Toombs County Magazine Fall/Winter 2020

Toombs County M A G A Z I N E

A journey marked by love

Kailey Dees embraces motherhood through fostering and adoption

Fires, Tortoises & Marylou Moore Marylou Moore helps conserve the habitat of Georgia’s state reptile.

All in the Family Three generations from the Moses family build a business on experiences learned from history and hard work.

A House of Hope Steve and Chastity Hutchinson find a way to help addicts navigate recovery.

H O M E T O W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

Sweeten your day

Cater to every guest list

Catering Vidalia CALL. CLICK. TAP. OR VISIT.

EARN POINTS. R E D E E M R E WA R D S . chick-fil-a.com/one

“It’s an honor to serve you and your families. Stop by and visit with us today!”

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dow thro

New Year, Fresh Start

NOW WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Get back in the routine of dental visits.

We are here for you. We always take universal precautions and incorporate new guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and ADA to keep you safe and your teeth healthy.

Left to right: Dr. Stewart Hamilton, Dr. Kacy Morris, and Dr. Rick Kimbrel

We offer state-of-the-art dentistry with highly-trained professionals and specialize in smile makeovers, plus: Full Service Dentistry with Two Types of Sedation | Veneers | Fillings & Extractions | Endodontics | TMJ Oral Surgery | Teeth Whitening | Licensed Orthodontics | Botox | Juvederm | Fillers and much more

Cosmetic Dentistry • Preventive Dentistry Dental Implants • Restorative Dentistry

Call 912.537.7048 to schedule an appointment today!

311 Pete Phillips Dr., Vidalia, GA • www.dentalcentervidalia.com

If You're Buying or Selling Real Estate We'd Love to Connect With You

Community Contacts Emergencies Dial 9-1-1

CITY OF VIDALIA Police 912-537-4123 Fire 912-537-4388 City Hall 912-537-7661 Public Works 912-537-4566 Solid Waste/Recycling 912-538-1714 Recreation 912-537-7913 recdept@vidaliaga.gov

Vidalia City Schools Vidalia Board of Education 912-537-3088 JD Dickerson Primary 912-537-3421 Sally D Meadows Elementary 912-537-4755 JR Trippe Middle School 912-537-3813 Vidalia High School 912-537-7931 Hospital Meadows Health 912-535-5555

Toombs County Police 912-537-4123 Fire 912-537-4388 City Hall 912-537-7661 Public Works 912-537-4566 Solid Waste Landfill 912-537-9966 Cedar Crossing 912-594-8100 Gibson/Aimwell 912-526-4216 Tomlin 912-526-4218 Johnson Corner 912-565-0810 Ponderosa 912-526-0474 Normantown 912-537-4047 Resmondo 912-293-5881 Phone Service Att 800-288-2020

CITY OF LYONS Police 912-526-3638 Fire 912-537-4388 Public Works 912-526-3626 Recreation 912-526-3084 lyonsrec@lyonsga.org

Power Companies Georgia Power- City 1-888-660-5890 Altamaha Electric - Rural 912-526-8181 Gas Companies Patriot Gas Co 912-537-1943 Conger LP Gas Inc 912-537-8722 Ferrellgas 912-537-3032 Pacific Pride 912-537-3303

Business & Tourism Toombs/Montgomery Chamber 912-537-4123 Downtown Vidalia DVA Main Street 912-537-8033 dvamainstreet@vidaliaga.gov Lyons Main Street 912-526-6445 Convention & Visitors Bureau 912-538-8687 abritton@vidaliaga.gov

Toombs County Schools Board of Education 912-526-3141 Lyons Primary 912-526-8391 Toombs Central Elementary 912-565-7781 Lyons Upper Elementary 912-526-5816 Toombs County Middle School 912-537-3813 Toombs County High School 912-526-4286

Private Schools Robert Toombs Christian Academy Library 912-526-8938 Ohoopee Regional Vidalia- Toombs Vidalia Heritage Academy 912-537-9283 912-537-6679

912-537-8885 www.lovinsrealty.com 912-537-8885 www.lovinsrealty.com Vidalia, Georgia 401 401 Church Street • Street Vidalia, Georgia Church

Order Ahead at Zaxbys.com or on the app for contactless pickup

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a ee, Craig Jones Local franchis

2705 E. First Street, Vidalia, GA • (912) 538-1880 © 2020 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. “Zaxby’s” is a registered trademark of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

contents 20 | The Altama Museum of Art & History Gets a Facelift The Second Century Project aims to restore this historical treasure.

22 | The Value of a Song Malorie Acosta uses the healing power of music to help those who are suffering.

68

32 | A Journey Marked by Love Kailey Dees embraces motherhood through fostering and adoption.

44 | All in the Family

56

Three generations build a business on experiences learned from history and hard work.

56 | Fires, Tortoises and Marylou Moore Georgia DNR gopher tortoise biologist Marylou Moore dedicates her time to conserving the habitat of our state reptile.

68 | Music, Memories & Michael Johnson As a mentor and community partner, Michael Johnson is serving needs in Toombs County.

80 | A House of Hope

focus on health 10 | How Meadows Health is Protecting You

After experiencing how drug addiction affects family, Steve and Chastity Hutchinson found a way to help addicts navigate recovery.

Meadows Health takes new measures to protect your health during wellness visits.

92 | Home is Where the Heart Gives

at home

A long way from home, Ivette Torres is thankful to call Toombs County her community.

100 | Swim Like a Pro The Vidalia Swim Team prepares for the future by hosting a clinic with Olympian Santiago Grassi.

106 | Choosing Life Brittany Garcia discovers that the key to healthy habits starts with accountability.

128 | Last Words Navigating the empty nest is not easy, but can be fun 4

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

12 | Winter Remedies Beat the cold weather with these hearty soups that will warm you from head to toe.

16 | Suite Baths Thinking of changing up your bathroom?

Check out these latest trends.

in every issue 114 | Lyons Main Street 115 | The Local Market 117 | Downtown Vidalia Association 118 | Chamber of Commerce 120 | Scenes of Toombs 127 | Advertiser’s Index

About the Cover Kailey Dees saw a need and set out to help be part of the solution. By becoming a foster parent, she was able to offer a safe and secure home to children in transition.

Little did she know that not one but two of her foster children would soon be available for adoption–which is an uncommon situation. Embarking on an adventure as a new mother was an unexpected but exciting blessing for both Kailey and “her precious miracles.”

Your smile is in good hands.

Come see Dr. Mark Oxley for all your dental needs.

912-537-2238

Text: 912-205-3983 1618 Meadows Lane, Vidalia info@oxleydental.com oxleydentalvidalia.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

the good can outweigh the bad

As always, New Years 2020 started out with conversations that revolved around both reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. I was enjoying a girl’s trip in the beautiful North Carolina mountains last January when such conversations were taking place, and I happily proclaimed, “I feel really good about 2020. I think it’s going to be a great year.”

Pfff. Now that sentiment seems almost laughable. Or does it?

While 2020 was pretty jam-packed with one eye-rolling headline after another, it wasn’t a total loss. There were struggles, difficult losses and memeworthy events that we could all relate to, but the fact that we were all affected means we were in it together.

I missed out on a few planned trips, had to deal with a husband suffering from cabin fever, ate waaaay too much chocolate, and pondered the long-term effects distance learning would have on my teenagers. But through the hard times, we celebrated a wedding, welcomed some new babies into our extended family, kept cancer at bay for another year, and really learned how to appreciate a long walk in the sunshine. There were exciting new job opportunities, some really deep, well-timed conversations with our kids, more time to do some things we had been putting off, and a renewed sense of team effort in our family and marriage.

There’s no doubt 2020 was hard, but it definitely had some silver linings. I’ve found that adversity can be a great encourager for growth and creativity. It builds faith through humility and teaches us to be more resilient. In this issue there are some great examples of people dealing with adversity in positive, uplifting ways.

Even with COVID-19 threatening nursing homes, Malorie Acosta found ways to reach patients who relied on her music therapy (p. 22). Michael Johnson mentors students while engaging people to serve our community (p. 68). Steve and Chastity Hutchinson learned first-hand of the damage addiction can cause, and then decided to help other people who were going through similar circumstances (p. 80). Brittany Garcia faced a debilitating health crisis until she sought the accountability she needed to change her life (p. 106).

The common thread in these stories is the realization that we can’t do life without each other. Family, friends and community make us stronger no matter what adversity lies ahead. Together we’re better.

As we face a new year, I am more aware than ever that we really have no idea what the future holds. However, I do believe that we can face it one of two ways: with fear or with hope. And so, with hope I will say, “I have a really good feeling about 2021. I think this is going to be a great year!”

Toombs County M A G A Z I N E

PUBLISHER

Red Door Design & Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Stephanie Williams CREATIVE | DESIGN

Elizabeth Beasley Stephanie Williams ASSISTANT MANAGER

Nikki Anderson DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS

Logic4Design SALES

Dottie Hicks Randall Montague Daphne Walker CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Renée Martin Beverly McClellan Ann Owens Tonya Parker Teri R. Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lillian Morse Burton Ruth English Logic4Design/Eric Love Daphne Walker PROOFING

Beverly McClellan COVER PHOTO

keeping the stories alive,

Lillian Morse Photography

Stephanie Williams Executive Editor

To discover more that Toombs County has to offer, see our business index on page 127!

To share a story, send a note, or just get information: toombscountymagazine@gmail.com • (912) 293-0063 Follow us on: For more stories, visit us at www.toombscountymagazine.com 6

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

Toombs County Magazine© is published bi-annually by Red Door Design & Publishing, LLC 148 Williams Avenue • Lyons, GA 30436 (912) 526-4195 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

Three Generations of the Hometown Spirit PROUDLY SERVING YOU

Alan, Don and Conner Thigpen

Mount Vernon Bank Your Trust is our Biggest Asset.

Three locations to serve you better!

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How we are protecting you CORONAVIRUS PATIENT SAFETY Your medical care is too important to put off. We’ve been updating our practices to be ever more vigilant.

We want to make you aware of the steps we’re taking to promote safety and wellness at all our facilities, because we want to reassure you. We’re here for you. And we’re safer than ever.

When you or a loved one comes to a Meadows Health facility, you may notice some of these new practices:

Before Your Appointment

Open-Air Lobby and Social Distancing The open air lobby provides patients the option of further Pre-appointment Patient Screenings distancing during an ER visit. Once inside, you’ll notice social All patients will receive a phone call within 24 hours of a distancing measures and barriers have been put in place to scheduled appointment to screen for potential coronavirus minimize contact. symptoms.

Face Masks and Hand Hygiene At Meadows Health Facilities It’s “masks on” for our care providers and staff. We’re asking Onsite Re-Screening patients and their guests to wear face masks, as well. We’ve also installed hand hygiene stations for patient use in multiple When patients and visitors arrive, we’ll reassess for locations throughout our facilities. coronavirus symptoms, including temperature checks.

Limited Capacity and Longer Scheduling WindowsWe Virtual Check-in We’ve expanded the duration of appointment slots in our Our radiology virtual waiting room reduces time waiting in the lobby, provides distancing between patients and enables us to schedules to allow for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting perform rigorous sanitation between patients. Patients check between patient visits. And we’re limiting the number of in on their phones and are texted where to go when it is time guests that accompany a patient, so fewer people are coming through our doors each day. for their appointment.

Curbside Lab With curbside lab service, patients can check in from their phones, and the phlebotomist comes to your car to perform blood draws. No entering the hospital is required at all.

We hope these measures help you feel more confident about getting safe and effective care at Meadows Health.

If you have concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us at MeadowsHealth.com or 912.535.5555 10

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

One Meadows Parkway | Vidalia, Georgia

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At Meadows Health, we’re much more than a hospital made of brick and mortar. From cardiology and cancer care to surgery, fitness and women’s services, Meadows Health is more than a medical center with the latest technology. We’re an all-encompassing health and wellness network – centered around you.

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V id ali a , G A Meadows 8.5x11 10 2020.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK taste of winter

Winter Remedies Brrr...

as the cold weather settles in for the long months before spring, our tastes tend to change from light dishes to warm, hearty meals that pull from winter vegetables and nourish our spirits as much as our bodies. Soups and stews are winter mainstays that can be easily tailored to accommodate all the food groups promising a solid meal that leaves you all warm inside.

PARMESAN TOMATO SOUP An easy, creamy Italian twist on a traditional comfort food Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 3 tablespoon flour 3 cup chicken broth 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes 3 tablespoon tomato paste 4 cup cheese tortellini 1/3 cup cream 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 3 cup spinach or kale, packed Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoon basil, sliced for garnish Instructions

Perfect forGirl’s Lunch

1 In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook about 2 minutes until transparent. Add garlic and cook an additional 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and flour and whisk to combine. Continue cooking 1 more minute.

2 Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and tortellini. Bring to a boil, and then simmer until tortellini is cooked, about 10 minutes.

3 Add the cream and Parmesan and stir to combine. Add spinach and let wilt.

Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan. Serves 6 12

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

CREAMY SAUSAGE AND K ALE SOUP This Tuscan original won’t leave you hungry

Instructions

Ingredients 1 (17.6 ounce) pack Italian sausages 5 strips of bacon (thick cut works best) 1 medium onion chopped 5 cloves garlic minced 2 cups chicken broth 4 cups water 4 large red potatoes roughly cubed 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans 1 dash Italian seasoning 1 cup heavy/whipping cream (mix 1/2 cup almond cooking milk with 1 tbsp. cornstarch for a dairy free substitute) 1 small bunch of kale torn into bite-size pieces, stems removed Salt and pepper to taste

2 While bacon cooks, remove the sausages from their casings by lightly slicing length-wise with a sharp knife.

Break meat into bite-size pieces and add to the soup pot.

Warm and Hearty

1 Cut the bacon into small pieces and place in your soup pot. Cook the bacon a few minutes over medium-high heat.

3 Once the sausage and bacon are nicely browned, stir in the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

4 Add the chicken stock, water, potatoes, beans and Italian seasoning.

5 Bring soup to a boil and reduce to medium-low heat to simmer. Continue cooking 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. (Don’t overcook) 6 Add kale, cream, and salt and pepper and cook an additional 5-10 minutes or until the kale is soft and wilted. Soup will be thin. Serves 6

Altamaha Bank & Trust President Brent Sammons with Randall and Howard Morris of Morris Farms

As generational farmers, Randall and Howard Morris understand the importance of having deep roots in a growing community. At Altamaha Bank & Trust, we share the same belief. Our staff is dedicated to helping you secure a bright future and helping our community grow. Stop in and see us today!

www.altamaha.bank Jackson Street Branch: 912-537-1921 Vidalia West Branch: 912-537-9452 Uvalda Branch: 912-594-6525 Hazlehurst Branch: 912-375-5415

FOOD & DRINK taste of winter

POZOLE This is an easy, slow cooker recipe for a traditional Mexican comfort food Ingredients 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 poblano peppers, chopped 1 white onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can salsa verde 1 tablespoon. cumin 1 tablespoon oregano 2 teaspoon chili powder 2 teaspoon kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 c. (15-oz.) cans hominy, drained or 1 pack of frozen hominy Thinly sliced radishes, for garnish Sliced green cabbage, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish Lime wedges, for garnish Tortillas Instructions 1 Place all ingredients except hominy and garnishes into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Accompaniments BEST BREADSTICKS Ingredients 3 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup whole milk 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water, divided 1 tablespoon butter 1 large egg white Coarse salt Instructions 1 Combine 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk, 1/4 cup water and butter to 120°-130°.

Add to dry ingredients; beat on medium speed just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.

2 Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic,

4 Preheat oven to 400°. Beat egg white and remaining water; brush over breadsticks. Sprinkle with coarse salt, Parmesan or Italian spices. Bake until golden on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 10 minutes.

Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Makes 2 dozen.

Provided by www.tasteofhome.com

HOT BUT TERED RUM Ingredients BUTTERED RUM BATTER 4 tbsp. butter, softened 3 tbsp. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. vanilla ice cream, softened 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon RUM DRINK 2 c. apple cider 1 c. rum

4 Serve soup into bowls and garnish with radish, cabbage, lemon and cilantro. Serve with tortillas. You can also serve with avocado. Serves 4-6.

