September & October 2026 Priceless
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FOR ALL SEASONS
FEEDING NEIGHBORS GAME ON EAGLES!
When it’s time for your next When it’s time for your next move, ERA is here to help. move, ERA is here to help.
M E E T
Mandy Lane
Renee Massey
912-682-8742
912-682-1827
Faye Hunter
Larry Williams
Jean Melton 912-687-1967
O U R
T E A M
Cindy Allen
Tonya Taylor
912-682-8996
912-688-0504
Jennifer Mock
Patsy Finch
912-687-2831
912-536-2211
Robin Kitching
Carlee Glenn
Pat Hirsch Owner/Broker ABR, ASP, CRS, SRES, Green, MCRS
912-690-0924 912-687-2362
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Lauren Rogers Stephanie S. Hodges 912-536-2763
912-212-6112
Dixie Hagan 843-729-9878
912-531-8593
408 S. ZETTEROWER AVE | STATESBORO, GA 30458 www.yourstatesborohome.com | #ERAREALESTATE
912-237-6836
WHERE AGRICULTURE TAKES CENTER STAGE Beyond the midway lights, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair celebrates the people, animals, and traditions that have shaped our community for generations.
Every visit to the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair helps support the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro’s mission of improving the lives of children and strengthening our community.
ROOTED IN AGRICULTURE. CULTIVATING COMMUNITY.
LIVESTOCK PROGRAM Growing leaders from the ground up. Watch local youth proudly exhibit the animals they have spent months raising, training, and caring for. The Livestock Program teaches responsibility, perseverance, confidence, and respect for agriculture; lessons that extend far beyond the show ring.
HERITAGE VILLAGE Step back in time. Experience history brought to life. Explore the skills, knowledge, craftsmanship, and agricultural traditions of generations past. Heritage Village offers families a hands-on connection to the people and practices that helped build our community.
, STATESBORO, GEORGIA LEARN MORE AT KIWANISOGEECHEEFAIR.COM
WE LIVE HERE
| FROM THE EDITOR
T
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT FALL IN STATESBORO THAT BRINGS US BACK TO THE PL ACES AND TR ADITIONS WE LOVE MOST.
The weather begins to cool, football returns to Paulson Stadium, the Great Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair arrives, and gathering together feels especially good. Our September/October issue celebrates Agriculture & Tourism and the people who make this season so meaningful. We begin at home with Summer and Jay Hodges. In “A Home for All Seasons,” we return to the historic farmhouse they have loved through many chapters of family life. Their children are grown now, and the house has entered a new season along with them. Summer continues to reimagine its rooms with her remarkable gift for taking ordinary things and arranging them extraordinarily. Her autumn décor is beautiful, but the heart of the story is the welcoming home she and Jay have created. Just across the Bulloch County line, the Jacobs family is carrying on an agricultural legacy rooted in hard work and a love for feeding their neighbors. Jacob’s Produce began in 1993 with Herbert and Linda Jacobs, their son Don, and a field of “U-Pick” strawberries. Today, the family sells produce at the Statesboro and Sylvania farmers markets while delivering Farm Fresh Express boxes directly to customers. Their story reminds us that when we buy from local farmers, we are supporting the families who plant the fields and bring the harvest to our tables. Of course, fall in Statesboro would not be complete without Georgia Southern football. Our special section, “Where Tradition Takes the Field,” celebrates the people and pageantry that make Eagle football unlike anything else. We introduce Director of Athletics Chris Davis and welcome Adam Young, the new Voice of the Eagles. You will also find the 2026 football schedule, favorite traditions and plenty of photographs that capture the excitement surrounding game day. Our tailgating feature will help you enjoy every Saturday, whether you are headed to Paulson or cheering from home. This issue is filled with stories that reflect exactly why we love living here. They are stories of homes that evolve, family farms that endure, and traditions that bring an entire community together. So, go ahead, pour yourself a cup of something warm, settle into your favorite chair, and enjoy every heartfelt story. Fall has arrived, and there is no better place to celebrate it than right there at home.
Enjoy ! Jenny Starling Foss Editor, Statesboro Magazine
ABOUT THE COVER Statesboro interior designer Summer Hodges, founder & owner of Graymont Designs, is pictured on the fall festooned front porch of the family home with husband Jay. Summer’s gift for melding modern updates into a traditional Southern aesthetic blends layers of warm textures, surprising color combinations and beautiful arrangements of furniture and accessories to create a welcoming home for family and friends. Photographed by Brandon Walker of Walker Family Studio. www.WalkerFamilyStudio.com.
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s t ate sb o roma g a z i n e .co m | S EPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2 026
ESTABLISHED MARCH 1, 2000 EDITOR
Jenny Starling Foss SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Melanie Schmermund DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Mindy Boyette CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Frank Fortune Statesboro Magazine is proudly produced by:
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, PLEASE E-MAIL:
mboyette@ StatesboroMagazine.com FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE E-MAIL:
editor@ StatesboroMagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS:
P. O. BOX 1084 Statesboro, GA 30459 p: 912.489.2181 PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
One Herald Square, Statesboro, GA 30458 f: 912.489.8613
CIRCULATION & COPYRIGHT Statesboro Magazine is published bi-monthly (six issues a year) at a $25.00 annual subscription rate by Morris Multimedia, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA, 30459. Periodical postage paid at Statesboro, Georgia. Postmaster send address changes to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA 30459. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Statesboro Magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Statesboro Magazine, P.O. Box 1084, Statesboro, GA 30459. Copyright © 2026 by Morris Multimedia. All rights reserved.
CONTRIBUTORS |
FRANK FORTUNE
JEREMY WILBURN
Frank is the national award winning freelance photographer who holds the distinction of shooting 26 years’ worth of covers for Statesboro Magazine. He retired from Georgia Southern after having been responsible for capturing the University’s history on film and video for 30 years. Throughout his career Frank’s enjoyed all aspects of photography, including sports, still-life, landscape, and architecture. He and his wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of Jack and Cate.
Jeremy Wilburn, Business Development Director at the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, blends over 15 years as a commercial photographer with expertise in marketing, communications, and public relations. He holds a master’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois, combining creativity with strategic vision.
B R A N D O N WA L K E R Brandon Walker is a Statesboro native. After graduating from Bulloch Academy in 2011, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He and his wife, Anna, then served as missionaries with Amigos for Christ in Chinandega, Nicaragua, before returning to Statesboro in 2022. Today, Brandon and Anna run Walker Family Studio, photographing families, businesses, and real estate across the region. They are the proud parents of Elijah and Adeline.
JAIME RIGGS Jaime Riggs is the Director of Marketing for East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where she works to share the story of how the hospital provides quality, compassionate healthcare close to home. Jaime graduated from GSU with a BS in Recreation, OTC with a CIS diploma and has an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Ashford University. In addition to her professional career, Jaime is active in service and ministry. She is past president of the Rotary Club, and serves as a volunteer and youth leader at Metter Methodist Church. Jaime is passionate about promoting the incredible work of healthcare providers and serving her community.
BENJY THOMPSON LAZAR BROWN OGLESBY Lazar Brown Oglesby is the owner of Honey Catering and Dolan’s BBQ both located in Statesboro. Lazar attended Ogeechee Technical College where she earned a Culinary Arts degree. In 2012 Lazar followed a lifelong dream and opened Honey Catering and Café. She enjoys cooking Southern food with an adventurous twist! Lazar is known for her famous cheesecakes of which she has over 100 flavors. Lazar recently started the Honey Blog to share her recipes and stories. Visit her at Dolan’s & Honey’s new location on South Main Street.
Benjy was born and raised in nearby Millen but spent much of his childhood visiting family in Brooklet. He is a Double Eagle graduate of Georgia Southern University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina. After spending 16 years in faculty and administration roles at Georgia Southern and Ogeechee Technical College, Benjy transitioned to economic development and his present role as CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County. Benjy and his wife Delaine have two children, Lucas and Sarah Kate. He is a longtime partner in the “Downright Brothers Band” with Frank Fortune and a member of the Dark Desert Highway Band.
WE LIVE HERE
VIRGINIA ANNE F R A N K L I N WAT E R S Virginia Anne Franklin Waters is a fourth generation Bulloch Countian and loves all things about her hometown of Statesboro. She graduated from UGA and is a CPA. She spent her career in the hospitality industry. Her passions include entertaining friends at home and working in her gardens. Virginia Anne enjoys everything Gardening—planting seeds, arranging flowers, using raised beds, protecting native plants, propagating camellias and even pulling weeds. She has been a member of the Sprig-N-Dig Federated Garden Club since 1985. Virginia Anne has served on numerous philanthropic boards in our community and is currently the Executive Director of the Bulloch County Historical Society.
R E V. J O H N WAT E R S Since 2005, John Waters has been the lead pastor of First Baptist Church Statesboro. Raised in a military family, he spent his childhood years in Tokyo, Japan, and Selma, Alabama. He earned a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. As a teenager, he once worked a weekend as a circus clown but now enjoys collecting fountain pens, reading across many genres, and visiting the great cathedrals of the world. His wife, Cynthia, is a retired elementary school teacher, and they have two married adult daughters and five grandchildren.
D O Y C AV E From Eagle Nation is a column brought to you by Georgia Southern University, where we cherish our place in the larger Statesboro community. In each issue, we hope to bring interesting and informative stories to the readers of Statesboro Magazine. Doy Cave is the Marketing Content Manager in the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University, and resides with his family in Statesboro.
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WE LIVE HERE
| TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
CONTENTS AG RI CU LTU RE/ TOU RI S M I SSU E
26 FE ATU RE S
8
26
34
A HOME FOR ALL S E A SONS
FE E D IN G THE IR NE I G HBORS
THI S I S E AG LE NATI ON
S U M M ER & JAY H O D G E S
JAC O B S FA R M F R E S H P R O D U C E
W H ER E T R A D I T I O N TA K E S T H E F I EL D
W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S
W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S
W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY B R A N D O N WA L K E R
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY F R A N K FO R T U N E
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY G S AT H L E T I C S
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TABLE OF CONTENTS |
WE LIVE HERE
IN EVERY ISSUE
6
FROM THE E D ITOR
7
CONTRI BUTORS
12
CALE NDAR OF E VE NTS
18
NE WS & NOTE S
64
LOOK AROU ND
F E AT U R E D COLUMNISTS
48
BUZZ WORTHY B ITE S W R I T T EN BY L A Z A R B R OW N O G L E S BY
34
56
G ARDE N VARIET Y W R I T T EN BY V I R G I N I A A N N E WAT E R S
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WORDS OF LI FE W R I T T EN BY R E V. D R . J O H N WAT E R S
60
TRU E B LU E G EORG IA SOUTHE RN W R I T T EN BY D OY C AV E
62
FORWARD STATE S BORO - BU LLOCH W R I T T EN BY B E N J Y T H O M P S O N
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66
LIVI N G WE LL W R I T T EN BY JA I M E R I G G S
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SCAN TO DONATE OR VISIT oahospice.org/donate
We also provide Home Care and Palliative Care. Home is where the heart is. It’s where each of us want to be. Even with serious illness, staying at home is generally possible. Ask us about how our skilled nursing and physicians can provide patients with the opportunity to experience as much independence as possible by providing the appropriate in-home support and care. Our Palliative Care Program was developed based on the specific needs of our residents with advanced, progressive conditions. The goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals living at home, in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. With the development of our Palliative Care Program, we have expanded our services to support a broader, but specific population; those who are facing severe, chronic disease, with a history of problematic symptoms.
200 DONEHOO ST., STATESBORO, GA 30458 | 912.764.8441 | OAHOSPICE.ORG | Providing care regardless of age, gender, religion, national origin, lifestyle, diagnosis, or ability to pay. GA License #016-057-H
WE LIVE HERE
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS
F R I D AY S – T U E S D AY S @ 1 0 : 0 0 P. M . STATESBORO MAIN STREET MARKET2GO Order the season’s freshest local fruits, vegetables and homemade baked goods, preserves, jams, jellies, candies and relishes. You’ll also find locally sourced meat, seafood, spices, dairy and eggs. Home and garden items, honey and locally grown flower bouquets. Shop online Friday – Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. @
food available at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market! Produce, meat, cheese, and eggs are brought to you straight from local family farms. While you’re here, browse unique, handcrafted items while enjoying fresh coffee or homemade lemonade and live music. Family fun for everyone! If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Statesboro Farmers Market, please download an application here www.visitstatesboro.org/ farmers-market or stop by Visit Statesboro and pick up one in person. Email all potential applications to: marketmanager@ visitstatesboro.org or drop off at Visit Statesboro! See you Saturday at the Market!
