Alisha Esselstein, Esq. has been named a 2025 SUPER LAWYERS GEORGIA RISING STAR for the second year in a row, an honor reserved for attorneys who demonstrate exceptional excellence in their practice. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Georgia receive this prestigious distinction.
In addition, Alisha won Georgia Business Journal’s “Best of Georgia 2024” in the Family Law Category, a testament to her dedication and the trust placed in her by the community.
PUBLISHER
Jan Southern Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com 912-318-8645
CLIENT SERVICES
Christie Wilson, Director of Advertising Christie@JDelSURMarketing.com
Kelsey Harrison, 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 Phone numbers will not be published.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. 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.
Shopping local isn’t just about convenience—it’s about investing in the people and businesses that make Effingham County the thriving community we’re proud to call home.
This issue celebrates that connection. You’ll find our Publisher’s Picks highlighting exceptional local products and services, plus valuable insights to help you discover and support the businesses that strengthen our local economy. Every dollar you spend with a business in Guyton, Rincon, Springfield or anywhere in Effingham County, that money circulates back into our schools, parks, and neighborhoods. That’s the power of shopping local.
We’re still feeling the excitement after the Best of Effingham celebration which took place on November 13th. The pride that filled the evening reminded us why we do what we do. You’ll see photos in the Happenings section on page 20 capturing the enthusiasm of a night of celebration. Congratulations again to all our winners—you represent the best of Effingham.
Our cover story features Joe Marchese, whose impact extends far beyond his successful construction company. Joe’s dedication to creating a better world for individuals with Down syndrome demonstrates what true community leadership looks like. His story is a powerful reminder that business success and giving back aren’t separate pursuits—they’re two sides of the same commitment to building something meaningful.
As you flip through these pages, you’ll see businesses owned by your neighbors, staffed by people you know, and dedicated to serving this community. They’re here because of you. This holiday season and beyond, I encourage you to shop local first. Your support makes a real difference.
Thank you for being part of the Effingham County community.
CEO/Publisher Effingham Magazine
Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Thomas Reimer
Joe Marchese, a builder by trade and a passionate advocate by calling, has spent decades erecting not just physical structures, but also foundations for inclusivity and opportunity. His journey started in the demanding world of commercial construction and was forever changed by a deeply personal event. Today, alongside his family, he leads a powerful movement for people with disabilities in the Savannah/Lowcountry area, championing a future where everyone is seen, supported, and given a chance to thrive.
Marchese’s story is one of generations built on hard work. His grandfather, an immigrant from Sicily, arrived in 1915 and became a stone mason, bricklayer, and plasterer. That tradition of building continued with his father, a home builder and mechanical contracting superintendent. Joe himself, after graduating with a film and photography degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, briefly pursued a creative career in California before returning to his roots in the trades. However, it was love, not a career, that brought him to the South. After marrying Molly, a “beautiful southern girl,” the couple moved to Springfield, where they have lived for 23 years.
Marchese’s professional path mirrors his family’s, with a career in commercial construction that includes projects from warehouses to medical offices. He views each project as a “four-dimensional puzzle” that becomes a fifth dimension when you add in the personalities of everyone involved. For him, the deep relationships built with clients over decades are just as rewarding as the tangible results of his labor.
The defining moment of Joe and Molly’s lives occurred 20 years ago with the birth of their daughter, Ella, who has Down syndrome. “Your life changes when you get married, when you have children, and when you have a child with special needs,” he reflects. This event ignited their passion for advocacy, transforming their family life and shaping their life’s work.
The Marchese family’s journey into community leadership began with a simple connection. In 2006, their doctor, Ben Spitalnick, introduced them to three other families of children with Down syndrome: John and Candy Bogardus, Bobby and Wendy Fears, and Brian and Pam Hussey. What began as a small, informal gathering in Dr. Spitalnick’s office quickly evolved into a formal organization. This small group of parents saw a need and created the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS), a family support group for those in the greater Savannah area.
