January 27, 2021

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Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

Photo credit: Chace Scarboro Drone photos, left and right respectively, show today’s downtown square during the day and at night from a different vantage point

Downtown continues to grow! Changes happening on the square

Special to The Chronicle from the Downtown Development Authority

Historic property improvements and the addition of new businesses around the square has downtown Swainsboro buzzing with activity. Downtown has recently welcomed a number of new businesses, including NZ Signs, Tax Source Financial Services, Always Caring HomeCare, The Shabulous Boutique, and Leannas. In addition, Radford’s Cleaners began 2021 by expanding into a larger space, located in the corner building of the old Delores & Woody’s Shops, as Gifts Galore works to

expand its retail area on Green Street.

Along with all of the new businesses joining the downtown Swainsboro family, several historic properties have undergone renovations to better serve their tenants and customers.

From interior updates to façade restorations to full-scale building rehabilitations, business and property owners have made significant investments in downtown Swainsboro, demonstrating their commitment to the district’s revitalization.

Development downtown does not appear to be slowing in the near future as multiple businesses prepare to open soon

Emanuel 1, reporting for duty

Millage rate continued: Comparing revenues

By Halei Lamb

Last week’s Crossroads Chronicle began an explanatory series about the City of Swainsboro’s higher than normal millage rate. As an extension of that series, this week’s Chronicle provides revenue comparisons.

As a recap, the millage rates used in this series are from Fiscal Year 2020.

Swainsboro’s millage rate is

RATE

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INDEX Religion & Obituaries..............3 Business......................................10 Sports..............................................5 Lifestyle...................................14 Creative Corner.........................15

By Halei Lamb

With his inauguration on December 28, 2020, Jeffrey Brewer is now Emanuel 1. The road to his new elected capacity has been a long one, but he won the people’s vote and is here to stay for at least four years. In the months since he took office, he has started making good on his campaign promises and has his eyes on the future of his office.

“I think my whole life in law enforcement has led me to this point,” Brewer opened.

“Everything I did from 1982 forward benefitted me and

within the district. A new business is poised to make 112 West Main Street its home upon the completion of the property’s restoration that is combining its 1920s charm with modern amenities, and La Rosita Mexican Restaurant is preparing to open at 206 West Moring Street in the coming weeks.

With continued property improvements, business openings, and the completion of the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center ahead, the revitalization of Downtown Swainsboro continues to progress and strengthen the local economy.

Under construction!

Homegrown dentist opening local practice

Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer molded me for this job. I talked to [former] Sheriff [Tyson] Stephens in 2012 and told him whenever he retired, I’d be interested in running. It went forward from that.”

Brewer’s storied history in public service dates

SHERIFF

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By Halei Lamb

If you’ve driven on South Main Street back toward the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 80 in the last few months, you’ve probably noticed the development taking place across from KFC. Not long ago, a sign with the business’s name, Hometown Family Dental, went up—but here’s what you need to know about Swainsboro’s newest up-and-coming establishment.

Billy Brinson Jr., Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, is the owner. The 35-year-old Swainsboro native is the son of Billy Brinson Sr. and Car-

CONSTRUCTION continued on 10

Billy Brinson Jr. DMD and his family

‘COVID is real,’ exhausted EMC nurses testify

Ginny and Dess Smith

Love is in the air! Smiths celebrate 50 years of marriage

By Halei Lamb

Over the course of the next three weeks, The Crossroads Chronicle will be sharing local love stories in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. From these couples to you, enjoy!

Leannas Café was bustling Monday morning, but for Dess and Ginny Smith, they were the only two in the

room. The couple who recently celebrated their golden jubilee in December sat next to one another, Dess snacking on a breakfast goodie and Ginny drinking her coffee.

The two were laughing about something—specifics unclear

LOVE

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By Halei Lamb

Sisters Chelsey Sutton and Sarah Sutton Lewis, both from Kite, have always had a special bond. I should know. Sarah is a year younger than my older sister, and Chelsey and I grew up together. I have memories with both of them as far back as I can remember. Their mom, Sharon Sutton, was a nurse. I can remember “Mrs. Sharon” doctoring many of my softball injuries. Their dad gave me my first job. The Sutton Family is as good as they come, so it’s no wonder Chelsey and Sarah chose a benevolent career path. They’re both RNs today and work together at Emanuel Medical Center, and their sisterly connection is coming in handy during the trying times of living and working through a pandemic like COVID-19. In this interview, the sisters give their take on COVID-19. In

Sarah Sutton Lewis RN short, they say coronavirus is a very real problem and urge the public to take it seriously.

Prior to COVID, what was nursing like?

What was the biggest “problem” you saw in terms of illnesses and/or visits, and how does the pandemic compare?

and Chelsey Sutton RN

Lewis: Nursing was never easy. This virus, adding COVID patients to our census that have every day illnesses, just complicated things. Most of our acute illnesses consisted of diabtes, heart failure,

COVID

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Issue 1, Vol. 2

MAIN NEWS

Letter to the Editor: The Crossroads Chronicle is one of the best weeklies in Georgia

Reading the inaugural edition of The Crossroads Chronicle, it would be easy to assume that this newspaper already had a decades-long history. This is because even in its first issue, it captures the essence of Emanuel County and Swainsboro, and you can tell that writer Halei Lamb and staff have an amazing talent for encapsulating the heart and soul of this community.

Part of the appeal of The Crossroads Chronicle is its focus on community. I thoroughly enjoyed the indepth profiles of Deidra Jordan, Zach Carruth and Pastor Gavin Robinson, among others. The “Finding Our Folks” section is such a neat way to follow the lives of Emanuel natives, and highlighting teachers and medical professionals is something more newspapers should do, especially during the pandemic.

I also appreciated the attention given to the small business community. I couldn’t put down the paper once I started reading about the Stoltzfus Family and how their famous cheesecake came about after their daughter wanted to hone her photography skills.

One thing I noticed about The Crossroads Chronicle is that it’s full of vivid imagery and details that make each story extremely compelling. Take, for instance, the story about Deidra Jordan, who is attaining her Doctor of Philosophy in Biology this

Michael Prochaska year. I found it fascinating that her interest in forensic science began in her 10th grade science class after learning how fingerprints and DNA are used to solve criminal cases.

That attention to detail is also evident in the story about the Adrian City Council. That story was journalism at its finest. Readers will appreciate The Crossroads Chronicle’s attempt to get a quote from the GBI and the objective reporting.

I also wanted to give a shout-out to the graphic design of the newspaper and the opinions section. The world needs more civil debate, and one of the few places you can find that is in your local newspaper.

The best newspapers are those that focus on community and whose interests align with the community. The Crossroads Chronicle is an exemplar of that mission.

Michael Prochaska

Editor, The Oconee Enterprise

LOVE

from front yet irrelevant. The look in their eyes during that moment said enough, but Dess silently and unknowingly made that instant even sweeter when he put his hand over his bride’s and gave it a little lighthearted shake. It’s the little things that matter, after all.

Their courtship, like most, started with a friendship.

Dess and Ginny met back in 1960 when he dated her sister, Anne. Another 10 years would pass before they became official. Anne moved on, found the love of her life, and married. In 1970, Dess asked Ginny on a first date that April and says he fell head over heels in love that very night. Ginny, however, says he simply caught up with her.

“I reckon I’ve always loved Dess. When he dated my sister, I was 11. I had a crush on him at the time,” she said with a chuckle. Needless to say when Dess asked her to accompany him to a Jaycee meeting in Waynesboro, she happily obliged.

“It hit me hard,” Dess followed up his wife’s comment about their first courting. “I fell in love on the first date. I had known her for 10 years, and she got me. It was on then!”

With such a solid foundation, the love birds didn’t tarry around when it came to moving along in their relationship. By late summer 1970, Dess had concocted a perfect plan to make Ginny his for good. She had signed a contract to teach over in Houston County and planned to live and work there with her best friend, Mary. Not to miss his shot, Dess went to see a principal at one of the local schools.

His goal was to land Mary a job here, and it worked. When Mary came to Swainsboro, she, of course, brought Ginny with her.

The girlfriends began teaching here shortly after that “deal” was solidified, and they found a place in the area to live together. By

fall, Dess was ready to pop the question.

“I decided I was going to marry her. Even though I thought I knew the answer she would give me, I was still nervous. There wasn’t a big proposal… The important thing was the question and her answer,” Dess recalled.

Ginny’s take is pretty similar. According to her, Dess came over to her apartment one night to visit. She was sitting in her chair when he got down on one knee and asked the question of a lifetime, a question that would shape the rest of her life.

In disbelief, she laughed—but she said yes in the end.

In a ceremony officiated by Rev. Sam Ingram, the two married in December 1970 at First Baptist Church in Tennille. Dess’s brothers served as groomsmen. His dad was best man. Ginny looked to her sister, cousin, and two roommates as well as her brother, who ultimately gave her away since her dad (and her mom) passed away before she was a teenager. (On that note, Ginny claims the sweetest part about her marriage to Dess is the fact that her dad met her to-be husband in their younger years before his passing.)

Right away, the newlyweds set out for their honeymoon. They traveled to Augusta on their wedding night and departed the next morning for a stay in a chalet in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They spent almost a week there, making memories that would live in their hearts forever. Little did Dess and Ginny know, they would return to that same chalet, nearly unchanged at all with the exception of the replacement of the original wood-burning stove, for their 25th anniversary in 1995 as well as their 50th anniversary in 2020.

In the years since their honeymoon, the Smiths have built a beautiful life here in Swainsboro and an even more beautiful marriage. Their first home was on Racetrack Street.

After about five years, they moved to North Main, where they stayed from 1975 to 1987.

Their most recent move in 1987 would be their last; they purchased the house Dess grew up in and have been there for almost 33 years now.

Four children—Dess, Mary Ellen, Richard, and Anna Kate—were raised inside those different walls. Nine grandchildren and five, soon to be six, great-grandchildren have followed. The amount of love Dess and Ginny have for all of their family continues to grow, as does the amount of love they have for one another as husband and wife.

Their marriage, of course, has evolved over the years. In the earliest stages, the Smiths enjoyed different things.

As they’ve gotten older, their interests have melded. For in-

Ginny and Dess at the chalet in 1970

The Smiths back at the chalet again in 2020 stance, they greatly enjoy travel- mitment to your spouse.” ing together; they’ve camped in Ginny echoed those every single one of the continen- sentiments, but she added an tal United States. They also love important part of her own. “Any a good western movie. time we have an issue, we pray

What’s more, though… about it. We didn’t always do They’ve figured out what works. that… One day, we just started Dess worked a variety of jobs holding hands and prayed aloud. over the years. From being in It’s a bold move, but you just the Army National Guard to have to do it. It makes a world of dairy distributorship to work- difference.” ing for Fast Go Oil and Lube to That’s precisely the ironworking, he finally retired in kind of man she asked God for 2011. Ginny, on the other hand, in her youth. Their love story, retired from teaching after 40 in that way, is a testament to the years in education a year later in old adage, “Ask and you shall 2012. To avoid being stifled by receive.” About her husband, the sudden change, the couple Ginny said, “He’s just a good found a working outlet for both ol’ boy. He’s a great American, of them in community involve- a great soldier, a great father… ment. Today, they’ve found a bal- The most honest person I’ve ance. Dess is part of the Kiwanis ever known, and I can trust him.

Club and serves as registrar I love him with everything in for numerous SAR chapters in me. He’s a good man. I prayed in the region. He’s also part of the college the Lord would send me Methodist Men, the historical an honest, sober man that would society, the Dixie Theatre com- love his family. God fulfilled His mittee, and the Pine Tree Festi- promise to me.” val committee. His wife, on the Likewise, Dess says his other hand, is a member of the lovely wife was a gift from God Seedling Garden Club, the Ki- Himself as well. “I know God wanis Club, the DAR, the UDC, gave me Ginny. She was gorand is active in the First Method- geous, smart, hard-working. She ist Church. loved children and was all about

That’s not to imply their family, and that’s what we’re all entire marriage needed a bal- about.” ance. Some things, the Smiths Both of the Smiths say, just work themselves out agree they somehow bring out naturally. the best in each other, and that’s

“It has just gotten bet- one component to a healthy marter and better, being married. riage. When asked about the seWe fuss sometimes, sure… If cret to a long-lasting marriage, anyone tells you they don’t fuss the Smiths’ advice is relatively in a marriage, they’re not being simple. Take your vows serioustruthful. I look at it like this: how ly from the very beginning. Have boring would our life be without high standards for one another the occasional fuss? When our and hold each other accountchildren hear us fussing and tell able. Don’t pout in a marriage. us not to, we always respond Communicate with your partner. with, ‘We’re not fussing, we’re Forgive and forget. Pray with all discussing!’” Dess said with a your soul and love with all your laugh, looking at his wife. “Your might. If you do all that, you may love just grows. There’s no way be well on your way to a little to explain it, but that’s what hap- chalet in Gatlinburg to celebrate pens. And as your love grows, so your own 50th anniversary in the does your respect and your com- future.

RELIGION & OBITUARIES

Church of the Week: Hawhammock BC

By Savannah Harkins

Hawhammock Baptist Church is located just off Canoochee Road in Swainsboro. The church family has approximately 390 members. Hawhammock was founded in 1842 and has grown tremendously throughout the years of service.

The church has been a staple in members of the community’s lives through its services and ministries. For Connie Wiley and her husband, Raymond Wiley, the church has been there for the couple since the beginning of their marriage. “Hawhammock has made an impact on our lives by having a family of church members that show each other love through the services it has to offer,” said Connie. “Hawhammock’s services are a prime example that Christ is the center of our lives.” The couple has been members of the church since 1998.

Hawhammock is led by Reverend Cail Pressey, who has been teaching the word of God to his congregation for 28 years.

The Wileys love to hear Rever-

Hawhammock Baptist Church end Pressey preach the word of Further, community is God because “he is not afraid to important to the church, and the step on your toes and to get you church family plays a huge role to listen what God has in store for in it. Through the Department each of us.” of Family and Children Services,

Youth is important in the church helps with foster the community of small-town care. Upward Basketball is also Swainsboro, and Hawhammock a huge part of the Hawhammock does an excellent job in building church community. Through the a foundation in each of its youth program, children are taught the members. Matthew McNeely fundamentals of basketballs and is the church’s youth director. scriptures that they are given They meet on Wednesday nights each week. in Hawhammock’s Family Life You can visit HawhamCenter. mock Baptist Church services

Praise and worship are weekly. Sunday school starts at important components of each 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, followed service at Hawhammock. The by 11 a.m. service. There is also a congregation is led by music service every Sunday night startdirector Sharon Weatherford ing at 6 p.m. Hawhammock also on Sundays. She also leads the hosts Wednesday night prayer choir. meetings starting at 6:30 p.m.

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Hallelujah, the cross still stands!

By Halei Lamb

Rarely do I find a story outside these county lines that I feel compelled to share with readers. The relevance has to be there for a local newspaper to publish a story and interest the audience, but there are some things worth sharing anyway. It was an ordinary Sunday for my husband and me. We’d just been to visit my parents in Wrightsville; we rode our side-by-side to see my dad. While we were at their house, we played catch-up. He mentioned to me a moving situation, one almost too unbelievable to be true. The photos with this story probably say more than my words ever could, but the details follow nonetheless. I left his house dumbfounded by what he had told me, but I didn’t really think about it any more. Chris and I left a little while later and went on about our ordinary Sunday afternoon. We took a different way home than usual, none the wiser that as we drove nearer to our house, we would see the remarkable sight my dad described earlier. When I saw it myself, I told Chris to stop. I snapped some photos and knew right away this would be a piece in The Chronicle at some point in the near future. After all…

God is everywhere, right?

County lines don’t matter.

Just like Chris and I were having an ordinary Sunday afternoon, the Blizzard families were having an ordinary Monday night—until they weren’t.

Harvey Blizzard awoke to a 12 a.m. phone call on Monday, January 11. His

brother, Donald, on the other end of the line delivered the news that their beloved family homeplace outside of Kite was on fire.

Harvey and his wife, Tommie, rushed from their house about 15 miles away to the scene of the fire on S A Attaway Road. By the time they arrived, the fat lighter house was on the ground. The heat from the fire was sweltering hot, and the blaze was unbelievable. Just visible through the bright flames, however, stood a beacon of hope: a cross that read “Faith Not Fear.”

According to Tommie, their granddaughter, Charlie, put the cross up months ago as part of a feel-good trend when the pandemic started. When she erected the cross at her grandfather’s 100-yearold homeplace, she put it firmly in the ground and leaned it against the wood of the front porch. She, nor anyone else for that matter, had no idea that months later, it would be the only thing left of her paternal family’s estate.

Built by William Harvey Blizzard and his father-in-law, Alexander Mayo, the first occupants of the now burned-down house were William Harvey Blizzard himself and his wife, Evelle Mayo Blizzard, Alexander’s daughter. Harvey Blizzard and his brother, Donald Blizzard, both grew up there, of course, but in time, they found homes of their own and eventually, under shared ownership, turned the house into a place just for family gatherings as

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

RELIGION & OBITUARIES

The clubhouse burning during the early morning hours of Monday, Januar y 11

The clubhouse’s remains and the persistent cross the next morning

needed. No one lived in the house at the time of the fire, so there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown. By the time officials arrived and by the time the event came to a tragic end, the heat of the fire had destroyed any evidentiary signs to determine the cause. Even more puzzling is how the cross survived since there was absolutely no effort made to save the it—but most people chock it up to divine intervention.

