Okefenokee Living Summer 2026

Okefenokee Swamp Park's 80th Anniversary

ours, too.

Let’s keep building what’s next, together.

After two decades of

The Southeast Cancer Unit provides much needed assistance for those in the fight of their lives

Arts

from the PUBLISHER

It seems like yesterday that we had the idea for a magazine to highlight the communities of Ware and Pierce Counties. Then we decided to include the surrounding counties, to make it more of a regional publication. The name was a real sticking point. We went through many iterations before settling on Okefenokee Living—fitting for a place so rich in its heritage and culture related to the land.

We’re proud to promote the area’s lifestyle by featuring people from all walks of life, civic organizations whose mission is to help others, and businesses that keep the region’s economic engine humming. There are many stories left to tell about individuals making a di erence in the lives of those around them—their neighbors, friends, associates, and even strangers.

The dedication others show to making their communities stronger is humbling. One such group is the Southeast Cancer Unit, whose sole mission is to raise funds to help cancer patients in Pierce, Ware, and Brantley Counties with the burdensome cost of treatment. They need new volunteers to help carry out this great work. Learn more about their story and their good work on page 67.

Celebrating milestones is another aspect of the stories we tell. In this issue, we commemorate the past eight decades of the Okefenokee Swamp Park which has transformed from a tourist stop to a global destination. As its leaders look to the park’s future, they’re also honoring its past. To that end, they’re planning an 80th anniversary celebration in October (read more on page 11).

We especially enjoy making new friends and involving new creative voices in our publication process. Zach Lee is one of those people. His new column,“Southern Ledger,” debuts in this issue with an ode to “Summer in the South.”

We’re grateful to the advertisers who make this publication possible and thankful for the ongoing collaboration we have with the community. Our writers, photographers, and friends who share their talent and insight always help make each issue so unique.

We hope you enjoy your own summer in the south. As Zach opines, “Just saying those words is enough to make your shirt cling to your back and the air feel a little heavier ” So find a way to stay cool, and for your summer reading, by all means—keep this issue of Okefenokee Living nearby.

John & Connie Riddle

OKEFENOKEE

SUMMER 2026

PUBLISHERS

John F. & Connie K. Riddle

Showcase Publications, Inc.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Robin Harrison

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Russ Hutto

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amy Faeskorn

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Marlana Huftstetler

COVER PHOTO

Okefenokee Swamp by Chris Funk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Allen Allnoch/AHA! Photography

Sarah Tanner Crews

Brittany Jury Photography

Ariel Prevatt, Prevatt House

Joy Sumner Photography

Nicole Williams

Kayle Wilson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allen Allnoch

John Dupont

Amy Faeskorn

Zach Lee

EJ Pond

John F. Riddle

Patrick Simmons

Julie Tanner

ILLUSTRATION

Lyn Alice

PROOFREADERS

Amy Faeskorn

Marlana Hufstetler

Okefenokee Living is published semi-annually by Showcase Publications, Inc. (912) 424-3027 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 www.showcasepublicationsga.com

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 e ort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

FROM OUR READERS...

Take Okefenokee Living with you when you travel. Snap a photo with it, send it to us, and you may see it here!

FOOD SERVED Where FRIENDSHIPS

okefenokeeliving okefenokeelivingmagazine

OKEFENOKEE

“Love this story! You guys look fabulous! You are both such kind and caring people. Taking care of the community, body and soul!”

told me that as soon as I got a real job, I didn’t have to work in tobacco anymore,” Kevin explains. As soon as he could drive, he got a job at the local Burger King in Waycross. That’s where Kevin’s food journey started—and he never picked anymore tobacco. Kevin’s sister, Heidi, was intent on following a di erent path, and her plans never included working in a restaurant. However, when Kevin had the idea of starting his own restaurant, Heidi changed her plans. “Initially, I was going to help Kevin for about six months and then move on. I didn’t want to work in a restaurant,” Heidi laughs. That was 30 years ago. For most of their lives, Kevin and Heidi Woods have lived together except for brief stints apart. Since 1995, they have owned and operated KD’s Café, an institution in downtown Waycross. After all those years in business, running the place comes easily to them now, but the journey hasn’t all been “peaches and cream” for this brother-sister duo. Kevin and Heidi are from Brantley County, where their parents, Dennis and Rosslyn Woods, still live. In the late ’80s they moved to Savannah for about six years, where Heidi worked in a business owned by a close family member while Kevin continued his food journey working in various restaurants. Heidi worked with him in some of those

–Jill Jenson

“Congratulations on your 30 years!! The pictures are wonderful, the food is great, and the service is spectacular!”

–Susan Welch

“Your magazine is very well done, and I love reading the features.”

–Michael Todd, Artist

“John and Connie do amazing work!”

–Alison Smith

“Enjoyed reading this! Good people.”

–Feldeen Walker

“We were honored to have been featured in Okefenokee Living! Thank you SO much for ALL you do for our community!”

–Carla Garrett Cornett, Director, Okefenonkee Heritage Center

A Place Where

TIME STANDS STILL

Okefenokee Swamp Park’s

80-year transformation from roadside attraction to global destination

OOne bright Friday afternoon in late March, Okefenokee Swamp Park, Inc. (OSP) board member Haile McCollum and her husband went “swamp deep,” as she calls it, departing from Okefenokee Adventures (OA) in Folkston, the o cial visitor services contractor and concessionaire operated by OSP and located at the eastern entrance (Suwannee Canal Recreation Area) of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), on a three-day, two-night guided kayak tour. Paddling up to the Canal Run campsite, leaving the noise and distraction of civilization behind, they slowly became immersed in the biodiversity of the unique ecosystem, the largest blackwater swamp in all of North America. Under a canopy of towering pond cypresses and surrounded on all sides by wildlife as varied as barred owls to American alligators, they made their way toward the campsite. Halfway through the 30-mile round trip, they pitched a tent on a wooden platform and tucked into a dinner of chicken alfredo prepared by their guide, Dan Jones, as black-crowned night herons signaled the coming darkness against the evening air. “The next morning, we saw sandhill cranes, pitcher plants, and wild irises in bloom,” she recalls. “For a little while, time kind of stood still. It was a truly amazing trip.”

Story by Amy Faeskorn

A Wetland Protected

Overnight wilderness excursions such as the one the McCollums took are just one of many pathways into a place that not only evokes a sense of wonder in its visitors but also exemplifies the miracle of nature’s resilience. With over 407,000 acres of protected land, 120 miles of maintained water trails, nine designated campsites within the congressionally designated wilderness, and four points of entry, the Okefenokee NWR—established by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937—remains a thriving wetland environment fully accessible to the public, but it wasn’t always.

Although the swamp has existed for thousands of years, early American settlers who encountered it in the late 1800s felt its peat-rich soil held potential for farming. The Suwannee Canal Company, chartered in 1890, promptly built the Suwannee Canal in an ultimately failed attempt at drainage. After the company went bankrupt, the Hebard family of Philadelphia, along with several smaller companies, began extensive logging of the region’s ancient cypress trees and other species, loading them onto railway cars and sending much of the wood northeast for residential construction.

By the late 1920s, the swamp had been heavily harvested. “In addition to the logging, early inhabitants also made a living hunting bears and alligators,” explains Waycross native Dr.

William Clark, who is also an OSP board member. President Roosevelt’s executive order came just in time, placing restrictions on the land to protect and conserve flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the swamp was gradually becoming a popular hangout with area teens and other residents. “My mother was in high school in the early 1940s, and she used to tell me how much fun couples would have going out there. They’d climb the tower and get spooked,” he recalls.

After World War II, several citizen groups in the Waycross area began initiatives to rebuild the local economy and increase tourism to the region. One such individual, Dr. Wilbur Ha ord, lobbied the state to create the opportunity for a non-profit organization to operate as a concessionaire on Georgia Forestry Commission land adjacent to the Okefenokee NWR. With the approval of Governor Ellis Arnall, Ha ord founded the Okefenokee Swamp Park in October of 1946, signing a 50-year concession that allowed OSP to build a park at the entrance o of US Highway 1, the most traveled north to south highway on the east coast at the time.

“It was a definite tourist hotspot in its day,” says Clark. “All you had to do was take a left, drive about five miles down, and hop on a boat!” This easy access initially boosted OSP and the Okefenokee’s popularity, but the evolution of America’s interstate highway system and Walt Disney World’s founding in 1971 slowed it down. Cyclical droughts and fires—natural swamp phenomena—also created additional challenges for the management.

Close to Home

“We have one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia.” – HUNTER BARBER

Waycross area native and Operations and Facilities Manager Hunter Barber has been taking in the beauty of the swamp since he was young. “Our community is so fortunate to have this refuge nearby,” he says. The OSP’s Waycross campus o ers “swamp light”: shorter, family-friendly boat tours, reptile encounters, educational exhibits, and train trips as well as seasonal events like the fall Swamptacular and Christmas lights show, all geared toward helping families access the swamp at a pace appropriate to their needs. Barber especially enjoys seeing locals visit for the first time. “We have one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia right in our backyard, and people go their whole lives without seeing it! You really don’t have to travel far to see something special.”

“It was a definite tourist hotspot in its day. All you had to do was take a left, drive about five miles down, and hop on a boat!”

– DR. WILLIAM CLARK

“We have two main goals: undo misconceptions about the swamp’s ecology and fully engage guests as they explore an intact ecosystem.”

– KATIE ANTCZAK

Shift in Focus

Despite the ups and downs weathered by park operations in the 1970s and 1980s, Okefenokee continued to host a steady stream of visitors in the coming decades. As public attitudes toward wildlife conservation began to change, OSP likewise altered its approach, swapping large tanks of alligators for enclosures that blended into the natural habitat and committing to a program geared toward experiential learning opportunities within the swamp. OSP began partnering with the Okefenokee Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) over 60 years ago and continues its collaboration to this day. Beginning in 2021, OSP Director of Education Katie Antczak has increased the park’s outreach into area school districts, working directly with teachers to o er professional development, schedule field trips for K-12 students, and run Camp OSCAR, a beloved summer tradition.

“We have two main goals: undo misconceptions about the swamp’s ecology and fully engage guests as they explore an intact ecosystem,” says Antczak, a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and a certified middle school teacher. “Many of the kids who come here have never touched water that didn’t come from a faucet. Some have never spent a long period of time outdoors. We want them to create core memories to last a lifetime.” Antczak’s team imparts key concepts about the ecology of the Okefenokee Swamp, conducts live reptile encounters, and helps teachers align lessons with grade-level science curriculum standards, such as distinguishing between invertebrates and vertebrates. “I love watching what happens at Camp OSCAR,” she says. “We have one camper who’s been coming since she was very young, and now she’s volunteering for us. These days, camp programming centers more around conservation and respect for nature, and it’s great to know we’re helping build that foundational understanding for these kids.”

Many Ways In “This is the gem of the Southeast.” – DAN JONES

When Lead Naturalist Dan Jones started guiding in the Okefenokee in 2012, he fell in love with the swamp’s spectacular environment. “I had done a lot of amazing backcountry canoeing in the region, but this just struck me as the gem of the southeast,” he says. “There’s nothing like waking up on a platform and hearing what goes on here in the night.” Jones has guided guests from the area visiting for the first time as well as travelers from as far away as Germany and Mauritius. “Some are passionate birders, others expert paddlers, but either way, total beginners can absolutely handle a multi-day tour if that’s what they want to do.” He works primarily from the Folkston side but also leads excursions from from the Stephen C. Foster State Park and Kingfisher Landing entrances. “The northern and western entrances are totally di erent from the eastern prairie. It’s well worth it to see them all.”

Looking Toward the Future

This October, OSP will mark 80 years of honoring its vision to promote understanding of the swamp’s importance as a biodiverse ecosystem while contributing to the growth and vitality of the regional economy. The Okefenokee NWR will soon see its years-long bid to become a World Heritage Site reach its conclusion in Busan, South Korea this July, when a formal decision by the World Heritage Committee will be announced.

The nomination itself has increased the refuge’s visibility, positioning it as one of the most significant natural treasures in Georgia, if not the world. “The Okefenokee is an irreplaceable landscape shaped by fire, water, and time—a living, wondrous system rich in biodiversity that has deeply influenced our region’s cultural heritage,” notes OSP Executive Director Kim Bednarek. “Our work is to protect its wild character while creating meaningful, immersive experiences that connect people of all ages to nature and inspire a lasting commitment to conservation.”

In addition to planning an 80th anniversary celebration in the fall, OSP’s board has incorporated several infrastructure projects into its strategic plan, including a state-of-the art Nature Center. “World Heritage inscription will a rm the swamp’s global significance and strengthen our collective commitment to steward it wisely,” Bednarek says. “This moment represents a powerful opportunity to grow a sustainable, nature-based economy rooted in conservation, education, and pride of place.”

OSP has come a long way since its beginnings as a highway novelty, and its potential for even greater recognition and impact in the years to come, in terms of increasing local prosperity and molding the next generation of conservationists, continues to grow. As Dr. Clark knows well from his adolescent encounters with the swamp, there’s just no substitute for firsthand experience and the permanent imprint it makes on the human soul. “Okefenokee Swamp Park is all about letting people explore nature in a personal way,” he says. “Breathing the air, listening to the birds, spotting an alligator—it’s primordial. It’s extraordinary.” OL

Story by JOHN DUPONT

Photo by ALLEN ALLNOCH/ AHA! PHOTOGRAPHY

Taylor Hereford

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

ild-mannered, his lean silhouette is unmistakable as he purposefully strides the college campus. A humble yet worshipful spirit serving his Lord through music ministries, this husband and father of four can also be found on the theater stage, where his natural stature and resonant voice bring characters to life for all to enjoy. Introducing Taylor Hereford, the least showy showman you’re likely

“I’m an introvert by nature and would much rather work behind the scenes and support the people out front,” he says.

