Pooler January/February 2013

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

annual HEalth and wellness issue

Sonia Saylor

Seeing With Her Heart

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CONTENTS January/February 2013

features

8 Sonia Saylor Seeing With Her Heart 16

Joshua Rodriquez Pooler’s Rookie Firefighter of the Year

24

2012 Pooler Recreation Spotlights

34

10 Things To Do In Pooler

8

16 departments

7

Publisher’s Thoughts

36

Dining Guide

04 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

health and wellness advertorials

13 15 19 21 23

The Joint Robinson’s ATA Black Belt Acadmey ENT Associates of Savannah RH Fitness and Tanning Southcoast Medical Group

where Personal service makes a difference “Isn’t it wonderful to walk into your banking facility where the tellers know you by name? We take pride in giving our members the personal touch that’s the hallmark of our credit union. Whether it’s a checking account, a loan or another banking product, come see us for all your financial needs. We treat our members just like family.”

- Billie Dees, Branch Manager Discover why local families have been trusting Georgia Heritage with their financial needs for over 70 years!

We are open to those who live, work, worship or attend school in Chatham, Effingham and Br yan counties.

Two Locations To Serve You: 102 Park Ave., Pooler 1085 W. Lathrop Ave., Savannah

www.gaheritagefcu.org (912) 236-4400

Pooler Lobby and Drive-Thru Hours:

9AM - 5PM Mon.-Thurs.

9AM - 6PM Friday • 9AM - 1PM Saturday

CONTRIBUTORS

Mitch Allman

Mitch is employed both by Gulfstream and his own wedding & portrait photography company - D&M Photo. He is a resident of Rincon and enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 sons, being behind the camera, studying foreign cultures and world music, and has a keen interest for all things having to do with world history, communication, the performing arts and technology.

January/February 2013 Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design and layout lane@idpmagazines.com

Graphic designer turned photographer, Alicja recently moved back to Savannah from Miami. She’s the creative principle at Taken Photography and cherishes the fact she can help support local and international charities with her photography.

Fashion photography inspires Taken’s style of image crafting.

Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com Candice Shaufelberger administrative / graphic assistant candice@idpmagazines.com

Alicja Colon

Barbara Russell

Paige Peebles-McDuffie

DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com

Barbara Russell is a freelance writer and photographer, and in the past she was a high school English teacher and a flight attendant. Always an avid horse person and riding instructor, she enjoys writing for equine publications and she is writing a young adult novel about horses.

For several years she wrote feature stories and a history column for Effingham CloseUp, and she has been published in a variety of magazines.

Currently she enjoys writing for Independence Day Publishing.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe to Pooler Magazine by submitting a check and subscription information form found in every issue. You may also subscribe by calling (912)8262760.

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER Write to us and tell us what you think. Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Paige Peebles-McDuffie is a freelance writer and blogger and relative newcomer to Effingham County. She is a life coach, motivational speaker and the owner of a small company providing international clients with personal and administrative assistance. She is a graduate of East Georgia College and is currently working towards her Masters in Behavioral Analysis.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Pooler Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com All articles and photos will be reviewed by the publisher, and if the articles and accompanying photos meet the criteria of Independence Day Publishing, Inc., the person submitting the material will be contacted. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Pooler, Georgia will be considered.

STAFF

Pooler Magazine is published bimonthly by Independence Day Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Pooler Magazine 108 International Drive Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-2760

www.poolermagazine.com Lea Allen

Lane Gallegos

06 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

Candice Shaufelberger

DiAnna Jenkins

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts On the Cover

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

annual HEalth and wellness issue

Sonia Saylor

Seeing With Her Heart

Sonia Saylor, Seeing With Her Heart Cover Photo by Mitch Allman

Julie Hales, Publisher

Happy New Year to everyone!

Happy New Year to everyone! Can you believe another year has come and gone?

It doesn’t seem possible, but yet here we are….2013 is in full swing!

As this is the time of year most people tend to make their new year resolutions, I hope that each of you have a list of positive goals you wish to accomplish.

Goal setting is something we all need to do. And Pooler Magazine is no exception to that. The staff here has been thinking of new things they would like to implement in our publication in 2013. We have some great ideas. But, we would like your help!

We ask our readers to give us some feedback. Tell us what you would like to see us implement in the new year. Send us your story ideas, your suggestions for new features and different things you would like to see become a standard section in our magazine.

Pooler Magazine takes great pride in featuring all local content, all local to Pooler. There is so much our city has to offer. We love to uncover the hidden secrets of this com munity and feature the extraordinary people who make this place their home.

If you know someone who “fits the bill,” tell us about them. Please email any story ideas directly to me at Julie@idpmagazines.com.

Any story idea submitted will be discussed by our staff for consideration as a feature story!

Who knows, you might have our next cover story!

Connect with us on Facebook. Be the first to know what is going on with Pooler Magazine and what new and exciting things we are working on.

Become a fan today.

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 07

Sonia Saylor

08 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

Without Sight, Sonia Saylor

Sees With Her Heart • Story By PAIGE PEEBLES-MCDUFFIE

A

ttend any local Lions Club event or Health Fair and you will more than likely run into Sonia Saylor, the vivacious mother of two with the sparkling blue eyes and a ready smile. She usually draws a crowd when she starts to explain what it’s like to be blind, and why it’s so important to pay attention to your eye health.

You see, both of Sonia’s sons went blind as children from a gene they inherited from her. Ryan and Kyle Showalter have what is called “LHON” or Leber’s Hereditary Optical Neuropathy.

Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is often referred to by its initials; “L-H-O-N”. It is also referred to simply as “Leber’s,” (pronounced LAY-bers), after Theodore Leber, the German doctor who first described the disorder.

According to www.lhon.org, “LHON is a genetic disorder that can cause the optic nerve to Attenatrophy but does not always do so. It is the most common mitochondrial disease which means it is passed down through the mother’s genes to her children. A woman carrying a LHON mutation will pass it to all of her children; men with the LHON gene never pass it to their children.”

“About 100 people in the United States lose central vision due to LHON each year, joining the 4,000 or so Americans who are already vision impaired due to LHON. Thousands more carry a LHON genetic mutation, and they could suddenly lose their vision at any time. It’s estimated that about 35,000 people worldwide have LHON vision. The most common situation is for LHON vision to affect young men, but it also affects men and women of all ages.”

Ryan is the youngest of Sonia’s sons and was the first to be affected by the gene. When Ryan was just a toddler, he’d had a fairly common procedure performed on his eyes to unclog tear ducts. Now at age four, he was heading back to the Georgia Eye Institute for an annual post-operative follow-up. Sonia said “he’d had so many tests and things run already, I wasn’t really alarmed when his doctor requested an MRI”. The doctor came back with the news that his optic nerve was swollen. The up-side was that there didn’t seem to be any involvement in the brain.

Stunned and shaken, Sonia called her mother to tell her the news, and before long Mrs. Willa Hernandez called her back with a reminder from Grandmother, “don’t forget we have this thing in our family called Lebers.” Incredulously, Sonia began to question her mother and grandmother and put her natural tenacity and organizational skills to work to create a medical family tree and ultimately unearthed nine case of blindness in males in the five living generations of her family. Her next step was to research the internet for anything she could learn about LHON. After conferring with doctors and showing them what she had

Photos By MITCH ALLMAN •

learned, she and her son went to Emory for DNA testing to find out which one of the forty five different mutations she carried and passed to her sons.

