Liberty County Magazine 2023

LIBERTYCOUNTY THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF LIBERTY COUNTY

PLATES LOCALS LOVE TAKE THE BACK ROADS BEHIND THE CURTAINS IN LIBERTY COUNTY

COUPLES THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST

Your Trusted Real Estate Attorneys & Title Company is Now Closer Than Ever!

Our Services Include: Residential & Commercial Real Estate Transactions New Construction Sales Leasing Consultation & Execution Corporate Relocation Management Wills & Estate Planning Probate Small Business Representation

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912.691.0943

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401 N. Main St., Hinesville, GA 31313

Banking for your success.

It takes a community.

We’re invested in Liberty County, and we’re committed to working with you toward your financial success. Talk to Joe today to take the first step.

Joe Ford Relationship Manager Savannah 2225 East Victory Drive 912-303-9667

Member FDIC. © 2023 United Community Bank | ucbi.com

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Melissa Deal VP, Commercial Banker NMLS# 2425589

HINESVILLE’S NEW LOCAL BANK

110 W General Screven Way, Hinesville www.QNBTRUST.bank

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LIBERTY COUNTY MAGAZINE

Proudly serving you for over 60 years.

J. Noel Osteen / Billy N. Jones / Linnie L. Darden III / L. Kelly Davis / Luke R. Moses

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LIBERTYCOUNTY MAGAZINE 2024

CONTENTS

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COUPLES THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST

As embedded in the Liberty County community as Mary and Danny Creasy are they are truly a power couple.

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PLATES LOCALS LOVE

Here in Liberty County we pride ourselves on being diverse, and our dining options are no exception to that!

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LEGACY BUSINESSES IN LIBERTY COUNTY

Small businesses are the backbone of America and the main driving force of our economy.

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THE RIGHT BLEND

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, chasing a new opportunity or ready to sit back and relax - Liberty County is the right place to plant your roots and start your next chapter.

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A Spotlight on Save Our Next Generation

Immerse yourself in the simplicity of coastal living when you take the back roads in Liberty County.

STAND UP, SPEAK OUT AND STOP BULLYING

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TAKE THE BACK ROADS

86 - 100 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY in every issue

A complete Liberty County Chamber membership list

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BEHIND THE CURTAINS

CREDITS

In Liberty County, we have a multitude of businesses and organizations that work hard to keep our county at the top of its game!

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PUBLISHER / Liberty County Chamber of Commerce CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / Leah Poole CREATIVE+DESIGN / Jane Roberson PHOTOGRAPHERS / Bianca Croft, Camera Koala, Emma Faircloth, Katrina Barrow Photography, Leah Poole, Joanna Ng Photography, Ralph Daniel, Stanley Peter Kane, Tammy Lee Bradley and Tommy Long SALES / Leah Poole, Valerie Andrews, Desiree Riley and Bobby Reynolds CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / Leah Poole, Desiree Riley, Emma Faircloth and Bobby Reynolds LIBERTY COUNTY MAGAZINE

About the Cover The cover photo is of Constance & Joe Ford.

(See page 18 for more) Photography by Joanna Ng Photography

Community Banking in Hinesville!

Southeastern Bank is in Hinesville! To start, we’ve opened a loan production office on Main Street. Just as exciting, Jason Floyd, a Hinesville native and experienced banker, is at the helm. What can you expect? Local decisions with quick turnaround on all your borrowing needs and the best customer service anywhere! Contact us today. 912.432.7278.

313A North Main Street | Hinesville, GA 31313

HOW BANKING IS DONE. southe a ste r nbank.c om

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PUBLISHER

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Whether you’ve lived in Liberty County for a day—or a lifetime—we’re excited you’re here!

We guarantee that our unique perspective on the community, presented here in our Membership Directory and Magazine will offer you an intriguing and engaging perspective on the place we love to call our home. Whether it’s our cover story featuring those who work behind the scenes in Liberty County or our favorite local restaurants, we hope you learn something new and fall in love with Liberty County all over again.

We have also given you some truly noteworthy and astoundingly beautiful photography courtesy of Ng Photography and several local amateur photographers. And of course, we love to feature some great photos from our fabulous staff!

Liberty County is rich in both history and culture, with three signers of the Declaration of Independence, a Revolutionary War fort that still holds the original earthen works, Dorchester Academy—where Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. came to plan important marches like the ones that took place in Selma, Alabama and so much more. We have the original rice dikes at LeConte Woodmanston Plantation, beautiful camellia gardens in the historic district of Allenhurst and one of the most picturesque coastlines on the eastern seaboard.

Those of us who are native to the county are fond of telling newcomers and old timers alike that there is always something to do and something new to see or explore; however, these adventures that await you will require a little searching on your part! The Chamber/CVB is an excellent place to start mapping out your journey. With an active website at www.libertycounty.org, several Facebook pages and Instagram where we are @ExploreLiberty, there are many ways to get plugged in and get active!

We are also home to the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart, the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River, with 20,000+ soldiers in residence at any given moment. Formed as Camp Stewart during the advent of World War II, soldiers from our military installation have fought in every major conflict since. Our pride and commitment to making our soldiers and their families at home is rock solid, much like their go to phrase “Rock of the Marne!”

We are proud to be your 7C Chamber: we are catalysts, conveners, champions, collaborators, cheerleaders, connectors and contributors. We are successful because we step up to the plate every time to face and address the greatest challenges of our community. While we work closely with local government, we are not part of government; although, many consider the process of influencing public policy to recognize the needs of the business community to be one of our most important functions.

Peace of mind for us doesn’t always come easy. It takes a staff committed to the core values we have adopted to run this organization every day. As well as a dedicated Board of Directors to steer, lead and guide the organization in the right direction. Our Board plans, implements and works hard year-round to ensure that our businesses and community partners are receiving, not only the best value for their investment, but the highest success rate for Liberty County overall.

That’s what a Chamber is, and that’s what your Liberty County Chamber of Commerce has been for the last 47 years!

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Leah Poole CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Liberty County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

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ARTICLE

PLATES LOCALS

LOVE TAZZA KABOB GRILLHOUSE

Here in Liberty County we pride ourselves on being diverse, and our dining options are no exception to that! With a wide array of local restaurants, there is something to fit every palette. We often hear people say that the hardest part of visiting a new restaurant is deciding what to order, because everything on the menu sounds delicious! While that may be true, most everyone has a specific meal that is always faithful and never lets them down. With the help of some friends, we created a guide for exactly what you should order at a couple of our favorite spots.

Keep reading to find out what they are, so that whenever you #ExploreLiberty you can use this as your guide to ordering the perfect meal!

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ZUM ROSENHOF GERMAN RESTAURANT

TAZZA KABOB GRILLHOUSE

Located in Hinesville, right outside of Fort Stewart’s main gate, you can find Tazza Kabob Grillhouse. This unique restaurant cooks up Afghan-Persian fusion cuisine with several delicious options for you to try! It is family owned and operated by the father and son duo, Nick and Shaen Mehrzed. They are truly passionate about making great food, and it definitely shows. It is no wonder that it quickly became a local favorite, because the food is always fresh, delicious and served with a smile.

ZUM ROSENHOF GERMAN RESTAURANT

Authentic German cuisine is hard to come by, but we have some of the best located right here in Liberty County. Travel to downtown Hinesville and visit Zum Rosenhof German Restaurant to immerse yourself in culture and have a one-of-a-kind experience. After you have had dinner, make sure to pop in next door and visit SpeiseKammer German Gourmet Foods and check out their wide variety of German goods!

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER:

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER:

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a plate of lamb, steak or chicken kabob. Pair it with their flavorful rice and beans, a salad and finish it off with a warm, fresh baked piece of Naan bread, and you will be in heaven.

If it is your first time, and you are looking to try even more yumminess – place an order for the eggplant. It is to die for!

Start your meal with a salad and for your main entrée ask for a plate of schnitzel with a side of potato salad or home fries. You cannot go wrong with either of these options!

Finish your meal off with a cold glass of German beer, like Warsteiner which is our favorite.

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RODEO MEXICAN RESTAURANT Who can say no to tortilla chips and fresh, homemade salsa?! Head over to Rodeo Mexican Restaurant for some of the best, and do not forget to order queso and guacamole to go with it! This restaurant is located right on Highway 84 in Hinesville making it easy to get to. It is one of our personal favorites, and we truly believe that everything on the menu is delicious! In addition to the food the customer service here is amazing, and you will want to come back for more!

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER: Texas Rice. Enough said! This delicious dish is made up of of steak, chicken and shrimp over rice with a mixture of grilled veggies that include bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, squash and zucchini. In case your mouth is not already watering, this plate of meat, rice and veggies is topped off with queso poured on top. Pair it with a cold beer or their brand-new margarita tower, and you will be all set! It is entirely possible that you may be in a food coma by the time you leave.

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SUNBURY CRAB COMPANY

Located out on the coast, you will find the Sunbury Crab Company. When you arrive, you will see why we love it so much! The views from the deck are amazing, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing and the food is even better. The Sunbury Crab Company is the perfect place for a quick getaway from daily life, a casual weeknight dinner or to celebrate a special occasion!

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER: Every perfect meal begins with an appetizer! Order a plate of the Ahi tuna, because we can promise you that even the pickiest eater will enjoy it. For your main entrée, you will want to try a basket of the freshest shrimp that you have ever had. The fried shrimp are our favorite, but you can get them grilled or blackened too! Once your belly is full, make your way down to the dock for a beautiful photo opportunity and take in all the smells and sights that the coast has to offer.

MELODY’S COASTAL CAFÉ

Looking for a place where literally everyone in your family can find something that they like? Melody’s Coastal Café is in Midway on Hwy 17 and gives off that perfect coastal vibe! The eclectic menu and made from scratch items are made possible by their partnership with local vendors.

They guarantee premium quality and freshness on every plate of food that they serve, and they do not miss a beat!

Visit them during happy hour to try one of their unique daily or weekly specials.

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER: We could not pick just one thing to suggest for y’all, so we chose two! Place an order for some delicious fried shrimp tacos and a side of fries or either a homemade Jersey style pizza with all your favorite toppings! Either way, you will thank us later.

SMOKIN’ PIG

In Midway, conveniently located right off I-95, you can find the Smokin’ Pig, and we just know that it is going to be one of your new favorite places to grab a bite to eat!

This restaurant is family-owned and operated, and specializes in slow-cooked “bar-b-que.” Their meat is tender, juicy and cooked to perfection! These folks are very proud of their recipes that have been handed down for generations. With 4.5 out of 5 stars on their Facebook reviews, we are sure that you will enjoy your stop and become a part of the Smokin’ Pig family!

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER: A Smokin’ Pig pulled pork sandwich will never let you down especially once you have topped it with some their signature BBQ sauce. Order a side of mac and cheese, a cup of Brunswick stew and a glass of sweet tea, and you have all the fixings for the perfect southern meal!

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With a wide variety of delicious meals to choose from, you have no excuse to say that you do not know what to try, so make your way to Liberty County and try them all! You will not be able to try them all in a day or even a weekend, but it gives you a good excuse to come and see us again! One thing we know for sure is that you will leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.

SHO’ NUFF SMOKIN’ GOOD BBQ

MARGIE’S SOUTHERN COOKING

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER:

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD ORDER:

Put in your order for the barnyard special so you can taste a little bit of everything! This comes with three different types of meat! Our favorites are the smoked chicken, ribs and pulled pork. To make this meal even better, you get a choice of 2 sides! We recommend the mac and cheese and baked beans. We hear that their smoked sausage dogs are out of this world too!

This spot offers a delicious surprise each day of the week because their menu changes each day! All you have to do is stop by the restaurant to see their daily specials. This means we cannot recommend one thing to you, but we can guarantee that no matter what it is – it will be amazing!

This local BBQ joint has worked hard to create amazing dishes! Their menu ranges from pork to chicken, turkey legs to wings and even barbecued veggies! Sho’ Nuff Smokin Good Barbecue has a mouthwatering array of options! Mr. Garrett and his wife take great pride in serving the best of the best to every customer that walks in their door. This family-owned business can be seen a little bit of everywhere in Hinesville since they offer some of the best catering around town!

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Who can say no to delicious soul food that tastes like your grandma made it? If that is what you are looking for, head over to Margie’s Southern Cooking on Shaw Road in Walthourville. The dishes are cooked in and served out of a bright yellow food truck with red letters on the side!

Ms. Margie and her family cook up the best meals for every person who eats with them, and we can promise that the daily specials will make your mouth water just looking at them!

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HOME

Our clients are the cornerstone of our community.

Our focus remains on providing excellent service, professionalism

and dedication to our clients who place their trust in us with all their real estate needs. From residential to commercial, we have you covered. Who you hire truly matters.

912-368-4300

912-408-4040

912.368.4300 | www.ColdwellBankerSouthernCoast.com | 912.408.4041 ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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912.368.6322 | www.SouthernCoastPM.com | www.SoutherCoastPM.com

All your real estate needs under

one roof.

Our focus is assisting you in managing your rental properties and providing superb service at every turn. We do the work to keep everything functioning properly while increasing the value of your investment.

Who you hire truly matters.

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ARTICLE

LOVE IN LIBERTY COUNTY:

COUPLES THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST EVERY DAY WE HAVE DOZENS OF SMALL INTERACTIONS WITH PEOPLE. SOME ARE BRIEF, BUT SOME CAN LAST A LIFETIME. WE SAT DOWN WITH A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE COUPLES TO EXPLORE HOW THEY TURNED THEIR MOMENTS OF INTERACTION INTO STRONG AND LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.

BY LEAH POOLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANNA NG PHOTOGRAPHY

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BECKY & JASON FLOYD Having friends who love you and want to see you happy is always a great thing and our first couple found love through great friends, great food and great times in 2011!

Becky and Jason originally met at a fundraiser for First Preparatory Christian Academy, thanks to Becky’s good friend Christy McCain. The rest, as they say, is history. A group date at the Sunbury Crab Company that involved Becky shattering a plate of blue crab and her ability to laugh at herself and Jason was toast! With a great sense of humor on both of their parts, this dynamic couple hit it off immediately!

“We learned quickly that we have similar personalities and in our day-to-day lives we’re both decision makers, so in our relationship we know we either have to defer or confer,” said Jason. Finding compromise has always been important to Becky and Jason and knowing that an ability to adapt is hugely important.

As a local surgeon with Southeast Georgia Surgery, in practice with her good friend Christy McCain, Becky’s career keeps her on the move and marrying into a pre-made family required the Floyds to appreciate the blended nature of what they have and co-parent Jason’s daughter, Lily. “It’s such a good dynamic, and we are all grateful to have each other,” said Becky.

A banker with Southeastern Bank, Jason also serves on the Hinesville City Council and has numerous other duties and responsibilities. Yet the couple still finds time

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to spend time together by enjoying their love of cooking and food, as well as travel. Some of their favorite trips have included Alaska, as well as Italy and France. “Becky has a very distinguished palate, and I’ve really learned to appreciate it,” said Jason. A self-proclaimed “couponer” Becky said that she saves where she can on household goods so that, “When we go out, we go out and have a once in a lifetime experience.” Their number one favorite restaurant so far is located in Chicago.

“THE BEST PART OF MY DAY, HANDS DOWN, IS COMING HOME AND BEING WITH MY WIFE,” SAID JASON. I MEAN COME ON, WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THAT?

CONSTANCE & JOE FORD Our next couple went from casual acquaintances to so much more. What began as riding on the same bus to high school blossomed at Georgia Southern University in 1992! Even though it took them a while to realize it, it was clear from the beginning that these two were a perfect match, as 26 years of marriage will attest to.

With so much time under their belt this comfortable couple knows each other like the cover of a book. “She’s the picky one, and I will literally try anything,” Joe shared about their love of food. Some of their favorite places around include: Mr. Shuck’s, Ruth’s Chris and Longhorns.

They also share a love of traveling. Some of their favorite places so far have been Antigua and New York City. When they are not traveling, or eating, they enjoy watching movies and tv together, as well as hanging out and just talking about their day. Joe also admitted to a

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fondness for shopping and golf, which his wife participates in as well. “She’s no fluff, the calm and peaceful one, which makes coming home a blessing,” said Joe. As a teacher for the last 21 years Constance always has tons of stories to tell her husband about the young minds and hearts that she makes a difference in. A career banker, at 29 years and counting, Joe is definitely the talker in the family! “Communication is the key in any marriage and be truthful to yourself,” said Constance, and we are 100% sure that Joe tells her all the happenings in his busy days.

This couple also loves giving back to their community, and they are both dedicated members of the Cosmopolitan Club and their church, Bethel AME. “I’ve been a member my entire life, we got married there and Joe is an officer in the church,” said Constance. “We take our spirituality very seriously.”

With Joe holding leadership positions (past and present) in the Hinesville Housing Authority, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce (he’s our Chairman!), the NAACP, AUSA, the Rotary Club of Hinesville and so many others it’s a wonder that Constance gets to see him!

“Marriage is about compromise,” said Joe. “And I know that if Constance says she needs me that she means business.”

THIS COUPLE KNOWS THAT THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IS HAVING A JOY IN EACH OTHER AND THE TWO LOOK FORWARD TO CREATING EVEN MORE MEMORIES TOGETHER.

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MARY & DANNY CREASY Our final couple is the perfect example of working hard but playing harder! As embedded in the Liberty County community as Mary and Danny Creasy are they are truly a power couple.

The circumstances behind their first encounter are up for debate, as Mary and Danny circled around each other for years since their families have always known each other.

They “connected” when Danny was in 10th grade and Mary was in 11th during photography class and then yet again when Mary was a cheerleader for Danny’s football team. “We were really just friends, and then I started crushing on him,” said Mary.

Although they did not approach each other with the idea of dating, fate would soon bring them back together in February of 1992 at Georgia Southern University. “Go Eagles,” Danny hollers. The rest as they say is history.

The couple got engaged in 1995 and then got married in August of 1996. The couple would wait seven years before having any children, but admit that they could not imagine life without Caswell (19) and Cade (16) Creasy.

“Family is hugely important to us, as are strong family values,” said Mary. Coming from a family of 10 brothers and sisters she cannot imagine life without the chaos that a large family brings. From sports, school events, and learning to drive, this couple has enjoyed every moment of raising kids and living their lives together.

