Tattnall 2016

2016 Issue

Expert, Specialized Care Right Here in Tattnall County

“ When I realized I had to have

another surgery for my herniated disc I was very nervous. My second surgery was totally different! From pre- and post-surgery care to rehabilitation, I couldn’t be happier.

I gained weight from being immobile.

I felt restricted at 26 years old, but only seven weeks into recovery I was already walking two miles.

- Michelle Edge

”

Man of Honor

Sharing the story of an unsung American hero named Ed Casteen.

Primary Care • Preventive Care • Total Joint Replacement • Therapy

Photography for a Cause A series of life long blessings have helped one family overcome tragedy. Kimberly Monfils Blake and her family have one of the greatest blessings of all...God! 247 South Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453 • 912.557.1000 • OptimHealth.com 00881

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

Photographer Allison Cobb uses her talent to help others in their fight with cancer.

A Humble Guide Runner

One young man uses his talent for running to help others achieve Olympic Gold.

Tattnall County

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Original Home Of No Hassle Buying THANK YOU TATTNALL COUNTY FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR OVER 43 YEARS

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912.557.4335 | P.O. BOX 25 REIDSVILLE, GEORGIA

NeSmithClaxton.com

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Reidsville 117 Tattnall Street Reidsville, GA

912.557.4786 WWW.TATTNALL.COM Hometown Living At Its Best

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finalTattnallFallMagAd2993_LDP-2566-14 RP Tattnall County ad 8/3/16 1:14 PM Page 1

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www.RustyPigBBQ.com

Treat your senses to the juicer, tender-er, better breed of meat now at Rusty Pig. Still made with our famed family recipe, with one key upgraded ingredient: betterbred, better fed meat.

Come see for yourself today.

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Feast your eyes.

(The rest of you can catch up tonight.)

Locations in: Glennville, Rincon & Hinesville.

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contents 10

Kayaking Adventure

After 25 years Wesley Hendley returns to his roots guiding clients down the river for a kayaking adventure.

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The Art of Life

Johnny “Paintbrush” Washington is a well respected person and fantastic artist, but there is more to his life than art.

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You Gotta Love A Big Boy

It may be that, for the first time, you realize what a cookie is really supposed to taste like.

Finally… a cookie for grownups.

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Mr. Otis Collins

One of the last remaining men from the Greatest Generation recounts his experience during World War II.

About the Cover

The cover features the beautiful Blake family; Kimberly and Bryan, taken by Amberly Foster Photography. Turn to page 56 to read about their many blessings!

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God’s Blessings

A series of life long blessings have helped one family overcome tragedy. Kimberly Monfils Blake and her family have one of the greatest blessings of all...God!

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City Of Glennville Mayor, City Council and Appointed Officials

Administration

Fire Department

Police Department

Public Works

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

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Photography for a Cause

Photographer Allison Cobb uses her talent to help others in their fight with cancer.

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Farming Fowl

John Renault, Live Production Manager of Fries Farms, shares the complex business of hatching, feeding, and raising millions of chickens right here in Tattnall County.

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A Humble Guide Runner

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One young man uses his talent for running to help others achieve Olympic Gold.

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The Queen

Without a doubt, Peggy Bacon’s upbeat personality and genuine care for the wellbeing and satisfaction of others will be her lasting legacy.

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Man of Honor

What you may not have realized while hustling in and out of local venues is that you were in the presence of an unsung American hero named Ed Casteen.

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Putting His Faith and Trust in God

Cooking up a five star restaurant from scratch tested and strengthened Joe Tarantino’s faith in the Lord.

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p O Authentic Authentic

Cuisine Cuisine

Open Monday - Thursday 11 AM - 10 PM Open Thursday FridayMonday 11 AM --10:30 PM 11 AM - 10 PM Friday 11 AM - 10:30 PM Saturday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 10 PM Saturday - Sunday 11:30 AM - 10 PM

414 || 912-654-4902 414 North North Veterans Veterans Boulevard Boulevard || Glennville, Glennville, GA GA 30427 30427 912-654-4902 Hometown Living At Its Best

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From the Publisher

Tattnall County magazine

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

Jay and Patti Martin C r eat i v e | D e s i g n Russ Hutto

Eric S. Love Stacey Nichols Ryan Sichelstiel Mandi Spivey Stephanie Williams o f f i ce M a n age r Nikki Burkhalter

I

It seems like just yesterday that I was writing the Publisher’s Letter for the 2015 issue of Tattnall County Magazine. It is always very humbling to hear all the kind words spoken about the quality and content of each magazine. Patti and I get to hear the majority of the praise since we are the Publishers. The truth is that we do the least. On page 144 there is a list of all of the people who sponsor this publication financially.

Without those sponsors a coffee table quality magazine would not be possible. Listed on page 8 are the names of the people that really do all of the work. I write this letter to say “Thank You” to each of them for all of their hard work. Each person takes pride in his or her own contribution; but, for the most part, they are equally proud of “their” magazine as a whole. You will recognize a lot of their names. Please tell them and the sponsors “Thank You!” if you enjoy this issue.

Last, but not least, are the individuals you don’t know and probably never will. They are the ones that tell us about the businesses and people that are featured in each issue. Everyone has a story! Let us know who is an unsung hero or about a special, unique place in the county. We would love to share about them with the rest of Tattnall County. Call or email us.

God Bless and Keep Each and Every One of You! John 10:10

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

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A s s i s ta n t M a n age r s Kim Anderson

June Dixon Makayla Martin P h otog r ap h e r s Amberly Foster Photography Dawn McDaniel Owens Eric S. Love Gail Dixon Kelly McDonald Photoshop by Allison The Journal Sentinel

C ov e r P h oto Bryan and Kimberly Blake, by Amberly Foster Photography Sale s Dottie Hicks Patti Martin

Contributing Wri t er s Charles Barnard

Kimberly M. Blake Allison Cobb Gail Dixon June Dixon Eric S. Love Kelly McDonald Jackson Sharpe

Tattnall County Magazine© is published 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.

p O Prescriptions • Merle Norman • Gifts/Jewelry Children’s Toys • Southern Twist Boutique

CENTRAL

Pharmacy 912.654.3031 107 W. Barnard St. • Glennville, GA

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Kayaking Adventure

STORY BY | Kelly McDonald PHOTOS BY | Kelly McDonald and PhotoShop by Allison

After 25 years Wesley Hendley returns to his roots guiding clients down the river for a kayak adventure.

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G

Going to “work” these days has a whole new meaning for retired engineer Wesley Hendley. The dress code is always casual Friday in shorts, t-shirts and a hat. The schedule varies from day to day, but there is definitely no 9 to 5 schedule. The commute is whatever State Park has been booked for the day.

On this day, it is the George L Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia.

After completing high school, Wesley went on to the University of Georgia and got a degree in Zoology.

“I got a little sidetracked,” he confessed about his change from Zoology into engineering. After 25 years as a sheet metal engineer followed by an additional seven years of owing his own similar business, Wesley got back to his roots. After the untimely death of his partner and brother-in-law, Wesley decided the time had come to reevaluate his life. A father of two and a husband for over 30 years, Wesley knew there was something better out there for

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him. Since his family had always been active in outdoor sports, he fell in love with kayaking.

A complete novice at the sport, Wesley spent months getting into shape, building up his endurance, and learning everything he could about the State Parks around him. He spent lots of time researching equipment and choosing a travel trailer, then he did some marketing and he was in business.

“People call me all the time wanting to rent a kayak, but that’s not what I do,” says Wesley. You know immediately upon meeting this softspoken gentleman that it is about the experience and not the money. He is not in the business of kayak rental, but rather giving you a kayak adventure.

As his guest you can choose a single or tandem kayak. After a brief lesson, you are well on your way. Wesley wastes no time getting you in place

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and pushing you off into the water of the park. There are marked trails that wind back and forth through a scenic paradise. The water is so black and still, it becomes a perfect mirror reflection of the world above. Trees that are home to a multitude of wildlife line both sides of the water and occasionally rise up to touch each other making an incredible canopy. “There is no age limit. Everyone is welcome…

Boy Scouts, families, friends, couples, business groups, reunions…From one to 91, there is something for everyone,” says Wesley.

The day we took our kayaking ride with Wesley, a light summer rain was falling, dropping the summer temperature to an enjoyable degree.

Rare birds soared overhead keeping an eye on their beautifully crafted nests below. Pleasant conversation between

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Wesley and his guests continued as he effortlessly rowed through the trees backwards to guide and photograph the experience.

When the water finally opens up into a wider section, you can test your skills and race along the water or even try your hand at rowing backwards, like your guide. “Watching people do things for the first time, marking things off their bucket lists, or even just relaxing and not thinking about work, that’s my job,” Wesley says.

And what a job it is! One of the most enjoyable parts is meeting people from all over the Country and getting to know their stories along the ride. As the seasons change, so do the tours. In the summer months, a lot of the time is spent paddling along under the trees to beat the heat. In the fall and spring months, the trees change colors and the tours are filled with more wildlife interaction as you glide over the water.

Several times a year, Wesley offers a special moonlight tour for those who want to enjoy a different, quieter trip.

Any time is a great time to kayak at a State Park near you.

There are State Parks located in almost every county in the State of Hometown Living At Its Best

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Georgia. In Tattnall County you will find the Gordonia Alatamaha State Park. As with most other State Parks, it is open from 7 AM to 10 PM daily. You can purchase an annual pass or pay on a daily basis. Most State Parks have golf courses, picnic tables with shelters, as well as cabins that can be rented.

You can fish from the dock or go out in your own boat. You can paddle boat, canoe, or kayak. Wesley will be more than happy to schedule you for a day of kayaking at Gordonia Alatamaha State Park or another State Park near you.

If you are a more advanced kayaker, you can enjoy a more challenging tour that will test your ability in rougher waters. If you would like to stick with a more peaceful trip, then the State Parks are the place for you. Whatever your degree of skill or lack thereof, Wesley has a plan for you to make it a lifetime memory.

As you approach the boat landing about two and a half hours after the trip began, you can’t help but feel you have learned a lot from the whole experience. You then realize that Wesley is, indeed, in the kayaking adventure business and not just in the kayaking rental business. Check out his website at www.millpondkayak.com. ď • TCM

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The Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park in Tattnall County is located at 162 Park Lane, Highway 280 West, Reidsville, Georgia 30453 and is open seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM. For more info, call (912) 557-7744.

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Community Hospice

Locally Owned and Operated Locally Operated Vickie &Owned Royce and Ryles, Founders Vickie & Royce Ryles, FoundersOfficer Jason Colbert, Chief Executive Jason Colbert, Chief Executive Officer

• Home Hospice Services • Home Hospice Services • The Area’s Only Hospice House • The Area’s Only Hospice House • Grief Support & Bereavement Services • Grief Support & Bereavement Services • Medical & Social Workers • Medical & Social Workers • Home Health Aides & Skilled Nursing Services • Home Health Aides & Skilled Nursing Services • Advocates Dietary Counseling • Advocates Dietary Counseling • Financial Aid Available Through Community Hospice Non-Profit Foundation • Financial Aid Available Through Community Hospice Non-Profit Foundation

904 Mt. Vernon Road • Vidalia, GA 30474 904 Mt. Vernon Road • Vidalia, GA 30474

Lic. #138135H Lic. #138135H

Reaching Reaching Out Out to to Families Families Since Since 1999 1999 www.vidaliahospice.com www.vidaliahospice.com (912) 537-0063 • (800) 477-4758 (912) 537-0063 • (800) 477-4758

Story by

Gail Dixon

Photos by

Gail Dixon, The Glennville Sentinel & Johnny “Paintbrush” Washington

Johnny “Paintbrush” Washington is a very respectful person and a fantastic artist, but there is more to his life than just being an artist!

Webster's defines art as something that is created with imagination and skill and is beautiful or something that expresses important ideas or feelings. Webster's defines an artist as one who professes and practices an imaginative 22

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art; a skilled performer; a person who is very good at something. Everyone has heard the old saying, if you look up a certain word in the dictionary, you will find so and so's name or picture beside that word. This is a good way

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Connected with Art Johnny, aka Paintbrush, is well-known for his commercial art. He paints scenes, murals, kids’ rooms, etc., but he says, “Over a period of five years, children grow up, places/scenes/businesses change, and things have to be painted over.” As a painter, he can paint anything and he loves what he does for a living. If it is connected with art, he can paint it! Paintbrush works long hours, in the heat and the cold, but doesn’t mind it because he is doing something that he feels other people will enjoy.

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l

[Johnny “Paintbrush” Washitngton]

to describe Johnny “Paintbrush” Washington.

“Paintbrush” is a well-known artist in Tattnall and surrounding counties. He is a very respectful person and a fantastic artist, but there is more to his life than just being an artist!

Johnny was born in Savannah, Georgia and lived there until moving to Glennville. He grew up living in the projects, Kayton Homes, with his mama and his siblings. Johnny recalls, “When I was in school, I was kind of like a nerd; I liked learning. In Elementary School, I was the VicePresident of Student Council, Lt. of the Patrols, and a Fire Marshal.” At the age of 7, he would sit around and draw. Some of the things he enjoyed drawing were pictures out of comic books, but his favorite was doing water colors of pictures from the Bible. In Junior High School, he and his friend would sit in class and draw. Johnny said, “I was a normal kid in school, I learned and I played a little basketball and football.”

“Mama had to work hard and was always struggling to try to make ends meet,” recalls Johnny. At the age of nine, he was working two jobs. The first job was working for Commercial Credit Corporation sweeping the parking lot and washing cars. The second job was at Crosby Drug Store. Riding his red Huffy bicycle that his mama gave him for Christmas, Johnny would deliver medicine to the homes of the elderly who were not able to get out and pick up their medicine. He continued to work both of these jobs until he went into the Army.

At the age of 17, Johnny went into the Army.

He went to Ft. Gordon for Basic Training, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona for Advanced Individual Training, and Ft. Benning for Jump School.

During Jump School, he was trained to jump from a 34-foot tower where they rode a cable down and learned how to fall and learned the Parachute Landing Fall (PLF). After practicing

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on the 34-foot tower, they went to a 250-foot tower where they worked with the parachute. Johnny failed that class the first time and had to go back to build his arm strength. While he was waiting on the next class to begin, he had grass cutting detail.

While cutting grass, his foot slipped under the lawnmower, cutting the tip of his toe, medically disqualifying him for six months. At this point, Johnny was sent to Ft. Bragg on medical leave and was supposed to return to Ft. Benning, but he did not.

Please know that he was not disqualified and was never released from Jump School. In June 1970, Johnny was drafted to go to Vietnam. He was a mechanic in the 18th Engineer Division. He pulled a lot of guard duty and worked eight-hour shifts at night with the Rock Quarry. The Rock Quarry is where they planted

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At 64 years old, Paintbrush has his life together.

