Pooler Magazine November/December 2014

November/December 2014

: t t e

tch

ar

h

c a Z

ri P y

i ing v i sary

G ver

Ne

r nni e v a 8t

h

Up

u ss

e

every woman is unique

and so are her healthcare needs.

7RQL 6\OYHVWHU 0' )$&2*

/$'< Â&#x2021; (IILQJKDP+HDOWK RUJ

([ ,É&#x2030;UNOHT >VTLU»Z /LHS[O ^L \UKLYZ[HUK ^OH[ ^VTLU ^HU[ MYVT [OLPY KVJ[VY :VTLVUL ^OV \UKLYZ[HUKZ SPZ[LUZ HUK PZ JVTTP[[LK [V ILPUN YLZWVUZP]L [V [OLPY \UPX\L OLHS[OJHYL ULLKZ >L WYV]PKL H ^PKL ]HYPL[` VM WYVNYHTZ HUK ZLY]PJLZ KLZPNULK I` ^VTLU MVY ^VTLU >L»YL YVV[LK PU ^OH[ TH[[LYZ

:20(1·6 +($/7+ Y O U A L WAY S M AT T E R

A Department of Effingham Health System

Celebrationg 15 years!

Orange Chicken

LOVE IT

Toshi Hirata Seasons of Japan, CEO

OTHER LOCATIONS:

Savannah, GA-Abercorn • Savannah, GA-Berwick Statesboro, GA • Brunswick, GA North Charleston, SC • Summerville, SC • Jacksonville, FL Irvine, CA • Berkeley, CA • Vernon Hills, IL

DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT, ON-LINE ORDERING & DRIVE-THRU Mon-Thur 11am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10:00pm, Sun 11am-9pm

455 Pooler Pkwy Publix Shopping Center

912.748.9383

www.seasonsofjapan.com

Seasons Cafe is bringing fast casual Japanese cuisine to downtown Savannah this fall!

Our new concept and style will give you the freedom to choose what you crave.

Thousands of different combinations await with freshly cooked ingredients so you can “make your own plate” and try a new combination each time you visit.

Now you can enjoy Seasons of Japan like never before!

COMING SOON! 10 BARNARD ST 912-349-6230 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFO

CONTRIBUTORS SUBSCRIBE 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.

Paige Peebles-McDuffie

Make sure you never miss a copy of Pooler’s only full-color lifestyle magazine.

Sign-up on-line at www.PoolerMagazine.com

FOLLOW US on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Pooler.You’ll find us at Pooler Magazine.

Sherry Cook is a Tennessee native who has traveled the world thanks to her husband’s military career. Germany, South Korea, Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama are just a few of the places they have called home over the past 25 years. Sherry and her husband now reside in Rincon, along with two of their three children. She is currently focusing on completing the requirements for her BA in History with the University of Maryland.

Sherry Cook

Victoria Patterson has been a professional artist for 17 years plus, and her love for photography has led her further each year into an exploration of timelessness. She can bring out a creative side in people they didn’t even know existed! Victoria’s portraiture stands out from the others with originality. Her style is photojournalist, a little traditional, liberally sprinkled with artzy flair. Portraits and weddings for friends and relatives gradually led to a more formal occupation and a clarification of what it is she looks for through the lens of a camera. Her photography is a constant search for beauty, character and depth, for that place where time stands still.

Victoria Patterson

TWEET We’re on twitter!

INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scene photos from our articles! Tag your own Pooler photos with our tag #PoolerMagazine!

WRITE US 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, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

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 Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Pooler.

STAFF

Lea Allen

Lane Gallegos

DiAnna Jenkins

www.poolermagazine.com

04 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

• business logos • personalized gifts • corporate wear • embroidery • screen print

912-748-5733

www.southerncharmembroidery.com

660 Old River Road, Bloomingdale, GA 31302

(one mile off Hwy 80 or two miles off I-16 exit 148)

CONTENTS November/December 2014

features

08 Zachary Pritchett

Never Giving Up 14 Mrs. Stella “Trix” Smith A Legend In Her Own Time 20 24 28

Artist Profile Jonathan G. Keller

Hezekiah Polk A Grocery Pioneer

Pooler Rec Spotlight Marc Elton

specials

31 Faces In Business

08

departments

43

Let’s Do Business

49

Real Estate

52

Dining Guide

14

06 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

20

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Eight years and rolling...

Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

Why is it when one has an anniversary that they tend to reflect on the past? I suppose it is because the past is what got you to the present. It is what made you who and what you are today.

Celebrating an anniversary of your business is really no different. It makes you think of the beginning, the trials and tribulations, the ups and the downs along the way. It finds you reflecting on the good and the bad, reliving the events, sometimes as if they were yesterday.

Every year when we celebrate our anniversary at Pooler Magazine, I always sit and think about how we started, where we have been, where we are today, and more importantly, where are we going from here.

Where are we going from here? What a question.

No one can predict the future, but as any business, we are certainly planning on it, our future.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER We have taken great pride in bringing the people of Pooler their very own community magazine for the last eight years. We have made many changes along the way. We have added special pages, special sections....always evolving to meet the needs of our clients and our readers.