O cially, Taylor serves as the Director of Advancement & Waycross Campus for South Georgia State College (SGSC). There, he oversees campus administration and fundraising, but his value to the local college community reaches even further.

“Taylor is a literal cornerstone at the Waycross Campus,” says Becky Griffin, a math instructor at SGSC. “His corner o ce is centrally located with open doors for students, sta , and community. He often stands outside his door during class changes to greet students and help direct them to class

Taylor says, “I tell students to think of me as an assistant principal on this campus. I serve as the Waycross Campus administrator while deferring academic authority to those who know that area well. I’m responsible for overall campus safety and attend community meetings and events. Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner in Douglas is my boss, and I represent him when

College life is in this Waycross native’s DNA. The son of Bob and Patricia Hereford, Taylor graduated from Ware County High School in 1994 and enrolled at what was then called Waycross College for two years. His first year on campus as a student in 1994 was the school’s final year under founding president James M. Dye’s watch. Fast forward 30-plus years to this moment, and

Taylor now serves as executive director of the James M. Dye Foundation, a non-profit organization that was named after the founding president.

“Dr. Dye was very approachable, easy to talk to, and adored by the faculty, sta , and students on this campus,” Taylor says reverently.

Notwithstanding a deeply rooted connection to the Waycross community, Taylor’s path led him to the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a focus on telecommunications in 1998. That same year, he was hired at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked behind the scenes with production on the floor, then as technical director—mainly for weekend shows—and with live news shows at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.

Next came a gig with WPHJ-TV in Ailey (outside of Vidalia) in 2001, a job that involved production for a variety of clients and shows. Five years later, Taylor signed on with nearby Brewton-Parker College as the director of marketing. Two years later, in 2008, he accepted the call back home to Waycross College as Director of Development and Community Services. With a primary focus on fundraising and public relations, it was a job right in his wheelhouse.

“If you’ve never met him before outside of a business setting, Taylor might come across as introverted,” explains wife Deborah. “He’s quiet but observant and doesn’t seek to be the center of attention. He’s an extremely hard worker. He takes his job and his tasks at hand seriously. He is very professional and pays great attention to detail.”

Married in 1998, Taylor and Deborah experienced both heartbreak and joy in the early years of marriage. The daughter of Larry, a retired Baptist pastor, and Delores Ray, Deborah shares her husband’s strong Christian faith.

“We struggled with infertility for a number of years, including a miscarriage,” Taylor recalls. “In 2004, we were advised to visit doctors, and they discovered I had testicular cancer. It was caught early, though, and I didn’t require radiation or chemotherapy. Afterward, our hearts turned toward adoption, and we were matched with a birth mother.”

Son Kent was born in 2005, bringing the Herefords the long-anticipated joy of parenthood. But another miraculous event occurred unexpectedly just four months later: Deborah became pregnant. They welcomed daughter Lucy into the fold in 2006. Then, as

the party of four was trucking along, they were bitten once more by the adoption bug. In 2012 another son, Morgan, joined the family ranks.

Around Morgan’s first birthday, just as the Herefords were acclimating to life with another toddler and Taylor was busy with the consolidation of Waycross College and South Georgia College in Douglas, their adoption agency called once more. Morgan’s birth mother was expecting again and asked if the Herefords would consider accepting their son’s biological sibling. After originally declining, the couple reconsidered a few months later.

“Morgan needed someone to play with, and we felt we really couldn’t split them up,” Taylor says. “That Monday morning, I woke up from a dead sleep with all these scriptures running through my head and knew we had but one choice. We called the agency to see if the baby was still available and they said ‘yes’—but the agency needed us to pay the adoption fee in two weeks.”

Less than a fortnight later, the Herefords say, “God raised the entire amount.” The Monday after Mother’s Day, they met miracle number four, son Niles. Through

LEFT SGSC Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner, Keynote Speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby, Deborah, and Taylor at the SGSC’s celebration of a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign held at the C.C. McCray City Auditorium in the fall of 2025

Photo provided by SGSC

LEFT Taylor, Bryan Hartley of Clayton Homes, Randy Yonz, SGSC Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner, and Memorial Satilla Health CEO Damon Barrett at the ribbon cutting for new pickleball courts at the SGSC Waycross Campus. Taylor was instrumental in ensuring their construction of the courts.

Photo provided by SGSC

“Taylor is a literal cornerstone at the Waycross Campus.”

Becky

Griffin, Math Instructor, SGSC

the highs and lows, Taylor and Deborah have always counted on strong support from their own parents. Now a party of six, the Herefords o er their testimony as a measure of paying joy forward.

“Taylor is always ready to share the goodness of God with others,” testifies Mike Carter, music minister at Second Baptist Church in Waycross where Taylor and his family attend. “He has an incredible story about how God opened doors and brought his entire family together through adoptions and miracles!

He’s our ‘go-to guy’ as a praise team contributor—the one I call on to lead the choir and the orchestra if the need arises. He also plays keyboard and bass whenever I need him to. ‘Wonderful talent coupled with a willingness to serve God in any capacity’ sums up Taylor Hereford!”

Though he’s performed solos through the years, Taylor has transitioned out of the spotlight over the past decade, preferring instead to help with the praise

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

“I’m an introvert by nature and would much rather work behind the scenes and support the people out front.”

Taylor Hereford

team and orchestra at Second Baptist.

Taylor still shares his musical gifts in a way that’s mutually fulfilling for him and his audience. Since his 1985 debut as a street boy in Annie at the Waycross Area Community Theatre (WACT), he’s performed roles in several of their notable productions: The Sound of Music (2010), Willy Wonka (2013 and 2025), The Music Man (2016), Elf (2020), and most recently as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz (2026). He’s also played in the orchestra for many of WACT’s musicals.

“Oz surpassed all of my expectations because of our cast,” says Taylor. “We all gelled very well together. We started getting a lot of buzz online, so much so that the last two shows sold out completely. That was a tremendous blessing and validation of eight weeks of hard work.”

Deborah, his biggest fan, thinks his humor is what makes him so captivating as a performer. “Taylor’s really funny,” she notes. “He has to be comfortable with you before you see his humorous side. When people see him on stage for the first time, it really catches them o guard to see him so animated and comical. I tell people that theater is like therapy for him: an opportunity to step away from reality for a bit.”

Deborah has helped make it possible for Taylor to pursue his passion for acting and music. “She’s been a 100 percent supporter of these shows by keeping the house running,” he says. “Due to schedules and kids, I haven’t been on stage as much as others a liated with the theater. But every time I’ve been able to do it, it’s given me somewhere to let go and have fun.”

Recreation comes in several other forms for this man of many talents. Reading, for one, provides

enjoyment, though it has been by his own admission an acquired taste. Travel also appears on the family docket but requires a little compromise.

“Deborah likes the beach, and I like the mountains,” he laughs. “When work allows, we like to go to where the kids are: Morgan and Niles are in middle school and they both just finished soccer. When opportunity a ords, we go back to God’s country in Athens.”

Community is always on Taylor’s radar, with pursuits including the Waycross Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce events, the WACT Board of Directors, and other community e orts. In 2017, he was tapped for Dancing with the Southern Stars, from which, he jokes, he’s retired. He also admits with humoristic resignation to “herding cats for as long as I can remember: blowing a whistle for Pre-K Upward Basketball.”

Five college presidents have spanned Taylor’s tenure at SGSC, all of whom have impacted this humble servant of education. Recently, he discovered a unique way to pay homage to the institution’s heritage.

“When we renovated the Waycross Campus administrative suite, they asked me about Dr. Dye’s old desk,” Taylor says. “And I asked without blinking to have it moved to my o ce. I wanted to keep some sort of historic recognition of the college on campus, and there’s no better way to do that than to keep his old desk right in front of me.”

“Wonderful talent, coupled with a willingness to serve God in any capacity, sums up Taylor Hereford.”

Mike Carter, Minister of Music, Second Baptist Church

As for scripting the rest of their lives, Deborah looks forward to making many more family memories with her husband. “Mainly, Taylor and I want to grow old together,” she says. “We have lots more dreams to turn into memories and I wouldn’t want to do that with anyone else but him. We pray our kids will be blessed with families of their own. My heart’s desire as the seasons roll is for our family to remain close to one another and in their personal relationships with Jesus.”

Now 22 years cancer-free, Taylor reflects with gratitude on his fortunate fate. “When I think about the cancer diagnosis, I’m grateful that, number one, I got checked out, and number two, I’m still here. That’s God saying, ‘I’m writing your story; just trust me and everything will be fine.’” OL

THE FAMILY MAN

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICA

BICYCLE & GOLF CART PATRIOTIC PARADE

UNVEILING OF THE COMMUNITY ART MOSAIC PROJECT DEDICATION OF THE NEW VETERANS AND ARMED SERVICES MEMORIAL LIVE ART FEATURING LEE MOBLEY & LIVE MUSIC

AnUnexpected

Swirl

Honoring her father’s wishes, Brenda Dees Rolison set aside her dream to become the ice cream queen of Waycross and found love, community, and blessings along the way

Story by EJ POND

Brenda Dees Rolison

is the embodiment of the Dairy Queen mission: “to create positive memories for all who touch DQ.”

The owner of the iconic Waycross Dairy Queen has been creating memories in the community for 40 years, from inviting children to make their own ice cream cones to sponsoring the wacky Dilly Bar eating contest during the annual Waycross Swampfest.

As a young woman, owning a Dairy Queen was not something Brenda ever thought she would do. After graduating from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in business, Brenda set her sights on a master’s degree in International Business from Oxford University in England.

While Brenda was studying and preparing for her future, her father, Buck Dees, purchased the Dairy Queen from distant cousin Robert Husbands in 1986. Mr. Dees’ intention was that Brenda’s brother, Steve, would run the business. However, God had other plans. “My brother was called into the ministry,” says Brenda, “and we all know that when God calls you into something, he’s not going to let you rest until you do it.”

Brenda was just two weeks from flying to England when her brother received his calling. Buck Dees was about to retire from his own successful business, Comet Pest Control. The next logical choice for the Dairy Queen leadership was Brenda. “I told my dad I didn’t want to do it,” says Brenda. In the end, she did take the DQ helm, and the rest is Waycross history. “I resented it for a long time,” Brenda admits. “I wanted to help my parents out, but I kept asking myself, ‘What

Right Free Cone Day: a DQ-based e ort to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network

Middle Carol James, Brenda, and Phyllis Spradley. Carol and her husband were regulars at DQ for years until he passed away in 2025. She still comes for her favorite lunch which the sta knows without her having to order.

if?’” Brenda was able to ease her mind and stop wondering if she had made the right choice following the death of her beloved father in 1998. “After he passed, my mother told me my dad hadn’t really wanted me to take over the business,” Brenda recalls. “He’d wanted to see what I was going to do in the world. She told me when I agreed to do it for him, he was at peace. He knew I would do everything I could to keep it.”

Brenda recalls that keeping her word wasn’t always easy in those early days. “There were some scary times. I was only 22 years old, and there was a lot of debt. Daddy made the down payment, but I paid the rest.”

Brenda credits much of her success to the work ethic and example of her father and the people he surrounded himself with. “When I was a child, the one thing my daddy did every day was networking,” she recalls. “It wasn’t called ‘networking’ then; it

was, ‘Let’s go have co ee.’” Because young Brenda wanted to spend time with him, she would get dressed and sit in his chair while he put his boots on; then he would have to take her to breakfast. “I listened to some of the most intelligent men this community’s ever seen, and I learned,” she says. “They didn’t treat me like a child. They talked to me, and I learned to talk to them like an adult.”

Although staying in her hometown wasn’t her original vision, Brenda is aware of what a great life she’s been blessed with in Waycross. She married her husband of 37 years, Chris Rolison, and raised two caring, intelligent children. Her son, Hunter, is at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., earning a PhD in Linguistics, and her daughter, Cassidy, is the Consumer Engagement Manager for Friendly Express.

“I’m not resentful anymore,” says Brenda. “I know that this is where God

Brenda Dees Rolison is as much a part of the Waycross Dairy Queen as Dairy Queen is a part of Waycross. When asked if she’d consider retiring after 40 years, she laughs and says, “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t go there all the time. It’s part of my routine; I go there seven days a week unless I'm out of town. I may not stay all day, but I go.” Even her Sundays are partial workdays. “On Sunday mornings, I get up at 4:15, get dressed, and go to the Dairy Queen to make sure everything’s ok and do all the things that need to be done before opening. At 7 a.m., I head to First Baptist Church in Blackshear and volunteer at the Welcome Center where I make the co ee and prepare for the crowds to arrive. Then I attend the early service at 8:30 a.m.”

wanted me. I was here to take care of both of my parents and my older brother before they all passed. I was able to be more involved in my children’s lives than I probably would have been if I’d gotten my degree and moved to New York or Atlanta.”

Creating fond memories is integral to Brenda’s goals in owning the Dairy Queen. “You think back to your childhood and what you remember,” says Brenda. “My thing was going to the Green Frog. When it was your birthday, you got to go into the treasure chest.” She recalls with irony her trips to DQ as a young child. “We didn’t always have the money to go. I would go when Donnie Strickland with State Farm Insurance sent a birthday card and a coupon.”

