Connect Savannah, December 2, 2020

DEC 2-8, 2020 NEWS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

Catherine C. Grant

INSIDE:

The founder and CEO of ExperCARE talks about their new downtown location WHALEBOAT

YATAI

RIDES THE WAVE

JAPANESE STREET FOOD

ARTIST

HOLIDAY GONZALO HERNANDEZ WISH LIST

PHOTO BY BLAKE CROSBY

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

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Lecture: Preparing for the New Global Battlefield

Dr. Robert H. Latiff, U.S. Air Force Major General (retired) and professor at Notre Dame and George Mason universities, focuses on technology and ethics, speaking on the topic “Preparing for the New Global Battlefield.” Presented by the Savannah Council on World Affairs.

7:30 p.m. $10 guests, free for members savannahcwa.org

Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District

Buddy Watch Walk East THU 12.3

Join the final steps of Buddy Watch Walk East at the Old Harbor Light in downtown Savannah as it heads east to Tybee Island Pier, completing a 600 mile trek from Jackson, Mississippi. Founded by veteran and Richmond Hill resident John Ring, Buddy Watch Walk works to bring awareness to the challenges faced by military veterans and their families.

7:30 a.m.

Emmet Park, End of Bay St. buddywatchwalk.com

WEDNESDAY 12. 2

Friends of Coastal Gardens DriveThru Holiday Light Show

Coastal Botanical Gardens annual light show and dinner. Drive-thru to view the spectacular holiday light displays and enjoy dine-in or take-out buffet dinner at Love’s Seafood.

6-8 p.m.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd. Adults $50, Kids $12 friendsofthecoastalgardens.org

Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District

The Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District market promises European and Southern holiday traditions in the popular entertainment district November 27 through January 3, 2021. A wide range of holiday-themed events, live

performances and family-friendly activities. All events are free and open to the public.

Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 12-11 p.m.

Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. Free and open to the public. savannahchristmasmarket.com

THURSDAY 12. 3 A Christmas Tradition

The Savannah Theatre’s holiday spectacular is returning for 22 performances of live family entertainment. Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 26-December 24. Seating limited to 35% of capacity. first Thursday-Sunday of every month.

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street. $41 adult, $19.50 16 and under savannahtheatre.com

The Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District market promises European and Southern holiday traditions in the popular entertainment district November 27 through January 3, 2021.

A wide range of holiday-themed events, live performances and family-friendly activities. All events are free and open to the public.

Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 12-11 p.m.

Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. Free and open to the public. savannahchristmasmarket.com

Yappy Hour Dog Adoption Happy Hour

The 5 Spot, Bar Food and Bentley’s Pet Stuff team up to host a ‘Yappy Hour’ adoption day. The 5 Spot and Bar Food will offer a special Yappy Hour menu and Bentley’s will conduct a doggie raffle, all benefitting the Humane Society for Greater Savannah. Adoptable dogs will be at each of the locations.

3 p.m.

The 5 Spot, 4430 Habersham St.

FRIDAY 12. 4

A Christmas Tradition

The Savannah Theatre’s holiday spectacular is returning for 22 performances of live family entertainment. Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 26-December 24. Seating limited to 35% of capacity. first Thursday-Sunday of every month.

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street. $41 adult, $19.50 16 and under savannahtheatre.com

December First Friday

Sulfur Studios opens its doors for First Friday. White Elephant VI will be on display in the Main Gallery, featuring work by over 25 local Sulfur Studios member artists.

20 guests will be allowed into the building

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at a time, on the main floor only. Masks will be required and we ask everyone to maintain social distance.

6-9 p.m.

Sulfur Studios, 2301 Bull St. sulfurstudios.org

Mindful Flow New Yoga

All-levels flow yoga overlooking the Savannah River. This 60-minute class is designed to renew the senses, reset your mind, and help (re)build a more supple body. Expect a fluid sequence built around mobility-based movements to cultivate strength & flexibility. Class is held on the river walk in Montgomery Park.

9-10 a.m.

Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. $15 912-777-5615. newyoganow.com

Tybee Island Christmas Caravan

Although Tybee Island’s annual Christmas parade isn’t happening this year, the next best thing will definitely be coming to town. Be on the lookout for the official Tybee Christmas Caravan, a decorated, musical caravan of vehicles carrying some special northern guests, as it winds its way through island neighborhoods just after sundown.

6 p.m.

Tybee Island. visittybee.com

SATURDAY 12. 5

Open House at Camp Low

Pack a lunch and get outside for a fun afternoon at Camp Low. The 300-acre Rose Dhu Island camp on Savannah’s Southside will be open to the public with family-friendly activities, including letterboxing, a scavenger hunt, a living history tour, hiking, and a bike ride.

10 a.m.

Camp Low at Rose Dhu Island, 1912 Rose Dhu Road. $5 gshg.org

A Christmas Tradition

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

WEEK AT A

TO HAVE AN EVENT LISTED IN WEEK AT A GLANCE EMAIL WAG@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. INCLUDE DATES, TIME, LOCATIONS WITH ADDRESSES, COST AND A CONTACT NUMBER. DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IS 5PM FRIDAY, TO APPEAR IN NEXT WEDNESDAY’S EDITION.

The Savannah Theatre’s holiday spectacular is returning for 22 performances of live family entertainment. Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 26-December 24. Seating limited to 35% of capacity. first Thursday-Sunday of every month.

Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull Street. $41 adult, $19.50 16 and under 3 savannahtheatre.com

WEEK AT A GLANCE

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

First Saturday Hike

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

EDITORIAL

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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Bunny Ware, Alex Neumann, Chris Sweat, Adriana Iris Boatwright, Brittany Curry, Jessica Farthing, Brittany Herren, Geoff L. Johnson, Lindy Moody, Jonathan Vasata, Leila Scott

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, Drayton St. & East Park Ave. Free to attend. Items for sale.

912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com

Islands Farmers Market

Weekly farmers market on Talahi Island highlighting local growers and makers, healthy foods and a positive environment.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Islands Farmers’ Market, 401 Quarterman Dr. facebook.com/islandsfarmersmarket

Made By Makers Holiday Market

Proud Sponsor

Taylor Clayton, News Editor taylor@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4356 Brandy Simpkins, Community/Events Journalist brandy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358

This moderately-paced, three-mile hike will include a talk about the different ecosystems of the park. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Parking pass is $5. Visit website for more info. first Saturday of every month, 10-11 a.m.

