March/April Milledgeville Scene_2014

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Let Oconee Regional Medical Center be your first choice for Outpatient Services. With the latest equipment, highly-trained staff and convenient location, you can expect excellent care with hometown hospitality.

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Wound Healing Open MRI Cardiac Rehabilitation Same Day Surgery Pulmonary Rehabilitation CT Scan

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Established 2007 • Volume 5 No. 2

PUBLISHER Keith Barlow MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Michael Evans ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Erin Simmons CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kyle Collins Helen Harris Vaishali Patel ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Brandi Kittle Tara Peters DESIGNER Theresa Willis COVER SHOT Vaishali Patel

Milledgeville Scene magazine is published by The Union-Recorder bimonthly at 165 Garrett Way, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

For more information on submitting story ideas or advertising in Milledgeville Scene, call (478) 453-1430.

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C NTENTS features LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Milledgeville Film Festival working toward a memorable introduction

14

COMPETITION FOR A CAUSE Old Capital Triathlon returns for a fourth year with a few new twists

23

A NEW COMMUNITY UNEARTHED Community garden takes root in a big way in the Harrisburg community

32

BEAUTIFICATION ON BOARD Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful aims to spruce up the community one area at a time

37

A NATURE HAVEN Oconee River Greenway unveils Phase 2 expansion

42

regulars EDITOR’S NOTE

8

STAFF PAGE

9

A&E CALENDAR

10

SCENE & HEARD

12

DINING DIRECTORY

30

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

40

GALLERIES

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FROM

THE

EDITOR

S

pringtime often heralds a sense of renewal, whether in the form of flowers budding, trees greening, or even on a more personal level, transition and growth in our lives. In the Harrisburg neighbor-

hood, spring is ushering in a new sense of community. A new walking trail and community garden are only part of the larger vision and regeneration taking shape in the neighborhood.

In this issue of Milledgeville Scene, writer Vaishali Patel shares plans for the Harrisburg garden and the Collins P. Lee Center area and how those plans are helping renew a greater sense of ownership and community.

Growth and expansion are taking place in other parts of town as well, from the recent developments at the Oconee River Greenway as Phase 2 hits completion, to the re-emergence of Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful’s anti-litter efforts. Find out how you can support the Greenway Foundation and KMBB to foster earth-friendliness throughout the community.

Springtime isn’t just about renewal — it can also bring forth new growth altogether — and locally, interest from the film and entertainment industry is budding all around Milledgeville and Baldwin County. One such

“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.”

facet is next month’s first-ever Milledgeville Film Festival. Find out all the details on the three-day festivities inside from staff writer Kyle Collins, and be sure to check out our timeline of recent film activity in the local community. More growth is on the horizon for both the film festival and for Milledgeville’s blossoming film industry credits.

Spring is also about taking in the outdoors and sharing in the experience to the fullest. That’s what the Old Capital Triathlon encourages as well.

This year marks the fourth race, challenging participants on land, in the water and on their bikes with a 500-yard swim, a bike course and a 5K run. Whether taking part as a triathlete, a spectator or a volunteer, there are several ways to get involved. Lace up your running shoes as writer Helen Harris shares how to take part in this community event, where proceeds go back into the community to support local scholarships.

—Arthur Unknown

Send us your feedback on this issue and share your story ideas. Send us a line — ndavis@unionrecorder.com.

Enjoy the springtime and enjoy this issue of Milledgeville Scene.

N

atalie

NATALIE DAVIS, MANAGING EDITOR

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THE STAFF Now that the weather is warmer what’s your favorite outdoor activity?

NATALIE DAVIS Editor Just running outdoors and spending time at the park is one of my favorite things to do this time of year.

JERMAINE ROBERSON Circulation Cooking on the grill.

BRANDI KITTLE Advertising sales I love to plant. The thing I enjoy most about it is coming home in the evenings and seeing what has bloomed. That — and I love riding in my convertible.

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A&E-MONTH-MONTH March

April 7 Percussion Ensemble musical

March

performance. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

13-14

March 19

March 28-29

Georgia College Jazz Band Concert. 7:30 p.m. Russell Auditorium.

2014 Spring Tour Homecoming Concert. Max Noah Singers.

Jennifer Flory, director. 7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church.

“The Sum of Me.” GC Arts and Letters Festival play. By Theresa Rebeck. Directed by William Warren. For mature audiences.

Campus Black Box Theatre. 8 p.m. Admission: $14 (general admission), $10 (GC faculty/staff, non-GC students), $5 (GC students), $9 (groups of 10 or more.

Throughout March 28 March 31

Newell Scholar Leon Johnson presents “Vestigial Enclaves.”

Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery.

Celtic Harp musical performance. Betty Pepetone, celtic harp. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

p.m. Javier Pinell , violin, Sergio Ruiz, piano Max Noah Recital Hall.

April 12 “Echoes of Peace Visions of

Hope.” 7:30 p.m. Choral Ensembles. First Baptist Church. ATTRACTIONS April 14 Georgia

College Orchestra Concert. 7:30 p.m. Magnolia Ballroom.

April 21 Ipek Brooks, piano perform-

ance. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

Jimmy Holder. 8 p.m. Campus Black Box Theatre. Admission: Free gcsutickets.com or call 478-445-4226.

April 24 Music Theatre scenes perform-

ance. 7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall.

April 25 “Moonlight on the Capitol.”

April April 1

Milledgeville Marketplace pavilion grand opening. New downtown farmer’s market season begins. Call 478-4144014 for details.

April 4

Wind Symphony concert. 7:30 p.m. Russell Auditorium.

April 4-5

First Friday Sounds of the South Weekend. Live music. Call 478414-4014 for details.

April 5

The 24 Hour Plays. 8 p.m. Max Noah Recital Hall. For mature audiences. An explosion of creativity with the Creative Writing Program and prolific writers, directors, actors, and technicians who create brandnew plays in literally 24 hours.

Admission: $6 (general); $5 (senior citizens, GC faculty/staff, non-GC students); $3 (GC Students). Tickets: gcsutickets.com or 478-4454226.

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May 5 “Broadway

April 10 “From Bolivia with Love.” 7:30

April 22 “[Re]turn.” Staged reading by ONGOING

May

and Beyond.”

Milledgeville Singers Guild Concert. 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Log Cabin Road. Featuring music from the Great White Way to the Beatles, from American pop standards to modern love ballads. Admission is free.

Andalusia Flannery

O’Connor’s Farm, North Columbia Street, 478454-4029, www.andalusiafarm.org. Open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bartram In 1794, Native Americans Forest inhabited the Bartram Forest.

Today, educational hiking trails allow visitors to see centuries of abundant wildlife, natural wetlands, and an erosion ravine with soil that is a remnant of the ancient shallow seas that covered Georgia 50 to 100 million years ago. Three looping trails cover this natural wonder.