For Brenda, nothing’s more important than people. “I’ve gotten to know generations of families,” Brenda says. “I started out saying, ‘Hey, you wanna come back and make an ice cream cone?’ Now those children are grown and bring their children and grandchildren to make one. It’s all about the excitement in a kid’s eyes. It’s being part of people’s lives in a way I wouldn’t have been had I gone somewhere else.”

Brenda’s sta have been loyal to a woman they see as being the kind of leader who understands what makes a workplace run at its best. Manager Stacey Carver has been in her role for 25 years; when asked why she’s stayed so long, she sings her praises. “Brenda is so good to work for,” she says. “She’s

AnUnexpected Swirl

“ It has been a humbling experience, but most of all, it’s been rewarding.”

AnUnexpected Swirl

Dairy Queen first arrived in Waycross in 1950, just 10 years after the founding of the company in Joliet, Illinois. Richard and Norma Burton opened their walk-up soft serve ice cream shop at the corner of Knight and Lee Avenues, keeping business hours three seasons a year with ice cream not being much in demand during the winter months.

By the late 1950s, the Dairy Queen/Brazier franchise concept was offered nationwide, and Burton began serving a limited menu that included barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, and cole slaw. The new menu was hugely successful, and Burton renamed the restaurant Dairy Queen Brazier, adding hamburgers and French fries and remaining open year-round. Burton moved the DQ to the present location at 120 Screven Avenue in 1968 in order to build an eat-in dining room.

Burton sold the Dairy Queen after 25 profitable years to Robert Husbands, who retired 11 years later. Husbands then sold his franchise to his distant cousin, Buck Dees. Dees, in turn, sold the DQ to his daughter Brenda, who has run the business for the past 40 years. The Waycross Dairy Queen has become an iconic local landmark, serving the community for three-quarters of a century.

very family-oriented. She was flexible when my daughter was growing up and playing sports. She’s really good to us all and true to her word.”

Shift Lead Cli Aguilar began working for Brenda in 2007. “You just don’t find somebody to work for like Ms. Brenda,” he says. “Once you have a boss that you respect and that respects you, you tend to stay. Before you know it, one year turns into two years, two into 10, and now it’s been almost 15!”

Brenda has made the Waycross Dairy Queen so much more than a place to buy ice cream. She’s used the success of her franchise to contribute to the community since her first year taking over the business. One of the earliest community activities she undertook was at Williams Heights Elementary, where her children attended school.

“The kindergarten was doing the letters of the alphabet, and when they did ‘I’, every one of those kindergarteners came to Dairy Queen and made ice cream cones,” she remembers. Next, Brenda created a Blizzard Challenge for the local elementary schools during which students had to meet standards of excellence set by the school administration. “We gave Blizzards to every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader who met the requirements. The teacher would submit each child’s name and what flavor they wanted, and we’d deliver them. This went on for probably 15 years .”

Brenda has served on multiple boards of directors for local non-profits, supported the local school systems, participated in countless community events, and given jobs to people others may not have taken a chance on. Her passion now lies in her work as a board member for Hospice Satilla where her brother Steve is the chaplain.

Brenda doesn’t confine herself to the school system when it comes to helping the community. She’s humble when recounting the e orts she and her sta have been willing to make. “One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is when we had the fire in April of 2007,” Brenda recalls. “Firemen came in from everywhere and there was nothing to eat. That’s back when we had barbecue sandwiches. We would pack up bunches of them along with bags of chips, drinks, whatever we could. We would get up close to where the fire was to deliver them to the firefighters. We did it until the Red Cross

came in and told us we had to stop.”

Brenda has served on multiple boards of directors for local non-profits, supported the local school systems, participated in countless community events, and given jobs to people others may not have taken a chance on. Her passion now lies in her work as a board member for Hospice Satilla. Interestingly, she now collaborates with her brother Steve, who is the Hospice Satilla Chaplain.

Brenda credits her many blessings with inspiring her to keep giving back to Waycross. “God has blessed me, and I want to give back,” she says. “That’s just how God made me—it’s just a part of who I am. My daddy was that way. Somebody’d come up with an idea, and he would say, ‘Let’s do it!’ My brother Steve is the same way.”

Looking back on a life she didn’t anticipate, Brenda sees her destiny through the lens of gratitude for what became an existence shaped around the things that matter most to her:

Although staying in Waycross wasn’t her original vision, Brenda is aware of what a great life she’s been blessed with. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 37 years. They have two children: a son, Hunter, and a daughter, Cassidy. “I was here to take care of both of my parents, and my older brother before they passed. I was able to be more involved in my children’s lives than I probably would have if I had gotten my degree and moved to New York or Atlanta.”

family and community. “It’s been a humbling experience, but most of all it’s been rewarding. I got to raise my children in a small town. It’s nice to know if I had to, I could call someone and say, ‘Hey, I need this,’ and they’d deliver it to me. I couldn’t do that if I’d moved far away.” OL

Whenpeople think about building relationships in a community, they often imagine it happening naturally. But true connection—especially when it comes to something as personal and profound as end-of-life care— takes time, commitment, and trust.

“I’m thankful for the work I get to do every day. To have a job that brings purpose, connection, and the chance to make a di erence in someone’s life. What I do isn’t just a job—it’s my calling,” says Melissa, who covers Atkinson, Clinch, Co ee, and Ware Counties.

From doctors’ o ces and senior centers to farmers’ markets and weekend events, Melissa and Stacey are always on the move, making sure that people know what Hospice Satilla has to o er. But more than that, they’re building something deeper: trust.

Stacey, who serves the people of Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, and Pierce Counties, is also grateful. “I’m thankful for the opportunities each day to educate and share with others about the services we o er at Hospice Satilla. I’m blessed to be able to sprinkle joy and love every day. At the heart of everything I do, it’s all about building relationships with those that we serve and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others,” she says.

Their roles are vital. As Healthcare Relations Representatives, they:

• Build trust with patients and families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments

• Educate the community about hospice services, helping families understand that hospice is about living well, not just saying goodbye

Since 1986, Hospice Satilla has been providing our community local, personalized, award-winning quality care.

Hospice Honors recognizes the unparalleled excellence of services that we offer daily. Whether you need hospice care, palliative care, or grief support, your friends and neighbors at Hospice Satilla are here for you, and as your community non-profit, you will never be denied care due to an inability to pay.

• Engage with healthcare professionals and community members to create pathways for referrals and timely care

We provide all four levels of Hospice Care:

• Routine Home Care

• Continuous Home Care

At Hospice Satilla, two exceptional women embody this mission every single day. Melissa King and Stacey Thrift, Healthcare Relations Representatives, aren’t just community liaisons—they’re passionate advocates for compassionate care. Their reach may span counties, but their impact is felt at an individual level—through meaningful conversations, heartfelt education, and an unwavering presence.

• General Inpatient Care (Hospice House)

• Respite Care

Palliative Care

For more information, visit HospiceSatilla.com

For more information, visit HospiceSatilla.com

• Personalize their approach, recognizing that every family’s story is di erent and deserves a compassionate, informed response

E ective hospice marketing isn’t about selling a service— it’s about opening a door. It’s about helping people know they aren’t alone. Thanks to dedicated professionals like Melissa and Stacey, that message is being delivered with grace, empathy, and unwavering commitment.

Serving Ware, Pierce, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, and Coffee Counties There when you've needed us since 1986.

to learn more of what makes our team the best in the region!

Hometown Heroes

Mickey Cobb Is Part of Baseball Royalty, but His Ware County Friends Are Closest to His Heart

Story and Photography by Allen Allnoch/AHA! Photography

It’s a sweltering August morning when Mickey Cobb pulls up to Waycross’s Historic Rail Depot. Before he can fully extract himself from his rental car, two of his closest friends, Roy Colvin and Larry Wilkinson, are right there to help him. As Cobb leans into his forearm crutches, his friends steadying him on each side, the trio walks together up the ramp leading to the Depot’s front doors.

They’re there to visit the Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame, where Cobb and Colvin are members. The three were part of the 1958 Ware County High football team, the first at the newly opened school, with Cobb having served as a student manager.

Cobb su ered from polio as an infant and remained slight of build as he grew older, so playing high school football wasn’t an option. But his team manager role sparked an interest in sports medicine, which he parlayed into a 13-year career with baseball’s Kansas City Royals. His MLB stint included a World Series title and appearances in two Major League All-Star Games.

Cobb remained in Kansas after retiring from baseball in 1990, but says “[his] heart is here” in Waycross. It’s a big heart, too—what he lacks in physical stature, he makes up for in selflessness. Now 84, he’s still a bundle of energy whose busy schedule includes organizing an annual reunion for his core group of friends.

“I go down just to see these guys every year,” says Cobb, who lives in Wamego, Kansas, 100 miles west of Kansas City. “We’ve seen each other on a consistent basis for probably 15 years now.”

That initiative originally brought

together a group of seven: Cobb, Colvin, Wilkinson, Knot Culpepper, George McQuaig, David Cason, and Oscar Bell. The latter three passed away between 2019 and 2023, and health issues prevented Culpepper from joining the group in 2025, but he still maintains a sense of humor. “Time flies when you’re having fun,” he says with a wry smile.

Left Cobb and his football teammates in the 1958-59 Ware County High School yearbook

Above Cobb’s Ware County letterman sweater

Below The 1958-59 Ware County Gators, the high school’s first ever football team

“These guys right here were my inspiration for being on the sidelineS and trying to help people. whatever I have to do to get back here to s them, I do it.”

– MICKEY COBB

The memories remain vivid. Culpepper, who scored the first touchdown for the new Ware County team in 1958, can still picture a teenage Cobb in his mind. “There would be a timeout, and here he would come with two buckets of water,” the retired schoolteacher recalls.

Similarly, a vision of Colvin is etched in Cobb’s memory. “I could hear [former Detroit Tiger] Kirk Gibson when he ran,” Cobb says. “When Bo Jackson joined the Royals, I heard that sound again. And I always thought of Roy. He was a hard runner—his knees would come up high

and if you’d try to tackle him, he’d hurt you.”

Wilkinson is quick to clarify where things stand today. “Of course, now we don’t look like we did when we played ball,” he points out, bringing a round of laughter from his compadres.

Fast Friends from the Start

Born in the Deenwood community in November of 1941, Cobb met Colvin when they were young boys. Cobb moved with his parents to Jacksonville but returned

Top Cobb, Colvin, and Wilkinson at the Waycross Rail Depot, where the WaycrossWare County Sports Hall of Fame is housed

Below The men display their rings commemorating the 1958 Ware County Gators.

“When Mickey first came to Wacona, it t k about five minutes to become his friend. On the f tba team and everywhere else, we just l ked at him as one of us, and we always treated him like that.”

– LARRY WILKINSON

to live with an aunt and uncle in Ware County and begin ninth grade at Wacona High. He quickly became friends with the other boys, and a lifelong bond was formed.

“When Mickey first came to Wacona, it took about five minutes to become his friend,” Wilkinson remembers. “On the football team and everywhere else, we just looked at him as one of us, and we always treated him like that.”

Cobb recalls Wilkinson once bailing him out when he was headed for trouble in the classroom.

“We were in English class together,” he says. “We had to give a book report on The Red Badge of Courage, and I hadn’t read it. Well, Larry was a lot smarter than me, and he had. We walked around in the hallways, and he told me the story. Larry saved me that day.”

When Wacona High and Waresboro High merged in 1958 to become the new Ware County High, Cobb worried those bonds might break. “I was pretty upset. I said, ‘I’m not going,’” he remembers. “I didn’t know if Roy was going, I didn’t know if Larry was going, and I didn’t know if our other friends were going.” They did, though, and that first Gator football team exceeded expectations, winning eight games.

With high school behind them, the friends went their separate ways. Cobb headed to Truett-McConnell College, then on to Georgia Southern, and finally to Indiana University for a master’s degree. He worked as a student athletic trainer at each school before returning to Statesboro for a teaching position and a stint as Georgia Southern’s first full-time athletic trainer.

Cobb moved from college athletics to professional baseball in 1971. After a minor-league season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he worked at the Kansas City Royals Academy in Florida from 1971 to 1974, then for the Royals’ farm club in Omaha, Nebraska. He was promoted to the full-time trainer position in Kansas City in 1978.

“I caught the Royals at just the right time. We were sort of in the money every year,” says Cobb, who worked two World Series with the team. In 1985, they defeated the St. Louis Cardinals for their first Series title.

Cobb was well-liked by the big-leaguers under his care. An April 1983 Washington Post article included a telling anecdote: “On opening day in Baltimore last year, there was an unguarded burst of laughter when Cobb ran from the dugout to tend to a shaken outfielder. Cobb may have made

his peace with the world, but his players are still on guard: the gentlemanly George Brett, invisibly shortening his stride, ran in tandem with Cobb all the way back to the dugout.”

Cobb told the Post reporter, “I don’t think of myself as handicapped…[My] parents always insisted that I be treated just like everybody else, and that’s how I feel.”

Back in southeast Georgia, Colvin would catch glimpses of his old friend on MLB broadcasts while in the midst of a career with Scapa Dryer Fabrics. Wilkinson was a technician for Southern Bell, all the way through its transition to BellSouth and later AT&T. Culpepper eventually wrapped up his long teaching career in Brantley County.

