Milledgeville Living Spring - Summer 2020

Milledgeville BBA ALLD DW WIIN N C CO OU UN NTT Y Y

Spring-Summer Spring-Summer2020 2020

L I V I N G

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

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Table of Contents 10

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

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Abiding Love and Weddings To Remember

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Springing into Proper Tree Care

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Middle Georgia Music Legends Good Vibrations Band and Reunion Band

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Summer Recreation & Camps Guide

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&

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ON THE COVER: Makayla and Wil Miller

by Ashah Photography

Spring-Summer 2020

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Milledgeville BALDWIN COUNT Y

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PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: Jane Robinson

Milledgeville Company with Deep Roots

DESIGNERS: Heidi Rizzi Beth Diersen

Willow Floral & Events Studio

COVER PHOTO: Melissa Pulliam PHOTOGRAPHY: Ashah Photography Lena Hensley Melissa Pulliam Heidi Rizzi Jane Robinson

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Sanchez & Craig Orthodontics

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rick Franzman Lena Hensley Dana Lowe Edward Morrow

10,000 Smiles and Counting

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ADVERTISING SALES: Jane Robinson Maria de Guiseppi Dan Smith OFFICE MASCOTS: Oliver and Willow MASCOTS EMERITUS: Pooh Panda Tinkerbell Beau If you would like to advertise with us or if you have feature ideas, please contact Jane Robinson wjr@ieservicegroup.com Milledgeville Living Magazine published by Infinite Endeavors Publishing Company, Inc. P.O. Box 272 Good Hope, GA 30641 770-789-8189

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Publisher and Pups.

Member of Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce 6

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BONNER

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Because Nice Matters Karen T. Brooks Have you ever given much thought how you feel when you enter into a business? At Century Bank & Trust, it’s important to us that you receive a warm welcome as you enter through our doors. You can expect to be greeted with a smile and a sincere hello. Why? Because we care about you. You are important to us and we are thankful you chose our bank.

Meet our Downtown Branch:

Meet our Northside Branch:

Bernadette (Fay) Williams, Head Teller Fay has been with Century Bank for 16 years.

She feels blessed for the opportunity to get to know her customers and to provide them with extra personal attention. She has been married to Walter for 20 years, and together they have three children and three grandchildren. Fay loves life and lives it to the fullest!

Connie Davis Connie has been with Century Bank for 20 years, serving at both the Northside branch and the downtown location. You can find her now in the drive-thru window downtown.

Connie takes great pride in serving her customers and loves getting to know them on a personal level. She has two children, Demetrius and Deanna. While away from work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Ashley Kuntz Ashley has been with Century Bank for two years and enjoys getting to know her customers and their families. She enjoys learning more about our community through her customers and participating in local events. Ashley enjoys time with her goddaughter, Auburionna and her family and friends.

Katie Rowand Katie has been with Century Bank for two years. She enjoys building lasting relationships with her customers and getting to hear their stories from their lives. Katie has a big day coming up in August and is getting married to Trey Hill. When she is not at work, she loves to disciple high school students alongside Trey at Northside Baptist Church.

At Century Bank & Trust, it’s not enough to provide excellent banking services or the latest in technology. Our goal each day is to help our customers realize how important they are to us and show them our appreciation for their business...because nice matters.

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Gayle Sanders, Teller Operations Supervisor Gayle has been in banking for 39 years—all at Century Bank! She loves her customers and building relationships that have now grown to her customers’ children. The opportunity to meet and get to know new customers is also very important to her. Gayle is married to Shawn and they adore their four, four-legged children: Arwen, Buddy, Dixie, and Girlie. She enjoys spending time in their pool and beach trips with friends.

Julie Jones Julie has been with Century Bank for 31 years. She most enjoys interaction with her customers and co-workers. She treasures her co-workers and considers them part of her family. Julie has a son, Dylan and loves time with her family and friends.

Erika Spivey Erika has been with Century Bank for three years, and she loves getting to know her customers. Away from the bank, Erika enjoys reading and attending concerts. She also enjoys special time with her family and friends.

Elizabeth Stone Elizabeth has been at Century Bank for two years. She enjoys the opportunity to help her customers with their banking needs. Elizabeth treasures time with her family and friends.

She has three, four-legged children: Jasmine, Lou-Lou, and Willow.

Katelynn Watkins Katelynn is our newest addition to the Century Bank family. She joined us a month ago and is enjoying the positive and energized work environment. Away from work, she enjoys ice skating, reading, and spending time with family and close friends.

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Here at Century Bank & Trust, we’re committed to always being the bank you can rely on for trusted relationships and exceptional customer service.

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Spring-Summer 2020

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Abiding Love and Weddings to Remember

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

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by Lena Hensley

Every love story is special. Makayla Cook Miller, the owner of Sinclair Social wedding planning business, is interacting with love stories daily. For her, it’s a rewarding life’s work.

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“I always liked the wedding business and wanted to do this as a career,” she said. “The wedding day is one of the most important days in people’s lives, because two people who truly love each other come together to confirm their love in front of their family, friends, and the Lord.”

The wedding for Colleen Powell, a special education teacher at Lakeview Academy in Milledgeville, was one the most memorable weddings Miller organized. Powell had three of her students with disabilities attend her wedding, two of which were ring bearers, and one walked with her and her dad down the aisle.

“Every wedding is so different. I learn something new from each one,” Miller said. “Every bride has a different idea and a tradition she wants to fulfil. It’s a thrill to see how everybody puts their spin on their special day. I enjoy seeing the special connection between the bride and the groom and experiencing everyone’s wedding day. It’s so much fun and so sweet. I love experiencing the whole process from the first day I meet them until they go off to the honeymoon, creating a personal relationship with them, adapting in situations when things may not go right, and being in environments where I push to make things happen.”