He is more aware of what he is doing and has learned that in order to get respect, you have to give respect. “There is a God and He is real. When you learn more about God, you learn more about yourself!” says Paintbrush, “Life is about action, not conversation. It is about knowing who you are in the world and always changing for the better. We have to be an example for those coming behind us; we have to be the light that shines.”

dynamite to blow up the rock in the area, pushed it with a dozer, loaded it, took it to the Quarry to be crushed and then it was taken to the Asphalt Plant where it was used for the building of the highways.

Johnny came home from Vietnam in June 1971 and got out of the Army in December 1971.

After the military, Johnny stayed in the Reserves for two years and worked odd jobs. He lived in Savannah in the projects with his mama and helped her pay the bills. He then decided to try his hand at painting, especially since he liked to draw as a youngster. He went to work with his brother and mentor, Jimmy Williams, who is an artist. (Jimmy

was adopted and Johnny was 14 years old before he met his brother!) Johnny moved in with his brother and they worked together. Johnny told me that “you can't teach art, you guide the person through, but you can't put art in them!”

Johnny met his ex-wife, who is from Glennville, at Church's Fried Chicken in Savannah. They were married and he moved to Tattnall County.

They have been divorced for 25 years and are now best friends. Johnny was young and felt he was invincible; he didn't care whether the things he was doing were right or wrong! He began to go down the wrong road and his life began to spiral…he joined

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a gang; he began doing things he had no business doing, like drugs; and his life went downhill. “I was a young man trying to survive,” explains Johnny. At the age of 35 and for 15 years, he used crack. During this time, he went to jail and was put on probation. The probation didn't work and the judge was fixing to send him to prison, when Sheriff Rush, Tommy Coleman, and some other outstanding people in Tattnall County talked to the judge for Johnny. He was sent to the Claxton Detention Center for four months and has been “clean” for the past 14 years.

Johnny, aka Paintbrush, is well-known for his commercial art. He paints scenes, murals, kids' rooms, etc., but he says, “Over a period of five years, children grow up, places/scenes/businesses change, and things have to be painted over.” As a painter, he can paint anything and he loves what he does for a living. If it is connected with art, he can paint it! Paintbrush works long hours, in the heat and the cold, but doesn't mind it because he is doing

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something that he feels other people will enjoy.

At 64 years old, Paintbrush has his life together.

He is more aware of what he is doing and has learned that in order to get respect, you have to give respect. “There is a God and He is real. When you learn more about God, you learn more about yourself!” says Paintbrush, “Life is about action, not conversation. It is about knowing who you are in the world and always changing for the better. We have to be an example for those coming behind us; we have to be the light that shines.”  TCM If you are in need of some Custom Art Work, Paintbrush can be contacted at (912) 570-7540.

p O Hwy. 23 North (801 W. Barnard Street) Glennville, GA 30427 912.654.3433 www.rotarycorp.com

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

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2 n IF YOU NEED TO BE HOSPITALIZED,

you want care that is compassionate and convenient.

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Evans Memorial Hospital was named #1 small (less than 100 beds) hospital in Georgia by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) based on 40 quality indicators including patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, efficiency and value. We are so proud of this status and glad to be able to serve such a wonderful community! Thank you to all of our staff and patients.

s) MS) t nd to

Evans Memorial Hospital

Evans Memorial Hospital offers advanced medical services for the folks in Claxton and neighboring communities. Our medical staff is made up of physicians who specialize in family practice, internal medicine, and general surgery. Many specialists offer satellite clinics at our facilities, so that our patients can be treated close to home. Our emergency department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so we’re here when you need us.

200 North River Street | Claxton, GA 30417 | (912) 739-2611

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Written and photos by Eric S. Love

J

Jonny Womack was a pharmaceutical rep who believed in going the extra mile when visiting a doctor’s office. Rather than picking up a box of grocery store cookies to entice the office staff’s sweet tooth, Jonny preferred to whip something up himself. He had, after all, always enjoyed cooking with his mom and grandmother. He would bake for fun and was often the life of the party as a result. Being the adventurous sort, he couldn’t just bake frozen cookie dough. He had to make something unique. Playing on the idea of caramel apples, Jonny experimented with ingredients until he created what he believed to be a fantastic Caramel Apple Cookie.

At one particular meeting with several doctors, he offered his Caramel Apple Cookies and, as you might guess, they were met with skepticism. What is a caramel apple cookie, after all? A doctor tried one. At first, his expression was what you would expect from a man biting into a cookie he found suspect. A moment later, his expression changed.

He looked at Jonny and said, “I don’t know what you’re selling, but this is what you need to be doing.”

Jonny’s cookies turned out to be bad for business. Doctor’s offices began calling him, but not for scrips. They wanted cookies. It took a little time, but soon enough Jonny realized he’d rather peddle home baked cookies than prescription medication, and Big Boy Cookies was born.

Late on a hot summer evening, Jonny and I stood in his brand new cookie truck, me with my camera and tape recorder, Jonny with his apron and cookie racks. He’d driven up from Florida earlier that day and had a long night of baking ahead of him. “Why bake cookies,” I asked.

“There’s something about seeing someone’s face when they first bite into one,” Jonny says.

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Everyone is expecting the cookies to be sweet.

Cookies are generally sweet, after all. But Big Boy Cookies aren’t just sweet. Their sweetness is not overpowering. The sweet is followed promptly by savory notes…salt, butter, vanilla. These are ingredients that carry their weight and find their own taste on the tongue. “That’s why we call them cookies for grownups,” Jonny explains. There is much more than sweetness to a Big Boy. “It’s all textures and flavors, and that’s what I try to bring to the party.”

So where does Jonny’s flavor inspirations come from? Mostly, they come from everyday life. “With the Maple Bacon Bourbon [Cookie], I thought I had come up with that idea totally on my own, just based on things I like.” When he researched

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“Being able to think it, put it together and make it come out as something amazing,” Jonny says, his thrill palpable, “and having that then become someone’s favorite thing in the world: that’s awesome. That’s why I do it.”

it online, he found several variations already existed on that theme. Still, as always, he put his own personal stamp on what became a Big Boy favorite—a cookie that is as all American as a cookie can get! As American as John Wayne and over-priced cell service.

“It’s fun,” Jonny continues. “I’m not good with chemistry, but I understand butter, sugar, flour, eggs… all that good stuff. It’s a balancing act, and that’s part of the fun.” Jonny crafts each cookie’s “flavor profile” for how it will ultimately play out on your tongue, but, he explains, “It always begins with smell.” He is a self-proclaimed flavor junkie, but a successful cookie experience starts with smell, moves from there to the way it looks, and ends not just with flavor but also texture. To some, this level of attention to detail over baking cookies may seem extreme, but wouldn’t it be nice if everyone providing goods or services offered 36

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the same level of attention? I think so.

In an age where instant gratification is expected, from our fast foods to our WiFi hotspots, someone who likes to take their time and get things right seems like a breath of fresh air. Or a bite of cookie perfection.

For Jonny, creating new cookie recipes is part science experiment and part social experiment. He spent more than a year perfecting his Caramel Apple Cookie. For his Caramel Brownie Cookie, he experimented with the science behind what makes a moist brownie, because no one loves a dry brownie. And let’s face it. The last brownie you ate was probably dry. So how does one refine a brownie recipe to guarantee its moistness and then convert that into a cookie? Furthermore, is it even legal to fool around with the classically accepted American tradition of over-rated dessert snacks?

If brownies are so dry, wouldn’t we be

better off to just eat cake instead? Why bring cookies into it at all? If baking had a rebel motorcycle gang, Jonny would be a member, leather chaps and all.

Plenty of people have hobbies that add meaning or value to their lives.

Baking was once a hobby for Jonny before it became a profession. “I’ve always been drawn to the mad scientist element of it. Like, when I tell someone I have a Peach Cobbler Cookie, I’ve had them say, ‘a Peach Cobbler Cookie?

You can’t do that!’” But Jonny does. He also makes a special Pistachio Cookie seasonally around St. Patrick’s Day. And to some, bacon in a cookie doesn’t make sense, though my immediate reaction to the concept of a Bacon Maple Bourbon Cookie was, “Yes, please.”

“Being able to think it, put it together and make it come out as something amazing,” Jonny says, his thrill palpable, “and having that then become someone’s favorite thing in the world: that’s awesome. That’s why I do it.”

It’s also a way he stays connected to his roots. He can feel the presence of his grandmothers, both of whom have passed away but were models for him growing up of good home cooking.

When he’s baking, they are watching over his shoulder. Big Boy Cookies is one way he pays tribute to them and to his mom, who taught him his way around the kitchen.

Understanding how the ingredients interact with each other and react to baking informs the ultimate experience of each cookie. But that’s clearly not the end of the story. “Some people hate the taste of coconut,” Jonny says.

“Other people like the taste, but hate the texture of shredded coconut.” It’s a

[Creator, Jonny Womack]

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Big Boy Cookies are crafted with only quality ingredients because the real thing always tastes better. He doesn’t believe in processed ingredients or artificial coloring.

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tricky process combining the science (who even knows the difference between baking soda and baking powder?) with using smells, tastes and textures that make people happy.

For the record, Big Boy Cookies do make people happy.

And as much as Jonny’s mad scientist act in the kitchen is responsible for that, credit is also due to his wife, Hannah.

“Hannah is full-time quality control,” Jonny explains. As he does, he pulls a pan of fresh baked cookies from the oven— White Chocolate Macadamia, little heavenly discs that reaffirm the goodness in humanity—and explained that the color was a little too dark to pass inspection. “Hannah will never let me sell these.” (It worked out in the end as that batch became free samples for the interviewer.)

Hannah, as quality control, is a steady reminder of Jonny’s mission to create the best cookies he can possibly make. Big Boy Cookies are crafted with only quality ingredients because the real thing always tastes better.

He doesn’t believe in processed ingredients or artificial coloring. Even more exciting is that Big Boy Cookies has just become an official Georgia Grown member. Georgia Grown is a “brand with deep roots in sustainability, quality and integrity” that promotes Georgia’s locally grown products (from www.georgiagrown.com). There will be a Georgia Grown Big Boy Cookie coming soon that

will feature only ingredients made in Georgia. Though Jonny is still in the creation phase and wouldn’t give much away about the recipe, he did point out three crops Georgia is especially known for: peaches, pecans and peanuts. (I asked where sweet onions come into play, but he told me his Sweet Onion Cookie never panned out. Still, we can keep our fingers crossed.)

When you watch Jonny make cookies, it is obvious he loves what he does. When you ask him to tell you why he makes cookies, you hear his passion and you can’t help but get excited with him. It isn’t every day you meet a man who decides investing in a cookie truck and selling fresh baked cookies at festivals and weddings is a savvy business move. But then, Jonny doesn’t fit well into molds. When Jonny and Hannah decided it was time to invest in a cookie truck so Jonny could go full time as a Ninja cookie master, it was because it seemed like the most natural thing to do.

So why call them Big Boys?

“Growing up, I’ve always been big.

And to my brother, I was always Big Boy. I was always his size, even though he’s four and a half years older than me. So he was always like, ‘Let’s go, Big Boy,’ or ‘Come on, Big Boy.’ So that’s where the name comes from.”

Sometimes people are confused: the cookies themselves aren’t particularly big. Given the name, they expect a big cookie. What they find instead is a big

boy baking cookies with big taste.

There’s a lot of heart in a Big Boy. They’ve been a Tattnall County favorite for those in the know for a while now, and news is spreading. There’s a good chance if you’ve been to a festival anywhere between Nashville, Tennessee, Trenton, South Carolina and St. Mary’s, Georgia in the past year, the Big Boy Cookies cookie truck was filling the air with the smells of mad cookie skills. You can order their cookies online at BigBoyCookies. com and they’ve just catered their first wedding, just in case you’re ready to tie the knot yourself. “I want to make

cookies that I want to eat,” Jonny explains. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. To have someone who ‘only eats chocolate chip cookies’ try one of my creations and say ‘that’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten! That’s my new favorite!’— That’s worth it. That’s worth staying up thirty hours for… to bake cookies.” Jonny’s passion is baked into every bite, and once you’ve had one, you’ll be passionate about Big Boy Cookies, too. Trust me. It may be that, for the first time, you realize what a cookie is really supposed to taste like.  TCM

Hometown Living At Its Best

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To Charleston, SC

SCREVEN

BULLOCH

To Macon EVANS

To Savan TATTNALL

LONG

95 WAYNE

Nahunta BRANTLEY

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To Jacksonville, FL

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o Charleston, SC

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Discover the Real South ...and real Southern charm!

To Savannah

Award-Winning Watermelon Creek Vineyard • Georgia Grown Trail 301 MemorialCemetery Cemetery • Georgia Georgia Veterans Veterans Memorial SweetOnion OnionFestival Festival • Glennville Sweet • Unique Unique Shops Shops and and Boutiques Boutiques • Fun Fun Family Family Events EventsYear-round Year-round • Annual January Tattnall Productions event On the Georgia Grown Trail 301

Come see what all the fuss is about.

912.654.1616 • www.glennvillechamber.com

P. O . B O X 3 9 1 • 1 3 6 S . V E T E R A N S B L V D . • G L E N N V I L L E , G A 3 0 4 2 7

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Senior Portraits

for the class of 2017!

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My calendar fills up super fast! I prefer to schedule only one session per day, but will do two sessions on occasion.

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Tattnall County Magazine

912.237.0126

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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MR. OTIS

COLLINS 96 YEAR OLD WORLD WAR II VETERAN STORY BY | June Dixon PHOTOS BY | Gail Dixon and Mr. Otis Collins

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One of the last remaining men from the Greatest Generation recounts his experience during World War II.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Yesterday, July 15, 2016, Gail, my daughter, and I visited with Mr. Otis Collins. Mr. Otis served in World War II and is one of the men from the Greatest Generation Tom Brokaw talks about in his famous book written about the men and women who lived and served during and after the years of World War II. Mr. Brokaw says in his book, “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced. The generation was united not only by a common purpose, but also by common values – duty, honor, economy, courage, service, love of family and country, and above all, responsibility for oneself.”

When World War II was declared after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, Mr. Otis was in school at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. After the declaration of war, Mr. Otis ran away from college to North Carolina to work on dredges building roads for tanks to practice on. He got three six-month deferments before he was drafted into active service. A deferment is official permission to do required military service at a later day. At 46

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the end of those three deferments the time had come, he was drafted and went to boot camp in San Diego, California.

At the beginning of World War II the United States Navy had four Boot Camps: San Diego, CA; Bainbridge, MD; Newport, RI; and Great Lakes, IL. Once an enlisted man was sent to Boot Camp, he was given a buzz haircut and his shots. His civilian clothing and possessions were packed into a box and shipped home. He was given new clothing and his sleeping gear, along with a canvas sack called his Sea Bag. This bag was his and his only and he learned to pack it with everything he owned so that it could be slung over his shoulder as he was shipped off with little notice.