Instructions

Kick of Flavor

1 Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in ice cream and cinnamon, then spoon into a mason jar or resealable container. Store in freezer until mostly hardened, about 2 hours or until ready to serve.

Perfect for Fireside TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

3 Punch down dough. Pinch off golf ballsized pieces. On a lightly floured surface, shape each into a 6-in. rope. Place on greased baking sheets 1 in. apart. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.

For cold evenings at home

2 Take chicken out of slow cooker and shred with two forks.

Return to the slow cooker along with the hominy and cook for another 30 minutes.

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6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.

2 Make the drinks: In a medium saucepan, heat cider until boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pour into a pitcher or easy-to-serve container.

3 Place about 2 tablespoons of buttered rum batter into each mug. Fill about 1/3 of the way up with rum, then top with hot apple cider. Stir before serving.

We believe in keeping teeth for a lifetime!

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New Patients Welcome!

310 Jackson Street, Vidalia, GA

HOME design+style

Suite Baths CREATE YOUR OWN LUXURIOUS RETREAT WITH THESE NOTEWORTHY STYLE TIPS.

O

ver the past ten years we’ve seen bathrooms shift from purely functional space to luxury retreats that are no longer just for hygiene. The modern bathroom is as much a place to relax, get comfortable and enjoy downtime as it is to brush your teeth. As this room becomes more useful, homeowners are paying closer attention to fine details like lighting, tile, materials and finishes. Twenty years ago people rarely wanted to “show off the bathroom,” but these days, it can be the star of the house.

If you are thinking of redecorating, here are a few bathrooms that we think have star power and the design trends that make them shine.

Clean & Refined Just like the spas we love, a bathroom with clean lines and zero clutter provides a peaceful sensory experience. But refined doesn’t mean cold and clinical. Try warm neutrals with a pop of bold color and a mix of natural textures and objects.

Vintage Vibe

A vintage approach to design is still all the rage whether it is conveyed through mirrors, colors, light fixtures, exposed plumbing or tile patterns. The good news–this trend is definitely timeless.

Keep the Tub If you like to soak, the freestanding tub is

essential for a spa-like atmosphere. Look for tubs to be situated directly inside a large shower or in a separate zen-like area–possibly with a view–away from bathroom traffic.

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

Find your new home...

and protect it from life’s “witches”.

Residential Commercial Property Management

Home Auto Business Life

Sara Stanley Brown Broker

Blake Brown

406 JACKSON STREET • VIDALIA, GA 30474

510 CHURCH STREET • VIDALIA, GA 30474

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www.bigofga.com

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Texture

Add layers of definition to your overall design. Mixing soft and hard elements adds texture, but you can also achieve this by choosing tile with unique patterns. Try a bold pattern amidst solid color for contrast.

Wood for Warmth

Wood provides a warm, neutral backdrop, so homeowners are using this material for vanities and accent walls. You’ll also find a variety of ceramic tiles that have the look and texture of wood.

Unique Lighting

A chandelier in the bathroom?

Why not? Lighting should be functional, but there’s not reason it can’t be glamours too.

All the Details

Fixtures and surfaces are moving beyond simply utilitarian to include designs, colors and materials that are typically found in more traversed rooms like the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to let your bohemian, traditional or farmhouse style shine through in your bathroom.

Make it Green Get in touch with nature by adding

some plants to your bathroom. Natural elements are soothing and the moisture in the bathroom will help them thrive. This also adds the “soft” touch that most bathrooms need to feel cozy.

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

Financial Strength In A Growing Community

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Your Local Financial Center...

Home Loans ¡ Auto Loans ¡ Consumer Loans ¡ Mortgages Checking Accounts ¡ Savings Accounts ¡ Safe Deposits Drive-In Service ¡ ATM & Debit Cards

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C R E AT I V E a r t s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y

The Altama Museum of Art & History gets a Facelift THE SECOND CENTURY PROJECT AIMS TO RESTORE AND REINVENT A LOCAL TREASURE For more than a century, the museum’s home, the 1911 Brazell House, has stood and watched the march of progress. That time has taken a toll on the “Grand Old Gal.” But thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, the museum will be able to start on a long-awaited series of renovations.

The far-reaching goal of the museum includes repairing foundational and structural issues, restoring details to the original architect Ivey Crutchfield’s specifications, rebuilding the accessibility ramp and providing ADA-compliant facilities to improve access for all, and re-imagining spaces to engage audiences in new ways. The team responsible for the renovations is locally sourced and includes architect Fred Dean and contractor Kelvin Manning of MMI Construction in Uvalda.

To fully complete the project, the Altama will require additional funds and hopes to rely on donations from the community. Donations can be made online at their new website, www.altamamuseum.org, in person at the museum, or via cell by texting CENTURY to 44321 (standard messaging rates may apply). Any donations made before February 25, 2021 will be matched up to $25,000. Help return the Altama to her former beauty and ensure she stands strong into a Second Century by making your donation today!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Have you been to the Altama lately? In addition to a full season of free community events and temporary exhibits, visitors are sure to find something of interest in the museum’s permanent collection.

20TH CENTURY SOUTHERN ART

Enjoy collections of contemporary paintings and 19th Century Audubon and Gould prints in lovely historical settings.

VICTORIAN LIFE

Glimpse into days gone by in the Victorian Bedroom, Libby Parlour, Gentleman’s Retreat, and Grand Dining Room.

LOCAL HISTORY

Artifacts and photographs of regional scenes keep history alive.

NORMA DAMON LIBBY PORCELAIN COLLECTION

With more than 215 patterns represented, this porcelain collection from the Staffordshire region of England is one of the largest on public display in the nation.

Discover more at www.altamamuseum.org 20

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

ELOISE SHIPLETT GIRL SCOUT COLLECTION

The Girl Scouts of America have had a strong local presence in Vidalia and Toombs County since the 1920s.

H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

BY TERI R. WILLIAMS

PHOTOS BY RUTH ENGLISH

the Value of a

Song

Using the power of music to reach those who are suffering.

E

veryone in Malorie’s family either sang or played an instrument or both. Music was at the center of all her childhood memories from church gatherings to family reunions. She grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia, but visited Vidalia often. “My father’s name is Richard Morris. He grew up here,” said Malorie. “He was one of seven children, so I had all these older aunts and uncles. We were always coming to Vidalia for different family functions, and music was a big part of that. I always enjoyed the way music gave the children and the elderly so much joy.”

Like many college freshmen, Malorie was undecided on a major. When she started classes at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, she declared herself a business major simply because it would benefit her in any career. It wasn’t that she didn’t know her own heart. Malorie always knew she wanted to bring comfort and encouragement to those in need. But as for any good college student, the real quest is to choose something that will bring both fulfillment and an income that validates the investment of all that college tuition.

After a few months, Malorie decided she would pursue a degree in education. She loved children, and teaching was certainly a way to fulfill her desire to serve. She had just begun to shift directions when a friend invited her

to sit in on a music therapy session. “Georgia College and the University of Georgia are the only two colleges in the state of Georgia that offer a degree in music therapy,” said Malorie. “I had heard about it, but I really didn’t have any idea what it involved.”

The class was made up of students from the school and adults with intellectual disabilities from a nearby daycare facility called the Life Enrichment Center. “They were divided into groups with the music therapy students and met together each week. Each group had a different musical focus. For example, there was a wheelchair group called the ‘Rock and Rollers,’ a drumming group, a singing group, and a hand bell group. Each group practiced all semester long for a concert with the students at the end of the semester.

Tangible life skills were integrated into each song they performed.”

According to musictherapy.org, “Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.” As a profession, this type of therapy “formally began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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wars.” The response to the therapy “led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals.”

It was as if Malorie had been preparing for this particular field of work all her life. A couple of semesters of music history gave her a newfound appreciation for the impact of music on society and culture. “My classes covered the history of everything from ancient music to modern day music. It was amazing to see how music is tied to so many things. I also began to see how each patient I served would have been shaped by music in a unique and personal way.”

As a singer, Malorie’s primary instrument was her voice. In addition to voice classes, she also took guitar, ukulele, and keyboard and learned to use percussion instruments like egg shakers and jingles, “which are useful for drum circles,” she explained. “I took piano when I was young, so I knew the basics. But the majority of my piano learning definitely came in college.” The guitar was an instrument her father had played since he was a child. “Many of his family members played guitar.

I picked up playing when I was about seventeen. But 24

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“For someone who is having a difficult time with isolation and loneliness, we might talk about specific lyrics and how it’s relevant to that person’s life.” now I was not only learning all the basics but also how to use the guitar for therapeutic purposes.”

Malorie graduated with a music therapy degree in 2018 and began an internship in a psychiatric wing at a hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. “I did an adult rotation and an adolescent rotation,” said Malorie. “And since it was a general hospital, we were able to also serve some general medical patients as well,” which involved things like providing ‘comfort and care music’ to the dialysis center once a week.

After completing the internship, Malorie passed her board certification exam. Her first job was as the activity director at Antebellum Arlington Place, a senior living facility in Macon, Georgia. “I did get to lead music groups or singalongs from time to time, but it wasn’t music therapy. Music therapy can be a very challenging profession.

You spend so much time getting contract work only to end up with a part-time job.”

When a position as the Volunteer Coordinator for Serenity Hospice came available, she put in her application.

“I went for the interview, and the administrator noticed my degree in music therapy, which was something she felt would be a great addition to their hospice care,” said Malorie. “She took the idea to corporate, and they agreed.”

Malorie began serving patients as Serenity’s full-time music therapist in February 2020. Serenity Hospice is based in Dublin, Georgia, and has facilities in Dublin, Warner Robins, Milledgeville, and Vidalia.

“Staff members send me a referral whenever they see a patient with a therapeutic need.” Therapeutic needs can be anything from excessive pain,

depression and anxiety to loneliness and isolation.

“I receive referrals from each of the four locations and will see those patients in their homes on an ongoing basis.” She also serves those staying in the in-patient unit, “a 12-bed unit that provides peace and comfort to patients nearing end of life who may need pain or symptom management or respite care.”

“During my initial visit with the patient, I just get to know them,” said Malorie. “Some patients have dementia or Alzheimer’s. Still, many are cognitively capable of engaging with me. I’ll ask what kind of music they like.

Even if music has not been important to them before, they usually have a preference. Then, I will assess treatment goals and give some examples of what our sessions will look like.”

Every session is personalized for that particular patient. Malorie will often be asked to play guitar and sing songs from a certain era. “For someone who is having a difficult time with isolation and loneliness, we might talk about specific lyrics and how it’s relevant to that person’s life. I’ve done musical guessing games. Sometimes

LEFT With COVID-19 to consider, Malorie has had to take extra precautions with patients. She has a strict regimen she follows to keep the patients safe.

BELOW During the height of the pandemic, Malorie, like many music therapists, had to get creative. In order to reach her patients, Malorie made CDs and singalong videos that she could share through YouTube.

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I’ll do guided meditation with soothing music in the background to reduce anxiety.”

One of Malorie’s patients spent her entire life playing the piano. “She has severe dementia. Goals for her are more focused on communication and engagement. Since she’s able to sit next to me at the piano. I’ll play and we’ll sing different songs together.

So, treatment goals with her are: How responsive is she before the music compared to after the music? How often does she engage in spontaneous conversation or make eye contact after she engages with me through music?”

One month after Malorie began working as the Music Therapist for Serenity Hospice, Covid-19 hit and turned the world upside down. “Music therapists across the board had to get really creative,” she said. “Since we couldn’t go into homes or senior living facilities, I made CDs for patients and singalong videos. But it was definitely a challenge for the patients to have to rely on technology for the care they would normally receive in person.”

When Malorie was once again able to go into her patients’ homes, it was with a whole new set of precautions in place. Every time she enters a home, everything, including the guitar and guitar case, has to be thoroughly wiped down and a mask worn at all times, even when she sings. “I make sure to position myself so that I’m not directly facing a patient when I sing. And any percussion instrument I may use, which is especially useful with dementia patients, I put into a separate bag, and I don’t use those instruments again with any other patient that day.” As of the writing of this article, Malorie was still unable to see patients of Serenity Hospice in social services such as nursing homes and senior living facilities.

In 2019, a young twenty-two-year-old Kobi Lee took the stage on America’s Got Talent and shocked the world with his amazing voice and musical talents. Even though he was blind and autistic and could not communicate without great effort, he showed us music in its purest, most powerful form.

“Music plays a huge role in helping our kids with autism,” writes Anna Bullard, VP of Government Relations and Business Development for Chancelight Behavioral Health. “One of the ways my autistic daughter first learned to talk was by singing songs. She could sing before she could actually talk. I’m so grateful our therapist understood the importance of music in therapy.” Music therapy is especially important to my family because Ava is my granddaughter.

When my dear friend, Frances Tucker, was traveling back and forth to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Newnan, Georgia, she always spoke of the comfort and peace she received through the ministry of a music therapist during chemotherapy treatments.

Perhaps the most important concerts are not those given on a stage with an auditorium full of fans but

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those heard only by the broken, the hurting, and the dying.

No one denies the danger of Covid-19 for some, but those in hospice care can’t put life on hold until this pandemic is over. As a music therapist, Malorie is on the front lines of an important service those in hospice care need. Week after week, she returns to our city, the home of her father, with healing songs. Surely, hers is the work of the angels.

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TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

a journey marked by

love

BY TERI R. WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY LILLIAN MORSE BURTON

Through fostering and adoption, Kailey Dees is fulfilling the true role of a mother by protecting and loving the most vulnerable.

A

s a Vidalia City Council member, Kailey was often notified when something occurred in the community that might concern the public. Usually, the notifications were about things like downed power lines or burst water lines. But this time was different. A four-month-old baby was dead in a local motel room. The story was heartbreaking. How could something like this happen right here in Toombs County? she wondered. Even more troubling was the fact that this was the second notification in less than two months of an infant death in a local motel.

This time, tears were not enough. Kailey had to do something.

Stepping back from the big issues that had most likely contributed to these deaths, she focused on one thing: a child in need. Kailey called the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to find out the requirements to become a foster parent in Georgia. “I didn’t know if a single person could even be a foster parent, but I figured this

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Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.

–Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International

would be the best way to learn about the laws that were meant to protect these babies.”

Like most young girls, Kailey dreamed of one day getting married and having children of her own. Later, she would adopt. There was no circumstance or situation in her life that had influenced this decision. The desire to adopt had been in her heart for as long as she could remember.

But Kailey was not yet married. She did not have children of her own. She was just a single, young business woman.

Even so, she could offer a child a safe, loving home for a period of time.

In a sense, everything in Kailey’s life had been leading

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her to this moment. While at the University of Georgia, she found ways to reach out in the community. She was doing PR for the University of Georgia Men’s basketball team and decided to figure out a way to share the experience with a child who might otherwise never get the opportunity.

Kailey sought out the Clark County Mentor Program in Athens and signed up as a volunteer mentor at Howard B. Stroud Elementary. The school counselor matched her with a young boy named Artavian, and she was allowed to spend time with him at school by eating lunch with him and playing with him and his friends during recess. Kailey soon became acquainted with Artavian’s mother, a single parent

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ABOVE Ruthie was adopted in August 2020, less than a year after Kailey adopted Emi. "On this day, I felt like I was able to celebrate both of my girls with no hesitation. It was the greatest relief and joy," said Kailey. As with Emi's adoption day, grandparents and aunts were there to welcome Ruthie into the family. OPPOSITE Kailey is grateful to all the Toombs County advocates–from DFACS and CASA employees to judges, lawyers, and safety officers– who help look after the children in our community.

working two jobs. With the mother’s permission, she was able to take him to basketball games and other outings.

In 2009, four years after graduating as Valedictorian at Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Kailey graduated from UGA with both a BBA in Marketing and a BSEd in Sport Management. Her first job was in Orlando, Florida, with ESPN Wide World of Sports in event planning and marketing. Her primary focus was the Walt Disney World Endurance Series, which included the Walt Disney World Marathon and the Princess Half Marathon. During basketball season, she worked a second job for the Orlando Magic NBA organization in VIP guest services. After one year with ESPN, Kailey was considered for a better position within the company. Although it had been a great experience, something was missing. She wanted to make an impact with her life. And – she was a bit too far from home.

