consideration the most vulnerable among us—the emotionally disturbed child, the person institutionalized with psychosis, the street addict—then our whole culture is humanized.” –Margaret Mead.

Hometown Living At Its Best

17

This perfect combination of love, respect and consideration is evident when the Carters are seen out and about. They allow each other to take up their own space and you can see the adoration in Uncle Jimmy’s eyes shining from across the room whenever Aunt Rosalynn speaks.

Speaking more on this woman that held such an influential role in her drive to promote mental health awareness, Aunt Rosalynn further explained how Margaret Mead, “…believed that our value as individuals, our success as a society, could be measured by the compassion we show for the most vulnerable among us.” This led to a discussion on our favorite scriptures from the Bible that relate to helping others in need. Hailing from a strong Christian upbringing that included attending the local Methodist church as a child, her faith and the belief in God’s grace have fueled Mrs. Carter’s passion for implementing programs nationwide that now allow both caregivers and those suffering from mental illness to access resources that weren’t previously available. She shares one of

18

Sumter county Living

her favorite Bible verses with me as we talk about just how much faith has played a role in her plight for eliminating the stigma on mental illness: 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Most certainly, it is with great love for this underserved population that Aunt Rosalynn took her platform beyond the White House years and later created the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving based in Americus, GA. Their mission is to establish local, state, national, and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term, home and community-based services. They believe this begins with providing caregivers with effective supports to promote caregiver health, skills and resilience. The institute also believes strongly in the need to provide greater recognition for professional and family caregivers, focusing on helping caregivers coping with chronic illness and disability across the lifespan. Still today, Mrs. Carter travels across the United States as well as travels across seas to speak on caregiver support and mental health awareness. A dream that first began growing its wings, while campaigning for her husband, has grown into a legacy that will continue to change hundreds of lives for the better for years to come.

Of course, it is difficult to have an interview with this Former First Lady without bringing up the subject of her devoted partner and biggest admirer, Former President Jimmy Carter. At the mention of his name, she smiles—and I can only imagine the many adventures they have shared together over the years. Even after 70 years of marriage, you can still see the look of utter adoration in his eyes as he watches her enter a room. How has a couple such as this dynamic duo stayed together for all these years? Mrs. Carter offers up a bit of wisdom on marriage and making

it work. “We give each other space—we let each other do the things we need to do. I feel like we’re partners. He has his office and I have mine. When I used to work at the warehouse office back when he was running the family business, I came to know more about the books than he did. I knew what needed to be let go and what we needed to gain…and he listened to me as a partner.” This perfect combination of love, respect and consideration is evident when the Carters are seen out and about. They allow each other to take up their own space and you can see the adoration in Uncle Jimmy’s eyes shining from across the room whenever Aunt Rosalynn speaks. Indeed, the two may often part ways throughout the week and they may follow two separate schedules that keep them both equally busy; however, at the end of the

day, their paths always manage to somehow intertwine and they always make time for each other when it matters most.

Alongside her husband, Mrs. Carter has been a pioneer of sorts in regards to her philanthropic projects carried out during her post-White House years. Working hand in hand together, the Carters have helped build numerous houses, alleviated poverty in thirdworld countries, and have worked tirelessly in their attempts to eliminate the Guinea worm disease in various countries through the efforts of Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center.

I could sit and listen to Aunt Rosalynn tell stories for hours of their adventures…going into dangerous territories and interacting fearlessly and compassionately with the natives of those lands, collaborating with world leaders

Hometown Living At Its Best

19

to eradicate disease and poverty, and returning home to attend numerous meetings and events all within the same week. Frankly, I am in awe of her whenever we have a chance to catch up and talk.

Whenever she is “home” for any length of time, this wonder woman of the world still manages to make time for family and friends as much as possible. Having raised four children, three boys and one girl, she loves talking about the most recent escapades of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren…all of whom you can tell she is tremendously proud of.

Out of curiosity, I asked her which memories from her years spent in the White House stand out amongst the rest. She smiled as she reminisced and shared with me a few that I find equally as uplifting: “Once Jimmy was inaugurated, our first walk across the White House lawn was one of the most touching moments of my life. Watching everyone standing at attention as he walked brought tears to my eyes. It was such a happy day.”

“Then there were the days where people would come to entertain…we got to watch them practice before performing. I loved watching them rehearse. That was such a treat. I’ll never forget

20

Sumter county Living

when Mikhail Baryshnikov once leaped so high he almost hit the chandelier inside the state room!

Then there was another time when Horowitz came to perform. He was rehearsing and said the piano was too loud. He needed something on the floor to absorb some of the sound. Well, it just so happened that we had just installed some Persian rugs upstairs.

When we mentioned those he said, “That should do it!” And I’ll never forget Jimmy and Horowitz with their tails up in the air, down in the state room, rolling out those Persian rugs so that he could perform.”

By the end of our interview time together, I found myself disappointed that I couldn’t stay and shadow this role model of mine for the rest of the day. I found it remarkable that she could get through so many appointments each day providing the same warmth and smile to every person she encountered.

It made me rethink the way I treated people on a daily basis. Aunt Rosalynn tends to have that effect on you—in a good way. In just one meeting with her, you’ll want to be a better person, to change lives, and make the world a better place. With sincerest love, grace, and plenty of faith—I believe we can do just that.  SCL

p O

LAND FINANCING LONG-TERM, FIXED RATES with

Just one reason we finance more land than any other lender in the region.

Let us tell you about the advantages of a loan with Farm Credit.

WOODLANDS * FARMS * FARM BUSINESSES * TIMBERLAND * HOBBY FARMS

Brian Wilson

NMLS 700140

BWilson@SWGAFarmCredit.com > 229.254.6417 SWGAFarmCredit.com

Hometown Living At Its Best Hometown Living At Its Best

21 21

2 n

Experience theMagic

Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall 106 Main Street Plains GA 22

Sumter County Living

Below the Inn, enjoy shopping for antiques in the mall featuring display cases and over 25 booths!

229.824.4517 plainsinn.net

Hometown Living At Its Best

23

24

Sumter county Living

Since 2005, the Flying Easter Bunny has been an iconic event in Americus. Originally started in 2004 as a fun experience for the children of the original members of the committee, this community event has grown into a local fundraiser benefitting sick children. The executive committee of the event is comprised of April Duke, Marylynne Joiner, Mark Minick, and Faith Pinnell. Thanks to the committee, hostesses of the event and numerous donors, children and their families have benefitted from the money raised.

Each year, the profits from the much-anticipated event t-shirt, created by Marylynne Joiner, along with the proceeds from other activities such as auctions or Bar-B-Que dinners, have increased the amount of money raised for this non-profit organization. The t-shirts have the event slogan which says it all, “Making a difference in the lives of children.� “The t-shirt is the hot item because everyone wants one whether they attend the event or not. Throughout the year on any given day you

Hometown Living At Its Best

25

Overall, the Flying Easter Bunny has raised over $50,000 for sick children, St. Jude’s Hospital and Eggleston’s Children’s Hospital. One year, companion animals were also the recipients of a donation from the Flying Easter Bunny.

26

Sumter county Living

will see someone in town wearing a Flying Bunny t-shirt,” said Faith. Marylynne added, “We sold 525 t-shirts last year, so I imagine we will sell over 600 this year based off of previous years. In 2011, we sold 229 t-shirts, so you can definitely see how the event has grown.”

The community always enjoys attending the Flying Easter Bunny held on Easter weekend at the home of Ray and April Duke, with the egg hunt taking place in their field next to their home.

Children of all ages and adults eagerly await the appearance of the airplane, complete with the Easter Bunny dropping eggs from the sky. It is an event rivaled by no other, especially when the airplane makes its final drop, lands and the Easter Bunny arrives at the egg hunt in style. Past years have seen the bunny enter the event via a motorcycle, horse, a hippie truck, the Mystery Machine, a firetruck and even a tractor, just to name a few. Each year the bunny makes his appearance in a new and different way planned by the committee to surprise and excite those attending the event. Although the egg hunt itself is geared for children through the second grade, there is something to delight everyone.

Chick-Fil-A of Cordele also joins in the fundraising effort by offering chicken biscuits and sandwiches.

Faith said, “The first year we did it for fun for our own children.” April added, “After the first year, we realized we could make the event bigger to benefit families with children fighting a critical illness. Burton Thomas was the original pilot for us for the first couple of years, and we held it for three years until the tornado of 2007. We did not do it the year of the tornado, but picked it back up in 2008 and have held the event since then. This year will be our 12th year.” Overall, the Flying Easter Bunny has raised over $50,000 for sick children, St. Jude’s Hospital and Eggleston’s Children’s Hospital. One year, companion animals were also the recipients of a donation from the Flying Easter Bunny.

Approximately 15 children have benefitted from the event, and each year the committee selects a local child to be the recipient of the profits and special guest that day. Families who have benefitted from the Flying Easter Bunny have been attending and supporting the event for years.

Children of all ages and adults eagerly await the appearance of the airplane, complete with the Easter Bunny dropping eggs from the sky. It is an event rivaled by no other, especially when the airplane makes its final drop, lands and the Easter Bunny arrives at the egg hunt in style.

Hometown Living At Its Best

27

Jean Dunn, whose grandson, Creed Campbell, was one of the first children honored at the Flying Easter Bunny, still works hard with the committee each year. “What a blessing the Flying Easter Bunny is to families walking the journey of childhood cancer. The main benefit to the family is a financial blessing, but it is also a high point if the child is well enough to attend.

There is a special time of riding in with the Easter Bunny. What a joy to see the smile as each child is given his special one-on-one time and made to feel like he is the most important person in the world! Because of our family being blessed by Creed being

28

Sumter county Living

The entire committee agrees that it is impossible to name and thank the numerous hostesses, special friends and families who have ensured the continued success of the event over the years. If you would like to support the Flying Easter Bunny, donations may be made at Citizen’s Bank and SB&T Bank with attention to the Flying Easter Bunny and Marylynne Joiner.

Hometown Living At Its Best

29

chosen as the honoree, I hope I never miss the chance to help sponsor this event every year,” said Jean. Her daughter, Stephanie Fee (Creed’s mother), agreed the event will forever hold a special place in her heart, “When a child is fighting cancer, there are often more bad days than good. I had a front row seat to this while watching my son, Creed, fight this awful beast. Along the way there were things that happened that would bring a huge smile to his cute face and joy in his mama's heart.

One of those things was the Flying Easter Bunny. This event allowed him to run and play like the little boy he TOP LEFT Little Miss Ellison Olinger who was chosen to represent the event in 2014.

BOTTOM LEFT Creed Campbell, who was one of the first children honored at the Flying Easter Bunny.

30

Sumter county Living

was. He was given the title of honoree and our family was chosen to receive the funds raised at this event. Childhood cancer destroys lots of things. Your finances are one of them.

I was so grateful for the donations given to our family. The smiles and laughter that I saw Creed display will never be forgotten. It was a magical day for both of us.�

Tam and Brooke Olinger are also thankful for the Flying Easter Bunny, “We were honored when our daughter, Ellison, was chosen to represent the event in 2014. With the money raised we were able to take care of some medical bills and continue vision therapy in Atlanta, where she attends the super hero class once a week. She loves it, so it means the world to us to be able to continue taking her. Such a blessing indeed! We have and will always continue to support this magical cause. The group of people that we consider friends, who put this event together are so special and giving. They work hard, and

Approximately 15 children have benefitted from the event, and each year the committee selects a local child to be the recipient of the profits and special guest that day. Families who have benefitted from the Flying Easter Bunny have been attending and supporting the event for years.

[Stephanie Fee] Hometown Living At Its Best

31

As evidenced in years past, this year’s Flying Easter Bunny will be sure to be entertaining, but more importantly, will be beneficial for a family who is facing the struggle of coping with a child with an illness.

the reward of helping a family out and seeing the awe in children's eyes as the Easter bunny drops eggs from an airplane is truly a gift and makes it all worthwhile.”

It is quite a task to pull off the Flying Easter Bunny every year due to the logistics, and planning pretty much takes place year round with a different theme selected each year. The committee selects 16 additional people to assist as hostesses by bringing eggs and making a monetary donation. “This year we had each committee member and hostess bring in at least 35 dozen eggs. However, every year we have hostesses who easily bring in 1000 eggs, so we usually have over 12,000 eggs for the children to hunt,” said April. Mark added, “This started out as a group of friends trying to entertain their children, and it has grown by leaps and bounds due to very generous and communityminded, faithful people. It is the most ‘Steele Magnolia’ thing you can do in the south. I get a thrill watching the bunny fly over the field and seeing the faces of the children.” Faith added, “The biggest kids are the adults at the event. It’s a huge tradition in our community and everyone has so much fun. It is a great opportunity for us to teach our own children that it’s not always all

32

Sumter county Living

about them or us, but rather something bigger that we are doing for someone else.” Many years, special guests such as residents from Perfect Care have attended the event to watch the children as they run to find those coveted eggs, proving there really is no age limit when it comes to the Easter Bunny. People, whose children and grandchildren are grown, frequently attend the event and donate to this unique cause.

Frankie Williams, the pilot for the last several years, is a huge asset to the Flying Bunny because of the donation of his time, fuel and the use of his airplane. The committee raves about him, as the event could not take place without him. Frankie looks forward to the occasion as well because he says,” It’s an honor to help with such a great cause, and it’s the only time I get to be a bunny rabbit!” Pete Smith and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department also donate their time to assist with parking and ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. The entire committee agrees that it is impossible to name and thank the numerous hostesses, special friends and families who have ensured the continued success of the event over the years.

“When the event started, we did it to benefit the niece of one of the hostesses. So many children are affected (by cancer or an illness) and we want the Flying Bunny to be here to support them.

That is what motivates all of us every year to put on the event,” said April. As for this year, the committee has something exciting and different planned, but it will remain a surprise until the day the bunny flies. As evidenced in years past, this year’s Flying Easter Bunny will be sure to be entertaining, but more importantly, will be beneficial for a family who is facing the struggle of coping with a child with an illness.