That part of the future I can predict. We will continue to bring you a quality publication, highlighting and featuring all that is good about Pooler and its people.

I can also predict that you will see more changes in our magazine in the coming year.

We have some very exciting plans for 2015.

Planning for our future is important to me. My staff deserves that. I appreciate every contribution they each make to this magazine!

So, to Lane Gallegos, Lea Allen and DiAnna Jenkins, thank you ladies for being a part of my past, a part of my present, and a part of my future. And thank you for always doing your part to bring the people of Pooler the very best Pooler Magazine we can. I love you guys!

The future of Pooler Magazine is bright! So, put your sun glasses on and enjoy the ride. There are many surprises along the way!

Circulation: Pooler Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 9 ,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

about the cover Little Zachary Pritchett is never giving up. So, let’s don’t either.

Read about this courageous young man and how he faces life on a daily basis. Come on Pooler and surrounding areas.....let’s find a donor and give the Zachary and his family the best gift ever....the gift of life!

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 07

Zachary Pritchett has kidney

and he’s

Never Giving Up

T

• Story by PAIGE MCDUFFIE

Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON •

he Pritchett home rings with the laughter and the excited squeals of active children horsing around.

Seven year old Zachary Pritchett leads the charge while neighborhood children join in the fun. They tromp outside for an energetic bounce on the trampoline and play make-believe in the Autumn leaves before heading indoors for some quieter play.

Like most kids, Zachary’s room is a cheerful array of brightly colored bins full of toys, bookshelves and a poster homage to his favorite sports hero - in this case, wrestler John Cena. This idyllic image of childhood is marred only by the array of dialysis equipment lining the rear wall of Zachary’s bedroom.

His parents David and Shannon Pritchett met and married in 2004. David was a Kentucky boy stationed at Fort Stewart. Shannon graduated from Savannah High School and was focused on advancing in her career at Kerry. They met accidentally and went on their first a date as a result of a pool table bet.

Neither expected to fall in love. “He tricked me into paying!”

Shannon shares with a happy laugh.

Before long, their family was growing and their first child, Andrew Phillip was born. Sadly, Andrew was born six weeks early and stayed in the hospital for nearly seven months before he passed away at Memorial Hospital.

The following year, the Pritchetts were delighted to be expecting their second child and Shannon remembers thinking, “This baby is going to be perfect! God isn’t going to let this happen to me twice.” She had no idea how her faith was about to be tested.

Shannon felt wonderful during her pregnancy and was so excited to bring new life into the world. She and David were relieved when Zachary seemed to be developing right on schedule.

However, six months into her pregnancy she had her third ultrasound and there were warning signs that everything was not according to plan. Tests showed Zachary’s kidneys were enlarged and Shannon’s amniotic fluid was falling at an alarming rate.

By thirty-six weeks, her amniotic fluid was completely gone and the baby was in distress. Zachary couldn’t wait any longer.

Shannon and David made the heartwrenching decision along with the doctors to schedule a cesarean section and October 1, 2006 Zachary Austin Pritchett came into the world, weighing just over five pounds.

It was immediately apparent that Zachary needed medical intervention. Not only were his kidneys enlarged, they discovered he was born without an opening for his anus, a condition known as “imperforate anus.” His kidneys were enlarged because his ureters were twisted in the womb and his kidneys retained the amniotic fluid instead of expelling it.

With knotted ureters, Baby Zachary had no way to urinate in the womb and replenish the amniotic fluid, much less empty his kidneys so his kidneys grew larger and larger to store the amniotic fluid and waste.

Combined with his imperforate anus, Zachary had no way to rid his body of the building toxins. He was getting sicker by the

minute.

Shannon recalls sadly, “He was taken from me straight to Augusta, for surgery the night he was born.”

David made the heartbreaking decision to leave his wife in one hospital to accompany his newborn son to Georgia Regents Hospital in Augusta, Ga. “I had a decision to make, stay with my wife who just had major surgery, or go with my son whose life was in the balance. I went with my son.” It was the first of many difficult choices and sacrifices this family would have to make.

Zachary would spend the first month and a half of his life in the hospital. The first thing the doctors in Augusta did for him was give him a ostomy bag and a nephrostomy bag to help his body start getting rid of waste and toxins. The extra amniotic fluid he retained in the womb killed his right kidney and damaged his left; he would not get a surgically created anus until he turned 1 year old. His left kidney continued to work until October 2013, when he started dialysis.

Kidneys have the job of filtering toxins out of the bloodstream and disposing of waste in the body. Healthy kidneys work around the clock filtering and cleaning the blood. When kidneys fail, the process of cleansing the blood is handled mechanically through a process called dialysis. Zachary spends twelve hours per day at home receiving dialysis. He has to maintain a very strict schedule in order to stay healthy.

His specific kind of dialysis is called “peritoneal dialysis.”

This type of dialysis allows Zachary to be more mobile, and with careful planning, he can travel with his family. There are a few rules they have to follow, including making sure they stay within four hours of a hospital equipped to handle pediatric dialysis.