Kailey’s mother, Debbie (Vaughn) Dees, grew up in Vidalia, and her father, Mike Dees, grew up in the Cedar Crossing community. Kailey’s family home had been in her father’s family since it was first built in 1938. She cared deeply for this community and the families of Toombs County. But the road home again would not exactly be a straight line.

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Kailey’s grandfather, Calvin Vaughn, had been Vidalia’s State Farm agent for fifty-four years, since March 1, 1959.

At 80 years old, he was considering retirement. “In my last year of college, I interviewed with a panel of Metro-Atlanta State Farm Agents through an agency aspirant program that was targeted at UGA graduates, so I understood the process,” said Kailey. “But I couldn’t just walk into my grandfather’s business. You don’t ‘pass down’ a State Farm agency or buy into it. State Farm Agents are independent contractors hired at the discretion of the company.” The position would have to be earned.

Kailey left ESPN in May 2010 and immediately went to work as an agent aspirant with Wally Walker, a State Farm agent in Pooler, Georgia. As soon as she got settled in her new position, she signed up as a volunteer coach at the Pooler Recreation Department. She coached ten-year-old girls’ basketball and softball for two seasons.

On Mother’s Day weekend of 2012, Kailey’s grandfather put in his notice for retirement, which had to be done a year in advance. In April 2013, she interviewed with State Farm and was selected for the Vidalia agency opening. She began agency training in Atlanta, Georgia, in August. On February 1, 2014, Kailey proudly opened

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. –Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

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her own agency in her hometown of Vidalia.

The following year, Kailey ran for and was elected to serve on the Vidalia City Council, which officially began January 2016. She had been serving on the city council for a couple of years when she was notified about the death of the two infants. Kailey knew the people who served this community and worked hard to make this community safe. She knew many of the doctors and nurses who would have most likely been present at the birth of these babies. She admired many people who worked in our judicial circuit. Kailey was not looking for someone to blame, but rather, she was looking for some way to help bring change so that it didn’t happen again. Not on her watch.

It was a noble quest and one that would change her life in a profound and personal way. After contacting

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DFCS, Kailey began the process of becoming a foster parent. It was simple enough. And “Yes,” she explained, “a single person can be a foster parent.”

The cost for finger printing and several weeks of training classes was covered by the state.

She had only been approved a little over a month when a call came at 8:30 a.m. on September 17, 2018.

It was DFCS. “She said, ‘Kailey, are you ready?’ I said, ‘Ready for what?’

She said, ‘We've got a baby that needs to be placed in a home.’” “Yes,” Kailey answered without knowing the baby’s name, exact age, or even the baby’s gender.

A two-month-old baby girl had been brought into the emergency room with a fractured skull. A CT scan revealed she also had a previous skull injury from which she was still healing.

“There was no way to know exactly

what had happened,” said Kailey, “but the doctor thought the baby would be okay.” The following day, Kailey became Emi’s foster parent.

“The process that precedes the removal of a child from a parent is complicated,” said Kailey.

The doctors, nurses, and those who work in DFCS are limited on what they can and cannot do. No one is against giving the birth parent a chance to do what is right by their child, but it’s a system that often fails the children it was created to serve.

Kailey had stepped into the foster care system hoping to learn more about the laws involved and was now the sole caregiver of a two-month-old baby girl.

As the foster parent, she was there to love her while the birth mother worked a reunification case plan. While her main focus was caring for Emi, Kailey stressed, “It is vital to show love and care for the birth parent. Not only is it the right thing to do, but the grace that a foster parent extends can positively change the direction of that parent’s life.”

When the parent asks to work a “case plan,” supervised visits with the parent are scheduled by DFCS through a court order. The visits were ordered to take place at the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) house every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-12:00. “I realize it’s a huge commitment,” Kailey confessed. “If I had not owned my own business, it would have been impossible for me to take off work multiple times a week.

The visit is supervised by a CASA employee or volunteer, but the foster parent is not allowed to stay with the child during the visit.”

The role of DFCS is not to be an adoption agency, but to facilitate the reunification of families. Of course, that process comes with accountability over time. Every parent’s situation behind losing custody of a child is unique; but drug abuse is a common factor in many cases. Cycles of substance abuse and poverty can create patterns of behavior across generations. Parents who struggle with addiction often have a history of trauma themselves.

“I do not stand in judgment

against the birth parents,” said Kailey.

“I had opportunities that some of these parents never had. I grew up with a mama and a daddy who loved me. They both worked and taught me to work. I had a car to drive when I turned sixteen.

It wasn’t new, and the windows didn’t work, but I was proud of that car. The truth is that anyone can fall on hard times. I can’t imagine trying to survive without a strong support system and a loving family.”

During the summer of 2019, the state filed a TPR (termination of parental rights) in Emi’s case, which made her eligible for adoption, and Kailey was given the opportunity to adopt her.

Interestingly, she got the opportunity to make that decision simply because she had checked one box over the other on her foster parent application. “I had no idea that one of the most important decisions I would ever make was marking ‘partnership parent,’ which is now called H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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not only in our name. ‘resource parent,’ instead of the ‘foster to adopt’ box. I chose ‘partnership parent’ simply because I wasn’t sure I was ready to make the decision to adopt.”

Emi had a case plan. She was not available to adopt at the time of her initial placement.

“Only children available for adoption are placed with ‘foster to adopt’ parents,” said Kailey. As a partnership parent, you may get a child placed with you regardless of whether they're available for adoption or not. People have literally been waiting for years simply because they are on the ‘foster to adopt’ list.”

The system is complicated, and much change is needed. “There’s so much paperwork involved, and the turnover rate for case workers is a constant concern. Even after the process toward adoption begins, a notice has to be in the newspaper for a period of time to allow a biological father or family member to come forward. It can be a very long and complicated process.”

In 2019, Senator Blake Tillery helped pass legislation that would allow a foster parent who cared for a child in foster care for six consecutive months to be given first option to adopt if the child became available for adoption. It was a great victory for foster parents. “We also just broke ground for a new Toombs County DFCS office. Blake really worked hard to push the funding through for that. It was a big need for us,” said Kailey.

On September 11, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., DFCS contacted Kailey. Emi had a newborn sister. Her name was Ruthie. “Whenever a parent has a child currently in foster care, protocol is a little different. Ultimately, DFCS works to keep sibling groups together,” said Kailey. “When DFCS asked if I wanted to be a foster parent for Ruthie as well, of course I said, ‘Yes.’” On September 13, Ruthie had a seizure due to pre-natal substance abuse. That night, she was sent by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Savannah. Because her NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome) scores were so high, she had to be placed on a morphine drip. The nurse who received her in NICU was Brad and Gina Lane’s daughter, Darby. “It was as if God had already prepared someone from home to watch over her,” she said. On September 30, 2019, Kailey brought Emi’s sister home.

“I did not seek reelection for Vidalia City Council in 2019.” Kailey smiled. “I’m kind of busy now raising my girls.” Emi’s adoption was finalized on October 31, 2019, and Ruthie’s less than a year later on August 20, 2020.

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attorney Jennifer McComas, Juvenile Court Judge Sherri McDonald, CASA guardian ad litem Courtney Joiner Anderson, CASA director Kim Wildes, all of the CASA workers, many of whom are volunteers, Paige Williamson at Family Connections, the teachers in our school systems, our doctors, Police Commissioner Scott, Police Chief Walker, Sheriff Kight and all of our amazing law enforcement officers who are out knocking on doors and checking on children,” said Kailey. “And, of course, Toombs County DFCS employees who serve as the front-line workers in advocating for our at-risk children. They work tirelessly even though they are greatly understaffed for the number of children under their watch. From the director, Ashley Payne, to my supervisor, Jana Kight, to my resource development case manager, Jeanne Griffin – there is no doubt in my mind that Toombs County has the best child advocates in the state.”

Kailey always assumed that when she was ready to adopt, she would go abroad. “I always heard that it’s difficult to adopt here in the US. Adoption is a state issue that obviously needs reform, but it also needs everyday people like you and me to work toward a better solution. I really want to encourage people not to be afraid to check the box for ‘resource parent’ even if you want to adopt someday. As a foster parent, I already had my CE (continuing education)

hours and my home approved. My story is a glorious one.

But a lot of children just like mine don’t make it. We have less than ten families in all of Toombs County who are approved as foster parents.”

According to fostergeorgia.com, there were approximately 11,581 children in the state of Georgia in foster care as of October 1, 2020. In addition to becoming a foster parent and/or adopting a child, there are many ways to help from volunteering as a CASA worker to various types of work in the childcare system. For more information on becoming a foster parent and/or the adoption process for children in Georgia, go to www.itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov.

“Safety and security don't just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children–the most vulnerable citizens in our society–a life free of violence and fear,” said Nelson Mandela (Former President of South Africa). Whether as a birth parent, foster parent, or adoptive parent, the greatest gift we can give our children is a healthy, loving home. It didn’t happen quite in the way or the time Kailey expected, but dreams seldom do. She just followed the love in her heart and let the path take shape as she took each step along the way. Kailey is my definition of a hero, but she will tell you she’s just a mother. And in that respect, I’d say we’re both right.

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h

Harry Moses (Sr.) was born in 1916 right in the middle of the first world war. Two years later, the Spanish Flu would reduce the entire world population by one third. In 1926, his father left, and his mother moved the family from Montgomery County to Vidalia. With five children to raise on her own, Mattie Lou Moses was not one to be identified by the choices of others or the hardship of the times. When Hyman (known as Hymie) Estroff, the son of Russian immigrants, opened Estroff’s Department Store in Vidalia, Harry’s mother found work as a seamstress and did all the store’s alterations. She never learned to drive a car, so she walked to and from work for years.

The Great Depression made survival difficult, and Mattie Lou’s children all learned to work at a young age. One of Harry’s first jobs was delivering groceries for the Mixon Grocery Store in downtown Vidalia. In 1932, at the age of sixteen, he graduated from Vidalia High School and went to work fulltime as a salesman in the men’s department at Estroff’s. When Hymie’s father, Simon Estroff, needed help at his store, Hymie asked Harry if he wanted the job. Harry went to work at the Estroff Department Store in Louisville and lived with Simon Estroff and his family.

After three years in

Louisville, Mr. Estroff encouraged his young protégé to move to Thomasville, Georgia, where there was greater opportunity at Steyerman’s Department Store.

The store was owned by a Jewish immigrant family from Germany. Harry was there just long enough to get settled in before he was drafted into the United States Army. He was twenty-three years old at the time.

In January 1940, Harry reported for duty at Fort Gillem, an Atlanta Distribution Center of the Army. When he was asked if he had any skills, he said, “I know men’s clothing” and was put in charge of a warehouse full of uniforms.

It didn’t take Harry long to be promoted to sergeant and to be given full charge of the warehouse.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Harry understood everyone would now serve for the duration of the war. When given the option to change positions, he asked to be sent to bomber pilot school. At that time, pilots were trained in the Army Air Corps. The Air Force would not be formed until 1947. But in order to get into Officer Candidate School (OCS), Harry had to pass all the physical requirements, take an entrance exam, and submit a letter of recommendation

from his congressman, which he received from Georgia U.S. Representative Hugh Peterson.

Out of fifteen men that took the exam, Harry was one of only two that passed.

The training was stringent and took nearly a year to complete. On one of his last training sessions, he flew out of Dyersberg, Tennessee, and over parts of Mexico and Cuba. Since the flight took him only a few miles west of Vidalia, he told the lead pilot he would catch up in a few minutes and flew out of formation to take a quick detour. “He flew his B17 down the SAM railroad tracks right through downtown Vidalia at an altitude of about 100 to 150 feet,” said his son, Rusty. “Most of the town came outside to see what was going on.” Later, he would confirm the names of several people he had seen standing on the sidewalk as he flew over, including his mother.

In July 1943, Harry was sent to England near a place called Kimbolton. He finally flew his first mission as a B17 bomber pilot in the 8th Air Force, 379th bomb group in early August 1943. “They didn’t have enough planes,” said Rusty, “and were making them as fast as they could. Bombing missions were also dependent on the weather. They might fly nonstop for two or three days and then not be able to fly again for two weeks.”

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In 2000, Rusty's son and Mose's grandson Morris moved home from Athens to carry on the family tradition at Georgia Tire Company.

The missions were also voluntary.

“Any member of a crew could request a transfer,” said Rusty, “but few did so even though they did not yet have the P51 Mustang fighter escorts, which would greatly reduce the loss rates of bomber crews. Once the B17s crossed the North Sea, they were on their own.

Even though armed with machine guns, they were pretty much sitting ducks for the German fighting planes and flak fired from the ground. The second most deadly position to be in during WWII was in a B17. The first was being in a submarine in the South Pacific.”

From August 1943 until January 1944, Harry flew nineteen missions.

He came back only five times without machine gun bullets from German fighter pilots or flak holes 46

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from ground fire in his plane. He flew his last mission on January 29, 1944. His target was an engine component factory in Frankfurt.

As he approached the target, his plane was hit by machine gun fire from three German fighter planes. Harry fell out of formation and flew into cloud cover to evade the enemy. With mountains ahead, he had to gain altitude and was forced out of the clouds. The three enemy fighter planes were right there waiting to resume their attack.

Harry’s five crewmen in the back of the plane, who were separated from the five in the front by a steel

bulletproof wall, were all killed by machine gun fire. With the plane on fire, he gave the signal to “abandon ship.” As captain, Harry was the last man out. “Daddy said he was concerned he was going to land on the plane as it exploded into fire.

But instead of exploding, the plane skidded and broke into pieces. He

Becomng a hero Harry flew 19 missions during WWI between 1943 and 1944.

Eventually, he was captured by the Germans and placed in a P.O.W. camp for 16 months. After he and his brother Joe returned from the war, they purchased the Sinclair Service Station from Bragg Thompson. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Harry standing beside his B-17 in Kimbolton, England, in 1943.

A Vidalia Advance ad announcing the grand opening of Moses Bros. Service Station in 1946. Harry with his mother Mattie Lou in 1940. Harry in the cockpit of his plane. In 2005, Harry stands with Rusty in front of the B-17 Liberty Belle, sixty-one years after he bailed out of his burning B-17 over Germany in 1944.

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The location has changed through the years, but Harry's principle,

“You treat people right, and you treat your employees like family,” has remained intact for two generations.

Georgia Tire Company started as Moses Brothers Tire Company in 1946 at the Sinclair gas station in Vidalia. Later, it was moved to the corner of 1st and Green Streets (across from the downtown Taco Bell). Eventually, it was relocated to the area behind Wendy's.

landed about 300 yards from it.” All five men were able to parachute out before the plane hit the ground where they were immediately apprehended by the Germans.

Harry spent the remainder of the war at Stalag Luft I, which was near Barth, Germany, on the Baltic Sea. The prisoner-ofwar camp was specifically for captured Allied airmen. Even though there was little food in the camp, they shared what they had equally. By that time, Harry’s brother Joe, who had served as a medic on the front lines in Northwestern France near Germany, was in a noncommissioned officers (NCO) 48

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prisoner-of-war camp.

After sixteen months, Harry’s P.O.W. camp was liberated by the Russian army.

Even though the Red Army removed the barbed wires around the camp, it took two weeks before they felt it was safe enough to attempt to leave.

Following Germany’s surrender, Harry told his son, “you were more likely to be killed by a civilian that had suffered from the bombings than a German soldier.” The highest-ranking officer in the camp, a general, took charge and led their departure. By then, Allied forces were beginning to get some planes in to rescue them,” said

Rusty. “As soon as Daddy got to a B17, he flew out a group of men to Camp Lucky Strike in La Harve, France. Prisoners-of-war were moved to the front of the lines to return home. He arrived at Fort McPherson in Atlanta in June 1945 and was allowed a short visit with his family. But he was still in the service and had to go back and finish out his time.”