2892 Highway 441 South.

Georgia’s Old Capital Blackbridge Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery Museum. Dinner and dancing Hall Art 111 South Clarke St., 478-445outside the Old Capitol Gallery 4572, www.gcsu.edu/art, 9 Building on the GMC campus. a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through This year's theme is “Moonlight Friday. This art gallery exhibits & Magnolias.” Dinner includes regional, national and internalots of old southern favorites tionally recognized contempoand Reunion will play favorite rary artists. It also presents dancing music from past and GCSU senior art major exhibipresent. Tickets ($55 for musetions at the end of each semesum members, $60 for non-memter. bers) are available through Georgia's Old Capital Brown- Brown-Stetson-Sanford House Museum, call 478-453-1803 Stetson 601 West Hancock St. 478or email sally@oldcapitalmuseSanford 453-1803. Open by appointum.org.

House ment and on the Historic Trolley Tour. An architectural gem built College Music April 26 Georgia

by John Marlor in the Department Spring Concert. 6 “Milledgeville Federal” style p.m. Old Governor’s Mansion. with its characteristic columned double porch. It served the state capital as the Beecher-Brown April 28 Georgia College Small Hotel and then the State’s Rights Ensembles Spring Concert.

Hotel for the many visiting legis7:30 p.m. Max Noah Recital lators who came to the area.

Hall

A&E-MONTH-MONTH

area as well as the entire cotton Georgia War Georgia War Veteran’s belt of the Old South. Lockerly The Central State Hospital Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery State Hall is open for tours on the Memorial Museum, located on Broad 2617 Carl Vinson Highway, Hospital Cemetery Monday and Wednesday Street in an 1891 Victorian 478-445-3363.

Museum train depot, contains memoraTrolley Tour through the bilia that spans the history of John Marlor Convention & Visitors Bureau.

John Marlor Art Center CSH. From annual reports to 478-452-4687 or 1-800-653Art Center 201 North Wayne St., 478medical equipment, to client’s 1804.

452-3950, www.milledgevilpersonal effects, the museum’s lealliedarts.com. This facility is contents tell the story of the hisMary Vinson Mary Vinson Memorial Library one of three historic buildings tory of mental health treatment Memorial Baldwin County’s first public that make up the Allied Arts Library in the United States and the library was founded in 1923 Center. This area was once unique story of the hospital and at one time occupied the known as “The Strip,” which once renowned as the largest building that now serves as the was the heart of the African“insane asylum” in the world.

Milledgeville Visitors Center. In American district until the Central State Hospital Museum 1961, the library’s name was 1980s.

It is a beautiful tours are available by appointchanged to the Mary Vinson Milledgeville-Federal/Early ment only. For information call Memorial Library in honor of Greek Revival. Originally two478-445-4128. www.centralCongressman Vinson’s late statehospital.org. over-two clapboard with shed wife. The current 18,900rooms and an open dogtrot square-foot building on Flannery Flannery O’Connor Room porch. It now houses arts offices Jefferson Street was completed O’Connor Dillard Russell Library, GCSU and the Marlor Art Gallery. The in 1986. Today, the Mary Room campus, University session. On Allen’s Market Building, across Vinson Memorial Library is display are manuscripts from from the John Marlor Art home to an extensive genealogO’Connor’s personal collection Center, is a 1911 building that ical and local history collection. of more than 700 books and has been adapted into theatre, Located at 151 South Jefferson journals. The room is furnished meeting and studio space. in the Victorian style of the St. www.twinlakeslibrarysysVisitors are given guided tours 1870s. Most of these items tem.org of current exhibitions. Allied were brought from Andalusia, Arts is open Monday-Friday the farm where O’Connor lived Memory Hill Originally designated as one of from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on and wrote the major portion of Cemetery the four public squares of twenweekends by appointment. For her fiction. For information 478ty acres each in the more information 478-452445-0988.

Milledgeville town plan of 3950.

1803, it later came to be GCSU Herty Hall, Room 143, known as Cemetery Square.

Lake Lake Sinclair, U.S. Highway Natural Wilkinson Street 478-445Many people associated with Sinclair 441 History North, encompasses 0809 for hours; also open by Museum Milledgeville and Georgia his15,300 acres for fishing, skiing appointment.

Visit the tory, such as L.Q.C. Lamar, and fishing tournaments, swimPaleozoic, Mesozioc and Congressman Carl Vinson, and ming, boating, camping and Cenozoic eras and see fossils Flannery O’Connor, as well as has several marinas for the confrom Georgia and across the early Georgia governors, legisvenience of visitors. Recently world. The museum offers an lators, college presidents, explanation of the history of life declared the “Cleanest Lake in slaves, and soldiers, are buried through geological time. the State,” Lake Sinclair boasts here. Liberty and Franklin more than 500 miles of shores t r e e t s ; Georgia’s 201 East Greene St., Old line. Campgrounds, picnic www.friendsofcems.org/Memo Old Capital Capital Building ground floor, areas and unsupervised beachMuseum (478) 453-1803,www.oldcapiryHill. es add to the enjoyment of Lake Central Central State Hospital Museum

talmuseum.org, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Experience real Civil War history in the building where Georgia legislators voted to secede from the Union and learn about Native Americans who lived in the area before European settlement. The Old Capital Building was the first public building designed in the Gothic Revival style.

Sinclair.

Lockerly 1534 Irwinton Road, 478-452Hall 2112, www.lockerlyarbore-

tum.org. Lockerly Hall, a Greek Revival home circa 1852, is the centerpiece of the Lockerly Arboretum, and presides over its surroundings with elegance and grace. The mansion is a significant example of the finest plantation architecture of the

E-mail your events to ndavis@unionrecorder.com.

Please include time, date, location, including address, cost for the event and a contact phone number.

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SCENE&HEARD a look at the arts & culture of Milledgeville and Baldwin County

ALLIED ARTS PERMANENT COLLECTION ON DISPLAY

GMC TEAMS BRING NEWELL SCHOLAR HOME ETHICS OPENS ART EXHIBOWL TITLE, BITION FEATURING AWARDS PEOPLE FROM MILLEDGEVILLE Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) to provide students across the nation an opportunity to leverage the benefits of researching contemporary ethical issues, refining and polishing critical thinking skills, developing core values, and ultimately helping them become future leaders. Teams must prepare to present and debate their opinion before a panel of judges on the 12 ethical cases the APPE provides.

“Summer Garden” oil painting by the late Vann Strickland An exhibition of 33 works from Allied Arts’ permanent collection is currently on display at the Marlor House, 201 North Wayne St. through Friday, March 28.

The public is invited to view the collection during regular gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There is no admission charged to visit the gallery.

“There are about 160 pieces of art work in Allied Arts’ permanent collection,” says Allied Arts Director Randy Cannon. “This particular showing includes many pieces by Milledgeville artists. We wanted to underscore the theme for this month’s First Friday Celebration which is Celebrate Our Roots.’ This exhibition features works by Milledgeville artists Stan Strickland, Cookie Noel, Preston Snyder and Joan Geyer to mention just a few.”

All of the pieces on display are by Georgia artists and include watercolors, oils, drawings and mixed media pieces.

Call Allied Arts at 478-452-3950 or visit www.milledgevillealliedarts.com for more information.

GMC TEAMS BRING HOME ETHICS BOWL TITLE, AWARDS The Ethics Bowl team from Georgia Military College (GMC) at Augusta brought home top honors with its first-place win at the national championship of the 2014 Ethics Bowl.

The five-student team competed March 15 in Chicago at the competition for two-year colleges, scoring a record-breaking, undefeated finish with five wins and zero losses. Approximately 50 students from seven colleges around the nation — ranging in location from California to Baltimore — vied for the title ultimately awarded to GMC-Augusta.