SEPTEMBER 5 GOLD CITY RISE UP TOUR 3:00 P.M. $29 - $39/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS Since 1980, gospel music fans worldwide have been in love with the trend-setting style of Gold City. From their inception, this quartet’s goal has been to use the musical gifts the Lord has given them in the best way they know how—to honor God, share the gospel message, witness to the lost and encourage the saved. With 12 number one songs, multiple radio hits,
https://statesboromarket2go.locallygrown.net.
and numerous industry accolades, this
Pick-up on Thursday afternoons at the
Dove Award-winning quartet has achieved
SECOND S AT U R D AY
legendary status. With number one songs
Visit Statesboro! & the Downtown
credit, their career continues to be one
Merchants Association invite you and your
that is celebrated, respected, and relevant
family to explore downtown Statesboro
in today’s musical scene. Historically,
on Second Saturdays starting at the Main
they have introduced some of the most
Street Farmers Market, where you will find
important songs to all of gospel music,
the area’s freshest fruits & vegetables,
including I’m Not Giving Up, It’s Still The
homemade goods, artisans &craftsmen and
Cross, When I Get Carried Away, and their
STATESBORO MAIN STREET
food trucks! Take a stroll downtown, shop
signature song, Midnight Cry. They had
FARMERS MARKET
local boutiques, enjoy restaurants & cafes,
the number one radio chart single in 2019
9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
and visit salons & service providers. Shop,
as noted by Singing News Magazine, All
FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT!
stroll, sip & explore one of America’s Best
My Hope. In 2017, Gold City was inducted
You’ll find the most delicious and fresh
Communities. www.VisitStatesboro.org.
into the Gospel Music Association Hall of
Statesboro Visitors Center, 222 South Main Street or in Sylvania at the Victory Garden General Store, 124 West Telephone Street.
S AT U R D AY S THROUGH THANKSGIVING
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in each of the past five decades and over 60 Singing News Fan Awards to their
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER
Moon – the music of CSN&Y, Interstellar Echoes – A Tribute to Pink Floyd, Simple
Gold City
C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T C E N T E R F O R T H E A R T S
Dreams – The Ronstadt Experience and Reconciler. A tribute to The World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band is a tall order. The members of TATTOO YOU approach this amazing catalog of music with a love of the band, a passion for the music, and a dedication to recreate these songs with the spirit and energy that they demand. There will be no wigs, costumes or phony British accents. The focus is solely on the music, and the band looks forward to bringing all the hits and lots and lots of deep cuts! For tickets visit www.AverittenterfortheArts.org.
SEPTEMBER 19
Fame, forever solidifying what thousands of loyal gospel music followers already
37TH ANNUAL BROOKLET PEANUT FESTIVAL 10:00 A.M. PARADE/ARTS & CRAFTS/FOOD VENDORS/AMUSEMENTS 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT NOON – TRACTOR RACES BEGIN ON WARNOCK STREET 6:00 P.M. THE RIPLEYS 8:00 P.M. FESTIVAL ENDS FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT! 209 RAILROAD STREET DOWNTOWN BROOKLET, GEORGIA
know—Gold City will forever be the standard of excellence for gospel quartets. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
SEPTEMBER 11 JIMMY CLIFTON LIVE! 7:30 P.M. $23/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS Christian, Indie Folk artist Jimmy Clifton returns to the Emma Kelly Theater, for a live concert with bold, inspirational music woven with truth and hope. Jimmy Clifton’s music resonates with fans across the country and challenges him to be true to himself and God. With an opening performance by Haddon. This performance is presented in partnership with, SCS inc. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
SEPTEMBER 26 TRIAL BY FIRE – THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY TRIBUTE 7:00 P.M. $29-$49/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS Join Trial by Fire: Tribute to Journey as they bring to life the 1996 Trial by Fire Tour that never happened. In 1996, Journey reunited with legendary frontman Steve Perry and
Join in the full day of fun at the 37th Annual
released Trial by Fire, their first album
Brooklet Peanut Festival. Parade starts
together in a decade. Plans for a worldwide
at 10:00 a.m. followed by a midway of
tour were cut short when Perry suffered a
amusement rides, arts & crafts, food vendors,
devastating injury, leaving fans to wonder
live entertainment and all the peanuts you
what could have been. Now, Trial by Fire pays
can eat! You’ll find one of the area’s #1 crops
homage to that lost moment in rock history.
boiled, roasted, candied, buttered & fried.
This unforgettable show imagines the setlist,
Enjoy the kiddie tractor races and the antique
energy, and spectacle of the tour Journey
tractor races at mid-day. Then settle in for
fans never got to see—packed with iconic hits
live entertainment from some of the area’s
from the Trial by Fire album and classics from
favorites. See you at the Peanut Festival!
the Steve Perry era. Don’t miss your chance
www.BrookletPeanutFestival.com.
to relive the magic and experience the Trial by Fire Tour as it might have been. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
Clifton
TATTOO YOU – A ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE 7:00 P.M. $33-$38/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Tattoo You – A Rolling Stones Tribute
TATTOO YOU include members of TRIBUTE – a celebration of The Allman Brothers Band, Harvest SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T C E N T E R F O R T H E A R T S
Jimmy
C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T C E N T E R F O R T H E A R T S
SEPTEMBER 19
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER 1
OCTOBER 3
OGEECHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE J. DAVID RUSSELL MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 11:00 A.M. – 12:15 P.M. REGISTRATION 12:30 P.M. SHOTGUN START 11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. LUNCH IS SERVED $200 - $2,000/TEAM SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES FOREST HEIGHTS COUNTRY CLUB
ETTA MAY- STILL KICKIN’ 7:00 P.M. $38 - $48/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Russell Memorial Golf Tournament benefitting Adult Literacy & the OTC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Pick your team’s sponsorship level and enjoy a fine fall afternoon on the links! Prizes awarded for 1st, 2d, 3rd, Gross & Net. For more information, sponsorships or tickets contact Christina Harrell, Director for Resource Development, 912.688.6098, charrell@ogeecheetech.edu. www.OgeecheeTech.edu.
woman is a comedy icon, described as
in a way that makes you rediscover and fall in
“Minnie Pearl with a migraine.” Hailed as the
love with the music all over again.
"Polyester Princess," the reigning Queen of
“Rogers, Richie & Robinson” – Songs you
Southern Sass delivers a high-powered, take-
remember. A night you won’t forget.
no-prisoners performance full of truth, irony,
or tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
humor and wisdom. Etta has been seen on “Oprah”, CMT, Showtime, “Comic Strip Live”, “Comedy Stage” plus many others. Etta May Comedy Channels and on the syndicated radio show “The Bob and Tom Show.” She’s a regular on CMT countdown shows and featured programming and headlines the hugely popular Southern Fried Chicks
event, "Tractors & Tunes." This year, we’re The Undercovers
turning up the volume on community
and 4-H chapters, food vendors, plus, special promotions from downtown businesses.
THE UNDERCOVERS LIVE! 7:00 P.M. $38/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS & ROBINSON – Celebrating Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson, You’ve heard these songs before. But not like this.
THE PORTAL TURPENTINE FESTIVAL 10:00 A.M. PARADE FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT! AT THE TURPENTINE STILL PORTAL, GEORGIA
You’ll hear beloved hits like Kenny’s “The
After the parade, join us at the Turpentine
scenes stories that uncover the surprising
Still for food and fun. You will have the
connections between these icons. You’ll
opportunity to purchase turpentine,
experience the brilliance of their songs and
turpentine soap, rosin potatoes, and much
their ties that link country, pop, and soul.
more. Following the festival, will be a street
“Rogers, Richie & Robinson” celebrates their
dance that starts at 7:30 PM.
fusion of styles, paying tribute to how their
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GEORGIA TRAINING CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS GRAND OPENING 11:00 A.M. 66 A.J. RIGGS ROAD @ U.S. HIGHWAY 301 SOUTH STATESBORO, GEORGIA Please join the Board of Directors, Faculty, Staff & Students of Ogeechee Technical College to celebrate the grand opening of the new Georgia Training Center for Industrial Operations, a state-of-the-art robotic industrial training facility for all Georgians! Tours and refreshments are scheduled. www.OgeecheeTech.edu.
OCTOBER 9
The Undercovers presents ROGERS, RICHIE
OCTOBER 3
OCTOBER 15
is an audience favorite of XM/Sirius Radio
We’re excited to share a highly anticipated
farm equipment, participation from local FFA
Parisien— bring the legendary songs to life. iconic artists’ greatest hits, and perform them
TRACTORS & TUNES A STATESBORO-BULLOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. FREE, FUN, FAMILY EVENT! DOWNTOWN STATESBORO
music performances, displays of tractors and
vocalists Luke McMaster, Kevin Pauls, and Joel
Awards “Comic of the Year.” This Kentucky
OCTOBER 2
family-friendly event will showcase: Live
as The Undercovers—featuring acclaimed
Together The Undercovers reimagine these
visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
in the heart of Downtown Statesboro. This
for an evening of timeless music reimagined
Winner of the prestigious American Comedy
Comedy Tour, as seen on CMT. For tickets
engagement and celebration of agriculture
they shaped each other’s work. Get ready
Gambler,” Lionel’s “Hello,” and Smokey’s “Cruisin’,” reinterpreted with The Undercovers’ signature touch. This performance goes beyond the music, offering behind-the-
s t ate sb oro ma g a z i n e .co m | S EPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Tribute
OCTOBER 16 TRIBUTE, A CELEBRATION OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 7:30 P.M. $33-$38/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS TRIBUTE – a celebration of The Allman Brothers Band is a powerful 8-piece group that faithfully recreates the music of one of the finest bands of all time. Since its founding in 2013, Atlanta-based TRIBUTE has earned a reputation as the source for the authentic ABB sound throughout the Southeast. With 12 sold out shows at
C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Join in the fun at the Annual J. David
music intertwined and the unexpected ways
C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T C E N T E R F O R T H E A R T S
WE LIVE HERE
The Great Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair
Statler Made; Wilson Fairchild are the sons of
The House of Blues, and hundreds of
CHILDREN UNDER 5 GET IN FREE! SENIORS 65+ GET IN FREE TUESDAY! KIWANIS FAIR GROUNDS HIGHWAY 67 SOUTH
great music rooms, theaters and festivals,
The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is an annual
the industry, known for their unique blend
TRIBUTE has amassed a large and loyal
agricultural fair hosted by the Kiwanis Club
of traditional and contemporary sounds.
following. TRIBUTE recalls that unique
of Statesboro. The purpose of the fair is to
Comprising cousins Wil and Langdon Reid,
bring a fun filled event to the seven-county
Wilson Fairchild brings a rich heritage of
area surrounding Bulloch County while raising
music and storytelling to every song they
money to give back to the communities
create. With deep roots in the heart of the
that the Fair serves. The Fair brings carnival
Shenandoah Valley, their music is a reflection
rides and midway games together with local
of their upbringing, life experiences, and
food vendors, local business booths, live
unwavering love for country music. For tickets
entertainment and agricultural history as well
visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
City Winery, legendary performances at Variety Playhouse, Center Stage, The Fox Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Block Party,
period in American rock, when psychedelia ebbed and The ABB informed us what jazz, rock, country and blues could sound like. Comprised of musicians with decades of performance experience, the members bring their shared love of The Allman Brothers Band to life when it comes time for hittin’ the note. For tickets visit www.AverittCenterfortheArts.org.
Don and Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers. Wilson Fairchild is more than just a country music duo—they’re a force of nature in
as livestock shows. 2026 will mark the 64th Annual Great Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. Current club members and the community at large owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the
OCTOBER 19 – 24 THE 64TH ANNUAL GREAT KIWANIS OGEECHEE FAIR
Kiwanians that came before us, in developing and nurturing this great fund-raiser over the past six decades. For advance tickets visit www.KiwanisOgeecheeFair.com.
STARS, STRIPES & CARNIVAL LIGHTS 4:00 P.M. MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 FAIR PARADE IN DOWNTOWN STATESBORO 6:30 P.M. FAIR OPENS AFTER PARADE 4:00 P.M. FAIR OPENS TUESDAY – FRIDAY 12 NOON – FAIR OPENS SATURDAY $12/PERSON ADVANCE ONLINE - $15/ PERSON AT THE GATE
OCTOBER 25 WILSON FAIRCHILD 3:00 P.M. | $40-$50/PERSON EMMA KELLY THEATER AVERITT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Wilson Fairchild
S E N D U S YO U R E V E N T S ! Email your event, with one image, to editor@statesboromagazine.com for possible inclusion in next month's calendar.
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C O U R T E S Y AV E R I T T C E N T E R F O R T H E A R T S
P H OTO BY F R A N K F O R T U N E
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER
M AC O N T E L E G R A P H
Come for the Game. Stay for the Story.
Georgia Southern played the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in the 1989 NCAA Division I-AA Championship game at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. The Eagles won the game 37–34 to finish the season 15–0 under head coach Erk Russell. This photo is from the last game of Coach Russell’s career, Saturday, December 16, 1989.
Beyond the stadium, there’s a community shaped by generations of people, places and traditions worth discovering. The Bulloch County Historical Society preserves and shares the stories that give our community its character and make every visit to Statesboro a chance to discover the history that still lives all around us.