“The house burned

very hot, very fast. By the time we got there, it was gone. When we saw the cross still standing, we could hardly believe it. It was made out of wood, too.

Even though it wasn’t inside the house, it was right next to the heat of the fire,” Tommie said. “The back is black now, but the front, where it says ‘Faith Not Fear,’ is untouched. Everything around the cross burned to the ground. Everybody who has seen the sight or heard about what happened can’t believe it,

Charred Holy Bible

but it’s true.”

Today, the cross is lying next to an old cedar tree in the yard. The family took it out of the ground because someone is coming with a bull dozer in the near future to clean the place up… But the Blizzards say they’ll find somewhere special for the cross to live once more.

On Monday, Tommie posted another unbelievable update related to the house fire. Her sisterin-law, Shannon Blizzard, was working through the

rubble and found the Blizzard family Bible among the wreckage. The Holy Book laid open to show passage 2 Samuel 7:16-18, which ironically mentions the word “house” twice— once in Verse 16 (“And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever”) and again in Verse 18 (“Then went King David in, and he said Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house…”) The burned Bible has since been collected for safekeeping.

More than 50 lives changed through Swainsboro Awakening

The “Awake America Again” revival and crusade has been going on nightly for the past two weeks in Swainsboro. The services have been led by Dr. David Harrison and have featured a few worship bands such as “The Allens” and “The Nelons.”

The crusade has led many to Christ and will continue having services in the Swainsboro community until. On January 17, Hillcrest Baptist Church celebrated the awakening of the revival by having 19 dedications to Christ through baptism. Eighteen of those 19 people also became members of Hillcrest Baptist Church since revival began: Sarah Coxwell, Carol Ann Arrington, Dave Akins, Amber Fields, Kandace Shuman, Taylor White, Denise Braswell, Alex Wilkerson, James Parker, Timothy Dobson, Brinzlei Webb, Natavus Robertson, Jada Thompson, Alexa Camarero, Hannah Camarero, Maggie Smith, Amber Wilkerson, and Deione Carter. Jamie Lee was also baptized but

did not make a membership decision.

In addition to those 19 individuals being baptized and joining Hillcrest, four more people—Hillcrest members Sera Harris, Karmen Thompson, Kayla Norris, and Silas Frew—re-

dedicated their lives to God through baptism as well.

Denise Lott, Nikki Smith, and Salma Cueva also became members of Hillcrest Baptist.

The spiritual celebration continued through the end of last week when

48 more souls were saved Friday night.

About his experience through the revival, Robertson said, “As a bornagain Christian, I believe God has influenced me in a huge way to die to my sin, take up my cross, and live

for Him daily. Each and every day has become a day dedicated to growing in my spiritual walk.”

All are invited to Hillcrest Baptist Church and are encouraged to join them in their services and the “Swainsboro Awaken-

ing.”

Each nightly service at 7 p.m. has chairs placed to CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of each attendee. Face masks are provided, and social distancing is practiced at each nightly service.

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Issue 1, Vol. 2

RELIGION & OBITUARIES

Lula Belle Kellam, 84

M. D. Akridge, 92

Funeral services for Lula Belle Kellam, 84 of Kite, were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverends Burton Dixon and Lamar Kersey officiating.

Interment followed at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery near Kite. The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home. In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, the 6’ rule was enforced during the visitation and service. She passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro following a brief illness.

Ms. Lula Belle Kellam was born September 15, 1936 in Kite to the late Ben Radford and Myrtice Kight Radford. Also known as “Lulu,” she grew up in Kite.

In her younger years, she worked in the fields around her hometown. She attended and graduated from Kite High School. She was a loving and dedicated member of Kite First Baptist Church for 50+ years, and she loved the Lord. She later worked at Swainsboro Sportswear for 25+ years. In the early 1980s, Ms. Kellam began her entrepreneurship of many sorts selling different merchandise at many flea markets.

In 1993, Ms. Kellam opened

Graveside service for M. D. Akridge, 92 of Stillmore, were held Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Mount Shady Baptist Church Cemetery with Mr. David Gorham and Reverend Rusty Moore officiating. The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home. In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, the 6’ rule was enforced during the visitation and service. He passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at AU Medical Center in Augusta following an extended illness.

Mr. M. D. Akridge was born December 24, 1928 in Tom to the late Jim Lewis Akridge and Trudie Stapleton Akridge. As a young boy, the family moved to Stillmore, where M.D. would make his permanent home, where he would find love, marry his sweetheart, and begin his family.

Born to a farmer, he began his life in Stillmore as such. M.D. was plowing behind a mule when he couldn’t even see over the bar between the handles. As he grew older, his farm family would help fellow farmers and in doing so, a young, blue-eyed girl caught his eye.

As she was watching him one day, M.D. “turned a flip” out of the back of the truck, and that is when Betty Jean Jones said, “Yep, that’s the one I’m going to marry.”

So she did. This was the beginning of his legacy, which would title him the patriarch of the Akridge Family.

M.D. and Betty were married November 29, 1947 and began their life together as sharecroppers. M.D. would come to farm tobacco, corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts, and his children would recall, “He grew everything we ate, except for the dry goods.”

Their first child, a girl, was born on September 23, 1948, with 10 other siblings to follow. There were six girls and five boys total.

M.D. raised his family on $25 a week, yet he would still give anyone the clothes off of his back—literally. A man brought a load of fertilizer to the farm one day and before he left, M.D. told Betty, “Go fix him up a bag of my clothes and give to him.”

The children recall their daddy getting off of his tractor after plowing the field and picking or gathering whatever was ripe at the time, such as plums, bullises, berries, and he would bring that harvest home to them in his hat.

M.D. was a family man, but he did love to fight.

He was scrappy fella at one time, so scrappy that sometimes if he and Betty were walking down the street, he would sort of push her into a man walking by, just so he

her business, Kellam’s Variety Store, in Wrightsville.

She continued her journey for many years and moved her store several times. In 1996, she settled her business on South Green street in Swainsboro next to The Boneyard, where she had been for the past 25 years.

With the help of her loving family, her business blossomed. Her customers soon realized she was more than just a sales woman; she was a mother to them as well.

Customers from all over would refer to her as “Mama Kellam,” just “Ma,” or “Ms. Kelly.” She loved her Kellams family, and that is what kept her going for many years. Her family was also a big part of her life. She cherished every moment she had with each of them. She was a woman who was rooted in her faith, and it showed through her everyday life.

Ms. Kellam was a highly respected and beloved member of this community. She will always be remembered for her heart of gold and her compassion for each and every person who was blessed to have met her. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Debra Braswell; sisters, Dorothy Dailey and Mary Newsome Tapley; and brothers, Lee Radford and Ernest “Frog” Radford.

Survivors include her daughter, Mary E. Duffy

Lula Belle Kellam of Swainsboro; sisters, Eloise Jackson of Wrightsville and Lois (Larry) Marsh of Sandersville; grandchildren, Joe Duffy of Swainsboro, Nicole “Nikki” Braswell of Swainsboro, and Cole (Amy) Braswell of Griffin; great-grandchildren, Caty Cheatham of Ackworth, Sabrina Duffy of Savannah, Avery Duffy of Kennesaw, and Laylah Braswell and Elijah Braswell, both of Twin City; special nephew, Austin Hood of Kite; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers were Robert Screws, Cody Usry, Trinton Thigpen, Kelly Thigpen, Cameren Joiner, and Michael Daley. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Newsome, Albert Smith, Harry Winfrey, Leland Tapley, Larry Marsh, Lloyd Slater, John Spivey Rountree, and Michale “Kahuna” Hall.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

David Johnson Sr., 60

Funeral services for David Johnson Sr., 60 of Swainsboro, will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Benjamin Martin officiating. Interment will be held Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.

The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home.

In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, the 6’ rule was enforced during the visitation and service. He passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at his residence following an extended illness.

Mr. David Johnson Sr. was born May 11, 1960 in Swainsboro to the late Reverend Robert Joseph Johnson Sr. and Beulah Bryant Johnson. He received his education in the Swainsboro schools.

He joined First Baptist of Stillmore at an early age,

then later moved his membership to Saint Phillips Baptist of Swainsboro soon after he graduated high school and he served in the military. Mr. Johnson had many hobbies, including fishing, hunting, and one he loved most dearly, construction. Overall, he loved being with his family.

He was the kindest person you could ever meet. Mr. Johnson loved making people smile. His favorite language was “Cherokee.” He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley Harris Johnson; son, Robert Joseph Johnson; sisters, Elma Hines and Annie Johnson; and brothers, Nathaniel Johnson, William H. Johnson and Eddie Arrington.

Survivors include his son, David Johnson Jr. of Swainsboro; daughter, Roanassia Johnson of Swainsboro; stepdaughters, Akiva Foreman and Faith Kae; stepson, Dejahvontay Douglas; brothers, Arthur Johnson of Terona,

David Johnson Sr.

Washington, Robert (Elisa) Johnson of Vicenza, Italy, Samuel (Kimberly) Johnson of Warner Robins, and Daniel (Sheila) Johnson of Swainsboro; sisters, Gloria Prather of Daytona Beach, Florida, Emma Mitchell of Columbia, South Carolina, Louvenia Martin, Essie Johnson, Thersa Williams, all of Swainsboro, and Fannie (Seth) Lake of San Antonio, Texas; mother of Roanassia Johnson, Amy Pullens; three great-granddaughters; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

could fight. Boy, you sure knew that Jerry belonged to him, two peas in a pod!

The fighting and scrapping ended in 1952 when M.D. was in a car wreck. The wreck broke his back and severed his left ear. He didn’t let that bother him, though. He would slap that ole brown hat on his head, tilt it to the left, and keep on going.

M.D. was a drinker too (although he made way more than be drank)! When he had that wreck, he told God if He would let him live, he would not drink again, and he never had another drop.

Back to making more than he drank—it’s told that he made enough moonshine to fill a pond, maybe even a lake. On one of his trips from town, hauling sugar back for his batches, he was pulled over. It may or may not have been obvious since the back of his car was nearly touching the dirt. The cop told M.D., “If you will tell me what you’re gonna do with that sugar, you can keep it.” M.D. replied, “You can keep it.”

When M.D. and Betty’s marriage of 29 years came to an end, he remarried Ann and gained another son and raised him as his own. M.D. had nicknames for all 12 of his children. All 12: Jane (Pig), June (Bug), Peggie (Pud), Lewis (Scrap), James (Knothead), Mop (Mop)…(Jimmy—has anyone ever known his as Jimmy?), Frank (Nink), Ricky (Knockerhead), Janet (*****… Well, her nickname rhymes with “wuss”), Tammy (Little Doll), Jerry (Little Man), and Joe (Hoss).

M.D. loved his children. He loved life. He loved Jesus.

M.D. was born a twin, a little 2 lb. boy with a twin brother named R.T., who has been reunited with M.D. now 92 years later.

M.D.’s nickname was PeeWee because he was so small. M.D.’s family was the third in his area to get television. He had two mules, named PeeWee and Smutty.

He liked PeeWee the best because he was wild and spunky.

M.D.’s favorite muse was bluegrass and old country.

He loved to dance, especially “buck dance.” He danced with all six of his girls on his 90th birthday. He loved to watch westerns.

Everyone said how kind and humble M.D. was, but Little John said there was definitely another side to him—especially if you cropped the tobacco too short or rode your dirt bike across a newly planted field.

M.D. had spend-thenight parties with his daughters. His last two Father’s Days were spent doing just that with the girls. He loved to fish and loved to catch fish.

He loved to eat fish; his favorite was mullet eggs. There were too many fishing trips to

M. D. Akridge even talk about.

He was the best tooth puller this side of the Mississippi. Just ask Baylee and Aaralyn. Hey, he was called M.D. for a reason!

Unconditional love was something he showed everyone, all the time, every day. He was always smiling, always hugging, and never complained.

M.D. loved his children. It didn’t matter whose they were or how many there were. He loved each and everyone of them, and each and everyone of them loved M.D.

“He’s always been good, always been special,” says his sister, Jean. She wouldn’t snitch out any bad stories! She’s going to miss the peanuts he would always take her.

If you ever saw M.D., you saw him in boots. Those boots were the biggest boots ever… And they will never be filled.

There’s a sign in his home that reads, “I have a hero, I call him Dad.” His grandchildren call him “Daddy Deebie.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Betty Akridge and Ann Akridge; brothers, James Akridge and Alvie Akridge; and sisters, Katie Canady, Annie Marsh, and Leona Jones.

Survivors include his companion, Alma J. Kersey of Stillmore; sons, James (Teresa) Akridge of Twin City, Lewis (Joan) Akridge, Jimmy “Mop” (Donna) Akridge, Ricky Akridge, Jerry (Ashley) Akridge, all of Stillmore, and Joe (Jessica) Akridge of Oak Park; daughters, Jane (Tony) Garris of Adrian, June (Wayne) Cowart of Garfield, Frances (Bill) Akridge of Statesboro, Janet (Kenny) Wilburn of Canoochee, and Peggie Akridge and Tammy (Darrell) Green, both of Stillmore; brothers, Ralph Akridge and Elzie Akridge, both of Swainsboro; sisters, Martha Nell (Dent) Beasley and Jean (Colon) Henry, both of Swainsboro; 40 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and many friends.

Pallbearers were Lee Smith, David Deloach, Eddie Ellis, Jeff Partridge, Jack White, and Matt Jones.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

Mikel Clondus Hill, 57

Graveside services for Mikel Clondus Hill, 57 of McKenzie, Alabama, were held at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Eastbrook Cemetery & Mausoleum with Reverend Billy Brinson officiating. The family received friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 in the chapel of Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum. In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, the 6’ rule was enforced during the visitation and service. He passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021.

Mr. Mikel Clondus Hill was born December 23, 1963 in Frankfurt, Germany to James M. Hill and Rosemarie Hey Hill. He was a biological father of two children, but he was called “dad” by many. He raised

kids that were not his own, but he loved them as if they were. Mr. Hill was a loving grandpa who adored his grandson and shined with pride when talking about him. He had a kind soul and giving heart. Mr. Hill loved with all that he was and gave with more than he had. His goofy humor and kind spirit will be greatly missed, but the memories with him will be forever cherished. Mr. Hill was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his father; maternal grandparents, Else Krause and Bernard Krause; and paternal grandparents, Elmer C. Hill and Dora Hill.

Survivors include his mother, Rosemarie Hey Hill of Swainsboro; son, Brandon Hill of Kamiah, Idaho; daughter, Cynthia

Mikel Clondus Hill (Jordan) Bush of McKenzie; brothers, James E. Hill of Greenville, Alabama and Ronald L. Hill (Karen) of Twin City; sister, Melissa H. (Roger) Thrower of Greenville; and grandson, Belton Bush of McKenzie.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.

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Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

SPORTS

Harden heading to Middle Hooks looking for national Tennessee State University championship berth in last-ever softball season

By Halei Lamb

ZaBrien Harden, like other future collegiate athletes, has had a tough time nailing down the future of his athletic career because of the pandemic, but he can breathe a little easier now. As of late last week, he is officially inbound for Middle Tennessee State University.

The 17-year-old standout middle linebacker had originally committed to Arkansas State University in July 2020. He had to re-evaluate when the NCAA gave every senior an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. Some of the funds A-State had planned to give its recruits were now questionable because the NCAA’s granting of an extra year for seniors meant the university had to pay for returners instead of scholarships for recruits. The silver lining of COVID-19 as it relates to collegiate athletics is that this situation wasn’t one Harden faced alone. On the contrary, every athlete at every university in every sport has had to, in some way, navigate the waters made tricky by the healthcare crisis. Harden and other recruits across the country became uncertain about their futures and the details of playing at the next level because many scholarships were eliminated upon the NCAA’s decision to extend eligibility. The son of Pamela Harden was smart enough to see the writing on the wall at Arkansas State, and he de-committed November 25, 2020.

In doing so, he signed back up for the painful recruiting process. Harden says the process of being recruited all over again was “very stressful,” especially given the fact that he couldn’t visit campuses in person because of the pandemic. Instead, he had to do those virtually. While he could literally see on his screen what was being shown to him, the experience wasn’t the same as what it could’ve been had he been allowed to travel to the different universities that were pursuing him.

Among those institutions were Army, Mercer, Kennesaw State, Morgan State, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and, of course, Middle Tennessee State. Had he been physically allowed on campus, the tours would’ve been different in that he could have felt the atmospheres and met players, coaches, and students face-to-face.

Nonetheless, Harden learned enough about MTSU through his virtual dealings to pull the trigger. He says the school stood out from the others and the coaches emphasized how badly they wanted him to become a Raider through their constant communications.

Harden also looked to Swainsboro High School coach Dwight Smith, a former Raider himself, who offered valuable, first-hand insight about

ZaBrien Harden MTSU itself and its football program. However, the most important determiner for Harden was the educational aspect. Middle Tennessee had everything Harden wanted in a school. With that in mind, Harden knew he belonged in Murfreesboro. He committed January 20. His mom and coaches, Smith included, were there for him every step of the way.