Today, the LDSS celebrates its upcoming 20th anniversary and extends its reach to eight surrounding counties, providing regular meetings with guest speakers and social time for families to connect. The LDSS is dedicated to inclusion, education, and advocacy, and is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society.
To celebrate workplace inclusion, Joe Marchese co-founded the Night of Champions, an annual event that honors local businesses that hire people with disabilities. The event is a celebration of the “incredible value” these individuals bring to the community.
Marchese challenges businesses to make the hiring of people with special needs a “seamless integration” and strives for a community where everyone truly feels they belong.
Molly, formerly an ICU nurse, has also dedicated her life to advocacy, becoming a job coach for people with special needs. She is the founder of Buddies and Blessings, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on the three major stumbling blocks for people with special needs: transportation, housing, and employment. “Those are the three major stumbling blocks—what do you do for work, where do you live, and how do you get to work,”
The Marchese family and their organizations serve as a testament to the power of unconditional love and the belief that every individual deserves a place to belong.
Joe explains. By addressing these barriers, the organization helps young adults and high school students with disabilities avoid graduating “to the couch” and instead find their place in the workforce.
Buddies and Blessings recently hosted a taco dinner and talent show, showcasing the skills of its participants and proving that patience can reveal incredible abilities.
Joe’s message to the community is simple but profound: “Do anything. Show up, volunteer, and don’t be surprised or disappointed. Show up again.” He believes that continued effort will eventually lead to a “transformative moment” where one’s perspective shifts from “us and them” to a single, unified community. He also stresses the importance of teaching children that everyone is different, but fundamentally the same.
The Marchese family’s legacy continues to grow. Their daughter Ella, now 20, works as an office assistant at Rincon Elementary. Their daughter Katie is a Georgia Tech graduate living in Washington, D.C., working for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and their youngest daughter, Lucy, is a senior at the STEM Academy at Effingham High School. Joe and
Molly are very proud of their three daughters and what they have accomplished while remaining grounded and loving individuals. “We want them to love God, love their family, and be a productive member of society. My job is to help them, but they get to choose and live their own lives.”
The Marchese family are what Joe calls “church people and people people. It’s simple—I love God and I love people.”
While the Marcheses have built an incredible network of support and advocacy in the Lowcountry, they also have a cherished escape: the Riverwood Christian Community in Tennessee. Operated by Ability Ministry, a non-profit organization, Riverwood is a special place for families with special needs children. Joe Marchese refers to it as “a magical place for us.”
It provides an environment that challenges and empowers individuals with special needs to become more independent. “Families with special needs kids tend to enable, and we wait on them long after it’s needed,” Joe observes. At Riverwood, individuals like their daughter Ella are given new responsibilities and opportunities to grow.
Riverwood fosters a sense of community and purpose through various activities. For example, during a school leadership event on campus, teams work together to prepare and clean up after a meal. This structure provides valuable life skills and encourages teamwork, but it is also a place where Ella can thrive. She is a provider of services to others with special needs, and her growth is a source of great pride for her parents.
For Joe, Riverwood is a unique haven. “It is everything I love all in one place,” he explains, highlighting the community, inclusion, and empowerment that the center provides. It is a place that celebrates and supports the potential of every individual, reminding the Marchese family of the broader vision for inclusion that they work so hard to achieve at home.
Reflecting on his journey, Joe shares that he is a “better person” for having children, and “definitely better for becoming part of a special needs community.” His ultimate goal is to “change the world by loving people unconditionally,” and he offers a reminder that if you have met one person with special needs, you have only met one person. The Marchese family and their organizations serve as a testament to the power of unconditional love and the belief that every individual deserves a place to belong. ■
The first Buddy Walk took place at Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah in October 2006, with nearly 1,600 people supporting Down syndrome awareness. For the last few years, over 5,000 people have regularly attended the annual walk.
LDSS hosts an annual Night of Champions in May. This community event recognizes area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrates the contributions made by these employees.
Camp Buddy provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies for children with Down syndrome. The camp promotes the retention of the educational accomplishments that children have made during the school year by bridging the summer months to the upcoming school year. They had approximately 40 participants at both the Effingham and Savannah camps this year.
