Effingham Living Spring 2017

Effingham Spring 2017

LIVING

Le wow!

Local student takes dream trip to France

Special Olympics athletes shine

Calendar: What to do this spring

A Publication of the Effingham Herald

TRUSTED CANCER CARE

Now close to home THE NEW CANCER CARE CENTER at Effingham Health System provides convenient access to Medical Oncology physicians and Chemotherapy treatment. Medical services are provided by Summit Cancer Care, Savannah’s leading Medical Oncology practice. For our patients and their families, this means less time traveling for care and more time to focus on healing.

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Effingham

a look inside

LIVING

Special Olympics

Established Summer of 2007

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9

Joe McGlamery Publisher

Local student makes life-changing Photography by Rashida Otunba ������������������������������������������������������������������������������

27

Kim Dennis General Manager

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Angye Morrison

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33

Hunter McCumber

editor’s

NOTE

Angye Morrison

Editor

Art Director

Christy Scroggs Anna Mollet

Effingham Spring 2017

Photo by Birk Herrath Students from all over Effingham County gathered on March 24 for the spring games of Special Olympics at Effingham County High School in Springfield, Georgia.

LIVING

Sales & Marketing Consultants

Birk Herrath Photographer

LE WOW!

Effingham Living

LOCAL STUDENT TAKES DREAM TRIP TO FRANCE

is proudly produced by:

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES SHINE

CALENDAR: WHAT TO DO THIS SPRING

A Publication of the Effingham Herald

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL:

W

cscroggs@effinghamherald.net amollet@effinghamherald.net kdennis@effinghamherald.net elcome to the second edition of Effingham Living for 2017 – and holy cow! It’s 2017 AND it’s spring already. Wasn’t it just Christmas?

In this issue, we’re featuring some very special students, young people who don’t often get the pat on the back they deserve – Effingham County’s Special Olympics participants. We interviewed three young people who were eager to share and all smiles. It made our day to sit down with them.

We’re also focusing on a student who had the fabulous experience of going to France to live out her culinary

dreams – read all about her experience.

We are also introducing a new feature this issue – Living Effingham. This month, Julie Dickey writes about living in Effingham County and how moving here stole her heart…and became her home. You’ll enjoy reading about her first days here.

In addition, we have included a calendar of upcoming events, and we hope it will help you as you choose where to go and what to do in the coming weeks. There is much to do and see in the area, so get out there and enjoy!

Another thing we’ve added is called “Spotted” – this feature is all about faces and places. We want to publish photos of local residents attending local events. We’ll publish our own photos, but we want to ask you to email your photos and information as well. Just send them to me at amorrison@effinghamherald. net.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll find an article inside about the upcoming Olde Effingham Days Festival. This annual event brings people into Springfield from all over the area, and is a great familyfriendly experience. You don’t want to miss it!

We hope you enjoy this issue and that you’ll read it, then pass it on to your friends. And I’d like to invite you to get in touch with me when you have ideas for features you’d like to see in our pages. I welcome your thoughts!

Happy spring!

4 • Effingham Living

FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL: zlee@effinghamherald.net PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 586 South Columbia Ave, Suite 13 Rincon, GA 31326 p: 912.826.5012 f: 912.826.0381

FOLLOW US on Facebook. We want you to “like” us.

Check out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Effingham. You’ll find us at EffinghamLiving.

TWEET A little birdie told us you might want to send little tweets about each issue. Our tag is @EffinghamLiving.

effinghamliving.com

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Special Olympics:

‘Let your hair down and have fun’

I

Written By Angye Morrison | Photography by Birk Herrath

It’s a chance to be outside…to be with your friends...to play games…and to just be a kid.

And the icing on the cake is that it gets you out of class.

At least that’s what Amber Roberson, Tyler Woods and James Ray had to say about Effingham County’s Special Olympics, held March 24 at Effingham County High School.

Roberson, who is a senior, and juniors Woods and Ray are students at South Effingham High School, said they were excited about the busy weekend they were going to have. First on the agenda was Special Olympics on Friday, then prom on Saturday night.

