Effingham Magazine December/January 2014-2015

A Special Holiday Story: A Common

Claus December/January 2014-15

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Effingham Magazine | October/November 2014 05

in this issue December-January 2014-2015

features

10 16 24 35 45

A Special Holiday Story A Common Claus

Gussie Nease “Somebody” Who Can And Will Make A Difference

Reggie Loper Empty Stocking Fund

Update on Lea’s Journey

10

Effingham Chamber of Commerce BUY LOCAL EFFINGHAM Program

departments

11 38

Publisher’s Page

16

Dining Section El Real Celebrates 12th Anniversary

specials

40

Effingham Magazine Expereince

49

Let’s Do Business

53

Real Estate

06 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

40

24

CONTRIBUTORS SUBSCRIBE Make sure you never miss a copy of Effingham’s only full-color lifestyle magazine. Sign-up on-line at www.EffinghamMagazine.com Paige Peebles-McDuffie is a freelance writer and blogger and relative newcomer to Effingham County. She is a life coach, motivational speaker and the owner of a small company providing international clients with personal and administrative assistance. She is a graduate of East Georgia College and is currently working towards her Masters in Behavioral Analysis.

Paige Peebles-McDuffie

FOLLOW US on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Effingham.You’ll find us at Effingham Magazine.

TWEET We’re on twitter!

Stefanie is a freelance writer and blogger and has lived all over Georgia. Even though she is still fairly new to Effingham County, there is nowhere else she would rather be. She earned her degree in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently enjoying being a stay at home mom. Stefanie resides in Rincon with her husband and three children.

Stefanie Barnes

INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scene photos from our articles! Tag your own Effingham photos with our tag #EffinghamMagazine!

WRITE US Victoria Patterson has been a professional artist for 17 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 the 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 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

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, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Susan Deloach was born Susan Bessinger in Beaufort, where she still resides with her husband Larry and sons Hudson and Tucker. Susan has a gift for capturing the personality and unique essence of her subject whether on location or in the studio. Her portraits are as diverse as the personalities of the people she photographs - some are edgy, some joyful, but all have one thing in common: the sensitive, skilled and thoughtful approach of the artist behind the camera.

Susan DeLoach

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 Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Effingham.

STAFF

www.effinghammagazine.com Lea Allen

Lane Gallegos

08 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

DiAnna Jenkins

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

A Personal Holiday Thanks Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching. I do love the Holiday Season. What a beautiful time of year. And, a time we gather and spend with those who mean the most to us.

It is a time of thanks and a time of giving. For me, it is a time of reflection, a time to remember my year, the good and the bad. It’s a time when I reevaluate myself and my business….make the decisions of what the coming year has in store for me.

I am so very fortunate to be in a situation where I can think of the many things the future holds. The plans we make are our own, it is our responsibility to see them through.

I have started planning for the future of Independence Day Publishing. As many of you only know us as Effingham Magazine, we are also the Julie Hales, PUBLISHER publishers of Pooler Magazine and Beaufort Lifestyle, along with several annual publications we do for others.

In the coming months, you will see some new things coming from our company. Not only will you see some changes in our existing publications, you will also see some new projects that are already underway.

And, you will see the IDP name expand into other areas. The company will have a new division in the coming year, a Public Relations Division. We already have several clients we are working with…..and you will be seeing some pretty amazing things about them as we brand them for their success.

I am very excited about our coming year, and the opportunity to better serve the people of Effingham County.

None of this excitement would be possible without the wonderful team I have standing with me day to day. My staff is amazing. I have truly been blessed to have such a wonderful team….many thanks to each of them!

And, many thanks to my family and friends for all the support you have given….to our loyal customers for supporting IDP ….and to our many loyal readers who believe in what we do. Much love to you all.

108 International Drive Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

Circulation: Effingham Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

ABOUT THE COVER What a fantastic cover for our Holiday Issue! Meet the man behind the beard and his amazing wife. Read how the holiday inspires them to give back to our community. These two people love putting smiles on beautiful children’s faces during he holiday season. What an amazing couple and a true story of giving.

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 09

10 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

A Common Story & Photos by PAIGE PEEBLES-MCDUFFIE

claus

C

hristmas is the most magical time of the year. It reminds us to dream about the impossible, to hope for a miracle and to remember that giving is better than receiving.

Santa and his reindeer, twinkling lights and the age old tradition of exchanging gifts add to the air of mystery of the holiday season. The unmistakable figure of Santa is one of the most well-known in popular culture and a familiar figure to young and old alike. As we age, our belief in the magic and mystery of Christmas fades. We begin to see the reality behind the holiday as we groan under the pile of mounting bills. The spirit of Christmas is completely forgotten.

For one local couple, the magic lives on Donnie and Debby Nease have never lost sight of the uplifting message of hope that Santa can bring to children. The pair have been donning red velvet and white fur, bringing the spirit of Santa and Mrs. Claus to the children of Effingham County area for almost twenty years.

Donnie takes time off in December from his long-time job at International Paper Company and volunteers to visit kids in the Effingham area as Santa’s emissary. He also donates his time as Santa to charities, local hospitals and organizations for special needs children while his wife Debby accompanies him as Mrs. Claus.

Donnie was born in Guyton, just off Blue Jay Road and right around the corner from where he lives today with his wife, Debby.

He was a determined student and took summer school classes for extra credits, graduating from Effingham County High School in 1973 at the age of sixteen. For the next decade, he worked hard learning the electricians trade and serving as a member of the National Guard before taking a position in the mid-1970’s with Union Camp or as it’s known today, International Paper Company.

His wife Debby Davis Nease was also born in Effingham County. She is the daughter of Baptist Minister Gene Davis and his wife Louise Brown Davis. The young Davis family left Effingham in the fall of 1966 so that Reverend Davis could pursue further education at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. The mission-minded family would spend the next decade moving around from church to church, working closely with children’s homes and children’s missions.

