Effingham Magazine Aug_Sep issue

VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS

Michael Jordan Biking 950 Miles for Gold Star Mothers

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August/September 2026

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IN THIS ISSUE 7

Publisher’s Letter

10 Michael Jordan: Biking 950 Miles for Gold Star Mothers 23 Mom-ing Unfiltered: The Middle Child with the Mouth (and the Backbone)

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26 Jessica & Thomas Rahn: Trading Fear for Freedom 31 The Corner Table: Ally’s Bakery Offers an Irresistible Welcome 34 Effingham Emergency Management 38 Effingham Happenings

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Read all the stories and more at EffinghamMagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTORS 1. Alycia Calderin is a Florida native who moved to Georgia in 2013, where she planted roots with her husband of 16 years. When she’s not balancing the whirlwind of activities for her four kids, she escapes into the world of books. .

2. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer, originally from Bogota, Colombia. One of her proudest achievements was working with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.

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3. Gail Mihalik lives in Rincon with Scott, her high school sweetheart, and their two rescue dogs.

Chef by trade with over 50 years of experience, she spends most of her time living, loving, and sharing the history and culture of the area.

4. Scott Douglas Miller is a broadcaster celebrating 50 years in radio as an air personality, news director, event DJ and content provider several publications. He Originally from Mississippi, Scott shares a home in Rincon with his high school sweetheart, Gail.

5. Gail Parsons has more than 30 years experience writing for magazines and newspapers.

She most enjoys feature writing because it allows her to share the stories of interesting and inspiring people. She is also an artist and enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.

6. Stephen Prudhomme is a native of New Jersey who lived in Savannah and Rincon for 25 years before moving to Pikeville, TN, with his wife and son. He’s written sports, features, news and business for a number of newspapers and magazines over nearly 40 years.

7. Cindy Reid has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, she embodies the saying “I wasn’t born in the South but I got here as soon as I could.” She can usually be found on a beach, a boat or at a pier at sunset.

8. Claire Sandow is a marketing professional

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who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and cat. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.

Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher

9. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children.

9. Mabel, morale officer, enjoys roaming the backyard at home, sitting for hours on the back porch and coming to the office to greet visitors and encourage the staff. Mabel loves treats and taking long naps in her mommy’s office in the afternoons.

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Chris Antonio Office Manager

Penny Redmond Distribution

Kelsey Harrison Senior Account Executive

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

PUBLISHER Jan Southern Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com 912-318-8645 CLIENT SERVICES Kelsey Harrison, Senior Account Executive Kelsey@JDelSURMarketing.com OFFICE MANAGER Chris Antonio DESIGN Laura Zielinski DISTRIBUTION Penny Redmond

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

135 Goshen Rd Ext., Suite 251, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406 EffinghamMagazine.com J. DelSUR Marketing Group is the publisher of Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine and Bryan County Magazine in South Georgia. We are a full service marketing agency with products that include print, digital and social media marketing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Write and tell us what you think. Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor 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 photos to share, please submit ideas and material to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com.

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

CIRCULATION: Effingham Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at EffinghamMagazine.com.

We Honor Our Veterans & First Responders There is a lot happening in Effingham County right now.

Growth is bringing change and a little anxiety. We are also dealing with rising costs, busy schedules, and all the everyday stresses that can make the difficult news feel especially heavy.

That is one reason I love what we do at Effingham Magazine. We get to pause for a moment and focus Jan Southern on the good. We get to share stories about people who are helping, serving, and reminding us what is best about this community.

In this issue, you’ll meet Michael J. Jordan, who rode his bicycle nearly 950 miles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for Gold Star Mothers. At 73 years old, he took on an incredible physical challenge, but the ride was never really about him. It was about honoring the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country and reminding people of the very real price of freedom. His wife, Lisa, supported him throughout the journey, and together they met people along the way who were moved by his mission.

You’ll also learn more about Effingham County Emergency Management and the people who step in when our community faces its most difficult moments. During this year’s wildfires, crews responded to fires that burned for days and threatened homes across the county. They have also been there during hurricanes and flooding, going into neighborhoods, helping residents evacuate, rescuing animals, distributing supplies, and making sure people know they are not facing an emergency alone. Their work is not always easy to see, but it makes an enormous difference.

These stories are very different, but they share something important.

They are about people who choose to serve, whether that means riding hundreds of miles to honor Gold Star families or showing up when fires spread, floodwaters rise, and families need help.