The trio joined other students from all over Effingham County to enjoy some friendly competition at the games. Students competed in what are considered field events: running, walking, throwing and long jump, in addition to soccer. Younger children, ages 2 to 7, participated in games that were designed to challenge and improve their motor skills. A little more than 200 students, ages 8 to 22 years, participated in the games.

Dawn Vorel, Special Olympics coordinator based at Marlow Elementary School, said first through sixth place ribbons were presented to the older students, and the younger students each received participation ribbons.

Spring 2017 • 9

Amber Roberson goes after the soccer ball, one of the events she chose to compete in during the Olympics.

A young man smiles as he is guided toward the ball on the field.

Lamar Allen is shown with his award for support and service to the Effingham games.

“This is just a day when they can go out and shine. It’s fun, and everybody gets a ribbon. To compete against kids who are on the same skill level is good too,” Vorel said.

She added that the students aren’t the only ones who enjoy the day.

“For volunteers, it’s a very rewarding day.

It’s how I got in to special ed,” she said. “I went to my first Olympics in third grade and got hooked on it. It’s why I’m a special ed teacher now. You don’t see people out there without smiles on their faces. It’s just a very uplifting day.”

In addition to the athletic events, there 10 • Effingham Living

were also games, bouncy houses and coloring stations. Family Fun Day was held in conjunction with the Olympics, said Amy Ambrose, parent mentor for the county. She said that in the past, down time in between events was an issue, so bringing the two events together seemed like a natural fit.

The Family Fun Day event featured carnival games for the children, as well as resources for parents or guardians. She expected around 150 to 200 parents or guardians to be reached at the event.

“They’re going to get a lot of bang for their buck in a short amount of time,” she

said prior to the day.

Ambrose said she believes parents enjoy seeing their children participate in Special Olympics.

“I think the parents love seeing their children being successful. It gives them a chance to see them accomplish things they didn’t know they could accomplish. Being part of Special Olympics gives them the opportunity to see that and to feel successful,” she said.

Most of the students who participate in Special Olympics don’t get to participate in sports, and parents get wrapped up in the

everyday care of their child. They don’t often get to see the recreational side of things, Ambrose said.

“There’s a lot of emotion around the events. I hope the parents realized that the community and the schools wanted to offer support to them and to their children,” she said.

“We’re very pleased to be able to do what we do, because there was a time when we did not do Special Olympics in Effingham County. So we were glad to get it back,” Vorel said.

Ambrose said she was particularly excited about the volunteers who helped with the event, particularly the students, who come from both Effingham County and South Effingham high schools. The Rotary Club in Rincon provided lunch, which totaled about 600 meals. IKEA Warehouse also sent volunteers.

Sponsors for the event included Department of Exceptional Students, WellCare, Effingham County Navigator Team, SE Easter Seals, B & B Care Services and the Rotary Club. This year’s T-shirt was designed by Matthew Redhead, Haleigh Jenkins and Amaya Potts.

Special Olympics kicks off each year with an opening ceremony and this year, a special presentation was made by Stacy Boyett, coordinator of the Department of Exceptional Students for Effingham County Schools. Boyett presented a plaque to Lamar Allen, in recognition of his involvement with the program. This year’s games were dedicated to him.

“Lamar Allen has been involved in Special Olympics for over 20 years. He has and continues to be a huge supporter of

the Department of Exceptional Students.

Such leadership inspires others to do great things as he has led the board James Ray, Amber Roberson and Tyler Woods are all smiles at successfully for the start of the Special Olympics, held March 24. All three are many years,” students at South Effingham High School. Roberson is a senior, she said.