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| NEWS & NOTES
EAST GEORGIA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER INVESTING MORE THAN $11 MILLION IN C A R D I O VA S C U L A R S E R V I C E S
As Bulloch County and surrounding communities continue to experience rapid growth, East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) is expanding its cardiovascular services. EGRMC will invest more than $11 million to renovate and expand its cardiac catheterization laboratories. The multiphase project will increase the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions close to home, while incorporating advanced technology to support physicians and clinical care teams. Heart and vascular services are a critical component of healthcare for Southeast Georgia, where rapid access to specialized care saves lives. “Since 2019, our community has experienced meaningful growth, and we see that reflected daily in the patients who trust us with their care,” said Stephen Pennington, chief executive officer of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “Our focus remains steadfast on providing exceptional, compassionate care to every individual who walks through our doors. This $11 million investment gives our growing community access to a safe, advanced environment for healing, allowing us to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southeast Georgia families right here at home.” A cardiac catheterization laboratory, or “cath lab,” is a specialized hospital facility where physicians perform minimally invasive procedures to treat cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, vascular disease, and cardiac rhythm abnormalities. “Our mission is to elevate the standard of clinical excellence and healthcare delivery across the entire region,” said Dr. Alan Scott, chief medical officer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “This expansion will provide advanced, comprehensive medical 18
intervention to local patients. By broadening our specialized operational capacity, we are strengthening the continuity of medical care available to our community.” The facility Members of the EGRMC cath lab team in future procedure room upgrades feature: • Full renovation and CO N T I N U E D I N V EST M E N T footprint expansion of the hospital’s two I N T H E R EG I O N existing cardiac catheterization laboratories This expansion is part of EGRMC’s • Eight new patient bays dedicated broader long-term strategy to enhance local exclusively to pre-procedural preparation patient care. In recent months, the hospital and post-op recovery space has invested more than $17.5 million in • A new, modern waiting area serving advanced technology, medical equipment, and cardiac care and diagnostic imaging facilities. patients and visitors “These facility enhancements solidify • Upgraded procedural rooms that allow our role as the region’s anchor healthcare medical teams to seamlessly transition provider,” Pennington added. “Every between diagnostic and therapeutic renovation, equipment upgrade, and squaretreatments foot expansion reflects our commitment to • Next-generation technology designed to providing safe, dependable, and high-quality increase imaging clarity while reducing care to our neighbors. As our region grows, radiation exposure for patients and staff we will continue expanding our services and “This expansion is a massive leap forward facilities so East Georgia Regional remains specifically for our heart patients and cardiac fully prepared to meet the needs of the care teams,” said Tonya Eagle, director communities we serve.” of cardiovascular services at East Georgia East Georgia Regional Medical Regional Medical Center. “The integration Center is a 149-bed acute care hospital of multi-modality room capabilities and serving Bulloch County and surrounding advanced interventional imaging platforms communities in Southeast Georgia. The allow our cardiologists to perform intricate hospital provides a broad range of inpatient interventions with higher precision, shorter and outpatient services and continues to procedural times, and reduced radiation expoinvest in technology, facilities, physicians, sure. It directly elevates the safety and scope of and clinical teams to meet the evolving what we can achieve in acute cardiac care.” healthcare needs of the region. www. The Cardiovascular Services Department easteorgiaregional.com. will remain fully open and operational *East Georgia Regional Medical Center is owned throughout construction. The project is in part by physicians expected to be completed in mid-2027.
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COURTESY EG RMC
EXPANSION WILL INCREASE CAPACITY AND ADD NEW PROCEDURAL , PREPARATION AND RECOVERY SPACE
C O U R T E S Y G E O R G I A F O R WA R D
NEWS & NOTES |
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G E O R G I A F O R WA R D W E L C O M E S C H R I S T Y H U L S E Y A S M A N A G E R O F S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S GeorgiaForward is pleased to welcome Christy Hulsey as its new Manager of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Hulsey will cultivate relationships and develop partnerships that help advance GeorgiaForward’s mission of strengthening communities through childhood literacy, youth civic engagement and leadership development. Hulsey brings more than 20 years of experience building relationships, developing partnerships, leading organizations and bringing people together around shared goals. Her career spans entrepreneurship, community engagement, leadership development and strategic relationshipbuilding, providing a strong foundation for her work with GeorgiaForward and its partners across the state. Hulsey built a career in entrepreneurship and the floral industry, helping grow her family’s longtime flower shop into an internationally recognized brand through partnerships with organizations including
the White House, Pottery Barn, Southern Living, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, as well as international partners. Her leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments have earned recognition including UGA 40 Under 40 and three UGA Bulldog 100 honors. Beyond her professional career, Hulsey has dedicated significant time to leadership and civic development across Georgia, with experience that includes Leadership North Fulton, Leadership Bulloch and the Women of UGA Leadership Council. Through these experiences, she has focused on developing leaders, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement. For Hulsey, however, her connection to GeorgiaForward’s work is especially personal. Her commitment to improving literacy in Georgia has been shaped by her own family’s experiences and has become a central part of her personal mission. She believes access to literacy and the opportunities it creates can have a lasting impact on children, families and communities.
As Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Hulsey will work to expand GeorgiaForward’s network of supporters and partners, strengthen relationships across the state and help connect businesses, organizations and community leaders with opportunities to invest in Georgia’s communities. A South Georgia native and University of Georgia graduate, Hulsey has remained actively engaged in leadership and civic initiatives throughout her career. Her professional experience in building partnerships, combined with her personal commitment to literacy and community development, aligns closely with GeorgiaForward’s work to develop the people and communities that will shape Georgia’s future. About GeorgiaForward: GeorgiaForward is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to uniting leaders to find collaborative solutions for the state’s biggest challenges. Through leadership development, civic engagement, and community initiatives, GeorgiaForward works to cultivate a stronger, more vibrant Georgia for all. For more information, visit www.georgiaforward.org.
S TAT E S B O R O FA M I LY Y M C A T O H O S T “ B O R O N I G H T S , S E N I O R L I G H T S ” G R E A S E L I G H T N I N G -T H E M E D S E N I O R C I T I Z E N P R O M Community event benefits local Livestrong cancer support and Cardiac Rehab programs; evening wear donations now being accepted. The Statesboro Family YMCA is thrilled to announce its upcoming senior citizen prom, “Boro Nights, Senior Lights,” taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026. Proudly presented by Premier Sponsor Willow Pond Senior Care, this special evening invites local seniors to step back in time, enjoy a night out, mingle, and dance the night away. This year’s theme is “Grease Lightning!” Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1950s Grease-themed attire or traditional formal evening wear. EVENT D E TAILS & WHY S E NIO R S S HOULD ATTE ND
• Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 • Location: Statesboro Family YMCA • Red Carpet Arrival: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Prom Event: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Tickets: $25 for individuals | $40 for couples
WHY IT’ S M O R E T H A N J U ST A N I G H T O U T
Beyond the music, dancing, and 1950s nostalgia, events like “Boro Nights, Senior Lights” play a crucial role in senior health and well-being: • Connection & Social Wellness. • Active Living & Mental Joy. • A Dedicated Night to Shine! CO M M U N I T Y I M PACT
All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefit two vital seniorfocused health initiatives at the YMCA: • LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA • Cardiac Rehab Phase 3 Program “This event is all about celebrating our local seniors and giving them a memorable night to shine while raising essential funds for programs that keep them healthy and connected,” said Hannah Beggs, Branch Director of the Statesboro Family YMCA. “Willow Pond Senior Care is honored to be the Premier Host for YMCA’s Boro Nights, Senior Lights Prom! We value opportunities for our residents and seniors
within the Statesboro community to gather and enjoy time together, which enhances their quality of life,” added Erica Sellers Wells, Executive Director at Willow Pond Senior Care. “The ‘Y’ does a great job providing programming for active seniors, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing and building relationships within a community network. These goals align with the purpose and mission statement of Willow Pond Senior Care. We look forward to partnering with the YMCA and seeing you there!” H OW T H E CO M M U N I T Y CA N G E T I N VO LV E D
• Donate Evening Wear. • Sponsorship Opportunities. • Purchase Tickets at the Statesboro Family YMCA welcome desk or online. For more information about ticket sales, attire donations, or sponsorship packages, please contact the Statesboro Family YMCA at 912.225.1962 or visit ymcaofcoastalga.org, you can also email: Hannah.beggs@ymcaofcoastalga.org
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| NEWS & NOTES
BULLOCH COUNTY BOARD O F E D U C AT I O N E A R N S S TAT E AWA R D F O R FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT The Bulloch County Board of Education has again received the Award of Distinction for Excellent Financial Reporting from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts for the audit of its Fiscal Year 2025 financial records. Alison Boatright, the school district’s chief financial officer, announced the honor during her department’s annual training session with school and district-level bookkeepers on July 20, in the boardroom of the district’s Central Office. She thanked them for their diligence and hard work, which made this achievement possible. The school district also received an “unmodified opinion” for its most recent audit of all accounts, financial documents, and statements for Fiscal Year 2025, which ended June 30, 2025. This is the highest level of audit outcome, reflecting a clean audit with no material weaknesses or significant findings. This speaks to the level of internal accounting controls used at the school and district levels to help prevent financial misstatements or fraud. The Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Torian White, congratulated the district’s Finance Department and all school bookkeepers for their hard work and dedication in making this achievement possible and for supporting the district’s goal to be a good steward of its resources.
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Alison Boatright, seated on the left, along with her Finance Department staff and district and school bookkeepers standing behind them. They gathered for an annual training for bookkeepers on July 20, in the boardroom of the school district’s Central Office.
For Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025), the school district managed more than $194.7 million in revenue and more than $187.4 million in expenses across its five major operating funds: General, Special Revenue, School Nutrition, Capital Projects, and Debt Service. The Bulloch County Board of Education’s financial statements for its governmental activities and each major fund are independently audited annually by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. This process takes more than six months each year and gives state auditors complete, unrestricted access to the district’s accounting software and all financial data. The district has upheld this positive record of financial management for more than 25 years. It has resulted in a financially sound school system with a healthy fund balance and the highest credit rating of AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. This allows the school district to obtain a lower interest rate on bonds when funding capital improvements, saving the district and taxpayers money. The Award of Distinction for Excellent Financial Reporting is presented annually to qualifying public school systems and two-year and four-year colleges and universities in
Georgia that strive not just for best financial practices but better ones. Annually fewer than 35 school systems receive the award out of the state’s 181 public school districts, so this is strong evidence of the school district’s commitment to accountability and transparency. This award was created in 2014 to recognize excellence in financial reporting and controls. It encourages governmental organizations to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and recognizes individual organizations successful in achieving this goal. To receive the award, organizations must meet the award criteria, submit timely financial documentation, cooperate fully with auditors, and comply with state transparency standards. Qualification also requires a clear, unmodified audit opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, and no more than five reported control deficiencies. The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts is an independent state agency that exists to provide independent, credible audit services promoting improvement in government. Learn more about Bulloch County Schools’ financial operations at bullochschools.org/budget.
S TAT E S B O R O I S G E T T I N G A N E W D A I LY R I T U A L : WISE GUYS DELI & BODEGA COMING SOON A dream 15 years in the making is about to open its doors — built on family recipes, a childhood behind the counter, and a promise to bring the neighborhood deli back to downtown Statesboro. It’s no secret that Statesboro’s food and beverage scene has been on the come-up in recent years, and there is a new name in town that is already turning heads before the menu has even been released. Wise Guys Deli & Bodega, the passion project of owners Rachael Garrard, AJ Jetwani, and Garrett Riggleman, is coming soon to downtown Statesboro. For Rachael, this isn’t just a new business. It’s a homecoming. Her very first job was behind the counter at Duffy’s Deli in Rome, Georgia, a family-owned institution that has been feeding the same community, under the same roof, for 48 years. It’s where she fell in love with the rhythm of a real deli and the feeling of being somewhere that mattered to the people who walked through the door. It 20
remains, to this day, the best job and the best family business she’s ever experienced. So, when she came back to visit her hometown and realized Statesboro didn’t have a place like Duffy’s, something clicked. It was time to stop dreaming about it and start building it. She called her friend AJ Jetwani. AJ brought in Garrett Riggleman. And just like that, three friends turned Rachael’s deeply personal memory into a promise for their community. Wise Guys will bring the classics Statesboro has been missing, a new tradition for Statesboro locals and visitors. And this menu isn’t coming from a corporate test kitchen, it’s coming from the tables Rachael served in Rome, Georgia. The sauerkraut recipe belongs to Garrett’s grandfather. The passion comes from AJ’s Chicago upbringing. Every addition to the menu is being chosen with the same care that Rachael learned watching Duffy’s do it right for half a century.
