Apr/May 2012 Effingham Magazine

EFFINGHAM M

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Meet Bowers Gnann...

“Mr. Fix-It”

April/May 2012

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CONTENTS April/May 2012

features

10 Meet Bowers Gnann

The man who can make or fix anything!

16 Camp Davis

A day planned for the 150th Commemoration.

23 Sculptures From A Fiery Forge

departments

9 Publisher’s Thoughts 32 Dining Guide 36 Effingham Weddings

Gerald Douberly shows us some of his creations.

HOME 2012

27 A Life Dedicated To Asperger’s Patrick Bowers shares his story.

39 HOME 2012

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to” - John Ed Pearce

Effingham Magazine |

06 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

April/May 2012 39

Thank You for Voting Us Best Salon in Effingham for 2011! 3 Years Running!

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kathryn Turner

Katie is a freelance writer and Effingham County native who enjoys meeting new and interesting people. She earned her English degree at Georgia Southern University, and caught the travel bug while studying abroad in Costa Rica, where she received a minor in Spanish. After college, she worked briefly in Yellowstone National Park, where she enjoyed hiking and photographing the scenery and the wildlife. She is always up for visiting new places, but she loves the south and is proud to call Effingham her home.

Barbara Russell

Barbara Russell is a freelance writer and photographer, and in the past she was a high school English teacher and a flight attendant. Always an avid horse person and riding instructor, she enjoys writing for equine publications and she is writing a young adult novel about horses. For several years she wrote feature stories and a history column for Effingham CloseUp, and she has been published in a variety of magazines.

Currently she enjoys writing for Independence Day Publishing. Interviewing local people and having the opportunity to retell their unique stories is her passion.

Denise Gonsales

Denise began her professional photography career five years ago after freelancing for several photographers.

She was drawn to wedding photography and soon Denise Gonsales Photography was born. She stresses the importance of communication between her company and their clients. What really makes her feel good is being able to look her clients in the eyes knowing that she gave her heart and soul to them, with each and every event. Denise takes only a limited number of weddings per year so that she is able to maintain that personal touch, thus giving each couple the attention that they deserve on their special day.

Victoria Patterson has been a professional artist for 15 years plus, and her love for photography has led her further each year into an exploration of timelessness.

She can bring out a creative side in people they didn’t even know existed! Victoria’s portraiture stands out from others with originality. Her style is photojournalist, a little traditional, liberally sprinkled with artzy flair. Portraits and weddings for friends and relatives gradually led to a more formal occupation and a clarification of what it is that she looks for through the lens of a camera. Her photography is a constant search for beauty, character and depth, for that place where time stands still.

Victoria Patterson

STAFF

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April/May 2012 Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos layout/graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Mike Moseley account executive mike@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to Effingham Magazine by submitting a check and subscription information form found in every issue. You may also subscribe by calling (912)826-2760.

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER Write to us and tell us what you think. Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Effingham Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com All articles and photos will be reviewed by the publisher, and if the articles and accompanying photos meet the criteria of Independence Day Publishing, Inc., the person submitting the material will be contacted. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Effingham County will be considered.

CALENDAR SECTION We’re looking for your information about clubs, organizations, events and meetings. For events in June/July 2012, copy must be submitted by May 31, 2012. Please email all copy to julie@ idpmagazines.com.

Effingham Magazine is published bimonthly by Independence Day Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Effingham Magazine 108 International Drive Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-2760

www.effinghammagazine.com

Mike Moseley

Lea Allen

08 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

Lane Gallegos

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

On the Cover

Bowers Gnann - “Mr. Fix-It” Photo by Victoria Patterson

Happenings in our community!

Spring is in the air! The weather is warming up and people are bustling about this great county we live in. We just had a huge festival, Old Effingham Days. The festival was a great success once again. It is nice to live in a community that can provide that type of good, wholesome family entertainment.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is being held on May 4th in Effingham this year. This is always a huge event in our community. I don’t know if there is a person alive today that has not been affected in some way by cancer. Whether it be a family member, a close friend, or even a friend of a friend, you know someone who has had to deal with this disease. If you have not formed a team yet to be a part of this wonderful event, give Mary Ann Thornton a call 912-656-9208.

On May 12th, there will be a 150th Commemoration of Camp Davis. This will be held 2 miles north of Guyton, at the original site of Camp Davis. Camp Davis was formed here in Effingham County as a training camp for Confederate soldiers back in 1862. You can read all about this and get a schedule of events for the day by reading the story that begins on page 16.

And, let’s be sure not to forget our friends out at Mossy Oak Music Julie Hales, Publisher Park. They will be hosting a Memorial Day Blue Grass Festival on May 23-28. If you have never been out to the park, you need to make it a point to put this on your calendar. There will be lots of music, food and good clean fun.

Have you heard about the Duck Races? Well, the 2nd Annual Effingham Duck Race is being held on June 2nd. You can go by the Chamber office or the YMCA to adopt your duck(s). The race is being held again this year at the YMCA pool. Be sure to get your ducks in a row.

So, Effingham Countians, mark your calendars. Enjoy some wonderful festivities here in your own back yard. Support these functions. The more we support them, the more we will see. Let’s make that happen!

Connect with us on Facebook. Be the first to know what is going on with Effingham Magazine and what new and exciting things we are working on.

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Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 09

Bowers Gnann, Also Known As...

Mr.

Fix-it Story by BARBARA W. RUSSELL Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON

10 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

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n 1964 Bowers Gnann opened a repair shop in Springfield, and he named it “Gnann’s Fix-It Shop”. The name says it all, as Bowers Gnann can fix or build just about anything. It’s a talent he was born with. He didn’t learn from his father, who Gnann said wasn’t mechanically inclined, but rather he was self-taught, learning from instinct and books. He started his creations when he was about 12 years old, using the tools and equipment in an old blacksmith shop on the family farm.

Gnann’s Fix-It Shop specializes in lawn equipment and power machinery, but it wasn’t always so. In the beginning it was a small appliance repair shop, and Gnann would fix just about anything, from toasters and lamps to curling irons. “I worked on anything except a T.V.,” he said, “and I’d make house calls to fix washing machines.”

The lawn equipment would come later, because, as Gnann said, when he was growing up many people didn’t have lawns. Yards were dirt, but they were kept manicured. “People would make a broom out of a galberry bush and sweep the yard with it,” he said. If grass or weeds appeared, they would be eliminated with a hoe. Brooms were also made with palmetto fronds, and those were used to sweep the house.

When people did start using power lawnmowers, Gnann couldn’t resist joining them. “I made my first lawn mower,” he said, and he laughed. “I made it with a washing machine engine! Some washing machines had gas engines,” he explained.

“You stepped on a little pedal and they kick started.”

He’s 91 years old now, so he’s been building and fixing for 80 years, and he’s still at it. That’s a long time, and although he’s slowed down, it doesn’t look like he’ll ever stop. After all, it’s hard to stop doing something that’s part of your soul.

The day of our interview at Gnann’s Fix-It Shop he was waiting for me in the showroom comfortably sitting on the hood of a lawn tractor. He immediately jumped up, shook my hand, and headed outside.

He was anxious to show some of his creations to me.

The first was a Schwinn Stingray bicycle that he had transformed into a motor bike.

It’s powered by a 3HP gasoline engine that is mounted on the side much like a motorcycle sidecar, and the engine is supported underneath by a wheel. The bicycle pedals have been removed, and the cyclist can put his feet on a straight metal bar that was welded to the frame behind the front wheel. It’s pretty amazing. “I built

this last year,” he said. “I don’t work at it regularly – just off and on,” he explained as he yanked on the pull start. Just like most lawnmowers, it took several tries for the engine to come to life. He told me he was going to ride it, but when the motor finally started, and he spent a minute tinkering with it, he left it idling – he was already focused on another of his motorized creations to show me.

“I built this 20 years ago,” he said of a customized small tractor. “This is going to pull a miniature saw mill at Ole Effingham

Days. It has a 1934 Cushman engine.” As he talked, he cranked the engine, climbed onto the tractor’s seat, and drove it around the lot, its 6HP engine roaring. He was like a kid in a toy shop, and it’s hard to believe he’s 91 years old.

“How much time do you have?” he asked me. He wanted to show me the sawmill he had built and some of his other projects that were not at the shop. “Do you have two or three hours?” – I did. “Do you mind riding in an old truck?”

“I love old trucks,” I replied. This

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 11

Bowers Gnann, Also Known As...

already was not like a regular interview.

I had thought we’d be sitting in a quiet room, at a table, or a desk, my recorder recording and me scribbling notes on a pad of paper. But so far my recorder held only noises of motors, and I hoped my memory would help me out when deciphering the few notes I was able to take.

We climbed into his old truck. Its insides were like a tool shop. “Are you afraid of guns?” he asked me as he pulled a hand gun from the back, took it out of its holster and laid it on the seat between us. He was displaying another of his creations. He had literally made it ‘lock, stock and barrel,’ and later he would show me its insides and the intricacy of it, all of which he had meticulously made.

We headed out of town, the crank windows of his old truck rolled down, the gun on the seat between us. We rolled through the countryside, then off the main road,

then onto a narrow dirt road through a wooded area to an old pole building that houses Gnann’s sawmill.

“I built this sawmill because I was helping my son build a house,” he said.

He immediately went over to the engine that powers his sawmill. “It’ll take a few minutes to get this to start,” he said, and after sputtering and stopping several times, the engine finally roared to life, belching black smoke as it warmed up until it began to run smoothly, ready to saw some lumber, and Gnann was ready to give a demonstration. “I’m just going to demonstrate what this can do,” he said as he rummaged through some lumber and picked up a piece about 14 feet long and fed it through the sawmill. Woodchips were flying. “It’s a little sawmill,” Gnann said, describing the large machine he had made for sawing lumber. “It’s made out of truck parts,” he said, “and just junk.” He

He loves to make things, but his real love seems to be turning them on bringing them to life.

12 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

pointed to the 60” circular saw, “That’ll kill ya!”

He also showed me how he removed bark using an edger with an engine, and he happily started it up for the demo.

“This is over 100 years old,” he said. “I reconstructed it.”

Gnann certainly knew what he was doing, and he was loving every minute of it.

Also at the sawmill, Gnann showed me a portable well digger that he had made.

He has used it to drill wells for himself and for some of his neighbors. “It can drill 275 feet,” he said.

One more creation sat at the sawmill site – a boat – a large boat that has seen many good times. “A friend of mine and I built it about 1976,” he told me. The boat is 25 feet long with a large enclosed area. “The people on the river called it ‘The Barge’,” he said. It was made for entertaining, and Gnann’s friends enjoyed many good times boating on the Savannah River for 25 to 30 years, “Maybe more,” said Gnann. “We stopped a good many years ago.”