Harden will be arriving on campus sometime in June or July, depending on how the pandemic shakes out in between now and then. The plan for now has him being a hybrid linebacker/safety-type player, but he and the MTSU coaches have also talked about him playing defensive end.

“I had a lot of great options, but at the end of the day, it felt like I was making the right decision by choosing Middle Tennessee.

My coaches and family were going to support me whether I went to MTSU or went to junior college. The biggest thing for them was for me to find somewhere I’d be happy, so they really helped out a lot,” Harden said. “I’m very excited to get to campus and get to work. I’ve heard a lot of great things about MTSU. This will be my first time leaving the nest, so I’m very excited. With it being Coach Smith’s and Mrs. [Chawny] Stewart’s old stomping grounds, it’s very exciting. I’m ready to experience the next level.”

Harden adds he would like to thank God for blessing him with he opportunity to play college ball. He also thanks his mom for pushing him to be a better ZaBrien on and off the field and for her many sacrifices. Lastly, he is grateful for his family, friends, and coaches for keeping him focused on his main goal of playing college football. In his own words, he wouldn’t be where he is today without any of these individuals.

By Troup Brinson

Fred Seabrough has a championship resume. He’s a shot maker. Inside, outside, on the fast break, snatching rebounds, and blocking shots. When Seabrough gets loose with no defender between him and the rim, he can get up high and bring it down hard. Seabrough is following up his all-state, championship performance last year with a senior season to remember.

The Swainsboro Tigers (11-1) had one of their toughest weeks of the season last week with two region road games, both against teams with only one loss on the season. Seabrough was the difference maker that a player of his caliber must be for Swainsboro to have a chance to win Region 2-AA and make another deep playoff run.

The Tigers needed strong fourth quarters to fend off Woodville-Tompkins and Bacon County to keep them atop of the region standings and in both games, Swainsboro got the job done.

Against Woodville-Tompkins, Swainsboro, ranked No. 2 in the state, geared up for what looked to be the game of the season against the No. 3 ranked Wolverines. Swainsboro got off to a quick start as Demonta Smith scored 11 points in the opening period with two bombs from deep to give the Tigers a 23-20 early lead.

Smith nailed another 3-pointer in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 40-33 at the half. The second half would belong to Seabrough, even though the game tightened as Woodville-Tompkins had a big quarter to make it 61-58 with one quarter remaining. Seabrough scored 8 of his game-high 27 points in the final period and, more importantly, the Tigers locked the game down defensively, winning the quarter 18-9 to win, going away 79-67.

On Friday, the Tigers traveled to Bacon County to play a team that also had only one loss on the season, and this one

would be a struggle from start to finish.

The Red Raiders were ready for the Tigers and put Swainsboro on the brink of their second loss of the season and first region defeat. Swainsboro played championship-level defense, but scoring was a grind on this night. The Tigers trailed 12-8 after one quarter and lost the second quarter 119. Seabrough once again stepped up in the second half and scored 9 of his team-high 19 points in the third quarter, but the Tigers still trailed 34-30 heading into the final quarter. This is where Swainsboro once again locked down their opponent, allowing only 4 points in the quarter and took the lead for good in the final 2 minutes of play for a 41-38 victory. Cedric Seabrough made big shots down the stretch as the Seabrough twins combined for 30 of the team’s 41 points on the game.

Swainsboro hosted winless East Laurens on Tuesday night before a big region home game against Jeff Davis on Friday night. Swainsboro will travel to Statesboro on Saturday for a non-region game.

Fred Seabrough leading the way to region victories

Fred Seabrough

By Halei Lamb

Allana Hooks has been playing softball since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, and she’s proven to be a phenom on the field. In her last season playing fastpitch, she and her fellow East Georgia State College Lady Bobcats are working hard to earn themselves a place in the National Junior College Championship bracket.

A native of Twin City, Hooks is the daughter of Tashia and Allan Hooks. She graduated from Emanuel County Institute and was an integral part of the highly competitive, highly successful Lady Bulldogs softball program for four years. As a freshman in high school, she made the second all-region team. She continued to progress and impress in the years that followed, starting her sophomore season when she was named Offensive MVP and made the first all-region team as well as the second all-state team. As a junior, she was named to the first all-region team and received the honor of Offensive MVP again, in addition to being named Region Player of the Year and leveling up in terms of all-state honors, this time being named to the first team. She repeated all of four of those honors—first team all-region, Region Player of the Year, Offensive MVP, and first team all-state—as a senior.

Hooks’s road to East Georgia State was a hard one in terms of recruiting. She says to be recruited by a college takes more work than simply playing in front of scouts; there are only certain months out of the year a college coach can talk to an athlete, and the recruiting process also depends what on what division those scouts coach in. The heavy hitter with a sure glove wanted to remain close to home, so she signed with the local junior college on December 14, 2018. Hooks arrived on campus in the fall of 2019 and was to play third base/utility. Now, her position on the field has changed because she now plays first base—but she is otherwise the same player: a slugger through and through, a reliable fielder, a great leader, and an exemplary teammate.

As her sophomore season begins, she looks back on her freshman year fondly, recalling a special moment at the plate against Brewton-Parker College. “I was so nervous I was shaking! I hit lead-off, which I’ve never done in my life. I was the only freshman on the field, and I hit my first collegiate home run that day.”

The next most memorable game in Hooks’s memory is perhaps the nailbiter that unfolded between East Georgia and Georgia Military College last March. The Lady Bobcats held GCAA foe GMC until the last inning, falling in an on-the-road heartbreaker loss 8-6. Then, COVID hit and canceled the rest of the season. Luckily, Hooks has one last shot to take care of business and exact revenge on the Bulldogs from Milledgeville when she and her team travel back northwestward in April.

No matter the outcome of that rivalry game, Hooks is counting her blessings. She was relieved to hear that her sophomore season would go on despite the pandemic. She’s grateful for that and

Allana Hooks

everything she’s learned as a student-athlete, particularly at East Georgia. All of that is not to suggest, however, that she’s not somewhat disappointed with the cards life has dealt since coronavirus started.

“COVID-19 definitely affected us.

We were worried we wouldn’t get to play our season, but we’ve been given the green light. We just have to be extremely careful not to be around someone with COVID so we don’t have to miss a week’s worth of practice and put ourselves behind,” she explained. “The worst part about it is we can’t have any fans. We’re really upset about that because for some of us, it’s our last time ever playing. I know my parents and grandparents have never missed one of my games, but due to COVID, they’re going to miss almost every game.”

To keep a positive mindset amid the negativity, she stays busy—but not necessarily by choice. Her schedule sees her playing two to three games a week with every game being a doubleheader. In theory, that grueling grind will be worth it in the end because if Hooks and her crew play to the best of their ability, they are top contenders to win the conference championship and take a trip to Arizona for the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division I Softball Championship.

In addition to the athletic demands of college, she’s juggling a full course load, a combination Hooks says requires tremendous commitment. “The expectations for student-athletes are higher than what they are for the usual student. In the classroom, you have to keep your grades up to be eligible. Professors don’t care about practice or games; they tell us athletes all the time, ‘You are here to be a student first and an athlete second.’”

Hooks is a nursing major, and that tenacity she has learned on and off the field through athletics will pay off in the future. In the here and now, though, she is trying to enjoy every last day she steps on the field with her biggest supporters, her parents, by her side.

“The people who have helped me most are my parents. They have been my biggest fans throughout this journey.

They’ve helped me reach all my goals so far. I’m thankful for them, and I could never repay them for their time they’ve put into me and softball,” Hooks said with adoration. “When I think back on my career, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing. I have worked countless hours to make it where I am today. In high school, I set goals and reached them. I’ve done the same in college. I’ve just got one more to go, and that’s a national championship run.”

The Scoreboard BASKETBALL ­— Swainsboro vs. Bacon County (girls) • 1/22/2021 Swainsboro scoring 1 2 3 4 Total Williams - 22, Rawls - 16, SHS 8 22 16 22 68 Robertson - 8, Wynn - 8, Kelly - 6, Bacon Co. 8 6 10 0 24 Howard - 4, Bailey - 2, Jordan - 2, Murphy - 1 BASKETBALL ­— Swainsboro vs. Bacon County (boys) • 1/22/2021 Swainsboro scoring 1 2 3 4 Total F. Seabrough - 19, C. Seabrough - 11, SHS 8 9 13 11 41 Kelly - 4, D. Jones - 2, Smith - 2, Bacon Co. 12 11 11 4 38 Brown - 1 BASKETBALL ­— Swainsboro vs. Woodville-Tompkins (girls) • 1/19/2021 Swainsboro scoring 1 2 3 4 Total Rawls - 9, Williams - 8, Wynn - 7 SHS 8 11 15 5 39 Kelly, 5, Murphy - 4, Smith - 4 W-T 16 13 8 14 51 Robertson - 2 BASKETBALL ­— Swainsboro vs. Woodville-Tompkins (boys) • 1/19/2021 Swainsboro scoring 1 2 3 4 Total F. Seabrough - 27, Smith - 14, Kelly - 11, D. Jones - 10, SHS 23 17 21 18 79 C. Seabrough - 8, Washington - 6, WT 20 13 25 9 67 Brown - 2

6 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

EDUCATION SPORTS

Honor students for second nine weeks of the current school year

44 make headmaster’s list, 29 make honor roll at DEA

According to Headmaster Haylee Free, the following 73 students were named to the respective lists below for the second quarter of the 2020-2021 school year:

Headmaster’s list — Walker Arp, Sarah Beecher, Blakely Brinson, Ellis Claxton, Phoebe Daniel, Addison Griner, Julian Hodges, Blakely Holland, Violet Lai Tyam, Kavya Patel, McKenleigh Tankersley, Layla Clark, Lauree Douglas, Mary Bess Fields, Dalton Flowers, Greyson Gowen, Tyran Kirby, Evie Moore, Weston Wilkes, Ava Williams, Bentley Brinson, Holland Fordham, Eli Hackle, Jacob Lewis, Charlie McRae, Lawton Wiggins, Kaley Flowers, Henny Patel, Alba Ricks, Amelia Wilkes, Kate Yeomans, Sophie Young, Emily McRae, Aubrey Scott, Anna Sutton, A.J. Edenfield, Bailey McNure, Addalyn Terwilliger, Peyton Free, CheyAnne Howard, Clayton Hood, Emma Lai Tyam, Billy Martin, and Rachel Shaw

Honor roll — Case Black, Easton Hall, Blakely Johnson, Adah Way, Beau Andrews, Milly Farmer, Bryton Rowland, Farrah Williamson, Rayleigh Faircloth, Bethany Henry, Lara McNure, Sheppard Purcell, Slayde Holloway, Rileigh Andrews, Ethan Fields, Tucker Free, Braydon Lawson, Payton Peebles, Matthew Beasley, Mattie Lane, Juddson Wilkes, Aubrey Williams, Peyton Lee, Tony Sutton, Ann Carol Daniel, Cora Ellington, Molly Hammock, Alana Tant, and Chloe Calhoun

DEA Junior Beta competitors heading to nationals this summer

Select members of David Emanuel Academy’s Junior Beta Club are now heading to nationals after participating and winning at the state convention held virtually in December.

Scout Hall took third in Digital Art, Jilli Davis placed third in Painting, Aubrey Scott placed fifth in the Social Studies Test, Bailey McNure placed fifth in the Social Studies Test, and Emmi Lai Tyam finished third in the Language Arts Test and fourth in Creative Writing.

By placing in the top five of their respective competitions, these five students from DEA received an invitation to National Beta Convention, which will be held June 29 through July 2 in Orlando, Florida at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort.

From left: Scout Hall, Jilli Davis, Aubrey Scott, Bailey McNure, and Emmi Lai Tyam

Veteran teacher Moore feels at home in Christ-centered classroom at DEA

By Savannah Harkins

Laura Moore teaches middle school language arts for grades 5-8 at David Emanuel Academy.

Enjoyed and loved by all of her students, fellow faculty, and parents, Moore began teaching at DEA in 2015 and has loved the past six years teaching there.

She decided at a young age that she wanted to become an educator.

“My brother was the director of the Emanuel County Service Center, a center for mentally and physically disabled adults in our community,” said Moore. “I loved visiting the center when I was young and felt a calling to work in the area of special education. I earned a BSED in Special Education

Laura Moore with student Addalyn Terwilliger

at the University of Georgia and my MED and EDS degrees in Special Education at Georgia Southern University.”

Moore taught 30 years in public school, and 27 of those years were at Swainsboro Elementary

School. “After retiring from public school, God seemed to open a door for me to continue in the profession that I love so much.”

Moore is inspired tremendously by her students. “I have been blessed to teach many children of all ages in my 36 years in education. Children are a gift from God and come with so many gifts and talents,” she continued. “They are fun to be around and keep me young.”

She currently teaches on the Abeka curriculum at DEA. The Christian-based textbook ministry is affiliated with Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida. Moore loves the curriculum DEA has to offers in her field. “The language/ grammar/composition curriculum incorporates a very detailed teaching of the rules of grammar. I love the thoroughness of the curriculum because it spirals and builds skills each year.”

Moore’s main focus is to provide a quality education opportunity to every student that walks through her classroom door. “I believe that all children can learn and deserve my very best every day. I pray that is what I have given them over the years.”

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Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

SPORTS

EDUCATION

Player of the Week: Fred Seabrough Meet the Teachers of the Year:

By Savannah Harkins

Fred Seabrough, a senior at Swainsboro High School, is a standout athlete in the community. His favorite sports include football and basketball. When he competes, he shows heart and passion through his dominant fundamentals.

Seabrough says a lot have people have helped pave the way to his success today. “I have extended family in my opinion because everybody helps and wanted my brother and I succeed by giving us wise advice,” said Seabrough.

He is thankful for the main people in his life such as his grandmother, Mary Hall; his father, Fredrick Seabrough; his mother, Shameka Coleman; and his little brother, Daron.

Greatest of all, his relationship with God is what inspires him the most. Seabrough has a faith and says he is nothing without His grace and mercy. “I give Him thanks before and after I play any sport and let people know my abilities come from Him,” Seabrough says. “I train hard and push past my limits and adversity through God.”

Through his career of sports, Seabrough has had many coaches, but coaches Dwight Smith and Brice Hobbs have been his favorite to learn from.

Seabrough is committed to North Carolina State University to play football, along with

Rachel Burkhalter

Fred Seabrough playing for the Tigers his brother, Cedric, and to further his education.

North Carolina State University is a NCAA Division I school located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The team is coached by Dave Doeren, who has held the position as head football coach since 2013.

The future is bright for this young Swainsboro athlete. He hopes to one day play in the NBA or NFL and to give back the best way he can.

EGSC baseball players sign to further athletic, academic careers

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, two East Georgia State College baseball players signed with colleges to continue their baseball careers.

Rick Mitchell, a middle in fielder from Richmond Hill, signed with Louisiana State University – Shreveport. Mitchell will graduate from EGSC in May with an associate degree in criminal justice and psychology.

Guy Anderberg signed with Emmanuel College to further his athletic and academic career. The third baseman is originally from Dublin. He will also graduate with his associate degree in psychology and sociology in May of this year.

By Brianna Tapley

In this ongoing series, you’ll find profiles on Teachers of the Year from Emanuel County Schools presented alphabetically by last name. This group was actually selected for the 2019-2020 school year. Per Georgia’s School Superintendent Richard Woods, the 2020 Georgia Teacher of the Year Program was suspended to adapt to the realities of COVID-19. As a result, the conference and gala planned for May 2020 were postponed to 2021, and there were no applications due to the state in December 2020. The next application due date is set for December 2021.

The current 2021 Teacher of the Year cohort (the application that was due in December 2019) will become the 2022 cohort in an effort to ensure these teachers are recognized fully. Thus, the cohort being recognized

by The Crossroads Chronicle is as follows: Dawn Boddiford, Rachel Burkhalter, Gene Hundley, Mary Hundley, Alexandria Walden, and Frank Wimberly.

Burkhalter, the second teacher featured in this series, teaches fifth grade reading and English/Language Arts at Swainsboro Elementary School.

She earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from Georgia Southern University.

It took Burkhalter experiences she had during three summers of working as a 4-H camp counselor to convince her that teaching was her calling. As she taught archery, coached campers through high ropes, and taught swimming, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when a camper hit the bullseye, overcame his or her fear of heights, or learned the life-saving skill of how to swim.

“Helping others learn new skills and reach beyond their comfort zone to become their best self was fulfilling and

Rachel Burkhalter

still is,” Burkhalter said. She has been teaching at Swainsboro Elementary since she graduated college in 2011.

“My favorite subject to teach is reading. Teaching kids to love reading is essential,” she said. On that note, Burkhalter adds there is nothing more satisfying than watching a once reluctant reader sit down and enjoy a good book.

Burkhalter says teaching is a passion and one of the greatest jobs available because she has the opportunity to influence a child’s life unlike other professions.

“It is both rewarding and challenging at times. However, there is no way to express the rush of excitement that occurs when a child exhibits that moment of understanding and you can tell the light bulb has come on, so to speak.”