To our veterans, first responders, emergency personnel, and the families who support them, thank you.

We are grateful for your service, and we are proud to share your stories.

CEO/Publisher Effingham Magazine

Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.

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

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Photography by Leidy Lester

Michael Jordan Bikes 950 Miles for Gold Star Mothers

M

ichael J. Jordan hasn’t won an NBA championship or an Oscar, as did two of the people carrying that name. Nor has he performed in front of millions on court or the silver screen.

He’s nevertheless carried on the legacy of excellence associated with that moniker, turning in a performance that merits applause and admiration.

Jordan, 73, is a resident of Bloomingdale. He’s lived there for 13 years after growing up in Port Wentworth. Jordan worked for Gulfstream, doing production work for several years before becoming a toolmaker. He retired in 2016.

In late May, Jordan, an avid cyclist who goes on weekly group rides in and around Savannah, expanded his route. Riding mostly solo, he went from Bloomingdale to Washington, D.C., in 11 days for a distance of 950 miles. He had two rest days - one in Wilmington, N.C., and the other in Chesapeake, Va. This was not a trek based on personal accomplishment or a chance to show off his fitness level but an opportunity to promote a worthy organization. Jordan was riding for Gold Star Mothers, Inc., a national organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families and started by the mother of a World War I soldier who was killed in action but whose body was never identified.

“It was a great ride,” said Jordan, who had two rest days and was accompanied by his wife, Lisa, driving their Ford Explorer. “I chose late spring for the ride, figuring it would about 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in mid June. The heat wasn’t bad. I drank about nine bottles of water a day. My wife kept on asking if I was tired. I told her everything was good.”

It all started last year when he noticed one of his bikes hanging in his garage. “I thought I can do something with this bike,” Jordan said. “I can have a cause. I wanted to bring awareness to the price paid for freedom. The image I have of Gold Star Mothers is what goes on in Arlington Cemetery, which I visited. They lost a husband or son. I was delivering the message of the price of freedom.”

Jordan put his mechanical skills to work by painting Stars and Stripes on his bicycle and purchasing custom riding attire featuring Gold Star emblems and insignia that had to meet the organization’s strict guidelines. To train for

the ride, Jordan cycled 10 laps over six hours at Hunter Army Airfield several times a week and averaged 15 to 18 hours a week leading up to his late May departure.

Through Adventure Cycling, Jordan set up an East Coast route that went along mostly back roads; he and his wife drove the route in October 2025. He rode to Charleston, S.C., his first day and made it to Mryle’s Inlet, S.C., the following day. Jordan credits his wife, who was wearing a sling due to a broken arm, with being his “rock” during the ride. “Driving a Ford Explorer while wearing a sling isn’t easy,” he said. “I can’t give her enough credit.”

Jordan’s journey was marked by a number of encounters with supportive and generous individuals. His hotel of choice was the Hampton Inn; he and his wife stayed at nine Hampton Inns during his ride. “ “We’ve stayed there before,” Jordan explained. “The rooms are always clean and the staff is courteous.

They really stepped up to the plate. Two of the hotels gave us a pass to park out in front, and one paid our bill. I parked my bike next to the front desk, and staff and guests would see it and me wearing my “kit” (jersey and bike shorts) and ask questions about my ride. They were friendly and encouraging.”

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On June 4, having ridden nearly 950 miles ... Jordan arrived in Washington, D.C., and finished his ride at the Gold Star headquarters, where he was welcomed by volunteers and given a tour of the facility.

People’s friendliness and generosity wasn’t limited to the Hampton Inn. While in Suffolk, Va., Jordan and his wife stopped at a country store. The owner, finding out about Jordan’s mission, gave them several to-go meals.

“We met so many great people,” said Jordan, who frequently posed for photos with first responders and other individuals during his ride.

When he got to Richmond, Jordan found the intended roads too dangerous. He contacted friend and former Gulfstream coworker Tom Huff, a former Naval fighter pilot who was familiar with the roads. Huff flew his plane from Florida to Virginia to meet up with Jordan. The two men rode the remaining distance to the nation’s capital.

On June 4, having ridden nearly 950 miles and drinking more than 80 bottles of water, Jordan arrived in Washington, D.C., and finished his ride at the Gold Star headquarters, where he was welcomed by volunteers and given a tour of the facility.

