Coffee County Magazine September 2017

fall 2017

Caring for the Heart

Coffee County also...

Family Business

COLLINS CARDIOLOGY Dr. Darrel Collins • Tara Spivey, PA-C

Evaluations & Follow-Up Care for Heart Problems Congestive Heart Failure Pacemaker Checks High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol High Triglycerides Chest Pain Shortness of Breath

Meet Trey, Teri, Cooper, Jones and Emerson Day - a family with entrepreneurship in their DNA.

Where Technology Meets Passion The Coffee County School System is setting the standard for new ways to care for our children.

Paying it Forward New Patients Welcomed • No Referral Necessary

Maudine Wright is a true example of a giving spirit, one whose daily actions reflect the love that’s in her heart.

Riding for a Cause

The Williams family matriarch is an amazing woman and the next rodeo should be one for the books.

1208 Ocilla Road, Douglas, Georgia 31533 • 912.384.6276

www.collinscardiologyga.com

H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t

Coffee County Board of Education Douglas, Georgia

Our Vision: An Equitable and Excellent Education for Every Student

Jesse Jowers, Chairman; Bryan Preston, Vice-chairman, Leola Johnson, Adam Lott and Reagan Miller

Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent

1311 South Peterson Avenue | Douglas, Georgia 31533 | Phone (912) 384-2086 | coffee.k12.ga.us

Lindsey and Wills Animal Hospital is proud to serve Douglas, GA and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service.

1330 West Baker Hwy | Douglas, GA 31533 | lindseyandwills.com | (912) 384-8160

The BEST comprehensive podiatrist for patients in

SOUTHERN GEORGIA

Gregory J. Kramer, DPM Board Certified

Nicole E. Wilson, DPM Board Certified

From routine checkups, to the most complex reconstructive surgery cases, Ankle & Foot Associates is equipped to handle all your podiatric needs. Our office provides a wide range of services such as dedicated lower extremity circulation testing, MRI and Physical Therapy.

Experts in diabetic care, we also treat diabetic wounds, infections and along with our local team of medical doctors, educate and emphasize the importance of routine pedal inspections and exams.

CALL US TODAY OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 912.384.4121 | 204 Westside Drive, Douglas, Georgia 31533 | www.anklesandfeet.com

Planted

GROW WHERE YOU ARE

I

In the spring of 1982, Tim and Paul Adams, brothers, started up a family business and named it Adams Lawn Care. They began doing lawn care, soon added landscaping to their list and eventually opened up a nursery in 1986. Within a few years they decided to focus more on lawn care and landscaping and decided it was best to close the nursery. Adams Lawn Care and Adams Landscaping have been in the family for many years and are currently still operating within the family today.

Adams Landscaping and Irrigation, LLC is owned and operated

by Bradley Adams and has partnered with his Uncle Paul to help run the business. Paul has a wealth of knowledge in landscaping and irrigation and is a valuable asset to the business. Even though Tim is retired, he still does some consulting on the landscaping side. In May 2017, Bradley decided to expand his landscaping business by purchasing Plants Plus. (Lonnie Pruitt, the original founder of Plants Plus unfortunately passed away on June 13. Our condolences go out to his family.)

Bradley was running Adams Lawn Care and Adams Landscaping and Irrigation and eventually decided to sell the lawn care part of the business. Ethan and Nikki Vaughn,

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Adams Landscaping and Irrigation, LLC and Plants Plus can handle all of your landscaping needs. We strive for customer satisfaction and excellence in everything that we do.

longtime friends of the Adams family, purchased Adams Lawn Care so Bradley could focus more on landscaping and irrigation. Ethan and Nikki have a little boy named Tucker, and even though he is only 2, he enjoys riding the mower with his daddy occasionally. Ethan also runs the lawn care for Plants Plus.

Bradley and his wife, Courtney, have two daughters, Kaylee and Keirsten.

Bradley also works as a Lieutenant at the Coffee County Fire Department and is also a Deputy Director for EMA. Courtney stays busy trying to keep up with their girls and is also at Plants Plus during the week.

Paul is married with four daughters, Adrien, Sarah, Katie, and Emily and also has two grandchildren. Sarah, Katie and Emily help out with Plants Plus sometimes during the week. Paul keeps himself busy trying to keep everything on track and making sure things are running as it should.

Adams Landscaping and Irrigation, LLC and Plants Plus can handle all of your landscaping needs. We strive for customer satisfaction and excellence in everything that we do. Plants Plus sells retail plants and trees. Adams Landscaping and Irrigation does anything from yard leveling and seeding to irrigation and a fully landscaped yard.

If you have any questions or concerns about your yard, feel free to contact us, we would love to make your landscaping dreams a reality.

Bradley Adams 912-381-0189 Paul Adams 912-592-1220 Plants Plus 912-384-0870 Ethan Vaughn 912-309-0018

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Family Business

Meet Trey, Teri, Cooper, Jones and Emerson Day – a family with entrepreneurship in their DNA.

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Labor of Love

Family history comes alive through a historic home now preserved for generations to come.

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Where Technology Meets Passion

The Coffee County School System is setting the standard for new ways to care for our children.

26 About the Cover Featured on the cover is Canaan Williams, grandson of Verla Williams. The photo was taken by Kristy Moxley of A Thousand Words Photography.

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Meat Matters

How a local food pantry is making a difference in Coffee County.

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Because everyone should protect their future

story wealth management group

Your Story Begins Here ...

210 E. Ward Street | Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 384-0030 | www.storywealth.com Story Wealth Management is an independent firm with securities offered through Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Summit Financial Group, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

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Riding for a Cause

The Williams family matriarch is an amazing woman and the next rodeo should be one for the books.

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Returning Home

Ashley Vickers and her husband, Jay, made the decision to return to his hometown of Douglas to teach so they could follow in the footsteps of the teachers who had served as their own inspirations.

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Housing A Dream

Those at Magnolia House have taught the family so much about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, about forgiveness, about unconditional love and about acceptance of yourself and others.

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Paying it Forward

Maudine Wright is a true example of a giving spirit, one whose daily actions reflect the love that’s in her heart.

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One Child At A Time

Bethany Hospice reaches out to grieving children, hoping to change one young life at a time.

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Scenes of Coffee

Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Coffee County is a great place to live.

Mosquitoes Don’t Stand A Chance.

PROFESSIONAL MOSQUITO CONTROL | 21 DAY BARRIER SPRAY 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED | AUTOMATIC MISTING SYSTEM | SPECIAL EVENT SPRAY

Brian and Cindy McNeill | 1010 Bowens Mill Road SE | Douglas, Georgia 31533 | 912-383-BITE (2483)

From the Publisher

Coffee County magazine

P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications Jay and Patti Martin

e d i to r Renee Corwine

C reat i v e | D e s i g n Stacey Nichols Mandi Spivey

R

Recently our family was blessed with the arrival of a beautiful new granddaughter, Kinsley! Oh my, what joy and happiness one little person can bring into our lives!

Holding her has been a gentle reminder to be completely in the moment! Not allowing the distractions of this modern world to keep us from being available and tuned in to those who matter most. Giving ourselves permission to put away our cell phones and turn off devices and live totally immersed in the here and now. I have never forgotten the feeling I had while meeting once with a very important person. His phone beeped and he quickly reached in his pocket, silencing the distraction without ever deviating his attention away from our conversation. No one seemed as important to him at that moment but the one in front of him. I have never forgotten how that felt.

Let’s honor those around us. Living each day with grateful hearts instead of an attitude of entitlement! I read somewhere recently “Today is your happily ever after – don’t delay it one more day!”

While reading over the articles in this issue of Coffee County Magazine, I am reminded of the amazing people that have chosen to do just that! Seizing the moment while blessing others along the way with love, hugs, talents, resources and sharing life!

We are blessed to call you friends!

o f f i ce M a n ager Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t M a n ager s June Dixon

Julie Braly

P h otograp h er s A Thousand Words Photography Dawson Adams Kelly McDonald Photography

C ov er P h oto Canaan Williams, taken by A Thousand Words Photography

Sa l e s Dottie Hicks

Patti Martin Kelly McDonald Landon Spivey

Contributing Wri te r s Amy Hancock

Andrew Steptoe Jenna Musgrove Jordan Calhoun Kelly McDonald Peggy Greene

Blessings,

Jay and Patti Martin Psalm 91 Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com 8

coffee county magazine

Coffee County Magazine© is published semi-annually by With You in Mind Publications. withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

Nicholls

CITY OF

GEORGIA

707 VAN STREAT HIGHWAY, NICHOLLS, GA | 912.345.2421

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Story and photos by Kelly McDonald Photography

The Day family has mastered the art of juggling all their businesses and still remaining humble and close-knit.