Burkhalter is proud to represent Swainsboro Elementary as Teacher of the Year. She describes it as both humbling and uplifting to be TOTY because it’s a peer-driven process. “My colleagues believed that I am doing an outstanding job and cast their vote for me. That means the world.”

OPINION: ZOOMin’ along

Guy Anderberg, left, and Rick Mitchell, right, on the day of their signing

OPINION: Baseball has lost a legend

By Berr y Aldridge

You would be hard pressed to find a player more unanimously revered in the history of Major League Baseball than Henry “Hank” Aaron, who passed away in his Atlanta home on Friday morning, just two days shy of his 87th birthday. Since then, the entire baseball world has joined in recognizing that it just lost a man who was perhaps the worthiest candidate of all for our admiration and respect.

Aaron, the longtime Brave, is best remembered for toppling what most believed at the time to be an insurmountable record, Babe Ruth’s legendary 714 career home runs, the crown jewel of MLB records. The differences between these two giants of the game could not be more apparent, however. You see, where Ruth was loud and obnoxious, Aaron was quiet and modest. Where the Babe was aggressive, Hammerin’ Hank was patient.

Where Ruth wanted to stand alone as the greatest ever, Aaron said, “I don’t want them to forget Ruth, I just want them to remember me.”

Perhaps the most notable difference between the two however, is that where Ruth was white, Aaron was black. It would be wildly inappropriate and downright disgraceful to Mr. Aaron to not speak to the magnitude of his achievement as a black man in a white dominated sport, given the fact that as a young boy growing up in Mobile, Alabama, he had to routinely hide under the bed as the KKK marched down the street.

In fact, it wasn’t until Hank was 13-years-old and Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 that his dream of playing professional baseball was even possible. Just three years later, Aaron dropped out of school to join the Negro Leagues. What followed was simply the most consistently excellent career of all time. To this very day, Aaron holds dozens of MLB records, including RBIs, total bases, and 21 all-star teams made.

He also accomplished all of this with one team, the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, a feat not seen often these days.

While Hammerin’ Hank was so much more than just a ball player, his activism and generosity is well documented, and it is im-

Berr y Aldridge portant to look at just how good he really was on the field. To best appreciate his excellence, and the respect he commanded, we must look to those who knew him best.

Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax said, “To me, he was the toughest out. With everybody else, I had a plan, with Henry, I just never figured out what I was going to do.”

Bob Gibson, another Hall of Famer, said frustratingly, “I threw the ball pretty hard, and if I threw a ball inside to him, I couldn’t get it by him. You just could not get it by him.

He’s just that quick.”

Dozens more of Aaron’s peers, coaches, reporters, politicians, and even celebrities have given statements following his death. Every word is praise and admiration. This general attitude towards Aaron stands in such stark contrast to the home run kings on either side of his magical record, who were constantly shrouded in controversy. Ruth was the arrogant, charismatic, larger-than-life showman.

Barry Bonds, who broke Aaron’s record in 2007, will always have his legacy tarnished with steroid allegations, lies, and deceit.

Hank Aaron however, may have just left behind a legacy that embodies the most impressive combination of talent and class that baseball has ever seen. He represented all that is pure about America’s pastime, and carried himself with more class than most.

So, thank you, Mr. Aaron, for being someone for us to look up to. In our world today, we could certainly use a few more like you.

By Dena Riner Walden

Paper? Check. Pen? Check. Trapper keeper?

Check. Dial up the internet?

Most definitely. When I was in school, all of these were considered essential. As we have witnessed, however, the times have most assuredly changed. Technology has evolved faster than a meme gets shared on social media, but one thing is for certain: it has played a bigger part than some of us have liked in the world of education.

The pandemic has claimed the way many of us as educators were accustomed to delivering our instruction, or it surely has for me. You see, back in August, I became one of the virtual teachers for our county. (Shoutout to all my fellow virtual teachers! Sending you high fives and fist bumps through paper/on the screen right now!) Emanuel County teachers became virtual instructors last spring whether we were ready or not. We did it at the drop of a hat. The technology that only used to aid us became our lifeline to the students we couldn’t offer hugs to, pat on the back, or even reach out to (for those who didn’t have the luxury of the internet at home.)

For the most part, we’ve become too dependent on technology in our daily lives, even down to the mundane tasks (multiple alarm clocks, anyone?)

But if I were to be honest with you, I feel there’s a lot left to be said for the “old school” deliveries that ignited fires and kept them burning for many of us GenX-ers, millennials, or whatever generational identity you prefer. Legends like Gail Fann, Debbie Clark,

Syvetta Young, and Mary Pate Gay (the list could go on and on) delivered their instruction by turning the basics into something extraordinary. We navigated the Oregon Trail like Siri on Peachtree in Atlanta and built Sim cities like Minecraft’s Steve and Alex (I’ll be honest, I had to ask my kids their names.) “Back in my day,” technology was thought of as something unique that we were rewarded with. Instead of our instruction coming through a screen, we spent our days listening to our teachers bringing books to life, and recess was a must.

We all know the world we are living in right now. We know the needs that have to be met. We’ve taken a licking and kept on ticking. We know the task before us. If it means getting the job done by learning new tricks on a computer, then we press on. Until we have all of our desks full and classrooms brimming

Dena Riner Walden

with students, we will make do in seeing those smiling faces through a screen. The hugs will be virtual. The keyboard will provide the only hands-on approach for learning for a large number of students. But, we will get through this together. Until then, we keep ZOOMin’ along…

[Editor’s note: The opinions expressed here are simply those of the author and not necessarily that of her employer.]

8 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

SPORTS

‘We are the champions!’ Bucks, Kings, Celtics, and Storm are league winners at SECRD

Swainsboro-Emanuel County Recreation Department just wrapped up basketball play and four teams—the Bucks, the Kings, the Celtics, and the Storm—rose to the top to finish first in their respective divisions.

The Bucks, coached by Quan McKinney, won the Pee Wee Division. Players included Jayceon Williamson, Treveon Rucker, Jonquin McKinney, Dustin Nobles, Sha’Ron Sherrod, Dale Clements, Terrance Coleman, and Derrian Brooks.

The Kings, led by coach Kawame Coleman, took the Mite Boys Division. On this roster were Jayvion Sherrod, Ashton David, Charlie Fluellen, Malcolm Steele, Jarihan Miles, Mason Scott, Braedon Burke, and Artis Kingsberry.

The Celtics won the Midget Boys Division. Players on this team included Thomas Purvis, Demetreous Hamiel, Dexter Parrish, Demetri Stanford, Calynn Foots, and Colten Lewis. Dexter Parrish coached the Celtics.

The Storm won the Girls Basketball Division for 2021. This roster was comprised of Taylor Pinkston, Yiale Foots, Annalise Burke, T’ayla Scott, and Ar’Shonti Greene. Solita Boynton was their coach.

Don’t forget! SECRD still accepting registrants for spring sports

As a courtesy reminder, Swainsboro-Emanuel County Recreation Department is still accepting spring sports registrants until January 29 at its home office, 632 McLeod Bridge Road, Swainsboro, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The registration period began January 25.

First-time participants must bring a birth certificate. The cost is $35, and insurance can be added for another $6. Spring sports include:

• T-ball (for 3- and 4-year-olds) and coach pitch (for 5- and 6-yearolds). Players must be 3 before May 1, 2021 and cannot turn 7 before May 1, 2021. Players who turn 6-years-old before May 1, 2021 have the option

of playing coach pitch or youth baseball/girls softball.

• Youth baseball (ages 6 to 12). Players must be 7 on or before September 1, 2021 and cannot turn 13 before September 2, 2021. Players who turn 6-years-old before May 1, 2021 have the option of playing coach pitch or youth baseball.

• Girls softball (ages 7 to 17). Players must be 7 on or before September 1, 2021 and cannot turn 18 before September 2, 2021. Girls who turn 6-years-old before May 1, 2021 have the choice to play coach pitch or softball.

For questions, call the rec department at 2378098.

ECI softball to hold 2021 skills clinic

Top left and top right, the Celtics and the Bucks Bottom left and right, the Kings and the Storm

Calling all softball players! Emanuel County Institute’s softball program has teamed up with Twin City Recreation Department to hold a free softball skills clinic for all girls ages seven to 14. The clnic will cover throwing, catching, pitching, hitting, and baserunning.

This clinic will take place Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. til 12:30 p.m. Participants should bring a glove and a water bottle. Cleats and bats are optional. Instruction will be provided by ECI head coach Frank Wimberly, current and former ECI Lady Dawgs, and collegiate softball pitchers.

For more information, contact Wimberly at flwimberly@emanuel.k12.ga.us or Greg Kennedy at gkennedy@ emanuel.k12.ga.us.

9 facebook.com/thecrossroadschronicle

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

EDUCATION BUSINESS

151 students at Twin City Elementary receive honors

According to Principal Robbie Warnock, the following 151 students have made either Honor Roll or Star Honor Roll during the second nine weeks for the 2020-2021 school year at Twin City Elementary:

Honor Roll

First grade — Diamond Araister, Aiden Brantley, Vincent Bridges, Christian Bynum, Reid Cannady, Gannon Copeland, Micah Coxwell, Jase Ducker, Hadley Griner, Joslyn Peterkin, Declan Spence, and Maddie Walden

Second grade — Caleb Albor, Jayce R. Aragon, Joleigh Coxwell, Anna Foreman, Hunter Gamiza, Ezekiel Kearney, VaNiya Kirkland, Ezekiel Pague, Arieonnah Seafus, and Lauren Williams

Third grade — Hendley Blackburn, Ayden Carlyle, Kane Caraway, Natilie Chauncey, Brayden Coleman, Kayce Davis, Hunter Fullmore, Jonathan Hampton, Eli Lane, Sarah J. McBride, Lorey McCoy, LeShaun Parrish, Christian Silas, and Maci Walden

Fourth grade — Dylan Alford, Tucker Bryant, Kaylyn Burke, Zo’Riah Burke, Chelsea Fann, Autumn Friedel, Paiyzli Kellum, Jack Lee, Ava Matthews, Angel Morales, Leah Owen, Colbie Radford, Mikayla Rushton, Jaden Stallings, Brayden Weyhrauch, and Jada N. Wilkerson

Fifth grade — Tylaun Baker, Mason Collins, Dawson Goodman, Laura Gomez, Caidence Gordan, Joshua Gray, Aniyah Gunn, Brock Lamb, Evan May, John R. Rehberg, Robert Reynolds, Aaron Sheppard, Avery Snellgrove, and Hayden Wilson

Star Honor Roll

First grade — Gauge Akridge, Chancie Archer, John Wright Beasley, Grey Blackburn, Kallen Braddock, Maison Carter, Elah Griffin, Brooks Hall, Hunter Hatcher, Ansley Hill, Harper Hill, Kendall Hodges, Ethan Johnson, Nora Johnson, Khloe Lanier, Izzy May, Reese McNeely, Makayla Mitchell, Jorge Ramos-Avalos, Cash Rigdon, Cyril Salinas, Audrey Tucker, Ava Underwood, Jayceon Williamson, and Leyla Yeme

Second grade — Hudson Anderson, Chloe Best, Chloe Bridges, Natalie Bunn, Luke Donnan, Charla Fields, Anna Caroline Frye, Joshua Hampton, Layla Hampton, Alaina Henry, Mila Hodges, Ab Johnson, Anthony Johnson, David Johnson, Addison Rich, Brayden Telgen, Zoe Warren, Mia Wilcher, and Alli Woodward

Third grade — Jenna Best, Jarriah Brinson, Joselyn Brantley, Braylie Brown, Bentley Collins, Bristol Dorsey, Chelsie Grimes, Addyson Harrison, Blaire Johnson, Dicey Lane, Pearl Meadows, Jason Mendez, James Morris, Daylen Peebles, Maggie Rowland, Lane Sherrod, William Simmons, Clay Smith, Isabella Steptoe, Preston Sumner, and Jethro Wilcher

Fourth grade — Camden Hall, Hane Henry, Brodee Cate Johnson, ,Kevin Juarez-Aragon, William Kennedy, Vaiden Kirkland, Sam Lawrence, Jake Marsh, and Jadan Wilkerson

Fifth grade — Alipsa Barnes, Jackson Cavanah, Patyence Davis, Lawson Frye, Hadleigh Henry, Leta Kellum, Amelia Meadows, Charley Mitchell, Brylee Rountree, Mary-Ella Walden, and Johna Woodward

In search of the pearl: Inside students’ She’s back! New college grad returning struggles during COVID-19 and how the to Tiger Trail

By Savannah Harkins

Lelyn Stewart, a Swainsboro native, pandemic is inadvertently preparing just recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Elementary Edustudents for success cation. She is the daughter of Lee and Chawny

By Dena Walden

“The world is your oyster!” You know, I never really liked that old adage that many people use when an exciting, yet unknown situation is on the horizon. An oyster? Really?

Is there not a better animal that could have been chosen to describe the excitement that your senior year of high school would bring other than a bivalve, bottom feeder? For many teenagers in high school, life revolves around the long-awaited moment of epic proportions known as senior year, the year they’ve seemingly anticipated for most of their lives. They know the momentous occasions they’ve hoped for and looked forward to with great expectations are just within a semester’s grasp.

Throughout the years, many high school seniors have had to put those hopes and dreams on hold not due to any fault of their own but rather because the hard hand of reality taps (or sometimes slaps) them faster than they would have liked. Beginning their senior year in 1941, students found themselves dealing with seeing their country entering into World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Many found themselves no longer intrepid students but instead infant soldiers falling into the ranks and fighting for their country. My senior year of high school at ECI was brought to a screeching halt when the tragic events of September 11, 2001 unfolded right before our very eyes on the television in our classroom. This past year has been no different for the Class of 2021. As many of us have lived through the global pandemic and witnessed the toll it has taken on our world and people right here in our own community, I wanted to know how some of our most precious commodities, our high school seniors, were dealing with this rollercoaster known as COVID-19. I recently sat down and talked to two of my former students, Chase Whitehead and Destiny Akridge, who were a part of my first class at Twin City Elementary, as well as recent ECI graduate Evan Durden. I wanted to get their perspective of how their lives have changed throughout this most challenging year that they never saw coming.

Sitting in desks six feet apart in a classroom preoccupied in the old building of ECI surrounded by walls filled with memories of days gone by where social distancing was definitely unheard of, Whitehead and Akridge began to share their thoughts on COVID-19.

“You kind of dream of how it’s going to be going into your senior year. You have this idea of what’s going to happen and when all of this came along, none of it happened,” Akridge began. She explained that when the pandemic first reared its ugly head, basketball season had just wrapped up. She’s grateful the season was able to be completed with no interruptions. However, looking back, she didn’t know the field trip she had just gone on would be the last trip for her, and it could very well be the last trip she makes as a student of ECI. Life in quarantine brought many hardships for her and fellow student Whitehead. They watched as what would be the end of their junior year slip quietly through their grasp. Spring sports brought to a halt, new prom dresses hung in closets, tuxedo deposits paid, no field trips, no after school activities—nothing but time at home wishing for the old normal to return.

Recent graduate Durden replied that the quarantine became a “family project for the Durden household.” He also shared his frustrations over the uncertainty of graduation last year. When the time finally arrived during the summer, he felt happy but couldn’t conceal the disappointment in knowing that some of his dearest friends would not be there to join them. He explained that one of those friends had just joined the service while another had gone on to Kansas for college so there had

Chase Whitehead and Destiny Akridge

Evan Durden and Jarrell Jordan been a small damper put on the celebration. As if the thought of graduation didn’t already ring with the deafening tones of separation, graduates found themselves spaced six feet apart on the football field with strict orders to maintain that distance. However, as the ceremony drew to a close, Evan found himself grabbing his buddy, Jarell Jordan, and wrapping his arms around him for a “big bear hug.”

“The time seemed right,” replied Durden. “This was the time and place for me to hug my buddy.”

In wrapping up the interview with Akridge and White and asking how they felt about their senior year fight to bring some light to cover the shadow of COVID-19, Whitehead put it plainly. “It sucks,” he laughed. The three of us agreed that we are “huggers,” so knowing that they had to be careful in greeting their pals at school or anyone anywhere for that matter had been very difficult. They both agreed they’re very glad they made the decision a long time ago to get involved with as many extracurricular activities that school had to offer. This has been their outlet for dealing with the frustration of the pandemic. The physical separation has been very challenging, but they have reassurance in knowing that those friendships have remained.

Despite the hurdles that this past year has given Whitehead and Akridge, these two teenagers were given special recognition and voted Mr. and Miss ECI as well as homecoming king and queen. These titles bring with them the admiration of their fellow peers as well as the respect and trust of the rest of the ECI student body, faculty, and staff.

In closing, I would like to say to Chase, Destiny, Evan, and the Classes of 2020 and 2021, the world is your oyster. Although it may seem as if you are wading through the muck and the mire of COVID-19 to get to it, you’ll find it. You may fall down. You may scrape your knees trying, but you’ll get your oyster. When you do, remember that the same tenacity you showed during this most unusual, anxious time is what you will need to continue. The pearl of success will be there. Pry it open and take it. It’s there waiting just for you...