If you would like to support the Flying Easter Bunny, donations may be made at Citizen’s Bank and SB&T Bank with attention to the Flying Easter Bunny and Marylynne Joiner.  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

33

2 n 1710 Hwy 280 East | 888.490.2300

Come by and see us today or visit us online 34

sunbeltamericus.com

Sumter County Living

DAVID A. HART, O.D. CHRISTINE H. HART, L.O.D.

Hart Eye Care Comprehensive eye care services We strive to offer our patients the best quality eye health examination in a relaxed, family oriented atmosphere.

We offer comprehensive eye exams, emergency services, and management of eye diseases and conditions. Also available are in-house lab finishing services, contact lenses, and designer frames and sunglasses.

Accepting New Patients, Walk-Ins Welcome

Call today for your appointment | 229.928.2024 | 135 Highway 27 East, Americus | harteyecare.net Hometown Living At Its Best

35

36

Sumter county Living

[Story by Sherri Martin Photos by David Parks]

Saying what Ginger Starlin has not done might be easier than saying what she has accomplished. She has not sit back and complained about her community while doing nothing. She has not talked about change without working hard for it. And she has not whined about workplace inequality while working in a male-dominated business.

What she has done, however, is build a strong business and raise a family in Americus while either belonging to or heading up nearly every organization or committee that has helped to move Americus forward.

Hometown Living At Its Best

37

“My mama taught me, ‘Ginger, you better do the right thing, even if you’re not the most popular person in the room. Always do the right thing.’”

“I come from a working class family,” Starlin says. “I’ve worked all of my life. I don’t know any different.”

She was born in Americus and raised both in Americus and in nearby Rochelle by her parents Marvin and Betty Horne; she was the first person in her family who had the opportunity to attend college. Starlin remembers her mother driving her to and from classes on the campus of Georgia Southwestern in the late 60’s.

After a brief stint of using her teaching degree in the classroom, Starlin entered the business world by

38

Sumter county Living

running her own clothing boutique and then doing marketing for Citizens Bank. By 1983, however, she found what she was supposed to be doing when she applied to be a State Farm Insurance Agent.

She would become one of the first female State Farm agents in the state.

“I wanted to work for myself, but at the same time, I wanted to help others,” she says about going into the insurance business. “I found my niche; I really did. I have never looked back. I love what I do. I get up every morning and love to go to work.

Life is too short to be miserable.”

Through the years, her business has grown and she is proud of earning the Crystal of Excellence, the highest award of excellence from State Farm.

“I like the company I work for because we sell a promise,” she adds. “We write good business. I believe in State Farm and I’ve seen State Farm work.”

She recalls a time after the tornado devastated Americus in 2007 and there were 52 State Farm adjusters in town helping clients. That was also the time when she and her husband, Calvin, opened their home to people in need.

“I had people stay at my house I didn’t even know!” she says.

Treating people well is a hallmark of her business. “The rule here is you treat people the way you would want to be treated if you were sitting on the other side of that desk,” she explains.

“Clients are very much like family,” she continues. “I go to funerals. I speak at funerals. I go to weddings and celebrate the birth of a new family member. It’s just a family in here.

When you have a youthful driver, that driver has to come in and have a oneon-one conversation with me before I’ll put him on the family plan.”

“I wanted to work for myself, but at the same time, I wanted to help others,” she says about going into the insurance business. “I found my niche; I really did. I have never looked back. I love what I do. I get up every morning and love to go to work. Life is too short to be miserable.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

39

As part of her family, she has four employees, Agents Sara Kate Shorter, Tiffany Dean, and Denise Elmore, and part-time college student, Avery Heid. “She cares about the people in this office,” Elmore says. She’s very familyoriented, not just her family, but our family as well. That’s the thing about this office. We are family. She makes it easy to work here.”

“She is very interested in her customers and making sure all their needs are met,” Shorter says. “She’s also really good with each one of us and making us feel a part and included.”

“She is generous and kind, and very knowledgeable,” Dean agrees. “She’s very supportive of us being off to be with our families and children.”

40

Sumter county Living

Starlin is also supportive of Heid, who is a GSW student and soccer player putting her education first. “She’s very giving and understanding, and was awesome working with me and my schedule,” Heid says.

“School is first,” Starlin says about Heid. “She has to get her degree. We’re very supportive of school and education across the board. You have to be able to get a job and provide for your family.”

Starlin’s eyes shine and she smiles, as her soft drawl expresses how proud she is of the business she created. “We have a meeting every Tuesday morning and open with a devotional and prayer. If you own your own business, you can do that,” she explains. “And you can take your dog to work with you.”

Beaux is her Boston terrier, a staple around the office, who greets every visitor and adds his own personality to the mix. He is the only male in the office, a situation Starlin did not intentionally create.

“I would not purposely hire a woman because there were times I was not hired because I was a woman,” she says.

She says she is proud of “helping other women achieve their goals in business and in life,” and enjoys being a mentor. But her feelings about work place equality are simple: “Just treat me the same as you do anybody. Pay me the same as you would pay a guy, expect the same thing and I will give you the same results.”

The saying “behind every good man is a good woman” can be applied in reverse to Starlin and her husband. “Years ago I read a quote: ‘Loving someone is giving them room to grow.’ I can honestly say my husband has done that because I have worked in a man’s world most of my life. He has always supported me one hundred percent. He’s been very good to me,” she says.

He has supported her as she has served in many capacities within the community. She has been Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, leading in economic development. “I’ve pretty much chaired all of the committees at the Chamber,” she says. She most recently has served on the One Sumter Board.

Starlin has been Chairman of the Board at Wachovia Bank, and served on the Board of Trustees at her church, First Methodist, where she is also active in her Sunday School class and plays hand bells in the choir. She chaired the GSW Foundation and was instrumental in getting new dorms built in 2006. Today, GSW has over $35 million invested in apartment-style housing with 950 beds. She has also served as the GSW National Alumni Chairman.

She currently serves as Chairman of the Americus Sumter Hospital Authority Board. “Our main charge is to work with Phoebe on the lease,” she explains, adding with pride that “we rebuilt the hospital. The hospital is paid off. Americus/Sumter County owns the hospital and it is leased to Phoebe for 40 years.

“Supporting the Phoebe Sumter Administration on growing our medical community is also a priority,” Starlin continues. “The Authority Board was the

Hometown Living At Its Best

41

Each experience has led Starlin to appreciate life even more. “Every day is special, so we enjoy it with our Lord, with our family, and with our friends,” she says. For Ginger Starlin, this includes enjoying oil painting, yoga, and cooking. Every Friday she and her sister and best friend, Mary Kathryn Davis, have lunch and share family events.

‘vehicle’ used by Magnolia Manor to sell bonds to make $10 million improvements to their campus in Americus.”

It is that pride in her community that drives her to help whenever possible. “If it will benefit Americus, I will do it,” she says.

“Americus is my family.”

Sumter County, at large, has benefited from her work and her Type A personality. When she and others learned that Congress was not

42

Sumter county Living

going to approve funding to add the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm to the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, she paid her own way to Washington, D.C. and spent three days “walking the halls of Congress, lobbying” to get the farm added back to the budget. The trip was successful. “My husband will tell you I can be very stubborn,” she laughs.

This resolve to do the right thing led Starlin and another State Farm Agent, Sharon DeMott, to load up a truck with food and bottled water and drive to Petal, Mississippi to help following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. “Most just needed hand-holding and reassurance that it would be okay,” she says.

“My mama taught me, ‘Ginger, you better do the right thing, even if you’re not the most popular person in the room. Always do the right thing.’”

For all of her professional accomplishments, Starlin says she is most proud of her children, Ander and Brooks, and how they have “developed into loving Christian spouses and parents.”

Ander owns Red Hills Outdoors in Americus and his wife, Kellie, is a Special Education teacher. Brooks is a sixth grade teacher in Forsyth County, and her husband, Scott, is a police officer.

But it was lessons learned when Starlin’s children were younger that have put many things in perspective for her. Both children have struggled with health issues. Brooks has polycystic kidney disease and Ander was diagnosed with leukemia 16 years ago, surviving two stem cell transplants. “You throw convenience out the window when you deal with cancer,” she says.

The family spent many months at the MD Anderson Center in Houston, Texas, where Ander got the help he needed to survive.

Through this experience, Ginger and Calvin have gone on to help others who have needed help, arranging for Angel Flight transportation to the center, or connecting them in other ways. “You have to make something positive

Through the years, her business has grown and she is proud of earning the Crystal of Excellence, the highest award of excellence from State Farm. “I like the company I work for because we sell a promise,” she adds. “We write good business. I believe in State Farm and I’ve seen State Farm work.”

out of everything you experience,” Starlin says.

“That is our positive.”

In addition to her children’s health concerns, Calvin has also just finished rounds of radiation at Phoebe Putney for prostate cancer. Each experience has led Starlin to appreciate life even more. “Every day is special, so we enjoy it with our Lord, with our family, and with our friends,” she says.

For Ginger Starlin, this includes enjoying oil painting, yoga, and cooking. Every Friday she and her sister and best friend, Mary Kathryn Davis, have lunch and share family events. She especially enjoys her seven grandchildren calling them blessings, particularly since it was doubtful Ander and Kellie could have children because of his health. Starlin is very good at counting her blessings.

“I’m very content with myself,” she says about this time in her life. “I’m 66. People ask me when I am going to retire. I’m not. I love what I do. I enjoy people and I enjoy getting up every day and doing something constructive.”

“Put God first, put your family second, and everything else will fall into place.”  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

43

Always Open.

Never Closed. @ParkersAir.com

229.924.3693 AMERICUS 229.273.7829 CORDELE

Sumter Retirement Village Independent and Personal Care

• Private Bath And Shower • Individually Controlled Heat And Air • Kitchenette With Refrigerator And Microwave • Emergency Call System

• Cable Television • Patio Porch • Meals And Snacks Included • Weekly Housekeeping • Personal Assistance As Needed

“ I was living alone and someone tried to break in on me twice. So my family wanted me to move. After talking to friends and others, we decided to move to Sumter Retirement Village. Everyone had such nice things to say about it.

I have been living here over a year. I’m very happy and love the meals. Everyone is so friendly, especially the staff. “ - Martha Jones, Villa 4

2124 US Highway 280 West | Plains, GA 31780 | 229-824-5149 Ext 2 | sumterretirementvillage@gmail.com

sumterretirementvillage.com

46

Sumter county Living

Normally a golden anniversary refers to 50 years of wedded bliss, but in this case it refers to Southland Academy’s 50 years of quality education, which they are celebrating this school year. Their very fitting motto, “Celebrating Our Past— Inspiring the Future,” places due emphasis on their rich history as well as their expectations for the years to come.

Hometown Living At Its Best

47

Southland Academy is a private school in Sumter County and a member of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) that received its charter in 1966. Its first classes began with much anticipation and expectancy in September 1967, in the old Anthony School on Anthony Drive, with nine teachers and 112 students.

48

Sumter county Living

Southland Academy is a private school in Sumter County and a member of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) that received its charter in 1966. Its first classes began with much anticipation and expectancy in September 1967, in the old Anthony School on Anthony Drive, with nine teachers and 112 students. Its purpose was to make available a quality program of education for those desiring one, to expose the students to a Christian atmosphere that is conducive to learning, and to

graduate well-rounded students who would become productive citizens. Prayer and Bible reading in public school had been outlawed by the Supreme Court, and there was a deep concern among parents regarding the deterioration of quality education in the public schools. They felt one of their greatest responsibilities was providing the best education possible in the best environment possible. This was to be a Christian-based institution, and some of the Bible verses they used to establish the school were:

Hometown Living At Its Best

49

time capsule reveal

50

Sumter county Living

A very special project MOMS sponsored was a time capsule burial in 1992 celebrating Southland Academy’s first 25 years, to be opened 25 years later in the 2016-2017 school year. Performances by the band and cheerleaders followed the unveiling of the capsule contents by Melanie Mathis, Director of Development, and Patty Webb, Academic Dean, with the athletes and many others from the community looking on.

A unique aspect in Southland’s history is the fact that a father and son have each held the position of Headmaster of the school, Melvin T. Kinslow and his son, Ty. Since Southland’s beginning in 1967, the role of Headmaster has only been filled by six people.

Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 6:23 – “For the commandment is a lamp: and the law is light: and the reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” Jeremiah 10:2 – “…learn not the way of the heathen…”

Ephesians 4:15 – “…grow up into Him in all things…”

They felt that these scriptures and others pertain to all areas of our lives, believing them to be instrumental in following God’s directive in Proverbs 22:6 to “train up a child in the way he should go…”

It wasn’t enough to simply attempt to launch a new school. The founders felt they needed to state their creed, made up of six articles and unanimously adopted by the founding trustees. It states: 1. We believe that education is the process of acquiring “God’s Truth and Light”; therefore, an

educational institution should be based on Christian principles—practicing prayer and Bible study.

2. We believe character building and personality development to be of prime importance in the process of academic achievement.

3. We believe in the practice of complete honesty with ourselves and others.

4. We believe in always helping others when it is honorable to do so.

5. We believe in a dedicated loyalty to our Constitutional heritage as given to us by the sacrificial struggle of our founding forefathers.

6. We believe in less government and more individual responsibility.

The chartering board consisted of eight local citizens: Harry Entrekin, Chairman; W. Tinley Anderson, Jr., Vice-Chairman; Henry L. Crisp, Secretary; Troy E. Morris, Treasurer; Roger A. Pollock; James Edward Carson; L. E. Godwin, Jr., and

Hometown Living At Its Best

51

Harvey L. Simpson, Jr. The first Headmaster was Murphy McManus, who served until June 1971.

Numbers grew and with growth came the need for more space, so in 1969 the Southland Academy Raiders moved their school to its present location on the beautiful complex of more than fifty acres on what is now known as Southland Drive. Over the next few years, the facilities were expanded from one classroom building to two classroom buildings, a gym, a lunchroom building which housed the band room, art room, elementary music room, and five classrooms, a football stadium; a baseball field; a softball field; and tennis courts. In July 1971, the Board of Trustees appointed Melvin T. Kinslow as headmaster. He stressed the importance of nurturing the total child and felt it necessary to concentrate on intellectual, spiritual, moral, social, and physical development in order for each child to be well rounded.