Debby’s parent’s returned to Effingham County to pastor at Meldrim Baptist Church in 1982 while she settled into life in Louisville, Georgia. However, an unexpected illness changed all that and brought her back home to live with her parents while she recuperated and put her life back together.

A chance encounter at a local firehouse introduced Debby and Donnie in 1983 but they wouldn’t begin to date until August 1985.

Debby recalls, “I was better acquainted with his daughter and his ex-wife. I was working at Jack’s Get & Go in Meldrim on Old River Road and was standing out by the gas pumps one day when he drove by and saw me. He turned around and came back and asked if I would go to dinner. I said sure because everyone knew ‘Donnie was a nice guy’!” They married three months later on November 30, 1985.

Donnie and Debby settled into ordinary life, doing ordinary things like jobs, church, and helping Donnie’s first wife Angie raise their daughter, Holly Nöelle. A simple request from their pastor in the early 1990’s would change all of that. One year, their usual Santa actor was unable to don the suit and Donnie remembers “Reverend Gordon Dukes at Goshen United Methodist Church asked me if I could fill in for Santa that year, somewhere

12 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

around 1995.”

He played the part off and on for church and throughout the community the next few years. Debbie joined him as Mrs. Claus Claus when he started going to the local schools each Christmas.

Donnie recalls the first time he brought Santa into a classroom. His daughter Holly had graduated from college and was in one of her first years as an elementary school teacher. There was a planned field trip for all the kids to go to the mall to talk to Santa.The cost was $5 per student, and not all the kids could afford to go.

Donnie said “I felt so bad for the kids that wouldn’t get to go that I just told Holly to scrap the field trip, I would bring Santa to the kids right there at school.”

The couple have authentic Santa and Mrs. Claus suits sent

to them from a special Santa suit-maker. They are specially designed for couples called to represent the real Santa and Mrs. Claus in their local neighborhoods. There are a few requirements to be selected as local stand-ins. These ambassadors must bear an uncanny resemblance to the real Santa and Mrs. Claus, and must exhibit gentle hearts, loving souls and giving spirits. “It’s an honor to be called to serve as a local Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Donnie and Debby agree.

His first appearance of the season is usually at Marlow Elementary School in Guyton. It takes all day but he says “I speak to every single child. There are about 700 kids in the school, and especially with the younger grades, I make sure they all have a chance to have a quiet chat with Santa.”

The requests are often what you would expect from elementary aged students - new video games, a puppy or kitten, the latest doll or bicycle. But then there are the requests that catch Santa and Mrs. Claus off guard and touch them deeply - the little boy that promises to give up all his toys if Santa can just bring his friend a new pair of shoes or the student that wants their mom or dad to come back home from the war, recover from an illness or for their family to reconcile.

“I tell them all that I’ll do the best I can” he says with a small chuckle. “You know Santa can only deliver what the parents agree to, but I’m going to do my best!”

Their mission is a simple one. They don’t come bearing presents for the kids they are visiting. That is for the other Santa to deliver on Christmas Eve. Instead, they spend a few minutes listening and loving the spirit of each child unconditionally, and carrying the memory of that moment forward through the coming year in a spirit of prayer. They keep a copy of each letter to Santa that they receive and re-read them throughout the year, saying a little prayer for each child.

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Santa is a Year-Round Job A quick look at Donnie Nease and you can see why he is a natural for the role of Santa. He has a “broad face and a little round belly that shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly.” He has a warm heart and a gentle spirit and thinks that our children are the light of this world.

“Looking like Santa really keeps you on your toes year-round,” Nease acknowledges, his droll little mouth drawn up in a half smile. “Whether I’m in my red velvet and fur during the holidays or in street clothes at Wal-mart, someone usually recognizes Santa!” Debby is an equally delightful Mrs. Claus with smiling eyes that crinkle delicately in the corners and apple-flushed cheeks.

The mystery of how Santa delivers gifts to all the children on Christmas Eve or how the reindeer fly may never be solved. But one thing we know. A very special Santa and Mrs. Claus work and play and live right here in the heart of Effingham County, sharing a little of that special Christmas magic all year long.

To find out how you can bring Santa and Mrs. Claus into your school, church, or other organization, call Debby Nease at 912728-3646 and ask to speak to Mrs. Claus.

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Gussie Nease “Somebody” Who Can and Will Make A Difference Story by STEFANIE BARNES Photography by VICTORIA PATTERSON

G

ussie Nease has lived in Effingham County her entire life, spending the majority of her time in Rincon after moving there at only twelve years old. Nease wears many hats around the community – mother, friend, volunteer and business owner are just a few.

However, recently, many may recognize her name because of her intense involvement with the renovation of the historic Mars Theatre in Springfield.

While Nease was certainly the driving force behind the reopening of the theatre, she refuses to take all the credit. “I was one of the people who got the Mars back up and running. We started out with just me and Butch Kieffer, and we had a lot of passion to make sure it got restored. Once you do away with something, you can’t get it back! There are a lot of people who have to be thanked for taking on that project. I did get recognition from the City of Springfield and I’m certainly very thankful that I did, but I certainly was not the only one who made sure the renovation happened,” says Nease.

The Mars Theatre just recently reopened this past April in Springfield after ten long years of working around the clock to get the space ready for patrons and performances. Nease says, “A lot of money was raised and a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into it. Butch Kieffer leased the building for a year before we could buy it just to preserve it until we could figure everything out. It was a long process.”

Nease says that many volunteers came for-

ward and helped develop a plan of action which really put the project on the right path. Once they knew the direction they were heading, they were able to apply for grants to help fund the renovation. Eventually the project would receive a grant from the State of Georgia, as well as a $20,000 grant from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Donations from the community also made a large impact on raising the funds needed. Nease still has the donation jar that she carried from event to event in the corner of her office.