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The “Bodega” half of the name is a promise, too. Alongside the sandwich counter, customers will find grab-and-go favorites and everyday essentials, so a stop at Wise Guys can be a quick lunch, a fast grocery run, or both. But more than anything, the owners want it to be a true staple for the community. “We want people to walk through that door and immediately feel like they belong — like they’ve been coming here for years, even on day one,” said Garrard. “That’s what Duffy’s gave me growing up, and it’s the whole reason we’re doing this. We want Wise Guys to be that place for Statesboro.” The countdown is officially on. Opening details, including the official launch date, will be announced soon — stay tuned on social media @wiseguysdeliandbodega on Instagram and Facebook as well as on our website wiseguysdeliandbodega.com. Hours of Operation (tentative): Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
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G E O R G I A S O U T H E R N U N I V E R S I T Y U N V E I L S S TAT E - O F THE-ART HUMANOID ROBOT TO REDEFINE ENGINEERING E D U C AT I O N A N D R E S E A R C H maintaining and optimizing the platform. “By integrating this humanoid robot into our classrooms and research laboratories, we are giving students hands-on experience with the technologies that are transforming engineering, computing and industry across the world,” said Haddad. Those capabilities position Georgia Southern graduates to help meet the growing demand for talent at the region’s logistics centers, automated ports and advanced manufacturing facilities. “Investments in advanced technologies like this humanoid robot reinforce Georgia Southern’s commitment to preparing students for the future of work while strengthening the University’s impact on the region,” said Avinandan Mukherjee, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Providing students and faculty with access to state-of-the-art robotics and AI platforms, we are expanding opportunities for innovation that will help support the continued growth of advanced manufacturing, logistics and intelligent automation throughout Coastal Georgia
(L-R) Rami Haddad, Ph.D.; Abhijit Bhattacharyya, COURTESY GSU
There’s a new resident on campus, housed in the University’s Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing (AEPCEC): a cutting-edge humanoid robot designed to serve as a cornerstone for advanced research and applied, hands-on classroom learning for students. The humanoid robot expands the University’s robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Unlike traditional industrial robots, the platform is designed to interact in human environments, giving students and faculty opportunities to study humanrobot interaction, machine learning and autonomous navigation. “This is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a catalyst for innovation at Georgia Southern,” said Rami Haddad, Ph.D., former interim dean of AEPCEC and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students across multiple disciplines, including computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology, will collaborate on programming,
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Ph.D.; and Avi Mukherjee, Ph.D., stand with the University’s new humanoid robot.
and the broader region.” The humanoid robot will be housed in a specialized, multidisciplinary laboratory that will serve as a shared resource for undergraduate projects, master’s theses and faculty-led research. “Our new robot will enhance interdisciplinary research, strengthen experiential learning and equip our graduates with the knowledge and expertise needed to lead in the rapidly evolving fields of robotics, automation and artificial intelligence,” said Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Ph.D., dean of AEPCEC. The campus community may also catch a glimpse of the robot going to class, working in the labs and walking around campus. For more information about the AEPCEC and its robotics programs, visit www. georgiasouthern.edu/cec.
COURTESY OPTIM MEDICAL C E N T E R -TAT T N A L L
O P T I M M E D I C A L C E N T E R -TAT T N A L L E A R N S U . S . N E W S & WORLD REPORT HIGH PERFORMING RECOGNITION FOR HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT ONLY GEORGIA HOSPITAL WITH A 5-STAR PATIENT EXPERIENCE SCORE AMONG HOSPITALS EARNING BOTH DISTINCTIONS
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2026-2027 High Performing Hospital for both Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement, earning the publication’s highest distinction for these procedures. U.S. News & World Report’s annual Procedures & Conditions ratings evaluate hospitals on measures including patient outcomes, recovery, complication prevention, patient experience and procedure volume. Hospitals receiving a High Performing designation demonstrate strong performance in delivering care for specific procedures and conditions, helping patients make informed decisions about where to seek treatment. “Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as High Performing in both Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement is a tremendous honor,” said Don Aaron, MD, Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Optim Medical Center-Tattnall. “This distinction reflects the expertise of our physicians and
care teams, as well as our commitment to delivering high-quality orthopedic care for the patients and communities we serve.” Among Georgia hospitals recognized as High Performing in both Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement, Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is the only hospital with a 5-Star Patient Experience score, distinguishing it for both exceptional orthopedic care and the overall experience patients report during their hospital stay. As a physician-owned hospital specializing in orthopedic care, Optim Medical CenterTattnall provides advanced joint replacement procedures utilizing robotic-assisted technology, personalized treatment plans and comprehensive rehabilitation services for patients across Southeast Georgia and beyond. The hospital’s commitment to innovation, clinical excellence and patient-centered care has made it a trusted destination for orthopedic surgery. “This distinction is a direct reflection of
the expertise and commitment of our entire team,” said Lora Duncan, Chief Nursing and Clinical Officer at Optim Medical CenterTattnall. “From pre-operative education through surgery, recovery and rehabilitation, our focus is on providing every patient with the support, communication and personalized care they need for a successful outcome.” This achievement places Optim Medical Center-Tattnall among an elite group of hospitals recognized for excellence in joint replacement care. By earning High Performing ratings for both Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement while maintaining a 5-Star Patient Experience score, the hospital continues to distinguish itself as a leader in orthopedic care across Georgia. For more information about Optim Medical Center-Tattnall and its orthopedic services, visit OptimHealthSystem.com.
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“Agriculture is the backbone of America and the largest industry in Georgia. I hope to help students understand its importance and the career opportunities that are available. It is rewarding to me to witness student success, and Ogeechee Technical College is a great place for that to happen.”
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| A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS
A Home FOR ALL SEASONS W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY B R A N D O N WA L K E R
I always had a knack for taking ordinary things and making them look
extraordinary. Even as a child, I was always rearranging things and using what was already available to create beauty and to make a room inviting.” - SUMMER HODGES
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ESIG NER SUMMER HODG ES WELCOMES AUTUMN WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON
the historic home she and husband Jay have loved through every season. We have visited Summer and Jay Hodges at home before. Several years ago, during the Christmas season, their historic farmhouse was filled with greenery, candlelight and the happy activity of family life. Their children, Audrey, Brannen, and Addie, were younger then, and the house reflected a family in the midst of a busy season. Today, the children are grown, and Summer and Jay are empty nesters. The house is quieter, but it is never still. Summer is constantly curating the rooms around them. She moves furniture from one space to another, changes the artwork and creates new vignettes from familiar pieces. A different pillow can refresh a chair. A collection gathered from around the house can give a tabletop new life. The mantel changes with the season, and the dining table is always an opportunity to create something beautiful. The Hodges home has entered a new season along with the family who lives there. “I always had a knack for taking ordinary
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things and making them look extraordinary,” Summer said. “Even as a child, I was always rearranging things and using what was already available to create beauty and to make a room inviting.” That instinct has shaped Summer’s career as a designer, but it is most personal here at home. The house is her favorite place to experiment and the clearest expression of how she believes a home should feel. It should be beautiful, but never untouchable. It should have history without becoming fixed in the past. Most of all, it should welcome the people who live there, the children who return, and the people who come to visit. Summer and Jay created this place long before they became empty nesters. The couple moved the century-old farmhouse more than 30 miles from its original location in Twin City to their farm in Clito. Once the house arrived, they began the work of making it their own. Its past also became part of Summer’s professional future. Twin City was formed from the towns of Graymont and Summit, and Summer chose Graymont Designs as the name of the design firm that grew from her lifelong passion.
A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS |
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The farmhouse has continued to evolve since it first settled into its new surroundings. Summer has photographed it throughout the seasons, creating a record of her work and of the life lived within its walls. Each photograph captures a moment, but none represents a totally finished room. Summer does not believe a home is ever truly finished. Things like fruit and flowers change seasonally, so Summer makes the most of every detail and freshens often. She works with what she has, then looks at it again with an eye for curation. “I shop my own home,” she said. “I move items around to create new vignettes, and I start with collections that I already have on hand.”
That approach keeps the Hodges home from feeling staged. Summer may rearrange a room or introduce a new fabric, but the pieces that matter remain part of the story. Family heirlooms share space with newer furnishings. China collected over time appears on the table in unexpected combinations. Antiques are appreciated for their age and character, not treated as objects that must be admired from a distance. “A lot of nostalgia comes along with being Southern and receiving things that are passed down,” Summer said. “I always want it to feel like there’s history there.” Autumn seems especially at home in the old farmhouse. Its colors settle naturally among the warm wood and
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collected furnishings. Summer brings the season indoors through elements found outside, sometimes gathering branches or greenery while she and Jay ride through the fields. Those natural finds may appear on a mantel, across a table or beside a treasured piece that has been part of the family for years. Summer enjoys the contrast between something polished and something gathered from the farm. In her hands, the ordinary becomes the detail that makes the room extraordinary. “I think it’s important to merge indoor and outdoor elements to connect the home to its natural environment,” she said.
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| A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS
“Finding a way to perfectly balance your well-worn, loved antiques or
family heirlooms with fresh, modern design and accents is the closest thing to Southern home heaven. - SUMMER HODGES
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Summer also layers colors and patterns without allowing the room to become overwhelmed by them. She may pair classic blue and white china with the warmer shades of fall or add new pillows to change the personality of a familiar sofa. The result feels collected instead of coordinated for a single occasion. “I love to mix colors and patterns,” she said. “You don’t have to stick to one palette. I think it creates more interest to layer items as you go.” Her rooms reveal themselves slowly. A favorite painting may be propped in a new location. A family piece might become the foundation for a seasonal display. Something found in an antique shop can sit comfortably beside a newer furnishing chosen for everyday living. “Finding a way to perfectly balance your well-worn, loved antiques or family heirlooms with fresh, modern design and accents is the closest thing to Southern home heaven,” Summer said. The design is thoughtful, but life remains at the center of it. Summer wants the house to look lovely, yet she never wants decorating to interfere with enjoying the people gathered there. It is meant to add to the family celebrations. Even when her children were little, her approach was to keep the setting festive without making it fussy. “I love to set a festive table, but we don’t want the extra work when we could be enjoying being with our family instead,” she said. That philosophy still guides the Hodges home. The rooms may change, but their purpose does not. They are made for conversation, meals and the return of grown children who still enjoy this place as their forever home. Beyond the farmhouse, the Old Red Barn has become another expression of the way Summer and Jay enjoy life on their property. Built for entertaining, the barn provides a place where friends and family can gather in a setting that feels connected to the land. It extends the hospitality of the house beyond its walls and gives Summer another canvas for seasonal decorating.
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A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS |
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The house is where Summer curates. The barn is where friends and family gather. Together, they reflect a life that has changed without losing its sense of place. “I think one of the core characteristics of a Southern home is that it feels collected and has evolved over time,” Summer said. “I love when a Southern home evokes a feeling of comfort and history.” Summer and Jay’s home has certainly evolved. It has traveled down Georgia’s backroads and been restored for a new life. It has sheltered a growing family and welcomed friends to the farm. Now, it is carrying Summer and Jay into the empty nest years while keeping the door open for everyone they love. There will be new arrangements, different artwork, and another mantel waiting to be imagined. The photographs will continue to record how the rooms change from Thanksgiving to Christmas to Easter and through all the seasons still to come. Soon, Statesboro Magazine will launch Summer’s newest venture, a Home & Lifestyle column written by her as she shares recommendations for decorating and curating your home for all seasons. As she shares new ideas and insights for your home, the most important part of the Hodges home will remain exactly where it has always been - in the lives unfolding inside it, in the memories held by familiar objects, and in Summer’s extraordinary gift for making people feel at home. S SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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| FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS
Jacob’s
Farm Fresh
Feeding Produce
Their Neighbors W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY F R A N K FO R T U N E
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ROM A FIELD OF STR AWBERRIES TO A THRIVING FARM MARKET BUSINESS , THREE G ENER ATIONS OF THE JACOBS FAMILY HAVE BUILT A LEGACY BY G ROWING GOOD FOOD AND SHARING IT WITH THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THEM.
Before daylight on Saturday morning, the work has already begun. Don Jacobs is up by 5:30 a.m., loading large yellow totes of freshly picked fruits and vegetables onto a trailer. By 7:00, he and his crew is headed toward Statesboro. There are tables to arrange and boxes to unload before the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market opens at 9:00. By the time the market closes at 12:30 p.m., the Jacobs family has often sold nearly everything they brought. “People love the farmers markets,” Don said. “They come to the market like it’s an event. They shop and visit. It’s a lot of work for us, but what’s better than feeding your neighbors?”
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FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS |
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Don Jacobs with parents, Herbert, Sr., and Linda at the farm store.
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| FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS
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FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS |
Early Wednesday mornings, Don and helper Olga fill Farm Fresh Express boxes which Don delivers same-day to customers.