“We eat dinner every night together, it’s very important to us to have that time to say the blessing, be thankful for all that we have and invest the time in each other,” said Mary. Their family time includes watching tv together each night (Monday-Thursday) with cell phones turned off. While Danny thinks that Mary makes some questionable decisions in her choice of reality tv shows, he cannot imagine being anywhere else. Having been in banking since 2001, Danny knows the importance of unwinding with his wife over a glass of wine on the front porch after a long day or joining their friends at the Sunbury Crab Company on a Friday n ight to regale each other with the tales of the week.

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Of course, they are avid Georgia Southern Eagles fans and have instilled that love of football in both of their sons.

Dryden Enterprises, since 1995, Mary has leveraged her career in the family business to allow for the time to support her children and still be highly involved in all aspects of family life. “He’s my best friend,” Mary said about Danny (this is when we all say awwwww!).

Twenty-seven years later, the couple is still madly in love and they continue to grow in love and community.

And they accomplish this because, “Marriage takes communication, hanging out together and actually enjoying that time and of course forgiveness,” said Mary.

LOVE COMES IN MANY SHAPES AND SIZES, BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THESE COUPLES WERE BUILT TO LAST. WHILE LISTENING TO THESE STORIES, ONE THING IS CLEAR: EVEN THE LONGEST OF RELATIONSHIPS CAN HOLD ONTO TRUE LOVE.

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STATE LICENSE #PDSCO01754

ARMED SECURITY

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

INFIDELITY CHEATERS CASES

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS

912-312-9510

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www.cityofriceboro.org

The City of Riceboro is a growing coastal city supporting – and supported by -- its citizens and industries. As part of the Hinesville-Fort Stewart Metropolitan Statistical Area in Liberty County, GA, the City of Riceboro is in the perfect position to progress while preserving the unique culture and serving people. In Riceboro, you gain the benefits of a close-knit community with potential to grow. Our desire is to preserve the heritage, promote the culture, and serve the people while supporting the growth of Riceboro, Georgia.

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LIBERTY COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS “Come visit us and see why so many have discovered that Liberty County was founded February 5, 1777, and named for the American ideal of Liberty. It is ideally located between Savannah and Brunswick, with local access via I-95 to beaches and coastal recreational activities. A community of 65,256 residents, the area is proud of its cultural diversity and hometown atmosphere.

Liberty County is home to Fort Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized). The county “boasts” a mild coastal climate that fosters year-round family-oriented events. The county is home to several historic sites and museums and proudly offers 19 recreational venues.

In addition, the county has two colleges and a regional airport. Visit Liberty County and experience firsthand southern hospitality at its best and why others have chosen it as their home.

Liberty County is a place to live for a lifetime.”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Commissioner Marion Stevens, Sr. ~ District 1 Commissioner Justin L. Frasier ~ District 2 Commissioner Connie Thrift ~ District 3 Chairman Donald L. Lovette Commissioner Maxie R. Jones, IV ~ District 4 Commissioner Gary Gilliard ~ District 5 Commissioner Eddie J. Walden ~ District 6

libertycountyga.com

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ARTICLE

COMMUNITY PILLARS:

LEGACY BUSINESSES IN LIBERTY COUNTY SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE BACKBONE OF AMERICA AND THE MAIN DRIVING FORCE OF OUR ECONOMY. EVERY LARGE BUSINESS THAT YOU KNOW AND LOVE TODAY STARTED OUT AS A SMALL BUSINESS WITH AN OWNER THAT HAD A DREAM AND STORY. WE WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THE STORIES OF A FEW LEGACY BUSINESSES HERE IN LIBERTY COUNTY THAT HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES AS STAPLES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

BY BOBBY REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANNA NG PHOTOGRAPHY

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YATES ASTRO Our first business is no stranger to the community and is often recognized by their iconic “Bug Bus.” We sat down with Roger Hutchinson the Area Manager of Yates AstroHinesville to dive deeper into their story. Since the early 1970s they have provided the Liberty County area with pest control services. In 2002 they established their first Liberty County location. Yates specializes in residential and commercial pest, termite, mosquito, rodent and bedbug control.

Hutchinson is a retired United States Army veteran who joined Yates Astro in 2004 after working for an international pest control company for five years. He started out by helping in their various locations until he was asked to work in Liberty County for a couple of months. That couple of months turned into a few more months and 18 years later he is still happy about his assignment here.

One of the many things that makes Yates Astro unique is although it is a fairly large company today it is also still family owned. In fact, they are one of the largest pest control companies in the state of Georgia that is still family owned and operated. Each branch has its own personal touch within the community it serves. “I think that helps us identify more with our customers than some of the companies,” said Hutchinson.

One of the reasons he enjoys his line of work so much is due to the company’s commitment to being involved in the communities they are located in through various avenues of service. “When I was a kid, my mother was

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a Realtor®, and she pointed out that if you’re working in something other than retail where people are coming to your location, then you have to be out in the community.

It’s all part of the networking and that kind of stuff. But I think the main part is it falls in with the operating philosophy of the company putting back into the community, what you put into your environment,” Hutchinson explained.

estate. Hay heard that Brown and Simpson were looking to start a business, and she offered to sell hers to them.

The two friends decided to take her up on her offer and buy the business. Brown boasts that although the interest rate shot up to 18.5% the year he took over, the company did not go bankrupt. At some point Simpson decided he wanted to focus more on civil service and sold his portion of the business to Brown.

One of the ways that they have become very popular is partially thanks to their amazing Bug Bus. Hutchinson couldn’t help but laugh and chuckle to himself when asked how the project came about. “The way it started out was by us doing the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah every year. And what we would do is contract out to this company that builds floats for you and that started to become a little pricey. And then, in one of the parades I saw where some people were converting school buses into campers or RVs or something like that. So, we started thinking, you know we could do something like that except make it something for the parades and other events. We talked about doing it for a couple of years. But then, at one of the parades we saw some of the Shriners had buses set up similar to what we were looking at doing.

That’s when we all decided, ok, we need to move on this.”

Brown said that he has enjoyed almost every minute of his business. “I still feel youthful when I’m doing real estate,” said Brown. The company focuses on residential sales listing and selling and helping buyers find listings.

They also do commercial realty such as Oglethorpe Square (where Chick Fil A Hinesville is located). Brown explained how it was a team effort between the late Barbara Wheeler and himself. The third area they focus on is rental property management. “When I initially took over the company was only managing 20-30 properties at one time, and I increased that number to 350. That was also during a time where there were very few realty businesses in town.”

They were able to purchase an old bus out of South Carolina and immediately began to work on it after hours. Employees would volunteer to stay after work and even sacrifice some weekends for the project. After about nine months, the Bug Bus made its debut at the 2017 Liberty County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Low Country Boil. Ever since then the bus has been a huge success and making appearances all over the Southeast at various parades, festivals and community events.

CENTURY 21 ACTION REALTY Our next business has been a part of the Hinesville community for about five decades and aims to help simplify your next real estate purchase or sale. Century 21 Action Realty was started in Liberty County by way of Mickey Hay and just as she decided she wanted to sell the business she met with Allen Brown and Jim Simpson, two friends, looking to start their very own business in real

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One of the things that helped Century 21 stand out over the years is at one time they asked all their franchisees and agents to wear gold coats. “So, if you went to Kroger with your gold coat on, everybody in the store knew what you did. It was nationally advertised as the Gold Coat Team, and we even used unique gold post signs.” Originally there were two Century 21 Action Realty companies in Hinesville and after a couple of years Brown and Simpson eventually bought the other business out and consolidated under one roof.

Brown said, “Over the years we’ve had this building chocked full of powerful agents and a lot of other companies [realty] started through here. Mrs. Boggs, owner of Boggs Realty, for example, right across the street. She’s an excellent Realtor® and spent close to 15 years here before she started her own business.” He went on to share how starting out Century 21 and Coldwell Banker Holtzman, Real Estate were the two big realty companies in town and and there were really only four in total. Nowadays that number is a lot closer to 30 companies.

Brown also talks about the resilience of Century 21 during the various recessions that have occurred over the years. “The 2007 recession kind of snuck up on me and our community. Mainly because with Fort Stewart here and the constant movement of troops we normally don’t feel the negative effects quite as bad as other places do.

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However, despite the lows of the economy, everyone did what they had to in order to make things work.” Brown talked about how the primary builder during that time would buy down the interest rate and do other creative things to help people get into houses.

After COVID, Century 21 faced a new issue: the tremendous demand for houses. The interest rate towards the end of the pandemic was so low that Realtors® were struggling to find houses fast enough for eager buyers.

Even now with the interest rates up to around six percent Brown is confident in their abilities to flow with the market.

As for the future of Century 21 there are not any current plans for expansion. However, Brown did share that his current term as mayor of Hinesville is coming to an end and that will allow him to focus more attention on the operation side of Century 21 and commercial realty.

MCDONALD’S We love a good hamburger, who doesn’t? McDonald’s is an internationally recognized brand; the restaurants are all over the globe. However, what you may not realize is that each location is locally owned and operated.

In Liberty County, Ashley Dodd is the second generation in her family to own locations on Highway 84, Highway 196, inside the Walmart Supercenter and in Midway. Her father, Gary Dodd, opened the original location here, and that 45 year-long family legacy is incredibly important to her. Dodd attributes a lot of her success to her dad who moved to Hinesville from Detroit after he worked at a McDonald’s from the age of 14 on. Her family moved to Georgia in 1977 because her dad had always loved the south, its traditions and strength, and he saw that in Hinesville.

“My entire family came from Detroit, MI. My dad was offered places in north Michigan, Chicago and Hinesville, GA which the previous owners in the area wanted nothing to do with. He chose Hinesville without even seeing it,” said Dodd.

She has been pleased and surprised to see Fort Stewart grow so much since then. In the newly rebuilt

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McDonald’s on Hwy 84 Dodd had all the panels in the restaurant done by a local artist depicting the history of the 24th Infantry Division and now the 3rd ID: “Our family has always supported and relied on our military.

When Desert Storm happened, my dad almost went under. Back then they didn’t take care of the wives and families that same as they do now. I remember my mom and dad picking the wives up with their kids and groceries who were walking and giving them a ride,” said Dodd.

Dodd went on to explain all of the things that her dad would do to help support the military, such as purchasing groceries for the people in front of them in lines and sending Beanie Babies for soldiers to give to kids overseas. In Dodd’s opinion Hinesville has become less local and more of a melting pot, which is amazing. “I’m in business and my family survived because of our military. We will always support our military. I miss the local aspect but, I’m so proud of where our base has come from and will always support our troops,” Dodd said.

Having worked at McDonald’s all her life, Dodd finished college and was accepted into the company’s Next Generation Program. One of the things that she loves to tell those new in the industry is “Remember where you came from and where the brand came from.

Like Ray Crock, Fred Turner, the people who are pillars of McDonald’s and what we stand for. I just always remember who my dad was and what he instilled in me, and what he did for the community.” She is incredibly active in and supportive of the community. The tuition assistance program is something she is especially proud to share with people. She wants her employees to not only love their current job, but to get an education and continue to grow and evolve as they work with her.

She said she feels it is important to remember that the people behind the counter are her customers too, and to realize that sometimes McDonald’s is a person’s first job and there is a responsibility to help employees succeed. As the only female McDonald’s operator in the Hinesville/ Savannah region, one way she does that is through the McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program. It offers free advising and classes to employees, and even offers a high school diploma and ESL program for those who need it.

Ashley said she follows what she calls “POP,” which means “Put people first, and then operations and the profit will come later.” She said that you help everybody. She pointed out Angie, the store manager who worked in the

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restaurant when she was little, and Wanda, who was her store manager when she worked there in high school.

Having people like them who were there when she was young and worked with her father are what makes her staff special. “One of the things making us expand and grow is changing with the times. I feel like at my age, I know I have some of him, the old-school. And I have a lot of new-school. I’m able to bridge those and adapt and change and use technology to have a better experience for both sides of the counter.”

Ashley knows that community is important, and she strives to teach that same principle to her children.

Growing up with all things McDonald’s, this thriving family of 5 always puts people first, serves others and remains humble in everything that they do. Never taking anything for granted, Dodd strives to bring the best quality product to the market, along with serving the community that has served her family for 45 years.

WRAP IT SIGNS When locals hear the name Wrap-It Signs, the first thing that comes to mind is their Scooby-Doo themed van, but everyone also knows the dynamic father-son duo behind the company. We sat down with Mark and Greg Hewitt to learn more about this unique business. In the mid-1990s, when Greg was in Las Vegas running his check cashing business, he had the idea to open business that specialized in vehicles wraps, which was a new form of advertising. “You know back then the internet wasn’t what it is today, Yellow Pages were the big thing when it came to advertising. We were spending a lot of money on advertising, and I finally got the idea to just put signs on our vans and let our managers drive them back and forth and that’ll be our advertisement,” said Greg.

The businesses did not initially take off, but Greg had a backup plan: they would also create custom signs. As the sign business began to pick up he asked his son Mark who was in college to come home and help out. “I travelled back and forth from school to home to help my dad and the business seemed to just start becoming a lot busier. I didn’t mind too much as I needed a job while in school, and I’ve always worked for my dad,” Mark said.

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Greg has returned full time. “If you’ve ever seen the show American Chopper our dynamic is very similar,” he said.

Eventually the trend of wrapping vehicles did reach the Liberty County area. Mark took lead on focusing his skillset in that area (even being self-taught) while his dad focused on signs.

They specialize in vehicle wraps, business signs, Realtor® signs, banners and much more. Greg said that being a part of someone else’s business journey has become a very rewarding experience for both of them. “Some people come in, they’re starting a business, and we get to see a lot of it from start to finish. It’s always been my dream to start this business and it’s nice being able to help someone else with their dream.”

They both recalled a story about a lady in Dublin who followed them for a few miles. “I thought I had a stalker,” Greg said jokingly. However, it turns out the kind lady just wanted a photo of her daughter with their van. The Wrap It Signs work van has been wrapped to look similar to the Mystery Inc. van from the Scooby Doo cartoons.

“The van was an older van we used for the Cash Back Pawn business back in Vegas. We needed a work van for our current business and thought it would be a great marketing tool,” said Greg.

Presently they do signs and wraps all over Georgia and north Florida. They can wrap nearly anything from trucks, cars, propane tanks, law enforcement vehicles, as well as do sign creation and installs. This business has been a family affair over 15 years, and they plan to expand as the demand for their services increases.

THE PARROT & FROG Downtown Hinesville is becoming a hot spot, a gathering place for community events, new businesses and the potential seems endless. One of the things our community seemed to be missing was a proper bar. A place for folks to gather on the weekends or after a stressful day and now we have one! The Parrot & Frog is Hinesville’s very first pub. The pub has been the dream of Andy Gray for many years and to him the process of officially opening a bar seemed to have started overnight.

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“The pub is a place we want to be friendly. You can come in and enjoy your drink after work with friends,” said Gray. A lot of the inspiration to open his own spot came from the pubs in Ireland & the UK where he grew up. Gray also mentioned that this labor of love was a collaborative team effort thanks to his wife, Lillian Gray; son, Tommy McKnight; Hasit Patel; Leah Poole; Jody Smiley; Chris Niksch; Pritesh Patel and Barry Chapman.

You can visit the hot new spot at 110 S. Commerce Street, Hinesville. They are open Monday – Friday, 3:30PM – 9:00PM and Saturdays from 2:00PM – 10:00PM. Be sure to stop by and have a cold beverage!

LOW COUNTRY TURF & ORNAMENTAL Owning a home or a business can bring a huge sense of pride especially when you have an amazing landscape surrounding it. Low Country Turf & Ornamental seeks to provide its customers with all of their landscaping needs.

We sat down with Dalton Smiley, the owner, to hear about how his rising business got started.

His story begins with him and his dad taking over things such as spraying yards, doing the fertilizer and bug killer.

Then he found out that somebody in the company had to be licensed and after he became licensed, he discovered that the licensed party had to be the owner or primary operator. “I realized that it would be easy for me to start up a business separate from him under my own license.

So, I did that and that’s actually what I got my degree from the University of Georgia in. Learning about Turfgrass Management was fascinating, as well as the challenge of running my own small business,” Smiley said.

Low Country Turf does everything in regards to plants, grass, irrigation, grading site work, pavers and maintenance installs. Smiley explained that after about two years into the lawncare business he discovered that both of his grandfathers were in the lawncare business just like he and his dad. “I like to say, my momma sold me into hard labor when she married my dad, because there was me and two of my cousins from the time we were old

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enough to pick up a shovel. And by the time I was older, having been doing it for a long time, I just knew lawncare like the back of my hand,” he said.

Smiley believes hard work is ingrained into his DNA and that’s the dedication he inspires the employees of his company to have as well. Currently his plans are to keep the business local and that also goes for any products or services his business may need. He always does his best to shop local and work local. You can call Low Country Turf & Ornamental today for all of your lawncare needs (912) 463-3396.

WE KNOW THAT SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR COUNTRY AND THAT ALL SMALL BUSINESSES START WITH AN OWNER THAT HAD A DREAM AND STORY. WHETHER WE HAVE HIGHLIGHTED A LEGACY BUSINESSES THAT HAS BEEN HERE FOR OVER 40 YEARS OR ONE THAT HAS ONLY BEEN AROUND A HANDFUL OF MONTHS THEY HAVE ALL ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES AS STAPLES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

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LIBERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

The Mission of the Liberty County School System is to provide all students an education which promotes excellence, good citizenship and a love of learning.

All students will receive a high quality education providing them the knowledge and skills to be successful, contributing members of a global society.

CHARTER SYSTEM 2015 – 2026 STATE OF THE ART PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM HORIZONS NON-TRADITIONAL LEARNING CENTER 1 :1 iPAD INITIATIVE - GRADES Pre-K – 12 COLLEGE & CAREER ACADEMY WITH 16 LEARNING PATHWAYS LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SUPPORTING PERSONALIZED LEARNING

GA CERTIFIED STEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WWW.LIBERTY.K12.GA.US

Facebook & Instagram @libertycoschools Twitter @libertycoschool

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING DESIGN | MAINTENANCE | IRRIGATION

TURF MANAGEMENT

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ARTICLE

“STAND UP, SPEAK OUT AND STOP BULLYING” A Spotlight on Save Our Next Generation

BY DESIREE RILEY | PHOTOS BY NG PHOTOGRAPHY 42

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Liberty County is home to thousands of kids and teenagers from all walks of life. Unfortunately, many of our youth face challenges and obstacles that remain unseen or unheard. No matter who you are—or where you come from—a continuing problem for kids nationwide is bullying. However, through dedicated organizations like Save Our Next Generation (SONG), kids and parents can find the tools and resources they need to help put an end to bullying.