Once a diagnosis of LHON is made, most people affected will go blind over a two-year period. Sonia wasted no time and swung into mom mode. She had two years to cram memories into Ryan’s head to remember later when his sight was gone. Single-mindedly approaching the task of creating memories, she was inspired to take him to Disney for a little touch of Magic as only the Magic Kingdom can deliver. She pulled a few strings from her days as a Disney youth summer employee and arranged for a very special meeting with Belle from Beauty and the Beast. He would never forget those special moments.

Two years later, just when it seemed the world was settling down and adjusting to the new routines for this young family, 12year-old older brother Kyle announced to his mom that perhaps he needed to see the eye doctor, his vision was getting blurry. She hurried him to the Georgia Eye Institute and before long received the same news. Kyle also had LHON and would lose his sight over the next two years.

Sonia and her family swung right back into memory-making mode, this time creative memories for Kyle to hold on to when his vision would fail him completely and he would need to redefine the boundaries of the world as he remembered it. He was a devout Braves and Falcons fan. Her brother had a contact there and she’d gone to school with Jessie Tuggle and was able to work a little more magic and get some pre-game introductions to the players.

For the next decade or so, Sonia would be her sons’ eyes, commentating on the world and describing the actions and scenes going on around them. She would fill their ears with details of color and movement and who was standing where, and what they were wearing, giving “sight” the best way she knew how.

Eventually both sons attended Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine Florida to learn mobility skills and everyday life skills in addition to traditional academics. Now a senior at FSDB, 17-year old Ryan has 20/400 vision and he can see extremely well for someone with LHON. He can distinguish shapes and light; he just can’t drive a car. “Everyone is always saying ‘Ryan, we need your eyes.” He jokes, “it really gets old being around a bunch of blind people.”

Kyle is now 23 and will graduate soon from The University of North Florida with a Bachelors in Psychology. His 20/800 vision hasn’t kept him from pursuing the dream of healing people emotionally - a dream that he has held since he was 12 years old. He’s able to take many of his classes online, helping him to move at his

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 09

own pace and he makes use of various assistive devices that he can take into class. He plans to continue his education and earn a Ph.D. in Psychology.

In 2010, it seemed that life was settling down and returning to normal for Sonia. She’d weathered the storm of both sons losing their sight and had helped them learn to function in a seeing world. Earlier, she had earned her degree from Valdosta State University in Public Relations and Organizational Communication and a minor in Speech Communication. She was well-established in her professional life and could write her own ticket anywhere she wanted to go. She was healthy, she had annual exams and saw her eye doctor every year as scheduled.

2010 was no different. Towards the end of the summer that year, she went in for her annual eye exam and got a new pair of glasses. A few weeks later, she returned to the eye doctor, frustrated with her new glasses. Things just didn’t look right; her vision wasn’t clear and there was obviously a mistake made when they made her glasses.

Only there was no mistake with her new glasses.

A visit to her old friends at Georgia Eye Institute rocked her world.

Sonia Saylor was not just a carrier of LHON. She was one of the rare females affected by it.

Sonia wouldn’t become visually impaired by LHON like her sons. She would become completely blind.

Sonia wouldn’t have two years to go blind. She would have six weeks. “..The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince Two years later, Sonia is continuing to adapt to a world with-

10 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

out sight. She’s had to learn the same mobility and independence skills that she taught her sons and work with some of the same blind resources she searched out years earlier to assist her boys.

She is grateful for the offers of assistance from the ladies in her Small Group at Savannah Christian Church - everyone pitches in to see that she makes it to the grocery store, the post office, the hair salon or wherever she needs to go. Her Small Group provides her with spiritual and emotional support as well.

She wields her “blind cane” deftly and gracefully navigates over open ground, up and down staircases and around the obstacles of everyday living, and through it all she never seems to stop smiling. A quick tour of her house shows the little ways she’s adapted, from carefully placed living room furniture to tactile guides on the microwave to assist her with heating her food. “Fortunately, my husband has always been the cook, so no big changes there” she chuckles.

Sonia reflects, “one of the biggest changes for me was the way I began to “see” people. No longer do I have visual cues to go by when assessing a person. I’ve learned to see the world through my heart and that has made all the difference”.

The one thing she misses most for herself is driving, and the independence it gave her. She’s so appreciative to her Small Group, members of the Lions Club, and her friends and family for driving her places, but she really misses the freedom to do these things on her own.

Never one to sit on her hands with nothing to do for long, Sonia has immersed herself in several local organizations that serve the blind community. She puts her organizational and communication skills to good use during membership drives, health fairs and other events.

She has been a member of the Lions Club of Pooler since 2011, and serves as the first Vice President of the newly formed Blind

Lions of Georgia. Secretary/Treasurer of the Lions Club of Pooler, Rosemary Cutuli says, “Sonia is so energetic and enthusiastic, one of our most active and loyal Lions. She is always willing to do whatever she can to help with projects. She works very diligently to recruit members and sponsors, sell raffle tickets, attend our vision screenings and promote the Pooler Lions Club”. Rosemary adds, “her dynamic personality, and great sense of humor make her a valuable member with good ideas. She is on our Board of Directors and is so well spoken and very persuasive that she can sweet talk anyone into anything!”

She’s also a Member of the Georgia Council of the Blind. The Council works towards improving education and rehabilitation and broadening vocational opportunities for the visually impaired. The Georgia Council for the blind also assists the blind in developing their abilities and potential to become independent and responsible citizens in their communities. To find out how you can help, visit http://www.georgiacounciloftheblind.org/.

Sonia stresses, “it is so important to have regular exams. You’ve got to get kids eyes screened.” The Lions Club offers free screenings, and if follow up care is required, the Lions Club can assist with providing that as well to low-income or needy families. Free eye-exams will be offered by The Lions Club in April at the upcoming health fair. Contact your local chapter for more information.

Sonia also encourages eyeglass wearers to drop their discarded eye-wear into the collection sites that are located everywhere. The frames are re-used in the United States for people who need assistance with eye-wear, while per FDA regulations, the lenses are used overseas in third-world countries to help the visually impaired and blind.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. They have 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide.

Lions Clubs meet the needs of local communities and the world.

The members of this volunteer organization in 206 countries and geographic areas are different in many ways, but they all share one core belief – community is what they make it.

Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller. And communities get better. That’s because they help where help is needed – in their own communities and around the world – with unmatched integrity and energy.

Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, they are best known for fighting blindness – it’s part of their history as well as their work today. But they also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.

The Lions Club of Pooler is working in many ways to continue that heritage of service. Chartered in May of 2011, it is a non-profit service organization whose motto is “We Serve.”

With the goal of promoting vision health, the Pooler Lions conduct free vision screenings for area seniors,YMCA summer campers, elementary school children and for health fair attendees.

Lions help those in need to obtain eye exams and glasses. They also collect used eyeglasses for distribution to underprivileged countries.

Collection boxes are located at local vision providers.

In addition, Pooler Lions support the Georgia Lighthouse Foundation, which last year helped low income and uninsured Georgians obtain over 300 eye surgeries, as well as 1,810 hearing aids. They also support the Georgia Camp for the Blind, which provides visually impaired and blind children, teens and adults with personal growth experiences through the use of recreation, education, socialization and rehabilitation in an outdoor setting.