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Miller pondered the idea of a wedding planning business while still in college, where she wrote a business plan for the business. She organized her first wedding in May 2017, when a friend of one of her friends was getting married.

“My name was mentioned, and that’s how it started,” she recalled. “We met for dinner. I found out all she wanted.

Everything turned out so well.” After planning this wedding, Miller received more bookings by word of mouth.

“I enjoy meeting the brides and their families, organizing weddings from start to finish, and helping them go through the day stress-free,” she said. “I connect with them on a personal level and try to understand what they want. I don’t just tell how I’d like to do everything.

If there is something special the bride wants on her big day, I do my best to make it happen.”

Miller is experienced in organizing weddings from two to several hundred people. She organized her own wedding, which hosted 400 in attendance.

“I like weddings of any size. The size doesn’t matter to me as long as there is a venue that can accommodate everyone,” Miller said.

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Miller’s love story and wedding is also lovely wedding story. Miller is a native of Statesboro, Ga. She grew up in South Georgia. Miller moved to Milledgeville to attend Georgia College and study business management. While in college, she worked as a waitress at a downtown Milledgeville restaurant.

During the summer, after her freshman year, friends introduced her to Wil Miller, her husband. “We were friends at first, then we realized we had so much in common,” she said. “We loved the same things and being together. We became best friends.”

They dated for around four years and decided to get married soon after their graduation. “We were on a family vacation in St. George Island, Fla., when Wil proposed,” Miller recalled.

“A lot of family and friends were there to celebrate. We were on an island at a state park. The scenery was beautiful. It was perfect and a huge surprise for me.”

Wil and Makayla were married in spring 2019. They were married at a beautiful private setting by the river in Milledgeville. The property is located near Wil’s childhood home. “We were so excited about the idea of having it here,” she said. “I was going for a whimsical magical theme and wanted to create an enchanted forest with lights in the trees and throughout the woods,” she recalled. “There was a tree house type structure along the river. I also wanted lights in the sky and a lot of big florals. We softened up the woods with linens and we also hung the drapes.”

“My idea was executed perfectly with help of Lake Oconee Events. They made my ideas come to life,” Miller said. “Ashah Photography was amazing throughout our whole engagement and wedding. She rode on the golf cart with us to shoot our engagement photos.

She made everyone feel so comfortable Spring-Summer 2020

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on our big day. Her work is phenomenal. Brandy at Willow Florals and her team were also amazing. They made everything by the river come together with the centerpieces, drapery in the trees, and hanging globe lights from above. Milledgeville is lucky to have this local talent. Cake Art in Dublin offered the most delicious cake and heartwarming experience for my wedding cake. After tasting many cakes at her shop, we wanted all of them incorporated, but we stuck with three - the original wedding cake, red velvet (Wil’s pick), and my favorite strawberry, which offered the guests a perfect variety. The Company Supply, Dublin, provided catering and design. Their service and food were simply outstanding.”

Miller’s wedding dress came from Ivory & Beau in Savannah, Ga. It was an Australian brand ‘Made with Love.’ “I knew exactly which dress I wanted,” she said. She added a skirt by another brand - Hayley Paige Occasions - to add flair with

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

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a detachable skirt. “It was huge, probably 20 layers,” she said.

Miller offers the expertise to facilitate all wedding aspects – securing a location, catering, music, photography, dresses, and makeup. She works with companies in Milledgeville, Dublin, Macon, Madison, Athens, Covington, and Atlanta; however, Milledgeville vendors are her favorite. “Milledgeville market is simple and has a lot to offer that many people don’t know about. One of my goals is to introduce more names in Milledgeville,” she said. HMLM

For more information or to contact Makayla Miller, call 912-334-1151, email sinclair.social.events@gmail. com or visit https://www.facebook.com/sinclairsocialevents/, https://www.instagram.com/sinclair_social/.

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

Springing into Proper Tree Care

by Edward Morrow

As

the days become longer and warmer, we naturally

find ourselves investing more time outdoors. As a result, our trees may begin to command our attention. Not because they will start to speak to us like in the Wizard of Oz, but because our eyes will be drawn to the production of new leaves and foliage. This will start to change our environment and the appearance of our landscapes.

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We can generally break a tree’s cycle into two stages or seasons: active and dormant. The active season is during the warmer months; the dormant season is during the colder months. These two distinctive cycles present different visual opportunities for us. For example, during spring and summer we can perform a better assessment on foliage and leaf conditions.

In the colder months, when leaves are not present for deciduous trees, it is easier to assess the condition of the trunk and branches. A common misconception is that tree maintenance is a static process; however, we must understand the appropriate maintenance practices for the specific season.

During the spring, roots tend to grow rapidly, absorbing nutrients and water. Sugars and starches are used to fuel new growth. New leaves start to expand and generate higher levels of chlorophyll, turning into a rich and darker green, like what we will see in the summer months. This also increases the rate of

An example of a creative protection barrier for this newly planted tree. Notice how the root zone is not compacted, which can restrict air and water for the root system

We can generally break a tree’s cycle into two stages or seasons: active and dormant. The active season is during the warmer months; the dormant season is during the colder months. These two distinctive cycles present different visual opportunities for us. For example, during spring and summer we can perform a better assessment on foliage and leaf conditions.

In the colder months, when leaves are not present for deciduous trees, it is easier to assess the condition of the trunk and branches.

A common misconception is that tree maintenance is a static process; however, we must understand the appropriate maintenance practices for the specific season.

