Connect Savannah December 17, 2014 by Connect Savannah

Trip up the SAVannah river, 8 | city historian, 12 | ho-ho hoedown, 26 | the year in performance, 32 | treylor park, 36 Dec 17 – 23 2014 news, arts & Entertainment weekly connectsavannah.com

Gift Guide Inside, See Page 14

Photo of Miggs and Kylesa's Laura Pleasants by Geoff L. Johnson | geoffsphotos.com

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Week At A Glance

compiled by Rachael Flora | happenings@connectsavannah.com Week At A Glance is Connect Savannah’s listing of events in the coming week. If you want an event listed, email WAG@ connectsavannah.com. Include specific dates, time, locations with addresses, cost and a contact number. Deadline for inclusion is 5pm Friday, to appear in next Wednesday’s edition.

Trae Gurley, and Natasha Drena as they welcome newcomer, Cecilia Arango to the Lucas Stage. Jared Hall will be tickling the ivories as we take you on a sleigh ride to a Winter Wonderland! 8 p.m Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St. 25.00 emuller@lucastheatre.com. lucastheatre.com/ schedule/2014-12/

Festival of Lights

This year's festival includes a drivethrough holiday light show, a "Frozen" Princess Parade, and plenty more for kids to do. The Westin will also offer seasonal specials. Events continue through December 27. Nov. 29-Dec. 27 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort Drive. 912-596-2525. savannahharborfoundation.com

Kids Night Out

final weekend

the little prince @Muse Wednesday / 17 Civil War Medicine in Savannah

This program is devoted toward medical procedures and practices of the Antebellum Era. The guest presenter will be Talley Kirkland, Interpretive Ranger at Fort McAllister State Historic Park. Mr. Kirkland’s hour long presentation will be a living history demonstration including the theories, treatments, tools, and utensils of a typical Union army doctor in the war. 6 p.m Massie School Museum, 207 East Gordon St. Free 912-395-5070

Festival of Lights

This year's festival includes a drive-through holiday light show, a "Frozen" Princess Parade, and plenty more for kids to do. The Westin will also offer seasonal specials. Events continue through December 27. Nov. 29-Dec. 27 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort Drive. 912-596-2525. savannahharborfoundation.com

SkateFest

Indoor ice skating in a festive, familyfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Dec. 12-Jan. 3 Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $7 savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/

DEC 17-23, 2014

Thursday / 18

Friday / 19

Art on Tap: Craft Beers at the Jepson

Candle Lantern Tour

The monthly happy hour featuring art and craft beer. 5 p.m Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St. Call for pricing. 912-790-8866. telfair.org

Concert: The Nativity Symphony

A Christmas celebration presented by the combined choirs of the First Baptist Church of Springfield and the First Baptist Church of Rincon. 7 p.m Mars Theatre, 109 S. Laurel Street. $5-$8

Film: Mystery Kiefer Sutherland Movie Festival of Lights In honor of Kiefer Sutherland's birthday and the first night of Hanukkah, the Psychotronic Film Society is showing a little-known and underrated film starring Sutherland that won't be announced until showtime. Note that it's for mature viewers. 8 p.m The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave. $7

SkateFest

Fort Pulaski commemorates the Confederate Nog Party of 1861 with candlelight tours of the park. Tours start every 30 minutes. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. -20, 6-8:30 p.m Fort Pulaski, US Highway 80 E. $10 912-786-5787 ext. 120. nps.gov/fopu

A Christmas Musical: Black Nativity

The Performing Arts Collective of Savannah presents this musical, written by Langston Hughes about St. Luke's story of Christ's birth, for the fifth consecutive year. -21, 7:30 p.m Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance Group, 4712 Bull St. $10 912-631-3452

Cool Yule; A Christmas Cabaret

Lynn Geddes hosts this kid's yoga night, along with snacks and a performance of Johnny Appleseed. 6-9 p.m Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. $40 912-308-3410. yogamelynn@gmail.com. anahatahealingarts.com

SkateFest

Theatre: The Little Prince

The Collective Face Theatre Ensemble presents this play adapted from the novella by Antoine de Saint Exupery. A pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets an enigmatic, charismatic young prince fallen from the sky who regales him with tales of life among the stars. 8 p.m Muse Arts Warehouse, 703 Louisville Rd. $20 Gen. Adm. $15 student/senior/military 912/ 232-0018. collectiveface.org/

Theatre: The Night Before Christmas Carol A historically accurate and highly humorous holiday production by renowned Dickens Scholar, Elliot Engel. 8 p.m Mars Theatre, 109 S. Laurel Street. $15 adults, $8 children

Saturday / 20 The Twelve Bars of Christmas 5k Charity Bar Crawl

Crawlers will brave the ice-cold winter weather and journey through Savannah's winter wonderland, as they travel to each 12 of Savannahâ€™s most festive and

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fun destinations. Run, walk or crawl as you follow "Santa's List" aka the map/scorecard and you will travel 5k. 12 bars later, you'll be sufficiently full of holiday cheer! Along with presents from Santa, a festive Santa hat for all participants and free entry to all participating bars, each bar will provide festive drink specials exclusively for "The Twelve Bars of Christmas" participants. 2-10 p.m McDonough's, 21 East Mcdonough St. $15 adv / $20 day of 912-660-9001. Chantal@StaffordPromotions.com.

Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and farm-fresh eggs. Students lead or assist in planting, cultivating and harvesting all items at Bethesda Academy using sustainable, organic farming techniques. 8:30 a.m.-noon Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. 912-351-2061. bethesdaacademy.org

Bonaventure After Hours: Stories, Nightfall & More!

Savannah's only after-hours cemetery event, in this riverside Victorian cemetery. 5-8 p.m. Bonaventure Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Rd. $35 912-319-5600. info@bonaventurecemetery.com

Candle Lantern Tour

Fort Pulaski commemorates the Confederate Nog Party of 1861 with candlelight tours of the park. Tours start every 30 minutes. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Dec. 19-20, 6-8:30 p.m Fort Pulaski, US Highway 80 E. $10 912-786-5787 ext. 120. nps.gov/fopu

A Christmas Musical: Black Nativity

The Performing Arts Collective of Savannah presents this musical, written by Langston Hughes about St. Luke's story of Christ's birth, for the fifth consecutive year. Dec. 19-21, 7:30 p.m Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance Group, 4712 Bull St. $10 912-631-3452

Cool Yule; A Christmas Cabaret

The Lucas Theatre Christmas Cabaret is back and sure to please. Enjoy an evening of all of your favorite carols and some holiday jazz, including Johnny Mercer’s, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ and ‘Glowworm’. Join your favorite cabaret stars, Roger Moss, Trae Gurley, and Natasha Drena as they welcome newcomer, Cecilia Arango to the Lucas Stage. Jared Hall will be tickling the ivories as we take you on a sleigh ride to a Winter Wonderland! 8 p.m Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St. 25.00 lucastheatre.com/

Festival of Lights

Forsyth Farmers Market

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.-1 p.m Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Free to attend. Items for sale. 912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Salt Marsh Kayak

Kayak on the tidal creek and salt marshes in groups of 4-10. Reservations required. 10:30 a.m Skidaway Island, Diamond Causeway. $55 912-236-8115

Savannah Bazaar

Be part of Savannah's creative community with this free event, which includes vendors of local art, live poetry, food and drinks, and kids crafts. 1-6 p.m Ampersand, 36 MLK Jr. Blvd.

Savannah Reindeer Run

The Rape Crisis Center hosts the 5th annual Reindeer Run 8k, with all proceeds going to anti-bully activity by the RCC's Prevention Education program. Activities include a kiddie race, a Season's Best Cookie contest, and a costume contest. 9 a.m Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, 1 International Dr. $25 before Dec. 1, $30 after 912-233-3000. runsignup.com

SkateFest

Solstice Seafarers at Ships of the Sea Museum A seafaring Winter Break activity for kids and their grown ups. Free admission for two children when accompanied by one paying adult. Closed Mondays. Thru Jan. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m Ships of The Sea Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. 912-232-1511. shipsofthesea.org

Theatre: The Little Prince

DEC 17-23, 2014

week at a Glance |

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from the sky who regales him with tales of life among the stars. 8 p.m Muse Arts Warehouse, 703 Louisville Rd. $20 Gen. Adm. $15 student/senior/military 912/ 232-0018. collectiveface.org/

Wilmington Island Farmers' Market

Vendors offering produce, prepared foods, crafts, plus storytime, musical performances, and community information. Every Saturday. W111 Walthour Rd @ Islands Community Church. Free and open to the public wifarmersmarket.org/

Enjoy great food with good friends. Comfortably suited for a casual lunch or dinner, Liberty Street Grill serves up creative locallyinspired food in a relaxed atmosphere. Sip a wine or craft beer on our outdoor patio or relax with a group in our 42 person dining area as you enjoy house made small bites and seasonal entrees made using the freshest local ingredients. Owners John and Amber Roelle. Conveniently located at 529 Liberty Street with private off-street parking.

DEC 17-23, 2014

529 E. Liberty Street - (912) 235-2907 libertystreetgrill.com

As a birthday tribute to Rod Serling, the Psychotronic Film Society presents Patterns, a rare pre-Twilight Zone movie. 8 p.m The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave. $7

Film: The Life Aquatic

The Movies and Meatballs series at the Florence features a different Wes Anderson movie each Sunday. 6 p.m The Florence, 1 West Victory.

The Message of Gabriel

Sunday / 21 Christmas at the Cathedral: Carols of the Nativity

This Christmas performance by the Goliards covers a period of 300 years of music and includes a musical ensemble of harp, hurdy gurdy, positive organ, and medieval fiddle. 3 p.m St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 34th & Abercorn $10 savannahgoliards.org

The Choir and Brass of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist present â€œCarols of the Nativity, " and the unveiling of the world-renown Cathefri/sat/sun dral CrÃ¨che, Sunday, December 21, at 3 p.m. The hour-long SkateFest concert will include Indoor ice skating in a festive, familybrass and choral arrangements of wellfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session loved carols from England, Spain, France lasts 1.5 hours. and the United States, as well as solos Dec. 12-Jan. 3 from Handel's Messiah. Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. 3-4 p.m $7 Cathedral of St John the Baptist, 222. East Harris savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/ St. Free and open to the public Theatre: The Little Prince 912.233.8229. http://www.sjbmusic.org/ The Collective Face Theatre Ensemble A Christmas Musical: Black Nativity presents this play adapted from the noThe Performing Arts Collective of Savanvella by Antoine de Saint Exupery. A pilot nah presents this musical, written by stranded in the Sahara Desert meets an Langston Hughes about St. Luke's story of enigmatic, charismatic young prince fallen Christ's birth, for the fifth consecutive year. from the sky who regales him with tales of Dec. 19-21, 7:30 p.m life among the stars. Pentecostal Miracle Deliverance, 4712 Bull St. 3 p.m $10 Muse Arts Warehouse, 703 Louisville Rd. 912-631-3452 $20 Gen. Adm. $15 student/senior/military 912/ 232-0018. collectiveface.org/

black nativity

Colonial Christmas

HOURS Mon-Sat 11-10 HAPPY HOUR Weekdays 4-7

Film: Patterns

Join Wormsloe Historic Site this Christmas to celebrate the season colonial style, with wassailing (caroling), hot cider, a warm hearth and the burning of the Yule log. A brief discussion will also be held on the way that life would have been during the holiday season and the how festivities would have been enjoyed. Family-friendly. 1-4 p.m Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd. $2-$10 912-353-3023

Festival of Lights

Monday / 22 Festival of Lights

This year's festival includes a drive-through holiday light show, a "Frozen" Princess Parade, and plenty more for kids to do. Nov. 29-Dec. 27 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort Drive. 912-596-2525. savannahharborfoundation.com

Odd Lot Improv: How Odd Lot Saved Christmas

Savannah's favorite improv group are celebrating Christmas with this special. 8 p.m Muse Arts Warehouse, 703 Louisville Rd. $10

editor’s note

Too little, too late on ‘taboo issue?’ an election year in which they will desperately try to save their careers, City Council last week hosted a “Call to Action Summit.” Based on the Cities United initiative IT WASN’T LONG ago that the election of begun by Philadelphia Mayor Michael NutBarack Obama was seen ter in 2011, the idea is to “contribute toward as ushering in the age of an outline for a strategic action plan to close “post-racial America.” the achievement gap for young men and As recent events boys of color in the community.” show us, clearly Whoa! Contributions toward an outline that couldn’t be further from the truth. for a strategic action plan! Really taking the If you’re as tired of reading my columns bull by the horns, aren’t they? about race as I am of writing them, I can Alderman Van Johnson, widely seen as only imagine how tiring it must be to actuhaving mayoral ambitions of his own, says, ally live these issues day to day, hour to “It’s time for a courageous conversation hour—something I’m fortunate enough to about the taboo issue of race. If we’re going be sheltered from for the most part. to continue to thrive as a community, we But with each new shooting on the streets must frankly, holistically, and exhaustively of Savannah, the vast majority involving address the issue of negative outcomes of African American men on both sides of the African-American youth.” I sincerely commend Johnson for wantgun, these racial issues will come home to all ing this “courageous conversation about the of us at some point or another. taboo issue of race,” though in this case the After years of sticking their heads in the sand on local crime and at the beginning of motive appears to be raw panic over crime.

by Jim Morekis

jim@connectsavannah.com

It’s something I and others have urged from our leadership, in almost those exact words, for years. But better late than never. The links between crime, education, and socioeconomic status which contribute to that achievement gap are both controversial and obvious. Add the toxic effect of police brutality against people of color, a very real phenomenon, and you get... well, you get “negative outcomes.” My worry about the initiative is that, like most efforts in this regard, it will focus more on explaining criminal activity than helping to eradicate it—which should after all be an ultimate goal, for everyone’s sake. Our community faces two metastasizing cancers: The cancer of institutional racism and the cancer of crime. Just as doctors do, we can fight two diseases at once—especially if, as in this case, they’re related. A truly “courageous conversation” will address both. Otherwise the taboo issue will remain just that. cs

feedback | letters@connectsavannah.com Race and state violence

Editor, The editorial, “Who Really Benefits From Racial Conflict” and Jessica Leigh Lebos’s “Bug Blow Tells it Like it Is”, in the Dec. 3-9 issue were important for their contribution to the discussion about race, and they prompted my own thoughts. Having missed the Keith Passmore story in the media, I looked into it online and became absorbed in the blogs. The majority of bloggers seemed to want to compare the shooting death of Passmore, a 12-year-old white boy, by a black man, to the shooting of Michael Brown, a 17-year-old black boy by a white policeman. The blogs fall into the usual two categories: on one hand, some show resentment fed by a conservative media which promotes the idea that white folks have become underdogs; and on the other hand, the smug liberals’ love of thinking themselves truly ethical and better than

others. Both positions miss the obvious point that there is a vast difference between an individual citizen-shooter and a police shooting. This society is awash with guns and citizens kill each other regardless of race: blacks kill blacks and whites and whites kill whites and blacks. The important point is that citizen violence is treated differently from state violence. By law, all violence is accepted within state institutions and law enforcement generally. In many states, state execution is known to be justifiable homicide, but what is not publicly discussed are the many incidences of torture and death at the hands of police at home, and military abroad. The citizenry, on the other hand, have to be punished for any act considered violent. Whatever we are told, we can see that the rules of law apply differently in many cases. If the law considers Passmore important enough, they will find his

killer. Or someone to stand in and be indicted for his killing. But, since Passmore is undoubtedly a working class boy, the police will not likely feel motivated to pursue the case. All this has nothing to do with Michael Brown’s killing. He was killed by a policeman who will not be indicted because, as an agent of the state, he will be protected by the state. Let us now imagine an incident unlikely to ever happen: Imagine a black policeman shoots a white boy, dead. Logically, since he is a policeman, he should be protected by the state and therefore not held accountable. But in this case I have a strong feeling that the black policeman would be penalized. And this is why this incident won’t happen: Any black person in a position of power will lose that power if he does anything that goes against the status quo. He knows this. And that is why he can be counted on to keep his head down.

Just as Jim Crow was the response to the end of slavery, civil rights legislation was followed by what Michele Alexander calls “the New Jim Crow” that criminalizes all young black males. This is not just a Southern problem. Prior to civil rights, black people moved north to escape Jim Crow, only to find the same discrimination, and these segregated northern cities are where Michael Brown demonstrations are happening now. But this is also not just a U.S. problem as it has its roots in European colonization, particularly of Africa. As Andrew Young put it, “the British invented racism.” Institutional racism against African-Americans continues and will always continue for as long as raising the subject of race is apparently impolite and unacceptably rude. Behind this veneer of good manners, violent state abuse will continue. Bertha Husband

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DEC 17-23, 2014

News & Opinion

news & Opinion | The (Civil) Society Column

The river runs through us could possibly pass under the water-level Houlihan Bridge when the green metal scaffold swung around like a lazy susan, Depending on opening passages on either side. (Tech nerds where you’re standwill appreciate that the Georgia Dept. of ing, we either live in a Transportation constructed this neat trick bucolic aquatic paradise of engineering way back in 1922, and the historic passage to South Carolina remains or a post-apocalyptic only one of two swing-span bridges still industrial wasteland. operating in the state.) If you happen to be The boat chugged through and pulled standing on a boat in a certain section of up for me to crash a private tour of newish the Savannah River, you don’t even need to Landings residents who had spent the chilly move your feet: All you have to do is turn your head. morning tooling around the pretty tribuI experienced this dizzying paradox last taries of the Little Back and Middle rivers. week when I hitched a ride with Capt. Mike They welcomed me aboard with shivery hellos and a bag of pretzels, and soon we were Neal, who spends his days ferrying folks chugging down the main channel. around local watery nooks and crannies to The view got bi-polar fast. ogle dolphins and see the sights. On our left, the Savannah Wildlife RefIt made sense that I’d run into Capt. Mike at the recent Savannah Riverkeeper Pick ‘n’ uge rolled by against a canvas of clouds. I Pinch fundraiser, and over a mess of crawwatched a snowy egret alight on a patch of fish I’d mentioned that as much hot air as golden marsh, a thick green curtain of oaks I expend on the topic of the river, I’d never and pines behind it. seen the backside of the port and its surOff to my right, something flickered in rounding industry. my peripheral vision. Suddenly, I was gogThree days later, I was standing at a gling at a rusty collection of squat tanks and boat ramp in Port Wentworth, barely a metal towers reflecting the sunlight. Before mile upriver from the Port of Savannah. I could ask, the unmistakable stench of sulI was wondering doubtfully just exactly phur wafted into the boat, identifying this how Capt. Neal’s Island Adventure barge as the Weyerhaeuser plant, the first of two By Jessica Leigh Lebos

paper mills along this section of the river. Old-timers used to call the foul odor “the smell of money.” One of the Landings ladies, new enough to town to have thus far avoided those occasional early morning inhales that taste like a week-old hot dog, professed shock at the outright noxiousness. “Oh, that’s nothing!” Capt. Mike laughed. “It used to eat the paint off your car!” True, air emissions and water effluent have drastically improved since Ralph Nader’s Raiders came to town in the late 1960’s to expose the hideous polluting practices of Union Camp—the other paper mill further downstream now known as International Paper. Their findings were chronicled in a 1970 book, The Water Lords (a fascinating read; go ask The Book Lady to track down a copy) in which author James M. Fallows used the term “aquatic slum” to describe the Savannah River of mid-20th century. The book inspired radical environmental legislation, and International Paper has theoretically cleaned up its act, though from the back it still looks like an abandoned mental hospital. Here in the 21st century, the factory also gulps more freshwater out of the Floridan Aquifer than any other entity, and the City of Savannah now draws the majority of its drinking water out of—ta da!—the

DEC 17-23, 2014

jll@connectsavannah.com

A ship stacked with containers only highlights the eerie beauty of the lower Savannah River. Photo by Jon Waits/@jwaitsphoto

increasingly salty Savannah River. Is this game fun or what?! “And here we have the Kraft Plant, named one of the top ten polluters in the U.S.,” announced Capt. Mike cheerfully as we passed the ominous black hills of Georgia Power’s on-demand coal-burning facility. That was followed shortly by the sinister, singed cylinders of Dixie Sugar, where an explosion killed 14 workers and injured 42 in 2008. I sighed and turned back to my left to admire a cluster of live oaks on a high bluff. If I breathed through my mouth and squinted my eyes just so, it almost felt like we were cruising near uninhabited Wassaw Island. How can the Savannah River swallow more than 5 million pounds of toxic discharge a year and yet still be so breathtaking beautiful? “It’s always been a river of contrasts,” ruefully explains Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus of the 400-mile flow once known as the Westabou by the area’s long-gone native inhabitants. While the SRK has a small and growing presence in Savannah, SRK’s operations are based in Augusta, the midpoint between the river’s headwaters in North Carolina and its downstream denouement, which is right here in River City. Bonitatibus grew up fishing and boating on Lake Hartwell, where Georgia’s Tugaloo River and South Carolina’s Seneca River comingle to become the border between the two states. “The first couple of hundred miles, the main use of the river is recreation, some of the most gorgeous places you’ve ever seen,” she says. “Once you get into Augusta, though, it becomes an industrial workhorse.” It’s a long river with 99 problems, but a lack of drainage ditches ain’t one. There are 48 municipal and industrial outfalls into the river between Augusta and Savannah, spewing a soup of chemical, biological and nuclear wastes—treated, of course, but not anything you’d want to take a bath in. Many of those entities also suck water out of the river, and the “assimilative capacity”—the river’s ability to renew and clean itself—was sold out to industry many decades ago. In the late 1950s, the U.S. Corps of Engineers straightened the river, cutting through winds and bends to ease shipping transport between the two cities. It shortened the natural path of the river by 78 miles and destroyed countless habitats.

