South Effingham Middle holding Neon Run

SEMS Neon Run: wear your brightest colors.

Pre-Register for the South Effingham Middle School Neon Run 5K by Friday, Oct. 2 to be guaranteed a freee t-shirt.

• 5K- Students (Pre-K to 12th Grade) - $15 • 5K- all others runners- $25 • Registration after Friday, Oct. 2 will be an additional $5

• Kids’ Run for all children 10 and under is free and registration is not required

Registration forms and payments can be sent to:

South Effingham Middle School ATTN: Brigid Nesmith 1200 Noel C. Conaway Rd. Guyton, GA 31312

Make all checks payable to SEMS.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS BRIEFS

VOLLEYBALL

South Effingham def. Camden 25-8, 25-18

Top players—SEHS, Zoie Vandine 15-7 serving, 1 ace, 1 dig, 1 assist, 1 block; Morgan Dewalt 12-13 serving, 2 aces, 7 digs, 7 kills, 1 assist; Emma Wiliams 2 aces, 1 dig, 3 kills, 9 assists, 4 blocks; Shae Leverette 1 ace, 9 kills, 2 assisnts 5 blocks; Brandi Wooten 3 digs, 8 assists; Tessa Cormack 6 assists, 1 ace, 1 dig 3 kills.

South Effingham def. Brunswick 25-12, 25-8

Top players—SEHS, Cormack 11-11 serving 6 assists, 6 kills, 2 blocks; Madison Cocke 6-8 serving, 2 aces, 3 kills, 5 assists; Isabell Granat 6-8 service 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 block; Kayla Morgan 7-7 serving, 3 kills, 3 blocks; Kearsetyn Bargeron 7-8 serving 2 digs, 1 ace, 3 kills.

Record—SEHS 11-4, 6-0 in 3-AAAA

South Effingham def. Bradwell Institute 25-3, 25-8

Top players — SEHS, Faith Harris 16-16 serving, 6 aces, 6 digs, 5 kills; Emma Williams 10-10 serving, 3 aces, 2 digs, 3 blocks; 3 kills; Shae Leverette 7-7 serving, 3 aces, 2 digs, 4 kills, 4 blocks, 1 assists; Brandi Wooten 2 digs, 1 kill, 6 assists; Tessa Cormaick 2 aces, 4 kills; Morgan DeWalt 6 digs, 1 ace.

SEHS def. Statesboro 25-3, 25-20

Top players — SEHS, Harris 11-11 serving, 4 aces, 6 digs, 3 kills; Williams 11-12 serving, 3 aces, 5 kills, 6 assists, 3 blocks; Leverette 6-6 serrving, 2 aces, 2 digs, 7 kills, 5 blocks; Wooten 1 ace, 3 digs, 4 kills, 6 assists; Isabel Granat 5-5 serving, 3 digs, 2 kills; Zoie Vandine 8-10 serving, 3 aces, 2 kills; DeWalt 7 digs. Team records—SEHS 13-4, 8-0 Region 3-AAAAA.

CROSS COUNTRY

The South Effingham High School Cross Country Team competed at The Ray Miller Invite at Magnolia Springs. There were 14 teams. The girls team placed 1st. The boys team placed 2nd.

Top girls were:

Pricilla Cartwright, Rachel Larson, Ginger Roop, Zoe Kreyenbuhl, and Jamie Yarbrough.

Top boys:

Hans Ames,Thomas Granat, Michael Nicome, Ben Magondu,.and Braden McGrath (Nugget).

The JV also brought home medals.

2nd Madison Messer, and 3rd Tara Roop for the girls.

On the boys team, 1st Graham Lewis, 3rd Cole Morris, 4th Isaac Mitchell, and 5th Josh Tindle.

The teams will compete at Richmond Hill Relay Thursday.

The Effingham County High School Cross Country teams participated in the Ray Miller Invitational Cross Country Meet on Sept. 12. The boys team took home the third place trophy and the girls team finished second.

The top individual performances were:

Boys

Justin Dolata 4th overall with a time of 19:01, Rafael Osella 5th overall with a time of 19:08. and Noah McIntosh 13th overall with a time of 19:56.

Girls

Catherine Hall 3rd overall with a time of 21:07, Marina Van Sickle 5th overall with a time of 21:44, and Ashley Kaesar 12th overall with a time of 23:57

SOFTBALL

FRANKLIN 5,

EFFINGHAM COUNTY 4

EC 310 000 0 - 4 6 3

F 002 300 x - 5 3 1

W-Jana Grizzle. L—Bailee Wilson. Leading hitters—EC, Shelby Wilson 2-3, HR, RBI; Wilson 2-4; Carli Royal 1-3, 3 RBIs.

HARLEM 2, EFFINGHAM 1

EC 000 100 0 - 1 6 4

H 020 000 x - 2 2 0

W-Skyler Wiggins. L-Kaylee Kessler. Leading hitters—EC, Bailee Wilson 2-3, 2B; Taylor Morgan 2-3.

EFFINGHAM 10,

ATHENS CHRISTIAN 1

EC 124 12 - 10 10 2

AC 100 00 - 1 2 6

W-Hayley Dickerson. L-McCannon. Leading hitters—EC, Wilson 2-3, 2B, RBI; Wilson 2-4, RBI; Kaitlyn Kelly 2-3; Carli Royal 2-3, 2 RBI; Alyssa Thorton 2 RBIs.

GUYTON — Every year, it’s one of the biggest football games in the Coastal Empire as crowds of up to 10,000 gather to see South Effingham face off with its rival Effingham County.

South Effingham quarterback Tyler Pullum and his senior teammates have experienced the atmosphere for the last three years, only to walk off the field with the frustration of a loss.

That finally changed Friday night as host South Effingham came from behind to beat Effingham County 17-14 in a Region 3-AAAAA matchup in front of another huge crowd.

It was the first win for the Mustangs over the Rebels since 2011, and the victory evened things up at 11-11 in the series.

The Mustangs (3-0, 1-0 in region) came back from a 14-3 deficit early in the second half. The winning touchdown came when Pullum found junior T.J. Williams alone in the left flat early in the fourth quarter. Williams got a couple great blocks, and stiff-armed a defender at midfield before sprinting down the left sideline for a 77-yard touchdown.

Pullum hit Travis Simmons in the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion and the Mustangs went up 17-14, with 10:07 left.

“This means everything to us,” said Pullum, who was 9 of 14 passing for 153 yards and two scores. “They can say they beat us three of four times, but we won in our senior year, and you can’t take that away from us for the rest of our lives.”

Effingham County quarterback Phillip Brown had another big game, rushing for 61 yards and a score, while completing 14 of 26 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. His favorite target was sophomore DeMario Gant, who had a huge night with seven catches for 148 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown at the end of the first half as Effingham took a 7-3 lead at intermission.

The duo hooked up again on the first drive of the second half when Brown found Gant on a crossing pattern, which he broke up the center of the field for a 50-yard gain to the Mustang 2-yard line. Phillip Brown scored from there to put Effingham up 14-3.

South Effingham battled back at the end of the third quarter as Pullum went to work completing 4 of 4 passes on a 56-yard drive. He capped it by finding Marcus Boyd open in the end zone for an 8-yard score. Pullum’s 2-point conversion run fell short, and Effingham led 14-9.

“We had to fight to win this one and we grew a lot as a team,” Pullum said. “The touchdown to T.J. (Williams) was a great call.”

It was the only touch of the night for Williams, who made it count.