Fort McAllister Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Rd. $2 912-727-2339. explore.gastateparks.org/ info/213723?c=16531490

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Brandon Blatcher, Art Director artdirector@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4379 DISTRIBUTION Wayne Franklin, Distribution Manager (912) 721-4376 CLASSIFIEDS Call (912) 231-0250

Shop a wide variety of local artists, designers and makers while sipping on a craft brew. The event will be held indoors, in Service Brewing’s spacious production area with plenty of room to enjoy shopping while social distancing.

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Service Brewing Company, 574 Indian Street. servicebrewing.com

Mindful Flow New Yoga

All-levels flow yoga overlooking the Savannah River. This 60 minute class is designed to renew the senses, reset your mind, and help (re)build a more supple body. Expect a fluid sequence built around mobility-based movements to cultivate strength & flexibility. Class is held on the river walk in Montgomery Park.

9-10 a.m.

Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. $15 912-777-5615. newyoganow.com

Twinkle Bark Stroll

Adoption meet and greet featuring a walk through a lighted wonderland, festival of trees, and a chance to meet adoptable pets. Entry is limited to 25 people per hour, so advance registration is recommended.

Additional activities include hot cocoa, cabana bake sale, marshmallow roasting, and letters to Santa.

4-7 p.m.

Coastal Pet Rescue’s Camp Pawsawhile Retreat, 7430 Thomas Avenue. coastalpetrescue.org

SUNDAY 12. 6

Mindful Flow New Yoga

All-levels flow yoga overlooking the Savannah River. This 60-minute class is designed to renew the senses, reset your mind, and help (re)build a more supple body. Expect a fluid sequence built around mobility-based movements to cultivate strength & flexibility. Class is held on the river walk in Montgomery Park.

9-10 a.m.

Plant Riverside District, 500 W. River St. $15 912-777-5615. newyoganow.com

Twinkle Bark Stroll

Adoption meet and greet featuring a walk through a lighted wonderland, festival of trees, and a chance to meet adoptable pets. Entry is limited to 25 people per hour, so advance registration is recommended.

Additional activities include hot cocoa, cabana bake sale, marshmallow roasting, and letters to Santa.

4-7 p.m.

Coastal Pet Rescue’s Camp Pawsawhile Retreat, 7430 Thomas Avenue. coastalpetrescue.org

MONDAY 12. 7

Tybee Island Farmers Market

Weekly market featuring a variety of produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, BBQ, sauces and dressings, popsicles, dog treats and natural body products. Artisans are also featured each week. The market is non-smoking and pet friendly. Located at 30 Meddin Drive. We are right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse. Visit the website for more info.

4 p.m.

30 Meddin Drive, 30 Meddin Drive. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 12. 8

Virtual Evening @ Skidaway

The UGA of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will resume its Evening @ Skidaway speaker series on Tuesday, December 8, in a virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions. The program is titled “More than wind and waves: Hurricanes’ impact on the ocean chemistry.” The speaker will be UGA researcher Scott Noakes. The program will be presented via Zoom and will begin at 7 p.m.

To access the program, RSVP to mike.sullivan@skio.uga.edu. You will be sent a link to access the presentation. For additional information, contact Michael Sullivan at (912) 598-2325.

7-8 p.m.

Free 912-598-2325. mike.sullivan@skio.uga. edu. skio.uga.edu/2020/11/16/eveningskidaway-programs-resume-in-virtualformat/#more-9802

NEWS HEALTH visits are for those people that have symptoms that could be Covid, such as upperrespiratory-type symptoms, or they are requesting testing for Covid. We do both of those things right in their car, which is convenient for people in the car and makes other people feel safe who are coming into the building for all non-Covid things.”

The location of the new ExperCARE is important for the downtown community in a variety of ways, and Grant feels that downtown businesses and visitors will now have a convenient location to take care of all of their healthcare needs, especially if they feel symptoms of Covid-19.

“For the many businesses downtown, this will be a tremendous resource for them, as we do occupational health services,” said Grant. “And then, of course, the visitors. The tourism industry downtown is a huge part of what happens in Historic Savannah, so having a trusted place paired with great customer service is really going to round out our downtown experience.”

Grant enjoys taking care of her community with healthcare needs as well as giving back. She has done extensive community service, including raising more than $62,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia in 2015, and was selected as a Face of Entrepreneurship by South Magazine for her achievements as “an innovator and trailblazer in healthcare.” ExperCARE even has their own mascot, the ExperBEAR, who attends games, schools, and other events ExperCARE is involved in.

“ExperBEAR is known as our Chief Left to right: Makayla Taylor, Katie McNamee, Patrick Knorr, Robert Mazur, MD , Scott Grant, Catherine Grant, Mayor Van Johnson, David CarHugging Officer, which is not a thing in son, MD , Spencer Gambrell, Mallory Ledergerber Capps PHOTO BY SHANNON O’KEEFE 2020, but we’ll call him our Chief Fist Bumps Officer,” said Grant. “He’s our mascot, when it’s not Covid time he’s going to games and visiting schools, teaching about germs and hand washing. He’s a lot of fun.”

Unfortunately, ExperBEAR has been in Covid-season hibernation, but his warm comforting spirit is an idea Grant and her staff try to emulate each day in the office to not only make patients feel welcome, but to make them feel like family. Grant herself now have convenient access to top-notch “There was really nothing like that at the is family-oriented, and her home life has urgent-care services. time in Richmond Hill,” said Grant. “We spilled over to her work life.

“We see all age groups, we are in-netexpanded to Savannah with our Mall BouHer husband Scott Grant, co-founder work with all the major insurance comlevard location in 2016, and most recently and president of Grant Homes, Inc. and

BY TAYLOR CLAYTON panies, we’re open seven days a week, we downtown. We deal with everything, with Grant Built, was the general contractor for taylor@connectsavannah.com have extended hours, and the great thing digital X-ray on-site and board-certified the renovations applied to the downtown is you never need an appointment,” said radiologists on call every hour that we are facility. They have two daughters who are SAVANNAH’S AWARD-WINNING Catherine C. Grant, founder and CEO of open.”

11 and eight years old, with another one on urgent care and occupational medicine ExperCARE. “However, if you do want to ExperCARE is also a place where the way, due in late December. facility, ExperCARE, officially opened book ahead — for those who like the conve- patients can get tested for Covid-19, and “As we approach healthcare, it’s not its new downtown location on November nience of having a time slot — you can book with varied testing options, patients can enough to just deliver the highest-quality 16 at 818 Abercorn Street, providing easy ahead on our website.” check if they have the coronavirus without healthcare,” said Grant. “It’s how you healthcare access to those who need it.