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industrial.” Definitely, most of us would rather skinny dip at the sewage plant than swim in the Savannah River. However, we do plenty of recreating on Tybee Island, which we conveniently pretend is not at the mouth of the third most toxic river in the nation but some isolated beach on another planet. (This delusion is clearly helped along by copious amounts of beer.) What might help the cause is breaking up the vigilance of the river into two sections: SRK has plans to open a Savannah office to address the issues threatening the lower river, namely the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, the latest in the line of tax-payer funded projects that may just be the blade of marsh straw that collapses its Capt. Mike Neal knows the nooks and ecological back. crannies of the river. I know. You’re all “when is this woman gonna quit snarkering about the gawddang But demand for water traffic between harbor deepening? It’s happening! Let it go the cities dried up by 1980, and the project already!” is now lamented as one of those expensive, Well, I can’t. I’m like the guy standing in short-sighted, privately-lobbied, publicallyfront of the tanks in Tiananmen Square, paid-for infrastructure projects that seem only picture me floating in the way of one to plague the Savannah River. (We’ll get to another expensive, short-sighted infrastruc- those post-Panamax ships wearing water wings and one of those stripey old-fashture project in a bit.) ioned bathing suits. “There’s been a very orchestrated, conYes, SHEP may be inevitable, but it’s scious decision among the powers that be to turn the population away from the river,” only because other parties have persistently pointed out the follies of the project that its says Bonitatibus. After years of mispronouncing her name mitigative caveats now make up more than half its total costs. (Interestingly enough, (it’s Bon-i-TAT-ti-bus), I finally had the chance to meet her at the SRK Pick ‘n’ Pinch part of the settlement in the lawsuit that SRK and the Southern Environmental at Hogan’s Marina. It was a well-intenLaw Center filed against the Corps includes tioned but woefully under-attended event, funding to restore the original meanderings given the relevance of the river’s health to of the river that were mangled in the 1950s.) our quality of life. More than a few folks Anyway, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over: Despite lamented how much support the Ogeechee Riverkeeper garnered after the 2010 fishkill declarations by the Georgia Ports Authority that shoveling would start this month, and the subsequent lawsuit against King it looks like 2014 will end without a conAmerica Finishing. tract awarded for the Big Dig or the Hubba Not that they begrudge ORK’s success Bubblers. in the least: Many belong to both organiOops, we’re not supposed to call them zations and cheer the victory that resulted “bubblers” anymore: in vigilant water testing and cooperation “Since the dissolved oxygen injection sysbetween the Riverkeeper and the textile tem, also known as Speece cones, does not plant’s new owners, Milliken & Co. (My create bubbles, referring to them as ‘bubblers’ husband and I recently spent a gorgeous is an error-in-fact and creates a false conafternoon kayaking and fishing on the Ogeechee and can attest to its pristine glory. cept for readers,” U.S. Corps of Engineers spokesperson Billy Birdwell gently chastised And yes, we ate the fat bass he pulled in.) in an email. But the question remains why the same The last thing I’m here to do is create false enthusiasm for saving the Savannah doesn’t concepts; the facts kind of speak for themblow up many balloons around here. selves, no? We’re all aware of the logic that “I think it’s much easier for people to shows how the harbor deepening increases wrap their minds around the Ogeechee,” the economic viability of the port as it puts muses Bonitatibus. “There’s only the one the ecological sustainability of the river on industry, and people in Savannah know life support. it more as a place where people fish and Even without SHEP, the Savannah River recreate. Whereas the Savannah, people continues on p. 10 here can’t imagine it as anything other than

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DEC 17-23, 2014

Trucks cross the historic Houlihan Bridge at Pt. Wentworth. Photo by Jon Waits/@jwaitsphoto

might not survive the next decade anyway. Bonitatibus calls it “death by a thousand cuts”: Near Augusta, Georgia Power currently muscles more than 43 million gallons a day out of the river for nuclear Plant Vogtle, and the Georgia Assembly gave its blessing last week to double that amount for two new reactors. A few miles away, the Savannah River Site leaks radioactive waste into the groundwater while the EPD examines its fingernails. Down on our end, saltwater intrusion already creeps further upriver every year, evident in lines of ash-gray dead trees. Southern LNG received approval from the feds this summer to export liquid natural gas from Elba Island, which means twice as much LNG moving along the river. While a proposal to truck LNG through the city was roundly rejected in 2012, the company won’t discount trying again in 2015. Frack that. I appreciate the necessity of industry, I promise. But I have to ask the question that must occur to everyone who loves where they live and work and can’t bear to see it exploited, the Appalachian farmer whose fields are sludge because the mountain above was blown up for coal, the Masai warrior watching his ancestral lands usurped by Arab businessmen, the Peruvian tribesman forced out of the rainforest by loggers: Why must profits exist only at the expense of the resources we’re all entitled to share? As if on cue, Capt. Mike brought us faceto-stern with the mythical monster of a post-Panamax ship. He explained that the big ships have already been calling on the port even without the harbor deepening, albeit lightly weighted.

Y’all, it was big. Stacked 20 stories high with containers of every shade, it’s hard to imagine what it would look like fullyloaded. Even harder to predict what life on the river will be like once they’re passing through every week. “It’s going to be 20 years before we know the real economic and environmental effects,” said the captain, the brontosaurus necks of the port cranes on one side of him juxtaposed with the green bluffs of the wildlife refuge on the other. The mood was thoughtful as we drifted under the double fans of the Talmadge Bridge, the warehouses that were the site of last winter’s tire fire giving way to the charms of River Street. As the barge steered a U-turn, I looked out towards the direction of the sea, trying to reconcile the foul tangle at my back with the beauty that lay just beyond. I guess the reason why I can’t quit hollerin’ about saving this river is because it’s worth it: The dolphins leaping out of Lazaretto Creek at sunset. The shrimp boats hauling in the day’s catch that still tastes marvelously (miraculously?) delicious. The serenity of the wildlife refuge, where ospreys soar above the tree line and the fragile tidal marsh supports an irreplaceable web of life. Maybe it’s not too late to make a U-turn on the fate of the Savannah River. It would mean a concerted effort from City leaders to stand up to the wall of polluters along the banks, demand equitable use, and, while we’re at it, insist on a fair cut to Savannahians from every one of those giant ships that comes to call. It would mean the EPD doing its job, issuing permits and enforcing them. But none of that will ever happen without the passion and persistence of those of us who live at the end of the line. cs

News & Opinion | Free Speech

DownloaD the FrEE Sav happS app!

Eric Garner’s real ‘crime’ into the early national period, the entrepreneurial smuggler who served consumers by THE COPS who defying the customs agents was celebrated. ganged up on Eric It was the government agent who risked Garner, got him into being tarred and feathered, then rode out of a chokehold, and town on a rail. mashed his face into Had Eric Garner been set upon by Red the sidewalk didn’t Coats on colonial New England streets, intend to kill him. many people might have come to his They intended only defense. Today the best we can hope for is to show him who’s that someone will video the confrontation boss on the streets of Staten Island—and with a cell phone. show him in a way he would never forget. The fact is that Eric Garner was a threat As a Facebook friend of mine put it, to no one. He was just a guy trying to make instead they showed him in a way he will a few bucks by selling loose cigarettes— never remember. loosies—to low-income smokers harmed by This pretty much explains the cops’ reck- the state’s and city’s tax collectors. less disregard for Garner’s life that day, and Well, let’s amend that. Garner, like other practitioners of his trade, was indeed a it is what makes the grand-jury sham espethreat—to the politicians who need that cially appalling. This was about power. Yes, to an extent revenue to play their destructive games and to assure they remain in power. the fatal confrontation was about race— Come to think of it, in the eyes of those although it’s no great feat to imagine something similar happening to a low-income politicians, threatening the steady flow of white guy. taxpayer money is about as serious a crime It was also about class. An obviously afflu- as anyone can commit. Without that money they would be nothing. ent and likely well-connected person probThat’s why New York City officials, ably need not fear being accosted on the street by the police. including Mayor Bill de Blasio, one of those phony men-of-the-people, have ordered the Let’s remember what the police say Garner was doing: selling cigarettes that had not police to crack down on sellers of loosies. been subjected to the high taxes imposed in The city’s accomplices in this highway New York City and State: $5.95 in all. (The robbery of smokers are the licensed retailfeds add another buck.) ers. The police provide the protection racket that shields the retailers’ cigarette business Thus, a pack costs at least $14. As a from free competition. result, entrepreneurial cigarette smuggling from low-tax states is big business. WhenTo great fanfare de Blasio announced ever the tax goes up, so does the smuggling. a program to prevent a recurrence of the In fact, smuggling used to be an honorable confrontation that killed Eric Garner. The American profession. In colonial times and police will get new training, blah, blah, blah. By Sheldon Richman

SAV HAPPS

Sorry, Mr. Mayor, but that won’t do it. Some truly radical things need to be done— such as eliminating the top-down, militarist model of policing, and moving to a decentralized system of community governance. But something significant can be done in the meantime: halt police confrontations with nonviolent persons suspected of committing victimless so-called crimes. These are acts that in themselves violate no one’s rights, such as selling or possessing drugs and guns, taking bets, and participating in other prohibited but peaceful, consensual activities. This won’t guarantee there will be no more Eric Garners, because police have long harassed, beaten, and killed people using low-tech weapons and without the cover of victimless-crime laws. But it would help. If fewer people are harassed on the street, fewer people will become fed up and resist—if we must stretch the word resist to describe what Eric Garner did that fateful day. Low-income minority neighborhoods experience what the rest of us can usually grasp only abstractly: the police force is an occupying army. Its ostensible purpose is to protect innocent life and property, but what it does day to day is monitor everyone with a suspicion that the sovereign’s decrees are not being respected. This has got to change. cs

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Talking with… Luciana Spracher City of Savannah’s resident historian is in high demand with 225th anniversary of municipal government Her big day will be the 23rd, when in 1789 the Georgia legislature approved the city’s charter. We elected our first mayor, John HousYou probably toun (pronounced HOUSE-ton), the folknow the names of most lowing March. of our 44 presidents, even “Prior to his service as mayor, he just had if you can’t tell me exactly such a huge role in the American Revoluwhat Franklin Pierce tionary War,” Luciana says. or Millard Fillmore Houstoun’s first task as mayor was hiring did in office. the city’s first employee, called a “scavenger” The same is undoubtedly less true of back then, to rid the streets of trash and Georgia’s 82 governors. But at least you dead animals. We’d call that a “sanitation could tell me several had counties named worker” today. after them. That first City Council also dealt with But for Savannah mayors, our recognition doesn’t seem to stretch any farther back than issues like fire protection, expanding the city limits and alcohol ordinances. living memory. “Some things just don’t change,” Spracher This month, the municipal government says. celebrates its 225th anniversary. And that’s But Houstoun declined to serve a seca good excuse for a civics history lesson on ond one-year term as mayor. Perhaps City Hall. after creating a new country and settling a “It’s just a really good time for us to stop boundary dispute with South Carolina as and reflect on where we started and how a governor, he thought scavenger hiring a far we’ve come,” says Luciana Spracher, the bit beneath him. city’s research librarian and archivist. As for some of our other well regarded All this year, Spracher has been marking mayors, I could write a short history based the anniversary with lectures and exhibits. By Orlando Montoya SAVANNAHPODCAST.COM

on the knowledge in Spracher’s head. Indeed, your city historian practically wrote a book about Herman Myers. The book actually dealt with the 1906 construction of City Hall, commissioned by Myers. He was our first Jewish mayor and modernized our infrastructure. Mayor Thomas Gamble was a man after Spracher’s heart, a great historian. He established City Junior College, now Armstrong State University, in 1935. And I’ll have to direct you to my podcast at savannahpodcast.com to learn more about several others, including Malcolm Maclean and John Rousakis. I just think it’s amazing that we have a municipal archivist to keep all this memory. Spracher’s office, an entire wing of City Hall’s first floor, is a treasure chest of history. “We go back to those records constantly,” she says. “We can see where a program started and how it has evolved over time as we’re making plans for programs today.” That’s one of Spracher’s services – providing information to city staff. But she also provides

information to the public. Like when she verified the records of the fallen soldiers memorialized on the WWII monument on River Street – not a light task given its seriousness and permanence. “Being involved with such an important project in the community and then the longterm impact where our research is helping families learn more about their fathers and their grandfathers has been rewarding,” Spracher says. She actually came to Savannah to study historic preservation and wound up spending a lot of time in research libraries. She became the city’s full-time archivist in 2005. “It’s very common in the archivist profession to come to it through the back door,” Spracher says. “Maybe you didn’t ever intend to be an archivist but you’re a historian, researcher or librarian and you just get introduced to archives and sucked in.” I hope more people get sucked into our municipal history. The records show good people can make this city better. They just have to get involved. cs

DEC 17-23, 2014

Luciana Spracher in the municipal archives in City Hall; inset, Savannah’s first mayor, John Houstoun

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IN ITS annual “Your Driving Costs” study released in May, AAA reported the average cost of operating a car is $8,876 per year. That’s a serious financial burden for many working people here in Savannah, according to Jen Colestock, who manages a new Savannah Bicycle Campaign program that accepts donated bicycles, reconditions them, and works with nonprofit organizations to distribute the bikes to people who need them. “The median income for a household in Savannah is $29,000. That makes the cost of driving a third of the average household’s income, not to mention those who fall under the median income,” she said. “Meanwhile, the average maintenance cost of bicycling is $300 a year — 30 times cheaper than a car, and less than a dollar a day. The major deterrent for low income workers is the cost of the bike.” Giving bicycles to people, who cannot afford new bikes, removes “the stumbling block of that initial investment,” Colestock said. A lock, helmet and light set are provided with each bike. The program is called New Standard Cycles and it takes its name from its location in a building that originally opened as a Standard Oil gas station in 1925. Later a car repair shop, it was recently rehabilitated by Ellsworth-Hallett Home Professionals. While a student at the University of Georgia, Colestock volunteered with Bike Athens’ Bike Recycling Program, which is being used as a model for the Savannah initiative. “We mainly work with local social services agencies, particularly those with job programs,” including the Salvation Army, Athens Area Homeless Shelter, and the Department of Veteran Affairs, said Tyler Dewey, executive director of Bike Athens. He has seen first hand how BRP has changed lives. As an example, Dewey offered the story of a man who was without a home, job or transportation. “He had been in the military; but things had gone askew. While we refurbished his bike — a local agency had submitted a request on his behalf — he offered to

New Standard Cycles Manager Jen Colestock teaching a bike maintenance class. volunteer.” He found a full-time job and continues using the bike to commute to his workplace. “It’s around the corner from my office and I still regularly see his bike locked to the rack out front,” he said. Dewey said his most reliable volunteers are, “people who like working with their hands, and are likely cyclists who appreciate the opportunity to use their bicycle repair skills to give back to their community.” Colestock said many of her volunteers are eager to gain those skills. “Our volunteers learn how to fix and refurbish bikes and can use that knowledge to work on their own bikes,” she said. New Standard Cycles partnered with Lutheran Services of Georgia’s Refugee Services program last month to refurbish bikes for refugees from Afghanistan, who have settled in Savannah. Max Youngblood, an LSG employment specialist, explained how bicycles help people his organization serves. “Our clients are continually limited by a lack of transportation. Often times, a client’s commute can be up to an hour and a half just to go a few miles via bus,” he said. “If they have access to bicycles, they can ride to more direct bus lines or to the job itself, thereby greatly reducing commuting time. Having a bicycle represents a greater sense of freedom for my clients.” While Colestock’s program is focused primarily on providing bikes for adults, NSC volunteers refurbished 25 children’s bicycles

for a Holiday Bike Drive. The bikes, along with helmets, were distributed to children through Blessings in a Book Bag on Dec. 13. New Standard Cycles receives support from the Metropolitan Savannah Rotary Club, which selected the program as its annual service partner. NSC also benefited from a donation of tools and parts from the family of William Wallace “Bill” Brown. Known as “The Bike Man,” Brown reconditioned and gave away bikes for decades before he passed away in April. Another donation from Trident Sustainability Group is funding the construction of a mobile repair station that can be pulled behind a bicycle to community centers and other locations, bringing basic bike repairs to people who cannot afford to have their bikes serviced at bike shops. New Standard Cycles also offers education programs on bike maintenance and safe cycling skills. Along with providing a “steady stream of bicycles to partner organizations,” Colestock hopes to inspire Savannahians of all backgrounds to make bicycling a part of their daily lives. “I can’t explain the amount of joy I feel being able to ride anywhere I need on a bike and being active and healthy enough to ride around this beautiful city,” she said. For more information on New Standard Cycles, visit bicyclecampaign.org/new-standard-cycles/

news & opinion | City Notebook

Let’s hear it for the lawyers

Georgia Legal Services honors local pro bono attorneys By Jessica Leigh Lebos jll@connectsavannah.com

GENERAL JAMES OGLETHORPE banned lawyers from the original Georgia colony, but he might have changed his mind if he’d met a certain few from Savannah. More than 65 local attorneys were recognized at the Morris Center last Friday for volunteering their time and skills to fellow citizens who would otherwise not have had access to legal counsel as part of the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP). Two million Georgians live under the poverty line, and many find themselves helpless in a complex civil justice system. While it handles no criminal cases, GLSP helps those struggling with domestic and elder abuse recourse, special needs rights and disaster displacement. Its attorneys handled over 180 cases in 2014, helping GLSP fulfill its mission to provide legal access to lowincome Georgians. “They aren’t just numbers, they’re not statistics. They’re not even clients,” said GLSP’s Heidi Behnke of those who benefit from the organization. “They’re people.” The belief in “liberty and justice for all—not just those who can afford it” is the rallying ideal behind the work of GLSP. Francesca Rehal received a special award for Top Pro Bono Advocate of the year for her work with domestic violence victims and tenants needing counsel against unfair landlords.

Georgia Legal Services Program managing attorney Bill Broker (l.) and Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Hugh P. Thompson honored GLPS pro bono lawyers last Friday at the Morris Center. “I grew up poor, and every time we needed something, my mother had to go find help,” explained Rehal of her efforts. “She raised me to help others.” Managing attorney Bill Broker applauded

Rehal’s standout dedication in his introduc- Chatham County to reach those in 11 tion. “She never says ‘no,’” marveled Broker. “I southeast Georgia counties, from Effingham to Tattnall to Toombs. Seventy percent of don’t think she’s ever refused a call.” Broker also reminded that many of GLSP’s pro bono lawyers travel beyond continued on page 16

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Georgia’s attorneys practice in the metro Atlanta area, while some areas have a dearth of legal options—six counties have no registered lawyers at all. This imbalance creates “islands of justice” as denizens the state’s rural regions are left uneducated on legal matters, and often represent themselves in court. “It’s not like Savannah, where we have plenty of lawyers’ offices,” explained attorney Jerold Murray, who handles divorce cases and often arranges protective orders for abused spouses. “Here they’re like churches—one on every corner!” GLSP’s cause has been heralded throughout the state by the event’s keynote speaker, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Hugh P. Thompson. In his first State of the Judiciary address last February, he highlighted the importance GLSP. “As a result of the lack of adequate legal services, our courts are seeing a growth in the number of people representing themselves,” Chief Justice Thompson said in his speech at the state capitol. “Judges worry not only about clogged dockets as a result of these pro se litigants, but more importantly, about unfair trials and unjust results.” At Friday’s event, he again echoed the importance of legal access in what he calls an “adversarial system of justice.”

“The fact is, people who represent themselves often lose,” he said, lauding the room’s attorneys for their work in what were once simple civil matters. “As our society becomes more complex, people have to interface with more administrative entities. It used to be that if a grandparent needed to get a grandchild into school, it was taken at face value.” On the bench since 1979 and appointed to the Supreme Court in 1994, Chief Justice Thompson has a reputation for being a tough sentencer. According to Judgepedia, he has been rated as having “liberal ideological leanings” by a Stanford study that determines the partisan tendencies of state judges. “I just call ‘em like I see ‘em” was his response to the Judgepedia report. With a chuckle he added, “Liberal, huh? Some people I know would take issue with that.” For his part, the Chief Justice considers the work of GLSP to be non-partisan and wholly necessary. “Equality before the law in a true democracy is a matter of right,” he says, quoting the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Wiley Rutledge. “It cannot be a matter of charity or of favor or of grace or of discretion. “ cs

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Connect Savannah is a fully-engaged partner in the Canyon Ranch Institute Savannah Partnership (CRISP) along with Charles H. and Rosalie Morris. We are proud to be committed to helping this effort to make Savannah healthier, and we urge all our readers, advertisers, and partners to join the CRISP effort. We will dedicate this space each week to reporting not only the activities the CRISP effort is undertaking here in Savannah but also the larger ideas about health and well-being that build the foundation for that effort in our community. We thank you for your continued readership of Connect Savannah and for your support of the CRISP effort.

Run, Walk, or Crawl

The Savannah River Bridge Run made us stronger!

By Jennifer Cabe

Jennifer Cabe, M.A. Executive Director and Board Member of Canyon Ranch Institute, has spent over 20 years in positions dedicated to improving community health and wellness. Jennifer “walks the talk,” encouraging CRI team members and CRI program participants to make healthy choices every day.

Our group of 28 excited walkers led the pack at the start of the world-famous Savannah River Bridge Run. We wore matching neon-lime green shirts to ensure we could always spot each other. The shirts proudly proclaim us as the “Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care” Walking Club.

Sandy Haeger and Sharel Young crossed the finish line of the Savannah River Bridge Run together. They ran and walked the 5K as a duo to encourage each other to keep up their pace and complete the challenge that meant so much to them.

If you’ve ever finished a group run or walk, you know how exciting it is when you reach the finish line. And, it’s even more fun when you find your fellow “athletes” from the group and celebrate with a hug and a thumbs-up for all! The media was all over this big Savannah event, including Savannah’s own WSAV-TV interviewed us as part of their coverage. In this photo, one of our Walking Club leaders, ACE-certified group fitness instructor Sandy Haeger, is shown talking about why we all teamed up to train safely and consistently and how we motivate each other to keep improving our fitness – One Step at a Time.

Christine Ferrelle, a nurse practitioner at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, and Lisa Reid, completed the Savannah River Bridge Run in style. Chris is a facilitator for the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program and Lisa was one of the first graduates. Both Lisa and Chris have been active members of the Walking Club for many months.

DEC 17-23, 2014

It was one of those misty Savannah mornings when it would have been easy to listen to the little voice in the reluctant-runner part of my brain saying… “Aww come on, pull the covers over your head and settle in for another hour of sleep.” But I got going…because this was the Saturday of the Savannah River Bridge Run, and I was a registered member of the best team out there! A group of 28 people who started our training barely knowing each other had become a Walking & Running Club. We proudly represented the non-profit Canyon Ranch Institute, Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, and Connect Savannah as we ran and walked (no crawling necessary) in what’s billed as the South’s Toughest Bridge Run! When we started training, many of us were novice exercisers. But, we had a goal: Conquer the Bridge! And we did it. We all started and finished, with smiles of relief and sometimes surprise on our faces as we crossed that finish line. Our only question is: What’s our next fitness goal? If you want to join the club, come on over to the Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care most Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. at 106 E. Broad Street in Savannah. We have wonderful group leaders, Palmer Steverson and Sandy Haeger, who are also two of the fitness instructors for the CRI Life Enhancement Program at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care, which is brought to Savannah by civic leaders Charles H. and Rosalie Morris. If you have questions, email us at CRI@canyonranchinstitute.org. Everyone is welcome!