The GMC-Milledgeville team, consisting of six cadets, also came home a winner, finishing among the top three teams.

The Ethics Bowl is a presentation of the

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James Brady, Ethics and Critical Thinking instructor at GMC-Augusta, is the lead adviser and coach of the GMC Ethics Bowl teams. Brady says both teams winning top honors from the APPE for two-year colleges shows the students are meeting the high standards set forth by GMC. During the competition, students debated the pros and cons of wearable technology (Google Glass, for example), publishing a deceased author’s work against specifications in their will, and the benefits and drawbacks using domestic drones. Brady says the students are thrilled their many hours of research, preparation and practice are bringing home the first-place win.

The 2014 GMC-Augusta Ethics Bowl Team members are: Ashley Cordell, Ethics Bowl team co-captain, of Augusta; Terrell Glover, of Conyers; Christopher Hamb, Ethics Bowl Team Captain, of Harlem; Christopher Shipman, of Hephzibah; and David Walker, of Evans.

Cordell was the captain of the 2013 GMCAugusta Ethics Bowl team, which placed third overall nationally.

The 2014 GMC Milledgeville Ethics Bowl Team members are: Matthew Abdalla, 19, State Service Cadet, of Canton; Tess Heimerman, 18, Coast Guard Academy candidate, of Camden; John Ivester, 26, Early Commissioning Program, of Sherrills Ford, N.C.; Michael McClure, 19, State Service Cadet, of Camden; Jerrick McIntosh, 22, State Service Cadet, of

Augusta; Aaron Rawls, 20, State Service Cadet, of Warner Robins; and Sarah Williams, 19, Coast Guard, of Giltner, Neb. (team member not competing in nationals due to prior commitment). Barbara RothJohnson, administrative assistant and housing officer at GMC, is the coach of the 2014 Ethics Bowl GMC Milledgeville team.

NEWELL SCHOLAR OPENS ART EXHIBITION FEATURING PEOPLE FROM MILLEDGEVILLE The Newell Scholar for 2014, Leon Johnson, has set up a field-station at Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery through March 28 that offers creative investigations-inprogress, exhibited works, discussions and lectures, workshops in book-binding and a location for research and reading.

Titled “The Deposits: Vestigial Enclaves,” the show is curated by senior museum studies student Emily Strickland.

“The Deposits” highlights the fabric of community, which includes a series of photographs of individuals who make up the culture of Milledgeville.

Collaborators will include Leander Johnson, a Knight Foundation Fellow for 2014, Georgia College faculty member Clay Jordan, students from the “Taken Aback” seminar class, Chef Jonathan Kung from Detroit and others.

Johnson was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. He earned his MFA at the University of Iowa, as an Iowa Arts Fellow, in the Intermedia Department.

Johnson is a recipient of the Jackson Pollock/Lee Krasner Foundation grant for painting, is a Yaddo Residency Fellow and is the winner of both the Ersted Award and the Williams Fellowship for innovative teaching.

His upcoming projects include an improvised performance video, shot in three locations: London, Prague and Naples, featuring three psycho–geographical dérives through history, place and time; and three dinners, which reference the Renaissance philosopher Giordano Bruno’s dialogue, “The Ash Wednesday Supper.”

He lives and works in Detroit, where he co-evolved Salt & Cedar Letterpress and Market Studio Kitchen, a convivial food lab, with his partner Megan O'Connell and son Leander Johnson. He has been named a Bemis Fellow for 2014 and will begin his residency in August of this year.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, call Carlos Herrera, gallery coordinator at 478-445-7025.

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by April 21, 2014

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Lights, camera,

ACTION! Milledgeville Film Festival working toward a memorable introduction

BY KYLE COLLINS

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Starting a festival from scratch isn’t a simple undertaking.

Milledgeville’s Deep Roots Festival has grown into one of the best in the southeast the last decade. That reputation takes an incredible amount of patience, planning, and a scary volume of volunteer hours for those behind the scenes.

The Milledgeville Film Festival board of directors is bringing a uniquely entertaining weekend to a city looking for its place in the film and entertainment industry.

The festival grind continues for the inaugural event April 25-27.

Milledgeville-based filmmaker and member of the Producers Guild of America Jeremiah Bennett pitched the idea last July.

Multiple Georgia cities such as Atlanta, Rome, Savannah and Macon run established film festivals.

These festivals are essential to a filmmaker’s livelihood.

Filmmakers spend thousands of dollars making their films. If it’s not screened somewhere, the production essentially dies.

The upcoming film festival had nearly 70 films submitted from 20 countries. International entrants are coming from Egypt, China, Russia, South Africa, Italy, Mexico and Australia to name a few. These films must have subtitles to qualify for screening.

Entries were due March 7. The lucky films selected for screening were released March 15.

Judging funneled through the festival’s withoutabox.com account.

Industry professionals, college students, business owners and people around the community were all involved in the screening process, according to Bennett. The selection panel reject-

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Milledgeville building film credits

By KYLE COLLINS

Over the last year, Milledgeville has seen a steady increase of film and TV attention. From short films to a major TV series episode, the town looks to position itself as a production destination.

Here are highlighted starts to the city's film resume: • Resident filmmaker Michael Curtis featured downtown's Blackbird Coffee in February 2013. This short film depicts two expert coffee roasters detailing the craft. Curtis began his career as a motion picture and television editor, cutting films and broadcast promos for clients ranging from independent directors to major networks like PBS, ABC, TNT, Boomerang, Cartoon Network and others. In the late 1990s he started EditLab, a production & post house based in Atlanta.

• An April 2013 music video for the Saatchi and Saatchi Music Video Challenge for OK Go's “I'm Not Through” won people's choice and was one of 12 international finalists for the challenge. The OK Go video scenes were shot at the Baldwin County Recreation Department, Thomas Street and at local blacksmith Matt McGee's shop.

• Glass Door Entertainment used Atlanta actors and a 35-person crew to film a seven-minute zombie genre short, 'Strain', in Milledgeville.

The Atlanta 48 Hour Film Project shot during June 2013 used the community's locations and resources. The short film's main scenes were shot at Treanor Drive and a brickyard warehouse off North Jefferson Street. Director B.J. Golnick has directed for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Travel Channel, The Learning Channel, History and Animal Planet.

He and producer Jeremiah Bennett, a member of the Producers Guild of America, have been on location in Milledgeville directing TLC's “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” reality series.

The picture earned Best Film runner-up, Best Directing and Best Use Of Character out of 72 teams.

• Glass Door Entertainment completed the Third Annual 2013 Producers Guild of America (PGA) Weekend Shorts Challenge Sept. 6-8.

Glass Door wrote, shot and edited the short-film 'Spun Together' in two days using the city as a background.

• The 'Crimes & Mr. Meanors' feature family adventure film shot last October and November utilized Hancock and Wayne Street, Milledgeville's City Hall steps, state Rep. Rusty

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ed 50 films.

Film festival shorts categories limited to 20 minutes long also include drama, Georgia made, comedy, documentary, international and horror. Feature films have a slot as well.