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That simple question captures the purpose behind Jacob’s Produce; a family farm located just across the Bulloch County line between Cooperville and Rocky Ford. The business was established in 1993 by Don’s parents, Herbert Gill Jacobs Sr. and Linda Jacobs, with Don working alongside them. It began with a field of strawberries. More than 30 years later, those “U-Pick” strawberries remain one of the highlights of spring. School groups arrive from surrounding counties, while families travel from as far away as Jacksonville, Florida, to walk the rows and fill their containers with sun ripened berries. The strawberry plants go into the ground each October. Local families and neighbors often help the Jacobs family set the new plants, knowing the reward will come when the first berries ripen in the spring. Strawberries may have launched the business, but the family’s farming roots reach back much further. Don’s grandfather, Russell C. “R.C.” Jacobs, farmed in Bryan County and worked in the turpentine industry. When the federal government acquired the family’s land during the creation of Fort Stewart, R.C. was forced to leave the farm behind. He moved his family to Screven County when Herbert Sr. was five-years-old. Evidence of that earlier life remained with the family. Don remembers barrels once used to collect pine sap sitting around the Screven County farm for years. “Four or five years ago, we had the opportunity to tour Fort Stewart,” Don said. “We found where the old house was near the Ogeechee River. The concrete steps were still there.” Those steps are a reminder of where the family began. The farm they created after leaving Bryan County became the foundation for what Herbert, Linda and Don have built together. Today, Herbert Sr. is 89 and Linda is 87. Both remain active in the produce business they helped establish. Herbert operates the machine used to shell peas and butterbeans. Linda helps with the Farm Fresh Express boxes and prepares pies, baked goods, and her popular strawberry freezer jam. Farmer’ts Marke
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| FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS
Herbert Sr. loads crowder peas into a vintage shelling machine at the farm.
Don lives near his parents on the farm, which includes 80 to 100 acres of vegetables. The family once raised traditional row crops on surrounding acreage. Today, they lease much of the acreage for cultivation while continuing to grow the fruits and vegetables sold through their own business. Some fields are double cropped to make the most of the growing season. “As long as I can remember, I liked farming,” Don said. “I remember driving the tractor as a kid.” His favorite part is taking a crop through the entire process. He plants it, watches it grow, and then carries it to market himself, where it is purchased by friends and neighbors. “I love the smell of fresh dirt that’s been turned,” he said. “The aroma of the farm.” From March through July, there is little rest. Fields must be prepared and planted. Vegetables go into the ground during the first week of April. Strawberries must be picked, and peas are still gathered by hand. When the harvest reaches its peak, hired farmhands join the family to keep up with the work. Don’s daughters, Kelsie Walker and Koree Joiner, also help. The next generation is already learning its way around the farm through Don’s three oldest grandchildren, Brooks, Emerson and Emory. 38
The work changes from one day to the next. Tuesdays are used to clean and sort the produce. On Wednesdays, Don, Linda and a helper fill Farm Fresh Express boxes and Don delivers them to customers. “We fill them in the morning and deliver within an hour,” Don said. The family started the delivery service during COVID, when many customers needed a new way to purchase fresh food. What began as a response to an uncertain time has become a dependable part of the business. “Most of our customers are regulars now,” Don said. “They know to leave a cooler on their porch for the cold items.” During the winter, the delivery area expands into Burke and Emanuel counties. If a customer lives beyond the usual route, Don will sometimes arrange a convenient drop location. Thursday is devoted to the afternoon farmers market in Sylvania. The family prepares the produce, travels to the market and sets up its stand. When the market ends, everything must be packed again and returned to the farm. Friday brings another round of preparation for the Saturday Main Street Farmers Market in Statesboro. The physical work is demanding, and
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farming still presents the challenges it always has. Weather can change the outcome of a growing season. Dependable help can be difficult to find when the harvest is ready, and expenses continue to rise. The Jacobs family watches its costs carefully, working to set prices that are fair to customers while sustaining the farm. Their offerings have also grown beyond produce. When COVID created a greater demand for locally available food, the family expanded its cattle operation and began selling beef directly to the public. “We have 45 to 50 head of cattle,” Don said. “We always raised cattle for personal consumption. We went through the process to get our own brand for sale to the public.” Jacobs Farms Beef offers locally raised and processed hamburger, roasts and steaks. Pork and smoked sausage have also been available. The first year the family offered beef at the Statesboro market, it sold out. “It has gone so well, we’ve had to start filling out more cattle,” Don said. The complete family operation now includes Jacob’s Produce, Jacob’s U-Pick Strawberries, Farm Fresh Express and Jacobs Farms Beef. Linda’s baked goods and preserves add another taste of the farm. Last year, the family began offering creamed corn as well.
FEEDING THEIR NEIGHBORS |
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“As long as I can remember, I liked farming. I remember driving the tractor as a kid.” - Don Jacobs
The Jacobs have long been certified Georgia Grown producers, but their strongest connection to customers is still personal. Don enjoys seeing familiar faces at the market and reconnecting with people he may not have seen in years. The Statesboro market season continues through Shopping by Lantern Light on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. From December through March, the family also participates in a market at the Statesboro Food Bank. The Farm Fresh Express deliveries continue during the months when the fields are less demanding. When Don finds time away from farming, he heads outdoors again. “Hunting is my happy place,” he said. “I really just like to be in wildlife. I hardly ever shoot. I just like to be in nature.” Some of his favorite outings are much closer to home. He takes his grandchildren along to feed the cattle and lets them experience the farm that has connected generations of their family. “They love it,” he said. Don graduated from Screven County High School, while his daughters attended Bulloch Academy. His grandchildren now go to school there, strengthening the family’s connection to both sides of the county line. That location has become one of the farm’s greatest strengths. Jacob’s Produce belongs to Screven County, but its reach extends into Statesboro and throughout the surrounding region. Its customers may visit the strawberry field, meet the family at a farmers markets or find a Farm Fresh Express box waiting in a cooler on the porch. However the food reaches the table, it begins with the same family and the same land. R.C. Jacobs rebuilt his life in Screven County after losing the family farm in Bryan County. Herbert and Linda created a produce business from a field of strawberries. Don expanded their work while keeping his parents and children involved. Now, another generation is learning how food is grown and what it means to share the harvest. At Jacob’s Produce, farming is not simply how the family makes a living. It is how they remain connected to the land, to one another, and to the neighbors they are proud to feed. S SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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r Futures y
hter Futures in Bulloch County
One Team. One Mission. A Stronger Community. “Economic growth scores big with a shared playbook when research, technical training, and business development run the same play … our whole community wins.”
As we begin a new year, we’re grateful for the partnerships, progress, and collaboration that continue to strengthen Bulloch County. Thank you to our community partners and local businesses who make this work possible. We look forward to building even more together in 2026.
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| E A G L E N AT I O N
EAGLE THIS IS
NATION Where Tradition Takes the Field
W R I T T EN BY J E N N Y S TA R L I N G FO S S | P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F G E O R G I A S O U T H E R N AT H L E T I C S
GEORGI A SOUT HE RN 2 0 2 6 F O OTBA L L SC H ED U L E Date
Opponent
Location
Kickoff
Sept. 5
Charleston Southern
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
7 p.m.
Sept. 12
Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina
7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19
Jacksonville State
Jacksonville, Alabama
7 p.m. ET
Sept. 26
Houston
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
TBA
Oct. 3
Coastal Carolina*
Conway, South Carolina
TBA
Oct. 10
James Madison*
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
TBA
Oct. 15, Thursday
Old Dominion*
Norfolk, Virginia
7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24
Open date
Oct. 31
Appalachian State*
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
TBA
Nov. 7
Marshall*
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
TBA
Nov. 14
Georgia State*
Atlanta
TBA
Nov. 21
Troy*
Troy, Alabama
4 p.m. ET
Nov. 28
Louisiana Tech*
Paulson Stadium, Statesboro
TBA
*Sun Belt Conference game The Eagles have six home games, all scheduled for Saturdays. The Sept. 26 game against Houston will be the first time a Power Four football program has played at Paulson Stadium. The Thursday night game at Old Dominion will air on ESPN or ESPN2. Other kickoff times will be announced later and remain subject to television selections.
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E A G L E N AT I O N |
Georgia Southern Traditions BEAUTIFUL EAGLE CREEK. So
named by legendary Coach Erk Russell, who encouraged senior players to take a dip at the beginning of each season. A bridge was erected to allow players to cross the creek to the old football practice field which was located between Fair Road and U.S. Highway 301 South at the northern most end of campus. GUS. The University’s official mascot was named by fans and continues to be a fan favorite. You have to get your picture taken with GUS and framed for your GS wall at home. ERK RUSSELL . The man, the myth, the legend. Everyone unanimously agrees that Russell deserves induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. So many things about Erk still define Eagle football. The statue placed in his honor is now available to fans for photos 365 days a year. Players continue to rub the head of a bust of Erk inside the stadium for good luck at the beginning of each home game. FREEDOM. No college had a better mascot than Freedom, the bald eagle that brought chills when he soared over Paulson on gamedays. Freedom was male Southern Bald Eagle acquired by Georgia Southern University’s Center for Wildlife Education & Lamar Q. Ball, Jr. Raptor Center in 2004. He was handled by Master Falconer and Director of the Center, Steve Hein. Freedom passed away on March 29, 2025. To honor his monumental legacy, the university unveiled a bronze sculpture of Freedom in flight in the statue garden outside Paulson Stadium, right next to the legendary coach Erk Russell. ONE MORE TIME. That’s all Erk Russell ever wanted. The battle cry of Georgia Southern Football for 44 years. YELLOW SCHOOL BUSES. Way back when times were lean, before there was even a Paulson Stadium, the team traveled to games in yellow school buses borrowed from the Bulloch County Board of Education. That
tradition continues because, why mess with a good thing? Fans become electrified when those buses pull into the parking lot. As players emerge, a crowd of fans greets them on the walk through the parking lot to Paulson, and sends well wishes for a big win! SIX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
When we played in Division II, we dominated. Six National Championships in 15 years. Not too shabby. FOUR BOWL GAMES. Their all-time FBS bowl record is 4–4 across 8 appearances: 2015 GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern 58, Bowling Green 27; 2018 Camellia Bowl: Georgia Southern 23, Eastern Michigan 21; 2020 New Orleans Bowl: Georgia Southern 38, Louisiana Tech 3; 2025 Birmingham Bowl: Georgia Southern 29, Appalachian State 10. NEW TRADITIONS HONORING ERK RUSSELL . CELEBRATING ERK’S 100. The 2026
season celebrates what would have been legendary head coach Erk Russell’s 100th birthday. Oct. 31st vs. App State will serve as the official Erk 100 game. Fans will see Erk 100 feather flags, concourse signage and the official Erk 100 logo painted behind each end zone throughout the season. Be on the lookout for limited-edition Erk 100 cigars from the Bocock Brothers, another time-honored tribute to the legendary coach. Commemorative Erk 100 gear is available from The Southern Exchange Company, Barnes & Noble at Georgia Southern, Onward Reserve, and No Rivals. Fans can also grab the limited-edition Erk 100 popcorn bucket at Paulson. FREEDOM II. Awaiting Freedom II’s first flight over Paulson Stadium! Freedom II—a female Southern Bald Eagle with a 7-foot wingspan—was introduced to the public for the first time on the field at Paulson Stadium
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on November 15, 2025, during a game against Coastal Carolina. Her background required extensive rehabilitation. She’s not yet ready to fly, but part of her rehabilitation is conditioning her to attend University & public events with handler Steve Hein. Today, Freedom II serves not only as an ambassador for wildlife and as an institutional symbol, but as an “iconic reminder” of the strength and majesty of our great nation. You can visit Freedom II at the Center. STRIKE A POSE WITH STRUTTIN’ GUS. A brand-new Struttin’ GUS and
Coca-Cola-branded sign is coming to Paulson Stadium this season, giving Eagle Nation a new spot to snap the perfect game-day photo. You can find the sign next to the My First Game Experience. After kickoff the sign will move inside Paulson in front of Bishop Field House for further photo opportunities. WHITE OUT RETURNS. The White Out is back! For the third consecutive season, Eagle Nation will be called on to wear white and pack Paulson for one of the most anticipated game days of the year. Stay tuned for the reveal of official 2026 White Out gear so you can get outfitted and ready for game day, Oct. 31, 2026 against App State. BUD LIGHT PARTY PATIO PRESENTED BY RTG. A brand-new, free-
to-enter pregame destination adjacent to the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility. Opens five (5) hours before kickoff with a covered 40x40 tent, dedicated restrooms, large LED screen showing college football and a fully branded Bud Light bar. Frank Sulkowski and Jeff Roberts will host the Cutwater Pregame Show live from the Bud Light Stage with analysis and special guests. NEW EAGLE WALK ROUTE. Eagle Walk has a slightly new path into Paulson this season. The Eagles will cross Glenn Bryant Way and continue through Parrish-Scoggins Plaza, passing the statues of Erk Russell and Freedom before entering through Gate 10. The new route creates a fitting final stretch through an area celebrating the history and tradition of Georgia Southern Football. EAGLE LEGENDS COME TO PARRISH-SCOGGINS PLAZA . Georgia
Southern is proud to announce another addition to the Parrish-Scoggins Plaza at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, as busts of the Eagles’ three College Football Hall of Famers, Tracy Ham, Adrian Peterson and Paul Johnson, will be added adjacent to the statues of legendary coach Erk Russell and Freedom. A special unveiling ceremony will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, before the App State game.