Holiday Gift Guide Studio S.P.A.C.E.

Savannah Music Festival

The Department of Cultural Affairs’ Studio S.P.A.C.E. offers educational fine craft classes and specialty workshops in visual arts for all ages and skill levels. Classes range from beginner to advanced and include courses in children’s and teen clay, teen jewelry, adult metalsmithing, stained-glass, sculpture, ceramics, and painting. Classes begin the week of January 12, 2015. Gift certificates available. 912.651.6783 | www.savannahga.gov/arts

Give the gift of live music: tickets for the 2015 Savannah Music Festival are on sale now! See the complete lineup online at savannahmusicfestival. org, and shop for ticket deals at savannahmusicfestival.org/deals. March 19 – April 4, 2015 912-234-3378

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This year, give the perfect gift to a loved one, a treat for yourself, or spend the day at the spa with friends! 101 Bull St. | 912.236.1490 SpaBleu-Sav.com

Thoughtful gifts available in our 800sq ft Downtown location boutique! We carry earth conscious gifts, books, yoga mats, comfy clothing, jewelry and more. Between our 2 convenient locations, we offer 75+ classes weekly. Class packages & gift certificates make great presents! Downtown: 1319 Bull St • 912.232.2994 Pooler: 111 Canal St • 912.988.1320 savannahyoga.com

Atelier Galerie An eclectic collection of handcrafted jewelry at great prices from local, regional and international artisans. Find her the perfect gift! Mon-Sat 10-5:30 | Sun. 11:00-4:00 150 Abercorn St. (corner of Oglethorpe Ave) 912.233.3140 agsavannah.com

Savannah Day Spa

TailsSpin Bye Bye bad dog breath…Your dog will lick away his bad breath. Orapup collects, removes, and is designed to reach deep into the crevices of your dog’s tongue to help cure a dog’s bad breath. Midtown Savannah | 912-691-8788 Pooler Marketplace | 912-330-8852 www.TailsSpin.com

Get away from it all this holiday season. Whether it’s couples massages, facials, nail care, body care, a waxing or makeup... Savannah’s premier day spa has it all! Give the gift of ultimate pampering with a $25-$500 gift certificate. 18 E. Oglethorpe Ave. | 912.234.9100 savannahdayspa.com

DEC 17-23, 2014

Portman’s Music Superstore

The Fiesta Cajon by Gon Bops features include: • Heavy duty rubber feet • Four internal guitar strings • Set of adjustable belts Your choice starting at $99 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun. 12pm-6pm 7650 Abercorn St. Savannah 912.354.1500 portmansmusic.com

Computer Advantage SONOS Play:1 Say hello to the newest member of the wireless HiFi system. It’s soloist size fits anywhere, with symphony sound. Only $199. Abercorn Plaza, 8108 Abercorn St. (912) 920-3440 www.computeradvantage.com

Telfair Museums Give the gift of art! Telfair Museum memberships give you access to art all year long, starting at only $35! Or gift an official licensed reproduction Sylvia Shaw Judson’s Bird Girl statue! Membership: 912.790.8866 Shop: 912.790.8831 www.telfair.org

Would life have evolved differently on earth if we’d never had a moon? Would dark nights have resulted in our ancestors getting pwned in their caves, or would they have evolved X-ray vision? —Naman Dixit FIRST OF ALL, get your superpowers straight: while X-ray vision is undoubtedly a useful feature, it wouldn’t do much to prevent midnight toe-stubbings amongst the Cro-Magnons. Infrared vision, sure—but if you’re hung up on how we could have evolved into some cooler, laser-eyed superspecies without that crappy moon holding us back, you’re not counting your evolutionary blessings. By most accounts we wouldn’t even have developed vertebrae without the moon, let alone eyeballs. Dark nights would be the least of our problems. Cosmologically speaking, earth has been extremely lucky. Our sun’s energy output has remained relatively stable throughout much of the evolution of life. Our orbit is safely in what’s called the habitable zone, where a planet’s surface can support liquid water. We’ve avoided being smashed to smithereens by comets, sucked into black holes, or irradiated by supernovae. With all the hazards of the universe in the way, the chances of life developing on any planet are pretty small. It’s fairly well established that the life-sustaining conditions found on earth have been enhanced to some degree by its lunar companion; the only debate is about how much. Some of the more commonly proposed

benefits of moon-having: It got rid of primordial pollution. The moon most likely formed when some smaller planet struck earth about 4.5 billion years ago, ejecting chunks of debris that eventually coalesced in orbit. Crucially, this collision may also have stripped away a thick proto-atmosphere that was trapping the heat of earth’s molten surface. Without this rather violent development we might have ended up like Venus, where life is only imaginable by Ray Bradbury. It keeps us toasty. This impact also contributed to the heating of the earth’s iron core, which provides us with our relatively strong magnetic field. This in turn protects us from radiation at least somewhat, and solar winds. And the pull of the moon’s gravity acts on every molecule on earth, powering the tides (see below) and creating additional heat, which helps keep the core from cooling too quickly. It’s insurance against getting chucked into interstellar space. In the young and restless early years of a solar system, the gravitational force of the larger planets (read: Jupiter and Saturn) may interfere with the orbits of the smaller ones, sometimes flinging them out of the system altogether. Computer simulations suggest that even if this had happened to earth, the warming properties of the moon’s gravitation described above might well have kept temps high enough for water to remain liquid and for life to evolve anyway. (Incidentally, other simulations have demonstrated that the presence of the earth-moon team is the only thing keeping Mercury where it belongs: without us, its gravitational interaction with Jupiter would drag it into a high-stakes run-in with Venus, which would likely result in Mercury’s getting ejected from orbit and bonking into who knows what along the way. It’s too bad we couldn’t save Pluto too, but of course that was just politics.) It creates tides. The moon’s orbit used to be a lot closer to the earth, thus generating much stronger, higher tides. These waves left extensive tidal pools, where the ocean’s primordial soup of amino acids and other

organic compounds could be concentrated via repeated evaporation. Synchronization between tidal flow and exposure to solar UV radiation may have resulted in the petri dish necessary for life to evolve. Tides were likely helpful too in the transition of life onto land, depositing small organisms and biomass into semiaquatic marshlike environments. Evidence for all this is found in 3.5 billion-year-old stromatolites— stratified rock formed by ancient bacterial action—whose layers show the moon’s influence on the earth’s spin rate and tides throughout the early development of life. It’s a steadying influence. In order for life to develop on earth, we needed stable temperatures and a regular climate. Variations of even one degree in earth’s axial tilt relative to orbit may have led to ice ages in the past. The moon, with its large mass, acts as a major stabilizing force on our axis (as well as helping keep us within the habitable zone). Without it, we could have ended up like Mars, whose moons are much smaller and whose tilt may vary over a span of 60 degrees. In the search for extraterrestrial life scientists regularly prioritize planets with similar-sized moons attached. With no moon, of course, our fates would be drastically different because of the misalignment of our astrological signs, but on the plus side we wouldn’t hear any more about that lunar-cycle/menstruation myth. Would mooning still be popular? Would Pink Floyd still exist? These are questions that have not been subjected to the hard discipline of the sciences, leaving us to only imagine the potential horrors in store. Missed opportunities for night vision notwithstanding, let’s be grateful for what we have. cs By cecil adams Send questions to Cecil via straightdope.com

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news & Opinion | The straight dope

news & Opinion | blotter • A man was additional charges. arrested after he was Both men have extensive shot breaking into a histories with Metro Police. house to accost a man About 1:30 a.m., a Canine Man arrested for shooting of child using a walker. Unit officer “located a vehicle Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Steven Neal, 50, matching the description arrested the suspect in the shooting of a was charged with of a Toyota involved in a 6-year-old girl during a domestic dispute simple assault and midnight robbery attempt Nov. 20. burglary after he was and shooting and pursued it Brandon Maurice Stewart, 20 was taken to the hospital through the west Savannah arrested Dec. 10 and was charged with posand treated for a nonTatumville neighborhood session of a firearm by a convicted felon and life threatening gunand onto Birchfield Drive,” a probation violation. Brandon Stewart, 20 shot wound. police spokesman says. He and the child’s mother, Shauneequa Officers “By the time it stopped and Monique Jones, 22, also had been charged responded to a the driver fled on foot, memwith cruelty to children after the shooting in shooting call on Weiner Drive about 11 bers of the special task force had saturated an apartment on Wilder Street. a.m. and found “Neal was intoxicated the area where both men live and each was Jones had reported to police that “she was when he arrived at the residence, was told taken into custody,” police say. walking her daughter to school and heard twice to leave and kicked in the door while Officers had responded to a Memorial a noise before she discovered the child had threatening a 67-year-old man who uses a University Medical Center parking garage been shot,” a police spokesman says. walker,” a police spokesman says. • Officers from various units and a special at 12:03 a.m. after a woman accompanyPolice searched their apartment nearby on The elder man shot Neal in the hand. cs ing the victim “reported two men had tried task force coordinated to arrest both susWilder Street and discovered the shooting pects after a man was beaten and shot at a to rob the 44-year-old man from Hinesactually took place there. ville when they struggled and he had fled Jones’ two children have been placed into hospital parking garage Dec. 13. after being shot.” Marvin Demia Johnson, 38, and James the custody of the Department of Family Police located the victim in the emerand Children Services. Ray Milton, 24, were arrested after vehicle gency room being treated for injuries from and foot pursuits by officers from a Metro the beating and a non-life threatening SWAT Team task force about 1:30 a.m. Both have been charged with armed robbery, gunshot wound. Give anonymous crime tips to but detectives are continuing to investigate Crimestoppers at 234-2020 All cases from recent Savannah/

Chatham Police Dept. incident reports

• Police are investigating shootings of three men, reportedly during a robbery attempt on the 1800 block of DeLesseps Avenue the morning of Dec. 11. Lanod Sams, 27, who lives in the house, Jamal Antwon Reid, 28, of the 1900 block of Mills B. Lane Boulevard, and Donald Lee Scott, 22, of the 8900 block of Speedway Boulevard, were individually transported to Memorial University Medical Center with wounds that were expected to be non-life threatening. Robbery detectives continue to sort out the details of the 7:45 a.m. shootings in an apparent home invasion after finding weapons and illegal drugs in the house. Anyone with info should call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using keyword CSTOP2020.

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news & Opinion | News of the weird As many as 12 facilities, including three hospitals, had food on hand from Nordic Ingredients.

freedoms in the state appear complicated, in that a person with training and who submits to state licensing to carry a concealed weapon may carry it even on school grounds Government in Action (despite the federal Gun-Free Zones Act • Questionable Judgment: Assistant of 1990). Michigan’s lawful exception to Attorney General Karen Straughn of Mary- the act requires concealed permit-holders land issued an official warning recently for to carry the gun unconcealed, which many consumers to watch out for what might parents contend frightens younger children. be called “the $100 bill on the windshield” Also, though it is illegal for anyone alcoholscam. (That is, if you notice impaired to carry a gun anya $100 bill tucked under where, the legal threshold your wiper, do not try to for presumed impairment in retrieve it; it is likely there to Michigan is only .02 percent trick you into opening your for a licensed permit holder, door to a carjacker.) When but probably .08 percent for let’s rectally questioned by WJLA-TV of unlicensed “open”-carriers feed Washington, D.C., Straughn (who are not covered by the Dick Cheney “concealed” law). admitted there were no actual reports of such attempts — and that the The Continuing Crisis Can’t Possibly Be True story is a well-known urban As young professionals • A passerby shooting video in November legend — but nonetheless have embraced urban neighdefended the warning. outside the Lucky River Chinese restauborhoods, locally grown • Lesson in Civics: North rant in San Francisco caught an employee produce has proliferated Hempstead, New York, banging large slabs of frozen meat on the in community (and even enforces its dog-littering sidewalk — which was an attempt, said backyard) gardens and is the manager, to defrost them. A KPIX-TV ordinance with steep $250 thought to be healthier than fines and street-sign warnreporter, visiting the precise sidewalk area pesticide-laden commercial on the video, found it covered in “blackened ings displaying the amount. produce. However, the New However, insiders have long known that the York Post revealed in November (based on gum, cigarette butts and foot-tracked bacteria,” but the manager said the worker had signs are wrong — that the written regulastate Health Department data) that such been fired and the meat discarded. (The res- tion calls for fines of only $25 — and offigardens in construction-dense New York taurant’s previous health department rating cials have been discussing how to correct City are vulnerable to astonishingly high their error while still discouraging littering. levels of lead and other toxic metals. One was 88, which qualifies as “adequate.”) According to a November WCBS-TV • India’s Orissa state has established community garden in Brooklyn’s Bedfordreport, now that residents know the actual “health camps” to facilitate mass sterStuyvesant, for example, showed levels of amount, the debate is whether to replace ilizations to help control the booming lead nearly 20 times the safe level. the erroneous signs (expensive) or just raise population, but procedures were halted the fine 1,000 percent (to $250) and save in November when Dr. Mahesh ChanWait, What? money. dra Rout matter-of-factly told BBC News In November, a clothing store on Yabao • A November order from China’s that camps routinely used ordinary bicycle Road in Beijing came under criticism for State Administration for Press, Publicapumps to inflate women’s abdomens. Orisposting a sign, “Chinese Not Admitted,” on sa’s senior health official immediately ended tion, Radio, Film and Television appears its door. An employee told the Beijing Youth to impose a ban on the use of all idioms the practice and ordered sterilizations only Daily newspaper that no one should believe in hospitals. (Enlarging the abdomen helps — including puns — as part of the govern- that “we Chinese look down upon ourselves. the surgeon to operate, but the proper agent ment’s crackdown on nonstandard language, But some Chinese customers are too annoyespecially since that discourages children is carbon dioxide.) ing.” (A legal scholar told the newspaper that from learning proper vocabulary and gram- China, except for Hong Kong, has no law • The Food and Veterinary Administramar. All mass media outlets must “avoid tion of Denmark shut down the food supagainst racial or ethnic discrimination.) plier Nordic Ingredients in November after changing the characters, phrasings and meanings” of words — even though, accord- Least Competent Criminals learning that it used an ordinary cement ing to the Beijing reporter for London’s The mixer to prepare gelatin products for nurs(1) Unclear on the Concept: A 34-yearGuardian, Chinese culture is saturated with old man was arrested at a Tesco supermaring home and hospital patients unable to puns. swallow whole food. An FVA official told ket in Bar Hill, England, on Nov. 12 when • As revealed in a spirited public meeta reporter: “It was an orange cement mixer he entered the store and threatened employing of the Huron Valley (Michigan) Board just like bricklayers use. There were layers ees — by showing them a photograph of a of Education in November, gun-carriers’ (of crusty remains) from previous uses.” gun. (2) Recurring Theme: Two men were Like many in society’s subgroups, people who work in “death” industries or professions in the U.K. may believe it difficult to reach “like-minded” suitors. Hence, Carla Valentine established Dead Meet earlier this year and told Vice.com in October that she has drawn 5,000 sign-ups among morticians, coroners, embalmers, cemetery workers, taxidermists, etc., who share her chagrin that “normal” people are often grossed out or too indiscreet to respect the dignity of her industry’s “clients.” We might, said Valentine, need a sensitive companion at the end of the day to discuss a particularly difficult decomposition. Or, she added, perhaps embalmers make better boyfriends because their work with cosmetics helps them understand why “many women take so long to get ready.”

arrested easily in Silver City, New Mexico, in December. Thieves had broken into Javalina Coffee House downtown and dragged away the ATM behind their truck. With the help of a witness — and especially the gouge marks in the street running from the Javalina directly to the nearby residence of the men — police nabbed the two and were still searching for a third.

Armed and Clumsy (all-new!)

Won’t Make That Mistake Again: (1) Ralik Hansen, 28, suspected in a dramatic New York City jewelry robbery, heard a knock at the door of a Brooklyn home in October, squeezed down under a couch and accidentally shot himself to death. (He thought he was hiding from police; it was a delivery man.) (2) Dennis Emery, 57, according to neighbors a frequent gun-brandisher at home in Pinellas Park, Florida, accidentally mishandled one during a November domestic argument and fatally shot himself in the face. (3) A 26-yearold woman in St. Louis, who had recently purchased a handgun to protect against potential violence in Ferguson, was waving it around while riding in a car with a friend, causing him to grab for it, and a shot fatally struck her. (However, police still have not closed that case.)

A News of the Weird Classic (January 2011)

Two hundred boredom “activists” gathered in London in December (2010) at James Ward’s annual banal-apalooza conference, “Boring 2010,” to listen to ennui-stricken speakers glorify all things dreary, including a demonstration of milk-tasting (in wine glasses, describing flavor and smoothness), charts breaking down the characteristics of a man’s sneezes for three years, and a PowerPoint presentation on the color distribution and materials of a man’s necktie collection from one year to the next. Another speaker’s “My Relationship With Bus Routes” seemed well-received also. Observed one attendee, to a Wall Street Journal reporter: “We’re all overstimulated. I think it’s important to stop all that for a while and see what several hours of being bored really feels like.” cs By chuck shepherd UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE DEC 17-23, 2014

Dying to Get a Date

mUSIC | year in review BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

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By Anna Chandler anna@connectsavannah.com

NO MATTER where your tastes fall on the broad spectrum of genre, one thing is certain: 2014 was a milestone year for music in Savannah. Though we tend to be skipped on the drive down I-95, our town is quickly becoming a no-brainer tour stop for both famous folks in monstrous tour buses and indie kids in beat-up vans. Legendary songwriters like John Prine and Art Garfunkel—the type of acts we’d typically have to hoof it to Atlanta or Orlando to catch—eagerly played to diverse audiences of Lowcountry fans. Ian McLagan, the acclaimed keyboardist for Small Faces and Faces who passed away two weeks ago, performed at The Wormhole in October. It was a make-or-break year for Savannah Stopover, and they blew the lid off the whole weekend, bringing in huge buzz bands like Those Darlins, Wye Oak, Future Islands, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Small Black (just for starters, and without even mentioning the smaller bands

that we caught and are still watching with rapt excitement). Some of those bands were floored by Savannah’s enthusiasm and came back later in the year to treat our ears again—a rarity two or three years back. The Savannah Music Festival brought The Avett Brothers, Taj Mahal, and Robert Cray in an impressively varied and starstudded lineup. With so many tough choices to make every weekend (and a lot of weeknights, too!), we reached out to local musicians to hear their take on the year’s best performances—as fans and players. Between Stopover and killer bands like Those Darlins, Perfect Pussy, Priests, and Shonen Knife stopping through, trying to pick a favorite show is a struggle for sure. If I was hard pressed to pick one though, it’d probably be Halloween at The Jinx. Seeing so many local artists come together and have a blast was really something special. Plus, it was my first time playing to a crowd that big, so that year will always be something pretty rad in my mind.– Petee Worrell ( Jeff Two-Names & the Born Agains)

My personal favorite was the October 17 Savannah Philharmonic performance of Sibelius’ ‘First Symphony,’ which I participated in. – Peter Berquist (Savannah Philharmonic) Best performance this year was the Forced Entry, Crazy Bag Lady, Violent Reaction and The Flex show at The Jinx. I’ve never seen two dudes move the way Alex Raffray and Josh Sterno did. Two really hot dudes. Especially Raffray—nothing better than a dude who rips his shirt off and ends a set by throwing glitter into the crowd. I wish Josh Sterno was single. – Adam Intrator (Triathalon) Hands down, the tribute to The Band show we all did at the Lucas was out of this world. Ask anybody. It was a real smash, and it looks like we may do something very similar next year. I think that 2014 has proven to show that our music scene here in Savannah is better than it ever was. – Ray Lundy (Bottles & Cans)

continued from previous page

A-Town Get Down Festival is always amazing and gave us an incredible platform to perform. We and everyone who attended got to witness some amazing performances by local and touring performers, but we got to say, The Lee Boys were incredible. They light up the room with their infinite positive energy and sheer musicianship. One of those bands that a musician would call ‘musicians’ musicians.’We are looking forward to next year’s A-Town Get Down Festival, not only because we will be performing again, but also to see what kind of magic will transpire with what will surely be another great lineup. – Melissa Hagerty, Tony Bavaro, Tyler Cutitta & Eric Braun (Omingnome) I loved being able to sit down and truly listen to City Hotel at the Trinity Concert Series last May. Those guys always blow me away but that environment is where they shine. I’ll never forget that concert. – Eric Britt (American Hologram) This has been quite a thrilling year for music in Savannah. Actually, I knew that it would be that kind of year from Day 1, so I kept a spreadsheet of all the music I saw all year! Turned out, it was an incredible year. It really is difficult for me to pinpoint a single favorite performance of the year...especially when you have to choose from seeing Perfect Pussy,

I’d have to say MuteMath in Forsyth Park! They are always an amazing band to see live and I loved seeing them up close under the band shell. Locally it’s hard narrow it down because I loved seeing a lot of great performances from Wet Socks, Blackrune, Cusses, Crazy Bag Lady, Triathalon, Bent Out Of Shape, Bear Fight— the list can go on and on because we have such a great local scene. – Brent Collins (Whaleboat)

Jessi Zazu of Those Darlins tears it up at Savannah Stopover. Photo by Jim Morekis Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Charles Bradley, Warehouse & Red Sea, Weyes Blood & Sun Araw, or any of the amazing acts at Savannah Stopover. It was also very much the year of the small venue at Graveface Records & Curiosities, putting up such great acts like Priests, Friend Roulette, Empire! Empire! (I was a lonely estate), Soko, Elvis Depressedly, and LVL UP. - Ryan McCardle (mumbledust, cofounder of local label Furious Hooves)

This year’s Halloween at the Jinx was the epitome of community and the spirit of the musicians in this town. I feel so very lucky to a part of this giant, extended musical family that continues to amaze and delight me. The Halloween tribute band night is always my favorite night of the year, but this year, the performances by the various makeshift bands were stunning. I don’t know if I have ever smiled harder than I did that night. I always say that home is a feeling, not a place, and that night I was at home with my friends having the best party ever. – Greg Rettig (Ambrose, The Wave Slaves, Sins of Godless Men Future Islands and Juan Waters at Stopover, Band of Horses acoustic show at Trustees, and Jamison Murphy’s last Savannah show at Graveface. – Rachael Perisho (mumbledust, Heavy Boots) Check out more picks at connectsavannah.com.