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photosynthesis. As summer approaches, and it becomes hotter and dryer, tree growth will begin to gradually decrease, even though leaves will continue the process of storing and producing food materials held in the stems and roots. The root system will still actively absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Now, when we understand this seasonal process, an honorable task like pruning can be counterproductive, especially if it is excessive. In other words, a lot of pruning during this time is like a jockey using their reins to hold back a powerful thoroughbred horse, who desperately wants to run and explode outward with all their power and might.

Let’s address basic lawn care practices. Attractive yards are highly desired, but something as straightforward as mowing can initiate tree decline. Before starting your lawn mowers and weed eaters, be aware of surface roots. Lawn mower blades can tear away the root bark. Even small cuts from weed trimmers on the base of a tree can lead to future decline. How so? Lawn equipment can create wounds, which can serve as openings for pests. This subtle chain-reaction can produce trouble down the road. To circumvent this, first have a plan. Mulch or pine straw beds can create barriers, which can be extremely beneficial for the tree’s protection and future growth. It’s a simple technique that can be easily overlooked. Second, we can either be more aware of the tree roots in our yards, or spend a few minutes addressing our concerns with our personal landscapers before they get started. We often don’t realize how small actions, like covering the root zone with mulch, or creating a protective barrier, can enhance a tree’s health and lifespan. The beauty of mulching produces a greater return on investment. It can add

This tree resembles a utility pole because its root base does not flare out. It was discovered that construction and digging work was done in the around and excess soil was compacted in this tree’s root zone.

Keep in mind that mulch can create conditions conducive to termite survival. While mulch can do wonders for trees, be cognizant of where you apply it around your home 28

Milledgeville Living Magazine

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This root has been damaged by lawn equipment and can lead to future tree health issues a clean and attractive appearance, forming a shield to prevent lawn equipment from harming the tree’s base and root zone.

We may want a congruent look with our home’s foundation as well. For example, if mulch is used in our yards, we may want to also place a barrier around our home’s outside border. This sounds harmless, but According to the University of Georgia Extension Bulletin 1241: Termite Control Services – Information for the Georgia Property Owner, it is imperative that property owners remain proactive and mindful of items such as groundcovers, shrubs, vines, and mulch. These items should be kept several feet away from outside foundation walls. Mulch and even groundcovers can create favorable conditions for termites’ survival. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, which facilitates termite exploration. Studies show outside walls, lined with mulch, may provide pests easy access and make them difficult to detect.

Construction and home renovations can be more common as it starts to warm up. Unfortunately, property owners and contractors may overlook the presence of trees and can inadvertently cause harm to plant life. It may be in your best interest to schedule construction activities during the dormant season. The average recovery time for trees is 1 to 2 years if construction takes place in the dormant season; 3 – 4 years if in the active season. If trees are impacted by the effects of construction during spring or summer months, it will take longer for them to bounce back. However, sometimes trees cannot be saved or should not depending on the circumstances. It is

Enjoy the beautiful, brick-walled eatery & bar serving classic & creative pizza, calzones, pastas & sandwiches. It is our constant goal to keep our customers bellies full and their hearts happy by providing the best food possible, as well as the most vibrant and amiable staff around.

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When designing your landscape layout, consider how trees and vegetation can be used to create aesthetic structures, noise reducers, privacy walls, or natural temperature regulators

There is something lurking under this pine straw bed.

A girdling root! They grow around instead of out and away from the tree’s base. A symptom could be early fall color and vascular transport can be restricted.

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still prudent to be aware of construction impact and minimize the footprint as much as possible to retain certain trees.

Tree root systems can spread outward in an irregular pattern. This spread can be two to three times greater than the canopy itself. One common misconception is that tree roots grow deep into the earth and are a mirror image of the canopy; however, most roots are found in the top twelve inches of soil.

This is mainly because water, nutrients, and oxygen are easily absorbed in this area, so there will be a higher concentration of roots there. Soil compaction is one of the leading causes of urban tree decline because roots can suffocate due to the lack of proper soil aeration. The presence of more foot traffic, vehicles, construction, and infrastructure in urban environments increase the stress level for trees, making them more susceptible to additional threats and diseases. Even at that, trees can have varying levels of tolerance to root disturbance, soil compaction, and flooding, which can all stem from construction activities.

For example, oak trees are generally sensitive to construction work, while cottonwoods, river birches, box elders, and a few maple species tend to fare better. To learn more, please read “Tree Protection During Construction and Landscaping Activities” by Todd Hurt & Bob Westerfield, University of Georgia in the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional training materials.

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Notice the ample leaves on these mature trees. Keep in mind that nice foliage can hide stem and branch defects that can grow to become future hazards While pruning to remove broken or damaged limbs can be done throughout the year to ensure safety on your property, pruning live branches should typically be performed during the dormant season. Pruning does in fact create a wound.

Therefore, it is prudent to, for the lack of a better term, “produce wounds” during a timeframe when pest and pathogens are at a low point during the year, which is during fall and winter. While trunk and branch visibility are better in the colder months, leaf or foliar health is easily assessed in spring and summer. For example, leaves or foliage that appear yellow could be a symptom of nitrogen deficiency, root damage, air

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pollution, or herbicide damage. This could be a sign of chlorosis and may be described as a plant ‘having the flu’. Speaking of the flu and health topics, the article published in Science Magazine, “View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery,” explains that something as simple as a window view of nature can decrease stress and the time patients spend in hospitals. Patients whose rooms faced a brick wall, instead of facing a garden or area with trees, were released from the hospital slower, experienced more post-surgical complications, and required more pain medication. Moral of the story, if you end up in the hospital and want to make your visit shorter, just make sure you request a room with the best view of trees.