He also has to follow a specific diet, and meets regularly with a dietitian to help create meal plans that are both fun to eat and fulfill all his nutritional requirements. He has to avoid many of his favorite foods, like hot dogs and fried bologna, pepperoni, milk and milk products - even some vegetables like broccoli.

These and other food items that are high in phosphorus and make the kidneys work harder.

To make sure he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs, supplemental nutrition is given to him through a feeding tube in his nose.

To help answer the questions of his classmates and put them at ease with his feeding tube and bathroom solutions, Zachary and school nurse Marla Danis gave a talk to his second grade class this year.

Because Zachary has been on dialysis for over one year, his now life-threatening condition makes him eligible to be granted a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He’s wished for and been granted a trip to Wrestlemania 2015.

While they wait for a kidney for Zachary, the Pritchett’s continue to remain active in their membership at Pooler First Baptist Church and are grateful for the support of their community, family and friends.

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 09

Zachary needs a kidney.

Here’s how

y u can help:

Donate A Kidney

Zachary is on a kidney transplant list and hopes to receive a kidney from a living donor. Living donors are preferred because the transplanted organs tend to live longer in the host body after transplant. Zachary needs a healthy donor over the age of 18, with type O blood. So far, nearly two dozen people have tested and been rejected as donors for Zachary. The screening process is thorough and the overall health, weight, age, and habits of the donor have to be considered, as well as other factors. Any one small mismatch can eliminate an otherwise good candidate from that particular search. Shannon says “don’t let that stop you if you want to donate a kidney.

You might not be a match for Zachary, but maybe you can be a match for someone”.

To find out more about becoming a living kidney donor, visit http://www.grhealth.org/transplant-program/living-donor

Donate Money

As part of the eligibility requirements for receiving the transplant, the Pritchett’s have to create a “goodwill account” to show they can meet the financial requirements of maintaining the anti-rejection medications, follow-up medical care and long recovery required with an organ transplant. Their fundraising goal is $10,000 to help them get started on the journey.

A donation campaign has been set up at http://www.gofundme.com/AKidneyforZachary.

10 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

School Congratulates Classthe of 2014 The Savannah Country Day Schoolthe Congratulates Class of 2014

% admission rate to all anschools. addition, garnered nearly The Class of 2014 has achieved outstanding 70%In admission rate to all they schools. have In addition, they have garnered nearly E, and have been offers, admitted toHOPE, some ofbeen the most competitive colleges $4 Million in scholarship in addition to and have admitted to some of the most competitive colleges ecord ofnation. students matriculating Georgia Tech, in addition andnumber universities in the In state, there are a record number at of students matriculating at Georgia Tech, in additionto to Georgia.

17 students who will be attending the University of Georgia.

rsities for Class of 2014: Below is athe sampling of admitting colleges and universities for the Class of 2014:

UnitedVirginia States MilitaryTechVirginia Tech Academy Washington Washington & Lee & Lee UNC-Chapel University Hill University University of Florida Washington University Washington University of St. Louis of St. Louis UGA-Honors Wellesley College Wellesley University of Michigan College Wheaton College Wheaton (IL) (IL) University of Richmond College Wofford College Wofford University of RochesterCollege

HO Y SC OL DA E

E

SCHOOL AY

D

A

U

U

U S 1905 Q Q PE ES ES RO OR SR N T I A M M C IE N TI A M M

1905

R S C IE

S

I

PE

COUNTH RCYOUNTRY

U

Service

US

S

savcds.org

U

Discover the Country Day difference: nce: explore our campus; spend time in our classrooms. in our classrooms.

Call 912.925.8800 to schedule a visit. visit.

AH

E SAVAN TH N

University of Virginia Vanderbilt University

E SAV TH ANN

United States Boston University Grinnell Military College Academy Brandeis University Macalester College Hill College ofUNC-Chapel William & Mary Mills College University of Florida Davidson College New York University ty UGA-Honors Emory University NC State University y UniversityPepperdine of Michigan University sity Furman University UniversityRhodes of Richmond George Washington College University University of Rochester Southern Methodist st Georgetown University University University of Virginia Georgia Institute of Tufts University Vanderbilt University Technology

e

Service I Knowledge I Character Knowledge I Character

Dentistry at GoDley station

Dr. Tracy Durham, D.D.S.

Fillings

|

extractions

|

Partials

|

Dentures

|

Dr. Ruby Barkley, D.M.D.

Crowns

|

Bleaching

|

Veneers

|

Cosmetic And General Dentistry For The Entire Family!

(912) 748-4494 www.tracydurhamdds.com

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

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

noW aCCePtinG neW Patients

emergencies

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

Community starts with neighbors who care.

Sam Sharpe, Agent 114 Canal Street Suite 103 Pooler, GA 31322 Bus: 912-748-7300 coolerinpooler.org

That’s what our town is made of.

State Farm has a long heritage of helping out in the community.

That’s why I’m proud to support the Pooler Community.