We headed for his home where he showed me his workshop. “I have everything I need in here,” he said. He turned on a radio that he had made. The sound was literally as clear as a bell, and it

Gnann’s

played through a variety of small speakers that were lined up on the back of a work area. He chuckled – he loves to make things, but his real love seems to be turning them on - bringing them to life.

Gnann takes the hand gun he made and lays it on the tailgate of his truck. He calls it ‘a single shot pistol.’ With a screwdriver, he removes the covering from the handle and shows me the gun’s insides, and he explains the workings of its mechanisms.

They are intricate and delicate, all made by his hands. He puts the gun back together and asks me if I want to shoot it. How could I say “No?,” I aim at the ground and pull the trigger –the blast is powerful!

Enough said.

He shows me another gun he has made.

It’s a rifle. “I made the barrel and all out of scrap metal,” he said. Amazing. Gnann’s wife, Helen, stands close by. She is petite and sweet, and her eyes twinkle as she listens to her husband talk about his creations. “He’s just a good person,” she says.

What’s it like to be married to a man whose genius is creating and repairing? “I never got anything new,” she said, without a trace of resentment. “He can fix anything! I feel sorry for women whose husbands have to call a repairman.” There’s pride in her voice, and she points to his old

GADGETS

Far Right: Gnann with his two of his sons, Charlie and Clarence.

Top Left: Gnann with a boat he made in 1976.

Top Right: Gnann at his saw mill. Bottom: Gnann with his wife, Helen.

truck. “That old truck was Papa’s school bus,” she said, and she tells of Papa Gnann hauling their grandchildren to school beginning with their kindergarten years.

“It’s 20 years old and it has 158,000 miles on it,” said Gnann of his truck, “and all those miles are in the county from the river to Springfield.”

It’s obvious that Gnann loves using his talents, but he’s modest about his accomplishments. “No matter what you want to do, somebody knows more about it than you do,” he said.

His ability to build and to repair are part of his past and part of his present, and Gnann’s Fix-It Shop is a tribute to his legacy. Two of his sons, Clarence and Charlie grew up working in the store, and they now own and operate it. The service is friendly, honest and reliable - traits that they learned from their father.

Bowers Gnann has done a lot of living, 91 years to be exact. He’s made a lot of things and has helped a lot of people, but he said when he dies he doesn’t want a eulogy. “I hope they just say something simple,” he said. “A person’s life is his eulogy.”

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 13

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CAMP DAVIS

THIS IS

Photography by VICTORIA PATTERSON

16 April/May 2012 |Effingham Magazine

A Piece Of Effingham History

150th Commemoration of

Camp Davis,

Confederate States Army Training Camp

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 17

The 150th Anniversary of Confederate Camp Davis will be commemorated on May 12th, 2012 in the fields adjacent to Woodlawn Plantation, 2 miles north of Guyton Re-enactors from Unit 2073 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will be on hand to demonstrate some of the activities that would have occurred at a Camp of instruction, including cannon and musket firing demonstrations.

Other activities on that day will include authentic Suttlers on hand performing period crafts. Women and children will be in period dress carrying on activities that were common to that era. A period lunch will be served at noon.

There will be the unveiling of a historic marker identifying this important location in our Confederate History. Many local vendors will be on hand providing period items as keepsakes from the event.

Come for a fun and informative event in our Effingham History.

HISTORY

In September of 1861, Governor Joseph Brown authorized Camp Davis to receive, to determine fitness for duty, and train soldiers for the Confederate States of America. Effingham County was chosen as its site.

Camp Davis was established by order of Secretary of War J.P. Benjamin by a letter to Governor Joseph Brown, dated February 11, 1862.

This prompted the State Executive Department to establish the Camp of Instruction by Order of

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Governor Brown dated February 14, 1862. The Camp was named after the honorable Jefferson Davis, President of The Confederate States of America.

The site was chosen on land adjacent to the Central of Georgia Railroad between mile markers 32 & 33, two miles north of Whitesville, Georgia, currently known as Guyton. This is near the present day intersection of Georgia Highway 17 and Keith Road.

Soldiers from counties comprising the First, Second, Sixth, and Thirteenth Military Districts were ordered to report to Camp Davis under General Order No. 2 dated February 13, 1862.

These Military Districts encompassed the majority of Southeast and Southwest Georgia.

On March 4, 1862, troops from these 54 counties assembled at Camp Davis. Major E.C. Corbett was ordered to command the Camp.

Soon after, supplies arrived on the Central of Georgia Railroad from the Commissary Department in Savannah, Georgia.

A total of 4,125 men were organized into four Infantry Regiments and one Infantry Battalion, which later became the Fifth Infantry Regiment at Camp Davis, the 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th and 51st Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry.

After May of 1862, Camp Davis was not used for any further military training by the Confederate Army. Training at Camp Davis lasted less than three months and was closed once the five Infantry Regiments finished their military training.

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Fun Zone Amusement and Sports Park in Pooler

Celebrates 10 Years

p2345678234 For some, like the hundreds of youngsters who love Fun Zone, 10 years is literally a lifetime. For others, it seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. When it comes to Fun Zone Amusement and Sports Park in Pooler, 10 years has been just the right amount of time to open its doors and even reinvent the park experience for fun seekers of all ages.

“Looking back, we can definitely say that the park has changed a lot in its 10 years,” said Andy McCumber, park owner, “and while it is a great milestone, my team is here to make sure the next 10 years are even better.”

In fact, when the park opened those 10 years ago in 2003, it was known as

20 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

Five Star Family Fun Park. Andy joined the company as a partner in 2009 and later took over operations in the fall of 2010, when his friend and business partner retired. His purchase of the park was finalized in February 2011 and since then, this West-Chatham native and Rincon resident since 1996, has gone full-steam ahead reinventing the park to ensure a quality experience is had by all who visit Fun Zone.

So what’s the secret to his success?

Well, there’s not just one, but surrounding himself with managers who are also family has definitely been an asset.

Andy’s nephew, Adam Stevens, is Fun Zone’s general manager in charge of

park operations and, like most of Andy’s family, a life-long resident of Pooler.

Andy’s son, Taylor McCumber, is now Fun Zone’s lead assistant manager and brings his love for the area and passion for a good time to everything he does.

Any other secrets? Good old-fashioned dedication, sweat and hard work.

From the time the park opened to the time Andy took over operations, Andy could see that the potential of Fun Zone was not being realized. Professional management, efficient operations and even new suppliers and business partners were in need and Andy made it all happen. He and his wife, Cindy, have invested more than $500,000 to replace

78234567834567

2345678345678

456783456789 games in the 10,000 square foot arcade (the largest in the area) as well as remodel the concession stand, refurbish all go-karts to like-new condition, and fund the addition of a new larger redemption center where customers can choose from an expanded line of prizes. New self-serve ticket eaters, coin changers and other equipment also add to the enjoyment of each customer’s experience.

Even more impressive, his vision for the park doesn’t stop there. “When people come to Fun Zone the first time, they always want to come back,” commented Andy. “Our job is to give them plenty of reasons to keep coming back again and again – and again.” That’s why many

more improvements are already planned for the near future including those to the miniature golf course and outdoor attractions. Based on his record performance in 2011 and all indications so far in 2012, Andy is already planning for additional attractions to Fun Zone in 2013.

Without a doubt, Andy, his family, and great staff of managers and park employees have dedicated themselves to making sure the fun keeps going strong. So when you feel the need for speed, come try out Fun Zone’s four Go-Kart tracks. Want to play the hottest video games? Fun Zone has the largest arcade in the area packed with the newest games you can find! Then of course there’s the 36-hole miniature

golf course, paint ball (which is as much fun for kids and teens as it is for their parents!), and even a free private party room for all of your celebrations. It’s no wonder they say at Fun Zone there’s tons of fun for everyone! And with Andy’s work ethic backed by his family and staff of professionals, we can’t wait to see all the fun that develops in the next 10 years.

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Sculptures from a Fiery Forge

Story by BARBARA W. RUSSELL Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON

A

rtists can do amazing things – Gerald Douberly is proof of that. Take for example his creation of a statue that is a life size replication of a horse. Of course, there are many life size statues of horses, but Douberly’s is unique, in fact, it’s the only one of its kind. This beautiful horse is made out of horseshoes – 400 to be exact - that were shaped and welded together. Its mane and tail are made of stainless steel wire, and its hoofs are horseshoes covered with sheet metal.

You might think that a horse statue made out of horseshoes would have an abstract or modern art look, but not so.

“Gerald’s Horse” is classic in its proud head carriage, alert expression, and correct confirmation. It’s so exact that at times it’s been used in parades donning a real horse harness, hooked up to a horse drawn wagon, and placed on top of a parade float. This horse has also been on tour with a horseshoe company. The company displayed it in different cities where they gave horseshoeing clinics, and it once sat in the lobby of a bank in Ashburn, Georgia for three weeks.

Gerald Douberly forges and shapes iron with an anvil and hammer. He’s a blacksmith….he’s an artist.

Equine art is a specialized field, and Douberly has been a horse lover most of his life. He was a pipe fitter/pipe welder by trade, but when work became scarce he used his welding skills and his love of horses to become a farrier. “I had six children to raise and 20 horses to feed,” he said. “I had to learn how to work on my own horses, and that’s when I really got into the farrier business. I had an opportunity for another fella, Jim Milligan, to teach me. He was a horseshoer in the United States Army when they had mules and horses.”

For about 25 years, Douberly worked full time trimming horse’s feet and fitting them with horseshoes. In his working truck he carried an anvil and forge to heat the metal horseshoes and shape them to a precise fit. When he was home, he used those same tools to create metal artworks.

At 74 years old, Douberly has retired from his horseshoeing business, but he still puts his horseshoeing tools to good

24 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

use welding together horseshoes and other pieces of metal to create his unique works of art. “I work outside and use my coal forge and anvil and all my blacksmith hand tools,” he said.

In his work area there are buckets and boxes filled with old horseshoes. “I get them (old horseshoes) from different horseshoers,” he said. “They bring them to me – they’re just going to throw them away anyway. I clean them up and shine them up.” The old shoes become part of a new creation.

“I get out there just about every day and I work two or three hours. I quit when I lose my inspiration, and I’ll just sit for a little while then I’ll go back. I have to get inspired again – through meditating. That’s true with any artist; they have to stop at some point.”

