Georgia, 2020 January

GEMC

Georgia Celebrating the Georgia lifestyle MAGAZINE

Interactive museum exhibits
page 33
Lemon recipes
page 38
JJAANNUUAARRYY 220129

Experience
GEORGIA MAGAZINE
Ge7o5 rgia the Washington CelebratingtheGeorgialifestyle Youth Tour page 22A
MAGAZINE

GEMC

GEMC

Georgia Celebrating the Georgia lifestyle MAGAZINE

www.georgiamagazine.org
WYT_Cover_EMCs_Final_0120.indd 38

Hurricane Michael tests farmers
page 16
REACH scholarship program
page 24
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Contents JANUARY 2020 VOL. 76, NO. 1

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OSALYN DUNN

GEORGIA MAGAZINE

75

R
28

COURTESY FERNBANK MUSEUM

33

3 REDNECK TENORS

10

16 Hurricane Michael tests farmers The aftermath of Georgia's most powerful storm lingers. By Jackie Kennedy

24 REACH for success Scholarship supports students through high school

and college.

36

By Carolyn Crist

4 MAILBOX
6 PICTURE THIS?
8 GEORGIA NEWS
10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
14 CURRENTS
22 GEORGIA'S ENERGY
OUTLOOK
22A THE WASHINGTON
YOUTH TOUR
33 AROUND GEORGIA
Interactive museum experiences
36 GEORGIA GARDENS
The gentle art of forcing bulbs
38 GEORGIA COOKS
When life gives you lemons, start cooking!
42 HOMETOWN HERO
Shooting survivor now a Red Cross advocate

FLOWERBULBS.COM

28 How sweet it is! Lawrenceville bakery provides opportunities for adults with disabilities. By Rosalyn Dunn
30 A new sound Georgia Tech competition showcases innovative musical instruments. By H.M. Cauley

On the cover
In June, Georgia's electric membership corporations (EMCs) sent 115 high school delegates representing 38 EMCs to the 2019 Washington Youth Tour (WYT) to learn about our nation's history and government. Georgia's EMCs are committed to developing young people in their communities, and the WYT is the premier youth leadership program of many EMCs. (Photo by Kathryn Claxton; photo illustration by Gayle Hartman.)

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MailBOX Comments from our readers Compiled by Jennifer J. Hewett
Highlighting Georgia tourism
On behalf of our tourism partners in the Presidential Pathways Travel Association, I thank you and your publication for highlighting tourism in our state in such a remarkable and consistent manner. Your publication does exactly what your tagline says: "Celebrating the Georgia lifestyle."
For those of us who advertise with you, we know for certain that we get a super turnout for our attractions and events from your readers. Keep it up!
Tourism is economic development, and your magazine understands that. Plus, what an amazing state we have to explore!
--Laura Jennings, executive director, LaGrange Art Museum, LaGrange
Come hear our storytellers
I enjoyed the article on storytelling festivals in the October issue. [See "Weaving a tale," page 28; bit.ly/wvat1019.]
I am the co-producer and director of Red Clay Festival, a storytelling festival in Fayetteville. We were disappointed that our festival wasn't featured. Our third festival is scheduled for May 2, 2020, and features storytellers Bill Harley and Tracy Sue Walker. Info can be found at redclaystory.com.
--Anthony Vinson, Fayetteville
Delighted to share recipe
First let me just say I was so delighted to know my little recipe for Chicken Lake Sinclair was selected and used in your December 2019 Georgia Cooks section. [See "Favorite potluck recipes from readers," page 38; bit.ly/potluck1219.] My husband really likes this casserole, and there's one in the oven right now for our dinner. It is easy to put together and a go-to recipe I have made many times. Thank you for allowing me to share it in Georgia Magazine.
I'm excited to show my grandson, Chandler Pennington, who is an employee at Tri-County Electric Membership Corp. in Gray.
A parting thought to help us go through a tough spot: If God places a Goliath in front of us, surely he knows there's a David within us.
--Vivian Andrews, Milledgeville

From THE EDITOR
Each June, high school students from all over the state spend a week in our nation's capital as part of the Washington Youth Tour (WYT). The students are sponsored by electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) as part of their commitment to educating Georgia's young people about our system of government and the role EMCs play in developing strong communities.
During the tour, delegates explore historic landmarks, meet their legislators and gain a better understanding of the political process. Turn to your co-op's newsletter pages for more information about the WYT delegates from your area.
The WYT may be the EMCs' longest-standing youth outreach program, but it's by no means the only one. The REACH (Reaching Educational Achievement Can Happen) Georgia program is also supported by many of Georgia's EMCs. REACH Georgia funds need-based scholarships for students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.
See "REACH for success," starting on page 24, to find out how this program is breaking down the barriers to college and helping underserved Georgia scholars achieve their dreams.
On page 16, we follow up on a story that was very much in the news in October 2018. That's when Hurricane Michael struck Southwest Georgia. With wind gusts of up to 115 mph, Michael was the first Category 3 hurricane to hit the state in more than a century.
The storm devastated timber, poultry and cattle operations, pecan groves and row crops, leaving more than $2 billion in agricultural damage in its wake. More than a year later, farmers are still grappling with the aftermath and struggling to recover financially.
Read "Hurricane Michael tests farmers" to learn how the state's ag producers are rising to the challenge and rebuilding their way of life.
Happy New Year!

Share your thoughts. Email us at magazine@georgiaemc.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
4 Georgia Magazine January 2020

Laurel George Editor

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Picture this?

Guess where this is and you could win a $25 gift card!

In "Picture this?" the reader whose photo of a Georgia place is published wins a $25 Target gift card--as does the person who correctly guesses what the photo is and where it was taken. The winner's name (drawn at random from correct guesses) and the answer will appear in a future issue. The winning photo selected by our sta will be published in exchange for the gift card; Georgia EMC claims no right in and will ultimately destroy or delete all photos that are not selected.
If you're ready to guess or have taken a photo for us to consider, email picturethis@georgiaemc.com or mail to "Picture this?," P.O. Box 1707, Tucker, GA 30085. Submissions should be 300-dpi photos of locations that are accessible to the public and easy to identify. Please send photos and guesses separately.
Guesses for the January contest must be received by Jan. 20, 2020. With all correspondence, please include your name, mailing address and phone number.

NOVEMBER 2019

Our winners from November 2019 are Kim Siekmann, of Blairsville, who submitted the photo, and Susan Patterson, of Alpharetta, who correctly guessed it is a bee sculpture at Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee.

6 Georgia Magazine January 2020

Georgia Magazine, the largest-circulation monthly magazine in the state, is published by Georgia Electric Membership Corp. (GEMC), the trade association for Georgia's 41 consumer-owned electric utilities. On average, more than 540,000
members welcome the magazine into their homes each month. Georgia's not-for-profit electric
cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to more than 73 percent of the
state's land area, serving 4.5 million residents. For more information, visit www.georgiaemc.com.
EDITOR Laurel George MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer Hewett, CCC PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Gayle Hartman
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kevin Braun, CCC ASSOCIATE EDITOR Amy Schneider ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jim Jess STAFF ASSISTANT Mae Coleman
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Laine Kirby Wood, (770) 289-5700 Harold Chambliss, (678) 906-4050
NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE American MainStreet Publications, (800) 626-1181
DESIGNERS Trudie Thibodeaux, Kerstin Weis
Georgia Magazine (USPS-473120, ISSN 1061-5822) is published monthly by GEMC, P.O. Box 1707, 2100 East Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30085. Periodicals postage paid at Thomaston, GA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send changes to Georgia Magazine,
P.O. Box 1707, Tucker, GA 30085.
Acceptance of advertising by Georgia Magazine does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Georgia's electric
membership corporations of the product or services advertised.
GEORGIA MAGAZINE'S LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN, OR OMISSIONS OF, ADVERTISEMENTS, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES TO THE ADVERTISER'S BUSINESS, SHALL IN NO EVENT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF CHARGES FOR THE ADVERTISEMENT THAT WAS OMIT-
TED OR IN WHICH THE ERROR OCCURRED.
Georgia Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Manuscripts, photographs and artwork must be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes to be returned. Georgia Magazine reserves the
right to edit any material published.
How to get in touch
Subscriptions: Contact your electric cooperative first; they may send the magazine by request. Or send check or money order for $10 (12 issues) or $16 (24 issues) to the address below. Allow 4-6
weeks for first issue.
Change of address: If you personally subscribe, mail your address change to the address below. If you receive the magazine through your electric
co-op, please contact that office directly.
Article submissions or story ideas are welcome for review; send to the address below. Guidelines are available by emailing magazine@georgiaemc.com.
2100 East Exchange Place, Suite 510, Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 270-6500; in Georgia, (800) 544-4362 Website: www.georgiamagazine.org Email: magazine@georgiaemc.com
Visit www.georgiamagazine.org for more of everything you love about Georgia!

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ABC / ERIC MCCANDLESS

GEORGIA News Compiled by Jennifer J. Hewett

Alaina headlines new country tour

Find it this month!

Lauren Alaina and her dancing partner, Gleb Savchenko, competed against three other celebrity couples in the 2019 "Dancing with the Stars" finale.
G eorgia's Lauren Alaina had every intention of winning "Dancing with the Stars." She had the confidence, talent and popularity to take it all in November. In the end, the Rossville native finished in fourth place, and she's OK with that. "Life is full of ups and downs," she said shortly before the end of Season 28 of the celebrity dancing competition. "There are things that happen in your life that you wish didn't. But it's those things that define us. And that's why life is so beautiful."
This month, Alaina headlines her That Girl Was Me Tour, which will have her visiting her home state on Feb. 8 for a show at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta. And on stage that night will be a person who has gone through quite a transformation.
"`Dancing with the Stars' took me out of my comfort zone, and it's the best thing that has ever happened to me," said Alaina, whose single "Getting Good" is climbing up the country music charts. "The show pushed me to my edge and forced me to work on myself. I was coming out of a sad season of my life, but now I am on the other side of it."
Indeed, 2019 was a roller coaster for the singer, who not only lost her stepfather to cancer but also broke off her engagement to longtime love Alex Hopkins.
Yet Alaina says she is ready for whatever the new year brings and is excited for her tour to bring her home. For tour info and tickets, visit laurenalainaofficial.com.
--Tricia Despres
Did you know?
Georgia's business climate was named No. 1 in the nation by Site Selection magazine in November. This marks the seventh consecutive year the state has garnered the top spot for business. Learn more at georgia.org.

Want to win a $25 gift card?
Are you a resourceful reader? One lucky reader who nds and submits the correct answers to these trivia questions will win a $25 Target gift card.
1) How many pints of blood did Meredith Forrester receive during two emergency surgeries in 1999?
2) When Hurricane Michael hit Miley Adams' farmland, he had not yet harvested what crop?
3) Keith Groover won the Margaret Guthman New Instrument Competition with a fouroctave instrument he created. What is the instrument's name?
4) In what part of the refrigerator does Peggy Anne Montgomery say you can store bulbs before planting?
5) The REACH Georgia Scholarship program started with how many students in five school systems?
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8 Georgia Magazine January 2020

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classical chamber music, will perform at the Savannah Music Festival.