“He while Ray and Woods are both juniors. understands the “Little kids that are there like to see the challenges our students face as he has big kids. They look at you because they see personally triumphed over his own. He has what they might be one day. They’re proud of been a true mentor and friend to me. There you,” she said. was no question in dedicating these games in The trio was excited not only about his honor. He is a great man.” participating in the Olympics, but about Students who participate in Special going to prom as well. Woods said he was Olympics can choose two sports in which planning to wear a tuxedo with a hot pink to compete. Roberson chose running and vest, which he chose himself. Ray planned to softball this year. She said she looked forward wear a red vest. to throwing the ball, and said she would “do Roberson chose to represent her school my best.” colors, and was planning to wear a gown in Woods and Ray also planned to compete Mustang burgundy. in the softball throw, with Woods planning While Woods and Ray have another year to compete in the walking event, and Ray in of school left, Roberson said she will graduate the running. this year. Her plans after graduation?

About a week before the Olympics, Woods “I’m gonna party all night,” she said, said he was looking forward to the event. He grinning from ear to ear. was slightly bummed to find out there would All three enjoy school, and have been be no pizza, but said he’d be glad to have a working hard at learning jobs skills, in hot dog. addition to their school work. This includes Ray and Roberson have both been activities like bagging groceries and restocking participating in Special Olympics since they shelves, cleaning tables and serving tea. These were in elementary school, and said the best skills will help the students transition into life part is getting to be outside. after graduation.

Boyett commented that it’s good that the School has been about learning and age range is so great among the students who preparing for the real world, Boyett said. participate in Special Olympics. She told “The games is kind of let your hair down Roberson, Woods and Ray that they are role and have fun,” she added. models to the younger children.

Spring 2017 • 11

12 • Effingham Living

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Spring 2017 • 15

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TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE FOR EFFINGHAM NOW CLOSE TO HOME

912-754-6451

|

EffinghamHealth.org

NOW CLOSE TO HOME

MEET OUR NEW CEO

“Be the change, Lead the change. See the change” Change is certainly the word when it comes to Effingham Health System. In fact, the phrase quoted above is the underlying inspiration of a wave of changes, large and small, at the Effingham County based healthcare provider.

The author of this guiding principle of “Be the change, Lead the change. See the change” is Effingham Health System’s new Chief Executive Officer, Fran Baker-Witt, RN, MBA, LNHA. Mrs. Baker-Witt was recently appointed to the health system’s top spot by the Effingham Hospital Authority.

Mrs. Baker-Witt promises a wave of change over the next year and beyond. But it’s not change just for the sake of change. “Effingham Health System’s transformational journey is to become more innovative and collaborative, to deliver quality care for the community we serve,” explains Mrs. BakerWitt. That commitment is evident in the recent opening of the Cancer Care Center at Effingham Health System (see following pages).

Expect to hear about increasing emphasis on engaging patients, and their families, to assure the best possible healthcare outcomes. Expect to see new services based on feedback from the very people EHS serves—the people of Effingham County and surrounding cities. Mrs. Baker-Witt wants every person in the area to know that when you need healthcare services, you can count on EHS to deliver expert care, close to home.

In today’s patient-centered healthcare environment, Mrs. Baker-Witt’s expertise and insight are already benefiting EHS. Those qualities come from her roots in nursing and her MBA-backed experience in healthcare management. Her leadership style reflects her emphasis on “emotional intelligence” and the strength she draws from her faith in God.

“Our transformational journey is to become more innovative and collaborative— to deliver quality care to the community we serve.”

Mrs. Baker-Witt believes an important part of changing healthcare in Effingham County is getting people talking about it and educating them about the changes that are taking EHS to the next level. Under her leadership the hospital is embracing digital and social media—engaging thousands of local people in the conversation about healthcare and how it affects their lives. So far, the strongest communications are those that come from successful patient stories. These stories tell of the dedicated and compassionate professionalism of today’s Effingham Health System.

Prior to joining EHS in 2016 as Chief Transformation Officer, then as Interim CEO, Mrs. Baker-Witt held several management positions with Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Health System, most recently as Executive Director of Women and Infant Services.

Never one to stop changing and growing, Mrs. Baker-Witt is well on her way to earning her Doctorate in Nursing. Constantly focused on being, leading, and seeing the change.