The Milledgeville Film Festival includes a three-day weekend schedule. Georgia College Arts & Sciences auditorium will be utilized for film screening, and Magnolia Ballroom will host the gala.

A Friday night gala running into a full-length feature film screening opens the festival.

Actress Stevie Lynn Jones, 18, is making her first Georgia appearance to speak at the Magnolia Ballroom kickoff.

Jones has completed numerous independent projects including the acclaimed Kevin Lacy directed “Young Americans.” The 30-minute American Film Institute production was selected as the opening night feature screening in Georgia College’s Arts and Sciences Auditorium.

The director, the film’s co-star and cinematographer will be in town for a Q&A afterward.

Booking the young actress is huge considering her lead role in the NBC’s new show “Crisis.” The major Sunday slotted network series debuted in mid-March.

“She is top-5 billed on this huge show. NBC is putting a lot of money behind this one,” Bennett says. “We got her in the nick of time before she goes all over the place.”

Jones began her career at age 12 and has worked behind the camera as well.

Actors Alexandra Bartee and Matthew Withers are cohosting the Friday gala. Both 20-somethings appeared in the box office movie “Endless Love” that recently entered theaters.

Bennett says Bartee just booked a reccurring role on a Lifetime series.

Next, three Saturday morning workshops at the Campus Black Box Theatre will provide an educational experience for film buffs. Casting directors, talent agents, producers and different industry professionals will do free one-hour workshops through lunch.

The packed schedule beginning Saturday, April 26 includes producer and director, actor, casting director and agent workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brian Beagle with Stillwell Casting, Zoe Myers, who appeared in “Anchorman 2”, and owner of East Coast Talent Agency Barbara Garvey are a few confirmed panel leaders.

One of Garvey’s clients, Chandler Riggs, is a member of the AMC series The Walking Dead cast.

“She’s going to do a panel on the basic 101s of how to get and keep an agent,” Bennett says. “Our panels are

looking strong.”

Afterward, Garvey will take headshots and resumes.

“This festival is about the whole community but especially targeted for our college demographic,” Bennett says. “I don’t want someone at 40 telling us how to get into the film industry. I want someone that’s doing it now.”

Short film block screening throughout Saturday leads into a feature showing of “The Spectacular Now” at the Oconee River Greenway Saturday at 9 p.m.

Attendees will watch the movie on a three-story high inflatable screen. People can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the screening for mature audiences.

A filmmaker brunch at the historic Andalusia farm, screenings and an award ceremony wrap up the festival on that April 27th Sunday.

Leveraging the relationship between Georgia College and the startup festival is a huge sell. Bennett says this is “bigger than screening films” and that “plugging the college in” will separate Milledgeville from competitors.

Georgia College Assistant Professor of Acting Dr. Amy Pinney says she is really excited for her students.

The film festival will “extend the classroom beyond the

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 17

Kidd's office on Wayne Street, the basement of the Convention & Visitors Bureau and two Central State Hospital buildings. Creekside Films, in conjunction with Glass Door Entertainment, filmed half of the production in Milledgeville and the other portion in Washington, D.C. Final scenes from the feature family adventure film 'Crimes and Mr. Meanors' were shot at the Culver Kidd Building and the Powell Building at Central State Hospital. The old medical facility fit perfectly into the script where the two teenage characters sneak into an abandoned hospital floor to track down a nurse. The lower front drive of the Powell Building transformed into a secret agent facility during night filming.

• Michael Curtis completed the first independent Filmstigator grassroots project uniting artists from various disciplines to create original films in the southeast. The short film, 'GIFT,' shot partially in Milledgeville, Atlanta and on Jekyll Island is ready for festival entries. Though no Milledgeville talent was used in the film, a 1926 Underwood typewriter, a main prop for the film, was repaired and refurbished by Whipple Office Supply for the movie.

Milledgeville scenes at a constructed lean-to building and a “dark vision scene” were filmed at Curtis's Lake Sinclair property.

• A major television network infiltrated Milledgeville's Central State Hospital in January. The CW show “The Originals” set up production shop at the Jones and Binion buildings for more than one week. The network spent $30,000 for hotel accommodations not to mention using local extras and businesses during their stay. The CW team brought upward of 150 people to CSH. Scouts for “The Hunger Games” and Disney are just a few interested parties over the last few months.

The CSH site appeals to film scouts due to the small town and isolated, quiet campus grounds.

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walls of Georgia College.”

“They are becoming more involved with film in Atlanta, and if that opportunity could be brought here, that is so good for them,” Pinney says. “We have a tremendous amount of talent here, and I’m really excited to show filmmakers from around the world the talent and commitment of my students at Georgia College.”

Both theater and mass communication students screened film submissions.

Johnny Grant, Community Engagement and Economic Development director for Georgia College, and Campus Life Director Tom Miles are working in full support of the festival.

“I’m thrilled and encouraged that Johnny Grant is working to further establish the connection between the college and the community,” Pinney says.

Visit www.milledgevillefilmfestival.com or the event Facebook page to learn more about ticket packages, sponsorship and festival event and film lineup information.

Early, student and regular ticket prices for the weekend’s events appeal to most budgets.

“We already have community involvement, but we just need more leading up to it,” Bennett says. “It’s not just about myself or a board of 13. It’s about everyone in the community building around it.”

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MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 19

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Competition

CAUSE

for a

Old Capital Triathlon returns for a fourth year with a few new twists PHOTOS BY DANIELLE FIELDS STORY BY HELEN HARRIS

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 23

M

illedgeville’s Old Capital Triathlon returns in May for its fourth consecutive race at Lake Sinclair.

Competitors from all over the state are expected bright and early to race in three areas of competition: a 500-yard swim, the bike course and the 5K run.

The race falls on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, and there are hopes to have more than 200 participants.

Last year’s race did not see as many participants as previous races, likely the result of an early race date and scheduling conflicts with races in other locations.

The racecourse remains predominately the same this year, with just a few minor changes. Athletes will still arrive at the Legacy at Sinclair to begin the three-staged race. The swim portion remains at the set distance of 500 yards, while an additional two and a half miles have been added to the bike course, totaling 16 1/2 miles. Also, the direction of the 5K run from last year has been reversed. The reversal will lead runners out to the golf course for the start, and then they will circle back to the Legacy via Sinclair Dam Road.

Maps will be available in the next few weeks at gmctriathlon.com and on the Facebook page, “Old Capital Triathlon.”

This year’s event is expected to bring both recurring and new athletes from around the state, and hopefully some challengers to the course record. The record, set by a male participant, is currently at 1:01:45.

A post-race barbecue is open to all racers, and there is bound to be plenty of food for all, with additional food

24 • MS • MARCH//APRIL 2014

donations coming from Firehouse Subs, Chick-fil-A, ConAgra and Piggly Wiggly.

This year’s awards presentation will also have a unique twist.

“The age group awards are going to be beautiful hand glazed pottery plates and the race shirts are long-sleeve tech tops. Great race for a great cause,” says Jill Robbins, GMC director of human resources.

Robbins, along with GMC history professor, Edward Shelor, is responsible for bringing the multi-sport event to Milledgeville four years ago.

Beyond the fun competition, prizes, and food, the race is benefitting a particularly honorable cause this year, with proceeds assisting students who struggle with the cost of a college education.