Between school, activities, business and church, they still find time to be a family.

When you think of entrepreneurs, if your mind immediately goes to Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg or Rachael Ray, then you’ve never met the Day family. Cooper Day, a 10-yearold kitchen prodigy, comes from a family that nurtures his creative spirit. Parents Trey and Teri Day, along with their three children, are each making names for themselves with successful businesses. From Cooper’s cooking to his brother’s skateboard shop, this close-knit family must have entrepreneur DNA. Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Cooper used to lay with me and watch ‘Paula Dean Cooking’ even as a baby,” Teri said. “When I stopped watching, Cooper didn’t.” Even at age 7 and 8, Cooper would sit quietly, completely enthralled in anything airing on the Food Network. His own time in the kitchen started one Sunday on the way home from church, when Cooper announced he was going to go home and cook for everyone, Trey said.

Cooper made good on his promise and began to pull out ingredients and pans, even while his father repeatedly told him to stop. Before Trey could argue his point of not making a mess, Cooper already had mixed up homemade dough. His cherry tart concoction was good, but the pecan praline candy topping was the true hit. Cooper continued to watch his favorite chefs on television, and when

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Certainly not to be left out, daughter Emersen has gotten into the entrepreneurial spirit as well. Her mom refers to her 9-year-old daughter as “little miss everything.” Emersen dances, cheers, plays softball and now has started making and selling her homemade Slime, which is homemade slime made from glue.

something struck his interest, off to the kitchen he would go. All he wanted to do was cook. No one realized then that this ambition would lead to Hollywood.

So, what do you do when your 10-year-old can cook leg of lamb and whip up a mean Bolognaise sauce? You take him to audition for “MasterChef Junior.” Two years ago, the family packed up and headed to Atlanta for the first round. “There were hundreds of kids,” Trey said. Every child was given a pan, utensils and an egg. When they were instructed to begin and “make something,” Cooper was the only one who raised his hand, saying, “I am going to need a pot, please. I am going to poach my egg, sir.” It was pretty obvious then that he was moving on to the next round. Cooper ended up in the top 40 out of 4,000 kids, thanks to dishes like his signature pork tenderloin.

He was offered the chance to fly to California, meet Gordon Ramsey and be on television for up to eight weeks.

Trey and Teri knew this was the chance of a lifetime for their son, “so we went for it,” Trey said. Cooper was chosen out of thousands of hopefuls to be on Season 5 of “MasterChef Junior.” Even though Cooper was eliminated early in the competition, he remains a chef at heart. Cooper is excited to see what his future holds and is now concentrating on #MealOfTheWeek and his own line of spices.

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Last Christmas, Cooper decided he wanted a hover board but his parents told him he would have to earn the money for it himself. So, Cooper and Teri took a chance and started making ready-to-eat meals for people to pick up on their way home from work. And so, #MealOfTheWeek was born.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, for $25-$30, you can stop by and take home dinner for your family. The meal feeds four to six and includes dinners such as pork tenderloin, meatloaf, chicken bruschetta and two sides. Needless to say, Cooper got his hover board and the families of Douglas have a great new choice for dinner.

Long before Cooper was whipping up dinners in the kitchen, Trey and Teri’s own story started with ice cream. The couple has been sweethearts “ever since I stole the car she was sitting in,” Trey said with a laugh. It was 22 years ago at the Dairy Queen in Douglas that Teri sat in the passenger seat of her friend’s car when a guy jumped into the driver’s seat laughing and moving the car to prank her friend. “And we have been together ever since,” Trey said.

Parents Trey and Teri Day, along with their three children, are each making names for themselves with successful businesses. From Cooper’s cooking to his brother’s skateboard shop, this close-knit family must have entrepreneur DNA.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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In the days of instant gratification, the Day family is bringing back a work ethic of old. Nothing good is just given to you: You have to work hard for what you want. You get out of life what you are willing to put into it. No one knows what the future holds for this family, but we’re willing to bet it’s sweet.

Cooper gets his entrepreneurship naturally – it runs in the family. Trey opened his first hair salon shortly after the Dairy Queen romance began. Also an avid skateboarder, Trey has branched off into cell phone repair, skate parks and restaurants. He also serves as a T-ball coach, dance dad, taxi driver for his kids, and now is the owner of Rock Paper Scissors Salon in downtown Douglas.

Teri is just the woman to keep up with Trey’s busy life. When their first child, Jones, was born 14 years ago, Teri was enjoying just being a mom and spending all the time she could with her baby. When

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his first birthday came around, she couldn’t find anyone to make the cake she wanted for his party. “I wanted a 3D turtle, and no one could make me one.

So, I decided to do it myself,” she said. Teri searched her kitchen, found a stainless steel bowl, flipped it upside down and just like that, a turtle. She baked it, frosted it green and used Mr. Potato Head eyes for the turtle’s. “It must have been OK because I was asked to bake a friend’s baby shower cake and have been baking ever since,” Teri said.

Years ago, while baking out of her small home kitchen, Teri looked around at her small babies and

Years ago, while baking out of her small home kitchen, Teri looked around at her small babies and cake pans and the only name that seemed to fit was “Cakes and Chaos.” So, that became her business name and mission. After being located in several places, Teri has finally found a home for her business in the strip mall on North Peterson Avenue in Douglas.

cake pans and the only name that seemed to fit was “Cakes and Chaos.” So, that became her business name and mission. After being located in several places, Teri has finally found a home for her business in the strip mall on North Peterson Avenue in Douglas.

In addition to the cakes she bakes every week, Teri has now introduced #TheBox. On Sunday afternoons, she decides what will be in next week’s box – usually six cupcakes and a dozen cookies or cake bites.

It’s $20 of deliciousness that changes every week, depending on the time of the year.

Son Jones, following in his father’s footsteps, has branched into entrepreneurship as well. And so, Rock Paper Scissors Salon offers more than just haircuts

these days. Jones decided to open his own skateboard shop inside his dad’s salon. Jones may have been persuaded to start his own business from the desire to have a new skateboard every other week. Just like his brother, Jones had to work for what he wanted.

When you walk into the salon, on the left you’ll find a cool wooden wall filled with skateboards and skateboard supplies. Armed with entrepreneur DNA, Jones has turned his love of skateboarding into a business.

Certainly not to be left out, daughter Emersen has gotten into the entrepreneurial spirit as well.

Her mom refers to her 9-year-old daughter as

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“little miss everything.” Emersen dances, cheers, plays softball and now has started making and selling her homemade Slime, which is homemade slime made from glue. If you have or know any other 9-year-old, then you know that Slime is everything right now! She has snuck a Slime stand in her mom’s kitchen, where you can find it on sale when you pick up those dinners and cupcakes.

The Day family has mastered the art of juggling all their businesses and still remaining humble and close-knit. Between school, activities, business and church, they still find time to be a family. When Trey heads to work, he first takes the time to kiss

and hug his busy wife and tell her that he loves her.

When Emersen sold her first jar of Slime, Teri was right there to high-five her and sneak in a hug. When Cooper was cut from the show, his whole family gave him love and space to recover and let him decide when to start cooking again.

In the days of instant gratification, the Day family is bringing back a work ethic of old. Nothing good is just given to you: You have to work hard for what you want. You get out of life what you are willing to put into it. No one knows what the future holds for this family, but we’re willing to bet it’s sweet.  CCM Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Welcome Home Manor House

1360 W Gordon St, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-6522

SENIOR LIVING

Manor House is a privately owned Assisted Living facility located in Douglas, GA. We offer personal care as well as memory care.

Let us help you take care of your loved one’s needs.

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coffee county Magazine

WE BELIEVE LIFE IS ALL ABOUT YOUR

Vision

Fitzgerald

Family Eyecare

Dr. Ellen D. Fitzgerald Optometric Physician

302 Westside Drive | Douglas, GA

912.393.0005 |visionsource-drellenfitzgerald.com

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coffee county Magazine

Caring for the Heart

COLLINS CARDIOLOGY Dr. Darrel Collins • Tara Spivey, PA-C

Evaluations & Follow-Up Care for Heart Problems Congestive Heart Failure Pacemaker Checks High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol High Triglycerides Chest Pain Shortness of Breath

New Patients Welcomed • No Referral Necessary

1208 Ocilla Road, Douglas, Georgia 31533 • 912.384.6276

www.collinscardiologyga.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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[ Story by Peggy Greene

Photos by Peggy Greene and Kelly McDonald Photography ]

Welcome to the Dockery House! I am Peggy Burch Greene, daughter of Denton Arlis Burch and Elizabeth “Libba” Dockery Burch. I was born and raised in Douglas, and my family’s roots in Douglas, Broxton and Coffee County go back many generations.

