Liberty Life Magazine Feb/Mar 2017

Hinesv vill ille & The Histooriicc Coa oast ast

Who’s the Boss?

She is.

Local Business Women Take Charge

Festivals of

The Arts Exploring New Music, Expanding Your Mind, Embracing the Culture

Living

Legacies History a Book

Can’t Teach

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Club

MENtoring Boys to Make a Difference $2.95

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

04

U.S. Highway 84 6

91869 31313

6

Thriving on the Thoroughfare

Voted Best of Liberty 3 Years Running

A special thank you to the Fraser family for allowing us to use such a historical part of our community.

Leigh Smiley Managing Broker REALTOR® (912) 977-3401 George Holtzman e-Pro, GRI, CRS, ABR Broker (912) 572-4300 Marilyn Knowles 2I¿FH 6FKRRO Administrator (912) 368-4300 Kallie Breningstall 5HORFDWLRQ 0DUNHWLQJ 'LUHFWRU (912) 368-4300

David Cargill Jr. REALTOR® (912) 271-0138

Jeanne Evans GRI, MRP, ABR, $VVRFLDWH %URNHU REALTOR® (912) 977-4230

Brigitte Shanken CIPS, RSPS, $VVRFLDWH %URNHU REALTOR® (912) 222-8279

Dagmar Madden REALTOR® (912) 572-6005

Brian Maike $VVRFLDWH %URNHU REALTOR® (912) 271-7281

Margarita Fell GRI, REALTOR® (912) 492-8764

Jimmy Shanken CIPS, RSPS, $VVRFLDWH %URNHU REALTOR® (912) 977-4733

Crystal Gaddy *5, $VVRFLDWH Broker, REALTOR® (912) 271-3646

Skyler Wingate REALTOR® (912) 387-3076

Helene Peterson REALTOR® (912) 271-7263

Justin Zieman REALTOR® (912) 572-3747

Luis Lopez REALTOR® (912) 977-4321

3DWULFN 6RXOH REALTOR® (912) 332-8839

730 General Stewart Way Hinesville, GA 31313 912.368.4300 www.coldwellbankerholtzman.com

Drew Davenport REALTOR® (912) 602-4917

Jennifer Driggers REALTOR® (912) 213-2935

$QQLFN /H %URQ REALTOR® (912) 271-1012

'DYLG 0F1LFKROV REALTOR® (515) 556-3396

/LQG\ %ODQFKDUG REALTOR® (912) 402-1222

1LQD 0F&RUPLFN REALTOR® (912) 655-9644

Pok Smith REALTOR® (912) 492-1587

$OLFLD )RUG REALTOR® (904) 219-7756

Nikki Gaskin REALTOR® (912) 610-8304

Angie Kinzer REALTOR® 912.271.4649

HOLTZMAN, REALTORS®

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 NUMBER 31

20

Success With No Regrets Women entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality

33

Organizations cultivate life skills

39

Highway 84 Development on the main drag and a growing Liberty

44

25

Boys Today Men Tomorrow

Before Liberty There Was Us Families trace their lineage to the area’s early days

Festivals of the Arts Hostess City festivities brings enlightenment and fun

10

Our Faves Things to enjoy this February & March

12

Hot Happenings Events in Liberty

14

Faces & Places Candid shots from Liberty’s recent events

16

Coastal Cravings Must love ginger Delectable products with a healing nature

49

Life’s a Peach Crop Circles

50

Proust Questionnaire Dorothy Kempson, Director of the Armstrong Liberty Campus

GENERAL MANAGER Kathryn Fox MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany King ADVERTISING

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeff Whitten ART DIRECTOR Ekaterina Wilkerson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Krystal Hart

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patty Leon

Ben Bradley Tiffany King

Lawrence Dorsey

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Brent Zell

Geoff L. Johnson

Johnny Brown

Liberty Life magazine: 125 S. Main St., Hinesville, GA 31313 912-876-0156 info@libertylifemagazine.com Published by Morris Newspaper Corporation of Hinesville, Inc. Liberty Life magazine is a publication of Morris Newspaper Corporation of Hinesville, Inc. For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES, BACK ISSUE ORDERS and ADVERTISING INQUIRIES call 912-876-0156 For EDITORIAL INQUIRIES, email editor@libertylifemagazine.com. We welcome your news.

Please send press releases and media kits to info@libertylifemagazine.com.

Copyright 2017 by Morris Newspaper Corporation of Hinesville, Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication may not be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher.

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FEBRUARY: PLANT PUBLIC FRUIT TREES! February 17- 18 Arbor Day Tree Giveaways Lube, Oil & Filter

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

(912) 876-4111

For information: 880-4888 or klcb@coastalnow.net @ www.keeplibertybeautiful.org

Editor’s Letter

I

t’s a well-known fact that Liberty County is a historical place with significant events dating back to the Revolutionary War at Fort Morris to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visiting the Historical Dorchester Academy, planning campaigns for equal rights. There is another form of history in Liberty, something not easily found in a book — family history. We found several families whose lineages can be traced to Liberty’s early days. They shared what life was like back then

With all the big developments going on we may overlook what’s happening on a smaller scale. New businesses are starting everyday.

People are becoming their own bosses, running their own businesses. We talked with three businesswomen, female entrepreneurs who decided to go against the grain and pursue their ambitions. Their examples are not for only women or young girls, but anyone who wants to make a dream a reality.

In our October issue, we highlighted local organizations dedicated to empowering young women, now it’s time to put the spotlight on the young men. There are many mentoring groups in Liberty focused on rearing successful young men who are knowledgeable, have practical skills, are responsible and think of others before themselves. These organizations prepare boys for the future and are cultivating their ability to take the world head-on.

If there’s one thing we like in the Coastal Empire, it’s a good festival event. Going to festivals is a wonderful chance to unplug, leave the house and embrace some culture. There are some festivals celebrating the arts coming up soon in the Hostess City that we think you might enjoy.

We’re well into the new year now and there’s more to come, so sit tight.

On the Cover

The Martin family can trace their roots back to the Revolutionary War in Liberty County. Pictured are family members (back) Mark Horne, Della Martin Horne, Hailey Melton Baxter, Clint Baxter (front) Foxie Martin and Julie Browning Martin.

Photography by Lawrence Dorsey and the importance of passing down their heritage to future generations.

As we reminisce about the past, we’re also rooted in the present, looking towards the future. So much has changed in Liberty within the last 10 years — especially U.S. Highway 84.

There’s been so much development along this main thoroughfare that we’ve all taken notice.

In this issue, we focused on the highway and learned what it all really means for Liberty.

Cover design by Ekaterina Wilkerson

Love and Liberty to all, Tiffany King Managing Editor

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

7

OUR NATION’S

BEST & BRIGHTEST

“

our

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking victory.”

FAVES

- Bern Williams

THE THINGS WE CAN’T STOP RAVING ABOUT ! FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

IN A BED OF VIOLETS February’s flower of the month is the violet. You may be thinking that it should be roses because of Valentine’s Day but the violet has a history of love and can be just as romantic. Violets typically have heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers, which can represent the uniqueness of your dearest love. For the ancient Greeks the violet symbolized fertility, love and was an ingredient in love potions.

They were also used in herbal remedies, in wine and as a food sweetener.

So if she doesn’t like roses maybe try violets.

SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER? Groundhog Day is Feb. 2 and the question on everyone’s mind is “Will he or won’t he see his shadow?” We all know the folklore: If it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges and doesn’t see its shadow there will be an early spring. If it is sunny and sees its shadow then six more weeks of winter. In the Coastal Empire, our winters often feel like spring, with very few, cold, winter-like days. Since we have our own special, winter climate Georgia has its own groundhog — General Beauregard Lee in Gwinnett. Let’s see what the general will predict about the season.

THE MADNESS HAS SET IN SUPER BOWL LI Super Bowl Sunday! Are you ready for some heart-pounding football?! It’s always great to join in on the fun — even for those of us who aren’t football fanatics. There are rivalries, awesome team gear, junk food, hot wings, cheese dips and a live-action show guaranteed to have millions of eyes glued to the TV. This year’s Super Bowl will take place at the indoor Houston NRG Stadium in Texas. Get ready for some jaw-dropping plays and weird advertisements that will keep everyone talking the next day.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

Get your brackets ready — it’s March Madness.

Just as the hype of the Super Bowl has worn off tournament madness will set in. Watch as young male and female college basketball athletes battle it out to their respective Final Four games and NCAA Championship. Many people are getting in on filling out brackets for March Madness. Some use fact and team statistics, others choose randomly, or make selections based on favorite team colors, cutest mascot and favorite state to visit. And strangely sometimes the most random, weird method works. Maybe that’s why it’s called March Madness.

CELEBRATING WOMEN EVERYWHERE March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s campaign theme is #BeBoldForChange, where everyone is called on to help forge a better working world and a more inclusive, gender equal world. Every day is a chance to honor the ladies in our lives but take some time to really consider how we can help women and girls achieve their dreams.

Healthcare for your entire family... right here at home.

From birth to chronic care management and everything in between, experience healthcare at its best with an excellent team of physicians and providers representing multiple specialties. All of this right here in your own hometown.

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Visit us at www.libertyregional.org for information on our many physicians and all of the healthcare services available.

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HOT HAPPENINGS

February 4 Long Range Shooting Participants can use any rifle caliber for shooting up to 1,000 yards at Red Cloud Echo Range on Fort Stewart. Weapons used have to be registered on post.

Cost is $15, cash only and is paid on site.

Call 912-435-8061 or go to http://bit. ly/2ifps5d for more information.

6 First Annual Susie King Taylor Symposium This event will bring knowledge about the life, time and contributions of Susie King Taylor

to Liberty County, the low country and American history.

She was a Liberty County-born, escaped slave who evolved into a Civil War freedom fighting nurse and post-war domestic and civic worker in Boston.

Historian and writer Hermina Glass-Hill is the keynote speaker.

The symposium will be at the Historic Dorchester Academy, beginning at 6 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information call Dr. Sonia Bacon 912-977-2976, Randy Branch 912-977-3282 or Liberty CVB 912368-3580.

ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAYS In honor of the greenest of all holidays, Keep Liberty Beautiful will give away trees 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 17 at Farmers Natural Foods on Highway 196 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Liberty County Community Complex in Midway, city hall in Walthourville and the Liberty County Health Department in Hinesville in conjunction with the Recycle It! Fair events at those places.

Sara Swida, KLB executive director, says those wanting trees can reserve one starting Feb. 6 by calling 880-4888 or emailing to klcb@coastalnow.net.