Many of his horseshoe sculptures are animals, and everything he makes is life size. His living room is a temporary home for a cheetah, a pig and a sea turtle, and when he shows me his creations, he laughs.

He seems amazed that his horseshoe pig, or any of his creations, could be considered a work of art. “I don’t work for recognition,” he said. “I work for pleasure. It’s my hobby.”

Not all of his creations are made from horseshoes.

He uses a variety of steel and rods, and other pieces of metal. He’s made a knife out of a railroad spike, feathers out of metal rods, and a ram’s head, leafs and roses out of other pieces of metal.

‘Gerald’s Horse’ took 19 hours to create, but many of his smaller pieces can be made quickly, and they’re good to use for blacksmithing demonstrations. “I can make a knife in 30 minutes and feathers in 10-15 minutes,” he said.

What’s his inspiration? “I like things that are unusual,” he said. “For example, how many times are you going to see a pig made out of horseshoes? And how many times are you going to see flowers made out of soup can lids, or leafs made out of a metal rod, or a knife made out of a railroad spike? “I look for metal and if I think I can make something out of it I’ll get a

creative idea and just go from there. I’ll make a flower, or a bird, or something…. you can make an ashtray out of a spike!

I made a rocking chair out of horseshoes – it’s out there in my storage room.”

He rummaged through his storage room and found the rocking chair covered up in a corner. He pulled it out and set it

to rocking on its horseshoe rockers. Quite amazing! It also has a soft upholstered seat and back, Douberly’s work, and the material has horses on it.

His creations are definitely unusual, and they are definitely one of a kind treasures.

How does he come up with his unusual ideas? “Just sitting around thinking,” he says with a laugh. “When you’re retired you’ve got a lot of time on your hands.

Sometimes people will come up with suggestions. If I can see it, I can make it out of steel. It’s unlimited as to what you can make if you have a good imagination.”

In his work area he has a horseshoe pony, half completed for a friend, and that’s part of his pleasure. Many of his

To see some photos of Gerald Doubely’s work, go to: South East Georgia Blacksmiths and click on Gerald Douberly in the members box.

“I like things that are unusual,” he said.

“For example, how many times are you going to see a pig made out of horseshoes?”

ideas come from friends and family, and he’ll make special creations for them. “I’ve got a waiting list,” he said. “One of my sons wanted a pig and one of my daughters wanted a sea turtle, and another daughter wants me to make a dolphin jumping out of the water.” Then he laughs. “I’m going to make a life size kangaroo!” He laughs again - it does sound outrageous! “My brother, Ken, is a kangaroo person. I’m going to make it for him.”

His brother is on the waiting list, but sometimes a personal request will take priority. “Take yesterday,” said Douberly, who described a chat he had with a neighbor. “He told me, ‘My daddy had a piece of steel about 12 inches square. I always wanted that piece of metal, and I’ve still got it. I’d love for you to put some legs on

it.’ And I said, sure, and I picked up that piece of metal, and it must have weighed 100 pounds, but I put it on the back of my truck and I took it home yesterday and I put some legs on it and I went back over there and I just put it on his porch.” Douberly laughs that laugh. “He wasn’t home. I wouldn’t charge him for it. He’s just a good Christian man. You need to help people when you can – You know what I mean?”

Helping others - that’s part of his pleasure.

Douberly is a member of the southeast branch of the Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild, and their purpose is to promote the knowledge and tradition of blacksmith metal working. Sometimes they give demonstrations, and they have helped Boy Scouts earn merit badges by teaching them how

to make a creation through blacksmithing. “You can make functional utensils like forks, and spoons and knives,” said Douberly. He has taught scouts how to use blacksmithing techniques to make spoons.

Each scout made his own spoon and earned a merit badge while getting to participate in an art form that very few people get to experience. He showed a spoon to me that was made in his fiery forge. It was amazing and beautiful.

Earlier this year the members of the guild awarded Douberly the ‘2012 Fiery Anvil Award’. The award is “In recognition of all the hard work and dedication to the preservation of the craft of blacksmithing’.

“I almost ‘teared up’,” he said of the honor.

“It completely surprised me.”

Douberly says his talent is a God-given gift. “Everything I’ve got is given by God to me,” he says. “You’re nothing without the Lord.”

Effingham Magazine |

April/May 2012 25

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April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

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A Life Dedicated To

Asperger’s April is Autism Awareness Month and nobody is more eager to raise awareness than Patrick Bowers. He is the founder of the Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group in Effingham County, and the cause couldn’t be closer to his heart.

Story by KATHRYN TURNER Photo by VICTORIA PATTERSON

A

sperger’s Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder that affects neurological development. Although people with Asperger’s usually function better than those with autism, Asperger’s is still considered a severe pervasive developmental disorder that can impair communication skills and the ability to function socially.

Unfortunately, since the symptoms of Asperger’s are more subtle than other developmental disorders, many cases are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether. That is where Patrick Bowers comes in. He wants that to change. “I was diagnosed when I was 35,” he says.

In some cases, parents can detect the early signs of Asperger’s as early as three years of age. The first indicators of Asperger’s in infancy are delays in motor development. Crawling or walking late and clumsiness are the earliest indicators that there may be a problem. And the sooner parents can identify the symptoms, the more likely they will be to diagnosis and treat it.

If only Bowers had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome earlier in life, perhaps he would have been spared years of frustration and sadness. “Back when I was a kid, mom always said I was kind of off,” recalls Bowers. Before his diagnosis, he had no idea why others were bothered by his social behavior.

According to the National Institute

28 February/March 2012 | Effingham Magazine

of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the most common symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome include peculiarities in speech, socially inappropriate behavior, clumsy or uncoordinated motor movements, repetitive rituals, difficulty maintaining eye contact, and the inability to interact socially with peers. “I was very quiet,” Bowers says of his social isolation. “I didn’t date. I didn’t have my first relationship until I was 26.”

Friendships do not come easily for those with Asperger’s. Now that Bowers has learned more about Asperger’s, he is able to understand why his behaviors do not always mesh with societal norms and how people may perceive his behavior as “abnormal.” For example, most people with Asperger’s will not make eye contact, but now that Bowers is aware of that, he makes a conscious effort to look people in the eye. “If I think about it, then I’ll do it,” he says of making eye contact. “But most of the time I’ll just look away.” It is a constant struggle for Bowers to maintain social norms. Because of this, Bowers says it is crucial for people

to be aware of Asperger’s symptoms and to support those affected by the disorder.

Like many people with Asperger’s, Bowers has a strange preoccupation or obsession as well. He is an avid baseball card collector. “I had boxes upon boxes upon boxes of cards,” he says. “I’m still a baseball lover.”

Bowers is a high-functioning individual with Asperger’s, but he is still impacted negatively because of the disorder. The biggest problem is ignorance. “I’ve gotten fired from a job for it,” he says, “because they didn’t know I had it. I’ve gotten kicked out of a church for it, because I was acting up.” Bowers hopes that educating the public about Asperger’s will save children from having to experience the heartache that goes along with being ostracized for being different.

Unfortunately, Asperger’s is only one of the struggles Bowers has had to face.

In 1998, he was struck by a car as he was walking across the street. “When I got hit

by a car, I suffered three head traumas,” he explains. “I was walking across the street, I sent my mom a birthday card, and that was the last thing I remember for three months.”

It wasn’t until after his car accident that Bowers was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Things quickly went from bad to worse, however, when Bowers decided to get a job. After he started collecting Social Security, he attempted to work a full-time job. He was fired after only a month of working, and he has not been eligible for Social Security ever since.

Bowers has virtually no income and volunteers all of his time to the Effingham Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group.

Every dime that goes into the organization has to be donated. From the hundreds of flyers he passes out to the finger food served at the monthly meetings—it is all provided by donations and community support.

“I’m tired of asking people for money,” he says, frustrated. “I give out between 500 and 600 flyers a month. I have to depend on donations to help me do the flyers.” Bowers walks through the cities of Rincon, Pooler, Savannah, Garden City, and Port Wentworth handing out flyers and urging people to educate themselves and their families about Asperger’s Syndrome. “I can’t do this alone,” says Bowers.

Since he founded the Effingham Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group, numerous families have contacted him and participated in the meetings. When asked if this is his proudest achievement, Bowers just nods and says, “It’s my only achievement.”

Despite all the obstacles Bowers has had to overcome, he knows that his cause is worth all of the effort if he can help just one family. “I want to give people a chance to find out more about it— to talk to others who had to go through it,” he says. “If I were to look back on my legacy, it would be this right here.”

“I want to give people a chance to find out more about it— to talk to others who had to go through it,”

The most important point that Bowers wants to make is the importance of education and tolerance. “If you see someone who’s acting a little weird, be patient with them,” he says.

The Effingham Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group celebrated its third anniversary this March. Bowers is thrilled with the success of the group and the education it has provided to families dealing with Asperger’s. The group usually meets every second Thursday at Effingham Baptist Church in Rincon, and they are always looking forward to meeting and sharing experiences and information with anyone who wants to participate. The next meeting will be held on May 12th.

Bowers would like to eventually start a non-profit organization dedicated to Asperger’s awareness. He has dedicated his life to educating the public and supporting families struggling with Asperger’s, and

F

or more information or to offer any assistance to the Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group, contact Patrick Bowers at pb4asp@yahoo.com or call 912-346-4912.

with continued community support, he will no doubt succeed in raising awareness about Asperger’s Syndrome.

Worship Directory Savannah Christian Church Effingham Campus 810 Fort Howard Rd., Rincon 912-925-9657 Lyle Wood, Pastor Marcus Johnson, Youth Pastor savannahchristian.com Faith Baptist Church 1951 Highway 119 S., Guyton (912) 772-6259 • (912) 663-0044 Dr. Calvin Bradley, Pastor revbradley@windstream.net www.fbcguyton.org Gateway Community Church at Ebenezer Elementary 1198 Ebenezer Road, Rincon Andy Lamon, Pastor www.gatewaysavannah.com

Springfield United Methodist Church 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield (912) 754-6646 www.springfieldumc.com Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) 303 N. Laurel Street Springfield, GA 31329 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jim Cavanah 912-754-3353 holytrinityspringfield.org Bethel Lutheran Church 1984 Highway 21 N., Springfield (912) 754-6561 Rev. Dr. Robert LeFavi

If you would like your church listed in our Worship Directory, please call Julie Hales at 826-2760 or email julie@idpmagazines for details.

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www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com 30 February/March 2012 | Effingham Magazine

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Ask Us Why You Should Be On Our Pages!