The city took on the job of fully restoring the theatre and did a fantastic job. “The seats are so comfortable,” boasts Nease, “I was at a Broadway show in New York City this past weekend and when we sat down in the seats, one of the people I was with said that the Mars Theatre is just so much more comfortable than where we were!”

The theatre offers a location for audiences to not only view movies, but live performances as well. Nease enjoys volunteering at the theatre when she can as an usher and encourages others to do the same. It is a great way to ensure the success of such a wonderful addition to the community.

While Nease is obviously very passionate about the Mars Theatre in Springfield, it is not the first nor the last project that she plans to see through. Her current passion is to see Effingham County build a playground that caters specifically to children with special needs.

Nease explains, “I have a grandson with

Down Syndrome – I also have three other grandchildren who don’t. One thing they all four have in common is that they love to play. I’m not just talking about a couple of handicapped swings.

I’m talking about a park where children of all needs can go and play and have a great time. A place they can go where their parents don’t have to worry,” she says, “Now, how do we do it? I’m not sure! But I wasn’t sure when we started discussing the Mars either!”

Nease’s main focus has been, and always will be, the community. Her grandchildren obviously inspire her a great deal to make sure that Effingham County is the very best that it can be. “I want this to be a community where my grandchildren will look back and say, ‘Man, we had a great childhood growing up in Effingham County.’ We have so much to be proud of here. So much history,

18 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

and so many great people.”

In addition to being a pillar of the community, Nease is also a certified general real estate appraiser in Effingham County and has a been a licensed real estate agent since 1979 .

She owns Gussie A. Nease and Associates with her daughter Sandra Hendrix and is a member of Rincon United Methodist Church. Her other daughter, Tracy Kieffer is the assistant principal at Rincon Elementary school, and her four grandchildren, Grace, Will, Jack, and Tate keep her busy. Her two sons in-law, Ashley Kieffer and Scott Hendrix have also been huge supporters of her endeavors.

Nease decided to become an appraiser many years ago when having her own home appraised. She wasn’t happy with the amount of time it took to get an appraiser to come out to Effingham from Savannah. A friend of hers who came out to appraise her own property suggested that she become an appraiser herself, and she went for it.

Family and friends are the most important things to her and she credits much of her success to them. She even says that much of her business life is centered around personal relationships such as these. “I feel like, as an appraiser, I’ve been able to help some people that may have needed that advice right then.

I truly believe that God puts you in the right place at the right time, for a specific reason.”

Nease has served Effingham County in many ways from volunteering with the United Way to being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. She just recently learned that she will have the privilege of being the Grand Marshall at the Rincon Lions Club Parade this November. She has also won many awards.

In 2001 she was awarded the Pillar of the Community Award and in 2009 she received an award that is very dear to her heart – The Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Exchange Club.

This particular award was given to Nease for her commitment to helping a young man, who may have otherwise slipped through the cracks, achieve success and reach his full potential. To Nease, an award wasn’t necessary because she gained something even more valuable – a young boy who became a son to her. “Jeremy is very much a part of my family if you get right down to it. I’m so proud of the person he has become,” she says. She is a firm believer that supporting one another, no matter the circumstances, can make all the difference in one’s life and community.

Nease says that many people have helped support her ambitions along the way. Her friend, Ruth Lee gave her a bit of advice once that has stuck with her ever since. “One day we were talking about something and I said, ‘You know, somebody should really do something about that.’ Well, Ruth looked at me and said, ‘Aren’t you somebody?’ And I realized then that she was right.”

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Reggie Loper: Helping The Empty Stocking Fund Put Presents Under Trees Photos by CANDICE SHAUFELBERGER

T

housands of families in Effingham County have had their Christmases made brighter over the years, thanks to the generosity of those who give to the Effingham County Exchange Club’s Empty Stocking Fund.

But the man who seeks out the donations to make sure the Empty Stocking Fund doesn’t become empty also has something to do with putting presents under trees for those less fortunate.

His name is Reggie Loper, and he is a familiar face to Effingham County residents. Loper not only serves as vice chairman of the Effingham County Commission and on the Coastal Regional Commission, he is also on the Effingham County Fair Board, the YMCA Board and the New Ebenezer Retreat Board. He is perhaps the only Effingham commissioner to have been both chairman and vice chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, a group that keeps an eye on the state legislature “and looks out for the people,” as Loper put it.

That can make for a busy schedule. It gets even busier around the Christmas holiday, starting weeks before Thanksgiving when Loper and his friend, Donnie Rahn, go out and make the rounds to collect for the Empty Stocking Fund. They work off three sheets of yellow legal paper on which Loper keeps his list of those who donated the previous year and how much they gave.

“We have a regular route, regular people who donate every year,” Loper said. “We’ll ride around all day talking to people, just shooting the breeze.

I enjoy that part of it.”

So, no phone calls or mass mailers here. This is face-to-face fundraising, and putting the personal touch on raising thousands does take time, and time is precious. Loper said he would stop collecting for the Empty Stocking Fund if someone came along with his connections. “I know just about everybody in the county,” he said, and he makes the time it takes to raise the money.

“I’m not bragging, but the truth is I don’t know anybody else who can collect as much as I do and has the time to do it, and that’s the reason I keep doing it,” Loper said.

It’s at this point that he sounds like he is trying to convince himself it’s time to hand over the reins. Because, in the same conversation, he can tell you a dozen stories about those who have donated and the amounts they have given and the fun he has had. And, just how important the Empty Stocking Fund is to him.

“I might not give it up even if someone would take it. I just think of what I would feel like if my grandyoungins didn’t have anything for Christmas,” he said. “That keeps me going, too. It‘s rewarding for me to get that money and give it to the kids.” It’s the Christmas spirit.

Reggie Loper was born and raised in Effingham County. He was a member of the second graduating class of a combined Effingham County High School in 1958. He went into the Army right out of high school, served three years working in microwave communications. He had a top secret clearance, earned his sergeant’s stripes and got proficiency pay.