A Reading Action Program, which began locally last year, will continue throughout the 2012-13 school year. The goal is to promote reading and improve literacy, which is the foundation to a good education. Pooler Lions read to classes and work individually with second grade students.

The club’s diverse membership includes young professionals as well as retired seniors who develop specific projects, work together as a team, and build strong friendships. There is always fun and laughter too!

The group invites caring, dedicated men and women who want to help others. To attend a meeting come by the Western Sizzlin, 230 Highway 80 on the first and/or third Tuesday of each month at noon.

For more information, feel free to email Pooler Lions Club at lionsclub2@gmail.com.

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 11

Dentistry at GoDley station

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Dentures

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Bleaching

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HoUrs: Mon-Wed 8:00am-5:00pm thurs-Fri 7:00am-2:00pm extended Hours available Upon request

12 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

145 traders Way, suite D | Pooler, Georgia 31322 Conveniently located near i-95 at Godley station

noW aCCePtinG neW Patients

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- Most insurance Plans accepted - all Gulfstream Plans accepted - Carecredit available

The Joint...the chiropractic place If you have ever considered chiropractic care, you need to visit The Joint in Pooler. They offer a modern chiropractic clinic with a new approach to providing exceptional healthcare.

The Joint provides chiropractic adjustments to correct spinal misalignments of the vertebra which make up the spine.

Chiropractic focuses on releasing the pressure placed on the nerves by these misalignments and improves the function of the nervous system which then allows for a higher quality of life.

The Joint provides affordable and convenient chiropractic services for those seeking relief from most health conditions, those who would like a better way to manage the stress placed on their body daily or who simply wish to improve their overall health and well-being.

In today’s world, more than ever, the need for affordable healthcare is paramount. The Joint provides everyone access to health and wellness through affordable chiropractic care, because here there’s no need for insurance coverage. In fact, with their reasonably priced membership, an entire month of chiropractic adjustments could very well cost less than a single insurance co-pay.

The Joint Corporation was founded in Tucson, Arizona in 1999, with a vision to transform the traditional and confusing concept of chiropractic care into a simple and affordable reality.

Their newest location, in Pooler, is owned and operated by Robyn Meglin.

As a nurse married to a physician, Mrs. Meglin has a wealth of knowledge in traditional medicine. And having worked as a school nurse for many years, she knows the benefits of preventative care which is why she was attracted to The Joint concept. “I have seen first-hand how wellness programs such as those offered by the Joint can change lives and, being convenient and affordable, this concept can benefit everyone.” states Meglin.

Meglin is very excited about this new venture and is very confident with the choice she made for the clinic’s doctor.

Alexander S. Bridwell, DC, a Georgia native, has been hired to fill this position. Dr. Bridwell received a Biology Degree from Valdosta State University and received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University in Marietta. “The Joint is unlike any other chiropractic office I have seen, most notably in the efficiency of the office. A person seeking care can come into our office, Alexander S. Bridwell, DC receive excellent chiropractic care and be on their way within minutes without an appointment,” says Dr. Bridwell.

The Joint Pooler is located at 485 Pooler Parkway in the Pooler Marketplace Shopping Center. Call 912-330-7100 or come and visit Dr. Bridwell Monday through Friday from 10:00am – 7:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm.

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 13

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125 southern junction blvd, pooler, ga 31322 www.townelakedentalgroup.com 14 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

Robinson’s ATA Black Belt Martial Arts Academy

“Stop complaining….start training,” states Mike Robinson of Robinson’s ATA Black Belt Academy. This is a motto that Mike has lived by all his life. And a motto that many of us take on as a new year begins.

Getting in shape seems to be in the forefront of everyone’s mind as a new year begins. This should not be a “new year” thought, but a new way of life.

Robinson’s ATA is here to help you get on the right path to a healthier you! They offer more than just conventional martial arts programs. Kickboxing is a new craze in today’s fitness workouts and Robinson’s offers these classes several times a week.

Kickboxing is great for fitness, self-defense, cardio fitness and muscle toning. No other workout burns more fat, more calories or builds and tones muscle as well. It’s truly the best fat burning exercise.

Kickboxing began as a combination of boxing techniques and the kicking moves that are used in several martial arts, such as Karate, Kung-Fu and Tae Kwon Do. Kickboxing techniques require timing and help build your balance and coordination, as all four limbs are being used. These moves develop a student’s ‘core’ conditioning and provide a real ‘full body’ workout.

Most people who have tried these classes will tell you that kickboxing is way more fun than the gym, fitness boot camps, personal training, health clubs, trainers and is hands down the best way to lose weight and get in great shape.

Robinson’s offers these classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:45, Thursday evenings at 7:00 and Saturday mornings at 10:45.

Mike is the owner and chief instructor of Robinson’s ATA. His daughter, Jennifer Cohens, is the school manager and head instructor. This father/daughter team work hard to bring you the best classes in the area.

In addition to kickboxing, ATA regular course offerings are Tiny Tigers(ages 4 and up), Karate for Kids, Kids Jujitsu, a martial arts based leadership training program for youngsters and Tae Kwon Do. Along with these traditional martial arts offerings, the school teaches proficiency in 18 different traditional martial arts weapons.

Start your new year on a healthier note, sign up for a class at Robinson’s ATA. As Mike says, “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great”

Robinson’s ATA Black Belt Martial Arts Academy 22 Coleman Blvd. • Pooler, Georgia 31322 (912)748-4505 • www.poolermartialarts.com

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 15

JOSHUA RODRIQUEZ

Pooler’s Rookie Fire fighter of the year 2012 Story By BARBARA W. RUSSELL Photos By ALICJA COLON

T

o a typical kid, the only thing neater than a fire truck maneuvering through traffic with its lights blinking and its sirens and horn blaring, is somebody who rides in one. Joshua Rodriguez gets to ride in that seat, but his reason for choosing to be a firefighter is more than the pursuit of excitement – “I always want to help people,” he says simply.

As soon as Rodriguez graduated from high school, he began searching for a career where he would be involved in helping others and, “Firefighting was one of the first things I tried out,” he said.

He talked with the firefighters at the Pt. Wentworth Fire Department and they agreed to train him. Different types of fires called ‘live burns’ were set so he could observe the smoke and fire and learn how to react to them, and the experience was unforgettable. “The first ‘live burn’ that we did – that was it,” he said. He knew then that he wanted to be a firefighter for the rest of his life.

Rodriguez spent nearly every day of the next three years volunteering with the Pt. Wentworth Fire Department, training and gaining experience. Seven days a week he was a busy young man. “I was working at Farmer’s Furniture in Savannah, and right when I’d get off work, I’d go to the station.

I’d stay the night at the station, and wake up, go to work again, and come back. I was pretty much at the station 24 hours, pretty

16 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

much of the time,” he said. “One year I volunteered over 1,000 hours at the station.”

He wanted to further his training, and Rodriguez enrolled in the Fire Academy at Forsyth Tech. It was an intensive eight weeks of training. “It was really exciting,” he said. “We got to burn every week, and we did lots of training – everyday. We learned everything about fires, and rescu-

Josh’s tags: One is given to a police officer whenever he enters a fire and one is kept on him.

ing people, and fire attacks – that’s a term for learning to put out fires and stuff.” Real life scenarios and conditions were used to prepare firefighters for the challenges they will face, and at the end of the course, Rodriguez earned his Firefighter 1 certification.