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 julie@idpmagazines.com

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(912) 826-2760

www.effinghammagazine.com

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 31326 Effingham Magazine |

April/May 2012 31

Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON

T

he Loft Café has quickly become one of Effingham County’s most popular places to eat. In the 2011 “Best of Effingham” contest, The Loft Café took top honors in Best Overall Restaurant, The Best Sandwich Award and The Best Salad Award.

The Loft Café has great food at reasonable prices. Co-owners Bruce Kirwan and Zachary Wooten say that the reason for their success is that they focus on consistency - consistency in food, service, atmosphere and cleanliness. They strive for and continue to have high ratings, something in which they take great pride.

“We use simple recipes with really fresh ingredients. We focus on food quality and presentation.” said Bruce. “Our menu is simple - salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. We also have a garden bar, for both lunch and dinner. We have the same people making the food, so you always get the same product.

We assemble our menu items on the simplest of scales that can be done, in a way that no one else can.”

They describe their selections as “classic fresh American,” and Zachary says that their recipes are “made from the heart”.

There’s nothing common about the menu’s seemingly simple fare of sandwiches and salads. They have specialty sandwiches every day that are not offered at other Effingham restaurants.

They also feature seasonal signature salads. Their current

32 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

special is a Berry Almond Salad - blueberries, strawberries, almonds and grilled chicken on top a bed of fresh and nutritious organic Artisan lettuce topped with crumbled feta cheese.

“The Loft Café is about familiar faces and excellent service,” said Bruce. “Customer service is very important to us. We know most of our customers’ names. And, if we don’t know, we ask. That’s one of our ways of letting them know how important they are to us.”

“I like to ‘learn’ my customer’s - who they are, and what they like,” said Zachary. “Customers love whenever you can tell them what they want, what they’re drinking and have it ready for them when they walk in the door. People enjoy being catered to. We try to go a step above other places and be more personal. That’s a service you just don’t get everywhere. That’s why we started this business.”

“We enjoy personal interaction and satisfying our customers,” said Bruce. “We offer a service, not just a product.”

Bruce and Zachary give a great deal of credit to their servers and cooks for helping to make The Loft Café a success. “Our girls; Amber, Meredith, Kelsey, Cheyenne and Tiffany are an integral part of our business. Without them, we could not enjoy this as much. They’re an extension of us and what we want our customers to experience.

“I rely on them to respectfully perform the same as we

The best foods in Effingham and surrounding areas would,” said Bruce. “They are representatives of us. They enjoy their job. They come in every day with a smile and leave with a smile. Having a close knit staff makes it easier to operate a business.”

“We have very low employee turnover,” said Zachary, “and having the same servers helps to build relationships with our customers. I believe that through employee retention you get customer retention. It’s a big family here. Our customers range from professionals to business class to teens. We have something for the entire family.”

Bruce and Zachary used many words to describe the atmosphere of The Loft. “It’s simple but elegant. It’s personal and homey. It’s small and traditional, yet upscale, quaint and eclectic. It’s downtown!” In other words, it’s unique. And it’s also definitely clean and extremely friendly. “It’s for anyone in Effingham who’s looking for something different,” said Bruce.

“We strive to be just a little bit different and give you something you don’t get elsewhere.”

Bruce and Zachary are really enjoying what they’re doing and the atmosphere of The Loft is a reflection of that. They’re young, they’re energetic, and they may be the youngest restaurant owners in Effingham. Bruce is 26 and Zachary is 22.

Their original location had a spiral staircase that led up to a lofted area. Naturally they couldn’t take that with them when they moved. So they had a beautiful mural of the former building painted on one of the café’s walls to simulate and preserve that feature. “That way we could bring it with us,” they said.

The Loft Café it is located in Goshen Park on the corner of Goshen Road and Highway 21. The restaurant faces Goshen Road and custo mers have easy access from the light at Highway 21. They are open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday - 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

Check out their daily specials on Facebook and call ahead for take-out at 826-5733. Enjoy a great dining experience at The Loft Café.

Zachary Wooten and Bruce Kirwan, Owners of The Loft Cafe

Voted Best Salad 2 Years In a Row! (912) 826-5733 135 Goshen Park • Suite 130 • Rincon, Georgia 31326

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012

33

Bobby’s Hometown Restaurant 290 S. Columbia Ave. Rincon, GA 31326 (912)826-5249

The Loft Cafe 135 Goshen Park Suite 130 Rincon, GA 31326 (912)826-5733

Island Time Grill 7222 GA Hwy 21 Port Wentworth (912)966-0969

Mexico City 586 S. Columbia Ave. Unit 4 Rincon, GA 31326 (912)826-2689

Seasons of Japan 455 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 www.seasonsofjapan.com

To Advertise in the dining guide, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call Julie at (912)657-4120 or Mike at (912)657-3803

• Mole Poblano • Baja Fish Tacos • Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad • Shrimp in Garlic Sauce • Chipotle Chicken Pasta

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7222 Hwy 21 • Port wentwortH, GA 34 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

Daily Lunch Buffet: $ All You Can Eat! Sunday: Bobby’s Choice Monday: Salmon Patties Tuesday: Steak and Gravy Wednesday: Pork Chops Thursday: Meatloaf Friday: Baked & Fried Swai Fish Saturday: Bobby’s Choice

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• Fried Okra or Okra and Tomatoes • Vegetables Of The Day • Salad Bar • Biscuits and Flat Cornbread • Desserts

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The way Southern cooking should be. That’s Bobby’s.

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Paul’s Automotive Your One Stop Auto Shop

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www.paulstireauto.com 312 S. Columbia Ave. Rincon (next to Badcock Furniture) Paul Goss, Owner Effingham Magazine | February/March 2012

35

Rachel & Chriss

Allen

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Photography by Denise Gonsales

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Bride and Groom: Rachel Walea and Chriss Allen Venue: Isle of Hope United Methodist Church Photographer: Denise Gonsales

36 February/March 2012 | Effingham Magazine

EFFINGHAM WEDDINGS

A A

Planning Your Wedding

AndMaintaining a Budget

He proposed, and you said yes! Or perhaps you proposed and he said yes. Now what?!

Getting engaged is an extremely exciting time for every couple. Your wedding will be one of the few events in life that will leave you physically and emotionally elated and financially exhausted.

All weddings differ in size, style, theme, location and tradition, but there is one common factor - the importance of establishing and managing a Budget.

Regardless of whether you dreamed of having a traditional white wedding, with the Cinderella gown, horse drawn carriage and 300 of your “closest” friends or you’d prefer to exchange vows with your beloved in a fire engine red cocktail dress at your favourite site in the Muskokas, it all costs money.

Years ago, (when women were expected to emulate “June Cleaver”), a bride’s parents paid for the entire wedding. Typically, the bride and her mother would plan the wedding, her father would pay the bills and the groom paid for the honeymoon, had the

option of paying for the flowers and was expected to “show up on time and say I do.”

Fortunately, times have changed, and while some couples opt to stick with tradition, more and more couples are paying for their own weddings, either on their own, or with the assistance of their parents.

Okay, the really big question. Who pays for what?!

Bride’s Family All Reception Costs Church Fees Groom’s Rings Invitations Flowers for Church, Bridesmaids and Reception Music for Ceremony Transportation for Bridal Party Gifts for Bridal Party Groom’s Gift Lodging for Bridesmaids, if necessary Bridal Party Your Attire The Shower If you’re from out-oftown, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in Gift for the Couple The advice above is traditional. We realize that things have changed in the

past 50 years.

Groom’s Family Bride’s Ring Clergy Fees Bride’s Bouquet, Corsages and Boutonnieres Rehearsal Dinner Transportation for Groomsmen Gifts for Groomsmen Bride’s Gift Lodging for Groomsmen, if necessary Groomsmen Your Attire The Stag If you’re from out-of-town, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in Gift for the Couple Dollars and “Sense” It is SO easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning your wedding. But try and remain practical. Don’t spend what you don’t have. You don’t want to begin your new life with your husband in debt.

If possible, avoid taking out bank loans or maxing our your PCL to pay for a grand affair. Do you really need the seven-tiered wedding cake with the fountain in the centre?

Keep in mind, that most of your vendors will expect final payment before the big day Your wedding day is a celebration; you don’t want to spend it worrying about whether the cheques you wrote will go through or if you’ll be able to afford to pay the rent or the mortgage when you return from your honeymoon.

• ENGAGEMENt ANd WEddiNG BANdS • BRidAl REGiStRy • tuxEdo RENtAlS • AttENdANtS GiftS • iN HouSE ENGRAviNG

Curiosity Shoppe Jewelers 210 N. Columbia Ave. (Hwy 21) Rincon, Ga 31326 Monday-Saturday 9-6 (912)826-5885

38 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

HOME 2012

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to” - John Ed Pearce

Effingham Magazine |

April/May 2012 39

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Georgia Power...a resource for making it happen.

For more than 80 years, Georgia Power has been helping companies locate in Georgia. Over the past decade alone we’ve helped bring more than 111,000 jobs and $18 billion in capital investment to the state. Our internationally-renowned economic development organization is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and we’re ready to assist you and your company as you consider Georgia. We not only work directly with companies, but we partner with consultants and brokers to enhance the site search experience.

Georgia Power can help with every step of the process, from RFI response, to coordinating site and community tours, to working with state agencies and local leaders for access to incentives, to hosting prospect visits in the Georgia Resource Center.

Georgia Power’s Web-based site selection tool, SelectGeorgia.net, allows company executives, consultants, and brokers to research available properties in the state, as well as find extensive information on each of the state’s 159 counties and 535 cities.

Our products and services include engineering and site analysis; preliminary site plans and design; infrastructure and wetlands analysis; building renderings and virtual 3-D building construction; GIS and demographic analysis; market and supplier analysis; city and state comparisons; workforce analysis; and customized mapping.

If you are considering Georgia for your new or expanding business, we can help.

Peggy Jolley Economic Development Georgia Power 912-306-1702 mkjolley@southernco.com EcondEvga@southErnco.com

www.sElEctgEorgia.nEt

Wiley’s...A Family Tradition For the past 25 years, Wiley’s Home Center has taken great pride in “Helping To Make Your House A Home.” Founder Wiley Thomas is a lifelong resident of Effingham County.

Now he and his daughter, Detra, continue the family tradition running the business together.

Detra, who ironically is now the same age as her father was when he founded the business, stated “We have built our business around the same family morals and traditions we grew up with. Our customers are treated like family. “ Customer service at Wiley’s is second to none. You are always greeted with a friendly smiling face and a gentle, sincere hello. Each customer is “catered to” in whatever fashion they choose. “If they want to browse, we let them browse. If they want us to hold their hand and walk them through the store, then that’s what we do. We want our customers to feel comfortable when they visit us,” stated Wiley.