Numbers grew and with growth came the need for more space, so in 1969 the Southland Academy Raiders moved their school to its present location on the beautiful complex of more than fifty acres on what is now known as Southland Drive. Over the next few years, the facilities were expanded from one classroom building to two classroom buildings, a gym, a lunchroom building which housed the band room, art room, elementary music room, and five classrooms, a football stadium; a baseball field; a softball field; and tennis courts.

52

Sumter county Living

In 1982, continued growth pushed enrollment to 1100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school included a campus in Montezuma (from 1970-2003), which consisted of grades K-6th. After sixth grade, students who wished to pursue their education at Southland then attended the Americus campus. The combined faculties of both campuses totaled 62 state certified teachers. Southland was designed to be a college preparatory institution, originally teaching such courses as biology, chemistry, physical science, physics, physiology, French, Spanish, sociology, various histories, accounting, business math, office practice, and typing.

Clubs, athletics, music, and oratory were offered in order to provide for a high-quality, well-rounded education. Interscholastic competition was offered in football, baseball, girls’ softball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, track, tennis, and golf. These sports still exist at Southland, and since then, boys’ wrestling, girls’ soccer, and boys’ and girls’ swimming and cross country have been added. On the horizon is the exciting possibility of competitive shooting as a sports option in the near future.

Hometown Living At Its Best

53

Band and chorus were options for the music lovers and are still vibrant aspects of Southland’s campus. A point of interest in this area is that Rob Ivey, Band Director and Music Appreciation Teacher, himself a Southland graduate, is celebrating 26 years as a vital part of the faculty.

Students in high school could participate in a fullscale literary program including debate, one-act play, oratory, essay writing, and spelling. Piano, vocal solo, trio, and quartet were offered. Students competed for the chance to participate in these events. Even now, these competitions are popular with Southland students and faculty enjoying much participation.

The school was, and still is, supported by parents, past and present, and others who are interested in Southland, the philosophy of the school, and the education provided. A 13-member Board directs and manages the school’s affairs. Among their duties is the appointment of the Headmaster as the Chief Administrative Officer of the school.

Southland Academy’s first graduating class was in the 1971-72 school year with 59 receiving diplomas. In Southland’s 25th year, there were 68 graduates. In the fall of 1990, a kindergarten Over 97% of Southland’s graduates attend college after graduation, being accepted by and/or attending such colleges and universities as Auburn University, Cornell University, Florida State University, Georgia Tech, Harvard, MIT, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, and William and Mary.

54

Sumter county Living

program for four-year-olds was added. A new building was constructed, complementing the existing elementary, jr. high, and high school buildings as well as a media center, 28-station language lab, and a computer lab. Since that time a kindergarten program for three-year-olds has been instated. A six-lane asphalt track, a 4000-seat football field, four tennis courts, a baseball field, and a softball field complete the Americus campus.

Some of the buildings and the football stadium at this prestigious school bear the names of past participants in the success and growth of Southland Academy: the Jane L. Comer Music Building; the Charles F. Crisp Media and Technology Center; the Jimmy Deriso Building; the Melvin T. Kinslow Gymnasium; and the Harvey L. Simpson Football Stadium.

Over 97% of Southland’s graduates attend college after graduation, being accepted by and/ or attending such colleges and universities as Auburn University, Cornell University, Florida State University, Georgia Tech, Harvard, MIT, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, and William and Mary. Another impressive fact is that over the years there have been military appointments from Southland to the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and West Point.

During this initial 25-year period, MOMS (Mothers of Motivated Students) was formed.

MOMS held numerous events and conducted several projects during their existence, including the annual Miss SAR pageant as a scholarship fundraiser each spring, production of a widely anticipated and wildly popular cookbook, The Southland Sampler, and a festive annual end-of-theyear salad luncheon for the teachers on one of the post-planning days.

A very special project MOMS sponsored was a time capsule burial in 1992 celebrating Southland Academy’s first 25 years, to be opened 25 years later in the 2016-2017 school year. That’s this year! This event was recently celebrated after the Homecoming motorcade with a complimentary hot dog supper and baked-goods sale in the gym lobby just before the Homecoming pep rally

down on the gym floor. Performances by the band and cheerleaders followed the unveiling of the capsule contents by Melanie Mathis, Director of Development, and Patty Webb, Academic Dean, with the athletes and many others from the community looking on.

Among the many articles retrieved from the time capsule were a kindergarten t-shirt from their “rainbow” period in the 1990s, some newspaper articles covering various school events, a 1991 football program, various pieces of artwork, a 1992 field day program, a bright yellow “Committed to Excellence” bumper sticker, a school handbook, a Southland newsletter, pom-poms, a 25th anniversary t-shirt, a 1992 state champions golf ball, a baseball team photo, a football team photo, basketball and football letter jacket patches, the 25th anniversary yearbook, and some student writing samples. These items brought back fond memories to many in attendance.

A unique aspect in Southland’s history is the fact that a father and son have each held the position of Headmaster of the school, Melvin T. Kinslow and his son, Ty. Since Southland’s beginning in 1967,

the role of Headmaster has only been filled by six people: T. Murphy McManus (1967-1971,) Melvin T. Kinslow (1971-1996,) Dr. William D. Gardner (1996-2001,) Adam W. Smith, III (2001-2007,) William E. Stubbs (2007-2012,) and Ty Kinslow (2012 to present,) an exceptionally impressive feat for a 50-year-old institution!

Melvin Kinslow commented, “As I reflect on Southland Academy’s 50 years, I am most proud of the academic achievements of the students and their successes in today’s world. Southland’s graduates have made important contributions in their respective communities, especially in the work force. We have had, and continue to have, an excellent faculty at Southland capable of challenging their students to do their very best. A former Chancellor at the University of Georgia said, ‘There is no greater force than when a student goes into a classroom wanting to learn, and a teacher goes into a classroom wanting to teach. When these two meet, a spark is flamed into something great.’ I believe these words are indicative of the student-faculty relationships at Southland Academy.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have served as

Hometown Living At Its Best

55

Southland’s Headmaster for 25 years, and I wish the Southland family continued success as they journey into the next 50 years.”

Ty Kinslow expressed his feelings saying, “It has been a pleasure to have been a part of Southland Academy for most of its 50 years. I learned to love Southland as my dad served as Headmaster and I became 100% Raider as a student. Becoming a teacher and coach and now Headmaster has given me a complete perspective of our great school. I value the lifelong friendships I made with my peers and teachers and coaches at Southland Academy. I am extremely proud of the reputation that Southland holds, not only in this community, but in the GISA and the State of Georgia. I appreciate and thank the founders of Southland who had a vision. Because of them and their desire to form this great school, not only do we have traditions and memories, but also we have a great legacy.”

“I have a multitude of Southland memories as many people do. Being a part of the 1983 State Championship Basketball Team with my dad, Melvin Kinslow, as the Head Coach is one of the monumental moments in my life as a Raider and as a person. Coaching with my dad at Southland has also been one of those life moments I label as ‘priceless.’

When I transitioned from the business world to the academic world, I discovered that there are so many

56

Sumter county Living

opportunities to affect the lives of students. The excitement of our youngest Raiders just beginning their educational journeys evolves into the blessing of seeing the seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.”

“As we celebrate 50 years of educating our youth, there have been many people…parents, trustees, donors, faculty, administration, friends, and most of all, students for whom we are grateful. This is a time to celebrate and to say thank you to all of these people who have made a difference in the life of our school. As we look forward to the next 50 years, it is up to our generation to keep Southland Academy a special place for those who will follow.”

If you are interested in education at Southland Academy, you can call the office at 924-4406 or browse their website at www.southlandacademy. org where there is a wealth of information pertaining to all aspects of the school. Southland Academy is accredited by the Georgia Accreditation Commission and by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI.) Certainly we can expect Southland Academy to continue its positive effect on education in Sumter and the surrounding counties as they set their sights on the next 50 years!  SCL

shop . stay . play

President

Plains, Peanuts and a Better Hometown Program & Friends of Plains

plainsgeorgia.com | 100 Main Street | Plains, GA | 229.824.5373

Home of the 39th President of the United States of America and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Friends of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Hometown Living At Its Best

57

2 n

April 7th - 9th

We invite you to join us for worship every Sunday at 9:30 AM.

The Day He Wore My Crown, put on by Central Baptist Church, is a re-enactment of the life of Jesus Christ. Since 1987, over 1000 different people have participated in this event. In the 25 plus years of retelling the birth, death, and resurrection of the Savior, Central has been a location for numbers of people across the Southeast to catch a glimpse of the greatest story that has ever been told.

Once again, in April 2017, the story will be told again and the public is invited to attend. The dates are as follows ‌ April 7 @ 7:00 PM, April 8 @ 7:00 PM, and April 9 @ 3:00 PM. We hope you can attend one of these times

Central Baptist Church 190 UPPER RIVER ROAD | AMERICUS , GA 31709 | (229) 924-4092

58

Sumter County Living

If your doctor says you need physical therapy, ask your doctor to refer you to Accelerated.

Orthopedic Disorders Sports Injuries Post Operative Surgeries Neck and Back Disorders Workmen’s Compensation Motor Vehicle Accidents Neurological Injuries Geriatric Rehabilitation Gait and Balance Disorders

Tracy, MPT | Mollie, PT, DPT, CSCS | Alex, MPT

229.924.9595 | 205 East Lamar Street | Americus | www.acceleratedpti.com

7th Annual

shamrock jog & jam March 18th, 2017

Lenny’s Market Downtown Americus

1 Mile Fun Run begins at 6:00 pm | 5K begins at 6:30 pm

All proceeds to benefit The Scott Law Foundation Register Online at itsyourrace.com

60

Sumter county Living

Story by Crystal Waddell Photos by David Parks

“The minute I walked in the house looking at it, I just fell in love. I walked into the hallway and saw the shiplap which was the only wall that had not been covered up.� A month later it was his. The construction work began in September 2015, and Mark officially moved into the home in June 2016.

Hometown Living At Its Best

61

62

Sumter county Living

Since he was a teenager, Mark Minick has had a special affinity for the house he now owns and lovingly refers to as his “forever home.” Originally built in 1842, the house was constructed by the Hand family whose cornerstone still remains on the corner of the porch. Rich in history, Mark’s beautiful dining room was even once used by a dentist or surgeon, more than likely during the Civil War. In 1918, G.W. Doster bought the home as a present for his daughter, Stella Doster Matthews.

Along with the home, he gave her over 300 acres, much of which is still farmed today.

The home changed owners only three more times before fate intervened, allowing Mark to begin the process of restoring the once much-loved farmhouse. “We lived out in this area when I was in my early teens, and this house has intrigued me since I was 14 years old,” recalls Mark. “The biggest way I see this house is that it is a home that is the culmination of a 20-year passion.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

63

“The biggest way I see this house is that it is a home that is the culmination of a 20-year passion.�

Every furnishing and special touch compliments the aesthetics of the original features of the home, and Mark has overlooked no detail in making this home his dream.

64

Sumter county Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

65

Entering the driveway and taking in the two-story home and antique barn, one is immediately captivated by the tranquil setting. The serenity is penetrated only by the sounds of hammering emanating from the roof of the expansive porch addition, which is the final project, for now of course.

As the original front door to the home opens, it is like stepping back into the 1800s. Beautifully finished heart-pine floors adorned with antique rugs are eclipsed only by the original shiplap walls embellished with the perfect designer finishing touches. There is so much history and beauty to take in, but the focal point for many guests entering the home is the framed, blackand-white aerial photograph from 1952 of the home, complete with the original outbuildings. The photo shows the home, the existing barn, a chicken

66

Sumter county Living

coop, mule barn and smokehouse, along with the proverbial white picket fence.

Mark has many photos from the Matthews family showing priceless family memories, complete with a photo of the family riding in a horse and buggy to Sunday service at Bethel Baptist Church just down the road. In fact, the Matthews family visited the home in November after most of the renovations had taken place.

“July the 4th of 2015, I was coming home from the lake and just happened to come this way. I had not been out here in a long time. There was a ‘For Sale by Owner’ sign in the front yard which I immediately took off the mailbox,” laughs Mark. “I called the owner and told him I had the sign and wanted the house.” The following week, Mark met with the owner to actually tour the home (until this point Mark had never

Hometown Living At Its Best

67

As the original front door to the home opens, it is like stepping back into the 1800s. Beautifully finished heart-pine floors adorned with antique rugs are eclipsed only by the original shiplap walls embellished with the perfect designer finishing touches. There is so much history and beauty to take in, but the focal point for many guests entering the home is the framed, black-and-white aerial photograph from 1952 of the home, complete with the original outbuildings.

68

Sumter county Living

been inside). “The minute I walked in the house looking at it, I just fell in love. I walked into the hallway and saw the shiplap which was the only wall that had not been covered up.” A month later it was his. The construction work began in September 2015, and Mark officially moved into the home in June 2016. During the construction, Mark lived in Furlough Gatewood’s home, the Lumpkin House. Furlough also assisted Mark with many ideas for the home during the renovation process.

When Mark purchased the home in 2015, its restored beauty was only a vision. Much of the house reflected the 1950’s era with brown paint masking the beautiful heart-pine floors and a pale shade of pink paint covering most of the hallway walls. “Most of the interior walls were covered in ‘Beaver Board,’ which is a product used during the early 1900s and is similar to really thin sheetrock. All of the shiplap you see was underneath it,” explains Mark. The last big renovation before Mark purchased the home was in 1952, including the wiring and the plumbing.

“The only room with sheetrock now is the dining room.” The home’s one existing bathroom was small and was located in the rear of the home on the back porch. Mark has since made that into a custom walk-in closet, and he used some of the master bedroom to construct a beautiful bathroom. The beautiful shower is all white Carrara marble and adds to the spa feeling of the luxurious bathroom. Even the furnishings are very meaningful to Mark, “When I remodeled my bathroom, I used an old pine chest that I have owned forever and had it converted into the vanity.”