Loper got out of the military in July of 1961 and came back home to Springfield, where he worked

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 25

a few jobs before getting on with what was then called the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. That was in 1962, and he started in Savannah as a switchman. He got married and he and his wife Sherry have four boys, one girl and 11 grandchildren. He spent 39 years working with the railroad which eventually came to be known as CSX. His job was riding the rails as a conductor, making runs from Savannah to Jacksonville, Waycross, Augusta, Florence and Columbia.

“When the weather was good it was fun,” Loper said. He eventually became what the railroad called a “mentor” to younger employees, making sure they knew their jobs. He estimates he helped hone the skills of 40 or more conductors before he retired in 2001.

Sometimes maybe he misses it, though like anything, that depends.“Especially when I’m laying in bed at night and hear that night train going through Stillwell and it’s raining and cold and thundering and lightning,” he said. “Sometimes, though, when I’m sitting here and a train comes through at night, I’ll get up and go watch it.”

Before Loper retired, he didn’t get involved in public service. Afterward, he went into it all the way. His wife was in the Exchange Club, so he joined. He took over the Empty Stocking Fund from her and Linda Crosby. They had grown donations into the fund from a few thousand into around $10,000 during their tenure.

Loper took that amount over, and in the next few years, he came close to doubling it, even though there have been times when the recession had everybody hurting and made times tough, and times are still tough for many.

Still, Loper said he and Rahn usually raise anywhere from $18,000 to $22,000 through donations big and small, from companies and bosses and cake sales and even from people he knows in Atlanta and beyond. Some folks tell him why they don’t give, then give. Others give the same every year, and some come out of the blue looking for a way to donate. Many do it anonymously.

And every penny goes to those the Empty Stocking Fund is designed to help, which is just about anyone who asks, so long as

26 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

they meet criteria set by the Department of Family and Children’s Services.

“Some people don’t know that,” he said, “don’t realize there’s help out there. Others are too proud to ask. It can get emotional, it can be heartwarming.” Loper doesn’t pick the families who get help. He doesn’t even know them, though occasionally he will be stopped somewhere by someone who received help. He estimates around 300-350 are helped annually.

“I had a woman tell me she got help once when she didn’t have anything to give her kids for Christmas,” he said. “She said it really helped her and she was very thankful for it.”

The way the program works is a little different than Christmas funds. Families are given vouchers, or letters of credit, as Loper calls them, for various amounts depending on need and the amount of money raised and so on. Those families can then take the vouchers to local stores ranging from WalMart, which does the bulk of the business and was praised by the Lopers for its employees help in making sure families are treated kindly, to supermarkets and pharmacies. There are no restrictions on what the families buy, so long as they fall within one of four categories -- food, toys, clothing or medicine.

To Loper, that’s the best way to do it. “Why give some child a teddy bear for Christmas when they might not want a teddy bear?” he asked. “Let them take the money and buy what they want for Christmas.”

The fund has gone to help the elderly, and once Loper used some of the Empty Stocking Fund money to fill a prescription for a bipolar child who had been kept out of school by his mother because she couldn’t afford to buy his medication. He learned this from a teacher, and he said they are a great source of information in helping the Empty Stocking Fund identify those who need help.

“Teachers, principals, DFCS, these people know whose out there that needs help,” he said. “I don’t. But I do know people in the county who can help make sure kids and their families can have a nice Christmas.”

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Bible Verses About

Christmas

Read what Scripture tells us about the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, the nativity story and why we have the Christian celebration of Christmas.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Matthew 1:18-24 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will

30 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”--which means, “God with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Luke 2:9-14 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Luke 2:1-20 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of

David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.â&#x20AC;? Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.â&#x20AC;?

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.â&#x20AC;? So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Matthew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in

the east and have come to worship him.â&#x20AC;?

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Bethlehem in Judea,â&#x20AC;? they replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;for this is what the prophet has written: â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153; Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go and make a careful search for the child.

As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.â&#x20AC;?

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star,

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they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Micah 5:2 â&#x20AC;&#x153;But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

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Meet Dr. Travis Wiggins Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine Therapeutic and Diagnostic Endoscopy Caring for digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

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Reaching Goals

S

Update:

Lea’s Journey

he made it…9 months and 9 days into her journey, Effingham Magazine’s very own Lea Allen has reached her 100 pound mark! Simply put, this is just amazing….no other word can describe it.

We are all so very proud of her, not just for the weight loss, but for the exceptional young lady she has become. Lea’s journey does not end here. This journey is not about a number. It is so much more than that The goal of 100 pounds in a year is certainly something to reach for, but along the path, Lea found many other accomplishments. She finds more of herself and learns more about herself every day. This is about a life change, not a weight change. And, Lea’s life has certainly changed.

In our last issue, Lea told you, in her words, of what this journey has meant to her and the changes she has made for herself and for her body. She also mentions the things she has challenged herself to do….one of which was to run in her very first 5K. In her statement, she says, “My goal is to simply cross the finish line.” She said she knew she would not be able to run the entire time, her efforts would be split between jogging and walking.

Well, she did a little more than just cross that finish line, Lea came across it with pride. She did it…she crossed the line….and did it all jogging… never slowing or stopping to walk. What an amazing accomplishment for her.

Reaching her weight goal was an emotional time.

Lea has taken that emotion, that drive and determination….and she has set new goals. We are confident she will continue to reach them.

In our next issue, our Health and Wellness issue, we will have reached our one year mark with this journey. Effingham Magazine will bring you Lea’s story, from her heart, and the experiences of her life before and during this journey, where she came from and where she is going. You don’t want to miss reading it.

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 35

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u o Y g n i h s i W s r u o Y and y p p a AH n o s a e S y a d i l Ho from

Julie Hales

DiAnna Jenkins

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Lea Allen

dining guide

El Real Celebrates Their 12th Anniversary

W

hen you walk through the door at El Real Mexican Restaurant in Rincon, you immediately have a feeling of home. You are always greeted with smiling faces, a warm hug or a friendly hand shake. They want all their customers to feel welcome - and like they are part of the El Real family.