After my father and mother passed, I began to feel the connection slip away to my birth place and to my family’s history. So, I sought to find a home in Broxton where I could come back to visit my extended family and have a place to remind me of who I am.

In searching for the right property, I discovered the house at 509 Miller St. This home holds a place in my family history, as it was

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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In searching for the right property, I discovered the house at 509 Miller St. This home holds a place in my family history, as it was once the home of my paternal great-grandfather, Jimmie Dockery, and great-grandmother, Ellen McCallum. Once I learned that I had an opportunity to purchase a piece of my own history, I bought it and set about returning it to its former glory.

once the home of my paternal great-grandfather, Jimmie Dockery, and great-grandmother, Ellen McCallum. Once I learned that I had an opportunity to purchase a piece of my own history, I bought it and set about returning it to its former glory.

The past few months have been a labor of love as I have seen pieces of the home torn down, built back up, and pieced together little-by-little. I’ve tried to remain true to how the home was built and how it would have looked when my great-grandparents became proud owners.

Although we don’t know who constructed the home, we believe it was built in the early 1880s or

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1890s. The home is part of a subdivision created by Broxton’s founder, Jessie Lott Jr. In researching the home, I learned that the Dockerys and Lotts shared more than just a transfer of property. They also were connected through the marriage of two of Jimmie’s sons to Elisha Lott’s daughters. Through all of this historical research, I’ve learned not only about my family, but about how different life was just a few generations ago.

In the 1920s and 1930s, there were no refrigerators. Instead, food was preserved through the use of an icebox, which was replenished once a week by Foots Adams, the iceman. Ellen would leave

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The home has four fireplaces and each had to be dismantled and rebuilt.

Historical expert brick masons from Tifton restored them exactly using the original bricks, then adding some newer brick as needed. The “firebrick� in each of the four fireplaces has Atlantic First stamped on it.

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money on the icebox and Foots would deliver the ice.

The door was never locked.

Indoor plumbing was not part of the original home either. Tobe Smith was charged with cleaning out the privy – which required him to take a mule-pulled cart, clean out the privy and treat it with creolin, a natural disinfectant made from wood.

Bathing was different as well. Instead of daily showers, bathing only took place once or twice a week.

The home had a pipe coming from the well to the porch, where well water was pumped into the tubs for the baths. The water was then heated on the wood stove.

Bath time was a ritual every Saturday, and sometimes on Wednesdays.

In the late 1940s, the Dockery House entered the modern age with the addition of a bathroom and a kitchen. The old wood stove was removed in favor of a stove and an oven. The outhouse and bathtubs were exchanged for a bathroom and a toilet.

The structure of the home remained relatively the same for the next few decades. My relatives sold the home about 14 years after Ellen’s death and, when I purchased it, the intervening years had not been kind.

Nick Williams, an expert in historical restoration, has spent 10 months bringing the Dockery House back to life. Starting from the ground up, the kitchen and bathroom addition had to be removed because of a rotten foundation, rotten floor and other leaks.

Then, we found out that the foundation of the home was not level. It was an immense undertaking to repair this issue without destroying the house.

The home has four fireplaces and each had to be dismantled and rebuilt. Historical expert brick masons from Tifton restored them exactly using the original bricks, then adding some newer brick as needed. The “firebrick” in each of the four fireplaces has Atlantic First stamped on it.

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In the late 1940s, the Dockery House entered the modern age with the addition of a bathroom and a kitchen. The old wood stove was removed in favor of a stove and an oven.

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Each brick had to be carefully taken down, cleaned, sanded and reused. Making the task even more difficult was that two of the fireplaces curved significantly in order to avoid removing the virgin wood roof timbers. This virgin wood is located throughout the home and is one of the materials we worked to protect.

Once the fireplaces were completed, the roof had to be replaced. We discovered five layers of roofing materials on the house, including the original cedar shakes made from handhewn pieces of cedar from Pearson. We removed the five layers of roofing and installed architectural shingles. Once the kitchen and bathroom addition were removed, we converted the third bedroom into a bathroom that will contain fixtures dating from 1915 to 1925.

We also replaced the windows using a fascinating procedure that took eight hours per window. The windows had to be removed, and the panes caulked. Then, we repaired the original pulley system, which uses 8-pound weights and cotton roping.

In the 1920s and 1930s, there were no refrigerators.

Instead, food was preserved through the use of an icebox, which was replenished once a week

by Foots Adams, the iceman. Ellen would leave money on the icebox and Foots would deliver the ice. The door was never locked.

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In all, with the help of many talented and dedicated people, I’ve tried to bring everything in the home back to what it used to be. I am blessed to have the opportunity to preserve my greatgrandparents home and its history for generations to come.

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Now, each window raises and lowers as if it were new.

In all, with the help of many talented and dedicated people, I’ve tried to bring everything in the home back to what it used to be. I am blessed to have the opportunity to preserve my great-grandparents home and its history for generations to come. I hope you enjoy my labor of love! ď • CCM

Lindsey and Wills Animal Hospital is proud to serve Douglas, GA and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service.

1330 West Baker Hwy | Douglas, GA 31533 | lindseyandwills.com | (912) 384-8160

“I wasn’t going to let LEG PAIN & PAD control my daily life!”

You could have PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) ... 50% of cases go undiagnosed!

PAD Symptoms include: Fatigue during walking/stairs • Pain in legs and/or feet Slow healing sores or wounds • Color changes in skin of feet Lower temperature • Poor nail growth

Diagnosing PAD can be done by performing a simple non-invasive exam. Call for appointment.

William H. Davis, MD Fellow, American College of Surgeons Registered Vascular Technologist William Joseph Kaiser III, MD, FACS Fellow, American College of Surgeons Registered Vascular Technologist Allison Bell, MSPAS, PA-C Jennifer Spivey, FNP-C Jessica Mathis, FNP-C

DOUGLAS VASCULAR CENTER 326 Shirley Ave., Douglas | www.douglasvascular.com | 912.384.0322 36

coffee county Magazine

C IT I Z E NS C H R IST IAN ACA DEMY C O L L E G E

P R E P A R A T O R Y

S C H O O L

THE SPIVEY FAMILY

THE DEEN FAMILY

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CCA IS PROUD OF EDUCATING FAMILIES FOR 3 GENERATIONS 1 5 4 8 W E S T B A K E R H W Y | D O U G L A S , G A 3 1 5 3 5 | ( 9 1 2 ) 3 8 4 - 8 8 6 2 | C I T I Z E N S C H R I S T I A N A C A D E M Y. O R G

Georgia Independent Insurance Specialists

McCrary-Daniels Insurance Agency is able to help you with most types of insurance, including homeowners, automobile, business and life. We are a long-time partner in SecureRisk, representing over 70 of Georgia’s largest insurance agencies. This gives McCrary Daniels access to more markets than any other local agency bringing the best coverage and services to the public at the most affordable prices.

McCrary Daniels Insurance 120 N Madison Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-2130 | mccrarydaniels.com

Hometown Living At Its Best

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story and photos by

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Kelly McDonald Photography

Coffee County magazine

One of a parent's greatest fears is getting that phone call that something has happened to your child while they are not with you. The Telemedicine program now offered in Coffee County can help get a child in contact with a doctor faster when they are at school and not with you. All it takes is a parent's or guardian's signature on a form and your child is protected while they are in school everyday.

In the past kids were sent home and would come back to school still sick. Whether it was lack of transportation, money, insurance, or a language barrier kids were not receiving the care they needed to get well. Kathy Cole, Coffee County's school nursing supervisor, knew that there had to be a better way. When Sherrie Williams, the liaison for the state of

Georgia Telemedicine partnership, came to visit, she brought with her a new concept now available for school systems. Sherrie encouraged Kathy to write for one of the only 20 grants open nationwide.

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What is Telemedicine? “Think of it like a walk-in clinic,” Kathy explains.” It will be most beneficial to kids that are not taken to the doctor on a regular basis.” Coffee County alone is home to 4-5 thousand children with no insurance.

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What is Telemedicine? "Think of it like a walk-in clinic," Kathy explains."

It will be most beneficial to kids that are not taken to the doctor on a regular basis." Coffee County alone is home to 4-5 thousand children with no insurance.

"Another benefit of the program is to help with absenteeism and the general health of everyone in the school." It seemed like an answered prayer to her.

About six years ago Kathy finally got approval from the school board, contacted a grant writer and gathered all the demographics needed to submit for the grant. This was not an easy thing to accomplish to say the least. Kathy had to acquire statistics for a number of students, nurses, and schools, sizes of clinics, all demographics of students in the schools, and convince everyone along the way that this would work.