Although she originally worked in the medical field, Lisa Brown, founder of SONG, developed her passion for helping children after working at the Liberty Educational Alternative Division: “When I was in between jobs, I came across the opportunity to work with youths that were at-risk. And those kids really became a part of my life. I still keep in touch with them now as adults.” While working in the school system, Lisa was reminded of the teasing and bullying she faced as a young girl: “My mind went back to all the bullying situations that I was in when I was a child. I could defend myself, and I even helped defend others. But there were many of my peers that just couldn’t defend themselves or were too afraid to say anything. I am still the champion I was back then. But now, I have a platform to help those that feel helpless in bullying situations.” Lisa also realized that too often bullying issues are simply swept under the rug: “It’s not just a part of growing up like people often say. Bullying can be deadly. And when you think about it, I have grand kids, so I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

After hearing the outcries of bullying in our community and beyond, Lisa decided to take action and created her own non-profit to combat the issues: “One day, I asked God to show me what I could do to help my community, but I didn’t know where to start.” With passion and drive, Lisa began looking for needs and different ways to get the community involved in her mission: “I couldn’t seem to figure it out, so I tried some things on my own. After a few failures, it was suddenly laid on my heart to have a rally.” In 2017, Lisa gathered a small group of likeminded parents and kids for a rally at Bryant Commons in Hinesville, Georgia. Although this first rally was simply a small demonstration of support, it planted the necessary seeds to help SONG gain traction within the community: “One rally wasn’t enough to put an end to the bullying crisis in my community, but it was enough to show that someone was willing to help.”

Over the next few years, SONG gained more support and Lisa began fostering partnerships within the community. In 2020, Save Our Next Generation achieved non-profit status; moreover, Liberty County and the City of Hinesville proclaimed the first Friday of every October

Save Our Next Generation Day: “The proclamation was definitely a proud moment. It let the community know how serious I am—and how serious SONG is—about bullying. I love my community and the city of Hinesville.

I’m a proud Savannah native, but I’ve adopted Hinesville as home after living here for over 20 Years. I especially love the kids of Liberty County. I am all about their safety and wellbeing.”

Today, SONG serves as a bullying prevention program that offers anti-bullying curriculums and community workshops all year round. They also still host their annual anti-bullying rally and march the streets of Hinesville!

Lisa has partnered with many people and organizations in our community, including the Liberty County Recreation Department. SONG was also in partnership with the late, former legendary Harlem Globetrotter, Larry “Gator” Rivers (Gator Ball Academy), who attended sessions as a motivational speaker and share some of his trademark moves with children.

Lisa plans to keep moving forward with all her efforts, and there are new developments on the horizon for SONG. In addition to prevention and awareness, Lisa hopes to expand SONG’s services and resources: “Big plans are coming for SONG, and we are going to be out in the community a whole lot more. I can’t get too much into it now, but I can say that it will be mind- blowing.”

According to Lisa, more people need to understand the true nature and danger of bullying: “Bullying is to seek harm, intimidate or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable. It’s a threat to aggressively dominate or intimidate. Bullying is an activity of repeated, aggressive behavior intended to hurt another individual physically, mentally or emotionally.” This is why Lisa works tirelessly to ensure that SONG’s message is heard loud and clear: “I want the community to know that SONG is here to stay and we are serious about bullying. It takes a village to raise a child with kindness, acceptance and inclusion—and that is our vision. All we need is for the village to show up ready to make a change. We can’t do this without them, but we are here and we hear the cries of our children. We not only want to help the victims of bullying, but more importantly the aggressors. It’s imperative that we focus on the root of bullying in order to cure the symptoms.

Let’s stand up, speak out and stop bullying!”

SONG is always looking for new partnerships and collaboration with local organizations. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Lisa Brown directly at songoflibertycounty@gmail.com or by calling 912.271.9858. You can also visit songofliberty.org to learn more about this organization.

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REASONS YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH COASTAL GEORGIA 1. The Food

Did someone say fresh seafood?! Nothing compares to biting into a shrimp that tastes like it just came out of the ocean. Visit the Sunbury Crab Company and taste what real seafood is like.

You won’t find that fresh taste anywhere else, and we can guarantee that. If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can still eat good right here in Liberty County. We have a number of local restaurants that will satisfy your taste buds!

2. The Dirt Roads

There’s something about rolling the windows down and cruising down a dirt road. It’s a time when you can shut the whole world off and just relax for a few minutes. In Liberty County, we’ve got some of the most beautiful dirt roads you’ve ever seen. Riding under the tree canopies is the most relaxing feeling, and you’ll definitely want it to last forever. Come take a drive and find out!

3. The Sunsets

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times.

South Georgia sunsets (or sunrises if you’re an early bird) are some of the most beautiful things you’ll ever lay eyes on. The best thing about these beautifully painted views is that no matter what time of year it is, they’ll be there to say good morning or good night.

4. The People

Last, but most certainly not least – one of the best things about life on the Georgia coast are the people that you’ll meet. People always mention southern hospitality and how friendly people in the south, but we don’t even notice. It’s a way of life for us! Liberty County has some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. No matter who you meet, we know you will be greeted with a smile.

In Liberty County you’re not just a new friend – you’re family.

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KEEP LIBERTY BEAUTIFUL VOLUNTEER TODAY TO HELP KEEP LIBERTY BEAUTIFUL!

Keep Liberty Beautiful (KLB) is a community education and volunteer action program dedicated to community improvement. An affiliate of the national organization, Keep America Beautiful, since 1983, Keep Liberty Beautiful has a long history of working for the best quality of life for Liberty County.

@keeplibertycountybeautiful (912) 880-4888

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ARTICLE

CREATING WINDOWS OF

OPPORTUNITY

BY LEAH POOLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANNA NG PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you know Kenneth Howard or not, you can spend five minutes in his presence and quickly learn about his love for Hinesville and Liberty County. As the current City Manager for the city of Hinesville, he’s also a lifetime member of the Liberty County NAACP, 15-year volunteer with the MLK Jr. Observance Association, Chairman of the Liberty County Re-Entry Coalition Board, he founded the Riceboro Community Churches Association, and he is an active member of New Zion Baptist Church. What you may not know is that Kenneth came from humble beginnings, and his rise to the top was filled with many paths. As we honored his accomplishments and distinction within our community, we wanted to sit down and learn more about his journey to becoming our Business Leader of the Year.

Born and raised in Liberty County, Kenneth’s parents instilled him with a strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of education, working hard and trustworthiness. With that mindset, and an eagerness to carve out his own path, as one of ten children, he was the first to graduate from college. “My mother kept me involved in everything. From t-ball and Cub Scouts to baseball and later football. She made sure that I always had something to do,” he said. His skills in football would later earn him a scholarship to Fort Valley State University where he garnered many accolades for his athletic and academic abilities, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing in 1985. The values and skills he obtained while growing up helped build the foundation of his professional career and mold him into the versatile, community and people-minded professional he is today.

Upon graduating from college, he returned home to Riceboro and in 1986 he began working with the Liberty County Board of Assessors as a Personal Property Appraiser II, after fulfilling a temporary position as a mobile home decal inspector for Tax Commissioner, Mr. Frank Bagley. Five years later he began working for the

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city of Hinesville as the Director of the Community Development Department. He was then appointed Assistant City Manager in 1995 and appointed to his current position as City Manager in 2018.

“The position of Director of the Community Development Department was intriguing. With free reign offered

by Billy Edwards, then City Manager, I was able to creatively provide services where there was a need and the city could address it,” said Kenneth. “He (Billy) really gave me the opportunity to use my skillset to organize and create and one of the first things we did was the Homeless Prevention Program, the first of its kind in the state to be housed by local government and 24 years later we still have it,” he said. “I was extremely fortunate to have Billy Edwards as my supervisor, he is a wealth of knowledge in this field,” he said.

At the time that Kenneth started with the city of Hinesville the staff was small and he served a lot of functions from finance to human resources, his on-thejob training was fast. In 1997 he led an internal/external equity analysis for the city, working with the University of Georgia, to determine salary scales and job descriptions, making sure that everything matched.

His most proud moments in his career center around one project, Azalea Street. The significant impacts that this housing project has made on the lives of the people who live in that area were not popular with many locals, however, the “Mayor and Council were all in,” said Kenneth. “Being able to guarantee the existing homeowners, most of them with a $10,000 annual income and female head of household, was the most rewarding thing. Going to each and every one of them and explaining how they could own a new home if they wanted to stay in the neighborhood that would be affordable, we really changed lives,” he said.

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A visionary leader and skilled professional, Kenneth was appointed as the Executive Director of the newly activated Hinesville Development Authority in 2013 by Mayor and Council. While in this position he was tasked with developing a strategic plan to help stimulate economic growth within the City. His response in 2016 was articulated by landing the largest and most significant retail development in the history of Hinesville in Oglethorpe Square. This unprecedented public/private partnership was orchestrated with the help of a major out of state developer under his guidance. He continues to excel in this area as several other major economic development projects are on the horizon. Recently, the Hinesville Development Authority (HDA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Small Business Incubator. “The City of Hinesville Development Authority sees the incubator as a way of bringing innovation and new small businesses to our region. We have been working toward the goal of opening the Hinesville Small Business Incubator for some time due to some supply chain challenges, the progress has been delayed. The pent-up demand has grown significantly, and the community is truly primed to get involved.”

He values the need for transparency in government and applauds the efforts of Mayor and Council to support his need to make sure that communication efforts within the City have been increased so that the story of all of the good work done by the City is properly publicized to all levels of the populace.

Always looking forward, Kenneth is excited about future growth and expansion within the city of Hinesville. His focus now is improving downtown Hinesville, knowing that downtown is the heart of the City. “With elevated activities that are first class, such as Hinesville for the Holidays and the Small World Festival, we are giving residents something to look forward to and something to take pride in,” he said. The revamp of the Small World Festival in March 2023 is a place of particular pride for Kenneth. “This signature event for the City is a reflection of us, who we are as a community.. With so many different cultures present, we have to celebrate our diversity and embrace what makes us unique.”

If there is one phrase that repeatedly surfaced while talking to Kenneth it was “leveraging relationships.” To him that was everything from joint use projects between the City and County, to partnerships with the Chamber and others. His ability to connect the dots between agencies and entities, and amplify the strong characteristics of all parties is inspirational.

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As a trailblazer for youth mentoring and activities, Kenneth implemented the Summer Youth Enhancement Project for the city of Hinesville, as well as spending most of the last 20 years spearheading and developing programs and activities for youth in the Riceboro community. He was instrumental in the building of the Youth Center in Riceboro and serves as a mentor and coach who consistently sets aside time to share his life struggles, challenges and lessons in an effort to transform and complement the lives of young people around the county.

OTHER POSITIONS OF SERVICE INCLUDE: • Past President of the Georgia City County Management Association • Life Member of Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association • Vice Chairman of the Fort Valley State University Foundation Board • Past Master Limerick Lodge 437 • President & Founder of Lomax Porter Golf Association • President & Founder of FVSU Growl Club • Board Member & Past Chairman, Liberty County Board of Recreation (30 total years of service) • Member of Liberty County Athletic Hall of Fame • Community Theatre Actor • Former Assistant Cub Scout Master, Cub Pack 581 Kenneth also acknowledges his family as his biggest advocates and inspiration: “I would not be where I am without their love and encouragement.” Married for 28 years to Mavis Howard, the couple has a son, Justin and a daughter, Precious, along with 3 grand-children, Keon, Julien and Lennox. He is particularly proud of Julien having joined the very same Cub Scout Pack he was in some 50 years ago. With very little time to do the things he enjoys like fishing and playing golf, today he tries to instill in his grandchildren the need to be committed to your craft, work hard and soak up as much knowledge as you can.

He never fathomed that his life would bring him to where he is now. He believes the recipe for his success is simple, “All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing, so you have to get up early, and you have to do things that other people will not do, so that you can benefit in ways they never imagined.” His tenacity through every hardship—and positive outlook on the future—is possible through his own determination and knowledge that, “You see the glory, but you don’t know my story.” And this resiliency has solidified him as a pioneer within his field.

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your new starts here

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FtStewart.CCIS.edu (912) 877-3406

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A

G R O W I N G

C I T Y

W I T H

A

H O M E T O W N

F E E L

Midway CITY OF

GEORGIA

Our charming city is rich in history, dating back as far as the 1700s.

From the Historic Midway Church, Museum, and Cemetery, to the Dorchester Academy Museum of African-American History, there is much to discover here!

In and around Midway, nature thrives, as seen in our newly rennovated Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center and the eye-catching surrounding wetlands. Connect with nature, and stroll the 7/10 -mile elevated boardwalk through six ecosytems and diverse wildlife.

We strive to create a safe and prosperous model city in which to live, raise a family, or enjoy a peaceful retirement. This is a great time to join our community! Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, we are glad you are here!

historicmidway.com

912.884.3344

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ARTICLE

WE ARE HERE TO HELP: DIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

BY BOBBY REYNOLDS AND PHOTOS BY NG PHOTOGRAPHY

Diversity Health Center’s mission is to provide primary, preventative and mental healthcare services to the residents of its service areas and to provide and maintain the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel required to ensure affordable, accessible and comprehensive healthcare to the residents of its service area, with a particular focus on uninsured and underserved residents.

We sat down with the chief executive officer, Stephanie Jones-Heath to learn more about how their mission came to be.

In order to fully understand what Diversity does now, we first have to understand how they got started. In 2009, Diversity Health Center was a part of the Liberty County Health Department (LCHD) until it became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), at that point Diversity had to separate from the LCHD.

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The first clinic Diversity opened was actually in Long County, “Many people don’t know that the funding we receive is really funded through our Long County location, the Liberty County satellite location was opened after,” said Jones-Heath. In 2015, Jones-Heath took over the organization as CEO, with the goal of rebranding and reintroducing Diversity to the community. She felt this was necessary due to majority of the public not being familiar with them despite having been open for six years. She also wanted to change the public perception of Diversity from being “a free clinic” like they had been in the past.

Jones-Heath goes on to explain why Diversity is no longer a free clinic. “Once you get the FQHC status you have to charge patients on a sliding fee scale based on their income and household size.” Hearing that Diversity Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center

often leads to people believing that they are a federal agency. However, their status simply means that they meet certain qualifications that allow for them to receive federal funding. It also grants them access to funding that allows them to provide primary care and various other services to uninsured and under insured patients.

One of the first things Jones-Heath did when she took over was make plans to build a new facility because she felt the community deserved and needed something bigger. Prior to this the Liberty County clinic on Fraser Drive was very small compared to their service area.

The original clinic is actually where the administrative building on Fraser Drive is located today. It had five exam rooms and only a couple of providers. Another part of reintroducing Diversity to the community was to let the public know that they see both insured and uninsured patients regardless of their ability to pay.

“We try to educate our patients when they come in on how applying for the sliding fee scale can be beneficial to them even if they have insurance. We encourage this because there may be medications that your insurance doesn’t cover or you may need to see a dentist. If you haven’t set up for the fee scale you don’t qualify for any of those services under the sliding fee, you have to pay the full fee.” Many people may not know but Diversity has a pharmacy in both their Jesup clinic and the Fraser Drive Hinesville clinic. By applying for their sliding fee scale those discounted medications are often available through the clinic itself.

Today Diversity has grown quite a bit from its days with the Liberty County Health Department. There are now four physical locations spanning across three counties: two clinics in Hinesville, one in Ludowici and one in Jesup.

They have also added a mobile medical unit and mobile

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dental unit, as well as dental services in their Fraser Drive location. They also have a doctor specifically for pediatric care at their Fraser Drive location.

Other services such as: podiatry, hematology, vaccinations (including COVID vaccinations), hypertension, a sickle cell clinic and several other services have been added.

Jones-Heath said that they are looking to start OBGYN, mammography and radiology on site and bring back their community garden. With the revival of their community garden, it will open the door to expand their patient care beyond provider visits. They would be able to conduct garden to table classes promoting healthy eating tips and tricks.

With Diversity’s expansive operations and dedication to serving multiple communities they have a very unique board that ensures they are moving in the right direction.

As part of maintaining their FQHC status, 51% of their board consists of patients. The reason for this is so that the clinics can receive accurate feedback from the very communities it serves. It also allows for Diversity to adapt to ever-evolving patient needs.

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The board currently consists of Pastor Hermon Scott, Gwen Stewart, Connie Thrift, Paulette Robertson, Brigitte Shanken, Dr. Juanita Smith, Janelle Johns and Daisy Jones. Not only does the board consist of patients, a lot of them are a part of other organizations as well like the homeless coalition and re-entry programs for example.

This allows Diversity to extend their reach so they are able to help more people and also educate various audiences on the services they provide.

With four clinics spread across three counties, Diversity Health Center is here to help all patients with their primary care needs regardless of their ability to pay. They are also committed to supporting the health and wellness of the communities they serve.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM VIA THEIR WEBSITE WWW.DIVERSITYHC.ORG.

TASTE THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL CUISINE IN LIBERTY COUNTY

NEGRIL CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT Explore the flavors of native west Jamacian cuisine at Negril Caribbean Restaurant. They welcome you with bright, lively colors and offer comfort food for the soul.

You can find customary staples from stews to jerk chicken, not to mention a to-die-for sweet potato pudding that the owner’s grandfather taught him how to make. Alan White, the owner, has opened a Negril at every duty station he was assigned to during his time serving in the Army.

TAZZA KABOB GRILLHOUSE Taste flavors from the Middle East at Tazza Kabob Grillhouse. Indulge in kabob plates, korma bowls, samosas, shawarma and more! Father and son duo, Nick and Shaen Mehrzed started the concept of the restaurant by hosting family and friends in their home and cooking for them.

Loved ones encouraged them to venture into the restaurant business and share their talents in the kitchen with the world. Tazza is conveniently located just outside Fort Stewart’s main gate on West General Screven Way.

RODEO MEXICAN RESTAURANT Travel across the border into Mexico at Rodeo Mexican Restaurant! If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food this is the place to go! Get an order of Texas rice, a burrito or even some tacos. The menu is filled with so many great choices! Rodeo has a full-service bar so choose your favorite margarita or beer and have it with your meal. Come experience the family-friendly atmosphere for yourself and see what the hype is about!