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CHRIS DAVIS GS Director of Athletics As he begins his second full football season as Georgia Southern’s director of athletics, Chris Davis is keeping Eagle Nation’s people and traditions at the heart of every decision. At a Georgia Southern athletic event, Chris Davis rarely stays in one place for long. Whether the Eagles are winning or losing, the University’s director of athletics can often be found walking through the venue, talking with fans and making himself available. For Davis, accessibility is part of leadership. It also reflects the philosophy he has brought to one of the most visible positions at Georgia Southern University. “At the end of the day, our focus is on people,” Davis said. Those people include nearly 400 studentathletes competing in 17 NCAA Division I sports, along with the coaches and staff members who support them. They also include the donors and fans whose loyalty has made Eagle Nation much more than a name. Davis was named Georgia Southern’s director of athletics in October 2024 and officially began his duties on November 15. The appointment marked his first opportunity to lead an athletic department, but he was hardly new to Georgia Southern. He joined the Eagles in June 2020 as chief operating officer of athletics. In that role, Davis helped guide the department’s daily operations and oversaw areas ranging from marketing and ticketing to facilities and capital projects. He also participated in the development of more than $100 million in athletic facility improvements, including the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility and the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center. 44
When Davis stepped into the director’s office, he already understood Georgia Southern’s culture and the passion surrounding its athletic traditions. More importantly, Statesboro had become home to Davis, his wife, Randi, and their children, Colt, Harper and Tatum. “This feels like home because we have been able to pour ourselves into this community,” he said when he was introduced as athletic director. He added that the community had poured itself into his family as well. A native of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Davis earned a business management degree from the University of Miami in 2003. His introduction to college athletics included an unusual view from inside one of its most recognizable traditions. Throughout his four years at Miami, Davis portrayed Sebastian the Ibis, the University’s costumed mascot. He began his professional career in sports marketing at Miami before holding positions with Marshall, Auburn and Nebraska. His work included corporate partnerships, revenue development and brand management. That experience prepared Davis for the business demands of modern college athletics, where directors must generate resources while navigating constant changes in the rules governing student-athletes. Still, Davis believes strategy begins with people. His leadership style has produced results both on and off the field. During the 20242025 athletic year, Georgia Southern achieved its highest finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup since moving to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Georgia Southern Athletic
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Fund recorded its largest number of donors, and the Erk Russell Fund raised more money than ever before. Paulson Stadium established a regularseason attendance record, while football earned its third consecutive bowl appearance. The rifle team reached the NCAA Championship for the first time, and women’s golf made its first appearance in the NCAA Championship finals. Davis sees the classroom as another important measure of success. Georgia Southern student-athletes earned a 3.26 GPA during the 2025-2026 academic year, the highest annual average in department history. Those accomplishments are meaningful because Davis considers student-athletes the center of the department’s mission. Victories matter, but so does preparing young people for life after the final game. Davis calls his approach a “scoreboard mentality.” Every part of the department should have clear goals and understand what winning looks like, whether the work involves competition, fundraising or the fan experience. He is also quick to acknowledge that leadership requires a willingness to keep learning. “I am not done growing,” Davis said during his introductory press conference. “You always have to know you’re in a growth mindset and be willing to assess and adjust.” As college athletics continues to change, Davis wants Georgia Southern to protect the traditions that distinguish the University while remaining open to new opportunities. That means honoring the values associated with Erk Russell and GATA while finding better ways to support student-athletes and connect Eagle Nation. Davis believes athletics serves as the University’s front porch. It is often where people first encounter Georgia Southern and where alumni return to renew their connection. His responsibility is to make sure that porch remains welcoming and worthy of the University it represents. That brings Davis back to the people he sees while walking through Paulson Stadium, the Hill Convocation Center or anywhere else the Eagles compete. The title has changed, and the responsibility has grown. His reason for doing the work has stayed the same. “We still have to keep the main thing the main thing,” Davis said. “Taking care of our student-athletes, our coaches, our staff, our donors, fans and alumni, and representing Georgia Southern University at the highest level.”
E A G L E N AT I O N |
ADAM YOUNG Voice of the Eagles Veteran broadcaster Adam Young brings a lifelong passion for sports and storytelling to one of Georgia Southern’s most cherished traditions. Georgia Southern named Young its new Voice of the Eagles and director of broadcasting in July. He becomes the fourth football play by play announcer in the program’s history, following the late great Nate Hirsch, Chris Blair and Danny Reed. It is a short list with a long legacy. “Georgia Southern is a special place with a national brand,” Young said. “The people make the place, and I got to know countless amazing people during the entire process.” Young will serve as the primary play by play announcer for football, men’s basketball and baseball on the Georgia Southern Sports Network. His role will extend beyond game day. He will contribute to the department’s digital content, host programs and represent Eagle Nation at events. He is also hosting the new Hail Southern Podcast Series, created to bring fans closer to Georgia Southern coaches, student athletes and alumni through interviews. For Young, the opportunity combines the work he has pursued with the chance to tell the story of a University known for the devotion of its fans. A native of Waterloo, Illinois, near St. Louis, Young began working in broadcasting at 17. He reported news and sports for WSIE FM in Edwardsville, then joined the St. Louis Cardinals pregame show at 18 as its “Cardinal Reporter.” He delivered reports from Busch Stadium and interviewed players and coaches while still in college.
Young graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2010 with a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in Speech Communication. During college, he was recognized as one of the nation’s Top 20 collegiate sportscasters by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America. His early career required the kind of schedule that can prepare a broadcaster for almost anything. Young called professional baseball for the Gateway Grizzlies while also working games for SIU Edwardsville and McKendree University. His assignments included basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball. He also worked with Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. In 2014, Young left the familiar territory of the St. Louis area for New Mexico State University. He would spend the next 12 years in Las Cruces, eventually becoming director of broadcasting and the play by play voice of the Aggies. At New Mexico State, Young called football, basketball and baseball along with several other sports. He oversaw broadcast operations and helped develop multimedia content that kept Aggie fans connected beyond the final score. From 2020 through July 2026, he created more than 900 episodes for the university’s podcast platform. His work has appeared on ESPN+, Bally Sports regional networks and Altitude Sports. Young has called conference championships and the NCAA Division II and Division III Volleyball National Championships. He has also worked in professional baseball and filled in on broadcasts for the Oklahoma Sooners.
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In 2018, Young was named among the Top 30 Sportscasters Under 30 by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America. He was later featured in “Sportscasting 101,” a book by longtime Houston Astros television announcer Bill Brown. Those honors recognize his talent, but colleagues often point first to his preparation. Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis said Young’s professionalism and passion for storytelling stood out during the search. Davis also understands the larger importance of the position. The Voice of the Eagles does more than describe what happens on the field. He connects generations of fans while preserving the moments that become part of Georgia Southern sports history. Young arrives as the Georgia Southern football broadcast team takes on a new look. Frank Sulkowski moves from the sideline into the booth as color analyst, while Jeff Roberts joins the crew as sideline reporter. Together, they will introduce a new sound while respecting the traditions Eagle fans hold close. That balance will be especially important for Young. He must learn the stories behind the uniforms and understand what GATA means to the people who have lived it. He must also bring his own voice to the broadcasts and allow his relationship with Eagle Nation to grow naturally. Young’s work will take him from the energy of Paulson Stadium to basketball at the Hill Convocation Center and spring afternoons at J.I. Clements Stadium. Through every season, his responsibility will remain the same: prepare carefully, describe the action clearly, and make listeners feel connected to every single Georgia Southern Eagle moment. The move also begins a new chapter for Young’s family. He and his wife, Ashley, are making Statesboro home with their young son, Porter. “My family and I can’t wait to be part of it all,” Young said. For a broadcaster who has spent most of his life telling the stories of teams and communities, Georgia Southern offers a story rich with tradition that’s still being written. Now, Adam Young has the microphone and the opportunity to voice all the great things coming up for Eagle Nation. S
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2027 N O M I N AT E YO U R FAVO R I T E P EO P L E , P L AC ES O R T H I N G S T H AT A P P LY TO A S P EC I F I C CAT EG O RY O R I N M U LT I P L E C AT EG O R I ES !
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WE LIVE HERE | B U Z Z W O R T H Y B I T E S
Mind Your MANNERS W R I T T EN BY L A Z A R B R OW N O G L E S BY
T
HIS IS NOT AN EMILY POST ST YLE REITER ATION. I ’ M NOT A MANNERS E XPERT AND I
don’t claim to know it all. I have no business telling anyone anything about decorum, but I do get tickled every time I think about my manners class faux pas. In the words of Merle Haggard, “Mama Tried, Mama Tried.” My mother promptly enrolled me in “manners class” as soon as I met the minimum age requirement of 12-years-old. Manners 101 was the precursor for Social Dance 1 & 2, Dance Club, and Cotillion. A company named Social Inc. out of Augusta offered classes for students at the American Legion building in Waynesboro. Imagine a boisterous bunch of middle schoolers crammed into the Jenkins County transit van. The van was a vibrant shade of periwinkle, and it had rows of bench seats. The girls sat near the front and the boys sat in the back. The rowdiest boys sat on the very back bench seat and fought like wild cats all the way to Waynesboro. They wrestled, slammed, punched, and there may have even been some biting. By the time we arrived in Waynesboro they looked like a wrinkled, sweaty mess of misfits from Millen! Their hair was always askew and little Bubba Hendley
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was forever missing his red, plaid clip-on tie. Bubba was named the most improved student by the end of the course. The classes were hosted by owner, Dorothy McLeod and her son, Mr. David. Mrs. Dorothy was the no-nonsense, grand dame of manners. Even the most wayward manners misfits didn’t dare try her. She commanded respect, order, and a firm handshake. She simply didn’t put up with any mess! I liked her and I was a little afraid of her. She carried around a wireless microphone that was stained with pink lipstick. She gave directions and we followed. Her edicts: 1. Look the host directly in the eye. 2. Offer a firm handshake. 3. Give a “plus one.” A plus one was a compliment to your host. Sometimes a plus three was required! Mrs. McLeod stood at the back door at the end of every class and each student dutifully performed the trifecta before we were allowed to leave. She reminded me of Katherine Hepburn opposite John Wayne in the western, Rooster Cogburn. A tough old bird resting on morals and manners.
B U Z Z W O R T H Y B I T E S | WE LIVE HERE
TABLE SET TING 1
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1 BREAD PLATE
6 DESSERT SPOON
11 WHITE WINE GLASS
16 DINNER FORK
21 SALAD KNIFE
2 BUTTER KNIFE
7 DESSERT FORK
12 SHERRY GLASS
17 DINNER PLATE
22 DINNER SPOON
3 PLACE CARD
8 WATER GOBLET
13 NAPKIN
18 SOUP BOWL
23 SOUP SPOON
4 COFFEE CUP
9 RED WINE GLASS
14 SALAD FORK
19 SALAD PLATE
5 COFFEE SAUCER
10 CHAMPAGNE FLUTE
15 FISH FORK
20 DINNER KNIFE
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WE LIVE HERE | B U Z Z W O R T H Y B I T E S
The culmination of Manners 101 was a multi-course meal hosted at the Augusta Country Club. Out of 30-40 tables seating hundreds of students, guess whose assigned seat was right beside Mrs. Dorothy McLeod? Yours truly! I was completely unbothered that I was seated beside the head honcho. I was too naive to realize I was in THE hot seat. We made polite table conversation, and I told her I was from Garfield, Georgia. She seemed intrigued. We talked about the dishes served during each course and other pleasantries. I loved the sorbet! I don’t think my palate had ever been cleansed! I loved reading and still do! My mind was a sponge. I was hooked on the Beverly Cleary “Ramona” books. The fictional books chronicle the adolescent lives of Ramona and her big sister, Beezus. The family was going through some hard times and Ramona’s mother prepared budget-friendly beef tongue for dinner to her family’s horror! It was very fresh on my mind. I thought a lot about food then, and I still do! After all food is my livelihood. Mrs. Dorothy asked how we liked the main course, a beautiful cut of beef. She then asked if we knew the cut of beef, and I immediately exclaimed “Beef Tongue” in my best Garfield accent. She paused as she was taken completely by surprise. I immediately regretted blurting that out. I knew better but it seemed to explode from my mouth! I don’t remember what Mrs. McLeod replied but I do remember the mood shifted and I was mortified. My mother was so excited to hear about my night when she picked me up from the dinner. She had lots of questions. When I recounted the “beef tongue” incident I think she wanted to crawl under our moving car. We laugh about it now! Yes, I learned how to set a table, never to put your elbows on the table, and how to be a gracious guest. It was a great experience, and I graduated to the dancing portion of classes the following years. I’ll save the dancing stories for another article. MA N NE R S TH AT MAT T E R
(Things that always come to mind when I think of manners. I’m just hitting a few highlights) • A handwritten thank you note makes an impression. • A firm handshake separates the men from the boys. • Looking someone in the eye shows character. • Simply say, “Thank you” for things big and small. • RSVP Please People!!! • Pass the salt & pepper together even if someone only requests one or the other. (Mother & Bet Bet always drilled this manner at mealtime). • Butter your bread properly by transferring a roll to your bread plate. Place a portion of butter on the plate and tear off one small bitesize piece at a time and butter it. Never bite directly into a whole roll or butter the entire piece at once. (I love bread, so this rule made an impression on me!) • Offer to help after dinner with clearing and washing the dishes. • Don’t bring your phone to the table. (I need work in this area). • Take turns talking and listening. • Elbows off the table. • Put your napkin in your lap first thing, after you sit down. I created a five-course menu so you can host your very own Manners 101. It’s fun to brush up on the proprieties, especially if a good meal is involved! The amuse-bouche is an added complimentary dish served before the meal to welcome guests! The term amuse-bouche is of French origin and literally means – to entertain the mouth. S 50
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Menu
AMUSE BOUCHE Seared Jumbo Scallop
on a Bed of Creamed Corn topped with Pickled Okra and Tomato Jam
FIRST COURSE Spinach Salad with Apples, Cheddar Crumbles, Roasted Pecans, and Buttermilk Chive Dressing
SECOND COURSE Butter Nut Squash Soup
THIRD COURSE Grapefruit Sorbet
FOURTH COURSE Braised Beef Short Ribs with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and Broccolini
FIFTH COURSE Chocolate Torte with White Chocolate Sauce
BUTTERNUT S Q UA S H S O U P I N G R E D I E NT S : 2 Tbsp. Butter
1 tsp. Ginger
1 Vidalia Onion (diced)
Dash ground Clove
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed) 3-4 c. Chicken Broth 1 tsp. Sage
2
B U Z Z W O R T H Y B I T E S | WE LIVE HERE
GARNISH: 1 c. Sour Cream 3 Tbsp. Chopped Parsley
P R E PA R ATI O N :
Melt butter in soup pot. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add squash and cook 8-10 minutes until it begins to soften. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, sage, ginger, clove, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until the squash is tender for 20-30 minutes. Let cool slightly and pour into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into individual soup bowls. Garnish with sour cream and chopped parsley.