According to Rusty, there were three P.O.W.’s from Toombs County that served in WWII: Harry, his brother Joe, and William (Bill) Warthen. “When my daddy and Uncle Joe got out of the army, they came home and took some time off,” said Rusty. “In June 1946, they bought the Sinclair gas station from Bragg Thompson. The station was located where the

Second Blessings Thrift shop is today.

In addition to gas, Mr. Thompson also had a light auto repair shop and a retreading shop where he recapped tires, which people depended on during the war when you couldn’t get tires.”

On June 10, 1946, the two brothers opened Moses Brothers Tire Company.

That same year, Harry married his wife Carolyn Morris. “M.F. Brice, the founder of Brice Bank, had given my daddy and Uncle Joe a small loan to help them get started,” said Rusty. “In 1954, Mr. Brice encouraged Daddy and Uncle Joe to expand their operation and move into his building on the corner of 1st and Green Street. The building was across from what is Taco

Bell today. Mr. Brice had leased a car dealership in the other half of the building. Since he was also a Shell gas distributor, Mr. Brice just added a few cents to every gallon of gas they bought for their rent payment.”

The brothers were war heroes.

Hundreds showed up for their grand opening. “They actually gave away a TV for the grand prize,” said Rusty, “which was a big deal in 1954.” In addition to selling Shell gas, they made car repairs, recapped tires, and became Goodyear Tire distributors. In 1957, the brothers split the business. “Uncle Joe took the front shop selling new tires, and Daddy took over the retreading shop in the back building, He renamed his business Georgia Tire Company. Two years later, he bought out his brother Joe. In 1962, Harry sold the gas station to Al Humphrey. He turned his focus to the tire and car repair business and moved into the former car dealership building.

By that time, Harry and his wife Carolyn had three children: Harry, Jr., Russell (Rusty), and Mary Ann. From

Tire retreading could be difficult and dangerous work. When Rusty took over operations, he closed the retread shop to focus on tire sales. LEFT Small, family run businesses benefit employees in many ways–often they become like family too.

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the time Rusty was a child, he loved hanging out at his father’s business.

“The big tobacco warehouses were across the street where the shopping center and police station are now,” said Rusty.

“Momma would boil peanuts, and I would go over there and sell them.”

In 1965, the summer after Rusty’s tenth grade school year, Harry said, “I’m going to give you ten days off for

One Big Family Having served the community for almost 75 years, Georgia Tire Company has many long-standng patrons. According to Rusty, they also have "a great family of employees," many of whom, like Tim Horton, Gary Fowler, and Simpson Sanders, have been with the company for decades.

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summer break, but on June 1st, you’re coming to work full-time until school starts back.” That summer, Rusty learned everything there was to know about tires. He continued to work every summer and many days after school. And while Rusty worked at the tire shop, his older brother Harry, Jr., worked in construction, which would later become his career. Their younger sister Mary Ann would eventually become a school teacher. “The question was not if we were going to work every summer, but where we were going to work,” said Rusty with pride in his voice.

In 1967, Rusty graduated from Vidalia High School and moved to Atlanta to attend school at Georgia Tech. But he was back at the tire shop helping out during every school and summer break. In December 1971, Rusty married his wife Charlotte. When he graduated from Georgia Tech in the spring of 1972, he knew he had a big decision to make and one only he and his wife could make together.

“My mother worked as the bookkeeper, and Daddy was pretty much running things by himself.

They couldn’t ever take off

and do anything unless I was there to see about things. He had already said to me, ‘If you want to come work here and work, it’s waiting on you. But if you decide to come, it’s not to try out. It’s a lifelong commitment. We have people here who depend on our business in this community.’”

Rusty and Charlotte talked it over.

“I’d been in Atlanta long enough to know I didn’t want to live there. But I told Charlotte, ‘Vidalia is a small community where everybody knows each other. It’s really a great place to live, and I think you will be happy there. But if I take over the business, it’s permanent. We won’t be leaving.’

Charlotte had grown up in a small town in Florida. She had moved to Atlanta in high school and had missed the smalltown life she had known as a child ever since. She told me, ‘That’s what I want.

Let’s do it.’ So, we bought a house on the corner of Virginia Lane and Cheney Drive in Vidalia, and Charlotte went to work in the office of Darby Dental Services.”

Back in 1969, Harry had decided it was time for the business to have its own place. “He bought a building that formerly housed A B Newton Construction Company. It was located where Wendy’s is today,” said Rusty.

“When I took over the business, I told Daddy I wanted to close down the retread shop.” Even though it had been a main stay of business in the 40s and 50s, it was difficult and dangerous work. “Daddy said, ‘I’ll help you all I can, but you’re making the decisions now.’”

Rusty sold the retread business and began updating the tire lines. “In 1974, Goodyear started supplying tires to a competitor in the same town as our business, so we switched to Michelin,” said Rusty. Michelin was a French company that was just getting started in America. “I also signed up with the Carroll Tire Company. Mr. Bobby Carroll was the largest independent wholesale

tire operation in the South at that time. Mr. Carroll was one of the finest people I’ve ever met. After my daddy, Mr. Carroll was my greatest mentor.”

In the early 1980s, Rusty hired an outside salesman and began selling tires wholesale across southeast Georgia. As the business grew, he purchased the property behind them.

When an offer came to buy the front part of their property that faced Hwy 280 from someone who wanted to put up a Wendy’s franchise, it was perfect timing. “McDonalds had opened across from us in the late 70s, and the flow of traffic had become congested with our big trucks coming and going. We sold the front property for the Wendy’s franchise and built a new building on the property I’d bought behind us,” which is where Georgia Tire continues to do business today.

In 1987, Michelin Tires invited Rusty to participate in a military sales program with them. “The program provided tires to the PX and BX operations at military bases,” said Rusty. Through the program, Georgia Tire would eventually provide tires to PX and BX automotive repair shops on all of Georgia’s military bases, and in Florida and Alabama. “We shipped tires to bases as far away as Alaska and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The contract lasted about fifteen years. It was a great opportunity for us.”

One of the main bases Georgia Tire serviced was Robins Air Force Base. “Daddy took tires there for us nearly every day for twelve years,” said Rusty. “Every morning, he would go to Southern Café and drink coffee with his friends and then come sit and read the paper at the office. We had the truck loaded and waiting. When he finished reading the paper, he took the tires to Warner Robins. Everyone loved Daddy there. He had flown a B17 in WWII. He was still a hero to them.”

One morning in early February, the weather took a turn. “The roads had started to ice over. I said, ‘Daddy, it’s bad weather out there. You’ve got to be careful today. I must have said it two or three times. Finally, Daddy laid the paper down and looked up at me.

He said, ‘Son, I flew a B17 through the English fog and landed it when I could

hardly see the runway. I think I can drive a truck in a little ice and rain to Macon just fine.’”

Another time, during onion season, Rusty got a call from Harvey Ware, the manager of the PX tire operation at the base in Warner Robins. “He said, ‘I’ve got some three stars [Lieutenant Generals] from the Pentagon here, and they want some Vidalia onions. They’re leaving shortly.’

Daddy had just started reading the Savannah paper. I said, ‘Daddy, you’re going to have to go to Robins a little earlier today. They’ve got some three stars at the base and they’re waiting on

these onions.’ He said, ‘Humph.’ A few minutes later, I said, ‘Daddy, we’ve got everything loaded. They’re waiting on you.’ He said, ‘I hear ya.’ Finally, I said, ‘Daddy, these are important people.’ He laid down his paper and said, ‘You tell those three stars when they’ve bombed the Germans, I’ll hurry up for them.’”

Harry Moses, Sr., continued his morning ritual until he could no longer drive. “Then we had someone drive him here,” said Rusty. When his father died in 2005, he was almost ninety years old. He and his wife Carolyn had been married for 59 years.

Harry taught his son many H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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Harry's grandson Morris now runs the company using two tenets that his father and grandfather taught him:

“There is no substitution for hard work,” and “The cool head usually prevails.” important principles of business. “He said, ‘You treat people right, and you treat your employees like family,’” said Rusty. “I've never met anyone as strong, brave, and fearless as my daddy. He had looked death in the eye every time he flew into Germany. He just took the bad with the good and made the best of it. Daddy and my Uncle Wallace, who played major league baseball for many years, were both denied the opportunity to go to college because of their circumstances. But they never resented those who had it easier. They helped send their youngest brother to Georgia Tech. Daddy never held a grudge. Years later, when his elderly and infirm father needed his help, my father forgave him and helped him.”

In August 2000, Rusty’s son Morris 52

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graduated from the University of Georgia and made the decision to come home and follow in his grandfather and father’s footsteps. Morris worked and managed the wholesale operation for several years, and then took over the retail part of the business. Morris now does it all including buying from and dealing with various vendors and manufacturers.

“The landscape in the tire industry has changed a lot over the past 20 years,” said Morris. “We are now dealing with vendors that source tires in China, Taiwan, Indonesia. We frequently have to buy in full containers making for logistical issues. We have recently become a Bridgestone/Firestone dealer, adding to the Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, and other products we already

offer. Since many of the Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin and BFGoodrich tires are made in the USA, it gives us a better product offering we can get in faster for our customers.”

Georgia Tire sells wholesale and retail. “We sell just about any kind of tire you can imagine,” said Rusty. “We install tires and do general automotive repairs in the shop. We’ve got a large family of customers, many who have been with us for forty years, and a great family of employees. Florence Fountain, our bookkeeper, has been with us over 30 years; Sales Manager Tim Horton and mechanic Simpson Sanders over 23 years; Greg Fowler, our Service Manager, over 19 years; and most of the rest of the employees over 10 years.

“We are a family business in more ways than one,” said Morris. “The two tenets that have served me and served Georgia Tire the best are: ‘There is no substitution for hard work,’ and ‘The cool head usually prevails.’” Both are words of wisdom he attributed to his father and grandfather. Morris’s two sons and stepson continue to carry the family legacy forward in their work at Georgia Tire. “I hope to

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instill in my children the same pride and determination that has carried us through these many years. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this family business.”

Even though family businesses are the cornerstone of our society, only “30% of family businesses survive the transition from first to second

generation ownership. 12% survive the transition from second to third generation,” according to score.org, a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Georgia Tire Company continues to beat the odds as a successful three generation business for one reason: Each generation has continued to work

with as much heart, soul, and hard work as the one in whose footsteps they follow. On June 10, 2021 Georgia Tire Company will celebrate 75 years of business. It’s an incredible accomplishment that brings pride to us all.

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Fires, Tortoises, Marylou Moore

&

BY TERI R. WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY RUTH ENGLISH & MARYLOU MOORE

As the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Gopher Tortoise Biologist, Marylou Moore works hard to protect the habitat of Georgia's native species– even if it means starting some fires.

M

arylou’s mother taught her children to be aware of science, biology, and the natural world around them.

Former students from Toombs County High School and Brewton-Parker College would expect nothing less of Mrs. Moore, a teacher of science and biology at TCHS for thirtysix years and Environmental science, Astronomy, and Geology at BPC for an additional ten years.

But the reason Mrs. Moore’s daughter is a Wildlife Biologist today actually has more to do with her older brother Jack, her father Donald, and the Ohoopee River.

The biodiversity along the river’s edge and undergrowth of the cypress and pine trees nearby held secret hiding places for amphibians and reptiles, two of Marylou’s favorite finds. “We went to the Ohoopee River a lot growing up.

Jack always had his dip net or seine. We would catch all kinds of cool critters together and bring them home,” said Marylou. Of course, having Mr. and Mrs. Moore as parents probably helped her chances of keeping these captured critters.

After graduating from Toombs County High School in 2004, Marylou went to the University of Georgia. She knew exactly what she wanted to study. “I was interested in reptiles and amphibians from the get-go,” she said. In 2009, she graduated H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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Marylou believes that educating youth about conservation begins with spending time outdoors. “Children have to first be made aware of something.

Then you can teach them about its importance," she said. from UGA with a degree in Wildlife Biology. But finding full-time work in her field of study was more difficult than she had imagined.

Marylou’s first job was seasonal work with the National Park Service. “Basically, I was doing amphibian and reptile surveys. For example, we could determine that a particular frog was declining. I went out and looked for them under logs and debris. It was a lot of fun, but it made me realize that I wanted to do more than document species. I wanted to do something with that information that would make a difference. I wanted to know why that frog was declining and what we could do about it. And for that, I was going to need a higher degree.”

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In 2014, Marylou graduated with a master’s degree in Integrative Biology from Kennesaw State University. But even with a higher degree, she could only find seasonal work. The job was with the US Geological Survey in Maryland. “They have a program called the Amphibian Research Monitoring Initiative,” said Marylou. “My job was to go out and look for rare amphibians in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, which provided me with more experience working in different habitats.”

After a season of work in the Northeast, Marylou was ready to come back to Georgia. “I found work doing controlled burns with a prescribed fire crew in southeast Georgia. I had to take a week long course that involved

Prescribed burns are different from wildfires in that they are controlled and planned for the safety of the habitat.

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coursework and a strenuous pack test,” she said. According to nationalgeographic.org, “By ridding a forest of dead leaves, tree limbs, and other debris, a prescribed burn can help prevent a destructive wildfire.”

Most importantly for Marylou, controlled burns helped preserve the habitat of rare species. “I felt like I was finally getting my foot in the door.”

The work was based at the Altamaha River Wildlife Management area in Darien, Georgia. “We worked all along the coast of Georgia, which includes Sapelo Island and Townsend Wildlife Management areas. Most of the corridor of the Altamaha River is protected. There’s a lot of property protected in that part of the state,” said Marylou.

The vast majority of controlled burns conducted by the Georgia 60

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Department of Natural Resources are on State Wildlife Management Areas.

The Interagency Burn Team (IBT) works together to achieve goals, and includes the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, The Orianne Society, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. “We have all these partners that help each other as needed,” said Marylou. “We really wouldn't be able to do what we do without our partners.”

In times past, the land was more continuous and lightning strikes would have burned the land naturally every two to four years. “For a long time, there was this big push from the U.S. Forest Service not to burn and to put out any forest fires. Now, a lot of places are so suppressed that when

they do catch on fire, it’s very difficult to put out. “The largest fires in Georgia are usually in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, because it is a large wild area. These aren’t usually put out because that’s what it needs for its habitat to thrive and continue as an open wetland.”

Native habitats of southeast Georgia are fire dependent, she explained, and habitat management is one of the main goals for controlled burns. “Habitat today,” said Marylou, “is often so fire suppressed that sunlight can’t get to the ground, which is why diversity on the forest floor is so low. Without sunlight and with little structure, you end up with little food for wildlife. We want to get back to more of a historical state where the land was open and diversity could thrive.”

Marylou’s work on the fire crew also involves reducing “heavy fuel loads that have accumulated from fire suppression.”

Reducing these fuel loads decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire while also improving forest health. “If a fire breaks out in a place that has been suppressed,” said Marylou, “it can not only be difficult to put out, but detrimental to the habitat.

You have to reintroduce fire to the system in a really well thought out and executed way. For example, if it’s an area with large pine trees that you want to preserve, we burn following a time when we’ve had a lot of rain so that only the top layer of litter is burned. This will be done every couple of years until you get to the point where you don’t have to baby it so much because the trees roots have regrown into

the soil, rather than up in the litter layer.”

Fire crews in Georgia typically work in teams of four to six people. Burns are planned per unit of land, which can be anywhere from ten to a couple of thousand acres. In Georgia, controlled burn season runs from January through June or July.

“If the weather cooperates,” said Marylou, “we’ll have about fifty burn days per season. The rest of the time, we prepare for the burns. We have to prep the fire containment lines to make sure they will allow us to keep the fire in the unit we are working on. Each unit will be mapped out and given a detailed burn plan.”

There are the many variables involved

Prescribed burning prevents destructive wildfires, but it requires coordination. "We really wouldn't be able to do what we do without our partners," said Marylou. TOP LEFT Marylou has made some good friends working on the fire crew. TOP RIGHT The fire crews will plan a burn around wind and weather. They also burn in a way to allow animals to escape, but they often have to help move a few to safety.