“Last year the race was produced by a company and the proceeds did not go to any scholarships. That is why this year is exciting,” says Robbins. “We have raised money for tuition assistance and book scholarships and we look forward to announcing how much this race raised after its conclusion.”

Whether taking part as a triathlete, a spectator or a volunteer, there are several ways to get involved.

Says Robbins: “We will take any volunteers, you can never have enough.”

Prospective volunteers can email Robbins at jrobbins@gmc.cc.ga.us.

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MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 27

Celebrate

Easter

156292

at

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MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 29

DINING Directory Bo Jo’s Cafe 3021 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-3234

Church’s Chicken 620 N Jefferson St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1808

Georgia Bob’s 116 W. Hancock Street Milledgeville (478) 295-0696

AJ’s Hotwings & More 2601 North Columbia St. Ste 4 Milledgeville (478) 804-0101

The Brick 136 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0089

Cook Out 1893 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 295-3189

Golden Corral 1913 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1344

Amici Italian Cafe 101 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-5003

Buffington’s 120 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 414-1975

Country Buffet 1465 SE Jefferson St., Milledgeville (478) 453-0434

Goodie Gallery 812 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-8080

Applebee’s 106 NW Roberson Mill Rd. Milledgeville (478) 453-8355

Burger King 2478 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-3706

Dairy Queen 1105 S Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 452-9620

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant 1304 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-5200

119 Chops 30 W. Main St. Milledgeville

Arby’s 2500 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1707 Asian Bistro & Grill 124 W. Hancock St. Milledgeville (478-452-2886 Aubri Lane’s 114 S Wayne St. Milledgeville (478) 454-4181 Barberito’s Restaurant 148 W Hancock St Milledgeville (478) 451-4717 Blackbird Coffee 114 W Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 454-2473

Captain D’s Seafood 2590 N. Columbia St, Milledgeville (478) 452-3542

Domino’s Pizza 1909-B N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-9455

Chick-Fil-A 1730 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 451-4830

Down South Seafood 972 Sparta Hwy Milledgeville (478) 452-2100

W. Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 452-0585

Dukes Dawghouse 162 Sinclair Marina Rd Milledgeville (478) 453-8440

Chili’s Bar & Grill 2596 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-1900

El Amigo Mexican Restaurant 2465 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-0027

China Garden 1948 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 454-3449 China Wings 3 1071 S. Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 453-3655

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El Tequila 168 Garrett Way, NW Milledgeville (478) 414-1702 Firehouse Sub 1909 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-3473

Gringos 107 West Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 295-3200 Harold’s BBQ 411 Pea Ridge Rd. Eatonton 706-485-5376 Haynes Snack Bar 113 SW Davis Dr. Milledgeville (478) 453-4155 Hibachi Buffet 1811 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 451-2888 Hibachi Express 2515 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-3842 Huddle House 300 E. Hancock St. Milledgeville (478) 452-2680

Huddle House 206 NW Roberson Mill Rd., Milledgeville (478) 452-3222

LongHorn Steakhouse 2470 N. Columbia St, Milledgeville (478) 414-7700

IHOP 2598 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0332

Mama J’s Town Country Shopping Center 1075 South Wayne Street Milledgeville (478) 295-3155

Jackson’s at Sinclair 3065 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-9744 James Fish and Chicken 905 S Wayne St. Milledgeville (478) 453-8696 Judy’s Country Kitchen 1720 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 414.1436 Kai Thai 2600 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville 478-454-1237 Kuroshima Japan 140 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 451-0245 Little Tokyo Steakhouse 2601 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-8886 Los Magueyes 3052 N. Columbia St. Milledgeville (Old PJ's Steakhouse location) (478) 453-0271

McDonald’s 2490 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1312 611 S Wayne St., Milledgeville (478) 452-9611 Wal-Mart, Milledgeville (478) 453-9499 Mellow Mushroom 2588 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville 478-457-0144 Metropolis Cafe 138 N. Wayne St., Milledgeville 478-452-0247 Octagon Cafe Milledgeville Mall (478) 452-0588 Old Clinton Barbecue 2645 N. Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 454-0080 Old Tyme Dogs 451 W. Montgomery St. Milledgeville

Original Crockett’s Family Cafeteria and Catering 1850 N. Columbia St., Ste 10 Milledgeville (478)804-0009

Soul Master Barbecue & Lounge 451 N Glynn St. Milledgeville (478) 453-2790

Paradise Country BBQ 111 Old Montgomery Hwy Milledgeville (corner Hwy 441 N. & Log Cabin Rd) (478) 452-8008

Soul To Go Mobile Unit (478) 456-5153

Papa John’s Pizza 1306 N Columbia Street, Milledgeville (478) 453-8686 Pickle Barrel Cafe & Sports Pub 1892 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1960 Quizno’s Subs 1827 N Columbia St, Milledgeville (478) 451-0790 Ruby Tuesday 2440 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-5050 Shrimp Boat 911 S Elbert St. Milledgeville (478) 452-0559 Sonic Drive In 1651 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 451-0374 Sonny’s Brew’N Cue 120 N. Greene St., Milledgeville (478) 452-0004

Subway 1692 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 453-2604 2600 N Columbia St. Milledgeville (478) 804-9976 650 South Wayne St. Milledgeville Taco Bell 2495 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-2405 Velvet Elvis 118 W Hancock St., Milledgeville (478) 453-8226 Waffle House-Milledgeville 1683 N Columbia St (478) 452-9507 3059 N Columbia St., (478) 451-2914 Wendy’s 2341 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 453-9216 Zaxby’s 1700 N Columbia St., Milledgeville (478) 452-1027 MARCH//APRIL 2014 • 31

A new community unearthed Community garden takes root in a big way in the Harrisburg community Story and Photos by VAISHALI PATEL

32 • MS • MARCH//APRIL 2014

T

he Wards have been residents of the Harrisburg community for almost five decades. Together the couple is witness to its transformation. Once desolate pockets of the neighborhood are now bustling with activity.

As spring takes root this season, a new Harrisburg is unearthed.

Area volunteers, residents and officials saw a need to revamp the Collins P. Lee Center in the Harrisburg neighborhood. For the past two years, the greater MilledgevilleBaldwin County community has dedicated its efforts to transform the area into a hub for families to get healthy, socialize and learn.

“We’ve been residents in Harrisburg for 49 years. This is a dream that has become reality, and I see so much that’s about to happen,” Harrisburg Community Garden

Manager Joseph Ward Sr. says. “The playground was empty and there were no people out here before. Now in the afternoon, the playground and area are full with eight to 18 kids playing football and riding bicycles. People in the neighborhood are using the walking track because it’s conveniently located.”

“In the past we’ve always wanted to use the center, so we started playing Bingo and having lunch out there. That faded out, and the [Milledgeville Community Garden Association (MCGA)] got involved,” adds wife Gladys, a member of the MCGA board. “We had no idea that this would happen. I use that walking trail just about everyday.”

Annie Beckom, a 46-year Harrisburg resident, says the refurbished center has brought unity to the community, something that was lacking from the neighborhood’s former vibe.

