Effingham Magazine - Back To School Issue - August/September 2021

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

ASHARI PALMER: Standout Student is Heading to Harvard August/September 2021

In every transformational journey, there comes a time where change necessitates a renewed perspective—a new visual identity that embodies the future of the Effingham Health System.

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IN THIS ISSUE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

10

53 Features

10

Ashari Palmer Standout Student is Heading to Harvard

15

Tips from Teachers for Choosing Quality Childcare

Four Tips, Compiled by Teachers with more than

24

21 ABOUT THE COVER

Supporting Vulnerable Children in the Foster Care System

As School Begins, Our Most Vulnerable Children Need Extra Support and Understanding

24

Roy Griffin, Jr. & The Effingham Bulldogs

Ashari Palmer made history at Effingham’s STEM Academy when her years of hard work resulted in her acceptance into Harvard University.

The hardworking student is planning to major in psychology at the Ivy League school this fall.

40 Years of Classroom Experience

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39

50

53

“V” is for Victory and Village

A Letter from Superintendent Dr. Yancy J. Ford Questions & Answers with the Principals of Effingham County School District.

Principals from Each of the District Elementary, Middle, and High Schools Answer Q&As

Allen & Patricia Cooke Faith, Hope & Love Combine in Couples Nonprofit Counseling Ministry

South Georgia Pets Articles, Information, and Advice All About Your Furry Friends

Departments

9 64 Don’t forget to check out EffinghamMagazine.com for more content, more photos and more information about events and happenings around Effingham County.

4 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Publisher’s Thoughts Effingham Happenings

Your Community Website EffinghamMagazine.com now includes

MORE community information, MORE events and happenings and MORE great stories about the people, places and happenings from Your Community Magazine.

EffinghamMagazine.com THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS:

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www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 5

More than an agent—

A NEIGHBOR

What makes an insurance agent special? A passion for helping others and a commitment to the community he or she serves. That is how Ashley Boyette— State Farm agent views her role. She is a small business owner and State Farm agent serving all of Effingham County.

Ashley Boyette and her team understand that their clients need to find the best and most affordable insurance and financial services possible. Specializing in all types of insurance and financial planning, they treat every customer like they would treat their own families. They let the needs of the customer guide the recommendations and advice they provide. They strive to protect families and help them plan for the future.

Ashley says, “I love this community because it is very welcoming. We are also made up of organizations that want to help others. Whether it is children’s sports programs or the Manna House, we all come together to help each other. I am very proud to be part of this great community.”

Ashley also loves spending time with her own family. She has two little boys and loves watching them learn karate. She also loves the outdoors and even doing yard work!

If you need insurance, financial planning advice or just a friendly face, stop by Ashley Boyette’s office. You will be glad you did.

912-826-1029 www.RinconGaInsurance.com

912.754.6503

www.wrightwicks.com 503 N. Laurel #A, Springfield GA 6 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

WrightWicks @wrightwickscandleco

EDUCATION IS FOR improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and the world better than you found it.

-MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

BACK TO SCHOOL

MEET THE TEAM Jonathan Chick is a photojournalist and

Katie Vandenhouten is a freelance

Michelle Holloway is a lifestyle

Katrice Williams is a married mother

Tonya Perry is a married mother of

Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic

editorial photographer based in Guyton, GA. He is currently the university photographer at Georgia Southern (Hail Southern!). When he is not out taking photos, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, his two children, Jude and Ruby, and his two fur babies, Logan and Jezebel.

writer from Effingham County who loves meeting interesting people. She earned an English degree from GSU, and caught the travel bug while studying abroad in Costa Rica. After college, she worked at Yellowstone National Park, where she loved hiking & photographing the scenery. She now resides in Rincon with her husband, Sean, and their two children, Turner and Emery.

photographer who studied photojournalism and public relations at Northern Arizona University, where she was awarded the Scripps Photojournalism Scholarship. During her time at NAU, she worked as a staff photographer for the Lumberjack school newspaper. She moved to Georgia with her husband three years ago after he accepted an engineering position with Gulfstream.

They have two beautiful children in their family.

of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree.

Interestingly enough, at the time, she also had an interest in writing. She and her family moved to Pooler in 2003 from the Atlanta Metro Area.

She later decided to pursue her writing interests.

Katrice appreciates the Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings that He has bestowed upon her.

She loves spending time with her family.

two children and several animals. She is a photographer based out of Rincon, Ga. and a volunteer photographer at the Effingham County Animal Shelter in Springfield, where she photographs the animals in hopes of getting them adopted. She graduated from college with a degree in business. When not homeschooling & working, her favorite thing is to spend time with her husband, kids and dogs.

designer specializing in print design. A creative writing major in college who has always passionate about art, Laura found her way into graphic design 15 years ago and now enjoys shaping stories through meaningful design.

When she’s not working, Laura loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children, Alli, Matthew and Claire.

Cindy Reid is a graduate of Mills College

in Oakland, CA. She spent most of her career working with authors in the retail book business before becoming one herself. She has a daughter who lives in the state of Washington. A native of New York's Hudson Valley, Cindy now makes her home on St. Helena Island.

Jan Southern, DPA

CEO/Publisher Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com

Tonya Perry

Operations Manager Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com

8 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Penny Redmond Distribution

Mabel & Carter Morale Officers

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE JAN SOUTHERN CEO/Publisher Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com TONYA PERRY Operations Manager Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com LAURA ZIELINSKI Design PENNY REDMOND Distribution

Effingham Magazine is proudly produced by:

135 Goshen Rd. Ext., Suite 251 Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406 EffinghamMagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Write to us and tell us what you think. Effingham Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor.

Please send all letters via email 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 photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing 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 Effingham County will be considered.

It’s Back to School?

As we go to press, I can hardly believe it is time for our Annual Back to School issue. It seems like yesterday that it was the beginning of summer, warm days ahead and all the promise of vacations, boating, camping and just lazy days with friends and family.

We are having an incredible year at Effingham Magazine. We have met so many new people—those moving to the area and those who have lived here for years whom Jan Southern we now call friends. We love bringing Your Community Magazine to our readers and subscribers and helping more and more businesses grow in Effingham.

Now, with all the kiddos going back to school, there is so much to do to prepare. This issue brings you inspiration, planning tips and updates from the Effingham County schools.

I hope you enjoy this school year, the Fall festivities and the upcoming holidays. Be sure to visit EffinghamMagazine.com for the latest on events happening in our area as well!

Owner/Publisher Effingham Magazine Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

Check out SOUTH GEORGIA PETS on p.53

CIRCULATION: Effingham Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed to more than 250 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.

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 9

ASHARI PALMER: Standout Student is Heading to Harvard Story by Katie Vandenhouten | Photos by Michelle Holloway

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shari Palmer has made history at Effingham’s STEM Academy.

She was accepted into Harvard University in December, making her the first student from the STEM Academy to get into the prestigious Ivy League.

Rhonda Habersham was the teacher who witnessed the life-changing phone call. “The phone rang, and we knew it was Harvard calling,” Rhonda says. “When she told me she got accepted, I asked her if I could tell the wonderful news downstairs.” Rhonda then shouted out over the balcony, echoing throughout the corridor below, “Ashari got accepted into Harvard!”

“Then, when Ashari herself announced it to the staff, we all broke out in spontaneous applause and screams,” Rhonda recalls.

“Some of us cried, too, because we love her so much.” The crowd surrounded Ashari, and the hallway erupted with cheers of congratulations.

“The uproar from the teachers was absolutely appalling. I didn’t know they could scream that loud,” Ashari says with a laugh. When her mother heard the news and got to the school, she embraced her daughter with pride, spinning her around excitedly until she broke down into happy tears.

It was a “movie moment” she will never forget. “It was very surreal,” says Ashari. She says it hits her in waves, and sometimes she still can’t believe it’s real. “I’m actually going to Harvard!” she exclaims.

Years of Hard Work Although the acceptance changed the trajectory of her life in an instant, the accomplishment took years of hard work.

Ashari has always excelled in school, which is no small feat considering her heavy course load. She has no shortage of AP classes in her repertoire, including AP Human Geography, Government, Chemistry, Spanish and Microeconomics, as well as AB & BC Calculus.

It was her calculus teacher, Jan Avila, who encouraged her to apply to Harvard.

She saw something special in Ashari. Not only did Jan urge her to apply, but she also helped guide her through the rigorous application and interview process.

“In over thirty years I have been teaching, few students have achieved so much and demanded so little recognition,” Jan says when asked what makes Ashari a stand out student. “I am especially

www.EFFINGH FFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 11

honored to have been Ashari’s teacher for two consecutive years.”

Jan describes Ashari as a special combination of innocence and humility.

Not one to toot her own horn, she is the type of student who exceeds expectations while remaining modest. “I was elated, but not completely surprised that she would be accepted,” Jan adds. “To quote T.S. Elliot, ‘Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.’”

Ashari expresses her gratitude and can’t emphasize enough how much Ms. Avila’s encouragement helped her along the way.

“When she sees something in a student, she is going to bring it out. There is no question about it. That’s why she encouraged me to apply so much,” says Ashari. “She had a really strong feeling that I could actually get somewhere with that.”

have to do.” And she plans to do it. Only now, she’ll be doing it at one of the best schools in the world.

Excelling in and out of the Classroom Ashari loves learning. When asked what her least favorite subject is, she hesitates to respond because she doesn’t really have one. She believes there is something to be learned from every class she takes.

And she excels outside of the classroom as well. She is an avid reader, and she loves to sing. She has been in chorus and drama; one of her favorite roles was playing an

everything that I’ve got,” Ashari says.

“She always reminded me that I was smart and that I could do anything that I wanted.”

Her faith plays a crucial role in her life as well. “I’m a Christian, and I do think that praying and talking to God and just giving a lot of the pain to Him has definitely helped,” she explains. “I also started meditating a while back.

The focus on your breathing helps me go through my day without a troubled mind,” she adds. “Even in the most troubling of times, it’s very important to make sure you’re still breathing.”

This was especially important in 2020, which was a tumultuous year. Being a high school student in the midst of a global pandemic hasn’t been ideal, but Ashari’s exciting news at the end of 2020 reminds her that there’s always a silver lining.

“It really helped me to know that in any situation—even a year’s worth of torment and struggle—there’s always some sort of light that you can get out of it,” Ashari says. “But in this case, it was a little bit bigger.”

A First Step Toward Big Goals In this case, that “somewhere” is arguably one of the best schools in the world. Her acceptance into Harvard is only the first step in a long journey that Ashari has envisioned. She has big goals Dreaming Big for the future.

If there’s one lesson she has Ashari plans to become learned, it’s to dream bigger a psychologist and to bring and not to underestimate awareness to mental health herself. She never imagined There are times where you feel like issues. “We’ve grown a lot as she would get into Harvard, far as accepting mental health you’re not enough, but you never really but now that she has achieved as something that’s a part of it, she encourages others to know what you can do until you do it. us and that is normal,” says believe in themselves and go Ashari. “There is a whole lot after their goals. of work to be done in certain “There are going to be times communities of people who where you feel like you’re still think of it as a taboo thing. What urchin in the SEHS production of Little not enough, or you feel like what you’re better way than to go and educate yourself Shop of Horrors. She also works two partdoing isn’t enough or someone else might to help educate your people?” time jobs at Arby’s and Sonic. be a better fit,” she explains. “I would Her interest in psychology was born in To say she is busy would be an tell [everyone] not to underestimate seventh grade English class with a novel understatement. When asked how she does themselves, because you never really know called Flowers for Algernon. As she read it all, she says she gets support from her what you can do until you do it.” the story, she became fascinated with the family, comfort from God, and peace from Ashari Palmer is a mix of perseverance science and the complexity of the human meditation. and positivity, which has no doubt brain. After that, her mind was set.

Her biggest role model is her mother, contributed to her success. Her work “I think I just found what I want to do Jennifer Simmons. Ashari says the lessons ethic and drive make her an inspiration to for the rest of my life, and that’s what she has learned from her mother have both students and staff alike. She had the I’m sticking with,” she says. “I went and been invaluable to her. audacity to set big goals and put in the work looked up a whole bunch of information “She really was the one who supported to achieve them. And while her acceptance about different psychologists and the me and just propelled me forever to to Harvard is a monumental achievement, it degrees you have to have and what you always do my best, to always give certainly won’t be her last. n

“

“

12 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

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WWW.WHITE-LAVENDER.COM 2 MAGNOLIA BLVD SUITE A PORTWENTWORTH,GA 31407

Tips from Teachers for Choosing Quality Child Care As families across the country get ready for back-to-school season, many are also preparing to return to in-person work, which means finding the right program to support their children’s ongoing learning and development. According to “The Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Pre-Kindergarten Effects” report, choosing a quality preschool helps children start elementary school prepared for success.

Knowing what to look for when choosing the right child care provider for your family can be stressful. However, these insights from KinderCare teachers with 40-plus years of classroom experience and Teacher of the Year honorees can help remove some of the mystery.

1

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT MATTERS MOST Before beginning your search, take some time to think about specific wants and needs for your family and children, whether that’s kindergarten-readiness, social and emotional development or convenient location. Write down the things that matter most to your family and refer to that list when you’re speaking with potential providers and asking questions.