While at Boot Camp in San Diego, they were marching and Mr. Otis made a wrong turn, due to a hearing problem, and hit the man behind him with his rifle. It was thought he was trying to get out of the Navy so he was sent to see a psychiatrist. Four days later, he was sent to Basic Engineering School and then to Alameda, California. He served in Alameda testing air craft engines for about six

months. Then the order came that they were being shipped out. He was already under a bridge waiting to be loaded onto his ship when he received news that his uncle had died, but there was no question of him getting off to go to the funeral. About 1500 sailors were loaded onto a ship that normally carries 500. Everyone was asking the same questions: Where are we going? What will we be doing? Their uniforms had been exchanged from white to green and they were given a rifle and a shovel, so they knew that they were going overseas, but as to the where and what none of them knew and they were not told. While going up the gangplank, Mr. Otis noticed the ship’s name – HMS #27. He didn’t know what that meant at the time, but later found out it stood for Her Majesty’s Ship.

About half of the men on the ship got off at the Island of Samar in the Philippines. It kept moving around from one island to another. The men would be put off on different islands where they would stay for short periods of time. They were given small tents with a cot to sleep on, but due to it raining continuously it was very hard to stay dry.

On one of the Islands, there was a cathedral that had the top and most of the sides blown off, but it was a good place to try to stay dry. The men noticed that the floor was made of marble, and looked like the headstones in our cemeteries today. After Mr. Otis returned home, he read an article, which he still has today, which tells that those were actual headstones for people buried in the floor of that cathedral.

The men were loaded on another ship after a couple of weeks and moved to another island in the Philippines while waiting for the invasion of Japan. Their job was to clear and secure the port so that the Marines could get in. This was an impossible task as the enemy had blown up ships and the water was full of ship parts and other debris.

They kept waiting and waiting for the Marines to come in; they did not know that the United States had dropped a bomb on Hiroshima on Hometown Living At Its Best

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August 6, 1945 killing 80,000 people that day. Three days later, another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing approximately 40,000 people. On August 15, 1945, Japan’s Emperor Hirohito surrendered and the war with Japan was over.

Once they heard about the bombs being dropped and Japan’s surrender, they were assigned to the USS Clearfield. Each night when they went to bed they expected to wake up headed to the States and to their homes. However, they were headed to Hong Kong, China. The USS Clearfield operated between Okinawa and Manila and ports in China supporting the

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LIVING WWII VETERANS BY STATE 2016 Alabama .............. 10,419 Alaska ................... 1,110 Arizona ................ 20,753 Arkansas .............. 7,604 California ............ 61,891 Colorado ............. 10,190 Connecticut .......... 8,581 D.C. ....................... 1,041 Delaware ............... 2,692 Florida ................. 65,069 Georgia ............... 16,748 Hawaii ................... 3,287 Idaho ..................... 4,611 Illinois .................. 24,172 Indiana ................ 14,126 Iowa ...................... 7,819 Kansas .................. 6,510 Kentucky ............... 8,892 Louisiana .............. 8,501 Maine .................... 4,040

Maryland ............. 11,338 Massachusetts .... 16,089 Michigan ............. 22,890 Minnesota ........... 12,320 Mississippi ............ 5,543 Missouri ............... 14,964 Montana ............... 3,328 Nebraska .............. 4,356 Nevada ................. 6,924 New Hampshire .... 4,278 New Jersey ......... 17,991 New Mexico .......... 5,012 New York ............ 35,716 North Carolina .... 20,021 North Dakota......... 1 ,582 Ohio .................... 28,316 Oklahoma ............. 9,417 Oregon ................ 11,759 Pennsylvania ....... 37,154 Puerto Rico ........... 2,247

reoccupation of Northern China by transporting Marines and Chinese troops. When the United States defeated Japan in 1945, they made the Japanese Army leave China. Chiang Kai-shek was the leader of the Nationalists and Mao was the Communist leader. Even though the Chinese Civil War had been stopped during World War II with the help of the United States military, it was not stopped for long and the communists remained in charge.

Finally, the war was over for Mr. Otis and his shipmates.

They were headed home at last. As they went around the Panama Canal they threw all war materials overboard. Mr. Otis was in the belly of the ship steering when all of a sudden the ship turned sideways in the water. When he went up top to see what had happened, everyone was on one side of the ship (approximately 4000-5000 men) causing the ship to turn on its side. Once they got into port and the ship was unloaded, Mr. Otis spent about a week doing engine room

Rhode Island ........ 2,580 South Carolina .... 11,389 South Dakota ....... 2,048 Tennessee ........... 13,410 Texas .................. 43,350 Utah ...................... 5,582 Vermont ................ 1,698 Virginia ................ 17,238 Washington ......... 17,727 West Virginia ....... 5,282 Wisconsin ........... 13,116 Wyoming ............... 1,453 Is. & Foreign........... 2,625

Grand Total ....... 697,806 Deaths Per Day ........ 430

work. From Washington State he went directly to the port of Charleston, SC where he was discharged in 1945.

During the time he was serving in World War II, his wife, Zelna, was working in Savannah in the shipyard building Liberty Ships. During the four years it was in existence, 45,000 men and women (including my daddy, before he was drafted into the Army), worked in the heat and cold, working double shifts, seven days a week. In spite of the hardships, they built ships and built them well. More than 2000 Liberty Ships were built during World War II; 88 of them were built just off President Street in Savannah. Many people argue that the Battle of the Atlantic was the most critical of the war. That battle and many others might have been lost had it not been for the Liberty Ships built by the men and women employed by Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation, the largest industry ever located in Savannah.

After he was discharged from the Navy, Mr. Otis went Hometown Living At Its Best

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back to Savannah and asked for a job in the Shipyard. He was hired and told to come to work after the Fourth of July. On his way back home he saw a Carlton Caterpillar Company sign.

He knew someone who worked there so he stopped to visit with him for a few minutes; that few minutes turned into 30 years! He went to work for Caterpillar building bridges, roads, and repairing boats; he helped build the causeway to Jekyll Island. Even though Mr. Otis did not take the job at the shipyard in Savannah, he did call and apologize to them.

Mr. Otis retired and moved back to Collins in 2007. He and Mrs. Zelna were married 70 years. Sadly, Mrs. Zelna passed away on March 10, 2011.

They did not have any children of their own, but “adopted” numerous nieces and nephews. If you visit Mr. Otis’ home and see all the pictures on display of their nieces and nephews you will say that Mr. Otis and Mrs. Zelna were truly blessed.

What an honor to meet Mr. Otis, who

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was 96 years old on July 27th. He remembers everything from the first day he was drafted into the Navy until the last day he spent on board that ship headed home. He never talked about the hardships of being away from his home and family, or the rain and cold, or going without the things that we take for granted. He definitely is part of Tom Brokaw’s Greatest Generation.

16 million men and women served in World War II. Today, 2016, approximately 698,000 are still living.

By the year 2036, it is estimated that all World War II Veterans will be gone.

They are dying at the rate of 430 each day. If you have the opportunity to sit down and talk with a veteran of World War II, take it. Buy him a cup of coffee, shake his hand and tell him how much you appreciate his service to our great Country, the United State of America.

Thank you, Mr. Otis, for your service to our Country and for allowing me to tell just a small part of your story. ď • TCM Hometown Living At Its Best 51

T Tattnal C Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet - 2016

“Tattnall Through the Decades�

Lifetime Achievement Award L-r: Sylvester and Juanita Ashford and Tammy Wilds

Tattnall County Citizen of the Year, Kevin Keyfauver, with Chamber President Tammy Wilds

Cobbtown Citizen of the Year L-r: Vaughn Lanier and Tammy Wilds

Manassas Citizen of the Year L-r: Toney Edwards and Tammy Wilds

Lifetime Achievement Award L-r: Ruben and Novella King and Tammy Wilds

Lifetime Achievement Award L-r: G.W. and Marvell Thompson and Tammy Wilds

Community Involvement Award - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7764 Front l-r: Fred Akins, Ronnie McCall and Wayne Campbell, Jackie Trim and Bruce Sanders. Back l-r: Bennie Akins, Gene Williams, James Curl, Tammy Wilds, Bobby Kennedy and Trace Simmons

Collins Citizen of the Year L-r: Wallace and Janice Jarriel and Tammy Wilds

Glennville Citizen of the Year L-r: Amy Murray and Tammy Wilds

Reidsville Citizen of the Year - Team Reidsville L-r: - Wanda Blair, Janisse Ray, Kathy Rogers, Tammy Wilds and Susan Thomas

all County

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The The Greater Greater Tattnall Tattnall Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce Junior Junior Board Board of of Directors Directors

Greater Greater Tattnall Tattnall Chamber Chamber of Commerce of Commerce presents presents theirtheir Junior Junior Board Board of Directors of Directors for 2016/2017 for 2016/2017

Service Business the Year - Bradley B. Anderson Funeral Service Business of theofYear - Bradley B. Anderson Funeral and Crematory Country Cremation Services HomeHome and Crematory / Low/ Low Country Cremation Services and Burial L-r: Brad Anderson and Tammy and Burial - L-r:-Brad Anderson and Tammy WildsWilds

Senior Senior Chamber Chamber Board Board Members Members FrontFront l-r: Faith l-r: Faith Nopal, Nopal, JaceyJacey Folsom, Folsom, HopeHope Nopal, Nopal, KaylaKayla Tootle, Tootle, Devon Devon Merrill Merrill (Vice(Vice President), President), Coleman Coleman Purcell Purcell (President), (President), KatieKatie Huffmaster Huffmaster (Secretary/Treasurer), (Secretary/Treasurer), Alex Alex Sierra, Sierra, KalebKaleb Terrell.

Terrell.

Middle Middle l-r: Kevin l-r: Kevin Hunter, Hunter, Tara Tara Gay, Laquarius Gay, Laquarius Smith, Smith, LaDasha LaDasha Sallie,Sallie, Marlee Marlee Dasher, Dasher, Kaydee Kaydee Rowland, Rowland, McKenzie McKenzie Harden, Harden, Hannah Hannah Tillman, Tillman, Mercedes Mercedes Wells,Wells, Marissa Marissa Nomura, Nomura, Dree Dree Wicker, Wicker, Savannah Savannah Blocker, Blocker, BlakeBlake Heilman.

Heilman.

BackBack l-r:Haley l-r:Haley Rigdon, Rigdon, Jeremiah Jeremiah Barnett, Barnett, BlakeBlake Durrence, Durrence, Destini Destini Lawson, Lawson, KalebKaleb Todd,Todd, Hunter Hunter Smith, Smith, AdamAdam Stephens Stephens

Service/Leadership Award Nita Baker Bell Baker Service/Leadership Award - Nita- Bell

Junior Junior Chamber Chamber Board Board Members Members FrontFront l-r: Jessica l-r: Jessica Fletcher, Fletcher, Madeline Madeline Thompson, Thompson, Cassidy Cassidy Holland Holland (Secretary (Secretary Elect),Elect), J. Daniel J. Daniel Shuman Shuman (Pres-(Presidentident Elect),Elect), Ramsi Ramsi Whatley Whatley (Vice(Vice President President Elect),Elect), AveryAvery EasonEason (Treasurer (Treasurer Elect),Elect), Courtney Courtney Peters.

Peters.

BackBack l-r: l-r: PaigePaige Oliver,Oliver, Natalie Natalie Gore,Gore, TaylorTaylor Oliver,Oliver, Dyana Dyana Velez,Velez, Harley Harley McCumber, McCumber, DhruvDhruv Patel,Patel, Merari Merari Resendiz, Resendiz, Jordan Jordan Keffer, Keffer, Morelia Morelia Arroyo, Arroyo, KaylaKayla Keeton Keeton

Service/Leadership Award Service/Leadership Award Sharon accepting award Dr. Randy Sharon King King accepting award for Dr.forRandy King King

Business of theofYear - Anna’s On The Business the Year - Anna’s On Corner The Corner L-r: Anna Hodges and Tammy WildsWilds L-r: Anna Hodges and Tammy

Business of theofYear - Strickland’s Pharmacy Business the Year - Strickland’s Pharmacy L-r: Dennis and Sindy Strickland and Tammy WildsWilds L-r: Dennis and Sindy Strickland and Tammy

Business Person of theofYear Business Person the Year L-r: David Baxter and Tammy WildsWilds L-r: David Baxter and Tammy

Business Person of theofYear Business Person the Year L-r: Don and Tammy WildsWilds L-r: Warren Don Warren and Tammy

Volunteer of theofYear Volunteer the Award Year Award L-r: Amanda Terrell LoyedLoyed and Tammy WildsWilds L-r: Amanda Terrell and Tammy

Junior BoardBoard Members of theofYear Junior Members the Year L-r: LaDasha Sallie,Sallie, Tammy WildsWilds and Tara Gay Gay L-r: LaDasha Tammy and Tara

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God’s

Blessings A series of life long blessings, helps one family overcome tragedy.

STORY BY | Gail Dixon & Kimberly M. Blake PHOTOS FURNISHED BY | Amberly Foster Photography, Gail Dixon, & Kimberly M. Blake

k

Kimberly Monfils Blake was born in Anchorage, Alaska on April 7, 1983. When she was two and a half, she and her family moved to Reidsville, Georgia, where her mom’s side of the family lived. Kimberly says she had a wonderful childhood growing up.

Friday, September 3, 1993, changed Kimberly’s life and her family’s life forever. An accidental shooting left Kimberly with a head wound.

The accident happened at 7:00 AM, which was good because it was the shift change at the hospital, which meant twice as many doctors and nurses. This was one of the first of many blessings to come. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics did their triage and knew they had a life or death situation. The Lifestar helicopter had been called and the ambulance was then in route to Tattnall Memorial. Once there, Kimberly was stabilized as best they could for the 18-minute flight to Savannah.

There were a lot of people at the hospital and as the helicopter was getting ready to leave, the people circled it, joined hands, and prayed as it lifted and headed to Savannah. The original plan was to go to Memorial but the plan changed to St. Joseph because the neurosurgeon was there...blessing number two!

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bless·ing

noun God’s favor and protection.

By the time Kimberly’s family arrived at St. Joseph, she was already in surgery and would need another surgery on Monday to relieve the pressure on her brain. People from Tattnall “flooded” the hospital and the staff opened one of their conference rooms to accommodate the people; another blessing allowing family and friends to be together and pray.

“I woke up in the ICU on the Neurology floor in St. Joseph’s as a scared 10-year-old little girl not knowing why I couldn’t move,” says Kimberly. She spent three weeks in ICU in a drug-induced coma and a week on the Neurology floor.

More blessings were the people at the hospital. Kimberly had some of the best nurses and doctors she could have ever had; they have a lifetime bond.

She’s really close to two of the nurses, Lu Perkins and Lucia Owens; these ladies attended her wedding in April.

