From incident reports at the Rincon Police Department:

Nov. 22: A phone was taken from a vehicle. The owner, who lives on E. Johnson Street, said he had stopped at Walmart and several other places the night before.

Nov. 23: A resident of Carolina Avenue was given a warning for dogs at large. She said children left the gate open.

Nov. 23: An external hard drive was missing from a garage on Michelle Court. The homeowner said she has left her garage door open on occasion.

Real honesty

Nov. 23: An officer sitting at Bowen Refrigeration on Ga. 21 clocked a vehicle going 53 mph in the 35 mph zone. When the officer asked the driver about the strong marijuana smell, the 20-year-old man from Savannah said he was going to be honest: There was a bag of pot in the center console.

When the officer asked if that was all, the driver said he would “be honest for real:” there was more in the glove box. There were a total of 3 ounces of marijuana and 90 small baggies.

The man was arrested for possession of more than an ounce of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a drug-related object.

Nov. 24: The automatic tag reader sounded on a vehicle on Ga. 21 for suspended registration. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended license, no insurance, suspended registration and failure to change address.

Nov. 25: An officer running radar on Ga. 21 clocked a vehicle going 61 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle was towed and the driver was cited for no insurance and speeding. An officer gave him a ride home.

Nov. 25: An officer answered a call about a pit bull dog running free on W. Seventh Street. He found the dog and turned the case over to a sheriff’s humane enforcement officer.

Stoned shopping

Nov. 26: An officer working security at Walmart at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving smelled marijuana near the electronics department. Three males were passing a blunt.

When they saw the officers, they hid the marijuana and it couldn’t be found. They were given criminal trespass warnings and told to leave the store and never return.

Nov. 26: A woman who was shopping at Walmart for Black Friday was arrested because she had been given a criminal trespass warrant to not return to the store after June 15.

She said she was unaware of the warrant and had been in the store numerous times since then.

Nov. 26: A man said his drunken brother punched him when he confronted him about calling his nephew a derogatory name.

Nov. 27: The automatic tag reader said a vehicle traveling on Ga. 21 had suspended registration. The vehicle was towed and the driver was cited for no insurance and suspended registration.

Nov. 27: The automatic tag reader sounded on an SUV on Ga. 21 for suspended registration. The vehicle was towed and the driver was cited for no insurance and suspended registration.

Nov. 27: A couple argued when a man brought diapers and formula to the house. The woman said he was trespassing.

Nov. 28: A woman argued with a man who was at her house to pick up another woman’s possessions. W. Seventh Street.  

Nov. 28: A man who laid his wallet down on some quick concrete at Lowe’s couldn’t find it later. An officer was unsure if it was lost or stolen. 

Nov. 28: Someone ran over a “one way” sign in front of Walmart.

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

Oct. 31: A county resident said her husband’s credit cards were charged for gasoline that they did not purchase.

Nov. 21: A man stopped at a safety road check was arrested for hiding marijuana in his shoe. Ga. 21 S. at Old Augusta Road in the Rincon area.

Nov. 23: A woman said she heard a car dealer was closing. She texted an acquaintance who works there to ask her if she was getting fired. She said the owner of the business called her and threatened to sue her for slander.

Nov. 23: Deputies checked a house for a woman who was afraid that someone had been inside her residence. They found no one and she said nothing was missing. Shadowbrook Circle in the Springfield area.

Nov. 23: A deputy stopped a car for going 87 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-16. The driver was arrested for possession of marijuana for distribution and speeding.

Nov. 24: Someone filled up a dumpster with household trash. Zipperer Paddock Drive in the Guyton area.

Drivers report

Nov. 24: A driver was reported by other drivers as weaving on McCall Road in the Rincon area. He was arrested for drunken driving-refusal and failure to maintain lane.

Nov. 25: Someone damaged the call box at Silverwood Plantation in the Rincon area.

Nov. 25: A woman said her juvenile son left without permission during the night and hasn’t returned.

Nov. 25: A woman said her jealous husband pointed a gun at three people who tried to help her. He was arrested for pointing a gun at another, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and simple battery.

Nov. 25: A couple argued over nursing their 2-week-old son. She said he wanted to take the baby and give it formula and slapped her. He denied hitting her.