FRAN BAKER-WITT, RN, MBA, LNHA Chief Executive Officer

TRUSTED CANCER CARE

Now close to home MEDICAL ONCOLOGY AND CHEMOTHERAPY

Effingham Health System has joined with Summit Cancer Care, Savannah’s leading medical oncology practice group, to offer medical oncology services, including chemotherapy and medical infusion treatments, in the new Cancer Care Center at Effingham Health System.

We know a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.

Our team is here to help you with expert care, compassion, and courage—when you need it most.

HOW IS THIS TRANSFORMING CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS? For residents of Effingham and surrounding communities dealing with cancer, expert care close to home makes it easier for patients—and their families— to focus on healing. Our patients receive the highest level of care available in this region, save hours of time in transit, and benefit from a professional support system within our own community.

EXPERIENCED PHYSICIANS. ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS. PERSONALIZED CARE.

ANN YARBROUGH Incoming Board Chairman, Effingham Hospital Authority

“The Cancer Care Center at Effingham Health System is opening because our community clearly shared the need for cancer care.”

WHO CAN RECEIVE TREATMENT AT THIS CENTER? Any patient requiring medical oncology or hematology care, including chemotherapy and medical infusion treatments, may REQUEST to be referred to the Cancer Care Center at Effingham Health System.

Each patient will receive personalized care from one of Summit Cancer Care’s board certified medical oncologists and hematologists. Summit’s physicians have earned respect throughout Southeast Georgia for the caliber of care, progressive treatment options, and genuine compassion they offer every patient.

If you think you may have cancer, you should see your primary care physician or the appropriate specialist.

If they diagnose cancer, they will explain treatment options, which may include surgery, radiation, and/or medical oncology (including chemotherapy).

CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT

Once your physician suggests medical oncology or chemotherapy, you may request to be referred to the Cancer Care Center at Effingham Health System.

The Cancer Care Center is licensed to administer chemotherapy. We have created a comfortable place with a caring, professional team that is focused on you. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, we welcome you to call us to arrange a tour.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR SCHEDULE A TOUR, CALL 912-754-2560

NOW CLOSE TO HOME

GET YOUR SELFIES HERE

TELL YOUR DOCTOR TO REFER YOU TO EHS FOR IMAGING TESTS The following imaging services are available at Effingham Hospital in Springfield and/or the Imaging Center on Goshen Road:

3D MAMMOGRAPHY MRI OPEN MRI (TOWN PARK) CT SCAN ULTRASOUND BONE DENSITOMETRY (DEXA) FLUOROSCOPY RADIOGRAPHY

FOR SCHEDULING AND INFORMATION CALL

912-826-1400

EXPERT ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE Effingham Health System and Chatham Orthopaedics Associates are teaming up to offer industry-leading Orthopaedic care through Effingham Orthopaedics.

This new collaboration assures residents of Effingham and surrounding cities access to expert orthopaedic services and sports medicine.

Care that will be provided by exceptionally trained and highly regarded physicians from Savannahbased Chatham Orthopaedic Associates. Whether you have a sprained joint, a broken bone, back pain, neck pain, arthritis or any other orthopaedic injury or condition, you will experience specialized treatment in a warm and caring atmosphere.

Effingham Health System also offers a full array of orthopaedic and sports medicine support services:

FULL IMAGING SERVICES INCLUDING MRI, OPEN MRI AND CT-SCAN

STATE-OF-THE-ART SURGERY CENTER PHYSICAL THERAPY (REHAB THERAPY CENTER)

EMERGENCY ROOM (LEVEL IV TRAUMA CENTER)

The offices of Effingham Orthopaedics are conveniently located in The Square at Town Park West in Goshen.

FOR SCHEDULING AND INFORMATION CALL

912-826-3111

EFFINGHAM HOSPITAL

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MUSIC Saturday, May 13 Mars Theatre The Anchormen with Southern Crossroads One of the premier quartets in Christian music, The Anchormen have more than three decades in ministry. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased at www. marstheatre.com. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

Friday, May 19 Mars Theatre Two Way Crossing Breathtaking vocals, incomparable melodies and catchy beats are words used to describe this group, originally

the brainchild of husband and wife duo Jenny and Blake Marvin. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at www.marstheatre.com. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 Mars Theatre Cash Unchained: The Music of Johnny Cash James Tamelcoff and his band will entertain the audience with Cash’s greatest hits from throughout his career. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at www.marstheatre.com.