“Kids learn how to play together and get along with each other rather than doing things that are not constructive. It

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 33

has brought unity in the neighborhood, and we really needed that,” she says while picking dead leaves off rutabagas at the garden in late February. “I raised my kids and my grandkids here. They help out around the center with gardening because it’s important to show them how to grow fresh, healthy foods and they learn how to live healthy lives. It’s all about getting back to the basics.”

“We’ve seen a lot of changes here,” adds Clemon Reeves Jr., a resident since 1964. “People are coming together.”

With the help of dedicated volunteers on Saturday work days and donations of supplies from area businesses, the Collins P. Lee Center now has nearly a quarter of a mile-long edible walking trail around the maintained property, which was a former elementary school.

The orchard alongside the walking path includes 24 fruit trees of plums, pears, apples, pomegranates and figs.

“Kids are using the walking track, riding bicycles and playing football,” Gladys says. “You can hear all the joyful sounds with the kids playing.”

The fenced community garden includes more than 20 raised garden beds, consuming a space of about 50 by 100 feet. Individuals interested in growing their own fresh vegetables can purchase a plot for $20, which is used for water, supplies and overall upkeep of the garden. Plans are also underway to expand the current bee and butterfly garden at the front entrance later this spring.

“We planted 100 feet of sugar snap peas. They cost a lot in grocery stores, and our gardeners are excited about growing a crop that is very delicious, nutritious and at low cost,” says Debbie Harshbarger, treasurer and outreach chair of the MCGA. “We hope to harvest in April.”

In late February, the garden was waiting on a donation of lumber from T&S Hardwoods to help expand the garden by installing eight new garden beds.

“We’re really excited about being able to expand the

34 • MS • MARCH//APRIL 2014

garden in 2014,” Harshbarger says. “We’re also going to be working with the Georgia College Gardening Club. They will become plotholders and are interested in doing different things around the garden; they will share some new energy with us and creativity as we move forward in 2014.”

Gardening isn’t the only form of outreach taking hold in Harrisburg.

Local youth have also taken advantage of free tutoring sessions after school at the local center. Due to inclement weather and harsh outdoor conditions so far this year, tutoring sessions have been discontinued and will resume once indoor heating and cooling systems are installed.

Plans are also underway to install a basketball court and softball field in the near future. Using $5,000 in reserved grant money in addition to county funds, a 30 by 70 foot pavilion, large enough to accommodate 100 people, will be erected by summer. Labor will be provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections to help complete the project.

“When the pavilion is completed, it will be good for family reunions, church outings and other social outings. It will have electricity and some grills,” says William Holt, a volunteer and Harrisburg resident for more than 35 years. “You can see folks using the trail for fitness and growing their own food to get healthy. We want to teach young people how to farm, grow their own food and get them involved to help reduce the crime rate in the community.”

MCGA representatives and volunteers convene at 11 a.m. every Tuesday at the Collins P. Lee Center to discuss gardening techniques, share healthy ideas, learn from Master Gardeners and hear from area

organizations. Meetings are open to the public.

The Harrisburg garden and walking trail is an idea that grew into something much bigger and spread.

In 2012, MCGA and Baldwin County Parks and Recreation Department were awarded funding through the Community Foundation of Central (CFCG) Georgia to go toward creating a community garden in the Harrisburg neighborhood. To help sustain a healthy community, the CFCG, which receives funds from the Knight Community Foundation, awarded $13,350 in early June 2012 to help move the project forward.

“The goal of the grant was to build the garden and walking trail for additional healthy recreation and an outdoor meeting space for gardeners to use for recreation and shelter from the elements,” Harshbarger says. “As we progressed step-by-step through the project, it started to become something even bigger.”

Representatives of the MCGA, the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce and the Harrisburg community celebrated the grand opening of the Lucille Harris Community Garden and the Soloman Harris Walking Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony in November 2013.

“The whole garden and walking trail project has been a catalyst for other activities in the community,” Harshbarger says. “Habitat for Humanity has come in the neighborhood and Baldwin County Family Connection has plans to focus on the area for the next five years. These are all things we did not foresee when we wrote the grant; this is a very exciting time.”

For more information about the community project, to provide financial support or donations, call Joe at 478-453-2565.

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Beautification on board

Keep MilledgevilleBaldwin Beautiful aims to spruce up the community one area at a time

BY HELEN HARRIS

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 37

“Ultimately, KMBB exists to build and maintain an effort in our community to reduce litter, educate the public on how to properly dispose of waste, and to facilitate the beautification of our area”…

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T

he effort to clean and beautify Baldwin County is in full swing once again.

A group of local volunteers through the MilledgevilleBaldwin County Young Professionals and newly appointed Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin (KMBB) program director Andrew Davis aim to keep this mission alive and growing.

Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful (KMBB) is partnered with the larger, nationwide program, Keep America Beautiful. The essential mission of the group is to keep Milledgeville and Baldwin County beautiful by engaging in various programs, events and community activities that promote area beautification.

The group has a 13-member board structure. A certified Keep America Beautiful trainer worked with the local chapter in January. Board members learned proper structure and affiliate regulation together with programs to fit Milledgeville’s needs.

“Ultimately, KMBB exists to build and maintain an effort in our community to reduce litter, educate the public on how to properly dispose of waste, and to facilitate the beautification of our area,” says Davis.

The first event to kickstart the new chapter of KMBB, with proceeds of $2,500, was last October’s Thriller 5K and Fun Run, which took place at the Oconee River Greenway.

Another major cleanup last year was conducted at the Baldwin County airport gateway. KMBB finished 2013 out strong, with the group harrowing in on objectives, missions and projects for the New Year.

A major goal for 2014 is to generate more awareness of the group’s efforts and gather support from the community.

“By this year's end we hope to make great strides in uniting the members of Milledgeville and Baldwin County for our cause,” says Davis.

Regular cleanups are held the second Saturday of each month in a different portion of town. Recently a group of Georgia Military College cadets, the Milledgeville and Baldwin County Distinguished Young Women chipped in with elected officials and other volunteers to help beautify the Town and Country shopping center on the southside of town.

“We are going to be hosting monthly litter cleanups in Milledgeville and around Baldwin County. We hope to get existing organizations and groups from around the community to sponsor each of the cleanups. Sponsorship benefits both the sponsor and KMBB. The sponsor recruits volunteers from their organization for the event, and KMBB provides both the chance to volunteer and publicity for the sponsor through local media outlets.”

In order to reduce the wasteful practices and improve the cleanliness of the community, KMBB also is working on organizing some larger community programs. Details for such programs will be available as they are pieced together.

For anyone wishing to become involved with KMBB, volunteers are always welcome to join. The most effective way to seek out outlets to get involved in is to visit the Facebook page, Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful or email Davis at kmbbdirector@gmail.com.