EVENTS Calendar JANUARY Compiled by Pamela A. Keene

I

3 Redneck Tenors tour Georgia

T

1

T he 3 Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound bring their musical-comedy-meets-Broadway show to

N d

six Georgia towns in January. The "America's Got Talent"

"

finalists, all classically trained, demonstrate their vocal

D

prowess with country, pop, Broadway and opera tunes.

A o

Matthew Lord, a graduate of the Juilliard School of

music and a 26-year veteran of the Metropolitan Opera,

"

created the show 17 years ago. Blake Davidson and

J

Jonathan Fruge round out the cast.

C

"I wrote this goofy show for a children's benefit at

'8 (7

the height of all the Three Tenors- and 10 Tenors-type

tours, and we're still having a great time with it," Lord

"

says. "And best of all, we make some really nice harmo-

T

nies."

A

The show includes a mashup of Verdi's "La Donna

a h

Mobile" and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy," plus music

a

from "The Phantom of the Opera" and other Broadway

When you go

hits.

5

"We hope that people will laugh a lot, enjoy the music and not learn a single thing," Lord says. "Our show is all about just having a

Eatonton Jan. 9 Plaza Arts Center

Marietta Jan. 11-12 Strand Theatre

Americus Jan. 17 Rylander Theatre

G V n

good time."

(706) 923-1655

(770) 293-0080

(229) 931-0001

h

--Pamela A. Keene

plazacenter.org earlsmithstrand.org rylander.org

3

Event details and costs are subject to change; please verify before attending.

Springfield Jan. 10

Bainbridge Jan. 16

Waynesboro Jan. 18

5

I Various Locations

Mars Theatre

Abraham Baldwin

Burke O ce Park

J

Trailer Hippies, Jan. 11, Gilmer

(912) 754-1118

Agricultural College Auditorium

Arts Playhouse, Ellijay. Singer-

marstheatre.com Charles H. Kirbo

(706) 526-5062

First Day Hikes, Jan. 1, Georgia State Parks,

songwriters Tommy and Silvia

Regional Center

burkeconcert.org

various locations. Dozens of park-specific

Davis perform down-home

(229) 391-4895

guided hikes to celebrate the new year.

mountain and folk music.

bit.ly/3tenrs

(770) 389-7286. gastateparks.org.

(706) 635-5626. gilmerarts.com.

3 REDNECK TENORS "FAMILY" BY VINCENT DALE

I Historic High Country
Lonesome Dove, through Feb. 9, Booth Museum, Cartersville. Photos by Bill Wittliff capture scenes from the filming of the "Lonesome Dove" miniseries. (770) 387-1300. boothmuseum.org.
Fiber Stories, Yarn Painting by Annie Greene, Jan. 3-Feb. 1, Carrollton Center for the Arts, Carrollton. Works by the mixed-media artist depict life experiences. (770) 838-1083. carrolltonarts.com.
Riley Green, Jan. 10, The Forum River Center, Rome. The country singer from Alabama sings "Bury Me in Dixie" and other hits. (706) 291-5281. romegeorgia.org.
Star Gazing at the Mounds, Jan. 10, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville. Create a star wheel to navigate the night sky, plus Native American storytelling. (770) 387-3747. bit.ly/etowmnd.

Georgia Clay Council Exhibit, Jan. 11-Feb. 22, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Blue Ridge. Exhibit of clay and pottery works. (706) 632-2144. blueridgearts.net.
"In the Groove," Jan. 17, Carrollton Center for the Arts, Carrollton. Tribute to the Four Seasons and Motown with song and dance. (770) 838-1083. carrolltonarts.com.
"Mary Poppins Jr.," Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, Woodstock. Young performers present the stage production of the Disney musical. (678) 494-4251. elmstreetarts.org.
I Northeast Georgia Mountains
2020 Twilight Stroll by the Granite Bowl, Jan. 3, Elberton Arts Center, Elberton. 5K and 10K road races through downtown Elberton and the Granite Bowl football stadium. (706) 283-5651. twilightstroll.com.
The Malpass Brothers, Jan. 3, Historic Ritz Theatre, Toccoa. The brothers perform retro/

bluegrass music. (706) 282-3232. bit.ly/ritztoc.
Danny Bacher Trio, Jan. 10-11, Smithgall Arts Center, Gainesville. Jazz performance by the singer/saxophonist and his band. (770) 534-2787. theartscouncil.net.
The Gina Furtado Project, Jan. 11, Buford Community Center, Buford. Singer-songwriter/ banjo player performs bluegrass music. (770) 945-6762. bit.ly/bufcctr.
Mainstreet, Jan. 11, Holly Theater, Dahlonega. Concert by the Bob Seger tribute band. (706) 530-5162. hollytheater.com.
Caroline Aiken, Jan. 18, Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center, Sautee Nacoochee. Atlanta singer-songwriter performs folk, blues and rock. (706) 878-3300. snca.org.
"Artrageous," Jan. 19, Pearce Auditorium, Gainesville. Interactive experience combines onstage painting, dancing and vocal performances. (770) 534-2787. theartscouncil.net.

10 Georgia Magazine January 2020

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n Atlanta Metro

350 vendors for the railroad modeler and the

railway enthusiast. (813) 949-7197. gserr.com.

The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill, through Jan. 5, 9-12, 16-20, 23-26, 30-Feb. 2, 6-9, 5039 W. Broad St.

n Presidential Pathways

N.E., Sugar Hill. Skating on Georgia's largest out-

door ice rink. (770) 554-7506. haidrink.com.

Organ Concerts, Jan. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26,

Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, Callaway

"Adventures of the Gingerbread Man,"

Gardens, Pine Mountain. Performances on the

Dec. 31-Jan. 19, Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta. Mller organ. (844) 512-3826. bit.ly/cwygardn.

A retelling of folk tales by All Hands Productions

of Atlanta. (404) 873-3391. puppet.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Jan. 11,

downtown, LaGrange. Marching bands and

"She Rocks: Tara Vaughan's Women of Rock," floats celebrate King's birthday. (706) 884-8671.

Jan. 2-19, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Roswell. bit.ly/mlklagr.

Concert-style journey through the '60s, '70s and

'80s featuring music by female rockers.

F. Marion Celebration on the Square, Jan. 11,

(770) 641-1260. get.org.

downtown, Buena Vista. Celebrate Marion

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime," Jan. 9-12, 14-19, 21-26, 29-Feb. 2, 4-9, Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville. A teenager with autism who likes math works to solve a neighbor-

County's founder with blacksmiths, glass-blowing, vendors, food, music. (229) 314-6965. bit.ly/bvmarcel.
The Italian Symphony, Jan. 11, RiverCenter for

Regions are determined by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. See its online calendar at www.exploregeorgia. org for additional events.

hood mystery. (678) 226-6222.

the Performing Arts, Columbus. Music by Silves-

auroratheatre.com.

tri, Prokofiev and Mendelssohn. (706) 256-3612.

csoga.org.

58th Annual Atlanta Boat Show, Jan. 16-19,

pianist in concert. (478) 569-6045.

Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C, Atlanta.

"Clue, On Stage," Jan. 16-19, 23-25, Lafayette

wrconcert.org.

Virtual-reality exhibits, educational seminars,

Theatre Academy, LaGrange. Farcical murder-

re

nautical Kids' Zone, Touch-a-Boat Tour and boats, mystery play based on the Hasbro board game. An Evening with Travis Tritt, Jan. 16, The

houseboats and boating accessories. (401) 651- (706) 882-9909. lsparts.org.

Classic Center, Athens. The award-winning

3220. atlantaboatshow.com.

country singer performs. (706) 208-0900.

Chili Challenge and Tasting VII, Jan. 18, F.D.

classiccenter.com.

58th Atlanta Model Train Show and Sale,

Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain. Enter the

ark

Jan. 18, Infinite Energy Center, Duluth. More than chili-cooking contest, be a taster or compete in Athens MLK Day of Service, Jan. 20, various

the heat challenge. (706) 663-4858.

locations, Athens. Freedom breakfast, art ex-

bit.ly/fdrspga.

hibit, ecumenical service, concert and parade.

org

(706) 613-3800. bit.ly/mlkserv.

"Fences," Jan. 23-26, 30-Feb. 2, Springer Opera

House, Columbus. Production of August Wilson's "Waitress," Jan. 20, The Classic Center Theatre,

Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a former

Athens. Tony Award-nominated musical about a

baseball star. (706) 327-3688. bit.ly/sprngop.

waitress/pie-maker who dreams her way out of

her small town and rocky marriage.

6th Annual Taste of Two Counties Big Band

(706) 208-0900. classiccenter.com.

Dance, Jan. 25, Kiwanis Event Center, Griffin.

17-piece big band, food from restaurants in Pike UGA Symphony Orchestra Concerto

7.

and Spalding counties, dancing to raise funds

Competition Concert, Jan. 23, Hugh Hodgson

for the J. Joel Edwards Library in Zebulon.

School of Music, University of Georgia, Athens.

(770) 584-3094. bit.ly/fofjjoel.

Student soloists perform works from the

n Historic Heartland

school's recent concerto competition, accompanied by the orchestra. (706) 542-3737.

ugamusiccalendar.com.

Crossroads: Change in Rural America, through

"FAMILY" BY VINCENT DALE

Jan. 11, Monticello-Jasper Visitor Center,

Humans by Circa, Jan. 24-25, UGA Performing

Monticello. Traveling Smithsonian Institution

Arts Center, Athens. Acrobats from Australia

exhibition highlights the evolution of rural com- present a boundary-pushing contemporary

munities in the 20th century through photos,

circus. (706) 542-4400. pac.uga.edu.

objects, film, audio and interactive technology.

(706) 468-8994. jaspercountycoc.com.

America, Jan. 25, City Auditorium, Macon. Icon-

ic band from the '70s and '80s performs on its

Through the Years, Jan. 9-Feb. 20, Cultural

People, Places, Things, through Jan. 18,

50th anniversary world tour. (478) 803-1593.

Arts Center Douglasville/Douglas County,

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Madison.

bit.ly/macpaud.

Douglasville. Exhibit of works in various

Exhibition of works by the Atlanta Photography

media and styles by artists of color to cel-

Group. (706) 342-4743. mmcc-arts.org.

An Evening with Lyle Lovett, Jan. 31, City

ebrate Black History Month. (770) 949-2787.

Auditorium, Macon. Concert by the singer,

.

artsdouglas.org.

Mark Valenti, Jan. 12, First United Methodist

songwriter and actor. (478) 803-1593.