When he returned home, Rodriguez heard that the Pooler Fire Department was hiring. He put in an application and he got the job. That was on November 5, 2011, a year ago, and his first year of duty has been impressive - so impressive that he was chosen by his co-workers to be named Pooler’s Rookie Firefighter of the Year.

What sets him apart? The question was asked to some of the other firefighters who sat in the room listening to the interview. They seem to be one big family, and they immediately shot out answers.

“He does exactly what’s asked of him, and we don’t ever have to question his ability,” Michael Fort said seriously.

“There’s no question that if you give Josh something to do, he goes and gets it done.”

“He’s a hard worker,” said Tim Wilson.

“He’s a team player.” “He’s outstanding…. and he’s a great cook!” Laughter comes from the others – “Actually, his mama’s a good cook! She cooks really good Spanish food - and cookies.” “Make sure you put that in there!”

“Every time it’s his turn to cook, his mama cooks for him,” says another, “– she

“There’s no question that if you give Josh something to do, he goes and gets it done.”

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 17

Consistently hardworking and trustworthy – those are qualities that are imperative in a family of firefighters – it’s what sets them apart and keeps them together. cooks very well!”

Although laughter and joking came along with the serious answers, the respect for Rodriguez is obvious. Consistently hardworking and trustworthy – those are qualities that are imperative in a family of firefighters – it’s what sets them apart and keeps them together.

The laughter is interrupted as a 911 call for a medical emergency is dispatched.

Information and an address are given, and firefighters immediately move towards the door to the fire trucks. It’s amazingly quiet….everyone knows their job, and within seconds they are in one of the fire trucks, lights blinking, siren and horn blaring. They merge into the traffic and

18 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

they’re gone.

Watching their immediate and focused response to a call is a settling experience – it lends confidence – and one knows that the emergency situation is in good hands.

A few minutes later another call comes for backup, and immediately Joshua and another firefighter are on their way. There is no good-bye, no questions about followup….the interview is over. Once again it’s quiet, but only for a few moments, then another fire truck’s lights are blinking, siren and horn are blaring. They merge into the traffic and they too are gone.

Firefighters are rescuers. They are one of the main emergency services, and they’re

trained extensively in fire fighting and medical emergencies. Wade Simmons, City of Pooler Fire Chief, praised Rodriguez. “The most important thing about this award is that he was selected by his peers,” he said. “I have a single vote just like every other member.

He earned their respect and they felt he deserved the Rookie Firefighter of the year.” Joshua Rodriguez has found his niche, and he says that he’ll be a firefighter for life. It’s his way of helping people.

ENT Associates of savannah, p.c.

Brad A. Rawlings, MD

Stephen Rashleigh, MD, FACS

William Moretz, III, MD

Founded in 1977, ENT Associates is celebrating 35 years of serving patients in Savannah and the surrounding communities of Georgia and South Carolina. Their physicians provide the highest quality Otolaryngology services as well as Head and Neck Surgery for both children and adults.

ENT prides itself on offering same or next day appointments with offices open Monday through Friday. And they are open Saturdays at their Savannah location.

At the main office, they provide on-site CT scanning, Balloon Sinuplasty and many other in-house procedures. Their Voice and Swallowing Center has state of the art equipment for diagnostic testing.

ENT Associates Ambulatory Surgery Center and its dedicated team of professionals deliver compassion and exceptional quality care with a personal touch to their surgical patients.

Their physicians also see patients and operate at Candler, St Joseph and Memorial Hospital. Ear, Nose, & Throat Associates of Savannah has Audiology services on site with Doctors of Audiology, Dr. Susan Timna, Dr. Katherine Neufeld and Dr. Cori Palmer, offering complete hearing evaluations, tinnitus consultations, full range of digital hearing devices, bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA), custom ear protection and assistive listening devices.

For their patients’ convenience; Ear, Nose, & Throat Associates of Savannah has offices in Savannah, The Landings, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, and Statesboro.

Fred Daniel, MD, FACS

Michelle Yamada, PA

Michael Zoller, MD, FACS Voted Best Doctor in Best of Savannah 2012

Savannah’s premier group of ear, nose, and throat professionals, specializing in total care of head and neck disorders.

Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 Saturday 8:30-12:00

www.entsavannah.com Main Office: 5201 Frederick Street, Savannah Satellite Offices: Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Statesboro, Southside Savannah Appointment: 912-351-3030 Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 19

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

International Mortgage

CAll FoR DETAIlS oN THE20 $8000 TAx CREDIT 100% Financing Packages Celebrating Years First Time Buyer Programs

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(912) 826-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556 hughes@internationalmortgage.com McCall Road•• Rincon, GA 55055505 McCall Road Rincon, GA Residentialsurrounding Mortgage Licensee#5748areas & all of Georgia Serving Effingham EffinghamGeorgia County, Serving County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia

GRMA#26250 GRMA#26250

NMLS# 158359 (Novella J. Hughes) NMLS# 158273 (International Mortgage Co.,Mortgage Inc.) Licensee#5748 Georgia Residential

What can

Dr. Bannout do for you?

• Evening & Saturday Appointments!

• Emergency dental care - done promptly!

• Most oral surgery procedures are done in office including wisdom teeth removal

When you refer a friend or family member to Dr. Bannout, receive a credit off your next visit as our way of saying “Thank You!”

We are not your typical dental office!

20 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

(912) 748-5868

Parkway Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Alexander Bannout 130 Canal St, Ste 204 Pooler, GA 31322

www.poolercosmeticdentist.com

Quality second to none!

RH Fitness and Tanning A new year….a new you! What a statement! But, with a little want, a lot of desire and the proper training and guidance, this goal is more attainable than you think!

RH Fitness and Tanning is the place to go to make this goal a reality. The staff at RH Fitness is ready to provide you with a unique environment in which you can be comfortable. Their personal trainers are committed to helping you realize your goals, find your inner strength and offer you the best fitness experience with a personal training touch.

Most people these days have extremely busy schedules. These schedules make it harder sometimes for the commitment it takes to get in the gym. RH Fitness takes that excuse completely out of the equation. They offer state of the art equipment with 24 hour access.

At RH Fitness and Tanning, you’ll find the latest cardio and strength training equipment along with a dynamic group exercise program which includes classes like Zumba, Bootcamp Classes, Jump Start Fitness programs, Contest Body Building, Toning Classes, Aerobic Step Classes and much more.

Their personal trainers and group exercise instructors are there to support you in all your training needs. Their customized fitness programs are dynamic and resultsdriven. They guide you on the right path and provide you with the motivation and the tools you need.

Whether you are looking to get in shape or run a marathon, they will use their fitness experience to give you the personalized programs that are required to meet all your fitness needs. They take pride in helping you achieve your specific fitness goals.

RH Fitness is owned and operated by Rodney Helaire. Rodney began his weight training while in the army. Since his military days, Rodney has continued this path.

This chosen career has led him to becoming a professional Natural bodybuilder, winning many awards on a national and world level.

Rodney states, “With years of experience as both a Certified Personal Trainer and Licensed Practical Nurse, I’ve come to realize the importance of being physically fit. Within this time frame, I’ve also developed a deep desire to help others. Whether you want to develop a healthier lifestyle, or seek competitive bodybuilding/figure advice, call on my expertise to help you achieve your desired results.”

The staff at RH Fitness and Tanning recognize that everyone has their own strength. It is their job to help you find it.

Let their personal trainers help you find your inner strength. Sign up today and let them get you to your desired fitness goal.