Nestled along Noel C. Conway Road in picturesque Guyton, Georgia, The Venue at Miller Chapel stands as a testament to thoughtful preservation and modern sophistication.
This stunning landmark seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary amenities, creating an unforgettable setting.
The meticulously restored chapel showcases authentic period features that have been carefully preserved while infusing new vitality into every detail. Original pews and flooring remain intact, offering guests a genuine glimpse into Effingham County's rich cultural heritage. The restoration process honored the chapel's historic integrity while ensuring modern comfort for today's celebrations.
Beyond the chapel's elegant interior, the venue offers an expansive event space accommodating up to 180 guests. This versatile area features state-of-the-art acoustics, a sophisticated bar setup, and a luxurious bridal suite that exceeds expectations. The thoughtful design crefates a perfect balance between historic architecture and contemporary functionality.
The grounds surrounding The Venue at Miller Chapel are equally impressive, featuring a manicured wedding lawn that serves as a natural extension of the indoor spaces. A magnificent shade tree provides a picturesque backdrop, while a custom brick wall and beautifully designed walking path create
the perfect setting for grand entrances and outdoor celebrations. This carefully landscaped environment offers numerous possibilities for both ceremonies and receptions.
Whether hosting a wedding, corporate event, or special celebration, the venue provides an atmosphere of refined elegance. The combination of historical elements with modern amenities ensures every event benefits from both timeless charm and contemporary convenience. The venue's layout allows for seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, accommodating various event styles and sizes.
The Venue at Miller Chapel stands as more than just an event space. From its historic chapel to its modern amenities and beautiful grounds, this new local venue offers an exceptional setting for those seeking a unique blend of Southern charm and contemporary sophistication in the heart of Effingham County.
If you’ve been putting off dental treatment because you’re unsure of what to do—or worried that saving your teeth may be too costly, too complicated, or too overwhelming—you’re not alone. Many patients feel the same way… until they experience the life-changing benefits of restoring their smile with custom dental crowns.
At our practice, we believe your natural teeth are worth saving. And with today’s advanced crown technology, restoring them is easier, more comfortable, and more beautiful than ever.
Your teeth are worth saving—don’t give up on them
When a tooth is damaged, it can feel easier to simply remove it. But extraction often leads to more problems— shifting teeth, bone loss, difficulty chewing, and costly treatments later.
A crown gives you something an extraction never can: the chance to keep your natural tooth for years—often decades— to come. Many patients who once thought pulling the tooth was their only option are now grateful they chose to save it instead. When a damaged tooth is removed, it’s gone forever—but a crown protects and strengthens the tooth you already have.
Most patients are surprised to learn that a crown can restore a tooth so well that it feels just like their natural tooth again—only stronger.
Your smile will look better than ever
Our crowns are custom-designed to blend flawlessly with your surrounding teeth. Whether you want to enhance your smile or simply restore one damaged tooth, your crown will look bright, natural, and beautifully shaped.
Many patients say they smile bigger—and more confidently—after receiving their crowns than they ever did before.
Comfort, strength, & relief you can feel immediately
Damaged teeth can quietly steal your comfort:
• You chew differently.
• You avoid certain foods.
• You may have sensitivity or discomfort.
• You worry about the tooth breaking even more.
A crown changes all of that. Patients are often stunned at how quickly their comfort returns once the tooth is protected. Suddenly, eating is easy again. Speaking feels normal. And the constant worry disappears.
Protect yourself from bigger problems later
Delaying treatment almost always leads to more damage— sometimes to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved. Choosing a crown now prevents:
• Future fractures
• Nerve damage
• Costly procedures
• And even tooth loss
In other words, a crown protects you from the pain and expenses that come from waiting too long. This is one of the smartest, most impactful dental decisions you can make today—for your health and your wallet.
A beautiful smile that makes you feel like YOU again
Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a smile that feels whole, healthy, and beautiful. Imagine laughing freely— without feeling self-conscious. Imagine eating comfortably… without worrying about breaking a weakened tooth.