It’s that impeccable customer service that Wiley’s can attribute a huge part of their continued success to. Their warmth and care for their customer’s needs is evident from the time you pass through their front door.

Detra is proud to say that they have many repeat customers. She says, “We are proud to have served our friends and family in this community for 25 years. We thank each of them for the continued support they have shown us and we look forward to serving them for years to come.”

Wiley’s carries over 150 brands of furniture, appliances, bedding and floor coverings. Popular brands such as Flexsteel, Hooker, Basset, Vaughn Bassett, Liberty, Riverside, Serta, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire and Samsung make up some of their impressive inventory.

The store has over 35,000 feet of display and warehouse area. Go see for yourself what they have to offer!

Celebrating Home Center

25 Years!

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS

Rosalyn and Wiley Thomas at The Grand Opening of Wiley’s, May, 1987

FURNITURE The Center Of Our Lives

Visit Us On The Web:

www.wileyshomecenter.org Friend Us On Facebook

Proud To Serve Effingham For

25 Years

Daughter, Detra Thomas carrying on the family tradition.

912-826-2932 Hwy 21 North, Rincon Just South Of The Effingham YMCA

Home Financing

From A Neighborhood Lender A proven professional, Stacie Taylor is a mortgage consultant with Atlantic Coast Bank who loves to help her customers achieve the dream of home ownership. A native of Atlanta, Stacie is a graduate of Georgia State University where she received her Bachelors in Business. She is a devoted wife and the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and two beautiful step-daughters.

Her true passion in life is spending time with her family and friends, as well as meeting and helping new people. Her mother is Sandra Yarbrough Simmons, a native of Rincon. Her father, Joe Simmons is a big Georgia Tech fan, while her husband is a fan of the University of Georgia. Rather than be a “house divided”, she is equally devoted to both teams!

For over eleven years, Stacie has assisted Georgia buyers and home owners with their mortgage needs. She understands that the home lending process at many lenders is often cold and impersonal, with little regard to convenience, courtesy or true customer service. Stacie treats her customers as real people with real dreams, not as just another name on a loan. From application to closing, Stacie ensures that her clients’ questions are answered quickly and that they are kept informed every step of the way.

Stacie truly believes that satisfied customers are the key to success in any business. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation based on honest communication and quick and reliable follow through and she is honored when her clients refer her to their family and friends. Stacie takes the time to get to know her clients, to answer

42 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

their questions and to make them feel comfortable with each step of the loan process. Her commitment to service excellence and extensive knowledge of the entire mortgage transaction combine to create an unparalleled lending experience for everyone involved. On closing day, she finds that there is nothing better than the smiles and thanks she receives from clients, as well as from the attorneys, sellers, and Realtors who also truly appreciate her hard work and dedication.

Well respected in her field, Stacie has been recognized during her professional career for outstanding achievement within the mortgage industry, most notably as a Gold Award Winner by the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia and a Summit Circle Gold Award Winner for New Home Residential Loans.

Extremely active in the community in which she serves, Stacie is a dedicated member of a variety of boards and associations such as the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia, the Homebuilders Association of Savannah, the Sales and Marketing Council, Young Council of Realtors, Manchester’s Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Stacie loves working for Atlantic Coast Bank because of their reputation as a local community bank that is trustworthy and experienced. A financial services leader since 1939, the bank shares her same ideals and values in regards to serving their customers. Plus, as a part of the local community, she loves that she is a part of a company that makes it easy and convenient for

www.stacietaylor.com area residents to do business the way they want to - online or in-person.

As your neighborhood source for mortgage financing, Stacie and Atlantic Coast Bank have a variety of loan programs available, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, refinances up to 150% of the house value and jumbo loans with very competitive rates. Contact Stacie today for a free mortgage consultation. She would be happy to assist you, your friends, family or associates find the right loan program to meet your individual needs.

Relax. Let Atlantic Coast Bank handle the mortgage details.

If you are looking to purchase a new home or you are thinking of refinancing your existing home, contact the mortgage professionals at Atlantic Coast Bank. Our team is dedicated to offering the right mortgage product to meet your individual needs. Home financing options include:

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Mortgage Branch Manager

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912.544.0410

912.655.4642

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* All loan applications subject to credit and property approval. Programs are subject to change at any time. Additional programs are available. Mortgage rates vary daily.

NMLS #509060

Walt’s Furniture first opened its doors when Dwight Eisenhower was president and you could fill your gas tank for about the same price a gallon of fuel cost these days. Ike and 25-cent gas are long gone, but Walt’s is still in business providing customers with quality furniture and that hometown touch.

Walt’s is located at 405 North Laurel St. in Springfield, just it has been for the past 58 years. Not only has it bucked the trend of remaining in business for so long, but it’s also stayed in the same family during the time as well.

That family is the Gnanns.

Walter David Gnann Jr., the son of the founder, owns the store with his wife, Bonny.

They took over ownership 10 years ago.

For David, 52, the store feels like home, as comfortable as one of his sofas or recliners.

“I grew up in it,” says David, who started delivering for the store when he was 12 years old. “It’s more than a business. It’s family.”

Gnann adds they offer customer service and a hands-

50 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

on approach that few competitors can match. “You don’t find too many places where you can ask for the owner and he’ll be at work,” he notes.

“I’ll personally deliver if I have to.”

Walt’s is the “Cheers” of furniture stores, with repeat customers coming in and being called by name. They’re greeted by three generations of Gnanns: David and Bonny, their son Califf and daughter Tiffany, and 7-month-old grandson Otto. The family atmosphere isn’t limited to ownership. “We have grandparents, parents and grandchildren coming here,” Gnann says. He adds he enjoys seeing the customers and being around them.

Walt’s caries such furniture names as Ashley, Broyhill, Lane, Kinkaid and Lazyboy.

It also offers floor covering and appliances along with recliners and bedroom suites.

Recliners and mattresses, Gnann says, are among his best sellers.

Gnann isn’t about to kick back in his recliner anytime soon. “I’m looking forward to another 50 years,” he says.

405 N. Laurel Street â&#x20AC;˘ Springfield (912) 754-3711 www.WaltsFurniture.co

Effingham Magazine |

February/March 2012 45

Let Us Customize A Silk Arrangement For Your Home.

New Life Flowers & Gifts has been serving the Effingham community for over 27 years. Stephanie Long and her staff take great pride in serving their clients in all of their floral and gift needs.

Stephanie and her designers stay up on all the latest trends in their industry. She is proud to say, “We go to training seminars three to six times a year. This enables us to ‘Make The Ordinary Extraordinary!”

New Life helps their customers to make gift giving easy. The gift shop in the store is full of amazing treasures. They have a large array of gift items such as silver ware for weddings, Woodwick Candles, Willow Tree Figurines, devotional books, stuffed animals, monogrammed items and an entire Georgia Bulldog section.

You can come in and browse their huge inventory, or pick up the phone and order flowers or a specialty gift item. The staff at New

Life is always happy to assist you and will also deliver your purchase to its destination.

Not only does New Life carry these remarkable items, they also have a terrific display of home interior items. Stephanie is an artist, not only with a flower arrangement, but she also has a very keen eye for interior design.

They carry many beautiful items for the home, as well as, custom made silk arrangements to add that special touch to any room. They also specialize in large commercial accounts, schools and churches where they handle largescale silk flower arrangements.

If you are thinking of giving your home a “re-do” in the design department, come check out New Life. If you don’t see what you like, talk to Stephanie. She will schedule an appointment to come by your home and handle that project for you.

You will like what you see!

Specializing In Custom Silk Arrangements For The Home & Office Bring In Fabric or Pillows To Coordinate

New Life FLOWERS & GIFTS The Florist That Makes Ordinary Extraordinary!

826-4261 • Hwy 21 • Rincon 46 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

Brooke Burns Graham

Proudly representing many of the industry’s finest companies, such as:

Safeco • Progressive • Travelers • GMAC • New York Life

Visit Us Today!

RINCON: 5763 Hwy 21 South P: 912-826-1061 F: 912-826-1063

WALTER SAPP

Roofing

email: Brooke@burns-ins.com

www.BurnsInsuranceAssociates.com

407 West Highway 80 Bloomingdale, Georgia 31302

(912) 748-7660

Hales Joins coldwell banker team!

D

CE

U ED

R

Julie Hales REALTOR

912.657.4120 Cell 912.826.0927 Office 912.826.5828 Fax 877-826-0928 Toll Free jhales346@windstream.net

5805 Hwy 21 S., PO Box 350 Rincon, GA 31326 www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

JH2064.indd 1

Looking For A Great House with Pool, Poolhouse and Plenty of Room For Animals? Even has a pole barn. This property has it all. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, den, spacious eat-in kitchen, triple carport and wrokshop. Only minutes from I-95 in Effingham County! Great schools. Just reduced to $179,900.

What A Great Buy! This singlewide mobile home has 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. New flooring, paint and a brand new stove. Refrigerator, microwave and washer/dryer remain. Property includes 2 garages and a 2 car carport. Great screened in front porch with huge deck on back. Great for entertaining! Plenty of room for cars and storage/shop area. All this sits on .8 acres with mature oaks and a beautiful yard, all completely fenced in!

Great Commercial Property in Downtown Savannah!

This property has a 1000 square feet retail space with a 2000 Sqare Feet warehouse. It sits on a prime location on the corner of 40th and Drayton. It was formerly a paint business and owner will sell inventory and equipment if desired. Or move in and start another business! Listed at $286,000! Owner will consider lease or owner finance. Call me for details. (912) 657-4120

Effingham Magazine |

4/18/12 10:14:00 PM

April/May 2012 47

C

oldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty opened their doors for business in 1999 with only four licensed agents. Fast forward 13 years, the agency now has 31 licensed agents and is the leading listing and selling agency in Effingham County.

One of the reasons CBIR is so successful is their dedication to customer service. They place a heavy emphasis on this. Brandi Talton, owner, knows the importance of good customer service.

She states, “Great customer service should be the backbone of any company and we make sure our agents feel the same way. Our agents are always here to help. You will always see a smiling face when you walk in our office.”

Brandi is excited when she thinks about the fact the agency has grown so much in recent years. She is very proud of this, and knows it is an accomplishment that is shared by many. She adds, “Our agents have made this agency what it is today. We truly appreciate each and every one of them for their dedication and hard work.

We certainly could not be where we are without them.”

James “Jim” Presnell is the agency’s broker. Jim has been a real estate executive for 22 years.