Cobb was the first to retire. “I was only 48, but the Royals wanted to make a change,” he says. “[Royals’ General Manager] John Schuerholz was leaving for Atlanta, and the new management wanted to put another trainer in there. It was a short career, but it a orded me a very comfortable retirement.”

After leaving the Royals, Cobb became a sought-after lecturer and consultant on physical fitness and injury rehab. Over three-plus decades, he’s traveled worldwide, written three books, and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren

grow up. One of his books, Baseball Injuries and Training Tips, is in the library at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Another, Blue Whistler, has a subtle connection to his South Georgia roots.

The book is Cobb’s eyewitness account of the legendary “pine tar incident” that starred his friend George Brett. On July 24, 1983, Brett hit an apparent game-winning home run in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees. Yankees manager Billy Martin protested, accusing Brett of using excessive pine tar on his bat handle. Umpire Tim McClelland agreed and called Brett out, prompting the future Hall of Famer to charge onto the field in one of baseball’s most memorable player outbursts.

Cobb chose Blue Whistler as the title because the term is synonymous with the labor-intensive era of turpentine production in the southeastern United States. “Some of my family members worked in [the turpentine industry],” Cobb told a Kansas City TV station when the book was published. “It’s a very di cult thing to do…Blue Whistler is short, it’s sort of catchy, and it’s got blue [the Royals’ primary color] in it.”

Cobb was inducted into the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990, and his

Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame membership began in 2005. Always thinking of his friends, he celebrated by having custom rings made to commemorate their time as Ware County Gators. The rings signify an unbreakable bond. Watching the men interact, it’s clear they would do anything for one another. Wilkinson tells a story of going with his wife, Barbara, to help Cobb into a hotel room.

“He needed a shoulder to hold onto,” Wilkinson says, “and he was talking about us being his heroes. I said, ‘No, you’re the hero. You did more than any of us did.’”

Colvin’s also grateful for these childhood buddies who are like family. “Mickey had a lot to do with my success because he encouraged me,” he says. “More than he’ll ever know.”

Just call it a mutual admiration society. “These guys right here were my inspiration for being on the sidelines and trying to help people,” Cobb says. “I’ve had friends at di erent levels of athletics— one’s a Heisman Trophy winner, one’s a Hall of Fame member—but these fellas mean the world to me. Whatever I have to do to get back here to see them, I do it.” OL

“Mickey had a lot to do with my su e because he encouraged me...More than he’ ever know.”

– ROY COLVIN

Capitol Phone: 404-463-2246

Email: steven.meeks@house.ga.gov

O ce Address: 245-F State Capitol, 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

District Mailing Address: P.O. Box 178, Screven, GA 31560

Highlights from Session

TAX RELIEF

• Delivered significant tax relief to Georgians by reducing the state’s individual income tax rate

• Increased personal exemption for dependents from $4,000 to $6,000

• Raised the standard deduction from $24,000 to $36,000 for married couples and from $12,000 to $18,000 for single filers

Representative Steven Meeks

HEALTHCARE

• Exemptions for the first $1,750 of income earned on tips and the first $1,750 of income earned on overtime, allowing Georgians to keep more of what they earn

• Created the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST): 1% sales tax that is optional for communities to adopt in order to o set reductions in homestead property taxes on primary residences

EDUCATION

• Increasing access to quality education for Georgia’s youngest learners is a top priority

• Expanded access to pre-K programs

GEORGIA EARLY LITERACY ACT OF 2026

• Landmark measure aimed at promoting and advancing comprehensive early literacy and reading education

• Expands literacy infrastructure, funding, and accountability for students for K-3 students

• Provides grants to every public school with K-3 students to hire a school-based literacy coach

• Literacy coaches will spend no less than 70% of the school day working directly with teachers and students

• Builds a comprehensive statewide framework to ensure all Georgia students develop strong reading skills from the earliest grades

• Strengthens placement, promotion, and retention rules and ensures parent notification when students are at risk of not reaching reading proficiency

• Provided new funding for graduate medical education to increase the number of medical professionals in the state

• Created a new scholarship program for medical students who commit to practicing in Georgia for at least four years after graduation, helping to address healthcare workforce shortages

TREY’S LAW

• Prohibits the enforcement of any nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) or confidentiality agreements that seek to silence victims of childhood sexual abuse

• Voids NDAs in situations where these agreements would prevent someone from discussing an act of childhood sexual abuse

• Settlement amounts and other non-abuse-related terms are allowed to remain confidential in order to ensure that privacy of the victim is maintained

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF I CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE.

MY CELL PHONE IS 912-207-0813

Real WEDDINGS

FEATURING

Morgan Meadows & Cody Pratt and Caroline Stewart & Ross Ferrell

HIGHLIGHTING

local vendors ready to help make your wedding or special event everything you want it to be

Returning to Yourself

There is a moment—often unspoken—when life feels subtly misaligned. You have built a full, accomplished life. Responsibilities have been met. Milestones reached. Yet somewhere along the way, your reflection and your energy began to drift from the person you know yourself to be. The change is gradual, almost polite—but unmistakable.

This is not dissatisfaction. It is awareness. At ReJoyce Longevity Institute, this moment is not treated as a problem to be fixed, but as an invitation—to refine, restore, and realign.

THE QUIET LUXURY OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE

True luxury is never loud. Neither are the most beautiful results. Aesthetic medicine at ReJoyce Longevity Institute is grounded in restraint, precision, and respect for individuality. This is not about chasing youth or following trends. It is about preserving expression, restoring balance, and allowing confidence to reemerge without explanation.

Skin softens. Features regain harmony. Tiredness lifts from the face. The changes are subtle—but their emotional impact is profound. Patients often describe a sense of relief: the freedom of no longer feeling distracted by their appearance.

For women, it is elegance without erasure. For men, strength without excess. For both, it is the return of ease—at work, in social settings, in moments captured unexpectedly. This is aesthetic care designed for people who value discretion, expertise, and authenticity. Results that invite compliments, not questions. Looking refreshed is only the beginning. Feeling at home in yourself again is the true reward.

WHEN WELLNESS BECOMES PERSONAL

Physical decline does not always announce itself dramatically. More often, it whispers. Energy fades. Sleep becomes elusive. Focus dulls. Weight shifts despite effort. Drive—mental, emotional, physical—softens. And with it comes a quiet negotiation: Is this simply how life feels now?

At ReJoyce Longevity Institute, the answer is clear. Functional medicine and hormone optimization address the internal systems that shape not only how you feel—but how you experience your life. Hormonal imbalance affects confidence, ambition, intimacy, and emotional resilience. When left unaddressed, it slowly shrinks the scope of what feels possible.

Care begins with listening. Comprehensive testing. Thoughtful interpretation. An individualized plan designed to support your physiology—not override it. Hormone optimization, targeted supplementation, and metabolic support are implemented with intention and precision.

The result is not merely improved numbers on a lab report. It is clarity. Presence. Vitality. A renewed sense of self that had been waiting patiently beneath fatigue and imbalance.

For everyone, it is the relief of remembering how capable the body can feel. Change, of course, requires courage. It demands acknowledgment that the way things are is no longer acceptable. But choosing not to act carries its own cost—one paid slowly, in diminished joy and muted presence.

THE COURAGE TO CHOOSE YOURSELF

Making meaningful change is rarely convenient. It requires honesty. Vulnerability. The willingness to acknowledge that something no longer fits—and the courage to pursue something better. Many people wait years before taking that step, believing discomfort is safer than uncertainty. ReJoyce Longevity Institute exists for those who decide otherwise.

This is care for individuals who have given deeply to others and are ready to invest with intention in themselves. Care that honors both where you have been—and where you are going.

Because the most powerful transformations are not dramatic. They are deliberate.

A NEW STANDARD OF WELLNESS

ReJoyce Longevity Institute represents a modern philosophy of care—one that understands beauty and vitality as inseparable, and medicine as both science and art. This is not about turning back time. It is about moving forward with alignment, confidence, and presence. Your next chapter deserves to be lived fully.

Consultations are available for those ready to begin—not because something is wrong, but because something more is possible.

CHASITY GEIGER, Geiger, PA-C, Owner is highly trained in each area of service that is provided. She continuously expands her knowledge through new training to provide the very best in care for her patients. Recently, Chasity was one of only 10 providers in the country invited by Obagi Medical to showcase a new revolutionary product. Chasity will be the only provider in Georgia to offer this product.

LOVE’S Sweet SURPRISE

MORGAN MEADOWS & CODY PRATT

STORY BY AMY FAESKORN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIEL PREVATT, PREVATT HOUSE

AAs casual acquaintances at Georgia Southern University (GSU) in Statesboro, Morgan Meadows and Cody Pratt had no idea they’d one day become husband and wife.

“I was a freshman and Cody was a junior when we first crossed paths here and there at Greek parties,” Morgan recalls. “We weren’t close at that time, and life carried us in di erent directions.” Raised in Blackshear, she had settled in St. Simons Island and was working as an occupational therapist when Cody, a native of Bonaire in Houston County, reached out. “I had just started a job in Savannah in the summer of 2023, and with Morgan being so close by, I thought it would be fun to see her again,” Cody, a senior construction project manager, remembers. The couple went for drinks at Barrier Island Brewery, and Morgan felt right away that she had met her match. “When he tasted the beer cheese dip—which I knew he didn’t really like and did so because it was my favorite—I knew that he was a keeper!”

The couple dated for the next 20 months—over a year of which was long distance when Cody relocated back to home to Perry in June of 2024—until Cody’s carefully orchestrated proposal on March 28 of last year. He chose a location on St. Simons where he and Morgan had often walked Finley, their beloved Cavapoo, and invited both of their families along with a photographer. “He designated a special viewing area so they could be a part of our joy while preserving those precious first moments just for us,” says Morgan. Afterward, the newly engaged couple and their loved ones enjoyed a celebratory dinner at Tramici’s, one of their favorite restaurants on the island.

Although Morgan and Cody planned to marry sooner rather than later, they were uncertain at first how to celebrate their union. “Our initial idea was to elope and then throw a big party when we returned, but neither of us could resist sharing the ceremony with friends,” Morgan says. “We both love surprises, so we thought, why not a surprise wedding?” Cody was skeptical at first. “It was such an unusual idea, and I wasn’t sure we could pull it o ,” he says. “But now I’m so happy we did.” With close family and friends having o ered to host a shower, they decided to spin the event as a “summer soirée” in advance of their upcoming elopement; only immediate family and a few essential vendors were in on the ruse.

Held at Okefenokee Country Club (OCC) on August 9, 2025 with an elevated garden party theme, the wedding came together with the help of several talented and creative people: planner Mindy Hendley of Luella Floral, saxophonist Mike Carter, MB Creative of Douglas, the company responsible for the stunning lattice photo backdrop, and local artist Hosanna Morris, who painted the accompanying wedding crest. “My family spent so much time at OCC when I was growing up,” Morgan recalls. “I knew the main dining room would be the perfect blank canvas for the transformation we had in mind.”

As the unsuspecting guests filed in through the foyer, Morgan stayed tucked away in a back room while Cody circulated and reassured the crowd that she was “just

getting her hair touched up.” Meanwhile, after saying the blessing over dinner, Mike began to play Pachelbel’s Canon, and the procession began: o ciant Tyler McMillan (Morgan’s brother-in-law); Cody’s father, Randy; Cody; Morgan’s twin sister, Taylor, and her son, Tate; and finally Morgan and her father, Howard. “Our favorite part of the ceremony was witnessing the genuine shock and joy on our guests’ faces as we walked down the aisle,” says Morgan. “It was truly a memory we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.” Cody still remembers the feeling of watching Morgan enter the dining room in her bridal gown. “Just seeing how beautiful and excited she was made it so perfect,” he says.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the couple’s big day was incorporating unique touches into the décor and adding precious family heirlooms to their looks. “My mother had started a tradition at Taylor’s wedding by using mismatched china for the table settings, and we were thrilled to continue it,” Morgan observes. To honor Finley, they placed a small dog figurine next to the cake and even had his face printed on cocktail stirrers. Morgan’s veil consisted of pieces taken from her mother’s gown and had been worn by Taylor as well; each of their initials and wedding dates are now stitched onto it. Morgan also wore a pearl bracelet crafted with gold from her great-great-grandfather’s

“Our favorite part of the ceremony was witnessing the genuine shock and joy on our guests’ faces as we walked down the aisle.”

“It was such a joyous celebration —the most perfect, surprising day we could have ever imagined!”

watch fob, and Cody wore his maternal grandfather’s ring.

After a night filled with dining, dancing, and music, the couple sent guests home with a refreshing treat: shaved ice from Sno Biz of Waycross. Overall, the unexpected transformation from garden party to intimate evening wedding unfolded exactly as planned and more than exceeded their expectations. “It was such a joyous celebration—the most perfect, surprising day we could have ever imagined!” Morgan says.

Morgan and Cody advise engaged couples to remember that being fully present on their wedding day is what’s truly important. “Relish those special moments—including whatever small surprises come your way,” Morgan smiles. “Whether it’s the quiet time before you walk down the aisle, the first dance, or the laughs you share with friends—these are the memories that will replay in your mind for years to come.” OL

Wedding Details

AUGUST 9, 2025

Ceremony & Reception

Okefenokee Country Club

Bridal Gown

Gracie Anna Bridal Boutique

Wedding Jewelry

Crawford’s Jewelers

Satterfield and Dempsey

Photography

Ariel Prevatt, Prevatt House

Wedding Cake

Whitney Murray, Better Batter Bakery

Family Heirlooms

Morgan’s veil, also worn by her sister, was crafted from pieces of her mother’s wedding dress with their wedding dates stitched into the side.