Nov. 25: A deputy running radar on I-16 stopped a car for having a burned-out headlight. The driver was cited for driving with a suspended license and headlight requirement. A passenger with a license was allowed to drive the car.

Missed meeting

Nov. 25: A couple who were supposed to meet at a grocery store in Ellabell to transfer a child both say they showed up at the appointed place and time.

They both say they didn’t see the other there. A deputy oversaw the child being transferred in the Springfield area.

Going with the flow

Nov. 25: An officer stopped a vehicle for going 102 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-16. The driver, from Kentucky, said he was keeping up with the flow of traffic. He admitted smoking marijuana, but deputies could not find any pot in the vehicle.

He was cited for driving with a suspended license and speeding. His girlfriend, who has a license, was allowed to drive.

Nov. 26: A man who said he has permission to go hunting on Patrick Loop in the Bloomingdale area said someone stole his vehicle registration, unscrewed his gas cap and left it open and pulled a fish symbol off the back and moved it to the windshield.

Lost Butts

Nov. 26: A man said a cooler containing two Boston butts fell of the back of his truck without him knowing it. He traced his path and found a witness who saw the cooler fall off his truck on Ga. 119 S. in the Guyton area. The witness also saw a man from a nearby house pick up the cooler.

Nov. 26: A deputy doing routine business checks secured the door on a storage container behind a church. Ga. 17 S. in the Bloomingdale area.

Nov. 26: A woman said when she woke up to let the dogs out, she found her former boyfriend on her porch. He ran away. She said he has threatened to damage her vehicle.

Nov. 26: A riding lawn mower was stolen from a carport on Clyo-Kildare Road in the Clyo area.

Nov. 27: A woman asked for help with her disabled sister, who fell and was spouting obscenities. Deputies convinced the woman to be checked by EMS.

Help now

Nov. 27: A resident of Frontage Road in the Rincon area said she couldn’t get the attention of her caretaker by ringing a bell. She said she tried to get out of bed and a pistol she keeps under her pillow fell to the floor and fired twice into the ceiling.

A deputy doubted the shots were accidental. The woman was warned about reckless conduct with a firearm.

Nov. 27: A woman said her husband ripped her work shirt and said she wasn’t going to work. He was arrested for criminal trespass.

Nov. 27: Someone damaged a gate to a property on Old Augusta Road N. in the Clyo area. The caretaker said he’s had problems in the past with local dog hunting clubs.

Nov. 27: A deputy stopped a vehicle for going 81 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-95. The driver’s Florida license was suspended for failure to pay traffic fines.

A deputy issued the driver, who was pregnant, a citation for the suspended license and told her she would have to return for court. The vehicle was turned over to a licensed driver.

Nov. 27: Deputies told a resident of the Guyton area how to get help for her grandfather, who said he wants to drink himself to death.

Nov. 28: A deputy stopped a driver for weaving on Central Avenue in Pineora. The driver was arrested for drunken driving-less safe, failure to maintain lane, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug-related objects.

Nov. 28: A deputy pulled a car over for going 95 mph on I-16. The driver was arrested for drunken driving-less safe and speeding.

Nov. 28: A man said his ex-wife has been harassing him and his girlfriend by text and via Facebook. He said he has blocked her number and reported her to Facebook, but she finds ways around it. He was told to go to Magistrate Court.

Nov. 28: A fence and screens were damaged on a house on Blackwater Way in the Springfield area.

Nov. 28: A heavy welding machine was taken from an open workshop on Blair Way in the Guyton area.

Crash and grab

Nov. 28: A small, red SUV backed into the Shayam Food Mart at 2:30 a.m. on U.S. 80 in the Eden area.

Two men got out of the vehicle and shook the ATM, but left when they were unable to move the machine. They left before deputies arrived. Their actions were caught on video.

Nov. 29: A vehicle was damaged inside a car wash on Goshen Road in the Rincon area. ­ 

Nov. 29: A pickup truck and house were pelted with eggs on White Bluff Drive in the Guyton area. 

Some prefer sticking to one color.

Some like lots of different colors.

And, well, some just go nuts with all of it.

That’s right, it’s outdoor Christmas light display time in the Savannah area.

From just a few well-placed, brightly colored strings to those approaching Griswold-level Christmas spirit, a drive down some streets in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Guyton and other parts of the area will let you see a wide variety of displays.