“It was a tunnel screen, and I got some great blocks from the line and our receivers,” Williams said. “We executed it perfectly. I knew I was going to score at about the 50-yard line, and I thought about my boys the whole way to the end zone.”

South Effingham scored first on a 17-play, 79-yard drive that bridged the first and second quarters. The big play came on a third down and 19 conversion when Pullum hit Orlando Jones down the left sideline for a gain of 20 yards. A horse collar penalty on the Rebels added half the distance to the goal as the Mustangs ended up on the Rebel 11-yard line.

The Rebel defense made a stand from there, forcing the Mustangs to settle for a field goal as senior James Hodges split the uprights from 23 yards out to give South Effingham a 3-0 lead with 10:36 left in the first half.

Effingham had one last chance as Dylan Neuharath lined up for a 46-yard field goal with three seconds left, but South Effingham’s Makenzy Newbill broke through the line and blocked the kick to end the game.

South Effingham’s Patrick Brown, who entered the game with 461 yards rushing, had 95 yards on 22 carries.

“We did what we needed to do to gut out this game,” South Effingham coach Donnie Revell said. “We had to finish, which we weren’t doing last year. They had the momentum and everything going their way, but our kids fought to win it. It’s going to be great to have the Bank of America Trophy back on our side for a year.

EC 0 7 7 0 - 14

SE 0 3 6 8 - 17

SE-James Hodges 23 FG

EC-DeMario Gant 41 pass from Phillip Brown (McKenzie Stewart kick)

EC-Phillip Brown 2 run (Stewart kick)

SE-Marcus Boyd 8 pass from Tyler Pullum (run failed)

SE-T.J. Williams 77 pass from Pullum (Travis Simmons pass from Pullum)

Parent University – Effingham has completed plans for their 2015 and 2016 sessions. The first session will be held Sept. 19. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:35 a.m. Lunch will be served at the end of the session. Door prizes will be given during lunch.

A graduation ceremony for parents who met all graduation criteria by earning credits while attending 2014 and 2015 sessions will be held during the general session at 9 a.m.

Parent University – Effingham’s mission is to educate, inspire and empower parents to meet the needs of their children by becoming their first and most important teacher. Even though Parent University’s main focus is to provide information for parents, there are learning opportunities for everyone.

A few of the sessions are:

• “Graduation – is your child on TRACK”

• “Financial Future of the Family,” Funding a child’s college education and more

• Reading is the key to EVERYTHING – making sure “EVERY child is ready to READ”

• “Reality Disciple”

• CPR Certification

• “Juggling the demands of life”

• Monitor your child’s process in school through “Google Apps for Education”

• Preparing students for jobs and careers

• And much more

Parent University’s Kidz Academy and Youth Leadership classes provide age appropriate information for children ages 4–17. Each child will receive a free book.

Vendors interested in setting up a display during this event to provide informative and educational material to attendees may call Parent University – Effingham at 912-661-5290.

2015 and 2016 sessions are Sept. 19, 2015, Feb. 6, 2016 and April 16, 2016.

Parent University – Effingham is free for all parents or caregivers of children enrolled in Effingham County schools and schools in the surrounding counties. Concerned members of the community are also welcome to attend. This is a collaborative effort of Springfield Central High School Association, Inc. and Effingham County Board of Education. Sponsors are community agencies, area businesses, churches, social and civic organizations and private citizens.

Estate of Curtis Leroy Futrill to Elmeda Jones Futrill103 Coldbrook CIRRINCON313260.00Franklin Anderson to Sonia Anderson Kirkland f/k/a Sonia Anderson124 Crystal DriveRINCON313260.00Sonia Anderson Kirkland to Matthew Velazco & Angela F. Velazco124 Crystal DRRINCON31326197500.00Celeste E Corbett to Southland Restoration, LLC127 John Glenn DriveRINCON3132670500.00Frank Utterback to Jack F. Edwards and Julia D. Edwards 8 Paddleford CTRINCON31326189000.00Federal National Mortgage Association to Bank of America, N.A.2589 Highway 80CLYO10.00David G. Fitton, LLC to Larissa knight667 roebling RDCLYO134900.00Investment Purchases, LLC to Lanier Renaissance, Inc.308 Timber View DRGUYTON313120.00KONTER DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. to JK HOMES, INC.122 GREEN PADDOCK CIRGUYTON3131238000.00Barry Royce Berger, as Trustee of the Barry Royce Berger Revocable Trust under, agreement dated 7/8/ to DUSTIN A GRAVELINE437 SHADOWBROOK CIRSPRINGFIELD31329116900.00MARTHA M. PAINTER to DAVID WEST323 AUBREY AVERINCON31326112000.00Tippins Homes, LLC to Tracy Combs and Cathy Combs 127 Ruby TRLGUYTON31312319985.00Logans Landing Development, Inc. to Tippins Homes, LLC127 Ruby TRLGUYTON313120.00Ernest Signature Custom Homes, LLC to Jennifer Markham246 Cypress Creek LNGUYTON31312193500.00charles w snelling to john c bland and susan w bland 100 willowpeg RDRINCON31326278000.00Ernest Signature Custom Homes, LLC to Mark E. Boone and Jennifer P. Boone 109 Joyce CoveGUYTON31312319000.00DERRICK JEFFERS, II to SELENE FINANCE LP544 Deerfield Rd ESPRINGFIELD28067.00SELENE FINANCE LP to SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS544 Deerfield Rd ESPRINGFIELD28067.00NICHOLAS REYNOLDS to NICHOLAS REYNOLDS and DANIELLE REYNOLDS 144 STONEWALK DRRINCON313260.00Wells Fargo Bank, N.A to Wiley Thomas121 Eagle DRSPRINGFIELD3132939000.00Wiley Thomas to Richell H. Watkins121 Eagle DRSPRINGFIELD313290.00Eugene M Caldwell, III to Jennifer A Loomis130 Sweet Gum PTSPRINGFIELD31329120000.00KEYSTONE HOMES. INC. to WALTER SCOTT LEE119 CEDAR RIDGE DRCLYO195900.00BRAD ALAN PAGE to BRAD ALAN PAGE and HILLARY PAGE 111 BILTMORE DRGUYTON313120.00BEACON BUILDERS, INC. to ZACHARY ABEL111 GLEASTON WAYGUYTON31312165000.00James R Frye to American Homes 4 Rent Properties Eight, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company525 Amsonia CIRGUYTON31312134000.00Travis Howard Graham to Ryan P Carlson and Sarah Carlson 481 Shawnee RDSPRINGFIELD31329107000.00Mary E Myers to Larry C. Norton122 Oak STRINCON313260.00Nicky C Powell to Joseph Brian Kersey300 Rosemont DRRINCON31326179900.00LAMAR SMITH SIGNATURE HOMES, LLC to JEANNETTE M. GRIFFIN and CHARLES D. GRIFFIN 814 WALTHOUR DRRINCON31326326930.00Henry Franklin Wallace, Jr. to Henry Franklin Wallace, Jr. and Carlie Renee Wallace 117 Covered Bridge BLVDGUYTON313120.00Clinton Lee Petree, Jr. to Owen Bryant and Elizabeth Bryant 265 Palomino DRGUYTON31312261000.00Faircloth Homes of Savannah Inc. to Benjamin D Goodman and Brittany D Goodman 115 Saddleclub WAYGUYTON31312284700.00DAVID W HARDING AND ELVA A HARDING to CRAIG T WARD and KELSEY L WARD 123 KENSINGTON CIRGUYTON31312199900.00Debra L Gunnels to David L Gunnels, Jr.171 Watkins Glen LNCLYO0.00Kathleen A Monteleone to Arthur L Munn105 Rahn STRINCON313260.00BEACON BUILDERS, INC. to ROBERT J RADCLIFFE119 OAKLAWN DRRINCON31326203900.00TRISHA J. OLSEN aka TRISHA J OLSEN SMITH to DOUGLAS W PEDERSEN and LINDA N PEDERSEN 134 BROOKSTONE WAYRINCON31326138000.00Gary D Dixon to Larry M Parr107 Gadwell CTSPRINGFIELD31329110000.00J & E & J Builders Inc. to James Kyle Knight and Kayla K Knight 1715 Little McCall RDGUYTON31312178000.00DONALD J KADERBEK, JR. to EURELL B EUBANKS and DEBORAH S EUBANKS 118 CRESTVIEW DRGUYTON31312470000.00ESTATE OF JOHN W. TEBEAU to ALESIA L PARTAIN184 OLD DIXIE HWY SSPRINGFIELD31329130000.00Darwin Beasley Construction Company Inc. to John W Bridwell, III and Bailee Cheek Bridwell 108 Buckskin CTGUYTON31312139550.00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I write in response to an article written by G.G. Rigsby that appeared in the Savannah Morning News on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Effingham Now.