RH Fitness and Tanning 1204 W.Highway 80 • Pooler, GA 31322 • 912-748-6622 • www.rhfitness.com

Savannah Swim Team

ONE SPEED : EXCELLENCE Try us for a FREE! Two Week Trial!

For more information please visit our website: www.swimS S T.com Located at: Chatham County Aquatic Center 7240 Sallie Mood Drive Savannah, Georgia 31406 Olympic Size, 8 lane x 50 meter pool & 6 lane x 25 yard pool

The Nail Avenue Professional Nail Care Salon

Services offered

912.748.6048

48 Traders Way, Suite 48

Pooler, GA 31322 (Located on Pooler Pkwy., across from Publix, next to Sportclips.)

Party Hosting

Complimentary Refreshments

22 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

Pro Nail Salon

Acrylic Nails Manicure Gel Nails Spa Pedicure Pink & White Nails Waxing Shellac Gel Polish Eye Lash Extensions

10% OFF

Any Service Over $10 WiTh ThiS CouPoN

Best Looking Modern & Professional Salon

912.748.6626

920-C Morgan’s Corner Rd Pooler, GA 31322 (Morgan’s Corner Shopping Center near Jalapenos.)

Business hours Mon-Thu: 10am-7pm Fri-Sat: 9am-8pm Sun: 12pm-5pm

SouthCoast Medical Group, Department of Primary Care in Pooler 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Ste. 701, Pooler, GA 31322 | 912.748.2280 | southcoastmedical.com SouthCoast Medical Group’s Department of Primary Care in Pooler is pleased to offer topquality health care to patients in and around West Chatham. Our belief is that the foundation of good health for any patient is based on practical and preventive management strategies offered in the primary-care setting. Our board certified physicians focus on disease prevention, health maintenance, patient education and the diagnosis and treatment

of acute and chronic illnesses.

At our office in Pooler, we offer in-house laboratory and x-ray services. We accept most insurance plans and offer same day and early evening appointments.

Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality, cost-conscious health care.

OUR PHYSICIANS (L-R) Michael R. Cohen, DO, Russell L. Sliker, MD, Michelle L. Wilson, DO, FACP, Richard R. Hightower, Jr., MD Pooler Magazine | November/December 2012 23

2012 Pooler Recreation Spotlights

Kailey Dees

Dees, 25, is originally from Cedar Crossing Community, near Vidalia. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned a dual-major bachelor’s degree in marketing and sports studies. “I worked with the athletic department at UGA,” she said. “I recruited for the football team-I was a Georgia Girl.” Georgia Girls are the official recruiting ambassadors for the Bulldogs.

But now, Dees’ sports efforts are directed toward helping young girls develop sportsmanship and life skills on the softball field and the basketball court. She is in her second year coaching the Girls 10 and under basketball and softball teams at Pooler Parks and Recreation. Pooler P&R is a small league. “We’re limited in teams so we actually have to travel to play some of our games,” she said.

Jason Harris is a lifelong resident of Pooler. He and his wife, Laurel, also a Pooler native, did live in Richmond Hill for a couple of years before their first child was born. But back they came, home to the place where their past and their future are firmly anchored.

From his childhood, he has been active in the many sports offerings of the Pooler Recreation Department. From the age of five, under the watchful eye and skilled tutelage of his father, Darrell Harris, he played baseball and basketball through age 14.

Jason Harris has assumed his father’s role when it comes to leadership in Pooler sports. He coaches baseball, Tball, football and basketball. Harris coaches his son, Tyler, age nine in baseball and football. Tyler has been playing in Pooler recreational sports since he was five years old. Next year, he plans to add softball to his workload as daughter, Rachel, age six, makes the move from Tball to the dirt diamond in 8U softball.

“I knew that I always wanted to coach my kids,” said Harris. “I loved that my dad did it and it was nothing but a positive experience.” Harris explained that parents are always looking for meaningful ways to spend time with their kids.

“There’s no better way to do it than this,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed it way more than I even thought I would.”

Harris recommends coaching as an opportunity to teach values and teamwork, and that hard work can pay off. “It’s great to share in their success and pick them up when they fall down,” he said.

Jason Harris

24 January/February 2013 | PoolerMagazine

Sharpe said he’s been coaching a long time. His oldest son, Will, is 12 years old and going into the 7 th grade. “I’ve been coaching him since he was six,” said Sharpe.

Sharpe has coached his boys year round in Pooler Recreation baseball, football, and basketball. He estimates that, to date, he has coached some 25 Pooler recreation teams.

He also coached a Pooler all-star basketball team.

Sharpe said coaching in the Pooler Recreation leagues has been a great experience for him and for his boys. “Pooler Recreation is among the best-organized recreation departments around,” he said. “They let their coaches coach. They don’t put up with parent stuff where the parents yell and argue. If you do, you don’t play in Pooler. It’s nice for the kids.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching in Pooler Recreation, Sharpe said, is being available to be a supportive male figure for so many kids whose fathers are away. With such a strong military presence in the area, many parents, especially fathers, are deployed somewhere. “If I coach 20 kids about half of their dads are out of town serving in the military,” he said. “This is also true for kids who, for one reason or another, don’t have that constant fatherly presence in their lives,” he said.

During football and baseball season they taped games and sent them to Iraq.

Sterling Smith It’s not unusual for anyone to come home after a day’s work and plop down to rest in a comfy chair, but for Sterling Smith, time outside of work holds many activities. This husband, and father of two small children, volunteers to coach two soccer teams at the Recreation Department every Tuesday and Thursday night. On Wednesday nights, he serves at his church, and he’s also training to run in his third marathon. How does he do it? “It’s tough to make time, but that’s the big thing,” he said. “I just make sure that I make time to help serve the community that I live in.”

Smith is well qualified to be a soccer coach. He played for his high school team and throughout college. He also played on an Overseas Olympic Development Team, and during soccer season he plays on the Downtown Savannah Men’s Team.

You would think he would be coaching the older players to a championship, but at practice sessions, you’ll find him on the field with the youngest players. He coaches U6 and U8 teams, his youngest charges only four years old. One day his small players may be super stars, but for right now they’re learning the basics.

“I love being around kids. Their laughter just brings you up,” he said. “We have a lot of fun at practice. We’re going to learn the fundamentals of soccer, and we’re going to have fun.”

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 25

2 0 1 2 P ooler R ecre a tion S potli g hts

Sam Sharpe

2012 Pooler Recreation Spotlights

John Hendricks

Thirty-five year old US Army Staff Sergeant John Hendricks keeps on giving back....back to his country and back to his community.

Born in South Jamaica, Queens NY, John Hendricks started playing sports at an early age, hitting the basketball courts by the time he was four years old. He attended Christ the King Catholic School in Queens NY and graduated, playing sports through his high school career. He always saw sports as a way to earn a scholarship or get somewhere in life. His leadership skills emerged in his youth and he often found himself coaching or mentoring kids in his neighborhood. This penchant would serve him well as an adult.

Local Recreation Department sports programs offer excellent opportunities for youth.

The Pooler Recreation Department aims to “provide the best quality programs and activities for the community that are safe, competitive, educational and that create, promote and enhance a healthy lifestyle, as well as encouraging good sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play.”

Hendricks started coaching his 11 year old son, Da’shaun in rec football in the past year.