Ralph Lipsey, a black man who was working in the ER when Kimberly arrived, was so touched by her that he would go and sit with her during the night. Her family didn’t even know Ralph was doing that until a nurse told them about him. They were amazed that he cared enough to go and sit by her bedside. Another nurse would stay at night and sing George Strait songs to her; he said that if she passed away, he would not walk through the doors of the ICU ever again. “Thankfully, that was not God’s plan for my life,” she says.

After her stay at St. Joseph’s, Kimberly was transferred to Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center in Atlanta, another blessing, where she would spend the next three months learning how to live. She remembers the early morning ambulance ride, “I had my Cabbage Patch doll, Mikey, with me. My daddy got to ride in the ambulance and was there when I was rolled into Room 208 on the Rehab floor. Those first few days were quite an adjustment as I was having speech, occupational, and physical therapy twice a day. Daddy stayed with me first and then there was usually a rotation between Mama, Aunt Cindy, and Granny.”

Communication was a big issue for Kimberly because she couldn’t talk. Dr. Wirth, who did the initial surgery, said that he had removed the part of the brain that dealt with speech capacity. Getting ready every morning was interesting because people had to ask what she wanted to wear and she couldn’t tell them. They came up with a system, eye blinking. Blink once for yes and twice for no. Eventually, their communication included head shaking and a communication board. This was another blessing!

One of the first things Kimberly remembered was the serial casting of her arms to give her more flexibility.

The left arm was done first and one day, just out of the blue, she began moving her fingers like she was Hometown Living At Its Best

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playing the piano. After this, Kimberly was able to use her left arm to point to the commands and that made life easier. Kimberly started mouthing words to songs they had sung in the chapel of the hospital. One day, she spent three hours saying her brother’s name over and over again. Then, it happened...the next blessing in her life.

On November 1, 1993, Kimberly’s mama, had been with her all week and was leaving.

Aunt Cindy was going to be staying with her for a week and it was Cindy’s birthday. Granny Ree rode with Cindy so Glenda would have someone to ride home with her. Glenda and Granny decided to get something to eat before they left. While they were gone, Cindy kept telling Kimberly that all she wanted for her birthday was for Kimberly to tell her, “Happy Birthday.” Sitting in a chair across from her Aunt Cindy, Kimberly looked at her and said, “Hap...py...Birth...day...to...you...Cin...dy!”

Both started crying, Cindy called Glenda, and they ran back up to Kimberly’s room. They

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kept asking her to say things over and over and Kimberly was happy to be able to do so. No one went home that week! What a true blessing for all of them! Kimberly said, “We were so overjoyed. We had a good time getting to know each other again. I’ll always remember that!”

Thanksgiving 1993 was her first pass into the outside world and she was able to go to the Georgia Power House, similar to the Ronald McDonald House, and have Thanksgiving dinner with her family. Kimberly explains, “It was wonderful being outside of the four walls of the hospital. I wanted to be able to go home with everyone so bad. But it was only a day pass,” and yet, another blessing.

The next blessing came when Kimberly received an overnight pass at Christmas! She got to go home and spend the night in her own bed. “I was so happy and blessed because I was one of the lucky ones who got to go home for Christmas. I’m sure Mama checked on me more times than I care to know about that one night. She might have even slept on the floor

of my room,” says Kimberly. After getting back to the hospital, they were told Kimberly would be released in January. They were thankful for another blessing!

On January 7, 1994, Kimberly got to go home. After months in the hospital, it just didn’t seem real to her.

It was real and, like all 10-year-olds, Kimberly had to attend school. She was put on Hospital Home Bound for the remainder of that school year. Her HHB teacher was Mrs. Louise Dees Kramer, her favorite teacher from 4th grade. Mrs. Kramer taught her everything she needed to know and she passed to the 5th grade.

The following year, Kimberly went to school for half a day and then to Savannah for therapy. Aunt Cindy would sit in the floor of the van beside her and they would get her homework done, even if they had to use a flashlight. Here was another blessing!

A Psychologist at Scottish Rite told Kimberly that she would never be able to do any work higher than 2nd grade math. Was he ever wrong! Kimberly was an 8th grade HONOR student and graduated from Tattnall County High School in May 2001, 35th in her class with a dual seal diploma. With the help of her therapist, Judi Bierman, she was able to WALK across the stage to accept her diploma..another blessing.

Kimberly took some time off and decided to go to STC. She told me, “As with anything with me, it can never just be the normal college experience! I chose Business as my major and had to change to Accounting because I couldn’t type the required 60 words per minute with one hand.” Kimberly graduated from STC in June 2005. One more blessing.

In August 2005, Kimberly began Hometown Living At Its Best

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working at the Tattnall County Board of Education. She is the receptionist and the first person you see when you walk in the front door. She always greets you with a big smile and a “hello.” She loves her job and said it fits her just fine because she is a “total people person” and the job is “right up her alley.”

In December 2014, Kimberly started dating the man of her dreams, Bryan Blake. She says with a huge smile, “He is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wouldn’t trade one moment of our life together. He proposed and I said ‘YES’ on September 22, 2015, at the Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, our place.” Kimberly was beyond excited; her fairytale was finally coming true. Everything she had ever wanted, but never dreamed would ever happen, WAS happening. They were married on April 9, 2016, on a perfect, windy 62

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day in Statesboro surrounded by their closest family and friends. She explains, “It was absolutely the greatest day of my life when I married my best friend. You can never express what you’re going to feel like in a certain moment. As my daddy pushed me down the aisle and I saw Bryan, I felt so much peace and joy, the kind you feel when you know something is right. I knew with everything in me that something this ideal could only have been orchestrated by the hand of God. Every day is another gift; a miracle that we get to experience together. I can’t wait to see what’s next for us.”

Kimberly said that she had a lot of help and could not have made it on her own. She is where she is today

because of family support, great friends, a solid church family, and the grace of God. She says, “My life wasn’t always easy, in fact, none of it was easy, but I knew I wanted more out of my life and I pushed for it. Life is what you make it. I chose to make mine worth living.

Today, looking back on everything I have been through, I can wholeheartedly say I wouldn’t change one second of it because I have met so many great and wonderful people through this experience and I have been blessed beyond measure...” She and her family have one of the greatest blessings of all...God! Bryan and Kimberly live in Reidsville with their two children, Kirsten (12) and Andrew (9).  TCM Hometown Living At Its Best

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Photography

Cause FOR A

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Photographer Allison Cobb uses her talents to help others in their fight with cancer.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY | Allison Cobb

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I

I had been in the photography business a few years, when my friend, Adam Crisp, suggested that I offer family photos on Easter Sunday as everyone is already dressed up and would be ready to have their pictures taken. I wasn’t sure how I felt about “making money” off of Easter Sunday. I am a Christian and the idea of profiting from Easter Sunday just did not feel right!

My maternal grandmother, Anne Narcarti, had breast cancer twice, undergoing chemo treatments and breast mastectomies at different times.

The cancer metastasized to her pancreas and she died in 1994. I was in my senior year at Tattnall County High School. In the spring of 2011, my paternal grandmother, Joy Cobb, called to tell me of her own breast cancer diagnosis. She had undergone surgery, but would not need to take chemo treatments. It was at this time, I became concerned for my own health and asked my gynecologist if she could schedule a mammogram for me “just in case” and even though I was only 34 because of my family history she

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agreed. That first mammogram turned into an MRI, which turned into a biopsy.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, 2011 and underwent surgery in July. This was followed by chemo treatments and radiation. I lost all of my hair, was sick 2 or 3 days after each chemo treatment, had no energy and could not put in a lot of hours at the office or with my photography business.

I had health insurance, but without the financial help of my boyfriend I would have been in serious trouble with all of my medical and personal bills. It was at this time that Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S. (Cancer Association Relief Effort and Support) sent me $500.00, no questions asked, to help me with bills and expenses of traveling back and forth for treatments. A few months later they sent me another $500.00 to help me when my house payment was behind. My Farm Bureau agents in Reidsville also sent me a donation and paid one of my vehicle insurance premiums. Churches, friends, co-workers at The Tattnall Journal and people I didn’t know all that well

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sent me cards, messages on Facebook, brought food and genuinely wanted to know how I was doing throughout the ordeal. I finished up my radiation treatments toward the end of February 2012 and was declared cancer free!

I was very thankful; happy the medical treatments were over and blessed to be a part of Tattnall County and the wonderful people who live here. I wanted to give back; I wanted to have that feeling of helping others and I knew I could do that through my photography. Easter was coming up and the suggestion by my friend, Adam, came to mind.

I advertised on Facebook my plans for an “Easter Family Fundraiser” on Easter Sunday 2012 at Barnard Park in Glennville. My plans were to sell photo packages for $35.00 and donate all of the profit to Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S. I wanted to raise at least $1000.00 to “give back” the donation they had given to me. I sold tickets in advance, but dropins were welcome also. We set the time from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone who wanted to stop by and have their photos taken, with or without an appointment.

My mom, Melanye Narcarti, helped me out and my boyfriend, Jim, was there to help as he has been over all of the years.

Both of them, of course, are volunteers.

LOL! We raised a donation of $2000.00 for Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S. that first year. Jim suggested I add an extra $12.00 to the donation for the year – A $2012.00 in 2012!

People LOVED the photos and all year long they would ask me if I was going to do it again the next year. So, it became a kind of tradition, although it stalled a bit the next year. In the spring of 2013, Jim was diagnosed with colon cancer and we spent Easter Sunday in the VA Hospital in Augusta. We still had the photo shoot in 2013, even though it was not on Easter Sunday and still managed to raise $600.00

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for Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S. Easter Sunday 2014 was cold and windy and we only raised a donation of $800.00, but in 2015 the donation grew to $2050.00. It was in 2015 I raised the price of the photo packages to $40.00. After expenses that leaves a profit of $25.00 all of which is donated to worthwhile causes.

It was while planning for the 2016 Easter Family Photo fundraiser that I learned a former neighbor of mine, Duwayne Floyd, had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Duwayne is in his mid 30’s and he and his wife, Anne, have four children. Duwayne had been undergoing extensive treatments to try and shrink the tumor, which

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wasn’t working too well. He was unable to work and expenses were adding up even with his disability.

My good friend and fellow photographer, Tammy Driggers and I wanted to do something to help Duwayne and his family. I told Tammy I could donate half of my profits to the Floyds and half to Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S. We told Anne of the plans and she was so incredibly grateful. Easter Sunday morning the weather was calling for 100% rain, it looked really bleak. However, we still showed up at Barnard Park and a large crowd of people came for photos. By 10:30 that morning I was standing in a downpour with my camera, while photographing my last two families who were posed under the pavilion. We

just couldn’t take anymore photos, the rain was not letting up. But just for those 2 ½ hours, the donation amounted to $600.00 for the Floyd family and $600.00 for C.A.R.E.S. Numerous people went on Facebook or texted me directly to see if we were going to have a “make-up photo day” because of the rain. The spring is so busy for me, but I checked the calendar and the only day I saw that might work was Mother’s Day. People loved the idea! I posted the Easter photos, which were quickly shared on Facebook through all my friends and everyone became excited about the upcoming Mother’s Day photo fundraiser event.

The weather was perfect on Mother’s Day. My mom, my boyfriend and I all went to Barnard Park again and

began welcoming the people who came to have their photos taken. We had a steady stream of folks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tammy Driggers also came after church and volunteered several hours helping arrange people for their photos. After the money was counted, the donations amounted to another $1012.50 for the Floyd family and a matching $1012.50 for C.A.R.E.S. It feels great to volunteer and be able to help others. I love the photo fundraiser day and hope to continue it for a long, long time. I want to thank everyone who keeps coming back year after year. It is only with their help and support that we continue to give back to those who have given to us in the past.  TCM

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farming fowl Story by

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Jackson Sharpe

Photos by

Allison Cobb

I John Renault, Live Production Manager of Fries Farms, shares the complex business of hatching, feeding, and raising millions of chickens right here in Tattnall County.

In Tattnall County, Fries Farms, a part of Claxton Poultry Farms, has built a community on the business of chickens, providing 165 plus jobs to local employees. The family business, started

by Norman Fries and his wife, Doris, has thrived and stretched into the third generation, but others, like John Renault, have been adopted into the family business and spent most of their lives working for the company.

“I came to Claxton Poultry in 1979 as Broiler Manager,” John Renault says.

With a degree in Poultry Science from the University of Florida, John originally worked in the Florida Panhandle until an associate, Ray Rush, moved to Claxton, opening a door for John to take a job there as well. John, his wife, Fran, and their four sons: Matt, Josh, Ben, and Brian all had lived the small town life, so moving to Glennville was a fairly easy transition.

Growing up, John's sons helped their dad work on their chicken farm, and eventually, John transferred to Live Production Manager in 1986. While his sons eventually went their own way, John stuck with the company for 37 years. Now, John manages all the live production activities of Fries Farms, which completes the cycle of growing and producing broiler chickens.

“We buy day-old breeder chicks from other companies,” John says. “We grow them in what we call pullet houses, and when they reach twenty-one weeks we move them to a layer house.”

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Third generation Tattnall County poultry farmers. From left to right: Trent, Trey, Tammy and Tony Kennedy. Growing poultry for Claxton Poultry is a family affair. Not shown but also family growers are Tony’s brother Tommy Kennedy and brothers-in-law Andy Burke and Mark Dasher.

The Breeder Department, headed by Jeff Odom, has the primary goal of producing fertile hatching eggs.

From there the eggs are sent to one of two separate hatcheries managed by Reggie Waters, Kelly Lester and Walter Anderson. “We produce 2.4 million baby chicks

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a week,” John says, “and at any given time we have roughly 600,000 female breeders in the field producing eggs as well as 50,000 males to fertilize the eggs.”

From the chick's first day out of the egg, Glenn Shuman and Eric Greene manage a team of service techs who work with growers in the field to provide guidelines on raising chickens efficiently as they mature into broilers. Claxton Poultry is involved with almost 800 chicken houses and has 241 contract farms within 10 southeast counties. “We don't own the farms or the chicken houses,” John says, “but we own the chickens. Contract growers provide the service, labor, utilities, and the chicken houses. We supply the chickens, the feed, and the knowledge needed to help care for and grow them.”

The average chicken house is 40 by 600 feet.

For bio-security reasons threats such as hawks, coyotes, and diseases, the chickens can't roam free outside. “We're keeping them safer in that controlled environment and we're keeping out avian influenza, which is already a problem in other parts of the country,” John says. Claxton Poultry's flocks are always tested for various diseases before they are processed and have never tested positive for avian influenza.

As part of a continuing corporate commitment to modernization, Claxton Poultry in 2016 completed a new, state-of-the-art feedmill located in Surrency, GA. Brice Pound, a Fries family grandson who, like several other family members, occupy key positions within the company, was put in place as Feed Mill Manager responsible for providing feed to the pullets, layers, and broilers.

“Brice oversees a strict protocol that feeds the chickens a carefully formulated and highly nutritious corn and soy mixture approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration,” John says. Depending on their stage of development, the chickens have a specialized diet, formulated with the help of an outside nutrition company.