2

PUT YOURSELF IN YOUR CHILD’S SHOES When you look around the classroom, be sure to look for child-sized furniture

and age-appropriate books and toys within children’s reach. This can help inspire their natural curiosity, encourage independence and build confidence.

It’s also important to know how play is incorporated, how it’s facilitated and to see purposeful opportunities for play in each classroom.

“There should be areas set up with enhancements that incorporate toys, blocks, art materials and dramatic play,” said KinderCare Teacher of the Year Sara Fouriner. “Teachers should share how they’re fostering social and emotional skills, executive function, problem solving, language and regulation skills in children by offering clear examples and putting evidence of learning on full display.”

3

ENSURE SAFETY AND QUALITY ARE PRIORITIES Health and safety took center stage in 2020 and remain top priorities for many families. Ask questions about each potential provider’s safety rules and practices in addition to their curriculum.

It may also be beneficial to ask if their programs are accredited by a third-party agency, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Accreditation means the center’s program is held to high standards and exceeds basic requirements set by state licensing.

“As a mother, grandmother and teacher, I believe families should look for a center that is clean and accredited,” said Dorothy Ellison, an early childhood teacher of 40 years. “Families should also inquire about child-to-teacher ratios, staff training and hiring practices, supervision, emergency prep, illness policies, communication and the quality of caregivers in each program.”

4

LOOK FOR TEACHERS WHO LOVE WHAT THEY DO Great teachers have a natural ability to connect with every child in their care. If children love their teachers and school is a safe, happy place for them, there are typically few limitations on what they can learn.

“High-quality education starts with open, caring teachers who understand the expectations of the age group they represent,” said Dana Davin, a KinderCare Teacher of the Year and center director. “A genuine welcome when children arrive, a clean and engaging classroom and a culture of inclusion all stem from great teachers who believe in what they do.”

For more tips on choosing the right child care for your family, visit kindercare.com.

Sponsored by KinderCare

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 15

JUSTIN MYATT MYATT’S GARAGE, LLC

J

ustin Myatt achieved his lifelong dream this year and opened Myatt’s Garage, a high-performance automotive garage. He specializes in anything with an LS engine, primarily high-end, late model GM cars, new Corvettes, Cadillacs, or older model GM vehicles if they are being rebuilt to a performance mode. It’s strictly engine performance work, Cam swaps- think fast street cars, race cars and all round “speed shop”. (Myatt’s Garage isn’t where you go for minor repairs, transmission builds or bodywork.)

Myatt’s Garage is also a BTR Brian Tooley Racing Dealer as well as a Circle D Specialties Dealer for any Engine parts all the way to transmission torque converters.

Regular cars have moderately powerful engines that are easier to handle, while performance cars need an enhanced engine to provide superior speed and agility. Owner Justin Myatt says, “Many of these cars go to races, or are for people looking to optimize their car and get the most out of it possible.”

As an Automotive Consultant and High-Performance Engine Technician, https://mail.google.c Justin can build and repair engines, as well as add bolt-on high performance parts for optimal acceleration and speed. He can do forced induction, turbos, superchargers and nitrous to force more air into the engine allowing it to run more efficiently and create more power.

This is not your dad’s garage- the technology used in today’s world of high-end performance changes rapidly and is very sophisticated.

Justin has decades of experience and is able to troubleshoot and diagnose exactly what an engine needs to achieve the peak performance mode his customers want out of their car, whether it’s for racing or daily driving.

Lifetime Passion “Since I was a little boy, it was cars and basketball.” Says Justin, “I worked on pedal bikes, go karts, motorcycles, cars, anything with wheels. My dad really supported me, we went to lots of car shows, races, burn out contests, you name it. I used to go street racing at 10 years old. It all just deepened my interest.”

At 13 years old, Justin bought his first car, a 1979 Mazda Rx-7, paying $600 of his own money. He worked his way up to a 1994 Camaro Z28 he built up, which was the fastest car in his high school and by the time he was a senior he was driving a 2003 Corvette Z06.

Justin was planning on pursuing his other passion, pro basketball, but during a 16 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

routine physical they found an embolism the risk. After years of work, I made my Effingham, Pooler, South Carolina then on his aortic valve, ruling out basketball dream a reality.”

Savannah but the car community really for good. He let go of basketball and went connects with each other and soon I had com/mail/u/0/#search/justin+myatt?compose=CllgCKCGCvWXgfMzsFDSzRqPgvgWlDvHmCpCsmTWkwPTGfkzlLqHCfpdwxpjJCQqdwvGBcHZzML&projector=1 1/2 Badmaro to auto technician school in West Warwick customers from Florida, Atlanta, all over.”

Basically, there are three types of https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/myattsgarage%40gmail.com/FMfcgzGkXwNbNPgtjjXMgmMqcDW R.I., and in his free time he “was always Justin looks forward to being at racetracks racing in this country: stock (NASCAR), buying and fixing cars, souping them up as a competitor and as a garage, as well as ‘open wheel’ (Indy Racing League), and and making them go faster.” hosting car shows and automotive events drag (National Hot Rod Association) During high school Justin worked at Myatt’s Garage on a regular basis.

The “Badmaro” is Justin’s own personal at Valvoline, Majestic Honda and after He credits his success to “Being an race car, a 2002 SS Camaro single turbo high school at Grainger Honda where he honest person, honest with the customer th400 streetcar that he built for drag eventually became an Express Service and honest with my work. I treat my racing. Justin bought Badmaro in 2007 Manager. customers how I would want to be (a completely stock, one owner car) and In 2008 his heart issue became treated. My customers are spending their over time he built it where it is today. critical, and he underwent open heart hard-earned money so I will always do And where it is today is very impressive. surgery. There were complications my best for them.”

For example: during the operation, and he says “I Putting in the years of long nights • In 2008 the car dynoed 328.8 almost died three times. Now I have a and weekends working on cars, grinding horsepower and 349.4 fp of torque. mechanical valve and my heart is great.” away at his goal of having his own shop, • In 2021 the car dynoed 1119 Speaking of heart, talk to Justin and wasn’t always easy. “When everyone horsepower and 911.5 fp of torque. you will soon find out that a little girl used to say, “do you think your shop is These stats are framed and hung named Karlie stole his heart when she going anywhere?” I kept the faith and in Justin’s office so his customers can was born almost ten years ago. Being kept pushing for my dream.” He says see what Myatt’s Garage is capable a dad just made achieving his dream the sacrifices he made to get there have of achieving. Justin started bringing all the more special to Justin, who says all been worth it because it is “deeply Badmaro to races in 2017 and it wasn’t he and Karlie “make a great team. She satisfying to open Myatt’s Garage and long before he was collecting trophies. keeps me going.” help my customers achieve their dreams.”

At the FL2K, an annual race series in Bradenton, Florida, he won First Place Making his Dream a Reality in 2019 and was the Runner Up in the In 2013 Justin became a fleet 2020 Roll Race.. Badmaro is quickly mechanic at the Georgia Port. As always, becoming a fan favorite—in fact, the car he continued to work on cars in his free has its own Facebook page (check out time. “But my goal since high school was “Badmaro”), and it will be back on the to one day have my own shop,” he says, racetrack later this year.

“I worked at the port for eight years, and (912) 596-0953 when I found the right location for my 120 Pine Meadow Dr, Pooler, GA Myatt’s Garage shop I took the leap, quit my job, and /MyattsGarage The word is out about Myatt’s started my own business. It took a good Myatt’s Garage Garage. “I started out with customers in bit of courage to do it, but it was worth @MyattsGarage www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 17

Accepting New Patients. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.

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oshen park commercial center

Rincon’s Premier Business Address | www.GoshenParkRincon.com

18 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Is Botox the Right Therapy for You? When you hear the word Botox, what’s the first thing you think about? Youth Serum? Mystery?

Vanity?

(smiles showing excessive amount of gum tissue due to hyper active upper lip). It can also be used to enhance body features such as the eyebrows— “Botox Eyebrow lift”—and lips—“Botox Lip Flip.”

Botox has been gaining a lot of traction and buzz lately for its cosmetic and therapeutic effects, especially trending in society and on social media sites.

Botox to me as a clinician is a *magic* solution that simply smooths things out.

It relaxes the muscles and reduces wrinkles all at the same time. Botox is not vanity, nor is it a mystery. It’s therapy.

Scientifically, Botox is a purified protein derived from the Botulinum toxin A that inhibits the muscle fibers and reduces its activity and thus the activity of the skin attached to it.

Botox acts specifically on the neuromuscular junction in muscle fibers and inhibit its muscle activity for at least three months at a time. With repeated treatments, this reduces wrinkles, pain, muscle activity and size, and therapeutic effects begin to last longer. Getting “too much Botox” will not lead to poison nor will it get you sick.

So We Don’t Have to Look so “Wrinkly” as We Age? There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles caused by muscular movements on the skin over time. These wrinkles disappear and reappear with muscle movements. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, are wrinkles caused by gravity.

They are always there, no matter what kind of muscle movements or skin treatments you do. These wrinkles don’t go away and Botox will not work on them. Other methods such as fillers and PDO threads should be considered for treatment to these

Whether Botox is used to treat migraines, wrinkles, trigger points and/or muscle pain, one cannot separate the therapeutic effects from the cosmetic effects of Botox. With repeated treatments you could remain virtually “age-less.”

areas. Botox works on dynamic wrinkles only. That being said, pain and wrinkling around the forehead, eyes, nose & lips can significantly be reduced with the use of Botox therapy.

• Botox therapy can also be used to treat migraine headaches. Many headaches are actually caused by muscles in and around the head and neck. So, treating these muscles provides profound relief for months, studies show.

• Botox therapy can be used to treat myofascial pain and trigger points and provide therapeutic relief in the head and neck region. It can also treat bruxism and TMJ issues such as clenching & grinding. Studies show that around 90% of TMJ issues are muscular related. When you treat the muscles with Botox therapy you provide profound TMJ relief.

Awe! Botox... Let me say, I absolutely do love Botox. It has minimal side effects and a whole lot of therapeutic effects. The perfect combination and scenario for any therapy.

According to the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Botox can be quite safe and rewarding—I’m already hooked and a fan.

If you want to know more about Botox and if it is the right treatment for you, schedule your free consultation today.

DR. MISTY SEALE is the dentist behind iHeart Dental in Rincon. iHeart Dental has been in business for two years. Dr. Seale has been in the dental industry for seven years. She love helping people and transforming lives along the way.

• Botox therapy can be used to treat overactive sweating as well. A side effect to a smooth forehead is that you won’t sweat in that area on a hot day.

• Botox therapy can be used to correct and achieve esthetic appeal, for instance correct an over-active gummy smile.

(912) 499-1133 www.iheartdental.com

Before proceeding, here are some nuances about Botox you should know: First of all, there is a delayed onset with Botox. Meaning it can take 3-10 days before effects can begin to manifest. So I say to my patients, “Don’t love it or hate it for 2 weeks and then we evaluate for enhancements.” Also, sometimes small bruising around the injection sites can occur. We discourage anyone getting Botox within 2 weeks of any major event like a wedding or family reunion. It is advised not to touch or manipulate your face right after getting Botox to prevent damage and migration of the solution into unwanted areas. The Botox protein is very fragile, and it’s very important to keep your skin cool and away from sunlight and heat for at least 24 hours after receiving Botox therapy. Even saunas and facial massages can damage the Botox protein. There is also a small chance of temporary eyebrow or eyelid drooping that can occur if the solution is manipulated accidentally in the wrong place. However, if it does, it is not harmful and it usually goes away within a couple weeks. The chances of this is very minimal but as with all procedures, it is important to assess all the risks and benefits of any procedure before moving forward.

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 19

STAY TUNED FOR A NEW PODCAST! The It's ALL Marketing podcast will be hosted by Dr. Jan Southern, CEO of J. DelSUR Marketing Group. Join us as we chat with business owners, managers and entrepreneurs about the exciting and sometimes challenging issues in owning and operating a small business. In each episode we also offer listeners the best in business and marketing tips and strategies to help them grow their own businesses. Begins August 9.

ItsALLMarketingpodcast.com

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your children and provide their caretakers with the same resources your child may have (ie: learning center, tutoring centers).

Supporting Vulnerable Children in the Foster Care System

by Whitney Gillard, CEO of G&Co

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s the school year approaches and families prepare their children for scholastic excellence, right next door are children in foster care preparing for changes and perhaps—yet again— another unstable season in education.

My name is Whitney Lam Gilliard, former ward of the state and current CEO of Gilliard and Company (G&Co). Gilliard and Company is a local 501(c)(3) Foster Care Focused Foundation that supports youth aging out of foster care through housing. Our mission is simple: Meeting the Needs of Foster Care.

When I grew up in the foster care system, school days were excruciating.

My education suffered due to the lack of stability and my grades didn’t take into account the toll of the foster care system.

My hope is that this article will help our community better love the children facing foster care. Children in foster care attend the same summer camps, eat in the same cafeteria, go to the same school, and share the same education system as your child.

But the rates of educational excellence falter so drastically for these children.

There are ways we can help.

Be Understanding Peering into a day in the life of what it means to be in foster care is step one to understanding how you can make a difference.