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people on my fire crew this year left to fight wildfires in Oregon, Colorado, and California. In January, they plan to come back here to do prescribed burning.”

In early 2020, Marylou was selected as Gopher Tortoise Biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This new position allows her to pursue one of her greatest passions: gopher tortoises and protecting and managing their habitats. Native to the southeastern United States, the gopher tortoise is Georgia’s state reptile. Unlike turtles that can live in water, tortoises are land animals. “Habitat loss is the main thing we deal with,” said Marylou.

“Gopher tortoises really depend on sandy areas dominated by longleaf pines.”

According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website, “Historically, more than 90 million acres of what is now the southeastern United States were covered by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savanna; today, only 3.4 million acres remain and most are fragmented and in poor condition…. longleaf pine forests are some of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems, and provide critical habitat for 29 threatened and endangered species, including the gopher tortoise” (nrcs.usda.gov).

“The main thing we can do for them right now, outside of purchasing property for them, is to continue to manage the property they live on. This is done with prescribed burns, which gives them a healthy environment. The gopher tortoise is considered a ‘Keystone’ species,” said Marylou, “which is why it’s so important and gets so much attention. It may seem as if I’m focused on Gopher tortoises dig tunnels down in the ground. one species, but in the grand ABOVE, Marylou points out a typical gopher scheme of things, there are when doing controlled burns. “You want to burn with the direction of wind, humidity, and temperature in mind. We prep before a burn to have as much control as possible,” said Marylou. “We remove any dead snags that are inside the unit that we feel could catch fire and throw embers over a boundary. We also make sure there's mineral soil all the way around, so the fire doesn’t go into another unit.”

Working with a prescribed fire is very different from dealing with a wildfire, she explained. People from all over the country come to Georgia to gain prescribed fire experience. “Out West,” said Marylou, “they are usually fighting wildfires. They don’t get a lot of experience in the preventative aspect. Here, we are more focused on getting fire on the ground, so we don’t have those wildfire incidents like they have out there. A couple of

tortoise burrow.

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many species that benefit from the conservation of that one species. In fact, there have been up to 350 species documented to use their burrows.

When you protect the gopher tortoise, you in turn protect many other species like birds, snakes, amphibians, and tons of invertebrates.

“The gopher frog is one of the species that actually lives in tortoise burrows,” she continued. “The pine snake and the Indigo snake are rare species that also use that same habitat. They utilize the burrow to get away from predators and as a refuge from all kinds of things including fires. By managing gopher tortoise habitats, you also benefit game species like the white tail deer and the bobwhite quail.”

In recent years, the state has acquired a lot of land for this very purpose, including the 16,000 acre Ceylon Wildlife Management Area in Camden County and the more than 3,000-acre Alligator Creek Wildlife Management Area north of Lumber City. At present, there are some 132 wildlife management areas in Georgia.

“We've got a long way to go before we can get some of these new wildlife management areas in a place where it's suitable for gopher tortoises and any of the species associated with the gopher tortoise,” said Marylou.

Calls come from developers, landowners, and farmers. “Because the gopher tortoise is a protected species and threatened in Georgia, people call as a protective measure.

They don’t want to do the wrong thing.” During recent work to widen US Highway 1, the Georgia Department of Transportation contacted Marylou about six gopher tortoises in one of the areas they were clearing. “Excavating a tortoise is an ordeal,” she said. “They can dig up to twenty-feet deep, and their burrow can be over forty-feet in length.

You have to have an excavator and equipment operator to slowly pull back the sand from the burrow until you find it.”

Gopher tortoises have exceptional directional ability. “You can’t just pick them up and move them or

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Marylou with Moody Forest Preserve Director Chuck Martin. The gopher tortoise is considered a Keystone species, and protecting it helps to ensure the safety of up to 350 other species. As a Georgia DNR Gopher Tortoise Biologist, Marylou is responsible for protecting and managing the habitats of Georgia's state reptile.

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they will attempt to go right back where they came from.

We put them in a silt fence pen long enough for them to accept their new home, which can take about nine months to a year.” Several more gopher tortoises had to be moved from a heavy-metal mine site in South Georgia.

“We were able to move those on-site to a reclaimed area.”

Gopher tortoises are social animals. “If you're moving a social group,” said Marylou, “you can relocate more of them in a smaller area together. But you wouldn’t just put a bunch of stranger tortoises in a small spot. That seems to be a little stressful for them. Whenever a tortoise is introduced to a new place, we always dig each one at least two starter burrows. They don’t usually use it for long, but it’s there if they wanted it. Basically, the starter burrow seems to get them thinking about digging themselves.”

These tortoises can live up to one hundred years in captivity. “In the wild, they can live from forty to sixty years on average,” said Marylou. “I've had to retrieve a couple of tortoises that were found roaming around neighborhoods or painted bright colors. These are typically individuals that someone tried to keep as a pet but then escaped. Gopher tortoises are good escape artists. People think they’ll be good pets, and they're really not. It’s also important to mention that due to the protected status of the gopher tortoise, keeping one as a pet is not a legal option.”

As part of a fire crew and as Georgia’s Gopher Tortoise Biologist, Marylou’s responsibilities sometimes merge. “When you’re burning, things are moving. We always burn in such a way that animals can get out. We start at one side of a burn unit and work to the opposite side. It usually is a pretty slow process. We’ve rescued tons of frogs, snakes and other things crawling around. Every day is different.

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Someone on the crew is always finding something. They’ll yell over the radio, ‘We just found a diamond back!’ And everyone will run over to see. We get to see a lot of really cool wildlife.”

Last year, Marylou was working on a controlled burn on private property when she found a young tortoise. “We sometimes help with these kinds of burns when it’s protected land, and we know there are gopher tortoises on the property. When I found this young tortoise, it had just started to burrow.

I picked it up and basically babysat it until the fire was over. Then I took it back to its little burrow.”

In January 2021, “An additional burn crew will be added to focus on the Ohoopee Dunes WMA and another new management area called Canoochee Sandhills Wildlife Management Area in Bulloch County that has some high priority gopher tortoise habitats,” said Marylou.

In a real sense, the very things she enjoyed as a child helped lead her into her future. “When I was younger, I never thought about the management aspect of wildlife. I was just looking for critters,” she said smiling. Ultimately,

the kind of work she hoped to find eventually found her as she kept doing what she could where she was. Marylou persisted even when it only meant seasonal work and going back to school to get more education.

She didn’t just find her place in work; she also found her “people.” “I really like being part of a group of people that are passionate about conservation and who are willing to work really hard to achieve these goals,” said Marylou.

For parents hoping to interest their children in science and the natural world, she had this advice: “Many children don't get enough outside time,” said Marylou.

“It’s difficult to appreciate something that you don't know exists. Children have to first be made aware of something. Then you can teach them about its importance. I've found that with children, the younger they are, the more receptive they are to wildlife. And not just the cute and cuddly kind. You can bring a snake into a second-grade class and by the end of the hour, they all want to touch it and know more about it. If you bring a snake into a room full of adults, you wouldn't get the same outcome,” she smiled. “Exposure is super important.

If they don't know the gopher tortoise is there, they aren’t going to care about it.”

Play. It’s simple. Tell your children to go outside and play. Better yet, go outside with them. Take a walk down a dirt path. Listen to birds sing.

Go down to the river with a dip net.

Climb into the branches of an old tree.

Perhaps then, it won’t be so difficult for us to discover our value and place in this beautiful world. Whether we save gopher tortoises and their habitat like Marylou or write articles or build houses or care for the sick or teach school, the natural world can help us find our place and the part that is ours to give.

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MICHAEL JOHNSON

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BY TERI R. WILLIAMS

PHOTOS BY RUTH ENGLISH AND MICHAEL JOHNSON

As a child, his father constantly reminded him of his worth and that he was "made for great things." Now Michael Johnson is fulfilling that vision by mentoring young people in the community.

C

ollege can be stressful for anyone, but as the only African-American piano major, Michael felt under the spotlight. The internal pressure to prove himself made every performance something to dread. “I imagined everyone was looking at me and judging me differently. But this perception came from my own insecurities. I had some tough professors, but so did everyone else,” said Michael. It was a realization that followed an intense journey of self-discovery and healing.

Michael could have stayed in a mindset of selfdoubt and comparison, but the uncle who raised him as a son told him again and again, “You don’t see it yet, Michael, but you’re made for great things.” What Willie Haynes saw in his adopted son was not based on culture or circumstance but a truth that came straight from Heaven.

Michael was three months old when his biological father, Michael Johnson, Sr., took him from Long Beach, California, to Vidalia to live with his sister, Barbara. “My biological mother’s name was Veronica Horsley. At the time, she was dealing with her own personal struggles. Years later, my biological father told me that he always knew bringing me to Vidalia was a divine decision.” Michael was five years old when his Aunt Barbara married Willie Haynes. He was not only a well-respected minister in the community but also served as Toombs County’s Chief Tax Assessor for many years.

Michael’s aunt and uncle raised him as their son in every sense. “I grew up in a very religious home, My dad was the founder and pastor of New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, and my mom was very involved in church ministry,” he said.

His adopted family encouraged his connection with his biological family. “They called me every Christmas and on my birthday. I even flew out to California to visit them and my two half-brothers a couple of times.”

When Michael was about nine years old, his biological parents moved from California to Georgia. Although

he could now see them more easily, the closeness only intensified his questions. “I was well taken care of and loved, but I still struggled to understand why I had to be raised apart from my brothers.”

A piano that had once belonged to his grandmother helped Michael find his way. “When I was in the third grade, my dad’s brother, Uncle Larry, showed me

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Trained in classical piano, Michael finds peace and serenity in the music.

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A transformed mind transforms a person. A transformed person transforms a city, and a transformed city transforms a nation. The seed that grows into the transformation of the world first begins in the heart of the believer who says yes to the purposes of God, no matter what. -Bill Johnson,

Born for Significance

how to play a few tunes. The first one I remember learning was ‘Stand By Me.’ After that, my mom asked if I wanted to take lessons. I would have three significant piano teachers before auditioning for college: Rita Tyler, Regina Stokes, and Cathy Rogers.”

Soon, Michael was playing in church, which provided a platform for his musical talents to shine and gave him a sense of identity.

After graduating from Vidalia High School in 2009, Michael attended Georgia Southern University and trained in classical piano. His plan was to become a band director. He

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graduated from GSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2014.

After additional certification, he took a position teaching special education at J. R. Trippe Middle School in Vidalia. He also served as assistant band director for Vidalia High School alongside Tim Quigley for 5 years (2014-2019).

When his father passed away in 2016, Michael was devastated. “My father was larger than life. He was everything to me. He was my rock.”

Now, without his father’s presence and affirmation to rely on, he struggled to find his way forward. And in the struggle, he began a process with God

that helped equip him with confidence and character.

Music was an important part of Michael’s healing process. “Classical music gives me a sense of sereneness.

When I play a piece from the past, I seem to travel back to the time the music was written in.” One such piece, which he played at his senior recital, is “Consolation No. 3” by the Romantic composer Franz Liszt. “Whenever I play that piece, I somehow see myself standing between these big white sheets on a clothesline blowing in the wind. My grandmother, Annie Pearl Johnson, is there. It’s her piano I

learned to play on. Even though she died two weeks before I was born, I feel like I’ve met her in spirit through that piece of music.”

What could have been stumbling blocks in Michael’s life became stepping stones that lead him into positions of leadership in the community. In the spring of 2017, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Pi Eta Lambda seated in Dublin, Georgia, and Dr. Jameson Travick was assigned as his mentor. “We were both in education and had a lot in common,” said Michael. “He became much more than a mentor. We became great friends.”

Michael graduated with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in the summer of 2017. Following his completion of the ToombsMontgomery Leadership class of 2018-2019, he was elected to serve on the executive board of the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

On July 25, 2018, Michael’s biological mother passed away. During that time, he found professional counseling an important tool in the process of his journey forward. “Counseling helped me see that God had a plan from the beginning for me,” he said, “which made me appreciate my biological mother’s decision to let me go. It had to have been difficult. But I never heard her speak ill of the aunt who raised me. In a sense, her death brought healing to me. I was able to look back and see the sacrifice she made for me.”

Engaging the Community To help keep the community informed about COVID-19, Community Men in Action hosted

over six Zoom and Facebook virtual sessions with information concerning the pandemic. Members from the faith community, health community, Chamber of Commerce, city government, and education community were all invited to participate. The first segment engaged over 800 viewers from all over Southeast Georgia.

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LEFT Michael with his mother Barbara Haynes.

OPPOSITE PAGE Michael is the assistant principal at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School in Vidalia.

In the summer of 2019, Michael completed his Educational Leadership/ Administration degree from the University of West Georgia. That fall, he took a position as an Assistant Principal at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School in Vidalia. In January (2020), he became president of the community service organization “Community Men in Action” (CMIA), which was a position held by his uncle, Councilman Greg Johnson, when the organization was first founded in 2014.

“The focus of CMIA,” said Michael, “has always been on mentoring young men and partnering with organizations to meet needs in the community. We work in conjunction with organizations like United Way, the Boys and Girls Club, the Paul Anderson Youth Home, and many others.” Whether delivering Thanksgiving meals across the city in collaboration with St. Paul A.M.E. Church or helping a family after a house fire, CMIA works to fulfill their motto: “Seeing the need; Serving the need.”

Over the past year, Michael has led the organization in registration drives, a school supply giveaway and census drive and hosted Covid-19 discussions for youth and the community at large.

“We’ve had over six virtual sessions via Zoom and Facebook to inform the community on safe practices and information concerning the pandemic,” said Michael. Participants included members from the faith community, health community, Chamber of Commerce, city government, and education community. His first segment engaged over 800 viewers from all over Southeast Georgia.

“One of the things we’re especially proud of is bringing back the MLK Day parade,” said Michael.

“This past January made our fifth annual event. We had about fifty floats participate.” In conjunction with the event, “We also had an essay contest for students with a cash award for the winner.”

Another favorite CMIA event for Michael is the annual Man-Up Summit, which is held around the third week of August in partnership with Becoming S.H.A.R.P.E. Inc., an organization founded by Danielle Williams. The multiracial event is hosted

by J. R. Trippe Middle School and open to all middle and high school aged boys in Toombs County and the surrounding areas. (Due to Covid-19, this year’s Man-Up event has been postponed).

It was not high self-esteem, but an understanding of his own self-value that shaped Michael’s sense of value for others in the community. Steven Stosny, Ph.D., clarifies the grave 74

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2020

difference between high self-esteem and self-value in a blog post entitled “How much do you value yourself?” for psychologytoday.com. “High selfesteem, writes Stosny, “tends to create a sense of entitlement. When the world does not meet their entitlement needs, many with high self-esteem feel wronged and may retaliate with manipulation, abuse, or violence…. In contrast to high selfesteem, with its tendency toward entitlement, people with high self-value necessarily value others.”

In moving forward, Michael said, “One of our greatest challenges for African-Americans is the absence of fathers in the home. If we can teach young men how to find their affirmation from who God has called them to be, we can make a huge impact on our communities. When we see the value God has for us, shame is powerless to define us. Ultimately, whatever I do is for God’s glory.

And if we will teach our young people and the families in our community to see the value God has given them, it will bring healing and unity.

“I have empathy for the older generation in the African-American community,” he continued.

“Some have very painful stories. Listening and respecting one another can heal those wounds. We can’t go back and fix the past, but we can choose to heal with God’s grace and move forward together.

Each of us has something the other needs. But we can’t give what we have if we are bound by shame.

I used to be embarrassed when someone asked me about my parents and how I came to Vidalia. But only God can truly give us the affirmation we need to be whole. When we see the value God has for us, shame is powerless to define us.”

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a house of hope

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BY TERI R. WILLIAMS

PHOTOS BY RUTH ENGLISH

N After learning firsthand the effects drug addiction can have on family, Steve and Chastity Hutchinson decided to help others navigate recovery.

early everyone in rehab had a horrific story of some kind of abuse. Not Alston. He had a good home life. Loving parents. A great childhood. For Alston, it was the idea of partying with friends and having fun. But the distortion of the meaning was a dangerous deception, and one he would not see until he was sitting in a jail cell with an ultimatum: jail or rehab.