In that article, statements are attributed to Effingham County Commissioners, in particular, Vera Jones and Forrest Floyd, voicing indignation at remarks made by Francys Johnson, Georgia State NAACP president.

Johnson’s statements were from an interview on an Atlanta radio station in the aftermath of a tumultuous Effingham County Board of Education meeting on Aug 18.

My response is that the commissioners are practicing selective outrage.

Where was their outrage when our principal speaker, Bishop Franklin D. Blanks Jr., and I were presenting our case statements to the Board of Education members and the assembled audience? Our task was made impossible with crude, often racially-insensitive comments, supported by some 500 followers.

Not one commissioner has expressed outrage at that behavior. Perhaps, more importantly, that evening not one board of education member tried to curtail the boorish behavior of the audience. Eleven elected officials, and not one of them has come forward with comments concerning that meeting. I was not at the county commissioners’ meeting on Sept. 1. However, several NAACP members were.

They reported to me that Commissioner Floyd publicly proclaimed that “outsiders” had inspired our request for a meeting with the Board of Education. That is completely untrue and insulting at the same time. The implication is that the Effingham County branch of the NAACP does not have any members intelligent or willful enough to seek a meeting with the Board of Education concerning symbols of the Confederacy and other matters pertinent to the African-American community. Take my word for it — we do.

At the same meeting Commissioner Jones had to take back some of the comments she had attributed to Johnson.

Here is the sequence of events: On June 17 nine innocent worshipers were murdered at their church in Charleston, S.C., by a person displaying symbols of the Confederacy.

After receiving phone calls from former students and parents of current students, requesting that the NAACP voice their concerns about the displaying of Confederate symbols and the playing of “Dixie” at sporting events at Effingham County High School, I discussed this with our members at the July meeting. A committee was formed. The committee asked that I write a letter, requesting a meeting with the Board of Education. In part, here is what I wrote, “We sincerely believe that we share the same goals, the continued excellence of the education of our youth in the Effingham County school district, and feel that properly addressing the issues at hand will only enhance that educational experience.”

The school board responded, establishing the August 18 meeting date. In the interim, Randy Shearouse, the school district superintendent, asked to visit with us two weeks prior to the board meeting.

We had an amicable discussion concerning these matters. Then we went to the board meeting, where we were treated abysmally.

Only after Francys Johnson saw a tape of that board meeting, and only then, did he get involved. He has every right to do that as the state NAACP president. He was understandably outraged by that behavior toward our members.

We still seek that mature, civil meeting with the Board of Education members, as we did two months ago.

Leroy Lloyd, President, Effingham County branch of the NAACP

Guyton

We’ll always remember the sheer, relentless horror of that day. As the towers fell, and the Pentagon burned, and planes crashed, we had no idea how much further it was going to go. How much more would happen before it let up? A growing paranoia gripped the entire country.

We’ll never forget the heroism of the first responders, and all those who sought to selflessly give help in those early days. Many at the risk of their own safety and health. Many of the first responders who survived, suffered subsequent cancers, diseases and poor health. Thank you, Jon Stewart, for helping a reluctant Congress pass legislation to help provide them support.

I’ll always remember how Muslims were treated in this country immediately after, with an irrational, horrible hatred. Actually debating in this country whether Muslims should be racially profiled. In this, and with the Patriot Act, we turned our back on many of the freedoms and liberties we said that we cherished. We were ready to give up so much in order to achieve a false sense of security.

I’ll never forget how we let Osama Bin Laden escape from Tora Bora, and then inexplicably stopped making him a priority, but instead focused on a country that had no part in 9/11. And if you raised any objection to this spectacular mis-adventure you were considered unpatriotic and could lose your job and your social standing.

It should be remembered that what Jesus said was true — love and understanding are more powerful than hate and intolerance. We solve more by targeting the actual bad guys (the highly disdained police action approach) than we did by throwing a blind hissy, turning potential allies into permanent enemies.

It should not be forgotten that we live in a dangerous world. Sometimes the only answer to force is force. But indiscriminate, brutal force only continues the spiral to oblivion.

Let us remember the fallen. Let us not forget that the forces of evil and destruction must be challenged and opposed. But also remember that love is greater than hate, that diplomacy, as difficult as it might be, matters. And that you have already lost if you are willing to abandon everything you hold dear in order to win.

T. M. Strait (Tom) is a CPA, actor, blogger and an enthusiastic storyteller.

“Now that sanctions are being lifted on Iran, can we start selling them missiles again?”

“If Colin Powell should run for office, whether it be Democrat or Republican, I would vote for him.”

“People who don’t use a hands free device to talk on their phone while driving are idiots. I cannot believe how many people I see with a phone to their face while driving. They should have their license revoked.”

Contribute to Vox Populi by calling 912-525-0VOX (0869) or emailing us at vox@savannahnow.com. Be sure to mention Effingham County in your call or write Effingham Vox Populi in the email subject field. Not all responses are used.

Money is being wasted. Not just on the absurdly large television you decided to purchase for college football, but also on discarding leaves. Leaves that are placed on the curb for the city to pick up are much more valuable in a pile in the backyard. Leaves are packed with nutrients and organic matter, which greatly improve soil quality.

So, how do we build this pile in the backyard? Isn’t it tough to get the right amount of yard waste to make a compost pile? Fortunately, the bullet points below make composting easy.

Easy, but slow compost — Pile leaves, grass and cut up branches in an out-of-the-way place in your yard. Wait a year and then dig underneath the pile for the finished humus the worms have made for you.

Quick Compost - Make a compost pile or bin about 3 feet wide and 3 feet high.

• Chop particles as small as possible.

• Mix “green” (like grass) and “brown” (like leaves) material.

• Keep the pile moist, like a wrung-out sponge.

• Turn the pile with a pitch fork at least once a month.