Soil nitrogen is usually ample in decomposed organic matter. That’s why removing natural sources of nitrogen like leaf litter could disrupt the natural cycling of nitrogen in the soil. This could be one reason why forest trees tend to be less stressed, or don’t necessarily require additional plant supplements like their urban counterparts. Another reason is because root growth is restricted for urban trees.

Insect damage can be determined by the leaf’s appearance. For example, leaves with holes in them could be the work of small caterpillars or leaf beetles. Leaf defoliation, or the chewing of an entire leaf, can be the work of large caterpillars, grasshoppers, sawflies, or slugs.

Larger wildlife like deer can also impact trees by rubbing away the bark.

If you are considering a fertilizer for your tree, keep in mind that spring is usually the best time. This is when the tree is actively growing.

Spring is in the air. Bradford pear trees can produce an attractive array of colors year-round

Normally, summer fertilization is not done unless specific nutrient deficiencies or health issues need to be addressed.

In general winter fertilization is not recommended. For fall, use caution, because excessive fertilization could promote tree damage; a slow-release fertilizer could be applied to provide available nutrients for early spring tree growth at this time.

Also remember that a newly planted tree needs time to establish its root system first. Most fertilizers contain the three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Phosphorous is critical for flowering and fruiting processes, while potassium is beneficial in helping plants convert sugars from photosynthesis into energy. As a side note, palm trees actually require more potassium than shade trees.

Planting a tree is best up to early spring. Once again, the dormant season being the best time. This is typically when weather conditions are more favorable, and the root system can become acclimated to the new area. A good rule of thumb is to make the planting hole wider than it is deep. Also, a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch may be added to help the conservation of moisture and regulation of temperature in the root zone. Try to be mindful of your mulching, never piling it directly on your tree’s stem, which creates the infamous “mulch volcano”. This can invite rodents or encourage root rot or decay. Yikes!

Spring can be used to plan and properly train the structure of your tree. Proper tree structure is achieved when dead, declining, or defective limbs are removed. Also removing branches that cross is encouraged, because the rubbing may weaken bark tissue over time and create entry ways for pests and pathogens. A central stem should be desired because multi or codominant stems may promote structural weaknesses as

the tree ages and widens in girth, or diameter. Spring allows us to step back and get a good look at our trees. Again, even though leaves are beginning to sprout out, it won’t happen so fast that it hides the limbs and trunk, thus reducing our ability to pick up defects.

Watering your tree is a hot topic, especially since Georgia experienced a long summer in 2019. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, strategically planted trees can reduce your summer cooling costs by as much as 30% and your winter heating costs by more than 20%. The Arbor Day Foundation explains that proper placement can also slash wind speeds from anywhere to 35 mph to 10 mph, and thus decrease the amount of damage that high winds can cause to a home. Trees also serve as natural air conditioners. Large stands of trees and green spaces can reduce heat within cities and help regulate air flow. It is noted that every 10% increase in overall urban tree canopy can create a 2°F reduction in heat within the surrounding area. A simple benchmark for watering in drought conditions is as follows: apply approximately 15 gallons of water for each inch in trunk diameter, once per week. Truck diameter may be measured at 4.5 feet from the ground up. As a general rule, 2 inches of water is required to thoroughly wet soil. Soil types also affect water absorption. This supports why eliminating compacted soil is important and aids the tree in water absorption. For example, sandy soils hold about 1 – 1.5 inches of water at a depth of one foot. On the other hand, claybased soil holds 2 – 2.5 inches of water at that same depth. To determine the type of soil you have, request information about soil-testing from your local county extension office.

Since spring is the time for new beginnings, you may create a tree maintenance calendar to not only budget for your tree projects, but also schedule those goals to work with your home improvement initiatives and landscape design projects. With these tips in home renovations, tree fertilization, pruning, planting, and watering, you will be in a better position to improve the health of your trees and fully tap into the wonderful benefits they bring us for years to come. HMLM Edward Morrow is recognized by The International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor. He is a contributing writer for The Tree Care Industry Association, and author of the The Homeowner’s Guide to Tree Care. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of plant health care and urban forestry with property owners, while helping them see the benefits of their trees.

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MIDDLE GEORGIA MUSIC LEGENDS

GOOD VIBRATIONS BAND and REUNION BAND

by Lena Hensley Good Vibrations Band Hear it, and your feet will start tapping, and then your body will be moving before you even realize it. It’s in the air. The good vibes are in the very name – Good Vibrations. You won’t sit still listening to their music.

“They are awesome, they do a great job,” said Sarita Green. “We love the music, that’s why we sit here waiting for them to come back,” said her friend Sheila Carter. Both attended the Rock ‘N Roll Cruise and car show in Greensboro Sept. 21, 2019.

The founders of Good Vibrations Band are Eddie Byrd and John Laughter, who met in Fort Valley “playing music” about 20 years ago. “I sang with John a couple of times, and then we said, we have to put something together,’” recalled Byrd. “We formed the band because we always wanted to keep playing.”

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“Our members have been playing for many years with local, regional and national bands,” said Laughter.

“We play ‘party music’ at wedding receptions, corporate parties, conventions, anniversaries, birthday parties, and more in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Our song list covers Top 40 hits from the 1940s through today’s hit records. We have music in our blood. It keeps you young,” Byrd added laughing.

“The band had undergone four evolutions, four personnel changes, and four name changes,” said Laughter. “The first name was Celebration, which was later changed to Sensations. At first, the band consisted of seven members. The name Good Vibrations, after the Beach Boys song, was a suggestion of a former band member.”