Starting this school year, there will be children within the system who are

introduced to a new school. That means while your child may have grown up knowing the comfort and safety of their elementary, middle, and high school, our nation’s most vulnerable youth are yet again encountering a new hallway with new faces and a new schedule. The rate of children entering Georgia’s foster care system is accelerating by 90%( The Children’s Bureau). Yet only 5,400 homes are available to more than double the amount of children in need of foster families. So children in foster care are moved at an alarming rate from group homes to foster homes, to residentials, and more.

Don’t Judge Youth in foster care do worse in school because they don't have the support they need to succeed. It’s important to know that part of the effects of moving around so much is the lack of credit transfers that occurs within each move. This means that not only does the child have to get acclimated to new families and environments monthly or yearly, they also have to continuously take courses over again. I had to take the same algebra class three times at my various placements. Every county was different. But every placement only allowed me to stay for 6 months.

Within every move, momentum and drive is lost. Along with these moves comes the complex emotional and traumatic toll.

So when you see a foster child struggling, offer them the opportunity to study with

Don’t be a Stranger As teachers and education staff are mandatory reporters to prevent child abuse and neglect, I want to stress the importance of what happens when a child is under the survellance of DFCS. Most reportings are assumptions and speculations, most are without tangible evidence and out of emotional preference of care for the child and/or comparison of care (ie: I would never let my child do XYZ).

After working for more than three years as a Family Support Partner for The Multi Alliance Agency for Children, I have learned that the best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is through providing resources and getting to know the families.

Being poor is not a crime; having a lot of children is not a crime; not dressing as nicely as your child is not a crime; not having as much food in the fridge as you may have is not a crime; having a lesser home than yours is not a crime. When concerned neighbors get involved in these types of situations, the children removed from the homes may not be better off in the system. Every child deserves to be with his or her family if they are safe.

Children enter foster care for many reasons. By understanding the family, you may find that the families face financial or medical challenges, or many challenges other than abuse.

However leaning in to help a family is not a pass to ignore the imminent threat of harm. If you ever feel that a child is in danger, please call 911 or report it to GA’s CPS hotline: 404-870-6565. Never turn a blind eye to a child whose safety may be at risk.

What Happens Now? I hope that you will remain steadfast for our nation’s children, to learn more about who they are as individuals and not the stigma that surrounds them. I hope that you will welcome foster families and caregivers to your home and see where they may need help and resources before judging how they can do better. I hope that through your children and family’s understanding of the adversities facing our youth in foster care, our community is a hopeful place for this demographic of youth to thrive. It is only together we can stop the detrimental effects of life in and after foster care. n

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 21

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Branch Manager, Rincon Office Darrell Dasher grew up in the Sand Hill area, so managing the Rincon office of Yates-Astro really is “home” for him. He gives back to his hometown by officiating sports events for all age groups in and around Effingham County.

His influence goes beyond our area through his involvement as a Shriner and a Mason. Shriner Hospitals for children never charge for their services, a blessing that is the result of the work of Darrell and many others. The Children’s Home in Macon is an outgrowth of his volunteer work as well.

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Darrell considers it a form of “giving back” to his hometown by protecting area homes and businesses as a pest control professional with Yates-Astro. It is hometown people like Darrell Dasher who have made Yates-Astro, a family owned local business, the largest pest control provider in the region.

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SHE HOLDS MEMBERSHIPS IN THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY—HEAD & NECK SURGERY AS WELL AS THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OTOLARYNGIC ALLERGY. Dr. Miles is originally from the Atlanta area. She and her husband are happily living in downtown Savannah along with their son. In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time with their miniature schnauzer.

DR. MILES WELCOMES PATIENTS OF ALL AGES, ESPECIALLY PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.

Learn more about ENT Associates of Savannah at www.entsavannah.com 22 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 23

ROY GRIFFIN, JR. & THE EFFINGHAM BULLDOGS: “V” is for Victory & Village

R

oy Griffin, Jr. is the founder and basketball director of the Effingham Bulldogs. He has also coached for the Effingham County Recreation & Parks Department, under the leadership of Athletic Director Clarence Morgan, for 13 years. Roy, an Effingham native, has long possessed a true heart for kids—to inspire, to mentor, to coach. “I feel I owe it to God, and then myself, to help when I can. He’s put it in my heart,” said Roy. The Bulldogs are Born About three years ago, Roy was motivated to start his own travel basketball organization, feeling that it would be a rewarding opportunity for kids in the community. And the Effingham Bulldogs were born. The Bulldogs began with two groups at the time: a varsity team and a fifth-grade team. Travel sports are usually played at a more competitive level than regular recreational sports.

Over time, the program grew, and Roy recruited a variety of talent, ranging from fifth to eleventh grade.

“Coaching and mentoring has always been my passion. I felt it was a good idea to give kids the opportunity to play a game that they love and to keep them occupied,” he said.

Roy is grateful to Clarence Morgan and staff for “providing facilities to practice and develop the players.”

The season workouts usually begin in January. Prospective players are introduced to various drills and skillrelated evaluations. Regular practices commence, and tournaments normally begin in March.

Roy coaches his eighth-grade group, but he is proud of his entire organization, especially after seeing all their growth and development over the years. “We had to learn how to lose before we could learn how to win,” he joked.

Hard Work Has Its Reward The Bulldogs have become very familiar with winning. In fact, this season has been phenomenal: • In late March, they competed in the Inaugural BJ Classic Tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, where the ninth-grade boys’ team and 10thgrade girls’ team placed 2nd.

• In April, the group participated in the Garden City Jam Fest in Augusta.

There, the seventh-grade boys placed 2nd, and the ninth-grade boys won their first championship.

• In early May, the teams traveled to

24 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Jacksonville again to compete in the River City Classic; the seventh-grade boys placed 2nd, and the eighthgrade boys won the championship.

• In mid-May, the Bulldogs competed in the Mega Hoops Session in Atlanta; both the eighth-grade and ninth-grade boys’ teams brought the championship home, while the 10thgrade boys placed 2nd.

• Following all those wins, the teams went to a basketball “showdown” in Charleston, South Carolina.

“My eighth, ninth, and 10th-grade boys and girls all won the championship in Charleston. That was three in a row for the eighth-grade boys and two in a row for the ninth-grade boys. That’s never happened in our organization. It was definitely something to be proud of,” Coach Roy declared.

As a reward for winning the championship, the Bulldogs earned a free bid to select an upcoming tournament to participate in. They chose the USC Aiken Tournament, held at the end of July in Aiken, South Carolina.

The Bulldogs recently hosted their own tournament in Springfield at the new Clarence E. Morgan Gymnasium. The sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade boys all

won the championship; the 10th-grade to network with different people and vision, and the kids are committed. girls won 2nd place. work with each other for a common goal.

The Bulldogs are one, big family,” he “We defended our home court,” the It’s about having respect and putting remarked. proud coach stated. in the work. It’s about leadership, Roy is chairman of HYPE (Helping Due to their fantastic season, the responsibility, commitment to life’s Young People Excel) OUTREACH Bulldogs were invited to the 2021 United endeavors, and never giving up on MINISTRIES, INC., an organization States Specialty Sports Association dreams,” he stated. designed to help young people live (USSSA) National Basketball positive, productive lives. Whether Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida. hosting back-to-school drives or Some of the most talented young other beneficial resources, If we don’t invest in our youth, offering athletes from around the country, the organization has been an asset including Puerto Rico, traveled to to many children in the local area. we cannot expect a high gain. “compete under one roof.” In an “I’m grateful for the opportunity We have to make the sacrifice impressive showing of skill and to work with kids in the community. fortitude, the sixth, seventh, and It has truly been a blessing and is so … we have to be the village. eighth-grade boys made it to the fulfilling,” he said. semi-finals; the ninth- grade boys Giving Credit Where it is Due and 10th-grade girls placed 2nd.

Roy is forever thankful to his family, “It was a proud moment for the Having an organization of genuinely including his loving wife Chiaketa, organization. They represented well. It was dedicated individuals has made a lot of daughter Rokayla, and two sons a great experience for the kids. They stayed those dreams a reality. Roy is sincerely Dantevius and Jabari, all of whom have at a lovely resort, so they had a little fun, appreciative to everyone who has helped supported his dream and vision over too,” Coach Roy said. to make the Bulldogs a success. the years … every meeting, practice, or “I have the best support cast that I Beyond the Ball Game out-of-town tournament.

Roy is also could ever ask for. My coaches are one Roy loves teaching his players about the immensely grateful for his parents Roy of a kind, hands-down. The work they game, but he loves inspiring them to be and Delma.

He is certain he could not put in speaks volumes. I’m so proud of well-rounded young adults even more. do it without them all and feels utterly how faithful this group has been—the “Everything isn’t about winning. It’s blessed. n coaches, parents, and kids. The coaches about developing life skills—being able work hard, the parents support the

“

“

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 25

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REO’s Cabinetry is a local company who sells and installs high quality kitchen, bathroom, and other residential cabinetry.

They are experts in designing kitchen spaces—they can design the kitchen of your dreams for your new home construction or work with you in choosing the perfect upgrade and remodel cabinets for your existing home. They offer multiple lines across a range of prices, from affordable cabinets suitable for rentals to high end custom home cabinetry.

Ray Oldland, owner of REO’s Cabinetry, is 100% hands on and personally supervises every job. After many years in the home construction business, he decided to specialize in high quality cabinetry work and has been in the cabinet business since 1989. Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, REO’s Cabinetry has been in the Effingham area for eight years, and their showroom in Rincon has been open for two years.

“We sell and install good quality cabinets,” says Ray. “The quality of the service you get from myself and our team is our customers’ number one compliment. The team is courteous, honest, and respectful of your home and needs. My installers have been with us for years and they are all extremely customer service orientated.”

26 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Current trends in home design include the popular white Shaker, custom closets, built-ins, custom workstations, and distinctive sinks. In addition to cabinets, REO’s Cabinetry is also a Kraus dealer, a maker of exceptional modern, high quality kitchen sinks and bath products.

They are members of the NKBA (the National Kitchen & Bath Association) and have an A+ rating with BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Ray says they are very busy keeping up with the current building boom and customers can expect a 4-8 week turnaround due to the high demand for materials. But he says customers should start the process now so they can have their brand new cabinets as soon as possible.

REO’s Cabinetry serves customers from Hilton Head to Brunswick, and of course the Effingham area. No job is too small or too large.

(There is a minimum service call fee).

Melissa McBride Stille of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC

“I work for my clients, not the insurance company.”

When it comes to her work, Melissa McBride Stille would rather talk about helping clients than herself. She has been an independent insurance agent for four years and has been in the health insurance industry for 13 years with specific expertise in Medicare. As a health insurance broker, she is passionate about matching her clients with the best health care options available. She says, “I love my job and I love helping people!”

It all started when she was working for a company and realized her position was essentially a dead end job. “I had two young children so when I had the opportunity to be Regional Broker Manager for Coventry Healthcare, I went for it,” she said. Melissa got the job but had to get her Georgia Life and Health License. “I absolutely had to pass so I studied hard and passed with flying colors. Next, I had to learn the business.” Her job was to recruit and train agents and keep them compliant within the many regulations.

“I was very successful, and I enjoyed my work. In 2017, I remarried and traveling for my work had become a challenge. Supervising agents spread across 23 counties in Georgia meant I was on the road a lot.” When the opportunity became available to manage the health department at DeWitt Insurance, Melissa was excited for the new chapter.

Melissa made the decision to purchase the agency’s health department in 2019 and she became the sole proprietor of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage in 2020.

“DeWitt Insurance Agency has been in business since 1956. People in the community know the name, so I incorporated it into my agency name to keep the continuity within the community. I was very fortunate to have DeWayne Ladner, the owner of the agency, mentor me as he had been mentored by Lenda DeWitt (Crosby), when he purchased the agency in 2002.”

Customer Service Customer service is a main focus for the agency. Melissa doesn't want her clients to feel as if they are just a number. “I care about each and every one of them and I do a review of everyone’s health policies every year because there are so many changes annually,” she says. She gives every client her cell number—it is even in all of her advertising so that every client, even future clients, can feel comfortable reaching out to her. She says, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company.”

“Saving money is very important to most clients so I present multiple options enabling them to make educated decisions.” As a specialist in Medicare, Melissa works with Medicare recipients over and under 65, including those who have Medicare through Social Security Disability and also with people utilizing Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurance, and some group insurances.

Client Daylon Barnard says, “Before working with Melissa, I was paying $1800-$2100 every 3 months for my insulin. Melissa took my medication list, shopped the available plans for me and found a plan that covered my insulin better. Now I pay less than $200 every 3 months.”

If you have a question regarding Medicare or other health insurance options, give Melissa a call!

Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC Cell (912) 239-7119 | www.StilleYourAgent.com Melissa@StilleYourAgent.com | 5877 Hwy 21 South, Rincon www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 27

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How Muscle Strengthening Affects Fine Motor Skills There are several aspects of child development that many of us take for granted. Some children develop right on time as they should, where others seem to struggle to keep up.