Get to a better State . ®

®

1201196

12 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

At t e n t i o n F o o d i e s :

P OOLER

CHECK OUT

POOLER PARK

& SHOP!

RESTAURANT

WEEK

is coming!

· NOVEMBER 29 ·

11.29–12.7

Pooler has come into its own as a food, entertainment and shopping destination.

Come see why!

Sure, you can still shop Black Friday, but save some more money at

POOLER PARK & SHOP

WHEN: Saturday, November 29 thru Sunday, December 7.

Saturday, November 29.

COMING JANUARY 10 For more information go to PoolerChamber.com. /PoolerChamberOfCommerce

@PoolerChamber

PRC353

Sponsored by Synergy Medical Weight Loss.

Register at SavannahRaces.com.

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 13

Mrs. Stella “Trix” Smith:

A Legend In Her Own Time “Treat people right. Love people, and don’t run around hating everybody.” ~Mrs. Stella Smith

F

• Story by KATRICE WILLIAMS Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON •

ew are known to accomplish legendary fetes in life; even fewer are called legends. What an honor it is to have one living in our own community. On September 5, 2014, Mrs. Stella Smith, celebrated her 101st birthday. Mrs. Stella is one of few people who transcend time with her effortless grace, charm, and beauty. To commemorate the occasion, several friends gathered together at Cheddars Restaurant in Pooler to celebrate with Mrs. Stella.

The “Cheddars” birthday tradition was started by Mrs. Stella’s dentist and friend, Dr. Tracy Durham, D.D.S. It’s the fifth year that Dr. Durham’s office sponsored the celebration after discovering that Cheddars is Mrs. Stella’s favorite restaurant.

The love and admiration felt by so many concerning Mrs. Stella is of no surprise. Her kindness and loving nature are obvious to all who know her. Additionally, those who know her have an undeniable appreciation for her clever wit and sassiness. These are but a few attributes so defining of this spectacular woman.

Born in 1913, she is originally from Athens, GA. She tells that she moved to the Savannah area later in life, at about sixty years old. She proudly talks about her humble beginnings being one of eight children born to her mother and father, Amanda and Charles Watson. Everyone played their part in making sure the family made it. Mrs. Stella describes how it was to be raised during those days, most of which is incomprehensible to most of today’s youth. This was a time when most children were taught to have a genuine reverence and respect for adults.

“We didn’t cut up,” she exclaims. Additionally, most men valued working extra hard for their families in order to give them a decent life.

It’s obvious that she loves family togetherness. She remembers being five years old and seeing her parents crying on their front porch. Mrs. Stella says, “I never saw mama and papa cry before.” She wondered what was wrong. She later discovered that they were upset because her older brother, John, had to go to war-World War I. She was troubled because she thought he would die in the war. However, she was thrilled that he later came back home from the war “without a scratch,” as she puts it. She even specifically recollects how unattractive she thought the uniform was saying, “I thought it was the most awful looking uniform.” When asked what some of her most fond moments were, Mrs. Stella says that family reunions and big barbeques together are some of her favorite times. “My mom was one of the best cooks in the world, she confidently states.

She made biscuits every morning.” She goes on to say, “We were all sitting at that table together at the same time; there was no drifting in. When they called for breakfast, everybody went to sit at the table to eat.” During those times, “the old days” as re-

ferred to by some, family time was an easy priority rather than an afterthought.

Being inconceivable to most children in present times, Mrs. Stella says that she attended school in a one-room school building where only one teacher taught every grade. She says, “I learned a lot.”

Furthermore, after seeing the example set by her two parents, it’s no surprise that Mrs. Stella eloped when she was very young, after finding true love. She found that love in her husband, Mr. Hoyt Smith. They loved doing some of the same things that young people do these days, like going to the movies and getting a bite to eat. She says that they enjoyed going to the Varsity when they visited Atlanta. Boy, did they love those burgers! It’s no surprise that Mrs. Stella still doesn’t mind a Varsity Burger whenever she’s in the Atlanta area. On the other hand, the couple went through some really hard times. They had to endure many hardships and struggles especially during The Great Depression. She states, “We had nothing...no meat, no flour, no coffee.” Like many people during those times, the couple worked in a factory. They also worked in an airplane plant during World War II. She says, “We were poor, but we worked.” Mrs. Stella even states that she remembers the start of the Social Security and Income Tax Systems.

Through it all, she and Mr. Hoyt stayed together and loved each other. “He always took care of me,” she says in delight.

She, too, took care of him. She courageously stood by his side as he suffered through an unfortunate bout with emphysema that led to his death. She has never remarried. Is that not endless love at its finest?

Mrs. Stella tenderly speaks of their only son, Charles, named in honor of her father. As the only child, it’s obvious that he was very close to his parents, and they were very proud of him. She says, “He was a good son.” As an adult, Charles would send his parents away on beautiful trips together. They traveled all over Europe including Holland, Germany, France, England, and Ireland. She recalls beautiful, picturesque sights stating, “We’d go down the Rhine on the boat and watch ‘em pick grapes on the side of the mountain.” When asked what her favorite decade is she quickly states that the 1960’s is largely due to her many travels during that time. Some time ago, however, Charles became very ill; Mrs. Stella drew from the enormous strength that she had known for so long; she would seldom leave his side.