Currently, the band consists of four members – John Laughter, saxophone and keyboard; Eddie Byrd, keyboard and vocals; Ben Caldwell, guitar and vocals; and Jim Blanton, drums. “Eddie and I got tired of a big band. Too many personalities,” said Laughter. “Just four, that’s what we enjoy. We are getting along; we all enjoy the same music.”

“We are not a show band. We are a nice, tight, small group,” he said.

“One of the key things about our band is that we let the people pick songs from our song list.” “We play a variety of music for all ages,” added Byrd. “I love playing for and meeting so many people. It’s a thrill to see everybody have a good time.”

John Laughter is a native of Hamlet, NC. “In 1956, I picked up

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a saxophone at high school,” he recalled. “At that time, rock ‘n roll, rhythm & blues, and saxophone were extremely popular. I had all the encouragement.” In 1963 he joined the Air Force, where he’d spent four years. One year out of four he’d played in the 539th Air Force Band of the West. “I had to get out because they didn’t allow playing off base,” he reminisced. He quit the band and continued to play off base in the clubs. After the Air Force, he married his wife (Lee) and moved to Tampa, FL., where

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he graduated from the University of South Florida. One of his memorable experiences is playing summer concerts with Tampa University jazz band backing Dizzy Gillespie, Don Ellis, and Maynard Ferguson. Laughter has two daughters, Amy and Julie. Currently retired, Laughter had been a band director in Florida for eight years, then he moved to Atlanta to teach high school band for two years. He finally settled in Macon and joined GEICO, where he was employed for 33 years.

Eddie Byrd is a native of Butler, GA He graduated from the Georgia Southwestern University in Americus. After graduation, he joined the Air Force for four years. He had been employed in a retail business for 26 years.

Presently retired, Byrd lives at Lake Oconee, in Greensboro, with his wife Lu and stepson, Ryan Frier. His granddaughter Katie Frier is enrolled in the Georgia College Nursing School. “I am really proud of her,” he said.

“I’ve been playing since I was 15,” said Byrd. “I sang all my life in different groups.”

He mentioned Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison among many musicians who were his inspiration. Byrd was part of the Macon notable music scene in his earlier musical days.

Before meeting Laughter, Byrd was a member of the Malibu’s in the mid 60s, later forming into the Sixpence. “We have played twice together since we broke up in 1969,” said Byrd. “We’ve just played our final gig at The Georgia National Fairgrounds on Feb. 15. However, I’m going to keep on playing with Good Vibrations as long as I can. Keep the music playing!”

“Our members have been playing for many years with local, regional and national bands,” said Laughter.

“We play ‘party music’ at wedding receptions, corporate parties, conventions, anniversaries, birthday parties, and more in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Our song list covers Top 40 hits from the 1940s through today’s hit records. We have music in our blood. It keeps you young,” – Eddie Byrd

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Ben Caldwell is a native of Macon, GA. In 2005, he moved to Gatlinburg, TN with his family. “We moved there so I could play, and we raised our boys there. It’s such a beautiful place,” he said. Caldwell has been married for 31 years and has three sons. While in Tennessee, he had worked in entertainment industry at Dollywood for more than 5 years. “I got to work with Dolly Parton a good bit,” he recalled. “She is a wonderful person, just like you see her on TV – always happy, fun to be around.” After living in Gatlinburg, he returned to Macon, where he’s been since, and was employed in a retail business.

Caldwell has been playing music since age 10. He joined Good Vibrations Band in 2011. “These guys are the best band I’ve ever been in. They are some of my best friends,” he said. “We’ve been described as ‘the party in the box’ because we are a smaller band with a big sound. I really enjoy playing with this band.”

Jim Blanton is a native of Winston-Salem, NC. He is a retired band teacher, who had taught in Georgia public school system for 30 years. He has been married for 42 years, has a daughter and a son, and six grandchildren. “I spend a lot of time playing with them and playing golf,” he said.

Blanton had played in a lot of different bands prior to joining Good Vibrations. “In addition to Good Vibrations, I have most recently played with members of the Jazz Association of Macon, the Georgia Big Band, the World-Famous Walnut Street Dixie Racing and Marching Society Jazz Band. I’ve been with Good Vibrations for 3 years. Thoroughly enjoying it,” he said. “I have a good time playing music and hope to have plenty more years with this band.”

“As we head into 2020, we are still rockin’ and look forward to having many more good times,” as noted on the band’s Facebook page. To schedule an event with Good Vibrations, call John Laughter 478-737-5819, Eddie Byrd 478-396-3572 or visit www.facebook.com/GoodVibrationsBand/.

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Reunion Band It’s almost a nursery rhyme – a butcher, a baker, and a candlestick maker. Only in this case, they’re a purchasing agent, owners of plumbing and air conditioning businesses, educators, and a police sergeant. What unites them is timeless music and a band with a very appropriate name - Reunion.

“This is our 37th year,” said Greg Stephens, lead singer.

“You don’t typically see groups that stay together that long.”

Originally, Reunion played classic dance music of the 60s and the 70s. Now, they have extended their playlist to the 2000s. Playing at class reunions, private parties, and corporate functions, they eventually “metamorphosed into a wedding band,” said trombonist Charles Grimes, because most of the occasions they play are weddings. “I guess we’ve played 400 weddings or more,” said Stephens. “We play the music that people can dance to and sing along with. A lot of top 40 hits from all the years. This music is timeless.”

“People singing with us creates a really good atmosphere,” he continued, “and the horns bring another dimension to the music of that era.”