The program was met with its more than fair share of sceptics. Some people are not good with change even if it's a good one. Once she obtained all the information, Kathy sat and prayed over it, "Am I suppose to do this God? And just like that, I got peace like never before that this was exactly what I needed to be doing!"

Somehow she got the grant completed and submitted in July, 2012, and waited somewhat impatiently for an answer. The answer came about five months later in the form of one highly anticipated email. The answer was YES! It took about a year and a half from that point to get all formalities approved and order equipment: chairs, tables, desks, blood pressure cuffs, tweezers and anything else they might need to provide the best care possible for their students. They were also able to order and receive an IOS machine.

An Impulse Oscillometry Spirometer machine can test and detect asthma; Coffee County is the only school in the nation who has one.

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Michelle Jones is the Telemedicine Coordinator and got to witness the first student to benefit from the program in January 2013. The student was treated for a sore throat. The first patient was actually a teacher with a sinus infection.

Both student and teacher were treated and returned to class feeling much better almost immediately. The screen allows for the school nurses to take high definition pictures of inside a patient’s throat, ears and eyes. The call is made in real time to a doctor waiting on the other end. The nurse is able to show the doctor the pictures and speak face to face. The patient can ask questions directly to the physician and vice versa until a diagnosis is reached. The

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The call is made in real time to a doctor waiting on the other end. The nurse is able to show the doctor the pictures and speak face to face. The patient can ask questions directly to the physician and vice versa until a diagnosis is reached. The student’s parents or guardians can also join the call at anytime, called a bridge, from wherever they are to provide the best scenario for care. Any medicine can then be prescribed and administered at that time by health care providers.

student’s parents or guardians can also join the call at anytime, called a bridge, from wherever they are to provide the best scenario for care. Any medicine can then be prescribed and administered at that time by health care providers. The newest machine also allows doctor to hear lungs and heart through the same technology. "It is quite amazing to hear and see that well and be in a completely different office." Michelle explains further, "The program can help diagnose anything from common ear aches, sore throats, or sinuses to the common head lice, hearing problems, asthma, or infections." Michelle remembered one student that was in special education classes due to a chronic hearing problem and needed more attention with instructions and work assignments. He was brought into the nurse’s office to check hearing when they noticed during the appointment that his ears were severely impacted with ear wax. The student ended up having to have surgery and has since been moved into a regular class room where his hearing along with his grades has dramatically improved.

"Healthy kids learn!" Kathy says.

Initially the push back on the program made things difficult to pursue, but Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County Schools, saw the vision and moved forward. Because of his support and the encouragement from the community, they went back to the drawing board and rewrote another grant to include every school in the county.

Dr. Vita Johnson from Emory Hospital, the Coffee County School board, and school nurses, have all collaborated to open a hospital clinic onsite inside the middle school. The Coffee County Middle School is the largest campus with over 1700 students. The decision was made to house the clinic there due to of the size of school, higher risk of not

seeing a doctor regularly, and central location of the school to the county.

Dr. Childers, Coffee County Pediatrician, was immediately on board the first time he heard about the program. "He has been our champion in this county!" Both Michelle and Kathy agree.

Whether support came immediately or slower, the program has grown to the biggest in the state.

The way a student can fall sick, go to nurse’s office, have a check up, talk to a doctor and be diagnosed is this system is unprecedented.

"Going into the fifth year of the TM Program, we now have other counties coming to observe our system. They were all impressed with the process and how it all works." Kathy has always envisioned for the hospital, school, and nurses to work together to offer the best kind of care for each student in need. The clinic now being included inside the school has always been her dream. "This is what the Lord has called me to do. My heart is to help these kids the best way I can. Although there have been bumps along the way, this technology is revolutionary.

It's the fastest way to have a student or teacher diagnosed and back in the classroom. It's the most efficient use of school resources and money. It's a new way to care.”  CCM

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Meat Matters: How a local food pantry is making a difference in Coffee County.

A

Alongside Christmas trees and candy canes, canned food drives are hallmarks of the American holiday season. Swept up in the giving spirit of yuletide cheer, droves of seasonal philanthropists take to their cupboards to dig out the last few cans of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle and Green Giant Creamed Corn to bring to their local churches and schools. Places like the Douglas First United Methodist Church Food Pantry benefit from the goodwill of these

STORY BY JORDAN CALHOUN PHOTOS BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY AND JAMIE ROWELL

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holiday pantry-raiders, and in turn use the delicious donations to bless those in need.

While every nonperishable item is indispensable to the mission of the Douglas FUMC Food Pantry, one church member believed the pantry left something to be desired. While canned vegetables and boxed dinners help keep Coffee County families full year-round, many food banks fail to

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provide one element of a nutritionally balanced diet: meat.

Because of its perishable nature, meat is a commodity that is scarce in many food pantries. But Jamie Rowell, an avid local hunter, knew that deer meat was never scarce in his hometown of Douglas. He began to brainstorm ways to take the bounty of other Coffee County deer hunters, and use it to serve those in need.

The Plan “Mike Lord was the first person I pitched the idea to. I was worried about coming up with the money for the freezer, but he told me we wouldn’t let the money stop it,”

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The Pantry

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coffee county magazine

The food pantry is located in the office area within the youth building of Douglas FUMC and is open every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. Families in need gain entrance to the pantry through a referral card distributed by several agencies in Coffee County.

“We serve on average about 12 families a week, but sometimes get up to 24. Some people come in who have never had deer meat and are wanting to try it.”

“The idea to put venison in the food pantry came from me being challenged through Camp One Fifty-One to carry on the good deeds throughout the year,” Jamie explained about the initial inspiration behind the program.

Camp One-Fifty One is a local camp that emphasizes one week of service in the Coffee County community, and 51 other weeks spent serving God and others outside of camp. The camp motto is, “One Week is Not Enough,” which encourages year-round service to the people of God. Jamie credits the experience with allowing him to think creatively to fill a need and love others.

Armed with the beginnings of a good idea, Jamie knew the major obstacle to stocking the food pantry with meat was the lack of refrigeration in the facility. To purchase a freezer would be a daunting and expensive endeavor. When Jamie was given the opportunity to share about his experience at Camp One Fifty-One at a Sunday church service, he closed his testimony with the mention of bringing venison to the food pantry.

As his vision began to gain traction in the congregation, church members Mike Lord and Allison Lindsey jumped at the opportunity to make Jamie’s dream a reality.

“Mike Lord was the first person I pitched the idea to. I was worried about coming up with the money for the freezer, but he told me we wouldn’t let the money stop it,” Jamie explained.

“Allison Lindsey also came up to me after I shared my experience with Camp

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serving others The Stick-a-Pack-Back program is not only providing a more balanced diet for community members who are hungry. It’s also serving to ignite a greater passion and curiosity for creative ways to serve others.

One Fifty-One in church and wanted to help.

She excitedly started talking about having a camo night during a regular Wednesday Night Supper to raise funds for the freezer.”

On September 21st, Douglas FUMC hosted their camo night, complete with venison chili and camo ice cream, pound cake, and cookies.

“It was a great night. And Allison got it all together,” Jamie chuckled. “The freezer cost $450. We raised $700,” he added with a grateful smile.

The freezer was purchased and installed and thus began the Stick-a-Pack-Back program that allowed deer hunters to donate venison through a professional processing facility. Thus far, the

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program partners with Kick’s Deer Processing, Merritt’s Deer Processing, and Skinner’s Deer Processing to coordinate venison donations.

Jamie visits the facilities to pick up donations as they become available and delivers them to the food pantry.

“The congregation just thinks the program is a really wonderful idea,” exclaimed the pantry’s assistant director, Janet Littleton. “We serve on average about 12 families a week, but sometimes get up to 24. Some people come in who have never had deer meat and are wanting to try it.”

The food pantry is located in the office area

within the youth building of Douglas FUMC and is open every Thursday from 2-4 p.m.

Families in need gain entrance to the pantry through a referral card distributed by several agencies in Coffee County. The card lets the pantry volunteer know how many members are in the family, and previously assembled bags of food are allocated based on that number.

However, the Stick-a-Pack-Back program is not only providing a more balanced diet for community members who are hungry. It’s also serving to ignite a greater passion and curiosity for creative ways to serve others.

“I was so excited that Jamie bought into

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The Result Because of the Stick-aPack-Back program and the willingness of the hunters and processors to participate, lives and tummies are now a bit fuller in Coffee County.

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the “what are you going to do with your other 51 weeks” idea of Camp One Fifty-One. A lot of people talk about all the things they are going to do, but Jamie came up with an idea to help the community and ran with it. He has already impacted our community with this project by supplying protein to 20-25 families a week,” Mike Lord said of the extensive ripple effect the program is already seeing.