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YEAR IN REVIEW |

Music | YEAR IN REVIEW

Year in Review:

Musicians share their own personal picks

By Anna Chandler anna@connectsavannah.com

DRIPS – Wet Socks MIGGS – Son of a Gun

The production value, songwriting and promotions for the release was absolutely top notch. Close second for me was Sunglow, Nothing Doing. – Jeremiah Stuard (Sins of Godless Men, COEDS)

I really liked the Wet Socks album; Sauna Heat’s Revenge is my fave. They are sick garage punk albums but slick enough to listen to more than once. – Alex Raffray (Forced Entry)

KOTA MUNDI – Kota Mundi [EP]

Kota Mundi’s EP is the most epic conglomeration of musical badassness that has ever hit my ear! – Eric Dunn (The Train Wrecks)

TRIATHALON – Lo-Tide

I love the direction Triathalon went with on Lo-Tide—seems like they coming into their own. – Brent Collins (Whaleboat)

SUNGLOW – Nothing Doing ISAAC SMITH – Magnolia Bloom

DEC 17-23, 2014

AMERICAN HOLOGRAM – Same Blue Sky

The Americana side of the Savannah scene saw so many great releases and performances this year, but to me, Same Blue Sky had so many unexpected aspects that just made it stand out. Seeing the band live many times and having known Britt and Craig for years, to hear this side of them come out was truly a unique experience. Their choice of production really went over the top and transforms the songs from what we know into an entirely new experience. – Greg Rettig (Ambrose, The Wave Slaves, Sins of Godless Men)

I don’t know of a stronger combination of songwriting and voice to emerge this year in Savannah. The title song, “Loves War” and “Trees” are so good that one wonders how long we’ll have Isaac around. Anyone who has ever heard Isaac sing immediately responds to his full-bodied voice that authenticates whatever he is singing about. That powerful connection with an audience is rare. He has managed early in his songwriting career to fashion songs that encourage him to soar, even roar, coming out of the gate, as in “Loves War.” – Thomas Oliver (Lazaretto Creek Band and producer of the Savannah Songwriters Series)

Daniel has always impressed me in live settings with his bangers, but when he committed all of his newer stuff (at the time— the guy is always cranking out new tracks) to tape, I was thoroughly impressed with his ability to make a cohesive album with good track flow. His music translates well in the studio and in live situations. – Ross Fish You have to check out Sunglow’s Nothing Doing. A real classic club banger filled with all types of spicy jams. Chillest album of 2014. – Adam Intrator (Triathalon)

VELVET CARAVAN – Acoustic In Nature THE TRAIN WRECKS – We Roll On

Velvet Caravan’s album released last January is a knockout, for sure, and The Train Wrecks new album is a real good listen all the way through, too. These two bands worked their asses off to get these albums created and I’m rather quite proud of them... they are, after all, some of my best pals. – Ray Lundy (Bottles & Cans) CS

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Music | feature

Return of the Ho-Ho-Hoedown

The Accomplices, The Train Wrecks, and Soap keep tradition alive insinuates that it’s a certain kind of music, but also it’s just a fun event.” The first year, which featured The AccomEVERY DECEMBER, hundreds of plices, The Train Wrecks, and Niche, was a Savannah residents shine up their cowboy huge (and admittedly kind of disorganized) boots, don their cushiest Santa hats, and undertaking, but that didn’t matter. mosey over to the American Legion ball“We almost sold out that first year,” Smith room for fellowship and the Lowcountry’s remembers. best Americana acts. The bond between the ‘Wrecks and While The Accomplices and Train Accomplices goes all the way back to the Wrecks’ annual Homegrown Holiday Hoe- very formation of The Accomplices. Smith, down almost didn’t happen this year, it’s a Savannah native, moved home, met songback, better than ever, and continues to grow writer Matt Eckstine through Dunn, and as one of Savannah’s favorite Christmas the two began playing together. Fiddle traditions. player Colleen Heine and drummer Stan A simple concept struck four years ago: Ray progressively joined. A fantastic double The Accomplices and Train Wrecks on one bill—The Accomplices lean toward a more bill. The American Legion as a cool alterna- traditional, acoustic blend of bluegrass and tive to typical bar and restaurant venues. Americana, and The Train Wrecks special“Eric Dunn [of The Train Wrecks] said ize in a raucous take on alt-country—the to me, ‘we need to host a show,’” Zach Smith two bands are frequent collaborators. of The Accomplices explains. “It just so hapThey most recently partnered up for the pened we started thinking about it before hugely successful Life is a Carnival: A Tribthe holidays. We said, ‘Why don’t we call it ute to The Band, right before Thanksgiving. the Homegrown Holiday Hoedown?’” Being so close to the usual Hoedown time The catchy name (abbreviated to Ho Ho of year, there was speculation as to whether Ho—see what they did there?) says it all. the highly-anticipated event would happen “It’s a local event, there’s going to be in 2014. bands that are from around here, and it’s a “We thought about not doing it this year hoedown,” Smith elaborates. “That kind of because we were so worn out from Life is a By Anna Chandler

anna@connectsavannah.com

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Carnival,” Smith shares. Though the Lucas performance was a huge hit that’s still got the town talking, fans were looking forward to the festive fete at the Legion. “We’re trying to make it an annual thing, and people would be disappointed if we didn’t do it,” says Smith. With a great team of friends and fans, sponsors, and the drive to keep the tradition alive, the show was on, with the awesome ensemble Soap as the year’s special guest. “We thought: we know what the formula is, we know what needs to be done,” Smith says. “Now it’s just executing it.” Plus, the first Homegrown Holiday Hoedown was a milestone for The Accomplices in their early days as a band; it was key in building up their ferocious loyal following. “The cool thing is, that was the biggest show I think we’d ever played, every hosted,” Smith reflects. “When you have 300 people there, it ups the stake. We all invested so much—we sold all those tickets, had all our family and friends there—the pressure was on for putting on a good, quality show and making it big and grand. We learned from that and upped the ante. We knew we had to top what we’d done before.” “I feel like we owe ourselves, and music

continued from previous page

fans, and people who have gone to the Hoedown every year, a better show,” adds Eckstine. As a result, the Hoedown is more than just a concert in a nice room; it’s an entire experience, with food, provided by North Beach Bar & Grill, drink (cash bar), and giving back via Toys for Tots (bring a new, unwrapped toy with you). Last year, Santa paid a visit, and attendees crammed in a photo booth for take-home pictures. While the bands wear multiple hats in the whole operation, their number-one priority is delivering a top-notch performance. “Playing these big shows, it ups the stakes,” says Smith. “You work your butt off to promote, get it together, organize it. Why work this hard to put something together that we’re not going to do our best performance for as well? We don’t want to let those people down. We what to give them a great show and experience. We are learning through this. We’re hoping to make it better and better, and put on a great show.” Every event concludes with a “thunderjam,” an Accomplices tradition in which all of the evening’s performers join them onstage for one or several sendoff songs. The Holiday Hoedown, of course, calls for Christmas tunes.

the best, and you have to learn to work with people and share the load. It’s such an undertaking to put on a show like this. You can make a bigger production if you work together.” “This day and age, you can’t wait around for someone to plug you or throw you in those situations,” Eckstine adds. “We just had to all rise to the occasion and make venues out of empty rooms.” “It’s getting stronger, better,” concludes Eckstine. “I would love more than anything if it continues to grow and becomes a staple. Even if these bands aren’t around in 10 years or something like that, if that show still somehow had a torch, that would be the coolest thing.” CS

The Accomplices cite the first Hoedown as key in building their following. “It’s going to be special, and a good way to walk out on the night,” Eckstine hints with a grin. Make sure to swing by the merch table to pick up a free download card of The Accomplices’ new live album, Live at Isis Music Hall. It’s a crystal-clear capture of the

lighthearted fun of their performances. Above all, Eckstine and Smith praise the community-building that happens at the Hoedown. “We as The Accomplices couldn’t necessarily throw an event like this on our own,” says Smith. “Too often, bands want to be

4th Annual Homegrown Holiday Hoedown featuring The Accomplices, The Train Wrecks, and Soap American Legion Post 135 Ballroom Friday, December 19 Doors at 6:30 P.M., show at 7 P.M. Tickets $15 in advance (thetrainwrecksband.com), $20 at door

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music | the band page

By Anna Chandler | anna@connectsavannah.com

Cool Yule, A Christmas Cabaret @The Lucas Theatre for the Arts

Savannah’s best and brightest team up to revive the Lucas’s smashing Onstage Cabaret. With Jared Hall (pianist for Velvet Caravan and Musical Director at Trinity United Methodist Church) on piano, your favorite crooners Roger Moss, Trae Gurley, Natasha Drena, and newcomer Cecilia Arango will serenade the audience with favorite carols and holiday jazz. If you’ve never been to the Onstage Cabaret series, grab a date and take a stroll down decked-out and twinkling Broughton Street to experience this intimate and low-key series. The talent may be our finest and most esteemed, but the vibe is lighthearted, elegant, and never stuffy. Keep an ear out for hits by Savannah’s own father of pop, Johnny Mercer, like seasonal staple “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Glowworm,” among others.

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Thursday, 8 P.M., $25

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Wet Brain, The Wave Slaves @The Jinx

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If you like your surf rock tough and vengeful, don’t miss Baltimore’s Wet Brain on Friday. The all-girl four-piece blends elements of punk, hardcore, riot grrrl, and classic surf swing with a raw edge. If your 2014 show highlights include Priests, Perfect Pussy, and The Coathangers, it’ll be the perfect way to wrap up your year. And if you’ve never seen The Wave Slaves, Savannah’s own instrumental surf rock group, you owe it to yourself to experience their warm and beachy tones in the midst of winter. Ty Watkins of Atlanta ska band Hermits of Suburbia recently joined on third guitar, bringing a new layer of intricacy to their original songs and renditions of Ventures and Dick Dale favorites. Friday, 10 P.M., $5

the band page |

continued from previous page

Ashley Raines & The New West Revue @The Sentient Bean

Songwriter Ashley Raines found music on America’s railroads, hitchhiking and hopping boxcars at just 14 years old. As he traveled away from his Kansas home, he strived to learn how to play every instrument he came across on his travels. When he lingered in a town and performed on the street, he peddled recordings, tracked on four-track reel-toreel machines, to anyone who would listen. Since those days, he’s remained fiercely independent, acting as his own manager, booking agent, publicist, and record label. Raines has a Jack Johnson gentleness to his voice, but its weathered edge of experience evokes hard truths learned early and blurring highways over clean beach days and surf-sprayed hair. His winsome melodies are accompanied by his custom hollow neck lap steel guitar. On Thanksgiving Day 2014, Raines released his 13th album, After the Bruising. While he may conjure up the devil and favor exploring the darker sides of human instinct through songs like “Thinkin’ Bout Murder,” Raines isn’t afraid to try a little tenderness, evident on lullaby “Daddy Knows Best.” Tracked live in-studio over just two days, After the Bruising doesn’t feel rushed but caught at that perfect moment where there’s still a sense of immediacy smoothed by right-in-the-room warmth. Saturday, 8 P.M.

NEW YEAR’S EVE at

American Hologram Photo by Adriana Iris Boatwright

It’s a weekend full of Americana and Christmas cheer! Keep the pickin’ and grinnin’ going down at Feather & Freight with Savannah’s favorite bluegrass troupe, City Hotel, and the upbeat acoustic folk of American Hologram. The new bar has been steadily booking more and more live music, and it’s good to hear the former Livewire space resonate with original songs once again. Hit your nearest thrift shop or dig into the deep, shameful recesses of your closet for the gnarliest Christmas sweater you can find—there’s a contest for the best of the worst. Santa and his naughty elves will be paying a visit, and a canned food drive will be in full swing to spread good cheer throughout Chatham County. Make sure to hang around for the Christmas finale, in which both bands team up to deliver Yuletide favorites. Saturday, 9 P.M., $5 with a canned good

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2014 Superbad Christmas Sweater Jam, featuring City Hotel and American Hologram @Feather & Freight

music | soundboard Club owners and performers:

Soundboard is a free service - to be included, please send your live music information weekly to anna@connectsavannah.com. Questions? Call (912) 721-4356. Pub (Pooler) Tell Scarlet Mansion on Forsyth Park Tradewinds Mediterranean Tavern Funk You Live Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub Trainwrecks Nickie’s 1971 Christy Alan Band Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant Jody Espina Trio Barrelhouse South Those Cats Rocks on the Roof Hitman Ruth’s Chris Steak House David Duckworth & Kim Polote Sandfly Bar & Grill Voodoo Soup The Sentient Bean Strangled Darlings The Wormhole Late Night Open Mic The Warehouse Eric Culberson Wild Wing Cafe Dan’s Tramp Stamp World of Beer Kontraband World of Beer (Pooler) Will Snyder Trio

Trivia & Games

Strangled Darlings are at The Bean Thursday

Coach’s Corner Movies & Music Trivia

Wednesday / 17

Karaoke

Barrelhouse South Open Jam Bay Street Blues Hitman Bayou Cafe Thomas Claxton Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat, piano/vocal Boomy’s Eric Culberson Band coffee deli Acoustic Jam Rachael’s 1190 Jeremy Riddle Rocks on the Roof Randy Cuba The Wormhole Open Mic Wild Wing Cafe Jeff Beasley

Trivia & Games

Huc-A-Poo’s Name That Tune The Jinx Rock n Roll Bingo Rachael’s 1190 Trivia Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Trivia World of Beer Trivia

Karaoke

Ampersand Karaoke Club One Karaoke Hercules Bar & Grill Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Tondee’s Tavern Karaoke

Open mic

DEC 17-23, 2014

The Wormhole Open Mic

Thursday / 18 The 5 Spot Jackson Evans & Friends (jazz) Ampersand Jazz Night B Tillman Danielle Hicks Barrelhouse South Ambrose Bay Street Blues Hitman

(blues) Bayou Cafe Eric Culberson Band Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat, piano/vocal Rocks on the Roof Emily Kenyon The Sentient Bean Strangled Darlings Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Open Mic The Wormhole Jeff Zagers and Xerome The Warehouse Randy Cuba Wild Wing Cafe Bucky & Barry

Trivia & Games

The Britannia British Pub Trivia Coach’s Corner Bingo Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (Pooler) Trivia Pour Larry’s Explicit Trivia Sunny’s Lounge Trivia Tybee Island Social Club Bingo & Blues

Karaoke

Applebee’s Karaoke Flashback Karaoke Hang Fire PBR Street Gang Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Mediterranean Tavern Karaoke Rachael’s 1190 Karaoke Rusty Rudders Tap House Karaoke The Wormhole Karaoke

Comedy

Vive Tapas Lounge Open Mic

Congress Street Social Club DJ Blackout The Jinx Live DJ

Bar & Club Events

Club One Drag Show Mediterranean Tavern Lip Sync Battle

Other

Groves High School ProvokeStyle Fashion Camp

Friday / 19 The 5 Spot Jackson & Maggie Evans American Legion, Post 135 The Train Wrecks, The Accomplices, Soap Barrelhouse South Those Cats Bayou Cafe David Harbuck, Fig Neutrons Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat & Nancy Witt, piano/vocal Congress Street Social Club Craig Waters & The Flood Fiore Italian Bar and Grill Annie Allman Hang Fire Gold Light, Elim Bolt, Sunglow, COEDS Huc-A-Poo’s DT Sheiks Jazz’d Tapas Bar Bottles & Cans The Jinx Wet Brain, Wave Slaves Molly MacPherson’s Scottish

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Lucky’s Tavern Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Sunny’s Lounge Karaoke Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke/DJ

Club 309 West DJ Zay Hang Fire DJ Sole Control

Bar & Club Events

Club One Drag Show Wild Wing Cafe (Pooler) Ugly Sweater Party w/ Midnight City

Saturday / 20 17 Hundred 90 Restaurant Gail Thurmond bar.food James Mills Barrelhouse South S.P.O.R.E. Bayou Cafe David Harbuck Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat & Nancy Witt, piano/vocal Boomy’s Liquid Ginger Casimir’s Lounge Jackson Evans Trio (jazz) Congress Street Social Club Les Racquet Fiore Italian Bar and Grill Kristin Gustafson Huc-A-Poo’s Kota Mundi Jazz’d Tapas Bar Jeff Beasley Band The Jinx Bottles & Cans

Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (Pooler) Hitman Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub Magic Rocks The Olde Pink House David Duckworth & Kim Polote Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant Jody Espina Trio Rocks on the Roof Hypnotics Sandfly Bar & Grill Greg Williams The Sentient Bean Ashley Raines Silverado’s Esteban’s Hat Warehouse Eric Culberson Wild Wing Cafe Southern Maple World of Beer Kontraband World of Beer (Pooler) Joe Wilson Trio

Karaoke

Applebee’s Karaoke Bay Street Blues Karaoke Lucky’s Tavern Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Sunny’s Lounge Karaoke

Club 51 Degrees DJ Lil G Disco Party Fogon - Fogon Katracho DJ

Bar & Club Events

Club One Drag Show The Wormhole Christmas Fetish Party

Sunday / 21 17 Hundred 90 Restaurant Gail Thurmond Ampersand Blues & Brews Aqua Star Restaurant (Westin Harbor Hotel) Sunday Jazz Brunch Barrelhouse South Syndicate Bayou Cafe Don Coyer Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup Jazz’d Tapas Bar Eric Britt The Olde Pink House Eddie Wilson Rocks on the Roof Randy Cuba The Warehouse Thomas Claxton Wild Wing Cafe Bucky & Barry Zunzi’s II Open Mic

Trivia & Games

Lulu’s Chocolate Bar Sunday Afternoon Trivia Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Trivia

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke/DJ Tondee’s Tavern Karaoke

Monday / 22 Abe’s on Lincoln Open Mike with Craig Tanner and Mr. Williams Bay Street Blues Open Mic Bayou Cafe David Harbuck The Sentient Bean CaroMia The Wormhole Late Night Open Mic Wild Wing Cafe Eric Britt

Trivia & Games

Hang Fire Team Trivia Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (Pooler) Bingo Mediterranean Tavern Butt Naked Trivia with Kowboi Tybee Island Social Club Trivia

Karaoke

Boomy’s Karaoke Night Club One Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke

The Jinx DJ Lucky Bastard

Other

Abe’s on Lincoln Open Mic The Wormhole Open Mic

Tuesday / 23 Bay Street Blues Jubal Kane Bayou Cafe Jam Night with Eric Culberson Jazz’d Tapas Bar G.E. Perry Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub Open Mic The Warehouse The Hitman Wild Wing Cafe Chuck Courtenay

Trivia & Games

Coach’s Corner Trivia CoCo’s Sunset Grille Trivia Congress St Social Club Trivia Mediterranean Tavern Battle of The Sexes Game Mellow Mushroom Trivia The Wormhole Trivia

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke The Rail Pub Karaoke

Comedy

Chuck’s Bar Open Mic

Hang Fire Vinyl DJ Night The Jinx Hip Hop Night

Other

Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (Pooler) Open Mic Savannah Coffee Roasters Open Mic Tybee Island Social Club Open Mic

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‘community theatre.’” With their emphasis on professional, high-caliber shows that keep selling out, it’s SAVANNAH’S STAGES were aglow undeniable that they’re bringing a whole with talent in 2014. From Muse Arts Ware- new meaning of theatre to our community. house to your neighborhood library to The good folks behind non-profit The Hang Fire, these hardworking local compa- Savannah Stage Company found a main nies and collectives stellar shows for everystage home in the third floor of Amperone, from tykes to grownups. We’re thrilled sand this year and, from Live Oak Public to see what they’re up to next year. Libraries to nursing homes, continue to The Collective Face’s 2014/2015 season their accessible take on classics like The may focus on the theme of Retrospective Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to new Reflection, but they’ve moved forward into audiences. With a strong focus on literature, impressively challenging territory this year their performances doubly inspire people with outstanding success. Kicking off the to pick up a book and get into performing season, the company offered their first musi- arts. They announced their third season to a cal, Grey Gardens; it was a monumental packed house of theatre lovers and commuperformance for Maggie Lee Hart, who nity members at The Andaz in November; played Big Edie in the first act, then Little look forward to Poe, A Midsummer Night’s Edie in the second. The company’s first fam- Dream, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow for ily-oriented performance that also doubled the upcoming season. as their first show with puppetry: The Little While Bay Street Theatre unfortunately Prince. Their crop of seasoned performers had to cancel their production of A Charand guests continue to light up the stage and lie Brown Christmas due to hectic holiday electrify audiences. schedules and availability, October’s producAs Dandy Barrett, Managing Director, tion of The Rocky Horror Show left a lasting recently told me with a wry grin: “This is not impression that’s still got the community By Anna Chandler

anna@connectsavannah.com

reminiscing. A whole new crop of actors brought the cult classic to life, truly stepping up to the plate and delivering an unforgettable show. The Odd Lot, Savannah’s premiere improv comedy troupe, continues to grow; while they’re still right at home at Muse Arts Warehouse, they ventured into new territory in 2014, holding auditions, bringing new members on board, debuted a series of dinner theatre shows, and even launched an improve series for children. 2014 seems to have been the year of burlesque. While the renaissance is this town is still fairly young, three prominent troupes each offered a unique approach to the art over the past twelve months. The Savannah Sweet Tease celebrated their one-year anniversary in 2014. Aside from the deliciously sugary pun in the name, ‘Tease’ is quite appropriate for the growing troupe; they’ve honed a style that’s tonguein-cheek, cleverly bawdy, and hysterically creative (Magnolia Minxxx as a rogue tumble-weave in the Savannah-themed show, anyone?). Embracing body positivity and

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year in review |

continued from previous page

performers of all gender identities, the Teases are pros at seducing while leaving you in stitches. They took the show on the road this year, are booking out-of-town performances for 2015. Plus, they have started offering shows over two nights, as shows were getting sold out, offering two chances to get in on the action. Downtown Delilahs founder Jade Bills just welcomed her first child, but she’s still in her director’s chair down at The House of Mata Hari, prepping the Delilahs for their next show. With a strong focus on choreography--a modern blend of styles that Bills learned while at SCAD—the Delilahs favor shakin’ it to pop tunes, entertaining the crowd with games, and bringing in badass lady comedians to emcee the show. Newcomers The Tied and Tasseled Cabaret threw their first show at The Bayou Cafe in October. The burgeoning troupe blends traditional burlesque with a taste for fetish and dark edge, starring gals with Bettie Page bangs, big ol’ boots, plenty of leather props, and even Dame Darcy, who took to the stage for operatic performances between dance numbers in their first show. After the success of their fall debut, the troupe’s held auditions to welcome a few new members and is prepping for a Valentine’s Daythemed show. Until then, Tied and Tasseled is offering peep shows at Chris Cook’s

Fetish Fantasy Christmas Ball & Winter Solstice Party at The Wormhole on December 20. Any roundup of performance artists would be amiss without The House of Gunt: the drag crew is probably the most original thing happening in Savannah right now. Born in fall 2013, the crew first performed at a house show and grew into a downtown can’t-miss act. They performed at Hang Fire’s after party for Legendary Children, a photo exhibit showcasing drag performers across the Southeast that exhibited in Dollhouse Productions, in January, bringing their antics to an audience of art lovers, students, and lovers of the wild and experimental. Rather than strictly emulating the feminine ideal, the Gunties prioritize individuality and personal expression. It manifests in completely unexpected and wonderful ways, often resulting in a subversive and fantastic hot mess (the great kind). Glitter everywhere (most notably encrusting performer Anita Shave’s beard), the stage is no border; Gunts go where Gunts wanna go—including Art Basel Miami Beach, where several of them performed in early December. Hold on to your hats; there’s no telling what they’re going to hit us with in 2015. cs

DEC 17-23, 2014

Grey Gardens starred Maggie Lee Hart and Christopher Blair

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culture | art patrol

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STRANGLED DARLINGS

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Alaine Daniel and Angela Erdy — December’s featured artists. Daniel presents her watercolors and Erdy shows her jewelry pieces. Gallery 209, 209 E River St. Armstrong’s Art Education Majors’ Exhibition —

The Armstrong State University Department of Art, Music & Theatre presents an exhibition showcasing Art Education majors’ capstone work. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Fine Arts Gallery (Armstrong State University), 11935 Abercorn St., Fine Arts Hall. Arthur Bennett Kouwenhoven — Savannah

resident shows his sculpture and works on paper. Local 11 Ten, 1110 Bull St.