5’8” 160 lb Da’shaun plays right tackle defense for the Pooler Recreation Department 12 and under football team. John says that the need for parent volunteers and the desire to spend time with his kids had a lot to do with his decision.

P

pooler park

P R E L OO

900 south • rogers street • Administrative Office • Gymnasium • 5 Ball Diamonds • Batting Cages • Playgrounds • Outside Basketball Court

s

rvice e S e r u eis

nt & L ERS STREET e m t r a Th ROG on Dep

i Recreat

00 SOU 9 K R A P • Baseball 5-14 POOLER

• Softball 7-14 POOLER RECREATION COMPLEX • T-Ball (Girls 4-6, Boys 4) 200 PRESTON STOKES DRIVE 5 BASEBALL FIELDS • Spring Soccer 4-12 2 SOCCER/FOOTBALL FIELDS • Fall Soccer 4-12 BATTING CAGES AND PLAYGROUND • Youth Basketball 5-13 • Summer Basketball 9-13 • Adult Sports www.PoolerRec.com • Tumbling 3+ $45 Join Us On Facebook poolerrecreation@pooler-ga.gov • Dance 3+ $50/$60

748-5776

26 January/February 2013 | PoolerMagazine

All in all, he works with more than 30 kids and Hendricks really likes the “tween-age” group he coaches. “You can reach them at the youngest level when they are still malleable, moldeable like clay”, he says. “Through sports you can see a whole new aspect of their personality begin to emerge”.

One thing Hendricks sees as a common thread in kids of all ages is that “kids today do not like to lose. They don’t know how to lose.

They are taught that everyone is a winner and no one talks about the hard subjects like losing in real life. Video games have taught them they can start over and over and over”.

Hendricks thinks it is important for kids to learn from loss as much as from success and he uses such moments as teaching moments to present lessons about digging deep to find inner resources and strength when the chips are down.

Hendricks says “Rec Department sports sets the stage to develop athletic skills that can pave the way for academic and athletic scholarships. It’s not about kids becoming professional athletes. It’s more about kids learning to be professional, and to be disciplined. Those skills will take them anywhere in life.”

He encourages parents to “get your kids involved in anything: sports, dance, activities that involve cooperation and teamwork with others”.

seeking sponsorships For our Youth teams seeking Volunteers For Coaching

Community Center 1400 square foot dining area, kitchen with complete stoves, ample room for outdoor activities, $100 per day rental.

senior Citizens Center (sangrena Woods) Daily activities 9am-3pm • Ceramics • Exercise • Quilting Classes • Line Dancing • Day Trips • Crafts • Exercise • Meals • Games Transportation Provided If Necessary

Ask Us Why You Should Be On Our Pages!

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 julie@idpmagazines.com

DiAnna Jenkins (912) 308-7408 dianna@idpmagazines.com

(912)826-2760

www.poolermagazine.com

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, Georgia 31326 Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 27

3

201 UARY R B E F ARY/ JANU

l annua nd th a l a E H issue s s e n well

lor eart y a S a Sonig With Her H Seein

Visit Us At www.PoolerMagazine.com 28 July/August 2012 | Pooler Magazine

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Keep up with us between issues!

We will be posting pictures and information from each magazine!

international Mediation novella Jane Hughes Registered Mediator

108 International Drive • P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, Georgia 31326

Registration # 35344

(912) 826-2760

912-657-5386 Phone 912-826-4556 Fax

Pooler Magazine is a publication of Independence Day Publishing, Inc.

Join Today!

Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Bulloch or Liberty County may join our credit union!

POOLER BRANCH The Shops at Godley Station / 107 Grand Central Blvd., Suite 201

912-748-6401 www.geovistacu.com Monday thru Friday 9AM-5PM / Saturday Hours 9AM-1PM This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Adminstration.

Full financial services - savings, checking, loans, mobile banking and more! Convenient access to your account with Internet Banking, Bill Payer and ATMs. Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 29

Pooler Chamber of Commerce Pooler PC held a ribbon cutting December 3 in Pooler at 130 Canal Street, Suite 101.

Pictured (l-r): Sharon Lucas, Bella Salon & Spa; Gary Southard; Chelsea Newton; Bridget Milliken; Justin Milliken, owner; children, Joshua Milliken, Elijah Milliken and Rachel Milliken; Mike Lamb, Mayor, City of Pooler; and Sheena Counts, Savannah Conference Hotel.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting supported by the Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc. on August 4 at its Pooler location, 866 West Highway 80.

Pictured (l-r): Tommy Beyer; Rebecca Benton, Pooler Mayor Pro Tem; Randy Hadden; “Buddy;” Kyle Hadden; Kathy Hadden; and Mike Lamb, Mayor of Pooler.

Kerns

Construction Company, LLC ULYSSES K. EATON LEED AP PRESIDENT CELL (912) 856-2795 ueaton@kernsco.com

104 CENTRAL BLVD PO BOX 427 GUYTON, GA 31312

(912) 519-0175 PHONE (912) 519-0176 FAX

30 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

988-3063 111 Hwy 80 SE

Pooler GA 31322

Ribbon Cuttings Urgent Care 24/7 held its ribbon cutting 9 Mill Creed Circle, Suite A-1, November 15.

America’s Home Place at 1108 Highway 80, East in Pooler celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Saturday 22.

Pictured (l-r): Brian Gibbons, CEO, Urgent Care 24/7; Kim Griffin, The Coastal Bank; Rebecca Benton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pooler; Dr. Jerry Williams, Owner, Urgent Care 24/7; Lee Williams, Vice President of Administration, Urgent Care 24/7; Mike Lamb, Mayor, City of Pooler; David Minkovitz; Rosalie King, Savannah Conference Hotel; Glenn Riggs, Paramedic; Jim Spies; Kim Gatewood, LPN; and Christie Koppel, Vice President PR & Marketing

SK8 City’s ribbon cutting November 30 at 4 Towne Center Court.

Pictured (l-r): Susan Gunyou, building consultant and John Hustedt, division president for the company; and Mayor Mike Lamb and Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Benton, City of Pooler. Photo is by Pam Southard.

From the left, far left is Jay Patel-Manager; Rebecca Benton, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Pooler; Pat Yovich, First Class Marketing Systems; (blond hair man) is Mark Carpenter-Manager; Mike Lamb, Mayor, City of Pooler; Jimmy Patel-Owner, Angela Burns-sales and Marketing Director; and Olivia King.

Bronze Tanning Salon in Pooler held its grand opening and ribbon cutting Friday, October 19, at 447 Pooler Parkway.

Pictured (l-r): Sharon Lucas, Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc. board member; Mayor Mike Lamb, City of Pooler; Tiffany and A.J. Wolfe, owners, Bronze Tanning Salon; Katie Iler, manager; Devin Forehand and Alexis Polcyn, front desk associates; and Tommy Beyer, Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc. board member.

Another Success Upscale

HAir SAlon

1024 W Hwy 80 Unit 105, Pooler • 912-748-8358

Specializing in

Relaxers • Leisure & Regular Curls Cold Wave Perm • Hot Comb Style Cuts • Hair Color • Shampoo Set Hairweaving & Extensions

Walk-Ins Welcome

Marian T. Wright, Master Cosmetologist 23 Years Experience

Dudley & Design Products Available Tues-Wed 9:30 - 5:30 Thur-Fri 9:30 - 7:00 Sat 9:00 - 4:30

Licensed Stylist Needed

Pooler Magazine | January/February 2013 31

PhotograPhy

3 Locations to serve you!

129 Waterford Ct RINCON GA 31326 Phone: (912) 661-2024

...and many more!

