Monday, April 16, 2012

I [Learn] in the Corridor

"You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
 - Christopher Columbus 

One of the biggest blessings of my life has been my decision to choose Mercer University for college. The ever-growing private university nestled among a little bit of art, southern hospitality, and historic homes caught my eye and has captured my heart. I cannot imagine going anywhere else for undergraduate work--the professors are amazing, the community is so spirited and lively, and the students are some of the most determined leaders I have ever met. Only being a sophomore allows me two more years to learn in the Corridor, and I could not be more excited about that!

On Mercer's campus, you are going to stay busy!
Thanks to the University for sharing this photo of Mercer Village. 
With a little Mercer spirit on my mind, I decided to meet former Student Government Association (SGA) President Trent White and outgoing SGA President Jordan Locke for some Jittery Joe's Coffee. Both Trent and Jordan were interns for College Hill in the spring of last year, so we were able to swap intern stories. With both guys graduating in a short month, I thought it was the perfect time to ask some questions about what it really means to learn in the Corridor. For Jordan, a sociology and accounting major at Mercer, urban revitalization akin to what is taking place in the Corridor has been a special learning experience. Trent has been able to apply his international health and development major to forge partnerships with area leaders, like Community Health Works, to work towards alleviating childhood obesity in Macon. As the guys put it, "Macon provides a great opportunity to not just learn on Mercer's campus but experience the world on larger scale." Jordan commented that he would not trade living in Macon for the past four year for anything--and that makes me smile! The two remind me that the Corridor is a great place to live, work, and learn. As Trent pointed out, one of the greatest lessons he has learned living here has been the meaning of community.

Two of my favorites! Thanks Jordan, for letting me borrow from your Facebook :)

College Hill supporting the Bears at a home game.
We ended our chat with a little bit of advice for a first year at Mercer (got to admit, even being a sophomore, I was taking notes). Jordan and Trent emphasized the importance of making Macon home when coming to Mercer. Macon is your home just as much as the university is, and the city has a lot to offer! Instead of waiting for your FYS class or an upperclassman to show you what the city has in store for you, go check it out for yourself. Trent and Jordan agreed that getting plugged in "not just at Mercer, but in the community as a whole" can make your experience that much better. And I could not agree more. Enjoy these last few weeks of school, Bears, because we sure are fortunate to call Mercer home!

Monday, April 9, 2012

I [Shop] in the Corridor

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment 
where excellence is expected."
- Steve Jobs


Ah, one of my favorite pastimes - shopping. Seriously might even consider it an unhealthy addiction. But nonetheless, I would like to think of myself as a connoisseur of all things fashion. Which brings me to an interesting and often overlooked point about the Corridor. Right here in the heart of Georgia are some fabulous and unique shopping opportunities. Whether it is a hidden gem waiting to be plucked up at The Vault, the latest fashions at Ginger Michelle, or the newest shipment of North Face at Rodeo Beach, the Corridor has a lot to offer.

To get the inside perspective of the shopping scene in Macon I chatted up J.J. Hobbs, co-owner of Rodeo Beach in Mercer Village. I discovered that the hip outdoor gear provider started online for a good six years before opening a storefront. J.J. and her business partner, Christyanne Gaspar, did a little research and picked Macon, Georgia, as their launchpad because they liked "the community, the area, and the people." Nobody at the time was reaching the demographic looking for popular brands like Patagonia and Chacos. At the heart of the business's vision was a sense of trust between customers who would soon become friends. A dedication to the highest caliber of customer service - which was completely evident to me during our talk as J.J. personally welcomed everyone entering her store - is the kind of blueprint that has put Rodeo Beach on the map. Now, Rodeo Beach offers products that it knows Maconites want to see on their website and on their racks. From kids to grandparents and all ages in between, from those who exercise inside to those who recreate outdoors, Rodeo Beach will have you prepared for whatever lifestyle you choose - and make you look and feel good too. 

Though owning your own specialty boutique is a challenge within itself, J.J. finds triumph in being able to "provide jobs for a community of people we know and love." That kind of community stability makes any shopping deal you could find even sweeter. To know that you are buying quality items in a customer-centered environment that is providing local jobs, I just cannot think of anything better. So why not go shop local in Macon?! Check out Shoplocalmacon.com if you need a little help and let me know what y'all find out there. You know I love a good shopping story :)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I [Dine] in the Corridor

"There is no love sincerer than the love for food." 
- George Bernard Shaw

There is a lot of truth to the idea that good food brings people together. At least for me there is. Some of my fondest memories of college so far have been around the table of a local restaurant, surrounded by my friends. One of those great places is Francar's Buffalo Wings in Mercer Village. I absolutely love the atmosphere there, and the owner, Carl Frambo, has become a good friend. There is something wonderful about sharing a meal in a place where everyone knows you by name, and even remembers your order of ABC's and lemonade!
All our images are courtesy of Francar's. And they sure look good!
Right outside the large windows of Francar's, Carl and I chatted about what it takes to run a local legend. Carl saw the wing scene starting up north and wanted to bring the cuisine to the south. His experience in the kitchen while serving in the military proved to be the ticket to starting up a small restaurant on Log Cabin Drive. From there the rest was history - and a yummy one at that. The business then moved to its current location on Linden Avenue, right here in Mercer Village. With a work ethic Carl describes as "pulling your own weight and constantly being hands-on with the business," Francar's has become a hotspot for not only Mercer University, but also for residents of and visitors to the Corridor.

Thanks to Francar's for letting us borrow some pictures!
Carl has seen a lot of people come in and out of his door; in fact, he remembers couples coming in on their first date to his Log Cabin location and now he sees their children at his tables in Mercer Village. A lasting legacy like that is something not every business is so lucky to have, but definitely one that has been earned by Francar's. Carl offers me a bit of advice, to which he adds the disclaimer: "this isn't just advice, it's my life." He says, "Starting up a business is full-time work, so make sure it is something you are passionate about." He started out by drawing up a business plan and then he stuck to it. Carl's plan has become the vision that still keeps the business running and thriving.

Not only did we talk business, we also talked food! Big thank you to Carl for sharing this original recipe with our readers. Make sure to stop in and try one of 40 original and mouthwatering sauces on wings, fingers, or strips. MMM!

Lemon Pepper With a Kick
32 oz. of any sauce
1/3 cup of lemon pepper seasoning
8 oz. of water
1 stick margarine
1/2 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. of corn starch

Pour all liquids in one container. Combine lemon pepper seasoning with the cornstarch. Mix thoroughly with a whisk, slowly. Slowly heat until steam rises. Sauce is now ready!