El Real opened its doors over 12 years ago. Brothers Salvador and Javier Fuigeroa are the owners. This dynamic duo have done great things with this restaurant and both are very grateful for the people of Effingham County.

The brothers were born in Queretaro, Mexico. Salvador came to the United States at 16 years of age and Javier at 17.

Both started out working in restaurants soon after arriving in

38 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

the U.S., making Houston, Texas their first home. From dishwashing, to waiting, to bussing tables, to cooking, these brothers made it a point to learn everything there was about the business.

Hence, the dream of opening their own restaurant was definitely going to become a reality.

Salvador was doing construction work in Rincon about 13 years ago. He saw that Weisenbaker Road was a busy spot. Then he noticed a building that he thought would make a perfect location for their â&#x20AC;&#x153;dream.â&#x20AC;? He called his brother Javier, who was working at a restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida at the time.

They called the owner of the building, and as they say, the rest is history.

Like most mexican restaurants in the United States, El Real

offers a “Tex-Mex” flair. But, as Salvador says, “We offer TexMex with a spin of authenticity. We have more flavor than the average Tex-Mex, that is what makes us different.”

The brothers quickly called Effingham home. They love the small town atmosphere, it reminds them of home as they are from a very small town in Mexico. Salvador says, “I consider myself a Mexican Redneck. And I am very proud of that.”

The brothers consider their establishment a true family restaurant. In fact, both their mother and father joined them in Rincon about 3 years ago. Mom and Dad are both working in the “family business.” Dad does all of the prep work and Mom makes all the homemade tamales.

A lot of the food on their menu is from family recipes. Javier says, “We make everything fresh. We make our own chips, our own salsa and our own guacamole dip - all from family secrets.”

Both Salvador and Javier agree, when their customers walk in the door, they want them to feel special. Salvador adds, “Our staff treats our customers the same way we do. They know how important it is to us. We have the greatest employees.”

When asked what makes El Real so special, Salvador says it all as he quickly responds, “You do! Our customers make us special.”

So, the next time you are looking for a place to take the family to dinner, give El Real a try. They will make you feel right at home.

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 Dianna at (912)308-7408 Debbie’s on 4th 202 E. 4th Street Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-3378

Locally owned and operated, Debbie’s on 4th is a completing a life long dream.

It is a place were you can come and enjoy home cooking in a pleasant “homey” atmosphere.

Sat-Wed 7am-2:30pm Thur - Fri 7am-8pm

El Real Mexican Restaurant 105 Weisenbaker Rd. Rincon,GA 31326 (912)826-3524

El Real Mexican Restaurant is a local family owned business located in the heart of Rincon.

They offer great service and even better food! Go by and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Hours Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Seasons of Japan 455 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 912-748-9383

Escape the fast food merry-goround and step into the world of Japanese cuisine at Seasons of Japan! Seasons of Japan is a Japanese restaurant serving genuine Japanese and all Hibachi styles cuisines that are cooked to order.

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Home Cooking In a Pleasant Homey Atmosphere (912) 826-3378 202 E. 4th Street Rincon, Georgia Sat-Wed 7am-2:30pm Thur-Fri 7am-8pm Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 39

Effingham Magazine Experience

Effnghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own Josh Sanders Opens For The Legendary Charlie Daniels

Photos by SUSAN DELOACH Recently, the staff of Effingham Magazine got to enjoy a much deserved night out. And, the night could not have been any better!

We made a trip over to Hardeeville, SC to the Music Vault, owned by Effingham Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trey Saxon, to listen to our local home grown favorite, Josh Sanders. Josh was there opening for the legendary Charlie Daniels Band.

Not only did we have an excellent concert to see, we also got to see many of our Effingham neighbors. And, had pictures taken with several people who have been featured in Effingham Magazine in the past. It was certainly a night to remember.

40 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

Music Vault owner, Trey Saxon, with Julie Hales and Josh Sanders

Julie catching up with former Effingham Magazine cover and Oakland Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star Josh Reddick

Enjoying time on the patio with Effinghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Brian Fuller, also formerly featured in Effingham Magazine

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 41

42 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

Savannah Yoga CEnTER

S

avannah Yoga Center first opened its doors eleven years ago in downtown Savannah under the community-minded leadership of Kelley Boyd and quickly became known as a “community-oriented, travelerwelcoming yoga center and boutique.”

After 10 years of service to the greater Savannah community, Savannah Yoga Center (SYC) opened a second location in Pooler, Ga in January 2014.

SYC Pooler is the only yoga center or studio in Pooler and is located in the former Curves space at 111 Canal Street, across the parking lot from Scribble Art Studio and the Pie Society.

Founder and director Kelley Boyd says, “our goal in providing yoga to the Pooler community is to empower, strengthen, relax and promote the community’s overall well-being.” People are tired and overwhelmed, she notes. They are frequently also looking for ways to add meaning and depth to their lives. “We want Savannah Yoga Center of Pooler to be a second home, a place where moms and dads and individuals can come to regroup and recharge and reconnect with themselves.”

Knowing how intimidating it can be to try something new, Kelley encourages everyone to “just show up!”. A random selection of students from any yoga class in the world will produce a variety of characters. Young, old, beginner, experienced. Some will be flexible, fit, and healthy, while many more are likely to be the kind of people who can barely touch their toes, the out of shape, the injured - in short, ‘normal’ people. Yoga is suitable for anyone, any age, at any level of fitness and teachers at Savannah Yoga Center are trained to modify yoga poses to accommodate disabilities and physical limitations.

Boyd suggests that anyone new to yoga, regardless of their degree of athleticism, should start with a Beginning Yoga class.

The Beginning Yoga Class enables the new student to build strength, confidence flexibility and concentration in the basic yoga postures while also learning to link poses together through breath and fluid movement. Highly accredited and knowledgeable teachers work closely with beginners to ensure a well-educated start to a yoga practice.