You can compost

• Vegetable and fruit scraps (bury these in your pile)

• Wetted-down paper napkins, paper towels, paper board

• Plant material

• Animal manure (except dog or cat manure)

Avoid Composting

• Dog or cat manure (can carry disease transmittable to humans)

• Meat, milk, bones, cheese, fish, bread or oily kitchen wastes (can attract undesirable varmints)

• Grass or plant material treated with herbicide

• Invasive plants (like ivy) or weeds unless thoroughly sun-dried

Vermicomposting Class at the Effingham County Extension Office

If you would like to avoid doing the work all together but still want compost, let someone else do it. I am talking about vermicomposting or composting with worms. These creatures happily make compost from simple kitchen scraps and leaves or paper. A small storage tote makes for a great vermicomposting bin. These containers are easy to move and can be placed off to the side and out of the way. If you would like to know more on how to start a vermicomposting bin or composting, Effingham County Extension will be hosting a class about vermicomposting at the office on Oct. 6 during the day. Please contact the office for more information.

For more information or questions, please contact Effingham County Extension Agent Sam Ingram at 912-856-8997 or singram@uga.edu

One of the advantages of studying psychology is that it connects to a lot of other fields of study.

This means we end up learning about many topics that don’t seem, on the surface, to have much to do with psychology at all.

Much of my time in the classroom is dedicated to teaching a course in human development. In the class, we look at the physical, mental and social changes involved in a typical human lifespan, from conception to death.

During the past week, I had the opportunity to look from a different angle at some of the material we cover in that class.

I am just now emerging from almost two weeks of the nastiest virus I can recall in decades. Literally.

The kind of bug that had me looking in the fridge for anything safe to eat. And realizing that all the healthy, fresh, high-fiber stuff I usually consume likely would be the death of me in my current condition.

So I dragged myself to the closest grocery store to buy something more palatable.

The experience gave me sticker shock, but in reverse.

Regular white bread for $1.08.

White rice on special for 58 cents.

The healthy stuff costs a lot more than that. But this past week, healthy food was the last thing I needed.

The experience reminded me of the chapter on childhood nutrition that we cover in the human development course.

We learn that there are several forms of malnutrition, and one of them is particularly misunderstood because a child might even be obese, and yet malnourished.

It has to do with not getting enough of the right kinds of food, usually because they are too expensive, and making up the difference with whatever foods are affordable.

Usually that means lots of starchy foods, without much fiber.

I usually note to the students that anyone who has tried to feed children on a limited budget is very familiar with 3-for-a-dollar boxes of macaroni and cheese.

In contrast to my usual experience at the checkout, the rice costs less than half the price of the brown rice I usually buy. And the bread somewhere around 25 percent of the high-fiber, whole-grain variety I usually purchase.

It was a strange and unexpected way of bringing home what we talk about in class.

Even though malnutrition is much less common in this country than in many parts of the world, a lot of Americans struggle with obesity not simply because of overeating, but because we humans buy whatever we can afford.

And food that costs 50-75 percent less will go that much farther in filling up a hungry household.

At this point, it’s important to note that despite my evolving interest in calories, fiber and other health-related issues, I have nothing against white rice, white bread or any other of a number of high-starch, low-fiber foods.

In fact, I grew up on them. And this past week, they are just what the doctor ordered.

But the comparison at the checkout had a surprising way of bringing to life what we talk about in a much more theoretical way in the classroom.

Another example of translating what we learn in psychology into the real lives we live, in the real world around us.

Julia Cochran is a licensed professional counselor in Rincon and a psychology instructor at Armstrong State University. She can be reached at 912-772-3072 or by email at JCochranPhD@GileadCounseling.com. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Armstrong State University.

Brought to you by the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit

Dear Consumer Ed:

Are businesses required to offer a “rain check” for items advertised but not available within the time frame of the deal? I understand when they say “while supplies last,” but one store in particular either conveniently runs out of a product early (sometimes the first day) or it tries to switch to either a higher-priced product or a lower-quality product.

A: It depends on what kind of business it is. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) requires grocery stores and retailers that sell food products to have the advertised product in stock and available for you to buy during the entire time period of the deal unless the advertisement clearly states that supplies of the product are limited. If the grocery store doesn’t have a phrase on the ad to the effect of “while supplies last,” but runs out of the advertised product, the store must either be able to prove that it originally ordered enough of the advertised item to meet the anticipated demand, or:

• Offer you a rain check;

• Offer you a similar product to the one that was advertised that is either comparable in value or has had its price reduced in a similar way; or

• Offer you some other form of compensation that is equal to the value of the advertised product that is no longer in stock.

If you do receive a rain check from your grocery store, make sure that it includes the following:

• Store’s name and address

• Your name, address and phone number

• Date the rain check was issued to you

• Description of the item you wanted to purchase

• Quantity you are entitled to purchase

• Advertised price

Once you have the rain check, the store has to provide you with the product within 60 days. Otherwise, it must allow you to purchase another comparable in-stock item or work with you to establish when it will have the advertised product ready for you to buy. If the grocery store’s ad didn’t state that quantities of the advertised item were limited, and you’ve asked them to provide you with a rain check or a comparable product but they refused, the store has engaged in a deceptive or unfair practice, and has violated the Federal Trade Commission Act.

If the business you are concerned about is not a grocery store or another kind of retailer that sells food products, the business is only required to clearly state in its advertisement that the quantities of the product are limited. The business has no obligation to provide you with a rain check or with a comparable product, even if the advertisement does not state that supplies are limited. However, the lack of availability of the advertised product without a disclaimer could be violation of Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act (“FBPA”), especially if the business tries to pressure you to buy a more expensive product (or if it purposely stocked only two or three units of the merchandise advertised simply to get customers into the store to sell them something else). According to the FBPA, it is unfair or deceptive if a store advertises goods without intending to sell them or to provide reasonable amounts of the advertised products without providing notice that supplies are limited. The FTC also prohibits businesses from advertising items solely for the purpose of convincing you to buy more expensive ones.

You can report any of the violations described above to the FTC at www.ftc.gov and to the Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit at consumer.ga.gov or 404-651-8600.

Got a question for Consumer Ed? Go to ConsumerEd.com to submit your question and read additional consumer tips. Always consult a lawyer about legal issues.

County Extension offering deer food plot workshop

Effingham County Extension will be hosting a deer food plot and nutrition workshop on Sept. 22 at the Effingham County Extension office. The class will begin at 10:45 a.m. The speaker will be Brad Cohen from UGA Warnell School of Forestry, his talk will be on year round nutrition for deer. Registration is required by Sept. 18. Those interested can register by calling 912-856-8997 or email singram@uga.edu. The class is limited to the first 30 registrants.

Effingham Fair Association entertainment

The Effingham County Fair Association is scheduling entertainment for the fair that will be held Oct. 19 through Oct. 24 at the fairgrounds in Springfield. The group is looking for vocalists, bands, dancers, gymnasts and other entertainment. Contact Dana Lee Smith at 912-665-1377 for more information. The Fair Association does not provide a stipend for entertaining. All groups and individuals must provide their own sound equipment. The fair beauty pageant will be held on Oct. 24. For applications and the complete fair book, visit www.effinghamfair.org.

ECHS Class of 1957 reunion

The 1957 Effingham County High School class will hold its 58th reunion on Sept. 19 at the New Ebenezer Retreat Center at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. For information, call Lynette Rahn Jones at 754-6976.

Manna House

Manna House Food Pantry and Thrift Store hours are Monday, noon - 3 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. It is closed all other days. The food pantry serves Effingham County residents. The thrift store is open to the public. Donations are always appreciated and can be dropped off at any time. Manna House is located at 1210 Patriot Park Drive, across from the Effingham YMCA. For more information, call 826-2037 or 665-1985.