Grant founded ExperCARE back in ever leaving their vehicle. deliver those services, that’s what people In these uncertain times, it is comfort2009 as a means for people in Rich“When Covid became a thing in 2020 remember. They remember how they were ing to know that travelers and residents mond Hill to have access to healthcare. we responded very quickly,” said Grant. treated. People don’t remember what you alike in Savannah can count on reliable They have since grown to three loca“In mid-March we added another visit said, they don’t remember what you did, healthcare. With ExperCARE’s most tions: the original Richmond Hill facility, type. We’ve always had our in-clinic visit they remember how you made them feel. recent location opening in downtown an Oglethorpe Mall site, and its newest type, we’ve always had a virtual visit type, I think Maya Angelou said that and it’s Savannah, people in the city’s historic core installment downtown. but we added a car-side visit. Our car-side something we really take to heart.”

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

Savannah’s award-winning ExperCARE reveals their downtown facility with open arms

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Prime Liquor Store sets a high bar

Two women create a upscale site for fine spirits

BY JESSICA FARTHING WALKING INTO Prime Liquor Store in the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center is different from a quick pit stop for a bottle of wine. It’s more of a luxury experience to wander in the front door, taking note of the bars on either side of the entrance attractively displaying higher-end spirits.

A quick right will take customers into the red wine humidor, a unique aspect of the store. Then, guests can feel free to wander the rows of cognac, Scotch, bourbon, gin, vodka and tequila before arriving at the extensive coolers of beer choices.

The last stop is the cigar room, a handbuilt creation of cedar with the aroma of over 30 varieties of cigars permeating the area. Customers are encouraged to educate themselves on the iPad outside the door, offering information on the origin of the cigars along with liquor and wine pairings for their flavor profiles.

Owners and sisters-in-law Teejal Patel and Priyanka Pardeshi are pleased to offer a unique take on a liquor store.

“We wanted to give everyone the experience of walking in and having their eyes light up,” Teejal said.

They focus on catering to their customer base, already ordering special liquor (left to right) Teejal Patel, Priyanka Pardeshi. PHOTO BY ALEX NEUMANN requests for people looking for a personal preference in liquor or cigars. Teejal says shatter the normal perception of a liquor sales that day will be donated to the Ronthey stock those requests for later times. store, choosing to make it less like a ware- ald McDonald House. Teejal and Priyanka “We want our customers to come back,” house and more like high-end shopping. plan to continue donating to local chariTeejal said.

The women hired staff that they treat like ties, rotating their efforts around SavanThe business is special for other reasons their own family, which translates to great nah to do their part for the community. as well. Female-owned liquor stores aren’t customer service. The employees and Teejal has a goal of establishing their the norm. The idea was developed in conowners both search out answers to quesbusiness as a local favorite with hard work. versation one day between the two women. tions asked and try to ac-commodate any “We want to do our best. It’s our baby “We were talking one day about how our request. you raise it and hope it turns out the best,” husbands were in the restaurant business They are also a great stop for the holishe said. “We want to break the norm for and we thought we should do something days. Prime Liquors stocks bows and what liquor stores can be.” as well,” Teejal recalls. “We wanted to do wrapping paper, and will package your some-thing different that a woman norpurchase for a small fee. They have the PRIME LIQUOR STORE mally wouldn’t do. We thought of a liquor capability to etch most bottles or special 12 Oaks Shopping Center store.” glasses and can have the perfect liquor gift 5500 Abercorn St. #19 They began to plan with both of their ready and personalized in about a week. http://www.primesavannah.com husbands serving as invaluable resources The store is planning a Grand Opening @primesavannah for the new business. They decided to for December 14, 2020. A portion of the

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ON DEC. 12 from 5-8 p.m., the Humane Society of Greater Savannah will be hosting its first annual “Home for the Howlidays” event to send every single one of their pets home to loving families.

Following a successful fall fair that led to the adoption of eight animals and almost $6,000 in raised funds, the Humane Society of Greater Savannah decided to host “Home for the Howl-idays” with two main goals in mind. The first is to adopt out every animal in the shelter, and the second goal is to raise $5,000 for the facility’s medical department.

The building will be wrapped from inside out in Christmas decor, but the event will be primarily held outdoors.

Christmas market vendors will line the fields outside, and festivities will be held for children in the kid zone. There will be stockings available for $10 per child with discounts offered to families with multiple children. The stockings will admit the children into the kid zone, where they can enjoy crafts, games, a chance to fill their stockings, and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus.

“With COVID-19 going on, the stressful presidential campaign, and more stressful

Vendors for this event are still being accepted.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Montana Tohm at mtohm@humanesocietysav.org.

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recent events, I think it will be so nice to have something that’s childlike and pure and happy, and there’s nothing happier than watching these animals get adopted and go home,” said Montana Tohm, foster coordinator.

“The whole staff has animals at home, but these are our babies too, and though we’re supposed to have boundaries, it’s hard not to get attached,” Tohm added.

The night of empty kennels will serve as a morale booster for the staff members who love to see all of the animals find homes. Cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, and other available small animals will be available for adoption at the event. Lonely hearts, which are animals that have been at the facility for 30 days or more, will be especially promoted.

Once an animal is adopted that day, due to a high-volume expectation, they may be put on hold for families to pick up the next day. This gives the staff a chance to make sure that the animals have received adoption counsel, spaying, or neutering.

The event will follow Covid safety regulations to include required masks, limited guests and members per section, and guidance along the floors. Additionally, the facility has plenty of hand-washing stations.

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FILM REVIEW

“Freaky” puts a deadly twist on body switching genre

BY MATT BRUNSON

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

IT’S A SHAME that Blumhouse Productions opted to take a chainsaw to the original working title of its latest horror yarn, because Freaky offers no clue as to the movie’s content. Is it a biopic of singer Rick James? Is it a look at kinky alternative lifestyles? Is it a belated sequel to the controversial 1932 classic Freaks? No, nope, and ix nay.

The movie’s initial title — Freaky Friday the 13th — offers a better hint, at the very least acknowledging that it fits snugly into the hybrid horror-comedy genre. Director Christopher Landon is clearly a fan of movie mashups, as 2017’s clever Happy Death Day played like a cross between Groundhog Day and a slasher flick while 2019’s disappointing Happy Death Day 2U played like a cross between Back to 8 the Future Part II and a slasher flick (with

Kathryn Newton stars in “Freaky”

some Weird Science/Real Genius thrown in for good measure). With Freaky, Landon (co-scripting with Michael Kennedy) has opted to introduce the family favorite Freaky Friday to the gore-flick template.