During a heartfelt moment, she reads a warm and loving letter that her son wrote her several months before he passed away.

He gave ten reasons why he loves her so much. One states that her love is unconditional. Yet another goes on to say that she’s caring and never thinks of herself. He also appreciates her for standing by him through thick and thin. Those are only a few

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 15

spunk and sass by stating, “No, when I go to the mall, I’m gonna walk all over it.” Isn’t that something! Though she uses a cane to assist her as she moves around, she states, “I’m gonna walk as long as I can.” Unsurprising to most who knows of her courageous spirit, Linda says that Mrs. Stella does a whole lot of things on her own each day. “I’ve been independent my whole life,” states Mrs. Stella, who can’t see it any other way.

If that’s not enough, can you say D-I-V-A? Besides the fact that no one can believe she’s 101, Mrs. Stella always likes to look her best. Linda says that she is very particular about the outfits she wear, her hair, and even her nails. “She’s prissy,” Linda states. How’s that for 101? Yes, she loves to look good! Mrs. Stella agrees that she has been that way for a long time. In a moment of laughter, she recalls a remark made by a little boy many years ago who attended a Sunday School Class that she taught at church.

She states, “He said, Mrs. Stella, you’re cute.” And cute she is. To say the least, this Southern Belle has truly aged gracefully. What a blessing, indeed!

Much of the reason for her upbeat attitude and welcoming personality may be attributed to her loving companion, Trixie, her beautiful German Shepherd that she loves to pieces. She named her dog, Trixie, since she herself is often called “Trix,” a nickname given to her as a child by her father. Trixie is a sweet dog; she keeps Mrs. Stella wonderful company, and she is very protective of Mrs. Stella. “She looks for me when she can’t find me, she says.”

Mrs. Stella is driven to continue living a full life. Interestingly enough, she does have another aspiration, to visit Niagara Falls.

She says that she has wanted to go for a long time. That’s definitely achievable for such a full-of-life and dynamic individual as Mrs. Stella “Trix” Smith.When asked what has been the key to living such a full and rewarding life, Mrs. Stella decisively says, “Treat people right. Love people, and don’t run around hating everybody.

Treat them as nice as you know how to. That’s always been my motto.”

of the reasons that he gave his mom. Mrs. Stella points out that he also mentions the fact that she’s a good cook. She laughs and states, “That shows that his stomach was in charge.”

Through it all, she still does not complain saying, “I’ve had good times and bad times.” She goes on to say, “I’ve had a good life.” Many of those good times had to include her ballroom dancing career. Yes, Mrs. Stella danced! She has performed all over the country, including performances in Florida shows and even at the Savannah Civic Center. That may be the reason that Dancing with the Stars is one of the few shows that Mrs. Stella watches.

In fact, she actually does not like watching television much at all.

She actually enjoys reading. Could this be the reason that, even at 101, she’s so well-versed? She reads the newspaper each day.

She also likes to read her Bible stating, “I read it when I’m upset or worried.” She goes on to say, “I always find something that corresponds to what I may be going through.” That greatly explains why, that at 101, this amazing woman is so insightful.

Mrs. Stella loves life and doesn’t take it for granted. She tries to have a positive outlook on life. At 101 years old, she encompasses an enormous amount of strength, determination, and will-power.

This is all accompanied by her extraordinary level of independence. That being said, her faithful friend, Ms. Linda Fountain tells that she’s been told that a wheelchair could help her get around. Linda then states, “She refuses to get in a wheelchair.”

Furthermore, Mrs. Stella says that her son once offered to push her all over the mall for an outing. She shows her undeniable

16 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

When You Want It

“done riGht” Give Us A Call!

Auto detAilinG

Auto WAsh Hand Wash, Hand Dry,Vaccuum $25

Auto WAsh And WAx Hand Wash, Hand Dry,Vaccuum and Wax $35

Full detAil Hand Wash/Dry/Wax, Clean Dash, Door Panals, Inside Windows, Shampoo Carpet, Air Freshener only $75

residentiAl And CoMMerCiAl HOME

Pressure WAshinG SIDEWALKS

DRIVEWAYS

FENCES

Free Quotes

Licensed and Insured

We Come to You!

(912) 433-3184

AIR CONDITIONING TUNE-UP $ SPECIAL

89

INCLUDES CHECKING: Refrigerant Pressure · Temperature Drop · Drain Lines & More

748-1414 Pooler

1017 Hwy 80E 826-1616 Rincon 965-9911 Garden City In THE Food LIon SHoPPInG CEnTER

(912) 330-6686 ∙ CANADYS.COM

Hometown Service • Free Delivery We accept Medicare Part D and Insurance Prescription Cards

KS E E 5W

55 $ R FO

ROBINSON’S ATA BLACK BELT CONTACT US NOW 912-748-4505 OR VISIT US WWW.POOLERMARTIALARTS.COM LOCATED AT 22 COLEMAN BLVD POOLER, GA 31322 18 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

What can

Dr. Bannout Bannout Dr. do for you?