Limit one tree per household. Varieties of trees expected to be available include crepe myrtles, dogwoods and oaks.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

March 5 Nine and Dine

24th Infantry Division Desert Storm Reunion This Fort Stewart event is the third annual reunion of those who served during this military action. For more information, find the reunion on Facebook at http://bit.ly/2hwueaD.

HINESVILLE DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET The eighth season of this annual event will again feature area produce, meals, crafts and other items. The season will run every Thursday from March 2 through the month of October from 4-7 p.m. in Bradwell Park, and then switch to 3-6 p.m. for the first three Thursdays in November.

Those wanting more information, including applying to be a vendor, can send an email to mainstreet@hinesvilledowntown.com or call 912-877-4332. Find Hinesville Farmers Market on Facebook for updates.

Golf and food… what more does one need for a Sunday afternoon in March?

This monthly ninehole event starts at 2 p.m. at Taylors Creek Golf Course, 1766 Gulick Ave., Building 2150 on Fort Stewart, and will wrap up with dinner. Registration is open, and registrants pay for meals as well as cart and greens fees. The event is for golfers ages 18 and older. Call 912-7672370 or email by going to http://bit. ly/2iMrebl.

7 Commander’s Scramble Commander’s Scramble A great way to laugh at winter is by playing golf in February!

Take on the field at Taylors Creek Golf Course, 1766 Gulick Ave., Building 2150 on Fort Stewart.

Cost is $45 per player and includes all fees for carts and greens, range balls and mulligans.

Lunch and prizes will be available. Action begins at noon. For more information, call 912-767-2370 or go to http://bit.ly/2ilh5TR.

DANCING WITH THE STARS OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE The dance finale will start at 7 p.m. at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center.

Proceeds will benefit Atlantic Area C.A.S.A. General-admission tickets are $20 each, VIP tickets are $35 each or $60 for two. Tickets can be purchased from your favorite Star or at the CASA office, located at 1113 E. Oglethorpe Highway.

Those who missed the February version of this event can take in the March edition, which begins at noon at Taylors Creek Golf Course on Fort Stewart. Cost per person is $45. Call 912-767-2370 or go to http://bit.ly/2ilh5TR.

For more information, call 876-3816 or email atlanticcasa@coastalnow.net

SMALL WORLD FESTIVAL This annual event brings the world to Hinesville for a day of celebrating international culture.

Activities planned include entertainment, a food court, a car show and events for children – all with international flavor. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bryant Commons, 438 W. Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville.

To get more information, including how to be a vendor or sponsor or to perform, email programassistant@hinesvilledowntown.com or call 912-877-4332.

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FACES & PLACES CANDID SHOTS FROM LIBERTY’S PAST EVENTS

Christmas Tree Lighting December 1, 2016 { Downtown Hinesville } 1. (back)Naomi Mojica, Celinette Mojica, (front) Samuel Mojica, Sarah Mojica and Laila Mojica 2. Legacy Moore and Gary Gilliard

Business After Hours December 15, 2016 { La Quinta Inn and Suites } 3. Lori and Bill Agnew 4. PJ Schneider and Tom Ford 5. Jeff Ashmen and Chip Adams 6. Tim Scott, Patrica Nash, Karen Bell and Earl White

Tina-Tyus Shaw Book Reading December 1, 2016 { Hinesville Area Arts Council } 7. Debra Ayers Brown, WSAV News Anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw, Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown, Meredith Brown

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

FIND THE RIGHT PLACE TO CALLHome The City of Riceboro is located on Historic Coastal Hwy 17 and is home to the Historic Baptismal Site, SNF, INC., Historic FAB - Crossroad, Lecounte-Woodmanston, Hampton Island, and the Geechee Kunda Arts Center & Museum.

Managing Apartments • Condos • Homes

The Oldest Existing Town in Liberty County, celebrating the “Annual Ricefest” every second Saturday in November and Gullah Geechee Culture.

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FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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Coastal Cravings

GINGER KISSED Farm-to-table company takes off

story by PATTY LEON photos provided by Verdant Kitchen

V

erdant Kitchen is an emerging farm-to-table venture in Savannah that is cultivating unique crops in the area and producing delectable products that are also healing

in nature.

Co-Founder and CEO Ross Harding says it all started from a chance encounter during a visit to his daughter who attends the Savannah College of Arts and Design.

“I came down once to visit her and through a mutual friend, a gentleman by the name of Mr. Howard Morris… we met and I started to 16

LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

LEFT Verdant Kitchen Co-Founder Ross Harding holds up some freshly harvested ginger from the farm at Lebanon Plantation in Savannah. RIGHT A batch of raw, dehydrated turmeric is ready for manufacturing.

The turmeric is often infused in honey, sold as spice and blended into many tasty treats sold at Verdant Kitchen.

become more involved in Savannah,” Harding recalls.

Harding says he and Morris partnered together in several business ventures in the city beginning in 2008.

“And then in 2012 we were having a discussion about aging and about our wellness,” he says. “And the idea that perhaps we could start to grow some products that were delicious and good for you and develop those into a brand.

This was something that I had seen in my childhood back in Australia where ginger was a big industry.”

The savvy business man grew up in Australia but traveled the world extensively while

working corporate jobs as an industrial chemist for about 20 years.

Morris’ family have owned Lebanon Plantation for 100 years. Tucked away a mere stone’s throw away from busy Abercorn Street and U.S. Highway 17, the farmland dates back to the 1750s.

It was part of a 500 acre grant from King George II to French colonists and has a history of agriculturally producing indigo, mulberries olives, rice and cotton. Throughout the years the land passed ownership to several notable Georgians including James Habersham and C&S Bank Founder Mills B. Lane, who owned Lebanon Plantation in the early 1900s.

LEFT TOP Verdant means lush and green, and during the growing season the farm at Lebanon Plantation in Savannah provides a scenic and flourishing landscape. LEFT BOTTOM Verdant Kitchen’s Ginger Syrup can be added to any drink for a spicy, healthy kick. RIGHT TOP Harvested and cleaned ginger is ready to be processed. RIGHT BOTTOM Verdant Kitchen offers a variety of gift packs to tease the taste palette.

Lane used the farm to produce satsuma oranges, pecans, carnation cows and mule deer.

Today Harding and his team have turned Lebanon Plantation into a Certified Georgia Grown, USDA Organic Farm facility producing ginger, galangal and turmeric.

The word verdant means, green and lush, perfectly describing the landscape at Lebanon Plantation when the crops are in full bloom.

“I thought the climate was extremely similar between Savannah and where I grew up on the east coast of Australia. It started out as kind of an innocent simple idea and we grew it from there,” he says and explains that most of the ginger and turmeric currently sold in the

United States is imported. “I grew up around ginger and turmeric… they were everyday products and people understood they had wellness benefits but also ate them because they were delicious.”

Harding says he’s always had a great interest in food and nutrition, and the more he researched the more he knew Verdant Kitchen would be a big success.

Several studies indicate that ginger, turmeric and galangal have anti-inflammatory properties benefiting people who suffer from arthritis and chronic inflammation. Studies also show they help reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy or motion sickness.

Harding says the crops are grown at Lebanon Plantation and then to their Atlanta facility where they manufacture and distribute the finished products.

“We built that facility in the middle of 2016,” he says adding they have an organically approved kitchen there as well. “We had expanded to the point that we really did need a new larger facility. We always had the idea that we were going to develop and grow spices and formulate them into a range of shelf stable products. We weren’t just going to sell the crop itself. We wanted to build a brand. For the next couple of years we slowly built the brand and built the farm and built our retailers. ”

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

17

Word quickly spread about Verdant Kitchen’s great tasting and good for you products.

Harding says things really took off after being endorsed by one celebrity.

“We were very fortunate… We were selected by Oprah Winfrey for her favorite things list last year,” he says Verdant Kitchen also won the Innovation award in Savannah and the Flavor of Georgia award.

“And we ended up being very successful and continue to sell all our product all over the US and the world. It’s been a short and fast three years from an idea to a fast growing but still small business,” Harding says.

Many of the products developed by Verdant Kitchen stem from Harding’s childhood in Australia.

“Our Savannah snap cookies,” he says for example. “No Australian household was complete without ginger snaps. This was grandmother’s classic recipe.”

Harding says some other products are a bit more unique but developed in response to consumers’ request.

They have ground ginger and turmeric, and offer both as capsules. They sell a variety

New Life

Individual, Marital, and Family Therapy Support of Military and their Families Substance Abuse Services Support Groups Parenting & Divorce Seminars Critical Incident Stress Response Risk Reduction Program (DUI School) Clergy & Church Support

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203 Mary Lou Drive • Hinesville

912.369.7777

www.frasercenter.com Like us on Facebook

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

of candied ginger and ginger syrups, teas, ginger and turmeric infused honey and authentic ginger ales.

“It’s kind of funny how the ginger ale products developed in North America are done… to the point where these products… there is absolutely no resemblance at all to true ginger ale,” Harding says noting they have three different ales at the moment.

“One is called Georgia Ginger ale. It’s an old fashion ginger beer style drink,” he says.

“Very gingery flavored, not super-hot, not overly sweet, not overly carbonated. It’s just a refreshing drink or mixer.”

Another one is called Ogeechee Gold and named for the Ogeechee river where Lebanon Plantation is. “It is ginger, turmeric and galangal which is Thai ginger,” he explains. “It is a fabulously interesting flavor… it’s mellow and because of the turmeric it is bright yellow and people love it.”

Their third ale pays homage to the Hostess City’s past called Artillery Ale. “It has ginger and cayenne pepper,” he says adding it is infused with a variety of spices giving it a nice kick.

“People love it as a drink or a mixer,” he

says and explains all are made with natural ingredients to include organic cane sugar, organic molasses and ginger.

Harding says his products offer a variety of ways people can add the healthy elements of ginger and turmeric into their diets.

“A spoonful of turmeric honey a day is really a healthy thing to do,” he says. “Mix it with yogurt, spoon it in tea. It is a wonderful business to be part of because we make a lot of people happy because it taste good and makes a lot of people’s lives better. It has these really well proven benefits that stretch back thousands of years.”

This year Harding says they plan to add a few new items to their product line, including a new ale.

There are more than two dozen retails stores in Savannah that currently sell Verdant Kitchen products. There are also retailers nationwide that carry Verdant Kitchen’s items.