Alston went to work at Plant Vogel as a welder in 2014 right after graduating from Toombs County High School. When he was offered more money to work on the road, work took him far from home. “All these young guys were working out of town together, and they were passing pills around,” said Steve Hutchinson, Alston’s stepfather.

“We immediately began trying to get him to come home,” said his mother Chastity. “I knew our only hope was to get him into some kind of rehab.”

It was a parent’s worst nightmare. The heartache was unimaginable. They leaned on each other; they leaned on Jesus. The pain was compounded for Steve as he watched his wife cry herself to sleep each night. Even then, it was a shallow sleep filled with unspoken anticipation of a phone call in the middle of night with news that something had happened to Alston.

Eventually, Alston did come home. But for a solid year, he ran from them and refused any offer of help. “He would stay with different people,” said Chastity. “It was devastating for us. He had not grown up in that kind of life. But the worst part was that drugs had taken my son from us. The person he had become was not my son.”

Steve said, “We reached out to judges and law enforcement and asked if they could make Alston go to rehab. We were so afraid he was going to overdose. Unfortunately, the law can’t do anything unless someone is caught breaking the law.”

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Drug addiction affects people from all walks of life. Alston grew up in a happy home with a normal upbringing, but as a young adult his propensity for having fun took a dangerous turn when he began experimenting with the seemingly harmless pills his friends were passing around.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before that happened. “When someone is on drugs, he is going to become reckless. They’ll start stealing, driving under the influence. All of it comes with addiction,” said Chastity.

The first time Alston was arrested, he was released since he had never been in trouble before. He immediately returned to drugs. The second time, Steve and Chastity did not try to rescue him from the consequences of his choices. He sat in the Toombs County jail for almost a month. At least he would have to detox. Their hope was that once his mind cleared, Alston would come to his senses.

“A lot of times, the person can’t detox on his own,” said Steve. “It can be very dangerous. The pain of withdrawals can be so bad, the person will try to stop it and overdose. It happens every day.”

“We were so thankful for the detectives and judges in Toombs County,” said Chastity. “They worked on a contingent bond that would require Alston to choose between rehab or jail time. Contingent bonds are lifesavers for so many people. It doesn’t erase their charges, but if they complete a year 82

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"The pain of withdrawals can be so bad, the person will try to stop it and [then] overdose. It happens every day."

program, they can sometimes receive more leniency. Your hope is that once they get into a rehab program, something will click, and they’ll want to stay free.�

Steve picked Alston up from the Toombs County jail and took him straight to the 24/7 House in Baxley, which is a faith-based residential recovery facility. After six months in their program, he went through a second rehab program at Hudson Hill Outreach Ministries in McRae, Georgia, which is a long-term Christian drug and alcohol program for men. At the end of a year at Hudson Hill Outreach Ministries, Alston was ready to come home. More importantly, he was committed to walk out his own freedom. That was two years ago.

For more insight, I contacted my friend Radavon Bogdonovic,

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a minister in Serbia who has worked with about 1000 drug addicts over the past fifteen years. “Right now, I am working with about seventy-five drug addicts. The two-year mark after getting clean is the most challenging period of time for most. Getting clean is easy in comparison to establishing new work habits and new social connections. Depression can be as difficult to overcome as the drug addiction.

“An addict’s problem is mostly with his mindset,” continued Radovan. “The rules of life feel drastically different when you’ve been an addict and get clean. It’s not the hard work, but the perception. It’s easier to sedate yourself and live in what feels like a secure world than face an insecure future clean. On top of that, there may be a wife and/or child(ren). The former drug addict has to learn to deal with those stresses without drugs. It takes new vision and continual connection with a support system to firmly establish a new life. And that’s where a strong and continued support group becomes so vital.”

The comparison, addiction happens quickly. In fact, “The odds you'll still be on opioids a year after starting a short course increase after only five days on opioids” 84

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(Mayoclinic.org). “We were really blind to just how many young people suffer from addiction in our town. Opioids are a big thing around here with young boys,” said Chastity.

“Pills lead to meth and then to heroin. And in this town, heroin is prominent.” (Note: According to drugabuse.gov, “About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.”)

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “2018 data shows that every day, 128 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare” (drugabuse.gov).

“We didn’t know anything about rehab programs until we went through this,” said Chastity. “Every place we looked into for Alston was really strict, which was important. Some places allowed family to visit; others did not.” But the most important aspects of them all were structure and accountability. “We had seen firsthand how rehab or sober living homes can change the life of someone who is ready to make that commitment.”

"Only God would put a promise next to a crisis so that you could move from a negative threat to a full on breakthrough."

-Graham Cooke

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The Hutchinsons purchased land in Cedar Crossing to build the Hope House. The location was the home of the original Lady Renee and housed a laundromat and barber shop.

“Our theory is that not everyone who is addicted to drugs needs to be in prison,” said Steve. “There are rehab facilities where addicts can become equipped to overcome the addiction and reenter society.” Addiction is a treatable disease. As the Hutchinsons learned about different rehab facilities in the surrounding counties, other families in the community in similar situations began reaching out to them for advice, and the idea of building their own rehab facility began to take form. “As far as we knew, the Dream Center was the only rehab/sober living home in Toombs 86

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County, and it is strictly for women,” said Steve.

After a year of talking and praying, the Hutchinsons took a leap of faith with a loan for fifteen acres of land in Cedar Crossing. Then, they took out another loan for a building. “Most rehab facilities are owned and often run by recovering addicts. I’ve never used any kind of drugs in my life,” said Chastity. “I can’t fully understand the battle an addict faces daily. But I do know the other side.

I know the battle that the mom, dad, brother, and sister face. Addiction doesn’t just affect the addict. It drags every

person that loves him along with them, too. Our place is for the family who has lost hope. We want to give them a reason to believe again.”

As work began on the building, not everyone in the community understood. “Some looked at us like we were crazy,” said Chastity. “All I can do is smile. It’s difficult to explain how deeply it hurts to lose a child to addiction. But I’m not the only one. There are many families just like ours. As much as we wanted our son to be free and have the life that we always dreamed for him, we want that for them, too.” One of the main contributors to the work on the building for the Hope House Ministry for Men was Alston.

The root of the word “compassion” literally means “to suffer with.” Compassion seems to be the motivating force behind much of what Jesus did.

“Moved with compassion,” he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and raised the dead. Not figuratively. He literally raised a widow’s only son from the dead in Luke 7 because he was moved with compassion when he passed the boy’s coffin as it was being carried out of the gates of a city. By that standard, being moved by compassion to build a place to help recovering addicts doesn’t seem quite so irrational after all.

The Hope House Ministry for Men is in the process of receiving THOR (Transitional Housing for Offender Reentry) approval for their eight-occupant home. “THOR approval is mandated through the state,” said Chastity. “We are under certain requirements, which allows us to be added to a list of local rehab facilities from which the courts can chose to send someone released on a contingent bond. If we are called, we will do an interview and decide if we are a good fit for that person. If we take him, he comes to us straight from jail. There’s no pit stop in between.”

“But what we’re doing is not just for those coming out of jail,” said Steve. “We want to serve guys struggling with drug addiction in our community and the surrounding counties. Our goal is to keep them sober for a year and working a job. We don’t want the parent paying the bill and them sitting there doing nothing. That’s not accomplishing anything. Real life means you get up, you go to work, you stay sober, you come home, you pay your bills and you do it all again the next day. We will help them find work and provide transportation. Several businesses have already let us know that they want to help.”

Attending church is an important part of the faith-based rehab program. Initially, Chastity was concerned that others in the church might be uncomfortable with them bringing drug addicts to the services. Even though The Hope House will not receive sex offenders nor anyone with a violent offence, she said, “I did not want to bring men in our program into our church and someone not come back because they felt uncomfortable. A lot of them will have criminal records because of the drugs.”

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When she voiced her concerns to her pastor, Steven Toole, “He said, ‘That won't be a problem. If there's anybody here that doesn't want to help these guys, then they don't need to be in our church.’” To him, it was common sense Christianity. Wasn’t it for the sick, the broken, and those in need for whom Jesus gave his life?

The church family agreed.

The Hope House will be supervised by a House Manager. “They will live together, cook for one another, and attend house meetings every night to talk about their day and how they may be feeling. All things you would do in a normal home as family,” said Chastity. “Each guy will also have a sponsor who will come by and talk with him, take him fishing or find a friendship with him in some way.”

“They will go to church with us on Sundays,” said Steve, “and once or twice a week, we’ll have men from the community come and share their testimonies to encourage them on how to live life free of addiction.”

Drug testing will be done by a professional lab a minimum of two times a week. “It’s a daily choice,” said Chastity. “We can’t make anyone stay. If they don’t want to be there, they can leave. But the consequence of not staying and going through a rehab program is often enough to motivate many to stay. I was visiting my son once and asked where one of the guys had gone. He said, ‘He got caught using. They just took him and dropped him off in the middle of town.’” Of course, if he’d had charges against him, he would have returned to jail.

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“Everyone has a sad story,” said Steve. “You have to have rules and structure or you’ll end up with a drug house instead of a rehab house.” The safety of a strong and structured program, daily work, accountability with others, and Jesus. That’s the plan.

The first day that the Hutchinsons posted information on Facebook about The Hope House Ministry for Men, they were bombarded with calls. The need for this ministry in our community was more than evident. “Our plan is to eventually build more houses and teach trades like welding to the men while they are here,” said Steve. “We hope to grow, but we are also practical. We’re self-supported. We’ve not received state or federal funding.”

It’s easy to become cynical when the story is not your own. “Every parent has the same fear that their child will end up in jail or dead,” said Chastity. “That’s where this road leads. We know what that feels like. For us, if we can save one life, we will have accomplished our goal.” The first house occupant arrived on November 15, 2020, and the second came only four days later.

As Chastity and Steve opened to serve others, they faced the disappointment and heartache of their own son’s relapse at the two-year mark. He has since entered another rehab program where he will once again go through the process of recovery. “We opened The Hope House because we understand this struggle,” said Chastity. “Sometimes they have to start a dozen times before they get it right.

Alston will have to start over, but he will beat this. We know it.”

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Hope is the motivation that drives persistent belief in the possibility of change against all odds.

Where does it come from? How do you keep it in your heart when your child who is addicted to drugs has been arrested over and over again? When you’ve paid thousands of dollars for rehab only to have him get kicked out for not following the rules?

Hope is not some frail emotion that falters in the face of hardship. It is a force driven and empowered by love, which is the very definition of God. For Steve and Chastity, love turned hope into a practical demonstration of what God looks like through us.

Drug addiction affects the entire community.

There is proof that recovery is possible. According to vertavahealth.com, “23 million families across North America are living in recovery and leading wonderful, productive lives.” The Hope House Ministry for Men is a divine opportunity to share in the restoration process for families in our community. For more information and/or to make a donation, visit thehopehouseministry.org or call 912-585-7977 or 912-585-7978. The address is 2715 Highway 56 West, Uvalda, Georgia 30473.

(Note: The Hope Ministry for Men is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry.)

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BY TERI R. WILLIAMS

PHOTOS BY DAPHNE WALKER

Home is Where the Heart Gives

A long way from where she grew up, Ivette Torres is now thankful to call Toombs County her community and home.

I

n 2012, Ivette Torres left Puerto Rico and moved to Lyons, Georgia, to work for Chicken of the Sea. “I had been Production Manager at Bumble Bee in Puerto Rico, so I had the experience they were looking for to take the position as Assistant Production Manager,” said Ivette. “But my greatest concern was for my children.” At the time, her son Henry was twelve and her daughter Yinalie was three. “I didn’t know what was available for them here, and it was important to me that they have access to activities.”

Henry, who was already bilingual, quickly made new friends at J. R. Trippe. “When he got to high school, he joined the Junior ROTC program and loved it. He did that all through high school and signed up with the Army Reserve while he was still in school. After high school, he went through basic training.” Just before he was to start college at Georgia Southern, he was deployed to Iraq. “After Iraq, he was sent to Kuwait.” Ivette was overjoyed by her son’s unexpected return home this past September with the news that his deployment was over. “Because of COVID, some of the missions were downsized.”

She smiled. “I was overjoyed to see him. He plans to start college in January.”

The transition to Lyons for three-year-old Yinalie was easily made.

At six, Ivette started her daughter in ballet at Vidalia Ballet. The following year, she became a part of the Vidalia Ballet Competition team where she continues to excel.

Opportunities such as these convinced Ivette that the move had been a good decision for her children. “We have activities available to grow our kids in different areas and give them the opportunity to participate and be a part of something that also represents who we are.

That’s what I love about this community.”

Ivette enjoyed her work at Chicken of the Sea and was promoted to Material Management Manager in 2017. Although her children had made connections in the community, it wasn’t until Ivette participated in the 2019-2020 class of Leadership Toombs-Montgomery that she found her own place of connection through service in the community.

“As a participant, I had the opportunity to see the economic and social projects taking place in our county and met some of the amazing people that make it happen.” One of those people was Clint Hutcheson, the Director of Education and Ministry at Mercy Ministries. “Clint was the coach for my group,” said Ivette. “When I learned about the Faith

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and Finance Program at Mercy Clinic, I said, ‘Hey, I want to be a part of that.’ I see a lot of people struggle to organize their finances and have a balanced life. Sharing knowledge and education is my passion.

I also saw the necessity of having Spanish speakers available for the class.”

After graduating from the Leadership Toombs-Montgomery class of 2019-2020, she completed several weeks of training to become a facilitator of the Mercy Clinic’s Faith and Finance Program.

“The eight-week course is more than a financial management class, although it is that. But the class teaches how to bring balance to every area because everything is connected whether it is financial, family relationships, connection in the community, or spiritual wellbeing.” Ivette facilitated her first class on September 21, 2020.

Involvement in the community and helping others has always been important to her. “When I had my son Henry in 2000, I was only twenty-one,” said Ivette. “I tried breastfeeding, but I became discouraged and quit. He had a lot of allergies and issues with milk and was sick all the time. Nine years later when I got pregnant with my daughter Yinalie, I wasn’t going through that again, and I went to breastfeeding classes. It was so beneficial in my personal experience that I wanted to help and share that knowledge with others.”

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As a participant in Leadership ToombsMontgomery, Ivette had the opportunity to "see the economic and social projects taking place in our county and met some of the amazing people that make it happen."

From 2010-2012, Ivette served as a breastfeeding counselor through the WIC program in Puerto Rico.

“I led prenatal classes for expectant mothers and gave them all the information on breastfeeding. After the baby was born, if they requested more help, I went to the hospital or to their house. Because of my personal experience, I wanted to be able to help and share that knowledge as well.”

One of the many benefits of working with Chicken of the Sea for Ivette is being a part of the companies’ many philanthropic events. “We have donated more than 2 million servings of protein so far this year including to local food banks to help the community. Our last donation was for people affected by the hurricane on the Gulf.”

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ABOVE Ivette oversees the work-based learning program at Chicken of the Sea. Through the program, students from local high schools are able to gain on-site job experience.

Chicken of the Sea also facilitates learning opportunities for local STEM and FBLA students.

Another important program in which Ivette participates through her work at Chicken of the Sea is “work-based learning.” “My passion is education. I like sharing knowledge that can potentially motivate kids to study and do something productive with their lives,” she said. “We receive students in the work-based learning program from Toombs County High School and Vidalia High School systems. The program allows them to work with us while they are in school the last part of the day, which gives them experience.”

Chicken of the Sea also facilitates learning opportunities for STEM and FBLA students from Toombs County High School “When they come to see our facility, we all get involved in showing them what they can do. We take them to the lab so they can see the importance of ‘science, technology, engineering, and 96

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MAGGIE BRICE SNELL BROKER / OWNER / REALTOR®

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mathematics’. I also share with them my own story. I got my Bachelor’s in business administration and entrepreneurship while working and raising my young son. I tell them that it was harder that way, but it can be done,” she said and smiled.

In 2018, Ivette also completed her Master of International Business Administration with a major in accounting.