Both popular versions of Freaky Friday (1976 and 2003) found a mother switching bodies with her teenage daughter through mystical means. Freaky keeps the teenager front and center, but the other half of the equation turns out to be a serial killer.

That would be a hulking psycho known as the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn), who’s first glimpsed brandishing a mysterious dagger while brutally slaughtering

four horny teenagers. The Butcher’s next random victim would appear to be bullied high-school student Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton), but while attempting to gut her, he only succeeds in stabbing her in the shoulder at the exact moment the ancient dagger starts glowing. In that instant, the two end up switching bodies, with Millie inhabiting the form of the madman while the Butcher finds himself inside a lithe female shell.

While Millie is understandably upset with looking like a grown man who’s wanted by the police, the Butcher is thrilled with the anonymity his new form

provides. After all, who would suspect a shy high-school student of bloodily dispatching those who annoy her? In a perverse twist, those who tormented Millie — a popular mean girl, a cruel teacher, the usual assortment of monosyllabic jocks — are now unwittingly bullying a serial killer, not the sort of person one would normally target with unkind words and actions. As for the real Millie, the one parked inside the Butcher’s body, she learns that she only has 24 hours to take drastic action before the switch becomes permanent.

The hook is the whole show since, unlike Happy Death Day, there’s not enough subversion of either the expected horror tropes or the standard school routines.

Whereas Millie’s best friends Nyla (Celeste O’Connor) and Josh (Misha Osherovich) and her crush Booker (Uriah Shelton) would be unbearably dull characters had they appeared in superior efforts like Booksmart or Heathers, they’re serviceable here since the fun is in watching them interact with a teenage girl who now looks like a beefy middle-aged man. And the film is so beholden to the slasher playbook that it moves past its logical stopping point to add one more expected but needless confrontation. (If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s a duplicate of the ending of that Halloween reboot a couple of years back, with the solidarity of a family’s female members saving the day.)

While it’s amusing to see Vaughn prancing around like a teenage girl, “ewww”-ing at the wall graffiti in the boys’ bathroom at school, or getting giggly when flirting with Booker, it’s actually Newton who delivers the more convincing — and thus more effective — performance. Or put another way, I rarely saw Newton’s high-school girl in Vaughn — the Wedding Crashers star has always been an overlooked physical comedian, but his interpretation here is broad and not specific to the actress’s character — but I certainly saw Vaughn’s brooding killer in Newton. In a movie packed with freaks and geeks, she allows Millie’s uninvited inner demon to repeatedly command center stage. **1/2 (2.5 stars out of four)

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40 Volume Salon & Spa announces grand opening of new location

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To book an appointment, call 912-352-0077. For more information about services available, visit 40volume.com or facebook.com/40volume.

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from a staff of 14 to 28 in just one month.

BY BRITTANY HERREN “In addition to a larger space to better accommodate the salon’s growing client list, this expansion also includes growing ONE OF SAVANNAH’S top full-service my staff by half-a-dozen for a total of 34,” salons, 40 Volume Salon & Spa, is expandsaid Rouzer. ing with a new location at 816 E. 71st St. in Rouzer has a particular connection to Savannah. the Savannah and Ft. Stewart/Hunter Previously located on Waters Ave., this Army Airfield community as an Army is the third expansion for the salon and spa wife to Lt. Col. Charlie Rouzer. As a certithat was crowned as Connect Savannah’s fied hairstylist of 16 years, with 14 of those 2020 Best Hair Salon for the third year in years working as an educator of advanced a row. haircutting, Rouzer is able to perform and “Savannah has been my home for 23 oversee a number of professional salon years, so to be experiencing the salon’s and spa services which include haircuts, third expansion is a dream come true,” chemical services, smoothing treatments, said 40 Volume Salon & Spa owner lashes, facial waxing and more.

Michelle Rouzer.

To celebrate the salon’s expansion and Rouzer, a mother of two young boys, first new location, Rouzer is hosting a grand opened her salon in 2008 with just two opening event on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., other stylists. She expanded five years later which is free and open to the public. in 2013 and again in 2019 when she went

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FOOD & DRINK EPICUROPEDIA

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

The creamy garlic broth with chicken

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steadily growing since. It is the only fully devoted ramen and yakitori restaurant downtown.

“This is our newest venture, which is

BY LINDY MOODY Japanese ramen bar and yakitori. As a whole, our restaurant group we specialize in fast-casual counter service,” explained “RAMEN IS ONE of those things that Cutlip. Fast casual means order at the is kinda slow to the scene here in Savancounter, pick a table, and then have your nah,” is one of the first things Yatai Ramen food delivered right to you. + Yakitori marketing director Christine The restaurant model keeps food costs Cutlip told me when we sat down to talk low by limiting the amount of staff needed ramen. I couldn’t agree more. Savannah is to run a business. a city full of culture, art, and food. We have “We specialize in providing great food miles of restaurants featuring flavors of the and affordable prices. Being downtown American South, Cuba, Asia, and Mexico, where there are some really really great as well as everywhere in between – but restaurants, a lot of it is on the high end until this year there was a major gap in the side of things,” Cutlip said. “We actually fully committed ramen restaurant. prefer not to be your special occasion. We The restaurant group behind Savannah don’t really want to be your anniversary Smokehouse, Seafood Shack, and Below spot, we would rather be your Monday-forZero noticed the same and decided to take dinner, Tuesday-for-lunch type of place.” action. Tatami Ramen + Yakitori opened The menu starts by introducing a long its doors mid-pandemic, but has been list of ramen options. Instead of offering

EPICUROPEDIA

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Left, The Pork Belly Buns. Above, the exterior features outside dining

different broths. Each broth is distinctively different in taste and ingredients.

They are all carefully crafted, which makes it delicious,” says Cutlip. The tonkotsu is traditional, made of pork and chicken. In the same vein is the classic shoyu, or soy based broth, and shio, or salt broth.

My favorite so far is the creamy garlic broth, which is the tonkotsu but with a hearty addition of fragrant garlic. The spicy mala broth is not for the faint of heart. Deep in color and flavor, the mala broth will warm both your belly and tongue.

