contents 12 | Radio Connection Barney Bonfield and Meredith Durden bring sports, conversation and fun to local radio listeners. 22 | Finding Her Own Magic With the help of a former supermodel, Ashton Craft steps out of her shell to try her hand at modeling and acting. 36 | A Farm for Little People Mark and Lisa Williams are helping children learn about and appreciate nature at this unique farm. 48 | Opening New Doors Sometimes embracing life’s twists and turns can reveal pleasant surprises. 56 | A Global Dream Living abroad helped Princetta Thomas see the world from a different perspective. 64 | A Lesson in Art Close friends and artists Elmer Ivon and Rebekah Hilton collaborate to accomplish great things. 74 | Heirloom Among the Pines Some of the first structures built in Georgia are churches. As these local buildings of history fall into disrepair, angels arise to save them. 84 | Living Beyond This World The tragic death of Tanner Williams led to the creation of a foundation that carries on his legacy of teaching others to hunt in a safe and positive environment. 92 | Running With Joy Family tragedy left Joy Weaver feeling bitter, but running and journaling helped her release those emotions and taught her to forgive. 100 | The Greater Teacher Oren Morgan has learned that challenges and disappointments make us stronger and teach us more than we realize. 106 | 70 Years of Helping Hands Always willing to help, the Lyons Lions Club celebrates 70 years of putting others first. 113 | The PAL and Our Downtown 116 | Facing the Consequences Teen Maze provides an eye-opening experience for young adults and opens doors of communication. 4 toombs county magazine 123 | Giving It All Steve Weeks learned a valuable lesson while serving during the Vietnam War– our purpose is connected to how we respond to circumstances. 144 | Last Words Enjoy pleasant days while you can because one thing is for sure–the hot, sticky days of summer are coming. in every issue 114 | Downtown Vidalia Association 122 | Main Street Lyons PHOTO BY MIRA ADWELL PHOTOGRAPHY 129 | Hometown Happenings 130 | Chamber of Commerce 137 | Scenes of Toombs focus on health 8 | Comprehensive, Innovative Cancer Care is Here...In Your Hometown Meet the team at the Tommy and Shirley Strickland Cancer Center About the Cover In pioneer days, churches were the center of community life. In addition to being a house of worship, they often served as the local school, the place to settle disputes, the retreat from outside attack, and the center of dating life. Today, the few churches that remain from those early days are often falling into disrepair, and without attention, they and their memories will disappear into the pine forests that surround them. In this photo, Daphne Walker captures the haunting remains of Cedar Grove Church as it begins its return to glory thanks to some local angels and their renovation efforts.
20204RD
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