“When I brought my parents here for the first time, my dad sat on the back porch and said, ‘I thought you were

Hometown Living At Its Best

69

smarter than this,’ but my mother said, ‘I can so see you living in this house.’” It is apparent that Mark could look past the old facade and see the beautiful home it is now. Jeff Waldrop did all of the construction work and his passion for the finished home reflects this. Jeff has had a great deal of experience as he has remodeled other historic homes in Americus.

The kitchen has undergone a total remodel with custom gray cabinets from D&D cabinetry and beautiful marble countertops from Seller’s Tile, both in Albany. Pointing to the original stove vent, Mark explained why he chose to keep it in the kitchen…“Ms. Stella’s maid refused to use the electric stove, so she used the wood-burning stove until 1989.” It’s these little details of this home that give it the character and edge Mark was looking for. Fortunately, Mark documented the whole process with photographs which shows the enormous change the house has undergone to transform it into the beauty it is today.

“The north and south sides of the home were bricked in the 1950’s to provide insulation. The lot is almost a perfect square and the house is set perfectly north, south, east, and west, which makes it very unique. The front of the home is the original shiplap, but the back boards of the home have had to be replaced. The brick was red and now has a ‘dirty white’ finish called ‘fog,’ making the whole house white.

My front door is the original front door which I found in

70

Sumter county Living

the barn, so I was able to replace the 1930’s craftsman front door. I also found a good deal of the original wood that has been used throughout the home where it was needed because of removal by previous owners.

After Ms. Stella sold the house, a metal roof was put on.

The great thing is that the home did not change hands very many times, which allowed many of the original aspects of the house to remain the same and in the great condition in which I found them,” adds Mark. The beams in the ceiling of the dining room even show the original pegs from being hand hewn. The fireplaces are original to the home but many have been restored as closely as possible to their original beauty.

Initially built as a “dog trot” type of home, it was completely closed in around 1841 and made into a farm house. The original stairs are slanted forward so that the water from mopping would roll off the stairs and not puddle on them. Details such as this reflect the era of the construction of the home. Mark has added an airy black and white bathroom upstairs in a gabled attic space since no bathroom originally existed there.

Upstairs, the two bedrooms are very original to the house with their wooden, hand-stained ceilings, and one can even see the handprints from the original staining.

“There was a lumber mill about a mile from the home where all of the wood for the home was cut and milled,” says Mark. This fact only adds to the beauty and originality of the home.

Every furnishing and special touch compliments the aesthetics of the original features of the home, and Mark has overlooked no detail in making this home his dream. It is second nature for Mark, who opened Minick Interiors in Americus in 2004 after working at the Home Place and Old Biscayne Designs.

Decorating is his passion and life’s work, and never is it more evident than when one enters his beautiful abode and steps back in time. As with any home, Mark is not completely finished because he has plans for landscaping, building a two-bedroom guest home and pool, and adding a chicken coop. While all of the projects are in the future, the anticipated excitement is evident in his voice. However, until the next project gets underway, Mark is content enjoying the amazing progress he has already made. In every essence of the popular expression, Mark has found there most definitely is no place like his “forever home.”  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

71

Welcome to the City of

Andersonville

2 n

(229) 924-2068 106 N Oglethorpe Street, Andersonville, Georgia

40th Annual Andersonville Historic Fair, October 1 & 2, 2016

72

Sumter County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

73

Story by 74

Sumter county Living

Sherri Martin

Photos by

David Parks

People in the glass world are finding out about the portable studios, and the demand is increasing. Not bad for a company that has been open for such a short time.

A world map on an office wall at Mobile Glassblowing Studios in Americus has pins showing where the company has shipped their innovative furnaces. There are pins in Canada, Mexico, Finland, India, Dubai, and all over the United States; more pins will be added soon…­more than initially thought possible.

“Since May of 2015, we have shipped 42 furnaces, with more on the way,” Phil Vinson, one of the founders of the company and its CEO, explains. “We can comfortably manufacture 40 to 50 furnaces a year, with a possible maximum of 60.”

People in the glass world are finding out about the portable studios, and the demand is increasing. Not bad for a company that has been open for such a short time.

Both Vinson and Chuck Wells, President of the company, have been involved in the glass art world for much of their adult lives.

It is that world that brought them both to Americus, where Georgia

Hometown Living At Its Best

75

Southwestern State University has the only university degree program in glassblowing in the state. “Glass has been a part of this community for a long time,” Wells says.

A native of Texas, Wells came to be a professor at GSW 14 years ago. He teaches glassblowing, sculpture, and printmaking.

Vinson, who grew up in Oklahoma and lived for a time in Philadelphia, came to finish his

76

Sumter county Living

degree, which had often been postponed for work opportunities. “One of the things that drew me down here was the reputation of the art department and its great faculty,” he says.

Vinson became the 3D studio technician at GSW; he and Wells worked together and often shared ideas. The opportunity came to make a mobile glassblowing furnace. The design of this furnace was based on one that Wells

Hometown Living At Its Best

77

Mobile Glassblowing Studio’s products are for both the backyard hobbyist and the small businessperson.

“It doesn’t take the place of the larger furnaces in studios,” Vinson explains. For mass production, a larger furnace would still be needed.

78

Sumter county Living

made for himself. Working in tandem, Vinson built the first mobile studio for their friend. “We developed it together,” Vinson says. “It was a perfect timing moment.”

They began showing their new product and soon realized they had something exciting happening.

“Pretty much every glass artist who sees the furnace wants one,” Phil says.

What they are doing and making is somewhat of a departure from tradition in the glassblowing world, although mobile studios are not unusual. “There’s a tradition where glassblowers build their own equipment,” Vinson explains, “But that’s taking a monetary risk. If you make a mistake, for example, in the crown casting, ­that’s a $400 mistake.”

Instead, most glass artists depend on renting facilities at large, public-access studios, while working around the schedules of other people. If an artist does not live near a studio, then he is faced with the costly prospect of building his own, or with the undesirable prospect of putting his craft on hold. For those wanting to make a career out of glassblowing, the upfront costs are usually staggering. “To get into a larger studio, it can cost $50,000-$60,000. Now we’ve taken that

cost to under $15,000,” Vinson explains. To put it another way, this is comparable to what happened when home computers became available for the first time. Computer use became possible for anyone.

“Chuck and Phil have become important in the glass community because they’re making glassblowing affordable,” adds Wells’ wife, Jennifer. “The affordability is what makes these furnaces so different.”

Mobile Glassblowing Studio’s products are for both the backyard hobbyist and the small businessperson. “It doesn’t take the place of the larger furnaces in studios,” Vinson explains. For mass production, a larger furnace would still be needed.

Yet their furnaces can meet a wide variety of needs. “What most people make can be made in these,” he adds. “What can be made out of this furnace just depends on who you are. We have world-renowned artists who are using it for sculpture. Some are doing outreach with kids.

Conrad Williams, an artist in Naples, Florida, has set up a mobile unit outside of the RitzCarlton and is making a living with it. The range of possibilities for use is limited only by the imagination of the user.”

The furnaces are gaining in popularity in large part because of the design. Much thought went into how to make and sell the product. “We took an old-fashioned design and tweaked it,” Vinson explains. “We thought, ‘How do we make it more

Hometown Living At Its Best

79

user-friendly?’ It fits through a standard door opening, and in a U-Haul trailer. They are durable, easy to operate and maintain. There are three different sizes to fit different needs.”

They also have an expert helping them with quality control, retired GSW glass professor Ralph Harvey.

“Ralph has played a big, big part in all of this,” Wells says. “Everybody respects his opinion completely. He has been a mentor and guiding light for us, and he is our final inspector. If it doesn’t work properly, he will tell us.”

They explain that their product is really two pieces of equipment in one. It is a furnace to melt the glass, with a crucible to hold the molten glass, and a glory hole or reheating chamber. It runs on propane or natural gas. Because of how it is made, it can be heated up for just a few hours, then turned off when the work is done, unlike a large furnace that must be kept running all the time. This makes for significant fuel savings for its users. “It has a similar BTU output to a gas boiler,” Wells explains.

All of this keeps the two original artists pretty busy, but they still try to find time for their own glass art, which is really what is at the heart of their business. Their love for the art and their desire to share it is what drives them.

80

Sumter county Living

“Now, you can pick up glassblowing as a hobby. You can have it in your backyard because of the cost to have it and the cost to run it,” Wells says. “I think it’s just going to make everything better.”

The two are always looking to tweak their product, mostly by listening to their customers. “I want to get it to where you can take it out of the box and, with a phone call and a manual, start it,” Wells says.

“You can turn it on with a click and turn it off with a click. The glassblowing skills are on you, though.”

They are also looking to add to their inventions. They have recently added a continuous annealing tube to their product list. Annealing is the slow cooling of glass so that it will not break while cooling. Most annealing cycles take eight to 12 hours, except in large, industrial settings. Their new tube, which Wells first developed at home, significantly reduces that time to about an hour.

They had the opportunity to show the tube, called the CAT-60, to Fritz Dreisbach, a renowned American glass artist who started the Glass Arts Society. “We blew his mind,” Vinson laughs.

How the company has taken off is pretty astonishing. “It’s incredibly exciting,” Vinson says. “It’s gaining momentum.

We’re not too worried about market share because we are the only company doing this. We’re the only ones crazy enough,” Wells adds.

They are set up in a building across from the courthouse in downtown Americus and have a fabrication room and a showroom, where people can see and buy glass art. They also have models on the floor that they can use for demonstrations, which they often do on the new First Friday events happening in town…a concept Chuck, Phil, and Jennifer helped spearhead.

The company employs eight, most of

Hometown Living At Its Best

81

“A lot of people in the glass world are getting to know about Americus, Georgia,” Wells says. Perhaps before much longer, there will be many more pins on that world map, representing something that was made in Americus, and that is now helping to make beautiful glass art the world over.

whom are family. Vinson has again put his degree on hold to focus on the business full-time; Wells is teaching at the college, but still works as often as possible on design and production; Jennifer is the office manager; and two of his sons, Chase and Charles, work part-time. Newly employed are Elise Betrus, Antonio Binn, and Kendall Hodges.

Vinson’s wife, Robin Humphries, is the Director of the Americus Sumter County Arts Council, where a mobile glass studio is on permanent loan for classes. It is used as part of the Teen Artist Program, a semesterlong after-school course for lower income students.

Vinson is one of the volunteers that make the program work. The company helps support it financially, along

82

Sumter county Living

with many other volunteers and contributors.

“It’s about a lot more than the money to them,” Jennifer adds. “And that’s really cool.”

All of this keeps the two original artists pretty busy, but they still try to find time for their own glass art, which is really what is at the heart of their business. Their love for the art and their desire to share it is what drives them.

“Art is so important. It teaches you how to think differently, to look at something in a new way. It teaches critical problem solving,” Vinson adds. “We really advocate for the arts.”

“Everything you come into contact with­--clothes, glasses, microwaves --has come into contact with

someone who has art and design skills,” Chuck says.

Teaching someone the art of glassblowing is a particular treat for these two. “I really like the hands-on stuff and the look on people’s faces the first time they experience it,” Vinson says.

“You’re watching them and they’re watching the glass, totally oblivious to the rest of the world,” Wells says.

“Glass is this ‘other’ material that most people haven’t experienced,” he adds. “Most have had experience with ceramics or wood. We are excited about introducing a new material to people across the United States. Just providing an affordable way to experience glass is rewarding. It’s really starting to take off.”

Wells, who says they hope to help make Americus the “Seattle of the South,” admits that a mobile glassblowing manufacturer is not the most common new business to have open. “This is pretty ‘out there’ in the world of things that could come to your town,” he says.

Yet their business is bringing one happy customer after another to town, to pick up their new glassblowing studio. “The majority of the people who get them are just so excited,” Vinson says. The company often receives handmade thank you cards from happy customers.

“A lot of people in the glass world are getting to know about Americus, Georgia,” Wells says.

Perhaps before much longer, there will be many more pins on that world map, representing something that was made in Americus, and that is now helping to make beautiful glass art the world over.  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

83

2 n

Celebrating our past...

Inspiring the future.

229.924.4406 | 123 Southland Road | Americus 84

Sumter County Living

Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare

I n f o r m at i o n a n d R e f e r r a l s 229-931-2504 A d m i n i s t r at i v e O f f i c e s 229-931-2470 415 N. Jackson Street Americus, GA 31709

Visit us online for a complete list of services!

Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare provides cost-effective, quality treatment, consultation, education and support services to individuals with addictive, emotional, behavioral and/or developmental issues.

Individual and family needs are met through professional, confidential and therapeutic collaboration.

www.middleflintbhc.org Hometown Living At Its Best

85

story By Crystal Waddell

photos By David Parks

hometown Service

It’s a proud legacy Jeryl Pinnell has built for and with his family.

Many aspects of the Clinic Drug Store have changed since it first opened in Americus in 1927, but the one thing that remains constant is the level of care and customer service. Whether customers go into the pharmacy to purchase some locally-made items along with a prescription or ride through the drive-through or even use the walk-up window, service is top notch at this familyowned business. One would expect no less from the place whose company slogan is “We care about your healthmind, body, spirit.” It’s a proud legacy Jeryl Pinnell has built for and with his family.

86

Sumter county Living

Originally from Eastman, Georgia, Mr. Pinnell always knew he wanted to live and work in a small town, but after graduating from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, his original plans changed when a job offer in Cordele did not work out. When his postmaster friend in Eastman suggested Americus, everything fell into place.

“I moved here in 1960 to work for Dr. Jody Monts, Sr., and his son Jody. In 1967, we moved from the Wise Clinic Building (on the corner of Jackson Street and Church Street) to the location where we are now,” said Mr. Pinnell.