Morgan’s pearl bracelet was made from her great-grandfather’s watch fob.

Cody’s ring belonged to his maternal grandfather.

A Hometown LOVE STORY

CAROLINE STEWART & ROSS FERRELL

STORY BY JOHN F. RIDDLE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLE WILSON

FFor Ross Ferrell and Caroline Stewart, love didn’t begin in some farflung place—it started right where their roots run deepest. Ross, whose parents are David and Paige Ferrell, and Caroline, daughter of Sam and Shannon Stewart, both grew up in the Waycross–Blackshear community, surrounded by family who’ve lived there for generations. Their story feels like the kind of Southern romance that unfolds naturally, almost inevitably, when two people are raised by the same values, landscape, and circle of people who’ve known them since childhood.

Despite that, the two didn’t meet until later in life through Caroline’s cousin and Ross’ good friend, John. Eventually, Ross invited Caroline out for dinner.

From that very first date, something clicked. “Ross liked to joke that he knew once he asked me out that I would want to marry him,” says Caroline with a smile. Their engagement came during their annual trip to the Florida Keys, a tradition that already held meaning for their family. While strolling along the quiet

“Seeing John Henry and William so thrilled to o cially become a family was one of the sweetest parts of the day.”

stretch of the Content Keys, Ross casually asked a question, then followed it with, “Well, how about an engagement ring?” Though it didn’t register for Caroline it at first, she quickly said “yes.” What made the moment unforgettable was the presence of their boys, John Henry (10) and William (7), who were bursting with excitement. John Henry proudly announced to everyone, “Dad and Mrs. Carol are proposed!”

On September 13, 2025—a date that also happens to be Caroline’s mother’s birthday—the couple got ready, had their first looks, and took photos at her parent’s home before heading to First Methodist Church, the church where Caroline was raised and Ross and the boys’ home church. It was important for the couple to marry where they came from, surrounded by the people who shaped them. The reception at Okefenokee Country Club and rehearsal dinner at Mossy Pond continued the theme of honoring home.

The day itself was easy, joyful, and full of family. “I always wanted several flower girls and ring bearers. Being from a large family, there were plenty to choose from,” Caroline says. “It’s exactly what we had always hoped for. And seeing John Henry and William so thrilled to o cially become a family was one of the sweetest parts of the day.”

“I always wanted several flower girls and ring bearers. Being from a large family, there were plenty to choose from. It’s exactly what we had always hoped for.”

Though the day was full of moments she had always hoped for, Caroline’s favorite parts were exchanging vows with Ross, of course, but also dancing to “Sweet Caroline” with her niece, little Carol Ferrell, on the dance floor surrounded by loved ones. And in true Stewart tradition, the night ended with Ross being thrown into the country club pool—tuxedo and all—by brothers and groomsmen, a rite of passage for anyone who marries into the family.

Caroline planned the entire wedding in just three months, and she swears by the beauty of a short engagement: “Stay flexible, enjoy your people, and savor every second, because it flies by,” she advises.

With eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, and friends and family traveling from near and far, the celebration felt like a testament to the life Ross and Caroline have built—grounded in home, filled with love, and surrounded by the people who matter most. OL

Wedding Details

SEPTEMBER 13, 2025

Ceremony

First Methodist Church

Wedding Planner

Davis Lastinger with McLaurin Lastinger

Rehearsal Dinner

Mossy Pond

Reception

Okefenokee Country Club

Wedding Jewelry

Crawford’s Jewelers

Photographer Kayle Wilson

Creative Imaging That Tells Your One-Of-A-Kind, Extraordinary Story Serving Waycross-Ware County and the Surrounding Region

Celebrate Your Family with Beautiful Custom Artwork for the Home

Meals and entertainment are fleeting experiences. Even the most expensive furniture eventually wears out. But custom wall art and albums are a lasting investment for the ages. Beautifully created family portraits in your home are daily reminders of the people you cherish the most, and they can be passed down through generations for continued display and enjoyment. A family portrait session with AHA! Photography is an investment in a work of art that’s commissioned especially for you and your loved ones!

Excellence Close to Home Surgical Care at Memorial Satilla Health

In today’s fast-paced world, access to high-quality healthcare isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. For residents of Southeast Georgia, Memorial Satilla Health is redefining what it means to receive exceptional surgical care without the need to travel far from home. Blending advanced technology with a deeply personal approach, the hospital o ers the level of expertise and compassion often associated with larger urban centers, right in the heart of the community.

At Memorial Satilla, surgical excellence spans a wide range of specialties. Patients benefit from comprehensive services including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, gynecologic (GYN) procedures, biopsies and mastectomies, orthopedic surgery, and weight loss (bariatric) surgery. Whether addressing routine conditions or more complex diagnoses, the hospital’s surgical teams are committed to delivering safe, e ective outcomes tailored to each individual.

A cornerstone of this outstanding care is the use of state-of-the-art techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery. These minimally invasive approaches often mean smaller incisions, reduced pain, quicker recovery times, and improved precision. For patients, that translates into less time in the hospital and a faster return to the activities they love.

“Our investment in advanced surgical technology reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of care to our community,” says CEO Damon Barrett. “Patients shouldn’t have to travel far to receive leading-edge treatment. We’re proud to o er it right here at home.”

Behind every successful procedure is a team of highly skilled physicians. Memorial Satilla is proud to partner with tenured surgeons and specialists who bring years of expertise to the operating room. Their depth of knowledge is matched by a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation.

“We’re fortunate to have a team of dedicated, experienced physicians who are deeply invested in this community,” Barrett says. “Their expertise, combined with a patient-first mindset, allows us to deliver exceptional outcomes with a personal touch.”

Yet what truly sets Memorial Satilla apart is its balance of advanced care and personal connection. In a smaller hospital setting, patients are more than just a number. Care teams take the time to listen, explain, and support, and their goal is to create an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and confident in their care journey.

“At Memorial Satilla Health, we believe healthcare is about more than procedures. It’s about people,” says Barrett. “We’re committed to treating every patient like family while delivering the clinical excellence they deserve.”

For those seeking surgical expertise paired with a human touch, Memorial Satilla o ers cutting-edge medicine delivered with genuine care right where it matters most, close to home.

For more information on surgical services, visit memorialsatillahealth.com/specialties/ surgery.

Memorial Satilla Health is a mission-driven, community-based health system with a 231-bed full-service hospital. Our tradition of care began more than 60 years ago and continues today with more than 600 employees, physicians, and volunteers. The hospital serves as a regional referral center for more than 185,000 residents across nine counties in Southeast Georgia. Key services include an ER where we treat more than 50,000 emergencies each year; our Heart, Cancer, Surgery, Rehabilitation, Sleep, and Birthing Centers with specialists trained specifically for these needs; and an extensive Mental Health program for senior adults and those su ering from memory loss. For more information, contact Sarah Gove, Facility Communications and Community Engagement Director, at 912-338-6420 or Sarah.Gove@HCAHealthcare.com. YOLANDA BORDERS

Home & Garden

As summer entertaining season gets underway, interior designer Robin Cauley of Lott’s Furniture shares her warm, inviting sunroom and backyard garden along with tips to achieve a similar feel in your own home. Ashlee and Laura Ashlee McRae of 828 Collective put their Southern eclectic style to work on the refresh in the heart of Alison and Shannon Smith’s home, proving it’s possible to make over a space but keep it uniquely yours.

Styled by MADDIE FORTNER , Owner, the Avriett House / Photo by JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Designing Spaces That Bring Joy

Robin Cauley, interior designer for Lott’s Furniture, designs spaces that feel lived-in, loved, and unmistakably personal. Whether she’s curating a sunroom or shaping a poolside retreat, joy is the one guiding principle, and it’s more than an accessory—it’s the foundation. “Every space— indoor or outdoor—should make you feel good the moment you step into it,” she says. That sentiment became the inspiration for her own sunroom, garden, and outdoor living areas, where she’s created a “happy place” for family, friends, grilling, and easy outdoor living.

Robin’s sunroom is anything but ordinary. She leans into an eclectic mix of textures, patterns, and prints, creating a space that feels layered and alive. Coordinated fabrics on chairs, drapes, and pillows tie the room together. Oversized original art on one wall becomes a focal point that catches the eye and makes the room more visually interesting.

Draperies soften the abundance of windows and help absorb sound, while an unexpected light fixture replaces the typical ceiling fan, adding personality overhead. A small conversation area featuring a sofa flanked by two chairs invites lingering, and Robin’s love of mixed finishes shows up in details like a burled wood console paired with rattan wrapped benches and a woven chair.

Robin brought an additional natural element into the design. “Bringing the outdoors inside is important in a sunroom. Incorporating plants is the best way to do that.”

Finishing touches should be items that are uniquely yours. “Personalize each room,” Robin says. “Include family photos, heirlooms, and other accessories that are meaningful to you.”

Home & Garden

In the garden, Robin centers seating around a travertine table topped with ginger jars. Landscape lighting defines the trees and paths, and a twig back aluminum bench pops against a wooden fence accented with blue and white pottery.

At the pool, Robin embraces crepe myrtles for the way they “frame it like a room.” A fountain adds movement, terracotta pots of SunPatiens add color, and repeated plant varieties keep the palette cohesive. Large planters anchor corners, and even a bird feeder becomes part of the design. Pavers over cool decking, finished with contrasting coping, give the space crisp definition. OL

With over 20 years of interior design experience at Lott’s Furniture, Robin Cauley has helped a wide range of residential and commercial clients create spaces that they’re both proud of and long to be in. She’s well-versed in balancing diverse ideas, budgets, and particular tastes. One thing is constant: her approach to making the client’s vision a reality.

Whatever the final design concept, it’s important to Robin that clients are part of the formulation of their space. “I want to like the design because I created it,” she says. “But I want my clients to love it. They’re the ones who’ll live in it.”

Robin Cauley

Interior Designer/Sales Lott’s Furniture

912-283-6350

robin@lottsfurniture.com

Robin Cauley designs spaces that feel lived-in, loved, and unmistakably personal. Whether she’s curating a sunroom or shaping a poolside retreat, joy is the one guiding principle, and it’s more than an accessory— it’s the foundation.

Home & Garden

A Refreshing Update for the Heart of Their Home

For Shannon and Alison Smith, home has always been the center of their family’s story—the house they built together in 2000 and the place where they raised their three children, Kendall, Julia, and Ike, now all in their 20s. But after more than two decades of memories, a cracked kitchen counter and a cooktop that couldn’t be repaired finally sparked a transformation.

Home & Garden

Breakfast Nook

For the breakfast nook, 828 Collective ordered custom draperies that bring a refreshing softness that ties the design together. New artwork and a woven light fixture round out the space.

Above The Avriett House pair their new dishwasher and microwave safe cabbage-themed dinnerware with salad plates by Julisk’s new design, Villa Seville. Napkin rings by Southern Tribute, crafted in Charleston, South Carolina, complete the setting.

Top Right The centerpiece arrangement, also by the Avriett House, highlights paper flower accents in a wicker urn planter, providing further texture to the look.

Bottom Right Touches of wicker and lemon pair well with Alison’s Italian farmhouse style. The Avriett House uses their favorite showstopping pieces in this tablescape featuring gold rechargeable lamps which are perfect for a warmly-lit dinner and make dining al fresco a breeze.

“The goal was simple: create a space that felt cleaner, brighter, and more open.”

Kitchen

828 Collective recommended lightly-colored cabinets paired with gold hardware and muted countertops to add a soft, homey touch to the kitchen. A new area rug and wicker barstools were also added—and of course, a new stove top!

Shannon, a chiropractor and blueberry farmer, and Alison, a retired Clinch County educator, didn’t begin the remodel with a grand vision. They knew they wanted to update their kitchen, breakfast nook, and half-bath, and that they were drawn to the warmth and pleasing aesthetics of 828 Collective’s approach. Alison had long admired the work of the mother-daughter duo behind 828 Collective, Ashlee and Laura Ashlee McRae. Alison and Ashlee also shared a personal connection: they both grew up in Homerville and have several mutual friends. When Alison discovered their common faith based values, it made the decision even easier.

The goal was simple: create a space that felt cleaner, brighter, and more open. The result exceeded every expectation. “Visitors walk in and immediately say the same thing—‘Wow! Your kitchen and foyer look and feel so much bigger!’” says Alison.

In selecting a stylist for their new space, the Smiths made another easy decision: the Avriett House in Homerville. The Smiths have a long-standing connection to owner Maddie Fortner, and it’s a place woven into their family’s rhythms. Maddie and Susan, dear friends for years, have become part of the Smiths’ celebrations and gift giving traditions. Whether it’s home décor, a special piece of jewelry, or a holiday treat, the family always finds themselves back at the Avriett House—laughing, browsing, and choosing gifts with the help of two people who feel like family.

For the Smiths, the remodel wasn’t just about updating their home. It was about honoring the life they’ve built, refreshing the spaces where they gather, and surrounding themselves with people they love the whole way through.

Above Amaryllis bulbs make great centerpiece statements, especially in any of the unique vessels available at the Avriett House. Waxed amaryllis bulbs are the easiest (and most beautiful) flower to keep alive. Since the wax coating keeps moisture locked in, they don’t require watering. Once the flowers start to wilt, simply cut the stems down to the blub and watch them re-bloom over and over again!