Barbara Davis — Barbara Davis displays her oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings through the month of December. Through Dec. 31. Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St.

artists using different styles, reflect their personal message about the human condition – the forlorn silence of the modern world, reality as seen by the mind’s eye and the introspective search for personal meaning. Giuliano Corsi, Michael Banks and Larry Beaver carry on the visual dialogue. Beach Institute, 502 E. Harris St.

The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell Revisted by Contemporary African Artists — This

exhibit explores the sequences of Dante’s poem through new works by 40 contemporary artists from 19 African countries. SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd.

FRI. DEC 19 | 8 PM DONATION

CORY BISHOP

W/ WILLIAM CUSACK

SAT. DEC 20 | 8 PM DONATION

ASHLEY RAINES

SUN. DEC 21 | 8 PM | $7

PSYCHOTRONIC FILM SOCIETY ROD SERLING BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

DEC 17-23, 2014

PATTERNS

MON. DEC 22 8 PM | $10

CAROMIA TUES. DEC 23 | 8 PM | FREE

TONGUE: OPEN MIC

Artist Whitfield Lovell continues to display work at the Jepson Center.

Between Realism and Abstractionism — Three

Doctuh Buzzard’s Hoodoo Awakening — This

exhibit celebrates Gullah Geechee spiritual heritage and looks closely at hoodoo artifacts. Beach Institute, 502 E. Harris St.

Holiday Open House — Check out the Forsyth

Park Inn’s decorated parlor and enjoy freshly-baked goodies and hot chocolate. Forsyth Park Inn, 102 W. Hall St. One man’s trash is a fiber student’s treasure —

Fiber students at SCAD were challenged to utilize recycled materials by experimenting with pattern & structure in order to suggest possible applications for these discarded objects. The goal was to transform the material and propose continued use as a textile for sculpture, fine-craft, interiors, home goods, and fashion. Gallery F.A.R., 1321 Eisenhower Drive. Ornaments and Keepsakes: Memories in Adornment, 1780-1885 — From now through December,

the Georgia Historical Society is offering an exhibit on 18th and 19th century jewelry. Features several pieces from the GHS collection including brooches, mourning pendants, and pocket watches dating from 1780-1885. In the Georgia Historical Society Research Center located in Hodgson Hall and is open to the public during regular hours. The Research Center is open

on the first and third Saturday each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 12-5 p.m.. pmeagher@georgiahistory. com. georgiahistory.com/education-outreach/on-display-at-hodgson-hall/. georgiahistory.com/. Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker St. Port City: The Savannah Riverfront through Artist’s Eyes — Drawn from local collections, the

Library of Congress, and Telfair Museums’ collection, Port City tells the story of the Savannah riverfront as depicted by artists in prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs from the 1730s to the present. Artists have captured the vibrancy of life on this working river, from important historical events to daily life in Georgia’s port city. General museum admission Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

Classes Scribble Art Studio presents: Holiday Workshops at Blick! — Including extended December

workshops and Holly Jolly “Make a Present and wrap it”! Kids get a chance to make a present and their own wrapping paper! Ages 6+ at Dick Blick, Supplies Included. Dec. 20- Beautiful Baubles Preregistration required at www.thescribbleartstudio.com or call 912-737-7376 $25-$35 Blick Art Materials, 318 East Broughton St. Art Classes and Lessons — Drawing and painting classes and private lessons offered by artist Karen Bradley. Call or email for details. 912-507-7138. kbillustration@ mac.com. Art Classes on Tybee — Tybee Arts Association

offers a variety of art classes every week: acrylics, oils, watercolors, stained glass, mosaics, jewelry-making and more. See romantic movement in the American South. website or Tybee Arts Facebook page for up Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, 121 to date schedule of classes. tybeearts.org. Barnard St. Tybee Arts Center, 7 Cedarwood Dr.

Romantic Spirits: Nineteenth-Century Paintings from the Johnson Collection — Exhibit examines the

Spellbound by Krystal Sokolis — Through Dec.

29. Gallery Espresso, 234 Bull St.

Student, Instructor and Staff Art Exhibition Sale — The exhibit will feature over 100 works

created by over two dozen students and instructors. City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, 9 West Henry St.

Whitfield Lovell: Deep River — Lovell’s art pays tribute to the lives of anonymous African Americans and explores passage, memory, and the search for freedom. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St. Works by W. Gerome Temple — Using both

illustration and painting as his media, W. Gerome Temple has created a body of work that encompasses the natural and the unexplored. The Butcher Tattoo Studio, 19 East Bay St.

Drawing and Painting Classes — Ongoing

multi-level drawing and painting classes for youth and adults taught by local artist, Melinda Borysevicz. $35/class (4 week minimum) Portrait class: ten weeks, $425. Includes weekly model fee. $35/class. Four week minimum. ongoing. 912-484-6415. melindaborysevicz@gmail.com. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St. Open Pottery Studio at Savannah’s Clay Spot — For

potters with experience who want time in the studio. Choose from 4-hour time slots. Registrations based on monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly commitment. ongoing. 912509-4647. www.savannahsclayspot.com. Savannah’s Clay Spot, 1305 Barnard St.

culture | brew/drink/run

Craft brew news roundup! by lee heidel lee@brewdrinkrun.com /@brewdrinkrun brewdrinkrun.com

NEW WORLD OF BEER OPENS IN POOLER

World of Beer, the wellestablished chain of craft beer bars, opened one of its first owneroperated facilities in the country on Pooler Parkway this week. Typically run by a local franchisee, the Pooler “company store” concept as General Manager Jim Nystrum called it, will be 100% owned and operated by the World of Beer parent company. The Pooler location hosted a charity fundraiser soft-open on Sunday night benefitting the 200 Club and opened to the wider public on Monday. World of Beer is best defined by its eclectic and extensive selection of ales and lagers. At opening, the new Pooler branch has 54 beers on draft and around 550 in bottles and cans including 12 brewed in Georgia. The Pooler spot also features a beer infusion tower, where elements of a base beer can be enhanced by the use of whole cone hops, coffee, spices or anything else the staff dreams up. The beer is pumped through a special chamber containing the additives on the way to the tap spout. For example, a

Tegan Foster stocks shelves at World of Beer Pooler pumpkin beer may be infused with nutmeg, cinnamon and marshmallows for a one-ofa-kind pumpkin pie beer. There is a also a firkin for serving cask-aged beer, often called “real ale.” After the expected multitudes of beer, each location has its own design aesthetic and creative emphasis. The downtown Savannah location, which opened in mid 2012, for example, is strictly a bar with no food service and the decor is suitably darker and tailored for an adult clientele. In Pooler, the atmosphere is light and airy thanks to large windows, high ceilings and an open floorpan. Tegan Foster is a corporate World of Beer consultant. She described the Pooler

location as embodying “the tavern experience. Beer is first and foremost. It’s an environment where you want to talk to people.” The food menu is highlighted by the Chimay Burger, a thick juicy patty topped with cheese from the Chimay Trappist dairy in Belgium. Other pub worthy fare can be found ranging from giant soft german pretzels and tater tots to the Sunday BEERunch menu which includes Belgian beer waffles. In addition to the beer and food menu, World of Beer hopes that the service will make their locations worthy of repeat visits. World of Beer bartenders and waitstaff receive a crash course in “Beer School.” That means learning about all facets of beer from unique flavor profiles to the locations of breweries before being allowed to serve customers. World of Beer Pooler is at 238A Pooler Parkway, and is open 11:30 AM - 1 AM Monday through Thursday, 11:30 AM - 2 AM Friday and Saturday and 11 AM Midnight on Sunday. For more info visit worldofbeer.com/locations/Pooler

COASTAL EMPIRE OPENS TAPROOM

Coastal Empire Beer Co. has settled into its Ross Road location and is ready for visitors. Like other local breweries Southbound and Service, Coastal Empire will augment its local presence by offering tours and tastings. This is a chance to see how beer is made, meet your hometown brewers and try some new beverages along the way. This Saturday will be the first public open house and drop-ins are welcome 1-5 p.m. The events continue after the new year on the first and third Saturday of each month. Tours and tastings are free but visitors can buy a souvenir glass for a better sampling

experience and to help support the brewery. One of the perks of visiting a brewery is to try beers that haven’t been finalized yet. These in-progress brews give a unique insight into the beer making process. Coastal Empire’s “Southern Delight” is a praline amber that will be out after the first of the year, but you can be one of the first to try a sample batch this week. Coastal also has a single-hop double IPA showcasing the Equinox hop variety that is exclusive to the tap room. The use of Equinox makes a peppery, robust tasting experience that is untempered by the 10% alcohol by volume and features a huge floral and citrus aroma. Coastal Empire recently won the bronze medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival for their “Dawn Patrol” imperial breakfast stout. Entered into the highly competitive Herb and Spice Beer category, the brew bested 147 competitors, and for good reason. The complex but surprisingly easy to drink beer is aged on ancho peppers, cumin, nutmeg, allspice, raisins and coffee from Savannah Coffee Roasters. Modeled after a mole recipe, the beer is delicious and will be available for tasting on Saturday. Coastal Beer Co is at 79 Ross Rd. More info at coastalempirebeer.com.

SOUTHBOUND UNLEASHES THE REAPER

Speaking of outstanding local beer, Southbound Brewing Co. has released “The Reaper” into the wild. Southbound’s winter seasonal offering is in the Belgian Quad style showcasing expected characteristics like a smooth, drinkable malt base with flavors reminiscent of dark fruits at the fore. The kicker is a finish that evokes chocolate and cherry cake. You can find it on tap at the brewery or select Savannah locations. cs

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culture | food & Drink

Treylor Park tickles your Southern fancy Closely curated menu keeps it tasty By Cheryl Baisden Solis

DEC 17-23, 2014

TREY WILDER and Hunter Satterwhite, owner and chef respectively of the new and quite wonderful Treylor Park on Bay, have a simpatico feel for good food that goes way back. They first met just out of college and formed a foodie partnership in L.A. while working together at the Playboy Mansion for several years. Afterwards these two went their separate ways for a while, with Trey residing in Manhattan and Hunter honing his culinary skills with food truck cuisine in L.A. Trey’s a good old Southern boy at heart though; a native of Macon, Georgia, and Dixie does tend to call its own back after a while, especially when it comes to memories of our delicious and down-home food. Eventually Trey moved to Savannah, asking his good buddy to join him. They both wanted to open a place that served recognizable, fresh Southern food, but with a twist. Working his own name into the label they created Treylor Park. Hunter’s experience with fast and tasty food-truck fare and Trey’s quirky sense of humor have produced a menu in a style that some might called elevated white-trash, but has a funky, fun flavor all its own. My advice is to ask for details on the dishes because the menu is changeable. I’ve dined there satisfactorily and am impressed with the permutations of favorite Southern dishes. The bar and restaurant have a laid-back feel, with gray walls, soft lighting, unique art and a dining room overlooked by an immense deer skull encased in silver, its antlers reaching up to nearly touch the ceiling—a gift from Trey’s dad after a recent hunting expedition. “I wanted to keep things simple, with food people recognize easily, but with our own unique personal take. It’s trailer park staples but at a higher level,” Trey tells me. “Our logo is a Jetstream trailer—still a trailer for sure, but the best kind. Hunter is really fun and inventive with each dish.” I did balk at his suggestion to try the PB&J Wings, but I am happy to admit that I’m glad I did. Not peanut butter but pecan butter, freshly ground and made in36 house, coats a set of fine fried wings, and

Trey Wilder’s a good ol’ Southern boy at heart; at right, Chef Satterwhite’s Chicken ‘n’ Pancake Tacos. a scattering of fresh-made peach jam. I’ve eaten all sorts of wings in my time, but this was a new experience: a rich creamy coating of pecan butter, fresh roasted pecan pieces and that light glaze of jam is amazing. A foodie friend of mine pronounced the Fish Tacos, crisp grouper sticks dressed in cilantro-lime chow-chow, “wonderful,” and an accompanying girlfriend, who ordered the Treylor Park Nachos was floored by the big dish full of, not chips, but waffle fries, loaded with fried chicken chunks, two cheeses, jalapenos and more. I ask Trey about the small menu: “I’ve seen so many places that overdo this, having just too many menus for too many different meals: breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, whatever,” he says. “Servers have other lives when they get off work, and who wants to spend their time memorizing dishes and prices from all those menus? It gets to be too much to familiarize yourself with! We’re into keeping it small, changing it up according to the freshest seasonal produce, and thus making it all easier

to deal with.” I love it that you can walk in late at night (kitchen open until midnight) and get a scrumptious meal of Biscuits Benedict, Trey’s version of the well-known dish, but made with two halves of a big ole Southern biscuit replacing the English muffin, and perfectly cooked Applewood bacon slices topped with poached eggs, the whole smothered in rich sausage-milk gravy and a sprig of fried collard bits. My daughter, the burger-hound in the family, absolutely loved the big, char-grilled burger made of grass-fed beef, and yet, she was just a little put off by the sweet, caramelized onions on the classic Grilled Cheese—ask for it minus the grilled onions if you prefer. The big seller here, though, is the Chicken ‘n’ Pancake Tacos: tender, fried chickenfingers wrapped in actual golden pancakes, dressed in honey-chili sauce and a flavorful jalapeno-strawberry salsa—try’em with a dark ale or Old Rasputin, a Russian Stout. An explanation on the ‘Tart Flambé’:

“This is actually a kind of flatbread pizza. We wanted a really good flatbread, though, different than you usually find, with its own flavor; so we choose a French dough, which is thin, light and crispy with a subtle sweetness.” Available with a Charcuterie of meats and cheeses; American-breakfast style with bacon, eggs & cheese; or with seasonal vegies & béchamel sauce, it’s fast becoming a local favorite. Desserts here are not for those fainthearted about sugar! Fried Oreos (a popular food-truck goodie) and a super-rich Bacon Brownie, wearing a unique bacon-fat n’sugar glaze, real bacon-bits sprinkled on top and crowned with toffee ice-cream—damn, y’all! Can’t wait to see what they think of next! cs Treylor Park www.treylorpark.com 115 E Bay St (912) 495-5557 Daily 11am-3am

now serving a wide variety of bottle & draft craft beers! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Anytime

we welcome the naughty and the nice! Join us for our annual

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MONDAYS Free Bacon Night TUESDAYS Dollar Drink Night SATURDAYS Live Music - 8pm Ever changing & evolving food & drink menu

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OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK 4PM TIL 1AM 4523 HABERSHAM ST | HABERSHAM SHOPPING VILLAGE | 355.5956

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Weekly special menu

film Screenshots by Matt Brunson myeahmatt@gmail.com

CARMIKE 10 511 Stephenson Ave. 353-8683

Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Horrible Bosses 2, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Beyond the Lights, Dumb and Dumber To, Big Hero 6, Interstellar, St. Vincent

spotlight EISENHOWER 352-3533 1100 Eisenhower Dr.

Exodus: Gods and Kings, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, The Theory of Everything, The Blue Room

REGAL SAVANNAH 10 1132 Shawnee St. 927-7700

White Christmas 60th Anniversary, Top Five, The Pyramid, Horrible Bosses 2, Dumb and Dumber To, Big Hero 6, The Theory of Everything, Nightcrawler, Fury, Gone Girl

VICTORY SQUARE 9 1901 E. Victory 355-5000

The Hobbit Marathon, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Horrible Bosses 2, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Big Hero 6

WYNNSONG 11 1150 Shawnee St. 920-1227

The Hobbit Marathon, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Interstellar, Birdman, Annabelle, The Equalizer

POOLER 12 425 POOLER PKWY. 330-0777

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The Hobbit Marathon, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Horrible Bosses 2, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1,Dumb and Dumber To, Big Hero 6, Interstellar

MARS THEATRE

DEC 17-23, 2014

106 S. LAUREL ST., SPRINGFIELD 754-1118

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb screens at 10 p.m. Friday, December 19, and at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 21. On Monday, December 22, Miracle on 34th Street screens at 3 p.m. The Muppet Christmas Carol screens at 6 p.m. On Tuesday, December 23, It’s A Wonderful Life screens at 3 p.m. A Christmas Story screens at 6 p.m.

Baxter) coo, “Oh, Moses, Moses, you stubborn, splendid, adorable fool!” – and now here comes Exodus: Gods and Kings in an unintentional attempt to match it guffaw for guffaw. The mirth begins with the appearance of the pharaoh Seti, who turns out to be played by that most Brooklynese of thespians, John Turturro. Turturro’s generally an exemplary actor, but his turn here is only slightly less embarrassing than when he exposed his bare buttocks in one of those abysmal Transformers sequels. Then again, everyone’s ass is basically left hanging out in an often embarrassing spectacle that proves to be as insincere as a televangelist and as confused as his groupies. First, let’s get the controversy out of the way. Much has been made of director Ridley Scott’s decision to hire an all-white cast occurs in the relationship between Andre for the central roles, stating in an interview and Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson), a that “I can’t mount a film of this budget … New York Times writer following him for a OOP and say that my lead actor is Muhammad day, that’s as imbecilic as anything found in Top five thoughts that crossed my mind so-and-so from such-and-such.” I concede an inane Katherine Heigl rom-com. There’s that he’s probably right about casting a “lead as I watched Top Five, the new film written also a major plot thread involving Andre’s by, directed by and starring Chris Rock. actor,” and a star of Christian Bale’s caliber upcoming wedding to a reality-TV star 1) The careers of Rock and Richard probably was needed to sell this picture. But (Gabrielle Union) that never feels anything Pryor are similar in that both were brildid every key role need to be cast in such a but forced. liant standup comedians never quite able manner, even smaller parts filled by the likes 4) The celebrity cameos add nothing to to translate that success into Hollywood of Sigourney Weaver and Breaking Bad’s pictures, many of which were nose-pinching the picture. Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg and Aaron Paul? Jerry Seinfeld appear as themselves, and atrocities like Pryor’s The Toy and Rock’s I suppose the criticism would dissipate they yield about as many laughs as a six-car more rapidly if the performances were Grown Ups twofer with pal Adam Sandler. pileup. And like Pryor with the underrated Jo Jo accomplished enough to draw us completely 5) Speaking of which, I hope Tracy Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, Rock now lays into the story – after all, this past spring’s Morgan wins his suit against the heinous it all on the line with Top Five, drawing Noah was scarcely more sensitive in its upon personal experience to fashion the tale Walmart overlords trying to insidiously color-coordinated casting. Yet unlike that shirk their responsibilities in the accident of Andre Allen, a popular comedian who’s Darren Aronofsky effort, wherein the actors involving a company truck, which killed tired of headlining fluff like the Hammy gave believable, committed performances, comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair and this one is hampered by wretched casting blockbusters (wherein he plays a bear-cop seriously injured Morgan and others. This whose catchphrase is “It’s Hammy time!”) in virtually every role. Bale labors mightily, came to mind during the screening because but he never captures Moses in the feverand has aspirations to make more serious Morgan has a supporting role in Top Five. pictures (like his new piece Uprize, about a ish manner that Russell Crowe essayed He’s hysterical in his brief appearance as Haitian slave revolt that left 50,000 whites Noah or Heston portrayed Moses in the ’56 Fred, glumly sitting on a couch and resigndead). model – he’s less Moses the servant of God 2) When Top Five is funny, it’s very funny. edly taking potshots from the other charac- and more Moses the first action hero. Joel ters in the scene. There are choice bits in this picture that Edgerton is likewise ineffectual as Ramses alone are worth the price of admission. – wearing enough black eyeliner to suggest A lengthy hotel-room sequence featuring EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS he partly based his character on Meeko the Rock, Cedric the Entertainer and a pair of raccoon from Pocahontas, he cuts far too party girls deserves to be the water-cooler contemporary a figure to ever blend into the OP talk of the season. It’s Cedric the Entertainer Edward G. Robinson remains one of period. like you’ve never seen him before – that’s not the greatest actors the film world has ever Because Scott and his scriptwriting disnecessarily a good thing, but it is a hysteriknown, but that doesn’t mean he was right ciples know they have to somehow make a cal one. There’s also a riotous sequence later for every single role he played. Case in point: movie that won’t turn off hardline Chrisin the film that will leave viewers simulta1956’s The Ten Commandments, in which tians (as did Aronofsky’s far more outraneously laughing and squirming (hint: It he failed to convince in his portrayal of the geous – and far more thought-provoking involves a liberal dousing of Tabasco sauce). shifty Hebrew overseer Dathan. Of course, – Noah) yet also attract more secular mov3) The plot turns far too conventional for Robinson’s performance wasn’t the only iegoers, they end up with a shallow, surfaceits own good. This surprised me, since Rock dalliance with camp to be found in that skimming film that will satisfy neither was doing a fine job of keeping it raw and popular Charlton Heston epic – I always faction. To serve as a distraction, a gazillion real. But there’s a breaking development that get a chortle out of hearing Nefretiri (Anne dollars worth of CGI is tossed onto the

TOP FIVE

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screen, but the results surprisingly run hotand-cold, with the Red Sea interlude especially failing to convince (and, in the “deadly plagues” set-piece, dig those alligators doing their best Jaws interpretations!). At least the set design is convincing. Much of the film takes place in Memphis, Egypt, and given the ineptitude on display in other facets of the production, I halfexpected a scene in which Moses parted the gates of Graceland.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

OOO

As a fellow film fan recently confided, going to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies feels more like fulfilling a mandatory commitment than attending a mustsee movie event. It’s an understandable sentiment that’s been echoed by many, seeing as how Peter Jackson’s second Middleearth trilogy frequently came across as little more than that proverbial ugly red-headed stepchild to the filmmaker’s Oscar-adorned The Lord of the Rings saga. The previous Hobbit yarns, An Unexpected Journey and The Desolation of Smaug, were more than decent, but for all their CGI splendor, they lacked the epic ambition and oversized emotion of the Frodo flicks. Thus, the sense among certain viewers is that, like Bilbo Baggins, they’ve come this far, so they might as well finish the trips to the multiplex. These viewers are in for a pleasant surprise. The Battle of the Five Armies is, by a dwarf hair, the best of the trio, wrapping up the story in satisfactory fashion while investing the proceedings with some genuine pathos along the way. Yes, it’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre with Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) subbing for Fred C. Dobbs, but there’s real empathy to be felt in watching Bilbo (Martin Freeman) attempt to bring his friend Thorin back from the dark side. There’s also a lot of heart in the budding romance between dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner) and elf Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly), as well as rooting interest in Bard (Luke Evans) becoming the reluctant leader of the human contingent. And if there’s a feeling of deja vu whenever the action shifts to Gandalf (Ian McKellen) once again puttering across the landscape or yakking with other wizards, it’s offset by the segments featuring the Orc Azog (Manu Bennett), one of the most imposing of all recent movie villains. So after a span of 14 years and six movies, Jackson’s finally done with J.R.R. Tolkien. Unless, of course, he suddenly decides to bring The Silmarillion to the screen, in which

attraction, Mockingjay — Part 2, hits theaters this time next year (Nov. 20, 2015, to be exact). For all its stop-and-start pacing, there’s still plenty worth catching, beginning with the lead performance by Jennifer Lawrence She once again excels as Katniss Everdeen. As for that sudden-death overtime of an ending, it’s sure to leave many patrons grumbling. But look at the bright side: Whereas we had to wait three whole years to witness how Han would get rescued, we’ll only have to wait one to see if this franchise rescues itself from overhyped expectations and wraps up in high-flying fashion.