Claxton Poultry is involved with almost 800 chicken houses and has 241 contract farms within 10 southeast counties. “We don’t own the farms or the chicken houses,” John says, “but we own the chickens. Contract growers provide the service, labor, utilities, and the chicken houses. We supply the chickens, the feed, and the knowledge needed to help care for and grow them.”

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Currently the feedmill manufactures over 10,500 tons of feed per week.

Mike Massey manages the grain receiving facility, also located in Surrency, GA, and receives over 12 million bushels of corn per year.

Within the sales department, there are two main sized birds. “We have a 3.75lb bird, which takes 33 days to grow, while our bigger bird grows to about 5.75-6.0lbs, which takes about 45 to 46 days to grow,” John says.

team success

It takes an entire team to raise chickens, and John knows he’s fortunate to have such a skilled group of co-workers. “We’ve got a great team put together in Glennville,” John says. “All of our team members are essential to the process of producing broilers which is why we are so successful.”

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There is even a separate animal-welfare division for Fries Farms headed up by Paul Stavriotis. Servicemen in the field also help train growers in welfare issues and watch out for anything that may be potentially harmful to the chickens. “We do take that much more seriously than people realize,” he says.”

If a flock gets sick, they can be given medications, which is also part of animal welfare. Once the chickens have been healthily raised, the Live-

Haul division comes in and catches the chickens and takes them to Claxton to be processed. “That's where my responsibility ends to a certain degree,” John says, but he is still responsible if there are any health issues with the chickens at the plant.

It takes an entire team to raise chickens, and John knows he's fortunate to have such a skilled group of co-workers. “We've got a great team put together in Glennville,” John says. “All of our team members are essential to the process of producing broilers which is why we are so successful.”

Working with Claxton Poultry, John has seen how the Fries family is good to their employees and sincerely cares about them. “They know me and they know many of the people who work for them,” John says. “They are concerned about their contract producers' well-being and that they’re making a good income for their families. The company's not just a big machine. We know the faces behind the contract

farm owners. I wouldn't have stayed here this long had this not been an excellent company to grow chickens for and to work with.”

The theme of family is a recurring one at Claxton Poultry. A family-owned business with generationsdeep roots in Georgia, the company recently received the Georgia Trend 2015 Family Business Award. As part of its core operating philosophy Claxton Poultry believes in giving back to its supporting communities through scholarship programs, product donations and a range of other quality-of-life improvement efforts.

Working closely with John Renault is company President Mikell R. Fries, 41, the grandson of Company founder Norman W. Fries and Doris S. Fries, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. A number of other long-term key executives make up a tightly knit management team.

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With a great grower base in Tattnall County, John says there's also a waiting list of people wanting to grow chickens with Claxton Poultry, which he believes makes the company fortunate. However, right now there are more people wanting to grow chickens than they can provide contracts for. Current growers are looking to expand, and John says “…it's a longterm investment, so we're looking for people who are going to be just as interested in growing chickens twenty years from now as they are today.”

Around 55% of growers are based in Tattnall County, but Appling County is expanding, and there has been increased interest coming from Toombs County.

Currently Claxton Poultry is processing 2.3 million broilers a week, a huge increase from the roughly 300,000 broilers John estimates they produced when he first came on board Claxton Poultry 37 years ago.

“There have been many changes over the years,” John said, “but in some very important ways things have stayed the same. Our story is one of growth, enterprise and an enduring respect for the environment and the generations of families it supports. Our country roots will always run deep. We raise the finest all natural, farm fresh chicken to be had, we’re Georgia grown and we’re proud of it.”  TCM

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A HUMBLE

GUIDE STORY BY | GAIL DIXON PHOTOS BY | THE RHODES FAMILY & THE JOURNAL SENTINEL

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RUNNER One young man uses his talent for running to help others achieve Olympic Gold.

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Mason Rhodes was born September 19, 1989 in Tattnall County.

Growing up in Glennville, he attended Glennville Christian Academy, Glennville Elementary School, Glennville Middle School, and Tattnall County High School. Mason played football and basketball in middle school and began playing JV baseball when he got to high school. During his 10th grade year, Coach William Hall talked Mason into running track, which would become the start of the “journey of a lifetime” for Mason Rhodes! He realized that he had a natural talent for running. Undoubtedly, Coach Hall saw something in Mason from the get go. Mason was running the 400 and 800 meter dashes and anything else Coach Hall wanted him to do. During his senior year, Mason went to Jefferson in State to run the 400 meter dash, coming in 5th.

Mason’s successful high school career led to an athletic scholarship to the Historical Black College, Paine College, in Augusta, Georgia. Coach Straw and Coach Adams, from Paine College gave Mason an opportunity for a scholarship in the 400 meter dash. While there, Mason’s talents further developed. He was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for four years, back-to-back. Today, Mason currently holds the record for the 200 and 400 meter dash. He finished his collegiate career with silver medals in the 400 meter race.

His many successes led him to the professional track and field world.

During his senior year at Paine, Mason worked under the coaching staff for track. This coaching staff inspired Mason to continue his “journey” and help to guide and mentor him through the process.

Coach Natasha Colander Clark was a 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist in the 4 x 400 meter relay in Sydney, Australia. Coach Lionel Nau was French and ran track at the University of Southern California and continued to be Mason’s coach until he met Coach Kelly Carter at Georgia Southern University.

Graduating in 2012, Mason had the chance to go to Colorado for the Division II Nationals but decided to attend Graduate School instead. Continuing his education, Mason started his Master’s Degree at Georgia Southern University, along with his professional track career where he continued to compete in order to master his skill set. He graduated from GSU in May 2014 with a degree in Higher Education Administration. While pursuing the degree, Mason still managed to compete, but not like he wanted to because he was focused on school.

After graduation, in September 2014, Mason met Coach Kelly Carter, the new track coach at GSU and was given the opportunity to train with the track and field team and assist as a volunteer coach.

This was the beginning of Mason’s journey in the Professional Track and Field World. “Coach Carter helped me gain the opportunity to move to California and introduced me to the Paralympics, where I became a guide runner,” says Mason. This led to his being asked to join the Chula Vista Paralympics National Team as a Guide Runner.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. Its purpose is to organize the summer and winter Paralympic Games and act as the International Federation for nine sports, supervising and coordinating World Championships and other competitions. The vision of the IPC, run by 200 members, is “To enable Para-athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”

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initiation to elite levels and touch the heart of all people for a more equitable society. The IPC’s aspiration is to make for a more inclusive society for people with impairment through Para-sport. Para-athletes, through their performances, showcase to the world what can be achieved when testing your body to its absolute limits. They have a unique strength of character that combines mental toughness, physical ability and outstanding agility to produce sporting performances that regularly redefine the boundaries of possibility. As role models, Para-athletes maximize their abilities, thus empowering and exciting others to participate in sports. (paralympics.org) A guide runner is a runner who assists and supports a visually impaired runner, classified as a T11 or T12, by communicating with him to help the runner throughout the race. A T11 runner is completely blind and is tethered (tied together by fingers) to his guide. A T12 runner can see up to 98

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five meters and is not tethered to his guide, they run side by side. The guide runner has to be faster than the runner. The three guide runners in Chula Vista, including Mason, are the fastest than in any other country!

Mason has settled in very well and works as a guide runner for U.S.A. Paralympian David Brown, who currently holds the world record in the 100 and 200 meter race in the Paralympics. David is working towards achieving the same goals and successes in the 200 and 400 meter races. Mason is striving to help David achieve this goal. What is really unique is that David comes to Mason’s chest in height, David is 5’9” and Mason is 6’4”, which was a problem in the beginning. Once they figured out they needed to make the tether longer, they became a great team together. Competing in the Mt. Sac Relays on April 15, 2015, they placed 1st in the 200 meter race and their latest success was at the Desert Challenge in Phoenix, Arizona where they won their second

medal. (Note: anything David wins, Mason wins too!)

“While guide running, I have the opportunity to pursue my goal, which is running in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics under the coaching and leadership of Coach Joaquin Cruz, who is from Brazil. Coach Cruz is a 1984 Gold Medalist Olympian and holds the world record for the 800 meter dash,” says Mason.

One of Mason’s many experiences has included traveling to Doha, Qatar for the International Paralympic Competition. He had the opportunity to train and compete against 100 plus countries and he was able to learn about the culture of Doha, which Mason said was great. He has had some really good learning experiences…everyone is treated equally and their favorite thing to say is “No excuses.”

Kay Brown, Mason’s mother, and Tobias and Zoie, Mason’s brother and sister, went to Chula Vista, California during the Summer to visit and find out more about the Paralympics. Kay says, “Our trip was unique and very educational. I’m very proud of Mason and his accomplishments and I know there are more great things in store for

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him.” Tobias says, “The trip was cool and I learned a lot. There was a lot of Olympic training (BMX, rowing, fast walk) and I got to watch BMX practice.

I learned about the Paralympics.” Zoie didn’t have much to say other than she was excited to get to see everything and she got to go to Disney World!

Mason’s grandparents, Jessie and Connie Rhodes of Glennville, have traveled all over the East Coast with him in all sports. They are very proud of the young man Mason has become and all of his accomplishments. He has had their support from day one and will continue to have their support as he trains to go to the Olympics. Mrs. Connie says, “God gave him those long legs for something!” and then laughs, although she knows why God gave Mason those long legs. Mason’s dad, Charlie Anderson, Jr. of Atlanta, and grandparents, Pastor Charlie and Helen Anderson of Hinesville, are also proud of Mason and how hard he has worked

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to get to where he is today.

God has given Mason this running talent and Mason realizes it. He said that he plans to use it for the glory of God! The 2016 Journey has begun...Mason and David are training for the 400 hurdles, switching events from the 400 meter dash because it is tougher and a better opportunity in the world of track. Mason is training to go to the 2016 Olympics in Rio whether for himself or as a guide runner with David. If he gets to go for himself and with David, Mason will be the first person to do both!

As Mason’s high school English teacher and the author of this article, “Mason, you are still just as respectful and wellmannered as ever and I am so proud to be able to say that I know you! I want to wish you the best as you continue to let God use you. I hope that your 2016 and 2020 Olympic dreams bring you great things in God’s sight and for you.” In the words of your mama and grandma...TEAM MASON ALL THE WAY!  TCM

Coach William Hall (kneeling) with TCHS track members going to State (l to r): Keepers Brown, Lamar White, Mason Rhodes and Sheldrick Butler

For more information on the Paralympics, you can go to paralympic.org and you can Google David Brown to find out more information about him.

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Lasseter Implement Company

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1601 U.S. Hwy. 1 South, Lyons 912.526.3410

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Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center

Where there is hope for healing.

Specialized care for diabetic wounds, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, venous & arterial ulcers, trauma wounds, vasculitis, and other complex or non-healing wounds. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy available.

Monday - Friday 8AM - 5 PM | 101 Harris Industrial Blvd., Suite E, Vidalia | 912.277.2077 | No Referral Necessary

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

Call Triangle-J, Inc. for any of your transportation needs or visit us at www.trianglejinc.com

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Hablamos Espanol

Tattnall

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INSURANCE APRIL PIRKLE, AGENT JANE JOYNER, AGENT 125 W. Barnard Street Glennville, GA 30427

(912) 654-2128 phone (912) 654-1847 fax Email: tattnallins@windstream.net | www. tattnallinsurance.com

306 Gordon St. Glennville, GA 30427 (800) 658-3408

www.armstrongcrickets.com

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Story by Charles Barnard Photos by Allison Cobb and Kelly McDonald

Without a doubt, Peggy Bacon’s upbeat personality and genuine care for the well-being and satisfaction of others will be her lasting legacy.

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You see her moving quietly in the background as you place your order at the service counter. Moments later your eyes connect with hers as she flashes a ready smile of acknowledgment and acceptance. It is a smile that is brighter than the neon glow from the lights of the marquee. Her name is Peggy Bacon, and she has been the smiling “face” of the Glennville Dairy Queen for nearly 50 years.

Sixteen year old Peggy Arthur graduated from Tattnall County Industrial High School just weeks prior to the June 21, 1968 Grand Opening of Glennville’s first fast food restaurant and in her own words, “…was just trying to get a job, never realizing that first job would lead to a lifelong career in food service.” She recalls that the owners, Delwin and Mary Dowdy, had

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Over the course of the next two decades Peggy would learn the ins-and-outs of every facet of the restaurant’s daily operations. With each passing year, she would assume greater and greater responsibilities becoming what Delwin’s parents, Wren and Vida Dowdy, described as their “right hand” person.

tasked her to assist with cleaning and stocking the kitchen and storage areas. She was surprised when, just two weeks later, Mrs. Dowdy moved her to the front counter and taught her how to greet customers and operate the cash register. Impressed with Peggy’s attitude and work ethic, Mrs. Dowdy remembers that, “Peggy was always dependable, and she expressed her thankfulness in having a job.”

Over the course of the next two decades Peggy would learn the ins-and-outs of every facet of the restaurant’s daily operations. With each passing year, she would assume greater and greater responsibilities becoming what Delwin’s parents, Wren and Vida Dowdy, described as their “right hand” person.

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Peggy is quick to point out that while she loves what she does at work and the many opportunities for growth that Dairy Queen has provided over the past half century, her life is much more than what you see when she is in uniform. In fact, her longevity and successes at her job are merely a reflection of her life outside the restaurant.

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Curt and Sally Thorsen assumed management of the Glennville DQ in 1987. One of their first managerial decisions was to send Peggy to Dairy Queen’s corporate training facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Upon her return, the Thorsens promoted Peggy to store manager.

In 2003, Curt and Sally decided to cut back on their work load and concentrate on their Reidsville location.

A lease agreement was negotiated granting Peggy sole authority over the Glennville franchise. Peggy would serve as owner/manager for the next three years until the sale of the franchise and property to Zuber Malek, the present owner. Peggy was retained as store manager. Referred to affectionately as “Miss Peggy” by

employees and customers alike, Zuber has dubbed Peggy as the “Boss Lady.”

Glennville Mayor Chris Roessler presented Peggy with a proclamation on August 21, 2012 lauding her “dedication and commitment” as well as her “valuable contributions to our city and community in her achievements and career endeavors.” Around that same time, a beautiful patio in front of the restaurant was completed and named “Peggy’s Patio” in appreciation of her years of service and hard work with the franchise. In 2015, the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce hailed Peggy as “the Queen of the Dairy Queen” and recognized her with their Hometown Living At Its Best

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Employee of the Year Business Award.

Peggy is quick to point out that while she loves what she does at work and the many opportunities for growth that Dairy Queen has provided over the past half century, her life is much more than what you see when she is in uniform. In fact, her longevity and successes at her job are merely a reflection of her life outside the restaurant.

The daughter of Cleveland Arthur, Sr. and Ida Mae (Parker), Peggy had an up-close look at perseverance and commitment as her parents enjoyed over 60 years of togetherness before their life’s journeys came to an end. “My dad was always working and my mom always had food on the table for her family, which is the way it should be,” she said.