Rose Duval, national D.C., representative for Gold Star Mothers, said most of the public is unaware of the organization and its mission and the price of freedom tied to what they’re doing. “My hat’s off to Michael,” Duval said.

“He helped raise awareness. It’s about telling the story and making it relevant to them. They learn about an organization of mothers that love their children.”

Duval especially enjoyed receiving cards and a poster made by students for an art project at the school where Lisa works as a substitute teacher. The students drew pictures of flags, bicycles, rolling hills and a rendering of Jordan on a bicycle that he said made him look like he was ET, from another planet.

“Their imaginations ran wild,” Jordan said. “I was amazed with what they came up with. It was the neatest thing.”

That could also describe Jordan’s riding adventure. “It all worked out,” he said. “It was an unbelievable experience.”

Jordan was feeling so good he considered doing a 50-mile bike ride after arriving in the nation’s capital but following the suggestion of Huff decided to take it easy and play tourist.

It was in the latter role he attended a ceremony marking the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day invasion, having been invited by a retired Army colonel while walking around the World War II Memorial wearing his kit. There were a number of D-Day veterans at the ceremony. “It was emotional, magical and moving,” Jordan said. “You were immersed in it. It was like going to the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery. We were part of it. Everyone thanked me for using

the bike ride to highlight the price of freedom. They were very appreciative.”

On the trip back home, with his bike relegated to the roof of the SUV and enjoying a cool and comfortable seat in said vehicle next to his wife, Jordan stopped by three veterans cemeteries. There, as at Arlington, he was reminded of the price of freedom and the motivation for his bike ride. “You could see white monuments as far as the eye can see,” Jordan said. “It was mind boggling.”

Jordan has cycled for nearly 50 years and took it up seriously in 1993. “I enjoyed the fitness aspect of it and enjoyed riding with the group,” Jordan said. His mentor was Nestor Garnay, a former pro cyclist from Belgium who managed three bike shops in the Savannah area.

Jordan started riding with the local cycling group but found it difficult to keep up. Garnay encouraged him to ride for 90 minutes on a daily basis to build up his base. To accomplish this, Jordan switched to the night shift at Gulfstream so he could ride in the mornings. After 12 weeks of training, Jordan, having lost 20 pounds, was able to keep up with the riding group. He also worked as a marshal for bike races in Georgia, California and Missouri, fixing potholes and doing whatever else to keep the roads safe.

Following retirement, Jordan gave new meaning to a sedentary lifestyle, spending plenty of time in the saddle.

That culminated with his most ambitious trek, going from Bloomingdale to Washington, D.C. Jordan said he’s considering a similar ride in 2028 around Memorial Day, perhaps going through as many as 10 states. “I want to recognize those who made the ultimate active,” said Jordan, noting he’d like to ride until at least the age of 90. “I want to carry on what I’m doing with Gold Star or anyone attached to them.”

As far as his name, Jordan said he wouldn’t call it a curse to share a name with one of the greatest basketball players of all time. “It’s a conversation starter,” Jordan acknowledged.

“We even have the same middle initial - J. My middle name is Joseph. His is Jeffrey. He’s not paying me anything to use my name. I had it before him. I tell people I’m taller and darker on TV.” ■

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2026 13

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mom-ing

UNFILTERED

Finding Magic in the Madness of Motherhood

The Middle Child With the Mouth (And the Backbone)

by Alycia Calderin

Every family has that child.

The one with the timing.

The delivery.

The zingers that land before you even realize what just happened.

In our house, that’s Sofia.

She’s the middle child, the sassy one, the sharp one, the one who keeps me on my toes and occasionally has me questioning my parenting in real time. She is, without question, the hardest child I’ve ever raised.

And also the one I worry about the least.

Sofia came out observant. She reads a room instantly. She doesn’t miss a beat. And she has a way of responding that makes you pause and think, Wow. That was… accurate.

She’s not loud just to be loud. She’s quick. There’s a difference.

Over the years, we’ve had teachers gently suggest that maybe she needed to be “toned down.” Softened. Redirected.

As if her personality was something that required sanding.

But I never wanted to dull her.

Instead, we worked on channeling it, teaching her the difference between confidence and disrespect, between standing her ground and crossing a line. She’s learned that words matter. Tone matters. And yes, kindness matters.

But so does backbone.

Case in point: one afternoon, I got a call from the school about an “incident.” Those calls never come with good vibes.

Apparently, Sofia had made a boy cry.