The concert begins at 8 p.m.

OTHER April 21-22 Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairground in Statesboro Now in its seventh year, the event promises even more fun than ever.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. each day. The fairgrounds are located at 16942 GA-67.

Friday, April 28 Planetarium: Litchmond Georgia Southern University Planetarium Featuring shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m., this event is a poetic journey through the sounds and sights of a visionary parallel universe. General admission tickets will be given out the week of the event in the Physics Department office, Room 2005 in the Math and Physics building, and will be available in the planetarium lobby beginning at 5 p.m. the day of the event.

Saturdays Family Fun Swim, 10 a.m.-noon Splash in the Boro Piano Camps Springfield Music & Arts Center Camps for children ages 6 to 11 will be offered June 5-9, June 12-16, July 10-14 and July 1721. Registration closes the Friday before a session begins. Cost is

$75 and includes piano instruction and beginner piano book. Practice keyboards are available for a $25, five-day rental fee. For more information or to sign up, go online at www.springfieldartscenter.com.

Note: More music, art and craft camps will be offered. Check the website for details.

Spring Classes at Averitt Center for the Arts Finger Painting Poetry: For ages 9-12 years, the class is held at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, and taught by Claire Nelson. Weird Science: For ages 14-17 years, the class is for writing poetry and prose about the things that inspire in the natural, weird world around us. Instructor is Christina Olson. Tuition for either class is $44 per month ($54 for non-members).

Call (912) 212-2787 or go online at www.averittcenterforthearts.org for more information.

Through Jan. 28, 2018 The World’s War is Georgia’s War: 1917-1919 Georgia Southern Museum Commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. involvement in the First World War through the experience of Georgia. Stories of Georgia’s soldiers, civilians, training camps and communities.

Calendar

Things to do this spring

ART Through April 26 Leaves: Book and Paper Arts Exhibition Averitt Center for the Arts The exhibition features three artists who make one edition artist’s books and paper to build and create narratives or architectronic magic.

Artists participating include Susan Lenz, Jenny Bick and Christina Lihan.

Through April 26 Private Presidential Pathways Averitt Center for the Arts A collection of candid presidential photographs by the late New York Times photographer, George Tames Tames, the NYT White House photographer from 1945 to 1985.

Saturday, April 22 ArtsFest Georgia Southern University, Sweetheart Circle This free, public event will unite the community in celebrating the importance of performing and visual arts. Opportunities to create your own art will be available for adults and children. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ongoing Give it a Spin! Workshop, 3rd Sunday each month Averitt Center for the Arts For those 16 years of age and up, from 1-4 p.m., this pottery class for beginners covers the basics. Bring a towel with you; all other materials provided. Cost is $25 ($40 for non-members).

Paint-N-Party, 2nd Friday each month Averitt Center for the Arts Come and have fun with your friends and your favorite drink (21+ to drink). Price includes a 16X20 canvas and art supplies. Call Tony Phillips at (912) 212-2787 to register. Cost is $35 per session.

Through July 1 Averitt Center for the Arts Through the Window: Landscapes by Terry Moeller Moeller is a landscape artist working in a variety of media, including oil painting, pastels, watercolor, mixed media and photography. Her artwork focuses on the light, color, patter and rhythms found in nature.

Spring 2017 • 25

Local student makes life�changing journey Written by Rashida Otunba | Photos courtesy of Megan Driggers

26 • Effingham Living

E

ffingham local and Savannah Technical College student Megan Driggers recently embarked on the trip of a lifetime to experience the wonderful world of French baking.

Originally from Springfield, Georgia, Driggers’ love of baking is not just a side hobby, it is something that she is passionate about, and she wants to make it her career.

“I’ve always cooked, even when I was little. I’ve always been cooking or been in the kitchen,” Driggers said.