Church, Warner Robins. Internationally known

bit.ly/macpaud.

www.georgiamagazine.org 11

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12/12/19 2:06 AM

TODD ROSENBERG GOLDEN ISLES CVB

EVENTS Calendar

n Classic South
Vietnam Transformed: The Art of Richard J. Olsen, through Feb. 16, Morris Museum of Art, Augusta. Paintings capture the artist's time in Vietnam. (706) 724-7501. themorris.org.
Linda Hardy, Jan. 9-Feb. 28, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Augusta. Paintings by the Texasbased artist. (706) 826-4700. bit.ly/sacrdht.
Mountain Dulcimer Jam, Jan. 17-19, Mistletoe State Park, Appling. Musicians play dulcimers, fiddles, banjos, basses and harmonicas; listen or bring your own instrument to join in. (706) 860-3437. bit.ly/gspmsto.
American Rhythms, Jan. 18, The Miller Theater, Augusta. Concert featuring works by American composers Copland, Gershwin and Aguila. (706) 842-4080. bit.ly/augsymp.
20th Annual MLK Celebration, Jan. 18-20, Third Shiloh G.L. Avery Center and downtown, Washington. Saturday breakfast, Sunday service and Monday parade downtown commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. (706) 990-9876. washingtonwilkes.org.
8th Annual Beekeeping Course, Jan. 25, Greensboro First United Methodist Church, Greensboro. Learn about equipment, honeybee biology, plants and pollination, products from the hive, plus queen rearing. (478) 4561049. lcba2020.eventbrite.com.
"The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show," Jan. 28-29, Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center, Evans. Singer Belinda

Davids and a six-piece band pay tribute to the late singer. (706) 726-0366. bit.ly/augstamus.
n Plantation Trace

Starlight Nature Serenade Hike, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Seminole State Park, Donalsonville. Guided hike under the stars to listen to the sounds of nature. (229) 861-3137. bit.ly/gspsmsp.
Discovery Days, Jan. 5, 19, Flint RiverQuarium, Albany. Storytelling, live animal presentations. (229) 639-2650. bit.ly/rivraqur.
44th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, Jan. 16, University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton. Peanut growers' trade show and expo. (229) 386-3470. gapeanuts.com.
Rhythm and Roots, Jan. 17, Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville. Singer-songwriter series. (229) 226-0588. thomasvillearts.org.

Island Treasures, Jan. 1-Feb. 29, various locations, Jekyll Island. Join the island-wide treasure hunt to win handcrafted glass floats. (912) 635-3636. jekyllisland.com.
Barefoot Comedy: Bengt Washburn, Jan. 23, Whitaker Black Box Theater, Statesboro. Performance by the stand-up comic. (912) 212-2787. bit.ly/avrtctr.
"Behold: Here Cometh the Dreamer," Jan. 25, Whitaker Black Box Theater, Statesboro. Local performers bring poems by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and others to life through music and the spoken word to honor Martin Luther King Jr. (912) 212-2787. bit.ly/avrtctr.

Crossroads: Change in Rural America, Jan. 18-Feb. 29, Andrew on the Square, 72 Dawson St., Andrew College, Cuthbert. Traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition highlights the evolution of rural communities in the 20th century through photos, objects, film, audio and interactive technology. (229) 732-5990. bit.ly/cuthxrds.

n Georgia's Coast
Summon the Sea! Contemporary Artists and Moby Dick, through Feb. 16, Telfair Museums Jepson Center, Savannah. Six artists explore Herman Melville's story of Moby Dick through sculpture, photography, prints and video. (912) 790-8800. telfair.org.

Symphony Sundays, Jan. 26, Pretoria Fields, Albany. Albany Symphony musicians perform popular music in a casual setting. (229) 430-8933. bit.ly/albsym.

Meet the Turtles, Jan. 11, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross. Learn about Georgia's turtles in this animal presentation. (912) 287-4900. bit.ly/lswkrgsp.

"Once," Jan. 28, Mathis City Auditorium, Valdosta. Broadway musical about an Irish singer-songwriter and his romance with a Czech girl. (229) 247-2787. bit.ly/valonce.
n Magnolia Midlands
Jimmy Fortune, Jan. 11, Grand Theatre, Fitzgerald. The tenor from the legendary Statler Brothers performs country and gospel music. (229) 426-5033. bit.ly/fitzgac.
"Hansel and Gretel," Jan. 14-15, Theatre Dublin, Dublin. Atlanta Opera Studio Tour's performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's opera based on the classic fairy tale. (478) 246-7861. bit.ly/dublaurart.

GLOW Up 2020, Jan. 18, Howard Gilman Waterfront Park, St. Marys. 5K Neon Glow Fun Run/Walk to support suicide prevention. (912) 467-2387. bit.ly/stmglow.
British Troops at Sunbury 1779, Jan. 18-20, Fort Morris State Park, Midway. Interact with re-enactors portraying the British soldiers who captured Fort Morris and Sunbury on Jan. 9, 1779. (912) 884-5999. bit.ly/gspftmo.
Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee, Jan. 25, Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick. Parade, entertainment, classic and antique car show, Brunswick stew competition. (912) 638-9014. goldenisles.com.
"Carmen," Jan. 26, Ritz Theatre, Brunswick. Peach State Opera presents the classic opera by George Bizet. (912) 262-6934. goldenislesarts.org.

The Second City: Improv All-Stars, Jan. 30, Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center, Statesboro. Chicago-based comedians on a national tour perform without a script. (912) 478-7999. bit.ly/improvstars.

26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Jan. 18, downtown, Dublin. More than 175 floats commemorate King's birthday. (478) 272-4002. bit.ly/dubmlkp.

Events for the April 2020 issue are due by Jan. 15. Email calendar@georgiaemc.com. See more event listings at georgiamagazine.org.

12 Georgia Magazine January 2020

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12/12/19 2:08 AM

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www.georgiamagazine.org 13

Currents

News from Georgia's electric co-ops Compiled by Amy Schneider

Georgia EMC honors co-ops, lifesavers
E ach year, Tucker-based Georgia Electric Membership Corp. (EMC) recognizes EMCs for outstanding safety records the previous year and presents its Community Service and Volunteerism Awards to EMCs and employees for their efforts to improve and strengthen their communities through corporate citizenship; leadership in economic development, tourism, education and school and youth programs; and charitable giving and community support. Below are the 2019 award recipients and honorees.
EMC of the Year GreyStone Power Corp., Douglasville

E

CASEY JONES

BETHANY AKRIDGE

Sydney Lawson, a 2019 Washington Youth Tour delegate sponsored by Middle Georgia EMC in Vienna, was chosen by her peers to be the Georgia delegation's representative to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council (YLC). Every year, the YLC representative addresses Georgia EMC's Annual Meeting.

CASEY JONES

Wendy Sellers (left), president and CEO of Sandersville-based Washington EMC, and Harry Reeves (right), vice president of training, education and safety at Tucker-based Georgia EMC, present the EMC of the Year award to GreyStone Power Corp., represented by Gary Miller (center left), president and CEO, and Maribeth Wansley, a member of the board of directors.

No lost-time accidents (number of consecutive years)

Safety accreditation programs completed

Upson EMC, Thomaston (11) Carroll EMC, Carrollton (nine) Coastal Electric Cooperative, Midway (six) Georgia Transmission Corp., Tucker (six) Georgia System Operations Corp., Tucker
(four) Tri-County EMC, Gray (three) Excelsior EMC, Metter (two) Oconee EMC, Dudley (two) Oglethorpe Power Corp., Tucker (two) Flint Energies, Reynolds (one) Habersham EMC, Clarkesville (one) Satilla Rural EMC, Alma (one) Washington EMC, Sandersville (one)
14 Georgia Magazine January 2020

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Program Carroll EMC Cobb EMC, Marietta Mitchell EMC, Camilla Oglethorpe Power Corp.
Electric Cooperative Safety Accreditation Program of Georgia Altamaha EMC, Lyons Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Young Harris Carroll EMC Central Georgia EMC, Jackson Cobb EMC Colquitt EMC, Moultrie

Georgia Transmission Corp. Hart EMC, Hartwell Irwin EMC, Ocilla Little Ocmulgee EMC, Alamo Mitchell EMC North Georgia EMC, Dalton Okefenoke Rural EMC, Nahunta Planters EMC, Millen Satilla Rural EMC Upson EMC
Life Saving Award (for rescuing someone from grave and immediate danger)
Dustin Arrington, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Palmetto
Jacob Brumbelow, Brian Carden, Nabil Chabayta, Brett Corley, Austin Frazier, Matt Ingram and Taylor Shadrix, GreyStone Power Corp.
Chuck Wood, Mark Cleveland and Derrick Lawrence, Hart EMC
Greg Mathis, Jackson EMC, Jefferson Jerrod Berresford and Dustin Haley,
Oglethorpe Power Corp. --Beth McMillan

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12/12/19 2:12 AM

COURTESY COASTAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CASEY JONES

EMCs o er SunPower for Schools teacher workshops

E lectric membership cooperatives (EMCs) in Georgia are empowering teachers to raise up the next generation of renewable-energy innovators. Prior to the 2019-20 school year, Coastal Electric Cooperative in Midway and Canoochee

EMC in Reidsville co-sponsored a SunPower for Schools workshop at the Liberty

County Performing Arts Center in Hinesville--one of three such events held in the

summer throughout the state.

These workshops not only provide teachers with curriculum and classroom

materials but also equip them to incorporate solar education into their classrooms.

"We've seen a significant increase in solar energy production in Georgia," says

Jason Smith, Coastal Electric energy adviser. "One of the best ways to keep that growth

going is to teach young people about renewable energy. By helping teachers tie solar

education in with the curriculum they are already using and giving them tools to do

that, they are more likely to become engaged."

During the workshop, teachers learned about solar technology and how electric

cooperatives tap into the power of the sun to provide electricity for their communities.

They worked together on activities and labs pertaining to their subject areas. They

even took field trips to visit working solar arrays in the area.

Developed by Georgia's

electric cooperatives and

Tucker-based Green Power

EMC in partnership with the

University of West Georgia

in Carrollton, SunPower for

Schools gives students oppor-

tunities to examine real-time

energy-production data from

solar arrays statewide. By

monitoring solar-power data

during variable weather and

light conditions, students

gain a better understanding

of the challenges and op-

portunities associated with

renewable energy.

"Allowing students to

monitor the output of actual

solar arrays gives them a re-

alistic representation of what,

Coastal Electric's Jason Smith, left, and Canoochee EMC's at this point, you really can

Joe Sikes check out a building-block model of a solarpowered home.

and cannot do with solar," Smith says. "We're making

advances in technology all

the time, and we believe by

exposing students early to how solar energy works, they will be better equipped to take

us to the next level."

The curriculum observes new Georgia Standards of Excellence and supports

schools' science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) certification efforts. It

includes content in physics, chemistry, physical science, earth science, biology, life

science, environmental science and math. More than 200 schools, 650 teachers and

10,000 students have participated in the program.