Naturally, I asked what happened.

The teacher explained that the boy had been making fun of Sofia’s weight. This was fourth grade, prime baby fat era,

awkward all around. Sofia listened for only so long before responding with, “Be quiet with your round head. I know you be thinkin globally.”

I mean… what does that even mean?

I had questions. The teacher had questions. The boy, presumably, had feelings.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we addressed it. We talked about words, tone, and not stooping to someone else’s level. We reinforced that we don’t insult people’s bodies, even when they start it.

But I’ll also say this: that boy did not bother her again.

Sofia isn’t a bully. She doesn’t go looking for trouble.

But she is also not the child someone targets unless they’re prepared to walk away emotionally wounded.

I’ve even had to warn her older sibling during verbal sparring matches: You might want to reconsider.

Because Sofia will make you cry.

And she will do it with confidence and confusing metaphors.

Raising a child like her is exhausting. You can’t coast. You can’t bluff. You have to be present, consistent, and honest, because she will call you out if you aren’t.

But kids like her? They grow into women who speak up.

Women who don’t shrink. Women who don’t need permission to take up space.

She’ll be the one who asks the hard questions. The one who doesn’t tolerate nonsense. The one who knows who she is, even when the world tries to tell her she’s “too much.”

And maybe she is.

Too smart.

Too sharp.

Too strong.

But if history tells us anything, those are usually the kids who end up just fine.

So no, I didn’t dull her down. I helped her aim. www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2026 23

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JESSICA & THOMAS RAHN Trading Fear for Freedom Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Leidy Lester

F

or Detective Jessica Rahn of the Rincon Police Department and Investigator Thomas Rahn of the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office CID, law enforcement is not just a career path; it is their shared vocation. In addition to their respective duties, they teach the very popular R.A.D. course.

The national R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program is a 12-hour, hands-on self-defense course sponsored by local law enforcement to empower women through risk avoidance, situational awareness, and practical safety techniques.

Before she wore a badge, Jessica’s days were dictated by a different kind of chaotic schedule. She spent six and a half years at home managing a bustling household of five children, including two who were adopted. While her husband, Thomas, was out working the streets as an officer, Jessica was holding down the home front. Once the children grew older, she returned to college, secured an internship at the District Attorney’s Office, and eventually went through the police academy.

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Jessica launched her career as a patrol officer with the Rincon Police Department in 2022, finding immense value in being a friendly, approachable face for community members before a crisis ever occurred.

Now a detective, she embraces a daily routine in which flexibility is the only constant. Between handling her own cases and jumping in to back up active patrol units, she remains constantly on her toes.

Thomas brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to his role as a criminal investigator with the Sheriff’s Office. Having previously served with the Springfield Police Department and the Effingham branch of the District Attorney’s Office, he has spent the last year diving deeply into county-level investigations. Much like his wife, Thomas thrives on the unpredictable nature of the work. His days include chasing leads, writing search warrants, interviewing victims, and following wherever the information leads.

They joke that real-world investigative work looks very little like Hollywood dramas, with far less instant information and far more paperwork.

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program for local women. While many R.A.D. instructors R.A.D. across the country charge a registration fee, the Rahns are The inspiration to bring the Rape Aggression Defense able to offer the course completely free of charge, with the full (R.A.D.) program to Effingham County began when Jessica support of their respective agencies. The program also comes was a college student. Walking across campus after dark, she with a unique lifetime return policy, allowing any graduate to noticed a troubling trend: So many young women walked come back for a refresher. with timid, vulnerable postures and their heads buried For Jessica and Thomas, R.A.D. is about more than in their phones. After taking the R.A.D. course herself, physical tactics. Instead, it focuses on risk avoidance and she witnessed a remarkable transformation. Women who situational awareness. walked into the classroom They teach women the vital incredibly shy and The course’s primary goal is risk avoidance, importance of looking up uncertain walked out days later radiating newfound teaching women how to recognize a dangerous from their phones, reading their surroundings, and confidence. situation from a distance and make the smart identifying potential When Jessica joined the hazards before they Rincon Police Department, choices necessary to avoid it entirely. escalate. she knew the program For Thomas, the true was exactly what her value of the R.A.D. curriculum lies in stopping a threat before community needed. it becomes physical. He emphasizes that the course’s primary “While Rincon is a tight-knit, family-oriented area, it is not goal is risk avoidance, teaching women how to recognize a immune to crime,” dangerous situation from a distance and make the smart she says. choices necessary to avoid it entirely. The Rahns tailor their She pitched the program to her police chief, who training to real-life scenarios, such as teaching mothers the immediately championed the idea and cleared the way for safest, most efficient ways to get themselves and their little her to become a certified instructor. ones securely inside their vehicles.