Above The Avriett House found a perfect area in Alison’s kitchen for a “welcome drink” station when hosting dinner parties. A silver ice bucket, fresh lemons, drink stirrers, glasses, and fun paper cocktail napkins provide a touch of sophistication. RealTouch Hydrangea arrangements add warm accents. They’re easy to keep out year-round as they look and feel like the real thing.

For the Smiths, the remodel wasn’t just about updating their home. It was about honoring the life they’ve built together.

Bathroom & Foyer

Once an afterthought, the guest bathroom was transformed into a small but luxurious retreat featuring the Jardin Bloom Mural wallpaper design from Thibaut’s Grand Palace Collection. OL

A dark blue table in the entryway welcomes guests with a subtle scalloped mirror, small matching lamps, and fresh greenery.

“

We felt like this wallpaper truly represented Alison and Shannon in every way while also complimenting the rest of the remodel. This half-bath quickly became one of our favorites.”

- 828 Collective

SOUTHEAST CANCER UNIT

PEOPLE

PEOPLEhelping

THE SOUTHEAST CANCER UNIT PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE IN THE FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES

In 1997, when the American Cancer Society moved out of Ware County, Ann Fulford, Barbara Jones, and Brenda Waters formed the Southeast Cancer Unit (The Unit), a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps cancer patients in Brantley, Pierce, and Ware Counties. “We knew of local patients and families who still needed assistance to help cover the everyday costs that treatment makes harder to bear,” Waters explains. In their first year, the group raised $15,000, but in every year since, they’ve raised over $100,000 annually. Today, The Unit is assisting 145 patients across the threecounty region. Though Jones passed away in 2025, Waters and Janice Brown are still leading the charge and are laser-focused on their original mission of helping people in the fight for their lives.

The support The Unit offers is practical, immediate, and deeply personal. Patients can receive up to $2,000 per year to help cover expenses like gas, medications, medical supplies, wigs, nutritional supplements, counseling, and transportation—ones that often determine whether someone can keep a job, see their care provider, or simply stay afloat financially. Roxanne Carter, who has acted as the organization’s treasurer since 1997, explains that The Unit helps answer the question, “Do I have to choose between paying my rent or seeing my doctor?”

The organization operated an office out of First Baptist Church in Blackshear until a church renovation project precipitated the need to find a new space, where volunteers like Waters and Brown field calls Tuesdays and Thursdays. A board of directors oversees

the nonprofit, but the heart of the work is communitybased. Fundraising efforts include BBQ dinners, church contributions, raffles, Vidalia onion sales, bingo nights, and even survivor banquets—one of which recently drew about 70 attendees. Volunteers often work in teams built around families, friends, or workplaces, that plan fundraising events or simply send donation solicitation letters to their friends.

The Okefenokee Rural Electric Membership Corporation (OREMC) has been steadfast in its support of The Unit, given that several employees and/or family members have benefited from its generosity. Each year OREMC hosts a golf tournament at the Lakes Course at Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross, with the proceeds going directly to The Unit. “What started out years ago as a few employees getting together to play golf and raise a little money has grown into a sold-out golf tournament each of the last five years,” explains Michele Hutchins, OREMC’s Communications and Marketing Director. “Now in our 35th year, and thanks to our many sponsors, our tournament has grown considerably over the past eight years and raises $28,000 annually. It’s a great day of fun, fellowship and fundraising that helps make a difference in the lives of our community members.”

Linda Henderson, who expanded the organization’s reach by launching a team in Brantley County in 2006, says, “For years, the OREMC golf tournament has been a main source of support for us. During COVID, when our volunteers dwindled, the proceeds from the tournament helped sustain us,” she explains. With the growth in

No

one

children’s cancer in the area, The Unit has supported several children, drawing even more people into the cause. “While treatments continue to advance, the financial strain remains stubbornly unchanged, so we’re hoping for more volunteers to help going forward,” she says.

On May 29, at Tigerfield Track, The Unit held its annual Cancer Walk, which is the culmination of its fundraising activities each Spring. All of the teams record their totals while raising even more money at the event by selling various items from the booths they each operate. The first lap honors survivors, and a memorial service is held for those who’ve lost their cancer battle. Each walker’s bib bears the name of the cancer patient they walk in honor or memory of.

In the battle against cancer, lives are interrupted, jobs are paused, income disappears, and travel for care adds up quickly. Through it all, The Unit stands as a quiet but powerful force—neighbors helping neighbors, ensuring that no one in Brantley, Pierce, or Ware County has to face cancer’s burdens alone. OL

The Unit is actively seeking volunteers to help carry the mission forward. To join the fight to help those in need fighting cancer, contact: The Southeast Cancer Unit P. O. Box 667

Okefenokee REMC’s Annual Golf Tournament The Lakes Golf Course Laura S. Walker State Park To sponsor or for more information: in Brantle y, Pierce, o r War e County has t o face cancer’s burdens alone.

CHIPPING IN FOR

PROFILES

Waycross City Commissioner

“MY DAD’S DEDICATION TO SERVING OTHERS IS SOMETHING I’VE WITNESSED MY ENTIRE LIFE, AND IT’S SHAPED THE WAY I SEE LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY. IT’S THE REASON I’VE CHOSEN A PATH FOCUSED ON GIVING BACK AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MY COMMUNITY.”

–PATRICK SIMMONS

Waycross City Commissioner William Simmons strongly believes that it’s the duty of every person to serve their community—a duty to which he has dedicated his adult life. A native of Waycross, Simmons says of his hometown, “I love the city of Waycross, Ware County, and its people.

I’ve always felt the potential in both.”

Simmons was elected to the City Commission District 2 seat in November of 2025 and sworn in on January 5 of this year, committing to a term ending on December 21, 2029. This isn’t his first time in the role. He was first elected in 1993 and served for 20 years, leaving his seat in 2013. Although he retired from that seat, he didn’t step away from serving the community he loves, remaining active in the local government as well community activism since then.

There are few organizations in Ware and Waycross that Simmons has not served. He’s been a part of the Waycross-Ware Planning Commission, both the Waycross and Ware County Boards of Education, the WaycrossWare Land Bank Authority, the Waycross Ware Library Committee, the Hazzard Hill Branch Community Development Corporation, the Okefenokee Area Development Authority, and the NAACP.

In addition to being a part of these wellknown organizations, he’s helped spearhead new projects and sought out grants and resources wherever he’s seen an opportunity. And if all this weren’t enough, he also founded Light of the World Ministries of God, Inc. in 2008, where he serves as pastor.

“Servanthood is a special thing, as Jesus demonstrated when he washed the feet of the Apostles,” says Simmons. “You humble yourself and help somebody else, whether you like them or dislike them. You help them because there’s a need.”

What is it that keeps Simmons so strongly dedicated to public service? His faith. “The Bible teaches, ‘The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,’ (Matthew 23:1112),” he notes. “I feel with this in mind, we should do all we can to help the growth of our communities.”

Neighborhood restoration and revitalization are some of Simmons’ top priorities for his present term as commissioner, just as they were during his previous 20 years on the panel. During that time, he worked tirelessly with other community members to create a ordable

“I’M A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR VIBRANT COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS. I PLAN TO WORK ON INITIATIVES TO CLEAN UP, RESTORE, AND REVITALIZE ALL NEIGHBORHOODS WITHIN THE CITY OF WAYCROSS.”

–WILLIAM D. SIMMONS

access to childcare, renovate and beautify public spaces, create community gathering facilities, organize tutoring opportunities for students seeking educational assistance, and reduce crime and drug addiction.

One of the many projects Simmons helped bring to Waycross was Operation Weed and Seed, a program supported by the U.S. Department of Justice. The guiding principle of the initiative was to weed out crime and plant the seed of community pride. Working alongside Simmons at the time was Carlos Nelson, former City Commissioner and now Supervisor of the Ware County Board of Elections and Registration. “I’ve known William for many years,” Nelson says. “He’s one of the most genuine and dependable individuals you’ll ever meet. Working together on Operation Weed and Seed showed me his heart for people and his dedication to strengthening our community. We worked hand-in-hand to empower Waycross residents to become vested stakeholders in their neighborhoods. Commissioner Simmons doesn’t just talk about service; he lives it every day, exemplifying what it means to be a true community servant. He’s a man of character who leads with purpose and earns the respect of those he serves.”

During his term as city commissioner, Simmons aims to reinstitute the Partnership with Neighborhoods program, which he helped create during his previous terms. Designed to instill pride in neighborhoods, it began with no funding, just sheer determination and creativity. “No matter what your socioeconomic condition, you can have a vibrant, clean community,” he asserts. “If residents feel they have a stake in where they live, they get things done. I want to put pride back in our neighborhoods.”

Partnership with Neighborhoods helped homeowners clean up their yards, paint, plant flowers, and otherwise beautify their properties. It was so successful that Waycross was held up to other cities as an example of what could be achieved when neighbors come together.

Although Simmons received recognition from the National League of Cities for his e orts, he doesn’t focus on awards and accolades. “Waycross was once a vibrant city. We can be that again,” he says. “I think we’re headed that way. I see a lot of e ort to improve our communities and bring in new businesses. We can get it done if we work together. We can be the beacon on the hill again.” OL

PROFILES

Owned, Not Borrowed

FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL FUNDAMENTALS TO STATE FINALS, PIERCE COUNTY’S CHAMPIONSHIP PIPELINE KEEPS ONE OF GEORGIA’S MOST DECORATED CHEER PROGRAMS ON TOP

Story by JOHN DUPONT / Photography by NICOLE WILLIAMS

Two and a half minutes. That’s the length of a state championship competition cheer performance—150 seconds allotted to produce a perfect routine or one so otherwise indiscernibly imperfect as to leave no doubt regarding its superiority. Pierce County High School (PCHS) remains among the elite in all Georgia high school classes when it comes to reaching the top of that mountain.

“Lots of programs can win once with the right group, but programs like PCHS become dynasties because the standard of excellence is owned, not borrowed,” says PCHS Head Cheer Coach Mandy Beverly.

Since the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) first recognized competition cheer in 1993, no school has claimed more state titles in class AAA than PCHS, which took home seven crowns between 2012 and 2019. When PCHS made back-to-back state crowns in class AA this past November, that feat raised the school’s state cheer title total to nine. All titles have come within the past 14 years in this sport where only the strongest of the strong reach the summit.

“Competition cheer has one of the smallest margins for error of any high school sport, so that creates real mental and emotional fallout,” Beverly says. “I teach the girls that

pressure is a privilege, and you have to train for it just like you train for the skills. Mistakes are expected but corrected quickly during practice, so when they mess up, they know to reset and try again. They’re taught to do their job, trust muscle memory, and control their e ort and focus.”

“ If I had to point out one true x-factor—beyond the feeder program success—it would be the culture of internal accountability; not just ‘high standards,’ but a ‘lived expectation’ that athletes hold each other to every single day. Whether the team is in the weight room, at practice, at competitions, or out in the community, excellence is the standard. Talent, coaching, and feeder programs build strong teams, but internal accountability sustains them. It speeds up improvement, builds trust under pressure, and keeps performances consistent year after year.”

- COACH MANDY BEVERLY

emotional, and exciting,” she explains. “Preparing for the second state championship brought a great deal of pressure to defend the title, but winning was legacy-building. Having multiple state championships is where a team shifts from being talented to being a successful program.”

Echols, Mollie Williams, Mylee Simmons, Aniston Allen, and Suzanna Carrin.

The past two years have served as vindication after PCHS finished as a runner-up in 2022 and again in 2023. One of those championships was decided by mere hundredths of a point. “We cannot control the outcome, but we can control how prepared we are at practice and competitions,” says Beverly. “We also visualize performing before each competition to help with mental reps and practicing under pressure (‘full-outs’). As their coach, I keep a calm, stressfree environment at practice to model emotional tone. It takes patience—lots of patience! There can be emotional fallout if the pressure isn’t handled properly. However, when it is, athletes become mentally tougher, learn to perform under pressure, and gain confidence.”

Beverly, who previously served as an assistant coach on PCHS state champion teams in 2018 and 2019, says winning as a head coach felt di erent, especially after repeating it as champs.

“The 2024 state championship was the first one in four years, so it was validating,

Twenty-two region championship banners have been hung at PCHS through the decades, but Beverly points to the importance of Pierce County Middle School (PCMS) in that equation. Since 2009, Coach Dde Jordan’s teams have won 16 of 17 Southeast Georgia Middle School Athletic Conference titles.

“PCMS competition cheerleading has been highly influential on the PCHS program,” says Beverly. “It compresses the developmental timeline by cleaning up motion techniques, making the girls familiar with the structure of cheerleading, stunt knowledge, body control, flexibility, and giving them experience performing under pressure. It gives PCHS a competitive advantage because we can accelerate and refine skills early in the season rather than introduce them. The key distinction is how well the PCMS values of success are aligned with those at PCHS. We have similar expectations for precision and discipline, technique consistency, and early exposure to intensity and accountability.”

PCHS squad members in 2025 included Blakely Varnadore, Charlie Taylor, Blakeli Rentz, Jacy Barber, Mylie Cason, Jillian Brogdon, Nayla Andreae, Anslie Allen, Abby Reese Wright, Macy Thornton, Julia Swain, Addison Jordan, Sarah Kate

Numerous girls have won a conference, region, or state championship every single year of their middle and high school careers in Bearville. It’s a list that includes Beverly herself, who competed on four region championship teams from 2006 to 2009 under Amy Nimmer, who coached the first seven PCHS state title teams. Beverly subsequently worked as an assistant under Nimmer, helping guide PCHS to state titles in 2018 and 2019. Now Coach Beverly is enjoying the view from the top once more, doing so with the support of a first-year assistant coach: her younger sister, Megan Nix, who competed on the first PCHS state title team in 2012. “It was really special for us to share that experience together as sisters,” says Nix. “Megan was a great asset to the team this year, and I look forward to sharing many more seasons with her.”