Reunion was formed in 1983 by Stephens and his good friend Bubba Shell. The original band eight members included Greg Stephens, lead vocals; Bubba Shell, drummer; Charles Grimes, trombone and vocals; Gerald Grimes, saxophone and vocals; Ricky Cook, trumpet and vocals; Alan Thrower, keyboard and vocals; Gary Brock, guitar; and Jimmy Wright, bass guitar. Five of them, except for Stephens, Shell, and Wright, came from the group named Cottonwood, which was a very popular group that played all over the Southeast for about 10 years. “Bubba helped to form Reunion and had been our drummer for more than 25 years,” said Stephens. “We wouldn’t have put this group together without him.” Sadly, Shell passed away in 2018.

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The idea was to have a group incorporating horns because it was specific to the music of the 60s and the 70s, which they intended to play. Unlike many other bands, Reunion had three horns – a saxophone, a trombone, and a trumpet. “There are very few groups in Georgia that feature a three-piece horn section,” said Grimes. “I think that differentiated us from the other groups. It brings a fuller a sound.” “It sets us apart from other groups,” added Stephens.

Stephens also explained that, although he is the lead singer on 90 percent of songs, everyone in the group has a microphone and sings at some point.

Stephens attributed the name “Reunion” to his wife Linda, who suggested it because the group consisted of people who played in different bands before. He said that everyone liked the name, and they kept it.

They first performed in the summer of 1983 in Stephens’ backyard for about 100 friends. “It was our first appearance as a group named Reunion,” Stephens recalled.

The band mainly played in middle Georgia, but over the years it has traveled to Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

They’ve played in at least 100 towns. “People in Georgia have never been to or heard of some of them,” said Stephens. “We met a lot of great people. It’s funny to be somewhere, and

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somebody will come up and say, ‘Hey, you did our wedding 25 years ago. We are still married.’ It’s a great feeling when somebody remembers you from that time.”

Stephens said they’ve never used a booking agency. Their bookings typically come from the word of mouth. “People may see us at the wedding and call us two years after that,” he said.

Grimes said that all band members have families and full-time jobs and, although they refer to their performances as “jobs,” they don’t depend on the

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“People always tell me, ‘You sound great. Everyone loves the music,’” said Grimes. “The thing they like the most is that we are all having fun. We enjoy what we do.”

band to make their living. Combining performances with fulltime jobs is difficult at times, Stephens noted.

“We get great family support, though,” said Grimes. “We’ve had a lot of fun over the years,” added Stephens.

One of the most memorable experiences Grimes and Stephens could remember was playing at the Atlanta Braves pitcher Damian Moss’ wedding. Another one was a performance with Bobbie Eakes, a soap opera actress, and Miss Georgia winner. They’ve also played for several state organizations, such as Georgia State Patrol and Police Officers Association.

Grimes said that they were fortunate to have a lot of band members who brought a high level of musicianship to the group. Some of them – Stuart Pittman, Roger McLeod, Corey Ellis, Field Whipple, Jay Davis, and Roman Henry – were part of the band at some point. They’re not current members, but they played a significant role in the band’s growth.

“People always tell me, ‘You sound great. Everyone loves the music,’” said Grimes. “The thing they like the most is that we are all having fun. We enjoy what we do.”

“It’s been a great stress reliever, something you look forward to and enjoy,” said Stephens. “It’s a pleasure to see

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people enjoy what we do and have a good time. It’s been the best reward for me.”

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s been a great ride,” said Grimes. “I am glad we are doing it, entertaining people,” said Stephens. “And we plan to never retire,” smiled Grimes.

To book the band, call Greg Stephens 478-454-8568 or Tim Henry 478-454-8409, email Reunion.band.milledgeville@gmail.com or go to the band’s Facebook page ReunionBandMilledgeville. HMLM

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Make some memories

Georgia Power is the largest nongovernment provider of recreation facilities in the state. If you are in Georgia, chances are you’re not very far from a Georgia Power lake or park. Our lakes and parks offer boating, fishing, swimming, picturesque scenery, hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. In addition, Georgia Power leases about 30,000 acres for use as wildlife management areas operated by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Come on out and enjoy our great outdoors!

Visit georgiapower.com/lakes to learn more.

Lakes Oconee and Sinclair Š2018 Georgia Power Company. All rights reserved.

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Milledgeville Company with Deep Roots

WILLOW FLORAL & EVENTS STUDIO

by Dana Lowe

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t’s the Monday following a hectic Valentine’s Day, and Brandy Adams is in the lobby of Willow Floral and Events Studio (formerly Blossoms), recovering from the busiest holiday for florists across the country. “We worked all night to get arrangements finished. Thanks to two additional employees to handle phone orders, extra floral designers to help with arrangements and five delivery vehicles, we sold over 300 arrangements for Valentine’s Day. There were more arrangements than that, I am sure, but I lost count,” adds Adams.

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if I had what it would take to own a business. It was such a big undertaking and overwhelming, and I had a great support system of my family behind me. Between my mom and my grandfather (Matt Ivey), they knew almost everyone in town, so I was just fine,” she jokes.

After a few years in business, Adams realized that they needed a larger space. In 2012, she moved her business to Hancock Street in downtown Milledgeville and in two short years she had outgrown that space. In 2014, Adams relocated to a 5,000+ square-foot space on Wayne Street in downtown, the current home to Willow.

In this location, she is poised for future growth with additional space upstairs. “I love being in downtown Milledgeville.

We have a great downtown, and I am glad to be a part of it. We have so many great and exciting things that our customers and clients can look forward to this year,” Adams says. “We offer a unique service to Milledgeville through floral design and we look forward to serving our community with our creativity.”

In early 2020, Adams formally changed the business name from Blossoms to Willow Floral and Events Studio.