For my BYOB, I selected the creamy garlic broth with traditional ramen noodles, marinated chicken, and additional topping of shiitake mushrooms. I was told that creamy garlic and traditional ramen

fried tofu are just of the few types of yakitori available to order.

The final only-for-Savannah specialty is Yatai’s Spicy Ramen Challenge. Customers can sign their taste buds away with Yatai’s spice waiver and attempt to get into the Hall Of Flame. The challenge is to finish an entire bowl of mala base ramen, with additions of your choice, that includes a secret special pepper concentrate. The secret pepper is appropriate for this Ghost City.

If you complete the challenge you get your picture added to the Hall of Flame and a free bowl on your next visit. You must be over 18 to participate. In the short period Yatai has been open, the Hall of Flame has quickly filled.

Maybe a painful amount of heat is not ideal; instead each customer has the option to eat a normal spicy bowl of ramen with a bowl of mala base. The heat can be individually tailored with a spoonful or two of the spicy stir-ins available at each table. Keeping with the flavor of my creamy garlic base, I added two spoonfuls of the house spicy garlic oil.

Happy hour happens Monday through Friday. It features house-price sake and a dollar off all the yakitori. The restaurant itself is anime, making it a perfect spot to take your kids to eat a well-rounded meal. 11

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

several types of set ramen bowls, Yatai lets the customer make all of the decisions.

Cutlip explained that “we have a buildyour-own-bowl option. We call it BYOB, build-your-own-bowl. That allows us to give you a standard with what it comes with but also allows the customer to customize, whether it is based on preference or dietary restrictions, the broth they want, what type of noodles, what type of protein, and additional toppings they want to add to that.”

The menu may be limited, but the combinations are endless. Every single visit you can try something completely different. I have already planned out my next bowl of ramen for my next lunchtime weekday meal.

Great ramen starts with a slow-cooked deeply flavored broth. “We have six of our

noodles are some of the most popular items available. For protein, the fan favorite seems to be the pork chashu, or seared pork belly.

It took everything within me to refrain from adding every single available extra topping. Often less is more. Other outstanding optional add-ons include kimchi, crispy shallots, curry, and bean sprouts, with more items constantly being added to the menu.

There are vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, and kid-friendly options, as well as the tomato broth, kale ramen, and veggie protein option. Each ingredient is so yummy, meat will not be missed. No matter the version of ramen order, all bowls are topped with a soft-boiled egg, naruto fish cake, bok choy, green onions, sesame seasoning, and nori. Because all of the optional add-ons are stellar, I will be paying the extra coin to make my next bowl vegetable focused.

Let’s not forget about the yakitori side of the menu, considering it is also part of the restaurant’s name. Yakitori is traditionally skewered seasoned and grilled Japanesestyle chicken. There is more than just chicken available at Yatai. For the restaurant’s version, they top each skewer with their own sweet glaze. Steak, shrimp, and

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Visit the Atelier Galerie for Savannah’s best, most affordable selection of pearls.

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Want to feature your Local Business or Gift Item Here on Our MERRY WISHLIST? CONTACT US AT:

912.721.4378 Giving the perfect holiday gift to a loved one can add unnecessary stress and pressure, but you don’t have to drive far and wide to find presents your friends and family members will love. Some of the best gifts are right here under our noses at locally-run, small businesses.

Each week of the Holiday Season, Connect Savannah will be featuring gift ideas from local shops and merchants in our MERRY WISHLIST! We think we’ve found the most interesting local gifts that showcase Savannah and the Coastal Empire in the best way.

Whether you are looking for Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, the kids or anyone else, this guide will surely give you a gift idea (or three or four)!

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TELFAIR MUSEUMS

BIRD GIRL REPLICA Telfair Museums is home to Sylvia Shaw Judson’s famous Savannah Bird Girl statue. Bird Girl has become a Savannah icon and makes a perfect gift for anyone!

Replicas available in several sizes (15-inch, 24-inch and 37-inch).

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MUSIC FEATURE

LIVE MUSIC IN THE SOUNDGARDEN THUR, DEC 3

THE LOVE HANDLES FRI, DEC 4

VOODOO SOUP FEATURING BIG E ON BASS

Riding a wave on the cusp of a break:

Whaleboat

(From Left) Guitarist Blake Yokeley, Lead Vocals and Bassist Brent Collins, and Drummer Sean Moloney. PHOTO BY BRITTANY HERREN

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each song. While maintaining a congruent thread preserved by an anti-rhapsodic lyrical spread, influences of My Bloody ValBY BRITTANY HERREN entine and U2 fit like five fingers in a single glove.

With roughly 20 songs that have FRANTIC BREAKBEATS that feel like matured over the course of ten years, a they are flying apart at the seams, guitar palpable evolution exists in Whaleboat’s riffs that run in gritty ambient loops, and discography. From their debut single vocals that carve the calculated chaos with “Socialist” in 2013, to EPs Convoys in 2014 an ethereal ease reminiscent of an early and later Lost at Sea (2020), there’s now Ryan Adams: this is the sound that makes more to the band than just solid lyrics and up Savannah’s burgeoning indie/shoegaze adeptly exercised mechanics. Thanks to trio, Whaleboat.

Yokely, Whalboat’s production easily rivals “It’s like being in a relationship,” said their local counterparts and pelts them lead singer and bassist Brent Collins of his into a league above their own. bandmates, drummer Sean Moloney and “We are so lucky to have an engineer in guitarist Blake Yokeley. “We just have this the band who we can sit with and who can chemistry and these songs that have been actually record our music,” said Collins. around for a long time, but that we still “We are just so lucky to have him in the push to play and evolve.” band not only as an engineer, but as one of Like many local bands, Whaleboat the best guitarists I know.” has seen multiple iterations since ColThis month, the trio released the dual lins founded the band in 2011, but nearly single, “Sunburst” and “Darkside.” a decade later, Collins feels like he has “That song came quickly,” recalls finally hit the sweet spot.

Moloney. “Brent recorded it during quar“As cliché as it sounds, we’re like a triantine on a drum machine and bass at his pod. One brain. I can’t imagine playing house, and when he sent it to me and Blake, with anyone else,” explained Collins. “We we just tapped in and did our thing. Really, all have our different musical influences, writing songs in general is fast for us.” but it all just comes together and works.”

According to Moloney, while quarantine It would be easy to fixate on the band’s has granted the band an extended period obvious indie/alt-rock style, but that would for revelation, it didn’t really change the be a disservice to the trio’s broad and way they write music. eclectic soundscape that transforms with “Usually, Brent comes with a song and

then we just dissect it and re-write it,” explained Moloney.