While working at the Clinic, Mr. Pinnell had an opportunity to purchase a pharmacy in Eastman, but the pharmacist decided not to sell the business after all. “What a blessing it was! God had His hands in all that. He wanted me to stay here in Americus,” Mr. Pinnell shared. Certainly, when God closed the doors to other job opportunities, He opened a huge window for Mr. Pinnell, who was destined to be in Americus . He was made a partner in 1970 at Clinic Drug Store, and he eventually purchased the business outright in 1992.

“When I first bought the pharmacy, I was the only pharmacist, and we had seven employees. So much has changed from the technology to the way we fill prescriptions. Back then, I would have to answer the phone, greet customers and fill prescriptions all at the same time. Things were much easier and simpler back then,” Mr. Pinnell remembered.

Hometown Living At Its Best

87

Lee Pinnell, Mr. Pinnell’s son, agreed adding, “He went from typewriters to computers and robotics and an automated phone system. He has seen a lot of changes over the years.”

Lee came on board as a pharmacist in 1999 after graduating from Mercer School of Pharmacy. Lee met his wife Faith at Mercer, and she joined the family business as a pharmacist in 2001. Lee’s brother Stephen began as the customer service manager in 2006 and joined his wife Deborah, who had 88

Sumter county Living

been working there since 1997. Mr. Pinnell’s wife Marian served as the bookkeeper before Deborah took over those duties in 2006. Even the eldest son, Jeryl, Jr., began working at the store at the age of 11 and then later in the pharmacy until he moved to Atlanta at the age of 22 after graduating from Georgia Southwestern State University.

With so many family members working side-by-side in the pharmacy that staffs 40 employees, one might wonder what the secret to success

is. “We give God all the credit. He has given us all we have,” Deborah explained.

When Mr. Pinnell purchased the pharmacy, he was the only full-time pharmacist, but now the Clinic Drug Store boasts nine pharmacists and seven pharmacy technicians to serve their customers. “Y’all are our friends, and we care about you having a pleasant experience. You are more than just customers to us. We have been very fortunate in that we have been able to

Hometown Living At Its Best

89

staff our store the way we want in order to provide the level of service that we do. We also want our staff to have a good environment in which to work, so having enough employees to adequately meet our customers’ needs is essential,” Lee said.

Clinic also has other conveniences that set it apart from many other drug stores. “Something that has always made our store different is the drive-through business. When we first built the store here at this location, McKesson (the drug wholesale company) helped us design it.

They did not want us to have the drive-through window. The thought was that if customers were not coming in, they were not purchasing the other items we had for sale in the store. We used to carry the whole line of cosmetics from companies like Max Factor and Revlon plus many other items like books and toys,” Mr. Pinnell remembered.

Since customers continued to come into the store, they know they made the correct decision in including the drive-through in their design of the store.

Going a step further, the store provides curb service in the drive-through. “We started sending our staff out to help those customers waiting in line, which really speeds up the process. I don’t know of any other pharmacies that offer that,” stated Mr. Pinnell. It is obvious the staff is so highly thought of when Mr. Pinnell praises them for the great job they do waiting on customers.

“Our staff does an excellent job serving customers, and they are very efficient. I have to give them credit for that,” Mr. Pinnell shared. Faith added, “It is so important to us to provide a quick service, but we always ensure that we provide a quality and accurate product above all else.”

The store supports local authors and entrepreneurs by stocking their products. Clinic also carries a vast array of Bibles and Christian books, fulfilling the mission of catering to the customer as a whole.

When the tornado of 2007 occurred, the Clinic Drug Store continued operations when so many other business had to temporarily close due to the lack of power. “We have a generator and backup internet because everything we do requires electricity and technology,” said Lee. He also recalled a particularly interesting holdup in the

90

Sumter county Living

“It is so important to us to provide a quick service, but we always ensure that we provide a quality and accurate product above all else.�

Hometown Living At Its Best

91

aftermath of the tornado, “The biggest problem we had was when George Bush came to town that day. Because he flew in, they shut down all of the traffic; we had a more difficult time getting one of our customers their insulin.”

Faith fondly remembers even the customers pitching in, though not intentionally, “I remember one of our sweet customers wound up answering the phone calls because our phone calls were accidentally forwarded to her home instead of our cell phones.”

Customers of the store have always appreciated the superior service provided by Clinic, and thanks to the foresight of the Pinnells installing the generator and backup internet, the business continued as usual during those difficult days.

When asked to what the family would attribute the success of the business, Lee emphasized, “I just followed in the footsteps of what my dad did. He was an excellent example for Stephen, Deborah, Faith and me by demonstrating how to provide excellent customer service.

It is obvious he cares so much about people. Another aspect is our wonderful staff who is like our family. We have been so lucky to have found wonderful pharmacists, technicians and cashiers who treat our customers like family and friends.”

The customer service aspect is a trait Mr. Pinnell learned from his mentor, Dr. Monts, “He taught me how to greet the customers and make them feel welcome in the store.” Stephen agreed that the family patriarch has been a major factor in the success of Clinic. “I would attribute a part of the success to Daddy for all the years of friendly service and knowing each customer, which has

Many aspects of the Clinic Drug Store have changed since it first opened in Americus in 1927, but the one thing that remains constant is the level of care and customer service.

92

Sumter county Living

built up a good reputation. Also adding to the success was when Lee moved in and started getting everything more up-to-date and branching out even further.” Faith also emphasized the importance of the community that the store serves. “ Americus really supports its local businesses and really stands behind us,” she stated.

Customers of the beloved store appreciate the efforts of the Pinnell family to provide outstanding service while continuing the hometown feel for which Clinic is so well known. It means so much to walk in the store or utilize the drive-through, knowing that the staff calls each customer by name and even remembers important details regarding their care. Truly, it is a personal touch rivaled by no other.

Lee and Faith have changed certain aspects of the store such as adding the automated prescription refill service, which took Mr. Pinnell awhile to adjust to.

Mr. Pinnell reflected on how everything has come full circle in the seasons of change. When he was the new pharmacist, he implemented changes for the improvement of the pharmacy, and now Lee, Faith, Stephen and Deborah are the ones carrying on the tradition. Mr. Pinnell still answers calls from his

customers that do not wish to use the automated service, which still resonates just fine with the man so devoted to them.

Wishing to provide a personal, hometown amenity, Lee and Faith are just a phone call away after hours and on the weekends. It is a special touch they enjoy providing to their customers and one that is not found in the chain drug stores. In essence, that is what distinguishes this family business from their commercial counterparts. In this day and age of so many “Mom and Pop” businesses giving way to big business, Clinic continues growing and changing to meet the needs of all of its patrons. It is still the place where one can just imagine a young Jeryl Pinnell greeting customers over the soda fountain while making lifelong friends in his newly-adopted hometown. As for the future of the Clinic Drug Store, the family plans to keep it in the family as long as possible. “We want it to be here for our kids if they decide to choose that path in life,” said Faith. The customers of the Clinic Drug Store would wholeheartedly agree and hope the generations to come will continue the legacy.  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

93

2 because n

you’re working hard to keep your resolutions

This year, make a commitment to your health.

Sticking to your resolutions can be tough, but a routine consultation with your Phoebe Primary Care physician can make sure all your hard work pays off. It's quick, it's simple and it's covered by most health insurance plans.

Find a primary care physician near you at choosephoebe.com 94

Sumter County Living

Deposit Checks

From

Anywhere Anytime

at

Remote Deposit Anywhere allows you to deposit checks from your mobile device wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.

It’s fast, easy, and secure. Call 229.924.4011 to learn more!

Americus-North Lee Street (Main) 119 North Lee Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Americus-Tripp Street 106 Tripp Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Preston-Washington Street 534 Washington Street Preston, GA 31824 Phone: 229-828-3325

96

Sumter county Living

Story by Sherri Martin Photos by David Parks

The van, parked off to the side at Wayne’s World, is a familiar sight in Americus. The back is open and offers any type of produce imaginable from tomatoes and oranges to muscadines and sweet potatoes. Sometimes a truck, filled with collards and turnip greens, joins the van.

But what is an even more familiar sight is the smiling face of the man who is peddling that produce, one Jacob Battle. For him, his reason for being there is more than business, more than making a living. It is about ministering to people and about sharing the Gospel.

But Battle has not always been a believer. In fact, in his earlier years, he was living as far down in the world as he could go. “I tell people that I was the chief of sinners, breaking every law God wrote,” he says. “During that time, I was everything but a Christian.”

Battle stayed true to his name as he fought with God even as God was

For him, his reason for being there is more than business, more than making a living. It is about ministering to people and about sharing the Gospel.

Hometown Living At Its Best

97

calling him into the ministry. “God called me into the ministry while I was drunk,” he says. “I knew He had called me, but I wanted no part of it. I had a bitterness toward God. I thought God was not just and not fair, so I didn’t want to serve Him. I ran when He called me.”

Much of that bitterness came from being a young black man in the South in the 1960s. “I left Georgia in 1965 to seek a better life – to get away from some of the discrimination,” he explains. “I became bitter from the things I saw that were going on and things done to me and my family.”

He found work in Hartford, Connecticut, as an elevator 98

Sumter county Living

He eventually moved to a storefront location at Jackson and Lester Streets. He recalls approaching Willie Demp, the owner of a closed grocery store. “I went to him and asked him how much would he charge to rent it. He asked, ‘How much can you pay?’ and he gave me the keys,” Battle says. “That’s God doing that.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

99

“God has allowed me to be exposed to a lot. He has given me encouragement, He has given me His peace, and I’m thankful.” operator, even though he had never even been on an elevator before. From there, he went to work for the Standard Screw Company, then for Uncle Sam. He was drafted into the Army and spent two years serving. “The Lord didn’t intend for me to go to Vietnam,” he says, explaining that repeatedly there were paperwork errors that kept him from being sent to war. Instead, he served stateside and in Germany.

When he came back from Germany and was discharged from the Army, he got married; he and his wife had three children, each of whom, he remembers, was born in the middle of some type of storm. But a different kind of storm was going on in his life. “Being a non-believer and not having dealt with the issues in my life, the anger and the hurts, I started drinking and partying,” he says.

That was when God first called him into the ministry and he answered by simply going to church. “I came out of the streets, the party life, and began attending church in

Connecticut,” he says. “I had many problems in my life. I had this feeling God should solve all of my problems, but He didn’t the way I thought He should. I was totally ignorant of the Word. I didn’t have an understanding of the Bible or Christianity. So, I got out of church and moved to Atlanta in 1975 and went back to the world.”

But God still wouldn’t leave Jacob Battle alone. “In 1979, when I was just about consumed with drinking, smoking marijuana, and trying to find a solution to my problems, God stopped me in the midst of my drunkenness and revealed Himself and gave me a choice – to continue to go the way I was going and die, or to turn and live, literally.

I chose to live. I think I was to the point ‘God would kill me’ because I had done so much. Once I chose, He sent me directly to a minister I had never seen before.”

He went straight to a bank, walked up to an elderly couple doing business there, and asked the man, “Sir, are you a preacher?” The man replied that he was. Battle said, “God told me to come talk to you.” Rev. O.C. Thomas said, “Then come out here and let’s talk.” Battle remembers during that conversation, “It’s like God had the sun to shine down as bright and as hot as I’ve ever seen it.”

He continues, “After I left talking with him, I went home, having been gone for a day or two, and when I told my wife I had been called into the ministry, she almost fainted.”

Battle is grateful to Wayne’s World owner Wayne Bowers for allowing him to set up both a business and ministry there. “He has given me the free will to preach and teach.

Wayne will talk to people who have problems and will come and get me to pray with them.”

100

Sumter county Living

However, there had been too much in the past for the marriage to be rescued. Even though his marriage was ending, his ministry was beginning. “God sent me into some of the roughest places in Atlanta to start an outreach ministry,” he says. “That was the beginning of my ministry into helping the poor and to trying to explain the fairness and the justice of God.” “God sent me back to the people and areas that I had done a lot of sinning in,” he continues. “After He revealed to me that He had a purpose for me and in order to be equipped for whatever happened, I lived in the Bible. I studied the Bible every day and every night, some nights getting only two hours of sleep, for six months.”

He and his children, who lived with him, began

celebrating Christmas Day in the projects, taking clothing and food and putting on programs for underprivileged children. Even though ministering to these children was hard at times, Battle says, “God told me, ‘I’m fair and I’m just; it’s people that are not.’” Battle’s job was to make these children understand and know about God’s love.

He moved with work, a communications technician, to Miami, where he stayed for two years.

He made a choice to bring his children back home to the farm and raise them around an area more in line with his desired values.

He chose the farm and it appears to have been a good choice because his three children all turned out well. Jacob, Jr. is a veterinarian, Lionel is a

Hometown Living At Its Best

101

truck driver for Kroger, and Jacqueline is a school teacher in Atlanta. Battle also remarried when he returned home. He and his wife, Abidell Champion Battle from Smithville, have been married for 30 years.

It was also when he came home that he began selling produce. “When everything froze out in ’85,’86, and ’87, I would haul greens from Florida and peddle them up and down the streets,” he recalls.

He eventually moved to a storefront location at Jackson and Lester Streets.

He recalls approaching Willie Demp, the owner of a closed grocery store. “I went to him and asked him how much would he charge to rent it. He asked, ‘How much can you pay?’ and he gave me the keys,” Battle says. “That’s God doing that.”

Moving back to Sumter County also provided him friendship and the

102

Sumter county Living

opportunity to serve in another ministry. He met Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, and the two became close friends. “I started working for Habitat for Humanity, volunteering, fundraising, traveling to different states, and going on mission trips to El Salvador and Guatemala,” Battle says. “When Millard started the Fuller Center for Housing, I was chosen to be an executive board member. We were friends for 24 years before he died.”

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti brought another opportunity for Battle to minister to others in need. He has made six trips to the impoverished country, helping to build houses with the Fuller Center, and also working to feed hungry children at Christmas time.

“That is the poorest nation on earth,” he says about Haiti. “There are no jobs, no factories. It seems like everybody is hungry. Nobody would believe it is like it is.”