(912)748-5868 (912) 748-5868 (912) 748-5868 (912) 748-5868 www.poolercosmeticdentist.com

• Evening & Saturday Appointments!

• EmergencyCare dental careYour - done promptly!

Complete For Family • Most oral surgery procedures are done in • Cleanings & Exams office including wisdom teeth removal

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

• Crowns & Bridges When Veneers you refer a friend or family • Porcelain • Dental Implants member to Dr. Bannout, receive a • TeethWhitening credit off your Parkway next visit wayDentistry of Centeras forour Cosmetic • Invisalign Dr. Alexander Bannout saying “Thank You!” Canalremoval St, Ste 204 • Oral Surgery, including wisdom130 teeth Pooler, GA 31322

We are not your typical dental office!

Parkway Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Alexander Bannout 130 Canal St, Ste 204 Pooler, GA 31322 Scan to save our details on your Smartphone!

www.poolercosmeticdentist.com

Evening Quality and Saturday Appointments! second to none!

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 19

artist profile

Jonathan G. Keller

H

is work almost never came to be, but has since been compared to that of Joan Miro and Salvador Dali. Yet, while acknowledging their influence, Pooler artist Jonathan Gregory Keller prefers to think of his art as his own.

“I’m sure my subconscious has traces of their work and that’s why people will say it resembles theirs,” said Keller, who owns his own studio in Savannah and lists Dali, Miro and Jean Michael Basquiat as among his

20 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON favorites.

Yet if Keller’s work borrows subconsciously from other artists, and whose doesn’t, it’s also unique, a dazzling, colorful combination of abstractionism and surrealism. It’s attracted enough positive attention he is currently in the process of establishing himself as a full time artist, and one who can afford to eat, at that.

“I’m not a starving artist .... but to be successful as an artist you have to have patience,” said Keller. “You need to know your potential clientele, you need to have some

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 21

decent artwork, you need to get your name out there any way you can and most of all, you must work very hard.” And, perhaps as much, if not more, than anything else, you must be honest with yourself.

For Keller, who was born in Pennsylvania but traveled around the world before moving to Pooler five years ago, the honesty started when he entered a treatment center in March 2013.

“I have struggled with alcohol for many years,” Keller said.

“When I was in treatment, we would have art therapy twice a week and I really enjoyed it.” So much so that Keller’s therapist suggested he start doing art at home to keep him from more destructive behavior, like drinking. So Keller went and bought some inexpensive art supplies and got to work.

“I started painting,” he said. “I had no clue what I was doing, but I was having fun.”

But he also realized his limitations, which were there because he didn‘t know how to translate what he felt into something he could put on canvas. “Painting became frustrating because I didn’t know how to paint the things I wanted to,” Keller said. “I went to City Market a lot to study the artwork and talk to the local artists. I watched YouTube videos about painting and I learned a lot from mistakes, which I still do.”

Yet Keller didn’t come into art a complete novice, newly formed without ever having been exposed to paint and a brush. He drew

learning and trial and error.

“I didn’t just quit my job and follow my dreams, I worked hard and when the time came to make the transition, I did,” he said. “I may fail, I hope I don’t, but it is the reality of the art world.”

Still, you can’t become an artist without, well, becoming an artist. Because it’s certain that if you don’t try you will never succeed and that’s true whether one is talking about art or writing or running a marathon.

“You need to take a leap of faith,” Keller said. “If you want to take it, put in the work and research and maybe you can find some success.” Just don’t be surprised when you fail. “Be prepared to have your art picked apart, frowned upon,” Keller said. “People can and will be unkind. But don’t take it personal. It’s all a part of the business.”

So is the need to be resilient, and humble, both of which should be tattooed in permanent ink somewhere on an artist’s soul, along with these words: ‘Never stop learning.’

“I’m going to keep working and keep learning,” Keller said. “I listen to successful artists and I take their constructive criticism seriously. I will continue to promote myself the best I can and trust that God will take care of me with the blessing he has given me.”

That’s a powerful blessing, he admits.

“I love to paint and I love being able to do something I truly

“When someone buys a painting from me it really feels great,” Keller said. “It’s a true honor to have someone like your art enough to be willing to spend their hard earned money on it.” and painted and did arts and crafts as a kid, and his mother is an elementary school art teacher in Pennsylvania. “She had my sister and I involved in different art workshops and we used to visit a lot of art galleries when we were young. I always enjoyed art when I was young, but didn’t continue to pursue it.”

Keller did spend time in the military and in the business world, and in the bottle. He talks little about his past professions other than to acknowledge it helped shape him into the artist whose work has begun to find a place in the local art scene and help him pay the bills. Keller’s profits from his artwork are far less than some here command, but far better than that others realize.

“I know artists in our area that make $10,000 per month on average and I know artists who make $10 a month,” he said. Some overprice their work, others under value theirs.

The idea, though, is to work hard and be realistic. In this economy, “there are not many people willing to spend $5,000 on a painting unless you have a name to back it up.”