Here are some houses we think you should check out. Know of any we missed? Email us at online@savannahnow.com and we’ll add them.

• 8 Grand Lake Circle, Savannah  MAP IT

• 512 Gordonston Ave., Savannah MAP IT

• 225 Holiday Drive, Savannah MAP IT

• Sisters Ferry Road, Clyo MAP IT

• 600, 700, 800 blocks of Southbridge Boulevard (start on the Berwick side) MAP IT

• 8681 Gohler Ave., Savannah MAP IT

• 202 Blue Marlin Drive, Savannah MAP IT

• Villages at Godley Station neighborhood competition, Pooler MAP IT

• 130 Smoke Rise Road (in the Creekside subdivision), Richmond Hill MAP IT

• 162 Old Harley Road, Guyton MAP IT

• 195 Huger St., Rincon MAP IT

• Becca Drive, Springfield MAP IT

GUYTON — On an almost perfect day for baseball, Ron Womack, the South Effingham High School coach, and his assistant coaches held a hitting clinic at Mustang Field. There were about 40 kids ranging from ages 6 to 12 receiving instructions and practicing hitting, but clearly the star of the show Saturday was William Joshua (Josh) Reddick.

A former South Effingham outfielder now a standout with the Oakland Athletics, Josh Reddick was back to support the Effingham County community that gave him his start. Reddick is participating in several events this weekend, including the second annual Christmas hitting clinic Saturday and a charity golf event sponsored by Reddick’s foundation today at Southbridge in Savannah.

Before the clinic started, Reddick talked about his early success and credited his father as well as former Mustangs coach Tony Kirkland. He said they taught him how to play the game and never gave up on him. He has a similar message for youth who want a career in baseball.

“Work hard and never give up,” Reddick said. “I was told several times that I had no future in baseball, but I never quit. Seek advice from people who know and take advantage of any opportunities that come along.”

Reddick has made the most of his opportunities. In February 2013, his number 24 became the first to be retired by the high school.

Reddick was the Savannah Morning News Player of the Year in his senior season of 2005, when he batted .482 with five home runs and 40 RBIs and helped lead the team to the Class AAA state semifinals.

Reddick signed to play at Middle Georgia College, where in his lone season he batted .461 with seven home runs. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the 17th round in the 2006 amateur draft, and he signed with the organization.

He paid his dues in the farm system, what he called “hardships.”

“The long bus rides and living with three or four other guys during the minor league season,” Reddick recalled, noting that money was tight and sharing rent with several other players was a necessity.

On July 31, 2009, he was called up to the big league club from the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox and got his first hit the next day. On Aug. 2 of the same year, he hit his first home run as a member of the Red Sox.

On Dec. 28, 2011, Reddick, along with two minor league players, was traded to the Athletics. During the 2012 season, he hit 32 home runs and knocked in 85 RBIs, helping lead the A’s to the American League Division Series. For his efforts, Reddick was earned the AL Golden Glove Award for right field. This past season, the 28-year-old hit .272 with 20 home runs and 77 RBIs.

Though retirement plans could be a long way off, Reddick said, “I don’t think much about it yet, but I am setting some assets aside.”

He laughed and said, “Retire, buy a boat and get lost.”

Then he added, “I plan to live in the community and maybe own a business of some kind.”

He has no interest in coaching or managing in professional baseball. He didn’t rule out the possibility of coaching locally.

Giving back

While Reddick enjoys playing golf, he said today’s tournament is all about the children and the community. Josh Reddick Foundation vice president Trey Saxon said the organization supports several programs in Effingham County. They provide for four scholarships: one male and one female each for South Effingham and Effingham County high schools. Saxon also said the foundation supports the Treutlen House, a non-profit program for youth in Effingham County, as well as local police, firefighters and charities.

South Effingham’s Womack said that even though he has never coached Reddick, the alumnus is an inspiration to his current players and the community as a whole. Reddick lives in the area during the offseason, helps at practices and encourages players.

On Saturday, the children at the clinic enjoyed the hitting practice and the hot dogs served for lunch.

One of the boys was Mason Diamond, 7, who wants to be a professional baseball player, but if not, he would be a football player. With some encouragement from his mother and grandmother, he said being a social studies teacher might also be OK.