Driggers notes that she first realized that her love of cooking could be turned into a career during middle school when she was placed in a Pathways program designed to prepare children for their future careers. “(Pathways) stuck out to me. I didn’t realize it was something that could be a career choice,” Driggers said.

She eventually made the decision to attend Savannah Tech as a culinary student and will graduate with an associate’s degree in culinary arts as well as an associate’s degree in baking and pastry. “[The program is] very extensive. You take so many classes that are so in-depth.

That’s why a lot of kids spread it out. Some

(classes) are very in depth and long, and if you take too many you won’t remember much,” Driggers said.

At just 18 years old, her skill in baking landed her among an elite group of students who were granted the opportunity to train in Tarbes, France in order to gain real world skills and study French culture. Tarbes is a small city that is located near the Spanish border, and before embarking on the journey, students were required to prepare dishes specific to the region as well as prepare a presentation about the region.

The selection process to be considered for the program was tedious, with only five students being selected to take part on the trip. The first round of the competition required the students to create a dish from a specific region in France. For Driggers, this meant researching different aspects of cuisine and culture from the southern region of the country and creating a dish, as well as a presentation about the research that she completed.

The program works as an exchange and this trip marks the first time Savannah Tech has sent students on this trip. While the American students journeyed to France, their French counterparts will come to the United States and participate in a similar experience.

“This exchange that they are doing is an

amazing opportunity. It is interesting to see the students who came from France because they are all high school age. It’s amazing to see how advanced they are in their careers at such a young age. They come here and they think it’s amazing and it’s very cool to see that,” Driggers said.

The students spent one month in France and were given the option of either concentrating on making pastries or baking bread. Once they arrived, they were each put in different bakeries and sent to work under trained professionals, with one day of the week devoted to classes.

If students desired, they were able to switch bakeries and work on another skill and Driggers took advantage of the opportunity to work with a chocolatier.

For Driggers, the trip was not only educationally beneficial, but it also allowed her to experience new things that she has not been exposed to before. She notes that this experience was life changing, and would suggest that any students seeking to study culinary arts consider Savannah Tech.

“We have this amazing opportunity right here near home. There are so many opportunities in this area. (The trip) was amazing and I would not trade anything for it,” Driggers said.

Following her graduation, Driggers plans to settle in Savannah to pursue her career.

Spring 2017 • 27

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Olde Effingham Festival to be held April 22

O

Written by Angye Morrison | Photos courtesy of Historic Effingham Society

n April 22, attendees at the Olde Effingham Festival will have the opportunity to not only step back in time – but to experience life as it was in the earlier days of Effingham County.

The festival will be held at the Living History Site at the Effingham Museum, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum and site are located at the corner of Pine and Early streets, across from the old courthouse in Springfield, Georgia.

The Living History Site, which includes 12 buildings dating from 1790 to 1950, will come alive with demonstrations of old crafts and handwork. Also open will be the barn, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop and Blandford Dept.

The homes on the site are fully decorated, and there are also farm buildings and a 1910 railroad depot. Scattered around are also indoor and outdoor classroom sites, a children’s corner and “The 30 • Effingham Living

Hut,” where visitors can enjoy lunch.

The Effingham Museum, which will also be open for visitors, features 10 rooms filled with prehistoric, colonial, revolutionary, Civil War and World War II historic items, a genealogy and history research library, and the old jail.

Vendors will be on hand all day long during the festival, with crafts, food, bake sales, tractors, cars, live music, rambling musicians, children’s activities, bounce houses and more. In addition, there will be a flower and art show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., presented by the Springfield Garden Club.

The festival is sponsored by the Historic Effingham Society.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and military, $3 for students, and children under 6 get in free. Group tours are available, as are weekend tours. For more information on the event or the museum, call (912) 7542170, email historiceffingham@aol.com or go online at www. historiceffinghamsociety.org.

Spring 2017 • 31

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32 • Effingham Living

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Living Effingham: Come sit a while…

Written by Julie Dickey | Effingham Area Director | United Way of the Coast Empire

pringfield? Ohio?! My husband Brian’s words shocked me in June 2008, when he said the company was moving him to an office in Springfield. Who knew there was a Springfield, Georgia (I was born and raised in North Georgia and had never heard of it), and that it would be the best thing that happened to our family!