For more information, store locations or to shop online visit: http://www.verdantkitchen. com/ p

BOSS LADY story by KRYSTAL HART /// photography by GEOFF L. JOHNSON

Women in business has been a hot topic lately. As the number of women-owned businesses increase, the record-numbers of minority businesses, million dollar revenue businesses and trillion dollar sales from women-owned businesses are also increasing.

In Liberty County, we know all about the benefits of women-owned businesses and have learned from the best. Whether you are looking for a massage therapist or a mental therapist, a fashion advisor or a financial advisor, a chef or a child care provider... we have it all. The boss ladies of Liberty County leave no industry untouched! Now you get a chance to meet the boss lady behind some of the newest local businesses.

Kathrin May of Studio K

K

athrin May worked a 9-5 job all of her life. No matter how much or how hard she worked for others, the outcome was always the same: A paycheck every other week and a marble star for great achievement, but when time came to take off for personal needs, it wasn’t possible.

To solve that problem, May became the owner and operator of Studio K Massage & Bodywork. She has been in business since November 2010. Being self-employed was an opportunity to support her children financially and physically for extracurricular activities such as sports, band and dance.

For her, it is an honor to own and operate businesses to show that women are able to make something for themselves.

“We owe it to our daughters to show them that they can be whatever they put their minds to and crush the stereotype that only a man can provide in the workforce and women should be taking care of the home,” she said.

After six successful years as an entrepreneur, May has learned to enjoy the highs while appreciating the lows.

“Setting my own hours has been the most rewarding part,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, even though I set my own hours, I still work way over 40 hours a week, but I can take off when I like and the best thing is I don’t have to ask anyone. For me the most challenging is to do it all.

Meaning to own the business and doing all the office work that goes with it and work with clients. Most of the times my focus in on my clients and my office work is put on the backburner.”

She has found balance by taking the time to relax when not working by doing things she enjoys with family, friends or by herself.

In spite of the challenge of doing it all, she believes that it is all worth it and can’t imagine doing anything else. For other women considering opening a business, her best advice is to do it now.

“There is never a good time and the time is never better than now,” she said.

Kathrin May defines success as being happy with your work and yourself. She has achieved success as owner of Studio K Massage & Bodywork located in downtown Hinesville on East Mills Street.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

21

Rhonda Thomas of Molly Maxine | Merle Norman

R

ight in the heart of downtown along Main Street is a Merle Norman cosmetic studio and women’s boutique, Mollie Maxine. Rhonda Thomas moved back to Hinesville from Statesboro after her father, Don Thomas, passed away. One of the first things she realized was there was no place for women to shop for unique pieces or buy Merle Norman in Hinesville.

She asked her sister, Kim Ryon, and her mom, Cathy Thomas, where they buy their Merle Norman products and they said they drove out of town. To her that was unacceptable.

Her mother looked into opening a Merle Norman studio and for the past two years they have been in business making ladies feel more beautiful.

“I’m not sure any of us had a lifetime dream of becoming a business owner,” Thomas said.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

“Kim handles our accounting and helps when she can. Mom does the bookkeeping and business development. She likes to say she is happy being a behind-the-scenes supporter. Kim, mom and I are all owners. I am just the one who works here,” she said with a laugh.

While everyone pitches in, Thomas has become the face of the business. She enjoys this role that allows her to interact with customers.

“I love to see women out in town wearing something they purchased at our store or telling me they love their new makeup and skincare,” she said.

Although she loves to interact with customers, Thomas admits that trying to satisfy everyone and keep up with marketing the business through social media gets tough trying to respond to everyone immediately.

Thankfully, her family is there to help out.

This includes her daughter, Olivia, and her niec-

es Riley, Peyton and Brady. They welcomed their newest Merle girl, Addison, to the family on New Year’s Day. “With being a strictly family-owned and operated business, everyone helps out,” she said.

“Our Merle girls range from 4-66 and we all love it and everyone is always willing to help out!!

Other than relying on family for some support, her advice for women wanting to open a business is to just do it!

“It’s scary being a small business owner, but oh so rewarding,” Thomas said. “It is now 2017, where women have the opportunity to just as much as man, if not more.”

Molly Maxine | Merle Norman owners Rhonda Thomas (left), Cathy Thomas (center) and Kim Ryon (right) are all about business and beauty. Whether you are on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or walking through the door of Molly Maxine, Rhonda Thomas is there to help you discover the perfect outfit, accessories or cosmetics to make your day.

Alicia Jones of Financial Education Services and Lady Jay’s Seafood

M

any people know Alicia Jones as the owner of Lady Jay’s food truck, but her journey as an entrepreneur actually began with her business Financial Education Services.

Her first inspiration to be an entrepreneur came from her parents; however, her desire to leave a legacy for her sons, DaVoughn and Chrisitan, is what motivates her.

“My dad owns his own construction company and my mom helped him plan it and make that dream a reality,” she said. “My parents taught me that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. The next moment in my life when I wanted to start my business came from when I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life after my 15 rewarding years serving in the United States Army. I served as a medic helping people and wanted to continue this venue, however I decided that I no longer wanted to work for others.”

As a woman in business, Jones believes there are unique challenges that she is proud to have overcome.

“Women do face uphill battles in business compared to men because we are perceived to be less capable and intelligent than men, especially in certain business areas,” Jones said. “It’s incredibly important for women to be in business because women bring with them another perspective on business than men do, and have proven they can do just as well as men in any area. They would also be a great role model example for young girls, since they would pave the way for those girls to pursue their own dreams.

The bottom line is that emphasis should be placed on competence and not gender because, as we all know, there are many examples of accomplished women, take for example our very own First Lady, Michelle Obama, who is incredibly intelligent and distinguished in her own right. I am aware of the fact that some may discredit my opinions, ignore my ideas and think

Alicia Jones is a self-described serial entrepreneur.

Currently, she owns and operates two home-based businesses, Financial Education Services and Lady Jay’s Seafood. She credits her success to her ability to learn from mistakes and willingness to grow to meet the demands of the market.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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I’m downright crazy, simply because I’m a woman. Whereas, those exact ideas could be seen as brilliant coming from my male counterparts. I know this is the world we live in, so I don’t ever let those realizations deter me from my ultimate goals. If anything, they actually feed my determination by pushing me further.”

After being in business for a year with her latest business venture, Jones still believes being her own boss is rewarding. She admitted the work can get tough, but she learned to prioritize people and her time depending on the current and future needs of her business. This has helped Jones achieve her version of success, which is the feeling of pride she has in seeing her accomplishments and realizing that everything worked together for her good. Being satisfied, financially stable and happy with the end result of all her hard work is something Jones said makes it all worthwhile.

For women still working to achieve their success, Jones encourages them to be diligent, desperate, consistent and insistent.

“For a dream, you do not focus your energies and attention to pursue unrelentingly what is bound to be a mere daydream,” she said. “Never let your gender hinder you from pursuing anything in life, yes this is a patriarchal society, which can be unfair to women and glorify men.

However, as a woman, they must be secure in their strength and confidently pursue whatever their heart desires regardless of any obvious or perceived societal pressures.”

It is often said that if you are happy doing what you do for a living, you will never work a day in your life. These boss ladies have proven this to be true. Even though there are challenges to being an entrepreneur and women in business, they have all risen to the occasion and achieved success with no regrets. We are happy to have them in the Liberty County community and look forward to seeing them grow. p

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

Boys

FROM

N E M to

story by KRYSTAL HART /// photography by LAWRENCE DORSEY

In Fall 2016, we featured local mentoring programs that empower young women. Now it’s the young men’s turn. We were excited to find that Liberty and Long counties have just as many opportunities for young boys to be mentored into successful men as it does for female empowerment. If you’re interested in learning about local mentoring organizations that are helping males transition from boys to men, then keep reading!

Boys Scouts of America

B

oy Scouts of America is one of the largest and most well-known youth

old or is age 11, but has not reached age 18. The registration fee is $25. If you want to join Troop

development organizations in the United States. When looking for organizations in the community that

500, call Danny Peller at 912-271-1751, email pellerd@yahoo.com or search Facebook for Troop

serve boys, it is no surprise that Boy Scouts was

Boy Scouts Cub Pack 581 is sponsored by the Liberty County Cosmopolitian Club. The Cub Pack typically serves the Midway/Riceboro/Freedman

mentioned several times. However, you may be surprised to know that there are currently eight active Boy Scouts groups in the area. They are Troop 410 at Hinesville First Presbyterian Church, Troop 401 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter

Grove area, but welcomes boys from throughout the community. As a member of the Liberty/Long

Day Saints, Troop 461 at Midway Methodist Men’s Club, Troop 500 at Hinesville First United Methodist Church, Pack 581 of The Liberty County Cos-

itself in helping the boys become better leaders and offering scouting experiences. There are nine boys participating this session; although, they

mopolitan Club, Pack 461 at Allenhurst Presby-

average 15 per year.

The current pack leader is Herman Baker of Midway. He has been serving since 1975.

How did you become involved in Cub Pack 581?

terian Church, Pack 500 at Hinesville First United Methodist Church and Pack 401 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are introducing you to two of the groups.

Boy Scout Troop 500 and Pack 500 are

America. Troop 500 has been part of the Liberty/ Long community for 61 years, providing boys a

your back on them. I don’t have a son and two of the other adult leaders don’t, but we became attached to helping the boys because there is a

been part of the organization since childhood and enjoys introducing the boys to fun activities that will help them develop from boys to men.

What is the mission of Boy Scout Troop

Above Photo: Pack Leader Herman Baker has been serving Cub Pack 581 since 1975. Although the pack is based on the east end of the county and sponsored by the Liberty County Cosmopolitan Club, the boys enjoy participating in service projects throughout the county.

I was asked by Scoutmaster Benjamin Holmes to transport the boys to various camp sites. I eventually became a pack leader because once

Eight boys are enrolled in Troop 500 this session.

The current scoutmaster is Danny Peller. He has

Top Photo: Scoutmaster Danny Peller represents Troop 500, which is sponsored by the Hinesville United Methodist Church.

community since the 1960s, Cub Pack 581 prides

sponsored by the Hinesville First United Methodist Church. The Troop is part of the Coastal Georgia Council in the Altamaha District of Boy Scouts of

sense of belonging, lifelong friends and adventure.

Previous page: Members of the Boy Scout Cub Pack 581 participate in many community events throughout the year. Current members are Mekhi James, Jarrod Robertson Jr, Tyler Beverly, Blake Gilmore, Germaine Williams, Ahmad Golden, Khaden Sapp-Polite, Caden Roberts and Juan Stevens.