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Peggy is one of eleven siblings, eight girls and three boys, raised in a country setting along the Highway 301 corridor between Glennville and neighboring Ludowici.

When asked to describe her childhood, Peggy summed it up with one word, “great.” “We had a garden like everyone else,” she recalls. “You ate what was put in front of you and you didn’t complain.” She remembers with fondness having to prime the hand pump, warming up in front of the fireplace or wood burning stove, wash pots for washing clothes and sealing jars of canned goods, household chores and a $.25 allowance on Saturdays that bought soft drinks, chips or crackers, and bubble gum on weekend trips to town.

Peggy’s eyes light up when she thinks back to her childhood experiences as a student at Seckinger Elementary School. “My favorite class was music, especially choral and rhythm band with Mrs. Jones,” says Peggy. “I’ve always loved music.” That passion for music carried over into high school where it was nurtured along with an appreciation for English and Home Economics.

“My mother taught me to cook and clean and Home Economics class gave me the opportunity to build on that foundation as a means of preparing me not only for what would become my vocation, but also for married life,” she explains.

Peggy was just twelve years old when she first met her future husband, Lester Bacon, Sr., while working in the tobacco field. “I did not like him at first,” says Peggy, “but after a while, I got to liking him better.” That youthful encounter would blossom over the course of the next six years. Lester, three years older than Peggy, would have to wait until she turned sixteen before her parents would allow them to go on an unchaperoned date. Both would graduate from high school and be gainfully employed before they would “tie the knot” on March 30, 1970. Like Peggy, Lester knows the value of a good, stable job and has worked with the same company, Coastal Wood Products, for nearly 40 years. The couple has one son, Lester Bacon, Jr. who has two sons, Lester Bacon, III, “L.J.,” who lives

with Peggy and Lester and Colby who lives with his mother. The Bacons have resided in their present home for thirtysix years.

Faith plays an important role in the Bacon household and in Peggy’s life personally. Brought up in a Christian home, Peggy values the lessons taught to her at an early age. She and Lester have been members of the Greater Zachariah Missionary Baptist Church for over forty years. Lester serves as a deacon and Peggy as a deaconess. She is also the choir director, youth director, and a Sunday school teacher, all offices

she has held for many years.

As she approaches the stage in her life where many of her contemporaries are contemplating retirement Peggy says that she has not really given the idea much consideration. “Lester and I have mentioned it a few times,” she says, “but we haven’t really given it much thought.” Whatever course she decides to take in the future, Peggy’s faithfulness and dedication to her responsibilities at home, church, and work not only reflects the pride she takes in what she does, but the depth and purity of her character. Without

a doubt, her upbeat personality and genuine care for the well-being and satisfaction of others will be her lasting legacy.

When her life is considered as a whole, it is not difficult to understand how this bright and personable, petite powerhouse of a woman can engender such pleasant thoughts in her customers with just a smile and a glance. She is not just another pretty face in the sea of Dairy Queen employees; she is “The Queen of the Dairy Queen!”  TCM

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Welcome We Offer John Blalock, Katie Coleman, Executive Director Marketing Director

Habersham House

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

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• Five Star Rehabilitation & Wellness Programs • Respite/short-term stays • Three balanced meals a day • Housekeeping, personal laundry, and linen services • Assistance with bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living • Medication management • Weekly scheduled outings • 24-hour, specially trained, caring staff • Private and companion suites; choice of floor plans • Private bathroom • Lovely, secure outdoor courtyard, and gardens • Emergency response system • Scheduled local transportation available • Daily resident safety checks • All utilities and basic cable

mong the mossy oaks of historic Savannah, Georgia, Habersham House welcomes you with its southern charm. The moment you walk into Habersham House, you are part of our family. Relax in a cozy chair, shop the nearby stores or enjoy one of our many stimulating activities, Habersham House makes you feel right at home. From our caring, dedicated assisted living and memory care staff to our inviting courtyard and decor, we create a family-oriented place you will want to call your own.

About Us

Habersham House is a beautiful senior living retirement community in Savannah, Georgia. With Assisted Living and specialized Alzheimer’s care, Habersham House is a warm, inviting community where you can feel safe, secure, relaxed and enjoy life. We have 48 apartments for residents who need some level of assisted living services, and 23 apartments for those needing specialized Alzheimer’s or dementia care.

5200 Habersham Street | Savannah, GA 31405 | (912) 352-0070 | www.habershamhousesavannah.com

CLAXTON OILCOMPANY 75 Years of Products & Service You Can Trust!

“Propane Specialists since 1962” 1-800-339-1695 or (912) 739-1303 | 410 E. Main Street, Claxton, GA 30417 114

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K3-12th grade

Academic Excellence • Pinewood is GAC and SAIS / SACS accredited

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Convenience

• Lowest tuition of GISA AAA schools

we are here for you.

• PSAT and SAT scores are consistently above state and national averages

• Six bus routes offered

• Early morning drop-off / after schoo

• Low student/teacher ratio—Lower School (1 to 14); Upper School (1 to 18)

• Tuition Reduction available with the

• Five Advanced Placement courses available

| H i nrate Claxton | Glen n v college i l l e acceptance e sforvthe i lClass l e of|2014, R e2015, i d and s v2016 ille • southgabank.com • 100% K3-12th grade

Academic Excellence

Convenience

• Dual Enrollment—Move On When Ready partners with EGSC, GSU, and OTC

• Pinewood is GAC and SAIS / SACS accredited

• Lowest tuition of GISA AAA schools

Why Pinewood?

• PSAT and SAT scores are consistently above state and national averages

• Low student/teacher ratio—Lower School (1 to 14); Upper School (1 to 18)

Academic Excellence

• Five Advanced Placement courses available

• 100% collegeisacceptance rate for accredited the Class of 2014, 2015, and 2016 Academic Excellence • Pinewood GAC and SAIS / SACS

bus routes offered Extracurricular• SixActivities

• Early morning drop-off / after school care available • Athletic Programs offered include: Football, Cheerleading, Softball, Cross Country, Target Sports, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Tennis • Tuition Reduction available with the Learning to Serve Scholarship and Track

K3-12th grade

Convenience Convenience

K3-12th grade

Spiritua

• Since 2001, Patriot Athletics have earned 37 Region Championships, 15 State Championships, and•4Lowest FCC National tuition ofChampionships GISA AAA schools

• Lowest tuition of GISA AAA schools

• Family Atmosphere

K3-12th grade • Pinewood is GAC consistently and SAIS /above SACSstate accredited 2015 State AAA Champions • PSAT and SAT scores areOn andwith EGSC, GSU, and OTC• Softball team are the 2014 •&•Six busbus routes offered • Dual Enrollment—Move When Ready partners Six routes offered • PSATaverages and SAT scores are consistently above state national •Early Early morning drop-off aftercare school care available • morning drop-off /literary after /school available • Liberal Arts programs offered: drama, chorus and and national averages • Pinewood is GAC and SAIS / SACS accredited

Academic Excellence

Convenience

• Chapel services hel

• Lowest tuition of GISA AAA schools

• Low student/teacher ratio—Lower School (1 to 14); Upper School • •Low ratio—Lower School PSATstudent/teacher and SAT scores are consistently above state and (1 to (1 to 18) national averages 14); Upper School (1 to 18) • Five Advanced Placement courses available • Five Advanced Placement courses available

Extracurricular Activities

• Low student/teacher•ratio—Lower School (1 to 14); Upper SchoolFootball, Cheerleading, Softball, Athletic Programs offered include: • 100% college acceptance rate for therate Classfor of 2014, 2015, of and 2016 • (1 100% acceptance the Class to 18) college

• Tuition Reduction available with the Learning

• Tuition Reduction available with the Learning to Serve Scholarship • Six bus to routes Serveoffered Scholarship

• Bible classes requir Upper School

• Early morning drop-off / after school care available

Pinewood Spiritual Christian Academy

• Tuition Reduction available with the Learning to Serve Scholarship

Buck Cravey Drive •1Family Atmosphere • Chapel services Post Office Box 7 held once a week • •Dual Enrollment—Move On When Ready partners 100% college acceptance rate for the Class of 2014, 2015, and 2016 • Bible Georgia classes 30414 required in Lower Bellville, • Since 2001, Patriot Athletics have earned 37 Region Championships, with EGSC, GSU, and OTC School and Upper • Dual Enrollment—Move On When Ready partners with EGSC, GSU, and OTC (912) 739-1272 School 15 State Championships, and 4 FCC National Championships • Christian principles taught daily • Family Atmosphere ••Softball team areoffered the 2014 & 2015 StateCheerleading, AAA Champions through morning devotionals and prayer www.pinewoodchristian.org Athletic Programs include: Football, Softball,

Cross Country, Target Sports, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Tennis 2015, and 2016courses •Enrollment—Move Five Advanced Placement available • Dual2014, On partners with EGSC, GSU, and OTC andWhen TrackReady

Extracurricular Activities Please visit us at Extracurricular Activities

Spiritual

• Christian principles morning devotionals

or call the school to schedule

• Chapel services held once a week Activities Cross Country, Target Sports, Basketball, Wrestling, Golf, Tennis Pinewood Christian Academy does not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, gender, age, or religion, in its educational programs or activ •Extracurricular Liberal Arts programs offered: drama, chorusBaseball, and literary

•andAthletic offered include: Football, Cheerleading, Softball, •Track AthleticPrograms Programs offered include: Football, Cheerleading, Softball, • Bible classes required in Lower School and Cross Country, Target Sports, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Tennis Cross Country, Target Sports, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Tennis and Track • Since 2001, Patriot Athletics have earned 37 Region Championships, Pinewood Christian Academy Upper School and Track •15Since 2001, Patriotand Athletics have earned 37 Region Championships, 15 State State Championships, 4 FCC National Championships 1 Buck Cravey Drive | Post Office Box 7 • Family Atmosphere Championships, 4 FCC • Since 2001, Patriotand Athletics haveNational earned 37 Championships Region Championships, Spiritual • Christian principles taught daily through Bellville, Georgia 30414 • Softball team are the 2014 & 2015 State AAA Champions 15 State Championships, 4 FCC&National • Softball team are theand 2014 2015 Championships State AAA Champions • Chapel services held once a week 1 Buck Cravey Drive morning devotionals and prayer (912) 739-1272 • Family Atmosphere Arts programs offered: drama, chorus and literary •• Liberal Liberal Arts drama, chorus andPost literary • Softball teamprograms are the 2014offered: & 2015 State AAA Champions Office Box 7

Spiritual Pinewood Christian Academy

• Liberal Arts programs offered: drama, chorus and literaryBellville, Georgia 30414

• Chapel services held once a week

• Bible classes required in Lower School and Upper School

(912) 739-1272or call the school Please visit us at www.pinewoodchristian.org to required schedule a tour. in Lower School and Pinewood Christian Academy • Bible classes

• Christian taughtprograms daily through Upper Schoolin principles Pinewood Christian Academy does not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, color, gender, age, or religion, its educational or activities.

Buck Cravey Drive Academy morning devotionals and prayer Pinewood 1Christian • Christian principles daily through a tour.

Please visit us at www.pinewoodchristian.org or call the school totaught schedule Post Office Box 7 1 Buck Cravey Drive morning devotionals and prayer Living At Pinewood Christian Academy does not discriminate in any Bellville, manner onGeorgia the basis of race, color, gender, age, or religion, in itsHometown educational programs or activities.

Post Office Box30414 7

(912)Georgia 739-1272 Bellville, 30414 (912) 739-1272

Please visit us at www.pinewoodchristian.org or call the school to schedule a tour.

Please visit usAcademy at www.pinewoodchristian.org orcolor, call the school schedule a tour.

Pinewood Christian does not discriminate in any manner on the basis of race, gender, age, or religion, in itsto educational programs or activities.

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We Now Have Extended Hours- Routine Appointments & Urgent Care Walk Ins on We Now Have Extended Hours-Routine Appointments & Mondays 4:45 pm-7:304:45 pm pm-7:30 pm Urgent Care Walk Ins-Monday-Thursday Same DayAppointments Sick Appointments • Same •Day Sick • Prenatal • Prenatal Visits Visits • Separate Well Waiting Rooms • Separate Sick &Sick Well& Waiting Rooms • Electronic Medical Records • Electronic Medical Records • OnLactation Staff Lactation Consultant • On Staff Consultant

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

and P. Austin Whitlock, III, MD, FAAP

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Collins

MOBILE HOMES

Collins Real Estate & Collins Well Drilling

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Collins Mobile Home Sales Inc. is your one stop, shop Super Store.

We offer all services to help you meet all your needs with your home purchase.

912.557.4925 | 800.633.1286

7669 Highway 280 East | Reidsville, GA 30453

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Man of Honor

What you may not have known as you have hustled in and out of local venues, whether you made a donation or not, is that you were in the presence of a man who is an unsung American hero. His name is Ed Casteen and this is his story.

Story by Charles Barnard Photos by Gail Dixon

You would know him if you saw him even if you do not recognize his name. He has been a fixture for decades sitting behind a small table at the entrance to the Glennville Bi-Lo handing out lollipops to the kiddos while entreating you to purchase a ticket for the annual American Legion Thanksgiving turkey and ham raffle. If you don’t shop in Glennville in the fall, then you may have noticed him in the spring seated behind that same table under the shade of a pecan tree just inside the middle gate of the Glennville Sweet Onion Festival passing out Buddy Poppies and accepting donations on behalf of the relief efforts

Over half of Ed’s Army career was spent overseas. He served three 3-year deployments to Germany and two 1-year tours in Vietnam before closing out his final year of active duty back in Germany. (He spent one year assigned to France during his second deployment to Germany.) Stateside, he was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS; Ft. Richardson, AK; Ft. Gordon, GA; and twice at Ft. Lewis, WA.

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Ed’s dedication to service, attention to detail, and competence as a leader carried over to his second career as Head of Industries with the Georgia Department of Corrections where he received numerous awards

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of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars. What you may not have known as you hustled in and out of either venue, whether you made a donation or not, is that you were in the presence of a man who is an unsung American hero. His name is Ed Casteen and this is his story.

Born July 1, 1931 to William Hosea and Later Jewell (Kent) Casteen, sharecroppers who tended farms in and around the Glennville and Tattnall County area, Ed was the fifth of eight children. Joining the National Guard in 1949 at the tender age of 18, Ed became tired of cropping tobacco, picking cotton, and dipping pine gum for turpentine and decided to follow his two elder brothers into active duty military service two years later. After completing Army basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, Ed was assigned to Germany as part of the post-WWII Allied Occupation Forces in 1951. That decision would mark the beginning of a storied twenty-one year, ten month, sixteen day odyssey that would take him from the Black Forest of Central Europe to the dense jungles of Southeast Asia and “from sea to shining sea” in North America before returning home for a six month stint with the Glennville

Police Department and a twenty-six year second career with the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Upon his arrival in Germany, Private Casteen was assigned to an infantry division and sent immediately to a six-month German language course to become the interpreter for his unit. His newly acquired skill came in handy in February of 1952 when he was introduced to a young fräulein, four years his junior, by the name of Irmgard Maier, a friend of the girlfriend of another soldier in his unit. The two hit it off immediately, marrying a year later. When asked if it was love at first sight, Ed replied, “It must have been. She was and is the only one ever since.” Sadly, “Emmi’, as she was affectionately referred to by friends and family, passed away in January 2014. Ed and Emmi have six children: Eleonore, Patricia, Dian, Debra, Dirk and Alicia. Ed is extremely proud of his family that has grown to include 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandkids.