912-401-7705

No Problem...

We Can Come To You!

1024 US Hwy 80W Suite 110 POOLER GA 31322 Phone: (912) 450-8700

• Tyler Candles • Mud Pie • Lindsay Philips

www.MemoryLanePhotos.org MemoryLanePhotos.org@gmail.com

Can’t Come To Us?

50 Berwich Blvd Suite 360 SAVANNAH GA 31419 Phone: (912) 233-8810

• Vera Bradley • Lilly Pulitzer • Lolita

Freezing Life’s Precious Moments In Time

Memory Lane

Find us on Facebook or visit our website www.TopDogSpa.com

(912) 748-0250 Publix Shopping Center PooLer (912) 349-0889 Southbridge Commons SaVannah lisalisasgiftcloset@gmail.com

Thomas C. sTriCkland and sons Funeral homes

Family Owned And Operated

912-748-2444 www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com 32 January/February 2013 | Pooler Magazine

   



               



             

   

  

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2012 33

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Things To Do In Pooler 10 The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum 175 Bourne Ave. • Pooler, GA 31322 The Museum is conveniently located off of I-95 at exit 102 Pooler, GA. Just 2 miles south of the Savannah International Airport exit and minutes away from the heart of downtown Savannah, GA. Today, the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum is one of the world’s most powerful museum experiences.

Live Oak Public Library Located at 216 S. Rogers Street in Pooler, the Live Oak Public Library offers a wide variety of books, videos, music, newspapers, magazines and computers. The Pooler Live Oak Library has a wonderful children’s section, and is a great place to visit during the hotter summer months. For more information about the library visit their website at www.liveoakpl.org or call, (912) 748-0471

Recreation Pooler boasts a number of recreational attractions such as a recreation complex near city hall and a 102-acre “super complex” near the Pooler Parkway. This facility is located on Isaac Laroche Drive behind the West Chatham YMCA. Visit the Pooler Recreation Department website for more information, http://www.poolerrec.com/ rec/ or call 748-5776.

Movies Georgia Theatre Company has a 12-screen Pooler Stadium Cinemas 12 at the Pooler Marketplace. In Towne Center at Godley Station, a 10-screen Royal Cinema has a modern state of the art facility.

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Oglethorpe Speedway Park Every Friday, race fans gather at Oglethorpe Speedway Park to watch the best drivers in the area race for points and prizes. The half-mile speedway has entertained fans since March of 1951. The tradition of championship racing in a family oriented facility lives on as they run weekly sanctioned NASCAR events. Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and Pure Stocks make up the weekly schedule. For more information or schedule visit www.ospracing.net

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Golf There are two golf courses in the Pooler area.

Crosswinds Golf Club is a unique golfing venue offering 27 holes of some of Savannah’s best golf. They are known for their excellent greens and course conditions throughout the year. The 18 hole championship course is an open, parkland style design with no homes anywhere on the course. Crosswinds is located at 232 James B. Blackburn Drive, Savannah, GA. Call (912)966-0674 or visit their website at www.crosswindsgolfclub.com Westbrook at Savannah Quarters, a 950-acre private, gated Greg Norman master planned golf community with a unique lifestyle with beautiful custom homes enables Westbrook residents to enjoy first-class amenities including a swim and fitness center, tennis courts and a newly built clubhouse with three dining rooms, conference room and wine room all within a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Visit their website at www.savannahquarters.com

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Tom Triplett Park

The heart of Tom Triplett Park is the lake.

Surrounding the lake are biking and jogging paths and a frisbee golf course. The bike paths consist of three intertwined loops of 3.5 miles, 5 miles and 6.5 miles with a lot of technical turns, drops and downhills. Biking in the park is a great way to explore the historic area. Picninc tables under shelters are reminiscent of pagodas and playgrounds and barbeque grills ensure a perfect outing for friends and family. Everyone can try their hand at fishing from the two piers.

YMCA The West Chatham YMCA is located at 165 Issac G. LaRoche Dr. in Pooler. Today the YMCA of Coastal Georgia reaches from Tybee Island to Hinesville, Richmond Hill to Rincon, with ten operating branches in and around the greater Savannah area. With continuing emphasis on family, the YMCA offers a broad selection of activities including preschool childcare, school age care, summer camps, parenting groups, youth and adult sports, family activities, teen fellowship, and spiritual rejuvenation, adult wellness, weight management, nutritional counseling, stress management, weight training, aerobics, dancing, yoga, swimming, and much... much more.

For more information about the West Chatham YMCA visit their website at www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/west-chatham

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Pooler is located between several states and counties boasting some of the most beautiful places to visit. A day trip to other areas such as Historic Savannah, Tybee’s beaches and the South Carolina beaches are all within close driving distance.

Some Savannah trolley companies can even pick you up from your Pooler hotel and take you to Savannah, Tybee and a few other surrounding areas.

Frames-n-Games This family entertainment center has 28 bowling lanes, a videogame arcade, a two-story laser tag arena, a Balladium and The Pooler Grille, a restaurant and sports bar. Frames-n-Games is located at 6 Towne Center Court, Pooler GA 31322 To reserve a lane, or book a party call 912-330-5577.

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Fun Zone Fun Zone Amusement and Sports Park in Pooler has several specials throughout the year. They include Midnight Madness, Early Bird Special and the Twilight Special. Summer hours are Sunday-Thursday, 10AM-10PM and Friday-Saturday, 10AM-12AM. Â Fun Zone has more than 80 arcade games, four Go-Kart tracks, a 36 hole Mini-Golf course, paintball field, kiddie land playground, food and beverages, and free party rooms.

For more information call (912) 330-9860 or visit www. poolerfunpark.com. Â Fun Zone is at 1040 East Highway 80, near I-95 exit 102, Pooler.

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The best foods in Pooler

• Story and Photos By PAIGE PEEBLES - MCDUFFIE •

M

iwa means “beautiful harmony” and harmony and beauty are evident in the tastefulyet-simple design of the Miwa Japanese Restaurant. Nestled in Towne Plaza just off Benton Blvd and west of Home Depot in Pooler, Miwa Japanese Restaurant is close to several local cinemas, the bowling alley and the skating rink. This makes it a perfect choice for a night out with friends or for travelers willing to venture out of the airport or off the interstate and across the bridge. Small table tops for two and intimate lighting also make this a perfect spot for date-night with that special someone.

Husband and wife team Eiichi (AJ) and Meiko Katamura opened Miwa Japanese Restaurant in 2007 and named the restaurant Miwa for their young daughter.

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AJ and Mieko are both from Tokyo, Japan and met in New York.

AJ started cooking in restaurant kitchens when he was 15 years old and learned his craft in Japanese kitchens from New York to Ohio before settling in Savannah with his young wife and daughter. He built a name for himself as one of Savannah’s best sushi chef’s at several popular Japanese style restaurants, and from that, grew a loyal customer base that eventually followed him when he and Mieko opened Miwa. With over 30 years experience, he brings a clean simple approach to traditional Japanese dishes.