500.

you get started working with kids, it’s hard to turn

need. We are still in need of someone to assume the role of scoutmaster so we can grow the organization and become a troop.

How does Cub Pack 581 give back to the community?

We try to share with the community any time

500?

The mission of the Coastal Georgia Council Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people

we are asked to perform a service. We participate in all types of organizations for flag ceremonies

to make ethical and moral choices over their

Liberty County Cosmopolitan Club, so we always work closely with them. We also have a big celebration every February because scouting was

lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. How does the organization give back to the community?

American citizens who are physically,

and volunteering. Our sponsoring agency is the

birthed that month.

What are the criteria to join Cub Pack 581?

The boys have to be at least first grade for

mentally and emotionally fit have a high degree of self-reliance, as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness. Our

Cub Pack, then when they turn 11 they will go into a Boy Scout Troop. We ask parents to pay the $25 registration fee. Other than that, we use

participants have personal values based on religious concepts and they have the desire and skills to help others. They understand the

fundraisers and donations from the Liberty County Cosmopolitan Club for the rest. If you want to join Cub Pack 500, then call Herman Scott at 912-884-

principles of the American social, economic and governmental systems. They are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage

5545 or 912-977-3531. Visitors are also welcome to attend our weekly meetings at Dorchester Center in Midway. We meet every Saturday during

and understand our nation’s role in the world.

They have a keen respect for the basic rights of all

the school year from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. If the Liberty County School System is on holiday or break for

people and are prepared to participate in and give

the week, then there is no meeting.

leadership to American society.

What are the criteria to join Troop 500?

Your son can be a Boy Scout if he has

Outside of the traditional Boy Scouts programs, there are several initiatives in place for young men seeking knowledge, guidance and

completed the fifth grade and is at least 10 years

mentoring.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE E

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Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, Inc.

T

he Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, Inc. has proudly served the Liberty County community since 1991. From its inception, the organization set out to address the plight of young men of

color who reside in Liberty County. It has since evolved to include community outreach that enriches the lives of all citizens in Liberty County. The Eleven Black Men of Liberty County advocates for the educational, social and spiritual empowerment of young men through one-on-one mentoring and community service in the Transcenders program.

Currently 12 transcenders are participating.

As president of the Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, Mitchell Boston is tasked with the overall growth of the organization and expanding its outreach within the community. This includes developing a network of mentors and volunteers who support the mission.

What made you decide to become part of the Eleven Black Men of Liberty County?

As a youth growing up in Brooklyn, I can recall countless mentors, both men and women, who helped guide my steps and were willing to invest in my future. Although, I was unaware at the time, it was the opportunities and grace given by these adults which helped me be the man I am today.

Now it’s time to pay it forward! Our young men,

years of age, be motivated to help young people and certainly able to present a clean background check. There is no direct cost affiliated. As a

donations and sponsorship contributions. To participate as a transcender, director or sponsor, call 912-376-9146 or search The Eleven Black Men

nonprofit with 501c3 status, we rely solely on

of Liberty County Inc. on Facebook.

whom we refer to as “Transcenders�, are impacted by the many unique experiences they encounter as they grow into the organization. We constantly challenge them to build the self-confidence required to succeed in society. We strive to teach each transcender that maintaining spiritual values, a hard work ethic and a good attitude can take

Because “never� happens all the time.

That’s why I’m there.

them where they want to go in life.

How does the Eleven Black Men of Liberty County give back to the community?

Throughout the years, we have given back to the community which has done so much to support us. Our transcenders have served vital roles including community cleanup efforts, food drive donations, back-to-school giveaways and other charitable contributions.

What are the criteria to participate in the Transcender program?

The transcender requirement is 12 years of

There was a time you said you’d “never� get married and“never� have kids. And then?

They became the things in life you never want to be without.

Let me help you protect them.

It’s why State FarmŽ is there.

CALL ME TODAY. Joseph L Grant, Agent 101 E Oglethorpe Highway Hinesville, GA 31313 Bus: 912-368-0073 josephquotes.com M-F 9:00 am - 5:30 pm After Hours Appts Welcomed!

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age. Potential transcenders must meet with the board and be voted in. They generally will remain in the organization until they graduate from high school. Potential directors must be at least 21 The Eleven Black Men of Liberty County mentorship program for young men places them with leaders in the community that help them transition from boys to men. Through this program, the young men are exposed to civic, social and political environments where they learn to conduct business, help others and have fun.

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FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE E

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Faith Baptist Academy in the area by buying food, groceries and clothes.

Many of these young men live with families within Long County, which allows families to invest their time and efforts in the young men, as well as what we do from an athletic perspective. We have also served food to the less fortunate several times at the Manna House in Liberty County. We have also cleaned different families’ yards in the area. Last year, Chavez Young, who was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays organization, spent his time working with the local recreation department teams in his spare time. We also provide an avenue for the local young man.

What are the criteria to participate in the program?

Any young man between the ages of 12-21 can apply to our programs. The 12-18 age group attend our middle school, high school and college events to compete athletically on our junior varsity and varsity teams. Our 19-21 age group

F

aith Baptist Academy in Ludowici is home to the Faith Basketball Academy and the Baseball Academy of Hope. The school has been open since 1980. The basketball program was added in 2010

of the Faith Baptist programs and provide safe housing at an affordable rate for the students.

How do you think the program impacts the boys?

We bring in young men from across the world

competes against colleges in the area and other postgraduate programs across America. For the older age group, it’s their last chance to get to the next level and we provide an avenue for that. We have a screening process which usually includes an in-person interview or Skype interview with

and the baseball program was added in 2015. The programs strive to improve the spiritual, physical

into our athletic programs, and try to get them to a better state of life. For some, that means getting

and educational life of the young men who partic-

them off the streets in their foreign countries and

ipate in the program. Currently, 50 young men are enrolled.

Matt Sellars is the international director of

bringing them to America for a chance at the American dream. For others, it allows them to come out of a situation that isn’t getting them the

percent free through scholarships from donors.

operations as well as the director of basketball operations. Sellars was born and raised in South Georgia and attended Faith Baptist Christian

exposure necessary to get that college scholarship they have always dreamed of having. For many

mobile phone at 912-294-4098.

Academy for grades K-12. He matriculated to

athletics does not come to fruition, but we strive to instill within every young man important life skills necessary to be successful at whatever

Once per year, the missions of these or-

Association of Christian Athletes in Dayton, Tennessee. It was there he was exposed to the

they attempt after our programs. We recently helped a young man receive a full scholarship to South Georgia State College, and he spent his

ganizations are combined for the Tied to Success Program. Organized by the City of Hinesville Homeless Prevention Program, Tied to

possibilities of international students coming to America for sports and using the venue to influence young people for the cause of Christ.

entire educational experience in the public school atmosphere. He has currently been with us for five months and has received a scholarship because

Success is held every fall at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. It is an empowerment workshop for males ages 10 and older. The

When offered a job at Faith Baptist in 2008, he

we place these young men in situations where they

program consists of a power-packed day of

took those lessons and applied them to the athletic programs.

can succeed. Not all succeed, but they all have that opportunity.

How does the organization give back to the

sessions, group work and speakers to empower males to achieve success. During the

Pensacola Christian College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2006.

After graduation, Sellars worked at the National

Sellars works closely with Gene Reynolds Jr., the director of baseball operations, to build the baseball program. He also gives credit to the many families who we rent their homes to house the young men. Through their cooperation, Sellars and Reynolds have been able to increase the capacity

international boys. If accepted, the young men are charged school tuition and for living expenses on a monthly basis. Some young men attend 100 Anyone can reach me to participate or donate through email at mattchew1411@yahoo.com or by

of our young men, the dream of playing college

community?

We bring diversity to the region by offering relationships with young men from all walks of life.

We represent over 15 different countries in our programs. These young men also boost business

Faith Baptist Academy in Ludowici developed the Faith Basketball Academy and Baseball Academy of Hope programs to provide international, national and local boys an opportunity to change their lives through sports. Program directors Matt Sellars and Gene Reynold Jr. pride themselves on teaching the athletes about scholarship, service, spirituality and sports.

Tied to Success

event, the boys in our community are given an opportunity to interact with each other and men from all backgrounds. The goal is to inspire each of them to use available resources to become whoever they want to be and achieve whatever they desire to do. For more information on speaking, sponsoring or attending the 2017 event, call 912-876-6573 or visit www.cityofhinesville.org.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE E

31

Highway 84, Fastlane to Economic Growth

U

story by TIFFANY KING /// photos provided by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission

.S. Highway 84 plays a key role in the makeup of Liberty County.

For those of us who either work or live in the west side of the county, Highway 84, also known as Oglethorpe Highway, is essential to our commute.

We drive on this main thoroughfare almost every day, going about our daily lives and have witnessed the scenery along this corridor

change, transforming the community.

In particular, from McLarry’s Curve to the county line in Walthourville — over nine miles of businesses, schools, homes, and restaurants — there has been the most significant change, especially in the last four years.

New businesses seemed to materialize out of thin air, while rumors echoed loudly of the next big thing to come into the area. But there are greater implications for the economic growth along Highway 84 for Liberty County and the future.

“With all of the growth in the area and the intensity of it, Highway 84 has always been a bit of a monopoly, in the transportation sense, because there are places you can’t go without driving on 84,” Jeff Ricketson, executive director of the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission, said. “Our community is dependent upon Highway 84. Going south of Hinesville you have some alternatives, like taking South Main Street to Allenhurst or Walthourville, but from General Stewart to the east end, Highway 84 is the main route out there.”

TOP The view of Layton Street to Highway 84 drastically changes from a simple neighborhood street to a street with a Zaxby’s restaurant, a new intersection, turning lanes and the Hinesville Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic across the street. BOTTOM One of the new businesses along Highway 84 is the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market near Allenhurst. These views of highway show the development before and after.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

33

Highway 84 has a high traffic count — a major selling point to businesses. From Flemington to Walthourville, there is on average 30,000 cars on the road per day. The highest count is between General Stewart Way and Veterans Parkway, Ricketson said.

“Businesses want to be where the high traffic counts are,” he said. “Commercial relies on these counts because that brings customers to your door and that’s why property values are higher along the highway.”

The major new construction and renovations along the highway from 2014 until now is estimated to have cost $45,530,092, according to the LCPC. These developments include the Hinesville Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Zaxby’s, both Wal-Mart Neighborhood stores, Ole Times County Buffet, Bojangles, Tractor Supply, Verizon Wireless, Bryant Commons Park, GeoVista and the Oglethorpe Square Shopping Square,

currently under construction and set to open this spring.