Over half of Ed’s Army career was spent overseas. He served three 3-year deployments to Germany and two 1-year tours in Vietnam before closing out his final year

Joining the National Guard in 1949 at the tender age of 18, Ed became tired of cropping tobacco, picking cotton, and dipping pine gum for turpentine and decided to follow his two elder brothers into active duty military service two years later. After completing Army basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, Ed was assigned to Germany as part of the post-WWII Allied Occupation Forces in 1951. That decision would mark the beginning of a storied twenty-one year, ten month, sixteen day odyssey that would take him from the Black Forest of Central Europe to the dense jungles of Southeast Asia and “from sea to shining sea” in North America before returning home for a six month stint with the Glennville Police Department and a twenty-six year second career with the Georgia Department of Corrections.

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“Distinguished and loyal performance of duties in the service of the United States Army.�

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of active duty back in Germany. (He spent one year assigned to France during his second deployment to Germany.) Stateside, he was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS; Ft. Richardson, AK; Ft. Gordon, GA; and twice at Ft. Lewis, WA. Along the way to achieving the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8), Ed filled many roles as an infantryman and artilleryman including that of radio operator and repairman, communications NCO, as well as serving on crews for both the 155 mm Howitzer M1 field artillery gun and the MGR-1 Honest John rocket, the first surface-to-surface nuclear-capable missile in the U.S. arsenal. Other jobs included field combat engineer, ski trooper and military policeman.

MSG Casteen is the recipient of numerous military awards and honors including the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) with one oak leaf cluster(OLC), the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC), the Army of Occupation Medal (AOM), six Good Conduct Medals (GCM), four Overseas Bars (O/S) indicating four tours of duty of at least six months duration in a combat zone, the Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (VCM), the Army Commendation Medal (ACM) with three oak Hometown Living At Its Best

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MSG Casteen is the recipient of numerous military awards and honors including the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) for “meritorious achievement” in a combat zone.

leaf clusters and “V” device (the "V" is worn to denote "participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy"), the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) for “meritorious achievement” in a combat zone, the Silver Star (our nation’s third highest award for valor and gallantry in battle), and a Purple Heart. Letters of commendation from every unit in which he served were included in his permanent military file including one from Captain Bernard E. Muerrans, Commander of Headquarters Detachment, 504th Military Police Battalion, Ft. Lewis, Washington, that included this statement, “This sergeant is a credit to himself, this unit, the U.S. Army and is the finest NonCommissioned Officer (NCO) I have ever met.”

Ed received his fourth Army Commendation Medal with “V” device on July 11, 1970. The citation reads, “First Sergeant Edward L. Casteen distinguished himself in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 June 1970. First Sergeant Casteen was enroute to the site of a proposed fire support base near Tanh Linh, Binh Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam.

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At 0945 hours an armored personnel carrier in the land element struck a large Viet Cong mine, destroying the vehicle and wounding three personnel. First Sergeant Casteen went forward over the heavily mined road to the stricken vehicle. Taking immediate command of the situation, First Sergeant Casteen personally began to clear the road, probing into the dirt with a bayonet.

Upon discovering another mine in the immediate vicinity, First Sergeant Casteen cleared the area and detonated the mine in place. He also tended to the wounded and prepared them for dust-off. First Sergeant Casteen’s military ability, professional acumen and personal courage were largely responsible for preventing additional casualties or equipment destruction.

These qualities reflect greatly on First Sergeant Casteen’s leadership and exemplify the highest standards of the United States Army. First Sergeant Casteen’s valorous actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

The Silver Star was awarded on September 20, 1970: “For gallantry

in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: First Sergeant Casteen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 May 1970 while serving with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Artillery, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, an enemy element suddenly initiated an intense rocket-propelled grenade, mortar and ground attack against Fire Support Base Rising Sun. Immediately, Sergeant Casteen proceeded to move through the intense enemy fire to insure that all positions were manned and to determine the extent of the damage done by the initial mortar rounds. After determining the direction of the enemy’s main effort, Sergeant Casteen reinforced the critical areas of the perimeter against the oncoming enemy. He commanded the reactionary force that moved to meet the enemy and coordinated their efforts throughout the attack, moving from position to position without regard for his personal safety. Although wounded during the attack, Sergeant Casteen was responsible to a large degree in repelling a determined enemy. First Sergeant Casteen’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.” It was this injury that earned him the Purple Heart which is” awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy…”

Ed’s dedication to service, attention to detail, and competence as a leader carried over to his second career as

Head of Industries with the Georgia Department of Corrections where he received numerous awards including being nominated for the 1980 Correctional Industries Association Award for Supervisory Excellence, receiving the Correction Industries’ 1990 Employee of the Year Award, and becoming a finalist for the same award in 1994. Ed retired from the Department of Corrections in 1996.

At age 85, he still lives in the home just north of Glennville that he and Emmi built in 1974. An active member of VFW Post 8379 and American Legion Post 95 for over 25 years, Ed has held nearly every position possible in both organizations on both the local and district levels.

The hand written note across the front of a certificate “for distinguished and loyal performance of duties in the service of the United States Army as a member of 2nd Battalion, 39th Artillery” given to Ed by the commander of his last duty assignment, LTC Paul R. Gleave, upon the occasion of Ed’s return to civilian life provides a fitting summary of the character of the man.

It reads, “MSG Casteen – Every so often in this Army you run across a “real soldier” – a man imbued with that burning desire to do all things right – a man willing to expend all necessary time and effort to achieve difficult objectives – a man genuinely concerned with the welfare of his men – a man who believes in service to his country. You have certainly been all of that – and more – in your year with the 2-39. Knowing the commanders you have worked for in the recent past, and knowing your record in Vietnam, I am

sure this has always been your way of doing business. I am sincerely sorry to see you and Emmi and your children leave the active Army, but we can only consider ourselves fortunate that you were here. This battalion has been better because you were assigned to it.

To me personally you will always be the “combat first sergeant,” the sergeant major who won’t take “No!” for an answer, the operations sergeant who never misses. From all the officers and men of the 2nd Battalion, 39th Artillery and from all their wives, best wishes for a most successful “second career” and God bless you all.”

Like so many of his contemporaries, Ed Casteen is hesitant to share his stories of occupation and war. He would much rather talk about his family and his fellow vets. Nevertheless, at least a part of his story has now been told. Maybe, just maybe, if you’ll take a moment to sit and speak with him the next time you see him you might cajole him into sharing another story or two. Probably not, but at least you’ll be able to tell others that you just had a conversation with an American hero!  TCM

Gallantry in Action The Silver Star was awarded on September 20, 1970: “For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: First Sergeant Casteen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 May 1970 while serving with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Artillery, in the Republic of Vietnam.”

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Protecting Your Investment Since 1978

BaxtersBodyShop.com

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“View Your Vehicle During Repairs Online!”

Thank you Tattnall County for your continued confidence in us!

We measure success by the many relationships built with our customers during the past 35 years!

912.654.4655 1 2 1 5 S o u t h Ve t e ra n s B l vd .

(US 301 South) Glennville

South Georgia State College A place where you can grow with professors that care about your success.

A place with 23 different pathways and 3 Bachelor’s degrees that can lead to your dream career.

A place you can call your own in our on-campus, suite style housing.

A place where you can meet new people and make lasting friendships.

Come see for yourself.

Apply today!

www.sgsc.edu 912.260.4206 126

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hawknation@sgsc.edu

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912.654.4004

Also Featuring: Vera Bradley, Mariposa, & Beatriz Ball Monday - Friday: 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday: 10 - 2

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Amberly Foster

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“Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph.” – Matt Hardy

www.amberlyfoster.com | amberlyfosterphotography@gmail.com

Thomas W. Horn, M.D. The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery

www.mycosmeticsurgeon.md

•

Cosmetic Surgery of Face, Eyes & Nose Breast Augmentation, Reduction & Lift Breast Reconstruction Microsurgical Breast reconstruction Body Contouring Tummy Tuck Body Lifts Liposuction Skin Cancer & Mole Removal OBAGI Skin Care & Chemical Peels Voluma, Botox, Juvederm & Restylane Injections Hand Surgery 131 Memorial Drive, Reidsville, GA (across from doctors hospital of tattnall)

Call Us Today!

912.644.8231 | 800.260.7135 128

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Flowers

by Shaun flowersbyshaun.com

Beautiful flower arrangments & gifts. We even have same-day delivery service! Now open at 7 am for coffee & more!

(912) 557-1979

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SITE CONTRACTORS

Caroline, Nash and Kennedy Hodges

1570 Levi H.Kennedy Road • Reidsville, GA • hbeinc@bellsouth.net • Fax: 912-739-8868

105 S Main St • Reidsville, GA 30453

K ING’S P UMP & Technical Service

•Farm Irrigation •Deep & Shallow Wells •Sprinkler Systems 119 West Barnard Street Glennville, GA 30427

912.654.0149 Hometown Living At Its Best

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STATE SENATOR

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

THE

Giddy Goat

GALLERIA

P.O. Box 486 |Reidsville, GA 30453 234 State Capitol | Atlanta, GA30334 (404) 656-5038

An Artists’ Co-op featuring Geri Wasdin of Farmer Framer, Professional Custom Picture Framing since 1984, Billie Strickland of Gera-Bee Junction, Oil and Watercolor Paintings, Gourds & Crochet, A Variety of other Local Artists and Craftspeople With a Varying Selection of Treasures such as Handcrafted Soaps, Jewelry, Scarves, & More.

If I can be of service, please contact me at 1-800-367-3334 (Atlanta) or 912-557-3811 (Reidsville).

Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov

Wrecker and Service Center

Photo By Krissy Edenfield, Snell Publications

19 SOUTH NEWTON ST | CLAXTON, GA | (912) 739-2499

We are a FULL SERVICE auto & repair shop and a 24 HOUR light and heavy duty TOWING SERVICE Randy’s Wrecker and Service Center 800 South Lewis Street | Metter, GA. 30439 | (912)685-6900 130

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Catering For All Your Needs

Southern Dinner Parties Events ~ Banquets Receptions Casseroles

Flair Catering

295 N Main St. Reidsville, GA

(912) 557-6468 (912) 293-7774 (Cell)

The First And The Finest Real Estate Company In Tattnall County

Tiffany D. Kicklighter Associate Broker

CITY OF

Darla J. Kicklighter Broker

Gloria J. Clifton Associate Broker

COLLINS 912.693.2581

P. O. Box 96, Collins, Georgia 30421

Where customers are friends... and jewelry is a symbol of life’s

unforgettable moments.

109 Church Street Vidalia, GA 30474 (912) 538-8981

www.arlenesfinejewelry.net

T-F | 10 am - 5:30 pm S | 10 am - 3 pm or by appointment

912-654-4820 | kicklighterrealty.com

pine forest

201 N. Veterans Boulevard, Glennville pineforestnurseryandflorist.com

912.654.2427 • 800.231.6923 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Putting His

Faith and Trust in God STORY BY | Gail Dixon PHOTOS BY | Gail Dixon and PhotoShop by Allison

Cooking up a five star restaurant from scratch tested and strengthened Joe Tarantino’s faith in the Lord.

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J

Joe Tarantino has had a tough life, working hard to barely make ends meet. “I had God in my life, but didn’t realize it at the time,” he says. Growing up, his dad was not a big part of his life. Because of Joe’s poor choices, he and his dad had some struggles and they had not spoken to each other for about five years. One Sunday at church, Rusty Houser was talking about dads and his message got Joe’s attention.

When he got home, Joe decided it was time to talk to his dad.

After making several calls to his dad, Joe decided to leave a message on the answering machine that went like this, “Dad, this is Joey. I’m calling to forgive you for all the struggles we had and ask you to forgive me. I would like to put those struggles behind us. Jesus told me to call you.” Immediately, the phone rang and it was Joe’s dad. For the past three years 134

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they have had a great relationship, a relationship that God mended!

Joe served five years in the Air Force. After his military career, Joe began his culinary experience in Connecticut at the Casino. He worked hard, learned from the best chefs, and moved from state to state on the East Coast except for Georgia. Joe was very fluent with the cooking part, but he wanted to learn the financial side of the business. He has worked every position in the business from waiter right on up to Vice President of Operations. Once learning everything he could about the restaurant business, Joe would work for main franchises fixing problems and moving on to the next business. Keep in mind that while he is moving from state to state and helping restaurants fix their problems, Joe has very

little, if any, money. God is putting all of these jobs in Joe’s path!

Joe and Libby met in West Virginia through friends in 2010 and have never been apart since. Libby was Joe’s biggest influence in guiding him to a stronger relationship with the Lord.

Joe says, “We do have our spats and are not perfect, however we are perfect for each other and I would not have it any other way. I am truly blessed to have her and her support through all of life’s challenges.” On August 20, 2012, they were married by Rusty Houser at the Jesus Inn Homeless Shelter in Vidalia, Georgia with all of their children present. Joe continues, “Our rings that we were wed with were gum- ball machine rings and that is no joke. We still have them to this day and they mean more to us than any high end ring ever could due to it reminds us of how strong our love was through one of the toughest times in our marriage financially. So when we get frustrated with life’s current challenges, not only do we seek the Lord for wisdom, but we also have those rings to remind us of that time of struggle and if we could overcome that together, then there is nothing that we cannot face together as husband and wife.”

In 2011, the Tarantino Family moved to Vidalia because Libby’s mother was sick and they had come to visit and look after her. Then their oldest daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma. Joe couldn’t get a job in a restaurant because he was traveling back and forth to Atlanta with his daughter. He tried to find a job at numerous places but couldn’t.

He, Libby, and the children, except for the baby, would mow lawns and do landscaping to make some money.

Libby would drive the vehicle while Joe and their children would walk on either side of the highway knocking on doors to see if they could do yard work for people. Libby and the children would take turns looking after the baby while the others worked. One time, they cut grass in trade for a puppy for Libby for Mother’s Day! Joe finally found a job at Claxton Poultry as Supervisor. One day, on his Hometown Living At Its Best

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way home from work, Joe noticed a For Rent sign out in front of The Summer House and he stopped by to check on it. Not only is it a restaurant, but it also has living quarters in the back. Joe is loving this and goes home to talk with Libby about the situation. Knowing Joe has always wanted to own his own restaurant, Libby said, “It’s a leap of faith...go for it!” and go for it they did!