Stewart, both residents of Emanuel County.

Stewart is passionate about all that she does in life, largely including education. “I have grown up in a household with an educator, and I have truly grasped the knowledge of how important education is to be successful in today’s world,” said Stewart. “My passions have pushed me to become an educator so I can help educate the future.”

As a recent Georgia Southern University December 2020 graduate, Stewart was quickly employed for the new school year. She now teaches special education K-1 at Swainsboro Primary School alongside her mother. “My mother is the one who inspired me to teach. I saw her make such an impact on so many people, and I want to do the same.”

Stewart loves that she gets to teach in her beloved Emanuel County, where she was raised as a Swainsboro Tiger. “It has a special place in my heart because I, too, walked the halls in the Swainsboro schools,” said Stewart.

“I love that I have been welcomed with open

Lelyn Stewart arms, and I can’t wait to have many years here.”

Teaching is something that Stewart absolutely loves and enjoys. She is rewarded in the fact that she gets to plant a seed in child to help them grow their knowledge. “I love that I get to watch children grow not only academically, but grow in their confidence in themselves.”

In the future, Stewart plans to teach and to continue her walk by touching each student she educates lives in the most positive way.

10 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

BUSINESS

Small Business Spotlight: Bangles II

CONSTRUCTION from front

olyn Brinson. He and his wife, Mandi Martin Brinson, have four children: Bentley, Blakely, Finley, and Ryker. Dr. Brinson took an unconventional road to becoming a dentist, but he’s excited to finally have those three letters, “DMD,” attached to his name today and is looking forward to realizing his longtime dream of being a dentist in his hometown.

A member of Swainsboro High School’s Class of 2004, Dr. Brinson went to East Georgia College right after high school for a year. It would be five years later later before he returned to the classroom part-time and then full-time. He took a few years off to help run their family’s hardware store in Twin City. He also worked in construction. However, he felt called to a deeper purpose.

He wanted to help people but still be able to work with his hands.

He also felt obligated to provide for his family. His professional unhappiness and his burning desire to do something that mattered led him to act after months of prayer and thought.

Dentistry had always lived in the back of Dr. Brinson’s mind, but no one in his family had pursued college beyond a fouryear degree. With his family’s full support, a lot of prayer, and after instilling in himself a sense of self-confidence to take on the challenges, competitiveness, and demands of dental school, he re-enrolled at East Georgia College.

Later, Dr. Brinson transferred and graduated from Augusta State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science. He then started dental school in 2014 after working at Mustard Seed Dental Studio as a lab technician.

Over the next four years, he worked tirelessly. His 16-hour workdays during the week started when he woke at 2:30 a.m. He left home by 3:15, drove a little over an hour to Augusta, and worked in the lab until 8 a.m. to generate income for his family until his classes started at 8 a.m. He returned to the lab during lunch from noon to 1 p.m., then went back to class for more learning. After his afternoon sessions were done, Dr. Brinson made one last trip to the lab and

Construction site of Hometown Family Dental

worked there from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at which point he drove home for the day. He followed this rigorous schedule until he totaled his car coming home. For his safety, he started staying in the area of the school a few days a week to help minimize driving. On the weekends, he ran an inflatables business to help his family financially.

Dr. Brinson’s hard work paid off on May 18, 2018 when he graduated from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Since then, he has worked as a dentist at Claxton Smiles Youth Dentistry, where he spent a little over two years, and is currently with East Georgia Healthcare serving their Compassion Care Dental Clinic in Vidalia. Brinson says he was the sole individual in his 85-person dental cohort who wanted to open their own practice after graduation, and that particular want stayed with him throughout the years. Through working with Claxton Smiles, Dr. Brinson loved the many new friends and relationships he made but always wanted to come back home to serve and be involved in his hometown. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time working in these other communities but is very excited to return to his roots.

After lots of prayer, especially considering the pandemic, Dr. Brinson and his wife decided toward the end of last calendar year that the time had come to go out in faith and start his own practice. The dentist talked with several local realtors and city officials to aid in finding his future practice location. He wanted to be on the main strip somewhere so that the office would be easily accessible and convenient, and his idea came to be reality in December when

construction crews broke ground on a low-lying lot that had been vacant for a while. Once the land was cleared and prepared for the next phase of development, Dr. Brinson walked the area and felt right at home. Construction on the area is moving right along, and Dr. Brinson is hopeful to be open for business in late spring to early summer. Seeing his business location coming together, checking off logistical items that must be completed before he can officially open, and having the community’s support means he is drawing nearer to actualizing the big plans he has for Swainsboro. Those big plans, he commented in an interview on Sunday, include a dentist’s office with a warm atmosphere to combat common dental fears and a simple, feasible approach to business in that Hometown Family Dental will service all ages of both insured as well as uninsured patients. Dr. Brinson also plans to be an active part of the community through presence and philanthropy. Look for more information about the first of those, a grand opening, at a later date.

In the meantime, Dr. Brinson himself will continue to be appreciative of the multitude of support and welcome he has received so far from the community.

He is looking forward to moving into his newly-constructed office and is excited to start serving this area. As for the public... Keep an eye on the construction on South Main! You can follow Hometown Family Dental on Facebook for status updates about development.

The Chronicle will revisit Dr. Brinson and Hometown Family Dental in a few months to look at their progress.

By Savannah Harkins

Bangles II is a full-service hair and makeup lounge located in Swainsboro. This small business is owned by Swainsboro’s own Kellie Scarboro, who opened the salon that specializes in cuts, colors, lash extensions, hair and makeup for special occasions, nails, and much more.

Over the past almost six years, Bangles II has been a staple in Swainsboro’s beauty community.

Bangles II caters to all women and men who would like a service. Scarboro loves what she does within her business.

Her passion is to make others feel good about themselves through the services she practices and provides. “As a young adult, my role model was Cindy Greenway. I thought she was amazing, and I strive daily to do my best and to be as amazing as she was in the hair industry,” said Scarboro.

Owning a successful salon is rewarding for Scarboro, but the best part for her is making her community proud. “I love getting to know the community and having a salon that welcomes everyone. Bangles has

Nikki Rich, Erin Beach, Kellie Scarboro, and Pam Claxton been open for almost six years, own creativity. She got her and we would not be here with- practice by trying different nail out the support of our clients,” techniques and ideas on each of said Scarboro. “They are most them. She is also inspired Dabney Edenfield. “She inspired me important.”

As previously men- through art and different meditioned, the salon offers many ums that contributed to my love services by three stylists. One for nails,” said Rich.

Rich’s clientele has rare addition to the salon is their skillful nail technician, Nikki grown rapidly because of her Rich. She specializes in artistic artistic twist on her one-of-anail sets and is creative through kind nail sets. She currently is showing her love for nails. Rich not accepting new clients due completes around 25 to 30 cli- to her loyal returning clients.

She hopes to accept new clients ents a week.

Rich has two sisters in April. She urges everyone to who inspired her through their stay tuned for an announcement.

New Year’s resolutions be gone!

By Lauren Canady

The Sugar Bowl has been dearly missed in the community since it closed its doors this past Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Swainsboro won’t miss The Sugar Bowl’s famous cream cheese danishes and pound cakes for much longer!

Jennifer Mooney and Joy Ludwig, owners of The Sugar Bowl, have made the decision to reopen on Wednesday, February 3.

Owning a business is hard work, and these business owners have appreciated a month off after a busy holiday.

After serving the community for four years, this break was much needed. They caught up on projects, slept in, and enjoyed the time off with family.

Now, they are eager to jump

back into doing what they love.

The future of The Sugar Bowl was not always clear.

The owners contemplated their options for a while, but Mooney was not at peace with any decision other than reopening.

Mooney has worked in a bakery for most of her life and credits Pineland Bakery of Waynesboro for instilling her work ethic, love of the business, and appreciation of customers. This appreciation was the driving factor behind the decision to reopen. Mooney says she enjoys the culinary aspect of her line of work, but that it is “a means to an end” which is facilitating her genuine love of the community.

The Sugar Bowl values the quality of service they provide. Be it the fresh, quality goodies made from scratch, or

customer service, she hopes as a business owner to exceed expectations in every aspect.

Coming back well-rested and at-peace with the decision to reopen, Mooney teases some exciting new additions to the menu. “You’ve had your head start on your New Year’s resolutions, but watch out!”

Mooney, on behalf of The Sugar Bowl, wants to thank the community for their support, patience, and understanding. Swainsboro has been welcoming and kind to the business, and they hope to return thanks in baked good form.

The Sugar Bowl will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., which is subject to change in the future. Check out its Facebook page for any updates.

13 eateries accross Emanuel have perfect scores

According to the list of restaurant scores for Emanuel County on the Department of Public Health’s website, 13 establishments have scores of 100 while three restaurants scored below 90. The list published below is the latest available data for each respective food place. The Chronicle will provide updates to this list as they become available.

• The Smoke Stack – Twin City, 100; Last inspected 12/18/2020 • Royal Waffle King – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 12/1/2020 • Leannas – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 12/1/2020 • Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 11/10/2020 • Lawrence Village Restaurant – Summertown, 99; Last inspected 11/6/2020 • Real South BBQ – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 10/29/2020 • Flat’s Lounge – Swainsboro, 98; Last inspected 10/28/2020 • Community Service Board of Middle Georgia/EMCO – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 10/22/2020 • Oak Island Crab House – Oak Park, 97; Last inspected 10/16/2020 • Bulldog Cafe at ECI – Twin City, 99; Last inspected 10/7/2020 • Twin City Elementary – Twin City, 100; Last inspected 10/7/2020 • Swainsboro Primary School – Swainsboro, 99; Last inspected 10/6/2020 • Swainsboro Middle School – Swainsboro, 99; Last inspected 10/6/2020 • Swainsboro High School – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 10/6/2020 • Swainsboro Elementary School – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 10/6/2020 • Pat’s Country Store – Lyons, 96; Last inspected 10/1/2020 • Subway – Twin City, 99, Last inspected 10/1/2020 • Community Service Board of Middle Georgia/ Lighthouse Kitchen – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 9/15/2020 • Sno Biz – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 9/4/2020 • Edenfield House Inn – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 8/28/2020 • Ware’s BBQ – Swainsboro, 98; Last inspected 8/27/2020 • Smith’s Canoochee Store – Canoochee, 96; Last inspected 8/25/2020 • The Dawg House Grille – Twin City, 90; Last inspected 8/25/2020 • Happy’s – Swainsboro, 90; Last inspected

8/5/2020 • Rustic Grille – Swainsboro, 84; Last inspected 8/5/2020 • Best Western/Bradford Inn – Swainsboro, 100, Last inspected 7/14/2020 • Lynn & Bob’s – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 6/10/2020 • Herrington Homestead – Nunez, 100; Last inspected 5/19/2020 • Berni’s on West Main – Swainsboro, 95; Last inspected 3/18/2020 • Emanuel Medical Center – Swainsboro, 83; Last inspected 3/17/2020 • New China Restaurant – Swainsboro, 90; Last inspected 3/11/2020 • Catered Creations – Swainsboro, 99; Last inspected 3/5/2020 • Hardees – Swainsboro, 98; Last inspected 3/4/2020 • Sonic Drive-In – Swainsboro, 94; Last inspected 3/4/2020 • New Garden – Swainsboro, 94; Last inspected 3/4/2020 • Canoochee Catfish – Canoochee, 100; Last inspected 2/27/2020 • Off the Hook Fish and Seafood – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 2/27/2020 • Huddle House – Swainsboro, 90; Last inspected 2/25/2020 • Maryland Fried Chicken – Swainsboro, 86; Last inspected 2/25/2020 • Twin View Healthcare Center – Twin City, 91; Last inspected 2/24/2020 • Taco Bell – Swainsboro, 98; Last inspected 2/19/2020 • Wendy’s – Swainsboro, 97; Last inspected 2/19/2020 • Little Caesars – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 2/19/2020 • Lew’s Barbecue – Twin City, 99; Last inspected 2/13/2020 • Simply Southern – Twin City, 97; Last inspected 2/13/2020 • Zaxby’s – Swainsboro, 90; Last inspected 2/12/2020 • DQ Grill and Chill – Swainsboro, 96; Last inspected 2/12/2020 • Emanuel Probation and Detention Center – Twin City, 94; Last inspected 2/3/2020 • Subway (Walmart) – Swainsboro, 91; Last inspected 1/29/2020 • Subway – Swainsboro, 100; Last inspected 1/29/2020 • Dominos Pizza – Swainsboro, 99; Last inspected 1/29/2020

11 facebook.com/thecrossroadschronicle

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

SOCIAL

Mr. Thompson turns 1

At noon on Saturday, January 23, Waylon Clint Thompson celebrated his first birthday with family and friends at the home of his second cousin, Zach Hooks, in Stillmore. He turned 1-year-old on Friday, January 22, 2021. He is the son of Samantha Hadden and Jordan Thompson.

Waylon’s grandparents are Lon and Nichole Hadden of Guyton, Clint Thompson and Denise Braswell of Swainsboro, Vickie Wilkerson of Wrightsville, and the late Sarah Akridge.

The party centered around a baseball theme.

The birthday boy sat in a high chair most of the occasion, minus the times when his grandparents, other family members, and friends took him out of the seat to love on him and carry him down the blowup slide for entertainment.

He donned a blue baseball jersey with the number “1” on the front, and he wore a ball cap turned backward most of the afternoon. Behind his high chair was a strand of felt baseballs decorated with numerical identifiers with photos attached from every stage of Waylon’s life from newborn to 12 months of age. Helium balloons that resembled baseballs were also used to carry out the baseball

Waylon Clint Thompson on his first birthday

theme in the party location.

Guests were encouraged to “get their hot dogs!” from the “concession stand,” just like at a ball game. Other refreshments included popcorn, Cheetos, chips and Ranch dip, chili and the fixings, Coca-Cola drink products, and hand-crafted sugar cookies that resembled the outfield of a baseball field with the number “1” attached to the top in a jersey-like font.

Waylon’s favorite activity, aside from sliding down the blow-up, came when the home crowd sang him “Happy Birthday” and clapped as an encore. He had a homemade red velvet cake to smash—after his

mommy helped him blow out the lighted number “1” candle topper and removed it. The older children and adults were delighted to indulge in a cake of their own, a pound cake with cream cheese icing decorated to reflect the party’s baseball theme as well.

Waylon and his parents, surrounded by guests, happily opened many gifts from the party’s gracious attendees. Among the goodies he received were clothes, a new rideon tricycle, a new ride-on motorized toy, play musical instruments, a walk-behind duck that quacks, a steering while that honks, and others.

Pet of the Week: Jake

Meet Jake, Pet of the Week for this week’s edition of The Chronicle!

Jake is a 4-year-old male bloodhound who belongs to Andy and Heather Cook. The Cooks adopted Jake on December 1, 2019, at which point he came to live on their farm, Harley Hill. Jake quickly made friends with the other dogs and in November 2020, he graduated to sleeping in the recliner. He loves to destroy tennis balls and thinks any toy his “bestie,” Bristol, has,

he should have as well. Jake loves to swim, chase birds and squirrels, and wrestle with Bristol. He is best described as goofy, clumsy, loving, playful, and sweet.

Want your pet to be Pet of the Week? It’s free!

Call Halei Lamb at 478-4943376; email halei@thecrossroadschronicle.com; or stop by 571 South Main Street, Swainsboro. The Chronicle has a form for submissions.

The deadline for Pet of the Week is Friday at noon. A photo is required.

Jeffrey and Connie Brewer of Swainsboro are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Miss Ashley Nicole Brewer, to Mr. Randall Lee Youmans, son of Randy and Vera Youmans of Wrightsville.

The bride-elect graduated from Swainsboro High School in 2011. Her soon-tobe husband graduated from Swainsboro High in 2010.

They both currently live and work in Statesboro.

Miss Brewer is the granddaughter of Herschel and Sandra Couey of Wrightsville, the late Joe H. Walker, the late Rev. Jesse Brewer, and the late Mildred Brewer.

Mr. Youmans is the grandson of Renato Quieroz and Vanda Moura of Portel, Brazil, the late Esmond Youmans, and the late Unette

Mr. Randall Youmans and Miss Ashley Brewer tion in Pembroke. Formal inEdenfield.

The happy couple will vitations will follow. The two marry June 5, 2021 at 6:30 became engaged on February p.m. at Chande Pines Planta- 9, 2020.

High school sweethearts to become one

Sandy and David Coursey of Metter and Sidney and Renee Rhoney of Garfield are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Miss Syndey Lauren Rhoney, to Mr. Benjamin Collin Watson. The future groom is the son of Linda and Allen Jordan of Swainsboro and Dave Watson of Twin City.

Miss Rhoney is a 2015 graduate of David Emanuel Academy. She attended Georgia Southern University as well as Southeastern Technical College. In 2019, she completed the dental hygiene program. Miss Rhoney is currently employed as a registered dental hygienist at Statesboro Pediatric Dentistry.

She is the granddaughter of David and Patricia Rhoney of Metter, the late Russell Cardell, and the late Eloise Cardell.

Mr. Watson graduated from David Emanuel Academy in 2014. He is a package car driver with United Parcel Service today.