“I started hunting on my wife, Amy’s, family’s land a few years ago and loved it. Anyone can look around Coffee County come mid-October every year, and tell hunting is a popular hobby,” Jamie explained.

Despite the great success of his idea coming to fruition, Jamie insists that the program is simply a way to

turn anyone’s passion for hunting into ministry.

Jamie’s eagerness to serve his community and our God is setting a positive example not only for his fellow Coffee citizens, but his children, Russell and Emma, who love to help their daddy count the pounds of venison as they stock the pantry’s new freezer.

Because of the Stick-a-Pack-Back program and the willingness of the hunters and processors to participate, lives and tummies are now a bit fuller in Coffee County.

If you would like to participate in the Stick-a-Pack-Back program, or donate to the Douglas First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, please inquire with the deer processors listed or with the office at Douglas FUMC.  CCM

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Story by

Kelly McDonald

Photos by

Many little boys grow up with dreams of becoming professional bull riders. Few actually find the courage to follow through. Dustin Williams held onto that dream and worked hard to make it happen.

At age 15 Dustin started his journey to becoming a rodeo rider. He grew up in a family that encouraged him to reach for the stars. Dustin and his sister Beth went to hundreds of rodeos when they were little as fun family outings. When Dustin became serious about his training, he quickly was told that he was too tall and not built for bull riding. None of that mattered to him as he set out to prove them all wrong.

Dustin became the No. 1 ranked bull rider in Georgia, No. 3 out of seven states in rodeo tournaments and was getting better with each 8 seconds he spent on a bull. Several times he was thrown and suffered injuries, but that didn’t stop him. It was a serious

A Thousand Words Photography

four-wheeler accident at age 17 that led to his worst concussion by far.

Dustin thought his dream may be coming to an end – but it wouldn’t be like him to quit. However, he may have to keep his comeback training a small secret from his mom, Verla Williams.

Verla has been to every rodeo, sat in every crowd, and prayed a thousand prayers every time he rode.

She always has been his biggest cheerleader. After the four-wheeler accident, she said she was more than relieved to think that his riding days may be over. That was, until she caught him running down their dirt road and it looked an awful lot like he was in training mode again. Verla said she whipped the truck up beside him.

“What in the world are you doing?” she demanded. Dustin explained and his mom’s heart dropped. “What if we make a new deal?” And so she began her negotiations.

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Verla knew her son would never be happy away from the rodeo life for good, so she came up with a plan.

They would become stock contractors for bulls. They could still go to the rodeos and be a part of the behindthe-scenes action without the threat of permanent brain trauma. Dustin agreed after realizing that one day he wanted to get married and to be a father.

“And before I knew it, there were bulls everywhere,” sister Beth said. The bull-contracting venture, Ride Right Roughstock, became a family business for all of them. Beth had a son, Canaan, in 2012. She knew that raising her son on her own would be difficult, but

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she also knew she could depend on her family for help whenever she needed it. Canaan was born with his tongue attached to the bottom of his mouth. At 3 weeks old, he had his first procedure to clip and separate it, but it grew back. After many trips to many doctors,

Even as her own family went through some trials, such as her husband being diagnosed with cancer; and blessings, such as Dustin getting married to wife, Laura, and having a son, Jake, she found the time to make it happen. “I immediately thought of Jayla and knew she could find us another child to help,” Verla explained. “Pay it forward.”

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Beth was frustrated and just wanted answers for her son.

Jayla Townsend of JDL Speech Therapy had the answer.

She referred Beth and her son to a doctor in Savannah for surgery that would help Canaan talk again.

At only 3 years old, Canaan went in for surgery. Beth and Verla waited anxiously throughout the procedure.

“It has been a hard recovery, but the first time I heard him speak and saw that tongue move, it was worth everything,” she said about the two years since he had the operation. Canaan has now graduated from pre-k and is doing great. You can usually find him out in the fields with his Uncle Dustin and his horse.

“If you know Verla, then you know what an incredible God-fearing woman she is,” Beth said about what happened next. After witnessing firsthand the costs of medical care for Canaan, Verla knew her family could find a way to help other families. She used Canaan’s medical experiences as motivation and began to put together an event that would draw bull riders from all over the South: a benefit rodeo. She was truly in her element with bringing people together for a good cause. “She always is trying to help someone else,” Beth said.

Even as her own family went through some trials, such as her husband being diagnosed with cancer; and blessings, such as Dustin getting married to wife, Laura, and having a son, Jake, she found the time to make it happen. “I immediately thought of Jayla and knew she could find us another child to help,” Verla explained. “Pay it forward.”

And so she did. One rodeo helped a child who had a seizure condition purchase a highly trained detection dog.

Another rodeo helped purchase a handicap-accessible van for a child who needed one to get around in a wheelchair.

“The rodeos have become my family’s way of life and if we can help a child every time, then it’s the right thing to do every time,” Verla said about the next child to benefit from the rodeo, Jimmy.

An amazing 12-year-old boy diagnosed with Sanfilippo Type A, his mom, Reba, said he’s a “happy boy, loving.

He is our joy.” Jimmy needs around-the-clock care, so his mother stays at home. He also has to go to Savannah every three months to see his doctors. His condition has no cure.

Money raised from the rodeo, held in August, will help to pay travel expenses for doctor visits.

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“Last year we had hundreds of people and are hoping it gets bigger each time.

This year we had riders from Nevada and Australia,” Verla said. “Your heart goes out to these kids. You look at their lives and realize how blessed you really are.”

Considering her own troubles, with her husband’s battle with cancer, that’s an awesome way to look at life.

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Verla used Canaan’s medical experiences as motivation and began to put together an event that would draw bull riders from all over the South: a benefit rodeo. She was truly in her element with bringing people together for a good cause. “She always is trying to help someone else,” Beth said.

With a few rodeos happening annually, you can frequently find posters around town inviting everyone to Ambrose for the night. Verla and family have become quite proficient in putting these shindigs together. They sell sponsorship banners, provide a concession stand run by her church, First Assembly of God in Douglas, and have vendors and prize belt buckles. But even with all that, it’s the cake auction that means the most; all proceeds from it go directly to the child and family in need.

“Last year we had hundreds of people and are hoping it gets bigger each time. This year we had riders from Nevada and Australia,” Verla said.

“Your heart goes out to these kids. You look at their lives and realize how blessed you really are.”

Considering her own troubles, with her husband’s battle with cancer, that’s an awesome way to look at life. Even while driving her husband back to his cancer doctors, not knowing for sure if he is cancer free, she still was focused on what blessings she could bring to someone else. The Williams family matriarch is an amazing woman and the next rodeo should be one for the books – or at least a magazine.  CCM

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WHEN YOU’RE RANKED #1, IT’S YOUR PATIENTS WHO WIN. Coffee Regional named #1 Small Hospital by Georgia Trend Magazine.

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returning

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Coffee County magazine

S t o r y by

Andrew Steptoe

P h ot o s by

Dawson Adams

“Douglas needs good teachers, too.” Thank goodness so many great teachers have said just that and decided to come to this small South Georgia town to teach. From Ms. Dana Davenport, to whom the quote above is attributed, to Mrs. Ashley Vickers, Douglas always has attracted excellent teachers.

In writing this article, I had the great pleasure of discovering the journey Mrs. Vickers has taken to become the teacher she is today. Now, I get to share it with you. Mrs. Vickers’ unofficial teaching career started very early. While in eighth grade in McDonough, her Algebra I teacher had to

While in college, Mrs. Vickers began the next phase of her unofficial teaching career by serving as a supplemental instructor in her college trigonometry and calculus-based physics courses, helping her college peers prepare for MCAT exams. This experience taught her how to tailor her instruction to meet the needs of each individual pupil, just as her high school teaching experience taught her the value of a wellplanned and concise class lecture.

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What an inspiration Mrs. Vickers has been to her Coffee High students. As a chemistry teacher, she goes above and beyond in teaching honors and Advanced Placement classes. She is gifted in melding other fields of study – like history, religion and current events – to make chemistry more exciting and relevant with real-world applications. She is actively involved in the school’s science fair program, which allows her students the valuable experience of applying their knowledge of science in solving real-life problems.

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[ Ashley Vickers ]

Throughout high school, she said she knew she wanted to go into the medical field as a radiologist, but still couldn’t shake the desire to teach. So, she compromised and decided to be a medical school professor. Unfortunately for the medical profession, personal health problems forced Mrs. Vickers to abandon her dream of going to medical school. But, fortunately for future Coffee County students, this detour eventually led her to Coffee High School.

be absent for several months. Armed with some VHS tape lectures, math worksheets and a retired English teacher to lead them, the class set out to learn math during those months. They were lost from the start.