Our custom crowns are expertly designed to match your natural teeth perfectly. Most patients tell us their restored teeth look even better than before the damage happened.
This isn’t just a dental treatment— it’s a renewal of your confidence.
team that truly cares about your smile
At our practice, you’re not just another appointment. You’re a person with goals, concerns, and a smile that deserves exceptional care. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. Our gentle, modern approach ensures your crown looks stunning, feels natural, and supports your dental health long-term.
You’ve waited long enough to feel good about your smile. You deserve relief. You deserve confidence. Your restored smile is waiting for you – and we can’t wait to welcome you into our practice.
(912) 499-1133
iheartdental.com
135 Goshen Rd Ext #205, Rincon
Scan to see more photos from our 2025 Best of Effingham celebration!
Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Aaron Hoffman
Love. One word, so simple to say. We say we love our children, our parents, our families. But how many of us have been asked to prove it in the hardest way? What if loving a child meant putting their best interests above our own, no matter the cost?
For Mary, Matt, Elizabeth, and Hanna, that question became their reality. What began as sacrifice grew into something extraordinary: the creation of an entirely new kind of family. This is their love story.
For much of the 20th century, infant and child adoptions were strictly confidential, or “closed.” Contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family rarely occurred. Birth parents said goodbye forever, adoptive families raised children without knowledge of their biological roots, and adoptees grew up with unanswered questions about identity and heritage.
Today, a significant majority of domestic infant adoptions are “open adoptions.” The catalyst for change was adult adoptees who need to know their history and birth mothers who need to know their child is well taken care of. Open adoption is not shared parenting. Parental rights of the birth family are terminated, and the adoptive parents are the legal parents. However, both parties often know each other’s identities and have agreed to engage in some level of communication. The level of openness can vary widely—from occasional updates to regular visits.
For birth mothers, it offers reassurance and continued connection with the child, as well as ongoing validation that adoption was the best decision for her and her child. For adoptive families, it provides access to important medical history and cultural background. For the child, it answers questions they may have and can lead to a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Mary and Matt Suddath, originally from Massachusetts, settled in Richmond Hill, Georgia, where they commuted to their work in pediatric critical care in Savannah. With their daughter Shelby, they became foster parents, eventually adopting their son Cooper. Wanting him to feel fully included as a biracial child, they sought to adopt another biracial child.
Their first attempt ended painfully when a birth mother reclaimed her baby on the ninth day. Devastated but determined, they turned to Catholic Charities in Atlanta. There, they met Elizabeth Moran—a young woman of deep Catholic faith who wanted an open adoption.
“I didn’t know what that really was, but my friend had done an open adoption and said it was a beautiful experience,” Mary says. The family drove to Atlanta to meet Elizabeth Moran, the birth mother. Elizabeth was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school. She attended Salem College until the end of her junior year, when she dropped out to have her birth daughter.
“I was introduced to the concept of open adoption at a pregnancy center in North Carolina where I was attending college. I wanted to place my child in a loving adoptive home, but I didn’t want to go forward
without any contact. I wanted the opportunity to see this child as she grew and be able to have a relationship, while ensuring the adoptive parents were respected,” Elizabeth explains.
Catholic Charities arranged the first meeting with Mary and Matt. “Our conversation started immediately, as if we had known each other for a long time,” Elizabeth says. Mary agrees. “In five minutes, we were one hundred percent in. We really liked Elizabeth and her mom, and said we would love to be the ones chosen by you.”
It was only six weeks away from birth. The two women spoke often on the phone, and then, “We got a phone call in the middle of the night, and we could hear a baby crying. ‘That’s our daughter crying!’” Mary remembers. “We drove to Atlanta and just looked at her.” The next day at the agency, Elizabeth presented her to the Suddaths, and after ten days, the adoption was finalized.
“The day I placed Hanna in Mary’s arms was the worst day of my life. But I remember getting in the car, and my mother handed me a teddy bear and said, ‘Mary gave this to me to give to you because she knew your arms would be empty.’ It wasn’t a tradeoff—it was knowing the pain I would experience as they had just gone through something like that themselves,” Elizabeth says. “I think back, even now twentyseven years later, about walking into my home, unable to speak, going into my room, shutting the door, and just wailing for my child.” As painful as it was to live through, Elizabeth says, “It was the most difficult decision of my life, but I don’t regret making it.”