ZUM ROSENHOF GERMAN RESTAURANT In the heart of downtown Hinesville, you will find Zum Rosenhof German Restaurant. You can grab a table or bar stool and be completely immersed in the culture. The owners, Anka and David Hinze, have created more than just a restaurant- it is a destination filled with German antiques, memorabilia, murals and wait staff dressed to impress in traditional attire. You can even pick out an authentic German beer to go along with your schnitzel and potato salad. Make sure to pop into the German grocery store next door where you can find an array of imported favorites!

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ARTICLE

MOM’S HEART MATTERS LIBERTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER’S

Maternal Health Initiative On February 11, 2023, Liberty Regional Medical Center held a health fair to launch their Mom’s Heart Matters (MHM) initiative. This maternal health pilot program focuses on postpartum timing of LRMC patients in Hinesville, Georgia.

The program is designed to reduce the disproportionately high hypertension-related morbidity and mortality rates among mothers of color, with unique componentry including a web-based interactive mobile health platform that collects blood pressure readings and real-time monitoring of participating moms.

MHM was inspired by, and grass rooted from another community program that was started in 2018 by a Liberty Regional Medical Center patient, named Alicia Roberts, who co-founded WomenHeart of Hinesville with an LRMC RN, Sandy Wells, who oversees the Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Inspired by her own personal experience with pre-eclampsia and heart disease, Ms. Roberts joined forces with Ms. Wells and began their mission to prevent heart disease among new moms by empowering them to take control of their own health.

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PROBLEM

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women within one year of pregnancy, according to the Georgia Maternal Mortality Review Committee.

• 36% of cardiovascular and coronary condition deaths occurred 7 to 41 days postpartum • 58% of cardiomyopathy deaths occurred 42 to 365 days postpartum

GOALS

• Reduce hypertension related maternal mortality • Reduce ED visits by 10% • Reduce hospital admissions and readmissions by 5% • Improve medication adherence • Reduce health and racial disparities • Reduce hypertension related maternal mortality • Improve patient experience LRMC patients who are deemed eligible will be enrolled in the program automatically by LRMC staff while still admitted to the hospital, after childbirth.

MHM connects and coordinates care for ALL postpartum mothers across a number of key areas, including: • Cardiovascular health • Medication management • Mental health • Substance use • Breastfeeding education • Reproductive health • Nutrition and fitness

SOLUTION

Mom’s Heart Matters is an interactive digital therapeutic program designed support for all women in the postpartum period with special segment to monitor women with elevated blood pressures with the hope of reducing the rate of hypertension-related mortality among post-partum women. The Georgia Family Connection Partnership assisted LRMC in obtaining funding, from Amerigroup and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, for a mobile platform called GOMO Health that allows remote real-time monitoring and follow-up with enrolled patients. Additional regional partners include – Georgia OBGYN Society, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University School of Medicine.

LIBERTY REGIONAL OB/GYN Mom’s Heart Matters is linked directly to patients who are part of the Liberty Regional OB/GYN Medical Practice at 455 S. Main sreet in Hinesville, or patients who have delivered at Liberty Regional Medical Center.

The practice offers a wide variety of services for our patients, including free access to online childbirth education classes. Our providers include Seth Borquaye, M.D, Frances Kwarteng, M.D, Keisha Callins, M.D and Laura McKay, DNP. This extraordinarily skilled team brings over eighty five years of combined experience to the practice. Our OB/GYN Physicians are directly linked to the Mom’s Heart Matters program, providing essential prenatal and postpartum care to patients at risk for both hypotension and hypertension. Early detection within the practices help to provide the immediate care needed to save lives. The OB/GYN practices are proud to be a significant part of this incredibly important program.

If you would like to schedule an appointment please contact us at: 912-877-2228. We are here to serve you Monday – Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm, Friday 8:00am – 12:30pm.

OFFERED SERVICES: • Adolescent GYN • Annual Women’s Wellness/Gynecologic Exam • Birth Control Services • Depo Provera • IUD insertion (Liletta) & Removal • Multiple Oral Contraceptive Options • Nexplanon Removal only • Condyloma and Other STD Treatment • Colposcopy • Endometrial Biopsy • Fibroid Management • GYN Complete Care • Hysterectomy • Infertility Services • Obstetrical Complete Care • LEEPS • PAP Smears/Management of Abnormal PAPs/ CKCs (conization of the cervix for abnormal PAP smear) • Tubal Ligations (Laparoscopic) & Tubal Ligation Reversals • Vaginal Repair/Labiaplasty

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diversityhc.org

912.877.2227

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Services Offered: Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health & Pediatrics 303 Fraser Drive Hinesville, GA

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LIBERTY COUNTY MAGAZINE

502 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA

244 Peachtree Street Jesup, GA

213 N. McDonald Street Ludowici, GA

GEORGIA SOUTHERN IS COMMITTED TO LIBERTY COUNTY We're doubling down on our commitment to serve the Liberty County region. Our Liberty Campus is continuing to flourish and we're growing once again.

Georgia Southern is now offering a selection of our awardwinning graduate degrees at the Fort Stewart Education Center, located right off base. These aren’t just for active duty, veterans, spouses and dependents. Any student is welcome. It’s a great time to be a Georgia Southern Eagle in Liberty County.

Because we’re just getting started.

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ARTICLE

CITY GOVERNMENT:

CHRISTY DELOACH BEHIND THE CURTAINS CITY OF HINESVILLE

IN LIBERTY COUNTY In Liberty County, we have a multitude of businesses and organizations that work hard to keep our county at the top of its game! It takes a strong foundation and lots of helping hands, but sometimes we forget to acknowledge the essential

personnel behind the scenes that make the magic happen. We sat down with some of our dedicated business leaders and service workers to highlight everything they do, day in and day out, to keep us Liberty County Proud!

BY DESIREE RILEY PHOTOS BY NG PHOTOGRAPHY

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As evidenced by their slogan, “home for a day or a lifetime,” the City of Hinesville works hard to ensure that its local elected officials are doing their best to serve all citizens in our community. No one understands everything that encompasses quite like Christy DeLoach, who serves as the Executive Assistant to Hinesville’s Mayor and City Manager. Originally from Tattnall County, Christy’s father served in the Army, which brought her family to Fort Stewart. Although she didn’t initially have plans to enter into city government, after coming across an open position, she decided to take a chance: “I was the office manager for a construction company based on Fort Stewart when the housing bubble burst. When I saw an advertisement for an Administrative Assistant in Hinesville’s Community Development Department, I decided it was time to pivot!”

After twelve years, she now works for Mayor Allen Brown and City Manager Kenneth Howard to keep the City of Hinesville running in tip-top shape: “I am responsible for managing the Mayor and City Manager’s offices, which includes managing their calendars, organizing, and capturing minutes for a variety of meetings. I also prepare documents and presentations, manage multiple projects and provide customer service to inquiries from residents.”

One day could be spent responding to emails and meeting requests, while the next could be focused on drafting a presentation for school-age children or a topranking military official down from D.C. She could even be tasked with organizing a workshop for the Mayor and Council or coordinating a workshop for Liberty County officials. Even with such an unpredictable schedule, Christy manages to accomplish all this and more: “My journey in various clerical and administrative positions has highlighted my strong organizational and problemsolving skills. However, there’s something special about the customer service aspect of my job. The opportunity to engage with people, understand their needs, and go above and beyond to provide exceptional service brings me immense joy. Building genuine connections with residents and making a positive impact is what fuels my passion every single day.”

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The customer service aspect is one that is often overlooked when considering all that Christy has on her plate. When concerned or frustrated citizens call the Mayor’s office, it’s not usually a happy occasion. Even though the purposes of these calls may vary, Christy’s main focus is to help each and every person on the other line find the solutions they seek: “I’m driven by a deep desire to help residents overcome their challenges. When people reach out for assistance, I take pride in guiding them to the right department or personnel who can provide the support they need. By delivering top-notch customer service, my ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on individuals’ lives, helping them navigate through any situation with care and empathy.”

When looking back over all she’s accomplished during her time with the City of Hinesville, Christy emphasizes the growth Hinesville has seen over the years. In fact, her participation in the Oglethorpe Square project is one of her career highlights: “I was privy to the hard work and tireless efforts undertaken by the Hinesville Development Authority Board to make that vision a reality. Being a small part of that was inspiring, and watching the growth that has erupted from that development has been nothing short of incredible.”

All in all, Christy is proud to be on Hinesville’s team, and she enjoys being able to provide outstanding service to everyone she encounters. Not only is she grateful to be involved in all of Hinesville’s achievements, she is also inspired by the diversity and representation within our community: “From our Mayor and Councilmembers to the individual department staffing, our diversity is what makes me proud. Hinesville is a true melting pot of cultures, and I’m proud to say that the city reflects and respects that diversity.”

PUBLIC WORKS:

GARY GILLIARD ESG OPERATIONS, INC.

Born and raised in Liberty County, Gary Gilliard has always understood the importance of giving back to his community. He is Liberty County’s 5th District Commissioner, and he also serves as the Project Director with ESG Operations, Inc., which manages the City of Hinesville’s public works department. Gary began 62

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his work with the city at a young age as a coach and maintenance worker for the Liberty County Recreation Department: “I’ve always been a big sports fan, so I was a coach for baseball, softball, track and all the other sports they had at that time. I also maintained the grounds.”

Then, in 1983, Gary had the opportunity to become a meter reader with the city. However, he quickly proved himself to be a diligent worker. Within six months he became the meter reader supervisor and began his journey into public works. When the city began contracting with OMI, Inc.—a private firm out of Denver, CO—he had the opportunity to move up again: “In 1992, I was the project manager of the sanitation department and about two years later I was the public works manager.”

In 2016, ESG Operations, INC. became the new public works contractor for the city, and Gilliard continued his impressive 40-year career with the City of Hinesville. In that time, he has worked hard to maintain a high standard of excellence and service in our community: “As the public works director, you have to ensure that the services the city provides are scheduled and that you complete that schedule.”

The public works department handles a myriad of services that Hinesville residents depend on: grounds maintenance

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for city-owned buildings—such as Hinesville City Hall and the Hinesville Police Department—and Hinesville’s eight city parks, trash pickup, ditch cleaning, street sweeping and street patches, stop sign installation and so much more! ESG also manages two waste water plants in Hinesville and conducts the water meter readings for all residents. According to Gary, “the magic is to make sure that you have enough people and the right equipment for the job that’s out there. We have to make sure that it is somewhat seamless.” To emphasize that point, he uses the analogy of a duck gliding across water: “Underneath, you know, those feet are moving. And the citizen who puts their trash out, they don’t see that because they go shopping, come back home and the trash is gone and they are happy. What we have to do to make that happen is what a lot of people don’t see.”

Gary is also responsible for managing ESG’s ninety staff members. A team this size requires a lot of work, and a typical day requires him to handle customer service calls, resolve scheduling conflicts or adjustments, and deal with personnel issues: “Here at public works, we have about ninety employees and that’s ninety different personalities!

You just try to be fair…because you can’t treat everybody the same, but you can treat everybody fairly.”

Managing employees and maintaining city services is a large task, and customer relations are just as vital. Gary believes that ESG is an integral part of our local service industry, and quality customer service is always a top priority: “What people don’t know about the sanitation department [is that] someone can forget to put their trash out, and we’ll go back and get it if they call. That’s a request for service. Or someone can forget to put their trash out and call us screaming that we didn’t pick it up, and we’ll go back and get it. That’s a complaint about service. Either way the results are the same—we will go back because we are in the service business.”

Pride in one’s work goes a long way, and Gary takes great pride in being able to work hard for his community. As a part of the organization, he is happy to be in a position to help the community where he was born and raised: “I believe if you’re going to stay in a community, you need to get involved. A lot of people may not know me, but the people that do—the ones from my church or who’ve known me since I was a little boy—they know they can say ‘Call Gary, and he’ll help you if he can.’ They come to depend on you. I think that’s what I like about it. Being in the service industry and being a commissioner are pretty similar. [Both positions] give me a chance to make

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a difference, even if it’s not a big difference, in the lives of people who may never know who I am.”

Professionally, Gary has seen ESG achieve many accomplishments. In 2018, The Hinesville Project was awarded Project of the Year at ESG’s annual conference, and in 2020 ESG was named Business of the Year with 50 or more employees by the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce. He appreciates generous recognitions such as these, and understands how vital they can be for businesses: “Those two [awards] really validate you, your hard work and your dedication.”

Outside of all the things he does with ESG, Gary is also very active in his nonprofit organization, Seven Ministries. Through this organization, he hosts the Jackie Gilliard Henderson Scholarship Walk, supports the Manna House and gives away hams and turkeys during the holiday season. Gary touts this hard work as one of his most beloved personal achievements: “to be able to have an organization that honors my mother and gets support from the community to come together and raise money that we can use in other areas of the community is what I like.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

MARCUS SACK

M.E. SACK ENGINEERING Marcus Sack is a man who wears many hats in Liberty County! Not only is he Chairman of the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, active Board Member of the Liberty County Development Authority and a member of the Hinesville Rotary Club, he is also President of M.E. Sack Engineering in downtown Hinesville. Marcus comes from a long line of engineers.

His grandfather was an electrical engineer and started H.A. Sack company—now known as The Sack Company in Statesboro, owned-and-operated by the Rosel family, and his father was a mechanical engineer and Vice President of Burgess Pigment Company in Sandersville, GA. “I had engineering in my blood, and I guess I also had entrepreneurship in my blood! I always knew I wanted to go [into engineering], but finding the path was a little more difficult. In 2002, I took a geology class, and I learned that I really liked the dirt aspect of civil engineering, and I wanted to do something in that field.”

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Originally from Sandersville, GA, Marcus went to Georgia Southern University before joining the Air Force. After a tour in Nevada, he was relocated to Atlanta; however, he and his wife, Jennifer, both missed the serenity of the Georgia coast and knew they needed to return to “God’s country.” The family moved to Liberty County a few years later, and Marcus brought his engineering expertise to our community. Formerly known as PC Simonton and Associates, M.E. Sack Engineering was rebranded as an engineering firm when Marcus took over operations in 2019. Today, M. E. Sack Engineering handles all sorts of development projects in our community and beyond: “Not only are we consultants, we provide construction plans and documents so people can build the projects they want.”

M.E. Sack Engineering has completed many land development projects in our area, including residential developments, apartments and even recognizable commercial developments, like Enmarket and Cookout.

They also have an environmental department that manages water and sewer system design, wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and roadways. M.E. Sack Engineering even includes municipal consulting engineers, and they work as the city engineers for Flemington, Pembroke, Folkston, Rincon and Darien.

Although he has a lot on his plate, Marcus understands the importance of this work for Liberty County.

Hinesville is considered one of the most diverse cities in the state, but falls to mid-ranking in regards to median household income. Therefore, Marcus believes the best way to improve our community is through strong economic development: “I feel like it’s important for us to be able to grow the city, and bring our community up— both in wages and quality of jobs. That’s going to fuel everything that comes along with it: grocery stores, movie theaters, bowling alleys, shopping centers, everything that everyone wants! All of that is dependent upon good quality jobs and being able to get good houses on top of that.”

Through his work with the Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA)—whose mission is to “develop and promote industry for the public good and welfare of the county”—and Hinesville Downtown Development Authority (HDDA), Marcus is hopeful that our community will continue to expand. The LCDA’s Board of Directors’ goal is to bring new industries to Liberty County, which will ultimately lead to good paying jobs for all residents. Similarly, the HDDA’s “Alive After Five” initiative hopes to bring good business and community events to downtown Hinesville. Marcus believes, “you can have all the good paying jobs you want and all the housing you want, but at the end of the day, if there’s not a community event that brings it all together, none of it makes sense.” HDDA events like the monthly block parties and weekly farmers markets are designed to bring people together and give our community something fun to do: “Whether we’re partnering with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce or other organizations, we want to make sure there’s always something going on downtown.”

Marcus also raves that he couldn’t do all of his amazing work without the diligence and dedication of his talented team and the loving support of his family: “Without my wife, Jennifer, I wouldn’t be able to do all these things.

She keeps us going. And I have three wonderful children: a son in Georgia Southern’s civil engineering program, a daughter who is a junior out in Richmond Hill and a nine-year-old son who loves everything associated with sports!”

Even though many may view M.E. Sack Engineering as a small, hometown engineering firm, the company has been involved with large-scale projects all over the state.

Marcus Sack believes that continued growth is on the horizon for our community, and he’s honored to be a part of that process: “We’re in an exciting time right now for Liberty County. Our leaders have made a lot of good decisions and set [our county] up so that we are becoming our own metropolitan shopping area. We’ll continue to get bigger and get better.”

LOTS OF GREAT WORK HAPPENS EVERY DAY IN LIBERTY COUNTY, and sometimes we underestimate the talented folks who work behind the curtains to bring our community to the center stage! From trash pickup to multi-million-dollar developments, Christy, Gary and Marcus are proof that keeping the show running smoothly is a collaborative effort.

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LIBERTY COUNTY RECREATION DEPARTMENT

SPRING PROGRAMS - Baseball, Softball, & T-Ball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Soccer SUMMER PROGRAMS - Day Camp, Swim Lessons, Sports Camps, Instructional Programs FALL PROGRAMS - After School Program, Football & Cheerleading, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country WINTER PROGRAMS - Basketball & Cheerleading *Adult Softball & Basketball offered

LCRD FACILITIES

James Brown Park, Liberty Independent Troop Park, Liberty County Community Complex, Charles Shuman Recreation Center, Riceboro Youth Center, Hinesville and Midway Swimming Pools, Stafford Pavilion, Outdoor Pavilion Rentals, Sunbury and Riceboro Fishing Piers, Sam Harris Gymnasium

ON-LINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE 607 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, GA www.lcrd.net (912)876-5359 or 448-LCRD (5273)

Raymond Gross – Director of Parks & Recreation Rickey Gilliard – Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation/Director of Athletics

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Lynne Leftwich

141 Timber Trail Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Community Relations Director LLeftwich@magnoliamanor.com

www.magnoliamanor.com

LIBERTY COUNTY MAGAZINE

(912) 266-8850

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Girls Trip Guide Day 1

• Get settled in for your weekend of fun at the Laquinta Inn and Suites in Flemington! This pet friendly hotel has free hot breakfast each morning.