Miss Lauren Rhoney and Mr. Collin Watson

His grandparents in- Watson are registered on Amclude Jimmy Wilson of Kite, azon as well as at Canoochee Joyce Watson of Twin City, Creek Market in Metter, Yard the late Nell Wilson, and the Master in Swainsboro, and late Notty Watson.

Stewart’s Jewelers in Swains The couple will wed boro. Their wedding website March 27, 2021 at 6 p.m. at is www.zola.com/wedding/colThe Barn at Collins Family lin-lauren.

Farm in Cobbtown. A recep- The happy couple tion will follow. Formal invita- began dating while in high tions will be sent. school and became engaged

Miss Rhoney and Mr. on March 18, 2020.

Welcome, Baby Kirkland!

Jake

Daddy-Daughter Dance to be held

Swainsboro-Emanuel County Recreation Department has again planned its yearly “lovely” event for daddies and their daughters, despite COVID-19. The Daddy-Daughter Dance will go on—with safety restrictions, of course.

The dance will take place Friday, February 12, two days before Valentine’s Day, at the rec department’s gym on McLeod Bridge Road in Swainsboro from 7 to 9 p.m. Photographer Mark Williams will be set up to take pictures from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, capacity

Miss Brewer, Mr. Youmans to marry

inside the gym will be capped at 50 couples with no exceptions. No one except dance couples will be permitted inside the gym. Refreshments will be limited, and masks will be strongly encouraged.

The dance is for girls ages 4 to 12 and their daddy/adult escort. The cost is $20 per couple. Pre-registration is required and will only be taken until the restricted limit is filled.

Call the recreation department at 2378098 for more information.

Proud parents Mr. Wes and Mrs. Lacey Kirkland of Swainsboro are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Bentley Scott Kirkland. She was born January 21, 2021 at 12:32 p.m. at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin. Bentley weighed 9 lbs. 10 oz. and was 22” long.

She is the granddaughter of Scott and Glenda Price of Wrightsville, Anthony and Marshella Oliver of Swainsboro, and Joey and Janet Kirkland of Swainsboro.

Bentley Scott Kirkland

12 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVID

from front dehydration, COPD, and influenza, just to name a few. Our patients range from pediatrics to geriatrics. Now, we have all of these illnesses to treat—plus COVID patients with comorbidities on top of that.

What is it like working during COVID? What do you want to say to people about this virus, and what does your work schedule look like these days?

Sutton: Working on the COVID unit is stressful but then again it’s not because we have a good team of nurses around us with the knowledge that you can work together and help these people. We have become a family that depends on each other. I would like to say this about COVID: I think it is very real. We have had several patients come in and say they never thought it was real or that it was fake until they got diagnosed with it and dealt with severe symptoms. Our normal schedules, we usually only work three days a week but here lately, I’ve been picking up about two extra days a week either because there is a nurse out sick with COVID or because I’m an extra nurse just to help because of the acuity of the patients and to give an extra hand to help everything run a little bit smoother on the unit.

In the past couple of months, on average, I work at least 48 to 60 hours a week.

How do you feel as a frontline worker? Are you tired? Depressed? Frustrated? Just be real and honest. That’s what people will appreciate most—the raw, uncut truth from someone who’s working this beast.

Lewis: Being a frontline worker is very frustrating at times. You don’t know what to do in many situations, and you almost feel defeated on many days. I find myself getting depressed at times. I feel like I’m not spending enough time with my children or my family.

I feel like I spend most of my days at the hospital taking care of patients, then I go home worrying about them. I wonder if they will they even be there in the morning for me to take report on. Your family doesn’t understand what you go through because they’re not in your situation and let’s face it, most families aren’t composed of all medical members and they will never get it. The people that do get it are people that you work with, with whom you’ve made your own family with. These are the people that you talk to most. You see people dying all the time, and your work family

are the ones you usually cry or vent to… But there are rewarding days when somebody recovers from COVID or we see a critically ill patient turn around and get better.

What does a typical day at work look like now?

Sutton: A typical day at work starts with a mask and ends with a mask. We are constantly going, and we barely have time to eat. When we do have time for maybe lunch, we may only have time to eat in five minutes. We are always checking on these patients, along with our other patients, nonstop. It is a steady pace at best. That’s not including the days we have codes, sometimes one or two codes at the same time.

Did you get “assigned” to work COVID, or did you volunteer? What’s your response to having to work the pandemic?

Lewis: Basically, the med/surg floor at our hospital was converted into a COVID unit. We have four hallways, and two of the four hallways were made to be negative pressure hallways. However, we quickly learned that even the two hallways were not enough to house all of the COVID patients we have seen in the past couple of months.

Without breaking HIPPA, of course, describe the worst patient situation in regard to COVID you’ve had to handle. If you had to describe a real-life, local situation that would make people take this virus as seriously as you’d like them to, what would you say?

Sutton: My hardest day at work and the worst COVID situation I’ve worked had to have been when I had a patient not too much older than me. She was a COVID patient and she became very sick.

While we were in the room with her, we continued to encourage her. I was joking around with her like most of my patients, and I told her we were going to do everything we could and that everything was going to be okay. We worked with this patient for hours but in the end, we lost the battle. I was not able to sleep for three days because every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face. The hardest part has been trying to figure out how to not take work home with us, but it’s hard when we have these patients for so many days and you make connections with them.

On the flip side, has there been a case that has given you hope?

Lewis: We had one patient that had probably been in the hospital for almost 40 days.

The day that patient went home, I think we all probably shed a few tears. It was so sweet, and that patient was so happy. I’m very glad that all of us at EMC were a part of his recovery.

Describe from your point of view the overall local COVID situation.

Lewis: Locally, we are slammed at our little hospital.

We are exhausted. We are fully staffed and are still requiring extra help. I think in general it’s about 50/50 with the public; some are doing their part and some aren’t. That’s just reality.

As a small facility and staff, we just try to do our best at encouraging others to wash hands, social distances, and do whatever means necessary to keep yourself and others safe.

Why did you want to be a nurse, and how does that relate to the healthcare crisis we’re talking about?

Sutton: I wanted to be a nurse because I love to help people. Everyday when I go into to work, I’ve already had some of my patients for over a week and it’s already running through my head what can I do to help them to get better sooner. Nothing feels better than to walk in their room and see their smile on their face when I tell them I have their discharge papers.

How does COVID get better? What can people do to help y’all?

Lewis: I think what people can do to help out is wear their masks, social distance, and practice hand-washing hygiene. This has been key from the very beginning.

Also, the vaccine is becoming more available to the general public everyday. That itself is a good option, in my opinion. You have to do what’s best for you and your situation. It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about any vaccines, side effects, and/or contraindications.

Did you ever think we’d get to where we are today with COVID? Did you ever think when you became a nurse you’d actually have to dress out in full PPE for something like this?

Work in a pandemic? And is there anything you learned in school that could’ve prepared you for this?

Sutton: It has now been a year since COVID first came to the U.S. and from experience, I think we have learned so much. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without such great teamwork from our doctors, nurses, respiratory, physical therapy, radiology, lab, EMS, nutrition, and so many more people—the entire hospital! A pandemic takes ev-

eryone at all times. I knew we would have to dress out like this for flu or C. diff, but not to this extent or for hours at a time. There have been times, like last year, where we were overwhelmed with flu cases, but it does not even come close to the COVID pandemic. Nursing school taught me most of my skills to use during this pandemic, but nursing school also taught me how to cope with stress because let’s be honest, up until this pandemic, nursing school was of the most stressful times of my life.

Speaking of PPE, tell people what that is, what it includes, how long it takes to dress out, how important it is and why, and how you feel wearing it.

Lewis: PPE is personal protective equipment. It’s what we put on before we go in each patient’s room. We put on gloves, gowns, hair covers, face shields, and, most importantly, our N95 mask. We also include a surgical mask on top of our N95 mask. It takes several minutes to gown up before we go into a patient’s room. We have no idea how long we will be in each room. Sometimes we can be in there just minutes, but there have been times we’ve been in a room for hours. The importance of wearing PPE is to protect ourselves from contracting the COVID virus, along with our staff members.

How scar y is working COVID and why? How do you deal with those emotions?

Lewis: When the pandemic first began, I was very scared. The longer the pandemic continued, I was more scared to take it home to my family or friends than I was actually getting it myself. Also, a state of paranoia remains every day.

Every time I get a headache or every time I get the sniffles, I think I may have COVID-19. I just try to stay as safe as I can each day.

How do you escape the harsh reality of work?

Lewis: I try to spend as much time with my family as possible. I love spending time with my children, my husband, and, of course, my sister when I don’t see her at work. Every shift I work, I just focus on seeing my family when I get home because they really make it worth it. I have such a strong support system with family and friends, and I’m so grateful for them all.

Sutton: On my days off, I really try to spend most of my time with my family and friends. It’s really important in times like this to have people that you can vent to so you don’t become mentally over-

Meet the Doctor: Dr. James Ray

By Savannah Harkins

Dr. James Ray has had a successful clinic in Emanuel County since January 1979. The Ray Clinic is located in Swainsboro just off West Main St. He has been practicing for over 46 years and is a staple in the community.

Dr. Ray graduated from Samford University, and he later attended and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

When deciding to become a doctor, Dr. Ray took some time to think about the decision. “It was not a light shining from the sky, but after some considerations of how I could be of service to my fellow citizens. I taught high school math and science in Alabama and Savannah, one year each, then after some more courses that were required for medical school admission, so I entered medical school,” said Dr. Ray.

Helping and being of service to the community is most important to Dr. Ray. He enjoys the friendships he has made in Swainsboro and the bonds he has built with his patients. “One of my favorite patients brought me a small clipping from a newspaper that read: ‘My doctor is not only my doctor, but he’s my friend also.’ That’s what I like and love about most of my patients.”

When Dr. Ray is not in office, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. He has been married to his beloved Harriet for over 57 years, and they have four sons: David, Marty, Andy, and Stephen. All of his sons graduated from David Emanuel Academy and have given him four wonderful daughters-in-law and eight grand-

whelmed.

What was it like in the early days of COVID when you were called healthcare heroes? How did that make you feel, and do you think people still feel that way today?

Sutton: In the early days of COVID, we didn’t see a lot of patients come in with it so we remained hopeful that maybe it would not spread to rural Georgia. However, in late July and early August, reality set in. We were having so many patients die weekly, and I felt completely defeated. No matter what we did, it felt like we couldn’t save them. As new treatments for COVID came out, the feeling of defeat became a little less common. It felt great to be called a hero, but we’ve never done it for the praise. Trying to save people’s lives has been our goal since day one of our careers, not just when the pandemic began.

Sure, I think people still think the same, but I think people have become lax about the situation because COVID has been around a year—but it is still very real and very serious.

Think back to when you first heard about COVID. What was your reaction? How, if at all, has your mindset changed since then and why?

Lewis: I would say when I first heard about COVID, I was nervous and scared. I really didn’t know what to expect. I think my mindset as far as the seriousness of it still remains the same, but I’m a little bit more experienced in how to handle the situation if someone gets sick, whether it’s one of my patients or one of my family members at home.

On a similar note, when did y’all start preparing for COVID here, and what did those preparator y measures look like?

Sutton: We started preparations in March 2020.

We had guidelines of what to wear in patients’ room. There was a list of questions to ask each patient on admissions to screen them to find out if they may possibly have COVID or have been exposed to it. This allowed us to test the correct patients when there were not a lot of test available. Then, a short couple months later, we stopped allowing visitors to help prevent them from spreading the virus or vice versa, the patient giving the visitor the virus. In those months as well, every employee was required to wear a mask at all times. This is when our COVID hallways

went up.

How many beds, if any at all, are available here? If someone gets a serious case of COVID, can they expect to get help here at all? If not, where might they be sent instead?

Lewis: At Emanuel Medical Center, there are eight beds in the ER, there are eight beds in ICU, and there are 18 beds on the med/surg floor.

For the past several weeks, all of those have been full at some point. Our facility is always willing to help when we can.

We have found a way in pretty much all situations to help, given the circumstances. As for where patients can be sent to if you cannot get a bed at our facility, that’s unknown. There are a lot of hospitals that are in the same position that we are in. Sometimes, you can get lucky and get a bed close to home or even in your own state, but there have been instances where we have had to send people out of state to receive care.

Our local hospital has been mentioned in some national news articles.

Give your honest reaction to that.

Lewis: Honestly, it really doesn’t surprise me. There are still people that believe it’s not real, but there are hotspots all over the country. I know we aren’t alone. Unfortunately, we live in a society today where people are going to do what they want to do, when they want to do it, with no regard for consequences. It’s not about telling people what to do; it’s for your protection.

Finally, what advice do you have for people who have COVID? What are some simple, at-home approaches they can take to help y’all not get any more overwhelmed?

Sutton: There’s no reason to panic just because you have tested positive for COVID. Not every case requires a visit to the hospital. With mild cases, the most important thing is to get up, get moving around, and stay hydrated. Another important thing is to keep a check on your oxygen levels. There’s a list of vitamins that you can take at home such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B, and vitamin D. Our hospital also has a new infusion called the BAM infusion, which is used for people who are high-risk for the potential to get severely sick to prevent hospitalization. If you think you’re a candidate, talk with your personal care physician. There are qualifications on the EMC Facebook page.

CRIME/HARD NEWS

Vehicle stashed in woods turns out to be stolen

According to a press release late Friday night from the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle abandoned deep in the woods near Oak Grove Church Road turned out to be stolen.

On January 21, investigators Lieutenant David Way and Sergeant Michael Reddish found the abandoned Toyota sedan parked among the trees. After obtaining the vehicle’s registration from the Georgia Crime Information Center, the investigators discovered said vehicle had been reported as stolen. Swainsboro Police Department, as the reporting agency of the theft, was notified. The vehicle was then towed to the city police’s impound lot for processing.

Dr. James Ray, middle, with Michael Edenfield FNP-C and Gabrielle Stor y PA-C, left and right respectively children. much social distancing as possible. A sig Dr. Ray and his family enjoy trav- nificant effect of the changes is that our eling together in their time off from work. office staff is much more dependent on Most of all, Dr. Ray loves University of ‘teamwork’ than in previous times,” said Alabama football. “Our most joyful times Dr. Ray. have been on trips to the west, to state The community of Swainsboro parks in Georgia and other states, fishing can help out Dr. Ray’s business and medand just plain hanging out to watch the ical professionals by using their services Crimson Tide play football,” said Dr. Ray. as much as possible for their medical

Dr. Ray continues to live life needs. Patients are also encouraged by to the fullest and his hobbies have not Dr. Ray to provide feedback and suggest changed, but the Ray Clinic has had ways he can improve his clinic. “As a sideto work together and make necessary line it can be very helpful if all persons changes due to COVID-19. Since last win- in Emanuel County that pay state income ter, the clinic has had to increase their taxes will consider and be involved in telehealth outreaches at a higher level to the Georgia Heart Program by giving ensure the safety of their patients. “Office money to Emanuel Medical Center that visits are much frequent than previously. will be returned to you via a 100 percent The principle of course is to maintain as tax credit on your state income taxes.”

Stashed Toyota

13 facebook.com/thecrossroadschronicle

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

CRIME/HARD NEWS

Sheriff’s reports

Reports from Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer, are as follows:

Deputies responded to a car fire on Old McLeod Bridge Road on January 25.

The vehicle was fully engulfed by the time deputies arrived. Approximately 30 minutes later, the owner of the vehicle pulled up and asked what happened to the car, stating the vehicle broke down earlier that morning so he left it on the side of the road, went to work, and came back to check on it, at which point deputies were on scene.

Deputies responded and assisted another agency with a vehicle fire on Lambs Bridge Road on January 25. Twin City Fire Department was already on scene and had already extinguished the fire by the time ECSO officials arrived. The owner of the vehicle went with the towing company, Daniels Towing, as it was removed from the scene.

On January 24, deputies responded to Old Kenfield Road in reference to dumpster divers. The individuals and vehicle were gone by the time deputies arrived.

SHERIFF

from front back to the late 1970s when he enrolled in and completed the local EMT program at Swainsboro Technical College. As a certified EMT, Brewer worked in nearby Laurens and Jefferson counties. In 1979, he went through the paramedic program in DeKalb Community College in Decatur and after receiving his certification to be a paramedic, he came home to Emanuel and worked for the EMS service here fulltime from 1979 to 1982, in addition to part-time from 1982 to 1999.

The next phase of Brewer’s career took him to the Georgia State Patrol working as a radio operator at Post 45 out of Conyers. He became a trooper in 1984 and went to the 60th Trooper School in Atlanta. Throughout the years with GSP, he worked in a variety of places, including Madison, Reidsville, Sylvania, Savannah, Hinesville, Brunswick, Jekyll Island, Waycross, and, of course, Swainsboro.

He retired from the state patrol in 2014 with 32 years of service, complete with supervisory and management experience.

The day after he retired, he went to work with the sheriff’s office. He visited Stephens and came on board as captain over patrol, courthouse security, and the administrative office. He worked in the courthouse for four years and spent the last two years as jail administrator. In 2019, he declared his intent to run for sheriff, following Stephens’s announcement that he himself would retire. That was in September.

