contents
12 | STEM Takes Root
in Onion Country
Attallaka Harris-Williams focuses on integrating
science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) programs in local schools.
24 | Ranch Life
Growing up out west and around his
veterinarian grandfather gave Tim Roose a
deep appreciation for life on the farm.
34 | The Eyes of the Heart
By capturing glimpses of the past in her
paintings, artist and VHS teacher Elizabeth
Wolfe connects to family she never knew.
44 | Finding America
Inna Edwards never dreamed of coming to
America, but when a visit here dispelled
her misconceptions and offered her a
future, she decided to make it home.
56 | Rialto...True. Authentic. Italian.
With roots in a New York dairy farming
community, Kris Eisenhut found his way
South to give Vidalia a little taste of Italy.
68 | Queen of the Game
As the kicker for Robert Toombs Christian
Academy’s football team, Hannah Keene is
a role model for girls who love sports.
78 | The Miracle of Grace
Margaret Collins is a giver, but when death
was at her door, she learned to be a receiver...
of miracles and God’s grace.
88 | Skills to Save the World
Mark Montfort teaches local students the
98 | A Marché aux Puces
Like None Other
Two women from different paths create a
French inspired market in the heart of Lyons.
108 | Changing Lives with Education
As academic education program director
for the Georgia Department of
how education can make a difference.
115 | Paper Napkin Interviews
Local restaurant owners share the inspiration
behind their businesses, their goals for the
future, and some of their “go to” recipes.
4 toombs county magazine
120 | Coming Together
Inspired by memories of their son, Darrell
and Ty Ann Copeland built an event
center to celebrate joyful occasions.
144 | Last Words
Small town life can have its disadvantages,
but it’s still what we call home.
focus on health
in
every
issue
125 | Main Street Lyons
126 | Local Marketplace
128 | Downtown
Vidalia Association
130 | Hometown Happenings
134 | Chamber of Commerce
136 | Scenes of Toombs
11 | Are you 45 or Older?
This is for You.
New recommendations aim at
reducing colorectal cancer
occurrences in young adults.
About the Cover
Inna Edwards had an idyllic childhood in St. Petersburg, Russia, surrounded
by beautiful buildings, culture, art and a comfortable lifestyle. But as a
collapsed in the late 90s, Inna began to see hopelessness in her neighbors.
During a visit to America, Inna discovered an opportunity to work in the
University system and eventually met Dr. Darel Edwards of Vidalia. Here Inna
Edwards is shown with Tom, one of her two dogs.