• After you’re all settled, drive over to The Yellow Bee! We recommend that you order a delicious plate of shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. This is Liberty County’s only brunch spot, and they even have a mimosa bar!

• Spend your day shopping at some of our local boutiques like Molly Maxine or Dawson’s General Store. These boutiques are all size inclusive!

• Eat lunch at Zum Rosenhof in downtown Hinesville. They have authentic German cuisine, beer and service! They open at 2pm on Saturday's.

• Once your belly is full, visit the Hinesville Area Arts Council gallery which also includes Martin Mercantile. Start in the front by checking out all of the goods from local vendors and make your way to the back to check out the art exhibit that’s up in the gallery! Don't leave without stopping to check out Liberty County’s only mural located on the side of the building.

• After a day full of shopping, make an appointment at Pretty in Pink for facials, waxing and lots of pampering.

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Day 2

• Start your day off by grabbing a coffee from Haunted Grounds in Midway! Check out their spooky museum while you're there.

• Make your way over to Oglethorpe Square to do some more shopping. There is a Dick’s Sporting Goods, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Ulta, Five Below and PetSmart, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!

• For lunch we suggest having a picnic at one of our many parks! Stop by Tazza Kabob Grillhouse to pick up some food. It’s the perfect takeout for a delicious lunch under the oak trees!

• After your picnic, it’s time to visit Rustic Designs Home Market. They have a huge selection of furniture and décor!

• Book a massage with Baker Girls Relaxation and Recovery. You will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated!

• Now it’s time to head to Rodeo Mexican Restaurant for some tacos, cheese dip & margaritas!

• Now it’s time to relax and have some dinner. Head over to one of our favorite spots, the Sunbury Crab Company! The view of the coast is absolutely breathtaking, and the sunsets are even better. Walk out on their dock for the clearest views and your perfect Instagram photo of the coast.

• Feeling like having a night cap? Make your way over to Doodle’s Billiards for a game of pool and some cold drinks!

• Head back to your hotel and get ready to head home the next morning.

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1. Never Leave a Rocking Chair Rocking! It is said that if you rock an empty rocking chair, you’ll invite spirits. This is one of the first superstitions a resident will tell you when you move here.

2. Never Eat Both Ends of a Loaf of Bread. If you eat the ends before eating the middle, it's said you won’t be able to make ends meet.

3. Hang a Mirror by the Door to Protect Against Evil! A folk belief is that the Devil is so vain he’ll get distracted by his reflection until the sun rises and forget to enter.

4. Black-Eyed Peas will Bring Good Luck If you eat them just after midnight or on New Year’s Day! This is believed to mean that you’ll be prosperous in the coming year.

5. Paint your porch cielings and front door haint blue. This is because people used to believe that spirits could not cross over water, so this color would ward off evil spirits.

6. Bottle Trees came about from some deeply superstitious peoplewho believed that evil spirits could be caught in glass bottles placed outside. When the spirit was caught, one could cork the bottle and throw it into the river to wash it away.

7. Open the Window When Someone Dies in a Home people often open the windows and cover all of the mirrors. It is believed that this allows the soul to leave and not be captured.

8. A Bird in the House can cause slight panic on some faces because people believe that it foretells death.

9. If you have an itchy nose, this is a sign that company is coming.

10. People believe that waking up with bed head or crazy hair is the creepy sign of witches sneaking into your room and playing tricks on you while you sleep.

11. If your palm is itching you will either give or receive money depending on which hand it is.

12. Don’t Take Pictures, because some people out there believe that every time someone takes your picture, they capture a piece of your soul.

13. Don’t Put Your Pocketbook on the Floor! According to lots of Southern ladies your bag should never hang lower than your moneymaker or you will be in financial distress. Don't put your bag on the floor or you will be broke!

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TOURISM

THE RIGHT BLEND

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, chasing a new opportunity or ready to sit back and relax - Liberty County is the right place to plant your roots and start your next chapter.

Liberty County is one of the most progressive and fastestgrowing counties in Georgia. Here, the southern hospitality flows freely like the intracoastal waterway, and the community spirit is alive and well. The first thing you will notice about Liberty County is the people. From the local business owners that keep our county moving, the neighbors you meet on each street and the classmates ready to welcome in a new student to school, we celebrate the diversity and backgrounds that come together and make Liberty special. We have some of the best restaurants, parks, museums, attractions and schools in the state, but it is the people — past and present — who live and work in the county that make it the place that it is has become.

One of the many reasons we are one of the most diverse areas in south Georgia is our proud military history.

Liberty County is home to Fort Stewart which was constructed in 1941 and is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. Fort Stewart brought Americans from all walks of life to our county, and fortunately many found themselves right at home. We celebrate our citizens who represent a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures and have awarded us the right to say that we have the right blend for everyone!

The U.S. government first sponsored a tea project here in Liberty County, but political issues sent the project to South Carolina. Unfortunately, the tea did not take in South Carolina and the project was scrapped before ever getting to return to Liberty. Old tea fields could be 74

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found around the county until the 1900s, and residents would pick tender leaves, dry them in the sun, and brew a special blend of Liberty County tea. Today, we have made the mason jar the symbol of our Convention & Visitors Bureau to represent the blended culture and history of our community and act as a symbol of hope and progress.

It is that unique blend of history and culture that has created such a vibrant backdrop for Liberty County residents for generations. We have worked to preserve our most historic sites and places for years to come while helping build new beginnings and stories across the county. We cherish our historic past and we work together towards an exciting future.

Across our county you will see that we are booming with economic development and a vibrant culture. Our local businesses are proud to be supported by their community and give back to help new businesses grow and make our home better for all. Our residents are proud of the history that helped us get here, and they are excited for the future we are building together. We could not be prouder to call Liberty County our home. If you are looking for a community invested in creating a better tomorrow, together as one, then Liberty County is the place for you.

TOURISM

TAKE THE

BACK ROADS Immerse yourself in the simplicity of coastal living when you take the back roads in Liberty County. Our home is full of breathtaking views and dirt roads lined with live oak trees. There is no doubt that life on our slice of the Georgia coast will have you hooked, and you will want to stay for a lifetime. Take the back roads and see what has kept people coming back to call Liberty County home and explore the foundations that have molded it into the diverse place it is today.

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The wandering roads of Liberty County all began as dirt paths summoning the early residents of our country to their future home. The coastal county was originally composed of the colonial parishes of St. John, St. James and St. Andrew. Liberty County’s official birth date is February 5, 1777, less than a year after Button Gwinnett and Dr. Lyman Hall acted as the community’s representatives at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, Liberty County is 1 of only 3 counties in Georgia not named after a person or place!

We are home to some of the richest history that has occurred over the last 240 years. Established in 1777, we played a role in the Revolutionary & Civil Wars and we were even a stop for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. For a list of historic sites in Liberty County, check out our article on each one that includes operating hours, cost of admission and more!

Take a drive down one of our many dirt roads, and you will quickly realize that breathtaking views are not hard to come by here in Liberty County. The trees that line the roads in our coastal community have grown to create beautiful canopies decorated with Spanish moss, and they are the perfect setting for picnic or a peaceful evening drive. We recommend Cay Creek, Old Sunbury or Barrington Ferry Road. These days it is rare that you find an unpaved and untouched road, and we are so lucky that they are abundant in this amazing place that we call home.

We used to say that our dirt roads were a hidden gem, but they have quickly increased in popularity due to the film industry. In the past, film productions were being shot in locations where there were not any natural dirt roads, so the dirt was being hauled from other places in order to create a makeshift version of them. Most recently, the cast and crew of the Fear the Walking Dead and The Color Purple Musical came to visit us, so next time you are watching your favorite movie or TV show - pay close attention, because there is a good chance that you will see Liberty County on the big screen!

Since our home kisses the coast, you are sure to find locals enjoying coastal living by spending their days in whatever creek or river they can find. From fishing to kayaking, there are many water-based activities to do all year round!

If you want to get out on the water while visiting, check out our some of our favorite kayaking spots, or if you want to see a magnificent coastal sunset on the water – we have a spot for that too! Find each one on our website.

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When the weather warms up, you can find us lounging around on the boat or on the shore of St. Catherines Island! St. Catherines is our barrier island and is only accessible by boat, so you will want to plan accordingly.

If you have a boat, you can put it in at the Sunbury Public Boat Ramp. To access the interior of the island, you must be invited. Be careful and do not to venture off on your own! A fun fact about St. Catherines Island is… it is one of only 2 places in the world that you can find ring tailed lemurs! How cool is that?! No matter what your interests are, the Georgia coast is sure to satisfy each one.

One of the most exciting parts about visiting somewhere you have never been is the opportunity to try out the best local restaurants! In Liberty County, we have a wide array of options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Being a coastal community, you can find fresh seafood at the Sunbury Crab Company or Melody’s Coastal Café. If you are in search of some cultural cuisine then Tazza Kabob Grillhouse or Zum Rosenhof in Hinesville are both local favorites. You are sure to love something at every place that you decide to try!

There are many ways to get outdoors and explore right here in Liberty County. Visit Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center to see 8 different ecosystems as you venture down the boardwalk. If you like embracing nature with a historical twist, visit the Historic Baptismal Trail in Riceboro. It was an active holy place for over 100 years!

If learning about military history is more your style, visit our state historic site, Fort Morris. It is Georgia’s only Revolutionary historic site with the original earthworks.

For those looking for a more exciting way to experience the outdoors, head over to Riceboro to see the tree spirits.

Over the years, they have popped up along Barrington Ferry Road, and they are an awesome thing to see. Tree spirits are faces that have been carved into the oak trees along the sides of one of our most scenic dirt roads. Each face is different which makes searching for them that much more fun. As the locals say, head out to Riceboro and ride the blues to find them for yourself!

Priding ourselves on having the right blend for everyone, we understand that not every person enjoys being outdoors. We have an array of indoor activities that are equally as unique as they are entertaining! Choose to spend your day exploring one of our local museums. The Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association (ITPA) Museum is in the heart of downtown Hinesville.

At the ITPA museum, visitors can see the progress of telephones from the beginning to present day. If you are

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visiting and interested in learning more about Liberty County’s Military history, head over to the 3rd Infantry Division Museum located on Fort Stewart! For those interested in learning about the foundations of our community and the lasting impact that they have had, the Midway Museum is a perfect place to visit and immerse yourself in the rich history.

Last but certainly not least, one of the best things about Liberty County are the people who call it home, and there is nothing quite like the southern charm of our residents!

Right in the heart of the South, we are home to a place where neighbors know each other by name, and we wave hello as we pass by. Somewhat of a melting pot, thanks to our neighbors at Fort Stewart, we maintain our smalltown charm.

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Experience a jewel tucked along Georgia’s coast when you come to Liberty County! No one is in a hurry, food is slow-cooked, and you can experience true southern hospitality in every interaction. Keep life simple & call Liberty County home. We will be waiting with a smile on our faces to greet you!

TOURISM

Liberty County HISTORICAL SITES

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DORCHESTER ACADEMY & MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY Where: 8787 East Oglethorpe Hwy., Midway When: by appointment only Contact: 912.442.0018 or www.dorchesteracademyia.com Admission: $3 fee; donations are welcome

Dorchester Academy was founded in 1871 by the American Missionary Association as a school for freed slaves. In the years following, it became a fully accredited high school and had 300 students enrolled! In the 1940s, a consolidated school for black youth opened in Riceboro.

This caused the academic program at Dorchester Academy to end. Although it was no longer a school, it went on to become Dorchester Cooperative Center. The Cooperative Center was an institute for community development, political and social change. Many key figures in the Civil Rights Movement spent time here over the years. This included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young and Dr. Fred Shuttlesworth! In fact, this is where they prepared for “Project C” which was later memorialized as the infamous Birmingham March, one of the first major victories in the Civil Rights Movement. Today the former boy’s dormitory is the last of the original Dorchester Academy buildings that remains. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and serves as an African-American history museum and community center. Dorchester Academy is one of only 11 stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail located in Georgia.

HISTORIC BAPTISMAL TRAIL Where: 8805 E.B. Cooper Hwy., Riceboro When: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm; Saturday – Sunday 9am – 5pm (hours are subject to change) Contact: 912.884.2986 or www.cityofriceboro.com Admission: No fee

For almost 100 years this site was an active holy place where the ancestors of the local Geechee communities baptized new members into their faith. Testimonials from surviving descendants of the First African Baptist Church tell us that the site was brought to life in the 1840s. The early baptisms were carried out in affiliation with the North Newport Church until the white congregation moved to Walthourville in 1854. It was then that the enslaved Africans renamed the church the First African Baptist Church and continued the practice of the ritual baptisms at the site until the early 1940s! Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, because it is a selfguided tour. There are benches, picnic tables and signage located onsite that teach visitors about the natural habitats and historical significance of the site. Take a walk and see the living pieces of history that our ancestors left behind many years ago!

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FLEMINGTON DRIVING TOUR Where: 156 Old Sunbury Road, Flemington When: self-guided tour at visitors’ convenience Contact: 912.877.3223 or www.cityofflemington.org Admission: No fee

If you’re visiting and looking for a relaxing Sunday activity, roll your windows down and go for a drive to see the Flemington Driving Tour! The tour winds through the community showcasing the history of the City of Flemington. There are many beautiful historic homes, and you can see what is left of the prior community of Gravel Hill.

The tour is self-guided and includes 12 historic locations that include: Flemington City Hall, Fraser-Davis House, Flemington Presbyterian Church, Cassels-Miles House, Luther Quarterman House, Jack’s Hill, Donald Martin, Sr. House, Marion F. Martin House, Stacy’s Store, Trask House, Roselon Plantation and the Peter Fleming Martin House. Stop by Flemington City Hall at 156 Old Sunbury Road in Flemington to get a physical copy of the driving tour brochure. It includes a map with each of the stops marked! Interested visitors please note: Some of the sites on this tour are private residences and properties.

This is a driving tour only, so entrance onto these grounds and properties is not allowed. Please be respectful of the homeowners’ privacy!

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MIDWAY MUSEUM Where: 491 N. Coastal Hwy. 17, Midway When: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm by appointment Contact: 912.884.5837 or www.themidwaymuseum.org Admission: $10 adults, $5 children, $8 seniors & military, free admission for children under 5, prearranged group rates available

Patterned after a raised, cottage-style house typical in the 18th century, the museum is a replica but holds authentic pieces and a wealth of information. It was built in 1957 and has been gathering artifacts, documents, pictures and furnishings since then. Several special days are held at the museum each year, including the annual Christmas Tea. In late 2009, a new collection opened featuring documents and household items from the Charles Colcock Jones family, whose letters became the basis for “The Children of Pride,” a compilation about life on Southern plantations in the mid-1800s. Next door to the museum is the Midway Congregational Church, built in 1792. The church is a classic example of a colonial house of worship with neither electricity nor plumbing. The nearby cemetery was established in the 1700s by Puritan settlers. Many famous Liberty Countians are buried there.

About 300 of the 1,200 graves still bear their original markers, while others crumbled or were destroyed by Northern troops who used the cemetery as a cattle pen during the Civil War.

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DORCHESTER VILLAGE CIVIC CENTER Where: 1804 Islands Hwy., Midway When: Available year-round for rental on occasions such as banquets, weddings and/or receptions, family reunions, business and club meetings, birthday parties, conferences and other events.

Contact: 912.884.3342 or www.dvciviccenter.org Admission: rental fees vary

FORT MORRIS STATE HISTORIC SITE Where: 2559 Fort Morris Rd., Midway When: 7 days a week/365 days a year, 9am – 5pm; Museum Hours: Thursday – Saturday 9am – 5pm Contact: 912.884.5999 or www.gastateparks.org/fortmorris Admission: $3.00 – $4.50 per person; group rates are available with advance notice

When the Continental Congress convened in 1776, the delegates recognized the importance of a fort to protect Georgia’s coast from the English navy. A low bluff on the Midway River near the seaport of Sunbury was fortified and garrisoned by 200 patriots. The fort protected Georgia during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Today, visitors can stand within the earthworks from the War of 1812 and view scenic St. Catherines Sound. In the museum, exhibits describe the once bustling colonial port at Sunbury that—at one time—was larger than Savannah’s.

This recently restored 1938 school-house is located off of I-95. It features 7,400 square feet, including an auditorium, five classrooms, a full kitchen and an outdoor pavilion. The schoolhouse, originally built in 1927, consolidated the schools at Sunbury, Colonel’s Island, Riceboro and Jackson Chapel. It served grades one through seven until 1951, when it was closed. On February 4, 1958, the Liberty County Board of Education sold the property for $10 to the nonprofit Dorchester Civic Center, Inc. Over the years the building fell into a state of disrepair and was closed due to the hazardous conditions. In 2008, Dorchester Civic Center, Inc. reactivated and began an effort to restore the historic building so it could again become a vital part of the community. The renovation was completed in 2010.

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INDEPENDENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS PIONEER ASSOCIATION NATIONAL OFFICE & MUSEUM Where: 438 West Oglethorpe Hwy., Hinesville When: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm Contact: 912.408.4872 or www.nationalitpa.com Admission: No fee; donations are welcome

The museum consists of a vast collection of telephones and telephone equipment from throughout history.

Children and adults alike will find it fascinating to see how the telephone evolved from the solid wood, wallmounted, hand-cranked, operator-directed, simplistic designs of the past to today’s pocket sized, touch-screen, cellular phones. The ITPA Museum is located at Bryant Commons, a beautiful 150-acre property, located in the heart of Hinesville, which was once the homestead of the former Senator Glenn E. Bryant and his wife Mrs. Bryant.

The Bryant family envisioned the property as a “passive park” for the community to enjoy. Through a joint venture with the Bryant Family Foundation and the City of Hinesville, plans for Bryant Commons were developed and it currently features an outdoor amphitheater, a dog park, a playground, a 15-acre pond and the Veterans Memorial.

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OLD LIBERTY COUNTY JAIL Where: 302 South Main Street, Hinesville When: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 2pm by appointment only Contact: 912.877.4332 or www.hinesvilledowntown.com Admission: No fee

In October 1892, the brick jail was completed on what was at the time the south end of Hinesville and replaced a one-story wooden jail. The site and date of construction of the first jail are unknown. The architect is unknown, but the contractor was a man by the name of Mr. Parkhill.