Most people believe in the benefits of giving–giving back to the community, sharing, meeting a need.

But for some, giving is more than a tax credit or even a moral obligation.

Giving is an act of gratitude.

Interestingly, those with the most gratitude are often the ones who have endured some sort of hardship or difficulty and gained both compassion and purpose in the process.

Giving thanks is the main topic every Thanksgiving and for good reason. Gratitude is something the first settlers in the New World understood well. That shared meal with the indigenous people of the land after their first successful harvest was for the sole purpose of giving thanks to those who had basically saved their lives. A day of thanks giving.

Since Covid-19, Ivette has not

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been able to visit her parents in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. The last time she saw them was at Christmas.

“Thankfully, they were with me at my home in Vidalia on January 6, 2020, when a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico on the south side.

“My parents lost some stuff inside the house, but we are so grateful they were still here with us. But I had family that lost things. My cousin’s house collapsed on top of their garage with their cars inside.

Thankfully no one was hurt.”

There are days when Ivette misses her family. “And the beach,” she added with a smile. “When we moved here in 2012, I had no idea of how vibrant and full of development our area was.” For her children, access to great activities gave them the connections they needed. But for Ivette, the opportunity to give has given her a true sense of belonging. This past May, her Facebook post read, “The Leadership Class of ToombsMontgomery County welcomed and embraced me as part of this amazing community. Thank you for creating connections with other leaders and providing a platform to share ideas that keep our county moving forward. So happy to call ToombsMontgomery County my home.”

ABOVE Ivette has wonderful memories of growing up in Puerto Rico with her family and cousins. She misses them but is thankful to call Toombs County her home.

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PHOTOS BY MELISSA WRIGHT

like a pro

H

ave you been for a swim lately?

Whether you are floating weightless in a pool or being energized by a few laps, swimming is an activity that releases endorphins, which in turn makes you happy and boosts your immune system. Professional swimmers are well aware of the health benefits offered by their sport, as well as its penchant for competition.

Swimming for recreation has been around for thousands of years according to writings and cave paintings, but competitive swimming owes its popularity to 1830s England. When the first indoor swimming pool, St George’s Baths, became open to the public, the National Swimming Society began holding competitions.

By 1869, swimming was introduced as an Olympic sport in Athens and thus began a long history of record-breaking performance times and world rankings. Most swimmers have their own ideas for shaving milliseconds off their personal time, but learning technique

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The Vidalia Swm Team prepares for the future by hosting a clinic with Olympian Santiago Grassi.

is universal. In competitive swimming, four major styles have emerged: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle.

When the newly updated Vidalia Aquatics Center opened for its first season in 2018, the Vidalia Swim Team (VST) was ready to jump in. Established in the 1980s, VST has swimmers from five to eighteen who compete in GRPA and USS events. The program, which is a division of the Vidalia Recreation Department, has been volunteer-coached by Rob Hilton for over 30 years. Rob and his wife Karen have devoted many morning, nights and weekends to building the swim program. While Rob worked on training the older children, Karen taught the younger ones and worked behind the scenes making sure swimmers were registered for meets and ensuring the annual Vidalia Swim Meet was successful every year.

In 2000, Rob created the Vidalia High School swim team to support one of his daughters and her teammates. He has

continued that commitment over the past 20 years, and he has expanded the winter program to include Toombs County High School students as well as younger swimmers.

As with most sports, the training has produced significant results. VST has garnered over 15 State Champion titles through the years. With an ever-growing number of members, the team offers the best local training for competitive swimmers. In September, VST hosted a Fitter and Faster swim camp at the Aquatics Center. “We

chose this curriculum based on what would be most beneficial to our team,” said swim mom and organizer Kathy Brown.

The four sessions offered by the camp were designed for swimmers ages 11 and older who had at least one year of competitive experience.

The sessions covered swimming technique and tips necessary to improve in any race. But the most exciting part–the camp was led

by Elite Clinician and Olympian Santiago Grassi.

Santi Grassi grew up in Santa Fe, Argentina, and represented his

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home country in the 2016 Olympics (100m butterfly) as well as the 2017 and 2019 World Championships. He is a 7x All-American and 2x bronze medalist at the 2019 PanAmerican Games. He also qualified to represent Argentina again in the 2020 Summer Olympics, which has been postponed until July 2021.

“I like our sport because you decide how far you want to go, how far you want to push yourself,” said Santi.

Unlike many sports, swimming affords some autonomy

join the fun!

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during competition. “I can’t expect to be an Olympic athlete if I don’t train like one,” he noted. Individual precision training and goal-setting is imperative in a sport where a half second makes all the difference in the world.

As a swim instructor, Santi hopes that swimmers commit to their ambitious, long-term goals, while also being present each step along the journey. The camps he instructs are designed to offer up-and-coming swimmers individualized instruction from his experienced

The Vidalia Swim Team participates in GRPA and USS events and hosts an annual swim meet at the Vidalia Aquatics Center. Team members range in ages from 5 to 18. To find out more contact the Vidalia Recreation Department.

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perspective. He knows the ups and downs of training–competitive swimming is hard, but should be fun too. “Being an Olympian is fun, but it’s not the best part. The best parts are the things that happened in the process of becoming an Olympian: the limits I have pushed, the friends I have met, and the experiences I have had,” said Santi.

A humbled teacher, Santi feels an intense responsibility to enrich young athletes’ experiences within the sport. “I like to build relationships when I teach. I always try to make my swimmers feel like they can trust me, and because of that, I can’t let them down,” he said. He demonstrates that with all of his camps. Emphasizing body line, underwaters, and catch, Santi tackles the basics before moving into detail work. By mastering the fundamentals, Santi hopes to help his swimmers get an edge on their competition.

As for VST, the effects Santi had on these Toombs County students are far-reaching. Evidence shows that physically active youth will more likely mature into physically active adults, and learning to respect the disciplines of a sport are part of this transformation. Even though COVID-19 impacted some competitions in 2019, the swim clinic helped prepare our local athletes for future events. And in a world of uncertainty, enjoying a normal “day at the pool” is exactly what these kids needed.

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BY TERI R. WILLIAMS

PHOTOS BY RUTH ENGLISH

Choosing

Life

Brittany Garcia reveals that accountability is the key to getting healthy.

C

ovid-19 disrupted the routines of life in unprecedented ways this past spring. Closed gyms were more than an inconvenience for many gym-goers. It was a disruption in healthy habits that many had worked long and hard to establish. But twenty-five-year-old Brittany Garcia could not simply sit back and wait for the virus to end. Eighteen months earlier, she had made the decision to get healthy. Now, not even a worldwide pandemic could sidetrack her from that commitment. Not after her change of lifestyle had resulted in a loss of 205 pounds and a thirtythree-inch difference in waist size.

Brittany had struggled with obesity her entire life. Genetics seemed set against her. From early childhood, she had been bullied in school for her weight. But shame does not empower change. The constant negativity only helped to produce a prison in her mind.

“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change,” writes Brené Brown in her book entitled I Thought It Was Just Me: Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame. It wasn’t that Brittany didn’t care. She had tried diet after diet only to fail again and again. And each failure only solidified her disappointment and despair.

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When COVID-19 shuttered gyms and health centers, Brittany didn't give up on the routine she had established. She continued taking her dance fit class taught by John McLeod at the Callaway Center in Lyons.

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In August 2017, Brittany graduated as an LPN and began working at the Vidalia Children’s Center the following month. “When I started working at Vidalia Children’s Center, I had to get a wellness exam for insurance purposes,” said Brittany.

“I kept putting it off until I couldn’t anymore.” In March 2018, she finally went for her exam and learned that she was borderline diabetic. Now, it was no longer simply about what size pants she wore but about the condition of her health.

The diagnosis was a wakeup call. But instead of shame or blaming bad genetics, Brittany took an honest look at her own sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits. Of course, this wasn’t something she had not done before.

But the difference was that this time she had someone who was willing to walk through the process with her to hold her accountable.

“Sharon Carter was the Employee Health Nurse at the hospital at the time. She asked me if I wanted to make a change. I said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘Okay. If that’s what you want, we have a program to help you.

You will come back every month or so to check your labs and keep you on the right path.’ In the past, I’d had doctors tell me I needed to lose weight. But this was the first time I’d been offered real help with accountability.”

Brittany’s job was also a constant reminder of her own childhood struggles with obesity and the subsequent bullying she had suffered. According to the CDC website, “In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.

Data from 2015–2016 show that nearly 1 in 5 school-age children and young people aged 6 to 19 years in the United States has obesity.”

“As a healthcare worker,” said Brittany, “I want to be a role model. I see these kids struggling with eating disorders and obesity. I couldn’t keep telling others to watch their diet and

exercise if I didn’t do it myself.”

But the greatest motivation behind this new commitment to health and wellbeing was simply for the sake of love. “I have two nephews and a niece that I love. I want to be around for them. I want to be able to do things with them. I was so tired of not being able to do something as simple as getting on an amusement park ride with them.”

Brittany joined the Meadows

straight from work to the gym every day. After two months, I wasn’t really seeing the kind of results I’d hoped for,” said Brittany. One of the instructors at the gym at that time was John McLeod. “He had come up to me a couple of times before while I was on the treadmill just to ask how things were going. That day, when he asked how things were going, I said, ‘I’m trying, but by the time I get here after work, I’m just exhausted.’”

Health Fitness Center and started working out at the gym seven days a week. “I knew exercise was important, but it was only part of the picture. I pretty much only ate processed food.

I wasn’t a big vegetable person at all.”

In fact, the only vegetables Brittany ate were the occasional potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. Even though the thought of trying new things was overwhelming, she agreed to Sharon’s plan to try at least one new vegetable a week.

“I was so tired. I was going

ABOVE Brittany's commitment to

weight loss has inspired several people including her mother who has already lost 40 pounds.

John suggested Brittany try drinking one of the Herbalife protein mealreplacement shakes the gym offered at the time to help her with energy.

“This first one I tried was a strawberry shortcake. I couldn’t believe how good it tasted. I started drinking the shakes right after my workout in the evenings as a low-calorie meal

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RIGHT Brittany credits Herbalife for helping her jump start her weight loss journey. The plant-based meal replacement shakes helped her with energy and metabolism while she was adjusting to a comfortable exercise regimen. But Brittany's greatest success came when she responded to accountability and learned how to self-motivate and enjoy something as simple as movement.

replacement, which really made a change for me. Dinner had always been the meal I struggled with the most.”

John also invited Brittany to the dance fit classes at the gym. “He said, ‘We just have fun. We dance and burn a lot of calories.’” But Brittany was hesitant. She was intent on working out. How could dance be a workout? A couple of weeks later, John invited her to a Dance Fit Glow 110

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Party. “He told me, ‘If you want to try it out, come. But no pressure.’”

By then, Brittany’s sister and niece had started working out with her at the gym. Emboldened by the fact that they would go together, Brittany decided to try it out. “By the end, we were all sweated down and completely worn out. I didn’t know exercising could be that much fun.

After that, I was hooked.”

As Brittany’s overall health and

wellbeing improved, she continued to lose weight. She was now eating better and maintaining a daily exercise regime she enjoyed. Her new friend and coach, John, became an important part of her support system. “He’s very motivating and cares for everyone. I took every class he taught, which at one time included not only dance but pool class, circuit training, Butts and Guts, and cycling classes.”

And then Covid-19 came.

Gyms closed. Schools shut down.

Sporting events were canceled. Social development was put on pause for social distancing. But Brittany stayed right on course. She continued to attend John’s dance classes, which he now held at the Callaway Center in Lyons. As soon as a gym opened its doors again, she joined.

Brittany’s support system continues to give her not only accountability but friendship as well.

“John coaches me along, and my best friend Jessica Gordon is helping me work on toning and building muscle.”

The impact of her choices continues to impact those around her. “My mother started coming to the gym with us, and she’s already lost forty

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pounds.” More recently, seven or eight of Brittany’s fellow employees at the Vidalia Children’s Center made a decision to hold one another accountable in a commitment to better their eating and exercise habits.

According to Brittany, Herbalife also played a big part in her weight loss journey. “I still use the shakes and teas for everything from energy to recovery.

Herbalife literally changed my life. It’s all plant-based and natural ingredients. There are products to increase your metabolism and give you a burst of energy, which was huge for me. Other Herbalife products can help curb your appetite.”

For those who have lost the motivation to exercise during this global pandemic and find themselves struggling with a few extra pounds, Brittany has some good advice: Forgive mistakes. Face failure as a part of the journey rather than a definition of who you are. Expecting shame to be your motivator is like setting fire to a bridge you need to cross to get from one side of a river to the other. And lastly, find friends for accountability. You may be someone’s “Sharon” or “John” or sister or aunt. Like Brittany, you just might be the change that changes someone else life for good.

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Accounting, Auditing & Tax Services Estate Planning & Payroll Services

912.526.6403 139 South Victory, Lyons, GA 112

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

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101 E. MEADOWS ST. 537.7727

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Serving the Vidalia/ Toombs County area with the best selection of tires and automotive service

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Happening in your hometown!

Discover Main Street It’s been a difficult year for all, but The Lyons Main Street program is pushing forward to 2021 by working every day to promote local business and improve the downtown area. In addition to helping new businesses locate, issuing assistance grants, planning networking opportunities and coordinating beautification projects, we help host and plan a variety of events to engage the community. This year we will focus on reinvigorating the fun events that make Lyons a wonderful place to live.

All of our events have their own Facebook page so make sure to like them, and visit us regularly at

Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby Look for Rally Races throughout the year The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival October 2021

www.lyonsmainstreet.com to see what’s happening in your downtown.

Winter WonderLyons and Lyons Lighted Christmas Parade December 2021 Contact Lyons Main Street for application.

Text LYONSMAINSTREET TO 22828 to sign up for our newsletter

‘Tis the Season for Fun in Downtown Lyons!

Join the Fun!

January 2021 Rally Race January 16 & 17 For more information visit www.soapboxderby.org/southeast-georgia or contact Matt Driggers at (912) 293-7960

2020 Christmas Parade Grand Marshall Dr. Ben Neely

Visit our website www.therealsqueal.com for updates on our 2021 event.

Some 2020 Christmas Parade participants

If you enjoy meeting new friends and being active in your community, Lyons Main Street is the place to be! All of these events are sponsored locally and run by volunteers.

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Let Main Street help you locate your new business!

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Try our Quik Decor Decorator Service

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912.537.4644

Wiggins Family Practice

Keis Testing LLC

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AFFORDABLE COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALTY TESTING: Legal DNA & Paternity Testing Workplace Drug Testing • Pre-employment Testing

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Vidalia Gymnastics & Cheer

We’ll help you discover your best look!

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hair • nails • facials • waxing • massages eyelash services & more!

Our multicultural hair salon provides professional hair care and salon services.

You’ll leave feeling pampered with a beautiful style, healthy color & natural glow.

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912.538.1000

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Year-round Gymnastics & Cheer for ages 2-18 Flipping Friday EVERY Friday, 7-9 PM Register at

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119 SW Broad St., Lyons · 526-6721 H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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Vidalia Main Street Shop Local. Eat Local. Spend Local.

Your community will thank you.

Despite the challenges of 2020...

Great things are happening in Downtown Vidalia

by Tonya Green Parker, Executive Director

Thinking outside the box has taken on a whole new meaning in 2020 for the Downtown Vidalia Association! For us to continue any sort of Downtown events; we have had to be creative while keeping the health and safety of our citizens a priority. We’re fortunate to have a tremendous promotions committee and community support.

In June, to lift our community’s spirits and overcome the loss of our once a year fundraiser we hold during the Onion Festival, we hosted “Brighten Up Vidalia,” where businesses painted positive quotes and brightly colored images on their storefronts. Along with the positive downtown atmosphere, we held a drive thru lunch serving freshly fried Vidalia Onion rings. Every week in July, we did a promotion called “Spin to Win BIG!” It has been a huge success! Participants could receive 25-100 DVA dollars, but because of our generous sponsors they matched the amount every week and doubled the winnings! We were able to give away 640 DVA dollars that went straight back to our local merchants! It was such a hit that we now we do it once a month.