BIRDMAN

OOOO Where to begin in tackling the numerous excellent qualities that make up the moviegoing experience known as Birdman? The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies The logical starting point would be Michael Keaton, whose superstar status really didn’t extend much past the 1980s. case an intervention might be required. Julia ( Jennifer Aniston). In that respect, he has much in common There are a few genuine laughs to be The Theory Of Everything found in Horrible Bosses 2, although viewers with Riggan Thomson, the character he OOO plays in Birdman. Riggan was once an A-list will probably have more luck locating gold The Theory of Everything presents a look at doubloons in the Myrtle Beach sands. Oth- movie star, having starred in three successful the life of celebrity physicist Stephen Hawk- erwise, the humor is strictly of the sort that films as the superhero Birdman. But those ing, best known for his chart-topping book will leave 14-year-old boys gasping for air days are long gone, and in an effort to not A Brief History of Time. The film of course through their explosive bouts of diarrhetic only revitalize his career but also to make explores Hawking’s professional achievelaughing but find everyone else rolling their Art-with-a-capital-A, Riggan has opted to ments but spends even more time examining eyes. write, direct and star in a Broadway adaptahis marriage to Jane (the movie is based on tion of Raymond Carver’s What We Talk her book Travelling to Infinity — My Life The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — About When We Talk About Love. In one Part 1 with Stephen). It’s an affecting love story, so respect, Birdman is a movie about a turf war, OOO potent that a third-act wrinkle arrives out specifically the one that exists between Holof the blue and is played out in the blink So do we blame the existence of The Hun- lywood and Broadway. New Yorkers like of an eye, as if director James Marsh and ger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 on Han Mike and the Times theater critic Tabitha scripter Anthony McCarten were afraid to Solo or Harry Potter? Dickinson (Lindsay Duncan) resent allow reality to step on the fairytale romance The Jedi tale was created for the screen; the fact that a shallow, callow celebrity they had so carefully nurtured. Despite the not so the Harry Potter pictures, which would dare come to their neck of the woods clumsiness, it’s hard to blame them: Eddie were born on the pages of J.K. Rowling’s and pollute the hallowed stage with an amaRedmayne and Felicity Jones are perfect best-selling books. teur production; Tabitha even goes so far as as Stephen and Jane, providing the humor, And after six successful films, the produc- to tell Riggan that she plans to destroy his strength and emotion required in any marers got either ambitious or greedy (take your play in print, regardless of whether or not riage, whether it’s a real one or a reel one. pick) and opted to split the final novel into it’s good. two separate flicks —maximizing profits, It’s an insider topic made accessible HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 yes, but also allowing the story to breathe a through the terrific dialogue by writerOP bit more and not be heavily trimmed to fit director Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Arriving just in time to soil the holiday into one comfortable run time. The downGrams, Biutiful) and his three co-scripters, season, Horrible Bosses 2 feels less like a side, though, was that Harry Potter and the and it’s joined by a cheeky dig at the film sequel to the fairly engaging 2011 original Deathly Hallows: Part I, while nevertheless capital’s obsession with superhero flicks, a and more like a companion piece to the cur- enjoyable, still felt like a case of too much look at the tempestuous backstage relationrent Dumb and Dumber To. narrative padding, with most of the highships that often inform a show (in this case, Until the storytelling got sloppy during lights reserved for Part 2. That, in a nutshell, not only between Riggan and Mike but also its final third, the original Horrible Bosses is also what happens with Mockingjay — Riggan and Laura, Mike and Lesley, and yielded a hearty number of laughs in its Part 1, an adaptation of the first half of the more), and musings on the fine line that final book in author Suzanne Collins’ Hun- separates artistic inspiration from out-andtale of hapless working grunts Nick ( Jason ger Games series. The film is certainly a suc- out insanity. CS Bateman), Kurt ( Jason Sudeikis) and Dale cess, and no fan would dream of missing it. (Charlie Day) and their efforts to exact But there’s an unavoidable sensation of revenge on their psychotic bosses Dave treading water, of biding time until the main (Kevin Spacey), Bobby (Colin Farrell) and 39

DEC 17-23, 2014

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happenings We reserve the right to edit or cut listings because of space limitations.

Activism & Politics

Drinking Liberally

An informal, left-leaning gathering to discuss politics, the economy, sports, entertainment, etc. Every first and third Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Free third Thursday of every month.. (912) 341-7427. livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/GA/savannah. Tondee's Tavern, 7 E. Bay Street. Savannah Area Young Republicans

Get involved. Contact is Michael Johnson, via email or telephone, or see website for info. 912-604-0797. chairman@sayr.org. sayr.org. Call or see website for information. Free ongoing. 912-308-3020. savannahyoungrepublicans.com. Savannah Libertarians

Join the Facebook group to find out about upcoming local events. Mondays. Facebook.com/groups/SAVlibertarians. Savannah Tea Party

5pm social time. 5:30pm meeting begins. 6pm speaker. Reservations not necessary. Free to attend. Food and beverages available for purchase. Mondays, 5:30 p.m.. 912-598-7358. savannahteaparty. com. liveoakstore.com/tubbysthunderbolt. Tubby's Tank House (Thunderbolt), 2909 River Dr. Young Democrats

Mondays at 7pm on the second level of Foxy Loxy, Bull Street. Call or visit the Young Democrats Facebook page for more information. Free ongoing. 423-619-7712. foxyloxycafe.com/. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St. Auditions and Calls for Entries

Call for Artists

The Sentient Bean seeks experienced artists for one-month-long exhibitions of his/ her work. Artists must have a website with current images representing a sample of the work to be shown in order to be considered. Apply to sentientbooking@gmail. com, subject line “art show." See website for info. Fridays.. sentientbean.com/ booking#visualarts. sentientbean.com. The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave. Call for Entries for Savannah GIF Festival

Art Rise is looking for GIF images to be submitted for the first annual Savannah GIF Festival, which is part of the Telfair Museum's PULSE festival. Selected GIFs will be exhibited during Art Rise Savannah's ARTificial Intelligence Symposium at the Bull Street Public Library on January 20. There is no limit and no charge to submissions. Submit at savgiffest.tumblr.com. Through Jan. 10, 2015. artrisesavannah. org/artintel. artrisesavannah.org. Art Rise Savannah, 2427 Desoto Ave. City of Savannah TV Show Seeks Entries

DEC 17-23, 2014

The City of Savannah's TV station, SGTV, seeks profiles, documentaries, animations, original music videos, histories or other original works by or about the citizens of Savannah to run on "Engage," a television show produced by the city. No compensa40 tion. SGTV offers an opportunity to expose

40 compiled by Rachael Flora | happenings@connectsavannah.com Happenings is Connect Savannah’s listing of community gatherings, events, classes and groups. If you want an event listed, email happenings@connectsavannah.com. Include specific dates, time, locations with addresses, cost and a contact number. Deadline for inclusion is 5pm Friday, to appear in next Wednesday’s edition.

local works to over 55,000 households in Chatham County. Submit proposals via website. Saturdays.. savannahga.gov/engagesgtv. Gallery 209 Call for Artists

Gallery 209, 209 East River Street, seeks a 3D artist to join its cooperative gallery. Interested artists call 236-4583 between 10:30am--1:30 pm, or emailbmrousseau@ aol.com. Sundays.. gallery209savannah. com/. Gallery 209, 209 E River St.

leashes, collars, wash cloths, towels. Open daily, 1pm-5pm. Mondays.. 912-351-6750. animalcontrol.chathamcounty.org. Chatham County Animal Shelter, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr. Forsyth Farmers Market Seeks Sponsors

Market sponsors invest in a healthy community and support the local economy. Sponsorships begin at $350. Help keep food fresh and local. Tuesdays.. kristen@ forsythfarmersmarket.com. forsythfarmersmarket.com. forsythfarmersmarket. com/. Forsyth Farmers' Market, 501 Whitaker St., South End of Forysth Park.

Group forming on Fridays beginning in March. 1:30pm-3pm. Based on The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Contact Lydia Stone, 912-656-6383 or rosesonthemove@ gmail.com. ongoing. 912-656-6383. rosesonthemove@gmail.com. Basic Gun Safety Class

Offered by the Chatham County Sheriffs Office firearms instructors, for Chatham County civilians. Third Saturday of the month, 8:30am-12pm. until noon.$25 fee. Gallery Seeks Local Artists Sign up by telephone. Those interested do Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street, seeks 2-D not need to own a firearm to attend the and 3-D artists to join its cooperative galclass. third Saturday of every month, 8:30 lery. Must be a full-time resident of Savan- $5 Bikram Yoga Class to Benefit Local Charities a.m.-noon. 912-652-6959. Beading Classes nah or nearby area. Work to be considered Bikram Yoga Savannah offers a weekly includes painting, photography, mixed me- Karma class to raise money for local chari- Offered every weekend at Perlina Beadshop, 6 West State Street. Check website ties. Thursdays during the 6:30pm class. dia, sculpture, glass, ceramics and wood. Pay $5 for class and proceeds are donated calendar or call for info. 912-441-2656. Submit 5-10 images of work, resume/CV perlinabeadshop.com. and bio to info@kobogallery.com. Mondays. to a different charity each month. This Beading Classses at Epiphany Bead & Jewelry is a regular Bikram Yoga class. ongoing. Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street ,. Studio Homeschool Music Classes 912.356.8280. bikramyogasavannah.com. Music classes for homeschool students Professional Clothing Drive at Armstrong Learn jewelry-making techniques from Armstrong State University’s Office of ages 8-18 and their parents. Offered in beginner to advanced. Call for class times. Career Services is accepting donations for 912-920-6659. Epiphany Bead & Jewelry Guyton and Savannah. See website for details. ongoing. CoastalEmpireMusic.com. its Clothing Closet, a professional clothStudio, 407 East Montgomery Xrds. Oatland Island Seeks Memories and Recollecing drive seeking gently used professional Beginning Belly Dance Classes tions for 40th Anniversary Taught by Happenstance Bellydance. All attire—oxford shirts, men's and women’s Oatland Island Education Center is looking suits, slacks, blouses, dress shoes. Cloth- skill levels and styles. Private instruction for memories of Oatland Island in honor available. $15 912-704-2940. happening will be available to students seeking of their 40th anniversary. People who were career guidance assistance. Drop off stancebellydance@gmail.com. happenstancebellydance.wordpress.com. Anahata part of the Youth Conservation Corp that location: the alumni office in Burnett Hall helped to build Oatland Island Education on the Armstrong campus. Through Feb. 1, Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. Champions Training Center Center in the 1970’s. Great memories from 2015. 912.344.2563. careers@armstrong. Offering a variety of classes and training in field trips. Special family memories of Oat- edu. about.armstrong.edu/Maps/index. mixed martial arts, jui-jitsu, judo and other land Island. Send your photos and stories html. Armstrong State University, 11935 disciplines for children and adults. All skill to memories@oatland40th.org. Deadline Abercorn St. SCMPD Animal Control seeks Volunteers levels. 525 Windsor Rd. 912-349-4582. is August 31. undefined. 912-395-1500. Savannah Chatham County Animal Control ctcsavannah.com. oatlandisland.org. Ukulele Group Chatham County Sheriff's Office Explorers Post seeks volunteers to serve various tasks 876 Contact Warren Walker for lessons or inas needed by the shelter. No prior animal Chatham County Sheriff's Office Explorers formation on participation at 912-398-1640. shelter experience is necessary. Newly Post 876, is taking applications from young Through Jan. 4, 2015. Downtown Savannah, trained volunteers will be authorized to downtown. serve immediately after orientation. Poten- men and women (ages 14-20) interested tial volunteers are asked to notify J. Lewis in law enforcement careers. Explorers exBenefits perience mentoring, motivation, and learn prior to orientation; though, walk-ins are “The Twelve Bars of Christmas” 5k Charity Bar welcome. Volunteers must be at least skills which help prepare them for their Crawl roles as productive citizens. See Chatham 17-years-old. ongoing. (912) 525-2151. Crawlers will brave the ice-cold winter County Sheriff's web page, click "Commujlewis01@savannahga.gov. weather and journey through Savannah's nity/Explorers Post 876 or call. Wedneswinter wonderland, as they travel to each days.. 912-651-3743. chathamsheriff.org. Classes, Camps & Workshops Argentine Tango Beyond Basics Group Class Classical Guitar Instruction 12 of Savannah’s most festive and fun A class for advanced beginners in ArgenProfessional level classical instruction destinations. Run, walk or crawl as you tine Tango. Prerequisite: knowledge of with a university professor. Lessons availfollow "Santa's List" aka the map/scoreBasic elements of Argentine Tango. No able for all levels with Dr. Brian Luckett, card and you will travel 5k. 12 bars later, partner required. This is a 4 week course DMA. Private studio in Starland District. you'll be sufficiently full of holiday cheer! that will progress each week. $35 Wednes- $25/half hour, $45/hour. brian@brianluckAlong with presents from Santa, a fesdays, 7-8 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile. ett.com. (brianluckett.com. tive Santa hat for all participants and free dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestu- Clay Classes entry to all participating bars, each bar dio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Savannah Clay Studio at Beaulieu offers will provide festive drink specials excluhandbuilding, sculpture, and handmade Hodgson Memorial Drive. sively for "The Twelve Bars of Christmas" tiles, basic glazing and firing. 912-351participants. $15 adv / $20 day of Sat., Dec. Art Classes at The Studio School Ongoing weekly drawing and painting 4578. sav..claystudio@gmail.com. 20, 2-10 p.m. 912-660-9001. Chantal@ StaffordPromotions.com. https://facebook. classes for youth and adults. See website, Boating Classes Classes on boat handling, boating safety send email or call for details. 912-484com/events/1455275271386521/. innatand navigation offered by U.S. Coast Guard 6415. melindaborysevicz@gmail.com. mcdonoughs.com/restaurant-lounge/. Auxiliary. See website or call to register. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. McDonough's, 21 East Mcdonough St. Chatham County Animal Control Seeks DonaArt, Music, Piano, Voice Coaching 912-897-7656. savannahaux.com. tions of Items Coaching for all ages, beginners through Coffee Cupping Chatham County Animal Control seeks advanced. Classic, modern, jazz improviza- Like a wine tasting, but with coffee. A lesitems for pets in the facility. Canned son on coffee process methods and origins tion and theory. Serious inquiries only. and dry dog and cat food, baby formula, worthy of a connoisseur. Free and open to 912-961-7021 or 912-667-1056. Artist Sacred Circle newspaper, paper towels, soaps, crates,

continued from previous page

the public. Donations welcome. Fridays, 11 a.m.. 912-209-0025. perccoffee.com. PERC Coffee Roasters, 1802 East Broad Street. Conscious Kids Yoga

A yoga class for children age 4 and up, to build skill, confidence, strength, and abilities of the body, mind, and heart. $15 per class or $50 for 6 sessions (to be used within 2 months) Wednesdays, 4-4:45 p.m.. 912-544-6387. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street. Creative Magic Mondays

A way to begin the week on a creative note. Doodling, planning, manifesting, crafting. Participants bring their own art supplies. Free. Love donation appreciated. Mondays, 11 a.m.. relaxsavannah@gmail.com. facebook.com/creativemanifest. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. DUI Prevention Group

Offers victim impact panels for intoxicated drivers, DUI, offenders, and anyone seeking knowledge about the dangers of driving while impaired. A must see for teen drivers. Meets monthly. $40/session 912-443-0410. English as Second Language Classes

Learn conversational English, comprehension, vocabulary and life communication skills. All ages. Thursdays, 7:30pm, Island Christian Church, 4601 US Highway 80 East. Free. 912-897-3604. islandchristian. org. Family Law Workshop

The Mediation Center has three workshops per month for people who do not have legal representation in a family

matter: divorce, legitimation, modifications of child support, visitation, contempt. Schedule: 1st Tues, 2nd Mon, 4th Thursday. Call for times. $30 912-354-6686. mediationsavannah.com.

“Gimme All Your Lovin” -hugs and kisses all around. by matt Jones | Answers on page 45

Fany's Spanish/English Institute

Spanish is fun. Classes for adults and children held at 15 E. Montgomery Crossroad. Register by phone. ongoing. 912-921-4646. Fashion Design/Sewing Lessions

$25 Mondays-Saturdays.. 305-401-2729. labissiereinc@gmail.com. provokestyle. com/classes. Labissiere Studio, 145 Bull St. Figure Drawing Classes

Tuesdays 6-9pm and Wednesdays 9:3012:30am. $60/4-session package or $20 drop-in fee. At the Studio School. ongoing. 912-484-6415. melindaborysevicz@gmail. com. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St. Guitar, Mandolin, or Bass Guitar Lessons

Emphasis on theory, reading music, and improvisation. Located in Ardsley Park. ongoing. 912-232-5987. Housing Authority Neighborhood Resource Center

Housing Authority of Savannah hosts classes at the Neighborhood Resource Center. Adult literacy/GED prep: MonThurs, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm. Financial education: 4th Fri each month, 9am-11am. Basic computer training: Tues & Thurs, 1pm-3pm. Community computer lab: MonFri, 3pm-4:30pm. ongoing. 912-232-4232

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Across

1 Little bites 5 Full of snark 10 Bill dispensers 14 Frigg’s husband, in Norse myth 15 Be loud, like a radio 16 Brush off 17 Succumb to gravity 18 Spanish guy who joined a Germanic tribe? 20 “I just thought of something!” 21 “___ my heart open...” (Papa Roach lyric) 22 Vegetarian option 24 Academic aides, briefly 27 Hidden beneath the surface 30 Avant-garde composer Glass 33 Big house fixture 34 Like many actresses on “Baywatch”? 38 Modeler’s moldable medium 39 Devious little devil 40 Less complicated 42 Eisenhower’s WWII command 43 “J’adore” perfumier 45 Author of “The Watergate Diaries”? 47 Actress Pompeo 49 Assumes the role of 50 Infrequently 52 Opening piece? 53 Produce 57 Bassoons’ smaller

relatives 59 Swing in the ring 60 The most one-sided line in US history? 65 Money in Milan, before the euro 66 Destroy 67 Emcee’s delivery 68 Sandler on guitar 69 “Nurse Jackie” star Falco 70 Posh neckwear 71 Is the author of

Down

1 Health food claim 2 “Famous Potatoes” state 3 Rice side 4 “Celebrity Jeopardy” broadcaster, for short 5 Network Stephen Colbert is moving to 6 Carte or mode preceder 7 Levy 8 “Star Trek” counselor Deanna 9 Streisand movie 10 Afro-___ languages 11 Song that goes “So whyyyyyy don’t you use it?” 12 Item stating “World’s Greatest Dad” 13 Nestle’s ___-Caps 19 It’s sealed with a shake 23 Code for a scanner 24 It’s below the femur 25 Reunion attendee

26 Beer buy 28 “Hey, that’s cool!” 29 Model, like clothes 31 Dept. formerly headed by Kathleen Sebelius 32 Well-behaved 34 ___ one’s time (waits) 35 “Germinal” author Zola 36 Mission that included a moonwalk 37 Cluttered up 41 Genetic info carrier 44 Leon who sang the theme to “Mr. Belvedere” 46 School of thought 48 Hands-together time 51 News outlets 54 Tolerate 55 Holy book 56 Major tests 58 Serious sevensome 60 Beats by ___ 61 Diaphragm alternative 62 “Senses Working Overtime” band 63 “___ y Plata” (Montana’s motto) 64 “Uh-uh!” 65 Once around

DEC 17-23, 2014

happenings |

Happenings |

continued from previous page

x115. savannahpha.com. savannahpha. com/NRC.html. Neighborhood Resource Center, 1407 Wheaton St. Knitting & Crochet Classes

Offered at The Frayed Knot, 6 W. State St. See the calendar of events on website. Mondays. 912-233-1240. thefrayedknotsav. com. Laughing Super Session

Ha Ha Ha! Ho Ho Ho! The holidays can be stressful - join us and laugh your stress

away at Laughing releases endorphins and suppresses stress hormones. It's like internal jogging for your organs. Fake laughter gives you all the same benefits of real laughter. Join us for twenty minutes of laughter, followed by a short silent meditation. 8 Sat., Dec. 20, 1-1:30 p.m. 912-7047650. ann@aikyayoga.com. savannhyoga. com. savannahyoga.com/. Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St. Learn to Sew

Sewing lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private and Group classes. Tuesdays.. 912596-0889. kleossewingstudio.com. Kleo's Sewing Studio, 36 W. Broughton St. #201.