With strong administrative support from the Rincon Police Thomas and Jessica observe a transformation in Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, participants, who move from timidity to confidence by the end the husband-and-wife duo is able to host the self-defense 28 August/September 2026 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

of the four-day course. Thomas, a veteran investigator, finds passion in the program because it offers a vital tool for healing and empowerment to survivors of sexual assault, including those whose crimes went unreported.

The momentum behind the R.A.D. program extends beyond local class sessions.

The demand for trainers is skyrocketing nationwide. Earlier this year, the Rahns hosted an instructor training course in their own community, drawing participants from nearby Savannah and Statesboro, as well as individuals traveling from as far away as California and Virginia.

Because the course deals with deeply sensitive subject matter, the standards for male instructors are exceptionally strict. Any man wishing to become a certified trainer must either be a current law enforcement officer or undergo a stringent background check. For Thomas, stepping into this role felt like a natural extension of his daily duties.

Having spent the vast majority of his 13-year career serving as a dedicated sex crimes investigator, the transition to empowering women through proactive defense felt like the perfect alignment with his professional mission.

The local response to the R.A.D. program has been overwhelming, proving just how deeply the community needs this training. When the first class was announced on Facebook, the entire roster filled in just 12 minutes.

For women looking to secure a spot or join the notification list for upcoming sessions, the process is simple. They can reach out directly to either the Rincon Police Department or the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office to be connected with the program. Getting their names on the waiting list ensures they will be among the first to know when the next four-day course begins.

Ultimately, the R.A.D. program is designed to cultivate confidence rather than anxiety. Jessica emphasizes that the course is built around helping women live their lives with a greater sense of peace rather than living in fear. When a

class concludes and the participants walk out the door feeling noticeably stronger, more capable, and deeply empowered, the Rahns know they have achieved what they set out to do.

Thomas reiterates that the true magic of the curriculum is its immediate applicability to everyday routines.

“While the physical self-defense tactics are vital, they are taught as a last resort,” he says. “The real victory lies in the daily mental preparation, such as knowing how to safely navigate a grocery store parking lot with a baby, scanning a room automatically, and avoiding danger entirely.”

Family Time Through it all, their biggest fans remain waiting for them at home. The Rahn children carry a deep sense of pride knowing that their family is dedicated to law enforcement and community safety. The couple uses their professional insights to instill real-world skills and strength in their children.

Jessica recalls a meaningful conversation with her eightyear-old daughter.

“She asked if I ever felt scared,” Jessica says. “I answered honestly, admitting that I absolutely experienced fear at times. But I explained that true bravery isn’t about the absence of fear. It is about recognizing that you are scared and choosing to do what needs to be done anyway.”

The Rahn household maintains a busy schedule filled with sports, swimming, and outdoor adventures. With five children ranging from elementary schoolers to young adults, ages 7, 8, 12, 20, and 23, the family consists of four girls and one boy.

Thomas laughs, “As soon as summer hits, we instantly transform into a ‘pool family,’ spending lots of time together at the family pool.”

Jessica adds that their calendar stays full, as she coaches local softball and soccer teams while Thomas coaches volleyball. For Jessica and Thomas, balancing two demanding badges under one roof is a daily juggling act, but it is a life they absolutely love. ■

R.A.D. Rape Aggression Defense Throughout this 12-hour course, participants will learn: » Risk awareness and avoidance » Basic self-defense techniques » Hands-on training with certified instructors » Realistic, scenario-based practice Cost: 100% free Location: Classes are typically held in the EEMA classroom at the Clarence E. Morgan Complex.

Spots are limited and classes fill quickly.

Interested participants should email their information to be added to the waiting list or contacted when the next course dates are announced.

Email: trahn@effinghamcounty.org Sheriff’s Office phone: 912-754-3449

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2026 29

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The Corner Table Effingham County

by Gail Mihalik

Ally’s Bakery Offers an Irresistible Welcome Some bakeries lure you in with one signature item. Ally’s Bakery in Rincon lures you in with everything in the display case.