A young Ashley Gnat decided to take the worksheets home, where she worked out the answers and determined the best teaching strategies to help her classmates understand the concepts covered by the worksheets. After that, she became the unofficial substitute and thus began her love of teaching.

Throughout high school, she said she knew she wanted to go into the medical field as a radiologist, but still couldn’t shake the desire to teach. So,

she compromised and decided to be a medical school professor. Unfortunately for the medical profession, personal health problems forced Mrs. Vickers to abandon her dream of going to medical school. But, fortunately for future Coffee County students, this detour eventually led her to Coffee High School.

While in college, Mrs. Vickers began the next phase of her unofficial teaching career by serving as a supplemental instructor in her college trigonometry and calculus-based physics courses, helping her college peers prepare for MCAT exams. This experience taught her how to tailor

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her instruction to meet the needs of each individual pupil, just as her high school teaching experience taught her the value of a well-planned and concise class lecture.

Next came her first official teaching job at Georgia State University in Atlanta, where she led a class in World Religions for older adults returning to college. Her teaching style was honed by working with mature students whose interest in the subject was their motivation for taking the class. This opportunity taught her the power of using real life experiences, such as those her students brought to discussions, to make any subject matter interesting, thus increasing the retention of the material taught.

After teaching at Georgia State, Mrs. Vickers honed her skills by teaching at a public high school. Her first teaching job in Macon was, in her own words, “a terrible experience,” but she didn’t let that dampen her love for teaching. She and her husband, Jay, made the decision to return to his hometown of Douglas to teach, even though the two of them

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Her teaching style was honed by working with mature students whose interest in the subject was their motivation for taking the class. This opportunity taught her the power of using real life experiences, such as those her students brought to discussions, to make any subject matter interesting, thus increasing the retention of the material taught.

had the opportunity to work in a private school with better facilities, smaller class sizes and larger salaries. But, like many of the excellent teachers in the Coffee County school system, they recognized the need to prepare students in this small rural town to venture out into the world. They wanted to follow in the footsteps of the teachers who had served as their own inspirations to journey outside the boundaries of their small town to go to college.

What an inspiration Mrs. Vickers has been to her Coffee High students.

As a chemistry teacher, she goes above and beyond in teaching honors and Advanced Placement classes. She is gifted in melding other fields of study – like history, religion and current events – to make chemistry more exciting and relevant with real-world applications.

She is actively involved in the school’s science fair program, which allows her students the valuable experience of applying their knowledge of science in solving real-life problems.

There is much more I could say in praise of Mrs. Vickers, but I believe it is only fair to let her have the last word about why teaching means so much to her: “Each day in front of my students, I need to be the best example of myself and, more often than not, strive to be a better person than I am.”  CCM

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Housing a Dream Those at Magnolia House have taught the family so much about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, about forgiveness, about unconditional love and about acceptance of yourself and others.

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We have no choice about where we are born, but we do have a choice about where we decide to live, raise a family and even begin a business. For Bruce and Melissa Whitley, the decision to open Magnolia House was a prayerful choice that the Lord has since blessed.

“Magnolia House PCH Inc. began as a dream to provide services to families in need of assistance with elder care in our community,” Bruce said. “This was a dream that Melissa had.

She was fortunate to have met a business associate who had

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The planning stage began in fall 2000 and the family opened the business as an adult daycare in January 2001. In July of that year, the center transitioned from providing adult daycare services to providing residential services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

some experience in the field and he suggested she pursue her dream.”

The planning stage began in fall 2000 and the family opened the business as an adult daycare in January 2001. In July of that year, the center transitioned from providing adult daycare services to providing residential services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“We had our first resident move in and she quickly captured our hearts. After several months, we had a few more ladies join the group home and Magnolia House was born. We spent the next several years as a sub-contractor of residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities,” Bruce said.

A beautiful tapestry of the Lord’s will, power and love is sewn throughout the Whitley family and their journey with Magnolia House.

“One of the earliest indicators that God was at work was in 2001 when we transitioned from the adult daycare services. We had not planned to follow this path that we are on, however, once we had our first resident and she captured our hearts we knew

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this was the right path,” Melissa said. “It has not always been easy, but we know without a doubt that we are following God’s plan for us and that he will always walk with us on this journey. Looking back, it’s very clear to us that God has been actively directing our footsteps and we are so grateful.”

Both Bruce and Melissa have strong roots in this community. They were born in Douglas and their grandparents lived within a block of one another, yet the couple did not know each other until meeting at age 15. Bruce is a graduate of Citizens Christian Academy, while Melissa graduated from Coffee High School.

They were married in June 1985 and had their first child, Krista, in September 1986. Their second child, Ethan, was born the year after Melissa became a registered nurse in 1990.

Ethan has worked with Magnolia House since 2012. Krista has worked there since

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2002, and now serves as the human resources manager and training coordinator. In November 2008, Krista married Andrew Music. In February 2010, their daughter Jolie Kate was born, and in September 2013, their son Charlie was born.

The family’s journey with Magnolia House has been fruitful, but it also hasn’t been without its share of tribulations. In October 2007, Magnolia House suffered a fire, which ignited in an upstairs bedroom late one evening. Thankfully, Melissa’s sister, who was working when the fire started, safely evacuated the residents.

“After the fire was extinguished and the damage was surveyed, it seemed too much to overcome, but God had a plan,” Melissa said. “The residents spent about a month living with their families while we located another home to provide services in. They returned to

our care at the new location the end of November. We spent most of 2008 repairing the damage to Magnolia House and in December 2008 we celebrated Christmas with the ladies and their families in the renovated home. The ladies returned to live in Magnolia House in January 2009.”

The couple recalled that the hand of God was seen during the loss caused by that fire. “We had to have complete faith that God knew our situation and that his plan would be perfect. God provided another home and in about three weeks all six ladies were settled in the new group home and our staff was back at work,” Bruce said. “Later, the home that God had provided during this time of rebuilding would become our second group home and we would provide services to an amazing group of guys there.”

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Yet again, the Lord was working in the business, and in June 2009, the couple was notified that they had successfully completed the process to become a provider with the state of Georgia. The house that was opened after the fire became the second group home, Ward Manor. But the growth was only beginning. The third group home, College House, opened in March 2012. In November of the following year, Ward Manor was relocated to a more functional home. In June 2016, the future site of the fourth group home, Park Place, was purchased. Park Place opened in early 2017.

Because of the growth and an excellent staff of 29 team members, Magnolia House currently provides individuals with residential services in three group homes and also provides pre-vocational and community access group services at Magnolia Community Services. As far as the staff goes, the couple called the team “amazing.”

“They go to great lengths to make every day special for the individuals we serve. We have a facility coordinator who directs three team leaders in the group homes. The team leaders coordinate a direct care team that consists of four to five team members supporting the individuals there and we have a coordinator who directs a team of five supporting the individuals at the community service center,” Bruce said.

Magnolia House is truly family-run, bit it’s not the only entity in which the family serves the community. The Whitley family attends First Assembly of God in Douglas. There, Bruce has taught Sunday School for more than 20 years. He also has been a firefighter with the City of Douglas Fire Department since 2002. Melissa has served the community as a labor and delivery

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Because of the growth and an excellent staff of 29 team members, Magnolia House currently provides individuals with residential services in three group homes and also provides pre-vocational and community access group services at Magnolia Community Services.

nurse, school nurse, recovery room nurse and most recently as a home health nurse and a director of home health services. The two have hearts made for loving and serving others. That is very evident in the way Magnolia House was envisioned, the way it was created, and the way it is continually operated.

To understand the scope of services offered by Magnolia House, you have to understand how it operates on a typical day. A typical weekday begins with waking up around 6 a.m., having breakfast, getting dressed and leaving the group home around 7:30 a.m. to go to Magnolia Community Services. Once there, the residents are provided with a variety of activities in which to participate. Some of the educational activities include reviewing their rights and learning Spanish or American Sign Language. Community activities such as shopping, visiting local attractions and day trips to places of interest also are provided.

If someone at Magnolia House desires to be an entrepreneur, the staff helps that person develop a service or a product that can be offered to the community. After deciding on the service or product, the staff also assists as needed with assembly, marketing and management of inventory, purchasing supplies and delivery of the product.

“For lunch, the residents enjoy a meal that is planned by the individuals with assistance from staff. They can then choose to earn an income by assisting staff with cleaning the center,” Melissa said. At 1:30 p.m., the

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individuals leave the community service center and return to the group home. Staff assists them with activities of daily living such as bathing, medications, laundry and meal preparation. Team members also provide watchful oversight to the residents at the group home.