596-1952. info@roiseandassociates.com. Downtown Savannah, downtown. Mommy & Me Relaxation Class

Teaches techniques to face the physical, mental, and emotional changes of a new Group & individual life coaching with a Cer- mother's body, mind and heart with poise tified Life Coach. Plan for a career change, and grace. a variety of relaxation technew lifestyle, or an opportunity to pursue niques for mother and child. For expectcreative or business projects. Step-by-step ing and new moms as well as those with guidance to fulfill aspirations. In person small children (4 and under). $15/class or telephone sessions. Thursdays.. 912or 6 classes for $50 (to be used within 2 months) Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.. 912-544-6387. erigosavannah. com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street. Life Coaching

Special gift sets & deals on in-stock handpipes & cigars!

Happy Holidays!

Music Instruction

Georgia Music Warehouse, near corner of Victory Drive & Abercorn, offering instruction by professional musicians. Band instruments, violin, piano, drums and guitar. All ages welcome. ongoing. 912-358-0054. georgiamusicwarehouse. com/. Georgia Music Warehouse, 2424 Abercorn St. Music Lessons: Private or Group

Portman’s Music Academy offers private or group classes for ages 2 to 92, beginner to advanced level. All instruments. Also, voice lessons, music production technology and DJ lessons. Teaching staff of over 20 instructors with professional, well equipped studios. Fridays.. 912-354-1500. portmansmusic.com. portmansmusic.com. Portman's Music Superstore, 7650 Abercorn St. Music Lessons--Multiple Instruments

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DEC 17-23, 2014

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123 E. Congress St. 912-233-5448 | facebook.com/LowCountryGlassArt | instagram.com/redlightsavannah

(ACROSS FROM THE PINK HOUSE ON REYNOLDS SQUARE) MON-SAT 11AM-11PM SUN 12PM-11PM

Savannah Musicians Institute offers private instruction for all ages in guitar, ddrums, piano, bass, voice, banjo, mandolin, ukelele, flute, woodwinds. 7041 Hodgson Memorial Dr. ongoing. 912692-8055. smisavannah@gmail.com. New Horizons Adult Band Program

Music program for adults who played a band instrument in high school/college and would like to play again. Mondays at 6:30pm at Portman's. $30 per month. All ages and ability levels welcome. Call for info. ongoing. 912-354-1500. portmansmusic.com. Portman's Music Superstore, 7650 Abercorn St. Novel Writing

Write a novel, finish the one you've started, revise it or pursue publication. Award-winning Savannah author offers one-on-one or small group classes, mentoring, manuscript critique, ebook formatting. Email for pricing and scheduling info. ongoing. pmasoninsavannah@gmail.com. Photography Classes

Beginner photography to post production. Instruction for all levels. $20 for two-hour class. See website for complete class list. 410-251-4421. chris@ chrismorrisphotography.com. chrismorrisphotography.com. Piano Lessons

Piano lessons with a classically trained instructor, with theater and church experience. 912-312-3977. ongoing. georgiamusicwarehouse.com/. Georgia Music Warehouse, 2424 Abercorn St. Piano Voice-Coaching

Pianist with M/degree,classical modern jazz improvisation, no age limit. Call 912-961-7021 or 912-667-1056. Serious

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inquiries only. ongoing. Polish Language Classes

The lessons are for beginners and open to anyone interested in learning the Polish language. Taught by Andrew Boguszewski. Reservations required. $25 Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.. 912-401-5861. St James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Ave. Prepared Childbirth Wednesday Session

This course gives an overview of reproductive anatomy and physiology and explains the process of labor and delivery in simple, easy-to-understand terms. The four-week course includes a tour of the labor and delivery unit. This class is popular, so please register early. $75 per couple Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. 912-350-2676. memorialhealth.com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Reading/Writing Tutoring

Ms. Dawn’s Tutoring in reading, writing, and composition. Remedial reading skills, help with borderline dyslexia, to grammar, term paper writing, and English as a Second Language. Fun methods for children to help them learn quickly. 912-660-7399. cordraywriter@gmail.com. Russian Language Classes

Learn to speak Russian. All experience levels welcome, beginner to expert. Call for info. ongoing. 912-713-2718. Sewing Classes

For beginners or advanced sewers. Industry standard sewing courses designed to meet standards in the garment industry. Open schedule. Savannah Sewing Academy. 1917 Bull St. Sundays.. 912-290-0072. savsew.com. Singing Classes

Bel Canto is a singing style which helps the voice become flexible and expressive, improves vocal range and breathing capacity. A foundation for opera, rock, pop, gospel and musical theatre. $25 Mondays, 6 p.m.. 786-247-9923. anitraoperadiva@ yahoo.com. Institute of Cinematic Arts, 12 West State Street, 3rd and 4th flrs.,. Spanish Classes

Spanish courses for professionals offered by Conquistador Spanish Language Institute, LLC. Beginner Spanish for Professionals--Intro price $155 + textbook ($12.95). Instructor: Bertha E. Hernandez, M.Ed. and native speaker. Meets in the Keller Williams Realty meeting room, 329 Commercial Drive. Tuesdays.. conquistador-spanish.com.

tor is accepting students. Nurturing, accepting, and collaborative studio. Services offered include strengthening the voice, range extension, relaxation techniques, and coaching through various styles of music. Audition and competition preparation. Varies Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 912-484-0628. Downtown Savannah, downtown. Clubs & Organizations

13th Colony Sound Barbershop Chorus

Sing in the harmonious barbershop style with the Savannah Chorus of the Barbershop Harmony Society. No charge Mondays, 6:30 p.m.. 912-344-9768. rfksav@ gmail.com. savannahbarbershoppers.org. Savannah Arts Academy, 500 Washington Ave. Abeni Cultural Arts Dance Classes

Classses for multiple ages in performance dance and adult fitness dance. African, modern, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, gospel. Held at Abeni Cultural Arts studio, 8400-B Abercorn St. Call Muriel, 912-6313452, or Darowe, 912-272-2797. ongoing. abeniculturalarts@gmail.com. Avegost LARP

Live action role playing group that exists in a medieval fantasy realm. generallly meets the second weekend of the month. Free for your first event or if you're a non-player character. $35 fee for returning characters. ongoing. godzillaunknown@gmail.com. avegost.com.

each month, 9:30am-10:30am. Tradewinds Ice Cream & Coffee, 107 Charlotte Rd. Call for info. ongoing. 912-308-6768. Chatham Sailing Club

Meets every Friday evening for an informal social gathering of like minded people who enjoy the water. Watch the sun go down over Turner Creek. All are welcome, including kids and dogs. Fridays.. chathamsailing.org. Young's Marina, 218 Wilmington Island Rd. Drop N Circle Craft Night

Sponsored by The Frayed Knot and Perlina. Tuesdays, 5pm-8pm. 6 W. State Street. A working gathering of knitters, crocheters, beaders, spinners, felters, needle pointers, etc. All levels of experience welcome. Tuesdays.. 912-233-1240. Exchange Club of Savannah - Weekly Lunch

Meets every Monday (except on the fifth Monday of the month), 12pm-1pm. Weekly speaker, and honor a student of the month and year, police officer and fireman of the year. Charities: Jenkins Boys & Girls Club; Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Guest are welcome Mondays, 12-1 p.m.. 912-441-6559. Savannahexchange.org. Exchange Club of Savannah, 4801 Meding Street. Fiber Guild of the Savannahs

A club focusing on weaving, spinning, basket making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, beading, rug hooking, doll making, and other fiber arts. Meets at Oatland

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Blindness and Low Vision Workshop

Workshops on the 3rd Thursday of each month on vision loss, services, and technology available to participate in the community. For people with blindness or low vision, and for caregivers and friends. Free and open to the public. third Thursday of every month.. savannahcblv.org. Savannah Center for the Blind and Low Vision, 214 Drayton St. Buccaneer Region SCCA

Local chapter of the Sports Car Club of America, hosting monthly solo/autocross driving events in the Savannah area. Anyone with a safe car, insurance and a valid driver's license is eligible to participate. See website. ongoing. buccaneerregion. org.

A group of voice instructors who believe in the power of a nurturing community to help voice students blossom into vibrant artists. Each instructor holds a Masters of Music in Voice Performance. Group classes held once a month, plus an annual recital. Varies Wednesdays.. 912-6560760. TheVoiceCoOp.org. The Voice Co-op, Downtown. Voice Lessons - Technique and Coaching

Experienced and successful voice instruc-

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Stress-reducing practices for body, speech and mind. Five Thursday night classes from 6- 7:00pm. $15 drop-in; $70 for series. Rev. Fugon Cindy Beach, Sensei. Savannah Zen Center 111 E. 34th St. 31401 revfugon@gmail.com ongoing.

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Free will astrology

by Rob brezsny | beautyandtruth@freewillastrology.com

ARIES

March 21-April 19

“Too much happiness can make you unhappy,” reported journalist Marta Zaraska in the *Washington Post.* Citing research by psychologists, she concluded that being super-extra cheerful can make you selfish, gullible, and more prone to stereotyped thinking. On the other hand, she said, maintaining merely moderate levels of happiness is pretty damn good for your mental and physical health. So here’s the takeaway, Aries: The astrological omens suggest you’re due for a surge of joy and pleasure. Just be careful it doesn’t spill over into rash, delirious excess. Here’s your watchword: well-grounded delight.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

In the 19th century, the Grimm brothers gathered over 200 old fairy tales from a variety of sources and published them in an unprecedented collection. Many of their stories are still popular, including “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Rapunzel.” Around the same time they did their work, a storyteller named Franz Xaver von Schönwerth assembled his own compendium of fantastic myths, fables, and folklore. Unlike the Grimm brothers’ book, his work faded into obscurity. But it was rediscovered in 2011, and 500 lost fairy tales are now finding their way into newly published books. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening for you in 2015, Taurus. Forgotten stories will return. Raw material from the depths will resurface. Interesting news from the past will come flowing into the present.

GEMINI

May 21-June 20

Your first task is to ascertain the half-truth, the whole half-truth, and nothing but the whole half-truth. Only then will you be able to find the other half of the truth. I realize it may be frustrating to use this approach. You’d probably prefer to avoid wrangling with the deceptions and misdirections. But I think it’s the only way to jostle loose the hidden or missing information. For best results, be a cunning and unsentimental detective who’s eager to solve the mystery. Don’t focus on finding fault or assigning blame.

CANCER

DEC 17-23, 2014

June 21-July 22

One of the ingredients that makes yoga mats so soft and springy is the chemical azodicarbonamide. The same stuff is added to the soles of shoes. There’s a third place where it’s used, too: in the burger buns sold by McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and other fast food joints. I’m not suggesting that you order a big supply of azodicarbonamide and ingest it. But I do hope you will consider the metaphorical equivalent: doing whatever’s necessary to make yourself bouncy and fluffy and pliable and supple and resilient.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

“There are two kinds of light,” said author

James Thurber, “the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.” Lately you have been an abundant source of that first kind of light, Leo. The fire in your heart and the gleam in your eyes have not only brightened the mood wherever you’ve gone. They have also clarified confusing situations, warmed chilly attitudes, and healed dispirited allies. Thank you! In the coming weeks, I’d love to see you continue on your hot streak. To help ensure that you do, keep your ego under control. Don’t let it pretend that it owns the light you’re emitting. With a little introspection, you will continue to generate illumination, not glare.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Studies suggest that 57 percent of all people with access to the Internet have engaged in the practice known as ego-surfing. This modern art form consists of searching Google for mentions of one’s own name. This is a suspiciously low figure unless we factor in the data uncovered by my own research -- which is that a disproportionately small amount of Virgos go ego-surfing: only 21 percent. If you are one of the 79 percent of your tribe who does not indulge, I invite you to remedy the situation. It’s an excellent time to risk exploring the potential benefits of increased self-interest and self-regard.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

When I started writing horoscopes many years ago, I was a good astrologer but an unexceptional writer. Eventually, the practice of composing 12 packets of pithy prose every week allowed me to improve my authorial skills. The stuff I composed in the early years wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t want to present it as my work any more. So should I feel guilty that I got paid and appreciated for those old efforts even though I was less than perfect? Did I get away with something I shouldn’t have gotten away with? I don’t think so. I was doing the best I could at the time. And even my unpolished astrological musings were helpful to many people. Now, Libra, I invite you to apply these meditations to you own unfolding destiny.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You may already know what I’m about to tell you. It’s a core principle at the root of your Scorpio heritage. But I want to focus your attention on it. In the coming months, you’ll be wise to keep it at the forefront of your conscious awareness. Here it is, courtesy of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “You have it in your power to invest everything you have lived through -- your experiments, false starts, errors, delusions, passions, your love and your hope -- into your goal, with nothing left over.”

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

“A savage desire for strong emotions and sensations burns inside me: a rage against this soft-tinted, shallow, standardized and sterilized life.” So says Harry Haller,

happenings | continued from previous page the protagonist of Herman Hesse’s novel *Steppenwolf.* His declaration could serve as an interesting point of reference for you in the coming months, Sagittarius -- not as a mood for everyday use, but as a poetic inspiration that you periodically call on to invigorate your lust for life. My invitation has a caveat, however. I advise you *not* to adopt the rest of Harry Haller’s rant, in which he says that he also has “a mad craving to smash something up, a department store, or a cathedral, or myself.”

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

I have lived near an open space preserve for five years. Up until the last two months, it has been a peaceful, quite place. But then the coyotes moved in. Just after dusk every evening, a pack of them start yipping and yowling in the distance. At first I found the racket to be eerie and unsettling. It activated some primal unease in me. And yet the coyotes have never actually been a problem. They don’t roam into my neighborhood and try to bite people or prey on pets. So now I’ve come to relish the situation: The wild things are close and exciting, but not dangerous. I’m guessing this has a metaphorical resemblance to what your life will be like in the next six months, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont are really a single town that straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. Many of the people who live there have dual citizenship, but they’re still supposed to carry their passports with them at all times. I suspect you may experience a metaphorical version of this split in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be in a situation that has a split down the middle or a seemingly unnatural division. Whether it turns out to be a problem or an opportunity will depend on your adaptability and flexibility.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

When a dead tree topples over in the woods, its withered branches may get entangled with the branches of a living tree that’s standing nearby. As years go by, the living tree must grow the best it can with the decaying wood trapped in its midst. Has something like that ever happened to you? Are you still carrying the rot that other people have burdened you with? If so, the coming months will be an excellent time to get disentangled. A tree isn’t capable of freeing itself from the dead weight of the past, but you are -- especially in the first half of 2015.

Island Wildlife Center, first Saturday of the month (Sept.-June) 10:15am. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. fiberguildsavannah.homestead. com/. Fiber Guild of the Savannahs, 711 Sandtown Road GA. Historic Flight Savannah

A non-profit organization dedicated to sending area Korean War and WWII veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the WWII Memorial. All expenses paid by Honor Flight Savannah. Honor Flight seeks contributions, and any veterans interested in a trip to Washington. Call for info. ongoing. 912-596-1962. honorflightsavannah.org. Historic Savannah Chapter: ABWA

Meets the second Thursday of every month from 6pm-7:30pm. Tubby's Tank House, 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt. Attendees pay for their own meals. RSVP by phone. ongoing. 912-660-8257. Hostess City Toastmasters Club

A group for improving public speaking and leadership skills. Professional, friendly, peer-run. Every Tuesday 6-7 PM at 35 Barnard Street 3rd Floor (ThincSavannah.) $10/month Tue., Dec. 23, 6-7 p.m. 912-484-0165. hostesscitytm@gmail.com. facebook.com/hostesscitytoastmasters. thincsavannah.com. ThincSavannah, 35 Barnard St. Suite 300.

Hostess City Toastmasters New Year's Resolution Membership Offer

The Hostess City Toastmasters club of historic downtown Savannah is offering new members a chance to get a leg up on their New Year’s resolution to improve public speaking skills. For anyone signing up during December and January, the Club will waive the first three months of local dues. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 6-7 pm at ThincSavannah, 35 Barnard Street, Third Floor, just off Ellis Square. Guests are welcome. Through Jan. 31, 2015. 912-209-4521. hostesscitytm@ gmail.com. thincsavannah.com. Thinc Savannah, 35 Barnard St. 3rd Floor. Ink Slingers Writing Group

A free creative writing group for writers of poetry, prose, or undefinable creative ventures. Meets every other Wednesday. Discussion of exercises, ideas, or already in progress pieces. See Facebook page savinkslingers. Every other Wednesday.. foxyloxycafe.com/. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St. Islands MOPS

A Mothers of Preschoolers group that meets two Wednesdays a month, 9:15am11:30am. Wednesdays.. sites.google.com/ site/islandsmops. fbcislands.com/. First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Knitters, Needlepoint and Crochet

Meets every Wednesday. Different locations downtown. Call for info. No fees. Want to learn? Join us. ongoing. 912-3086768. Knittin’ Night

Knit and crochet gathering held each Tuesday evening, 5pm-8pm All skill levels welcome. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 912-2380514. wildfibresavannah.com/. Wild Fibre, 409 East Liberty St. Low Country Turners

A club for wood-turning enthusiasts. Call

continued from previous page

Steve Cook for info at number below. ongoing. 912-313-2230.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary

Meets the first Saturday of the month at 1:00pm. Call for info. ongoing. 912-7864508. American Legion Post 184, 3003 Rowland Ave. Philo Cafe

Discussion group that meets every Monday, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at various locations. Anyone craving good conversation is invited. Free to attend. Email for info, or see Facebook.com/SavannahPhiloCafe. Mondays. athenapluto@yahoo.com. R.U.F.F. - Retirees United for the Future

RUFF meets the last Friday of each month at 10am to protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and related senior issues. Parking in the rear. Free to all Seniors ongoing. 912-344-5127. New Covenant Church, 2201 Bull St. Rotary Club of Savannah Sunrise

Meets every Thursday, 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at Ort Hall (Lady & Sons) 112 West Congress Street. Visitors are welcome. Thursdays.. savannahsunriserotary.org. Ort Hall, 112 W. Congress St. Safe Kids Savannah

A coalition dedicated to preventing childhood injuries. Meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 11:30am-1:00pm. See website or call for info. ongoing. 912-353-3148. safekidssavannah.org. Savannah Brewers' League

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm at Moon River Brewing Co. Call or see website for info. ongoing. 912-4470943. hdb.org. moonriverbrewing.com/. Moon River Brewing Co., 21 West Bay St.

Savannah area for less than two years. Membership includes monthly luncheon and program. Activities, tours and events to help learn about Savannah and make new friends. ongoing. savannahnewcomersclub.com.

group makes over 100 "wee care" gowns for memorial hospital each year. fourth Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. 912 536 1447. debcreation@hotmail.com. smocking.org. Coastal Center for Developmental Services, 1249 Eisenhower Drive.

No Kidding. Join Savannah's only social club for people without children! No membership fees, meet great new friends, enjoy a wide variety of activities and events. savannahnokidding.angelfire.com/ or e-mail savannahnokidding@gmail.com ongoing. The Historic District, Downtown Savannah.

Meets second Tuesday each month (except October) 6:00pm, Woodville-Tompkins, 151 Coach Joe Turner St. Call or email for info. ongoing. 912-232-3549. chesteraellis@ comcast.net.

Savannah No Kidding!

Savannah Parrot Head Club

Beach, Buffet and no dress code. Check website for events calendar or send an email for Parrot Head gatherings. ongoing. savannahphc@yahoo.com. savannahphc. com.

Woodville-Tompkins Scholarship Foundation

Dance

Adult Ballet Class

Maxine Patterson School of Dance, 2212 Lincoln St, offers adult ballet on Thursdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm $12 per class. Call for info. ongoing. 912-234-8745. Adult Intermediate Ballet

Society for Creative Anachronism

Mondays and Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm. $12/class or $90/8 classes. Call for info. Academy of Dance, 74 W. Montgomery Crossroad. Wednesdays. 912-921-2190. Beginner and intermediate ballet, modern dance, barre fusion, barre core body sculpt, gentle stretch & tone. Tuesdays.. 912-925-0903. theballetschoolsav.com. Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn St.

Savannah Story Games

Lessons Sundays 1:30-3;30pm. Open to the public. $3 per person. Wear closed toe leather shoes if possible. Doris Martin Dance Studio, 8511-h ferguson Ave. Call or email for info. ongoing. 912-925-7416. savh_tango@yahoo.com.

Savannah Sacred Harp Singers

Everyone who loves to sing is invited to join Savannah Sacred Harp Singers. All are welcome to participate or listen to one of America's most revered musical traditions. Call or email. ongoing. 912-655-0994. savannahsacredharp.com. Faith Primitive Baptist Church, 3212 Bee Road. Meets every Saturday at the south end of Forsyth Park for fighter practice and general hanging out. For people interested in re-creating the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Free Saturdays, 11 a.m.. savannahsca.org. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St.