From the moment you walk through the door, the aroma of butter, sugar, freshbrewed coffee, and warm pastries creates an irresistible welcome. It’s the kind of place where you plan to buy one treat and leave carrying a box full of them.

The pastry case is the heart of the bakery, and it never disappoints. Rows of cookies, cupcakes, flaky croissants, and freshly baked scones line the shelves, each one more tempting than the last. Ally’s isn’t known for a single showstopper—it’s the rare bakery where nearly everything looks worthy of becoming your favorite.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the variety. Alongside familiar classics are a few delightful British-inspired specialties, including English hand pies and traditional sausage rolls. These golden, savory pastries are a welcome surprise in a local bakery, offering the perfect balance to all the sweet temptations surrounding them.

Then there are the scones. Beautifully baked, tender, and generously flavored, they’ve become a favorite among regulars—especially the gluten-free scones, available only on Wednesdays. According to the staff, they disappear quickly. Naturally, I had to put that claim to the test.

They were absolutely right. Soft, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, these scones prove that gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving something up. They may be reason enough to make Wednesday mornings a standing appointment.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Ally’s also creates custom cakes that showcase impressive artistry. Whether it’s a birthday, bridal shower, baby shower, or anniversary, each cake is thoughtfully designed, beautifully finished, and customized to fit the celebration. The craftsmanship speaks for itself.

Coffee lovers won’t feel left out, either. A fresh cup pairs perfectly with a warm pastry, and the inviting seating area encourages guests to slow down, relax, and enjoy both. It’s the sort of bakery where a quick stop easily turns into a leisurely visit—and where leaving with more than you intended feels almost inevitable.

What truly completes the experience is the atmosphere. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, always happy to recommend favorites, explain limited-time offerings, or introduce seasonal specialties.

The shop feels bright, cheerful, and comfortably familiar—the kind of neighborhood bakery where locals become regulars and first-time visitors immediately begin planning their return.

202 East Fourth St. Rincon, GA (912)-655-7778 Tues - Fri: 7:30am-5:00pm Sat: 9:00am-1:00pm Closed Sunday & Monday

That warm hospitality reflects the bakery’s roots. While Ally’s journey from passionate baker to successful business owner is inspiring, the real story is told through the food. You taste it in the buttery layers of the croissants, the perfectly balanced cupcakes, the flaky sausage rolls, and the exceptional scones that disappear almost as quickly as they come out of the oven.

Ally’s Bakery may be a small-town bakery, but its quality rivals shops you’d expect to find in a much larger city. If you’re visiting Rincon—or simply passing through—stop in for a cup of coffee and a pastry.

Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a box full of treats... and a good reason to come back. www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2026 31

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EFFINGHAM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Story by Gail Parsons

T

he call came in like any other emergency — a report of smoke, flames and a fire spreading faster than expected. But for firefighters and emergency managers, a wildfire is never just the fire burning in front of them. It’s the question of what happens next.

How fast will the wind shift? How much dry vegetation is waiting to ignite? How close are homes? How many resources will be needed before the situation grows beyond control?

This year those questions became increasingly familiar across Effingham County. A prolonged period of drought created conditions where even routine outdoor burning could become dangerous, and emergency crews responded to multiple wildfires — including several that burned for days and one that stretched beyond 100 acres.

“Unfortunately, this year, Georgia has been suffering an extreme drought,” said Hannah Jenkins, Effingham County Fire Department battalion chief. “Normal practices for outdoor burning that people were following just could not keep up with the drought conditions.”

The Fight on the Ground The effects of that drought hit home in April when wildfires started popping up all over Effingham County.

“We had several,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Clinton Hodges. “We had a couple of fires go close to 100 acres … some of those lasted for days. It wasn’t just a one-day event.”

The worst of them threatened buildings as it burned through about 150 acres of land off Springfield Egypt

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Road. It wasn’t long after arriving on scene of that one that Hodges and his team knew this blaze was going to need a little more attention than the others had.

“Right off the rip, we contacted Georgia Forestry and had them come in with a plow,” he said. “EMS was called as well because it was hot — heat exhaustion was a problem, and there were also a large number of homes endangered.”

They went door-to-door alerting people to the danger.

Had more homes been threatened they would have activated the RAVE system, which alerts people by text, email or a phone call. People can sign up to receive the alerts at www.smart911.com.