The architecture of the jail is typical of the penal facilities of that time period found in towns of similar size throughout the southeast. The jail was used until 1970, when a new regional prison facility was completed.

The jail was auctioned off and purchased by the Liberty County Historical society for the sum of $4,500.

According to restoration documentation, “The Old Liberty Jail is a significant example of a late 19th century jail for an agricultural county and a small, but growing, community in Georgia. It is one of the earliest brick structures in Hinesville and probably Liberty County.”

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

SUNBURY BOAT RAMP One of Liberty County’s best kept secrets, the Sunbury Boat Ramp has some of the best views you’ll find on the coast with a wide view of the sun as it rises over the intracoastal waterway. You’re likely to find someone fishing or putting their boat in the water, because it doubles as a boat ramp and a pier. Bring a chair to sit in and mother nature will provide the rest!

BRYANT COMMONS PARK Don’t feel like driving out to the coast to see the beautiful views? Bryant Commons Park in downtown Hinesville is the perfect spot to get exactly that right here in town. The old oak trees provide the perfect backdrop. Plan a relaxing morning to see everything going on up in the sky at Bryant Commons!

EVE PARK AT HALFMOON MARINA Colonels Island is one of our little coastal communities, and many people don’t even know that Eve Park is out there!

Tucked away in the corner at Halfmoon Marina, it doesn’t lack for salty air and intracoastal waterway views. The best part about Eve Park is that it has a playground to occupy the kids. Head out to Colonels Island to sit back and watch the sun set with the whole family.

JONES CREEK PARK Another spot that we consider one of Liberty County’s best kept secrets is Jones Creek Park in Midway. This discreet little spot off of Isle of Wight Road provides silence and serenity to clear your mind. The wide-open views of the paintings in the sky are likely to make your jaw drop. If you’re a morning person, head over for a sunrise, or if you’re more of a night owl, go watch the sunset behind you!

ST. CATHERINES ISLAND Although only accessible by boat, our barrier island, St. Catherines doesn’t lack for sunrise and sunset views. If you’re able to catch a ride or paddle out to the island, you’ll see the spectacular views while hearing the water hit the shore.

FORT MORRIS STATE HISTORIC SITE Our state historic site, Fort Morris, is located in Midway and is the perfect spot to see the St. Catherines sound. In addition to the coastal views, Fort Morris has lots of old oak trees covered in Spanish moss and nature trails. This offers different ways to see the breathtaking skies! Carve out some time to go visit this historic site. You may learn a thing or two about the fort that offered protection to our coast during the Revolutionary War!

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ARTICLE

F O R T H E L O V E O F C AT S :

THE STORY OF CARPATHIA PAWS

BY BOBBY REYNOLDS PHOTO BY NG PHOTOGRAPHY 84

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Like most military communities Liberty County is very transient. This often leads to a high population of stray and abandoned animals. We sat down with Carpathia Paws, a 5013c non-profit, that strives to save animal lives by reducing the homeless pet population of Liberty and surrounding counties through their TVNR (trap, vaccinate, neuter, return) method as well as assist pet owners with spay and neuter services.

“For 10 years we were an intake rescue. We took in cats and dogs from animal control and off the streets. We then vetted them, got them spayed, neutered, got them vaccinations and found homes for them,” said Maryann Smith, a board member for the organization. After changes with Liberty County Animal Services, Carpathia Paws decided to also make changes to what they do.

They are no longer doing intake or pet adoption, which allowed them to focus more on spaying, neutering and vaccinations.

At this time, they’re in the process of donating the six acres of land where the animal shelter was once in operation to K9 Battle Buddies, another rescue in the community. With the change of direction Carpathia Paws launched their Lucky Tail Road Spay Neuter program.

The program started out with Carpathia volunteers going to restaurants, apartment buildings and trailer parks where there were large concentrations of stray cats. They started targeting those areas especially because those cats were often feral. “We go out and physically set out the traps for them, bait them, then we take them to the clinic, have them fixed and then we return them where we got them from. Once those cats return to their colony they have already been fixed and don’t have more babies,” said Smith.

They use humane cat traps to ensure both the safety of the animals and themselves. They normally have the cats for about 2-3 days before they are released back into the wild.

This gives them time to feed the cats before and after the procedure. It also gives the cats time to fully recover from the effects of anesthesia.

When Smith initially joined Carpathia Paws in 2013 as a volunteer she fostered many animals. She went on to join the Board in 2014, and when the organization changed directions, she became a trapper/transporter. The rest of the board consists of Michaela Hamlin, Heather Alder, Gritta Foster and Becca Needham. “Becca is the brains behind the organization. We let her know about how many cats we are trapping and she schedules the appointments. She works out of Jacksonville so; I’ve never

laid eyes on her but we’ve been working with her going on five years now. She has been a huge help,” Smith said with a smile.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, Carpathia begin to hear from a lot of personal pet owners reaching out because they’d been laid off or had other varying circumstances and couldn’t get their animals fixed.

Initially Carpathia could not afford to help the pet owners either. After an influx of inquiries about Carpathia Paws’ ability to help, the board met and agreed to offer their services to Liberty County pet owners. So now if a pet owner in Liberty County needs their cat or dog fixed Carpathia Paws will sponsor to have them fixed and vaccinated.

AS OF APRIL 2023, CARPATHIA PAWS HAS FIXED 2,337 LIBERTY COUNTY CATS AND DOGS. SMITH BELIEVES THAT THE NUMBER WILL BE A LOT CLOSER TO 3,000 BY THE END OF 2023. SERVICING THAT MANY ANIMALS IS NO SMALL FEAT AND IS A REFLECTION OF NOT ONLY THE HARD WORK OF CARPATHIA PAWS BUT OF THEIR PARTNERS AS WELL.

One of their awesome partners is Pet Fix Savannah, a low cost spay and neuter clinic. They also found a partner within the local community to support them in their mission, Weichert Realtors - Real Estate Professionals.

Aaron Duncan the owner/broker of Weichert Realtors approached Smith about sponsoring their program to which she agreed. As a business partner Duncan has done various things in support of the Carpathia Paws mission such as pledging to donate a small percentage of each closing his company makes. Donations like this are a huge help to Carpathia Paws as the cost for fixing one cat is about $60.

Organizations like Carpathia Paws thrive best when they have community support. If you would like to support by donating then you can visit their website

carpathiapaws.com

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DIRECTORY

MEMBERSHIP

To become a member of the Liberty County Chamber, call:

912.368.4445 Judge Melinda Anderson 201 S. Main St. Suite 2100 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2063 104 Logistics, LLC 104 Raven Road Midway, GA 31320 (912) 318-5612 104logisticllc.com ABC Plumbing Inc. 128 McDonald Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2920 abcplumbinghinesville.com Ace Real Estate Services 1146 EG Miles Pkway Suite 205-B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-1211 acerealestateservices.com 86

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Advanced Innovative IT Solutions, LLC Ludowici, GA 31316 (912) 271-0563 aiisllc.com AFLAC Insurance 1249 Cypress Fall Circle Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 666-7745 All Ways Feet of Georgia 127 MacArthur Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8637 physiciansfootcare.com/offices/ hinesville-office Allstate Insurance Andy Bennett 110 S. Gause St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-0432 agents.allstate.com/andy-bennetthinesville-ga.html Allstate Insurance: Zambia Geiger (912) 216-6034 allstate.com/zambiageiger American Cancer Society cancer.org American Red Cross 41 Park of Commerce Way Building 200 Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 651-5300 redcross.org/ga/savannah

Ankle and Foot Associates, LLC 481 E.G. Miles Pkwy, Ste C Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 432-7236 anklesandfeet.com Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 1492 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Flemington, GA 31313 (912) 369-4909 Applebees.com Arline & Wiggins, CPAs, LLC 211 E Court St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 265-1020 arlinewiggins.com Arnold & Stafford 128 S. Main St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-4529 coastallawyers.com Arrowood Environmental Group, Inc. 10 Rose Hill Dr Savannah, GA 31419 (912) 920-2895 arrowoodenv.com AT&T Georgia 552 West Oglethorpe Hwy, Unit 114 Hinesville , GA 31313 (912) 877-3388 att.com

American Veteran Properties, Inc. (912) 385-3000 americanveteranproperties.com

Atlantic Area C.A.S.A. 1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3816 atlanticcasa.org

Ameris Bank 101 West Hendry Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2265 amerisbank.com

Automated Business Resources 15 Chatham Center, South Drive Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 527-7777 abr1.com

AmeriSpec of Coastal Georgia Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-0722 heininspections.com

Bae Locks LLC 4981 W Oglethorpe Hwy, Suite 3 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 560-9292 baelocks.com

Baker Girls Beauty, Relaxation & Recovery Retreat 125 Baker Beals Ln Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1596 facebook.com/BakerGirlsBeautyBar Baldinos 456 General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-8093 baldinos.us Barry S. Chapman & Associates LLC 1146 EG Miles Parkway, Suite 205 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 532-6767 barrychapmancounseling.com BC Visuals, LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 430-7937 bc-visuals.com/ BeSeen Outdoor Advertising 2001 Cook Street Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 289-2235 beseenoutdoor.com Best Care Home Health 229 W. General Screven Way Suite A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-5477 Better Living Better Life Consulting Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 269-1013 Beyond The Front Porch Properties 218 Fraser Dr Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1682 facebook.com/ beyondthefrontporchproperties Big Dawgs 735B EG Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 617-2094 bigdawgshotdogs.com

Biomat USA 108 W Hendry Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-6150 grifolsplasma.com/en/-/hinesville-ga

BuddyWatch, Inc Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 884-4440 buddywatchinc.org/

Blue Ribbon Inspections Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 334-9203 bri912.com

C.A. Sittle, Inc. 5462 Elim Church Road Ludowici, GA 31316 (912) 667-3014 landscapehinesville.com

Bombshell Society-Mary Kay & Spray Tanning Hinesville, GA 31313 (843) 597-5288 marykay.com/tmiller80013

Cadence Bank 119 E. General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5050 cadencebank.com

Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia 475 South Main Street, Suite A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 427-0800 bjisg.com

Cakamile, LLC 112 S Commerce Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1732 cakamileproducts.com

Bootleggers Package Store 5782 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Suite A Walthourville, GA 31333 (912) 332-1809 facebook.com/ bootleggerspackagestore Boys and Girls Club of Liberty County 100 Deen St Hinesville , GA 31313 (912) 977-0674 bgcliberty.org Bradwell Institute 100 Pafford St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6121 bradwellinstitute.org Brantley Building 135 MLK Jr Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6322 Brigitte Cabeza-Shanken, CIPS,RSPS,AHWD,Realtor, Associate Broker Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 222-8279 coldwellbanker.com/agents/BRIGITTECABEZA-SHANKEN-31313

Canoochee EMC 342 E. Brazell St Reidsville, GA 30453 1-800-342-0134 canoocheeemc.com/ Carpathia Paws 1534 Airport Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 carpathiapaws.com Carter Funeral Home, Inc. 308 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3780 carteroglethorpe.com CBD+ Hinesville 445 EG Miles Pkwy, Suite 109 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1232 wearelilufarms.com Cellvanna One Stop Shop 946 Elma G Miles Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 432-1566 Century 21 Action Realty 123 General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2100 century21-actionrealty.com LIBERTY COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Chatham Parkway Subaru 7 Park of Commerce Way Savannah, GA 31405 1-888-301-8570 cpsubaru.com

City of Walthourville 222 Busbee Rd. Walthourville, GA 31333 (912) 368-7501 cityofwalthourville.com

Coastal Electric Cooperative 1265 South Coastal Highway 17 Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-3311 coastalelectric.coop

CHB Interiors Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 271-6119 chbinteriors.com/

Clayton Homes of Hinesville 1207 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 333-9100 claytonhomesofhinesville.com

Coastal Endodontics 111 East Mills Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-4405 coastalendo.net

Clearwave Fiber LLC 1030 US Highway 80 W Suite 1229 Pooler, GA 31322 (877) 293-2973 clearwavefiber.com

Coastal Fiber 1011 North Way Darien, GA 31305 (912) 437-7001 coastalfiber.com

Cherokee Rose Country Club 225 Cherokee Trail Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5503 facebook.com/ CherokeeRoseCountryClub1 Chick-Fil-A Hinesville 877 West Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-6631 cfahinesville.com/ Christina Dixon-Moton - Mary Kay Independent Representative Hinesville, GA 31313 (404) 398-1477 marykay.com/cdixon-moton City of Flemington 156 Old Sunbury Road Flemington, GA 31313 (912) 877-3223 cityofflemington.org City of Hinesville 115 East M. L. King, Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3564 cityofhinesville.org City of Midway 41 Charlie Butler Rd Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-3344 historicmidway.com City of Riceboro 4614 S. Coastal Highway Riceboro, GA 31323 (912) 884-2986 cityofriceboro.org

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Climate Controlled Storage 229 West General Screven Way STE M4 Hinesville , GA 31313 (912) 876-4999 hinesvillestorage.com Club Stewart 1020 Hero Rd, Bldg 405 Ft. Stewart, GA 31314 (912) 767-4717 stewartmwr.com/index.php/clubs_and_ dining-1/club_stewart/ Coastal Area District Development Authority 501 Gloucester Street, Ste. 201 Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 261-2500 cadda-sba.org Coastal Cooling LLC 155 Dunlevie Rd Allenhurst , GA 31301 (912) 977-0222 coastalcoolingllc.com Coastal Courier 125 South Main St. Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-0156 coastalcourier.com Coastal Drug Company 204 Butler Ave Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-9255 coastaldrugcompany.com

Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority Inc 1 Community Action Drive Suite A Brunswick, GA 31521 (912) 264-3281 coastalgacaa.org Coastal Georgia Military Affairs Coalition Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-6225 friendsofftstewartandhunter.com Coastal Plains Charter High School Liberty Campus 212 School House Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-6766 coastalplainscharter.org Coastal Solar Power Company 229 West General Screven Way Suite N 1 Hinesville, GA 31313 (884) 765-2793 coastalsolar.com Coldwell Banker Southern Coast 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4300 coldwellbankersoutherncoast.com Columbia College 100 Knowledge Drive, Suite 147 Fort Stewart, GA 31314 (912) 877-3406 ccis.edu/nationwide/ftstewart.aspx

Comcast - Business Services 145 Park of Commerce Drive Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 253-1944 your-local-solution.com Commerce Street Holdings Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 271-1313 Compass Insurance Group of Georgia Inc P.O Box 375 Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-2929 cigofga.com Connection Church 116 Patriots Trail Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6121 connectionchurch.com/ Country Financial - Tico Brown 740 General Stewart HWY Suite 202 Unit H Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6169 countryfinancial.com/tico.brown Country Inn and Suites 742 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-7777 radissonhotelsamericas.com D & J Construction Services PO Box 1425 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2133 Dagmar Madden, Realtor 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31310 (912) 572-6005 coldwellbanker.com/Coldwell-BankerSouthern-Coast-2571c/DagmarMadden-207211a Dawson’s General Store 5782 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8721 americanfenceandfeed.com

Daybreak Industrial Inc 1201 Armon J Kicklighter Rd Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-0571 De Dios es el Poder 49 N. Bypass Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-0146 sites.google.com/site/ iglesiadediosdedioseselpoder Decor Divas Designs 146 Neta Rd Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 294-9259 facebook.com/ DecorDivasDesigns/?ref=page_internal Dee’s Electrical 1329 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-2887 Delectable Fruits & Delectable Scoops 1427A W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 320-4258 delectablefruits.com Depot #9 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 271-1313 Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center Of GA 510 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-7546 gaderm.com/ Digital Office Equipment 10929 US Hwy 301S, Suite 5 Statesboro, GA 30458 (912) 489-6964 calldoe.com Direct Auto Insurance 751 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-4235 directauto.com

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #46 1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2546 davmembersportal.org/chapters/ga/46/ default.aspx Diversity Health Center 301 Fraser Dr., Unit B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-2227 diversityhc.org/ Donovan Rehab 315 W Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 320-4737 donovanrehab.com Doodles Billiards 105 West General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-2211 facebook.com/doodlesbilliards Dove Mortgage Inc. 617 Windhaven Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-8296 dovemortgageinc.com Dryden Properties / Enterprises 310 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313-3242 (912) 369-7634 dryden-homes.com Dulce Delicia 908 S Main St Suite 101 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1948 Eason for Sheriff Hinesville, GA 31313 easonforsheriff.org Econo Lodge 726 E. Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2275 hotelinhinesville.com

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Edward Jones, Office of Todd Lacy 111 Ryon Avenue, Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-4850 edwardjones.com ELAN Technology 169 Elan Court Midway, GA 31320 (912) 880-3526 elantechnology.com Ellie’s Flower Shop 117 Ali Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 432-7660 elliesflowershop.com ERA Southeast Coastal Real Estate 139 Ryon Ave Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3538 erageorgia.com ESA Investigations & Security, LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 312-9510 esainvestigations.com ESG Operations, Inc 613 EG Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8216 esginc.net Evans Cooper Designs, LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (816) 325-0747 evanscooper3.com Expedia Cruises Hinesville Georgia 229 W General Screven Way Suite R-15 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 434-7670 expediacruises.com/us900311 ExperCARE Urgent Care 632 A W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 430-4545 expercarehealth.com/

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Fairfield Inn & Suites 1494 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2003 marriott.com/hotels/travel/savhvfairfield-inn-and-suites-hinesville-fortstewart/ Fang’s Island 521 B W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1525 facebook.com/FangsIsland-208857579709307/ Farmer’s Natural Foods 754 E.G. Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-7803 farmersnaturalfoods.com/ Farmhouse Restaurant and Catering 3152 Hwy 301 S. Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-1456 thefarmhouse301.com/ First Command 110 E. MLK Jr. Drive, Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 391-1049 firstcommand.com First Preparatory Christian Academy 308 East Court Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-0441 fpcahinesville.com Flacos House 4 744 E Oglethorpe Hwy, Unit B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1310 flacoshouse.com Fleming Shortcut Fruit Stand 993 Fleming Loop Road Fleming, GA 31309 (912) 655-6857 facebook.com/ flemingshortcutfruitstand Flemington Veterinary Hospital 3263 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3226 flemingtonvet.com