Fine motor skills is a term we use to refer to the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands, wrists, fingers, feet, toes, lips and tongue. These skills are are required to master activities such as using scissors or pencils, building with lego or duplo blocks and even dressing (zippers, fasteners, buttons, tying shoes, etc) For children to have good fine motor control, they must have a good base of support. In occupational therapy, we often use the phrase “proximal stability for distal mobility.” This means that the larger joints and muscles must be stable to provide a good solid base for precise movements at the joints further away from the body like the hands and fingers.

For example, if you observe your child sticking their elbow out when coloring or cutting, this could be a sign of weakness in the shoulder girdle that is affecting their fine motor skills. Difficulties with shoulder stability may also be seen with problems with tying

shoes, manipulating small objects, using two hands during play, or handwriting difficulties.

Here are a few ways to help build strength at home to improve fine motor skills: • Do animal walks, wheelbarrow walks, pushing/pulling weighted objects, monkey bars, or chin ups/pull ups • Practice writing, coloring, or crafts on a vertical surface.

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ALEIDA HAYMES:

Creating Beauty One Stitch at a Time Story by Katrice Williams | Photos by Tonya Perry

30 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

A

leida Haymes, originally from Iquitos, Peru, enjoys gifting her clients with her creative talent, crafting custom-made wedding dresses or other splendidly made-to-order formal gowns. She also specializes in alterations, providing each client with the “dress of their dreams.”

“It’s the little things. To see that priceless expression on a bride's face makes my heart happy,” she said.

Aleida places tremendous emphasis on every intricate detail and design, feeling that quality is without compromise.

“I take pride in my job. I like for my job to be very clean. It doesn’t matter if it takes me a little extra time,” she added.

She understands that budgets often vary; she is eager to provide clients with a beautiful final product within their own unique budgets.

Developing Her Passion for Sewing Aleida developed an interest in sewing at a young age, largely inspired by her mom Juanita, who was a talented seamstress.

During high school, Aleida enrolled in sewing classes.

“That’s when my passion for sewing started,” she said.

At 16 years old, Aleida graduated and

moved to Lima, Peru, where her dad Mauro resided. There, she attended Miguel Grau, a government subsidized school that allowed her to master her skills. After three years, she was certified in the craft.

One of her biggest mentors is her former teacher Yolanda Alvizuri. She owned a sewing shop and let Aleida assist her with small jobs.

“She saw potential in me and taught me a lot,” Aleida stated.

Aleida persisted to capitalize on her gift and was awarded a scholarship to attend the Geraldine School of Design, a prestigious school in Lima; she earned the school’s Award of Excellence.

Aleida later rented a small apartment room where she created her own sewing shop, specializing in designing formal dresses. She obtained two additional jobs—working for a children’s clothing line and a costume apparel store. Seeing her diligence, her mom moved in to help her at her sewing shop.

“She was the best support I had—my best friend. She was awesome,” Aleida said.

Surrounded by her Support System Aleida is grateful for her husband David, who means the world to her.“He is a very supportive husband and a good man,” she

stated. Long committed to her success, he is her biggest fan. David, a professional contractor, built her current sewing studio.

The couple has a 19-year-old son, Joshua —their pride and joy.

Aleida is also thankful for her assistant Valeria, who loves to learn from her. Aleida enjoys being a mentor to those with such a heart to learn.

“I prayed for God to send the right person. The love she puts into this is amazing,” Aleida commented.

Moreover, Aleida has tremendous gratitude for her church home—Springfield Methodist Church.

“Finding a good church was always important to me. I feel I’m at home there,” she said.

Aleida gives credit where it is due, giving all glory to God. She is incredibly grateful for His many blessings and grace.

“I want to use my gift from God to make somebody else’s day.” n

Aleida’s Sewing, Embroidery, & Alterations 912.667.1341

390 Long Acre Rd., Rincon, GA Aleida’s Embroidery and Alterations

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 31

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A Letter From Superintendent Dr. Yancy J. Ford

Effingham County Board of Education

405 North Ash Street ● Springfield, GA 31329 ● 912.754.6491 ● Fax 912.330.1590 Superintendent Dr. Yancy J. Ford

Assistant Superintendents Travis Nesmith Timothy Hood

July 30, 2021

Dear ECSD Families: The Effingham County School District is excited to welcome all staff and students back to the in-person classroom setting for the 2021-22 school year. This time last year, the school district opened its doors in response to COVID by providing both face-to-face and virtual classroom options to meet the needs of our students and families. While there is no denying the value of the virtual classroom setting, we know that it simply cannot rival the academic and social benefits of the in-person model. Face-to-face instruction offers students the opportunity to get extra support from teachers, allows for rich hands-on learning experiences, and provides a healthy social setting for forming and maintaining connections with peers. In short, we are thrilled to get back to business as usual, and we will do so while maintaining necessary measures to prevent the ongoing spread of COVID. As you are aware, the pandemic has forced entities across the world to reevaluate many of their standard practices and adapt to new approaches. The Effingham County school system is no exception. One critical area in which we have made great strides this past year is communication. The necessary push for virtual communication platforms prompted our school district to strengthen our current systems and embrace additional resources to connect with stakeholders. Prior to the pandemic, information outlets included the Parent Portal, district Facebook page, and district website. However, in the past twelve months, we have: -

enhanced our district website with a new format for easier navigation, added the Urgent News Center link and COVID-19 Dashboard for updated COVID statistical data, initiated a live-stream option for public viewing of Board meetings, launched a weekly newsletter for employees directly from the office the Superintendent, created an ECSD News & Media YouTube channel, partnered with PeachJar for the quick and easy distribution of school and community event information, linked Remind.com to the Parent Portal to allow for two-way communication between home and school, and added a Communications Specialist to oversee and enhance our communication efforts

If there is one thing we have learned from the past twelve months, it is that communication truly is key for maintaining connections and building positive relationships. The Effingham County School District is committed to continue this healthy exchange of ideas and information and to provide the best possible educational experiences to the children of this community. Thank you for entrusting your children to the teachers and staff of this wonderful school system and for working alongside us we enter this new school year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Yancy Ford, ECSD Superintendent

School Board Members

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 37

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS with the Principals of Effingham County School District

7/27/2021

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LATOYA JONES, Blandford Elementary As I prepare to enter my 5th year as Blandford Elementary's Principal, I am honored to be able to continue to serve the BES community and stakeholders another year. Raised by a family of educators, being an educator has always been my passion. I have been married for 10 year to Anthony Jones, Asst. Director of Bands at ECHS and we have a sweet little boy named Trenton (6). I feel blessed to be able to fulfill my passion to be an educator each and every day.

What are your goals for the school year?

To continue to create a positive and welcoming learning environment for the boys and girls of Blandford Elementary School.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

BES is continuing to work on the Leader in Me initiative. We have a goal this year to become Lighthouse Certified.

What is your favorite summer memory?

Going on vacations with our entire family. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/ljones%40effingham.k12.ga.us/KtbxLxgBwGbkmJLRbVHVvfWSLscVJjmKsB?compose=DmwnWrRnXmtxDNldwFDQCqtDTNhtBxjCqnjbcrTzRpRXFBDWWRVcgkQgjLjML…

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Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

Thank you to the ECSD School District Office for supporting all schools during the time of a pandemic. We could not have done it without you.

DANA WRIGHT, Ebenezer Elementary I began teaching 4th grade in Liberty County 31 years ago. I moved to Effingham County my 2nd year of teaching and I taught 2nd grade at Marlow Elementary. When Sand Hill Elementary opened in 1995, I moved to Sand Hill and stayed in 2nd grade there until I started teaching Reading Recovery. Then I became the Instructional Supervisor and stayed at Sand Hill Elementary until I became the Assistant Principal at Ebenezer Elementary 14 years ago. I am starting my 3rd year as Principal at EES this year. My husband and I have been married for 28 years and our daughter just graduated from ECHS. She will be attending SCAD in the fall. I love to go on vacation with my family. My sister lives at the beach, so I like to go visit her. I like to sleep late whenever I get the chance.

What are your goals for the school year?

My goals are based on Effingham’s District Initiatives. We are working on Visible Learning as a school and have a specific plan on what to work on this school year. We want our students to be able to verbalize what they are learning and why. My main goal is to try to make this year as normal as possible. Last year was a difficult year for all of us, and we would like to see most things return back to normal.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

We have exciting things happening at Ebenezer Elementary this year. We have been under construction for the last 8 months. We will begin the 2021-2022 school year with 2 new wings and 14 new classrooms. We are so excited to have more space for teaching and learning. We will be moving in just in time for school to begin. Ebenezer Elementary was voted Effingham’s Best Elementary school for 2021. We are proud of this accomplishment and want to thank our parents for making this happen.

What is your favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer memory would have to be when my family went to Universal Studios. It started raining and we had our cheap ponchos and we kept going even though we were getting soaking wet. It was so much fun!

Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

We want to thank parents for being understanding during the COVID-19 experience. Last year, parents were limited on how much they could participate at school with their children. We love parental support at EES and hope to see parents this year supporting our school. www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 39

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CHARLOTTE CONNELLY, Guyton Elementary It has been my pleasure to serve in Effingham County Schools for the past 25 years all of which have been at Guyton Elementary. Since moving to Effingham County and starting at GES in 1997, I have taught Pre-K, served as Assistant Principal and will be starting my 11th year as Principal. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 1995 with my early childhood degree. Six years later, I received my educational leadership degree from Georgia Southern University.

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters, a freshman and senior at Effingham County High School. My girls are very involved in extracurricular activities that keep us all very busy! Our family also owns B and E Farm and enjoy showing, selling and raising goats for the local FFA. Our goats are a large part of our lives and I enjoy sharing them with others. Summertime often revolves around the “two G’s”—our girls and goats!

What are your goals for the school year?

Throughout the 2021-22 school year, GES will focus on closing learning gaps and rebuilding a sense of normalcy by having all students back in our school building. As we all were impacted by the pandemic, we know that our GES Gators will continue to learn and grow and we look forward to seeing them at school.

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Here at GES we promote a community of learners through engagement and effective instructional strategies that motivates students to practice higher-level critical thinking skills. We also want all of our students to be able to express where they are in the learning process. Collaboration and feedback between students and faculty is essential and helps drive instruction and success. My staff will continue to provide all GES students a strong foundation of moral and academic excellence through a safe and supportive learning environment. At GES, we believe Gators CHOMP; they are Collaborative, Honorable, Open minded, Motivated, and Persistent. We feel all GES Gators should exhibit these learning dispositions to be successful not only at school, but also in life.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

I would like for the community and parents to know that the doors of Guyton Elementary will be open once again to everyone!

Volunteers and parents are welcome to come and share in the many exciting activities we have planned this year, starting with an in-person open house. The PTO is hoping to recruit new members to help implement fundraisers, parent/student nights and Fun Friday events.

We are super excited about starting back some of our traditional extracurricular activities within our building. Our own Guyton Gator Chorus will be performing at our first evening event in September! We will also be able to provide additional opportunities such as Girls on the Run (promotes mental and physical well being for our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls), so stay tuned!

Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

As we start our new school year, we want to thank our board of education, faculty, students, parents and community for continuing to support us this past year and a half. We are so excited to start this school year off in a positive direction with a school filled with love, laughter and learning! It is great to be a Guyton Gator!

TONY MURRAY, Marlow Elementary I am very excited to serve as the principal for Marlow Elementary and to continue the great traditions and excellent reputation of this amazing school.

I am a lifelong Effingham learner, having gone to Marlow Elementary myself many, many years ago! I graduated from South Effingham High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University in 2003. I then served as the head Band Director at Effingham County Middle School for 14 years as well as the Assistant Band Director for the Effingham County High School Marching Band. Along the way I furthered my education by earning a Master’s and Specialist’s Degree from The University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!! For the past four years I have served as the Assistant Principal at Sand Hill Elementary.

What are your goals for the school year?

My goal this year is to lead Marlow with enthusiasm, high expectations, and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN! When school is fun, teaching and learning is easy. I am eager to bring the parents and community back into our school to participate in our many wonderful events throughout the year. Our parents and community are amazing and I look forward to building a strong relationship with each and every one.

40 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

KIRBI RATNER, Rincon Elementary 7/27/2021

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I am a career Bobcat, and I am serving in my 17th year at Rincon Elementary. I couldn’t be more excited to start a school year and see those smiling faces. What an honor it is to continue to serve our Bobcat families!

When I’m not working, my home is my happy place. My family and I reside in Effingham County. I have been married to my husband, Aaron, for 16 years. He has blessed me with three beautiful children, two dogs, and an outside cat.

What are your goals for the school year?

Despite the pandemic, Rincon Elementary had an incredibly strong finish this past school year. I am overwhelmingly proud of the hard work put forth by our teachers, support staff, students, and families.

Kudos to Bobcat Nation! Still, there is always work to be done. We can do a little better. We can push a little harder. As a school, we have worked to identify areas of need. We are committed to implementing action steps for continued growth and monitoring those areas to continue the RES Tradition of Excellence. Why? Every moment counts. Every student matters.

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What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

Community is everything. We are looking forward to hosting our annual school events and adding a few more exciting dates to the calendar. Be on the lookout for Popsicles with the Principal, Coffee and Conversation, and more! I look forward to sharing this time with you.

What was your favorite summer memory?