Grief was real, but so was support. Mary invited Elizabeth to visit Hanna, reassuring her that the baby was thriving. That invitation became the foundation of a lifelong relationship. Mary reflects, “Adoption is bittersweet. You must always default to what’s best for the child. Boundaries matter, but so does compassion for the birth parents. When everyone focuses on the child, it becomes beautiful.” The next chapter began as three loving adults and one baby named Hanna found their way in this new experience of open adoption.
When asked if she would do anything differently, Mary thought and said, “I am a different person now, but I would do the same thing. We took openness to a whole new level, and today I would do even more to demystify open adoption.”
Elizabeth says she has become more open to talking about her experience with open adoption. “There’s a component of shame which I had to fight over the years. I think that stems from the continuing stigma from being an unwed mother. I always found it frustrating, especially in my twenties, walking around with a scarlet letter, but over time I have let go of that shame.”
She says she would tell a birth mother contemplating open adoption, “It’s going to be okay. Take your time. It will hurt in the short term, but there is the long-term potential to have a wonderful relationship.” To adoptive parents she says, “Listen to your heart. It’s all about respect and trust, and you have to give trust and respect back. It’s a big leap of faith, but adoption is a beautiful gift to all involved. What I envisioned at that time was a very small corner of the picture of what it did become.”
“Adoption is bittersweet. You must always default to what’s best for the child. Boundaries matter, but so does compassion for the birth parents. When everyone focuses on the child, it becomes beautiful.”
Mary and her husband Matt have been married for fortyfour years. Their daughter Shelby and grandson Griffin live with them, which makes for a full and busy house. Retired, Mary volunteers with the Coastal Nurse Honor Guard. Elizabeth had another beautiful daughter and has a career in the financial industry. Her company transferred her to North Carolina two years ago, where she bought a historic home and recently became engaged. Hanna graduated from Ave Maria University in Florida, where she met Justin Brown, a young man from Illinois. They married last October and now live in Illinois, where she teaches music PreK to eighth grade at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
From the beginning, the Suddath family has been very open regarding adoption. “When Hanna was baptized, the priest asked, ‘Could the two mothers come to the altar?’ and that was beautiful. Our friends and family were always very supportive. I truly see Elizabeth, her mom, and her sister as family,” Mary says.
Elizabeth says she never could have predicted this journey. “Most surprising was the consistency of our relationship over the years and the many ‘full circle moments,’ such as when my daughter was confirmed at the same church I went to while I was pregnant. Here we were twenty years later, and her confirmation sponsor was Hanna. Mary and my mother were also there. We are family. It’s an honor and privilege to have this relationship.”
Mary says her idea of fun is “being together with my family for a big event or just being with family. That is the best of all.” She relates an annual event that has a special meaning for their family. “Every year since Hanna and Cooper’s adoption, we have celebrated their Adoption Day. This is the anniversary of the day we went to court to finalize their adoptions. We invite extended family to join us each time. When we went to Cracker Barrel, I would sneak a note to the waitress, and at the end of our meal, the staff would all come out and sing ‘Happy Adoption Day To You’ to the tune of Happy Birthday. Often the other people would also join in singing. A few years ago, Cooper told me that he didn’t want them to come out and sing anymore, and I just smiled and said, ‘Okay, then this will be the last time.’ But when the staff came out to sing, our waitress unexpectedly sang it gospelstyle, and everyone got pretty emotional! After that happened, he said it was still okay for them to sing it every year.” ■
KICKLIGHTER LAW RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Proud winners in the 2025 Best of Effingham Law Firm and Attorney categories, Kicklighter Law is committed to delivering trusted legal representation.
Attorneys Mickey Kicklighter, Brian “B.J.” Fussell, Jr., and Kelsey Kicklighter focus their practice on Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury, and Civil Matters, providing skilled advocacy and personalized guidance for every client.
WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND ACHIEVING RESULTS, YOU CAN RELY ON THE AWARDWINNING TEAM AT KICKLIGHTER LAW
by Alycia Calderin
The holiday season is magical. And exhausting. This time of year is a wild blend of joy and borderline madness, of gratitude and grit. Equal parts pumpkin pie and panic. It’s the season of giving…and giving up and ordering pizza because you forgot to thaw dinner. Again.
It kicks off with Thanksgiving, or as my teenager now calls it, “the thing getting in the way of Christmas.” Halloween candy just landed in the pantry when she busts out a Christmas sweatshirt and asks where the stockings are. Bless her holly jolly heart. I’m still clinging to Thanksgiving. Barely.
Whether we’re hosting or packing up for the in-laws, there’s always a last-minute grocery run, a missing pie crust, and a fight over why I want everything color-coordinated. I imagine a Norman Rockwell scene. What we get is more like a group project: no clear leader, lots of carbs, and me quietly panicking about the sweet potatoes.
Then, in a blink, the pressure to deck the halls kicks in. In our house, that means peeling paper turkeys off the fridge and panicking when the neighbors already have lights up. Last year I suggested we go full Pinterest, white lights, matte ornaments, velvet ribbon. All four kids proclaimed: “We like our old decorations.” I melted.
Because our tree, chaotic and glitter bombed, is ours. Bent pipe cleaner reindeer, chubby baby photo ornaments, one bulb that always blinks too fast. Hanging lights, laughing about what always falls off, that’s the tradition. Not the perfection. That’s the stuff that sticks.
And then there’s the Christmas tree. My husband and I rarely argue, except at the tree lot. Every year. He swears any tree over $100 is a scam. I want one that looks like it came out of a Hallmark movie. The kids pick a favorite while we circle trees, muttering. Eventually, we compromise: a tree just over his budget and just under my expectations. Tradition.
Getting it set up? Always a mess. He’s on the floor wrestling with screws. I’m pretending to be helpful while dodging pine needles. Mariah Carey’s on blast. The tree leans like it’s had
one too many coquitos. Nothing says holiday spirit like yelling “IS IT STRAIGHT NOW?” every 12 seconds.
I want to be the mom with curated Christmas bins and a gift spreadsheet, sipping peppermint mochas while pulling perfectly wrapped presents from a year-round stash. But I’m the mom panic-scrolling at midnight, praying expedited shipping saves Christmas without wrecking the budget.
And then there’s the Elf. That smug little spy. Every year starts strong, zip lines, flour snow angels, marshmallow scenes. Then I forget to move him. For days.
Still, I wouldn’t trade it. We’re juggling magic for the youngest while protecting it for the older ones. In our house, we don’t say Santa out loud unless we’re ready to play highstakes truth or consequences. The rule is: don’t believe, don’t receive. We don’t mess with magic distribution.
Another rule is: we don’t travel for Christmas. I want my kids to wake up in their own home and see their tree. It’s sacred, even if it comes with sugar crashes, sibling fights, and batteries not included. It matters. All of it.
Because even with the chaos, the forgotten elf, the crooked tree, the mismatched socks, there’s beauty. I may not have an Instagram worthy porch, but I show up. I wrap gifts in a hurry. I forget the elf, but I never forget the hot chocolate after we decorate. I might not have it all together, but somehow, I hold it all together. That’s the grit.
And the gratitude? It sneaks in between the glitter mess and the late-night wrapping. In the way my son still gets excited for Santa. In the way my daughters buy each other gifts without being asked. In knowing these traditions are sticking, even if the elf sometimes isn’t.
The kids won’t remember the chaos. They’ll remember the lights. The smells. The laughter. The tree that leans but holds every memory we’ve made.
So, here’s to the moms doing the juggle. The tired ones still trying. The ones running on coffee, chaos, and three kinds of pie. We are the magic makers. Even if the magic sometimes shows up last minute…and says the elf is on a break.