Josh Bieber, 12, was attending the clinic for the second time. Bieber also wants to be a baseball player, but if not, he wants to be a coach or an athletic trainer. He appreciates that Reddick and others are spending time with children.

“It is a good organization,” he said. “It helps people in the community.”

Cohen Perry is 9 and, not surprisingly, also wants to be a pro baseball player. Like Mason, football would be an alternative. Cohen said he enjoyed the clinic and he appreciates Reddick and the many coaches who volunteered their time.

Welcome, J.B.

Reddick has been joined in the Oakland organization by another ex-Mustang. The Athletics announced Wednesday that they had acquired minor leaguer J.B. Wendelken, another South Effingham High School graduate, in a deal with the Chicago White Sox. A right-handed pitcher, Wendelken (SEHS class of 2012) also was drafted by the Red Sox, in 2012.

Wendelken was at the clinic and said that will be great to play with Reddick in Oakland, but there is a possibility that he would be assigned to Triple-A Nashville for the 2016 season. He won’t know until after spring training.

Like Reddick, Wendelken credits his coach and the assistant coaches for much of his early success. But unlike Reddick, his high school coach was Womack.

Wendelken said the key to success in baseball is “follow your dream, work hard and don’t listen to anyone that discourages you.”

He thinks that if he had not gotten the chance to play baseball, he probably would have become an auto mechanic. He really didn’t enjoy sitting in a class room, so following his father in a trade would have been an alternative.

Dexter is known around the Effingham County animal shelter as the “prison kitty.”

The 9-month-old orange tabby was picked up when he was trying to get into the front door of the county prison.

“Somebody probably dropped him off,” said Amy Hamilton, kennel coordinator. “He’s very sweet.”

Also up for adoption this week is Stella, a 3-year-old pointer-coonhound mix.

She was turned in by her owner, who could no longer care for her.

“She’s even-tempered,” Hamilton said. “She’s really quiet” and would make a great family pet.

The shelter held an open house on Saturday, collecting donations of money and items on its wish list, including food and blankets.

Cub Scout Pack 290 gathered supplies for the shelter and helped out during the open house.

One of the scouts – Cody Farr – adopted a kitten during the event. He named the gray tabby “Tiger.”

The fee to adopt animals from the Effingham shelter is $50 for dogs and $40 for cats, which includes shots.

People who adopt animals from the shelter must agree to have them spayed or neutered within 30 days, or be subject to a $200 fine. The shelter is following up to make sure that people abide by the law.

Animals must receive a rabies and a “DAPP” shot — for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus.

Someone who adopts can take the animal home but must agree to bring the animal back on a Monday or Thursday to get its shots.

The shelter’s phone number is 912-754-2109. It is open for adoptions Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The office hours, when the shelter accepts drop-offs, are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The address for the shelter’s adoption page is: http://www.effinghamcounty.org/DepartmentsAF/AnimalShelter/AdoptionPage.aspx

Effingham Health System is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the new offices of Effingham Orthopaedic Services with Dr. Mark Mudano on Monday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. The celebration will be held at Effingham Health System. Enter through the Rehabilitation and Specialty Care Entrance, formerly the emergency room entrance.

Ever wanted to drink a glass of wine while painting a personal mural in Pooler? Well now you can.

Painting with a Twist is one of several new businesses to call Pooler home in 2015. The art studio is located at 107 Grand Central Blvd., Suite 205. 

Other new businesses in the constantly growing west Chatham city include Mo'Bay Island Cuisine, Jimmy John's, Smoothie King and Xie's Garden, just to name a few.

View an updated slideshow here of new businesses in Pooler in 2015. 

A 3-2 vote to keep Effingham County School Superintendent Randy Shearouse another three years has him wondering about a “bizarre incident” involving a school board member’s husband and Tarot cards.

When asked about the split vote on Nov. 19 instead of the unanimous support he usually gets, Shearouse said Monday he wonders about an incident six months ago involving the husband of one of the two “nay” voters – former transportation coordinator Jimmy Helmly, who resigned June 30 and is married to the board’s Beth Helmly.

“Although Tarot cards are not part of my belief system, I received a copy of ‘the fool’ card and ‘death’ cards from Mrs. Helmly’s husband,” Shearouse said. “Not sure what they were intended to mean but I find it really strange especially when you consider that Mrs. Helmly voted to not renew my contract less than six months later.”