When we moved here on the first day of school, August 2008, we checked out of the hotel in Pooler, drove our oldest child, Nate, to school and rushed to Rincon to greet the movers who were bringing furniture to our new home. It was a whirlwind! I ran my first of 10+ trips to Wal-Mart (and Lowe’s) that day, and was greeted by a sweet lady who welcomed me to the store each time I entered. Seeing her so many times in one day, I quickly made my first friend, Ms. Sharon.

After a long, exhausting day, I made my last trip to Lowe’s and returned home to find that our 3-year-old daughter, Amber, had snipped her shiny, long golden locks about 8 inches shorter on the right side of her face. (Moms, I know some of you can relate to my shock and overwhelming desire to overreact, but I think I played it pretty cool.) Let me just say I look back and laugh, now. Oh, and I also got a detailed note sent home from school explaining that the navy blue polo my son had worn was not the required royal blue polo described in the school handbook, and that infractions would not be tolerated. Whew!

I walked outside to take a deep breath and found 6-year-old Nate asking neighbors walking by if they’d like to stop in for pizza – that Mama had just ordered plenty. Son! It was one crazy day, but the beginning of...wonderful.

A few months later when we were church shopping, I saw my friend from Wal-Mart at one of the churches, and we decided to call it home. The ladies in the choir welcomed me into their fold and fell over themselves to help when our new baby, Bre, arrived. It was a sweet time. We saw our neighbors regularly and sat for long afternoons outside in the grass, catching up and talking about life, watching kids play in the summer sun.

We were cared for from the day we moved in. And that’s what makes Effingham unique. It’s been home

since we landed. Our children’s teachers have nurtured and loved them, and the kids have flourished in this school system over the past eight years. Brian’s coworkers took him in and introduced him to everyone from Egypt to South Guyton, and showed him every nook and cranny in between.

People here care, deeply. Relationships are important. We’ve moved three times to new communities, but have never previously experienced the unique flavor of life that Effingham offers. We have made lifelong friendships in our village at Lost Plantation. Close enough to the action in Savannah and Hilton Head, but tucked away among tall pines and miles of lush, blooming azaleas, Effingham County is the ideal place to grow strong families in a close-knit community.

Living Effingham is truly a retreat from everything else – and an immersion into “come sit a while.”

Spring 2017 • 33

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Effingham Effingham Winter 2015

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JON BURNS thrives in his new role in

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It’s All About THE SOUTH An Effingham-inspired

CLOTHING LINE

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STEM ACADEMY

An innovative approach to

An inside look at Effingham’s

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SPOTTED Want to see your event photos in Spotted? Send your photos to Angye Morrison at amorrison@effinghamherald.net. Please include event information such as dates, names and location.

The Effingham Chamber of Commerce hosted its 7th annual Taste of Effingham on March 2 at the Effingham County Recreation Department in Springfield. Local residents who were on hand were treated to tasty and tantalizing treats from a room full of area restaurants. Savannah’s own Harry O’Donoghue provided music, bringing a bit of Irish to the event. Participating restaurants included The Tin Fin, El Real, Effingham College and Career Academy, Sweet Tea Grille, Gypsy Soul Café, Schnitzel Shack, Simply Southern, The Cake Mix, B&R Backyard BBQ, Horton’s Quality Meats, The Grille at Lost Plantation and Butterducks Winery.

Photography by: Zack Lee

36 • Effingham Living

Special Olympics was held in Effingham County at Effingham County High School on March 24. Students from all over the county gathered to compete, play games and just enjoy a fun day in the sunshine. Volunteers included students from both ECHS and South Effingham High School, as well as adults from the community.

Photography by: Birk Herrath

Spring 2017 • 37

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Summer Application ENROLL NOW! DeadlineEnrollment is May 12 Summer Deadline March 7

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For graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, etc. visit: www.savannahtech.edu/GainfulEmployment.

For graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program,

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