Dissection is a pretty accurate way to describe the band’s process from conception to single because there is a particular anatomy to their music: mellifluous openings, dramatic shifts, streamlined melodies, and lyrics that wrenchingly go from fragile to violent shivers, all in the time it takes to make it to the pre-chorus.

In their latest singles, Whaleboat has found a symphonically lo-fi sound that feels like an extension of one of the band’s favorite songs to play, “Night Swimming” (2014). “‘Night Swimming’ is my favorite song to play. It gets me all emotional,” said Yokeley.

“But I really enjoy playing all of our songs.

We just wouldn’t play something that we all don’t feel.”

While the band can’t tour quite yet due to Covid-19, they have played smaller shows at The Rail Pub and will play at the 5th Annual Rockin’ for the Vets on Saturday, Dec. 12 at The Wormhole, which raises money for Savannah’s Tiny House Project for homeless veterans. They also have a livestream in the works with a visual component that they are preparing to launch early next year.

Listen to Whaleboat on Spotify and anywhere music streaming is available, but be sure to catch them live because this band is riding a steady wave that is on the cusp of its big break.

MUSIC FEATURE

Jeremy John Riddle hosts ‘Open-Jam’ at The Sand Bar

BY JONATHAN VASTA OPEN-MIC NIGHTS are often a great way for aspiring musicians to gain experience playing in front of a live audience, and Savannah has never been in short supply of this inspiring form of entertainment.

A city as culturally rich and diverse as Savannah, with its multitude of artists and musicians, becomes fertile ground for that singular and unforgettable performance.

Sadly, the pandemic and social-distancing protocols have had an impact on these events, with many businesses having to forgo this time-honored tradition. Fledgling musicians who have been using this period as an opportunity to stay home, practice their craft, and strengthen their abilities now have a chance to come out and flaunt their new techniques. Each Wednesday, The Sand Bar at 1512 Butler

Ave on Tybee Island becomes home of the “Open-Jam” hosted by veteran Savannah musician Jeremy John Riddle.

The open-jam format is unique because it allows people to play with other, experienced musicians without feeling the pressure of being alone on stage. It gives people a chance to jam with others and unlike a traditional open-mic, a solo-performer can enjoy the benefit of a backing band.

The omnipresent Jeremy John Riddle makes a perfect host for this type of event.

He’s encouraging, welcoming and has a rare ability to connect with any genre of music. As a solo musician, Jeremy can often be seen around town with his laptop and loop effects, which he uses to combine musical styles – masterfully recreating the sound of an entire band. He is well-versed in everything from pop and reggae to country and classic rock.

“If there is a song you want to play, we likely already know it,” says Jeremy, “so bring your instruments and let’s jam!”

Jeremy is joined onstage by Mike Pavlis

on guitar/bass, James Cannon Jr. on guitar, and Dawon ‘Henny’ Henderson on drums.

Jeremy says because he often plays solo, that he really appreciates the chance to connect with other musicians and collaborate on new material with new people. Join

Jeremy and the band on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm at The Sand Bar. Don’t forget to bring your instruments!

For more information, visit: facebook.com/ thesandbartybee or call 912-786-8304.

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Soundboard MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE SEND YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY TO SOUNDBOARD@CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM. DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

WEDNESDAY 12. 2 LIVE MUSIC

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen CC Witt, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Eric Britt, 7-9 p.m.

Starland Yard Mary Kenyon, 6-9 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Jam, 9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Daniel, 6:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Savannah Comedy Underground, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY 12. 3 LIVE MUSIC

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Coach’s Corner The Love Handles, 7 p.m.

Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m.

The Perch at Local 11 ten Emily Kenyon, 5:30 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Holiday Brass Quartet, 6-8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night The Wormhole Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Open Mic Comedy, 8:30 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m.

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar Latin Night with DL Cesar, first Thursday of every month, 9 p.m.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

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FRIDAY 12. 4 LIVE MUSIC

Barrelhouse South Ember City, 9 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Ben Kaiser, 6-9 p.m., Hitman, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

Coach’s Corner Voodoo Soup, 7 p.m.

Doc’s Bar James Cannon, 9 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Whiskey & Wine, 7:30 p.m.

Mansion on Forsyth Park Danielle Hicks, 8 p.m.

Molly McGuire’s Damon & The Shitkickers, 6 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Eric Culberson, 7-10 p.m., Kenny Munshaw, 5-9 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

River House Ricky Standard, 6-9 p.m.

Service Brewing Company

Bluegrass By The Pint w/ Swamptooth, 6 p.m.

The Shrimp Factory Thomas Claxton, 6-9 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

The Warehouse At Sundown, 8 p.m.midnight Wild Wing Cafe Hunter Price, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

World of Beer Music Bingo, first Friday of every month, 8 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar DJ Primal, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY 12. 5 LIVE MUSIC

The 5 Spot Cory Chambers, 7-9 p.m. bar.food Jacob Evans, 4-7 p.m.

Barrelhouse South Trey Lewis, 9 p.m.

Churchill’s Pub Jason Bible, 6-9 p.m., Phantom Wingo, 10 p.m.1 a.m.

Doc’s Bar Chester Love Band, 9 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Levi Moore, 7:30 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 High Velocity, 9 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Ben Torres Dueling Pianos, 1-4 p.m., Chuck Courtenay Band, 7-10 p.m.

Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

River House Chip Staley, 6-9 p.m.

The Shrimp Factory Ford Natirboff, 6-9 p.m.

Southbound Brewing Company Chipper Bones, Basically Nancy, Dustin Price, 6-9 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar The Eighty 3’s, 9 p.m.

Victory North Miracle on Swing Street a Holiday Soiree, 8 p.m.

The Warehouse John Lee, 8 p.m.midnight Wild Wing Cafe Free Spirits, 7 p.m.

Reboot, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY 12. 6 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Live Music, 3 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m., Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

The Perch at Local 11 ten Rachael Shaner, 5:30 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Kenny Munshaw, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Laiken Love & Fellowship of Love, 1-4 p.m., Fabulous Equinox Krewe, 12-3 p.m.

Starland Yard Voodoo Soup, 6-9 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky & Barry, 1-4 p.m.

Wild Wing Cafe Jason Courtenay, 1 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 12. 7 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District CC Witt, 7-9 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY 12. 8 LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Plant Riverside District Josh Johansson, 7-9 p.m.