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Worship Directory Antioch Primitive Baptist Church 512 NW Monticello Rd. 478-968-0011

Countyline Primitive Baptist Church 120 NW Neriah Rd. 478-986-7333

Flagg Chapel Baptist Church 400 W. Franklin St. 478-452-7287

Hope Lutheran Church 214 W Hwy 49 478-452-3696

Alpha & Omega COGIC 512 NW Monticello Rd. 478-968-0011

Covenant Baptist Church 264 Ivey Dr. SW 478-452-0567

Flipper Chapel AME 136 Wolverine St. 478-453-7777

Hopewell United Methodist Church 188 Hopewell Church Rd. 478-453-9047

Baldwin Church of Christ 57 Marshall Rd. 478-452-5440

Covenant Presbyterian Church 440 N. Columbia St. 478-453-9628

Freedom Church, Inc. 500 Underwood Rd. 478-452-7694

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2701 Irwinton Rd. 478-452-7854

Bible Rivival Church 101 Deerwood Dr. 478-452-4347

Discipleship Christian Center Church 113 SE Thomas St. 478-452-7755

Freewill Fellowship Worship Center 115 Cook St. 478-414-2063

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 110 NW O’Conner Dr. 478-452-8887

Black Springs Baptist Church 673 Sparta Hwy NE 478-453-9431

Elbethel Baptist Church 251 N. Irwin St. 478-452-8003

Friendship Baptist Church 685 E Hwy 24 478-452-0507

Lakeshore Community Church 882 Twin Bridges Rd. 478-986-7331

Body of Christ Deliverance Church 140 SW Effingham Rd. 478-453-4459

Emmanuel Baptist Church 384 Gordon Hwy 478-453-4225

Friendship Baptist Chapel 635 Twin Bridges Rd. 478-968-7201

Life and Peace Christian Center 116 SW Frank Bone Rd. 478-453-3607

Central Church of Christ 359 NE Sparta Hwy 478-451-0322 Church of God 385 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-2052

Evergreen Baptist Church 117 Ivey Weaver Rd. 478-414-0796

Grace Baptist Church 112 Alexander Dr. 478-453-9713

Living Word Church of God 151 W. Charlton St. 478-452-7151

Faith Point Church of Nazarene 700 Dunlap Rd. 478-451-5365

Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church 171 Harrisburg Rd. 478-452-9115

Milledgeville Christian Center The Sheep Shed 120 Ivey Dr. 478-453-7710

First Baptist Church 330 S. Liberty St. 478-452-0502

Green Pasture Baptist Church 150 N. Warren St. 478-453-8713

First Presbyterian Church 210 S. Wayne St. 478-452-9394

Gumhill Baptist Church 1125 Hwy 24 478-452-3052

First United Methodist Church 366 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-4597

Heartland Independant Baptist Church 107 Collins Circle Milledgeville, GA

Church of Jesus Christ 1700 N Jefferson St. 478-452-9588 Community Life Baptist Church 1340 Orchard Hill Rd. 478-414-1650 Community Baptist Church 143 NE Log Cabin Rd. 478-453-2380 Countyline Baptist Church 1012 Hwy 49W 478-932-8105

Hardwick Baptist Church 124 Thomas St. 478-452-1612

Miracle Healing Temple 133 Central Ave. 478-452-1369 Missionaries of Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints 141 Frank Bone Rd. 478-452-5775 Montpelier United Methodist Church 449 Sparta Hwy 478-453-0040

HARGROVE ACCOUNTING & TAX

WHIPPLE OFFICE EQUIPMENT Sales & Service Since 1964 Typewriters • Cash Registers • Copiers

Service for Generations

112 Joyner Rd. Milledgeville, GA 31061

478-452-7576

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149 Garrett Way

(478) 452-0514

1201 N. Columbia St.

453-7531

100 East Hancock St (478) 452-3710

Worship Directory Mosleyville Baptist Church 106 SE Oak Dr. 478-452-1723

Northridge Christian Church 321 Log Cabin Rd. 478-452-1125

Salem Baptist Church 125 Salem Church Road 478-456-4285

Tabernacle of Praise 304 Hwy 49 W. 478-451-0906

Mount Nebo Baptist Church 338 Prosser Rd. 478-452-4288

Northside Baptist Church 1001 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-6648

Second Macedonia Baptist Church 2914 SE Vinson Hwy 478-452-3733

Torrance Chapel Baptist Church 274 Pancras Rd. 478-453-8542

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church 265 SW Mt Pleasant Church Rd. 478-452-7978

Oak Grove Baptist Church No. 1 508 Hwy 49 478-453-3326

Seventh Day Adventist 509 N. Liberty St. 478-453-3839

Trinity Christian Methodist Church 321 N. Wilkinon St. 478-457-0091

Milledgeville Study Group 140 Chase Ct. 478-414-1517

Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church 121 Lingold Dr. 478-453-9564

Seventh Day Adventist Church of Milledgeville 156 Pettigrew Rd. 478-453-8016

Union Baptist Church 720 N. Clark St. 478-452-8626

Old Bethel Holiness Church 866 SE Stembridge Rd. 478-451-2845

Shiloh Baptist Church 204 Harrisburg Rd. 478-453-2157

Union Missionary Baptist Church 135 Prosser Rd. 478-453-3517

Pathfinder Christian Church 120 N. Earnest Byner St. 478-453-8730

Sinclair Baptist Church 102 Airport Rd. 478-452-4242

New Beginning Church of Christ 325 Hwy 49 478-454-5489 New Beginning Worship Center 200 Southside SE 478-696-9104 New Covenant Community Outreach Ministries 321 E. Hancock St. 478-453-3709

Pine Ridge Baptist Church 657 Old Monticello Rd. 478-986-5055

New Hope Baptist Church 345 E. Camden St. 478-452-0431

Spring Hill Baptist Church 396 Lake Laurel Rd. 478-453-7090

Rock of Ages Baptist Church 601 W. Montgomery St 478-453-8693

Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church 994 Sparta Hwy 478-451-5429

Rock Mill Baptist Church 2770 N. Columbia St. 478-451-5084

Saint Mary Baptist Church Hwy 212 478-986-5228

New Life Foursquare Church 112 Jacqueline Terrace 478-452-1721 New Life Ministries 1835 Vinson HWY SE

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 110 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-2421

Saint Paul Baptist Church 485 Meriweather Rd. 478-986-5855

New Vision Church of God in Christ 941 NE Dunlap Rd. 478-414-1123

Salvation Army Corps Community Center 478-452-6940

New Life Fellowship Church 123 Ennis Rd. 478-414-7654

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church 220 S. Wayne St. 478-452-2710

Vaughn Chapel Baptist Church 1980 N. Jefferson St. 478-452-9140 Victory Baptist Church 640 Meriweather Road 478-452-2285 Wesley Chapel AME Church 1462 SE Elbert St 478-452-5083 Wesley Chapel Foundation House 211 S Clark St. 478-452-9112 Westview Baptist Church 273 W Hwy 49 478-452-9140 Zion Church of God in Christ 271 E. Camden 478-453-7144

BECKHAM’S USED CARS

800 N. Jefferson St.

2353 River Ridge Road Milledgeville, Ga 31061

(478) 452-6474

478-452-8080

452-1909 • 452-8208

812 N. Columbia St. at the railroad tracks

Milledgeville, GA 31061

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 41

a

nature haven

Oconee River Greenway unveils Phase 2 expansion

BY HELEN HARRIS PHOTOS BY KYLE COLLINS

T

he Oconee River Greenway is a source of calm and recreational activity for many in Baldwin County. It’s an exercise haven for walkers, joggers, in-line skaters and bicyclists who make use of the formerly unseen and inaccessible areas of the Oconee River and Fishing Creek through the greenway.

The clearing of these areas has also allowed safer access for fishing, kayaking and canoeing on the river. And more progress is on the horizon.