While this generational pattern suggests a bright future, Beverly is keeping her eyes on the prize: growing and maintaining the team’s elite status.

“Our biggest advantage is that winning is expected,” she says. “Our athletes grow up wanting to be a part of this program, and the community support is strong. That culture is incredibly hard to replicate. I have full confidence that the legacy and sustained excellence of this program will continue for a long time.” OL

PROFILES

THAN JUST A HOUSE

House Gets a Makeover

Story by DEBRA GOLDEN

For nearly four decades, Hospice Satilla Home Hospice has been a steadfast presence in the community, providing compassionate end-of-life care since its founding in 1986. That commitment deepened in 2010, when the organization purchased property and embarked on a fundraising e ort to build a dedicated hospice house in Waycross, Georgia. As one of the few hospices in the region o ering an inpatient hospice house, this facility has become an invaluable resource for Waycross and surrounding counties, allowing families to remain close to home during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Since welcoming its first patients in May of 2011, the Hospice Satilla Hospice House Donald Waters Center for Caring, also known as the Hospice House, has served as a sanctuary for individuals and families navigating one of life’s toughest circumstances. From its inception, the Hospice Satilla Board of Directors envisioned a space that would feel less like a clinical environment and more like a true home: peaceful, comforting, and rich with dignity. Over the past 14 years, Hospice House has fulfilled that vision, caring for more than 7,611 patients and o ering a place of calm, compassion, and connection at the end of life.

With years of constant use, the furnishings and fabrics that once defined the home-like ambience inevitably began to show their age. Thanks to the generosity of several dedicated donors, Hospice House underwent a much-needed facelift, completed in October of 2025. The renovation refreshed the space while preserving the warmth and serenity that patients and families have long cherished, ensuring that Hospice House will continue to feel like home for many years to come. OL

808 EVERGREEN WAY WAYCROSS, GA 31501

912-285-2340

AFTER HOURS: 912-809-2021

HOSPICESATILLA.COM

“Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of my mother during her stay at the Hospice House. We appreciate all that you did and continue to do for patients and families of the ones in your care.”

–PATIENT FAMILY MEMBER

HOSPICE SATILLA WISHES TO THANK THESE DONORS WHO MADE THE RENOVATION POSSIBLE

Anonymous

Anonymous

Barry & Tammy Rudd

Cathy Mcgee

Woodard Manning Holland

Walker Jones Chevrolet

Angela Davis

Olivia & Nora Skinner Gillis

Brian & Holly McLeod

Indian Mound Church

Regina Austermann

Melissa Wurthmann

Cheryl Abrahamian

Ed & Susan Avra

Bickley Church

Lee & Tara Boatright

Carlie Dixon

Jennifer Floyd

Brenda Graham

Kecia Greene

Joel James

Charlotte Johnson

Colleen McDonough

Linda & Jason Rogers

Terence & Lisa Schwartz

Susan Snyder

Melissa Strickland

ECONOMIC IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

CURRENT ANNUAL IMPACT

800,000: Number of annual visits

$91.5 million: Annual economic output

$5.4 million: Tax revenue impact on surrounding counties

750: Number of jobs

GROWTH FROM THE OKEFENOKEE EXPERIENCE

$46 million: Produced in additional economic output

$4.6 million: Generated in total tax revenue

40+: New permanent jobs

$430,000: Generated in annual tax revenues

362: New jobs during construction

WORLD HERITAGE SITE DESIGNATION POTENTIAL IMPACT

1.4 – 1.6 million: Total number of annual visits by 2035

750: New jobs

$60 million: Total economic output

THE BEATING HEART OF SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

The Okefenokee Swamp isn’t just a landscape—it’s a spiritual, ecological, and cultural treasure. Revered by the Muscogee Nation as “the shaking water in a low place” and described by author Janisse Ray as “gigantic, ethereal, god-touched,” this remarkable place defies ordinary description. It’s a sanctuary of biodiversity, a cradle of cultural memory, and the beating heart of Southeast Georgia.

Spanning 438,000 acres, the Okefenokee is the largest intact blackwater wetland in North America. Its pristine hydrology makes it a vital benchmark for global wetland research and a living classroom for generations of learners. Designated a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in 1937,

the Okefenokee holds multiple prestigious recognitions:

• A Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

• A National Natural Landmark

• A designated National Wilderness Area

• Currently under consideration for World Heritage Site Inscription

Despite this acclaim, the region around the swamp struggles economically. High poverty, low educational attainment, and lack of infrastructure continue to a ect rural communities like Waycross, Folkston, and Fargo. The Okefenokee Experience is poised to shift this narrative.

“MY HOMETOWN HAS BEEN RIPE FOR CHANGE. I’M GLAD WE'RE GETTING STARTED.” –CHAMP BAILEY,

RETIRED NFL PLAYER & OKEFENOKEE SWAMP PARK BOARD MEMBER

THE OKEFENOKEE EXPERIENCE: A VISION FOR PLACE AND PEOPLE

A bold, regional initiative, led by Okefenokee Swamp Park (OSP), Inc., connects conservation, education, and cultural heritage through the development of immersive centers in the gateway communities of Waycross, Folkston, and Fargo, Georgia.

The Okefenokee Experience is a direct investment in experiential learning. With over 36,000 students in the Okefenokee RESA region and 100,000 students within a 90-mile radius, this initiative will expand access to science education, outdoor learning, and local history. New facilities will allow OSP to deepen its long-standing partnership with the Okefenokee RESA and higher education institutions like the University of Georgia. It’s also a direct investment in our region by supporting short-term construction and tourism-related jobs through increased visitor spending on lodging, dining, and local attractions. The state of Georgia has already pledged $5 million in funds for this initiative. The initiative encompasses three new infrastructure projects at separate entrances to the Okefenokee NWR:

• WAYCROSS, WARE COUNTY

The Okefenokee Experience Nature Center will be revitalized as a regional environmental hub with new exhibits, research spaces, and learning hubs.

“THREE

• FOLKSTON, CHARLTON COUNTY

The Cultural History and Community Center will explore the stories of the rich history of Native Americans, formerly enslaved people, and “swampers,” who each tapped the resources of the swamp in varied ways. The space will also o er a vibrant venue to hold events and explore entrepreneurship.

• FARGO, CLINCH COUNTY

A Dark Sky Observatory, situated underneath the darkest skies on the east coast, has the potential to become a research hub.

Supporting the Okefenokee Experience is more than support for the gateway capital projects. It’s a rare opportunity to:

• Inspire generations through meaningful outdoor learning

• Support rural prosperity through nature-based tourism

• Protect an irreplaceable ecosystem on a global scale

• Celebrate a region’s resilience and diverse cultural heritage

RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH GEORGIA ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO CAPITALIZE ON THEIR GREATEST REGIONAL ASSET: THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP.”

A NATIONAL TREASURE WITH GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

THE OKEFENOKEE ISN’T JUST GEORGIA'S TO CHERISH, BUT THE WORLD'S TO PROTECT

The Okefenokee Swamp is a globally rare ecosystem of extraordinary ecological, geological, and cultural value. As one of the most intact blackwater wetlands on Earth and one of North America’s oldest natural landscapes, it o ers an unparalleled glimpse into the planet’s natural history shaped over millennia by fire, water, and time.

In 2022, OSP formed a public-private partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to pursue World Heritage Site designation. This e ort culminated in December 2023 when the U.S. Department of the Interior selected the Okefenokee NWR as the nation’s sole nomination for inscription in 2026, which is when the decision will be made.

A GROWING MOVEMENT WITH BROAD-BASED SUPPORT

The World Heritage nomination is supported by a powerful coalition: tribal representatives, scientists, school educators, grassroots organizers, conservationists, and elected o cials, including Congressman Buddy Carter, Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and both of Georgia’s United States Senators.

THIS IS MORE THAN A DESIGNATION—IT’S A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION OPPORTUNITY FOR GEORGIA, THE UNITED STATES, AND THE WORLD.

Become a true steward of one of America’s last great wild places. Every gift to Okefenokee Swamp Park brings a shared vision to life: inspiring visitors through world-class education, conserving fragile habitats, and safeguarding the wonder and legacy of the Okefenokee for generations to come. Your support powers essential conservation work, interpretive storytelling, and immersive experiences that connect people to the heart of this extraordinary ecosystem.

okeswamp.org/give Kim.Bednarek@okeswamp.org 904-207-8057

Our providers are passionately committed to providing you with the high-quality medical care you deserve and remain dedicated to the values of compassion and personalized patient care.

You may not have known that in addition to our wonderful internal medicine clinic, we also offer a full line of non-invasive aesthetic services for the face and body, available to women and men of all ages.

INTEGRITY AESTHETIC SERVICES

• EmFace Non-Surgical Facelift

• Botox/Dysport and Fillers

• Skin Tightening for Face and Body

• Body Sculpting, Muscle Building, and Fat Reduction for Abs, Butt, Thighs, Arms, and More

• Cellulite Reduction with Skin Tightening

• Laser Hair Removal for Face and Body

• Scar and Stretch Mark Reduction

• Laser Skin Resurfacing

• IPL Photo Facial/Sun Damage Therapy

• RF Microneedling

• Facials, Peels, and Mask

• Dermaplane and Microdermabrasion

• Vein Treatments for Legs and Face

• Pelvic Floor Rejuvenation/Kegels Chair

• Incontinence Therapy

• Hormone Therapy and Supplements

• Medical Grade, Prescriptive Strength Skincare

• Weight Loss Injections

• Monthly Skincare Membership

INTEGRITY HEALTH & WELLNESS 808 Beacon Street

912-490-HEAL (4325) integrityhealthga.com

101 Gilmore Street | Waycross, GA | tederwinsmenswear.com | (912) 337-3258

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

an artistʼs high-water mark

From childhood sketches to sought-after paintings, Michael Todd has always poured his faith, passion, and love of nature onto the canvas

Story by John F. Riddle

“w

ho the hell drew Anne Murray?” Michael Todd’s uncle, Richard, exclaimed when he saw Todd’s pencil sketch of the country music star drawn from the cover of TV Guide when he was 12 years old. His uncle gave him $15 for the drawing, saying, “You need to do something with that, son.” That may have been Todd’s first—but certainly not his last—positive critique that encouraged him to pursue his artistic talent.

Born in Waycross, Todd spent the first 18 years of his life as a military brat, living with his family in Germany, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, and finally Kentucky, where he graduated from high school in 1982. He moved back to Waycross in 1983 and began a career with the United States Postal Service in 1985. He married Holley Strickland in 1988, with whom he has four children, and they recently welcomed their first grandchild.

His family’s travels with the military, along with his grandfather’s service in World War II, have found their way into his art. “My faith is in every piece I do, and my experience as a military dependent—moving often and making new friends wherever I go—also finds its way into my work,” Todd explains. Still, his love of nature and water are by far his strongest influences.

“I like to paint from a perspective of power and strength in nature,” he says. “The themes I’m trying to convey are faith, joy, peace, patriotism, strength, hope, and longing.”

While Todd credits a few traditional artists with helping him hone his skills, namely his high school art teacher and William Alexander, a German painter who hosted “The Magic of Oil Painting” on public television in the late ’70s and early ’80s, he’s developed his own approach over time. Most painters use the chiaroscuro technique of painting dark to light, which starts with the darkest areas of the composition and gradually builds to the lightest highlights to create a sense of depth

“UNINHIBITED”

Todd began this 22x28 acrylic painting in the fall of 2022 for entry into Jekyll Island’s Shrimp Festival. “I worked hard to have the painting completed, but I ran out of time and couldn’t finish one part of it, though I could have said it was finished if I’d wanted to. Several people asked the price, and I would tell them one, but in my mind, it was truly unfinished.” He finally added the missing feature three months later.

The now completed painting depicts a drifting rowboat in shallow water with a hint of a horizon and a dock in the distance. “The reflection took so much time, as did the movement of the water, and I was only able to add tethered rope much later,” he says. “Once I finished that portion, I was able to explain the painting and the story itself: one of life being important enough to discover—even to the point of drifting or wandering—and yet, while there is always an anchor, if it’s too taut and restricting, we cannot grow in our journey.”

“Uninhibited” sold in Savannah to a customer who was struck by the cobalt blue water and sky, along with its story accompanying story. “She was from Germany and explained that cobalt blue had deep significance from mining folklore in her country’s history,” notes Todd. For more information and to view more of Michael Todd’s work, visit ARTbyMLT.com

“The themes I’m trying to convey are faith, joy, peace, patriotism, strength, hope, and longing.”

– MICHAEL TODD

and volume. Todd prefers painting light to dark and then back to light as he works in more detailed parts of the painting. “As I pull the painting to the foreground, I really start experimenting with highlights, shadows, and detailed features. This is when it can be fun—unless your hand slips,” he laughs. “I continue to work with the foreground and hope I don’t try to ‘correct’ anything as my ADHD starts to show itself. This is when every artist must realize when it’s finished or you’ll work on that painting for the rest of your life.”