“If it were to be a large-scale brush fire, or if we needed to evacuate an area, such as we did with Hurricane Debby, we are able to tailor a message that goes out to the community,” said Deputy Director Shanna Smith.

Before the last spark was extinguished 149 acres of land were scorched, but not a single home was lost. Effingham crews didn’t fight alone. Alongside seven county engines and tankers, Georgia Forestry brought in five plows while neighboring Screven and Bulloch counties sent additional resources.

“There were a couple of weeks that it was almost like every time the tones went off, you had a little bit of a concern, ‘Is this the next big brush fire?’” Hodges said.

“Especially when the North County tones went off

because that’s where the majority of the larger brush fires take place, just because there’s more open land there.”

A Fire Doesn’t Stop at County Lines Effingham County is part of the Emergency Management Association of Georgia. Just as neighboring counties didn’t hesitate when the call for mutual aid went out, Effingham jumped in to help as fires raged out of control in Brantley County.

Hodges explained the Effingham County is in Area Five, which is the coastal counties.

“It was the second day of that fire when it went from, I believe, 500 acres and somewhere around 60% contained to 5,000 acres and practically uncontained,” he said.

“When we found out about that, we reached out directly to Brantley County and asked, "Is there anything that we can help you out with?”

The response: "Absolutely. Can you be here in the morning?”

They worked late into the evening and by 5 a.m. the next day a crew were on their way.

“What we had to be cognizant of, though, is making sure that we didn’t pull any assets that we might need from here because we still had the same wildfire threat going on in this county,” Hodges said. “We utilized a reserve engine and off-duty crews who were going down there on their days off.”

Tackling Emergencies Head-On Every emergency is different, but the philosophy behind responding to them remains consistent. Hodges calls it an “all-hazards approach.”

It’s not just about the here-and-now, they have to try and stay ahead of where the emergency wants to go.

“From a wildfire perspective, you have similarities to a hurricane because you’re having to forecast out what the worst-case scenario is going to be,” Hodges said. “For example, the reason we called Bulloch County on the big wildfire — it wasn’t necessarily because we needed them right that second. But we had concerns about some wind shifts that were going on or could happen. If that had occurred, we weren’t going to have enough resources to stop it where we wanted to. We knew it was going to take them at least 30 minutes to get to us, and if we waited till we needed them, it’s out of control.”

Managing an emergency effectively requires understanding exactly what it happening. The EEMA team takes a hands-on approach. They could sit in their offices, make phone calls and manage the situation that way. But that’s not the way they operate,

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they jump right into the trenches and don’t hesitate to render aid to everyone and everything who needed it.

“After Debby and Helene, we waited for the storm to pass because road conditions were hazardous, but after that, we weren’t in the office,” Smith said. “We’re out surveying, rescuing pigs, and a horse.”

She recalled watching the gauges on the Ogeechee River. One moment the water wasn’t there. “And then it was,” she said.

They started getting calls about water going up in certain neighborhoods, so they headed out to see what was happening.

Immediately they started knocking on doors telling people, ‘More than likely, you’re not going to be able to come back to your home,’” Smith said.

They ended up on Old River Road. The water was rising quickly and some people who were in their homes all day, had no idea that up river, multiple dams had breached.

The situation was getting serious. They stayed at one house for about an hour while the homeowners they collect what they needed to evacuate with.

“We had transportation ready for them to go to the Red Cross shelter that we had open, and I just happened to be on their front step and look over, and there’s this 300-pound pot-bellied pig,” she said. “It was just kind of there in the landscaping. So, now we have a pig that we have to figure out what to do with.”

It took some doing, but they were eventually able to rescue the pig and get it set up at a sanctuary in Metter.

The hands-on approach pays off in the public trust they gain, which translates into a community working together in time of need. During Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene people were on social media reporting what they were seeing and where there were people who needed rescuing.

“We were in those communities that were taking on water,” she said. “All those people down there, they saw us every single day.”

That kind of engagement also allows them to have first-hand information about what is happening on the ground.

“We’re not having to wait to find out what people need by word-of-mouth or via social media because we were down there and we know the areas that were impacted and what people

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were asking for,” Smith said. “Salvation Army came and did a cantina at the front of one of the neighborhoods, and we handed out water and Gatorades. We were down there for hours doing that. There’s lot of collaboration with our partners and making sure that you know we’re here with you versus just sitting here in the office.

Mitigation and Preparation Disasters rarely give people time to prepare.