Summer is a time for sunshine and water. I enjoyed spending time with my family at the lake, beach, and pool. I also spent many afternoons on the back porch taking in the simple beauty of life. Such a time of reflection and gratefulness!

Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

We are excited to start this school year! I can’t wait to see the smiling faces of all of our Bobcats, including many virtual learners, returning to the building. While keeping our students safe, we are grateful to be given the opportunity to continue doing what we do best. Let's do this! #BobcatStrong

7/27/2021

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MICHELLE CORLESS, Sand Hill Elementary It is an honor and privilege to serve as principal of Sand Hill Elementary. This will be my second year as principal at SHES. I have been married for 23 years to my husband John, and have twin boys, Johnathan and Graham, who attend Georgia Southern University. Serving the students of Sand Hill Elementary and Effingham County is such an honor. I am passionate about giving all students the foundational skills to continue their educational journey. Every Moment Counts Because Every Student Matters is the mission of our district, as well as, my role as leader at Sand Hill Elementary.

I began teaching elementary music 27 years ago at Claxton Elementary and J.D. Dickerson Primary School in Vidalia, Georgia. My family moved to Effingham County in 2007 where I taught first and fourth grades at Rincon Elementary, and I served as the Instructional Supervisor/Assistant Principal there before coming to Sand Hill. My Bachelor's degree is in Music Education, and I also have certification in Early Childhood Education. I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University, and a Specialist’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. I completed the Effingham County Aspiring Leaders Program in 2011 and Aspiring Principals Program in 2016. When I am not at Sand Hill Elementary, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two Yorkies.

What are your goals for the school year?

As we return to fully traditional learning this year, my goal is to continue to support students, parents, and teachers in this transition.

Last year was full of challenges for our school district and community with COVID-19, but we managed to offer students in person learning for the entire school year. As we have all students return to our building this year, I want to ensure that they have the best opportunity for growth and continued learning. In addition to this support, it is important at Sand Hill that we continue our focus on Balanced Literacy and creating “Visible Learners” in our classrooms. At the end of last school year, learner habits called “dispositions” were introduced to all students. These habits of good learners were a new focus for all students at SHES. This year, we will continue to develop these habits in the classrooms and help students monitor their own progress and growth in the classroom. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/corless/FMfcgzGkZQQgtMtDXLkfMqDksnftBcXw?compose=DmwnWrRnXmtxDNldwFDQCqtDTNhtBxjCqnjbcrTzRpRXFBDWWRVcgkQgjLjMLkQSgNTmQvSPqtRl&proje… 1/2 What is happening in the school that you’d like the community to know?

Sand Hill Elementary is taking the journey to become a Visible Learning School. During the past school year, the staff at SHES taught students habits of good learners. We use the STING acronym: Self-Motivated, Take Time to Reflect, Innovative, Never Give Up, We Persevere, and Goal Setters. These dispositions are changing the way our students view learning. In addition, teachers use learning www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 41

targets and success criteria to provide teacher clarity to every lesson. It is important that students know what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how they will know when they are successful. Our staff will focus on providing effective feedback to students during the upcoming school year.

What is your favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer memory involves traveling with my family to Homer, Alaska this past July. This area of our country is breathtaking, and the wildlife is amazing. During our many travels to this area, we enjoy hiking up to a glacier, fishing for halibut and salmon, and whale watching from our family’s boat. What a great experience to visit one of the last great frontiers!

Would you like to add anything about your COVID-19 experience?

Many people talk about the challenges that Covid-19 brought to schools. It is true, there were many uncertainties and times where we had to change the way certains things were done at SHES. However, this experience also taught us how resilient we are as educators.

During this time of uncertainty, we ate in our classrooms, attempted to stay six feet apart, washed our hands and cleaned high-touch areas numerous times throughout the day, and learned new ways to use technology. It was amazing to see our youngest students interact in Google Classroom and use this platform for learning. This new way of learning is here to stay and our students will be ready for all forms of technology.

MARK WEESE, South Effingham Elementary weese.PNG

I never anticipated or envisioned myself as a principal; however, when the position at South Effingham Elementary School opened, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the success. I have been blessed to be a part of some pretty amazing teams as an educator in the Effingham County School District the past 13 years. I was hired

by Ms. Romona Lovett in 2008 as a 7th grade Life Science teacher at Ebenezer Middle School. I stayed in the classroom for the next 9 years while also coaching cross country at Effingham High School. In 2017, I spread my Eagle wings across the county and became a mustang as the assistant principal for South Effingham Middle School. For 3 years I worked along an incredible staff before accepting a position as the assistant principal at the Effingham College and Career Academy. At the high school, I worked with teachers and students facilitating STEM instruction and supporting the career pathways. The inspiration to become a Mini-Mustang leader stems from the energy radiating from the staff and students at South Effingham Elementary. The positive atmosphere is evident the moment you walk through the doors. Teachers and students have a shared vision of learning that is visible in each and every classroom. I am so excited to start my journey as the new South Effingham Elementary Principal. My investment in leading this school goes beyond the professional role. My wife and I will have our two oldest children enrolled at South Effingham Elementary this year, with two more to follow in the next couple years. As the principal and a parent, I am thrilled to be a Mustang!

What is happening in the school that you’d like the community to know?

In 2021, South Effingham Elementary School was named the first Visible Learning Associate School in the state of Georgia. We have the honor to celebrate our students and staff as well as speak about our success with Visible Learning in September at the Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors Fall Conference in Athens. This year we will continue our journey in Visible Learning as our students become more engaged in what they are learning, assessing their own learning, and knowing what steps to take after they have learned it! Our staff is also dedicated to raise the bar in mastering literacy skills that will set up our students for future success. Get ready for more reading and writing!

We are so excited to be adding a STEM class to our K-5 weekly rotations. This class will teach students the soft skills to work collaboratively on real-world creative learning. Within our new STEM program, we anticipate engaging students in inquiry learning that is applicable to local industries in Effingham County such as agriculture. We are also in the planning stages of constructing a google.com/mail/u/0/#search/mark+weese/FMfcgzGkZQJlBtSvFsLBhtrpVbjwXRJB?compose=DmwnWrRnXmtxDNldwFDQCqtDTNhtBxjCqnjbcrTzRpRXFBDWWRVcgkQgjLjMLkQSgNTmQvSPqtRl&pr… 1/2 chicken coop in the school’s backyard, in which students will participate in the observation and caring for the school’s chicken’s and egg production. I am also very excited to welcome Ms. Kelly Fortson as another new member to the administrative team. She is the school’s new assistant principal and testing coordinator. She has a great energy and love for children.

What is your favorite summer memory?

I was able to enjoy some family time up at our cabinon the lake in Northern Michigan. We did a lot of fishing, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. Last summer my children and I read the Harry Potter series and this summer we are finishing the Chronicles of Narnia.

Summer time allows us all to rejuvenate our souls and obtain the fuel to start off the school year with energy!

Would you like to add anything about your COVID-19 experience?

I termed last year, “the year with no smiles” as faculty and staff were required to hide their faces behind masks. It was the most difficult year in education to show our students how much we love them through our modified day-to-day interactions. We are thrilled to begin opening up our school again to the public to allow parents and volunteers to join the success in the student learning. We have scheduled many family engagement nights throughout the year to offer the opportunity for our community to get involved again.

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APRIL HARVEY, Springfield Elementary As the new principal of Springfield Elementary School, I am excited to be a part of the Bulldog Family. I am a proud native of Effingham County, and I am honored to serve my community in this new capacity.

My husband and I have the privilege of raising two beautiful little girls, aged seven and three. Teaching and learning are my passions, and I can usually be found listening to a podcast or with my head in a good book.

When we aren’t in school, our family loves to travel and collect stamps for our passports!

What are your goals for the school year?

After the challenges of last school year, I am confident that the teachers, staff, and students of Effingham County can do just about anything. Our students have been resilient and our schools have been courageous in the face of adversity. This year our goal as a school is to systematically address learning gaps from the previous year and to continue to serve our school and community to meet the diverse needs of learners within our building.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

We are excited to offer an Elementary School-Based Agricultural Education program to our students this year. This new program, coupled with the recent ground-breaking of our new barn will provide new opportunities for our students to explore and learn about the world around them.

What was your favorite summer memory?

This summer was full of great family fun! From watching Hawaiian sunrises on Oahu to checking off the accomplishment of travelling to all fifty states, our little family had a blast. Summers to me are about reflecting upon growth and areas of improvement from the past year as well as spending quality time with my husband and little girls. The days are long but the years are short!

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Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

IMG-4975.jpeg Our Effingham County School Board and county leadership made tough calls this school year. They never wavered in their conviction and drive to do what is best for our students within this county. I am proud to be an employee within Effingham County Schools. As a parent of a student within this same school district, I am grateful as well.

TAMMY JACOBS, Ebenezer Middle School I started my educational journey as a math teacher at South Effingham High School. I moved to the assistant principal/testing coordinator position for a few years then became the Instructional Supervisor for a few more years at SEHS. In total, I spent 17 years at SEHS. In October 2018, I became the principal at Ebenezer Middle School. I have a wonderful family and support system: Bryan (husband), JoAnn (mom), Tonja (sister), and many more—too many to name. My world revolves around my six-year-old twin boys, Isaac and Asher. God has truly blessed me.

What are your goals for the school year?

At EMS, we always strive for excellence. We will focus on student achievement and growth, as well as continue to teach our students the characteristics of a good learner, which will carry them far throughout their lives. Last year was a difficult year and we know that there are going to be gaps to fill; however, the faculty and staff at EMS are ready, and we will do our best to close those gaps and help students be successful in their educational endeavor.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

Scholastic states, " Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes your child to about 1.8 million words per year. Reading helps students develop a stronger vocabulary, and in addition, students who read for pleasure average higher grades in English, mathematics, science, and history." Literacy is so important, which is why we created our Reading Rocks program a few years ago. Students read om/mail/u/0/#search/tjacobs%40effingham.k12.ga.us/FMfcgxwJWrbbMhqZcZhxbmzlbVDLDnWR?compose=DmwnWrRnXmtxDNldwFDQCqtDTNhtBxjCqnjbcrTzRpRXFBDWWRVcgkQgjLjMLk… 1/2 approximately 20 minutes each school day, while setting and evaluating literacy goals for each nine weeks.

What was your favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer time memory is spending time with my family. We went to Dollywood, Splash Country, hiking in south Tennessee, Parrot Mountain, Pirate's Voyage, Ripley's Aquarium, and Clark Hill. We had such a great time and made memories I will always cherish.

Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

As mentioned earlier, last year was extremely difficult. It was probably the hardest year I have ever experienced as an educator.

However, we persevered. I am thankful that our Board of Education and Superintendent opened the school buildings for our students and offered virtual classes for those that could not be in the school environment. I am blessed to work in a county in which our decisions are based on our students' well-being. www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 43

7/27/2021

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TRAVIS DICKEY, Effingham County Middle SchooL I’m proud to have grown up in Effingham. I went to Rincon Elementary, Effingham Middle (then called Central Junior High), and Effingham High School, graduating in 1991. I went to UGA for undergraduate and Georgia Southern for graduate school. When I look back on my time as a student, I can think of many, many teachers whom I adored and who were a major influence on me. And not just teachers, bus drivers, coaches, and administrators too. To give just one example, I remember with fondness my elementary school bus driver, Mrs. Mayola Sanders. Each day as she drove, she smiled and talked to us about being good and kindhearted. I didn’t think too much of it at the time, but it resonates with me today, because that’s what we all want to be—a positive influence on students.

What are your goals for the school year?

You might say Mrs. May represents what we hope to accomplish at ECMS. The faculty and staff works extremely hard to be a positive influence. For example, teachers spent the past few months revising the curriculum for what we call “literacy block and talent time.”

This is a special part of the day where some students get extra reading practice, some get extra writing practice, and others do hands-on enrichment activities. We’ve been doing this a few years, and it has been successful. Now, we’re excited about the updates we’ve made-adding a writer’s workshop, tweaking the literacy strategies, vetting reading selections based on student interest, and developing new and interesting activities for enrichment.

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What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

I’m thankful to be part of such an outstanding faculty, such a terrific learning culture. The staff is dedicated. The students are a joy. The growth that occurs each day is extraordinary. No, all is not perfect. Some days are a struggle. But with 22 years of experience, having worked at a number of different schools, both public and private, I can say without a doubt, ECMS is a really cool place to be, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

What was your favorite summer memory?

Spending so much time with my family, my wife Paige and our two sons and daughter. We’ve had more time to spend together in the past four months than ever, and it’s been a pleasure.

/27/2021

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CHRISTY BROWN, South Effingham Middle School I am proud to serve as the principal of South Effingham Middle School. I have worked in the Effingham County School District since 2003 serving in various roles including teacher at Marlow Elementary, assistant principal at South Effingham Middle, and principal of Sand Hill Elementary. It is with great honor that I’m back at South Middle where I started my administration career. Go Mustangs! I believe that all students can learn, given a positive and safe environment in which all stakeholders collaborate together. I’m a dedicated educator, but also a mom and wife. I’ve been married for 17 years to Paul Brown and have 3 children that attend Effingham County Schools.

What are your goals for the school year?