SHORTTakes
Leadership change: Following the retirement of longtime President and CEO Whit Hollowell, the board of directors at Coastal Electric Cooperative in Midway has named Chris Fettes to the role. Fettes previously served as vice president of engineering and operations and chief operating o cer at the co-op.
`Babies' on board: The Jackson-based Je erson Energy Cooperative Foundation donated $6,088 to the Augusta Technical College Foundation toward two infant simulators for its Waynesboro and Thomson campuses. The simulators mimic the sounds of infants with heart, lung and bowel issues to help prepare licensed practical nurses.
Nothing but net: The Central Georgia Electric Membership Corp. (EMC) Foundation in Jackson contributed $1,128 in Operation Round Up funds to the Jackson High School Volleyball Spike Club for volleyball-net upgrades. In Operation Round Up, members opt to round their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, and the difference is put into a fund that supports worthy causes in the community.
Technical leaders: Lindsay Bridges, vice president of communications and member services at Georgia EMC in Tucker, has been appointed to the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Foundation board of trustees. The foundation supports the TCSG through marketing, advocacy and fundraising to bene t college programs, faculty and students.
Colorful ideas: In honor of National Coloring Book Day on Aug. 2, Sandersville-based Washington EMC gave every "mini-member" who visited one of its o ces a coloring book or coloring sheet.
www.georgiamagazine.org 15

RICHARD LUBRANT COURTESY GREYSTONE POWER CORP.

BETHANY AKRIDGE

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12/12/19 2:11 AM

COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black (left) and Greg Mims survey the damage to Mims' farm in Donalsonville after Hurricane Michael struck Oct. 10, 2018. The storm took a staggering toll on agriculture, which is a $73 billion industry in Georgia.

Hurricane Michael
tests farmers
The aftermath of Georgia's most powerful storm lingers
By Jackie Kennedy
16 Georgia Magazine January 2020
16-18_Hurricane_B_0120.indd 16

C amilla cattleman Lane Holton was rounding up cows and moving them to pens for safety as Hurricane Michael approached on the evening of Oct. 10, 2018. When the storm grew stronger, he started to head home, but the dirt road to his farm was blocked by downed trees. Instead, he hunkered down in a metal building in his cow pasture; since its steel pins were embedded in concrete, he figured it was safer than the doublewide trailer that houses his farm office.
"Cows were in the pens surrounding me, and it was dark, so you couldn't see what was going on," he recalls. "Everything was shaking, and I could hear trees falling and limbs flying everywhere."
From 8 p.m. until the wind finally died down around 2 a.m., Holton rode out the storm with his cattle. At daybreak, he and thousands of other South Georgia farm families woke to discover historic crop devastation and destruction of property.
Hurricane Michael's winds of up to 115 mph left South Georgia's agricultural communities reeling. More than a year later, the recovery continues as government representatives and generational farmers work together to address the $2.5 billion in ag losses.
"That's a difficult obstacle to overcome, but we're steadily getting back," says Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. "We lead the nation in production of so many commodities. After the hurricane, we led the nation in destruction of
12/12/19 5:34 PM

`My granddad originally built all this infrastructure. My insurance is not going to cover what it will cost to replace this now. We never expected this kind of total devastation.'
--Kevin Rentz, a fourth-generation cattle, cotton, peanut and soybean producer in Decatur County

COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

018.

those commodities, so it's been incumbent on us to lead the nation in recovery."
The Georgia General Assembly wasted no time addressing the storm's impact, convening in a special session in November 2018 to allocate $500 million toward recovery. For ag producers, the allocation included a $200 million Georgia Timber Tax Credit Program to help forest and pecan orchard landowners offset their losses, a Forest Debris Management Program targeting $20 million toward cleanup and $55 million for the Georgia Development Authority's SAFETY 21 Loan Program, which offers loans to farmers affected by the hurricane.
"The state government deserves credit," says Chuck Williams, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). "Our federal partners were on the scene, too, but the wheels move a little slower in D.C. than they do in Atlanta."
"If the federal government took after Georgia, we would be a much better country, there's no doubt," says Gerald Long, president of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation (GFB). The GFB Foundation for Agriculture raised $650,000 for affected farmers, but the need continues to be much greater than what that sum was able to cover, Long says.
Exactly one year after the hurricane made landfall, Long lamented the fact that Georgia had not yet received its share of the $3 billion promised as part of the $19.1 billion disaster aid package passed by Congress last June. Long's cattle and

row-crop farm in Bainbridge took a big hit from the hurricane.
"Just day before yesterday, we finally got through patching fences," he said in October. "No time's a good time for a storm, but particularly in the middle of harvest season, it wreaked havoc."
Black, Long and Williams agree: Georgia's farmers will wrestle with the impact of Hurricane Michael for years to come.
Record yields become record losses
The year was on track to be a particularly good one for Georgia agriculture.
"Cotton was set for a record yield in 2018, and prices were in a favorable position for vegetable producers," Black says. "Pecans were good. There was going to be elevated production. Then, all of a sudden, it's gone."
Miley Adams owns farmland across the road from Holton's farm in Camilla. A row-crop farmer, he had harvested the peanuts and corn--but not cotton-- when Hurricane Michael raged through. He lost all the season's cotton--600 acres' worth, valued at $360,000.
That was devastating, but cotton is an annual crop that is planted each year. The loss of pecan trees hit him harder.

www.georgiamagazine.org 17

16-18_Hurricane_B_0120.indd 17

12/12/19 5:34 PM

`This will be felt for many years to come, and it's going to take some financial assistance. This is serious.'
--Greg Mims, a cattle, corn, cotton and soybean producer in Donalsonville

JACKIE KENNEDY COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

`Because of the hurricane, our business totally stopped for five or six months. With no income and all the expenses going out for repairs and cleanup, it was a hard time.'
--Lane Holton, a cattle producer in Camilla
18 Georgia Magazine January 2020

"When the hurricane came, because we had so many leaves and nuts on the trees, it was like a parachute; the wind caught those trees, uprooted them and just threw them over," says Adams, who lost about 3,000 pecan trees and sustained crop and future losses estimated at about $2.5 million.
While his crop insurance covered about 75 percent of that year's loss, there's no way to replace the mature trees, some of which were 80 to 100 years old. The storm packed an emotional wallop to go along with the natural and financial disaster.
"I've been farming 47 years, and I'm not one easily depressed, but this was very depressing," he says. "You do so much to work the land and try to make good crops. And in one fell swoop, your livelihood is gone."
The first six months were extremely difficult, he recalls. "I'm better, but every time I hear them talking about another hurricane coming, I cringe," he says. "All I can tell you is I'm in the hands of the Lord, and I'm going to do the best I can. That's typically what farmers are all about. They learn through the years that you just can't quit. You've got to keep on pushing." Black has talked to many Georgia farmers with similar stories. "There's a message of resiliency that's there, but there are scars, too," Black says. "This is not `I scraped my knee and we get some ointment and a Band-Aid.' This is far more severe."
Continued on page 20

16-18_Hurricane_B_0120.indd 18

12/12/19 5:34 PM
Continued on page 36

Canoochee EMC, Reidsville Carroll EMC, Carrollton
Central Georgia EMC, Jackson Coastal Electric, Midway Cobb EMC, Marietta
Coweta-Fayette EMC, Palmetto Diverse Power, LaGrange Flint Energies, Reynolds
GreyStone Power, Douglasville Habersham EMC, Clarkesville
Hart EMC, Hartwell Irwin EMC, Ocilla
Middle Georgia EMC, Vienna North Georgia EMC, Dalton
Oconee EMC, Dudley Planters EMC, Millen Sawnee EMC, Cumming Southern Rivers Energy, Barnesville Sumter EMC, Americus
WE NEVER FORGET WHERE WE CAME FROM
Join Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in celebrating the power of human connections.

GMAG Trim Size Template.indd 1

12/13/19 8:26 AM

COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

`These pecan trees were planted in 1910 by my great-grandfather Cader Cox. These trees are just such a generational loss. For a lot of farmers, they have insurance on the crop, but not on the trees themselves.'
--Casey Cox, a sixth-generation producer of pecans, corn,
peanuts and timber in Camilla

Continued from page 18
Relief, resilience
"There's not been a day on the job yet that I haven't worked on Hurricane Michael relief in one way or another," says Dale Sandlin, who took on the role of executive vice president for the Georgia Cattleman's Association last April. He notes that 550,000 head of Georgia cattle and calves were affected by the hurricane. "Producers I've spoken with are still hurting from the storm. Many of them experienced total loss; their house, barn, farm-- everything is gone.
"One thing that's struck me, though, is their resilience. No matter what that damage is, they want to continue their operation."
Of agriculture commodities, timber was the hardest-hit in Georgia, with destruction of or damage to almost 37.7 million tons of timber valued at approximately $763 million.
"That's the equivalent of 1.5 million log-truck loads of timber," Williams says. He notes that the hurricane has caused timber growers to view their crop differently.
"Forest land owners have thought of timber as an asset that could be monetized based on market condition and personal needs," he says. "Timber represented a significant portion of their retirement assets or child's college fund. The hurricane made people realize large, mature timber is not an ironclad, risk-free investment. They saw that a 50-year investment can blow away in two hours."
GFC Forest Management Chief Scott Griffin has had boots on the ground in Georgia's timberland since the storm.
"The week after the hurricane, we talked with people who never wanted to see another pine tree, and that was understandable," Griffin says. "But now people are ready to get moving again."

`We're optimistic'
Since the storm, some farmers have gone out of business, some have reorganized and others are still figuring it out.
"It's a challenge for agriculture; there's no doubt about it," Long says. "But we're optimists, or we wouldn't be farming."
Bob McLendon farms 7,000 acres in row crops and timber in Leary. He estimates his losses of irrigation systems, crops, timber and buildings at well over $1 million. Many of his neighbors experienced similar losses.
"Nobody has given up," McLendon says. "We have good prices, bad prices, good weather, dry weather, but we're optimistic that it's always going to be better next year."
Eric Cohen, chairman of the board of directors for Grady Electric Membership Corp. in Cairo, produces pecans in Bainbridge and Seminole County. He lost 30,000 mature pecan trees in the storm.
"Hurricane Michael devastated my farm plus everybody else's in my area," Cohen says. "The morning after the storm, I told my wife we need to take about 15 minutes to cry about this, and then we've got to lace up our boots and go. My brother and I built this farm, and it was taken away from us in four hours. We built it once; we can do it again."
Jackie Kennedy is a freelance writer living in LaGrange.
Ag losses in Georgia
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has estimated direct losses caused by Hurricane Michael. Timber: $763 million Cotton: $550 million to $600 million Pecans: $560 million Vegetables: $480 million Poultry: $28 million Peanuts: $10 million to $20 million Green industry (container and eld nurseries,
greenhouse and turf ): $13 million Soybeans: $10 million

20 Georgia Magazine January 2020

16-18_Hurricane_B_0120.indd 20

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GEORGIA'S Energy Outlook By Ed Barker

Kell Robotics leads efforts to expand tech education

Advancing technical education in Georgia is a key to developing a workforce capable of fueling the state's growing economy and international competitiveness. Schools are struggling to keep pace with the demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and computer science instruction, and after-school efforts, such as robotics teams, are filling a critical gap by nurturing student interest in STEM fields.
One such team is Kell Robotics from Kell High School in Marietta, recipient of the FIRST Chairman's Award in 2018. FIRST--For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology--is the world's largest nonprofit STEM education organization, supporting students from kindergarten through 12th grade. FIRST focuses on inspiring students to take charge of their education and motivating them to become productive members of society. FIRST conducts science-oriented competitions worldwide.
FIRST recognized Kell Robotics for the team's long-term efforts to advance education. Over nine years, the team started 40 new robotics teams across Georgia, helped dozens more and conducted 320 outreach events to engage students.