Rahn Reunion

The descendants of Edwin Bachman and Sarah Jane Berry Rahn will hold their 53rd annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Clyo Homemaker’s Club, Ga. 119 in Clyo. A basket dinner will be spread at 1 p.m. All family members are encouraged to attend.

Exley Reunion

The descendants of James Jonathan and Susannah Amelia Exley will hold their annual reunion on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Laurel Hill Lutheran Church Social Hall, Clyo. A basket lunch will be spread at 1 p.m. For additional information, call 912-547-3676.

Bingo

The Rincon Recreation Department sponsors bingo for senior citizens at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at the Vernon C. Hinely Community Center at Ninth Street and Ga. 21. For information, call 826-0238.

Camp Davis 2073

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the former Boy Scout hut down the hill from the Effingham Historical Society, formerly the old county jail in Springfield. Call Gill Zeigler for more information at 655-8112.

County Commission

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month in Commission Chambers at the Administrative Office Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. For a complete agenda, go to effinghamcounty.org.

Foster home volunteers

Foster home volunteers are needed for abandoned or neglected dachshunds. The housing is needed for two weeks to two months. Foster volunteers are to provide food and a safe and loving environment. Dachshund Rescue of North America will approve and pay for needed vetting. Call Ellen Hatcher at 912-398-1892 or email ellenwh@bellsouth.net to learn more about this experience. Dachshund Rescue of North America is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been rehabilitating and rehoming abandoned or neglected dachshunds for more than 13 years. Learn more at www.drna.org.

Weight loss

Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.

American Legion

American Legion post #209 meets the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. for dinner with a meeting following. The meetings are held at 941 S. Laurel St. in Springfield. For more information, call Tommy Pierce at 912-663-3562.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group

The Effingham County Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. For more information, call 800-272-3900.

Auxiliary volunteers

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary is in need of volunteers in the beauty shop from 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays in the Extended Care Center. Call Jackie Dyches at 754-4251.

Medicare

The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center is seeking volunteers to help counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their health coverage and options. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the GeorgiaCares SMP project to promote consumer awareness and prevent fraud. For more information, call 264-7363 ext. 239, or 800-669-8387.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Call 826-4000.

Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol squadron meets Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in building 200 at Ephesus Church/Effingham Christian School, 226 Goshen Road, Rincon. The organization is for youth, ages 12 to 18 and for adults. It has three programs: emergency services, aerospace education and the cadet leadership program. The Effingham Cadet Squadron is actively recruiting both cadets ages 12 to adult and has several staff positions available. For more information, go to www.ga453.org or call Richard Bush at 912-429-8050.

County planning board

The Effingham County Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes can be found at effinghamcounty.org. For information, call 754-2105.

Elections board

The Effingham County Board of Elections and Registration meets at 8:30 a.m. the second Monday of the month in the conference room at the elections office, 284 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamcounty.org or call 754-8030.

Hospital board

The Effingham Hospital Authority meets at 7:15 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital, 459 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not available online. For information, go to effinghamhealth.org or call administration at 754-0160.

Tax board

The Effingham County Board of Tax Assessors meets at 4:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas can be found at effinghamcounty.org.

IDA board

The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority board of directors meets at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the conference room at the Welcome Center, 520 W. Third St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamindustry.com or call 754-3301.

Guyton council

The Guyton City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and at 8 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, 310 Central Blvd., Guyton. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofguyton.com or call City Hall at 722-3353.

Springfield council

The Springfield City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in Council Chambers at City Hall, 130 S. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found at cityofspringfield.com. For information, call City Hall at 754-6666.

Rincon council

The Rincon City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month in Council Chambers at the police department, 107 W. 17th St., Rincon. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofrincon.com or call City Hall at 826-5745.

Effingham Tennis League

People of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Effingham Tennis League. Adults and teens may join the singles and/or doubles ladder at www.globaltennisnetwork.com and it’s free. SATA kids clinic for grades kindergarten to eighth-grade is $50 per six-week session, playing Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Patriots Park behind the Rincon YMCA. Info: 912-656-4430.

United Way Yoga

Dr. Jack Heneisen and the United Way are holding free yoga classes each Monday at 6:30 p.m. The classes are held at the United Way Effingham Service Center located at 711 Zitterour Road, Rincon. Participants should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and bring a mat or towel for floor exercises.

Senior movie day

A movie is shown for senior citizens at 9:30 a.m. each Thursday in the Anderson Recreation Building (formerly the Rincon Lions Club) on Lexington Avenue.

Seniors
Rincon

Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

The Rosebuds

An Effingham County daytime breast cancer support group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. at Effingham Hospital’s Community Room, 459 Ga. 119 South, Springfield. For information, call 754-9100.

High blood pressure

The Community Cardiovascular Council’s Blood Pressure Clinic offers help to people trying to control high blood pressure. If you need help controlling it and purchasing medications, make a free appointment to see if you qualify for services. Call the Rincon clinic, 826-2608, or the Savannah clinic, 232-6624.Effingham Hospital

Auxiliary

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary offers an opportunity to serve the hospital and the community through volunteer service. The auxiliary provides support to patients, families and visitors. It also raises funds to support special projects that benefit the hospital and the community. Call Effingham Hospital Auxiliary President Brenda Rabon at 912-346-9536.

Hands On Savannah

A service of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, recruits and refers volunteers to area nonprofits. Hands On Savannah/Volunteer Center can match volunteer interests with community needs. To browse volunteer options, go to handsonsavannah.org, call 2-1-1 or 651-7726 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or email volunteer@uwce.org.

CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Bulloch, Effingham, Screven and Jenkins counties. For information, call Carolyn Fields at 912-764-4849.

Volunteers needed

The Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center in Guyton provides equine-assisted riding and educational activity programs for children and adults with special challenges. The center has many volunteer opportunities for anyone committed to offering their time and talents to help others. Call 728-3728 or go to faithetc.org for information.

Meals on Wheels

The Effingham County Senior Citizens Center, 128 Stillwell Road, Springfield, needs volunteers to deliver meals to the homebound elderly in the county. Mileage is paid. Call Margaret Moore at 754-2138.

Medicare

The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center is seeking volunteers to help counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their health coverage and options. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the GeorgiaCares SMP project to promote consumer awareness and prevent fraud. Volunteers will receive free in-depth training. Requires at least four hours per month. For more information, call 264-7363 ext. 239, or 800-669-8387.

Hunting-fishing club

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, Effingham Chapter, meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Effingham County Recreation Department on Ga. 119 in Springfield. If you need information about the meeting or becoming a member, call 912-661-1111. Membership is $25 per year.

GED classes

Savannah Technical College offers day and evening GED classes in Rincon at Savannah Technical College Effingham Campus, 2890 Ga. 21 S. Call John Seaman or Alethia Bradshaw-Scott at 754-2876.

Effingham Rotary

The Rotary Club of Effingham meets at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ga. 21 and Seventh Street in Rincon. For information, call Talbert Edenfield at 772-5022 or go to myrotaryclub.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the second Tuesday of every month in the former Boy Scouts hut down the hill from the Effingham Historical Society, formerly the old county jail in Springfield. Meeting and program at 7 p.m. Call Mitchell Ambrose at 429-3446.

UDC

United Daughters of the Confederacy Effingham County Hussars Chapter 2285 meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital. Call 772-3340.