While the weekdays are full of productive and engaging activities, the weekends tend to be more relaxed. Staff assists residents with their morning routines, breakfast, medications and getting dressed.

Saturday activities may involve a trip to the local farmers’ market, an event or even a meal at their favorite restaurant. This time also is spent resting and visiting with family or friends. On Sundays, residents are free to choose where to worship and the staff accompanies them to their desired churches. After church, the residents normally rest and prepare for the week to come.

The Whitley family expressed how thankful they are to have been given the opportunity to “experience life with these amazing individuals.” Those at Magnolia House have taught the family so much about enjoying life’s simple pleasures, about forgiveness, about unconditional love and about acceptance of yourself and others.

“They have taught us that our world is filled with beauty and that we would be able to see it if only we slowed down and looked around us. They have taught us that you’re never too old to believe in miracles and that tomorrow is a new day filled with wonder and possibilities,” Melissa said. “We are truly blessed.”  CCM

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Paying it

FORWARD Maudine Wright is a true example of a giving spirit, one whose daily actions reflect the love that’s in her heart.

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STORY BY AMY HANCOCK | PHOTOS BY KELLY MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

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The beauty of one’s heart is reflected in the actions of one’s life. This truth is no more evident than with Maudine Wright.

Before the term “servant leader” became commonplace, Maudine was living it out in her life. She probably wouldn’t refer to herself as a servant leader, but then again, she doesn’t see herself as anyone special. That mindset is most likely why everyone who knows her would disagree. She is extremely special to her family, friends and

even occasional acquaintances.

Growing up as the oldest of six children, Maudine had the perfect opportunity to learn how to be caring and attentive to the needs of others. She helped with chores around the house and on the farm, even as she was going to school and assisting her mother with the younger children. Maudine was 18 years older than her youngest sibling, so she became like a second mother to many of them. Learning work ethic from an early age, one

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Maudine grew up around an extended family as well. She vividly remembers being ready to start the ninth grade when her Uncle ED Purvis said to her, “Now Maudine, you are about to enter high school. Don’t go boy crazy like everyone else.

Remember you can do anything you want to do, but you will have to work for it.” That one piece of advice has remained with her throughout her life.

of her fondest memories is pulling up a stool beside her mother at the sink and helping her wash the dishes. Maudine learned by example to put forth her best effort and compliment others when they did good things.

Maudine grew up around an extended family as well. She vividly remembers being ready to start the ninth grade when her Uncle ED Purvis said to her, “Now Maudine, you are about to enter high school. Don’t go boy crazy like everyone else. Remember you can do anything you want to do, but you will have to work for it.” That one piece of advice has remained with her throughout her life. She worked hard and got a good education. Little did she know much of her life would revolve around her uncle’s advice.

After high school, Maudine married Rudolph Malphus. They were blessed with three children – Chris, Beckey and Cindy – and a family business. After working for other businesses, in the early 1960s, Rudolph opened his own business of rewiring electric

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motors and Douglas Electric was born. Maudine learned a great deal from her husband during this time and she got strong support from him.

One day, he told her she needed to get out of the house more and told her to look into enrolling in college. She found out she could take one class at a time at South Georgia State College.

Slowly but surely, she completed her degree and graduated. She said she is forever grateful for Rudolph’s belief in her and his encouragement for her to complete her education.

In 1971, Rudolph passed away, leaving her with three children at home and a business to run. She was able to keep her head above water with the help of the workers - some of them family members. A few years later, she married Joe Wright and the business started growing once again with Dayne Purvis, Joe

and Maudine at the helm. It grew into Douglas Electric & Plumbing by adding contract work and eventually evolved to include industrial water and sewage systems. “Our business and our family survived only by the grace of God,” Maudine said.

Helping to run a business did not hinder Maudine from being a wonderful mother.

Beckey, her daughter who is now a veterinarian, said, “I didn’t realize until later how instrumental my mom was in the success of the business. To me and my siblings, she was just our mother. That is a true testament to the type of person she is. She never let us go lacking for attention because she was working for the business. She was able to balance being a mother and being a businesswoman very successfully.”

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As the children grew, they very often heard the words of Uncle ED repeated to them by their mother: “You can do anything you want to do, but you will have to work for it.” Beckey said she heard it so much – and saw it even more in her mother’s actions – that even now she uses it in speeches she makes to her peers and community members.

This thought stayed with Chris and Cindy as well.

As encouraged by his mother, Chris went to school and worked for the family. Much of the business included out of town work and Chris was not fond of that. After much consideration, he told his mother that he would like to open a local business of his own so he would be able to stay in town more. She wholeheartedly agreed with his idea and reminded him that he could do it; all he needed was to work for it. That was the beginning of Malphus Electric, a business still prominent in the community. He used the good example of workmanship he had experienced in his family as a foundation and made a thriving business.

Cindy has taken her mother’s lessons and initiatives to be a steadfast person in the community. She began working with the Douglas-Coffee County Parks & Recreation Department in 1979 and remains there today as a ceramics instructor. Her position has given her the

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opportunity to touch the lives of countless individuals.

Cindy has been a staple at Citizens Christian Academy basketball games, where she sat at the score table keeping the books.

Being involved in the community and putting your best foot forward was something Cindy learned from her mother. “As a child, I remember Mama being a great homemaker,” Cindy said. “The house was always clean, the clothes were ironed and there were home-cooked meals daily, complete with homemade biscuits and desserts. She mopped the house every day and found time to put up her own vegetables, which we still do today as a family. … I literally saw Mama transform from a homemaker into a business woman, but never once lose sight of maintaining her home and taking care of her children.”

Outside of the family, Maudine has been instrumental in the development and support of the lives of many in the community. By being a servant leader, she has made herself available to others and graciously pays attention to their needs. She is involved in many local and statewide causes and shows Hometown Living At Its Best

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a strong support for the arts, the humane treatment of animals and for many Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce events. She is an active member of First Baptist Church and a community volunteer.

Dating back to her early years of marriage and the support of her first husband, education became a lifeline for her to a better world – financially and intellectually. The more successful she became in her business, the more she wanted to give to others what she was so blessed to receive through education. She took an active role by serving on the South Georgia State College Foundation Board from 2000-2003. It was during this time that a scholarship was named in her honor because of the record amount of money raised during an annual drive. She since has gone on to endow several scholarships and give many one-time awards to assist academically-deserving students in the region.

One of her most endearing traits is her ability to see a need and to act on it. Mark Lott is a testament to that. Mark is now a respiratory therapist and coowner of Life Line Home Care Services Inc., based in Tifton and with offices in 10 other locations throughout south Georgia and Florida. His company specializes in high-end respiratory home care for medically fragile children. Before the success in 106

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his business, he was learning life lessons from Maudine, whom he lovingly refers to as his second mom.

As a teenager, he began working for Douglas Electric, doing many odd jobs as most young people do. In one of those tasks, he learned a great lesson.

Maudine’s home was across the road from the business office. One day, she called Mark over to help her with something at the house. She handed him a basket of laundry and told him to help her hang them on the line. He said he didn’t find the idea too appealing and worried that some of his friends would ride by and see him. She could sense his hesitancy and asked him if he was worried about what it would look like for him to be hanging laundry. He replied that he was concerned. She then responded with words that have stayed with him throughout his life: “Mark, you must realize that you are never too good to do whatever needs to be done.”

Recalling the impact those words made on him, he said even today he can walk in one of his offices and see trash that needs to be emptied or a countertop that needs to be cleaned and he immediately takes the time to do it. He said he never wants to get to the point that he is not willing to do what needs to be done – no matter how insignificant it may seem. Maudine taught him to

Dating back to her early years of marriage and the support of her first husband, education became a lifeline for her to a better world – financially and intellectually. The more successful she became in her business, the more she wanted to give to others what she was so blessed to receive through education.

lead by example and to be willing to do whatever you ask others to do.

Mark also realized that Maudine saw something in him as a young person and she invested time and money into helping with his dreams. She occasionally would help him with expenses throughout his educational journey. He never asked her for money, but somehow a check would show up in the mail at just the right time. He said he still doesn’t know how she would always know when it was needed – even while he was in school in Arizona. After thanking her, she would always respond with, “Do not thank me. Carry it on.” And he does. He remembers what it was like to have her, as a successful businesswoman, take time to help someone who is struggling. Because of her, he gives back and he never forgets that he learned it from his second mom.

Maudine’s generosity, work ethic and love of family have done more for people than she can even imagine. She has taken her uncle’s advice to heart and caused a ripple effect in the lives of many. She has used her success to create success in others. Maudine’s family describes her as generous, inspirational, patriotic, strong and family-oriented.