Let’s look at how awesome God is... their lights were fixing to be cut off in Vidalia, their income tax had just come in the mail, and they moved into what is now known as Tarantino’s Restaurant in Reidsville. In order to be able to move in, they had to sell everything they had, but they got their dream. God is looking after this family and things are going pretty well; they don’t have a lot, but they have a roof over their heads and they have a restaurant to call their own.

After examining everything, they found out they needed a hood system in the kitchen. Needless to say, this was a big expense. Having no money, Joe went to First Financial to see about a loan. As it would happen, the bank loaned him the exact amount of money needed to purchase the hood system. Joe said that he had horrible credit, but God was opening doors for him.

Things were beginning to work out for the Tarantinos. They had nothing, they moved in, they couldn’t get any credit, and now they are listed as a 5-Star Restaurant on many websites.

One day, Joe and Libby had a party of 15 coming for lunch and the gas company shut off the gas because the bill had not been paid. Joe panics, calls the lady at the gas company and pays the bill over the phone, but the lady tells him it will be three days before the gas will be turned back on. Joe went outside, saw the gas truck and got the man to stop. After talking with the gas man, Joe found out that he had been using residential gas instead of commercial gas. So they got the restaurant switched over to commercial gas, saving Joe $50 a month, and he was back in business to serve this party of 15!

Joe compares himself to Peter and the time Jesus was trying to get Peter out of 136

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the boat and He tells Peter, “Oh ye of little faith...” Once Joe and Libby put their faith in God, they realize they can make ends meet, it’s still a struggle but things are working out.

Because God has been so good to Joe, he wants to reach out to the community and help young men. Joe and his dad didn’t have the perfect father/son relationship, but after their struggles, God pieced that relationship back together and Joe wants young men to know that no matter what kind of life they have had, if they put God first, things will always work out.

One of the things Joe does is mentor young men in the kitchen.

(There is no microwave in Joe’s kitchen, the food is cooked from scratch, and Joe’s recipes are from his grandmother, who was from Italy.) Right now, Joe has 15 and 18-year-olds putting out 5-Star food from his kitchen. He hopes that through leadership and encouragement, these young men will come to learn about Joe’s love of cooking, but more importantly, his love for God. This is when Joe thought about having men’s meetings in the restaurant.

A men’s group was started in Toombs County and this is where Joe met Jeff Stanley. One night at the men’s meeting, there was a man that was poorly dressed, had no money, and

would go from table to table to sit with the men and talk.

As it would turn out, this man was the guest speaker at that night’s meeting. The speaker was “representing Jesus” and was “teaching” these men a lesson...we never know when we might meet Jesus and so we should treat everyone the same, no matter how he is dressed or how he acts. Jesus wants us to love everyone and share what we have, no matter how large or how small. This role-playing touched Joe’s life in a tremendous way.

When Joe, Libby, and their children moved to Reidsville and got settled, Joe wanted to have a men’s group. His main goal was to create a comfortable environment and to reach out to young men. Joe’s biggest motive was to get young men to hear the Word and hopefully realize they need God in their lives.

The group began with four people and is now up to 17.

The men’s fellowship dinners are the last Monday of every month starting at 7:00 PM. Every denomination is invited to attend and bond with each other in hopes of getting these young men involved with a church in the area. Each month they have a different speaker from a different church. The meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM followed by prayer and Hometown Living At Its Best

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endless good food and drink with great fellowship. Someone asked Joe how he was able to feed this group free pasta with sauce and Joe replied, “God will provide. It’s like the two little fishes and five loaves of bread!”

You may ask why Joe and his family have these dinners and the answer is simple...they have four reasons...(1) to give witness on what God’s love has done for Joe and his family, (2) to create a neutral environment for people (who do not have a strong relationship with the Lord) to come, which gives us a chance to witness to people in a casual environment which will then hopefully inspire them to join a church with one of the many that attend our meetings, (3) to help lead our young men attending in the right direction through our testimonies and walk with God, and (4) to take time out of our busy routines to sit with other Christian brothers that we do not get to see every Sunday and share our walk and learn from each other, which we then can take back to our churches for further prayer requests. The men’s group is growing and the spiritual leaders have been an inspiration in Joe’s walk with Jesus. Joe says, “This is a nonprofit organization and requires no money at all. Just bring your FAITH and your word.”

Another way Joe reaches out to the community, a way of tithing, is to offer free spaghetti Monday through 138

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Wednesday nights, 7:00-9:00 PM, to help people afford to go out to dinner that are having financial difficulty. “No one needs to know who is struggling.

They can come in; sit down and the waitress/waiter will ask if they would like the special. We don’t want it to be an awkward situation and we want everyone to have a good dinner and feel good about themselves. I want to be able to help people in need. We appreciate what God is doing for us and we want to pay it forward,” says Joe. Joe’s life has not been an easy life and he will tell you that! Owning a restaurant is Joe’s dream and a labor of love, but the best part of it are the smiles that come from the customers. Joe wants his restaurant to be pleasing to the eye and the taste buds, but he also wants to have that genuine hospitality that people enjoy when they go out to eat. Their next goal? Move out of the restaurant and expand.

There were times Joe thought he was just a lucky guy until he realized it wasn’t about luck, it was about God! Joe knows that the only reason he is able to keep going is because of God and because God keeps putting good people in his path. Only through their faith in God has the Tarantino Family been able to overcome so many obstacles and move on. Joe says, “Everything is God driven!”

Isn’t that what life is all about? We have to put our faith and trust in God. As Proverbs 3:5 says...Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and Philippians 4:13…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  TCM

On December 10, 2015, Food Network spent the entire day filming at Tarantino’s. They had a full restaurant and Food Network was anticipating problems, but there were none.

Sometime in the future, Jesse Blanco of Eat It and Like It will visit and film Tarantino’s for his television program.

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Dasher Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 926 102 Dasher Rd.

Glennville, GA 30427 WALT DASHER ~ BLAKE DASHER

(912) 237-1844 (912) 282-4838

Specializing in the purchase of pine and hardwood timber. Complete site prep operation from land clearing to bedding, road construction and tree planting. Call us today for all your timber management needs.

REIDSVILLE

Pharmacy 912.557.4000

246 A South Main Street | Reidsville, GA 30453

B&M Pool Spa & Patio

Metter, GA

912.685.5411 Rincon, GA

912.826.1997 Larry Wright, Owner 140

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Horace Deal, OD 214 Savannah Avenue • Statesboro, GA 30458 912.764.5609 • www.drdeal.net

An award winning folk-life play

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playwright Laurie Jo Upchurch 20, 21, 22, 22, 25, 27, 28 28, 29, 29,

7 7 2 7 7 7 7 2 7

pm* pm pm pm pm* pm pm pm pm

CITY OF

COBBTOWN

*family nights

Tickets $10 $15 & $20, group rates available

“

For more information call 912-526-6445 www.talesfromthealtamaha.com

Like” us on Facebook!

James R. Collins, Mayor Danny Ray Collins John F Kennedy

Angela Monroe Gerald Powell Debra Burns

912.684.3448

www.TalesFromTheAltamaha.com

BOBCAT’S DINER Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Pergo, Natco, Wood, Vinyl, Tile, Glass Block, Marble, Brick Pavers

We serve a country cooking lunch buffet.

On Friday and Saturday nights we have our famous All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet

912-537-8100 451 Main St. | Collins, GA | (912) 693-1933 103 Stockyard Road, Vidalia, GA • Doug Williams, Owner Hometown Living At Its Best

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Clark and Shaw Monument Company

Dubberly & McGovern Attorneys At Law

856 Lyons Center Road • Lyons, GA 30426

(912)526-4444 • 866-839-4563

Reidsviie VETERINARY CLINIC

Domestic • Real Estate • Personal Injury Wrongful Death • Disability • Social Security P. O. Box 458, Glennville, GA • 912.654.3952

ALTAMAHA PEST CONTROL

GOING GREEN

using Botanical Pestisides!

P.O. Box 834 Claxton, GA 30417

D r. S t e v e L y n n • D r. K i b b i e R i n g e r

Practicing here for over 29 yeaa!

912.557.4993

After Hours: 912.557.4401 7061 HWY 280 East • PO Box 266 • Reidsville, GA 142

Tattnall County Magazine

912.537.1201 • 912.739.1206

Licensed plumbers with over 20 years experience

Front: Logan Lanier, Owner; Elliott Lanier, Owner; Kim Y. Tatum, Office Manager Second Row: Ildefonzo Perez, Dalton McCumber, Glenn Lanier Back Row: Dalton Powell

B & B Plumbing Maintenance and Repair

912.557.6785 | 223 West Brazell Street Reidsville, GA 30453

Jimmy Bugajski (912) 318-3393 James (Bugs) Bugajski (912) 221-1149 bnbplumbing@yahoo.com

Hometown Living At Its Best

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9/15/2015 1:15:00 PM

Dr. Harold W. Tripp, D.M.D. | Dr. Zackary Bentley, D.M.D.

reidsville family dentistry

912.557.6307 | 115 Medical Arts Drive, Reidsville, GA 30453 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Index of Advertisers

24Seven Family Fitness & Tanning Centers …….... 68 Ace Hardware ……………..................................... 143 AirTech Heating & Cooling Inc. ……………............ 116 Altamaha Pest Control ……………....................... 142 Amberly Foster Photography ………............…….. 128 Arlene’s Fine Jewelry ……………........................... 131 Armstrong’s Cricket Farm …….................……….. 105 B & B Plumbing Maintenance and Repair ...……. 143 B & M Pool Spa & Patio …………...................….. 140 Baxter’s Paint & Body Shop, Inc. ……………........ 126 Better Living Therapy & Fitness …………........….. 103 Bobcat’s Diner …………….................................... 141 Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home ………........…….. 81 Bulloch Pediatrics Group ………..................…….. 116 Bumper to Bumper-Glennville Auto Parts …....….. 92 Canoochee EMC ……………................................... 79 Central Pharmacy ………….................................….. 9 City of Cobbtown ………..............................…….. 141 City of Collins ....................................…………….. 131 City of Glennville ……...................................……….. 5 City of Reidsville ………...................................…….. 1 Clark and Shaw Monument Company …………... 142 Claxton Oil Company ……........................……….. 114 CleanWay The Carpet & Floor Gallery …….……….. 67 Collins Mobile Homes ……….......................…….. 117 Community Hospice …………......................….. 20-21 Dasher Industries, Inc. ………......................…….. 140 Dermatology Associates of Savannah ……….…….. 81 DQ Grill & Chill ………...................................…….. 66 Dubberly & McGovern Attorneys at Law ……..….. 142 Duramatic Products ………...........................…….. 29 Dyess Heating & Air …............................………….. 93 Elite Care DME, LCC ………...........................…….. 80 Elite Insurance Group ……….........................…….. 80 Evans Memorial Hospital …………..............….. 30-31 Flowers by Shaun ……………............................... 129 Georgia Dermatology ………….......................….. 102 Glennville Bank ………..................................…….. 64 Glennville Chamber of Commerce ……….…….. 40-41 Glennville Sweet Onion Festival ………....…….. 18-19 Graham’s Floor Covering …………….................... 129 Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce ……... 52-53 Habersham House Assisted Living ……………...... 114 Hodges Brothers Enterprises, Inc. …………....….. 129 Kennedy Network Services, Inc. ………..........…….. 65 Kicklighter Realty Inc. ……….......................…….. 131

King’s Pump and Technical Service …………….. 129 Lasseter Implement Company ……………......... 102 Marco’s Pizza ……...................................……….. 66 Mascot Pecan Shelling Co, Inc ……………........... 89 McCurdy’s on Main ………........................…….. 127 Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center …...... 104 Mi Plaza Mexican Restaurant ….............………….. 7 NeSmith Chevrolet Buick GMC ... Inside Back Cover New York Life - T. Charlton Rogers ……………...... 55 North Spring Senior Living …………................….. 91 Optim Medical Center ........................... Back Cover PhotoShop by Allison ………….................….. 42-43 Pine Forest Nursery & Florist ………..........…….. 131 Pinewood Christian Academy …….........……….. 115 Randy’s Wrecker and Service Center ….……….. 130 Reidsville Family Dentistry ……………............... 143 Reidsville Pharmacy …….......................……….. 140 Reidsville Veterinary Clinic ….............………….. 142 Renasant Bank ……...............................……….. 117 Rotary ……………................................................ 29 Rusty Pig BBQ ……………................................... 2-3 Shuman Produce ………….............................….. 79 Smile Doctors Braces ……………......................... 93 South Georgia Bank ……….......................…….. 115 South Georgia State College ……..........……….. 126 Southern Flair Catering …..................………….. 130 Southern Medical Associates …………...........….. 91 State Farm Insurance …….......................……….. 90 State Senator Jack Hill …………...................….. 130 Strickland’s Pharmacy ………….....................….. 89 Tales from the Altamaha ……….................…….. 141 Tattnall County Commissioners .. Inside Front Cover Tattnall Insurance ……...........................……….. 105 Terrell’s Heating & Air ….....................………….. 103 The Claxton Bank …….............................……….. 69 The Drug Store ..................................…………….. 54 The Farmhouse Restaurant ……………................ 90 The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery ……... 128 The Giddy Goat Galleria …………….................... 130 The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival ………... 143 The Supply Company ……………........................ 127 Triangle-J, Inc. ………................................…….. 104 Vidalia Carpet Center ………….....................….. 141 Vidalia Heritage Academy …................………….. 78 Vision Source Professional Eye Care ….……….. 140 Watermelon Creek Baptist Church ……...……….. 92

Please thank these sponsors for making this publication possible!

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Tattnall County

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Original Home Of No Hassle Buying THANK YOU TATTNALL COUNTY FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR OVER 43 YEARS

7334 HWY. 280 W. CLAXTON, GA | 912.739.1744

912.557.4335 | P.O. BOX 25 REIDSVILLE, GEORGIA

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FOLLOW US!

2016 Issue

Expert, Specialized Care Right Here in Tattnall County

“ When I realized I had to have

another surgery for my herniated disc I was very nervous. My second surgery was totally different! From pre- and post-surgery care to rehabilitation, I couldn’t be happier.

I gained weight from being immobile.

I felt restricted at 26 years old, but only seven weeks into recovery I was already walking two miles.

- Michelle Edge

”

Man of Honor

Sharing the story of an unsung American hero named Ed Casteen.

Primary Care • Preventive Care • Total Joint Replacement • Therapy

Photography for a Cause A series of life long blessings have helped one family overcome tragedy. Kimberly Monfils Blake and her family have one of the greatest blessings of all...God! 247 South Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453 • 912.557.1000 • OptimHealth.com 00881

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

Photographer Allison Cobb uses her talent to help others in their fight with cancer.

A Humble Guide Runner

One young man uses his talent for running to help others achieve Olympic Gold.