Experimental Aircraft

Effingham County Chapter 330 of the Experimental Aircraft Association meets at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at The Briar Patch Airfield in Springfield. Meetings open with a short business session, followed by lunch. Cost is $5. Members and visitors may drive or fly. Go to eaa.org for more information.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Special-needs support

Effingham County Navigator Team is a support group and recreational program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Learning Treehouse in Rincon at 250 Goshen Road at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information please call Pauline Shaw at 912-659-9855, email us at effinghamcountynavigators@comcast.net and visit at effinghamcountynavigatorteam.com.

Special-needs children

A support group for parents and guardians of children with challenging behaviors meets at the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. For information, call Katie McGrory at 441-1435 or email kateemac1@msn.com. Child care may be available.

Alzheimer’s support

The Alzheimer’s Association conducts a support group in Effingham County at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. For information, call Jenny House at 912-920-2231 or email jenny.house@alz.org.

Special-needs support

The Effingham County Navigator Team, a support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children, ages newborn to 26 years, meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Blandford Elementary School media center. For information, call Pauline Shaw at 912-295-5460 or email effingham@p2pga.org.

Bereavement counseling

Hospice Savannah’s Full Circle has opened an office in the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. Bereavement counselor Barbara Moss holds office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to counsel children or adults, individually or in group sessions, and plans to offer workshops and presentations on coping with grief during the holidays. The counseling is offered free of charge as a community service. To schedule an appointment, call 629-1089.

NA of Effingham
Narcotics Anonymous groups meet at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Beulah House, 407 Church St., Guyton. Meetings are also at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Freedom Christian Center, 409 S. Laurel St., Springfield.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

Church of the Harvest Ministry

The Church of the Harvest Ministry will hold its annual fall revival Power-Up Sept. 23 through Sept. 25 at 7:30 each night. The church is located at 434 Weisenbaker Road in Rincon. Special speakers each night. Overseer and founder Gregory Brunson and Pastor Laquin Pickney.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 N. Laurel St. in Springfield, celebrates with worship services every Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday School is held at 9:45 a.m. Holy Trinity is a member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.

Tabernacle of Faith

A breakfast fellowship will be held every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Tabernacle of Faith, located at 540 W. Seventh St. in Rincon. For more information, call 713-3783.

Hwy. 30 Church of Christ

The Highway 30 Church of Christ meeting times are Sundays at 9:30 a.m. for Bible classes, 10:30 a.m. for worship, and 6 p.m. for evening worship. Bible classes are also held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The Highway 30 church is located at 1952 Noel C. Conaway Road (Ga. 30), Guyton, GA 31312. Contact the church at 912-728-3819 or go to www.highway30cofc.truepath.com.

Pierogi sale

St. Mary Magdalene Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, has a pierogi and bake sale from 10 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of the month. Info: 912-826-5176.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s, 301 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon, welcomes the community to share in God’s grace in church services at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School following.

Jesus Christ Ministries International

Jesus Christ Ministries International currently meets every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. at the Country Inn & Suites on Ga. 21 in Port Wentworth, and on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Rincon at the Pastor’s home for midweek Bible study. A anointed end time teaching ministry filled with revelation and the healing love of God.  Headquartered  in Rincon. Pastor Anthony Murray is also dean and chancellor of Christian Life School of Ministry. For more information visit www.itsakingdomthing.net or call 912-826-0737.

St. Boniface Church Mass

St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.

Med Bank

Med Bank, a volunteer organization, invites anyone in Effingham County who lacks insurance for needed prescription medications to come in and begin the process to obtain free medicine through pharmaceutical companies’ programs. The clinic is held in the reception area of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Rincon, 155 Goshen Road, from 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Patients are asked to come with proof of income such as their latest tax return or last three paycheck stubs; medications lists; and physician information, if possible. For more information, contact executive director Liz Longshore at 912-373-6369.

New ministry

Shepherds of Grace Church meets at 10:45 a.m. Sundays and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 3605 Ga. 21 N., Rincon. For information, go to shepherdsofgrace.org or call Charles and Shirley Malphus at 912-663-6814.

St. Boniface Church Mass

St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays (except the first) for Great Vespers. Sunday service schedule: Matins at 8:15 a.m., Hours at 9 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 9:30 and fellowship meal at 11 a.m. For information, go to stmarymagdalenerincon.org or call 912-826-5176.

St. Luke’s services

The Rev. David Rose, vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon, invites everyone to share in services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and adult Bible study at 11 a.m. Prayers for Healing services are 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. For pastoral care, the Rev. Rose can be reached at or 826-3332. Go to stlukesrincon.com.

Grace Community Awana

The Awana children’s program meets every Wednesday at Grace Community Church, 1094 Goshen Road in Rincon. Children ages 3 years through fifth grade are invited. For information, call 912-826-4204.

The Body

First Baptist Church of Rincon hosts a weekly interactive worship experience for young adults (college age and 20-somethings) at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. “The Body” meets in the white building across the street from the Youth Center on Richland Avenue. Call 912-826-5536 for information.

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Church meets Sundays at the Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road in Guyton. Coffee and goodies start at 9:30 a.m. with music and message beginning at 10 a.m. Go to crossroadschurcheff.org.

Lighthouse Church

The Lighthouse Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Effingham YMCA, 1224 Patriot Drive, Rincon. “The Lighthouse” is a church where the Bible is preached, God is exalted and the love of Jesus Christ is the theme. For information, call the Rev. Rick West at 656-6242.

Awana at Pineora Baptist

The Awana children’s program is every Wednesday at Pineora Baptist Church, 131 Elkins St., Guyton. A meal will be served at 6:15 p.m. Call 772-3044.

Youth fellowship

A youth fellowship gathering is held 1-3 p.m. every Saturday at the House of Prayer of Rincon on Fort Howard Road. Call 826-2570.

Crossroads 2 Recovery

Crossroads Church in Guyton offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on 12 steps at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road, Guyton. For information, go to crossroadschurcheff.org or call the Rev. George Pabst at 441-0004.

Overcoming by Faith

Overcoming by Faith meets for worship at 1:30 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Banquet Room, 135 Goshen Road Ext. For information, call 927-8601.

Martha Jane Lewis

Springfield — Mrs. Martha Jane Lewis, 80, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at Effingham Extended Care.

Mrs. Lewis was an Effingham County native, retired from Effingham County Hospital after 21 years of service as a phlebotomist, and was a member of Silverhill United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her son, James “Bobo” Hyman of Springfield; daughters, Connie Wallace (Nelson) of Clyo, Carol Miller (Larry) of Springfield, Miriam J. Barratta (Eddie) of Savannah and Susie Jordan (Wayne) of Guyton; 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held today, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with interment to follow in the Silverhill United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Riggsfh.com.

Riggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wilma Sapp Callaway

Port Wentworth — Wilma Sapp Callaway, 98, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 10, 2015, at Effingham County Extended Care Center.

Mrs. Callaway was born March 24, 1917, in Manassas, Ga. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Sapp and Annie Ballance Sapp; husband, Wilton Ivey Callaway; grandson, Mark Ivey Callaway; and was the last living of 12 siblings. Mrs. Callaway was a homemaker and was devoted to her family and her church First Baptist Church of Port Wentworth where she was a member of Mrs. Sarah Green’s Sunday School Class.

Survivors include her children, Jean (Donald) Hinely of Port Wentworth, Gilbert (Frances) Callaway of Rincon, Gary Callaway of Garden City, Elaine (Jerry) Sherrod, and Cheryl (Wendell) Arnsdorff of Springfield; 14 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church of Port Wentworth on Sept. 14.