Highway 84 wasn’t always the economic center of the county — it used to be downtown Hinesville in the 60s.

Phil Odom, chairman of the Liberty County Cultural and Historical Resource Committee and member of the LCPC, said the Liberty County Historic Courthouse sat in the center of the business district and the surrounding 40 acres was the economic center.

“All of the commerce took place in the 40 acres. Now that was my youth in the 60s and 70s,” Odom said, recalling a car dealership, doctor’s office and pharmacy located downtown.

Then things started to shift. In the 80s and 90s Hinesville expanded and the center of commerce moved to the corners of Hendry Street, E.G. Miles Parkway and General Screven Way, Odom said, then moved again to its present location, west along Highway 84 in the late 90s

and 2000s.

“When Lowes built their store in the 90s then Wal-Mart came and it shifted,” Odom said.

How could a couple of stores move business development to a different part of town? What was the reason?

The answer is people.

According to the Liberty County 2040 Joint Comprehensive Plan, Liberty County has a population of approximately 63,453.

The plan also reads, “From 1980 to 1990, the county grew by more than 40 percent, from 37,583 to 52,745. The significant growth rates began to slow down in 1990 and have remained steady since 2000. In 1990, the population reached 52,745; in 2000 the population was 61,610 and by 2010 it had increased to 63,453.”

Based on the 2010 Census, Hinesville has a population of 33,437; Walthourville 4,111; Midway 2,121; Riceboro 809; Flemington 743; Allenhurst 695; and Gum Branch 264.

TOP LEFT A view from the middle of Highway 84 shows the Hinesville Veterans Affair Outpatient Clinic, Zaxby’s and redesigned intersection of Memorial Drive, Layton Street and the highway in the distance. BOTTOM LEFT Photos show what Highway 84 could look like before and after installing a raised median, which is being planned for the future. RIGHT The LCPC Hinesville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization infographic maps recent development projects along Highway 84 since 2014.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

“I think that’s why we’ve seen much of the commercial development we’ve seen in the last few years because previously, probably 15 years ago, dating back to the 1990s, there has been pretty steady residential growth. Commercial growth follows residential growth,” Ricketson said. “The more rooftops in your community, the more attractive you are to businesses because that will create a demand for services, restaurants, haircuts, etc.”

And that demand is now being met with commercial development.

Ricketson thinks the recession of 20072008 halted development in the county for a period of time and now as the economy is slowly recovering, money is available for developers to meet the needs of residents — one result being the Oglethorpe Square Shopping Center.

Odom believes business development will be pulled towards the west side of the county near Walthourville, Allenhurst and in particular Long County.

From 2010 to 2015 Long County has been ranked in the top 10 fastest growing counties in Georgia with 22.7 percent growth, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released in 2016.

He thinks business will go west, where the population is growing, and the other alternative is east, where he believes the population is be-

ginning to go.

Odom also noted that Oglethorpe Square is centrally located along the nine mile stretch of the highway. He thinks there will be a large development on the west end, at the county line, and another in Flemington. He mentioned de-

“

THE LARGEST ECONOMIC ENGINE IS FORT STEWART, WITH OUR MILITARY MAKING A PERMANENT HOME HERE FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS.”

- Phil Odom

velopment projects in Flemington “sitting on the books” waiting for the right time to move forward.

“If we can continue to grow at 1-2 percent each year that is manageable growth. It’s something our city and county can keep up with

vehicle

rv

through their services,” Ricketson said, adding development will probably not be at the same level of intensity as it’s been in the last few years, only in steady increments. “Highway 84 is definitely going to continue to be the driving force of new development and residential development will happen in close proximity to 84.”

Since population growth plays a key role in development, what is causing Liberty’s population to grow?

Ricketson had an idea and Odom had an answer — both were Fort Stewart.

“The largest economic engine is Fort Stewart, with our military making a permanent home here for the last 30 years,” Odom said.

Odom said the U.S. Army used to have a twoyear rotation, meaning soldiers stayed at Fort Stewart for two years then relocated, and the local economy was based on that rotation, causing large corporations to hesitate about building in the county. Then the military changed to a fiveyear rotation some time ago, Odom said, which contributed to stable growth.

Ricketson thinks it could be from service members living off the installation and making Liberty their permanent home after retiring.

It is evident that whatever the driving force is behind the population growth, it is having a direct impact on development with tangible results.

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Future of Highway 84 The future of Highway 84 is critical, not just concerning businesses but safety as well.

Odom’s greatest concern is the traffic. He described Highway 84 as “a 1989 road in 2017� which has exceeded its design capacity for people.

To alleviate some of the stress on the roads, there are long range plans to construct the Highway 119 Freight connector, for large trucks to bypass Hinesville, and install a raised median on Highway 84, from Interstate 95 in Midway to the Walthourville county line. The median will only allow drivers to turn right onto the highway. “When we do get this funded, people will need to be ready for some inconvenience. There wouldn’t be a widening of 84. All of this will happen within the right-of-way,� Ricketson said. “The median will channel the traffic, hopefully slow it down and stop head-on collisions. There have also been fatalities from people walking across the road. It’s perilous to cross, but you’ll at least have this refuge, a raised median, and cross from one side to the median and wait until it’s safe to cross.�

The road project will be done in phases, starting with a section from Flemington to just pass the new shopping center, Ricketson said, adding that the Georgia Department of Transportation will start to do some overlay work this year. The highway will still include four lanes and turning lanes.

The purpose of the median is to also create a sense of place within the community.

By 2020 McLarry’s Curve is expected to undergo major changes. GDOT will realign Old Sunbury Road with Highway 84, between Park-

er’s gas station and Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home. There will be a traffic signal at the new intersection, with a sidewalk on both sides and raised median.

Ryon Avenue is also slated for realignment with the highway to be positioned directly across from the entrance to Bryant Commons.

On the east side Many residents wonder if there will be any further development on the east side of the county — Midway, Riceboro and east of I-95.

It goes back to population. “Midway has the elements of growing at some point. You have the interstate, proximity to jobs in Riceboro, Richmond Hill and Savannah. It’s got a lot of the advantages that would lead to additional residential development and there has been a good bit of residential growth outside of Midway, like in the Limerick subdivision. It’s about rooftops and there aren’t just enough yet in Midway,� Ricketson said.

He recognized the “tremendous opportunity for development� in the east and said it requires someone coming in making a bold move. “If something can come in and develop out there that would either draw people to live there or bring people in from the outside, it could be a game changer and start everything,� he said. “At some point something will happen out there to jumpstart it. Right now there’s nothing there to prompt someone to do a large scale commercial development.�

Private industries and manufacturing companies are located in the east, such as Tradeport East, and are attracted to the area because of the proximity to the interstate, but there is still a lack of commercial businesses.

“Businesses follow businesses. The more residential areas will create a demand for commercial and will build to critical mass,� Ricketson said. “The infrastructure is there to accommodate development, there just needs to be something there to spark it.�

In the meantime, the east end cities are not sitting by idly. The construction and plans for several subdivisions, including Live Oak Villas, are currently underway in Midway and Riceboro has recently expanded its water system.

The ultimate goal Highway 84 will continue to have the monopoly on development but the ultimate goal is for each of the seven municipalities to have their own development rather than exclusively along the highway. “I think that will help keep our small-town feel, if Midway can develop, Walthourville can develop and Riceboro can develop as individual communities part of the larger Liberty County,�

Ricketson said. “That’s what we want in Liberty County, to preserve that small-town feel and everybody keep their identity, growing at the same time. But given the trends that have happened, Hinesville will see a disproportionate amount of development, where a lot of the growth has been happening.�

In the next 20 years the economic center could shift again. We could see new buildings erected in a part of town that has not changed in decades. Wherever the next economic boom could be it only means one thing — Liberty County, Georgia is growing. While we are able to preserve our rich history and small-town feel, we must be ready for change. p

LEFT The map of McLarry’s Curve shows how Old Sunbury Road will be realigned with Highway 84. There will be a new intersection, traffic signal and raised median. RIGHT Ryon Avenue is slated to be be realigned with Highway 84 and directly across from the entrance to Bryant Commons.

The new intersection will also feature a traffic light.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

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I

Deep Roots

t is impossible to ignore the impact Fort Stewart has on Liberty County.

Today, the area boasts a robust economy and diverse population as a result of being home to the 3rd Infantry Division. However, before Fort Stewart became part of Liberty County, many families were already here building lives and a legacy in this lovely land of Liberty.

When it’s time to talk about history in Liberty County, I called on Donald Lovette, chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners and history enthusiast. What many do not know is that his local history mentor is Mr. Wyman May of Hinesville. Chairman Lovette assured me that Mr. May was the person I needed to speak to about Liberty families.

When speaking to Mr. May about the history of Liberty County and the families with deep

story by KRYSTAL HART /// photos by LAWRENCE DORSEY

roots in the area, he shared more than could be covered in this story. He has so much to tell that he and his wife, LaFayne May, have written more than a dozen books and studies. It may be time for a movie!

During a brief visit to the May home, Mr. May told me about families from Liberty County and Fort Stewart, which was formerly called Taylor’s Creek. As we sat in his home office, there was a massive collection of history books, photos and research that he performed as a hobby.

While he calls it a hobby, I can assure you the knowledge Mr. May has and the works he created are enough to have him recognized as an expert. He has been documenting Liberty County’s history longer than most people have had a career.

Mr. May is sure to always begin with the village of Taylor’s Creek because it has been here

since the 1760s — way before Hinesville was created.

His grandfather moved from St. Mary’s, Georgia, in Camden County, in 1861 to settle in the village. His family remained there until 1941 when around 2,000 families were forced to move from the area to make room for Camp Stewart.

A majority of the families were relocated to 12,000 acres of land in Hazelhurst, Georgia in Jeff Davis County. Each were given a single family home on 200 acres. Today, the area is often referred to as “Little Hinesville.”

For those that did not relocate, many of them came to Liberty County and settled into the area.

I took inspiration from our local historians and narrowed down a list of some of local families with deep roots in Liberty County.

TOP LEFT Mrs. Bessie Bailey shows off a photo of her and her dad, John Raymond “J.R”. Morgan, in front of his gas station, which was located at the corner of Court and Commerce streets across from the Historic Liberty County Courthouse. The family later sold the gas station and it is currently the J.W. Car Wash.

BOTTOM LEFT Mrs. Julie Martin identifies a photo of the Winn House in Dorchester Village taken around 1900. CENTER Mr. Wayman May and his wife, LaFayne, pictured in their home office filled with research and books they have written and read about the history of Taylor’s Creek and Liberty County.