Florabelle Florist & Gifts 69 Old Sunbury Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-5345 hinesvillageflorist.com Fort Stewart Family Homes 50 Austin Road Building LW50 Fort Stewart, GA 31315 (912) 408-2480 fortstewartfamilyhomes.com Fox Hollow Realty 386 Fox Hollow Circle Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 272-2191 foxhollowrealty.co Fraser Center 203 Mary Lou Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-7777 frasercenter.com G&B’s Treasures 103 Ralph Quarterman Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-5974 gnbstreasures.com Genesis Cleaner LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (617) 990-7158 genesiscleaner.com Georgia Department of Labor 140 East MLK Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 370-2595 dol.state.ga.us Georgia Eye Institute of the Southeast, LLC 741 Weeping Willow Dr. Ste A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2522 gaeyeinstitute.com Georgia Hospice Care 141 South Macon Street Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 427-3202 georgiahospicecare.com

Georgia Power Company 923 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (888) 660-5890 georgiapower.com Georgia Southern University 175 W. Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-1906 georgiasouthern.edu GeoVista Federal Credit Union 601 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31310 (912) 368-2477 geovistacu.com Gibson Home Store 1122 West Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6250 gibsonshomestore.com Gift of Love is Here Corporation 1951 Shaw Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 320-3403 giftofloveisherecorporation.com Global Business Development Strategist, LLC 425 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 980-2414 globalbizstrategist.com Global Ventures M2820, Inc. PO Box 92 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 580-9535 globalventuresm2820.org Gold & Silver Pawn 501-H General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6580 goldandsilverpawnhinesville.com Golden & Associates CPA’s, LLC 769 East Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-7575 goldencpa.com

Goodwill Southeast Georgia 115 W. Hendry Street, Suite 18A Liberty Square Shopping Center Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-7473 goodwillsega.org Gospel 94.9FM Radio 302 W. Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 320-4686 gospel949.net Graddy & Associates Financial Group 101 A N. Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2130

Hernandez Collision Center 1070 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-6398 hernandezcollisioncenter.com Hinesville Area Arts Council 102 Commerce Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4445 hinesvillearts.com Hinesville Area Board of Realtors 111C Ryon Ave Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4227 hinesvillerealtors.com

Great Oaks Bank 42 Town Centre Drive Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912) 445-6868 greatoaks.bank

Hinesville Downtown Development Authority 115 East M. L. King, Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-4332 hinesvilledowntown.com

Green Lotus Dreams 734 Elma G Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-5791 greenlotusdreams.com

Hinesville Housing Authority 100 Regency Place Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3466 hinesvillehousingauthority.org

H&R Block 229 West General Screven Way Suite B-C Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3415 hrblock.com

Hinesville Lodge #271 F&AM 933B EG Miles Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 321-9381 hinesvillelodge271.org

Hampton Island Club, LLC 1300 Retreat Road Riceboro, GA 31323 (912) 880-8800 hamptonisland.com/ Harris Ace Hardware 1012 W. Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2147 facebook.com/harrishardware Heritage Group 313 N Main Street Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 669-3214

Hinesville Military Homes 776 Elma G Miles Pkwy, Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 867-9000 hinesvillemilitaryhomes.com Hinesville Pharmacy 481 EG Miles Parkway, Suite A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8125 coastalpharmacyinc.com/hsp Hinesville Rotary Hinesville, GA 31313 hinesvillerotary.org

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Hinesville Smiles 101 East General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3333 hinesvillesmiles.com

Horizon Staffing, Inc. 7722 Waters Avenue Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 355-5966 horizonstaffing.com

Hog N Bones Hinesville 762 Veterans Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-4793 hognbones.com

Hospice of South Georgia, Inc. 1625 Sunset Boulevard Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 588-0080 hospicesoga.org

Holiday Inn Express 1388 East Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-5611 hiexpress.com

Hospice Savannah, Inc 1352 Eisenhower Drive Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 355-2289 hospicesavannah.org

Holtzman Elite Properties, LLC 1146 EG Miles Pkway Suite 104 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8886 fortstewart.net

Huey Magoo’s DBA KRM Chicken 567 Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 221-1233 hueymagoos.com

Holtzman Insurance Agency 1146 E.G. Miles Pkwy, Suite 102 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2600 holtzmaninsurance.com Holtzman Real Estate Services 1146 E.G. Miles Pkwy, Suite 104 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8886 holtzmanrealestate.com Home Instead 319 W General Screven Way Suite 109 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-1554 homeinstead.com/location/860 Home2Suites by Hilton 233 San Patel Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 391-1220 hilton.com/en/hotels/savhiht-home2suites-hinesville Hops on Fire Brewing Company 60 Butler Avenue, Suite C Midway, GA 31320 (912) 442-3163 facebook.com/profile. php?id=100089314772589 92

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Hugo Boss 270 Elan Court Midway, GA 31320 (912) 880-5200 hugoboss.com In & Out Movers 952 Whippoorwill Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 518-8458 inandoutmovers.info/#posts Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association & Telephone Museum 438 W. Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-4872 nationalitpa.com Infiniti Studios 4981 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-4696 theinfinitistudios.com Interstate Credit Union 11199 East Oglethorpe Highway Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-2754 interstatecu.org

It’s All About Me Selfie Studio 110 E MLK Jr. Drive Suite 1B Hinesville, GA 31313 (833) 422-6886 itsallaboutmeselfie.com Izola’s Country Cafe 809 Willowbrook Dr. Suite 106 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-4709 facebook.com/IzolasCountryCafe J M Allen Construction, INC./ J M Allen Homes 441 Bell Road NE Ludowici , GA 31316 (912) 499-0126 JMAllenHomes.com JC Lewis Ford Hinesville 309 W Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3673 jclewishinesville.com Jeanne Evans, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Southern Coast 730 E General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-4230 facebook.com/Jeanne-EvansRealtor-Coldwell-Banker-SouthernCoast-311639242529632 JG Powerhouse Gym 319 W General Screven Way Suite D Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-4879 jgpowergym.com Jody Smiley Landscaping LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-3434 Jones Medical Equipment 481 E.G. Miles Parkway Suite B Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-3202 facebook.com/ jonesmedicalequipmenthinesvillega

Jones, Osteen, Jones 206 E. Court St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-0111 jojlaw.com Josh Wheeler, The Low Country Group Hinesville, GA 31313 912.271.1313 joshwheeler.kw.com J’s Sweet Creations Hinesville, GA 31313 (478) 230-7242 facebook.com/jsweetcreationss Judge Paula K. Hendrix Hinesville, GA 31313 libertycountyga.com K&M Xtreme Clean Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 980-6605 facebook.com/xtremeclean912 Kandy’s Event Venue 237 W General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-1282 facebook.com/kandysvenue KaRi Villafane, Realtor 110 MLK Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 335-4544 Kathy Villafane - REALTOR 445 EG Miles Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 247-7967 kathyvillafane.com Ked Barber And Beauty Salon 420 W General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (719) 434-0242 kedbbsalon.simplybook.me/v2/ Keep Liberty County Beautiful 9397 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Midway, GA 31320 (912) 880-4888 keeplibertybeautiful.org

Kiwanis Club of Liberty County Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 271-0508 Kona Ice of Savannah Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 346-3572 facebook.com/konaicesavannah La Maison Du Caniche Inc. 988 Pineland Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5165 lamaisonducaniche.com LaQuinta Inn & Suites 1740 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-3000 LQ.com LaTicia Logan, Realty One Group Inclusion 7025 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite A Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 323-0772 laticia.searchhomesinsavannah.com Latin Dreams 230 W General Screven Way, Ste 100 Hinesville, GA 31313 Leigh Smiley REALTOR 730 E. General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-3401 coldwellbankerholtzman.com Lesley Francis PR 11258 Ford Ave , Suite 2 Richmond Hill , GA 31324 (912) 417-5377 lesleyfrancispr.com Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Inc. 750 West Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5129 libertychryslerdodgejeep.com Liberty Co. Board of Commissioners 100 Main Street Suite 1320 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2164 libertycountyga.com

Liberty Co. Board of Education 200 Bradwell Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2161 liberty.k12.ga.us Liberty Co. Clinic of Chiropractic 211 East Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4002 libertyccc.com Liberty Co. Community Housing Development 100 Regency Place Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3466 hinesvillehousingauthority.org Liberty Co. Convention & Visitors Bureau 208 E. Court Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3580 libertycounty.org Liberty Co. Development Authority 425 West Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3356 comegrow.global Liberty Co. DFCS 112 West Oglethorpe HWY Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 370-2555 dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/liberty-countydfcs-office Liberty Co. Extension Office 100 Main St Suite 1200 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2133 extension.uga.edu/county-offices/ liberty.html Liberty Co. Farm Bureau 562 E.G. Miles Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3370 gfb.org/contactus/default.asp

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Liberty Co. Health Department 1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2173 gachd.org/counties/liberty_county Liberty Co. Public Safety 100 Liberty Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2201 libertycountyga.com Liberty Co. Recreation Department 607 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5359 lcrd.net Liberty College & Career Academy 245 Dorsey Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-4904 schools.liberty.k12.ga.us/lcca Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission 100 Main Street, Suite 7520 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-2030 thelcpc.org Liberty County Animal Control 1731 Lee Place Road NE Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-9191 libertycountyga.com/182/AnimalServices Liberty County Board of Assessors 100 Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3568 libertycountyga.com Liberty County Coroner’s Office 100 South Main Street Suite 3700 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-2101 libertycountyga.com Liberty County Historical Society 100 South Commerce St Hinesville, GA 31313 libertyhistory.net

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Liberty County Sheriff’s Office 201 S. Main Street Suite 1300 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2131 libertyso.com Liberty County Solid Waste Authority 100 North Main Street Ste. 1510 Hinesville , GA 31313 (912) 884-5353 libertycountysolidwaste.com/recyclingconvenience/recycling-conveniencecenters/ Liberty Line-X and Accessories 305 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 391-1440 libertylinex.com Liberty Neighbors Magazine 2048 Castleoak DR Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (352) 949-8393 facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000951 64107931%26mibextid=LQQJ4d

Live Oak Church of God 296 Live Oak Church Rd. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-8769 liveoakchurch.org Live Oak Public Libraries 236 W. Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4003 liveoakpl.org Live Oak Public Libraries Midway Branch 9397 E Oglethorpe Hwy Midway, GA 31320 (912) 456-9261 liveoakpl.org/locations/midway LJG Events, LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (843) 305-1179 ljgeventsllc.com Local Media Outdoor Inc 27 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 31401 (770) 535-6346

Liberty Regional Medical Center 462 E.G Miles Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-9400 libertyregional.org

Longhorn Steakhouse 825 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-7181 longhornsteakhouse.com

Liberty Shipping Solutions 103 W General Screven Way Suite G Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-7912 libertyshippingsolutions.com

Loretta Rose, Realtor 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 484-6320 coldwellbankersoutherncoast.com

Liberty Veterinary Medical Center 1094 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3357 libertyveterinary.com

Love-It-Productions, Inc. 109 Flat Shoal Ln. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-7550 facebook.com/Love-It-Productionscom143914389512/?fref=ts

Live Oak Chiropractic 462 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 432-7773 lochinesville.com

Low Country Eyecare 465 E.G. Miles Parkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-2422 lowcountryeye.com Low Country Turf & Ornamental LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-3396 lowcountryto.com

Lowes Home Improvement 735 West Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-1001 lowes.com

Martin Insurance Agency, Inc. 206 North Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5115 martininsuranceagencyga.com/

Mike Reed Chevrolet 1559 East Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2121 mikereedchevy.com

Luis F. Lopez PO Box 617 Millen, GA 30442 (912) 977-4321

Martin Mercantile 102 N Commerce Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 318-7129 facebook.com/ martinmercantilehinesville

Miller Cleaning Service, LLC 248 Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912) 459-0381 millercleaning.net

M & M Motors 29 McIntosh Lake Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-7433 mandmmotorshinesville.com M.E. Sack Engineering, FDBA P.C. Simonton & Associates 515 N Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-5212 mesack.com Mach 1 Body Shop INC 701 Courtland Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5500 mach1bodyshop.com/ Madison Byler Artistry 600 Taylor Rd, Apt 94 Hinesville, GA 31313 (706) 581-6429 Magnolia Manor on the Coast 141 Timber Trail Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912) 756-4300 magnoliamanor.com MainStreet Family Care 1028 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-4057 mainstreetfamilycare.com Margie’s Southern Cooking 1696 Shaw Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 463-4864 facebook.com/Margie-s-SouthernCooking-105893783085581/?fref=ts

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies 100 Knowledge Dr. Fort Stewart, GA 31314 (912) 572-8136 mauiwowi.com/southernparadise McDonald’s Restaurant 321 Fraser Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-9301 mcdonalds.com McManamy Jackson Hollis, LLC 401 N Main St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 691-0943 mjhfirm.com Medallion Styles LLC 413 S. Main Street Suites B Hinesville, GA 31313 (386) 675-2968 medallionstyles.com Melody’s Coastal Cafe 34 N Coastal Hwy Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-4113

Molly Maxine Enterprises 122 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-0160 facebook.com/profile. php?id=100004247687517&fref=ts Mr. Y Fun Time Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 294-6710 mryfuntime.com Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1370 Shaw Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6464 facebook.com/MZHinesville MTCO Remodeling and Renovations Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 333-0608 Muse Collision Inc. 14 Brights Lake Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-7246 musecollision.com National University (912) 601-7103 nu.edu

MidCoast Regional Airport 1116 E Lowe Circle Fort Stewart, GA 31313 (912) 877-4359 mcra.us

Navy Federal Credit Union 730 S. Main St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (888) 842-6328 navyfederal.org

Midway Museum 491 North Coastal Highway Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-5837 themidwaymuseum.org

New Directions Employment Services 2 E Bryan Street Savannah, GA 31401 (678) 590-8188

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Ng Photography 105 E General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 351-5961 facebook.com/JoannaNgPhotography

Osteen Law Group 101 Fraser St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-2211 osteenlaw.com/

NISE Entertainment Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-9650 playnise.com

Pam Lovett, REALTOR® 401 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-4626 pamlovett.com

Norman Realty & Management 139 Ryon Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3433 rentfortstewart-hinesville.com Nu Rho Omega Chapter AKA Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-3407 nurhoomega.org Old Savannah House B & B 318 Old Savannah Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 (919) 909-0777 Olmstead Apartments 905 Olmstead Dr Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6322 Omni Financial 230 W General Screven Way Unit 110 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 335-5320 omnimilitaryloans.com/location/ hinesville-ga/ One Stop Package 760 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-8066 facebook.com/ OneStopPackageHinesville Optim Medical Center 790 Veterans Pkwy Suite 111 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-4400 optimhealthsystem.com/location/ hinesville

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Panera Bread 1190 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 448-0061 panerabread.com

Pit Stop 1011 Airport Rd Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6003 Play Datez CDC 122 W Court Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 376-9448 playdatez.com Pleasant Grove AME Church 1450 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3266 pleasantgroveame.org

Parkwood Podiatry Associates 600 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3036 parkwoodpodiatryassociates.com

Pretty in Pink Beauty Bar 951 EG Miles Pkway, Suite C Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 391-7200 vagaro.com/prettyinpinkbeautybar23/ services

Pastor Richard D. Hayes 77 Kent Road Walthourville, GA 31313 (912) 388-1474 ndcchinesville.org

Pro Feet 111 West Hendry Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2662 facebook.com/theprofeet/

Pathways Health Career Training Center 103 W General Screven Way Suite E Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 432-7079 pathwayshealthcareer.com

Puppy Trail Training Hinesville, GA 31313 (321) 313-3338 puppytrailtraining.com

Pedrick & Company, LLC 103 Central Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-4697 pedrickcpa.com Peds Now! 863 W Oglethorpe Hwy St 220 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 391-1044 pedsnow.com Phillips Pediatrics, PC 455 S. Main Street, Suite 103 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6868 phillipspeds.com

Purchasing Alliance Solutions 1265 Minhinette Drive, Suite 150 Roswell, GA 30075 800-782-8254 purchasingalliance.com Puzzling Patterns 740 East General Stewart Way Suite 202 Hinesville, GA 31313 (404) 697-3608 puzzlingpatterns.com Quality Inn Hinesville - Fort Stewart 1024 E Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-7461 choicehotels.com/georgia/hinesville/ quality-inn-hotels/gaa24

Queensborough National Bank and Trust Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-1102 qnbtrust.bank Ratcliffe & Smith, P.C. 103 N. Main St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-8000 Real Estate Resource Center of South Georgia 110 E MLK Jr Drive, Suite 2D Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 335-4544 realestateresourcecenter.org Red Roof Inn & Suites 70 Wallace Martin Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-3000 Renaissance Park Senior Village 205 East Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 448-0067 fairwaymanagement.com Representative Al Williams 511-A Coverdell Legislative Office Build Atlanta, GA 30334 (912) 368-4983 house.ga.gov/Representatives/ en-US/member. aspx?Member=230&Session=23 Ricter Taxes Etc., Inc. 236 Kevin Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-6744 Righteous Hauling, LLC 135 Gregory Ct Allenhurst, GA 31301 (912) 321-1331 Rodeo Mexican Restaurant 304 W. Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-2040 rodeomexican.com

Rogers Tree Service 322 Pate Rogers Road Fleming, GA 31309 (912) 884-2112 facebook.com/Rogers-Tree-Service142988439176990/?fref=ts

Savannah Radio 9100 White Bluff Road Suite 601 Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 856-3592 1047thehawk.com

Ross Mortgage, Jamarcus Moradel 407 Woodland Dr Hinesville, GA 31313 (843) 338-0808

Savannah Sand Company 828 Rogers Pasture Rd. Fleming, GA 31309 (912) 884-3702 jahna.com

Royalty Care Mobile Nursing Services Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 633-8277 royaltycaremobilenursingservices.com RTS Homes 116 S. Main St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3363 rts-homes.com Ryan Feller, Realtor 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, Georgia 31313 (912) 321-7788 RyanFellerRealtor.com Sammy’s Pressure Washing and Fence Staining Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-9650 sammyspw.com Samone Norsworthy Fine Art Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-1632 samonenorsworthy.com Sandy Duggan, Realtor 1146 EG Miles Pkwy, Suite 104 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 980-5103 sandyduggan.realtor Sanitary Plumbing 1574 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3457 Sass & Grace Boutique & Hair Salon 229 General Screven Way, Suite N-2 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-0741 sassandgrace912.com

Savannah Technical College 100 Technology Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-3024 savannahtech.edu Save Our Next Generation, Inc. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 271-9858 songofliberty.org Scott Wells Plumbing 281 John Wells Road Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-2067 Shake Shop Creamery 552 W Oglethorpe Hwy, Suite 102 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-7147 facebook.com/hersheyshakeshop Sherwin-Williams Company 1030 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-3367 sherwinwilliams.com Sho’ Nuff Smokin Good Barbecue 4827 W 15th Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-4663 facebook.com/ ShoNuffSmokinGoodBbq Signs by Kelli Johns Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-5362 signs-by-kelli-johns.business.site