The most significant challenge the team faced was finding enough qualified teachers to support the students who wanted to be involved in STEM education.
Kell Robotics is only the 28th team in FIRST's 30-year history to be inducted into the FIRST Hall of Fame, and the team is a role model for more than 615,000 students on 72,000 school teams in more than 100 countries.
Industry leaders increasingly view programs like Kell Robotics as vital to growing the economy and providing jobs. Marietta-based Cobb EMC, a leading electric membership cooperative, has supported Kell Robotics since 2007.
"Kell Robotics is what made me realize that mechanical engineering was the career for me," says student leader Danielle Newman. "It helped me learn about tools and parts and prepared me with background knowledge that will help me succeed in class. It taught me to be a leader."
The number of new undergraduate teachers graduating from Georgia's universities is at a 25-year low. In 2019, Georgia colleges and universities produced only 29 math and 10 science teachers for middle and high school and zero teachers for biology, chemistry, physics, technology, advanced manufacturing and computer science.*
Recognizing an opportunity, the Kell team started an advocacy movement that is gaining national interest. The goal is to inspire and support a new generation of teachers who can nurture student interest in STEM learning. The team's work in advocating for teachers was the capstone achievement in earning the FIRST Chairman's Award. Team members have been meeting with state and federal legislators and educational leaders since 2009 to promote the development of a new generation of STEM teachers.
Kell Robotics' vision is that one day its graduates will become leaders and teachers who will spread the joy of STEM learning.
Ed Barker is chief mentor for Marietta-based Kell Robotics.

Kell Robotics team members Danielle Newman, center, and Mackenzie Sicard, back right, conduct a robotics workshop for Girl Scouts. Kell Robotics is partnered with the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, which represents 43,000 Scouts.

KELL ROBOTICS

22 Georgia Magazine January 2020
22_GEO_SW_1012.indd 22

* Source: University System of Georgia
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www.georgiamagazine.org 23
12/12/19 1:45 PM

REAf CsuHcce
Scholarship supports students through high school and college
By Carolyn Crist

REACH GEORGIA

K y'Shaun Blackshear, a ninth grader at Marion County Middle/High School in Buena Vista, recently set two major goals: earn all A's and make the basketball team. To earn the A's, he's determined to boost his final marks by paying attention in class and focusing more on his studies at home. With basketball, he's honing his skills and running more drills.
Blackshear wrote down his goals, including the major steps to accomplish them, during a meeting with his mentor, Marion County Schools administrator George Porter. The two were paired through REACH (Reaching Educational Achievement Can Happen) Georgia, a program offered in Georgia's school systems to help lowincome students get the support they need to succeed. Awarded in eighth grade, the REACH Georgia Scholarship
assists students during their four-year high school career and funds some of their college education.
For Blackshear, a self-described outgoing and determined student, the scholarship means an opportunity to reach his dreams after high school. He
wants to earn a master's degree in mechanical

MELISSA PRICE

Above: Ben Hill County Schools honored Natalie Olivares, center, as part of its class of 2024 REACH scholars on Nov. 5. Left: Ninth grader and REACH Georgia scholar Ky'Shaun Blackshear is focusing on making good grades in high school so he can continue on to college.
engineering and join the Navy, following in his uncle's footsteps. Few of his family members have attended college, so he realizes the value of a program that will help him get there.
"Knowing how society is today, there's a stereotype that black men aren't successful," he says. "I've always said that I don't want to be a statistic. I want to be outgoing and achieve great goals."
Statewide scholars Launched in 2012, the REACH Georgia Scholarship program was created for low-income students who demonstrate academic promise but may not have the personal motivation, academic preparation or financial support to

24 Georgia Magazine January 2020

To learn more about the program and nd out which school systems are REACH participants, visit reachga.org or call (770) 724-9250.

24-27_REACH_Scholarship_0120.indd 24

12/13/19 3:03 PM

DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT SOUTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Above: South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) culinary arts student Jamera Mitchell, second from left, is the first REACH Georgia student to graduate from a Technical College System of Georgia institution. Celebrating with her are, from left, Keisha Hull with REACH Georgia, SGTC Vice President of Operations Karen Werling and SGTC President John Watford. Left: Student Tsegenash Atiso, left, was named as one of the REACH Georgia scholars at Tucker Middle School in Tucker.

To date, REACH Georgia has graduated three classes of seniors. The graduating classes of 2017-19 consisted of 133 students. These scholars had an average final
GPA of 3.3, and 71 percent were eligible to receive the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship in addition to the REACH Georgia Scholarship.

pursue college or a career certificate after high school. They

students who might not otherwise have the opportunity for

may not have the guidance or support to take college-prep

higher education."

classes, apply to schools or seek financial assistance to ensure

As part of the program, scholars meet eight times each

they get there. The program is intended to bridge that gap.

semester with their mentors, who model positive behavior and

In eighth grade, students apply and interview for the

provide advice about education and life. In addition, students

opportunity; if selected, they attend a signing ceremony at the meet four times per semester with their academic coaches, who

end of the fall semester at which they pledge their dedication to monitor students' progress, help them develop career plans and

academic excellence during high school. They promise to

identify any academic or social support they need.

maintain a 2.5 GPA or better, good attendance and good

Each student who completes the program and graduates

behavior and to remain drug- and alcohol-free.

from high school receives a $10,000 scholarship to attend a

The program started with 35 students in five county school Georgia university, technical college or private school. The

systems: Bulloch, Dodge, Douglas, Quitman and Rabun. Now

award is given as $2,500 installments for each year of post-

154 school systems have 1,800 scholars, with $22 million

secondary education.

committed to scholarships. The goal is to enroll all 180 systems

"It's really quite rewarding to work with [these students]

in the state and serve 3,000 students by 2021.

through each semester. They really do deserve the support and

"We owe it to our young people to provide the maximum

don't take it for granted," says Melissa Price, the Marion County

opportunities for them and make sure it's the path they choose, coordinator and Blackshear's academic coach. "Some kids do

e

wherever they decide to go to school," says Brad Bryant, vice

struggle, so imagining that $10,000 on the other side of gradua-

.

president of the program. "This is a great way to help our

tion hits home for them."

www.georgiamagazine.org 25

24-27_REACH_Scholarship_0120.indd 25

12/13/19 3:04 PM

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS SCHLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS MACON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Top: Family members and officials from Oglethorpe Power Corp., Central Georgia EMC, Monroe County Schools and the Monroe County Board of Education congratulate Monroe County REACH scholars (holding check, from left) Devin Jenkins and Madison Grier.

Backed by electric cooperatives
The REACH Georgia Scholarship is funded by donations from businesses and residents around the state. Some of the major donors include local electric membership corporations (EMCs), which give to the REACH Foundation from their unclaimed capital credits, which are funds that are issued to customers but never cashed.
"During the interviews, we meet many wonderful students who live with their grandparents or face other troubles at home," says Susan Poole of Flint Energies in Reynolds, which funds scholarships in Marion County and five adjacent counties west of Macon. "It's rewarding to see someone who has great potential have something good happen in their life."
The need-based scholarship supports students of many walks of life across the state, including the children of refugees and some who are the first in their families to attend college. For most, this is their ticket to college, says Diane McClearen, director of community and external relations for Oglethorpe Power Corp. in Tucker.
"The fact that this changes the direction of a student's life goes far beyond what we donate," she says. "I can't think of another opportunity that provides this type of value for the dollars invested, and it grows exponentially as students move forward through school and life."
Many of the scholars plan to return to their communi-

Above left: Eighth grader and REACH scholar Simon Hill, center, celebrates his signing day with his grandmother, Dru Hill, and Susan Poole with Flint Energies. Above right: Family members and officials with Macon County Middle School, Flint Energies, Magnolia Baptist Church and the Macon County Board of Education celebrate the announcement of Macon County Middle School REACH Georgia scholars (seated, from left) Zy'Kemmia Brown and Mikerria Hardrick.
ties after college and bring back the new qualifications and knowledge they acquired. For some skills-starved counties in rural parts of Georgia, the scholarship is a lifesaving economic investment, says DeWayne Johns of Okefenoke Rural EMC in Nahunta, between Waycross and Brunswick.
"It's hard to coax someone with a professional degree to come here unless they have ties here," he says. "This provides a way to stand behind our kids as businesspeople and say that we want them to pursue higher education and then come back to their communities to help."
Johns, who grew up in the same community where he works now, sees the program's mentorship and coaching offerings as an avenue to help kids break the vicious cycle of poverty that exists in some of Georgia's rural areas.
"Sometimes our kids don't believe they have the opportunity to go to school, due to their financial or social backgrounds," he says. "We need to address that, and this is just one way we're doing it."
Carolyn Crist is a freelance writer based in Athens.

26 Georgia Magazine January 2020

24-27_REACH_Scholarship_0120.indd 26

12/13/19 3:04 PM

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www.georgiamagazine.org 27

12/12/19 1:31 PM

How wee i is!

Lawrenceville bakery provides opportunities for adults with disabilities By Rosalyn Dunn

W

hen Tempa and Michael Kohler's son Bradley was born in 1986, they knew something wasn't quite right. He was diagnosed with fragile

X syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that causes a range of develop-

mental problems.

They were determined to give him as normal a life as possible and built

a support system in their Gwinnett County community with his schools, their

church and a special-needs baseball team, where Bradley thrived. They worried,

however, about what would happen when he turned 22 and aged out of those

programs.

"I said, `I'd like to open a bakery, and Bradley can work there,'" says Tempa

Kohler, who's been decorating cakes as a hobby since she was 13 years old. "And

I thought, `Let's hire others.'"

Around this time, Kohler heard a little boy in an Atlanta homeless

shelter tell a TV reporter that all he really wanted for his birthday that

year was something most kids take for granted: a birthday cake.

"God said, `You can do that,' and I said, `I know I can,'" she says.

It took six years, but the Kohlers merged those ideas into the

Special Kneads and Treats bakery in January 2014. They bought the

Sweets on the Square bakery in Lawrenceville and reopened it as a

nonprofit organization with a dual focus: empowering and employ-

ing special-needs adults and ensuring

that cost never keeps a child from

having a birthday cake.