Sponsored by
Philip Davis never planned to be a novelist. For nearly a decade, a half-finished manuscript sat untouched on his computer. But when he finally returned to it, the passion he uncovered set him on a path that has carried him through three books, a traditional publishing contract, and a newfound identity as a mystery writer rooted in Georgia.
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” he said. “It was the summer of 2014, and I was just bored out of my mind. I opened up a Word document and started putting thoughts down. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I probably put down 5,000 to 6,000 words in a few weeks, and for the next eight years, I didn’t open that Word document.”
Life, work, and everyday demands got in the way. But the story never left him, and the spark that was lit that day quietly flickered in the background of his thoughts— until the day his wife Ruby encouraged him to revisit those pages.
“One night in 2022, I was sitting there, and my wife was like, ‘You know what, you’re bored, why don’t you revisit the novel you forgot about?’” he said.
From that point, the little spark burst into flame. In five or six months, he finished what he had started eight years earlier.
With the final chapter written, it was time to find a traditional publisher. He could have gone with selfpublishing, which has become more mainstream in recent years. Pride kept him from that route, even after dozens of rejection letters.
His determination eventually led him to Auctus Publishers, a Philadelphia-based company that took a chance on a first-time author.
“It’s a blessing,” he said. “They took an option on an unpublished and unknown guy, and that was really exciting.”
Davis’s novels blend classic suspense with a distinctly Georgia sense of place.
“They are murder mysteries, my first two, and now I have a third one that is with the publisher,” he said. “The third one is not so much a murder mystery, but a mystery in and of itself.”
All three books are set in Georgia. The first one starts in Brunswick and takes readers on a suspense-filled journey around the world. The second one carries the storyline across the United States.
While his first two books fit squarely in the murder mystery genre, Davis’s third novel touches on a topic in the headlines: human trafficking.
“I wasn’t by any means trying to glamorize it, but just trying to show how human trafficking impacts not only those poor people that are directly impacted and their families, but also a gentleman who was unknowingly trafficking individuals, and how he and his law enforcement friends set out to take down the syndicate,” Davis said.
To capture the reality behind the fiction, Davis turned to both research and personal connections. One of his most valuable resources came from closer to home.
For a man who once left a manuscript untouched for eight years, Davis now writes with urgency and joy. His mysteries may unfold slowly on the page, but the story of his writing life is already full of unexpected twists—and more are surely ahead.
“I have a nephew who is a deputy down in South Georgia,” he said. “He had encountered criminals who were trafficking humans, and he was an excellent source of information.”
Though Davis’s stories are deeply Georgian, he’s also drawn on his travels to enrich his novels. His wife is from the Philippines, and he’s visited there several times. He’s traveled through Europe, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and Japan—experiences that help him create vivid, believable settings.
Writing mysteries, Davis said, wasn’t an accident.
“They’re just something that has always been my passion,” he explained. “I love mysteries of any sort. It’s the genre I’ve chosen to write.”
Unlike many authors, Davis doesn’t rely on strict outlines. He begins with a clear beginning and an envisioned ending, then lets the middle unfold as inspiration strikes.
“I’m probably not your traditional writer who starts with an outline,” he said. “I might jot down notes in a separate document, but most of the time I just write as it comes to mind. I may write twenty pages in a day, then go six months without writing a single word.”
That flexible approach leaves plenty of room for discovery and surprises.
“It gives me a lot of room for plot twists,” he said. “I enjoy a good plot twist. I like the old Perry Mason shows, Andy Griffith … anything with a twist.”
Even classic television feeds his imagination. He recently revisited the George Peppard detective series Banacek on Prime Video, watching every episode and taking note of the clever twists and surprises that continue to inspire his own stories.
Family as Inspiration
Behind Davis’s writing is the steady encouragement of his wife, Ruby.
“She is just what you hear about, the prototypical 100% support for whatever endeavor I’ve chosen to tackle,” he said. “In her mind, she’s probably thinking, ‘This is not a good idea, Philip,’ but she sincerely supports whatever endeavor.”
Davis said his wife seems to have an intuitive sense for when he needs a lift. Without being asked, she’ll stop by, offer a smile, and say something simple like, “You’re doing a good job. We’re proud of you. Keep pushing.”