TOP RIGHT Mrs. Bessie Bailey shares a photo of Bradwell Institute, which was featured in “Liberty County: A pictorial history” written by her cousin Virginia Fraser Evans, the great-granddaughter of Charlton Hines. BOTTOM RIGHT Mr. Daniel Fleming shares an old photo of his father and uncle.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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B

efore Liberty County was Liberty County, the Baileys were here. As the matriarch of the Bailey family, Mrs. Bessie Bailey traced her family connections all throughout the county. She is a descendant of both the Stafford and Hines families.

Both sides came from England. The family has traced back the Staffords to 1606 in Stafford, England. They came to Liberty County by way of Virginia.

Since the connection to Hinesville runs so deep, there is a list of elected leaders, political figures and business owners in the family.

They include former Sheriff James Washington Stafford, former Sheriff David Stafford, former Hinesville Mayor Harold Stafford, former Flemington councilwoman Dotty Fermin, former owner of City Cafe Ethel Stafford Morgan, former owner of Splendid Cleaners and ABC Cleaners Asa Bailey and local attorney Craig Stafford.

The most notable figure is Hinesville’s namesake, Charlton Hines.

“Hinesville got its name because Charlton

Meet the Baileys Hines gave land for the county seat because there was a well on his property that the community got their water from,” Mrs. Bailey says.

“It was also closer to the center of the county and the state capital at the time. People would come inland from Gravel Hill which is now Flemington and Sand Hill which is now Wathourville.”

To her knowledge, there are no direct descendants of Charlton Hines still in Hinesville.

Growing up in Liberty County, Mrs. Bessie Bailey remembers Liberty County as a small town with no paved roads. Animals would roam everywhere.

“I was scared to death of the cows that would graze on the courthouse lawn,” she says. “We would walk on Main Street as little girls and had to walk by the old Hinesville jail and the prisoners would heckle us.”

When asked to share something about Liberty County that most people don’t know she had several things to share. Mrs. Bailey started with memories of her mother Ethel, also known as Big Mamma, cooking for the jail.

“The joke around town was that people would get in jail to get some of my mom’s cook-

ing,” she says with a laugh.

She also shares that the first Heritage Bank, called Hinesville Bank back then, is now the Zum Rosenhof German Restaurant. She pointed out that “1911” is still on the building signifying when it was first built.

Also, Sheriff David Stafford had to be driven around by his wife because he didn’t know how to drive and James Washington Stafford was killed serving a peace warrant.

One of the most interesting things she shared was that Hinesville had natural springs throughout the city. One was near the old Coca-Cola building on Main Street.

“People came to bathe in the waters of the natural springs,” she says. “Hinesville essentially was known as a place for folks to bathe before Camp Stewart. Now it’s mostly associated with the military base.”

Mrs. Bailey doesn’t seem bothered by Hinesville being known as home of the 3rd ID, but she wish people would return to the small town values and get back to appreciating one another and respecting each other’s property like it used to be.

ABOVE (Left to right) Descendants of the Stafford family, Bessie Bailey, Craig Stafford, Jeremy Fermin, Callie Rollins and Dotty Fermin gathered during the Christmas holidays sharing family history, memories, and photos.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

L

ike the Baileys, Liberty County roots run deep throughout the Martin family. Foxie and Julie Martin are both originally from Liberty County. Mrs. Julie Browning Martin is a descendant of the Winn and Jones families from the Dorchester Village area in Midway and Riceboro. She can trace her roots to the 1750s.

“Two of my six times great-grandfathers were killed in the Revolutionary War,” she says.

“General James Screven died after being wounded in battle about a mile and a half south of the Midway Church in 1778 and Major John Jones was killed in the Siege of Savannah in 1779.”

When asked about growing up in Liberty County and the life she had, Mrs. Martin has fond memories.

“Those of us who were lucky enough to grow up in Riceboro in the 1950’s lived in a time and place that is reminiscent of Mayberry, the town made famous in ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’” she says. “Life was slow, and the families were all close-knit. It was a way of life that has almost

Meet the Martins vanished.”

Mrs. Martin recalls drinking an ice-cold Coke on the front porch of Mr. C.B.’s store with Miss Nevie; reading comic books, or “funny books” as they called them, at Branan’s Drug Store; purchasing goods from Mrs. M.B.’s filling station; waiting on the train at the Depot; catching up on all the news with friends and neighbors at the post office every morning; shopping at Skinny Way’s store and Hodges’ Rolling Store; marking time by the whistle at the sawmill; and worshipping at the heart of the community, the Riceboro Presbyterian Church. All that was missing from their little world was Mayberry’s Andy, Barney, Opie and Aunt Bee. Although I’m sure there were some characters that could fit the bill, we decided not to assign any roles.

Her husband, Jerry “Foxie” Martin, is also a descendant of one of the first families of Liberty County. His father’s surname was Martin and his mother’s maiden name was Darsey. He can trace his roots to Martin Martin, who served in the Revolutionary War.

Unlike Mrs. Martin, Foxie’s family originated from the Willie and Taylor’s Creek communities, which are now part of the Fort Stewart installation. When Camp Stewart was developed, his family resettled into Hinesville.

“I was born at home and grew up in that same house on East Court Street in Hinesville,” Mr. Martin says. “I lived only a block away from the school, Bradwell Institute, which was located where the Board of Education office and the Pre-K Center are now. I would wait until the first bell rang and then I’d run all the way to school. I hunted the woods and fished the creeks all the way from where my house was in Hinesville down to McIntosh. Every Saturday morning my friends and I would go to the movies at the Pal Theater on Main Street where we would spend the grand total of 15 cents, which got us in and we had money left over for a drink and a sucker.”

This history in Liberty County is something that the Martins say they are proud to have experienced.

ABOVE Julie and Jerry “Foxie” Martin live in the Riceboro area where they enjoy spending time with their family and volunteering with the Dorchester Village Civic Center, among other things. Pictured left to right: Foxie Martin, Julie Browning Martin, Clint Baxter, Hailey Melton Baxter, Landon Runyon, Della Martin Horne and Mark Horne.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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M

r. Daniel Fleming Sr. is a lifelong resident of Liberty County who has enjoyed life here among family and raising his own family.

He traces his history back to his grandfather Bristol Fleming. Coming out of slavery, his grandfather’s slave master gave his family land in the McIntosh community. Eventually the land that was given to the family was sold to Bill Baker and the Zion Temple Holiness Church.

His father, Henry Fleming, then bought 100 acres of land in the Riceboro area and moved his family there.

“We call it Way Land,” Mr. Fleming says.

“It is an unincorporated area between Midway, Riceboro and Hinesville. We’re in the middle of all of it but not really part of any of the cities.”

In the Riceboro area, the Flemings were known for farming. They also made money cutting ties for the railroad then taking them to Sa-

Meet the Flemings vannah to be sold.

“We owned our own land and farm,” he explained. “We used to harvest our own stuff and didn’t have to buy food. We had our own stores and was more industrial than we as a people are today. We had everything we needed… Syrup, molasses, grits. We even crushed our own sugar, raised our own cattle, cured meat ourselves and didn’t buy from others. What we didn’t have on the farm, we would go to the water and catch fish and other seafood. All of those things were natural and that’s why we lived longer and look good. Now you have all of these additives that aren’t good for us.”

This way of life is something Mr. Fleming says he is sad to see young people miss out on.

Not only for health reasons, but for work ethic and self-pride.

“We used to harvest rice and stack it the same way people in foreign countries do,” he says. “We try to get our young people to under-

stand how things are made and how to be resourceful, but they aren’t interested and don’t want to listen and learn. Most of them wouldn’t know how to get milk from a cow, all they know is to go to the grocery store. If they don’t see it in a book or on the internet they don’t believe it.

Everything has gotten so modern that we don’t know how to do for ourselves. We have to teach our students.”

Thankfully he still has his memory because lots of old family pictures got burned in a house fire when he was in eighth grade. Over the years, Mr. Fleming has enjoyed sharing the history with his family and building a legacy of hard work and family pride.

Mr. Daniel Fleming, Sr. was married to the late Sophronia Jewell Fleming from Jan. 30, 1966 - May 8, 2015. To this union six children were born, and four still reside in Liberty County.

ABOVE Mr. Daniel Fleming Sr. of the Way Land community is a well-known businessman and historian in Liberty County. He enjoys sharing stories and photos of Liberty County’s past with anyone willing to listen, especially the youth.

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LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

A

s one of the oldest citizens in Liberty County, Chester Barrett also has unique stories to tell about Liberty County. He was the second of five children born to Everlena and Joe Barrett on August 13, 1920. His mother was a housewife and his father was a logger/farmer in the McIntosh/Midway area.

Mr. Barrett remembers his family creating a legacy of being self-employed, hardworking, and always lending a helping hand to others in the community.

“I learned at an early age that hard work didn’t hurt, it paid off in the long run,” Mr. Barrett says. “As a little boy I learned from my father the importance of going to school and working to provide for your family. My dad would work from sunrise to sunset, not just for himself, but helping others in the community as well. It was definitely like a village raising a child growing up during this time. My parents raised five kids and they never got in any serious trouble because the older folks then did not play with them like today’s generations.”

Currently, Mr. Barrett lives with his wife of 60 years, Minerva Barrett, in Midway. After owning their businesses for several decades, he retired after 30 years as an electrician and she retired after 40 years as a beautician.

Meet the Barretts At the age of 96, Mr. Barrett has words of wisdom for his family and community that he desires to have live forever in Liberty County.

To his family, he says, “The Barrett Family has a strong foundation here in Liberty County and I hope that our future generations do their share of hard work and extending a helping hand to not only build our family legacy but our community’s as well.”

To the Liberty County community he says, “As a WWII veteran, Liberty County does a great job of recognizing those who serve our country. There have been many occasions where strangers would pay for our meals while dining out. The people I have been able to help or did work for continue to show their respect for me and what I have done for the community. Being able to see the impact you have had on others is a true blessing and a proud moment each time.

Liberty County is home and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

He also had another message for residents of Liberty County.

“A lot of people don’t know how many history lessons are right underneath their noses,” he says. “They always feel like they have to go far to learn or experience things when there is so many places right down the road that can teach them more than they can imagine. No book can

teach you some of the history we have here.”

Thankfully, these stories from the first families of Liberty County isn’t the only resource available to learn about the history of the area.