For moms-to-be and new mother’s, Savannah Yoga Center offers “Baby & Me” and “Infant & Me” classes. These gentle classes can help prepare the expectant mother’s body for birth as well as provide a chance to reconnect & rebalance after giving birth. “Gentle Integral Yoga” is offered each Tuesday at noon and is an excellent choice for the expectant or new mom as well as beginners to yoga. Instructor Ann Carroll has been a certified Pregnancy Yoga Instructor since 2001. As an addition to her Pregnancy Yoga practice, Ann is also a certified childbirth educator, Labor Doula and Hypnobirthing® Instructor.

Power Yoga and Hot Yoga classes are increasingly popular as adjunct practices for elite athletes and men wanting to establish a vigorous yoga practice. These classes are often held in a heated room and provide the benefit of a serious mind/body workout.

Each class is led by a certified and experienced yoga teacher and SYC of Pooler offers different levels of classes. With more than fifteen instructors and over seventy-five classes available weekly, Savannah Yoga Center has a yoga class that is right for you. For practitioners wishing to deepen their practice or learn to be yoga instructors, SYC offers yoga teacher training since 2007 and in-depth yoga workshops from the world’s leading yoga teachers like Kathryn Budig.

For more information and class schedules, visit http://savannahyoga.com/syc-pooler/ and follow Savannah Yoga Center on twitter and instagram.

38 September/October 2014 Yoga | PoolerCenter Magazine• 111 Canal Street, Pooler • (912) 988-1320 Effingham Magazine | October/November 2014 43 Savannah • savannahyoga.com

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108 International Drive â&#x20AC;˘ P.O. Box 1742 â&#x20AC;˘ Rincon, Georgia 31326 (912)826-2760 Office (912)826-2762 Fax www.effinghammagazine.com 44 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

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Here’s where you can find your FREE copy!

El Potro Mexican Restaurant Von Sauna Salon Sweet Peas New Life Florist and Gifts Merle Norman 24-7 Fitness Fire Island Graphics Alda Medical Center Bronze Tanning The Loft Café’ Heidt Burns Real Estate Consultents

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Susie’s Barber Shop United Way Service Center Simplicity Barber Shop Effingham Smiles Wiley’s New Concept Health Care YMCA Webbs Animal Clinic Texaco EZMart Qwickstop Remax 1st Choice Realty Bank of America Effingham Animal Hospital Quality Service Center Geo Vista Cuts & Styles Continental Self Storage Badcock Furniture Paul’s Automotive Rincon Library St. Joseph’s Medical Group Carter’s Pharmacy Tractor Supply Enmark Famer’s Furniture Aaron’s Rental Rincon Packaging GA Skin & Cancer South Coast Pediatrics Rincon Recovery Resources Effingham Park Certus Bank Shell Station Frank & Linda’s Jersey Joe’s Pizza 21 South Mini Storage Harolds Body Shop Lovett’s Hardware Towne Pharmacy Quick Cash Pawn The Salon at McCall Plaza Schnitzel Shack B & M Pool & Spa Effingham Eye Care The Donut Connection Ladies & Shears Sunkist Tanning Chevron Effingham Hospital Imaging Center Effingham Family Medicine Chevron Station Ratchford& Rafter Cuttin Up Family Hair Care Janice Ford Family Medicine Southern Glow Tanning Luxury Nails & Spa Enmark

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Heritage Bank of The South-Springfeild

Styles Hair Studio BB&T Coastal Performing Arts Shyamagi First Effingham Bank Pretty Pups Springfield Probation Office Walt’s Effingham County Admin. Complex One of a Kind Design City Of Springfield Solicitor’s Office (Courthouse) Hey Beautiful Quick RX JoAnn’s Florist Snack Barrell Effingham Senior Citizens Ljon H Webb Webb’s Farm Services Simply Southern B & S Feed & Seed Chamber of Commerce Eff. Hospital Main Lobby Eff. Nursing Home Lobby Eff. Hospital ER Lobby Effingham Orthopedic Svcs.

Effingham Family Medicine / Ratchford

Springfield Library Effingham Recreation Dpt. Effingham Health Dpt. Trading Post Tommy’s in Kildaire Medicap Pharmacy Mack’s Country Store Mack’s Service Station Guyton City Hall Guyton Post Office Ken’s IGA Sweet T’s Octane Sandra’s Seafood Discount Grocery Sweet T’s Chevron Butterducks Winery Meldrim Post Office Faulkville Animal Hospital Any Blooming Thing BP Station Chevron

One Stop 17/30 Country Store Styles Larry’s Sub Monte’s Pizza/Hwy 30 24 Liberty Swamp Fox Joey’s Island Grill Sweet Tea Grille Tanglez Hair Studio Beverage Warehouse Heritage Bank in Port Wentworth UPS Store Monte’s Pizza, Port Wentworth Impression Dry Cleaners Family Medicine Dr. Christopher W. Delisle Animal Hospital at Rice Hope Savannah Christian Prep Coastal Performing Arts/ Pooler Frames N Games/Pooler Fitness Witness/Pooler A Class Act/Pooler Allure Laser Center/Pooler Coldwell Banker/Pooler Suntrust /Pooler GA Welcome Center/I-95

For Questions Or Information On Distribution Points, Please Call Lea at (912)826-2760 or (843)602-1467

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 45

Be An Effingham County Buy Local Hero This Holiday Season!

B

lack Friday, the Friday following Thanksgiving, is called “Black” because it is the official start of the Christmas shopping season. The season is what puts retailers in the black. Unless you are in retail, you are probably not aware of how expensive it is to succeed and how slim margins can be. Most retailers operate at a loss throughout the year. The stay afloat because of the year end frenzy of holiday spending.