“The Oconee Riverfront Park and Greenway, in Milledgeville, is the beginning of a greater vision to connect and build new, or improve established trails, parks and green spaces along the 170 miles of the Oconee River Corridor,” says Heather Langston, Oconee River Greenway executive director.

The force responsible for the greenway’s recent expansion and the notable progress made up until this point is the Oconee River Greenway Authority (ORGA). ORGA has the designated responsibility of establishing, maintaining, developing and preserving or restoring projects involving greenspace. Langston is the only ORGA employee, serving as executive director.

Rooted in the ideas arrived upon in a Multi-Region River Corridor Feasibility Study, ORGA is collaborating with Wilkinson County in establishing a blueway trail.

“It [the feasibility study] examined opportunities for establishing linkage and connectivity along the Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River through the use of trails, bike paths, greenways, conservation areas and recreational facilities,” says Langston of the study.

“The feasibility study also provided the needed resurgence of interest in the Central Georgia Rails to Trails project that is working to create a shareduse trail along a 33-mile abandoned railway route connecting Macon/Bibb County, Jones County and Milledgeville/Baldwin County.”

A grand opening for Phase 2 of the Oconee River Greenway expansion is planned for May 17.

The community has plenty to look forward to in the reveal of this phase, with 26 more acres of greenspace added. The added acreage extends the

44 • MS • MARCH//APRIL 2014

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 45

concrete trails by 1.5 miles, and with this added distance comes more amenities such as additional parking spaces, water fountains, mileage signs, a wetland boardwalk, an off-leash dog park, bicycle racks, river outlooks, and several picnic areas.

Both dogs and their owners will have plenty of space to run and play with the completion of this phase, and dog owners in particular will have peace of mind with the well-planned dog park. Different spaces will separate the large dogs from the small dogs; also, there is a dog water fountain, picnic tables within the dog park and doggie stations. Biodegradable bags will be available at the doggie stations to allow proper disposal of wastes.

Aspects linked to safety are also addressed in Phase 2.

“ORGA relocated the entrance to the Oconee Riverfront Park and Greenway to the recently completed extension of East Greene Street. The City of Milledgeville installed Share the Road signs as well as speed limit signs on the shoulders of this section of Greene Street, and so now the Oconee Riverfront Park and Greenway are more safely linked to downtown Milledgeville,” says Langston.

Permanent gates will be installed at the entrance to the park to prohibit entrance into the park in instances of flooding.

Phase 3, which is expected to begin and end in 2015, will expand the greenway about .75 miles south of the existing trail system. Within this expansion there will be another 1.5 miles of 10-feet wide multi-use concrete trails and a 120-foot rustic pedestrian bridge that will traverse Fishing Creek. With the span of the bridge connecting the creek, the existing and new trail systems will connect. Other attributes to anticipate with this phase are natural overlook areas, fishing stations and picnic tables.

Connecting the nearby community through trails and having several access routes is a goal of this phase, according to Langston.

“The Oconee River Greenway Authority is actively working to expand the scope of Phase 3 to include new access routes to the trail system from adjoining residential neighborhoods as well as paving and extending the existing Lower Fishing Creek trail. The new trails will connect underused primitive natural areas along

46 • MS • MARCH//APRIL 2014

the Oconee River and Fishing Creek that have no real public access or facilities.”

Obtaining resources and cultivating friends to support the Greenway and the Oconee River Greenway Authority is the primary objective of the Oconee River Greenway Foundation. The benefits of the expansion and renovation of the greenway extend beyond more room to exercise or more areas for dogs to play; there is a pride and sense of fulfillment in using the natural resources of central Georgia environment to provide all residents with benefits of increased recreational opportunities, historic preservation, education, conservation of the environment, and also the opportunity for economic development.

Oconee River Greenway Foundation members are already at work in planning events for the spring and summer.

“In addition to our concerts, we are exploring hosting a 5K and fun run in conjunction with the grand opening of Phase 2,” says Langston. “We are also considering the possibility of adding a bicycle and/or running component to the Kiwanis Club’s River Rat kayak and canoe race that will be held in the fall.”

Other exciting possibilities include a Twilight Run, a “Screen on the Green” outdoor movie, a summer theater production on the community stage, and a “Yappy Hour” meet-up group at the new dog park.

A community outreach program for the Oconee River Greenway Authority is currently in process, and Colin Moore, foundation board member, is working on both this and further developing the strategic partnerships with organizations such as Live Healthy Baldwin, Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful and the Bicycling Club of Milledgeville. These partnerships promote the importance of the greenway in aspects of healthy living and developing the local economy.

In early April a complete lineup of events will be posted on the website, oconeerivergreenway.org. Other up to date information pertaining to the Greenway is available on Facebook at facebook.com/oconeerivergreenway and on Twitter, #oconeegreeway.

MARCH//APRIL 2014 • MS • 47

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

PHOTOS BY KYLE COLLINS & VAISHALI PATEL

2

1. The Milledgeville-Baldwin County community honored the legacy and vision of civil rights advocates marking the 30th anniversary of the federal MLK holiday and King’s 85th birthday during Day of Service events.

2. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. give back at a local school on the MLK Day of Service.

3-5. More than 150 representa-

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tives from Georgia College,

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Baldwin County Schools, sororities, fraternities, churches, Georgia Power, AmeriCorps VISTA, Boy Scouts and the community donated their time to paint walls, spread mulch in play-

ground areas, pick up trash and sanitize books and toys on MLK Day. Georgia College students also read excerpts from King's speeches to remind volunteers the purpose of their service.

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GC HOMECOMING

PHOTOS BY KYLE COLLINS

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1. Georgia College celebrated its Homecoming/Alumni Weekend Feb. 10-15, featuring the annual parade, an alumni welcome reception, basketball games and tailgating. The theme for this year’s event was “Bobcat Gameday: Let the Games Begin.”

One of the highlights of this year’s event was appearances by the governor and first lady of Georgia.

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4. Thunder the Bobcat takes a ride in the annual Georgia College homecoming parade.

2. Ga. Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal riding with GC Director of Community Engagement and Economic Development Johnny Grant, were the grand marshals of the parade.

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READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

PHOTOS BY VAISHALI PATEL Georgia College and area schools joined community volunteers in celebrating Read Across America Day in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’ 110 birthday.

A local student reads to a pre-K

class at Early Learning Center as part of Read Across America Day.

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Georgia College and Communities In Schools of Milledgeville-Baldwin County partnered to commit volunteers to read Dr. Seuss stories to students at elementary schools and on the university campus throughout the school day to commemorate the legacy of the famous poet, writer and cartoonist. Participating schools included the Early Learning Center, Eagle Ridge Elementary, Blandy Hills Elementary, Creekside Elementary and Midway Elementary.

Baldwin Board of Education member Lyn Chandler and Terry Kennedy don their Dr. Seuss hats to read to area students at the Early Learning Center.

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SNOW DAY 2014

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PHOTOS BY KYLE COLLINS

Locals joined students in taking a turn at sliding down the hill at Central City Park for a little snow day fun in January. Area schools and businesses closed during the snowstorm and subsequent ice storm that hit Baldwin and surrounding counties, providing an opportunity to enjoy a snow break outdoors.

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