Those moments, he said, mean more than she probably realizes. People tell him all the time what he already knows— she’s his rock, and his biggest fan.
His love of storytelling also comes from his mother.
“I can remember my mom and I sitting down when I was a young child and not able to read yet,” he said. “She was an avid reader, and still is an avid reader. At 83 years old, she would sit and read to me for hours on end.”
Davis said his mother first introduced him to reading the way many children of his generation began—with Dr. Seuss and other childhood favorites. But she didn’t stop there. Whatever she happened to be reading at the time, she’d share with him, regardless of genre. Mystery, romance, adventure— if a story captured her attention, she’d read it aloud. That time together, he said, is where his love of stories began.
Philip Davis’s first two books are available at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon.
The Shadows Behind the Mystery is set in Brunswick, Georgia, with danger spilling into Duval County, Florida. A single lie sparks a chain of events that leaves three men dead and a community on edge. As investigators chase clues that twist and turn, deception and fear spread, and everyone wonders: who can be trusted—and who might be next?
Beautiful Entrapment follows the disappearance of district attorney Gerry Lamar, sparking a tense search from Brunswick, Georgia, to destinations around the globe. As local authorities, a private detective, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation chase clues, a web of betrayal and greed comes to light— leading to a shocking revelation no one could have predicted.
“My brother’s the real reader in the family,” he added with a laugh. “He goes through at least two books a month. If I read one a year, I’ve done well.”
Still, the foundation was set early, and that love of storytelling stuck.
Davis may not read as voraciously as some authors, but he has found a rhythm and a process that works for his writing.
“When I start back writing, it’s two hours a day when I get home in the afternoon, and my Saturday afternoons and my Sunday afternoons consist of sitting in front of the computer,” he said. “I don’t want to lose the ideas that I have because I’m my own worst enemy by not putting these thoughts in an outline form on a Word document.”
For a man who once left a manuscript untouched for eight years, Davis now writes with urgency and joy. His mysteries may unfold slowly on the page, but the story of his writing life is already full of unexpected twists—and more are surely ahead.
When Davis isn’t writing, he works for Konecranes in Savannah, sourcing hard-to-find parts for overhead cranes, which involves a little detective work. When his sales team is searching for a part and coming up empty, they turn to Davis.
“Thank goodness for Google, but Google doesn’t always save you,” he said.
It’s no surprise that a man drawn to unraveling mysteries in fiction thrives on solving puzzles in real life, too. ■
• Resource information and referrals to community services
• Caregiver support groups and individual consultations
• Caregiver follow-up support
• Extensive dementia education and support
by Gail Mihalik
(912) 826-0073
3203 907 Lisa Street, Rincon, GA
Ms. Jean’s isn’t the kind of place you stumble into by accident. It’s the kind of place someone sends you to—usually with a whisper: “You’ve got to try the fried chicken.”
And they’re right. It’s the fried chicken that brings people back again and again— golden, crackly, and perfectly seasoned.
Ms. Jean’s is set up cafeteria-style— technically a buffet, but with a friendly team serving you. Check the daily blackboard as you walk in. You’ll usually find three to four meat choices, always including that top-rated fried chicken, along with favorites like pork chops, beef tenders, and sausage casserole.
Then come the vegetables—collards, black-eyed peas, butter beans, green beans, mac and cheese, potatoes in all kinds of forms—the list goes on and changes daily. Add in homemade cornbread and a tempting lineup of desserts, and you’ve got a true Southern spread.
It’s classic “meat and three”: choose your meat, then fill your plate with three sides. (You can always add an extra side or two if you can’t make up your mind.) And don’t skip the soft, tender biscuit—it’s like a hug from your memaw.
The staff is as sweet as the tea and quick to spot a first-timer, ready with a refill or a recommendation. Service is fast, friendly, and efficient, but never rushed.
Ms. Jean’s isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s rolling things back to when lunch was hot, the soup was hearty, and the banana pudding was made with love.
Hungrily yours,