Battle left on December 23 for another trip to Haiti, and fed between 600 to 1,000 children on Christmas morning. He raises money for his mission work through donors. “I just ask folks. ‘If you trust the Lord and follow Him, He will always take care of your needs,’” he says.

“I go through St. John Anglican Church. Don Hutchins, the rector there, is a good friend.”

He adds that people can give to the Rector Discretionary Fund at the church to help support his work in Haiti. The address is PO Box 296, Americus, GA 31709.

Hometown Living At Its Best

103

trust the Lord and follow Him

104

Sumter county Living

Battle left on December 23 for another trip to Haiti, and fed between 600 to 1,000 children on Christmas morning.

He raises money for his mission work through donors. “I just ask folks. ‘If you trust the Lord and follow Him, He will always take care of your needs,’” he says.

But he also stays busy in Americus, at Wayne’s World, where he moved his business about four years ago. Yes, that van and truck offer fresh produce, but there is another reason Battle sets up business there. “A major reason is to spread the Gospel. It is a ministry,” he says.

“I am trying to spread the Word, especially to the younger people, because there is so much hurt and hate that is spread to them.”

Battle is grateful to Wayne’s World owner Wayne Bowers for allowing him to set up both a business and ministry there. “He has given me

the free will to preach and teach. Wayne will talk to people who have problems and will come and get me to pray with them.”

Most of all, however, Jacob Battle is grateful to a God who would not leave him alone. “My life has been a learning experience,” he says. “God has allowed me to be exposed to a lot. He has given me encouragement, He has given me His peace, and I’m thankful.”  SCL

Hometown Living At Its Best

105

2 n

NEW FDA APPROVED TREATMENT PROVEN TO RELIEVE KNEE PAIN

NEW NEWFDA FDAAPPROVED APPROVEDTREATMENT TREATMENTPROVEN PROVENTO TORELIEVE RELIEVEKNEE KNEEPAIN PAIN

Treatment covered bybyMedicare Medicare and most major insurances.

Treatment Treatmentcovered coveredby Medicareand andmost mostmajor majorinsurances. insurances.

DID DIDYOU YOUKNOW KNOWthat thatover over100 100million million DID YOU suffer KNOW that over 100 million Americans Americans suffer from from knee knee and and joint joint pain? pain?

In In Americans suffer from knee and joint pain?

In fact, fact, thisthis pain pain accounts accounts forfor 25% 25% of of all all visits visits to to primary primary care care physicians physicians and and halfhalf of of all all antiantifact, this pain accounts for 25% of all visits inflammatory inflammatory drug drug prescriptions. prescriptions.

We’re We’re pleased pleased to to primary care physicians and halfdon’t ofdon’t allhave antito announce announce that that knee knee pain pain sufferers sufferers have inflammatory drug prescriptions.

We’re pleased to to wait wait anyany longer longer to to getget thethe most most advanced advanced non-surgical FDA approved approved treatment. to non-surgical announce FDA that knee pain treatment. sufferers don’t have

to wait any longer to get the most advanced

HOW HOW DOES DOES THIS THIS TREATMENT TREATMENT WORK? WORK?

HOW DOES THIS TREATMENT WORK?

Advanced Advanced flouroscopy flouroscopy (live (live motion motion x-ray) x-ray) allows allows us usto topinpoint pinpoint problem problem areaswith with extreme extreme Advanced flouroscopy (liveareas motion x-ray) allows accuracy. accuracy.

us to pinpoint problem areas with extreme accuracy.

WILL WILL MYMY INSURANCE INSURANCE COVER COVER THIS THIS TREATMENT? TREATMENT?

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THIS

If you If you suffer suffer from from anyany degree degree of of knee knee pain, pain, wewe Medicare Medicare and and most most major major insurances insurances willwill pay pay TREATMENT? non-surgical FDA approved invite invite you you to regain to regain control control of treatment. your of your lifelife by by visiting visiting for for some some if not if not all all of of ourour services. services.

Southwest Southwest Georgia Georgia Center Center of of Medicine, Medicine, a state a state of of thethe artart medical medical facility.

WHAT IS IS ACTUALLY ACTUALLY INJECTED INJECTED INTO INTO If you suffer from facility. any degree of knee pain, we WHAT Medicare and most major insurances will pay THE THE KNEE? KNEE?

invite you to regain control of your life by visiting Southwest Georgia Center of Medicine, a state of the art medical facility.

WHAT WHAT IS IS OSTEOARTHRITIS? OSTEOARTHRITIS? Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA), (OA), also also known known as as degenerative degenerative joint jointdisease, disease,is isthethemost mostcommon commontype typeof of arthritis. arthritis.

In In OA, OA, thethe surface surface layer layer of of cartilage cartilage breaks breaks down down and and wears wears away away resulting resulting in pain, in pain, swelling, swelling, and and loss loss of of motion motion of of thethe joint. joint.

In most In most individuals individualsjoint jointdamage damagedevelops developsgradually gradually over over years. years.

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

The The cause cause of of osteoarthritis osteoarthritis is unknown. is unknown.

Factors Factors that that might might cause cause it include it include thethe following: following: • Being • Being overweight overweight Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative • Getting • Getting older (wear (wear and and tear) tear) joint disease, older is the most common type of • Joint • Joint injury injury arthritis.

In OA, the surface layer of cartilage • •Joints Jointsthat thatarearenotnotproperly properlyformed formed breaks down and wears away resulting in pain, (alignment/imbalance (alignment/imbalance problems) problems) • A• genetic A and genetic defect defect in the in the joint cartilage swelling, loss of motion ofjoint thecartilage joint.

In most • Stresses • Stresses onon thethe joints joints from from certain certain activities activities individuals joint damage develops gradually including including sports, sports, work work and and leisure leisure activities. activities.

for some if not all of our services.

Hyaluronan Hyaluronan(Supartz) (Supartz)is issimilar similarto to substances substances that that occur occur naturally naturally in in your your WHAT IS ACTUALLY INJECTED INTO joint. joint.The Theoutside outsideof ofthethejoint joint(joint (joint THE KNEE? capsule) capsule) is iscomprised comprisedof ofa asturdy sturdy fibrous fibrous tissue. tissue.

The The lining lining of of thethe joint joint capsule capsule contains contains synovial synovial cells which which Hyaluronan (Supartz) iscells similar to secrete secrete a thick, a thick, viscous viscous synovial synovial fluid. fluid. substances that occur naturally in your Hyaluronan Hyaluronan contributes contributes to to thethe viscous viscous joint.

The outside of the nourishes joint (joint nature nature of ofthe thejoint joint fluid, fluid, nourishes the thecartilage, cartilage, helps helpseliminate eliminate waste capsule) is comprised of awaste sturdy products, products, lubricates lubricates thethe joint joint and and acts acts fibrous tissue.

The lining of the joint as as a shock a shock absorber absorber inside inside thethe joint. joint. capsule contains synovial cells which Hyaluronan Hyaluronan is isreduced reduced or orlost lostwith with those those who who suffer suffer from from osteoarthritis. osteoarthritis. secrete a thick, viscous synovial fluid.

Therefore, Therefore, thethe easiest easiest way way to to think think of of Hyaluronan contributes to the viscous Hyaluronan Hyaluronan injections injections is that is that they they help help nature ofthe the joint fluid, nourishes replace replace the joint’s joint’s natural natural fluid, fluid, which which isthe otherwise is otherwise lostlost in osteoarthritis. in osteoarthritis. isIt is cartilage, helps eliminate Itwaste sort sort of of likelike changing changing thethe oil oil in in your your products, lubricates the joint and acts car.car.

If your If your carcar were were to to runrun lowlow onon oil oil asyou awould shock absorber inside the joint. you would have have some some serious serious wear wear and and tear tear onon the moving moving parts. parts.

More More Hyaluronan isthe reduced or lost with oil oil would would be necessary necessary to remedy remedy those whobesuffer from to osteoarthritis. thethe situation. situation.

CC O NN SS ID ID EE RR IN IN GG CO O N S ID E R IN SS UU RR GG EE RR YY ?? G

SURGERY?

Peo Peo pleple whwh o suff o suff er er from from knekne e pai e pai n typ n typ icaica lly lly trytry sup sup pleple meme ntsnts or or paipai n me n me dicdic atio atio ns ns bef bef oreore see see kin g g hel hel p p from from a a doc doc Pekin ople who suffer fromtor. tor.

WhWh en en all elsels e e failfail kn s and s and ee thethe pa inalletyp paipai n isn too is too ica mumu ch,ch, som som e fee fee trysur l l tha tha suger tlly t pp lem en sur ger ts y isy the is the inion onlonl yor ypa opt opt ion ati .me . dic Be Be on fore fore s be you you for put put e youyou se rseek rse lf ing lf thro thro ugh he mo lpugh nthanth fromo sdo scto m of of imm imm obi obi lity, lity, r. paiels pai W n, en, he n all reh reh ab, ab, fails and theand ty me me dicdic al bill paand s, s, inhef ishef tootymu chal, bill soe. me con con sidsid feel that er er som som etheth ing ing els els e. surgery is the on

ly option. Before you pu t yourself through month s of immobility, pain, rehab, and hefty medic al bills, consider something els e.

Therefore, the easiest way to think of

WHEN WHEN WILL WILL I FEEL I FEEL RESULTS? Hyaluronan injections isRESULTS? that they help

replace the joint’s natural fluid, which

Most Most people people feelfeel better better in in a matter a matter of of weeks weeks isand otherwise lost in osteoarthritis.

Itactivities. is and can can begin begin enjoying enjoying everyday everyday activities.

sort of like changing the oil in your

Call Call now now toto book book your your FREE FREE KNEE KNEE PAIN PAIN SCREENING SCREENING you would have some serious wear over years. tearcases, on theif moving parts.

More Inand In most most cases, you if you have have knee knee pain, pain, thisthis is a is a WHAT WHAT IS IS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE TOTO TREAT TREAT KNEE KNEE PAIN? PAIN? great great solution. solution.

Our Our medical medical staff staff willwill give give you you NOW NOW ISIS THE THE TIME TIME TO TO TAKE TAKE oil would be necessary to remedy an an honest honest and and fairfair evaluation evaluation of of your your particular particular The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown.

Factors the situation.

CONTROL CONTROL OF OF YOUR YOUR LIFE LIFE AND AND After After careful careful study study and and several several trials trials thethe FDA FDA knee knee pain. pain.

WeWe areare pleased pleased to to announce announce that that wewe that might acause ittreatment include theaimed following: SAY GOODBYE GOODBYE TO TO KNEE KNEE PAIN PAIN approved approved new a new treatment aimed at at helping helping have have opened opened upup ourour schedule schedule and and wewe areare now now SAY those those with with knee knee pain. pain. accepting accepting new new patients.

• Being overweight WHEN WILL Ipatients.

FEEL RESULTS? THE THE NON-SURGICAL NON-SURGICAL WAY! WAY! • Getting older (wear and tear) • Joint injury Most people feel better in a matter of weeks • Joints that are not properly formed and can begin enjoying everyday activities.

CONSIDER CONSIDER THESE THESE FACTS FACTS BEFORE BEFORE SURGERY: SURGERY: (alignment/imbalance Treatment Treatment at Perimeter at Perimeter Spine Spine andproblems) and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center CenterSurgery Surgery HOW DO I KNOW • A genetic defect in the joint cartilage Call now to book your Cost Cost Covered Covered by most by most insurance insurance plans plans including including Medicare MedicareDeductible, co-pay, medications, timetime off work, etc etc THIS IS RIGHT Deductible, co-pay, medications, offTHAT work, FOR ME? • Stresses on the joints from certain activities Risk Risk Redness, Redness, swelling swelling possible possible at injection at injection site site Complications, poorpoor outcome, addiction to pain medications Complications, outcome, addiction to pain medications FREE KNEE PAIN SCREENING including sports, work and leisure activities.

Pain Pain LittleLittle to none to none CanCan be severe for months be severe for months In most cases, if you have knee pain, this is a Recovery Recovery Immediate Immediate Months/years Months/years WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO TREAT KNEE PAIN? great solution. Our medical staff will give you NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE an honest and fair evaluation of your particular CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND After careful study and several trials the FDA knee pain. We are pleased to announce that we SAY GOODBYE TO KNEE PAIN approved a new treatment aimed at helping have opened up our schedule and we are now 68 with Sumter County Living those knee pain. accepting new patients.

THE NON-SURGICAL WAY! HOW HOW DO I KNOW I KNOW THAT THAT THIS THIS RIGHT RIGHT car.

IfDO your car were to run lowISonIS oil FOR FOR ME? ME?

SPACE SPACEISISLIMITED! LIMITED!