The Kohlers and a half-dozen

special-needs adults on their staff

at the time began to develop a

birthday-cake program. While

they initially had to work to find

recipients for the cakes, that's

COURTESY MICHAEL AND TEMPA KOHLER ROSALYN DUNN
ROSALYN DUNN

Michael and Tempa Kohler, founders of Special Kneads

and Treats, pose with one of the birthday cakes that

are a cornerstone of their outreach program. In an

average week, they donate 20 to 30 birthday cakes

S

to children and special-needs or elderly people who

Staff member AnneMarie Ward folds cupcakes boxes. Every task in the bakery is

T

might not otherwise get a treat on their birthday.

equally valued, and the Kohlers match each job to staff members' specific abilities

v

and preferences.

g

28 Georgia Magazine January 2020

28-29_Special_Needs_B_0120.indd 28

12/12/19 5:04 PM

Nearly 20 employees and about a dozen volunteers work at Special Kneads, and more than 200 people are on a waitlist for jobs.

s

not the case today. Special Kneads partners with more than 15 Gwinnett County nonprofit groups, food banks,

the retail side of the bakery. Crymes, who has birth defects that affect his joints and muscles, signed up to be a volun-

foster-care programs and the county Department of Family

teer after his mother saw a TV report about the bakery. Shortly

and Children Services and donates about two dozen cakes

after learning the ropes, he was sidelined by appendicitis. When

each week.

Crymes resumed his duties six months later, Michael Kohler

As word got out, demand grew, so in 2017 the Kohlers

approached him about joining the paid staff. It was an easy

y

moved their operation to an 11,000-square-foot building at

decision.

156 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville. The significantly larger

"He asked if I wanted to work here, and I said, `Let me

p-

space has made it easier to meet the needs of their unique staff. know what I need to do,'" Crymes says. "And I've been doing it

The decorating tables can be raised or lowered to accommo-

ever since."

date wheelchairs and walkers. Jobs are tailored to the interests

Nearly 2,000 cupcakes are sold each month. Customers

and abilities of each employee.

can also choose from standard bakery fare, such as cheesecake,

d,

Some, Kohler says, prefer solitary work, like folding bakery cookies and brownies. Special Kneads' signature treat is choc-

boxes or applying price stickers, and every task--whether

corn, a white chocolate-dipped popcorn.

sorting supplies, washing dishes or decorating cupcakes--is

"Before I worked here, I was going to school to be a vet-

a

equally valued.

erinary assistant," Crymes says. "Once I started working here, I

d

Nearly 20 employees and about a dozen volunteers work

realized I really like working with people."

at Special Kneads, and more than 200 people are on a waitlist

This interaction with customers and the confidence and

s

for jobs. Workers start out as volunteers and move into paid

experience it brings are part of the Kohlers' mission. They

t

positions after approval by their parents or caregivers and the encourage customers to come in,

Special Kneads board of directors.

enjoy a delicious treat and make a

.

Every team member is encouraged to decorate a 6-inch

new friend, except on Sundays or

cake for the display case in a style or color of his or her choos- Mondays. Special Kneads is closed

ing. It's a great point of pride when a creation is selected by

those days--Sundays to honor

a customer, and some workers have gone on to decorate

God and family and Mondays for

-

custom cakes.

"grandkids and sanity."

Some employees, like Joseph Crymes, prefer working on

"This is all about [God],"

Kohler says. "It's his house. We're

Special Kneads and Treats is a nonpro t organization that

just running it."

relies on community support to continue its mission.

Rosalyn Dunn is

f

For more information, visit specialkneadsandtreats.org

a freelance writer

or call (678) 237-7147.

living in Atlanta.

ROSALYN DUNN ROSALYN DUNN ROSALYN DUNN

Special Kneads' square cupcakes pay homage to its beginnings on the Lawrenceville Square. The bakery sells about 2,000 cupcakes each month in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, red velvet and "Chocolate Decadence," a customer favorite. Unique flavors of the month include gingerbread, pumpkin pie, banana split or bacon cinnamon roll.

Joseph Crymes holds one of the 6-inch cakes that Special Kneads staff members decorate. Customers sometimes commission a staff member to decorate a custom order.
www.georgiamagazine.org 29

28-29_Special_Needs_B_0120.indd 29

12/12/19 4:53 PM

A new sound
Georgia Tech competition showcases innovative musical instruments
By H.M. Cauley

COURTESY MARGARET GUTHMAN NEW INSTRUMENT COMPETITION

Alex Baccari performs on the Koritas, which was created by Koradan in Rome, Italy. The Koritas was a finalist at the 2019 Margaret Guthman New Instrument Competition. It merges five traditional instruments from Peru, Japan, Australia, India and western African countries.

COURTESY MARGARET GUTHMAN NEW INSTRUMENT COMPETITION

Chet Udell demonstrates the 2019 finalist SpiderHarp, which was created by Udell, Ross Hatton and Andrew Otto of Corvallis, Ore. When a musician plucks the strings on the oversized web, a "robot spider translates plucks into location, distance and intensity data, and custom music software transforms this data into melodies, harmonies and rhythms," the instrument's creators say.

M usicians aren't just writing and performing music these days. Advances in technology have inspired many artists to invent new ways of making sound with creative digital programs, and some have gone a step further: They're designing new instruments.
What could possibly be left, one might ask? Hasn't the orchestra covered it all? Not quite, it turns out. Some ingenious thinkers see unfilled needs and are devising new pieces to bridge the gap.
"There have always been creative types trying to create a better music instrument," says Roger Linn, a California-based musician credited with inventing the digital drum machine in the 1980s. "In recent years it's become easier because of the different platforms and the availability of new types of sensors that allow people to create electronic instruments."
Inventors who believe they've got something revolutionary can showcase their creations at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where the Center for Music Technology sponsors the annual Margaret Guthman New Instrument Competition.

30 Georgia Magazine January 2020

COURTESY KEITH GROOVER

30-32_Guthman_0120.indd 30

12/13/19 10:11 AM

"It started [in 1998] as a piano competition that Spectrum of sounds

was an idea and a gift from an alum, Richard Guth-

The entries are often as surprising to Freeman

man, to honor his wife," explains Jason Freeman,

as to the panel of judges, who are experts in the fields

chair of the School of Music. "As the School of Music of music design, technology, academia and com-

grew in the 2000s, it became not just a place to play posing and are recruited from around the world to

in the band or orchestra or sing in the choir. We

name a winner. Linn was part of the 2019 panel that

wanted to become more of an academic program

presented the top prize to Keith Groover, a South

that brings art and technology, music and engineer- Carolina guitarist who learned about the competition

ing, together. And we wanted to re-envision the

on YouTube.

competition to support and celebrate that aspect."

"I was looking at weird musical instruments and

In 2009, with the support of the Guthman

watched highlights of the competition, then I learned

family, the focus shifted to new instruments. Forty it was the pre-eminent competition of its type in the

entries were received the first year, and since then

world," says Groover, who teaches music, leads music

the competition has grown steadily in number of

at his church and plays corporate gigs as part of a

entrants and ingenuity. Last year's event finished

guitar duo. "I'd been working on my instrument for

with 14 finalists from seven countries.

about a year and had gone through about 500 differ-

"These are artists, engineers, entrepreneurs

ent software prototypes before I entered the contest."

and designers who have found a new way to engage

Groover's four-octave instrument, called The

in music making and want to share their ideas with Glide, is built around a sensor that detects accelera-

the world," Freeman says. "It's a unique event that

tion and gravity. With two controllers, outfitted with

benefits our students as a model of how music and five buttons and a joystick, he can change volume,

technology come together, but it also reaches into

select different notes, alter tones, use vibrato and

u,

the community for anyone who's passionate glide from one note to another. And he devised it

about music and technology."

without an extensive knowledge in programming.

"I had the idea on paper and had to take it to a

programmer friend, who gave me tips on how to get

started," he says.

While winning $5,000 was an incomparable

experience, Groover says meeting Linn and

Keith Groover from Spartanburg, S.C., took home the top prize in 2019 with The

making connections to people who can help him market The Glide were equally valuable. "Roger gave me pointers on

Glide. He says

hardware and put me in touch

he has about 110

with the designer of his last

preorders for the instrument, which works with two handheld controllers.

circuit board, so we've been collaborating," Groover says. "Meeting the judges, making contacts and getting some

press were a very big help

toward commercializing this

Hear it first
The 2020 Margaret Guthman New Instrument Competition presents the nalists and their creations March 7 at 7 p.m. at Georgia Tech's Ferst Center for the Arts, 250 Ferst Drive, Atlanta. The event is free and open to the public. For directions and more information about the competition, visit guthman.gatech.edu.

COURTESY KEITH GROOVER COURTESY KEITH GROOVER COURTESY KEITH GROOVER

30-32_Guthman_0120.indd 31

www.georgiamagazine.org 31
12/13/19 10:12 AM

At the 2019 Margaret Guthman New Instrument Competition are, from left, overall winner Keith Groover; judge Ge Wang, an associate professor at Stanford University; judge Pamela Z, a composer and musician; judge Roger Linn, a musical inventor; and Alice Barbe of Atlanta, who earned the Judges' Award for Most Promising Musical Instrument Inventor for her Biot-Savharp.

COURTESY MARGARET GUTHMAN NEW INSTRUMENT COMPETITION STRUMENT COMPETITION

Alon Ilsar of Sydney, Australia,

took home People's Choice Awards for Best Performance

and Best Instrument for his

AirSticks in 2019. It also tied for third place overall. The

competition's website

thing. I have about 110 preorders so far, and I expect to sell them for $130 to $140."
Lend an ear

IN COURTESY MARGARET GUTHMAN NEW

describes AirSticks as combining "the physicality of drumming with the unlimited possibilities of computer music. ... It morphs 3D space around the user into a playable area."

Already, more than 100 creators have

ficult by offering too much freedom."

applied to be part of this year's competition that

But Weinberg points out that technology also

culminates on March 7 with a free event at Tech's

gives musicians the ability to think beyond the

Ferst Center for the Arts. (The competition also

confines of a physical instrument.

will be streamed online at guthman.gatech.edu/

"For instance, technology allows you to make

livestream.) There, the public will see and hear the sound just by moving your body," he says.

finalists' work. And it's possible that some of the

A winning entry must also serve a purpose,

creations won't be electronic.

Groover says.

"We've had winners who developed purely

"You don't have to re-create the wheel. In my

acoustic instruments," says Gil Weinberg, director of case, it was very hard for classical instruments to slide

Tech's Center for Music Technology, who has helped from one note to another, so that became a keystone

direct the competition since it became a musical

of my design process," he says. "But price is another

instrument showcase. "Two years ago someone from consideration if you want to get something adopted in

Iran brought a very complicated instrument with

the world. It pays to be realistic about who's going to

strings that was big and beautiful, and it won second play it and how much they'll pay for it."

place. Sometimes technology can make things dif-

H.M. Cauley is an Atlanta-based freelance writer.