Jimmy Helmly confirmed Monday that he gave the Tarot cards to Shearouse and said he meant to inspire Shearouse to think about change and the way things were being done in the school system.

He likened sending the cards to sending an email in anger. “I sent him the Tarot cards,” he said. “I guess I was a damn fool.”

Helmly said he urged Shearouse to look up what the cards meant. He said the “death” card doesn’t mean you’re wishing someone would die, but means that change is in the offing.

The “fool” card referred to making foolish decisions, he said. Jimmy Helmly, who worked for the Effingham school system for 34 years, questioned how the transportation department was run.

Beth Helmly, a retired principal with the school system, said Monday that her vote to not renew Shearouse’s contract had nothing to do with her husband.

“My vote had to do with personnel and operational decisions made by Dr. Shearouse,” she wrote in an email. “Dr. Shearouse, in bringing up the Tarot cards, is attempting to draw attention away from the real reasons that I voted not to rehire. Putting the blame on me means that he does not have to look at the real issues that lie with his administration.

“The Bible states that if I tell you the truth, will you become my enemy,” she wrote. “Apparently, Dr. Shearouse does not want to face the truth about why I voted not to renew his contract.”

Beth Helmly declined to go into specifics about the personnel and operational differences she has with Shearouse, saying they involve confidential matters that she can’t discuss publicly.

Robert Grant, who also voted against renewing Shearouse’s contract at a Nov. 19 board meeting, said Monday that he won’t detail reasons behind his vote because he doesn’t want to be negative.

Grant said he believes in the democratic process and since the contract was renewed by a 3-2 vote, he fully supports Shearouse moving forward.

Shearouse’s new contract begins Jan. 1 and ends Dec. 31, 2018.

Previously Shearouse, who was hired to be superintendent in July 2005, has always had unanimous support on the renewals of his contract.

The split vote seemed to surprise and befuddle the other board members, especially when graduation rates this past school year were the highest they’ve ever been for the district. Also the new Georgia Milestone tests indicated that Effingham County was at least in the top 15 percent of school districts overall.

The College and Career Readiness Performance Index, which looks at the total school and district performance, indicated that Effingham County was in the top 10 percent of school districts in the state when it was released last year, Shearouse said.

“The past two years we have been able to recommend a raise for our employees when very few districts were able to do so,” Shearouse said. “This was accomplished without increasing the amount of local taxes collected, actually collecting less in taxes for many years due to a shrinking digest.”

Shearouse said he has never received an unsatisfactory annual evaluation. “This past January was my latest annual evaluation and all of my goals were met,” he said.

He said Beth Helmly and Grant have made a few suggestions during their first year as board members that have resulted in some changes.

“The way our budget process takes place, the way agendas and personnel recommendations are sent out for board meetings and the preparation of an all-inclusive strategic plan,” he said. “I either made changes or am in the process of making changes to accommodate their requests.”

Beth Helmly said the higher graduation rates and Milestone scores “are due to the hard work and commitment by the employees of the Effingham school system and the parents, guardians and students.”

Board members Lamar Allen, Troy Alford and Vickie Decker voted to extend Shearouse’s contract and expressed support for him this week.

Alford said he was “saddened, heartbroken and extremely shocked” by the 3-2 vote and wonders how a board member can profess full support for the superintendent right after voting to end his contract. 

“I’ve yet to hear any reason publicly or privately why they wanted him replaced,” Alford said.

Ever notice how a lot of folks seem to be attracted to people who look like they do?

Even if we’re not particularly delighted about the appearance Mother Nature gave us, a lot of us still seem to be kind of partial to people whose looks are similar to ours in some way.

Some psychologists speculate that we humans might not have been so fond of our own looks, in previous eras. Specifically, any era before mirrors were invented.

Mirrors give us a lot of opportunities to become familiar with our own faces. Sure, ancient humans might have caught a glimpse of themselves if they were staring down at the surface of a puddle, but mirrors have multiplied the number of opportunities to stare into our own eyes.

And why should this make a difference between us and the puddle-gazing cave person?

The same psychologists suspect it has to do with something called “the mere exposure effect.”