But give him time. He’s studied those who do well in the business, and he’s planned his evolution to artist by watching and

22 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

enjoy,” Keller said. “I feel very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to share myself with the world through my art.”

It’s a relationship shared between painter and paint and brush and canvas and then the world out there who comes to see and be moved, whether for good or bad. Some even desire to possess the artist’s work, and that’s something special in its own right.

“When someone buys a painting from me it really feels great,” Keller said. “It’s a true honor to have someone like your art enough to be willing to spend their hard earned money on it.”

Keller knows this now. But he almost didn’t, almost self -destructed himself into never painting a thing. That realization is there somewhere in the paintings Keller finds in his memory and his heart and brings to life, wordless in paint, but there are words to describe it.

“The only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves,” Keller said. “Our own stubbornness can have devastating consequences if we do not listen to the wisdom we are given.”

For more information about Jonathan G. Keller’s art, visit www.jonathangregorykeller.com.

www.HowardFamilyDental.com

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 23

Hezekiah Polk :

A Grocery Pioneer

I

• Story by PAIGE PEEBLES-MCDUFFIE •

n a day of modern technology and conveniences, despite fast food restaurants and supermarkets on every corner, people are gravitating towards a more “farm-to-table” connection with the food they buy . Consumers want to know where their vegetables and fruits are sourced and local farmers and market providers are listening.

Long before the popularity of organic superstores like Whole Foods and EarthFare or the raging debate about non-GMO versus GMO foods, local visionary Hezekiah Polk saw the value of connecting consumers with good food by going straight to the source.

Starting with just a few truckloads of vegetables and a knack for building relationships and connecting with people, Hezekiah Polk would eventually create a legacy in the Lowcountry with his succession of produce and vegetable markets, beginning with Polk’s Market towards the end of World War II. Hezekiah was born in Milan, GA in 1917 to Charlie and Rachel Polk and raised with traditional family values. He came from a large family and his strong work ethic and sense of family was further instilled in his two children Becky and Jerry, and provided the foundation for his 71 year long marriage to Allene Brown Polk.

24 November/December 2014 | PoolerMagazine

Like many young men of his era, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and remained in the Savannah area to work in the local shipyards. It was a time before the advent of supermarket shopping and you either grew your own food or bought it a open-air markets in the heart of bustling cities. Hezekiah saw an opportunity to make money selling produce and established the first Polk’s Market in the old City Market of Savannah nearly 80 years ago.

A Budding Entrepreneur “Hezekiah Polk was not a farmer. He never grew a THING!” his daughter Becky Polk-Bashlor is quick to say with a laugh.

Instead, his entrepreneurial penchant for produce allowed him to form a relationship with local farmers and support their endeavors by providing a market outlet, connecting them to a wider consumer base. Based on his knowledge of his suppliers farming practices, Polk was able to select top quality produce to share with his retail customers at market.

Hezekiah first peddled his produce in old City Market with his

father down on Congress Street in a post-World War II Savannah.

Despite a struggling economy, business grew steadily and the market eventually expanded from just a few truck beds of seasonal vegetables to a storefront in old City Market.

During the 1950’s, progress changed the face of downtown Savannah and much of old City Market was destroyed. Despite protests from residents and business owners, the old market building housing Polk’s was ultimately demolished.

Not one to be hindered by a little demolition, Hezekiah moved Polk’s to West Julian Street, where well-known pizzeria Vinnie Van Go-Go’s is currently located in the now-renovated City Market, a four-block area at the northwest corner of the Historic District of Downtown Savannah.

Polk and his produce market would flourish there on the corner until the 1980’s.

He knew his customers by name and saw them as an extension of his own family.

This would be the foundation for his success.

Throughout the eightyyear history of Polk’s Produce, Hezekiah would occasionally step away from the helm and either his daughter Becky or his son Jerry would take over operations for the interim. He had openheart surgery in the 1980’s and later knee replacement surgeries which kept him off his feet for long periods of time. Each time, he would contemplate retirement. “He just couldn’t stay away,” said Becky. “There was just such a drive in him that before long he would be back at the market.”

In 2011, Polk’s Produce closed their last location in downtown Savannah and at 94 years old, Hezekiah Polk announced his retirement for the final time. He passed away a year later, at age 95.

His daughter, who owns a produce market in Pooler, said he would visit her market nearly every day that last year of his life and would sit for hours, shucking corn or shelling peas just to still be part of the process. “He never could leave it”, she said. “It was in his blood”.

by the pastor. We had never really gone to church before that. I remember because he also gave up his cigarettes cold turkey” - a major feat for the three-pack a day smoker.

Hezekiah never graduated from high school but he didn’t let his lack of formal education stop him from reading and learning.

Hospice Savannah Chaplain Archie Seabrooks recalls “you never saw Brother Polk without a Bible nearby, or a newspaper. He always was reading one or the other.”

Seabrooks worked for Polk’s Market over several summers and school holidays as a young man between the ages of 16 and 20.