32 Georgia Magazine January 2020

30-32_Guthman_0120.indd 32

12/13/19 10:12 AM

Around GEORGIA By Alexandra Shimalla

Off the walls
Interactive experiences bring an added dimension to museum exhibits

COURTESY JEPSON CENTER PHOTO OSCAR WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHER, LLC

O ne's first impression of a museum once may have been stuffy silence, with only the sound of people breathing and hushed whispers. No more. Georgia museums have picked up on national trends in the way their visitors interact with the artwork that lines their walls. Institutions in Savannah, Atlanta and Athens have incorporated digital, innovative and interactive ways for people to experience what their museums have to offer.
One popular trend has been the incorporation of digital elements. At the Jepson Center in Savannah, a part of the Telfair Museums, visitors will find TechSpace. This interactive and technology-based gallery stemmed from the center's annual PULSE Art + Technology Festival, which showcases digital art. (This year's festival will take place Jan. 23-26. For more information, go to telfair.org/exhibitions/pulse.)
Since the festival began more than a decade ago, the Jepson Center has acquired a handful of pieces of digital art for its permanent collection.
"We said it was a shame to put them all into storage, so we dedicated the TechSpace to be a year-round home for those technology-based interactive works," says Courtney McNeil, the chief curator and deputy director for curatorial affairs at the Telfair Museums.
One piece, "Swarm" by Daniel Shiffman, is "an interactive

At the Jepson Center's ArtZeum in Savannah, children are encouraged to get hands-on with the artwork. The intent is to instill a love of art at an early age.
video that uses a computer model that mimics the way a flock of birds flies in formation," McNeil says. The viewer stands in front of a TV mounted with a camera, which captures the person's image and portrays it on the screen among a flock of birds or a school of fish. The more the person moves, the more abstract the image becomes, she says. (If you would like to see "Swarm," visit the Jepson Center soon; the piece is scheduled to be taken off display at the end of January.)

The Jepson Center's TechSpace features the "next generation" of art in digital and technological forms and invites visitors to interact with the exhibits.

New ways to learn
Museums always have been places of learning, exploration and inspiration, but Georgia museums are taking this educational aspect a step further, reflecting a global trend of incorporating more space for children and adults alike to learn from their museum experiences.
Georgia's state museum, the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, hosts studio workshops and classes for all ages. Callan Steinmann, the curator of educa-
www.georgiamagazine.org 33

33-35_Around_GA_0120.indd 33

12/12/19 6:21 PM

Around GEORGIA

COURTESY GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART COURTESY JEPSON CENTER

Students at the University of Georgia perform 14th- and 15th-century wedding music from Florence, Italy, in conjunction with an exhibit at the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens in April.

At the Jepson Center's ArtZeum, young visitors get a chance to try their hands at being artists.

tion, had an idea in 2015 for a series of art-making classes for adults, which eventually became a studio workshop series. The events are held three times a year (in January, May and September), and the museum has been able to work with many teaching artists in Athens to hold these workshops on a variety of topics, Steinmann says.
The studio workshops either relate to a current exhibition or rely on the museum's permanent collection for inspiration. With more than 12,000 objects in the permanent collection, most items aren't regularly viewed by the public.
"We mine our permanent collection and pull together a special selection of works that correspond to and complement the topic of each workshop," Steinmann explains. "It's a great way to use our collection in a way that helps the students see how other artists used the same media and processes they are engaged with and get some inspiration."
This month's four-part studio workshop will be held on Jan. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will focus on the materials and techniques used by artists in a current exhibition called Master, Pupil, Follower: 16th- to 18th-century Italian Works on Paper, Steinmann says.
The Georgia Museum of Art's offerings are also unique because of the institution's location and relationship with the University of Georgia. Steinmann says she loves partnering with various departments and professors on campus to bring different elements and experiences into the museum that she wouldn't be able to provide on her own.
Steinmann works with the Hugh Hodgson School of Music frequently. Last April, students performed 14th- and 15th-century wedding music from Florence, Italy, to accompany the Life, Love and Marriage Chests in Renaissance Italy exhibition. Students have created dance routines, written poetry and designed garments in response to art exhibits at the museum.
34 Georgia Magazine January 2020

"There's a lot of ways that people can connect with objects in a collection and rethink how you respond to works of art," Steinmann says, noting that a museum can be a "site for creative exploration in different kinds of media."
`Always pushing the envelope'
Atlanta's Fernbank Museum hosts Fernbank After Dark, an interactive after-hours event for adults
Fernbank Museum in Atlanta takes its visitors outside with its WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. In October, guests can spot lighted "ghosts" during the Ghostly Gatherings event.

33-35_Around_GA_0120.indd 34

12/12/19 6:21 PM

COURTESY FERNBANK MUSEUM COURTESY FERNBANK MUSEUM

on the second Friday of each month. These nights center around themes, usually reflecting a current exhibit or holiday. Guests can enjoy live music, cocktails and food while participating in activities that Jessica Shock, the public relations and promotions manager, describes with a laugh as "those science experiments you just don't have the opportunity to do as an adult," such as making an exploding volcano or crafting the perfect paper airplane.
"We're a museum, but we're always pushing the envelope to do more--to be more than a museum. The fun you can have at Fernbank After Dark is a prime example," Shock says.
Fernbank also hosts Latin Dance Nights, Discovery Days and special exhibits throughout the year. Beyond the museum is Fernbank Forest, accessible through WildWoods, an elevated walkway between the museum and the forest that guests (including those with wheelchairs and strollers) can roam. WildWoods and Fernbank Forest are open daily, though guests can explore WildWoods at night during Fernbank's after-hours Ghostly Gatherings event in October.
"We want to make sure we're protecting the forest for the next generation," Shock says. "It's a very fun way to experience the outdoors and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of metro Atlanta."

Fernbank's efforts to reach out to all audiences also include Sensory Mornings, geared toward families with young children, people with physical disabilities and people with sensory sensitivities. Sensory Mornings include early access to the museum and modified movie screenings. Instead of 3D, the movies are played in 2D, at a lower volume and in a brighter theater to prevent sensory overload.
Building young audiences
All of these institutions express a desire to engage younger audiences and instill an appreciation for the arts at an early age.
The Jepson Center does this through its ArtZeum, an interactive children's space.
The educational mission of the Telfair Museums has been strong since 1886. ArtZeum offers 14 activities for youngsters, which include creating 3D shapes, writing on the walls and designing buildings.
"It's a hands-on, interactive play space that communicates really interesting ideas about art and architecture, and in developing that, it really carries on a legacy of the museum that has been present since our founding," McNeil says.
All of the museums' innovative efforts have the same goal in mind: to create unique "access points" for people to engage with art, Steinmann says.
"I see our role as bringing art that we have here and people together in different ways," she says.
Alexandra Shimalla is a freelance writer from Savannah.

COURTESY FERNBANK MUSEUM

33-35_Around_GA_0120.indd 35

Fernbank After Dark allows adults to unwind with live music, cocktails and food while exploring educational opportunities typically reserved for younger guests at the Atlanta museum.
www.georgiamagazine.org 35
12/12/19 6:21 PM

GEORGIA Gardens GEORGIA Gardens By Pamela A. Keene All photos courtesy of flowerbulbs.com

Bursting into bloom
The gentle art of forcing bulbs

I t may be dreary outdoors, but forcing flowering bulbs into bloom can brighten your indoor environment this winter. "Forcing bulbs brings beauty and color into your home

when it's otherwise cold and dark," says Peggy Anne Montgom-

ery, horticulturist with Garden Media Group, gardening special-

ists based in Pennsylvania. "Not only are these plants striking,

they are fairly easy to grow."

The key is to make certain that any bulb purchased for

forcing--bringing it into flower out of its regular season--has

been adequately chilled. Many popular bulb varieties--such

as amaryllis, hyacinth and paperwhite narcissus--are grown

in colder climates, such as the Netherlands. Growers seek out

premium-sized bulbs to offer clients online, at big-box retailers

or local nurseries and ship them pre-cooled.

"If you purchase bulbs in bulk, such as tulips or daffodils,

it is likely that they have not been pre-cooled, and that makes

forcing them a bit more complicated and time-consuming,"

Montgomery says. "You can store the bulbs in the vegetable

drawer of your refrigerator for anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks

before planting, depending on the vari-

ety. But for immediate success, choose pre-cooled bulbs."

Paperwhite narcissus bulbs produce clusters of fragrant blooms that last for weeks

Planting bulbs

indoors.

As soon as you receive them,

plant bulbs in containers. If you use a

container with a drainage hole, you can

plant the bulb in plain potting soil. For

closed containers, start with a layer of

stones about an inch or so deep, then

add a layer of charcoal, followed by soil.

"The charcoal keeps the growing

medium fresh and reduces the chance

that the water will turn rancid," she says.

"Keep the soil moist, but avoid having

standing water in the containers."

When planting amaryllis bulbs,

leave most of the bulb above the level

of the soil. Other varieties should be

planted so that only the uppermost tip

of the bulb is exposed. After planting,

36 Georgia Magazine January 2020

Sturdy pots are best for forcing amaryllis, as the flower stalks are heavy. Decorative moss or pebbles can be used to fill in around the exposed bulbs.

36-37_Gardens_SW_0120.indd_in_progress.indd 36

12/12/19 2:14 AM

Many bulbs, such as these hyacinths, can also be forced in water. To do so, place the bulb in a glass container and add water up to (but not touching) the bottom of the bulb.
Whether they are grown in soil or water, hyacinths will produce fragrant blooms in about six weeks.

water the bulbs well and place them near a window that gets bright light. "The bulbs have everything they need inside to produce the flowers
and leaves," Montgomery says. "The roots will make their way through the soil and soon the flower stalks will begin to appear."
Typically, bulbs will bloom in eight to 12 weeks, depending on the temperature and growing conditions.

One and done or future blooms?

Forcing, as the term implies, can be stressful to bulbs.

"While it's possible to get them to bloom again the next season, many

people simply won't go to the trouble and just throw them out once the

foliage withers," she says. "However, you do have the opportunity for repeat

years' blossoms, particularly with amaryllis bulbs."

To force amaryllis again the next year, keep the bulbs in soil until

the leaves begin to die, then trim the foliage off. Remove the bulbs from

their containers and store them in a cool, dark place, then transfer them

to the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator 12 to 16 weeks before plant-

ing.

"That means if you want blooms in time for Christmas, start the

chill process in July," Montgomery says. "By mid- to late October, they

will be ready to plant again."

Amaryllis bulbs can also be replanted outdoors in the spring. Plant

them in well-drained soil and leave about one-third of the bulb above

the ground. It may take a season or two for them to bloom, but they

most likely will produce

lovely blossoms that

you can bring inside as

cut flowers.

"Give forcing

blooms a try, and don't

be afraid to push the

envelope by choos-

ing different types of

flowers," she says. "For

many of us who garden,

it's fun to experiment,

and you really have

nothing to lose. And

when you are success-

ful, the rewards are

worth it."

Pamela A. Keene is

Daffodil varieties that force well indoors include `February Gold,' `Little Gem,'

a freelance writer living in Flowery Branch.

`Fortune' and `Flower Record.'