The idea is that if we become familiar enough with anything in our environment, we are more likely than before to resist having it moved out of our environment.

Even if we didn’t particularly like the thing to begin with.

For example, say I bring an ugly, battered coffee table to your house unexpectedly and set it up in front of your couch.

Not that I would do it, but theoretically….

You likely would not be pleased to find this white elephant in your living room. But if you didn’t have time to remove it immediately, you might become more and more used to seeing it there.

In fact, if the coffee table stayed put long enough, some people would get so used to it, they would become resistant if I eventually tried to remove it.

This is an example of the mere exposure effect. We sometimes come to like an object, or another person, just because the object or person has become part of our environment.

Now with the invention of reflective glass and mirrors, our own faces and bodies became more and more visible to us.

Several generations later, according to psychologists who focus on these things, the invention of the camera made us even more in love with our own faces.

(Enter the selfie.)

Maybe this is one reason why approximately one-third of the world’s cultures favor arranged marriages. Maybe a human can get used to being around a particular person, even if there was no spark to begin with.

Just like we might resist getting rid of that rough old coffee table.

Even if it wouldn’t have been our first choice.

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.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 60, EFFINGHAM CO. 52

GUYTON — Led by big performances from Faith Harris and Shae Leverett, South Effingham downed rival Effingham County at home.

It was also a region win for the Mustangs, who improved to 10-0 on the season. SEHS went up by 13 at the half and had to fend off a comeback by the Lady Rebels, who outscored the Lady Mustangs in the second half 36-31.

SEHS (60)

Faith Harris 23, Shae Leverett 19, Newberry 5, Epling 5, Beasley 3, Bisard 3, Boswell 2

HT—SE29-16. Records—SE 10-0, 4-0 Region 3-AAAAA; EC 7-2, 3-1.

BOYS BASKETBALL

EFFINGHAM COUNTY 80,

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 46

GUYTON — Four seniors scored in double figures for Effingham County, which routed host South Effingham.

P.J. Brown poured in 19 points, Liam Lanaghan 12 and Deshaun Wilkenson and Rashad Griffin 11 apiece.

South Effingham led 14-12 after one quarter, but Effingham was on top 39-27 after a huge second quarter.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY (80)

Lee 7, Deshaun Wilkenson 11, P.J. Brown 19, Rahaud Roper 5, T. Wilkenson 1, Rodriguez 3, Liam Lanagham 12, Bing 2, Hilbert 8, Rashad Griffin 11.

LATE FRIDAY

EFFINGHAM COUNTY 57

SWAINSBORO 55

SWAINSBORO — P.J. Brown scored 16 and Deshaun Wilkenson added 14 as Effingham County slipped by Swainsboro. The Rebels trailed by three at the half, and the game was close throughout.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY (57)

PJ Brown 16, Deshaun Wilkenson 14, Rashad Griffin 10, Rodriguez 7, Hilbert 6, Lee 2, Lanaghan 2.

HT—S 32-29. Records—EC 6-2, 3-0 Region 3-AAAAA; S 2-4.

RICHMOND HILL 58,

SOUTH EFFINGHAM 51

RHHS (58)

Isaiah Hill 13, Tyler Tompkins 11, James 8, McKenzie 7, A. Walker 6, DeLoach 5, Jones 4, J. Walker 2, Brown 2.

SEHS (51)

Orr 9, Davis 8, Gaines 6, Brennen 5, Rish 5, Simmons 5, Steele 4, Durden 2, Washington 2.

HT—RH 29-15. Records—RH 4-3, 2-1; SE 3-5, 0-3.

LOOKING BACK

Dec. 15, 1703

Clergyman John Martin Boltzius was born at Forst on the Elbe, Lower Lusatia, in what is now Germany. Boltzius was a hard-working priest who, among his other duties, ministered to pupils in an orphanage — exhibiting excellent traits of organization, humanitarianism and supervision. It was these traits that led him to be recommended to the Georgia Trustees as minister to the Salzburgers intent on migrating to Georgia. Boltzius dutifully accepted the challenge, though he spoke no English and little of the Salzburger dialect. But he was a quick learner and soon picked up both languages, corresponding frequently in each.

Yes, Christmas has definite religious connotations and meaning, and we should not set them aside.