The months that followed were full of long hours, lots of riding, handshaking, knocking on doors, giving his best pitch to voters, leaving informative pamphlets, and other common “good, old-fashioned politicking” strategies.

He officially qualified in March 2020. In June, Brewer won the primary election outright. On Election Day on November, he won the sheriff’s race with 76 percent votes across the county.

“It’s still almost unbelievable. A lot of people think when you get elected to an important public position you become a very strong, powerful leader… But I’ve found that actually being sheriff means you’re a servant to the people.”

On the campaign trail, he made several commitments to the citizenry of Emanuel. Some of those included increasing the road staff, increasing the investigative staff, remaining as accessible in office as he was during his campaign, addressing the backlog of civil papers, and just overall capitalizing on his slogan, “Excellence is the

Deputies assisted with a child custody dispute on Modoc Road on January 24.

Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 1 South at I-16 due to a tag light violation. The driver admitted his license were suspended last year and was consequently arrested. The offender was transported to the jail, his two dogs were handled by animal control, and the truck was towed.

Deputies assisted with a domestic dispute on Union Chapel Road on January 24.

Deputy conducted a traffic stop on I-16 East at mile marker 84 when he observed a vehicle speeding 105 miles per hour in a 70 MPH zone. Deputy activated his blue lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle, which was moving in and out of both lanes of travel and refused to stop until mile marker 88. Deputy approached the passenger side of the vehicle, informed the driver the reason for the stop, and requested her license and vehicle information. At that time, the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcohol and asked the driver to step back to his patrol vehicle to investigate said odor.

Outside the vehicle, deputy could smell the odor coming from the driver’s breath. She had red, glassy eyes and slurred speech.

Standard, Not the Goal.”

Stephens brought Brewer back into the office a week after the election to make the transition process as smooth as possible. His official title at the time was chief deputy. A week after Thanksgiving, he started sheriff school and has completed three weeks of the required four weeks with the last to be checked off in March. Throughout the weeks he has completed, he has met 36 new sheriffs and learned an incredible amount in a short timeframe. Brewer officially took office when he signed onto the radio as Emanuel 1 some seven minutes after midnight on January 1, 2021. In the short weeks since then, he has started fulfilling his promises he made long ago. Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office now has a new Facebook page. He has named his command staff.

(Look for more information on this next week.) He has, in fact, increased the amount of road deputies as promised, instructing them to have a stronger, more frequent presence in the outer communities during the important hours from 5 to 10 p.m. Additionally, he has added more workers to the investigative side of the SO. Brewer has assigned a deputy to monitor and track sex offenders in the area, and he has begun inventorying the evidence room. Other accomplishments of note include: tracking equipment, adding to the number of personnel in the uniform division, amending the investigative staff to include two drug/gang investigators, reaching the halfway point to releasing the office’s new website, bringing the vehicles to a more current state, reaching a total of three female deputies, discussing with the schools the appropriate necessary changes for each institution, and maintaining the jail’s operation, physical condition, and COVID-free status. His office door remains open 90 percent of the time, every civil paper has been served, and all serious crime warrants have been issued.

Taking all this on has been quite a task, especially in such a short amount of time.

None of it, he says, would be possible without his staff and the family environment the sheriff’s office has today.

Spread across the different divisions are 60 employees, and Brewer’s approach to management is one that gives employees freedom and latitude to do their jobs while at the same time instilling in them a sense of empowerment that translates into confidence that he has their backs.

Brewer knew he wanted to be sheriff for a long time and he knew the work it would entail if he ever reached the top. He also realized the burden would be heavy—but

he is ready to meet the task and is grateful for the opportunity to serve.

“Until you are elected into a role like sheriff, you don’t realize how much sheriffs affect people’s lives by the decisions we make, the things we do, the people we help…

It’s an awesome responsibility we have. I read a quote the other day that said, ‘If you’re not ready to serve, you’re not ready to lead.’ I’ve spent my entire career serving, and I’ll continue to do that. Now it’s time to lead, and I’m going to take that burden of responsibility seriously day in and day out.”

Brewer has been leading the sheriff’s office for weeks now, dating back to his rejoining ECSO as chief deputy and more plainly as Emanuel County Sheriff since January 1. His inauguration night was no exception. Although other newly elected sheriffs across the state may have spent their first nights as sworn-in officials in a more traditional, celebratory manner, Brewer did what he’s been doing for years. When a rolling shooting took place in Dellwood just hours after his taking the oaths, he went to the scene right away and helped his investigators and the GBI. In his words, as tragic as it was, “it made the night more memorable” in an official sense.

That work ethic, attached to his humility, is exactly why the welcome from the public has been nothing short of supportive and accepting.

“People I’ve known my whole life that have called me ‘Jeffrey’ now call me ‘Sheriff.’ I appreciate the respect and honor they’re giving me and I would never want to take that away from them, but I’m still the same Jeffrey and that won’t change. Being sheriff, you’re kind of the face of the county.

In everything I do and everywhere I go, I try to be mindful of that. I want to represent us well, and I’m going to do that to the best of my ability from here on out.”

Brewer closed by saying he could never thank all the people he owes a debt of gratitude to because the list is so long and he wouldn’t want to forget anyone. However, he is thankful for his wife and children, all of whom “put their lives on hold” for a year to help him in various ways.

He also says he’s thankful for everyone who supported him throughout his campaign, especially for the prayers.

Moving forward, Brewer says the public can continue to expect his office to realize the other goals he set during campaign season.

More importantly, he will keep the interest of Emanuel County first and always pursue what’s right.

Deputy then read her the Georgia Implied Consent, to which the driver stated she would refuse all tests. She was then arrested. Vehicle search yielded a small amount of suspected marijuana in the driver’s door and a metal box. Said vehicle was turned over to a licensed driver. The offender was transported to the jail, and all evidence was placed into a locker at the sheriff’s office.

Incident occurred January 23.

On January 24 as he cleaned out a mobile home, complainant found a stop sign with road markers still attached to it.

Deputy asked the complainant to return the sign to the county shop, to which the complainant agreed.

Complainant filed a report in reference to someone illegally hunting on his farm property at the corner of Brown Springs Road and Wadley Coleman Lake

Road on January 22.

Complainant filed a report in reference to check forgery and theft by taking.

On January 22, complainant filed a report in reference to her sister allegedly taking two firearms from their mother and father’s residence.

On January 22, complainant filed a report in reference to his brother using his identity and forging his signature on three traffic citations.

Deputies responded to Williams Road on January 22 in reference to a nuisance dog.

On January 22, deputies as well as Emanuel County Fire were dispatched to Ed Youmans Road in reference to a power pole sparking electricity. Altamaha EMC was contacted and arrived on scene to address the issue.

Jail Activity: 18 booked into county

Below is the list of individuals booked into the Emanuel County Jail, according to Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer. Arresting agencies’ names are abbreviated as follows: Adrian Police Department (APD), Garfield Police Department (GPD), Stillmore Police Department (SMPD), Swainsboro Police Department (SPD), Twin City Police Department (TCPD), Emanuel County Sheriff ’s Office (ECSO), Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Drug Task Force (DTF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia Department of Pardons and Parole (GAPP), Child Support Recovery Unit (CSRU), Intensive Probation Service (IPS), or Probation Office (PROB).

Name: Tekarian Shaquwiale Mincey; Address: 221 Warren AVE, Swainsboro; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 5/28/1990; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/18/2021; Release Date: 1/18/2021; Charges: Fleeing/ attempt to elude ofc-m- (40-6-395(A))

Name: Judy Ann Hooks; Address: 35 Buckeye RD, Twin City; Race: W; Sex: F; Date of Birth: 11/2/1953; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/18/2021; Release Date: 1/18/2021; Charges: Theft/shoplifting-f/m(16-8-14)

Name: Ja’Nay Zaykeia Carswell; Address: 304 B W. Church ST, Swainsboro; Race: B; Sex: F; Date of Birth: 9/27/2003; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/19/2021; Charges: Entering auto-f/m- (16-8-18), Crim consp-f/m- (16-4-8), Entering auto-f/m- (16-818), Financial transaction card fraud-f- (16-9-33)

Name: Jamal Brashad Hawkins; Address: 302 B W. Church ST, Swainsboro; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 1/19/2021; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/19/2021; Charges: Entering auto-f/m- (16-8-18), Entering auto-f/m- (16-8-18), Crim consp-f/m- (16-48)

Name: Bradley Austin O’Neal; Address: 115 N. Dowd ST, Pooler; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 5/9/1994; Arresting Agency: GSP; Arrest Date: 1/19/2021; Release Date: 1/20/2021; Charges: Dui/alch-m- (40-6391(A)1), Failure to Maintain Lane (40-6-40a)

Name: Michael Christopher Collins; Address: 300 Railroad AVE, Berlin; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 5/13/1986; Arresting Agency: TCPD; Arrest Date: 1/19/2021; Release Date: 1/20/2021; Charges: Hold for Out of County Billing

Name: Miller Abrams Jr.; Address: 524 E. 7th ST, Waynesboro; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 1/20/2021; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/20/2021; Charges: Probation/Superior Court/

Name: William George Mitchell; Address: 347 Reedy Creek CIR, Lyons; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 12/5/1982; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/20/2021; Charges: Probation/Superior Court/

Name: Otis John Crowley; Address: 510 N. Main ST, Collins; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 5/7/1988; Arresting Agency: SPD; Ar-

rest Date: 1/21/2021; Release Date: 1/24/2021; Charges: Vgcsa/vio ga control subst act-f- (1613-30)

Name: Martin Marcelo Ventura; Address: 416 Allison CIR, Swainsboro; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 2/3/1986; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/21/2021; Release Date: 1/21/2021; Charges: Driving While Unlicensed/Expired (4-5-20)

Name: Amir Naquan Russell; Address: 961 St. Nicklos AVE, New York, NY; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 1/17/1994; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/21/2021; Release Date: 1/22/2021; Charges: Driving While Unlicensed/Expired (40-5-20), Speeding 15-29 MPH over (40-6-181)

Name: Teinge Leroy Howard; Address: 669 N. Coleman ST, Swainsboro; Race: B; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 3/31/1984; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/21/2021; Release Date: 1/22/2021; Charges: Hold For Out Of State Extradiction

Name: Christopher Blake Cannon; Address: 228 Mable AVE, Swainsboro; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 4/23/1990; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/22/2021; Charges: Probation/Superior Court/, Probation/Superior Court/

Name: Lannie Howard Morris Jr.; Address: 95 Buckeye RD, Twin City; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 11/2/1961; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/22/2021; Charges: Going inside guard line w/weap/ liqur/drugs-f- (42-5-15), VGCSA Possession of Drug Related Object, Vgcsa/vio ga control subs act-f- (16-13-30), VGCSA Drugs schedule i & ii drugs-f- (16-13-30(B)), Firearm poss by cons felon-4- (16-11-131)

Name: Dominick Gavin Landon; Address: McKenzie DR, Swainsboro; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth:12/16/1998; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/22/2021; Charges: Bench Warrant/State Court, Driving While Unlicensed/Expired (40-5-20), Unregistered Vehicle (40-2-8)

Name: Brian Paul Ashley; Address: 814 Prosperity DR, Swainsboro; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 8/27/1980; Arresting Agency: SPD; Arrest Date: 1/23/2021; Charges: Child molest-f- (16-6-4), Enticing a child for indecent purposes-f- (16-6-5)

Name: Iris Lizeth Lopez; Address: 10121 Jefferson Village DR SW, Covington; Race: W; Sex: F; Date of Birth:1/31/1990; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/23/2021; Release Date: 1/23/2021; Charges: Dui/alch-m(40-6-391(A)1), Speeding < 14 MPH over (40-6181), Reckless Driving (40-6-390), VGCSA Marijuana poss less than oz//misd/- (16-13-2(B)), VGCSA Possession of Drug Related Object

Name: Paul Gilbert Brown Jr.; Address: 214 Bay ST, Collins; Race: W; Sex: M; Date of Birth: 10/13/1964; Arresting Agency: ECSO; Arrest Date: 1/24/2021; Release Date: 1/24/2021; Charges: Driving lic susp/rev-m(40-5-121)

14 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

LIFESTYLE

Finding Our Folks: Noelle Cann

Ambitious, hard-working, intelligent people aren’t hard to find throughout Emanuel County. From lesser-known citizens to well-known leaders, Swainsboro and other municipalities in the area are fortunate to call these folks, the ones who make a difference, “ours.”

Of course, some of “our folks” have moved off and shared themselves with the world in various respects. The “Finding Our Folks” part of The Crossroads Chronicle aims to track down and catch up with our hometown people.

This week’s profile features Noelle Cann, whose interview was conducted by Halei Lamb.

Okay, start at the beginning. Give a little background about yourself.

Cann: My name is Noelle Cann. I’m 27-years-old, and I’m from Swainsboro. My parents are Chris Cann and Missy Cann. I have one younger brother, Drew Cann. I graduated from Swainsboro High School in 2011.

What came after high school for you?

Cann: From 2011 to 2013, I attended East Georgia State College and majored in general studies. From 2013 to 2015, I went to Georgia Southern. I knew I wanted to work with animals and I’ve always been interested in science in general, so once I got to Southern, I studied biology. I graduated from with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Talk a little bit about your work histor y.

Cann: I worked at Dominos, a family business, starting in elementary school all the way through college and even after I graduated with my bachelor’s. I drove to Swainsboro from Statesboro

every weekend during my two years at GSU to work at Dominos as a delivery driver.

After graduation in December 2015, I worked until summer 2016 and applied for internships at zoos across the United States. I was lucky and landed my first internship at Zoo Atlanta during the summer of 2016 and didn’t have to make a huge move across the country. I moved to Atlanta and started working with hoofstock and African species like giraffes, a black rhino, ostrich, and multiple African antelope species. During this time, I was unpaid and got a part-time job as a hostess at a restaurant to bring in some income.

After my internship with the hoofstock department ended, I immediately got another internship at Zoo Atlanta in the fall working with the ambassador animals. I was hands-on with a ton of different species of animals: ferrets, snakes from all around the world, chinchillas, armadillos, baby gators, a tarantula, opossums, hedgehogs, and more!

After that, I decided to turn to the aquatic world and get some experience with the marine side of things. I landed my third internship in January 2017 at Georgia Aquarium in the pinniped department, being one of three. I was part of the first group of interns the pinniped department had. In April 2017, I got my first job in the animal care field as the first apprentice trainer in the pinniped department at Georgia Aquarium. In almost four years, I’ve gotten promoted two times—from an apprentice trainer with no animal experience to a trainer with close to four years of experience.

Today, I care for and train 14 California sea lions and three

harbor seals, perform public presentations and guest encounters to educate the public about the amazing adaptations these animals have, help organize dives to clean the pools and certify divers for the pinniped department, and mentor interns and new staff to the department.

What are your future plans, short-term and long-term?

Cann: My short-term professional goal is to get promoted to senior trainer. To do that, I need 5+ years experience. My long-term goals are to settle down and own my own place somewhere—not necessarily in Georgia, though. Professionally, I’d love to dabble in the PR or marketing world for a long-term career.

Where all have you lived outside Swainsboro?

Cann: I lived in Statesboro for college from 2013 to 2015, and I moved to Atlanta in 2016 and have been here ever since.

When you first moved away from home…

What was that like?

Cann: I first moved away to go to Southern in Statesboro. It was nice, moving out and being on my own living with one of my best friends that I also went to high school and East Georgia with. I wasn’t far from home, so it was nice being close enough to always have the option to seem my family and friends. Even now living in Atlanta, I have freedom and my own little life up here, but I’m still within a couple hours of home and can visit on my days off.

Talk a little more about living in your current city. What do you like about it? What’s difficult about living there? How is it dif-

ferent than home?

Cann: I moved here to work an internship at the zoo. Not everywhere has a zoo and aquarium, and it’s nice that Atlanta is somewhere I can work and be close to home. I’ve grown to love the city life and Atlanta in general.

It’s a literal melting pot, and that’s what I love about it. I love meeting new people with different aesthetics and mindsets. I love trying new things, whether it’s food or a new experience—and there’s plenty of that here. There’s always something to do or a place to go for any type of vibe or mood you’re in. If I had to name the worst part of living here, it would be the traffic.

What do you miss about Swainsboro?

Cann: I miss the small-town feel sometimes. I enjoyed going to places, seeing familiar faces, and the southern hospitality. I still find myself raising my hand on the wheel while driving by other cars in Atlanta just to give a nice little hello.

How often do you get to come home? When you do, what are your priorities?

Cann: I come home multiple times a year on my days off since I’m not too far away. I like to surprise my parents on birthdays or holidays.

Usually, it’s only for a night or two. I always try to make plans with at least one of my friends and god family while I’m home.

How did growing up in Swainsboro help get you where you are today?

Cann: Growing up in Swainsboro and, more specifically, working in my dad’s business from such a young age definitely instilled in me

Noelle a great work ethic. I grew up around a lot of really great people in Swainsboro. From my church family to my classmates, all of those people, whether good or bad, have helped me grow and get to where I am today.

Who are some namely influential people in your life and how so?