South Effingham Middle School’s theme this year is “Full STEAM Ahead" as we continue to focus on STEAM with our students, staff, and community. Booker T. Washington said, "Excellence is doing a common thing in an uncommon way." and we believe this describes the instruction that takes place at SEMS each day. We understand that in order to be excellent, we have to continue to reflect on our practices and strive to make improvements to teach in an “uncommon” way. We are excited to start our third year incorporating school-wide STEAM linking hands-on experiences at Honey Ridge Agricenter with grade level standards. Other major focuses this year will be building strong relationships with our South Effingham families and surrounding community partners as we welcome visitors back into the building. We are also excited to begin the process of STEM certification through Cognia.

Tell us of any special events happening this coming school year that you would like the community to know about.

Our staff will receive professional development throughout the year to continue to strengthen our STEAM program. Our professional development will be provided by our partners, Discovery Education, and some of our own staff members that we consider building leaders. STEAM provides SEMS students the opportunity to work hands-on at our campus and at Honey Ridge to solve real world problems. We know that this work will increase student engagement and learning. Our staff is excited to provide these "uncommon" learning opportunities to our students. Please join our Facebook page @SouthEffinghamMiddle to learn more information about our school and upcoming events.

We look forward to an awesome year!

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What was your favorite summer memory?

My favorite memory is just being on vacation in Gatlinburg with my family spending time together and relaxing.

Would you like to add anything about your COVID-19 experience?

I am very proud of Effingham County Schools for being able to stay in school last year for the entire year. We were faced with some challenges throughout the year, but our teachers, staff, students, parents, and BOE worked together to make the best decisions for our students while keeping safety a top priority. It was great to see such hardworking and dedicated educators come together to complete another successful school year.

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AMIE DICKERSON, Effingham County High School I have been an educator for 25 years. I have had the awesome opportunity to work as a paraprofessional at SEHS, a teacher at ECMS, a teacher at EMS, an assistant principal at EMS, a principal at EMS and finally the principal of ECHS. I have been married to Jamie Dickerson for 28 years and we have two children.

My daughter is 22 and just graduated from UGA with her AG Ed degree and will begin working in Barrow County as a middle school AG teacher. My son graduated from ECHS this past year and will begin an internship in the workforce.

What are your goals for the school year?

I am so excited to start the 2021-2022 school year. We have many goals we are actively working on that include positive school culture, encouraging leaders within our student body, and providing students with the knowledge and opportunity to become "owners" of their own learning. I am confident all of these goals will provide a positive high school experience for our ECHS student body.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

Similar to last year we continue to encourage community involvement at ECHS. Our homecoming activities (paint your business blue), exciting athletic events, new drama productions, outstanding band performances, and winning CTAE activities will provide our students and community a true sense of what it means to be a Rebel and commit to the "E". Our students continue to be at the forefront of our goals at ECHS. We continue to support them as they strive to meet their individual goals.

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What was your favorite summer memory?

If I had to pick one "favorite" summer memory it would have to be my trip to Mount Rushmore, I have never had such an overwhelming feeling of true patriotism as I did when I walked up and saw this enormous presentation of our country. It was truly a breathtaking experience. It was not only beautiful but also reminded me who I am and where I come from.

Would you like to add anything about your COVID-19 experience?

COVID-19 is definitely something I will never forget and honestly made us all stronger. It made us review how we were doing things and what we needed to do differently in order to meet the needs of our students and their situations. This has provided us with a whole new vision of how to present material and make it meaningful. Finally, as I am sure everyone will agree....if we can get through COVID 19 we can get through anything. The 2021-2022 school year will be the best yet and as always... GO REBELS! twhiteheadshot.jpeg

DR. TORIAN WHITE, South Effingham High School I am a proud 1999 South Effingham High School graduate, and I am excited welcome back our students, staff, and families for a new school year. Professionally, I have served as a mathematics teacher, graduation coach, and assistant principal at the high school level for the first ten years of my career. Then, I transitioned to the world of middle school as principal for a total of seven years, and this will be my third year as principal at SEHS. Personally, my family and I live here in Effingham, and we are grateful to spend time with family and friends nearby. I enjoy playing basketball, watching ‘90s TV sitcoms and movies, playing Scrabble, traveling, and relaxing near the water with family and friends.

What are your goals for the school year?

One social emotional learning goal for the school year is to emphasize the power of empathy and connection amongst the Mustang Nation in each classroom every day. Our instructional goals will emphasize the district Visible Learning initiative and continuous instructional improvement throughout all content areas. In addition, we plan to use our counselors and faculty leadership to promote Future Ready graduates through a variety of future focused opportunities that include College, Career, and Workforce development activities. We will emphasize the power of positive relationships as the foundation for what we do each day.

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What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

As it has been outlined by our Superintendent, Dr. Ford, and district leaders, I want our community to know that our administrators, faculty, and staff are committed to the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff! To stay connected to the Mustang Nation, I encourage our community to follow our social media outlets on Facebook and Twitter, check our school website, and look out for weekly email updates from me. I encourage our parents and students to monitor grades and attendance in Parent Portal weekly and communicate with teachers and administrators if there are questions. I am particularly excited to work with my administrative team for this year that includes both familiar and new faces: Nick Smith (athletic director), Jen Lawson (instructional supervisor), Michelle Coburn (10th grade administrator), and Judson Alford (9th grade administrator). They will join returning administrators Mrs. Krystle Shuman and Mrs. Jennifer Curry, and as a team, we look forward to supporting teachers, students, and families this year!

What was your favorite summer memory?

This year, my favorite summer memory was time with our extended family in Florida this summer. Anywhere near the water works for me!

Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

Our community, state, and nation, and world have all been impacted differently by trauma in some form as a result of the pandemic. This trauma, on top of regular “life happenings”, has unveiled the commonality in our humanity. That’s what I want our Mustang Nation to ponder and embrace. We are this together! As our team works alongside students and parents en route to graduation, this mindset will cause us to approach each day with a renewed sense of community and collaboration. Let’s make this a great year—together!

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DR. BRIGID NESMITH, Effingham College & Career Academy I grew up in New Jersey and attended college in Texas, but luckily ended up in Effingham County, Georgia! I am entering my 24th year in education and most importantly, my 24th year working for Effingham County Board of Education. I began as an English and French teacher at South Effingham High School for 8 years. I then moved to teach Gifted ELA at South Effingham Middle School for 2 years. In 2006, I received my first administration position at Sand Hill Elementary School as Instructional Supervisor. Then in 2008, I was moved back to South Effingham Middle School to be the Instructional Supervisor. I then took over as principal of SEMS, and last year, I moved to Effingham College and Career Academy as principal.

I am married to Travis Nesmith with whom I share my love of education in Effingham County. We have two children, Kiera and Coleman Nesmith who are products of the school system and grew up as administrators’ children. Kiera attends Piedmont University and Coleman is beginning college this fall at Auburn University. I also have 3 fur babies, Tucker, Aggie, and Winnie.

What are your goals for the school year?

My goal for the 2021-2022 school year is to engage all students in an innovative STEM education that will support their goals for college, technical school, workforce, or military. ECCA teachers will create a classroom culture using the 4Cs of Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Collaborating which are valued skills to learn in our 21st Century classrooms. We will also focus on the whole student and embed social emotional learning within the heart of all learning through building relationships.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/bnesmith%40effingham.k12.ga.us?compose=DmwnWrRnXmtxDNldwFDQCqtDTNhtBxjCqnjbcrTzRpRXFBDWWRVcgkQgjLjMLkQSgNTmQvSPqtRl&projector=1

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What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

There are so many amazing things happening at ECCA each and every year. This year, we are branding our new slogan, WE ARE UKNIGHTED! ECCA has students from both high schools and also focuses on both CTAE and STEM, so being united seemed a fitting slogan to include with our new Knights mascot. We are also excited to have a new STEM Facilitator, Shelly Hobbs, who will support our STEM efforts in all classrooms as we move forward to becoming STEM certified. Our 9th grade STEM students will have a new bell schedule to allow for more interdisciplinary learning within their math, science, and scientific research classes to support our STEM goals. We will also offer an AP Seminar class, taught by Mrs. Habersham, that will allow STEM students to continue research, collaboration, and communication after their first three scientific research classes. CTAE classes can look forward to business connections and opportunities being presented both in person with guest speakers and off campus with field trips. ECCA will also be encouraging students to join and participate in clubs and organizations that support their future goals or interests through their pathway student organizations. We have a lot of new faces within our staff this year and we welcome them to the ECCA family!

What was your favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer memory would have to be my parents and sister coming to Georgia from California for my son's graduation. Due to COVID, it had been about a year and a half since I last saw them and hugged them. The separation was challenging, but the reunion was amazing.

46 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

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Would you like to add anything about the COVID-19 experience?

As Aaron Davis said at our Georgia Association of Educational Leaders conference, "hard days are behind...better days are ahead!" We made it! Our ECCA students, staff and parents showed such resilience during the COVID-19 storm. I think we learned that we can do anything!

The gaps for students are an education concern, but I am excited for the amazing comeback story that we will see written this year.

DR. DEREK SKAGGS, Encompass Academy

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I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky. I have a B.S. in Computer Information Systems, and M.A. in Special Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Special Education.

I started my teaching career at Anderson County High School in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where I also coached high school football and track. I moved to Beaufort, SC in 2010 where I helped open up WBECHS. I worked in South Carolina in multiple capacities, as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, a special education coordinator and a Director of Special Education. This is my 2nd year working for Effingham County Schools and look to build on the tremendous improvement we saw last year with our students.

What are your goals for the school year?

My goal to this year is to continue to enable my staff to provide the best possible educational and functional services to the students and families we serve to help ensure they have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. We will be continuing with our trauma sensitive interactions trainings as we strive to learn new methods for reaching our most needy population.

What is happening this year that you would like the community to know?

Our staff will be working diligently to ensure we are providing the best possible supports and services to all of our students in all settings. We will continue to implement brain based research to ensure we are providing the most up-to-date interventions to students who require specially designed instruction.

What was your favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer memory from this past summer is spending time with my son catching fish, hiking and exploring.

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Effingham Magazine wishes every student & teacher a WONDERFUL School Year!

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Personal Attention & a Friendly Smile Make All the Difference

W

hen Donna Trapani was starting her career more than 32 years ago, she lacked credit and experience with finances. The Union Camp Federal Credit Union—now Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union (GHFCU)—gave her an unsecured loan and taught her very important skills at an early age.

“What big bank gives a young girl an unsecured loan?”

At that point, she knew her Credit Union was special.

Donna has been a resident of the Savannah area for more than 42 years and is an employee of Kraton Chemical. Kraton Chemical was formerly Union Camp.

Union Camp was bought by International Paper who eventually sold the chemical portion of the company to form Kraton Chemical. Kraton develops, manufactures and markets the products that help the paper industry provide valuable products around the globe.

Donna, along with her husband, has been a proud Donna Trapani employee of the company and a member of the Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union since she opened her checking account that day many years ago. Donna knows that GHFCU is a unique financial institution. Whichever of the four branches she walks into, she knows the team members will take the time to learn her name and get to know her as part of their extended Credit Union family.

“Georgia Heritage has all the products and services of the big banks but with the personal attention that makes its members feel special,” says Donna. “Whether it is the competitive checking and savings rates to the rewards cards and discounts at local businesses, members can get all of their financial services needs met with one institution.”

When Donna’s 78-year-old mother moved to Chatham County, Donna made sure her mother experienced the same benefits. GHFCU immediately helped her mom open a checking, savings and IRA. Donna serves as a board member for the Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and has been on the supervisory committee since 2014. She is happy to give back to GHFCU and knows that anyone who walks into one of their branches will be greeted with the same friendly smile and the opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful services GHFCU provides to all its members.

Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender (NMLS ID# 446248).

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ALLEN & PATRICIA COOKE: Faith, Hope & Love Story by Cindy Reid

ministry throughout their married life.

Worship music is what brought them together, but they also spent many years in youth ministry before specializing in marriage counseling. Patricia says, “No matter what ministry we were involved in, we always did it together.”

“

We offer hope, help, and healing. Healing can take place in individual’s lives, and lives and marriages can be saved.

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llen and Patricia Cooke are the co-founders of Paraclete, Inc, a nonprofit ministry begun out of a passion for helping hurting people and struggling couples.

Paraclete provides counseling and mentoring services and shares the gospel with everyone who chooses them for counseling no matter if they have been a Christian for years, are a pastor, a missionary, or never claimed a relationship with Christ. Their services are completely free of charge and are offered as a ministry to their community of faith.

Allen and Patricia have called Effingham County home for decades, in fact they met when Patricia was a high school junior.

Allen smiles and says, “I knew that I would marry her the first time I saw her. She took a little convincing, but I won her over and we were married in 1981.”

They recently celebrated 40 years of marriage and they have been involved in

Allen is currently the worship leader at Centerpoint Community Church, where Patricia is an active member of the Women’s Ministry Team as well as the worship/praise team.

50 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

Allen holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling. He says, “I felt I needed to study something that fed my soul instead of feeding my career. Being a religion major taught me so much about the Bible and ‘Who God is’ that I feel that it makes me a much better worship leader.”