CALL CALLTODAY TODAYTO TOSCHEDULE SCHEDULEYOUR YOURFREE FREEKNEE KNEEPAIN PAINSCREENING SCREENING

Jessica S. Brown, DMD Andrew J. Hamilton, DMD

Americus

DENTAL ASSOCIATES

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL TREATMENT IMPLANTS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL IV SEDATION ROOT CANALS CROWNS & BRIDGES WHITENING COSMETIC DENTISTRY

1108 FETNER DRIVE • AMERICUS, GA 31709 | (229) 924-4479 | MON - THURS: 8AM - 5PM | FRI: 8AM - 1PM Hometown Living At Its Best

107

2 n

Gatewood, Skipper & Rambo

Attorneys at Law 䜀䔀伀刀䜀䤀䄀 刀唀刀䄀䰀 吀䔀䰀䔀倀䠀伀一䔀 䴀唀匀䔀唀䴀

匀匀 圀栀愀琀 䤀琀 䤀䤀 䄀䄀 䄀戀漀甀琀℀ 吀栀攀 䴀甀猀攀甀洀 椀猀 漀瀀攀渀 䴀漀渀搀愀礀 琀栀爀漀甀最栀 䘀爀椀搀愀礀Ⰰ 㤀㨀 䄀䴀 琀栀爀漀甀最栀 㐀㨀 倀䴀⸀ 吀栀攀爀攀 椀猀 愀 渀漀洀椀渀愀氀 挀栀愀爀最攀 昀漀爀 愀搀洀椀猀猀椀漀渀 琀漀 琀栀攀 洀甀猀攀甀洀⸀ 䘀伀刀 䐀䔀吀䄀䤀䰀匀 䌀䄀䰀䰀㨀 ⠀㈀㈀㤀⤀ 㠀㜀㐀ⴀ㐀㜀㠀㘀 ⠀㈀㈀㤀⤀

吀栀攀 䜀攀漀爀最椀愀 刀甀爀愀氀 吀攀氀攀瀀栀漀渀攀 䴀甀猀攀甀洀 椀渀 䰀攀猀氀椀攀Ⰰ 䜀攀漀爀最椀愀 椀椀 栀漀洀攀 琀琀 琀栀攀 氀愀爀最攀‫ ۻ‬挀漀漀攀挀琀椀漀渀 漀昀 愀渀琀椀焀甀攀 琀攀氀攀瀀栀漀渀攀攀 愀渀搀 琀攀氀攀瀀栀漀渀攀 洀攀洀漀爀愀戀椀氀椀愀 椀渀 琀栀攀 眀漀爀氀搀⸀ 䰀漀挀愀琀攀搀 愀琀 ㄀㌀㔀 一⸀ 䈀愀椀氀攀礀 䄀瘀攀 ∠ 䰀攀猀氀椀攀Ⰰ 䜀䄀

108

Sumter County Living

Convenient Hours, Extraordinary Care

p O

NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

AFTERHOURS CARE of Americus, Inc. 208A. East Lamar Street | Americus, GA 31709

229.928.1300 Monday - Friday 11 AM - 9 PM Saturday - Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM

229.924.6101

FARMER’S SEED AND FEED 206 N. Hampton Avenue Americus, GA 229.924.3134

CPS 417 Southerfield Road Americus, GA 229.924.6191

WILLIAM’S WAREHOUSE 110 S. Bond Street Plains, GA 229.824.4611

1011 OAK AVENUE A M E R I C U S , G A 317 0 9

ISRAEL FARM SUPPLY 1979 GA HWY 308 S. Smithville, GA 229.846.6655 Hometown Living At Its Best

109

110

Sumter county Living

Story by june b. anderson Photos by David parks

Sumter County is blessed with many good restaurants, especially for our number of residents, and we have a nice variety from which to choose. Many are similar, but each has its own flavor‌ pardon the pun.

The Sheppard House is no different, at least in that respect. While there are similar establishments here, The Sheppard House is unique in that its tradition is being carried forward by the second generation and just celebrated its 40th anniversary in January. Tracy Sheppard, the owner, was born and raised in Americus and explained

Hometown Living At Its Best

111

in his unpretentious and quiet manner that his parents, Jeanie and Davis Sheppard, first opened their place on Tripp Street as a barbecue and brunswick stew restaurant in 1977. In 1991, they relocated to its current spot at 1608 H, East Forsyth Street in Americus. Unfortunately, Davis passed away in 2009, but Jeanie is there with Tracy every day.

It wasn’t initially Tracy’s intention to run a restaurant. He graduated from Americus High in 1989 then went to South Georgia Tech, graduating in 1993 in automotive diesel. Automotive work and cooking are on two opposite ends of the spectrum, but similar in that they both keep one’s hands quite busy. Apparently, Tracy likes to work with his hands!

And how well he does that! The food is delicious and served a la carte on a cafeteriastyle station that keeps the delicacies steaming hot with each dish’s price clearly displayed above. As mentioned, they started out with barbecue and stew only, then they ventured out into other meats and vegetables, which made them even more popular with area patrons.

For lunch, Sunday through Friday, Tracy offers three meats and a wide variety of vegetables. Some of their popular meats are fried chicken, roast beef, baked ham, beef liver and onions, beefaroni, barbecue ribs…(Is your mouth watering yet?)… chopped barbecue, meatloaf, turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. As far as vegetables go, the list seems to be endless

112

Sumter county Living

The Sheppard House is unique in that its tradition is being carried forward by the second generation and just celebrated its 40th anniversary in January.

with limas, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, squash, greens, rutabagas, speckled butter beans…(You want a plate full right now, don’t you?)…stewed tomatoes, boiled okra, carrots, beets, squash and onions, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole, squash casserole, broccoli casserole, and of course the ultimate comfort food, macaroni and cheese. The term “end of the line” usually has a negative connotation, but not at The Sheppard House! Every lunch meal features rolls and cornbread in a little lidded container at the end of the line!

And what is at the beginning of the line is the best part, at least to me! Desserts! Homemade desserts! Oh my! Coconut pie, pecan pie, key lime pie, Kentucky Derby pie, sweet potato pie, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, key lime layer cake, and caramel cake.

Another of my favorite items at The Sheppard House is their homemade lemonade.

It is a God-given gift to be able to cook for others on a daily basis, providing meals that are enjoyed as much as they are at The Sheppard House, and Tracy seems to have the gift.

Hometown Living At Its Best

113

My opinion is that it’s the best in town and I told them so! Because this is the South and this is a Southern cooking restaurant, of course there’s sweet tea (and unsweetened, if you choose), water, coffee, and soft drinks.

A special treat at The Sheppard House is their Friday night fried catfish supper, a relatively recent idea that took root in October 2012. This mouth-watering menu consists of catfish, chicken, barbecue ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, cheese grits, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, hushpuppies, and…wait for it…their homemade desserts!

Each day’s menu is a surprise and different than the day before. Similar restaurants feature a different menu for each day of the week, but not here. No Monday Meatloaf, Tuesday Turkey here! You never know what wonderful smells will greet you when you enter the big glass front door. It makes you want to go every day just to see what’s being served up!

At holiday time they smoke turkeys and hams and make cornbread dressing for you to order for your celebration meals.

What a load this could take off your mind!

They also will make one of those luscious homemade desserts for you! If you’re running short of time or you’re just not a cook, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be well-handled for you by Tracy and his crew.

His staff consists of a kitchen manager, two ladies who take care of the dining room, and a cashier. It’s always nice to see the

114

Sumter county Living

The Sheppard House is unique in that its tradition is being carried forward by the second generation and just celebrated its 40th anniversary in January.

with limas, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, squash, greens, rutabagas, speckled butter beans…(You want a plate full right now, don’t you?)…stewed tomatoes, boiled okra, carrots, beets, squash and onions, sweet potato souffle, green bean casserole, squash casserole, broccoli casserole, and of course the ultimate comfort food, macaroni and cheese. The term “end of the line” usually has a negative connotation, but not at The Sheppard House! Every lunch meal features rolls and cornbread in a little lidded container at the end of the line!

And what is at the beginning of the line is the best part, at least to me! Desserts! Homemade desserts! Oh my! Coconut pie, pecan pie, key lime pie, Kentucky Derby pie, sweet potato pie, red velvet cake, chocolate cake, key lime layer cake, and caramel cake.

Another of my favorite items at The Sheppard House is their homemade lemonade.

It is a God-given gift to be able to cook for others on a daily basis, providing meals that are enjoyed as much as they are at The Sheppard House, and Tracy seems to have the gift.

Hometown Living At Its Best

113

The Sheppard House hours are Sunday through Friday for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and Friday nights from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for their catfish supper.

Rucker in Alabama comes through every so often bound for Andersonville on a study and training trip. They give Tracy their schedule ahead of time so he knows when they’re traveling through, and as they are returning to base, they stop in at The Sheppard House for one of Tracy’s home cooked meals. Each class designs their own class t-shirt and leaves one with Tracy to hang in the restaurant as they’re going back to Ft. Rucker, where about a week later they graduate. The shirts make for a very pleasant and colorful display for you to study and discuss while you partake of your delicious meal. Tracy says the instructors that come through each time are the same, but they bring a different group of candidates with each trip. I could see in his eyes that he was very proud to tell me this story.

116

Sumter county Living

I believe it fuels his patriotism.

Tracy and his wife, Kelly, have an eight-yearold daughter, Taylor, and a five-year-old son, Davis. The Sheppards enjoy getting away as a family, camper in tow, whenever they can carve out a little time. They enjoy stealing away to Lake Blackshear, the Georgia Veterans Park, and Jellystone Park in Bremen. When asked how often they go camping, Tracy quickly returned, “Not often enough!” He is zealous about family…and camping!

It is a God-given gift to be able to cook for others on a daily basis, providing meals that are enjoyed as much as they are at The Sheppard House, and Tracy seems to have the gift. He has many faithful regulars and I’m sure “newbies” join often.

The Sheppard House hours are Sunday through Friday for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and Friday nights from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for their catfish supper. Tracy also offers catering and can be contacted at the restaurant’s phone number (229) 924-8756 or you can drop by the restaurant and talk with him personally. You might want to wait until around 2:00, though, because this man’s mind and hands will be busy until then preparing and serving up his delicious home cooked meals!

Where are my keys? I’m craving fried chicken, caramel cake, and lemonade!  SCL

229.924.2224 louriccardidds.com

Our mission

is to provide the highest quality dental care possible.

Both Dr. Riccardi and Dr. Alex strive to achieve this goal in a friendly and caring environment utilizing a well-trained dental sta.

Louis A. Riccardi, DDS, PC | N. Alexandra Riccardi, DMD

GENERAL DENTISTRY Services Dental Cleanings Bonded Fillings (white) Cosmetic Fillings & Veneers Crowns & Bridges

Implant Crowns & Bridges Dentures Oral Surgery (extractions) Root Canals

Periodontal Maintenance Digital X-Rays Computerized Technology Biopsies

Scaling & Root Planing Sealants (children) Bleaching Desensitizing

Mon-Thurs: 8:30am to 6:00pm | Fri: 8:30am to 12:30pm 1106 Fetner Dr | PO Box 336 | Americus GA 31709

Chambliss, sheppard roland & Associates LLP certified public accountants

620 East Lamar St. Americus | csrb-cpa.com | 229.924.4456 Hometown Living At Its Best

117

p O

2 n

Making It

• Financial Aid is available

Happen!

• On-Campus housing

at South Georgia Tech

• Nationally recognized clubs and organizations • Jets and Lady Jets basketball • COC Accredited

Americus • Cordele www.southgatech.edu 931-2760 • 271-4040

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/

POWERING OUR COMMUNITIES Sumter County is our home too.

That’s why we’ve partnered with local chambers, development authorities and elected officials across the state to stimulate growth and invest in the future of our communities. For almost 90 years, we’ve helped to bring jobs and investments to the state – more than 126,000 jobs and $26.5 billion in capital investments over the past decade alone.

Learn more at georgiapower.com/community ©2017 Georgia Power Company. All rights reserved.

118

Sumter County Living

p O

䠀䄀一䌀伀䌀䬀 䘀唀一䔀刀䄀䰀 䠀伀䴀䔀

Turt on

㔀 夀攀愀爀猀 漀昀 匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀

㐀㈀㜀 匀漀甀琀栀 䰀攀攀 匀琀爀攀攀琀 䄀洀攀爀椀挀甀猀Ⰰ 䜀䄀 ㄀㜀 㤀 ∠ ㈀㈀㤀⸀㤀㈀㐀⸀⸀㘀㐀㔀 ∠ 眀眀眀⸀栀栀渀挀漀挀欀昀甀渀攀爀爀氀栀漀洀攀椀渀挀⸀挀漀洀

americus apartment homes

Two convenient locations: 110 Hwy 19 North 1128 Felder Street

PROPERTIES

http://www.americusapartments.com

Storage Units located in Americus, Cordele, Tifton, and Warner Robins Climate Control Units Available (229) 928-8413

1128 Felder Street Americus, GA 31709 Hometown Living At Its Best

119

Photo Credit: Lisa Shiflett

Sumter On Ice “Skating for Service”

Law Enforcement and Public Safety officials honored Members of the public were encouraged to come out and show their appreciation by skating with officers and their families. “In light of what has happened in this community, that it was a good time to offer this to our first responders, and law enforcement personnel and their families to come out and have a brief respite from their daily duties, and what they do for us as a public.

And to show our gratitude as a chamber and as a community to these folks,” said Director of Marketing and Special Events Randy Moore.

120

Sumter county Living

In

memory

of

Police Officer Nicholas Smarr and Public Safety Officer Jody Smith

Following the tragic events that resulted in the end of watch for Police Officer Nicholas Smarr and Public Safety Officer Jody Smith, the Sumter County community has rallied to show support and appreciation to Law Enforcement and Public Safety Officials. Multiple benefits have been held to raise money for the families involved.

Officer Smarr was a U.S Marine Corps veteran, had served with the Americus Police Department for one year and had prior law enforcement experience.

Fellow officers who knew them weren’t surprised that Smith, who worked on the college campus near the shooting scene, went to assist Smarr. The two men had been lifelong friends.

Hometown Living At Its Best

121

2 n

FULL SERVICE SALON Haircuts Color Manicures

122

Pedicures Waxing

Sumter County Living

Windsor Parlour 530 Tripp St, Americus, GA 31709 | (229) 924-8582

229.924.6101

1011 OAK AVENUE A M E R I C U S , G A 317 0 9

p O FARMER’S SEED AND FEED CPS Lake Blackshear 206 N. Hampton Avenue Americus, GA Regional 417 Southerfield Road Library Americus, GA

WILLIAM’S WAREHOUSE 110 S. Bond Street Plains, GA 229.924.3134 229.924.6191 Free Internet and Wi-Fi . New Books . Children’s Section . eBooks . Adult229.824.4611 Literacy

ISRAEL FARM SUPPLY (229) . lbrls.org 1979 GA 924-8091 HWY 308 S. Smithville, GA 229.846.6655 307 East Lamar St . Americus

FIRE, BURGLAR ALARMS, CAMERA SYSTEMS & MEDICAL

PRO-TECH

SECURITY GROUP, INC. Call us today for a free bid! 229.924.9642 CORDELE OFFICE: 229.276.1222

Hometown Living Living At At Its Its Best Best Hometown

123 103

2 n

Come Be A Part Of OUR FAMILY! CHANDLER MORGAN

EYEWORKS

208 East Lamar Street | Americus, GA | 229.924.9998 | www.chandlermorganeyeworks.com

Nursing Care Services

Courteous Service that Promotes

Client Wellness

Angelite

HOMECARE CENTER, LLC

• Complex Wound Care • Ostomy Care • Catheterization Care • Enteral Feeding • IV Infusion • Diabetic Management & Teaching • Visiting Nurse • Medication Administration / Management Personal and Companion Services • Ambulating Assistant • Personal & Oral Hygiene • Light Housekeeping • Grooming • Meal Preparation • Bathing Assistance • Shopping & Assistance • Escort Services • Safety Monitoring • Errands • Medication Reminders • Dressing & Feeding

706-621-7331 / 706-621-7330 / 229-410-5130 www.angelitegroup.com 124

Sumter County Living

Putting our

market knowledge to work for you

J OHNSTON Realty Group Inc.