Victory North Dark Star Orchestra, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

KARAOKE

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

DJ

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club DJ Square One, 6-10 p.m.

VICE Lounge + Mojito Bar DJ CROK, 9 p.m.

Wild Wing Cafe Dave Smith, 1 p.m.

The Wormhole Magnetic Bass :

KARAOKE

MUSIC THE BAND PAGE

EMBER CITY @BARRELHOUSE SOUTH

Led by bassist/vocalist Sarah Pooler, Ember City is well-known for cranking out fiery covers of ’90s grunge and alt-rock from Nirvana, Metallica, Weezer and other bands of the era. Originals from EC’s debut album ‘Invisible Ruler’ received glowing reviews.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 | 9:00 PM

JASON BIBLE @CHURCHILL’S PUB

RACHAEL SHANER @THE PERCH AT LOCAL 11TEN

Bassist, singer, songwriter, and leader of the local trio known as Lulu The Giant, Rachael Shaner steps out for a solo show at The Perch.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 | 5:30 PM

THE CHUCK COURTENAY BAND @PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

Featuring local veteran players with decades of combined experience as professional musicians, The Chuck Courtenay Band serves up hot and fresh Country hits and favorites.

DECEMBER 5 | 7:00 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

With duties of fronting The Trainwrecks on hold for at least the time being, Jason Bible’s focus has turned to his solo work and the recent release of Anatta, the second effort in a series of books accompanied by albums.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 | 6:00 PM

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CULTURE VISUAL ARTS

“For a number of years, I have been doing pet portraits for people and I thought, ‘Maybe if I offer my services and give all the money to these kinds of organizations it might pique some interest.’”

Author Phyllis Limbacher Tildes helps vets and pets with her talents CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

BY TAYLOR CLAYTON AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR Phyllis Limbacher Tildes always had a soft spot for those in need, and when she saw a video of rescued shelter pets being trained to help veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, she felt compelled to give back.

This burning desire helped inspire her to create a project she calls “Art Benefiting Vets and Pets,” where she creates pet portraits for those who want their pet immortalized in art, with 100% of the profits 18 going to various organizations, including

the SD Gunner Fund, ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), and the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.

“I just got started over the summer and I’m sure Covid had something to do with it,” said Tildes. “I was in-between book publishing, I had a book come out in the spring and I’m sort of working on another, and I had gotten an email — I can’t even remember who it was from — with a video having to do with training therapy dogs, particularly for veterans with disabilities.

For a number of years, I have been doing pet portraits for people and I thought, ‘Maybe if I offer my services and give all the money to these kinds of organizations it might pique some interest.’”

The paintings can be of any animal and

differ from a wide range of mediums and price ranges. Depending on the size, customers can receive a pet portrait via oil on canvas ($350-700), watercolor ($200350), or colored pencil ($150-200; if photographed by Tildes $50). After the purchase and the painting process is complete, Tildes distributes the profits among the three organizations.

“I choose which organization I send it to, but any thank-you notes I get from those organizations, I send those to the person who commissioned me,” said Tildes. “If people aren’t sure about taking the photographs, then I will photograph the animal.

Most of the time people can take decent pictures. Sometimes, I might work from six different pictures to get just the right image. Most of them are small, close-up portraits. Some years ago, I did a full-size painting of a German Shepherd, as the woman who requested it wanted it to be the actual size of the dog.”

As an author and illustrator of children’s books published by Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc., Tildes has plenty of experience drawing animals, even dating back to when she was just two years old.

“As a child I loved books, I loved to read,” said Tildes. “I always liked to draw from the time I was two and a half when I first drew a butterfly and surprised my mother,

who couldn’t believe I could draw a butterfly at two and a half. They always encouraged me, one thing led to another, and eventually, I got published. My 24th book, Bunny’s Big Surprise, was released in the spring of this year.”

Children’s books by Tildes are available on Amazon, the Barnes & Noble website, and through her publisher’s website, charlesbridge.com.

Her idea is a selfless act, considering Tildes won’t be profiting from these portraits at all and will undoubtedly help those in need. Considering it is the time of year to give, these portraits are a great gift for any animal-lover in your life for the holidays.

Helping veterans is a huge part of the process, but this project will help others in need as well.

“It doesn’t just go to the veterans,” said Tildes. “There are children with disabilities that need dogs, there’s a great need for many people with different problems, sometimes they need help with emotional problems such as PTSD. In many cases for people with emotional disabilities, it may be saving their lives.”

If you or someone you know would like to have a pet immortalized in a piece of art, contact Tildes at:artphyll@comcast.net or 912 598-9125

CULTURE VISUAL ARTS

Eliminating distinctions between art and life

Gonzalo Hernandez’s first solo museum exhibit ‘):)’ on display at SCAD Museum, Nov. 17, 2020-Jan. 24, 2021

Wood sign workshops to guide your inner DIY! (912) 675 - 4170

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BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

personal narrative.

“My work is related to multiple mediums, I’m not a fiber artist or painter, I’m more interested in creating installations using different materials,” adds Hernandez.

A once-plain-white museum wall in the Alumni Gallery Space is now covered in wall-to-wall pale-pink construction vinyl, a material typically used in construction.

As a former SCAD student, Hernandez reflects on the many times he frequented the gallery.

“I want to create this vinyl that is installation foam. The Pink Panther foam, that is usually a construction material to put between the walls. It’s a material that

is not used in an art gallery space. Why do I want to transform the gallery into a worksite? Just to play with this idea that I am still a young artist. This is an alumni gallery. This is everything in progress,” explains Hernandez.

“I felt a responsibility to show and have a cool show for students. So they could feel like when I see a show there it’s really risky.

That’s what I wanted. I want the students to feel like everything can be art, and you just need to be conscious about what to display.”

For more on the artist visit: Instagram @hernandezgonzalo gonzalo-hernandez.com/#1

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CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

“I’M ALWAYS trying to talk about the present, talk about what we are living in a subtle way. That’s the iconic image of the show because I feel like it’s also related to what we are living right now, and how is this affecting us in different ways,” explains Hernandez.

This show, “):)”, is Gonzalo Hernandez’s debut solo museum exhibition in Savannah, and will present a video, photos, a collection of smaller-scale paintings, and a pink vinyl installation conveying the artist’s personal narrative, which blurs the relationship between art and life. “):)”, arranged by associate curator Ben Tollefson at SCAD Museum, is related to Millennial imagery. The show’s title is an emoji symbol that evokes discussions about the artist’s mixed emotions of having his show at this unforeseeable time. On one side, the symbol is smiling, and on the other side, it could be sad, depending on how the viewer interprets the emotion.