Patricia holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Counseling. They are both ordained, licensed ministers through American Fellowship Church. They are qualified to offer pre-marriage counseling which meets the fulfillment qualifications for Georgia State Marriage Licenses, and they are able to perform marriage ceremonies. They are also certified Christian Counselors through AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) and are Board Certified Christian Counselors through AACC as well.

Patricia says, “We have always had a heart for ministry as it relates to people

and have served in ministry since we were teens. As I think back over our life together, I can identify three themes or common threads that have remained constant…. faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13).” The Cookes share similar passions in ministry, helping to draw others into a more intimate relationship with God through musical worship and offering help, hope, and encouragement to those who find themselves in need of help.

Paraclete While pursuing their higher educational degrees, the Cookes began to hear stories about marriages failing and individuals suffering because they could not afford counseling. As they say, “we sensed that God was tilling and tendering our hearts to the call to offer counseling to individuals without charging a fee.

This was a tremendously exciting call, but one that would tender lots of research and planning, but honestly, much prayer.”

Finally, one morning, after much prayer, they took action and were able to set up their 501(c)3, along with every other document needed and was immediately approved within one day—a process that often takes weeks to complete.

“God hasn’t just been in it from the beginning,” says Patricia. “He has been leading since the beginning.” In 2018 Paraclete, Inc. was born and established as a fully recognized non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.

Faith The name Paraclete comes from a Greek word which means, “One who walks beside.” Allen says, “We believe in the healing power of Christ. We believe that marriages are being attacked by an enemy that we cannot see, and we are called to be warriors to fight on the

front lines. We believe in the sufficiency of God’s Word. We believe in the power of prayer, both inside and outside of the counseling room. We never forget about the ‘Third Person’ in the room, the Holy Spirit. We rely on the insight that He provides to us. He knows and understands, not just our hearts, but

the hearts of every person who walks through our doors or meets with us virtually.”

Last year, Allen left his full-time job to dedicate his time to building Paraclete and have more time to counsel.

Hope The Cookes would like people to know that they “offer hope that, even with struggles, we can live a life that honors God.” And although they never ask their clients for money, they do rely on donations from those who support their ministry. They want the community to know they are here, ready to share their skills and faith. “We offer hope, help, and healing. Healing can take

place in individuals’ lives, and lives and marriages can be saved.”

Their advice to people seeking counseling is that “God constantly allows circumstances and situations that overwhelm us into our lives. It is in those times, that we are told that we do not suffer or struggle alone. There is One who provides a way out. Sometimes that is by seeking help from a friend, pastor, or counselor who can lock arms with you.”

Above all they stress “You are not alone.”

Love Allen and Patricia have four grown children, two married with spouses, and one grandchild. They also have two dogs, one cat, and one chicken!

Last year was a challenging one for their family, as their first grandchild, Jewel, was born with special needs and their daughter, Monique, was diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Patricia says, “They are both survivors. Jewel is almost ten months old and has become the joy and love of our life.

Monique is still going through treatments but is well on her way to recovery.”

Most of their evenings are taken up with counseling but they always try to dedicate a couple of hours each night to sit and relax. They enjoy spending time with their family and enjoy trips to Tybee Island. They truly live with faith, hope and love! n

paracletecc@yahoo.com 103 High Pointe Dr, Rincon, GA Allen: (912) 675-6009 Allen.paracleteinc@gmail.com Patricia: (912) 675-6026 Patricia.paracleteinc@gmail.com

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 51

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South Georgia Pets Your Community Resource For Your Furry Friends

Front & Center: Medusa, 2; Back Row left to right: Zeus, 5, Apollo, 2, Kronos, 2, and Athena 4.

FROM THE EDITOR Can you believe it? We are already on our second Issue of South Georgia Pets. We bring you this special insert in every issue of Pooler Magazine and Effingham Magazine, sharing useful tips, resources and great pet stories to put a smile on your face.

And let’s face it, we also support pet rescues so maybe you will be inspired to adopt one of the deserving pets in the adoption section! Each week, I have the honor to go to Effingham Animal Shelter and take photos of the animals there so that they can be featured and hopefully find their forever homes.

We had a blast with this edition and took some really fun photos as well. We had the opportunity to photograph some friendly giants, including our favorite service dog from iHeart Dental—Apollo. Apollo is one of five bulldogs owned

by Dr. Misty Seale and her husband Erich Perez—Zeus & Athena, the mom and dad to Medusa, Kronos and of course, Apollo. We had an amazing, silly, crazy time trying to photograph all these beauties at once. Check out some of our funny outtakes (below) and the cover.

We hope you continue to enjoy the South Georgia Pets insert as much as we love producing it. If you have suggestions for an upcoming edition, let me know—Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com Thank you, Tonya Perry

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wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets

WHERE WE DONATE: Coastal Pet Rescue 912.228.3538 One Love Animal Rescue 912.351.6750 Effingham County Animal Shelter 912.754.2109

Dogs in History A Long Journey Home

by Gregg Sekscienski, (reprinted with permission, BocaDog Magazine 2008)

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early a century ago, one animal’s journey captured the country’s hearts and still remains the idealized and oft-cited example of the dogged determination of canines.

Bobbie, a Collie, was a family pet of the Brazier family and lived on their farm in Silverton, Oregon. During a summer vacation, the Brazier’s were in Indiana when the family and the dog became separated­—Bobbie was last seen running from a group of dogs in Wolcott, Indiana.

The family spent time checking the area, but to no avail and sadly the family left, starting their journey home to Oregon.

According to historical accounts from sources such as the Oregon Historical Society and Ripley’s “Believe It or Not,” Bobbie was also starting a journey back home.

The result is one of the longest journeys by a domestic dog. Of course, many wild animals migrate over vast distances every year, covering thousands of miles, but few, it seems, have ever been documented to do this to find a lost family.

The best estimates are that Bobbie traveled more than 2,500 miles, maybe much more. Obviously rivers were crossed and hazards both natural and man-made were encountered and conquered, later reports surfaced that Bobbi,

or a dog matching his description, was seen in many of the states between Indiana and Oregon.

Six months to the day, a bedraggled dog matching Bobbie’s description was spotted by Nova Brazier, one of the family’s daughters, walking the streets of Silverton. It was indeed Bobbie, identified by the family through some unique scars on the dog.

Soon the story spread around the country and the world as articles about Bobbie’s journey appeared in newspapers. Bobbie became a celebrity. He was awarded a medal by the Oregon Humane Society and later went on to star in Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a silent movie released in the mid-1920s. When Bobbie died a few years later, hundreds of peo-

ple attended his funeral including, reportedly, the most famous animal movie star of the time, Rin Tin Tin. Bobbie’s grave is located at the Oregon Humane Society’s Portland, Oregon animal cemetery.

How Bobbie found his way home is a mystery. Research on animal extra-sensory perception or some sort of sixth sense has been explored. Wild animals are thought to use Earth’s magnetic field, phases of the moon and starlight, for example to aid migration and other movement. The heart-warming view that Bobbie just wanted to get home may very well be the best explanation. It’s one we can all understand.

More on Bobbie can be found at The Oregon Humane Society www.Oregonhumane.org. h

Lost Pet Tips & Resources A lost dog is a dread we hope we never face. The Humane Society of the United States offers a number of suggestions for finding your dog if he or she is lost.

• Contact local animal shelters and animal control agencies • Search the neighborhood • Advertise • Be wary of pet-recovery scams • Don’t give up your search All dogs have a better chance of being returned if they always—even indoors—wear a collar and an ID tag with our name, address and telephone number. Ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter about permanent methods of identification such as a microchip. wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets 55

National Spay Alliance Savannah

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s the newest addition to affordable pet care in the area, we believe wholeheartedly in the saying “spay one, save a ton.” We are grateful to be part of a community that works together to participate in keeping pets healthy, making a dent in pet overpopulation and, hopefully, reducing euthanasia in area shelters as a result of targeted spay and neuter.

What began as a mobile outreach spay & neuter program for rural areas from Colorado to New York and a few states in between has found its home for the last six years in Georgia.

Our newest location, at 11 Gateway Blvd, South, opened in Savannah in March 2020. Our history is long and winding but our final stop here in Savannah seems like a perfect fit.

Our timing was a little off as we opened just as the pandemic hit, but we managed to stay open and keep both staff and clients safe while working to build a reputation of a strong work ethic, compassion for our patients and an understanding of the financial limitations sometimes affecting access to care for pet owners.

We recently completed a 4,300 square foot build out in what used to be the old Carter’s store at the Shoppes of Savannah Retail Center. Having the clinic built by local contractors was a must for us.

Embracing and becoming part of the community is our goal both in spirit and grassroots engagement.

We are thankful for all those that helped us bring low cost pet care to the area. We originally visited the area thanks to a request from One Love Animal Rescue for our mobile services.

The History of National Spay Alliance Savannah We started in May 2013, and to date we have accomplished more than 33,000 surgeries in 5 different states. Over that time we have been able—through our non-profit Foundation arm—to bring subsidized services in the form of grants to our clients. This has enabled many owners to seek an end to the cycle of unwanted litters due to finances. This year alone we have been able to offer as56

sistance through several different grants ranging from PetSmart Charities to smaller personal donors.

In December of 2020 we were able to financially provide over $10,000 in pet care for veterans & first responders.

We have also worked in conjunction with the homeless population with the assistance of Renegade Paws Rescue to provide free care for their pets. We’ve offered multiple grants for Chatham, Liberty, Bryan and Effingham residents that reduced their co-pay for spay/neuter services to as little as $30. We are proud to be a service provider for Islands Feral Cat Program as well as several other area rescues.

About the Clinic The Savannah clinic is open to anyone and has no restrictions on geographical location, income or other criteria. However, we do not offer any emergency care or hospitalization overnight.

Our clinic is open four days each week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We offer walk-in vaccine hours from 9:00am - 12:00pm and again from 2:30 - 5:30pm.

We do ask that full exams by Doctor be scheduled in advance by emailing us at info.nsasavannah@gmail.com. We invite you to join us in our endeavor to reduce euthanasia and create a pet friendly community we can all be proud of.

Kim Ott, vice president and director of finance for the organization believes that spaying and neutering is a vital step in reducing the number of unplanned or unwanted animals that are being born every year. Ott shares the passion for animals that led founder and president Pam Pierce into the industry decades ago.

Pierce began working in animal welfare and facilities management in the 1980s, first at a 600-horse boarding operation, later as a receptionist in California, in practice management in New York, and eventually in Longmont, Colorado, where she and Ott crossed paths.

Ott began working as a veterinary technician 30 years ago before rising to management positions in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. After spending 13 years in the animal sheltering industry and watching thousands of situations in

wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets

info.nsasavannah@gmail.com www.nationalspayalliancesavannah.com

which pets were euthanized due to lack of homes, she decided to work toward providing alternative solutions.

In 2014, Ott joined Pierce in her dream of growing a low cost, high quality spay/ neuter mobile practice in the southeast.

That dream has since evolved into a more focused commitment to areas of Northwest Georgia and the Savannah communities.

National Spay Alliance Savannah is a specialty practice in high volume spay/ neuter surgery, at times performing 2025 surgeries daily, following a model developed by the ASPCA & Humane Alliance programs. h

CARTER’S CORNER

ADVICE FROM A DOG’S PERSPECTIVE QUESTIONABLE TAILS Dear Carter, I’m a Great Dane. I’ve heard my humans say that having me is like having a child in the house. They’ve had to move everything out of the reach of my tail.

Now, I haven’t noticed any little humans with tails. But I have noticed two of my friends at the dog park don’t have tails. They just have little stubs that wiggle, like mine wags. I’ve asked them why they don’t have tails but they don’t know. Do you?

– Merlin, Decatur, GA Dear Merlin, For some dog breeds, humans often “clip” or “dock” the tails. While there is some debate about the severity of pain this may cause us—most tails are docked when pups are just a few days old—the procedure is best left under a veterinarian’s supervision. Traditionally there are a number of breeds—Terriers, Spaniels, Boxers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Rottweilers, Pinschers and others—whose tails are docked. Many humans also feel that a docked dog tail helps keep the dog from repeatedly injuring the tail later in their lives,especially in working dogs.

Meanwhile, a tail is one of our most unique features.

Since humans don’t have one, most of them have little understanding of what the tail really does and means.

Tails can offer a strong indication of our confidence and moods. It also signals whether we are feeling dominant or submissive. Generally the higher a tail is held the more confident we are feeling, while a tail held low or between our legs means we’re feeling a bit less secure at the moment. We all know that when we are truly happy (getting a good chest scratch or expecting a treat) our tails seem to take on a life of their own, wagging quickly.

A slower, careful wag usually means we are trying to figure our situation out.

Dogs with docked tails may have more difficulty in communicating their feelings to other dogs (and people). Some studies have shown that some of these breeds actually compensate by wagging their entire behind. Just remember to celebrate tail diversity. Be proud of whatever tail you have. Many doggie park get-togethers and pooch parties offer prizes for longest tails, curliest tail and hairiest tail.