Several locations and organizations are committed to preserving this history and sharing it with anyone willing to learn. If you want more information on Liberty County, considering visiting one or all of these places: • 3rd Infantry Division Museum • Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center • Dorchester Academy • Dorchester Village Civic Center • Fort Morris State Historic Site • Fort Stewart Cemetery Association • Geechee Kunda Cultural Center • Historic Baptismal Trail • ITPA Telephone Museum • LeConte-Woodmanston Botanical Gardens • Liberty County Historical Society • Liberty Independent Troop Museum • Melon Bluff Nature Preserve • Midway Congregational Church and Cemetery • Midway Museum and Gallery • Old Liberty County Jail • Seabrook Village • Sunbury Cemetery

ABOVE Mr. Chester Barrett (left) and his wife, Minerva (right) have lived in the McIntosh/Midway area for more than 60 years. They have one son, Leander Barrett (deceased); three granddaughters, Kiona, Chiquita and Dwaynea; and four great-grandchildren.

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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Savannah Festivals Worth the Drive

I

story by PATTY LEON

n a society engulfed by social media and instant news and movies, creative and cultural arts seem to be an idea of an era long gone. Most people hardly take the time to escape reality by reading a good book or by tuning into new music genres. They would much rather binge watch a reality show on Netflix rather than meet new people, explore new music, and new foods or customs.

But in nearby Savannah, the Hostess City is trying to restore the love for creativity and embrace its image as the new melting pot of the South. The film industry is booming and the city enjoys recognizing its Irish, Scottish, German, Latin, Greek and African American heritage — to just name a few — throughout the year with festivals and celebrations.

It helps that Savannah is home to The Savannah College of Arts and Design. The city

boasts three renowned art museums and several art galleries throughout the historic squares.

With an array of year-round events planned for 2017 here are three big festivals set to take place in February and March.

All three draw crowds from around the world, embrace the arts and are worthy of the short drive to experience a little culture.

ABOVE The annual Savannah Book Festival draws hundreds from around the world in a celebration of literature, thought and expression.

The festival features book signings, lectures and talks with well-known authors, such as Pat Conroy (pictured) who was a main speaker in 2012. (photos by Geoff L. Johnson) 44

LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

photo by Karin Diana

photo by Sue Patterson

photo by Michael Lionstar

Savannah Book Festival

S

timulate your mind with a good book.

Better yet make it a few good books.

The annual Savannah Book Festival gives readers a unique opportunity to meet authors face-to-face and learn the tricks of their trade. This year the four-day event takes places Feb. 16-19 and will feature 44 authors with a wide array of fiction and non-fiction book selections.

SBF Executive Director Kim Bockius-Suwyn says the festival was born from an idea brought to Savannah by Matt Prickett when he moved to the city in 2006. He organized local book lovers, city officials and local universities.

Together they put on the first formal festival in 2008.

That year featured guest speaker John Berendt who made Savannah a household name in his infamous book turned movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” They also had Georgia author Terry Kay and southern cook specialist and author Nathalie Dupree as guest speakers. The event was held in five venues across the city and featured 35 authors.

“It was a great first year,” Bockius-Suwyn, who took over as executive director one year ago says. Bockius-Suwyn has served the organization as a volunteer for several years. “We started with a bang.”

This year marks their 10th anniversary and Bockius-Suwyn says they have 44 authors coming in for the event representing nearly every

genre imaginable for readers.

“It is a four-day festival and three of those days are the headliner events that are ticketed,” Bockius-Suwyn explains and notes that Saturday is the all-day free event.

The keynote speakers this year include James Patterson, Colson Whitehead and Christina Baker Kline. Patterson is an American author with a world-wide following. He is best known for his fictional crime series books featuring protagonist Alex Cross, as well as the bestselling detective books which feature protagonist Michael Bennett.

Patterson will kick off the festival with the opening address Thursday Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The next evening National Book Award Winner for Fiction, Colson Whitehead will be the keynote speaker at 6 p.m.

Bockius-Suwyn says she is thrilled to have Whitehead among the speakers this year.

“I go up to New York and meet with the publicists and they give me some names of authors they think are going to be hot and that is how we found Colson Whitehead,” she says explaining how the SBF committee gathers the names of possible authors and books to decide who and what would be a good fit for the festival each year. “He was one of the first people that I talked about up in New York. His publicists said this is going to be a big book… he was right… It will be the first time we have a sitting National Book Award Winner for Fiction as our keynote

speaker.”

Whitehead’s award winning book, “The Underground Railroad,” follows a young slave’s journey to freedom in the Antebellum South. It is also an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

“On Sunday Christina Baker Kline will close the address at 3 p.m.,” Bockius-Suwyn says. “She is the author of the ‘The Orphan Train’ which was a huge hit in 2014.”

“The Orphan Train” hit number one on the New York Times bestselling list.

“She has written a new book and it will actually have its first appearance here at the festival. It doesn’t go on sale nationally until the next week,” Bockius-Suwyn says. “It’s called ‘A Piece of the World,’ and it is about the painting called ‘Christina’s World.’ It is a famous painting by Andrew Wyeth showing a young woman sitting on a hill in Maine and looking up the hill to a small house… it is an iconic American painting. She has crafted a novel about that woman and what her story is and how she got to know Andrew Wyeth.”

Each keynote speaker will present their speeches at the Trustees Theater. Tickets for each speaker cost $20 and went on sale to the public Jan. 11.

On Saturday the festivals sprawls across seven different venues among the city squares of Telfair, Wright and Chippewa. The day-long event will feature 41 authors.

“They are all free and open to the public,”

ABOVE This year’s book festival will feature Colson Whitehead author of “The Underground Railroad”, James Patterson, author of “Cross the Line” and Christina Baker Kline, author of “A Piece of the World.”

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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Bockius-Suwyn says, adding each author will have time to speak and possibly address public questions about their books or their writing methods.

Bockius-Suwyn says the best part of the festival is discovering a new author or getting a chance to meet one of your favorites.

“The one that sticks to my heart is Pat Conroy,” Bockius-Suwyn recalls. “I was fortunate to see him at his last appearance a few years ago… he was a great friend of the festival and I

had always been an admirer of his work. So to hear his story about how he became a writer and how he overcame a lot of odds and a lot of family baggage to become a beloved American writer… that was inspirational to me.”

Bockius-Suwyn says authors have expressed how much they enjoy coming to the festival due to the ambiance and the people of Savannah.

“Every author who comes to town is assigned an individual or a couple who is responsible for getting them to and from the book festi-

val event,” she says. “They also take them out to dinner or take them on a tour of the city… there is no other festival… when the authors come they fell like honored guests and we show them the southern hospitality we are so famous for.”

Bockius-Suwyn says the festival draws in book-lovers from around the world enhancing the local economy.

For more information and a detailed schedule of Saturday’s events and locations visit: http://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

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Savannah Music Festival

I

f you prefer to strike up the chorus or catch some Beethoven, Rock-a-Billy, jazz or blues, then the Savannah Music Festival should hit the right note.

Starting March 23 and continuing until April 8 the SMF showcases a multitude of musical artists and was described as the broad-

est palette of any comparable festival in the world by Classical Voice North America, the web journal of the Music Critics Association of North America.

“Our organization was founded by a group of business and community leaders in 1989, aimed at increasing cultural tourism to the

city,” says SMF Marketing Director Ryan McMaken. “For the first 12 years, the multi-disciplinary Savannah OnStage International Arts Festival brought a variety of performing artists to Savannah stages. In 2002, the organization’s board decided to change direction and hired Rob Gibson as executive and artistic director,

Photos Courtesy of Savannah Music Festival: 1 Leyla McCalla (photo courtesy of the artist) 2 Avett Brothers (photo courtesy of the artist) 3 Jason Isbell (photo by Wes Frazer) 4 Wood Brothers (photo by Alysse Gafkjen) 5 Gerald Clayton (photo by Timothy Duffy) 46

LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

changing the name to Savannah Music Festival and focusing wholly on the musical arts. Since then, an annual budget of $750,000 has grown to operations of $3.8 million, and tourism has grown alongside the festival.”

For three weeks bands and musical groups will play at a litany of venues throughout the city to include B. Matthew’s Eatery, Charles H. Morris Center, Johnny Mercer Theater, Lucas Theater, Ships of the Sea Museum, Rousakis Plaza, Trustees Theater and more.

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is a tenuous and extensive undertaking.

“The festival is programmed by Gibson,” McMaken says adding Gibson works with a team of associate artistic directors in selecting groups for the annual event. Among his associates are violinist Daniel Hope for classical music, pianist Marcus Roberts for jazz, and mandolinist Mike Marshall for acoustic music. “At the beginning of each season, Gibson takes a map of the world and a timeline beginning in the Renaissance and leading to the present day. Programming tends

the SMF will debut the BalletCollective this year.

Acclaimed New York City Ballet choreographer Troy Schumacher will bring his troupe of dancers for a program orchestrated by classical composers, which is sure to delight ballet and music lovers alike.

McMaken noted it as part of SMF’s mission in seeking out performing artists that epitomize the strong artistic vision of the organization.

“Our mission statement has remained true

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Among this year’s headliners are the Avett Brothers who will open the festival at the Johnny Mercer Theater with a two-night stand. This North Carolina folk-rock band had sold out performances for the SMF in 2011 and 2014.

Several musical artists are slated to perform throughout the three-week event. McMaken says planning for this year’s event started as soon as last year’s festival was over. He added it

to fill various spots on both the map and the timeline, ensuring a diverse schedule of artists and programs.”

McMaken says this year’s list of artists includes countless musical styles such as jazz, Cajun influenced and Haitian influenced bands, western swing, country, honky-tonk blues, rhythm and blues, zydeco, southern rock, classical, opera, and others. In addition to the bands

since 2003,” McMaken says. “We are dedicated to presenting world-class celebrations of the musical arts that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah.”

McMaken says the event relies on the support of their donors and sponsors in addition to ticket sales. They also give back to the community, offering educational programs such as

Photos Courtesy of Savannah Music Festival: 6 Ballet Collective (photo by Matthew Murphy) 7 Che Malambo (photo by Diane Smithers) 8 Earls Of Leicester (photo courtesy of the artist) 9 Daniel Hope (photo by Thomas Entzeroth) FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

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their acoustic music seminars, their musical explorer program and their swing central jazz program.

“Our organization has grown its education programs considerably, offering year-round music education programs to students throughout Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina low-country,” McMaken says.

This year 16 young string players, all 22 years old and under, will travel to Savannah to join the Acoustic Music Seminar held during the festival. All participants will receive one week of hands-on training in playing, ensemble

work and song writing led by acclaimed artist Mike Marshall.