The more money that goes back to our local merchants, the better the more their businesses will grow. We strive constantly to promote the importance of spending local!

We have been able to provide 2 BOOST grants for a total amount of $2,500. One grant went to Shoney’s for $1,500 to assist them with the cost of repaving their parking lot and $1,000 was given to Dixon Management for repainting the exterior of their building.

These grants are available to our DVA members in order to help them with improvements to their business. We are always aspiring to enhance the beauty of the facilities of our local merchants.

In the fall, we started a new event named Scarecrows ‘Round Downtown contest. Participants really outdid themselves by creating different scarecrows to decorate Downtown for the fall. All of them were certainly head turners and our community enjoyed the new event.

We are all looking forward to a better 2021. If there’s ever been a time to support our local small businesses, it’s now. We have been very fortunate to not have lost any Downtown businesses during this year and actually have had several new ones open! That’s quite a testament to how supportive our community is of our local merchants. I encourage you continue to shop local, eat local, and spend local. It’s a team effort by all of us in our community.

2020 Board of Directors President Heather Mead Million Pines Community Bank Vice President Valerie McLendon Altamaha Bank & Trust Secretary Rhonda Jones Dermatology Associates Treasurer Bill Bedingfield City of Vidalia Greg Hudgins, GA Power Co. Charles Tapley, Lovins Realty Tish Holland, Arlene’s Fine Jewelry Gaston Crue, Gaston Crue Lifestyle & Interiors Jessie Carter, J Leigh Hair Studio

Join our team

Main Street members enjoy numerous benefits… just being connected helps you accomplish your goals.

Follow Us and Keep Up With What’s Going on in Your Hometown! www.vidaliaga.gov/dva 116

TO O M B S CO U N T Y M A G A Z I N E

Downtown Vidalia Association

@downtownvidalia

Don’t miss what’s happening downtown...

It’s been a tough year for many small businesses, but Downtown Vidalia is growing strong. This year the DVA got creative with some special events that kept people engaged AND safe.

BRIGHTEN UP VIDALIA EVENT

9/11 MEMORIAL EVENT

SCARECROWS AROUND TOWN EVENT

TOTALLY TACKY AT THE JINGLE MINGLE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE JINGLE MINGLE

9-11 MEMORIAL PROGRAM VETERANS DAY EVENT

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Keeping the Community Connected Become part of the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce

ConnectHER...A Gathering for Women is a huge success The first ConnectHer event brought together women from all walks of life for a day of celebration, fellowship and pampering at Hawk’s Nest Banquet Facility. Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch, great prizes and bazaar booths. Speaker and mindset coach for entrepreneurs, Erin Newman, gave a presentation on helping women to overcome their doubts and fears in order to create the success they deserve in their lives and businesses.

The event was so successful, the Chamber plans to continue offering this program in the future.

Promoting Business at I Am the Chamber Day Community Bucks were up for grabs during the I Am the Chamber Day on October 21st. The Chamber welcomed businesses to stop by the office for a quick photo op, grab a treat and enter to win $500 in Community Bucks.

These Bucks can be used to buy local business products or services,

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treat employees to lunch or dinner or donate to charity. They can even be divided among employees for personal use. Spending Community Bucks means you are supporting local businesses and that’s what the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce is all about!

Invest locally with Community Bucks!

2020 Mayoral and Commissioners Debate Investing In Our Community’s Future

What are Community Bucks?

Community Bucks are checks that can be spent at over 70 chamber member businesses. There is no fee to purchase a gift check.

For a complete list of accepting businesses, go to www.toombsmontgomerychamber. com/Community-Bucks-Participants

Why Buy Community Bucks?

The Chamber provides this as a service to our members and to encourage residents to buy local.

To stay updated on what your Chamber is doing, visit www.toombsmontgomerychamber.com and sign up for our email newsletters!

Become a part of the Chamber today!

Candidates for City of Vidalia Mayor and Toombs and Montgomery Commissioners met for a debate on October 1st at Southeastern Technical College. The event was sponsored by the Chamber and moderated by John Koon. Participants included Wendell Dixon and Dr. Samuel Rayapati (Toombs County Commission, Dist. 2), Thadeaus Holloway and Ginger Morris (Montgomery County Commission, Dist. 3/Post 1), and Gregory Johnson and Doug Roper (City of Vidalia Mayor).

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photo by | TERI WILLIAMS

Scenes of

Toombs C

o.

T

here’s nothing quite like football games on cold

Saturday afternoons, pumpkin spiced latte and frosty mornings to get us in the mood for winter. As soon as the cotton is picked and the onion seedlings go into the ground, fall ushers in jingle bells, twinkle lights and holiday parties. Winter paradoxically signals both endings and new beginnings.

As you ponder the passing year (good or bad), look forward with anticipation to what 2021 has in store for

Toombs County! photo by | JOE CLARONI H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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TCHS Choir honors veterans photo by | TERI WILLIAMS

photo by | DIANE MIXON photo by | DIANE MIXON

photo by | DIANE MIXON 122

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photo by | DIANE MIXON

photo by | TERI WILLIAMS

photo by | JOE CLARONI

photo by | DIANE MIXON

photo by | JOE CLARONI

photo by | ERIC LOVE

photo by | RUTH ENGLISH

Submit your favorite scene of Toombs County to ToombsCountyMagazine@gmail.com

photo by | NICK OVERSTREET

Dowtown Vidalia photo by | THE MOSES FAMILY

Toombs County

We’ll Come to Your Doorstep

N E M A G A Z I

SUMMER 2020

S

OF SERVICE

Hospice

Serving God and country es takes Susanna Hayn Air Force ministry to the

Caring for the Community

n Vidalia’s Oweer Queen of Ch le Toole takes

rts families and Jason Colbert suppo town. his favorite home

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ospice.c | www.vidaliah 135H

GA 30474

Lic. #138

Miche VHS Coach Ann highest level. her team to the

HOMETOW

Friend of the River

r life of Parker Walle Celebrating the river clean-up day. with an annual

ST AT I T S B E N LIVING

We hear it all the time. Readers don’t want to miss an exciting issue of Toombs County Magazine. Now you can make sure a copy is delivered right to your home, so you’ll never miss a story.

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index of advertisers A Health Revival........................................................................ 42 AAA Roofing, Inc....................................................................... 53 Abednego Primary Care............................................................ 7 Accessorize It Designs............................................................. 27 Acute Care Clinic....................................................................... 7 Allen Morris Agency/Farmers Insurance.............................. 53 Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Georgia.................................... 7 Alexander Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.............. 41 Allcare.......................................................................................... 76 Altamaha Bank & Trust............................................................. 13 AmericInn Lodge & Suites....................................................... 89 Arlene’s Fine Jewelry................................................................ 43 Barberitos................................................................................... 67 Big Al’s Country Market.......................................................... 43 Brown Insurance Group.......................................................... 17 Brown Realty Company........................................................... 17 Bryant O’Connor, LLP Attorneys at Law............................. 78 Chapman Healthcare Pharmacy............................................. 67 Chick-fil-A.....................................................Inside Front Cover City Drug Store......................................................................... 98 Community Hospice............................................... Back Cover Dale’s Hair Care Center.......................................................115 Darby Dental Services............................................................. 15 Dental Center of Vidalia............................................................ 1 Dermatology Associates.......................................................... 21 Dixon O’Neal Agency.............................................................. 78 DOT Foods..............................................................................104 Downtown Bistro & Catering..............................................112 Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center..................................... 29 Face 2 Face Global Hair Studio...........................................115 Georgia Eye Institute.................................................................. 8 Georgia Properties................................................................... 97 Georgia Tire Company..........................................................113 Gilbert Jones & Associates....................................................105 Gordy Enterprises..................................................................104 Greg McKenzie Builders.......................................................... 77 Handy Andy Home Warehouse............................................. 76 Ingley Roper Moore, LLC........................................................ 76 K E Butler & Company Jewelers............................................ 55 Keis Testing LLC......................................................................115 Lasseter Implement Company............................................... 98 Linda P. Bishop, CPA, PC........................................................112 Little Folks Farm & Childcare................................................. 66 Lone Pine Charolais................................................................105 Lovins Realty................................................................................ 2 McLain, Calhoun, McCullough, Clark & Co PC.................. 91

Madonna H. Paradice, PC........................................................ 99 Meadows Advanced Wound Care Center........................... 54 Meadows Health ................................................................ 10-11 Meadows Park Health & Rehabilitation............................... 75 Memory Lane Catering & Cakes.........................................103 Million Pines Community Bank.............................................. 55 Mobley’s Well and Pump Service........................................... 98 Mount Vernon Bank.................................................................... 9 New Image Salon and Spa....................................................... 28 Ohoopee Land and Timber, LLC..........................................112 One World Solar......................................................................... 8 Oxley Dental................................................................................ 5 Oxley Park Health & Rehabilitation...................................... 77 Palmer Furniture.....................................................................115 Patriot Gas................................................................................113 Peoples Bank.............................................................................. 40 Phillips Pharmacy.....................................................................112 Quality Concrete Finishing..................................................... 65 Red Stag Tavern........................................................................111 Reedy Creek Meat Company................................................. 79 Reidsville Veterinary Clinic...................................................... 90 Rivers Air Conditioning & Heating........................................ 66 Salter Shook Attorneys at Law.............................................. 99 Solace Hospice.......................................................................... 87 Solid Ground Farms................................................................. 99 Somers Realty & Investments................................................. 91 Southern Pine Landscapes & Design..................................... 89 State Farm Insurance/Kailey Dees......................................104 Steeplechase Grille & Tavern................................................105 Tar Land and Timber................................................................ 28 Terra Dolce Farms.................................................................... 90 The Tillery Firm............................................ Inside Back Cover The Onion Inn........................................................................... 65 The Gathering Place...............................................................103 Thriftway...................................................................................111 Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.......118-119 Tots 2 Teens................................................................................ 30 Vidalia Federal Savings.............................................................. 19 Vidalia Gymnastics Cheer and Dance................................115 Vidalia Pediatric Clinic............................................................. 30 Vidalia Small Engine Service.................................................... 79 Webster Motor Company...................................................... 90 Wiggins Family Practice.........................................................115 Woody Folsom Auto Group................................................... 54 Woody Folsom Nissan of Vidalia.......................................... 78 Zaxby’s........................................................................................... 3

Shop local. Eat local. Spend local. Enjoy local.

Invest in your community.

H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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LAST Words

Ann Owens is a writer, creative genius, entrepreneur, mother, and wife who enjoys pondering what makes the world click.

Navigating the Empty Nest Change is never easy, but it’s a new adventure.

Truly, I am a blessed woman, and I don’t take that lightly. My family is in good health, and my children are well on their way to making a wonderful life for themselves. At my next writing, my husband and I will more than likely be empty nesters for the first time in 26 years, and I have no clue what that is going to look like or how I am going to feel. Just like when you are about to have your first child and you can’t picture what your life will be like with a new addition, I cannot picture my life with subtractions, either. My last two children at home are quite the asset to our lives in that they are compulsive cleaners and organizers and will run an errand (mostly) without complaint.

They will buy the groceries, pick up dinner, vacuum the floor, clean out the dog dishes, and they have even been known to pressure wash the porches and wash outdoor furniture cushions completely on their own accord. How does one survive when you don’t have children to do these things anymore?

I can’t cook small. Admittedly, Karl and I could live off of Triscuits, pimento cheese, almonds, and boxed wine for dinner, and we will probably both lose weight but where is the fun in that? I will no longer need to preplan and precook dinners for the week and will have to change my Hello Fresh meal service to a family of two instead of four. We will have to turn off our icemaker occasionally to slow down production; I won’t need to make the big batches of salsa; and we

definitely will not need as many cucumbers or salad dressings.

My guy will lose his Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Pirates of the Caribbean movie watching buddies, and I will lose my Dancing With the Stars and Disney watching partners.

Who is going to yell at us for snoring and force us to go to bed? How will he survive not asking at least twice a week where “the babes” are? There will be no one to clean up the dog puke, force me to decorate for Halloween, or to make sure the pillows are styled properly on the couch. Most importantly, who is going to walk the trash can up to the road on Friday mornings? Good Lord, I hope it’s not me. Please, don’t let it be me.

I have been trying to prepare myself for this for awhile and have been making mental lists as to what I am going to have to change and how much I will be willing to compromise in order to live with only my husband and three dogs. And of course, I have also been making lists of the habits that Karl will have to change, and all I can say about that is that he better get started now because his list is pretty extensive – much longer than mine.

As for me, I have reconciled to sit in the living room with him at least four nights a week and watch television. I am aware that I will need to familiarize myself with Parker Schnabel and the whole Gold Rush family, and I vow to learn to attempt to enjoy British programming. I am, however, drawing the line on sporting events and Naked and Afraid…unless they come up with a naked sporting event, which I could possibly get into. I will not force him into a single episode of Schitt’s Creek, This is Us, or Unsolved Mysteries, but I’m thinking we can find some common ground on home improvement shows and any and all music documentaries.

I am totally willing to lay down my phone at night as long as I occasionally get to hold and actually use the remote as I see fit without constant back seat driving and instruction on channel

selections and volume adjustments.

Because I will be losing my shopping partners, Karl is going to have to go to the grocery store and the occasional gift shop with me and promise not to huff out of impatience.

In turn, I vow to go to Lowe’s with him and not repeatedly make snide remarks about how long he takes in the light bulb aisle. I will ride out to the farm with him just to check trees or to “look at the grass,” even on the hottest of summer days but, for this, I expect assistance with a puzzle or for him to act as sous chef for at least one meal a week. I promise to attend way more Tech games than I have in the past, but I’m gonna require a trip to IKEA before or after. Also, the dog gets to sleep with me especially when it is cold outside or bad weather. Non-negotiable. I feel like this can really work as long as my requirements are met.

A year from now, it will be interesting to see where we are; still rattling around in a house too big and waiting on grandbabies, building our cottage under the oaks at Legacy Farms, or shopping for a place in the mountains. We have lived in our home for 30 years, and the thought of emptying it out literally makes me sick to my stomach. While he is a hoarder of everything from containers to stickers, I have certainly got some stockpiling issues myself that will need to be dealt with. Someone once said that you spend the first part of your life collecting stuff and the second part getting rid of it. Ain’t it the truth.

While for a time, I may be found wailing as I wander from empty room to empty room, pining for my life that once was, I’m thinking Episode 21: “The One Where Ann & Karl Play The Stereo Loud” is going to be really cool and make me very happy. Oh, and to my girls and sons-in-law: as soon as that last bird flies the nest, I’m going to need you to start knocking instead of just walking in. You’re absolutely welcome for that visual, fam. #oldbutnotdead H O M E TO W N L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T

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The Tillery Firm, P.C. New Name, Same Exceptional Service

Blake Tillery, Attorney at Law

Personal Injury • Wrongful Death • Worker’s Compensation Social Security Disability • Real Estate Closings • Wills/Probate 404 Durden Street, Vidalia, GA 30474 • 912.537.3030

www.tilleryfirm.com

COMPASSION DIGNITY CARE

C E L E B R AT I N G O V E R

20 Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E

Community Hospice Reaching Out To Families...Since 1999 At Community Hospice your loved one will receive the best possible care by the area’s leading hospice provider. Our staff is professionally trained to provide not only physical and emotional comfort, but also spiritual and social care for the patient, family and significant others. Quality of life is our goal and we offer the finest, full-family care program available in Vidalia and 14 surrounding counties.

B Home Hospice Services B The Area’s Only Hospice House B Grief Support & Bereavement Services B Medical & Social Workers

B Home Health Aides & Skilled Nursing Services B Advocates Dietary Counseling B Financial Aid Available Through Community Hospice B Non-Profit Foundation

LocaLLy owned & operated Vickie & Royce Ryles Founders

Jason Colbert, CHPCA Jason Colbert, CHPCA, CEO

Chief Executive Officer

912.537.0063 | 800.477.4758 | www.vidaliahospice.com 904 Mt. Vernon Road, Vidalia, GA 30474

Lic. #138135H

/Community Hospice