A group that plays games that tell improvised stories. Create an amazing story in just three hours, using group games with special rules that craft characters, Savannah Charlesfunders Investment Discussettings, and conflicts. Sundays at 6pm. sion Group free Saturdays, 6 p.m.. info@savannahstoMeets Saturdays, 8:30am to discuss rygames.com. savannahstorygames.com. stocks, bonds and better investing. Contact Guild Hall, 615 Montgomery Street. Savannah Toastmasters by email for info. ongoing. charlesfund@ Helps improve speaking and leadership gmail.com. panerabread.com/. Panera skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Bread (Broughton St.), 1 West Broughton Mondays, 6:15pm, Memorial Health UniSt. Savannah Council, Navy League of the United versity Medical Center, in the Conference States Room C. ongoing. 912-484-6710. memoriA dinner meeting every 4th Tuesday of the alhealth.com/. Memorial Health University month at 6:00 pm at local restaurants. 3rd Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Savannah Veggies and Vegans Tuesday in November; none in December. Join the Facebook group to find out more For dinner reservations, please call Sybil about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, Cannon at 912-964-5366. ongoing. 912and to hear about upcoming local events. 748-7020. savannahnavyleague.us. Savannah Fencing Club Mondays. Beginner classes Tuesdays and ThursSavannah Writers Group A gathering of writers of all levels for days for six weeks. $60. Some equipment networking, hearing published guest auprovided. After completing the class, join thors, and critique. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, the Savannah Fencing Club; $5/month. 7:00pm, Atlanta Bread Company, Twelve Experienced fencers welcome. Tuesdays, Thursdays.. 912-429-6918. savannahfenc- Oaks Shopping Center, 5500 Abercorn. Free and open to the public. fourth Tuesday ing@aol.com. Savannah Go Green of every month.. savannahwritersgroup. Meets most Saturdays. Green events and blogspot.com. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 671 places. Share ways to Go Green each day. Meets second Monday of each month, 7pm, Call for info. ongoing. 912-308-6768. Savannah Kennel Club at the American Legion Post 135, 1108 Bull Monthly meetings open to the public the St. ongoing. 912-429-0940. rws521@msn. 4th Monday each month, Sept. through com. vvasav.com. Waving Girls--Smocking Arts Guild of America June. ongoing, 7 p.m. savannahkenThe Waving Girls welcomes smockers nelclub.org. barnesrestaurant.com. and all those who create fine heirloom Barnes Restaurant, 5320 Waters Avenue. Savannah Newcomers Club items. At each meeting there is an opOpen to women who have lived in the portunity to learn and share our work. The

Argentine Tango

Argentine Tango Basics Group Class

This beginners group class will focus on the basic elements of movement and Argentine Tango. This class is a 4 week session that will start from week 1 and progress while reviewing each week until week 4. No partner or experience required. $35 Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Awaken with Chakradanceâ&#x201E;˘

A free-flowing, meditative dance, with eclectic music selected to resonate with each specific chakra, along with guided imagery. No dance experience or chakras knowledge needed. $20 ongoing, 7-8:30 p.m. 912-663-1306. Chakradancer@ comcast.net. chakradance.com/. synergisticbodies.com. Synergistic Bodies, 7901 Waters Ave. Ballroom Group Dance Class

Weekly ballroom dance classes focus on two types of dance each month. Open to partners/couples or to solos. The $35 for 4 weeks or $10 drop in Mondays, 7 p.m. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Ballroom/Latin Group Class

Group classes every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. Tuesdays focus on fundamental steps, styling, and techniques. Wednesday's classes are more specific, with advanced elements. $15/person and $25/couple Wednesdays, 8 p.m. and Tuesdays.. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street. Beginner's Belly Dance Classes

Learn basic moves and choreography with local Belly Dancer, Nicole Edge. Class is open to all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins welcome. 15.00 Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. 912-596-0889. edgebelly@gmail.com. edgebellydance.com. Fitness on Broughton, 1 E. Broughton St.

Beginner's Belly Dance Classes Every Wednesday

Beginner's belly dance class instructed by local performer Nicole Edge. Learn the basics of American Cabaret belly dance. 15$ Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.. 912-596-0889. edgebellydance@gmail.com. edgebellydance.com. Fitness on Broughton, 1 E. Broughton St. Beginners Belly Dance Classes

Instructed by Nicole Edge. All ages/Skill levels welcome. Sundays, 12pm-1pm. Fitness body and balance studio. 2127 1//2 E. Victory Dr. $15/class or $48/hour. Call or see website. ongoing. 912-596-0889. cairoonthecoast.com. Beginners Belly Dancing with Cybelle

For those with little-to-no dance background. Instructor is formally trained, has performed for over ten years. $15/person. Tues. 7pm-8pm. Private classes and walk ins available. Synergistic Bodies, 7724 Waters Ave. ongoing. 912-414-1091. info@ cybelle3.com. cybelle3.com. Happenstance Bellydance

All levels and styles of bellydance welcome. Classes every Monday, 5:306:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. $15/lesson Mondays, 5:30 p.m.. (912) 704-2940. happenstancebellydance@gmail.com. happenstancebellydance.wordpress.com. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. Suite B. C.C. Express Dance Team

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm. Clogging or

continues on p. 46

Crossword Answers

Ballroom Series Group Class

A group ballroom dance class for beginners through advanced. Rumba, Swing, Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz, Cha Cha, Samba, and more. Singles or couples. $10.00 per person or $35 for 4 weeks (per person) Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance

DEC 17-23, 2014

Happenings |

continued from previous page

tap dance experience is necessary. Call Claudia Collier for info. ongoing. 912-7480731. Windsor Forest Recreation Building, Windsor Forest. Dance for Peace

A weekly gathering to benefit locals in need. Music, dancing, fun for all ages. Donations of nonperishable food and gently used or new clothing are welcomed. Free and open to the public. Sundays, 3 p.m. 912-547-6449. xavris21@yahoo.com. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Dance Lessons (Salsa, Bachata)

Learn to dance Salsa & Bachata. For info, call Austin (912-704-8726) or Omar (Spanish - 787-710-6721). Thursdays. 912-7048726. salsa@salsasavannah.com. salsasavannah.com. Great Gatsby, 408 West Broughton Street. Dance Party

Dance on Thursdays at 8pm--fun, friendship, and dancing. Free for Savannah Ballroom students. $10 for visitors ($15 for couples). free - $15 Thursdays, 8 p.m. 912335-3335. savannahballroom@gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing.com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street. Disco Hustle Dance Class

Do the hustle! A New York style Disco Hustle group class taught by Jos'eh Marion, a professional ballroom dance instructor. Sundays at 5pm. Call for pricing. Sundays, 5 p.m.. 843-290-6174. Trudancer@gmail. com. ymcaofcoastalga.org/. YMCA (Habersham Branch), 6400 Habersham St. Free Dance Thursdays at Lake Mayer

Lake Mayer is offering free dance and fitness classes for all ages every Thursday, in the Community Center. 9:30 am and 10:30 am is the "Little Movers" class for toddlers. 12:00 pm Lunch Break Fitness. 1:30 pm Super Seniors. 5:30 pm youth hip hop. 6:30 pm Adult African Fitness. FREE ongoing, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 912-652-6780. sdavis@ chathamcounty.org. Lake Mayer, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads. FUNdamentals Dance Lesson

Group dance lessons every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. Tuesday: fundamental steps, styling, and techniques. Wednesday: advanced elements. $15/person $25/ couple Tuesdays, 8 p.m. and Wednesdays, 8 p.m.. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street. Home Cookin' Cloggers

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm, Nassau Woods Recreation Building, Dean Forest Road. No beginner classes at this time. Call Claudia Collier for info. ongoing. 912-748-0731.

DEC 17-23, 2014

Irish Dance Classes

Glor na Dare offers beginner to champion Irish Dance classes for ages 5 and up. Adult Step & Ceili, Strength and Flexibility, non-competitive and competitive programs, workshops, camps. Certified. Wednesdays.. 912-704-2052. prideofirelandga@gmail.com. Kids Hip Hop and Jazz

A kids dance class with high energy music. Students learn different elements of hip hop dancing and how to put it together in a routine. $8 Thursdays, 5:15-6 p.m.. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. 46 salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de

Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Kids/Youth Dance Class

Kids Group class on various Ballroom and Latin dances. Multiple teachers. Ages 4-17 currently enrolled in the program. Prepares youth for social and/or competitive dancing. $15/person Saturdays, 10 a.m. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street. LaBlast- Dance Fitness designed by Louis Van Amstel from DWTS

Created by world renowned dancer and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" professional, Louis Van Amstel, LaBlast uniquely combines a wide variety of ballroom dance styles and music genres. Do the Cha Cha Cha, Disco, Jive, Merengue, Salsa and Samba set to everything from pop and rock to hip-hop and country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and burn fat and blast calories! No experience and no partner necessary. $15.00 drop in or 10 classes for $80.00 Mondays, 6-7 p.m. and Fridays, 10-11 a.m. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@ gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Line Dancing

Take down Tuesdays. Jazzy Sliders Adult Line Dancing, every Tuesday, 7:30pm10:00pm. Free admission, cash bar. Come early and learn a new dance from 7:30pm8:30pm. ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/. Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St. Mahogany Shades of Beauty

Dance classes - hip hop, modern, jazz, West African, ballet, lyrical and step. Modeling and acting classes. All ages/levels welcome. Call Mahogany for info. ongoing. 912-272-8329. Modern Dance Class

Beginner and intermediate classes. Fridays 10am-11:15am. Doris Martin Studio, 7360 Skidaway Rd. Call Elizabeth for info. ongoing. 912-354-5586. Monthly Dance Parties

A dance party for students to put dance moves into action. Every 3rd Friday of the month, 8pm-10pm. Designed for practice of all of the moves learned in private lessons, group lessons, or for anyone who wants to come have fun. Free for private lesson students/ $5 for social dancers third Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail. com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Monthly USA Ballroom Dance

Support your Ballroom Dance Club. Bring refreshments for the party. Lesson from 7-8 pm. Social dancing from 8-10 pm. $10 members $15 non-members third Saturday of every month, 7 p.m.. 912-224-7593. moonriverdancers6069@yahoo.com. Moon River Dancers, 160 Whitemarsh Rd. Salsa Lessons by Salsa Savannah

Tues. 8pm-9pm and 9pm-10pm. Thur. 8pm-9pm and 9pm-10pm. Sun. 5pm6pm and 6pm-7pm. Salon de Maile, 704B Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, 31406. Tuesdays.. salsasavannah.com. Salsa Night

Come and shake it to the best latin grooves

and bachata the night away in Pooler where it's cooler. Wednesdays, 8-11 p.m. 912-988-1052. medi.tavern314@gmail. com. Mediterranean Tavern, 125 Foxfield Way. Savannah Shag Club

Wednesdays, 7pm,at Doubles Lounge. Fridays, 7pm, at American Legion Post 36, 2309 E. Victory Dr. ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/. Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St. Savannah Swing Cats--Swing Dancing

ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/. Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St. Sizzle: Dance and Cardio

A class designed to maintain that summer body by dancing and having fun. Incorporates dance and cardio to fun, spicy songs. $10 drop in or 10 classes for $80 Tuesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m. 912-312-3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. West Coast Swing Class

Instructor Rick Cody teaches the smooth rhythms of beach music and west coast swing. $12 drop in fee or $35 for 4 weeks Wednesdays, 7 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive. Food Events

Chocolate for Charity

Enjoy a hot holiday cocoa or coffee benefiting the Head Shoulders Fingers Toes charity for homeless winter wear. Drink specials range from $6-$10. All ages can enjoy dessert, but 21+ for alcoholic beverages. Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m. 912-996-3808. headshouldersfingerstoes@gmail.com. headshouldersfingerstoes.com. luluschocolatebar.net. Lulu's Chocolate Bar, 42 MLK, Jr. Blvd. Wednesday Night Supper Club

A new Savannah tradition. Gather at Pacci's community table to make new friends and share in a night of food, wine and Southern hospitality. With seasonally inspired dishes from Executive Chef, Roberto Leoci. Call for pricing. Reservations required. 7-9:30 p.m.. 912-233-6002. jackie.blackwelder@paccisavannah.com. paccisavannah.com. Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar, 601 E Bay St. PICKArt on Tap: Craft Beers at the Jepson The monthly happy hour featuring art and craft beer. Call for pricing. Dec. 18, 5 p.m. 912-790-8866. telfair.org. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St. Annual Holiday Luncheon

St. Pius X High School presents this luncheon for those who attended the school from 1952 to 1971. Bring a holiday gift valued at $3. Please confirm your attendance and number of guests by December 15 with Pamela Jones at 912-234-6254 or pamelac47@yahoo.com. $15-$22 Dec. 20, 1 p.m. The Exchange Tavern, 6710 Waters Ave. Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and farm-fresh eggs. Students lead or assist

in planting, cultivating and harvesting all items at Bethesda Academy using sustainable, organic farming techniques. 8:30 a.m.-noon. 912-351-2061. bethesdaacademy.org. Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. Wilmington Island Farmers' Market

Vendors offering produce, prepared foods, crafts, plus storytime, musical performances, and community information. Every Saturday. Free and open to the public wifarmersmarket@aol.com. wifarmersmarket.org/. Wilmington Island Farmers' Market, 111 Walthour Rd @ Islands Community Church. Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and farm-fresh eggs. 3-5:30 p.m.. 912-3512061. bethesdaacademy.org. Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave.Health Armstrong Prescription Drug Drop-Off

Armstrong Atlantic State Univ. hosts a permanent drop box for disposing of unused prescription drugs and over the counter medication. In the lobby of the University Police building on campus. Open to the public 24 hours/day, year round. Confidential. All items collected are destroyed by the Drug Enforcement Administration. ongoing. 912-344-3333. armstrong. edu. about.armstrong.edu/Maps/index. html. Armstrong State University, 11935 Abercorn St. Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Information on bariatric surgery and the program at Memorial Health Bariatrics. Learn surgical procedures offered, support and education programs involved, and how bariatric surgery can affect patients' lives. Call or see website for info. Free to attend. Hoskins Center at Memorial. Free ongoing, 6 p.m. 912-350-3438. bariatrics. memorialhealth.com. memorialhealth. com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Enrollment Help for Medicaid and PeachCare

Parents can find the help they need to renew or sign up their children (ages 0-19) on Medicaid or PeachCare. Enrollment Assisters will work with clients through the process. Free and open to the public. Mondays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m.. 912-356-2887. Chatham County Health Department, 1395 Eisenhower Drive (facing Sallie Mood Dr.). Free Hearing and Speech Screening

Hearing: Thursdays, 9am-11am. Speech: First Thursdays,. Call or see website for times. ongoing. 912-355-4601. savannahspeechandhearing.org. savannahspeechandhearing.org/. Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, 1206 E 66th St. Free Help Signing Up for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Seven care navigators to answer all your questions and sign you up through the ACA Insurance Marketplace. Able to enroll between November 15 to February 15, 2015. Free Thursdays, 8 a.m.-noon & 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Mondays-Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.. 912-721-6726. srogers@ jclewishealth.org. J. C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center, 125 Fahm Street.

Real Estate

For Your Information

For Rent

MAKE A CONNECTION, TALK TO SEXY SINGLES FREE now! Call 912.544.0013 or 800.926.6000 www.livelinks.com 18+ MAKE A CONNECTION. REAL PEOPLE, FLIRTY CHAT Call FREE! 912.544.0013 or 800.926.6000 www.livelinks.com 18+

Jobs Help Wanted IMMEDIATE OPENING exists for an Experienced Medical Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, and Medical Biller. Send resume: Attn: Human Resources savfammed@gmail.com

RN or LPN Part time Clinical Instructor for CNA and PCT programs *CNA clinical hours 8am-12:30pm for 6 days. *PCT clinical hours 6:45 am-12:45pm for 3 days/ week. Apply at 7160 Hodgson Memorial Drive Ste 103. Phone 912-303-0445.

Happenings

Browse online for... Activism & Politics

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Benefits

cluBs

*209 Forrest: 3BR/2BA $825 *801 Wexler: 4BR/1.5BA $850 Several Rental & Rent-To-Own Properties. GUARANTEED FINANCING STAY MANAGEMENT 352-7829

Off Westlake Ave. 2 & 3BR, 1 Bath Apts. Newly Renovated, hardwood floors,carpet, ceiling fans, appliances, central heat/air, washer/dryer hookups. $575$695/month, utilities may be added to rent if requested. 912-228-4630 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www. bnetmanagement.com *For Qualified Applicants* WE ACCEPT SECTION 8

2250 Utah Street: 3BR, 1BA, LR, Kitchen w/Gas Stove & Refrig. CH&A, Off street parking. $725/ Rent, $675/Deposit. Call 912-8984135

Nice location, 127 Edgewater Rd. 2BR/2BA, all electric, $795/month. DAVIS RENTALS 310 EAST MONTGOMERY X-ROADS, 912-354-4011 OR 656-5372

REDUCED RENT & DEPOSIT! 2250 Utah Street: 3BR, 1BA, LR, Kitchen w/Gas Stove & Refrig. CH&A, Off street parking. $725/ Rent, $675/Deposit. Call 912-8984135 4 BEDROOM/2 BATH: 2201 Alabama Avenue, 1-1/2 story, total electric, real oak floors throughout, fenced corner lot. Text messages accepted. $825/ month plus deposit. Call Ben, 912-228-2502

11515 White Bluff Road: 1BR/1BA Apt. w/d conn. $620/month, $500/dep. Great Apt. Townhouse, 1812 N. Avalon St. 2BR/1.5BA for oly $695/month. Nice location, 127 Edgewater Rd. 2BR/2BA, all electric, $795/month. DAVIS RENTALS 310 EAST MONTGOMERY X-ROADS, 912-354-4011 OR 656-5372

719 South Ave. Tatemville area. Spacious 3BR/2BA, den, LR, front porch, deck. Must see to RENT OR RENT-TO-OWN: appreciate. $950/month, $950/ Remodeled mobile homes, security dep. 912-844-2344 3BR/2BA, in Garden City mobile home park. Low down affordable payments. Credit check approval. DUPLEX: 1223 East 53rd St. Call Gwen, Manager, at 912-9642BR/1BA $550/month plus $550/ 7675 deposit. One block off Waters Avenue, close to Daffin Park. SOUTHSIDE Call 912-335-3211 or email: •1BR Apts, washer/dryer adamrealstate@gmail.com. Days/ included. $25 for water, Nights/Weekends. trash included, $625/month. GREAT APARTMENT! Ardsley Park/ •2BR/1.5BA Townhouse Apt, Baldwin Park. 1BR/1 Bath with total electric, w/washer & separate living and dining rooms, dryer $675. 912-927-3278 or includes washer & dryer. $775/ 912-356-5656 month. Call: 912-659-6206. LEWIS PROPERTIES 897-1984, 8am-7pm NEAR LAMARVILLE/LIBERTY CITY *1919 COWAN: 4BR/1BA $800 *1921 COWAN: 3BR/1BA $775 *1932 FENWICK: 4BR/2BA $825 *1928 FENWICK: 2BR/1BA $550 *1921 FENWICK: 3BR/1BA $775 *All above have carpet, A/C/heat, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer hookup, fenced yard. References, application. One-year lease minimum. Deposit same as rent. None total electric, No smoking, pets negotiable.

Week at a Glance

Looking to plan to fill your week with fun stuff? Then read *1512 GEORGIA: 5BR/3BA, very large $1150. Week At A Glance *2421 E. 40TH: 3BR/2BA, new to find out about the kitchen $1050. *2001 E. 51ST: 3 or 4BR/1.5BA, most interesting events new kitchen $895. 912-257-6181 occurring in Savannah. ConnectSavannah.com

Room for Rent

ROOMS FOR RENT $75 Move-In Special Today!! Clean, furnished, large. Busline, central heat/air, utilities. $100$130 weekly. Rooms w/bathroom $145. Call 912-289-0410. AVAILABLE ROOMS: CLEAN, comfortable rooms. Washer/dryer, air, cable, ceiling fans. $125-$145 weekly. No deposit. Call Ike @ 844-7065 AVAILABLE ROOMS: CLEAN, comfortable rooms. Washer/dryer, air, cable, ceiling fans. $125-$145 weekly. No deposit. Call Ike @ 844-7065 FURNISHED APTS. $170/WK. Private bath and kitchen, cable, utilities, washer furnished. AC & heat, bus stop on property. No deposit required. Completely safe, manager on property. Contact Denise, (352)459-9707, Linda, (912)690-9097, Jack, (912)342-3840 or Cody, (912)6957889 FURNISHED, includes utilities, central heat/air, Comcast cable, washer/ dryer. Ceramic tile in kitchen. Shared Kitchen & Shared bath. Call 912-2100181, leave message

SAVANNAH'S HOUSE OF GRACE

SENIOR LIVING AT IT'S BEST FOR AGES 50 & BETTER Shared community living for full functioning seniors ages 50 & above. Nice comfortable living at affordable rates. Shared kitchen & bathroom. All bedrooms have central heating/air and cable. Bedrooms are fully furnished and private. Make this community one you will want to call home. SAVANNAH'S HOUSE OF GRACE also has community housing with its own private bath. Different rates apply. Income must be verifiable. We accept gov. vouchers. Prices starting at $550.

SOUTHSIDE: Lewis Drive. 2BR, 1.5BA Townhouse. Stove, Call 912-844-5995 refrigerator, washer/dryer connections, dishwasher, central heat/air, total electric, no pets. SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR $625/month $625/deposit. 912RENT 657-4583. Newly renovated on busline. SOUTHSIDE: Lewis Drive. 2BR, 2 blocks from Downtown 1.5BA Townhouse. Stove, Kroger,3 blocks from refrigerator, washer/dryer Historic Forsyth Park. $150/ connections, dishwasher, central week with No deposit. 844heat/air, total electric, no pets. 5995 $625/month $625/deposit. 912657-4583.

VERY NICE HOUSE FOR RENT

Roommate Wanted

*318 Fourth Ave: 3BR/2BA $800. *6909 Damascus Ave: 4BR/2BA LARGE, Furnished room for $995. Call 912-507-7934, 912- rent. Utilities and washer/dryer included. Call 912-441-6105 927-2853, or 912-631-7644 VERY NICE HOUSE FOR RENT ROOMMATE: $125 & Up. *318 Fourth Ave: 3BR/2BA $800. Private bath, Spa, Cable TV, *6909 Damascus Ave: 4BR/2BA Internet, CH/A, Washer/Dryer, $995. Call 912-507-7934, 912- Kitchen, Clean & Safe. 24-Hour surveillance, Busline, Near 927-2853, or 912-631-7644 grocery store. (912)401-1961

Automotive Cars/Trucks/Vans FENDER BENDER ?? Paint & Body Work. Reasonably Priced. Insurance Claims. We buy wrecks. Call 912-355-5932.

FENDER BENDER ?? Paint & Body Work. Reasonably Priced. Insurance Claims. We buy wrecks. Call 912-355-5932.

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