“It’s mixed emotions or mixed feelings.

That’s how I felt when they [SCAD] told me about it and to have a show there. It’s a big step in my artistic career, and the world is in a global pandemic, and how can I be a part of it?” Hernandez said.

Hernandez’s work relates to the fascination of his everyday experiences. The essence of his 50 small paintings is part of a daily practice of painting with text that reflects the news, music, or his own

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CULTURE VISUAL ARTS

Inside Ana A.’s sustainable accessories workshop

Discover eco-friendly fashion items made with a Colombian connection

BY NICOLE YOUNGBLUT

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

“MY WORKSHOP IS sustainable. Each piece is one of a kind. I’m a designer, artist, and artisan. I love working with my hands.

I love to design,” says Ana Barragan.

Barragan uses thoughtful, eco-friendly materials from Colombia to produce her wood collection pieces. Beautiful, sustainable materials determine her one-of-akind designs and shapes. In her collection,

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you will find eyewear, cuffs, pendants, rings, and Piñatex purses. Her accessory concepts are sustainable high-quality pieces made with all-natural materials and no chemicals.

“All of my woods come from Colombia, where my provider supplier has the wood certificates required to produce sustainable work,” Barragan said.

The designer is working on new concepts every day, photo shoots, and designing a new line of sustainable Piñatex wood bags and sunglasses in 2021. “I started designing a unique fashion wood accessory made with Piñatex, a natural fiber made

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

from pineapple leaves,” Barragan says.

“My woodwork is a knowledge passed by generations where quality has been perfected to get to have the product of today.

My woods are totally unique. You have to feel them,” Barragan said.

Shop her unique designs in person at Grand Bohemian Gallery, Merchants at Bee, and

Stonelords, or visit her website anaa-shop.com.

Barrigan’s pieces will be available at the annual Craft Scout Savannah holiday market (Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 2302 E. Gwinnett St.) and at the Christmas Market at Plant Riverside (Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 400 W. River St.).

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

BY MATT JONES ©2020

“UR HERE” ”--AS IF IT ISN’T OBVIOUS.

Georgia Southern University invites applicants for the following vacancies on the Armstrong campus:

Academic Advisor I - JOB ID 222082 Admissions Counselor - JOB ID 222083 Food Service Worker - Armstrong-Catering JOB ID 222237 Food Service Supervisor - Armstrong-Chick-Fil-A JOB ID 222233 Leadership & Community Engagement Coordinator JOB ID 222209 Please visit the Georgia Southern University employment website and complete the application process at http://apptrkr.com/2084461 The application process must be completed by the deadline to be considered. Georgia is an open records state. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the ADA to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: (912) 478-6947.

Georgia Southern University is an EEO/AA/ADA/Veteran employer.

ACROSS

1 1 of 100 still being finalized in D.C. 4 Company with “counting sheep” ads 9 Beginning (of the hour) 12 “The Clan of the Cave Bear” author Jean 14 It may have a big impact 15 “___ Been Thinking About You” (1991 Londonbeat song) 16 Greetings from trained bears?

18 Shirt marker 19 “Can you wait just a freaking minute?!”

20 It had a baby face in “Teletubbies” 21 Escapees from Pandora’s box 22 “George of the Jungle” creature 23 “___ and Juice” 25 California ballplayer 27 Burn a little 29 Modern, to Merkel 31 Annoying 34 Deployed with alacrity?

37 “The Princess and the Frog” princess 40 Heavy metal singer Ronnie James ___ 41 Pronounce 42 Way to keep your spiky sea creatures fastened?

45 City that shares Seattle’s airport 46 “The King and I” actor Brynner 47 Chaka who sang “I Feel for You”

51 Discharges 53 Back-to-school mo.

55 Fertility clinic supply 56 Disinfectant sheet 58 Burj Khalifa’s loc.

60 Alloy containing tin 62 Bug that might bug you in the kitchen 63 Tool to help build a city?

65 Descend diagonally 66 Battleship blasts 67 “The Flintstones” pet 68 What Portland went back to recently 69 Printer’s excess 70 Animal in “Jack and the Beanstalk”

DOWN

1 People get steamed there 2 One side of “the pond” 3 AriZona alternative 4 Fix a button 5 HHH, in Greek 6 Accelerate 7 Polish site 8 “___ longa, vita brevis” 9 Golf ball brand 10 Like the head of a tennis racket 11 Lite-Brite bulbs, really 13 “Hamilton” creator ___-Manuel Miranda 14 Asking for a tiny bit of fish, maybe?

17 December cartonful 21 Siberia’s neighbor on a Risk board 24 Lists of basics 26 Shrivel 28 Hurry back, perhaps

30 Cohesiveness 32 “Born,” in some notices 33 E. Berlin was its capital 35 “Army of Darkness” director Sam 36 Donut, mathematically 37 Boy king of Egypt 38 Levin who wrote “Rosemary’s Baby” 39 Be resigned to one’s fate 43 Quick learner 44 Hebrew alphabet starters 48 It’ll pick up the faintest of noises 49 Oat-based skin product brand 50 Like some margins 52 Weasel cousin 54 Shepherd’s pie bit 56 Paper nest builder 57 Calligrapher’s supply 59 Icicle lights locale 61 2000s Iraq war subject, briefly 63 Charging port, maybe 64 “Mmhmm” motion

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

COMMUNITY PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY BUNNY WARE

Boys and Girls Club telethon T

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

he Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club celebrated 103 years of service to children in Savannah with its recent ‘Building Great Futures’ live telethon. Numerous community personalities and leaders pitched in to aid the fundraiser at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong campus, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and Police Chief Roy Minter. Organizers say over $53,000 was raised during the November 13th event. See more photos at connectsavannah.com/connected.

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COMMUNITY PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY BUNNY WARE

Gingerbread Trail at DeSoto Savannah

S

CONNECT SAVANNAH | DEC 2-8, 2020

avannah Harbor Foundation’s Gingerbread Trail competition entrants brought their impressive gingerbread creations to the Savannah DeSoto Hotel on November 21st, where judges awarded winners in both the Official Competition and the Youth & Group Competition. Displays with this year’s entries will be on view at participating boutiques and hotels throughout downtown November 28 – December 25. Check savannahgingerbread.com for a map of locations and further details. See more photos at connectsavannah.com/connected.

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Friday, Saturday and Sunday

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