She values education and has made sure her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews all receive good educations.

As time goes on, Maudine’s children see even more how her humble generosity exceeds what they knew in their youth. The family would find out after the fact that she had done things like give a washing machine to a needy family. She has walked into a restaurant and bought meals for police officers. On a family trip to Hawaii, she saw a group of military personnel waiting to eat at a local establishment. She slipped in and told the owners that she would pay for their meals. Her family and friends say that’s just the kind of person she is. She likes to do things without anyone knowing. She is not doing it for recognition.

She is doing it because the beauty in her heart is reflected in her life and in her actions.  CCM Hometown Living At Its Best

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One Child at a Time Bethany Hospice reaches out to grieving children, hoping to change one young life and a time.

“I went to the courthouse to buy my new car tag and heard, ‘Hey, Mrs. Jeneen’ from behind me.” When she turned around, her fears became real.

As a field nurse with Bethany Hospice for 11 years, Jeneen Cliett, now executive director of Bethany Hospice, couldn’t help but to get close to some families and the children she worked with. Jeneen worked with hundreds of children over the years and remembers one case specifically.

“There were two children, a boy and a girl, who lost their parents and went on to live with grandparents.” The girl seemed to adjust faster and ended up going to college, getting married and having her own family.

The boy did not. He seemed to be searching for something to fill the void.

He quickly fell into the wrong crowd and got arrested.

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bethany a place for peace

Bethany Hospice is named such for a reason.

It means a place for peace. Bethany is a family helping other families. Bethany is making a difference, one child at a time.

As Jeneen went into the courthouse tag office, there he sat. Shackled. “It broke my heart,” Jeneen said, adding that she was speechless because she felt he was no criminal. He was a good boy who got lost in the system and made some bad choices. “What could I have done differently?” Jeneen thought.

She knew right then that something had to be done, so she approached her colleague Robby Carr. Robby had been a placement specialist lead for the Division of Family and Children Services, and was now a social worker at Bethany. Robby had suffered the loss of his own mother and knew he could help. Grief is not just about experiencing the death of a loved one.

Grief can come though Alzheimer’s, divorce, dementia or even a big move.

“Grief does not discriminate. … It doesn’t care about your race, gender, financial class or social standing. It affects everyone, especially kids,” Robby said.

The two of them approached Ava Best about creating a safe place for kids – somewhere they could have fun. Camp Bethany would become that place. Best, now president of Bethany, said she was immediately on board and offered whatever they needed.

“It took about three years of talking and planning to make some headway,” Robby said.

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Ryan’s band had just performed the weekend before at a huge festival in Florida. The band took a small detour and spent what was supposed to be a trip home setting up and performing for the small crowd in Nicholls. After singing some of his hits, Ryan spent as long as it took after concert to take pictures and sign autographs for every kid who wanted one.

In its first year, Camp Bethany brings kids together where they can meet other kids who also are coping with grief.

Making new friends, playing kick ball, jumping on bouncy houses, and making slime are just a few of the activities at the camp. There also were therapy animals to pet and to feed, and appearances by the fire department and the Coffee County Sheriff’s K9 unit. The two-day camp, held June 26-27, was capped by a free concert by country music star Ryan Daniels.

“Help came from everywhere,” Robby said about the camp. “The Coffee County community stepped up in a big way to make this happen.” The group had gotten permission in late April to hold the camp and there was much to do before summer.

Sharon Williams, social worker for Coffee County Schools and Bethany Hospice, helped greatly. William Minkema, Hometown Living At Its Best

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Organizers hope that, after this year’s success, the camp will expand to more days in the future. “We hope to raise awareness to all ages of kids, that there is help out there,” Robby said. “They need to know how to cope and to talk about what is going on, hopefully leading to better decision making.”

manager of Wiregrass Arena, assisted with the venue, lights, stage and anything else the camp needed. Floyds BBQ offered to cater. More than 20 workers, counselors and volunteers showed up to set up, operate and tear down the camp in 90-degree heat.

Ava and her husband, Barry, knew singer Ryan Daniels personally and asked him to be a part of the last night in camp.

Without hesitation, the Air Force veteran agreed to put on a full concert for the kids and their families. “No matter if there are 10,000 people or 10 people, we put on the same show,” Ryan said. “These kids have been through way more than I ever have, and are more than worth our time.”

Ryan’s band had just performed the weekend before at a huge festival in Florida. The band took a small detour and spent what was supposed to be a trip

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home setting up and performing for the small crowd in Nicholls. After singing some of his hits, Ryan spent as long as it took after concert to take pictures and sign autographs for every kid who wanted one.

Organizers hope that, after this year’s success, the camp will expand to more days in the future. “We hope to raise awareness to all ages of kids, that there is help out there,” Robby said. “They need to know how to cope and to talk about what is going on, hopefully leading to better decision making.”

“It’s making a difference,” said CeCe Merritt, the aunt of three campers who lost their parents and both sets of grandparents. The Merritts opened their home to the children. With grown children themselves, they are starting over raising kids again. “We are family and will do whatever we can for them,” CeCe said.

Camp Bethany isn’t the only resource offered by Bethany Hospice. Families also are offered other free

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services through Bethany’s bereavement programs.

Coffee and Conversation is a local support group that meets once a month to give families tools for raising kids. Robby said that in this era of social media, teen pregnancy and drugs, some teens find gang families to help fill the space left by deceased loved ones.

“We want to just give them another option,” Robby said.

“If we can just touch one life and change their path, it is worth it all,” Jeneen said about reaching out to youth in trouble. “A straight-A student, a kind boy, involved in sports and the community is now in the prison system. … I hope to hear from him all the time,” she said.

Bethany Hospice is named such for a reason. It means a place for peace. Bethany is a family helping other families. Bethany is making a difference, one child at a time.  CCM

410 East Ward Street | Douglas, GA 31533 | 912.384.2608

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210 S Peterson Ave, Douglas, GA 31533 • (912) 384-6697 Hometown Living At Its Best Hometown Living At Its Best

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We are proud to announce that Dr. Ben Scott has joined Dr. Jim Carter and staff.

You’re our #1 priority.

We promise you’ll be satisfied, or we’ll make it right. That is our commitment to you.

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Dr. Scott is passionate about both small and large animal care and will provide exceptional care for your pets and livestock.

We are pleased to offer small and large animal care in office as well as farm call assistance for cows, horses and other livestock.

Please call to schedule your small or large animal appointment.

Carter Veterinary Clinic

147 Bowens Mill Rd SE, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 383-0418

200 East Ward St. | Douglas, GA | 912.383.7462

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INSURANCE 201 E Ashley St, Douglas, GA 31533 | (912) 384-7171

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Around every corner in our amazing community, there are treasures that lay awaiting discovery. Beauty is indeed all around us and in endless supply. Take a look

why we love Coffee County.

at a few more reasons

photo by

Isabella Mabie

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photo by

Kelly McDonald Photography

photo by

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Isabella Mabie

Coffee County Magazine

Kelly McDonald Photography

photo by

Kelly McDonald Photography

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photo by

Kelly McDonald Photography

photo by

Kelly McDonald Photography

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Coffee County Magazine

photo by

Isabella Mabie

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Coffee County Board of Education Douglas, Georgia

Our Vision: An Equitable and Excellent Education for Every Student

Jesse Jowers, Chairman; Bryan Preston, Vice-chairman, Leola Johnson, Adam Lott and Reagan Miller

Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent

1311 South Peterson Avenue | Douglas, Georgia 31533 | Phone (912) 384-2086 | coffee.k12.ga.us

Lindsey and Wills Animal Hospital is proud to serve Douglas, GA and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service.

1330 West Baker Hwy | Douglas, GA 31533 | lindseyandwills.com | (912) 384-8160

fall 2017

Caring for the Heart

Coffee County also...

Family Business

COLLINS CARDIOLOGY Dr. Darrel Collins • Tara Spivey, PA-C

Evaluations & Follow-Up Care for Heart Problems Congestive Heart Failure Pacemaker Checks High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol High Triglycerides Chest Pain Shortness of Breath

Meet Trey, Teri, Cooper, Jones and Emerson Day - a family with entrepreneurship in their DNA.

Where Technology Meets Passion The Coffee County School System is setting the standard for new ways to care for our children.

Paying it Forward New Patients Welcomed • No Referral Necessary

Maudine Wright is a true example of a giving spirit, one whose daily actions reflect the love that’s in her heart.

Riding for a Cause

The Williams family matriarch is an amazing woman and the next rodeo should be one for the books.

1208 Ocilla Road, Douglas, Georgia 31533 • 912.384.6276

www.collinscardiologyga.com

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