This thriving floral business has deep roots in Baldwin County, and Adams is a true hometown girl. She has lived in Milledgeville her entire life, attended Baldwin County public schools, as well as Georgia Military College (GMC) Junior College. Adams got her start working at Lawrence’s Flower Shop as a teenager, and she fell in love with the floral business. Bobby Smith, who was the long-time manager at Lawrence’s, taught Adams how to arrange flowers and gave great business advice to his young protege. “He was truly a mentor to me,” Adams says.

Adams and her husband (Charles) welcomed a son, Aiden, in 2008. When Lawrence’s closed their doors in 2009, Adams decided to be a stay-at-home mom for a while, and in 2010 she opened Blossom’s, on family property, located at Ivey Weaver Road. “I was only 25-years-old and had a two-year-old when we opened Blossoms, and my mom (Sabrah Braddy) helped me with getting the business started. I was young and honestly wondered Spring-Summer 2020

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“My mom had retired, and I decided to re-brand the business, as many people did not realize we do events and weddings.

“Willow comes from a book that my grandmother read to me as a child, and I have strong ties to the symbolization of the tree.

I felt this was a perfect fit and a way to honor her and my desire for floral design. Flowers and plants are always going to be my focus and the bread and butter of the business, but we offer rentals of vessels for flowers, candles, etc. as options for those who need them,” Adams adds.

Holidays, particularly Christmas, can be extremely busy for clients, so Willow offers holiday home decorating. Adams meets with the client in their home to see the areas that need décor. She says, “From that point, I design what is needed and then return to the home to decorate. I have decorated Elizabeth Youngblood’s home for Christmas for the past six years. It’s a service that I truly enjoy.”

Adams keeps busy during “wedding season,” which starts in January and runs through June. July and August are not as popular for weddings due to the high summertime heat, 56

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“Willow comes from a book that my grandmother read to me as a child, and I have strong ties to the symbolization of the tree. I felt this was a perfect fit and a way to honor her and my desire for floral design. ” – Brandy Adams

and weddings typically pick up again from September through December. She says, “When a bride comes in, I meet with her personally to discuss the wedding and reception venue, colors and how she envisions her special day. I design and arrange all the wedding florals, including centerpieces, boutonnieres, pew markers and anything needed for the altar area. I have a great team behind me to help with preparation, and I couldn’t do it without their assistance. The wedding day is always exciting, and I get to see our work come to fruition.”

Utilizing wholesalers from Augusta, Athens, and Macon, Adams is able to get any flower requested. The greenhouse truck delivers weekly to Willow. Adams was fortunate to have these forged these connections from her days at Lawrence’s and has long relationships with her wholesale vendors. “They are the lifeblood of a florist,” she adds.

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Like most working families, especially those with small children, Adams finds work/ life balance a challenge at times. “When you own your own business, it can be difficult to leave responsibilities at work. Like many jobs, this is not just from 9 am -5 pm. There are always quotes that need to be prepared for new clients, flowers to be ordered for the coming week, and other paperwork that didn’t get done in the course of the day. It’s difficult to turn it all off at 5 pm. We try to sit down as a family every night and have dinner. That’s important to me,” Adams says. HMLM Willow Floral & Events Studio is open Monday – Friday, from 9 am -5 pm, and on Saturday from 9 am - noon. The shop is located at 127 Wayne Street in Milledgeville. Adams can be reached at 478-451-0221.

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Sanchez & Craig Orthodontics

10,000 Smiles and Counting

by Rick Franzman

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T

he 10-year-old little girl was enjoying a play-day roller skating with friends when suddenly her skate stopper became entangled with a loose cord on the track. The resistance sent her hurtling through the air so abruptly there was no time to brace for the fall. The tile flooring beneath her was unforgiving, and the face-first landing shattered her mouth.

Four years of reconstructive oral surgery followed, along with dozens of orthodontic and dental procedures, for the suddenly fragile fifth grader. With the constant empathetic care of medical professionals at every turn, the youngster emerged from the depths of despondency to recapturing a vibrant personality with a fully restored sparkling smile. She vowed to repay the kindnesses she received by seeking to help others through a career of her own as an orthodontist.

The young girl who endured this traumatic childhood incident is Dr. Noell Craig. Today she owns and oversees a three-office orthodontic practices in partnership with Dr. Anne Sanchez in Milledgeville, Eatonton, and Gray. Dr.

Craig’s journey from pre-teen, accident victim to accomplished business owner and practicing orthodontist in middle Georgia traversed from her hometown in Covington through George Walton Academy in Monroe to Wake Forest University.

Finally, she attended The Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in Augusta. Following a two-year residency there, and another two-year professional position in Atlanta gaining practical experience, Dr. Craig ultimately accepted an offer from her mentor to join Dr. Sanchez’ established Milledgeville practice in January of 2011.

It was during her 2007 residency, in Augusta, that Dr. Craig became acquainted with Dr. Sanchez, who was serving part time as an MCG Clinical Professor in the post-doctoral orthodontic program. The budding orthodontist and the practiced professional quickly developed a strong mentor/ protégé relationship, connecting through their mutual aim to serve and give back in the community.

In 1983, Dr. Sanchez settled in Milledgeville with her Navy veteran husband, Buster Sanchez who was retiring due to a Spring-Summer 2020

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long-term illness. His family lived in the area. A Fitzgerald native, she attended the University of Georgia (UGA) and MCG and had practiced orthodontics at their various Naval base assignments, throughout the far east and around the country, during her husband’s active duty years.

While also caring for him, Dr. Sanchez struck out on her own in Milledgeville. She established Sanchez Orthodontics in 1987 with the help of one assistant, Debbie Thomas (who continues to work in the practice today), and four patients.

More than three decades later, the joint Sanchez and Craig Orthodontics practice includes eight medical staff members and clerical associates, and they have provided orthodontic care for more than 10,000 patients in middle Georgia.