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Skylark Sexual Health and Care Clinic 212 S. First Street, Suite 6 Jesup, GA 31545 (912) 588-0010 helloskylark.com Skyler Wingate, Coldwell Banker Southern Coast 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 387-3076 facebook.com/Skylerwingaterealtor Smile Doctors 111 W General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 1-888-336-3374 smiledoctors.com/douglasga/smiledoctors-welcome Smokin’ Pig The BBQ Joint 13711 E Oglethorpe Hwy Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-4495 smokinpigbbqjoint.com South Georgia Bank 737 South Main St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-1051 southgabank.com South University 709 Mall Boulevard Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 790-4163 southuniversity.edu Southeast Auto Service, LLC 104-B Carter Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-4280 southeastautoservice.com Southeastern Bank 2004 US Hwy 17 Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (912) 459-2323 southeasternbank.com Southern Coast Properties 730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6322 southerncoastpm.com 98

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Southern Comfort Heating & Air Co. 1822 GA Hwy 196 W Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4822 southerncomfortga.com Sparrow Communications, LLC (912) 376-9342 mysparrowcommunications.com SPI Guns 411 General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-7296 spiguns.com Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry of Hinesville 624 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-0193 spinnakerpediatricdentistryhinesville.com Sprinter Fuels GA 31313 (912) 628-0588 sprinterfuels.com St. Joseph’s/ Candler Immediate Care Center 780 E. Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 385-0801 sjcurgentcare.com State Farm - Joseph Grant 101 E. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-0073 statefarm.com/agent/US/GA/Hinesville/ Joseph-Grant-0J44Y6HSYAL State Farm - Melissa Carter Ray Agency 119 Ryon Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6729 hinesvilleinsurance.com State Farm Insurance Adam Herndon 790 Veterans Parkway, Ste 105 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2159 adamherndon.com

Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners 345 W Memorial Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 456-2010 cohenveteransnetwork.org/clinics Stewart Realty 323 W. General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3700 fortstewartrealty.com Stop N Stor 746 EG Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-9196 remove email address Storage Sense - Hinesville 1146 EG Miles Pkway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 408-7878 storagesense.com Storage Spot Midway LLC 7873 E Oglethorpe Hwy Midway, GA 31320 (912) 800-7768 storagespot.net Strategic Biz Solutions Unlimited, Inc. 425 W.Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3471 thestrategicbiz.com Suburban Studios 706 E Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-4466 choicehotels.com/georgia/hinesville/ suburban-hotels/ga469?mc=llgoxxpx Sunbury Crab Co. 541 Brigantine Dunmore Road Midway, GA 31320 (912) 884-8640 sunburycrabco.com T.R. Long Engineering, P.C. 114 North Commerce St. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-5664 trlongeng.com

Tammie Blasingame, Realtor Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 215-9249 facebook.com/realtor. tammieblasingame

The First Bank 300 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-3332 the-heritage-bank.com

Target DC-T3808 1247 Sunbury Rd. Midway, GA 31320 target.com

The Gyro Shop 545 W. Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 987-3787 facebook.com/TheGyroShop

Tattersall Village Apartments Leasing Office 501 Burke Dr. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 320-4788 tattersallvillageapts.com Taylors Creek Construction Company, LLC 8101 Elim Church Road NE, #29 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-5015 Tazza Kabob Grillhouse 466 W General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-3883 tazza-kabob-grillhouse.business. site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_ medium=referral The Beauty Bar 114 S Commerce St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 312-0829 thebeautybarhinesville.com The Deputy Sheldon G. Whiteman Inclusive Academy 938 Elma G Miles Pkwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 492-6334 The Embassy Church 5493 N Coastal Hwy Fleming, GA 31309 (912) 391-1300 theembassylife.org The Felton Group 118 S Commerce St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-7000 thefeltongroup.net

The Parrot & Frog 110 S Commerce Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 492-2500 The Pines at Willowbrook Office 841 Willowbrook Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-2162 dmacompanies.com/the-pines-atwillowbrook The Robin’s Nest 102 Commerce St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-6057 therobinsnestshop.com The Shanken Team at Coldwell Banker Southern Coast 730 E. General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-4733 fortstewarthomefinder.com The Shell House Restaurant 8 Gateway Blvd West Savannah, GA 31409 (912) 927-3280 shellhouseseafoodsavannah.com Think Big Youth Organization 9784 E Oglethorpe Hwy, Suite C Midway, GA 31320 (912) 713-8130 thinkbigyouth.com Thomas Hill Jewelers 110 E Martin Luther King Jr Dr Suite 1A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-6036 thomashilljewelers.com

Tidal Wave Auto Spa 897 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 tidalwaveautospa.com TJL Graphics LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 Tri-County Protective Shelter Hinesville, GA 31310 (912) 368-9200 Hotline tri-countyprotectiveagency.net Troy University 2743 Perimeter Pkwy Bldg 200, Suite 201 Augusta, GA 30909 (706) 231-2263 troy.edu UBOUNCE Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 622-3832 ubounce.biz Under the Chandelier Venue & Rentals LLC 1205 S US HWY 301 Jesup, GA 31546 (912) 559-6923 utcrental.com United Community Bank 2225 E Victory Dr Savannah , GA 31404 (912) 303-9667 ucbi.com/locations/savannah-victory-dr United Service Organization Fort Stewart- HAAF 1639 Gullick Avenue Building 703 Fort Stewart, GA 31315 (912) 332-5488 facebook.com/USOFortStewart United Way of Coastal Empire Liberty County 301 Olive Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-4282 facebook.com/ UWCELIBERTYCOUNTY

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Unlimited Taxes & More, Inc. 241-C West General Screven Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-9592 unlimitedtaxes.com Uplift Women’s Health Club 740 E General Stewart Way Suite 212 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 294-9568 V Films LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 349-9740 villanuevaanthony.com Vaden Nissan of Hinesville 1009 E Oglethorpe Hwy. Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-1680 vadennissanofhinesville.com Veranique Collections Hinesville, GA 31313 (757) 775-2637 veraniquecollections.com Veterans Realty 794 Oak Hampton Rd Fleming, GA 31309 (912) 321-7788 ryanfellerrealtor.com Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 789 Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-7039 facebook.com/VietnamVeterans-of-AmericaChapter-789-218134592076914 VIP Office Furniture & Supply 109 Central Avenue Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-3000 vipoffice.com VIP Promotional Products 126 E MLK Jr. Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-5215 vippromoproducts.com

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Vogue Hair Studio 103 Gause Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-6483

Wonder Worthy Productions Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-1632 wonderworthyproductions.com

Walmart Neighborhood Market #4519 801-A East General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 255-6010

WorkSource Coastal 7216 Skidaway Road, Suite A Savannah, GA 31406 (912) 351-6379 worksourcecoastal.org

Walmart Neighborhood Market #4525 1422 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, STE A Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 877-9810 walmart.com/store/4525

Wrap-It Signs 155 Dunlevie Road Allenhurst, GA 31301 (912) 876-9727 wrapitsigns.com

Walthourville Meat Market 5715 W Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 369-4933 facebook.com/meatmarket57 Webster University - Ft. Stewart 100 Knowledge Dr., Suite 134 Ft. Stewart, GA 31315 (912) 876-8080 webster.edu/georgia Wedgewood/Aspen Court Apartments 939 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-2244 wedgewood-aspencourt.com Weichert Realtors - Real Estate Professionals 201 E. General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-5194 usrealtypro.com Williams Palm Tree Service LLC Hinesville, GA 31313 (231) 329-0072 williamspalmtreeservice.com Wise Tax Services 908 S Main St. Suite 104 AND 1 Sherwood Way Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 321-3568 wisetaxservices.com

Wreaths for Warriors Walk 222 Magnolia Lane Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 977-0213 facebook.com/wreaths4warriorswalk Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control 610 East Oglethorpe Hwy Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-5088 yates-astro.com YMCA of Coastal GA 201 Mary Lou Drive Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 368-9622 ymcaofcoastalga.org Your Family Hospice 229 W General Screven Way, Suite E Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 332-7969 your-familyhospice.com You’re Not Your Past Hinesville, GA 31313 (843) 465-0404 Zum Rosenhof 103B Midway St Hinesville, GA 31313 (912) 876-2191 zumrosenhof.com

ADVERTISERS Ameris Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Jones, Osteen & Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

AmeriSpec of Coastal Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Keep Liberty Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Biomat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Liberty County Board of Commissioners . . . . . . . . . 27

Coastal Area District Development Authority . . . . . . 67

Liberty County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

C.A. Sittle, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Liberty County Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chick Fil A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Liberty County School System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

City of Flemington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Liberty Regional Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 & 57

City of Hinesville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Low Country Turf & Ornamental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

City of Midway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Magnolia Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

City of Riceboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

McManamy, Jackson &

Coldwell Banker Southern Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Hollis, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Columbia College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Ng Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dee’s Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

M.E. Sack Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Diversity Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Queensborough Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ESA Investigations, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Real Estate Resource Center . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Georgia Southern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Sammy’s Pressure Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

GeoVista Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Southern Coast Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hinesville Area Arts Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Southeastern Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Hinesville Downtown Development Authority . . . . . . 24

State Farm, Melissa Carter Ray Agency . . . . . . . . . . 72

Hinesville Housing Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

The Shanken Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Hinesville Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

TR Long Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Horizon Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

United Community Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Interstate Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Wreaths for Warriors Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Jody Smiley Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Yates Astro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible!

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Massages at Baker Girls Beauty, Relaxation & Recovery Retreat!

Self-care is essential, and there is nothing better than a relaxing massage at Baker Girls Beauty, Relaxation & Recovery Retreat! This is a great activity for moms who have grown-up children.

Get a Pedicure at Stella Nail Lounge.

Getting a pedicure together at Stella Nail Lounge is a great option, because you can chill next to each other, and they can’t just get up and go somewhere for a little bit!

Make an appointment online and prepare to be pampered.

Shopping Day at Our Favorite Local Boutiques!

Your daughters will love browsing all of the trendy items at our local boutiques.

Almost every one of them is size inclusive, so no matter what you will all be able to find something that you love. Visit Dawsons General Store and Molly Maxine to find some goodies!

Go for a Picnic at a Local Park.

Get the perfect food for your picnic from the Walthourville Meat Market! Once you’ve picked up your picnic dinner, head over to one of our many parks. Our parks are equipped with playgrounds, so if your kiddos are younger – they’ll be entertained.

Here are some of our recomendations!

Irene B. Thomas Park: 600 Elaine Street, Hinesville Jones Creek Park: 2059 Isle of Wight Road, Midway Eve Park: 234, Azalea Road, Sunbury James A. Brown Park: Patriots Trail, Hinesville Bryant Commons Park: 438 W. Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville

Walk Along a Nature Trail!

Nature is both relaxing and peaceful which makes it the perfect place to spend an afternon. Almost all of our trails are pet friendly. Visit the Historic Baptismal Trail in Riceboro, Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center in Midway or Fort Morris State Historic Site in Sunbury!

Go on a kayaking adventure.

Kayaking is one of our favorite pastimes here in Liberty County! Out on the open water is the perfect place to unplug from the world of technology and bond with your kids. We happen to know some of the best spots to launch a kayak in Liberty County! Visit our website to learn more about each one.

Attend a painting class at the Hinesville Area Arts Council.

The Hinesville Area Arts Council hosts a painting class each month taught by a Bob Ross certified instructor! Painting is the perfect way to showcase some creative expression and create a masterpiece that you can hang up in your home.

Visit a local museum or historic site!

At the Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association (ITPA) museum, they can see the way phones have transformed into what we hold in our hands today.

If you’re looking to learn more about local history, visit the Midway Museum, it is Georgia’s only colonial history museum!

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HOW TO MAKE

THE PERFECT

LIBERTY

COUNTY

LOW COUNTRY BOIL

1. Start your water in a low country boil pot with a burner.

Make sure that you’re doing all of this outside!

2. Season your water with salt, pepper and Old Bay (really a staple in coastal Georgia). The pot should be filled to leave about 5 inches clearance at the top so that when you add the food items it doesn’t overflow.

3. Let your seasoned water come to a rolling boil and get your food ready!

4. Drop your onions in the pot! Remember the water must be at a rolling boil and if you keep the lid on it helps keep the heat inside as well.

5. Leave the onions in for about 20 minutes before adding anything else. The onions are used more for seasoning than anything, but you can eat them if you’d like!

6. Add your fresh corn, red skinned potatoes and onions. You can wash and cut them if necessary. Keep in mind: the key to a great Low Country Boil is fresh vegetables! Also, the potatoes are going to take the longest to cook other than the crab, so leave them in for at least 20 minutes!

7. Now you can add the sausage.

8. Get ready to put your crabs in! This part is a little interesting because they are still alive. You’re about to drop them in boiling water. They are going to die immediately. If you’re tenderhearted this is not the task you want to undertake.

9. Leave the crabs boiling for at least 20 minutes. The water should return to a boil after you dump them in.

10. Put the lid back on and then boil for a solid 20 minutes.

11. The last 2-4 minutes you’ll add the shrimp. We of course used Georgia White Shrimp! Keep in mind that shrimp are “done” when they turn pink. If you cook them too long the shells become very difficult to remove & the shrimp are tough.

12. Pull the basket! Low Country Boil pots have a basket inside where the food is placed so you’re not actually having to haul that huge pot to the table.

13. Most people will lay out cardboard boxes to catch the extra juices & that’s what you will be dumping the basket out on.

14. Make sure to peel your shrimp & “de-back” the crabs!

15. TIME TO DIG IN & ENJOY!

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LIBERTY COUNTY

HISTORY IN

PHOTOGRAPHS Bacon Fraser House

Located in downtown Hinesville, the historic Bacon Fraser House has only gotten more beautiful with time! The home was originally built in 1839 and happens to be the offices of the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Old Hinesville Bank & Zum Rosenhof Now home to Zum Rosenhof German Restaurant, this building had its beginnings in 1911 when it opened its doors as the Hinesville Bank!

Stop by for some of the best authentic German cuisine you’ve ever had!

Sunbury The former town of Sunbury is no longer in existence, but we found this photo from 1960 that shows what a bustling seaport it used to be. It was actually a deeper natural sea port than Savannah! Now, Sunbury is a quiet spot where people enjoy fishing, relaxing and eating fresh seafood on our intracoastal waterways.

Historic Liberty County Courthouse On the left you’ll see a photo of Liberty County’s historic courthouse right when it was completed in 1927! This building is still standing in the same spot today and was recently remodeled!

Yellow Bluff

The Yellow Bluff store is another structure that has held its original beauty. The two photos were taken almost 100 years apart and you can hardly see a difference. Head out to Yellow Bluff to see this building, as well as some of the most beautiful views in Liberty County!

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY?

Get out & #ExploreLiberty & read our full blog with more photos on www.libertycounty.org

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A LIBERTY COUNTY DRINK RECIPE FOR EACH SEASON GLUHWEIN IN THE WINTER Ingredients: 1 bottle wine, burgundy 1/2 liter of water 5-6 bags of GlühFix 3 sticks of cinnamon 1 orange cut into 1/4 slices 3/4 cups of sugar Instructions: 1. Put everything in a pot 2. Heat it up for at least 20 minutes or even hours in a slow cooker. Be sure not to boil!

3. Pour into a mug and enjoy.

4. Das ist lecker!

BOURBON SPIKED PEACH TEA IN THE SUMMER Ingredients: 1 tea bag or a scoop of loose tea 2 cups of water Pure cane syrup to taste 1 shot of bourbon (1.5 ounces) 2 peach slices Instructions: 1. Pour 2 cups of water in a small saucepan.

2. Add tea bag & peach slices & bring to a boil. When water comes to a boil, remove from heat & steep.

3. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.

4. Pour tea into pitcher & add syrup to taste. (If using loose tea, you will either need to strain the tea leaves or put them in a tea infuser.)

5. Stir well & allow tea to cool to room temperature.

6. Pour tea over ice, add 1 shot of bourbon, stir & enjoy!

A REFRESHING BLOOD ORANGE MIMOSA FOR THE SPRING Ingredients: 4oz of champagne or sparkling wine 1 blood orange (freshly squeezed) Rosemary for garnish Champagne flute Instructions: 1. Juice and strain 1 blood orange & set aside.

2. Pour 4 oz of champagne into a flute.

3. Mix in 1oz of your freshly squeezed blood orange juice.

4. Add your rosemary on top to garnish & enjoy!

A BLOODY MARY FOR THE FALL Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning 1 lime sliced into wedges 4 ounces Vodka 2 ounces of Clam juice 6 ounces Bloody Mary mix Instructions: 1. Start with a 12-ounce glass (high ball) & rub a lime wedge around the rim & dip the rim of your glass into Old Bay seasoning.

2. In a shaker combine vodka, clam juice, and Bloody Mary mix & give it a good shake.

3. Add ice to the glass & pour your mixture in.

4. The garnish is the best part of a Bloody Mary! We recommend a slice of bacon, fresh or pickled okra, a tabasco pepper, garlic chive bloom & a lime wedge.

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10 QUICK FACTS ABOUT TOURISM & how it benefits you as a local & state resident. spending saved each household in the county 1 Visitor $377 in tax dollars.

2

Creates 1,408 jobs in Liberty County.

3 Related jobs made $30.6 million in labor income revenue.

4

Creates clean economic development.

$4.2 billion in state & local tax revenues in 5 Generated Georgia.

6

As our community grows, the local and state income tax savings will continue to rise.

7 2nd largest industry in the state following agriculture.

8 Generated $64.5 billion in economic impact for the state.

9

Supports 422,628 jobs state wide.

every Georgia household with savings of over 10 Benefited $1100 annually in state and local taxes.

THESE NUMBERS RISE EACH YEAR, SO SUPPORTING TOURISM MEANS SAVING MONEY & MAKING OUR

COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL

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RESIDENTIAL I COMMERCIAL I LAND

“SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2005” VOTED BEST OF LIBERTY FOR 6 YEARS IN A ROW!

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Biomat USA 108 West Hendry Street Hinesville (912) 255-6150

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*Must be 18-69 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health to donate. In addition to meeting center donation criteria, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of current address, and proof of Social Security number (or SIN for Canadian residents) to donate. Valid for new donors at participating centers only. Bonus is in addition to any other donor payment received. Management reserves all rights.

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