ALPHA CHALLENGES Dear Carter, I recently visited my cousins in Oklahoma—a Yorkie named Peepers and a larger (everything is larger than Yorkie, it seems) mixed breed named Bella. But Peepers was always bossing Bella around. He bit at her every time they started playing. He ate before anyone else. He tried to grab any toy Bella was playing with. I stayed in my crate or next door a lot of the time but when I did go over to play, Peepers was all over me, biting and yapping and chasing. I mean he was really kind of a pest. I’m a pretty dominant girl, if I do say so myself, but he really challenged me on everything.

What’s up with that? Doesn’t my being bigger and older count for anything? I was looking for some respect and never got it. What gives?

– Kiva, Boca Raton, FL Dear Kiva, If you are an “alpha” yourself, you know the rules. In any group of dogs, we all try to find our place—figure out the hierarchy. It sounds like you walked into a situation in which the hierarchy is still being figured out.

Since most of us, as with most people, like to be social and interact with other dogs (and people—that’s what makes our bonds with humans so special!), we figure out ways to be around other dogs. We enjoy playing and roughhousing whenever we are around each other.

The traditional thinking about us—dogs—says we are figuring and refiguring dominance and submission in our social groups.

There is often an ongoing “battle” to be the alpha or top dog in a group of dogs and even between two dogs.

Smaller dogs often exhibit aggression and signs of dominance over larger dogs. The alpha position is one that must be earned, so the behavior to establish it will most likely continue between Bella and Peepers.

While humans often get a chuckle out of a little dog hanging onto the cheek of a larger dog (I’ve had a few do that to me), there is a message in that use of teeth. But even I’m not completely sure of what it means. So you just “hang” in there.

WONDERING WHAT MAKES YOUR PET TICK? Carter is an expert! Email your questions to Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com. wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets 57

SD Gunner Fund & Jessie the Service Dog Story by Cindy Reid

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wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets

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leven-month-old rescue dog Jessie is in training for her new life as a service dog. Once considered a “throwaway,” she was found on the roadside by Scott Freeman, a good Samaritan & military veteran. Now the SD Gunner Fund is actively seeking to pair Jessie with a new owner, one who needs a service dog.

Applicants have to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Disability is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including people with history of such an impairment, and people perceived by others as having such an impairment.

dogs are taught public access skills, such as ignoring dropped food, settling quietly at the handler’s side in public, and remaining under control in a variety of settings.

Jessie has already started her service dog training and it is very important that the new owner trains with Jessie as soon as possible. Typically training starts anytime from eight weeks old up until 18 Service Dog months old. After that, the ‘work life’ exSD Gunner Fund The role of service dogs has greatly expectancy diminishes because the dog esThe SD Gunner Fund (a 5013c nonpanded over the years. They were tradisentially gets an approximately 1-2 years of profit organization) has a mission to astionally seeing eye dogs, and strictly Gertraining and then has an average working sist veterans, children living with disabilman Shepherds, for many generations. life of 8-10 years until they are retired from ities, and first responders while inspiring Now there are so many different tasks active duty and transition to beloved pet. disability awareness through public eduthey can be trained for, and breeds that Elena Kelly-Nock says, “When the owncation and advocacy. can be trained, that the very definition of er bonds with their dog in training mode, The SD Gunner Fund was founded in service dog has changed. What’s importthey make a better team, and the owner 2014 by Britnee Kinard. Britnee graduatant is that they continue to assist disabled becomes a better handler. The dog will ed from Middle Tennessee State Univerindividuals. be trained to look to their owner. We sity in 2005 with a degree in recording A service dog is trained to take a specan’t fine tune Jessie’s training until she industry business and entertainment cific action whenever required to assist a is matched with her new person.” And law. She left her high profile caonce Jessie is out of training, her reer in business to become a fullnew owner will be encouraged to time caregiver to her husband, continue her training and take part Hamilton Kinard, after he suffered in group sessions with other service Service dogs are more than pets, life-altering injuries while serving dogs and their owners to keep their and more than companions. The our country in Operation Iraqi skills sharp.

Freedom. The SD Gunner Fund important work they do improves gets its name from Hamilton’s Cause for Paws first service dog, a Great Pyrenees A Savannah news station has the everyday lives of thousands named Gunner. been featuring Jessie on the “Paws of people across the country.

After seeing firsthand how extraorfor a Cause” segment hosted by dinarily difficult it is to get a service reporter Ashley Garrett. Recently dog through the VA system, Britnee she highlighted a video of Jessie founded SD Gunner Fund to help others person with their disability. The task the and her trainer working on “holding with obtain a service dog more easily. dog performs is directly related to their distractions” was featured.

Elena Kelly-Nock, President of the person’s disability, either emotional and/ The SD Gunner Fund is very grateful Board of Directors and Training Director or physical reasons. for the publicity as it helps get the word says, “The SD Gunner Fund is a strong orThe SD Gunner service dogs are not out and reaches a wide audience of ganization that has chosen to grow in the trained for people who need service potential owner applicants. Jessie will right way. We have a Board of Directors dogs for seizures, diabetes, or for peogo to her new owner completely free and being all female and all volunteer, we ple who are fully blind or deaf. They are of charge, but any donations received are very proud of the work we’ve accomtrained for assistance with mobility, stafrom WJCL viewers are gratefully acplished together.” bility, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, just cepted and will be used to help cover to name a few tasks. They often perform Jessie’s board and training fees.

Ready for Applications retrieval functions—retrieving things The SD Gunner Fund is now taking aptheir owner may need or has dropped How to Apply plications and filtering the applications so on the floor, such as keys, glasses, medTo apply to be matched with Jessie, Jessie can go to her new owner in Sepication bottles etc. visit the SD Gunner Fund Facebook page, tember. If you’re a veteran in need of a The dogs the SD Gunner Fund placand send a private message indicating service dog, please reach out! There is es are certified Urban through the AKC, you are interested in applying for Jessie. absolutely no cost to the new owner beAmerican Kennel Club. That means they You will be contacted and given an applicause SD Gunner Fund is absorbing the show they can function with their owner cation to fill out and return. If you know a cost through donations and fundraising. in all kinds of situations, such as using an veteran who might benefit from a service The average cost of a fully-trained serelevator, ignoring loud noises, and being dog, reach out and let’s find Jessie her vice dog runs from $8,000 to $25,000. on a ferry. As part of their training, service new home! h

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www.sdgunner.org | www.facebook.com/SDGunner wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets 59

ADOPTABLE PETS

Dove

Egypt

Frito

Galileo

Glee

Iris

Lark

Panther

Pepper

Pipper

Poppy

Please consider adopting!

912.754.2109 | www.ecas.petfinder.com Apple

Dell

Blue

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Cara

Guy

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Leda

Mia

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Where Pets are Family Baby

Basil

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Cupcake & Twinkie

Butterbean

We accept donation items (pet food, blankets, towels, etc.) for Coastal Pet Rescue in our hospital lobby.

www.animalhospitalatricehope.com 912-965-0330 | 7512 GA Hwy 21, Port Wentworth, GA 60

wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets

EXPERT TIPS FOR WELCOMING A KITTEN

Whether you’re fostering or adopting a kitten, learn how to give your kitten proper care during her first weeks and months with you.

F

ostering kittens and cats has risen in popularity during these unprecedented times, and many pet lovers are becoming fosters to help overcrowded animal shelters. Fostering a kitten can be a fun and exciting time, but it may also come with a learning curve.

Among the 43% of respondents to a Royal Canin survey, who have fostered a pet, 6 in 10 have “foster failed” and permanently adopted the pet they were fostering. Most pet owners who responded also agree the first year of pet ownership is the most important, but 64% believe it is the most difficult, as well.

Whether you’re fostering or adopting a kitten, learn how to give your kitten proper care during her first weeks and months with you with this advice from the experts at Royal Canin.

Arriving Home The new sights, sounds and smells in your home, and the separation from her mother, may make your kitten feel stressed. Keeping the environment calm and quiet can ease the transition.

When you arrive home, put the cat carrier in the room you’ve prepared for the kitten with the kitten still inside, allowing her to get acclimated before opening the door. Then allow the kitten to explore a closed-off area. Resist the

urge to cuddle your kitten right away.

As your kitten gains confidence in its new surroundings, she will want to explore more. Make sure the environment is prepared with electrical wires and outlets covered; windows, balconies and stairs secured; and small or sharp objects put away so she can safely explore with your supervision. If there are possible hazards, a designated room with windows and plenty of social contact for the first few weeks may be better.

Creating a Safe Place Kittens can tire easily. After a little exploration time, give your kitten access to a bed in a cozy, quiet place with access to water, food and a litter box.

Turning out the light helps establish sleep patterns, but on the first night you might want to leave a night light on to help with the adjustment.

Provide somewhere quiet to eat. This should be somewhere your kitten feels secure, away from where you and any other pets eat. Cats don’t like to eat too near their litter boxes and should always have fresh water available.

As kittens grow rapidly, their digestive and immune systems develop slowly and they have specific nutritional needs that are different from adult cats. Any sudden changes in your kitten’s diet can cause

digestive trouble, so for the first few days, keep the same feeding routine as the previous caretaker. You can slowly switch to a different routine, if you choose, and transition to kitten food suitable for the appropriate growth stage. For example, Royal Canin Kitten formulas are tailormade with optimal vitamins and minerals to support healthy development.

Ongoing Care Your kitten should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition to a general health check, your vet can help you create a vaccination schedule and give advice on deworming, nutrition and more. Always use a carrier to transport your kitten safely while in the car and into the vet’s office.

Gradually introducing your kitten to new experiences can help with socialization.

New sounds can startle a kitten, so be ready to offer plenty of reassurance. You may also need to introduce new terrain like stairs or unfamiliar surfaces. Gentle play and careful handling can help your kitten become more comfortable with being touched.

Learn more about proper cat nutrition and how to create a welcoming home at royalcanin.com. h

wwwEffinghamMagazine.com | South Georgia Pets 61

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READY2CONNECT, INC, HOLDS 9TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BLOWOUT On July 30, Ready2Connect, Inc, held its annual mobile supply giveaway at Blandford Elementary School. This year, families remained in their cars while volunteers loaded school supplies and other essentials into their cars.

64 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

FOUR BUSINESSES CELEBRATE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES Businesses are thriving in Effingham!

This month, four businesses celebrated ribbon cuttings with the help of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and opened their doors for business. Clockwise from top: GeoVista; Tigress Designs; Working for a Purpose Foundation; and S. Nevaeh Beauty Academy.

www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com | August/September 2021 65

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 8MM Consulting, LLC Animal Hospital at Rice Hope Brooke Autry, Platinum Properties Chick-Fil-A Rincon

Crossfit Groundspeed Farmers Home Furniture iHeart Dental Moncrief Renovations, LLC

Animal Hospital at Rice Hope.......................................... 60 Bank of Newington.............................................................68 Beau Dossey Roofing.........................................................36 Booked Family Travel Co...................................................28 B&M Pools............................................................................36 B Renewed by Bonnie........................................................32 Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy, LLC..................................29 Dozier Law............................................................................28 Effingham Health System.................................................... 2 EL Real Mexican Restaurant..............................................28 Effingham County Chamber of Commerce..................34 ENT Associates of Savannah, P.C.....................................22 First Effingham Bank...........................................................52 Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union..........................49 Georgia-Pacific....................................................................67 Gnann’s Fix It........................................................................23 Goshen Park Commercial Center, Harvest of Believers.........................................................52 Goshen Park Commercial Center, iHeart Dental..................................................................... 18 Goshen Park Commercial Center, Kelley & Kelley...................................................................33 Goshen Park Commercial Center, SaltCreek Markethouse.................................................. 26 Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County..................35 Harold’s Auto Paint & Body...............................................32 iHeart Dental........................................................................ 19 Innovative Orthodontics...................................................... 3

66 August/September 2021 | www.EFFINGHAMMAGAZINE.com

South Fork Provisions State Farm, Clay Clark Stille-Dewitt Health Brokerage, LLC Total Services Heating and Air

J DelSUR Marketing Group...............................................38 Lawn Chatter........................................................................32 Magic Insurance................................................................. 48 Michelle Edwards, Realtor.................................................33 Miller’s Coins & Currency..................................................62 Mo’ Southern Collection...................................................36 Myatt’s Garage..................................................................... 16 Reo’s Cabinetry....................................................................26 Rincon Chevrolet................................................................ 18 Rusty Pig BBQ..................................................................... 48 SaltCreek Markethouse......................................................32 Shiny Side Up.......................................................................32 S Neveah Beauty Academy...............................................28 State Farm, Ashley Boyette................................................. 6 State Farm, Clay Clark........................................................34 Stille-Dewitt Health Brokerage......................................... 27 Streets & Sons Tire and Auto Repair................................34 South Fork Provisions.........................................................28 Teach Right!..........................................................................47 Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes...............36 Towne Pharmacy................................................................ 48 United Way of the Coastal Empire..................................62 Wanderings Design & Decor.............................................23 White Lavender Boutique................................................. 14 Wiley’s Home Center..........................................................63 Wright Wicks Candle Co..................................................... 6 Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control................................22

Our kids deserve A+ schools.

At Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill, we believe that at the heart of every great community is a great school system. That’s one reason why we make it a priority to invest in and support educational and enrichment programs that aid in student development, achievement and success.

The other reason may be a little selfish – a lot of the kids those programs help are our family.

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