And, yes, Christmas has been over-commercialized. Not just in retail, but also in the way we compete to one up each other on outdoor displays.

I understand all that.

But Christmas is also about family and memories.

My mother loved Christmas. She loved to see the surprise on our faces when we opened new things. She loved to decorate the house, and to have treats, and company, and to spread cheer and good will to everybody.

Like everyone else, we had well defined traditions, which live on in myself and my sister, Carol.

We opened one present on Christmas Eve, and the rest of the presents were set out by Santa while we were sleeping. We left Santa some milk and cookies that he would miraculously consume, and we would see just a handful of crumbs and a tiny bit of milk in the morning.

In the early dawn hours, we would roust our parents out of bed, and then see the astonishing array of wrapped presents under the tree, and a stuffed stocking hanging on the fireplace mantle. We would open the stocking presents, one at a time, each taking a turn. This might take an hour or more. Then we would stop for breakfast. After breakfast, we would open the gifts under the tree one at a time, with either Carol or me playing Santa, distributing a round of presents to each family member. The whole process could take hours.

There would be a huge cornucopia of presents. Most of them were not that spectacular — sometimes they would be separately wrapped pairs of socks or underwear. In lean years and in good years, my mother would do everything she could to make it look like a lot. But there would always be at least one or two very special presents, showing that “Santa” had gotten our wish list.

I was real big on Mickey Mouse as a toddler. Disneyland and the Disney Show both started the year I was born, and I grew up with the hype of The Mickey Mouse Club. Anything Mickey related was a big deal to me. But I wasn’t Mickey Mouse-centric. I was also a big fan of Mighty Mouse.

There was one year where my sister had forgotten to tell Santa her No. 1 gift: a toy kitchenette set that featured a stove, oven and refrigerator. She was in tears Christmas Eve. But my father settled her down, and he encouraged her to reach out one more time to Santa, and hope for the best, telling her to not get her hopes up too high because it was rather late to tell a probably already airborne Santa to add a last minute gift.

But, lo and behold, we got up that morning and surprise! The kitchenette set was there — front and center. There was only one conclusion that Carol and I could come to — Santa was real!

My sister and I hang on tight to these traditions, as a way of connecting our own families to the family of our childhood. And for a mother whose eyes lit up every year at the sheer joy of giving.

Is Christmas about the birth of Christ? Yes. Does Christmas get commercialized too early? Probably, yes. Is it ever too soon to think about the ones you love and how to make the holiday special for them?

No, it’s never too early for that.

Thank you, Mom, for the joy and love you have instilled into this for Carol and me, and that we have passed on to our own families.

We love you.

Always.

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

“While Trump has some good ideas and is telling the people what they want to hear, I think he has crossed the line on his policy of bringing Muslims into the country. This country was founded on freedom of religion.”

“America is really for an aggressive president to face the radical Muslims head on! The most important problem we have. Forget climate control!”

“Blaming climate change on the terrorist attacks, Obama wants to go green. Trouble is, the jihadis still want to go blood red.”

“With all this terrorism caused by climate change, if you mess with America, we’re just gonna erect a couple more solar panels. That’ll fix ’em.”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Those looking for the Ferguson Cemetery in Guyton will have an easier time thanks to a new sign placed by the Ferguson Cemetery Committee.

The sign is located at the corner of Cemetery Street and Ga. 17.

The Ferguson Cemetery was established in 1907 when Minnie, Annie and Alice Ferguson deeded a tract of land to the city of Guyton for burial of African-Americans.

An unnamed benefactor deeded an additional half-acre in 2008.

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.

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 10 a.m. and Sunday School at 9 a.m.

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.

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. An 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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Guyton council members approved an agreement with a Savannah company on Dec. 8 to provide the fire department with Insurance Service Office, or ISO, consultation services.

ISO ratings are used by insurance companies to determine rates for coverage.

The city was under some pressure to make a decision with an ISO survey expected at any time, according to volunteer fire chief Gary Jarriel.

ISO officials last visited in 2011. The city currently has an ISO rating of 4.

Jarriel has taken over the department since the long-time chief, David Starling, and the assistant fire chief, Michael Crager, were fired Oct. 20.

Jarriel said the city needs to keep a 4 rating and hopes to be able to go to a 3 rating.