Black Friday is definitely worth celebrating since it begins the season that makes a retailer’s year. Very few people get all of their Christmas shopping done in one day. It is the entire month (give or take a day or two) leading up to Christmas that makes the merchants so merry.

The whole “Black Friday” thing brings images of crazed shoppers barreling mindlessly through stores, trampling everyone and everything in their way, grabbing everything in sight, and contending with the other shoppers over the last great bargain!

But that is not the true holiday spirit. The true spirit can be found when shoppers are truly thoughtful about what they buy and where they buy it. That is why the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce holds a shop local campaign every year for our local merchants. This campaign is geared to encourage residents to spend their money in our local businesses.

With a national focus on shopping during the holiday season, our Chamber wants to raise awareness in our community on the importance of shopping local. Dollars spent in locally owned businesses have a tremendous impact on our community. These local monies create jobs, fund county services and provide for future development. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy.

This year, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Buy Local program for Effingham County that it hopes will stimulate people to shop and buy locally.

46 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

A booklet containing ad pages from many local businesses are available at the Chamber offices in Springfield and at Teach Right in Rincon. After picking up a booklet, a shopper visits the different businesses and gets each of them to stamp or sign off on their page. After filling out at least ¾ of the pages, the booklet is turned in to either the Chamber or to Teach Right and that person will be given a bright green T Shirt identifying them as a Buy Local Effingham participant.

The Chamber will be watching for and catching people wearing their t-shirt and entering them in monthly drawings. The participating businesses will sponsoring monthly giveaways valued at $100.

The Chamber’s new Buy Local Program is going to be a quarterly venture, with the first quarter geared to holiday shopping.

This is a very important event for local merchants. It is a way to raise consumer awareness of what our local businesses have to offer.

Almost everything a person could want or need can be found right here in our own community. There are many unique and one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found anywhere else. Shoppers will understand there is no need to spend their money elsewhere.

Chamber Director Rick Lott said, “We have had some very successful shop local campaigns in the past. We feel this new Buy Local Program is going to be our strongest. Our main goal is for our merchants to do well and for more of our county residents to get used to the idea of shopping local.”

Effingham Countians need to get in the habit of looking in Effingham first. Many merchants in our county have treasures you just can’t find anywhere else. Effingham County is rich with some of the finest and most imaginative gift shops. These shops are proud to offer the wares of our local artisans. From food and wine, to jewelry and needlework, to candles and soaps, to children’s clothing and toys, Effingham offers most ordinary things that people need or want.

It is true that you may not be able to get everything you need here, but it is definitely true that this community has more to offer than ever before.

Some people like to browse and buy from the comfort of their own home. If you prefer to shop online, no problem. Most local merchants offer this option. And you can save on your shipping costs. All you have to do is swing by and pick up your order at a time that is convenient to you.

When dollars stay in the community, locally owned businesses thrive. This means jobs...jobs created right here in our own community. In spite of the devastating economic downturn and record unemployment rates, there are communities across the country with substantially lower unemployment.....because they found ways to keep their dollars in their community. Not only does this bolster local businesses, it also keeps more tax revenue local, directly benefiting the citizens who pay it.

Support your local businesses. Go pick up a Buy Local Program booklet and visit all the merchants inside. Get to know your local retailers. Discover what our county has to offer. Do your part to bolster our local business community!

For more information contact Rick Lott at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce at 912-754-3301.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost time for the Holidays and we would like to invite you to BUY LOCAL and get your Holiday gifts here in Effingham County.

Buy Local Effingham Program This year, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Buy Local program for Effingham County that it hopes will stimulate people to shop and buy locally.

A booklet containing ad pages from many local businesses are available at the Chamber offices in Springfield and at Teach Right in Rincon. After picking up a booklet, a shopper visits the different businesses and gets each of them to stamp or sign off on their page. After filling out at least ž of the pages, the booklet is turned in to either the Chamber or to Teach Right and that person will be given a bright green T Shirt identifying them as a Buy Local Effingham participant.

The Chamber will be watching for and catching people wearing their t-shirt and entering them in monthly drawings. The participating businesses will sponsoring monthly giveaways valued at $100.

Buy Local, Buy Effingham!

520 West Third Street Springfield, GA

912-754-3301

www.EffinghamCounty.com Find us on Facebook!

Follow us on Twitter!

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 47

Effingham ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. Michael Bailey

Effingham Animal Hospital is committed to providing quality health care to those special members of your family. Through our caring, professional services our goal is to ensure that your pet has a long, high-quality life.

• Outpatient Health Source • Diagnostics • Surgery • Dentistry • Medicine • In House Laboratory • X-Ray • Retail Services • Geriatric Health Care • Grooming • Boarding • Birds • Exotics

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Early Drop-Off 7:00am

Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique 163 Commercial Drive, Rincon GA. MaryJane Brinson, owner (912) 826-1101

119 S. Columbia Ave - Hwy 21 & 10th St. Rincon, GA 31326

(912) 826-5251 Please Visit Us At Website www.effinghamanimalhospital.com

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48 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

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Effingham Magazine | August/September 2014 49

J

Story by SHERRY COOK Photography by VICTORIA PATTERSON

ust like most young girls her age, Mia Areford loved playing with Barbie dolls. Dressing them in frilly and sparkly dresses with matching shoes and high heels thrilled her. She would pretend Barbie was a princess going to a ball or a bride getting ready for her wedding day. Mia has taken her childhood pastime and turned it into an exciting career. She is the owner of That Dress, a unique boutique located in Rincon that specializes in wedding and prom dresses.

November 5th marked the one year anniversary for That Dress, and Mia is delighted to be able to offer the residents of Effingham County and the surrounding areas an exclusive and affordable place to purchase their bridal, formal, and casual attire and accessories. Excellent customer service and a memorable shopping experience for the customer are top priority for Mia. “I love this job and I love that I am getting to follow my dream!” she says.