He brings the kind of expertise that only comes with many years of service. Jim holds many professional certifications and has served hundreds of satisfied clients during his distinguished career.

Jim will agree with those who say the market is showing a positive turn. Jim states, “There are so many good things going on out there now. The amount of inventory has begun to decrease. The interest rates are still good. Buyers are out and about looking and investors have even started buying again. That is all positives in the world of real estate.”

Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty is here to serve you in whatever your real estate needs may be.

The firm specializes in residential and commercial sales, land and acreage, and property management. They boast a first rate rental department. So, if you are looking to buy or sell, call one of their Coldwell Banker’s Owner Brandi Talton and Broker, Jim friendly agents today.

Presnell.

5805 Hwy 21 South Rincon, GA 31326 912-826-0927 877-826-0926

Coldwell Banker Intercoastal Realty Congratulates Their Agents For Receiving The Award of 2011 Distinguished Sales Society Pictured Left to Right: Erv Bordner, Dee Bankston, Alicia Howe, Jim Presnell, Judy Quinney, Stephanie Casey and Sue Anderson.

48 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

LUSH-N-GREEN As a County Extension Agent with the University of Georgia Extension Service, Bill Rahn, back in-the-day, offered homeowners tips and research supported info (how to’s) on maintaining their lawns. These days(nowretired County Agent), as an extension of that job, Rahn now offers his expertise through his own company.

Rahn started LusH~N~GreeN 7 years ago. He offers weed and insect control, and ensures the soil remains nutritionally balanced, a key, he says, to having that lush, green lawn.

Whatever their grass type, Rahn explains, we put together the right soil nutrients to support strong,healthy growth of that particular turf .. centipede, St. Augustine, zoysia, or Hybrid Bermuda. If a customer calls on his services, Rahn says he insists on being the ‘only’ person making applications to that lawn. Too much of a particular product..or applied improperly(wrong timing, Wrong rate, wrong weather conditions) could spell ‘unhappy grass’ and an unhappy Bill Rahn,” he notes.

Our commercial and residential customers tend to be busy people who want to dress up their properties and home grounds.. but just don’t have the necessary time to spend doing it. Family time is Precious you know. Or perhaps fish need to be caught, golf clubs need practicing, shopping has been seriously neglected, or even the beach may be calling.

He doesn’t employ a hard sell to prospective customers. “I don’t try and talk people into our service,” Rahn says. “If they can do it on their own, why not? Some people would just rather not have to bother with keeping abreast of all the materials now on the market, which require a complete understanding of their proper usage.

Rahn treats commercial and residential turf properties for insects, weed problems..as well as Year-round fertilization. He only uses herbicides and insecticides that are approved materials and research based. “ Fittingly, he adds, “we go green.”

Insects in our area range from mole crickets and white grubs, to army worms and fire ants, chinch bugs to sod webworms. Not only can they devistate a lawn, Rahn says, but in the case of fire ants..they also pose a serious ‘Health Hazard’ to our children and pets. His goal is to educate the homeowner on the various insects and implement the appropriate treatment.

Rahn never loses his sense of delight at being outdoors and seeing a nice green, healthy lawn. “I want that grass to be happy,” Rahn says. “If that grass isn’t happy, I’m not going to be happy. It’s really a love to help people have a nice lawn. And It’s a puzzle that we (the homeowner and I) can solve together.”

LUSH-N-GREEN Your Lawn Spraying Service...

Treatments Designed For Your Specific Needs

• WEED CONTROL • FREE ESTIMATES • INSECT CONTROL • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL • FERTILIZATION • VEGETATION MANAGEMENT • CERTIFIED & EXPERIENCED BILL RAHN (912) 661-3180 • GREER RAHN (912) 754-3865 BRLtdDeanofGreen@aol.com Effingham Magazine

April/May 2012 49

Marketing also plays a key role in the company's success. Referring to their marketing plan as the best in the Southeast Coastal Real Estate area, Fischer says ERA Southeast CoastalERA has created a very comprehensi ve plan for marketi ng homes which has been proven very successful by the number of housesInthe The company sells each year and the Top 25 national Ranked ranking they have achieved.

ERA Offices Nationwide "We market listings everywhere," Fischer says. "If a buyer is looking for a home in our 15 county coverage area, they'll find it through us." Offices For Customer Service Another contributing factor for the company’Nationwide s success is that ERA Southeast Coastal has continued to grow during a difficult economy, merging with companies who have matching philosophies. This, Fischer says, has helped make the team stronger and undoubtebly contributed to a successful 2011.

Top 25

Top 5

ERA Southeast Coastal continues to earn accolades when it comes to sales, customer service and relocation. Not only were they ranked among the top 25 ERA real estate companies in the country in houses sold in 2011, and among the top five ERA offices nationwide for customer service, they also received the Cartus Relocation Silver and Five Star Award for excellence.

Steven Fischer and Linda Kelly have owned the Southeast Georgia company for the past 16 years. They operate five branches serving 15 counties. Fischer credits the company's success, despite difficult times for real estate, to excellent training and a caring attitude toward the clients as well as fellow agents.

Fischer, who has been a Realtor for over 26 years, says “customer service, training and caring about the client is paramount to success now and in thetogether future.” The process helping people achieve the American dream of home "Everyone works as aofTEAM," ownership is much more complicated now and we must stay trained so that we can make the process as easy as "We do not have a company of individual agents only looking after their own-interests.” possible for our clients and try to assure as many successful closings for the families we serve. says Fischer, who thanks the people of Southeast Georgia for helping to make last year such a successful one for the company.

Julie Dawson, Toni Bresnan, Jill Morrow, LaTrelle Pevey, Deetie Rahn, Steven Fischer, Edith Dawson, Linda Kelly, Mary Ann Fischer These agents attended the 2012 ERA International Business Conference in New Orleans, LA.

When the company or an agent is recognized, such as Edith Dawson and Julie Dawson from our Hinesville office, who ranked as the No. 4 ERA team in the country in sales, everyone is happy for them and celebrates their success.

Marketing also plays a key role in the company's success. Referring to their marketing plan as the best in the area, Fischer says ERA Southeast Coastal has created a very comprehensive plan for marketing homes which has been proven very successful by the number of houses the company sells each year and the Top 25 national ranking they have achieved.

"We market listings everywhere," Fischer says. "If a buyer is looking for a home in our 15 county coverage area, they'll find it through us."

Another contributing factor for the company’s success is that ERA Southeast Coastal has continued to grow during a difficult economy, merging with companies who have matching philosophies. This, Fischer says, has helped make the team stronger and undoubtebly contributed to a successful 2011.

ThankYou Southeast Georgia For Helping UsAchieve Top 25 ERAOffice In The Nation And For Voting Us One Of The Top 5 ERAOffices In The Nation For Customer Service

Fischer, who has been a Realtor for over 26 years, says “customer service, training and caring about the client is paramount to success now and in the future.” The process of helping people achieve the American dream of home ownership is much more complicated now and we must stay trained so that we can make the process as easy as possible for our clients and try to assure as many successful closings for the families we serve.

Southeast Coastal

www.ERASOUTHEASTCOASTALREALESTATE.com

Thank You Southeast Georgia For Helping Us Achieve Top 25 ERA Office In The Nation And For Voting Us One Of The Top 5 ERA Offices In The Nation For Customer Service

Southeast Coastal Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Savannah Richmond Hill Rincon Hinesville Vidalia www.ERASOUTHEASTCOASTALREALESTATE.com (912) 927-1088 (912) 459-1088 (912) 826-2550 (912) 876-3538 (912) 538-7363

Savannah (912) 927-1088

Richmond Hill (912) 459-1088

Rincon (912) 826-2550

Hinesville (912) 876-3538

Vidalia (912) 538-7363

Bobby Cox and Tim Lurtz of HomeTeam Inspection Service

B

obby Cox isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t managing baseball teams any longer, but he can still be found right around home. Make that homes.

Just like his famous namesake, Cox is a former manager; he served as minor league general manager for the Cubs, Tigers and Blue Jays. These days, however, Cox is owner of the Savannah-based HomeTeam Inspection Service. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary service area includes Effingham, Chatham and Bryan counties.

Cox has owned the franchise for 10 years and provides home inspections for buyers and sellers. During that time, he and assistant Tim Lurtz, both certified home inspectors, have performed over 3,200 inspections. Cox says theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never done fewer than 400 inspections for the last five years, and in 2011, despite a slow real estate market, they had a record year and upped that number by 150 compared to 2010.

Cox attributes the spike to foreclosures and people knowing who they are. He also cites the reputation of the company, which has over 200 locations around the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of knowledge out there,â&#x20AC;? Cox says.

Following his stint in baseball, Cox had a number of jobs, including manager of a Spankyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southside restaurant in Savannah. He got into his current position after spotting a HomeTeam franchise for sale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was something I could do,â&#x20AC;? Cox says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was looking to do something, and I wanted to own my own business.â&#x20AC;?

Cox and Lurtz perform â&#x20AC;&#x153;visualâ&#x20AC;? inspections as a team, giving them an â&#x20AC;&#x153;extra set of eyes.â&#x20AC;?

They provide a computer-generated narrative report that is e-mailed to the client. Prices range from $275 to $500, depending on square footage. The average price is $300 to $325.

Cox says he likes people and enjoys meeting them from all walks of life. He also takes pride in his role of helping people achive their dream of owning a home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like that we play a part in the process,â&#x20AC;? Cox notes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We make sure there are no surprises. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worthwhile. I like to see them move into a new home.â&#x20AC;?

Home Team Inspection is a member of the Savannah Board of Realtors and Young Council of Realtors. In 2008, the former organization named Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business its affiliate of the year.

Expert Insight into Home Inspections

SM

A HomeTeam inspection provides a thorough evaluation of every area of the home, inside and out. We inspect hundreds of items, giving you the most efficient and professional home inspection available! t 8IPMF )PVTF *OTQFDUJPOT t 4USVDUVSBM .FDIBOJDBM t .PME 4BNQMJOH t 1SF -JTUJOH *OTQFDUJPOT

912-354-0018

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heck plumbing A plumber is going to be needed at

some point in time by every homeowner. A lot of homeowners are capable of handling some of the smaller repairs themselves and saving a little money. These can include things like repairing a dripping faucet or removing the clog from a drain, but what about the bigger jobs?

Choosing the right plumber can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a complete disaster. You want to call someone you can trust and depend on, someone local.

Randy Heck of Heck Plumbing is a native of Effingham County and has been serving the needs of this area for over 30 years. He began his career in 1981 with Hutson Plumbing in Savannah. He got his license in 1987 and started his own company in 1990.