Interment followed in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Remembrances: American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

In this week's Savannah How, Woof Gang Bakery Savannah employee Katie Ehmke gives you four tips for picking out healthy, rewarding treats for your dog.

Watch the video above. 

Savannah How is a weekly video series that answers every day, how-to questions. Visit the Savannah How page for other videos with Woof Gang Bakery, as well as other topics including cooking, beauty care, photography tips and much more. 

Have an idea for Savannah How? Email jennifer.menster@savannahnow.com. 

Would-be movie production company Moon River is in default on the purchase of a film production equipment company, and time is running out for it to meet major milestones as it attempts to build studios in Effingham County.

FONU2, doing business as Moon River, said in a report filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it received a default notice Sept. 3 for a $600,000 subordinated note owed to AppleBox.

“The company is in communication with AppleBox’s counsel and expects the default to be cured shortly,” the filing said.

Jake Shapiro, chairman of the board of FONU2, on Wednesday called the problem a “technical default” and said it would be cured “in the immediate future.”

The company has touted the acquisition of AppleBox as a major step in its efforts to build film production studios on 1,600 acres of land owned by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) at Interstate 95 and Old River Road.

AppleBox has the equipment needed to make movies, including trucks, lights and generators.

Moon River has said it will use the equipment on its own movie projects and rent it to other movie makers.

The IDA on Monday rejected a revised development schedule submitted by Moon River, saying it listed accomplishments but included no timetable for the next steps in the project.

IDA CEO John Henry said the board asked for a new version by the end of the month.

Agreements the company has signed with the IDA call for Moon River to invest $20 million in the project by the end of the year and create 50 jobs.

Earlier documents filed by the company also called for the first stages and warehouses to be operational by the end of the year.

Shapiro said Wednesday that construction on a road should begin in late September or early October and take five months to complete.

He said after the road is done, construction would begin on a studio building, which would take six to eight months to complete.

Shapiro said the company has made steady progress on the project since it was reorganized in February, getting a master plan approved and engineering work done and obtaining permits to start construction.

The company originally was called Medient.

Shapiro said recent financial problems in China should help the company's efforts to raise capital through the federal EB-5 program, which encourages foreign investment in U.S. projects that create jobs in exchange for visas.

Shapiro has said that’s the main way the company plans to raise capital to start building the studioplex project.

He said Lexden Capital is conducting studies and reports for the EB-5 effort and should go to market to raise money by the end of the year.

Chap Bennett, chairman of the IDA, declined Wednesday to speculate on whether the board might give the company more time to meet the requirements.

“We’re going to play it out and follow the agreement we have to the letter and act in good faith, but the time is running out,” Henry said.

The company has a 20-year lease on the land with rent waived for two years.

The first lease payment, more than $500,000, is due in February.

The IDA will spend $1.25 million to build the road and, after the company has created at least 250 jobs, as much as $3 million to provide water and sewer service.

Moon River has been issuing stock to pay many of its bills, and its auditors say it doesn’t have enough money to continue operating for long.

From incident reports at the Rincon Police Department:

Sept. 2: A 19-year-old Rincon woman who has been told not to return to Walmart has been caught on video at the store. Warrants were drawn up for her arrest for criminal trespass.

Sept. 5: A Guyton man was arrested for stealing $192 worth of gaming items from Walmart.

Sept. 6: A woman who was upset over a child custody issue was arrested for disorderly conduct and child safety belts violation. Ninth Street W.

Sept. 6: Three males who were creating a disturbance on their skate boards were told to leave Walmart.

Sept. 7: An officer stopped a vehicle that was driving in the center median on Fort Howard Road. The driver was arrested for drunken driving, disorderly conduct and driving on a median.

Car problems

Sept. 8: An officer stopped a car for running a stop sign at Lexington Avenue and E. Fourth Street. The driver said he couldn’t stop because his car was running out of gas and would stutter. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license and running a stop sign.

Sept. 8: A Rincon man said another man has been threatening him via text message.

Sept. 8: Kittens were found under the loading ramp at Goody’s department store. Animal control officers took them.

Sept. 9: A woman called 911 because she said her husband was standing over her during an argument and she was scared.

Sept. 9: Trash and debris was overflowing from receptacles at Rincon Car Wash, which appeared to be closed.

Sept. 9: A woman said her cat was shot with a pellet gun. Lexington Avenue. 

Sept. 10: A woman who works at Advance Auto Parts said she saw a man stealing from the business and she yelled at him. Now she said he comes into the business and curses and is disorderly. An officer told her to call 911 the next time he comes to the store.

Sept. 10: A woman said her son’s library card was stolen and used to check out seven DVDs which were not returned. She was billed for $140.

Move over

Sept. 10: An officer conducting a traffic stop on Fort Howard Road stopped another vehicle for failing to observe the “move over” law. The second vehicle smelled of marijuana and was searched, but nothing was found. The driver was given an oral warning for violating the “move over” law.

Sept. 10: A bicycle valued at $100 was stolen from E. Myrtle Street.

Ride home

Sept. 11: A 24-year-old Rincon woman who had removed the tags from $200 worth of clothing at Walmart was stopped and asked to pay for the items. Her card was declined. Walmart didn’t want to prosecute. An officer gave her a ride home.

Sept. 12: A student complained that another student bullied her and threatened to harm her. An officer told the girl to contact the school resource officer.

The Tractor Supply store on Ga. 21 in Rincon will host pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

One Love Animal Rescue, Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, DogWorx and HOPE (Helping Out Pets in Effingham) will be on site during those hours.

The event is part of Pet Appreciation Week.

"Pet ownership is exciting and has a lot of emotional and physical benefits, but it also bears responsibility, too," said Zechary Gilbert, manager of the Rincon Tractor Supply store. "Pet Appreciation Week gives us an opportunity to partner with incredible organizations and talk with families about the joy of owning pets, while also providing them with the tools they need to do it right."

In addition to pet adoptions, Tractor Supply will offer demonstrations on pet nutrition, drawings for $200 worth of gift cards and giveaways, including a tennis ball and pet food mats, while supplies last.

For more information, call the store at: 912-826-4800.

The City of Rincon has purchased a Border Collie to chase geese from Lost Plantation golf course.

City council members agreed unanimously Monday to pay $2,000 for Bond, an 18-month-old dog that has been trained to chase birds.

The city has had complaints from golfers and people who live on the golf course about the waste left by the geese.

Each bird makes up to 2 pounds of waste each day and sometimes hundreds of the birds visit the course at once.

Many of them stay in the area year-round.

Bond will live with golf course superintendent Seth Zeigler, on his 10-acre parcel outside the city and with Zeigler’s Labrador – Lucky.

Zeigler said he’ll get as much training as he needs to learn how to handle the dog, and up to two other city workers can be trained as backups.

The dog, from Flyaway Farm and Kennels in Chadbourne, N.C., will cost the city an estimated $500 to $600 a year to feed and take to the veterinarian, said Flyaway owner Rebecca Gibson.

She has been training dogs to chase birds for 20 years. They frequently are used to clear birds from airport runways.

Gibson introduced Bond to reporters Thursday and used two Border Collies to demonstrate what they can do.

Reporters and city officials watched Gibson use whistles and voice commands to have the dogs find the geese and chase them away from the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The entourage then piled into about eight vehicles and drove to the golf course, where the dogs chased probably the same geese away from the 18th hole.