For inspiration, Todd usually begins with a reference from a song, poem, or photograph. “I turn on music and sift through the thousands of photos I’ve taken or that friends have sent me until I’m stirred by something—usually light or water, like the way the sun might shine through the petal of a morning glory,” he explains. Once he has an idea, he envisions the finished piece before ever picking up a pencil or brush. “I start with a pretty clear vision, but sometimes it takes months to fully develop it while I work on other pieces,” he says. While he may begin several projects at once, when one develops to a certain point, he focuses all his energy on it until completion.

Todd’s style has been described by customers as “vibrant” or “happy art.” He describes it this way: “Every piece starts in my soul and in my heart with a purpose to find light, hope, and a powerful reflection of life, nature, and passion. It’s realism with just enough surrealism to take you somewhere you might want to go.”

Perhaps the best way to appreciate Todd’s style is to understand his passion behind a recent work. Part one in a series of three paintings, “Those Who Wait,” depicts a lone bald eagle surveying the quiet landscape as it rests on a limb overlooking a winding river. It includes hand painted lettering of an excerpt from Isaiah 40.31: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” The other two finish the verse. “It took me six months to complete the thought process for series,” says Todd.

“The person who bought the first painting is a former Eagle Scout, a retired Marine celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary. It was hard to let that painting go, but I love that it now rests on a wall in Wisconsin providing so much joy to its owner.”

Todd’s easels are currently occupied with a variety of works: a portrait, a still life of an assortment of hydrangeas, a painting similar to “Those Who Wait” for the brother of the retired Marine who bought the first one, and a triptych of a beach scene. He also has plans for another beach scene using real sand to add an impasto texture. He doesn’t collaborate with other artists often, but he plans to illustrate a children’s book his wife, Holley, wrote for her master’s degree.

Over the years, Todd has maintained an unapologetic attitude about his approach to both his subject matter and his artistic process. Like his uncle did for him over 40 years ago, he encourages aspiring artists to follow their instincts and push through doubts as they arise. “Paint, draw, break the rules if you want,” he says. “Never compare or undervalue yourself and always know you are enough.” OL

“A SERIES OF PAINTINGS”

TOP LEFT The first “Those Who Wait” painting was sold to a retired Marine in celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary.

TOP RIGHT The second in Todd’s “Those Who Wait” series was completed six months after the first was completed.

Both paintings include hand painted excerpts from Isaiah 40:31.

by Zach Lee Southern Ledger

Summer in the South South

Just saying the words is enough to make your shirt cling to your back and the air feel a little heavier.

It’s a season you feel before you see it. The air thickens and slows. The sun lingers longer each evening. Even now, years later, the mere mention of it opens a small door somewhere in the back of my mind, and the memories start stepping through one by one.

Popsicles melting faster than you can eat them, the sticky red syrup running down your wrists and drying in the crook of your elbow. The sharp, clean smell of chlorine at the city pool. The hum of cicadas rising from the trees like electricity.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, a backyard garden that your dad decided to plant one summer.

The strange thing about childhood memories is how stubborn they are. You would think that after 30-some odd years the details would fade around the edges, but many of them remain clear as glass. A color. A smell. The way the sunlight fell across a yard at five in the afternoon.

Summers felt endless, stretching out like a long dirt road with no turn in sight. The heat settled in early each morning and stayed late into the night, draped over the landscape like an invisible wool blanket. It was the kind of heat that made the asphalt shimmer and the air waver above the hood of a parked car.

Hot.

One summer in particular stands out in my mind. It was the summer the corn came in.

My mother and my grandmother had decided it was time to “put up corn,” which in the South is less of a task and more of a production. The operation spread across the carport and into the kitchen like a carefully choreographed assembly line.

Corn was everywhere.

Baskets of it. Buckets of it. Ears of Silver Queen stacked on card tables lined with old newspapers and kitchen towels.

The process began with shucking. The green husks peeled back in thick handfuls, revealing rows of pale kernels underneath. Then came silking, the slow and tedious job of pulling away the stubborn strands that clung to the cob. After that, the corn was dropped into boiling water for blanching before being transferred to bowls of ice to cool.

Once cooled, the real work began.

Cobs were stood upright in shallow pans while someone carefully sliced downward with a knife, sending rows of kernels tumbling into a bowl. Then the back of the knife scraped the cob to release the creamy pulp, the part that makes true Southern creamed corn what it is.

Box fans sat on folding chairs, spinning at full speed in an e ort to keep the flies away and pretending to keep the heat at bay. The air moved just enough to stir the edges of the newspapers but not enough to cool anything down.

At some point in the middle of it all my grandmother had a “sinking spell.”

She quietly stepped away from the table, sat down for a moment, and then decided the best thing to do was lie down inside until she felt better. That left my mother standing alone at the center of the entire operation, surrounded by bowls, knives,

and what felt like an endless mountain of corn.

To her credit, she finished the job.

But I can tell you this—that was the last time I remember seeing a corn day like that for quite a while.

Summers back then had a rhythm to them.

You could hear the metallic snap of tri-fold lawn chairs opening and closing in backyards. Sprinklers pulsed slowly across the grass, sending water into the air while children waited their turn to run through them, mouths open, laughing as the spray hit their faces.

At the city park there was a metal merry-go-round that baked in the sun all afternoon. If you weren’t careful, sitting down too quickly would leave the backs of your thighs burning while someone spun you faster and faster.

No one seemed to be in a hurry.

Afternoons stretched on long enough for boredom to set in, and boredom had a way of inventing things to do. A cardboard box became a fort. A stick became a sword. A garden hose turned into an entire afternoon’s worth of entertainment!

They say everything old eventually becomes new again, and lately I’ve noticed something interesting happening…people are planting gardens again. Pantry shelves hold jars of vegetables that someone took the time to grow and preserve themselves. Time is returning to that slower pace. And something as simple as sitting beside a backyard pool eating an ice cream sandwich can suddenly feel like a small ceremony.

Maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

Of course, summers today look a little di erent for many families. The calendars are full of travel ball tournaments, day camps, swim lessons, and the glow of video game screens.

But I suspect the memories will still come one day.

Years from now, someone will pause in the middle of a hot afternoon and find themselves thinking about the summers of their childhood. And for just a moment, they’ll wish they could step back into one of those days again.

Maybe into a backyard where the sprinkler is running.

Or into a carport where box fans hum and ears of corn are stacked high on the table.

And somewhere nearby, a child will be sitting in front of a fan, talking into it so his voice sounds like a robot, while his mother and grandmother put up corn. OL

Zach&Isabelle Salon owner Zach Lee is a hairstylist, entrepreneur, and lifelong South Georgia storyteller. When he’s not behind the chair or dreaming up new ventures in downtown Blackshear, he’s usually writing about smalltown life, family, hospitality, and the beauty found in ordinary Southern moments. His work is shaped by a deep love for home, history, and the people who make a place worth remembering.

STRONG BODY. SHARP MIND. BETTER LEADERSHIP.

Article by PATRICK SIMMONS, NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER

In today’s fast-moving world, leadership isn’t just about making decisions. It’s about endurance, clarity, and staying composed when pressure hits. The reality is simple. If your body isn’t performing, your mind won’t perform at a high level either.

Research confirms what high performers already know. Exercise boosts brain health and improves function in just about every measurable way. It sharpens memory, increases focus, and enhances problem solving. Just as importantly, regular physical activity boosts mood by reducing anxiety, depression, and pessimism while increasing optimism and self-confidence.

IT ISN’T JUST FITNESS. IT’S LEADERSHIP.

The demands of leadership, whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or serving a community, can wear you down. Stress builds, energy drops, and focus starts to slip if you aren’t intentional. Exercise becomes a tool, not a luxury. It helps regulate stress, enhances sleep, strengthens immunity, and supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

FITNESS HAS REAL PERFORMANCE BENEFITS THAT IMPACT HOW YOU SHOW UP DAILY.

I understand how busy life gets because I live it. I have a fulltime job, a wife, kids, and a grandson. My days are full just like everyone else who’s trying to balance work and family. That’s exactly why my health stays a priority. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be present or active in their lives the way I need to be. For me, staying fit isn’t about appearance—it’s about having the energy, focus, and ability to show up for my family and for my responsibilities every single day.

THIS SAME MINDSET APPLIES TO LEADERSHIP.

Healthy leaders are present. They’re steady. They’re consistent. You can’t lead e ectively if your energy is low, your mind foggy, and your body worn down. Taking care of yourself is part of doing your job at a higher level.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a complex routine or expensive equipment to get results. Keep it simple and focus on five foundational movements that

can be done in a gym, at home, or in one of Waycross’s parks.

• Squats build lower body strength and stability.

• Push-ups develop upper body strength and endurance.

• Deadlifts strengthen the entire posterior chain.

• Shoulder presses improve upper body strength and posture.

• Core exercises improve balance, control, and overall stability.

START WHERE YOU ARE.

Bodyweight training is more than enough in the beginning. As you get stronger, gradually add resistance over time. That progressive overload is what builds strength and muscle.

Stay consistent: Commit to 30 minutes a day, three to four days a week. That’s how to achieve real results—not from doing too much too fast, but from showing up again and again.

Your nutrition matters. What you eat a ects your energy, focus, and recovery. When you fuel your body the right way, your mind performs better. It all connects.

The opportunity is already here. Right here in Waycross, you have access to everything you need. There are gyms, parks, and walking trails throughout the community. It comes down to making the decision to use them.

Leadership starts with self-leadership. When you take control of your health, everything improves.

Your energy increases. Your mindset sharpens. Your productivity goes up. Your ability to lead others gets stronger.

Exercise isn’t just about looking better. It’s about thinking more clearly, leading more strongly, and performing at your best.

PATRICK SIMMONS

NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (912) 337-6062

Learn more about Patrick Simmons at psapatricksimmonsathletics.com @patrick_simmons_athletics

PUTTIN FORE PALLIATIVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Hospice Satilla held its first annual Puttin FORE Palliative Golf Tournament on April 17, 2026, at Okefenokee Country Club with proceeds benefitting their palliative care program. For more

information on Hospice Satilla and how to participate in the 2027 golf tournament, contact Hospice Satilla at 912-288-0782.

HOSPICE SATILLA SILVER BOWL GALA

The13th Annual Hospice Satilla Silver Bowl Gala was held at The Banter in Blackshear on November 13, 2025. Guests participated in the evening’s signature tradition by placing donations into a silver bowl at the entryway, raising more than $128,000 for Hospice Satilla, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

Through generous donations, Hospice Satilla continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the community. Proceeds from previous Silver Bowl Galas have played a key role in establishing the Hospice Satilla Hospice House—the only inpatient hospice facility in the area—as well as the Jones Family Counseling Center, which o ers grief support, counseling, and educational services.

L SEENS

A NIGHT IN THE PINES

ThePierce County Chamber Gala was held at Eagle Station in Patterson on April 23. The event featured dinner, entertainment, ra e prizes, and a silent auction. Winners of the Chamber’s annual awards were recognized and included Citizen of the Year: Guy Lee, Daniel Washington; Business Leader of the Year: Steel & Metal Systems, Inc.; Bravo to Business Award: Carly Popham, Esthetic Central; Farmer of the Year: Yeomans Farms; S. Dow Nimmer Award: Pam Brooks; Leona Dixon Bright Spot Award: Robert Westberry; Huel P. Walker Educator of the Year: Julie Griner; Dr. Katherine Hendry Community Health Award: Kelli Beard, B-Well Family Practice; Love Like Lanna Award: Jessica Chadwick; and Barber’s Pharmacy Years of Service Award: Betty Riggins, Blackshear Floral Shop.

WAYCROSS-WARE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS BANQUET

The 91st Annual WaycrossWare County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was held on March 19 at C.C. McCray City Auditorium. The event recognized outstanding businesses and individuals for their work and community service in 2025.

Index OF ADVERTISERS

828designcollective.com

aha.photography

Bone & Joint Institute of South GA

Brittany Jury Photography

Coastal Pines Technical College

Crawford Jewelers

Dairy Queen

Esthetic Central

Farmers & Builders ACE Hardware

Gooey’s Pizza

Gracianna’s Bridal

Homerville Jewelers

Lott’s Furniture

Memorial Satilla

My Waycross

Okefenoke REMC

Okefenokee Swamp Park

Pierce Timber Co.

Primesouth Bank

ReJoyce Longevity Institure

Representative Steven Meeks

Southeast Georgia Health System

Taylor Pools

Ted Erwin’s Menswear

The Avriett House

The O’Quinn Team

Three Boys Bakery

Tim’s Home Medical

Vitality Health & Wellness

Walker Jones

Waycross Bank & Trust

Waycross Convention & Visitors

White Star Supply

americaneyecarecenter.com baptistvillage.com visitblackshear.com bjisg.com

Brittany Jury Photography coastalpines.edu crawfordjewelers.com dairyqueen.com ecblackshear.com acehardware.com gooeyspizza.com gracieannabridalboutique.com homervillejewelers.com hospicesatilla.com integrityhealthga.com joysumnerphotography.com layneschickenfingers.com lottsfurniture.com memorialsatillahealth.com waycrossga.gov oremc.com okeswamp.org piercetimbercompany.com primesouth.com rejoycewellness.com steven.meeks@house.ga.gov sghs.org taylorpoolswayx.com tederwinsmenswear.com avrietthouse.com

The Oquinn Team

Three Boys Bakery

Tim’sHomeMedical-Waycross vitalityhealthwell.com walkerjones.com wbt.bank waycrosstourism.com whitestarsupply.com