When you call Heck Plumbing, you will get personal service from a licensed Master Plumber. Randy stated, “I will personally assess your problem and offer the best solution. Many times I will offer a solution with several different price points. I am very good at under slab leak detection and repair. Ninety five percent of the time, we

can find your leak with only one hole in the floor.”

Not only is Randy Heck the man to call when you have a plumbing problem, he is also the man to call for new construction and remodel jobs. He has built a solid reputation of trust and professionalism.

JUST SAY NO

Heck Plumbing will take care of all your plumbing needs in a timely manner.

Whether you need emergency repairs or new installs, they are always responsive and courteous. Call the local expert, call Randy Heck.

HECK

PlumbinG • Plumbing Repairs • Leak Detection and Repair • House Repiping • Gas Piping • Water Heaters - Repairs and/or Replacement

• Sewer & Drain Repairs • Remodels - Kitchen and Bath • New Construction Residential & Commercial

Call for free estimate 912-826-2714 or 912-663-6538 774 Fort Howard Road • Rincon, GA 31326

TO POOR PLUMBING! 52 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

heckplumbing.com

More than 29 years experience serving Effingham, Chatham, Bryan and surrounding counties.

Randal A. Heck Owner/Licensed Master Plumber

21

21 South Mini Storage is family owned and operated.

They offer climate controlled and regular storage to fit your needs. They also provide 24 hour surveillance for your safety and for the protection of your belongings.

They have been offering mini storage services and Budget truck rentals to Rincon and all of Effingham County for over 19 years.

21 South Mini Storage also offers their clients space to store RV’s and boats.

Their electronic gate system is another feature that gives their clients the peace of mind to know that their belongings are always in a safe place.

This also allows you to have 24 hour access, a convenience that is important in today’s fast paced world.

Storage units range in size from 5’ x 10’ to 20’ x 30’. This gives you the option to store a few things from your home in a smaller unit or store the entire contents of a three bedroom house in the larger units. Some people even use the units to store cars and

SOUTH MINI STORAGE Climate & Non-Climate Controlled Storage RV & Boat Storage

boats.

They have a great location. Easily accessible, 21 South Mini Storage is located at 5540 McCall Road, only a 1/4 mile off Highway 21 in Rincon.

They offer tenant insurance to all of their customers.

They are open 6 days a week to service all your needs. They accept cash, personal checks and most major credit cards.

21 South Mini Storage also offer monthly specials. Call them today at 912-826-3623 and see what this month’s special is!

Boxes & Packing Supplies Budget Truck Rentals

826-3623 Hwy. 21 at McCall Road 5540 McCall Road • Rincon, Ga

www.21SouthMiniStorage.com

Is Real Estate really booming?

Well, it certainly seems to be for Emily Pigman and Kim Goode of Keller Williams Realty Westside. This local “dynamic duo” has not slowed down.

Goode and Pigman both feel that one of the main reasons they have continued to stay on top in today’s market is because of the excellent customer service they provide their clients.

“We really appreciate our clients. We would not be in business without them. Many of our clients have become good friends. It gives us great satisfaction to know that they believe in us enough to want to continue our relationship after the sale’” said Kim. Emily added, “We are honored that our clients trust us with one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. They are confident in our ability to negotiate the contract terms they are comfortable with. They know we care about them and have their best interests in mind.”

SavvyHomeSearch.com iPad and iPhone app available!

Search the entire MLS including Effingham, Bryan and Chatham Counties • Buyers save their favorite homes on their own wishlist available for them to view at any time • Sellers can go to their listing and view how many times their home has been viewed by potential Buyers.

Photo taken by Sweet Peony Photography)

Photo taken by Sweet Peony Photography)

Both Kim and Emily feel they would be remiss not to extend a sincere thank you to all of their clients....... past, present and future. “They are the backbone of our business,” added Kim. Kim and Emily are both seasoned professionals with over 16 years combined experience. Their amazing ability to work together as a team has proved to be a huge asset to their success. They are both continued members of the Savannah Board of Realtors Distinguished Sales Society and have recently been named Sales and Marketing Council’s 2011 TEAM OF THE YEAR at the 8th Annual Summit Awards held this month.

If you are planning on buying or selling a home, you may want to consider the “dynamic duo.” They would love to add you to the list of their satisfied clients.

You can visit their website at www.SavvyHomeSearch.com or call them at 675.0665 or 224.1158.

54 December/January 2011-12 | Effingham Magazine

Get on our site at SavvyHomeSearch.com and see why our Buyers and Sellers love us! We are here for you! Call, text or email us for a free consultation!

(912) 748-4600 Office Kim Goode (912) 675-0665 KimTGoode@gmail.com Emily Pigman (912) 224-1158 EmilyPigman@yahoo.com

Welcome Home The decision to purchase a home is certainly a great one. But, it’s only the first step in your home buying experience. To make the process as enjoyable as possible, enlist the services of a professional mortgage officer. You’ll benefit from their expertise and experience right from the start.

Before you begin searching for a home, make an appointment with your local mortgage lender to discuss your mortgage options.

Take with you: • Your past two years’ tax returns • A current pay statement • A copy of your bank statement • A list of bills you pay each month With this information, your lender will determine your debt to income ratio. In general, your house payment should not be more than 30% of your monthly gross income (how much you make before taxes). Together with your other monthly bills such as your car payment and other loans, your total debt to income ratio should not be higher than 41%. If your debt exceeds these figures, your mortgage officer will probably encourage you to continue paying on your current loans before you purchase a home.

It is also a good idea to know your credit score when you meet with your mortgage officer. You can get this information by visiting www. annualcreditreport.com. Follow the steps to find your credit (Beacon) score for each of the three credit reporting bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. By correcting negative or incorrect information, you will raise your Beacon score and possibly lower your interest rate.

Your mortgage officer may speak with you about becoming preapproved versus pre-qualified. With a pre-qualification, your lender

simply uses your financial information to estimate how much home you can afford. There is no guarantee you will be approved, but a pre-qualification does give you monetary guidelines for your new home search. With a pre-approval, your mortgage lender will go through the formal mortgage process to guarantee your home loan.

So, you know exactly how much house you can purchase and the maximum your payments will be when you begin shopping.

You can further ensure your home loan by offering your lender a down payment. A down payment is the difference between the purchase price and the loan amount. While there are a few types of mortgages that do not require a down payment, it is always a good idea to have one ready. The larger your down payment, the less interest you will have to pay in the long run. For most lenders, 20% of the loan amount is ideal. Any less and you may be required to carry separate mortgage insurance, which covers the cost of the home in the event of foreclosure.

Along with your down payment, you will need to consider closing costs. These expenses usually include appraisal fees, title search and lawyer’s fees as well as pre-purchase inspection costs. In some cases, these expenses can be included in the mortgage loan, but it is always better to pay them upfront. Your mortgage officer will have a general idea of how much you can expect these to be. So, be sure to ask.

Right now, rates are incredibly low and there is an over abundance of homes for sale. This combination makes it a buyer’s market and the perfect time to find the home of your dreams. Your mortgage officer will partner with you throughout the process to keep you informed and help you find the perfect home with a monthly payment that’s right for you.

Effingham Magazine |

April/May 2012 55

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

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56 April/May 2012 | Effinghm Magazine

“Call Deetie And Start Packing!”

That is certainly a familiar phrase to anyone in Effingham County who has followed the real estate market over the past 23 years.

And Deetie Rahn of ERA Southeast Coastal Real Estate means just what her slogan says. Deetie said, “I got licensed in April of 1989 and developed this slogan soon after my career began. It has been good for me.”

Good? That is an understatement. Deetie Rahn has had hundreds of people packing....if not thousands! Selling houses is a joy to Deetie. She adds, “Seeing a smile on a customer’s face after they buy their first home is so exciting. Walking them through the process from beginning to end gives me a feeling of satisfaction.

Hence, the packing begins.”

Deetie started her career with Adams Pevey Realty in 1989, which later become an ERA franchise.

She stayed with this firm for 17 years. She left for a few years to work with Platinum Properties.

She later returned to ERA, now known as ERA Southeast Coastal Real Estate. Deetie speaks of her return with enthusiasm, “Coming back to ERA was like coming home.

ERA is, without a doubt, the best real estate company to work with.”

Deetie Rahn has won numerous awards in her real estate career.

But there are two awards that are very near and dear to her heart. In 2005, she was ranked 10th in the nation in Commercial Sales. And, in 2006, she and daughter, Beth Rahn Mosley, as Double R Partners, were ranked 9th in Teams in the ERA World Finals.

Deetie is strong on customer service. She wants to make sure all of her clients are well taken care of. She has a full time licensed assistant, Shane Rowe. Shane is extremely knowledgeable very accommodating to assist you as well.

Whether it be a home you are looking for, land to build your dream home or a prime commercial spot, call Deetie and start packing!

Call Deetie and Start Packing!

Southeast Coastal Real Estate 912.826.2550 Office 912.826.2556 Fax • 912.667.0300 Mobile deetierahn@yahoo.com • www.deetierahn.com

Deetie Rahn, GRI Realtor ®

5857 Hwy. 21 South • Rincon, GA 31326 www.SoutheastCoastalRealEstate.com

Effingham Magazine |

April/May 2012 57

Kerns Construction Company, LLC Ulysses Eaton has built the perfect construction company, one that allows him to use his business degree and enjoy such simple pleasures as walking to work and watching his children play t-ball. A father of three, Ulysses decided to make family a top priority in life.

The Guyton resident is owner of Kerns Construction, which he founded in June 2010. Kerns Construction is headed up by Eaton and two other fulltime employees, specializes in commercial construction in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina.

Eaton, who is a LEED Accredited Professional, has built 3.1 million square feet totaling $141 million.

Kerns’ clients run the gamut, from retail distribution and education to lifetsyle and hospitality.

Eaton started out in the construc-

tion business 13 years ago; a friend got him a job as a Superintendent after Eaton graduated from Presbyterian College. Eaton’s father was an architect and “very good carpenter.” Says Eaton: “I guess construction is in my blood.”

Eaton eventually landed at Choate Construction, where he worked for four and half years before striking out on his own.

“I had a desire to spend more time with my family,” Eaton says. My work schedule had become very restrictive.

Now, when my son has a ballgame, I can arrange my schedule around that.

I can walk to work and go home for lunch or jog or work out. The family time is awesome.”

Eaton started his company during difficult economic times, although he notes that commercial construction

Ulysses Eaton, owner of Kerns Construction.