“A class 4 keeps us in contractual agreement with the county,” Jarriel said.

If the city’s ISO rate should rise, not only would insurance rates go hope for homeowners, but the city would also be in violation of the county agreement.

The agreement requires Guyton to provide fire services in a portion of the unincorporated area surrounding the city limits. The county pays a percentage of Guyton’s fire department budget corresponding to the percentage of calls in the unincorporated area. The county has a similar agreement with Rincon.

Jarriel said the consultant, FEC Services of Savannah, believes the city should be able to keep a 4 rating.

“We’re in a good place as far as equipment,” Jarriel said. “In training and records we will be lacking.”

FEC will be paid $4,000 for its services. If the consultant’s services result in a 3 rating, the city will pay $7,000.

The council took no action on a proposal to make Jarriel the full-time paid fire chief.

Alderman Ulysess Eaton said he wanted to take a closer look at the budget.

Got big plans for New Year's Eve but don't know what to wear? Let Erica Jarman help you with that.

In this week's Savannah How, Jarman, owner of House of Strut in the Starland District, shows you four fabulous looks for any type of New Year's Eve event. Watch the video above.

Savannah How is a weekly video series that answers every day, how-to questions. Visit the Savannah How page for more videos on seasonal topics, as well as pet, beauty and car care and much more. 

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

The second Savannah Amateur Table Tennis Tournament, “Get It On Like Ping Pong!”, will be played on Jan. 23 at Savannah Station. The net proceeds from the event will benefit Union Mission and Newspapers In Education.

Players and guests, including some of Savannah business and community leaders, will be treated to an exciting round robin format of tournament play. Festivities will include music from“DJ Ray from Q105.3,” heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and a silent auction featuring autographed sports memorabilia, travel and restaurant gift cards, personal services and merchandise from area retailers.

Derek May, executive vice president of newspapers for Morris Publishing Group, the parent company of the Savannah Morning News, will serve as the tournament director. May is a former member of the US Table Tennis Team, the 1995 US Pan American Team and an alternate at the 1996 Olympic Games.

“We are excited to continue this table tennis tournament in Savannah,” said Michael Traynor, publisher of the Savannah Morning News and savannahnow.com.  “The 2014 event provided great entertainment and brought in over $14,000 for charity.”

To register as a player or to purchase tickets, go to savannahnow.com/tabletennistourney.

The Savannah Morning News is owned by Morris Publishing Group, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Morris Communications Company, LLC.  The Savannah Morning News publishes five weekly newspapers, numerous monthly publications for the Savannah and Bluffton area and digitally publishes at savannahnow.com. 

The new Kroger fuel center on Ga. 21 in Rincon opens tomorrow.

The fuel center will have 18 pumps, including diesel fuel pumps.

The exact time the fuel center will open tomorrow isn’t known yet; some inspections by regulatory agencies must be finished first.

After tomorrow, the fuel center will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

When the new Kroger Marketplace store opens behind the fuel center in May, the fuel station’s hours will expand to 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kroger will have an official grand opening for the fuel center on Dec. 30, and offer customers 10 cents off per gallon from Dec. 30 through Jan. 3. Customers who purchase gas at Kroger fuel centers can also take part in the Fuel Rewards Program and instantly save up to $1 per gallon when using a Kroger Plus Card.

For more information about the Fuel Rewards Program, visit www.kroger.com/fuel

The new Kroger Marketplace store will replace the current Kroger that’s farther south on Ga. 21 in Rincon. The current store has 44,000 square feet.

The new store will have 115,000 square feet.

In addition to the fuel center, the new store will have upscale service departments, a drive-thru pharmacy, Starbucks, apparel department, expanded natural foods and organic section and Chef on the Run.

The project is estimated to bring approximately 250 to 300 new jobs to the community, according to Glynn Jenkins, spokesman for Kroger in Atlanta.

Kroger’s Atlanta division introduced its first Marketplace store in Carrollton, Ga., in 2013.

The Atlanta division operates five Marketplace stores in Savannah, Athens, Carrollton, Gainesville and Warner Robins. 

“Kroger is dedicated to providing our customers with great services, products and savings opportunities to enhance their shopping experience,” Jenkins said. “The fuel center is one of many new amenities we look forward to offering our Rincon-area customers.”