Cann: My parents and my godmother, Cissy Peebles, have really influenced me. All three of them are such amazing humans with great qualities that just inspired me to become a hard-working, empathetic, social, success-

Cann ful adult. I learned a lot from them growing up and could never thank them enough for supporting me in everything I do.

Do you have any advice for young people who might read this?

Cann: Follow your dreams! It sounds so cliché, but it’s something I have grown very passionate about.

Even if your dreams are out of the norm or can’t be done or achieved where you are now, always follow them! Get out there and do what you love!

The key, though, is hard work.

Nothing comes free.

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Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

HEALTH CREATIVE & WELLNESS CORNER

16 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

FROM THE CHRONICLE

OPINION: The feel… The smell… The view

By Trudie Kasper

I remember as a little girl my granddaddy reading the newspaper religiously.

It was something he looked forward to each week. It was a way for him to stay connected with his community in a sense. I know that seems strange to some because nowadays, we have many more ways to stay connected—a little too connected if you ask me. I also remember reading the paper in my younger years and how exciting it would be to flip through the pages and see faces of people I knew, friends having birthday parties and getting to read all about the decorations and details of the celebration and who all attended; young ladies I looked up to getting married and being honored with showers and parties and dreaming of the day I would

get to announce my engagement; the sharing of all the little newborns and getting to find out what they were named. It was exciting and heartwarming to almost feel you were a part of it all… But the icing on the cake would be when you were lucky enough to make the cut and your picture would be printed for all to see. To top that off, you could bet Mrs. Zebe was going to cut it out and laminate it from Durden-Hudson and mail it to you in the mail. It was like a two-for-one because what kid didn’t like getting mail?

That’s another thing society is trying to make a thing of the past, but don’t let me get sidetracked on that rant… I’m making myself sound old.

Reading an actual newspaper comes with no distractions. Popups can’t unexpectedly block your view

or annoying jingles scream at you from the bottom corner. Everything begins to fade into the background as you are sucked into the pages and stories of locals becoming successful and gaining insight to crime and news going on in your area that directly affects you.

After reading for a long time, your fingers turn black with ink smudges that inevitably will wind up also on your face. It’s like the paper marks you! While you are leaving greasy fingerprints with every turn, it’s leaving something with you. In a way, you have touched each other, and both left your mark.

In addition to the ink, you can connect with the writers of a newspaper. You can be educated by them, be challenged by them, or want to read everything they

write. You can love what you read some days and dislike it on others. Instead of just clicking on the most popular headlines, there should be a sense of pride in getting to flip through everything all pieced together and making up your own mind.

In a newspaper, a football game becomes a story instead of a score. You don’t have newsfeeds with highlighted bullet points, you have the entirety. Newspapers are more than information; they are entertainment! Adorable pictures of kids being shown off by proud parents, touching memories shared by loved ones in obits, colorful ads with the latest trends and sales, and crossword puzzles and games to keep you guessing for hours… Flipping through the paper can be a great escape. It can be a vacation from

Trudie Kasper and her the crazy, fast-paced world around us.

Quite a bit of work is put into every page of the paper. Behind the stories are a team of excellent writers who go above and beyond to get you the correct, most up-todate information they can deliver. Just think… They took weeks digging up stories, verifying information, taking pictures, and arranging it all together in a way they hope you love, and printing it—all for $1!

My heart stopped the other day, just for a moment.

That moment was when I saw for the very first time in my life a newspaper actually being printed. It was breathtaking. It’s amazing how the process works, how something built on Halei’s computer screen at home can be sent to a print company in Dublin.

They process it from their computer onto metal sheets of paper, you could say, then press those metal templates, along with only four colors of ink and water, through huge metal rollers onto numerous rolls of paper, cut into what is delivered to you. It was like watching something be born. I guess in a way it was.

Maybe that’s why it felt the way it did to stand there and

daughter, Katie Dawn watch the process. You see, my heart has only stopped three other times in my life, and that’s when I saw each of my children when they were placed upon my chest. The Crossroads Chronicle is like a baby to me! It is beautiful, created with love, and protected by its creators. It is our hope to watch it grow and become a part of society. We ask that you help in this process along the way because like the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

I love a newspaper! I love the way it smells, I love the mess it makes. I love flipping through the tall pages and having to put it all back together, but never quite the same. Most of all, I love the way it makes me feel when I read it. I feel like part of something bigger!

Sure, time changes, life changes, and the world spins on. Maybe we are all healthier and happier, more productive, and better informed with lots more choices and greater access, but that doesn’t mean newspapers have to be a thing of the past.

Next time you see a newspaper, pick it up. Feel the paper crinkling in your hand. Enjoy the moment, enjoy the feeling, and just enjoy the view!

From top: Inking the rollers, pages being printed from metal plates and going through coloration process, and the final product, hot off the press

17 facebook.com/thecrossroadschronicle

Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

HEALTH LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS

Meet the Artist: Mitch Fleming, woodworker

By Jacquie Brasher

Most days, you can hear Mitch Fleming of Swainsboro working on his carpentry, for hours at a time. I should know—I’m his neighbor. To say this man is industrious is like saying college football is a mildly popular sport in the South. This man works. A lot.

He says he got into carpentry while in another line of business. “I was building and remodeling homes,” said Fleming. “I got into building furniture around three years ago.” He has also remodeled his own home, including the kitchen. (Side note: He built the countertops for my husband’s pottery studio in our backyard eight years ago; they have withstood the repeated pounding of wet clay like the Rock of Gibraltar.)

Woodworking and building furniture is his full-time occupation now, and he has been churning out beautiful

pieces of furniture, a few of which found their way onto our back deck several years ago—an excellently crafted octagonal wooden table and two matching chairs. He told us back then it was a gift to make up for “all the noise” he was making building stuff. (His generosity far outweighed any perceived noise, I can assure you.)

There doesn’t seem to be much he can’t build. Take a look at the Facebook page his wife, Sable, has created.

Called “Southern Roots,” the page has images of everything he has built in the last few years. Using mostly birch and pine, his pieces include hall trees, pews, benches, beds, tables, consoles, and bookcases. He says he likes building hall trees best. “I really enjoy anything new and challenging,” he said. It’s a true partnership with the Flemings, too. Sable is a full-time nurse at East Georgia Health-

care, but she also paints and distresses the furniture her husband creates, and manages their social media accounts.

The Flemings have shipped their sizable items all across the country to 21 states. Besides shipping in-state, his pieces have reached Florida, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Montana, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oregon, New Mexico, Michigan, Kansas, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, California, Ohio, Washington, Texas, Missouri, and Utah.

Fleming’s furniture may be purchased at a store called Finders Keepers in Pooler. You can also find his creations on Etsy at SouthernRootsCD and on Instagram @southernrootscustomdesign. He does custom orders as well.

So what does he hope to see happen in the next few years? He says his goal is “to be in all states.” By the looks (and sounds!) of it, he’s well on his way.

Sable and Mitch Fleming

From left: Custom-made bed, hall tree, and table crafted by Mitch

HEALTH MAIN & WELLNESS NEWS

RATE

from front

19.353. The city generated $2,354,011 in property taxes last year. Ten cities were chosen for comparison purposes based on size, population, and/or proximity to Swainsboro. The Chronicle requested 5-year tax histories and budgets for all 10 of these cities. A table follows to refresh readers’ memories of these municipalities’ respective millage rates and their histories of 5-year levies. Further down in this article is a table that compares bottom-line

revenues for the cities who provided full budgets as requested for the purpose of this article.

The purpose of a millage rate is to determine how much property tax a citizen is going to pay in a given municipality.

Different municipalities consider different things when configuring their millage rate.

Common determiners, however, from city to city include expenditures, which will be addressed in a later installment of this Chronicle series, as well as revenues. All in all, the millage rate helps fund a city’s budget.

Actual Millage Rate

Amount of Taxes Levied in Fiscal Year 2020

Swainsboro

19.353

$2,354,011

Baxley

5.803

$545,266

Eastman

7.500

$896,310.99

Hazlehurst

8.00

N/A

Metter

11.983

$1,016,271

Louisville

9.728

N/A

Thomson

6.890

$877,825

Fitzgerald

10.000

$1,653,788

Vidalia – Toombs

4.201

$1,300,498

Vidalia – Montgomery

3.720

$40,954.70

Lyons

3.890

N/A

City

The table that follows below includes the aforementioned bottom-line amount of revenues available to The Chronicle for reporting. Next week’s Chronicle will attempt to concisely itemize these revenues.

In the meantime, as mentioned in last week’s edition, keep in mind each city varies by population, industries, and property value itself. Also, each city makes money in different ways. For instance, Swainsboro, according to Mayor Charles Schwabe and Administrator Al Lawson, makes money through fines and forfeitures, business licenses, occupational taxes, and alcohol taxes, but for the most part, the city’s budget is paid for by taxes.

City Swainsboro

Estimated Revenue for 2020 $8,304,557.32

Baxley

N/A

Eastman

N/A

Hazlehurst

N/A

Metter

$3,364,772.48

Louisville

N/A

Thomson

$19,396,812.00

Fitzgerald

$8,617,605.00

Vidalia – Toombs/Montgomery combined

$8,730,850.00

Lyons

$4,801,820.00

Look for another update from this explanatory series on the City of Swainsboro’s millage rate next week.

OPINION: Benefits of becoming bilingual outweigh challenges of the process

My name is Lauren Canady. I am a student at the University of Georgia, where I study biology and Spanish. In the paragraphs below, I intend to share some of the language skills I have learned throughout my several years of studying Spanish.

I have been studying Spanish since my freshman year of high school at Emanuel County Institute. I always enjoyed the subject and adored my Spanish teacher, as did the entire class. By my second semester, I realized how valuable the knowledge was and that I wanted to pursue it further. While I took to the language naturally in high school, I did not in college.

It has been a challenge, but a worthy one. I have made friends and found many new opportunities from this endeavor. Being able to appreciate Hispanic literature, film, music, and culture expands your perspective on the world.

The benefits of learning a second language certainly outweigh the hard work. I hope to work in the medical field in the future, so learning Spanish seems essential. Communication is of extreme importance in any job dealing with the public, especially healthcare. Understanding not only the language but the beliefs specific to a culture as well are important for providing quality care. I want to be the best provider I can be for all of my future patients, so I take the learning process seriously.

Mi nombre es Lauren Canady. Soy una estudiante en la Universidad de Georgia, donde estudio biología y español. En los párrafos siguientes, quiero compartir algunas de las habilidades lingüísticas que he aprendido durante de los varios años que he pasado estudiando español.

He estado estudiando español desde mi primer año de la escuela secundaria en Emanuel County Institute.

Siempre disfruté de la asignatura y adoré a mi profesora de español, al igual que a toda la clase. En mi segundo semestre, me di cuenta de lo valioso que era el conocimiento y que quería seguirlo. Aunque aprendí el idioma de forma natural en la escuela secundaria, no lo hice en la universidad. Ha sido todo un reto,

Lauren Canady

pero ha valido la pena. He hecho amigos y he encontrado muchas oportunidades nuevas gracias a este esfuerzo.

Poder apreciar la literatura, el cine, la música y la cultura hispana amplía su perspectiva del mundo. Los beneficios de aprender un segundo idioma ciertamente superan el arduo trabajo. Espero trabajar en el campo de la medicina en el futuro, por lo que aprender español parece esencial. La co-

municación es de extrema importancia en cualquier trabajo relacionado con el público, especialmente en el cuidado de la salud. Comprender no solo el idioma, sino también las creencias específicas de una cultura es importante para proveer atención médica de calidad. Quiero ser el mejor proveedor que pueda ser para todos mis futuros pacientes, por eso yo tomo el proceso de aprendizaje en serio.

18 www.thecrossroadschronicle.com

Issue 1, Vol. 2

POLITICAL

THE DEBATE SPACE A

mericans collectively hold more than $1.5 trillion in federal student loans, which makes it the second largest category of consumer debt, trailing only behind mortgage debt. Here are some very interesting numbers, according to data from the education department.

Among the approximately $43 million student loan borrowers in the United States, almost 60 percent owe $20,000 or less while nearly 25 percent owe about $40,000 or more. Also according to the college board, in 2018, borrowers who graduated with bachelor’s degrees had an average of $29,000 in student loans. Those earning master’s degrees or higher tend to owe significantly much more.

We all have heard—and very loudly, I might add—the campaign and partisan rhetoric and promises of some of the most extreme progressives in this country to just wipe out, cancel, and or completely absolve student debt altogether. No one I know would not dare try to stand in the way of Sanders, Warren, or any of these multimillionaire pundits if they chose to with their own money, pay all of your student debt, and ease the financial burdens that these debts may occur, but don’t hold your breath. If you have student loan debt, I know the sound of total student loan debt forgiveness may sound like Mozart and a dream come true, but perhaps it’s really no more than another political dog whistle and sound bite that could potentially be problematic. Here are few reasons why.

First of all, if you borrow the debt, you should pay it. Most people are doing just that. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that 80 percent of borrowers pay off their student loans within 12 years of entering repayment. There are deferment and forbearance policies currently in place to assist with some of these repayment struggles. This incoming administration should be focusing on plans and solu-

Ronald MOORE

Ronald Moore

tions to get people back to work so that they can pay their debts, as most working people do, rather than tooting that “we’ll just make it free” dog whistle.

What about the student loan borrowers who have already repaid their student loans? I suppose they’re just out of luck. If taxpayers bail out student loan borrowers, these borrowers still have an economic benefit— namely a college degree—which can help them earn higher income. However, you could say someone else besides the borrower has effectively funded that economic benefit for free, or nearly for free, which generally seems unfair because most people with college degrees tend to earn a lot more money than the average blue-collar working class folk who will ultimately be taxed to pay the bill.

Let’s face it, everyone did not attend college and never took out a student loan. If debt forgiveness is premised upon the idea that the current lending system is unfair, why should only one generation of borrowers benefit? This will create political pressure, as all “one-time” amnesties do, for repetition on behalf of future borrowers, who will be encouraged to think of debt as free money that will never need to be repaid.

Finally, I believe that complete amnesty of all student

debt, which Sanders proposes, $1.6 trillion, would not only cause further social and economic divisions but, in my opinion, cause the feds to shut down government student loans altogether. Imagine what that would mean for the less fortunate who really need the financial assistance to go to college or technical school.

There are, however, some solutions that could help this situation immensely. Regulations should be put in place to keep tuition rates affordable, reducing the need for student loans. Did you know that Notre Dame, not to single them out, has an endowment of nearly $14 billion. Yep, “billion” with a “b,” yet they raise their tuition costs every year. Harvard boasts a cool $40 billion. Are you starting to get the picture here?

Lastly, maybe student loan repayment should be tied to some form of public service to relieve debt like teaching or practicing medicine in rural areas? Or how about military service? Yes, service to our country, which would be, in my opinion, one of the greatest forms of debt repayment.

I hope and pray our leaders get this on right. With that being said, conservatively speaking, I would like to figuratively reach across the aisle and leave this quote with you: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” May God bless you, and may God bless America.

CANCELING STUDENT DEBT

Lauren CANADY

W

hile I understand the face appeal of mass student debt cancelation, I think as a solution, this is only short-term thinking. Financial freedom for the 45 million people in student debt would be ideal—student loan debt is holding back an entire generation from contributing to the economy by starting businesses or buying homes. Of course, some argue that these students chose this path and accepted this debt.

However, tuition inflation, predatory loans, and ineffective relief and refinancing programs have made debt for the average student unmanageable.

I believe with mass student debt cancelation we would only turn a blind eye to the problem.

Not only is the sheer cost daunting, but it seems poorly targeted. Grants and loans are not offsetting the price of college tuition as intended. Instead, they have had the opposite effect. When colleges are subsidized by the gov-

Lauren Canady

ernment, it takes away the institutions’ incentive to keep their tuition at reasonable and competitive prices. It also keeps students from considering their other options for a more fairly-priced education. According to the labor department, the price index for college tuition grew by almost 80 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The federal government is contributing to a cycle of tuition inflation.

I think a favorable alternative to canceling student debt would be simply canceling interest on these loans instead.

For example, a borrower who takes out a $20,000 unsubsidized federal student loan at a 6 percent interest rate could owe nearly $25,000 after graduating from a 4-year degree program, costing the borrower more than $33,000 when paying back over the standard 10-year repayment term. By canceling interest, borrowers

can pay back exactly what they borrowed without falling victim to the endless cycle of accruing interest. Canceling interest could garner bipartisan support, would be easy to administer, and would be of no cost to taxpayers.

In addition to interest cancelation, improving and expanding upon programs such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Borrower Defense to Repayment, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness could be a way to incrementally help borrowers relieve their debt. Pay As You Earn has been especially problematic due to taxing loan forgiveness as income and overall increasing the total amount owed over an extended period of time. Initiating more of these programs and making them more accessible is a viable option for mass debt relief.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, eliminating interest and expanding upon existing programs does not provide an economic stimulus or address the disproportionate impact student debt has on minorities.

Long-term, neither does mass student debt cancelation. College is simply not the low-risk, high-reward investment it once was. Somehow, we have to lower and cap tuition. The root of the problem is the thinly veiled price-gouging performed by universities all around the country.

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Wednesday, Januar y 27, 2021

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Issue 1, Vol. 2