That’s why Hodges says preparation has to happen long before the first emergency call comes in.

“I really want people to think about preparedness and about being ready ahead of time,” he said.

“Have a plan in place. Be proactive not reactive, especially with hurricane season upon us.”

Hurricanes have caused extended power outages. People may make it through the storm just fine, but what happens next if the electric is out for several weeks?

“It’s not just inconvenient,” Hodges said. “We have people that are on oxygen machines, so you have that consideration in play.

You have people that are insulin dependent, that has to be refrigerated. We really like to stress if you have some kind of critical function, you have to figure out a contingency plan.”

After an event, is often a good time to see what improvements can be made to help mitigate problem areas.

“As you’re getting back to normal, take lessons learned,” he said. As you rebuild or you repair, go ahead and build in a little bit of extra steps to prevent that damage the next time.”

For example, Tropical Storm Debby damaged some of the county’s culverts. When they went out to replace them the county ordered a hydrology study.

“They upsized the pipes, so in the future it could handle that particular volume of water,” Hodges said.

Whether it’s a brush fire racing across dry timber, rising floodwaters or the next hurricane spinning toward Georgia’s coast, emergency management is about seeing beyond the emergency itself.

As Hodges put it, “Everything’s not just looking at what you’ve got going on now; it’s looking at what the impacts could be.”

In the end, that’s the real work—preparing for the emergency people hope never comes. ■

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EFFINGHAM

2026 1st Friday Springfield

Effingham residents came out to hear more about the OpenAI Data Center coming to Effingham County

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Rincon Recreation Department is with Rincon Police Department

Effingham County Industrial Development Authority Employment Expo

2026 Effingham Health CT scan ribbon cutting

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible.

If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.

COMMUNITY SPONSORS Ashley Boyette, State Farm | J.DelSUR Marketing Group Lowcountry Foundation & Crawl Space Repair | Wiley’s Home Center

21 South Mini Storage...................................................... 33 Action Overhead Doors & Supply..................................24 Ashley Boyette State Farm Insurance........................... 19 Bank of Newington...........................................................44 Beau Dossey Roofing.......................................................22 Budget Blinds of Pooler & Statesboro.......................... 14 City Club at Lost Plantation............................................42 Coastal States Bank..........................................................30 Coastal Tinting................................................................... 14 Colonial Gutter Solutions................................................ 21 Davis Tire............................................................................... 5 DeWitt Insurance Agency.................................................. 8 Do it Right Fencing...........................................................24 Effingham Health Systems................................................ 2 Empire Gym........................................................................ 19 Esselstein Law P.C............................................................... 3 Georgia Heritage Credit Union......................................22 Greenside Bar & Grille......................................................42 Habitat for Humanity........................................................ 41 Hidden Gem Beauty Shop...............................................22

THANK YOU

Hospice Savannah.............................................................20 Internal Medicine of Savannah....................................... 18 Jon Burns............................................................................ 25 Just Love Coffee & Cafe.................................................. 15 Kicklighter Law................................................................... 14 Legacy Flooring Pros........................................................30 Lowcountry Foundation Repair....................................... 8 Noble Hearts HR Consulting..........................................20 Olde Towne Barbers......................................................... 14 Optim Orthopedics Rincon............................................... 9 Rusty Pig BBQ.................................................................... 16 Savannah Trimlight.............................................................17 Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC.............................32 SunCare Hospice & Palliative Care................................ 25 Superior Fence & Rail....................................................... 16 The Hillis Law Firm............................................................20 The Meadows Luxury Apartments.................................32 Thomas Strickland & Sons Funeral................................ 19 Towne Pharmacy...............................................................22 Two Rivers Health Clinic.................................................. 19

to our Community Sponsors ASHLEY BOYETTE

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for

S the AVE T Ev en Bes HE D to to n N f E ATE ov ffin em gh be am r 12 !

The Official Readers’’ Choice Awards for Effingham County The next issue of Effingham Magazine will celebrate the people, businesses, restaurants, and organizations that make our community the very best.

Voting is open through Aug. 19!

Scan the QR code or visit BestofEffingham.com Sponsorship opportunities available.

VOTE. CELEBRATE. BE PART OF THE BEST OF EFFINGHAM! There’s still time for your business to become a Best of Effingham sponsor and be part of one of Effingham County’s most anticipated celebrations of the year. Email jan@jdelsurmarketing.com or call 912-295-5406 for sponsorship information.