3
GRAPEFRUIT SORBET I N G R E D I E NT S : 1 c. Simply Brand Pink Grapefruit Juice 1 c. Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice 1 tsp. Grapefruit Zest 2 c. Water 1 ½ c. Sugar P R E PA R ATI O N :
Place water and sugar in a saucepan and heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir grapefruit juice and zest into sugar water. Place it in fridge and cool for at least one hour. Churn mixture in an ice cream churn following manufacturer’s directions. Once churned place in the freezer for at least one hour or until ready to use.
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BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS I N G R E D I E NT S : 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil 3-4 lbs. Bone-in Short Ribs (cut in 8-10 1.5 inch pieces) 3 Tbsp. Seasoning Mix (recipe below) 1 c. Onion diced 1 c. Celery diced 1 c. Carrots diced 2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste 1 c. Red Wine 4 c. Beef Broth 2 Bay Leaves 2 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
BEEF SEASONING MIX I N G R E D I E NT S : ⅓ c. Seasoning Salt 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder 1 Tbsp. Granulated Garlic 1 Tbsp. Black Pepper 1 Tbsp. Ground Coffee (Mix until combined. Store in a mason jar).
P R E PA R ATI O N :
Pre heat oven to 325˚. Place the short ribs in a bowl and season generously with the meat seasoning mix. Add olive oil to a heavy bottom Dutch oven and heat the oil until hot. Add the short ribs and sear on all sides until dark brown. Remove the short ribs and add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until soft. Add the tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Put the short ribs back in the pot. Add bay leaves. Cover pot with lid and place in the oven. Cook 2.5-3.5 hours or until meat is fork tender. Strain the remaining broth from meat and vegetables. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to pan drippings and cook until thickened. Plate the short ribs over mashed potatoes and pour the reduced sauce over the short ribs.
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B U Z Z W O R T H Y B I T E S | WE LIVE HERE
C H O C O L AT E TORTE WITH WHITE C H O C O L AT E S AU C E I N G R E D I E NT S : 3 sticks Salted Butter ¾ c. Brown Sugar ½ c. Strong Coffee 9 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 8 Eggs 1 tsp. Vanilla 2 Tbsp. Corn Starch
P R E PA R ATI O N :
Preheat oven to 350˚. Butter the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment. Butter the parchment. Place on a baking sheet in case it leaks. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and coffee. Heat until fully warm. Take off the heat and add chocolate chips. Set aside. In a bowl whip the eggs, corn starch, and vanilla until frothy. Set aside. Stir coffee and chocolate mixture until all the chips are melted and smooth. Add ⅓ of the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir. Add another ⅓ of the chocolate mixture and mix well. Add remaining chocolate. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 350˚ for 40-45 minutes. The center should be firm not jiggly or loose. Cool for 30 minutes then refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar. Serve with white chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and fresh berries
W H I T E C H O C O L AT E S AU C E I N G R E D I E NT S : ⅔ c. White Chocolate Chips ⅓ c. Heavy Cream 1 Tbsp. Cream Sherry P R E PA R ATI O N :
Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Cook for 30 seconds and stir until smooth. You may need to cook an additional 20-30 seconds. Stir until all the lumps of chocolate are dissolved. SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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Holiday
2026
GIFT GUIDE
B E A PA R T O F T H E A R E A’ S H OT T E S T G I F T G U I D E ! Reach the regions’ Christmas shoppers in our November/December Issue.
R E S E R V E Y O U R S P A C E T O D AY ! MINDY BOYETTE | 1 Herald Square | Statesboro, Georgia 30458 209.419.6022 | mboyette@statesboromagazine.com | www.statesboromagazine.com
WE HAVE EVERY SMILE COVERED! SOUTHERN FAMILY DENTAL GROUP IS ALWAYS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH GSU AND HELP SERVE OUR STUDENTS AND STUDENT ATHLETES.
1 0 8 G E N T I L LY R O A D, S TAT E S B O R O | 9 1 2 . 7 6 4 . 6 8 6 1 | S O U T H E R N FA M I LY D E N TA LG R O U P. C O M
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G A R D E N V A R I E T Y | WE LIVE HERE
Early Landscaping
in Statesboro W R I T T EN BY V I R G I N I A A N N E F R A N K L I N WAT E R S
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N THE E ARLY 1900’S , STATESBORO HOMES DID NOT HAVE G R ASS FRONT YARDS . IN FACT, THE FRONT L AWN WAS HARD -PACKED DIRT AND WAS SWEPT
almost every day. This was an essential chore before the invention of lawnmowers. Sweeping the earth smooth with a gall berry broom kept insects away, prevented snakes from hiding, and reduced the risk of fire. Statesboro streets such as Zetterower and College and the Main Streets (NSEW) were lined with Sycamore trees. The local woman’s club petitioned the Mayor to have them removed because they were messy all year! They drop massive leathery leaves, fuzzy seedpods and large strips of peeling bark as the trunk expands. (A few still survive and we have some on our acreage behind Savannah Avenue). The beginning of landscaping began with planting camellias and azaleas around homes and along property lines. Some of these still survive today. I know I have one-hundred-year-old camellias that my grandmother Franklin planted around 1920! Older neighborhoods and our downtown area have a different look and feel when it comes to landscaping. The first landscaping in Statesboro reflected the region’s climate and traditions of the South. Families took great pride in maintaining beautiful yards that served practical and decorative purposes. The warm climate and mild winters made it possible for a wide variety of plants to thrive. Common features in residential landscapes included grassy lawns, grape arbors and of course azaleas and camellias. These choices still influence landscaping used in Bulloch County today. The most beloved plant used in Southeast Georgia landscaping was the camellia. It was popular because it provided colorful blooms during cooler months when most other plants are dormant. Their large flowers range in shades of white, pink and red. Many homeowners planted camellias near porches, walkways, or along property lines to create a natural border. Because camellias thrive in acidic soils and prefer partial shade, they were well suited to our region. Modern homeowners still value them for their beauty, somewhat low maintenance, and ability to provide year-round greenery. Azaleas were another staple of Southeast Georgia landscaping. These shrubs became popular because they produced brilliant spring blooms in shades of pink, red, purple and white. Azaleas were planted in clusters around homes, beneath pine trees and along driveways to create striking displays of color. During the spring, entire neighborhoods would come
alive with blooming azaleas, creating a strong sense of seasonal beauty. Their popularity continues today because they remain well adapted to Georgia’s humid climate. These plants originally came from China and Japan. Newer homes still incorporate azaleas in foundation plantings but these are a newer variety that is smaller and continuously blooming. Older neighborhoods continue to display mature azalea bushes that were planted decades ago. Savannah Avenue still becomes ablaze with color in springtime. Grass lawns emerged in Southeast Georgia during the post-World War II suburban housing boom of the 1950’s and 1960’s. A neatly maintained lawn became a symbol of pride, cleanliness and social status. Warm-season grasses such as centipede grass and St. Augustine grass thrived in Georgia’s hot summers. Regular mowing, watering and edging became part of regular home maintenance and remains so still today. Grape arbors were another distinctive feature of Southeast Georgia landscapes during the post-war era. These wooden structures supported grapevines and provided shaded outdoor spaces for families. I remember my first cousins coming from North Carolina and Tennessee and we would all gather to enjoy family while eating scuppernongs as fast as we could. Granddaddy Franklin’s grape arbor was tall because many of the Franklin clan were tall and we could all stand upright, at the same time, under what was a magical place. These arbors provided an area for socializing and produced grapes for eating fresh and for producing juice, wine, jelly or preserves. I can still smell the grapes simmering in a large pot in Grandmother, Annie Eliza Moore Franklin’s, kitchen on Savannah Avenue. She made 100’s of jars each year and they were sealed with paraffin. These earliest landscaping practices continue to shape Southeast Georgia today because they emphasized plants suited to our local environment. Camellias and azaleas remain popular ornamental shrubs because they require relatively little maintenance once established. Grape arbors continue to appeal to homeowners interested in edible landscaping and sustainable living. Grassy lawns remain a central feature of many homes for curb appeal. All of these elements reflect time-honored values of pride in homeownership, family gathering, and connection to nature. I am glad the past landscaping traditions remain visible and continue to influence modern outdoor design. S SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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| WORDS OF LIFE
Divine Interruptions W R I T T EN BY R E V. D R . J O H N WAT E R S
F
EW OF US ENJOY INTERRUPTIONS . WE LIKE CALENDARS , ROUTINES , AND CAREFULLY MADE PL ANS . YET ONE OF THE REMARK ABLE TRUTHS
of Scripture is that God is often the Divine Interrupter. He graciously steps into our lives, bringing unexpected circumstances that shape our character and deepen our faith. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways. God certainly desires what is best for His children, but He is far more concerned with our character than our comfort. Because of that, He does not hesitate to use unexpected circumstances to accomplish His purposes, even when they disrupt our own plans. Walking through a divine interruption is always a journey of faith. The circumstances may not make sense, and the upheaval is rarely welcomed. During those moments, faith becomes the bridge between what we can see and what God is accomplishing behind the scenes. We move forward trusting that our Heavenly Father is working for our good, even when we cannot fully understand His purposes. As a pastor, I have watched many people experience various versions of divine interruptions. These experiences often bring seasons of pain, uncertainty, and unanswered questions, but I have also witnessed something beautiful in them. Those who continue trusting the Lord emerge with a stronger faith, rooted in a deeper dependence upon Christ. Whatever interruption you may be facing today, remember three timeless truths: 1 . DIVINE INTE R R UP T IO NS AR E NOT E ASY.
When God interrupts our lives, He often asks us to surrender something that is difficult to release. Peter, James, and John left their fishing nets to follow Jesus. Zacchaeus made restitution for the wrongs he had committed. Thomas had to lay aside his doubts and believe the testimony of the risen Christ. None of those responses came easily, and neither will ours. God frequently calls us beyond our comfort zones into places where faith becomes a firm foundation. 2. DIVINE INTERRUP TIO NS AR E NOT U NE XPECT E D.
God seldom works according to our schedules. He often meets 58
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us at inconvenient moments and calls us to trust Him in ways we never anticipated. The Samaritan woman simply came to draw water, never expecting to encounter the Messiah. Peter finished a long, disappointing night of fishing and was washing his nets when Jesus instructed him to launch out once more into the deep. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree hoping only to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but instead found the Savior inviting Himself to dinner. When the blind man struggled year after year from his inability to see, he did not expect that it was all being done for the glory of God. Many of us can identify with those experiences. Life suddenly changes through an illness, a loss, a new opportunity, or an unexpected responsibility. Our carefully arranged plans are set aside as God places something entirely different before us. But every divine interruption carries a divine purpose. While God’s plan may not resemble our own, we can trust that His wisdom is always greater than ours and that His purposes are always good. 3 . D I V I N E I N T E R R U P T I O N S A R E N OT E N J OYA B LE.