Mia hasn’t always worked in the fashion industry. Before moving to Georgia, she was a Pre-K teacher and daycare owner in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Frank, and four children moved to Effingham County ten years ago, and Mia started working for the airlines. “I pretty much did almost every job that came my way while working for AirTran whether it was answering phones, working on payroll, or even working in marketing. I jumped from desk to desk.” She wants the public to know that she may not have an extensive background in the bridal and formal business, but she believes her passion for this business makes up for that. This woman strives to give her customers a very personal and enjoyable experience whether they are shopping for a bridal gown, prom dress, or just an outfit to wear out on

the town.

That Dress provides a much needed service to the Rincon community. “Before we opened our doors, people had to go to Statesboro or Savannah to purchase their wedding and prom dresses,” Now patrons can come in and find everything they need for those special occasions without having to drive so far.

A wedding is a major event in a person’s life and should be as stress free as possible. Mia tries to help with this by providing bridal attire for the entire wedding party. Dresses for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girl, and even mothers can be purchased at That Dress. Tuxedo rentals can also be handled through the store.

An assortment of wedding dresses is available in the store for the bride who doesn’t have time to wait for a special order. Top of the line collections from Allure Bridals, Maggie Sottero, and Venus Bridal are carried in the store.

That Dress also offers a great collection of prom dresses in all sizes and price ranges. Providing beautiful and affordable dresses for such a wonderful occasion gives Mia a great feeling. “I love seeing how pretty the girls feel in their prom dresses,” she says.

Customers can find dresses in all sizes and prices at That Dress.

Payment plans are also available for those interested.

Mia also wants her clients to know that If they can’t find that perfect dress in her store, she will be glad to special order their dress from one of her many vendors. Each prom dress sold in the boutique is registered. No girl wants to see her dress on someone else at prom!

Mia Areford is ready to help you look and feel your best for that special occasion. She is caring, compassionate, and professional, and wants to give you a shopping experience that you will tell your friends about.

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50 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

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Tues-Sat 10-6 • www.ThatDressStore.com 183 Commercial Drive, Rincon • Tues-Sat 10-6 Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 51

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

REALTORS.....

showcase your listing in Effingham Magazine.

Call us today for great rates!

108 International Drive • P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, Georgia 31326

(912) 826-2760

Happy Holidays!

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6014 Hwy 21 S. Suite B, Rincon • McCall Plaza Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm (late appointments by reservation only) Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-2pm

Start the New Year in a New Home

Nice home in well established neighborhood.

Beautiful 2-story home sits on 9.66 acres of paradise.

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, bonus upstairs, sunroom over looking beautiful yard with spring fed creek.

This home features a large living room with wood burning fireplace. A separate dining room which could also be used as a family room. The kitchen has a breakfast area looking out to the screened in back porch and privacy fenced back yard.

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

912.826.0927

DiAnna Jenkins (912) 308-7408 dianna@triplepowersales.com

52 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

TriplePowerSales.com Licensed in Georgia and South Carolina

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This Home is Offered By:

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

5805 Highway 21 South Rincon, Ga. 912-826-0927 888-826-0928 912-826-5828 (fax) www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com

Effingham Magazine | December/January 2014-15 53

Heidt Burns Real Estate Consultants, Inc. Located at: 135 Goshen Ext. St. 120 Rincon, GA 31326

Contact us about these great properties!

912-826-2800

www.heidtburns.com

113 Hunters Chase

3 Hawser Way

Nice home in great condition. Three bedrooms, two full baths, master bedroom on 1st floor, two car garage and a private wooded view from backyard. Convenient Pt. Wentworth location. Call Pam Dumas for more information, 912-656-5437

or visit our website

This is a great family friendly floor plan offering 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Laundry room, double garage w/remote, large lawn and located in a quiet neighborhood. Quality construction and nicely appointed. Call James Dasher for more information 912-663-6239

994 Old Tusculum Road

Beautiful home situated on 6 serene acres. Four bedrooms, three full baths & two half baths, huge bonus room, foyer entry, large family room with fireplace and built-ins, sunroom, master down with on suite bath, eat in kitchen with lots of cabinetry, breakfast bar, formal dining, office/guest room w/custom murphy bed. An amazing property! Call James Dasher for more information 912-663-6239

100 Myrtlewood Drive

145 Oakwood Drive

Prepare to be impressed! High cathedral ceilings, carpet nearly new, custom paint throughout, new built-in microwave, generous cabinetry + a pantry, all new blinds, rainshower head in mstr bath, custom pergola over patio, fire pit in shady back yard! Attached garage. W/D too. EVERYTHING you want!! Call Ardra Hartz today-912-220-2687

Absolutely stunning all brick home situated on large, private lot. Three bedrooms, two full baths with an extremely large master bedroom, with whirlpool tub and walk-in closets in bath. Completely upgraded all digital AC system, spacious living room, separate dining room, inviting kitchen with Corian countertops. Many Extras. Must See!! Call Scott Starling 912-658-8642

103 Share Lane

Great family floor plan in small neighborhood. Situated on a cul de sac lot, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, large laundry room/pantry.

Covered back porch. For details, call Kimberly Stalnaker 912-663-0982

Contact Toni today, and let her help you find your next home!

100 Quarterhorse Dr.

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112 sweetwater Cir

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3B/2.5Ba 2616 sQFt $289,000

5B/3Ba 2953 sQFt $339,900

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6 lakeview Dr

2824 highway 80

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$149,900

4B/4.5Ba 3200 sQFt $324,900

Platinum Properties: Toni Bresnan 5719 Hwy 21 S., Rincon, GA www.ToniBresnan.com (912)596-3678 54 December/January 2014-15 | Effingham Magazine

1776 sQFt

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Effingham Magazine | October/November 2014 55

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year Thank You For Your Business and Support In Our Sales, Service and Body Shop In 2014.

912.925.9393 9393 ABERCORN ST. SAVANNAH, GA 31403 DANVADENCHEVROLET-CADILLAC.COM