Bond will be the third dog purchased by the city. The Rincon Police Department has K-9s Senna and Snitch.

City Manager Wesley Corbitt agreed that having another dog increases the city’s cool factor. “I think it’s a pretty cool place to be,” he said.

The city recently was named the 10th happiest place to live in Georgia, by Website onlyinyourstate.com, and the best city for young families by nerdwallet.com.

“We don’t apply for these things, they just come to us,” Corbitt said. “Rincon’s got a lot going on. It’s an exciting time.”

The city is getting a big, new Kroger on Ga. 21 next spring and expects some other businesses to open next to it. And last week the city held a ribbon-cutting for its expansion of Macomber Park recreational complex, adding four new baseball fields, batting cages, a new concession stand and additional parking. The expansion, done over the last several years, cost about $2.5 million.

Rincon uses sales tax proceeds to roll back the millage rate so that residents don’t pay any property taxes.

The city purchased the golf course so it could use it as a sprayfield for its wastewater treatment system.

Gibson said unlike some police dogs, Bond can be approached and petted by members of the public. She said he likes the attention and she won’t be surprised if golfers start to carry treats in their pockets.

From incident reports at the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office:

Aug. 19: A woman said someone made several transactions from her bank account, totaling $450, without her permission. She suspects her information was compromised when she used someone else’s computer to make a purchase. High Pointe Drive in the Rincon area.

Aug. 27: A student at Effingham Middle School who refused to do as he was told was taken to the Sheriff’s Office for disruption of a public school. His mother picked him up there.

Aug. 28: A student at Effingham Middle School had a knife and three razors on the school campus. He allegedly cut a bus seat and said he was going to cut whoever stole his gym shoes. He was released to his grandmother. Charges of disrupting public school and carrying a weapon at school were pending.

Officer lecture

Aug. 31: A woman called the Sheriff’s Office when her juvenile daughter became upset because she wanted to sit in the middle of the back seat in the family’s vehicle. The girl “threw a fit” and hit three people when an older juvenile sat in the spot she wanted.

A deputy explained to the girl the “process and accommodations of juvenile hall.” Reidsville Road in the Clyo area.

Aug. 31: A woman who is divorcing her husband said he’s getting on her nerves. They argued and were given a disorderly house warning.

Aug. 31: A Clyo woman said her son took her truck and drove it to South Carolina. She said it doesn’t have insurance. She reported it as stolen.

Aug. 31: A man said he left his cell phone at the Liberty station on Blue Jay Road in the Guyton area and when he returned, it was gone.

Thieves caught

Aug. 31: Deputies stopped a white, unmarked box van that turned onto U.S. 80 at Foxbow Drive in the Eden area. A similar vehicle was reported to be nearby when an ATV was stolen.

Deputies found a stolen golf cart in the van, along with $3,200 cash and a loaded handgun. The men were arrested for theft by receiving stolen property.

Sept. 1: A woman said someone threatened, via Facebook, to burn down her home. She also said she received harassing text messages.

Sept. 1: A woman said she told her husband he was going to be served with divorce papers the next day. She said he yelled and she was afraid of him.

Missing dog

Sept. 1: A man says he thinks his former employee stole his dog and took it to Sylvania. Old Augusta Road in the Rincon area. 

Sept. 2: A woman and her daughter argued. The daughter admitted biting her mother on the arm and breaking a fish tank. The daughter was arrested for criminal trespass. Daily Drive in the Guyton area.

Sept. 3: A resident of Westwood Drive in the Rincon area said someone drew what he believes are gang symbols in the dew on his vehicle’s windshield.

Sept. 3: A woman said she paid for a $730 energy part off of eBay and didn’t receive it. Rincon Stillwell Road in the Rincon area.

Sept. 3: A woman said her former boyfriend was in her house, when he had left a week earlier and she changed the locks. He said the door was unlocked. He was told to get a deputy to come with him if he came to get more belongings.

Sept. 3: A woman said her drunken son struck her in the face. He was arrested for simple battery-family violence.

Sept. 3: A deputy answered a call about a suspicious person on Rose Hill Drive in the Rincon area. The man was arrested for pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sept. 3: A man said he and his girlfriend argued with her mother, who was “heavily intoxicated” and had left her belongings all over their house. A deputy gave the mother a ride to the Sheriff’s Office, where she waited for a relative to get her.

Naked man

Sept. 4: An “extremely intoxicated,” naked male was asleep in a house on Courthouse Road in the Guyton area. He said he was there because his “girl lives there.” The woman who lives in the house asked that the man leave.

Sept. 4: A woman who has been returning to her former residence to feed a feral cat was given a trespass warning. The landlord didn’t want her to scare the current tenant. U.S. 80 in the Eden area.

Sept. 4: A deputy made sure everyone was out of a house that was burning on Pound Road in the Guyton area.

Sept. 4: A deputy stopped a vehicle for doing 96 mph in a 55 mph zone on Ga. 26 in the Bloomingdale area. The driver was arrested for speeding and reckless driving.

Sept. 4: A resident of Bob White Lane in the Springfield area said some things were stolen from her unlocked vehicle, including $100 cash, a debit card and a driver’s license.

Manipulative in-law

Sept. 4: A 93-year-old resident of the Guyton area said her daughter is mean to her and they can’t get along. Her son-in-law said she is competent and very manipulative.

Sept. 4: A resident of the Bloomingdale area complained that the mother of his son refused to allow him to see the child for court-ordered visitation.

Sept. 4: The hood of a pickup truck came unlatched and broke the windshield when a tractor-trailer passed it, on Ga. 21 S. in the Rincon area.

Sept. 4: A deputy stood by while a woman retrieved belongings from her mother’s house. She said some things were missing, including two gift cards and $40. Dailey Drive in the Guyton area.

Sept. 5: Someone pushed in a bedroom window and entered a trailer on Zeigler Road in the Bloomingdale area. The owner suspects a former tenant.

Sept. 5: A deputy stopped a vehicle that was weaving on Ga. 21 N. in the Springfield area. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license and failure to maintain lane.

Sept. 5: A former tenant accused the homeowner of stealing his property and made threats of bodily harm. Roebling Road in the Bloomingdale area.

Sept. 5: A resident of Courthouse Road in the Springfield area said someone stole a video game system from his van while he was out of town. He suspects a particular person, who was offering a system for sale on Facebook.

Sept. 6: A woman said her son was angry and punched holes in three walls. Goshen Road in the Rincon area.

Sept. 6: A resident of the Rincon area said someone stole $14 and a debit card from her at the Pooler Walmart.

Cleaned out

Sept. 6: A trucker said when he returned home, he found that the mother of his children and his children had left, in one of his vehicles, and took all of his belongings. Stonesthrow Court in the Guyton area.

Sept. 6: A resident of the Rincon area said a woman threatened, over the phone, to fight her and kill her.  

Sept. 6: A man who appeared to be intoxicated got into another man’s pickup truck and went inside his house before being told to leave. The offender was arrested for criminal trespass. Midland Pines Road in the Guyton area.

Sept. 7: A woman said her ex-husband refused to return their daughter, saying the girl wanted to stay with him. A deputy told the father that he could face legal action if he didn’t comply. He returned the girl late that night.

Turtle thrown

Sept. 7: A man said his wife destroyed the house when she was removing her belongings. She admitted throwing a ceramic turtle in his direction.

Sept. 7: A man and his current wife argued with his former wife about who would purchase school clothes for their son. Enmark at Goshen Road.