Kerns

Construction Company, LLC ULYSSES K. EATON LEED AP PRESIDENT CELL (912) 856-2795 ueaton@kernsco.com

104 CENTRAL BLVD PO BOX 427 GUYTON, GA 31312

(912) 519-0175 PHONE (912) 519-0176 FAX

in the public sector hasn’t been as impacted as the private sector. In fact, he adds, there’s lots of work in the public market.

Bearing this out, Eaton built the pro shop, cart barn and renovated a pool natatorium at Sun City Hilton Head within the first year after starting up his company, for a total construction cost of $1.9 million. “We were very fortunate to get those projects in our first year,” Eaton says.

Eaton might be using his business degree more than when he first started in the construction business, but he remains a hands-on owner.

He says he spends more one-on-one time with his clients than owners of larger companies and stresses quality over quantity.”I’m involved with the project from beginning to end,” Eaton says.

“They see my passion for my company and the work I do.”

Eaton can also capitalize on his company’s smaller size when it comes to bidding for construction projects. “I have lower overhead,” he explains. “That’s an advantage I have over the big guys.” Then there are those other perks, such as going home for lunch and watching his son hit another homer.

Honey Ridge Estates is nestled along a picturesque road of leaning mossy oaks in the heart of Effingham County.

Alice DeForest of Century 21 Fox Properties loves selling this community. Alice is a resident of Effingham County and certainly not new to Honey Ridge. She has been selling homes in this community since its inception in 2001.

Known as the “Diamond Community,” Honey Ridge Estates is a premiere planned amenity community with estate sized lots, all brick homes and a core foundation based on the premise of “ building your way.”

Life in this community focuses around a 4000 square foot clubhouse with a well-equipped fitness center, olympic size pool, a kiddie pool, and tennis courts. The second floor features an expansive community room with full kitchen facilities. This provides the residents with an area to host a variety of events.

The final phase of Honey Ridge is now underway. They are selling individual lots starting at

$39,900 to clients and builders or you can work with the communities preferred builder Anthony Unlimited, Inc. If you love a beautiful country setting but don’t want to miss out on the amenities of today’s lifestyle, Honey Ridge is the place to look.

To schedule an appointment to preview lots or review available builder plans please call Alice DeForest at 6580054 or Deborah Rafter at 661-4690. The sales office is open Sundays 2-5PM or

by Appointment.

Honey Ridge Estates is located on Honey Ridge Road off GA Hwy 17 south of Guyton.

From Pooler take Hwy 80 West 7 miles to GA Hwy 17N, go 11 miles to Honey Ridge Road, turn left and the entrance will be on your left approximately 2 miles.

Alice Deforest Century 21 Fox Properties 912-352-2747

My Home Shopping Checklist I want to stop renting and buy or build the best all brick home money can buy.

I want to live in a town & country community with people friendly streets.

I want to be surrounded by the peacefulness of the country, yet close enough to the city.

I want to live in a community with spacious yards and room to grow.

I want to live in a community that offers an active lifestyle with pool, fitness and tennis.

I want to live in a community of homes with individual unique architectural design features of custom home building.

912-352-2747

HoneyRidgeEstates.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 59

Offer Expires June 14, 2012

Offer Expires June 14, 2012

$89*

Canady’s Spring Tune-Up Special

Canady’s Precision Air Conditioning & Heating recently opened their newest facility in Pooler, Georgia to better serve all of the westside. The Canady name speaks for itself, serving Effingham, Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill and all of the Coastal Empire for over 25 years.

Fred Canady is the Founder and President of the company.

Fred was born and raised in Savannah. He attended Savannah Technical College and earned his degree in HVAC while working as an apprentice. After working in the field for several years, he opened Canady’s Precision Air in 1986.

Canady’s is known for their quality, integrity and honesty.

They take great pride in being one of the most recognized and successful air conditioning businesses in the state.

Canady’s offers their clients highly trained technicians who are experts in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heating service, installation, repair and indoor air quality. They are considered one of the top TRANE Comfort Specialist Dealers around. They carry an extensive line of furnaces, air conditioning units, heating units, electronic air cleaners and humidifiers to enhance the comfort of your home or office. They are authorized to service all brands of air conditioning and heating equipment and their technicians are NATE certified and hold EPA certifications, putting Canady’s in the top 10% in the country.

They are open Saturdays and evenings for your convenience. Their dispatchers are friendly, knowledgeable and punctual, ensuring exceptional customer service. It is their goal to provide you with the best customer service experience you have ever had from any company in any industry.

It is obvious that Fred Canady loves his business and enjoys satisfying his clients. He said, “We are having a ball! When you constantly get rave reviews from your customers, your coworkers are excited about their work and you’re getting recognized by your peers, it’s just a lot of fun!

New Location in

POOLER 60 April/May 2012 | Effingham Magazine

As a UPS driver for 9 years, Jeremy Nease routinely made deliveries to Badcock Furniture in Rincon.

Nowadays, he’s in charge of making deliveries “for” the store.

Nease is the owner of the Badcock Furniture store on Highway 21 in Rincon. He purchased it four and half months ago as a corporate store and now runs it as a franchise. It’s a homecoming for Nease, who grew up in Port Wentworth and whose parents live in Springfield. “It’s exactly what I wanted,” says Nease, who had the opportunity to buy the Metter store owned by his father-in-law but opted for Rincon instead. “I grew up around here.”

Nease is no stranger to running a store and managing a staff.

He owned a packing and shipping store in Rincon and was in charge of 40 UPS drivers in the Swainsboro area when the local Badcock store became available for purchase.

Talk about a stream-lined operation. Nease has four employees: Bobby Heath, a former store owner who serves as manager, and Sonya Paradice, a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) sales associate. There are two delivery guys, Colt Miller and Michael Wetherington who provide exceptional customer service and take great pride in there job.

The store offers a variety of furniture, including living room and bedroom suites, along with appliances and lawn equipment, with the latter selling extremely well, according to Nease.

Befitting its hometown feel, Badcock makes home deliveries and offers zero percent interest for varying periods. Customer service is key. Says Nease: “We don’t forget about you if you have a problem. We’ll take care of you.”

Nease cites the diversity of his customers who have moved to Rincon. They come from New York, Ohio and even the the Ukraine. It’s awesome, he says, to meet people from all over the world.

Nease doesn’t pine for the days of dashing out of his UPS truck to drop off a package or ensuring that 40 drivers absolutely, positively make their deliveries on time.

“You make good money at UPS,” Nease says, “but your whole life is that place. It’s so laid-back at Badcock.”

Effingham Magazine

April/May 2012 61

Buckingham Plantation: Where There Really Is “No Place Like Home”

B

Famous

The Best In A Tanning Experience!

All You Need For

Possible Tan exterior selections. This helps make their uckingham Plantation has been “STATEThe OF Best You Can with that thought in Achieve. homes unique. “Listening to your customer THE ART” • LAY designed DOWN BEDS All In(award A Quiet, is key.” Clients priorities and style, are as mind. Dennis and Vera Mystic SprayJones Booth • STANDbuilders) UP BEDS have Clean Atmosphere. individual as are our homes, and that is what winning been in the building is so critical. Almost anyone can impress • SPRAY business TANNINGfor more than twenty years.

They are both licensed residential and you if they have an unlimited budget. “We BOOTH commercial contractors. They moved to Efhelp customers build their dream home, and • TANNING BED fingham County for the Schools in stay in budget.”

PRODUCTS 1993, and are proud to call it home.

We have spent countless hours of research •“This AM/FM RADIOthan IN a business to us. This is is more to create a sense of community with characBOOTH ourEACH life, our livelihood, and our reputation.” ter at Buckingham Plantation. It’s a visionThat is the care they place on every home best of our past All You Need For ary approach, preserving the Our Customers Are Our First Priority Vera and Dennis Jones of D.M. Jones Construction. they build, and they believe it shows on theBEDS heritage“Where houses where homes, and ULTIMATE TANNING STAND AND TAN The Best Possible Tan 12 MINUTES inside and out. They have been married over neighbors friends,” and incorporating 8 TO 10were MINUTES You Can Achieve. modern smart technologies and green elethirty know the benefits of work• LAYyears, DOWNand BEDS All In A Quiet, ments to our craftsmanship. ing as a team.

•Dennis STAND UP BEDS Clean is on every job site daily.Atmosphere.

He pays We don’t build one style fits all. “We are • SPRAY TANNING meticulous attention to detail building the American Dream, and there are 6044 Hwyand 21quality.

S. Rincon, GA HeBOOTH insures strict oversight, and this hands no two dreams just alike!” on• TANNING approachBED guarantees your home is built We invite you to come see the benefits, and to the highest standards of quality and excel- array of selections at Buckingham PlantaPRODUCTS lence. This also allows flexibility and creativ- tion, where you too can say-”There’s no place • AM/FM ity.

DennisRADIO often IN finds ways to improve the like home!”

EACH BOOTH tion, sprinkler & security systems, custom home while on the job daily. cabinetry, granite counter tops, “We are always looking for ways to give LOCATION, LOCATION - On Highway Our Customers Are Our First Priority Near South Effingham High School free standing tubs, double marble vanities, ULTIMATE BEDS 30,-STAND the customer MORE VALUE forTANNING their MONonly 1/2 mile from South EffinghamHwy 30 AND TAN 12 MINUTES hand scraped wood flooring, concrete Homes starting dyed at $175,000 8 TOand 10 MINUTES EY. We are always looking for ways to exceed Middle High School. flooring, open plans, ceilings, shingle our clients expectations.” These factors all Just Minutes to I-95, Savannah Airport, Lots high starting at $45,000 exterior siding and more. contribute to our homes maintaining a high Gulfstream, Pooler movie theatres, restauofc: (912) 826-2069 • cell: (912) 429-1939 resale value for our buyers. rants, shopping, Rincon & Port Wentworth. www.dmjonesconstruction.com PRICES RANGE FROM $175,000-$350,000 6044 Hwy 21 S. Rincon, GA Vera handles advertising and finance, There is an Upscale shopping plaza conveContact: Dennis Jones 912-429-1939 but also works closely with their customniently located at the subdivisions entrance. ers in assisting them with their interior and Featuring: metal roofs, spray foam insula- Open House Sunday’s 2-5

Sunkist Tanning 826-0070

Sunkist Tanning 826-0070

Hwy 30 Near South Effingham High School Homes starting at $175,000 Lots starting at $45,000 ofc: (912) 826-2069 • cell: (912) 429-1939 www.dmjonesconstruction.com

Effingham Magazine | April/May 2012 63

INVESTO RS WANTED ALSO!

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