“The Milledgeville community was so welcoming and supportive of me from the outset. It allowed us to grow and provide the kind of practice we wanted to build that had a family atmosphere,” Dr. Sanchez said. This family-oriented culture is reflected both by the long serving staff with seven of its eight members charting over 15 years of employment, and their sponsorship of multiple programs that reach out to the community and the patients they serve.

It was this atmosphere that Dr. Craig was seeking to fulfill her quest to pay forward the care she received during her difficult years. Her initial experience practicing in Atlanta did not present this type of opportunity as she recalls that time, “I 64

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am always aware of being grateful to the dentists and doctors who helped restore my smile. They served as mentors along the way and led me to see orthodontics as a way of giving back.

I always wanted to help my patients the way I was helped. I was still looking for that,” Dr. Craig recalled.

Aware of Dr. Craig’s motivation, Dr. Sanchez recognized a dual opportunity that could provide this type of setting for her former pupil. This also gave Dr. Sanchez the opportunity, after many years, for her to move toward a reduced role in her practice and pursue a host of long neglected interests. Within six months of their reunion, it was clear that their personal and professional compatibility intersected with their mutual goals. This union resulted in Dr. Craig acquiring the practice, and Dr. Sanchez assuming official part-time practicing status.

This arrangement successfully continues to this day. And the practice thrives in its three locales with their roles clearly defined and comfortable for both partners. “Dr. Sanchez is like my second mom. She provided me the perfect place and opportunity to build my career in a community I love,” Dr. Craig said.

Among the outreach programs, in the middle Georgia community, they sponsor are school field trips for area 3rd graders February each year. This offers children a chance to become acquainted with fundamental dentistry habits and experience a professional medical environment.

“We have over 900 students visiting in February, for a tour of our facilities, and they receive a mini-exam where we let them know how many baby teeth they have,” Dr. Sanchez laughs as she notes this interaction with the children. “They are an eager and attentive age group, and they are able to connect with orthodontics in a positive way, so they won’t be fearful later on if they need to be in braces.”

Also, the practice hosts three major recreational events, throughout the year, for patients and their families. The irony, not unnoticed by Dr. Craig, skate parties are held at Easter time and Halloween, and a summer carnival is held on their office grounds at 1006 Fernwood Dr., complete with jumping houses, slip and slides, games, and contests. Office Appointments Scheduler Angie Ryals’ husband Kenneth, the proprietor of Ryals Bakery in Milledgeville, provides the baked treats at these events, and has come to be known to the kids as ‘the cookie man.’

These outings serve the dual purpose of both educating patients and families and fosters the atmosphere of fun and family that is a mission for the doctors and their staff.

Office Coordinator Priscilla Babb, who joined the practice in 2004, notes, “The shared experience of the kids going through braces together in a communal way makes it easier and creates a shared bond for them. We have had patients come back to us years after their service and tell us what fun

they had coming to our office.”

Those sentiments are consistently echoed by the rest of the staff, Libby Copelan, Vicki Hall, Lynn Rowland, Marina Barkovskii, and Kelly Mitchell who have a combined 98 years assisting in the creation of those 10,000 middle Georgia straight smiles.

Although still fully engaged in those outreach activities, Dr. Sanchez’ part time orthodontic schedule now allows her to pursue those other interests in the Milledgeville community, including active participation with the Old Capital Museum, Rose Hill Garden Club, Lockerly Arboretum, and her church.

There is also important family time after marrying Robert Culberson following the passing of her first husband, Buster in 1994. A blended family of four adult children, including an orthodontist son, who practices in North Augusta, SC., and five grandchildren present a fast pace for her to manage.

Yet, she discounts any full retirement plans, emphasizing her ongoing affinity for the practice, “I love being an orthodontist.

There is real fulfillment in the work when you can see the results and the joy in our patients that is so evident. We love the relationships with both our patients and our staff.”

That sentiment suits Dr. Craig just fine. With no signs of slowing down, the team of Dr. Noell Craig and Dr. Anne Sanchez, along with their committed staff, are well on their way to creating another 10,000 happy smiles. HMLM Spring-Summer 2020

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Heart of Georgia Animal Care.............................................43

Animal Hospital of Milledgeville ........................................23

John Milledge Academy .......................................................50

ATC Locksmith......................................................................27

Lake Sinclair Storage .............................................................17

Bonner Heating & Cooling ....................................................7

Lee & Turner, PC ...................................................................39

Cansino Law Firm LLC ........................................................31 CASA ......................................................................................52 Central Georgia Technical College .....................................39 Century Bank & Trust......................................................... 8-9 Charcool Heating & Cooling ...............................................31 Dr. Frank Arnold & Associates ..................inside back cover

Lifescapes Photography ........................................................57 Milledgeville Main Street .....................................................49 Norris Wheel & Brake ..........................................................31 Pamlico Pool Company ........................................................48 Peach State Nursing Agency ................................................43

Elite Gymnastics ....................................................................51

Serenity Physical Therapy & Wellness .......................... 14-15

Exchange Bank.......................................................................27

Sinclair Marina .................................................................... 2-3

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Care Center ........................39

Skin Care Physicians of Georgia..........................................23

Georgia Military College ................................................ 34-35

The Brick.................................................................................29

Georgia Power Company .....................................................49

Tri-County EMC ...................................................................23

To advertise in our next issue call 770-789-8189 or email wjr@ieservicegroup.com

66

Milledgeville Living Magazine

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Milledgeville Living Magazine

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TheAirConditioningSpecialist.com TheAirConditioningSpecialist.com

The The Premier Premier Milledgeville-Baldwin Milledgeville-Baldwin County County Magazine