Very few people wake up hoping their lives will take an unexpected detour, or that their life will be suddenly turned upside down. Most championship winning coaches claim that the true character of a team is not formed in the stadium in front thousands of supportive fans. True championships are won on the practice field, in the weight room, and through the unenjoyable experiences that happen long before the fans ever fill the bleachers. Divine interruptions are not enjoyable, but the difficult experiences make us stronger, allowing us to serve and know God in better ways that ever before. The detours and unplanned routes of life may seem inconvenient, confusing, or even painful in the moment, but we often discover that God’s greatest blessings are found along roads we never intended to travel. If God has interrupted your plans, take heart. Trust that He indeed is good, and the He wants only what is best for you. Continue walking by faith, listening for His voice through the pages of Scripture, and relying upon His faithful promises. One day you may discover that what first appeared to be an unwelcome interruption was actually God’s gracious invitation to something far better than you could have planned for yourself. S
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUE J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 7
R E S E R V E YO U R S PAC E NOW BEFORE THE H O L I D AY R U S H B E G I N S . The January/February 2027 issue of Statesboro Magazine spotlights and focuses on the Economic Development of the region, profiling businesses, and industries leading the way in growing the economy. Statesboro-Bulloch County is the commanding Southeast Georgia location where businesses launch faster, rise higher, and compete stronger in regional and global markets.
MINDY BOYETTE 209.419.6022 | mboyette@statesboromagazine.com 1 Herald Square | Statesboro, Georgia 30458 | www.statesboromagazine.com
SE PT E MB E R/OCTOB E R 2026 | state sboromag az i ne. co m
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WE LIVE HERE
| TRUE BLUE
Lettuce Pray
Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bok Choy
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W R I T T EN BY D OY C AV E
’ LL BE HONEST. I ’ VE BEEN A VEGAN/ VEG ETARIAN SINCE 2013 , AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN A DECADE , I ’ M NOW CONSIDERING WHETHER
to avoid greens and vegetables entirely. It’s a choice which has, admittedly, limited my already limited menu options. I imagine many of you are currently joining me in this greens-bargo, or you’re at least rethinking if and where you get your salad. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, in mid-July, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Cyclospora outbreak affecting lettuce in several states. Eating the infected greens could cause “watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea” among other symptoms such as vomiting and fatigue (which stands to reason). One need only hear the term “explosive diarrhea” once before they’re sprinting from the produce aisle and adopting a diet of meat, bread, Doritos and Lucky Charms. I’ve found a temporary reprieve in complex carbs as I’ve yet to hear that bread, beans, rice and cheese are being recalled. Wait, what? A cheese recall? Listeria? Well…the English eat beans and toast. Guess I can try that? Blech! In the face of an ever-dwindling supply of nonviolent foods as well as the scare factor in traditional and social media, I thought it was time to separate the fact from the fear and talk to an expert. Stephen Greiman, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biology at Georgia Southern University and an expert in all things parasitic — a parasite guy, if you will. W HAT IS TH IS?
The good news is that Cyclospora is not something that can transmit from human to human as easily as a cold or virus. Don’t worry about shutting in or masking up to hide from neighbors and their vegetables. It ain’t that kind of outbreak. The bad news, however, and I’m trying to find a delicate way to say this, is that we can get it from…well…I’ll let Dr. Greiman explain it. “Cyclospora needs to have a human host to be able to spread to other humans,” he said. “They replicate inside of the intestinal cells of the human and then shed in the feces in the stage called an oocyst, found in fecal material. If that fecal material gets on food products, they’re contaminated.” 60
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So, you’re probably thinking, “That’s super gross, but why can’t we just wash it off? Problem solved!” Unfortunately, these little oocysts are tough little buggers. They can survive in water and they can even survive some of the chemicals used against them. And once they’re ingested, Greiman said it takes two weeks for them to gestate in your system and become the “intestinal saboteurs” they grow up to be. S O, I S T H E R E ACT UA L G O O D N E WS ?
Despite the horrifying nature of this condition, there are several silver linings in its questionable cloud. First, Greiman said while there are currently more than 17,000 confirmed cases nationwide with another 11,844 unconfirmed, the growth rate is slowing. Most of those cases are concentrated in Michigan — sorry, Michigan! — so Georgia has been relatively untouched in comparison. Secondly, Greiman said that most people with a healthy immune response either won’t get sick or will show symptoms for a short period of time. The people who will experience the worst symptoms and outcomes are either immunocompromised, very young or very old. To make sure this doesn’t happen, however, Greiman said you can cook or blanch your vegetables to make sure they’re parasite-free. “Overall, I’d say your chance of getting infected are low,” he said. “I mean, I ate a salad yesterday, too. And you always think, ‘In two weeks, maybe I’ll have diarrhea…or not. I don’t know.’ But I would say that the chances are still so small.” “And if you do have it, treatment is quite easy.” Greiman said the symptoms of Cyclospora are not the same or nearly as bad as a condition like food poisoning, which is bacterial and causes high fever in addition to the intestinal-related symptoms. And there are definitely worse things you can get. “If you’re going to get infected with something, I would pick the explosive diarrhea over a tick-borne pathogen any day — or any other pathogen for that matter. There are some crazy awful parasites out there you can get hit with,” he said. “But for Cyclospora, it’s a fun story.” S
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| F O R W A R D S TAT E S B O R O - B U L L O C H
A Most Wonderful Time of the Year W R I T T EN BY B E N J Y T H O M P S O N
F
ALL IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YE AR – FOR ME , AT LE AST. IT ’S MY FAVORITE SE ASON , EVEN THOUG H IT SEEMS TO START L ATER E ACH
year, with summer hanging on too long. But I’ve always loved the temperature changing, the days getting shorter – even school starting back! (I’ve always been a proud and happy Nerd.) After moving to Statesboro to begin my enrollment at Georgia Southern College in 1984, the start of the Fall Quarter and Georgia Southern football became part of my life clock every September. The 1984 season was the first in Paulson Stadium, and it was a sight to behold. I’m pretty sure that every GSC student was there – a little over 6,000 back then – and most folks in Statesboro seemed to be there, too. Over 40 years ago, we may not have foreseen the powerful effects that football would have on our community and our University. Well, we can sure see those effects now. Most directly, home football game weekends bring thousands of visitors to our community, as well as eyes watching games on TV and streaming. As former Georgia Southern president Brooks Keel would famously say, athletics is the front porch of our University, and Eagles football brings the most visitors to the porch. Our current leading couple at Georgia Southern, President Kyle Marrero and his wife Jane, know the value of football to the University and the community, hosting visitors from around the State on Football Saturdays (and the occasional Thursday). But the most lasting effects of Georgia Southern football may be the activity that it supports outside of game days. There is no doubt that football has affected our University’s enrollment. Student enrollment 62
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doubled during the first years of the program and continues to grow every year. And student enrollment is a driver for economic growth in this community. There is a strong argument that much of our retail and commercial growth is due to the presence of a large number of college students, including from both Georgia Southern and Ogeechee Technical College. Our downtown is growing and thriving. We continue to see new restaurants and services in our community. The decisions that led to the Publix location here were in great part due to Georgia Southern’s enrollment, and that led to Kroger’s decision to locate here, too – as well as HomeGoods, Academy Sports, and other retailers. And most of these students aren’t from Statesboro-Bulloch County. They bring funds from out of town and spend them here, supporting retail that draws citizens from surrounding communities to spend here, too. This activity helps keep taxes lower and provides funding for things that make our community better. Economic development is always more than just one thing. In the Fall, it’s Georgia Southern football – but it’s also the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, and the Farmer’s Market, and the beautiful weather for walking Blind Willie McTell Trail and the S&S Greenway. Fall is a most wonderful time of the year to appreciate the amenities and activities that we have in Statesboro-Bulloch County, and it’s a reminder to acknowledge the reasons why we have them. S
W W W. A D VA N TA G E B U L LO C H . C O M
P H OTO BY F R A N K F O R T U N E
WE LIVE HERE
We do. We do. Merrill Lynch is proud to support area athletics. Merrill Lynch is proud to support area athletics.
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WHERE EVERY CHILD’S POTENTIAL SHINES! 912.764.4298 | info@kidsworld1statesboro.com www.kidsworld1statesboro.com
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HELPING CLIENTS GET THEIR LIVES
BACK ON TRACK GABE T. CLIETT AT T OR N EY
CHASTITY CATES PAR AL E G AL
DARLA SMITH PAR ALEGA L
Providing the Statesboro & Bulloch County Communities with Dependable Representation When you face life changing decisions, having an experienced
DEER HUNTING SEASON
ARCHERY DEER: September 12 – October 9 PRIMITIVE WEAPONS (DEER & BEAR): October 10 – October 16 FIREARMS (DEER): Starts statewide on October 17
MIGRATORY BIRDS HUNTING SEASON
Statesboro lawyer on your side makes all the difference. Our firm
DOVE: September 12 – October 12 EARLY TEAL (DUCKS): Mid-September
has been in practice since 1997, handling various cases ranging from criminal defense, family law, estate planning, probate, business law, real estate, and personal injury. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.
(typically around Sept 12–21, depending on DNR specifics).
CANADA GEESE: Segmented seasons occur in September and October (e.g., Sept 6–28 and Oct 11–26).
Gabe T. Cliett P.C. 18 SOUTH MAIN ST. | STATESBORO, GA 30458 STATESBOROLAWYER.COM | 912-764-2623
912.489.FISH (3474) | tcoutdoorsga.com Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM | Sat 7AM-5PM 1242 Northside Drive East, Statesboro, GA N NE R WI
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EAST GEORGIA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Business After Hours A Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Member Event Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. EGRMC Cafeteria A L L P H OTO G R A P H Y BY JEREMY WILBURN
CORNERSTONE FLOORING RIBBON CUTTING & GRAND OPENING Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. | 1959 Northside Drive East
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T H E L E A D E R S H I P B U L L O C H C L A S S O F 2 0 2 7 R E T R E AT August 21 – 23, 2026 | St. Simons Island, Georgia
RAISING CANE’S RIBBON CUTTING & GRAND OPENING Monday, August 24, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | 24087 U.S. Highway 80 West
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| LIVING WELL
Savor Every Breath
This Season, Fall into Better Lung Health W R I T T EN BY JA I M E R I G G S
T
us to obtain biopsies earlier and with greater precision, helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis while avoiding more invasive procedures whenever possible.” For a bronchoscopy, specialized mapping software creates a highly detailed “blueprint” of the patient’s airway paths to show the safest way for physicians, like Dr. Amoun, to access lung nodules. The physician then uses a controller to guide an ultra-thin, flexible tube through the lungs to access the nodule, then deploy biopsy tools through the same tube to collect tissue samples. This procedure allows a high-level of accuracy, faster diagnostics and shorter recovery time compared to traditional, more invasive surgeries.* Remember, if you want to enjoy the fall air for many seasons to come, it’s vital to take care of your lung health. If you’re at risk for lung disease—or if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms—talk with your primary care provider about whether lung cancer screening or a pulmonary evaluation is right for you. Not every lung nodule is cancer. In fact, many nodules are caused by prior infections, inflammation, or other benign conditions. Careful evaluation helps determine which nodules simply need monitoring and which require further testing. Schedule your screening today or find a provider to guide your lung health journey at www.eastgeorgiamedsurgassociates.com/doctors-providers *Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment. S
HERE IS A UNIQUE MAG IC TO AUTUMN IN SOUTHE AST G EORG IA . SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER PAINT OUR L ANDSCAPES IN HUES OF
gold, the air fills with the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars on front porches, and the joy of gathering with loved ones becomes the heartbeat of our town. As we prepare for harvest festivals, local football games, and cozy family celebrations, our health naturally rises to the top of our list of things to be grateful for. Truly savoring these crisp, golden moments requires protecting our most foundational blessing: the simple, life-sustaining rhythm of breathing well. For our families and community, safeguarding lung health is a year-round priority. Thankfully, expert medical support isn’t a long drive away.
Proactive screenings, especially for those with a history of smoking or a family history of lung disease, can identify issues and help patients receive treatment early on, before problems become severe. Some lung conditions, such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can be asymptomatic in the early stages, or include symptoms like fatigue that many people may not associate with lung problems. Lung cancer rarely announces itself with obvious symptoms in its earliest stages, allowing it to grow and potentially spread before causing issues. Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Individuals who no longer meet these criteria or develop health conditions limiting treatment may no longer benefit from screening. A LDCT scan is quick, painless, and uses significantly less radiation than a standard chest CT while providing detailed images of the lungs. The images created can help doctors identify tiny spots on a patient’s lungs long before they cause any symptoms. In addition to these scans, East Georgia Regional uses special imaging software that also helps physicians compare current and prior CT scans to identify subtle changes over time that might otherwise be overlooked. These technologies can be life-savers. According to the American Lung Association, when lung cancer is detected before it has spread, survival rates are substantially higher than when it is discovered at an advanced stage. W HAT H AP P ENS NE XT
If something does show up on a lung cancer screening, you can breathe easier knowing expert care is available right here in Bulloch County. “Using advanced robotic-assisted and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy, we can safely reach lung nodules deep within the lungs that were once difficult to access,” says Dr. Tarek Amoun. “This allows 66
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P H OTO BY F R A N K F O R T U N E
S C REE NING FOR E ARLY DIAGNO S IS
Using advanced robotic-assisted and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy, we can safely reach lung nodules deep within the lungs that were once difficult to access. This allows us to obtain biopsies earlier and with greater precision, helping patients receive an accurate diagnosis while avoiding more invasive procedures whenever possible.” – D R . TA R E K A M O U N
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