412 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 | Phone: (229) 928-8293 | Fax: (844) 674-1120 | johnstonrealtygroup.com

Chambliss, sheppard Be Part of the Storm roland & Associates LLP certified public accountants

For over a century, Georgia Southwestern State University has been providing quality education to heads of state and leaders in the courtroom, the boardroom, the operating room and the classroom. This remains true today as Georgia Southwestern is still the University of Choice for students, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs both ONLINE and ON CAMPUS taught by award-winning professors.

Recent Highlights #6 “Most Affordable Online College” and Editor’s Award for “Best Tuition” -rankings.com #45 “Best Graduate Nursing Programs in America” -topmastersinhealthcare.com Top 5 “Best Value Education Program in Georgia” -National Council on Teacher Quality Exclusive USG institution offering BBA through eMajor program

gsw.edu #PartOfTheStorm 620 East Lamar St. Americus | csrb-cpa.com | 229.924.4456 SCL_spr_2017.indd 1

Hometown Living At 1/6/2017 Its Best 125 4:30:17 PM

p O

Scenes

of Sumter

Around every corner in our amazing community, there are treasures that lay awaiting discovery. Beauty is indeed all around us and in endless supply. Take a look at a few more reasons

Photo by

126

Sumter County Living

Lisa Shiflett

why we love Sumter County.

Photo by

Eric S. Love

Photo by

Photo by

Lisa Shiflett

Eric S. Love

Hometown Living at Its Best

127

2 n

Leave a Legacy of Love

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

Fuller Center for Housing

FullerCenter.org

Strickland Accounting LLC Full service accounting and tax management Tax Services

Individual Income Taxes | Corporate and Partnership Taxes Fiduciary and Trust Taxes | Payroll Preparation and Compliance Tax Planning and Compliance

Services for Individuals and Businesses

Business Accounting and General Ledger Compilations and Financial Reporting | New Business Formation and Setup Estate and Elder Care Planning | General Bookkeeping and Check Writing

102 Mayo St. Americus | 229.924.8144 stricklandaccounting.com 128

Sumter County Living

What would happen if you were no longer around to take care of your family? It’s a tough question, but one Alfa Insurance® can help answer.

With life insurance from Alfa®, you can have peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected. Call Alfa®, and let us show you how affordable life insurance can be.

Jay Anderson

1600 E. Forsyth St, Ste D Americus, GA 31709

(229) 380-0517

janderson@alfains.com

Auto Home Life www.AlfaInsurance.com

Call Alfa®. The best agents in the business.

AO16

p O

St

o.com

GN

Convenient, Compassionate Family Healthcare

Gotta Have It UniqUe Gifts & Bridal reGistry

Primary and Urgent Care for the Entire Family Always Accepting New Patients We Accept Most Insurances Walk-ins or Appointments Welcomed

happy pool. happy life.

Immunizations • Wellness Visits Work and School/Sprts Physicals • In-house Labs Biometric Screenings for Insurance • Drug Testing And Much More

fresh hand

DeVane Pool Service & Supply

crafted

229.924.9798

goodness.

Hours: 10-7 Mon-Thursday | 10-2 Friday 1035 E. Forsyth St. | Americus, GA 31709 (Next To Clinic Drugs)

FYI

114 Cotton Ave, Downtown Americus | 229.380.0072

“Let Us Help You Relax”

Monday-Friday |tSaturday 9am-3pm 1602-a east10am-6pm forsyth s www .GottahaveitGifts .com 229.928.5100 | devanepools.com JUdyS.KMartin lein, o wner King Jr. Blvd in Americus 1014 Luther

Now is the time to get your pool Summer ready!

Your Hometown Team FOR YOUR INTERIORS With Alfa Insurance®, you don’t Faaic & Trim

CAFE CAMPESINO

have to deal with someone

halfway around the world. Our hometown agents and adjusters live in the communities we serve, so you can count on us when you need us most. Call Alfa®, and let us help you save on home, car and life insurance.

Best Kept Secret in Southwest Jay Anderson 1600 E. Forsyth St, Ste D Americus, GA 31709 Georgia!

(229) 380-0517

janderson@alfains.com

Sewing Services Available! • Pam Horne Owner/Designer Mon - Tues - Thurs & Fri 10AM - 5:30PM • Sat 10AM - 2PM Auto Home Life

229.924.5616 • 223 West Lamar Street (The Old Tot Shop) www.AlfaInsurance.com

Across from Windsor in Downtown Historic Americus

Call Alfa®. The best agents in the business.

cafecampesino.com | 229.380.0439 AO16

Hometown Living Living At At Its Its Best Best Hometown

129 115

hometown

happenings

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tracy Law

Shamrock Jog & Jam

Benefit for The Scott Law Foundation The mission of The Scott Law Foundation is to provide direct financial assistance to Sumter and surrounding county residents suffering from cancer or other medical ailments. The Scott Law Foundation is committed to fulfilling the special financial needs of these patients and their families in order to make the fight for survival an easier one.

130

Sumter Living magazine

CARSON BROS TRACTO R CO 418 SOUTHERFIELd RD., Americus, GA

p O

MOW WITH AN

ATTITUDE

Minick Interiors interior design & furnishings

From the renovation of historic homes, preserving the charm of Southern heritage, to the modern feel of a penthouse in Atlanta, our focus is eclectic but rooted in the traditional.

229.931.0311

|

minickinteriors.com

| Corner of Cotton & Lamar in Downtown Americus

229.924.6194

Albany || Americus Americus || Cordele Cordele Albany

“Transforming the Caregiver Experience”

1.866.928.3670 innovativeseniorsolutions.com 231 W Lamar St, Americus

WEDDINGS, EVENTS, BUSINESSES, PASSION PROJECTS | VIDEOGRAPHY

Hometown Living At Its Best Hometown Living At Its Best

131 131

hometown

happenings

Photo Credit: Eric S. Love

29th Annual Taste of Sumter Downtown Americus

This year the event expanded and featured new restaurants and great live entertainment. Live music, excellent local food and a beautiful historic downtown. Be sure to check it out every year and watch it grow!

132

Sumter Living magazine

SP RIN G 2017

r e t m u sc o u n t y

We’ll Come to Your Doorstep We hear it all the time.

also...

gether Happy To demy is

Readers don’t want to miss an exciting

Aca we Southland 50 years and celebrating expect them to ly ct can certain positive effe continue its on. on educati

Making a Difference

2004, this grown Started in event has community l fundraiser n. into a loca sick childre benefitting

s A First Clas dy First Laetin . g with Mrs

me In just one want to be a better ’ll Carter, you s and change live place. person, to ter world a bet the ke ma HOMET

ver Foreo H me

life’s work, and his his passion and Decorating is ent than when one enters e. re evid mo is s back in tim it er step nev de and beautiful abo

IVING OWN L

issue of Sumter County Living.

Now you can make sure a copy is delivered right to your home, so you’ll never miss a story.

BEST AT I T S

Detach and return bottom portion with payment to PO Box 55, Glennville, GA 30427

o Yes, I want a 1 year subscription to Sumter County Living, that's 2 issues for $15.00 Begin my subscription with o August 2017 Issue

Name________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________State____________________________Zip_________________________ Phone_______________________________________________________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________________________________________ Send to (if different): Name________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________State____________________________Zip_________________________ Payment o I am enclosing Cash, Check or Money Order Amount submitted______________ o Please charge my: [ ] Visa

[ ] MasterCard

[ ] AMEX

Credit Card #____________________________________Exp._________________ Card CCV Code__________ Billing Address, City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________________ Name on card________________________________________________________________________________

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.

134

Sumter county Living

W

Animal Clinic 229.928.3300 509 W Forsyth St

Salon Studio

“We are ready to serve YOU!”

Farmer’s

seed & Feed service 206 N Hampton St, Americus, GA 31709

event styling, makeup spray tans & more!

Meredith Owen | 229.938.2324

Samuel G. Harper, D.V.M.

Morgan Whaley | 615.995.6257

Find us on Facebook & Instagram | Shop: 229.380.0335

229.380.0335 . 117 N Jackson St

THE

CROOKS PAINT CENTER proudly featuring

1604 E Forsyth St in Americus (229) 931-9086

Scott’s Jewelry scotts-jewelry.com 210 Lamar St | Americus 229.928.3630

Where South Georgia gets engaged

Kinnebrew Co. CLOTHING FOR SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN AND LADIES SINCE 1947

208 West Lamar Street | Americus, GA 31709

229-924-8888 Hometown Living At Its Best

135

S

index of advertisers

A Cut Above Salon …..............................................…. 9 Accelerated Physical Therapy ……............................ 59 AfterHours Care of Americus, Inc. …..................…. 109 Agrium ..............................................................…. 109 Alfa Insurance - Jay Anderson ……......................... 128 Americus Apartment Homes …..........................…. 119 Americus Dental Associates …. 107, Inside Front Cover Angelite Homecare Center, LLC …......................…. 124 Better Hometown Program ...............................……. 57 Café Campesino ............................................……. 129 Carson Brothers Tractor Co …............................…. 131 Central Baptist Church ….....................................…. 58 Chambliss, Sheppard Roland & Associates LLP .... 117 Chandler Morgan Eyeworks …...........................…. 124 Citizens Bank of Americus …............…. 95, Back Cover City of Andersonville ….........................................…. 72 Crooks Paint Center ….......................................…. 135 Decorating Unlimited ….......................................…. 33 Dental Partners of Southwest Georgia ….............…. 73 DeVane Pool Service & Supply ….......................…. 129 Eaton Cooper Lighting ….............. 5, Inside Back Cover Farmer’s Seed & Feed Service ….......................…. 135 Fast Copy & Blueprint …....................................…. 122 Friends of Plains …...............................................…. 57 Fuller Center for Housing …................................…. 128 FYI For Your Interiors & Trim …...........................…. 129 Gatewood, Skipper & Rambo Attorneys at Law ….. 108 Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center ……... 128 Georgia Power ................................................……. 118 Georgia Rural Telephone Museum …….................. 108 Georgia SouthWestern State University ….........…. 125 Hancock Funeral Home …..................................…. 119 Harper’s Animal Clinic …...................................…. 135

Hart Eye Care ….................................................…. 35 HomeTown HealthCare ……................................. 129 Innovative Senior Solutions …….......................... 131 Johnston Realty Group Inc. …..........................…. 125 Lake Blackshear Regional Library …...............…. 123 Logic4Design …...............................................…. 131 Louis A. Riccardi, DDS, PC ……............................ 117 Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare …...............…. 85 Minick Interiors …............................................…. 131 N. Alexandra Riccardi, DMD ….........................…. 117 Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning …...............…. 44 Phoebe Physicians ….........................................…. 94 Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall ............……. 22-23 Pro-Tech Security Group, Inc. ……........................ 123 Rylander Theatre ..............................................……. 7 Scott’s Jewelry ….............................................…. 135 Shamrock Jog & Jam ….....................................…. 59 South Georgia Technical College …….................. 118 Southland Academy ……....................................... 84 Southwest Georgia Center of Medicine ….......…. 106 Southwest Georgia Farm Credit …......................... 21 Speed Shop & Truck Accessories …................…. 122 Strickland Accounting LLC …...........................…. 128 Sumter County Chamber of Commerce …........…. 2-3 Sumter County Living Subscription ……............... 133 Sumter Retirement Village ….............................…. 45 Sunbelt Ford of Americus …...............................…. 34 The Kinnebrew Co. ……........................................ 135 The Local Marketplace …….......................... 134-135 The Look Salon Studio ….................................…. 135 The Staffing People …..........................................…. 1 Turton Properties ….........................................…. 119 Windsor Parlour …...........................................…. 122

Shop locally and please thank these sponsors for making this publication possible!

136

sumter county living

Jessica S. Brown, DMD Andrew J. Hamilton, DMD

Americus

DENTAL ASSOCIATES

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL TREATMENT IMPLANTS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL IV SEDATION ROOT CANALS CROWNS & BRIDGES WHITENING COSMETIC DENTISTRY

1108 FETNER DRIVE • AMERICUS, GA 31709 | (229) 924-4479 | MON - THURS: 8AM - 5PM | FRI: 8AM - 1PM

From

Anywhere Anytime

at

Remote Deposit Anywhere allows you to deposit checks from your mobile device wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.

It’s fast, easy, and secure. Call 229.924.4011 to learn more!

spring 2017

Deposit Checks

sumter county also...

Happy Together Southland Academy is celebrating 50 years and we can certainly expect them to continue its positive effect on education.

Making a Difference

Started in 2004, this community event has grown into a local fundraiser benefitting sick children.

A First Class First Lady Americus-North Lee Street (Main) 119 North Lee Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Americus-Tripp Street 106 Tripp Street Americus, GA 31709 Phone: 229-924-4011

Preston-Washington Street 534 Washington Street Preston, GA 31824 Phone: 229-828-3325

In just one meeting with Mrs. Carter, you’ll want to be a better person, to change lives and make the world a better place.

Forever Home Decorating is his passion and life’s work, and never it is more evident than when one enters his beautiful abode and steps back in time.

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