36-37_Gardens_SW_0120.indd_in_progress.indd 37

Sources for bulbs
Amaryllis & Caladium Bulb Co., (888) 966-9866, amaryllis.com. Dutch Grown, (800) 277-0215, dutchgrown.com. K.van Bourgondien, (800) 552-9996, dutchbulbs.com. Longfield Gardens, (855) 534-2733, longfield-gardens.com. White Flower Farm, (800) 503-9624, whiteflowerfarm.com.
www.georgiamagazine.org 37
12/12/19 2:15 AM

GEORGIA Cooks By Tammy Algood

ISTOCK.COM / MARGOUILLATPHOTOS DS
ROBIN CONOVER

Main squeeze
When life gives you lemons, start cooking!
W e're all craving a little sunshine during the gray days of winter. Let lemons bring the color and flavor of the sun to your table. Lemon is a great companion for the first crops of the year, such as asparagus, carrots and greens. Here comes the sun!

ISTOCK.COM / DUCKYCAR

ASPARAGUS WITH WARM LEMON VINAIGRETTE
1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 32 asparagus spears, trimmed 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup heavy cream 3/4 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon white-wine or champagne vinegar Lemon zest, for garnish
Place the canola oil, sugar, half of the salt and black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and saut for 2 minutes. Add just enough water to cover the spears, and increase the heat to high. Cook 2 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, cream, curry powder and remaining salt. Place over low heat until hot. Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream, whisking vigorously to incorporate. Stir in vinegar.
Remove the asparagus from the cooking liquid and place on a serving platter. Drizzle with the warm dressing, and garnish with lemon zest. Serve warm. Note: Refrigerate any leftover dressing and use within 4 days. Yields 4 servings.
38 Georgia Magazine January 2020

LEMON SHERBET
1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2 cups dry white wine 2 lemons, juiced, zested 1 orange, juiced 1/2 cup whipping cream
Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook 4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a shallow container and stir in the wine, lemon juice and orange juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (freeze the remainder for a later use). Cover container and freeze for 1 hour. Remove from freezer and whisk mixture. Cover and place in freezer for 30 minutes longer. Meanwhile, whip the cream. Remove container from freezer and whisk the lemon mixture. Fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture. Cover and freeze an additional 1 hour, then serve. Note: If not serving immediately and sherbet is frozen solid, remove container from the freezer about 15 minutes before you wish to serve it. Yields 8 servings.

38-40_Cooks_0120.indd 38

12/13/19 12:05 PM

1
GLAZED LEMON POUND CAKE
1 (18.25-ounce) package lemon cake mix 1 (3-ounce) package lemon instant pudding mix 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon water, divided 4 eggs 1/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a Bundt pan with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, oil, 1 cup water, eggs and zest. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Bake 45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 20 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice and remaining water until smooth.
Transfer the cooled cake to a serving platter and drizzle with the glaze. Let stand at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Yields 12 servings.
MORE

ROBIN CONOVER

38-40_Cooks_0120.indd 39

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12/13/19 12:07 PM



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40 Georgia Magazine January 2020

EASY LEMON COOKIES
1 (18.25-ounce) package lemon cake mix 1/2 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil 1 egg
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Very lightly grease 2 cookie sheets and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, lemon juice, oil and egg at medium speed until thoroughly blended. Using a tablespoon, scoop batter and place 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10-11 minutes, watching carefully to make sure the cookies do not overbrown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Yields 1-1/2 dozen cookies.
LEMON SHRIMP AND GRITS
4 cups chicken stock, divided 1 small lemon, juiced, zested 3/4 cup old-fashioned grits 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large sweet onion, peeled, chopped 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon chopped fresh (or 1 teaspoon
dried) basil or tarragon 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1 pound large or medium raw shrimp,
peeled, deveined 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 lemon wedges
Place 3 cups chicken stock along with the lemon juice and zest in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, slowly add grits, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook 12-14 minutes or until the grits are thick. Remove from the heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining stock for 1 minute in the microwave. Cover and set aside. Place the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes or until the onions are soft. Sprinkle with flour, basil or tarragon and dry mustard. Cook 30 seconds longer, and slowly add the warm stock. Stir in the shrimp, and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until the shrimp are opaque. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
To serve, spoon grits into warm serving bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Serve warm with the lemon wedges. Yields 4 servings.
Tammy Algood develops recipes that feature farm-fresh food for The Tennessee Magazine, published by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association in Nashville.

ISTOCK.COM / NICOLESY

38-40_Cooks_0120.indd 40

12/13/19 1:46 PM

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12/13/19 4:16 PM

Hometown HERO By Amber Lanier Nagle

Meredith Forrester
Shooting survivor now a Red Cross advocate

T he events of the Atlanta day trader shootings on July 29, 1999, are forever etched in Meredith Forrester's memory.

"I was seven weeks into my first real job, sitting at my

desk studying for a securities licensing exam," Forrester

recalls. "He walked by me and didn't acknowledge me. I

didn't see anything alarming. Soon after, I heard popping

sounds from the back of the office."

Gunman Mark Barton's shooting spree killed 13

people and wounded 13. One of his hollow-point bullets

blasted into Forrester's back, damaging her spine, intestine

and pancreas and shredding a major vein of her heart.

Doctors at Northside Hospital gave her a one in 1,000

chance of surviving.

"They pumped 115 pints of blood into me during

two emergency surgeries," she says. "For perspective, the

human body holds between 10 and 12 pints of blood."

Against all odds, she survived and started down a long

road to recovery. Today, Forrester is a SunTrust executive;

a wife and a mother to daughters Brooke and Arden. She

is also a tireless advocate for the American Red Cross, the

nation's largest blood-collection organization.

"I think about [the shooting] a lot, and I feel such

gratitude for the treatment I received and for my life," she

says. "If the shooting had been two days earlier, I would

have died because there had been a blood shortage, and

there wouldn't have been enough blood at the hospital to

have saved me. My mission is to educate the public on the

importance of blood donations and help collect as much

blood for the Red Cross as I can."

Along with donating blood often, she's an active board

member of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the

American Red Cross and has chaired the board of the

American Red Cross Southern Region Blood Services

group. She serves as SunTrust's Corporate Champion on

the Red Cross LifeBoard, a group of corporate support-

ers in the Southern Region that hold between five

and eight blood drives a year. In 2018, the Red Cross

January is

unveiled its Meredith Forrester Chairman's Award, an annual honor bestowed upon outstanding blood drive coordinators in metro Atlanta.

National Blood Donor Month.

Meredith Forrester's story is one of triumph,

gratitude and giving back.

"Live each day of your life to the fullest," she says.

"Take care of others, and most of all, give blood! Blood

donations matter."

Amber Lanier Nagle is a freelance writer living in

Adairsville.

What you should know There is a 90 percent chance that you will need
blood in your lifetime.
There is a constant need for blood of all types. One pint of blood can help up to three people. Donating blood is easy, is relatively painless and
takes less than an hour.
To nd a Red Cross blood donation center in
Georgia, visit bit.ly/gchap.

42 Georgia Magazine January 2020

AMBER LANIER NAGLE

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189 SAVE 90 $ 99 $
MODEL: T830018Z
ITEM 56618/56619/56620/56617 shown
*74017010*
74017010
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE/WEATHER
RESISTANT TARP
Customer Rating

$2NOW99

SAVE COMPARE TO $ 78
8 65% BLUE HAWK MODEL: BG8X10-Y

$ 499

ITEM 69115/69121/69129/69137/69249/877 shown

*74012952*

74012952 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON

MECHANICS GLOVES
AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL
Customer Rating

$4NOW99

COMPARE TO

$ 599

VALEO
$1499

SAVE 66%
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432,

MODEL: 25521 62429, 64178, 64179, 62428 shown

*74018931*

74018931

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

OBD2 CODE READER WITH ABS ZR11
Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

$1N0O9W99
129 $ 99
ITEM 63807

169 SAVE COMPARETO $

99

60 BOSCH

$
MODEL: OBD1150

*74015466*

74015466 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

200 LUMEN LED SUPER BRIGHT FLIP LIGHT
Wireless, tool-free and easy installation
Customer Rating
$2NOW49
$ 399

COMPARE TO
PROMIER
$499

SAVE 50%

MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24 ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown

*74021582*

74021582 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON
AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT
CHARGER
9$ 99 Customer Rating
$4NOW99

30 COMPARE TO

$ 41 SAVE

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC MODEL: SC1 83%

ITEM 69955/64284/42292 shown

*74016855*

74016855 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON
AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER KIT Customer Rating

$N16OW499

$ 21999

COMPARE TO

ITEM 62915/60600 shown

299 SAVE

GRACO $

134 $ MODEL: 262800

*74022168*

74022168

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

AMMO DRY BOX
Customer Rating

$3NOW99

COMPARE TO

$999

RANGEMAXX MODEL: 1312-92

5$ 99

SAVE 60%

ITEM 63135 61451 shown

*74022742*

74022742 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON

18 VOLT, 3/8" CORDLESS Customer Rating DRILL/DRIVER KIT WITH KEYLESS CHUCK
Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

$16 19 $ 99
SAVE

NOW99

71%

COMPARE TO

$5999

BLACK+DECKER MODEL: GC1801

ITEM 68239/69651/62868/62873 shown
*74031308*

74031308 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. Customer Rating 225 PIECE MECHANIC'S TOOL KIT

RATCHETING TIE DOWNS
400 lb. working load

$6NOW99

$N9O9W99

SAVE 69%

$1239
22 COMPARE TO $ 80
KEEPER MODEL: 5505

139 $ 99 Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

274 KLUTCH
$ 99

SAVE

175 $
MODEL: 48101

ITEM 61524/62322/63056/63057/63150/56668/63094 shown ITEM 64367/62664 shown

*74032394*

*74032479*

74032394 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

74032479 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED COMBINATION WRENCH SETS
Customer Rating

10 FT. x 17 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE
Customer Rating

18" WORKING PLATFORM Customer Rating 3500 WATT SUPER QUIET

STEP STOOL

INVERTER GENERATOR

Customer Rating

11 hour run time

$5 7 YOUR

CHOICE
99

$

99

Item

SAVE

66%

42305 shown

17 COMPARE TO $ 97

TYPE

ITEM

SAE 69043/63282/42304

HUSKY MODEL: HCW10PCSAE METRIC 69044/63171/42305

*74034090*

74034090 LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

$1N6OW999

COMPARE TO
290 SAVE SHELTER

$

75

120 LOGIC MODEL: 76377

$

ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown

$ 19999

*74034987*

74034987

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

350 lb. capacity

39 COMPARETO $ 99 SAVE
50% NEOCRAFT MODEL: 60635
ITEM 62515/66911 shown

$N1O9W99
$ 2999

*74035840*

74035840

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

$6N9OW999
$ 79999
2,019 COMPARETO $ SAVE $1,319
HONDA MODEL: EU3000iS1A ITEM 56720/63584 shown
*74039819*
74039819 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 2/29/20*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/29/20.

At Harbor Freight Tools, the "Compare to" price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the "Compare to" price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of "Compare to" should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

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