Meanwhile, 12 high school jazz bands from across the country will travel to Savannah this year for the three-day swing central jazz program. It teaches improvisational and instrumental techniques.

SMF’s Musical Explorers Program is a yearround program for grades K-2 in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. It helps children learn songs from different cultures and develop listening and singing skills. It is open to schools in Chatham, Effingham, Liber-

ty, Bryan and Beaufort, South Carolina counties.

McMaken adds the annual event is a big draw for tourism funds for the city.

“We also continue to draw 40 percent of our festival audiences from out of town, producing more than 9,000 hotel room nights each year and supplementing Savannah’s tourism economy with $11 million in direct spending,” he says.

Prices for the shows vary according to venue and performers. A complete list of scheduled artist with a sampling of their music style may be found at their web-site: http://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/

The Irish festival will be held at the Savannah Civic Center. Vendors will be on site offering an array of Irish inclined merchandise and delectable Irish foods. The festival will also have special performers scheduled throughout the weekend.

More information can be found here: http:// www.savannahirish.org/ On the first Sunday in March one lucky Irishman is selected to serve as the grand marshal for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a series of mini events that culminate in the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States on March 17.

The grand marshal will have the honor of

greening the historic Forsyth Park Fountain the week before the parade. The water of the iconic fountain is dyed green creating a visually stunning and unique presentation.

On March 17 the city closes down as the parade and revelry of St. Patrick’s Day goes from sun up until sun down. The celebration is rivaled only by the largest St. Patrick’s Day event held in Boston. But Savannah provides a more temperate climate, not to mention the stunning landscape of the Spanish moss dripping from the oak trees across the city squares.

For more information and the parade route visit: http://www.savannahsaintpatricksday. com/ p

St. Patty’s Day

O

f course there is another form of cultural entertainment that takes place yearly in Savannah right after the book festival but before the music fest. It is a cultural event marked with a lot of revelry rivaled only

by Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It’s an event that draws people in from all around the world — St. Patrick’s Day, Savannah style.

Beginning in mid-February, downtown Savannah starts to take on a shade of emerald green as the city starts the festivities honoring the Irish heritage of local residents and Irish organizations. The 25th annual Savannah Irish Festival is scheduled for Feb. 17-19.

ABOVE No matter where you’re from, everyone bleeds green at the Savannah Irish Festival and St. Patrick’s Day parade. The luck of the Irish can be seen everywhere, from cathedrals, to noble horses and green clad visitors lining the streets. (photos by Geoff L. Johnson) 48

LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

Life’s a Peach

CROP CIRCLES

T

he alarm screamed, and I bolted out of bed. But there was one problem. The alarm clock was still set on weekend alarm time. I was two hours behind on a Monday when I had an important presentation scheduled.

“Why today?” I said aloud to no one, cursing the fact I had no time to shower. No time to wash my hair. All on a day when I wanted to look my best.

Fortunately, I had packed my briefcase and laid out my clothes the night before. So I sponged off, slathered on deodorant, and scrambled into my professional attire. At the last moment, I grabbed the dry shampoo, slung my head over, and sprayed it in circles. I flipped my head back, sprayed a bit more, fluffed it up, and combed it before heading for the door.

When I arrived at my meeting destination, I refreshed my lipstick and powdered my nose, careful to be well-groomed for my part of the program.

Everything went well during the talk on professional branding. I moved from the podium and worked the audience, trying to engage instead of just giving information. As we critiqued several online business sites, I said to them, “Consistency is critical for your image — offline and online. If not, there’s a disconnect.”

One after another nodded in agreement, smiling. My energy level kicked up a notch as I continued. We explored developing their messages and discussed the importance of authenticity. Everyone seemed interested in learning more. They even laughed at the cartoons on the screen I had sprinkled in throughout the presentation. A hushed murmur moved through the crowd as I completed the last part of the PowerPoint on a high.

I stayed afterward, talking to members of the audience. Everyone seemed to be in a great mood. I lingered, caught up in the afterglow of

by DEBRA AYERS BROWN

a successful morning.

It wasn’t until I returned home that my mood changed.

“What’s wrong with your hair?” my daughter Meredith asked with a cocked brow.

“What do you mean?” I reached up to smooth any stray strands.

“I don’t know what you did to it, but your hair is black in the back.” She giggled. “Kind of.”

“Kind of?”

“There’s black circles,” Meredith answered, shrugging.

I rushed to the bathroom with Meredith following close behind, laughing.

I grabbed a hand mirror and gasped. It looked like I’d spray-painted black circles on my hair. The black stood out against my light hair like a zebra’s behind in the sunshine.

“Well?” Meredith stared at me. “What’d you do to it?”

“I can’t imagine,” I mumbled, still twisting and turning, trying to get a better look.

“Oh,” Meredith said with a laugh. “I see what happened.” She picked up the container of dry shampoo and pointed to the label. “This is made for dark hair.”

I looked closer. Brunette. I had no idea they made dry shampoo for different hair colors.

As I stared at my reflection, my presentation flashed before my eyes. I thought the audience had been responding to my content and laughing at the cartoons I’d used throughout my talk. Now I knew better.

“I probably didn’t do much for my own branding today,” I said to my daughter. “Maybe next time, I’ll stick red hot metal against my hindquarters to demonstrate what can happen if you make a misstep.”

“That’d be less embarrassing,” Meredith agreed, giggling. “But what if someone shared your crop circles on all the social media outlets?”

“Noooooo!”

Panicked thoughts raced through my

mind — all in black-and-white craziness. Was I already trending from the morning’s spectacle?

I remembered the cell phone flashes during my presentation. Were there Facebook posts of my two-toned hair? Tweets about Cruella de Vil with 101 dalmatians curled up in my hair? A YouTube video branding me as the skunk of my profession? Would the unwanted attention be all bad?

Like every good PR professional, my thoughts turned to prime time. But I decided a viral sensation about a marketing pro’s mishaps while teaching a branding class wouldn’t be the break I’d want. No matter. My desire to keep my debacle offline wouldn’t stop Entertainment Tonight from featuring the video with the headline, “Branding expert decides to check out the theory of no publicity is bad publicity.” Fallon would tease his show with “Crop circles mysteriously appeared in Georgia when branding expert…” And all the news stations would latch on to the story, “Marketing expert shows what not to do when addressing a crowd.”

Meredith stared at me while I ran my fingers through my hair. “Well, you’re the one they call when there’s a crisis,” she said. “How would you spin this situation for someone else?”

“I’d tell them not to worry about it and to laugh when others mentioned it,” I answered.

“And they’d probably be top of mind when someone thought of branding or dry shampoo or crop circles. How could that be a bad thing?”

And it wasn’t. My fiasco turned out fine.

No Facebook posts. No tweets. No YouTube videos.

With my confidence restored, I remembered I had worked hard to transform from traditional marketing into social selling. It wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. The strategies I’d developed worked. One morning fiasco wouldn’t derail my efforts. I had the goods to propel my career into a viral sensation — with or without crop circles. ¶

FEBRUARY 2017 /// LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE

49

Proust Questionnaire

DOROTHY KEMPSON

DIRECTOR OF THE ARMSTRONG LIBERTY CAMPUS WANTS TO TRAVEL THE WORLD AND EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT CULTURES What, to you, is perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness would be the ability to balance work, family, and deal with the daily struggles that come my way without stressing. If I am able to balance all of these successfully, then I would have achieved complete happiness. I strive for this but as you know life happens and sometimes it’s hard to always be in a “happy space.”

me the opportunity to see several countries and I would like to continue to travel around the world meeting different people and experiencing other cultures.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I have a great sense of humor so I love to make people laugh and make them feel good about whatever it is they are dealing with. I believe laughter is one way to stay happy, so if I could make someone smile, then I feel I have accomplished something good.

What one material possession would you save in the event of a fire (assuming your family was safe)?

I would save my cell phone because it has important information, such as phone numbers and personal information for my family. My phone also holds memories that I treasure through my photos and videos.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Over the years, there have been several people whom I admire. They have given some great advice which I try to use as a guide in my life. The first advice given was “No matter how bad things may get, always try to find the good in it”. When you are able to do this, it makes dealing with the situation a little easier. Another one was “Treat people how you want to be treated”. This is something that I truly try to live by when dealing with people. I am a true believer in karma so I am always mindful of how I treat people.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I can’t really think of anything that I would change. I believe God has created me the way I am so I love every part of me including my flaws.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not being able to love. My family and true friends are very important to me, so if I was not able to show them love, I would be lost.

What real or fictional person do you most identify with?

My mom is someone who exemplifies 50

What trait do you most admire in another person?

Honesty is the trait I admire the most in a person. I rather have someone be honest with me even if it is going to hurt me. Honesty is also a foundation for building great relationships and without honesty you cannot have trust.

What trait do you most deplore in another person?

I dislike when people are not truthful. I believe that your word is your bond so if you can’t keep your word, how can you be trusted?

the same value that I have and that is strength. She was determined to ensure my brother, sister and I were given the tools needed to make it in a world that sometimes can be cruel.

She is also the glue that holds our family together and has always been there for us. My mom has supported me in every decision I have made, even when deciding to drop out of college and join the military. Of course she was shocked, but she understood that I had to live my own life and make decisions that were best for me. So after the military, I went back to school and when I graduated from college, I was glad my mom was there to share this great accomplishment with me.

My mom is my rock and I owe who I am today to her!

LIBERTY LIFE MAGAZINE /// FEBRUARY 2017

What is your greatest extravagance?

I would have to say shoes! Anyone who knows me knows that I love to buy shoes. I have a very large shoe collection, but if you ask my family they would say it’s a shoe addiction.

Of course I don’t wear every pair of shoes, but there is something about seeing a “bad shoe” in the store that I just can’t resist. My friends once put me on a shoe challenge where I had to donate 10 pairs of shoes before I was allowed to purchase a new pair.

Well needless to say, I failed that challenge miserably.

If money weren’t an object, how would you spend your time?

I would spend my time traveling with my family. The military has provided

Who are your favorite musicians?

I grew up in a family where music was always played in our home. I love all types of music, so it’s hard to name my favorite musicians. If I had to list a few it would range from Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Sinead O’Connor, Patti LaBelle, Adele, Michael Jackson, Prince, Tim McGraw, Yolanda Adams, Whitney Houston and so many more!

What are your favorite books?

I am not a big reader but I did enjoy reading “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. One of my goals for 2017 is to start reading more books. My daughter and husband love to read so I plan on joining the club!

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