The sushi bar is the heart of the establishment with sushi chef AJ demonstrating the artful skills of creating delectable sushi dishes. The classic dishes of sashimi (typically raw fish) and sushi (sashimi

with rice) have developed a good reputation for being healthy and tasty. AJ’s fresh approach to traditional sushi combines a delicate vinegar seasoned rice, and a main ingredient commonly of raw fish but can also be a variety of vegetables or cooked fish. The menu offers a wide range of sushi and sashimi delicacies and popular bites such as G-5 Roll, Mexican Roll and Dancing Roll.

Add the teensiest dab of the mysterious green wasabi paste on your plate and treat your tastebuds to a spicy, zesty condiment that compliments every aspect of Japanese cuisine, especially the sushi and sashimi.

Delicately sliced ginger enhances the flavors with a bit of sweet and a bit of sour, and soy sauce is the condiment of choice to enhance the fresh, salty textures of the seafood.

Several local enthusiasts point to the sunomono salad as the star of the meal with fresh crab, octopus, squid and cucumbers in a rice wine vinegar and sugar dressing. Others recommend the Yakiniku steak and “anything from the sushi bar,” as well as the crispy and light-as-air tempura selections and the miso soup.

Some of the popular appetizers from kitchen are homemade Gyoza (little fried stuffed dumplings), Ika shogayaki (ginger squid, Japanese style) and Edamame. Their Egg Roll Miwa Style is a must-try. For vegetarians, there are tofu dishes or vegetable tempura to choose from as well.

Miwa Japanese Restaurant stays as authentic as possible, introducing and serving traditional cuisines. They are happy to expand the menu and add new dishes by popular demand, such as the newly added Tempura Udon (Hot Noodle Soup). Also, they have seasonal menu items such as Tonjiru (Pork Miso Stew), Chicken Curry or Motsu Nikomi.

Diners who know real Japanese delicacies will enjoy these foods.

Hand-breaded Chicken Katsu is served crispy and hot with rice and sauteed vegetables. The panko breadcrumbs coating these tender cutlets lends a satisfying and delicious crunch, while the thinly sliced marinated Yakiniku steak melts in your mouth. A special menu with kids in mind is a perfect way to introduce young palates to a new cuisine. You won’t find hamburgers or chicken nuggets; just smaller versions

of the grown-up dishes!

Japanese plum wine, traditional Sapporo beer or sake’ served warm or cool adds just the right cocktail note to your meal. Miwa offers several types of sake’ from the sweet, cool Nigori sake’ to the cleaner, more elegant and more refined Ginjo. No matter what sake’ you choose, be sure to honor tradition and finish the whole bottle once it’s been opened!

The reasonably priced lunch menu offers the standards we’ve come to know and love - hibachi or teriyaki bowls with your choice of chicken, fish, steak or shrimp served with rice and vegetables. Take-outs are welcome!

Service and attention to detail is a driving principle of the owners, and the entire staff is delightful and friendly.

It’s definitely not fast food - everything at Miwa is prepared to order ensuring your selection from kitchen or sushi bar will arrive at your table fresh. So sit back, slow down and find your beautiful harmony at Miwa Japanese Restaurant.

The staff is happy to teach you how to use chopsticks.

Mieko says “if you can use a pen to write, we can teach you to use chopsticks”

748-8228 125 Foxfield Way Suite #05 Pooler, Georgia Off Benton Boulevard, across from Home Depot

Find our full menu at www.miwajapaneserestaurant.com Discounts Available For Gulfstream Employees And Hotel Guests in the area.

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Great American Grill 80 Clyde E. Martin Drive Savannah, GA 31408 (912) 964-5550

Miwa Japanese Restaurant 125 Foxfield Way, Suite 05 Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 748-8228 www.miwajapaneserestaurant.com

Lucky’s Tavern 301 Governor Truetlen Rd. Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2626

Miss Sophie’s 175 Bourne Ave. Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 330-0778 www.sophiesmarketplace.com

Seasons of Japan 455 Pooler Parkway Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 748-9383 www.seasons of japan. com

great new menu Breakfast: 6:00AM - 10:00AM Monday thru Friday 7:00AM - 11:00AM Saturday and Sunday Dinner & Room Service: 5:00PM - 10:00PM Each Evening

We also offer on-site catering for events at our 1200 square-foot meeting space.

BUY 1, GET 1 FREE BREAKFAST BUFFET

All You Can Eat, Cooked To Order, Available 7 Days Expires December 31, 2012 20% Gratuity Added To Each Check (with coupon)

Savannah Airport • 80 Clyde E. Martin Drive Savannah, GA 31408 • 912-964-5550

*sample of new menu

JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 3RD TO WATCH THE SUPERBOWL ON OUR 120” SCREEN TV! Kitchen Open everday 4pm-10pm, Sunday 1pm-10pm • wedneSday - Saturday KaraOKe

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Double

Cheeseburger and Fries or Tots *One Coupon Per Person. Expires 2/28/13

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FRee DRAFT beeR with any food order *One Coupon Per Person. Expires 2/28/13

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JAgeRbombs!

*One Coupon Per Person. Expires 2/28/13

Your Real Estate Team... Working For You!

Triple Power Sales

Carmen Cribbs (912) 663-6683 carmen@triplepowersales.com

DiAnna Jenkins (912) 308-7408 dianna@triplepowersales.com

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 julie@triplepowersales.com

370 Springfield Tusculum

Gorgeous Home In Beautiful Honey Ridge Estates.

3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with bonus room and sunroom.

Immaculate home and yard! A must see! $225,000

104 Windstream

Close to South Effingham Schools Open split bedroom plan with large kitchen with plenty of cabinets and counter space. Master features large walk in closet, double vanities with garden tub and separate shower in bath. Very nice back yard with privacy fences and sodded front lawn with irrigation. $148,500

208 Brookstone

This 1566 sq.ft. house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, as well as a bonus room that could be turned into a bedroom.

Tile floor in kitchen and bathroom. Sits on a .20-acre lot.

204 S Coastal Hwy

2 Store Fronts in Pt. Wentworth on Hwy 17. Close to the Ports, Gulfstream, and other major industry. Large open areas, parking out front. Additional adjoining lot also available. Building in need of some repair- estimates can be provided. $80,000

Great Commercial Property in Downtown Savannah!

This property has a 1000 square feet retail space with a 2000 Sqare Feet warehouse. It sits on a prime location on the corner of 40th and Drayton. It was formerly a paint business and owner will sell inventory and equipment if desired. Or move in and start another business! Listed at $286,000! Owner will consider lease or owner finance.

Peaceful country living at its best. 2200 sq foot, 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath on 6.52 acres. Beautiful custom wood work throughout the house. Enjoy the large front screened porch that over looks a 1/4 acre pond.

1200 sq foot shop with insulation and electricity. Call for an appointment today. $299,900

Excellent business location on highway 119 in historic Guyton. Large open space and separate office.

Building offers front and real parking, with loading dock. Propery sits on .54 acres. Main building is 2040 square feet. Arrange your appointment today to view property that offers endless business possibilities.

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Hwy 30 location, 3 lots total with 2 community wells and 10 water taps. Mobile Home rental with outside storage and 2 other lots with improvements. Great rental income plus water metered taps. $229,900.00

5805 Hwy 21 S., PO Box 350 Rincon, GA 31326 www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

912.826.0927 Office 912.826.5828 Fax 877-826-0928 Toll Free

INVESTO RS WANTED ALSO!

Seasons of Japan is Coming to Florida and Caifornia!

455 Pooler Pkwy, Pooler 912-748-9383 New Publix Shopping Center

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