He gives Hezekiah Polk’s living testimony some credit for influencing his decision to enter into the seminary. “He was a hard worker and he wanted other people to work hard.

He was a fair man and he had real love for the Lord. The impression of his example never left me even after I stopped working for him.”

Continuing the Legacy Hezekiah’s children grew up working with him in the business. “As early as I can remember, we were down there with Daddy, bagging oranges or straightening produce”, his daughter Becky Polk-Bashlor recalls. “Daddy always said a good name is important and idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.”

Today, Hezekiah’s children and grandchildren continue his legacy of providing year round, seasonal produce to the Lowcountry. You can find their umbrella stands, produce markets and delivery trucks up and down the local highways, cheerfully reminding us to pick up vine ripe tomatoes, fresh peaches or hot boiled peanuts.

His son Jerry maintains a roadside stand in Thunderbolt next to the famous Charlie Teeple Sea Products on Victory Drive, while Jerry’s daughter runs Davis Produce on Tybee. Long-time family friend Paula Deen lists Davis Produce as one of her favorite places to stop on her way to Tybee and has featured Polk’s produce in several episodes of her shows.

Polks daughter Becky and her son Barry work together and run Polk’s Plus on Hwy 80 in Pooler. Barry recently launched Polks on the Go, a produce delivery service delivering weekly boxes of fresh produce from Pembroke to Wilmington Island.

Just look for the famous Polk name!

“Hezekiah Polk was not a farmer. He never grew a THING!” his daughter Becky Polk-Bashlor is quick to say with a laugh.

A Godly Man Hezekiah was a deacon and member of the Holy Church of God and very devout in his faith. His daughter Becky remembers when he got saved. “I was about ten years old. We had only been living in Pooler for about a year and Daddy was invited to church

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 25

Does Your Dog Deserve A spA DAY? & The Ultimate Spa & Mobile Grooming Experience For Your Pet! We Have reasonable rates and offer an Array od services such As:

• Dog Baths starting at $5 • Full service grooming • Luxury spa packages • Nail Trimming & Nail smoothing • Deshedding Treatments

Our Pooler location will be collecting blankets new or used for the local shelters as most of them are without heat.

Help keep Homeless pets warm tHis winter.

Savannah (912) 233-8810

Pooler (912)450-8700

Rincon (912)661-2024

Top Dog To-Go (912)704-6071

Find us on Facebook or visit our Website www.TopDogspa.com 26 November/December 2014 | PoolerMagazine

Looking for a job? Looking for employees? Look no further...

Horizon Staffing is the creative staffing solution!

We match companies with the Right People!

We do Background Checks and Drug Screenings!

BenefitS StaRt the Day you StaRt

HORIZON creative staffing solutions

7722 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406

(912) 355-5966

Proudly Serving Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, & Liberty Counties since 2000 Administrative, Clerical, Industrial, Skilled Labor, Hospitality, & More

www.horizonstaffing.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.facebook.com/HorizonStaffing

Thomas C. sTriCkland and sons Funeral homes

Family Owned And Operated Effingham Chapel 2460 Hwy 21 South, Rincon

912-754-6421

West Chapel 901 Hwy 80 West, Pooler

912-748-2444

www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 27

P o o l e r R e c r e a t i o n Sp o t l i g h t

Marc Elton:

Under The Lights on Friday Nights

Y

• Photos by VICTORIA PATTERSON •

ou could say that the Pooler Recreation Department is in Marc Elton’s blood, and you’d be right.

His father is Pooler Leisure Services Director Hugh Elton, and Marc, a Calvary Day School senior honor student, grew up playing on the fields, courts and diamonds that make up Pooler’s Recreation Complex and Pooler Park. Marc started playing baseball, football and basketball for Pooler when he was six years old. Today, he continues to play all three sports at Calvary.

“I started playing sports in Pooler Recreation and that’s kind of where it all started,” said Marc, a yes sir, no sir kind of kid who currently does just about everything you can imagine for the recreation department - whether it’s raking baseball fields or working in the concession stand over the summer when Pooler hosts baseball tournaments . “We pretty much do whatever the tournament director needs us to do,” Marc said. He also runs the clock and helps coaches run practices from August through March during football and basketball seasons.

During Pooler’s much admired recreation football season, the kid who plays safety and wide receiver for the Cavaliers runs the clock at games after helping coaches run practices. He does the same with basketball, where Marc, who plays varsity basketball at Calvary, will show up to help with practices and work clocks or do whatever needs doing.

Sure, some of it pays, some of it doesn’t, but for Marc, it’s an opportunity to work around 8-15 hours a week to pick up a little spending money. It also gives him the opportunity to be around sports and work with kids, too.

“It’s fun being able to teach kids how to do something I’m good at,” Marc said. “I like passing that on.”

Being around sports as player, coach, member of the grounds crew or at the scorer’s table is mostly where Marc is when he’s not being a student with a 3.8 GPA and an affinity for both math and American History. Marc hopes to attend the University of Georgia. He will find out if he is getting in to the state’s flagship university after Christmas. And, when he’s not doing that, he’s volunteering to help those less fortunate, or his church.

Yes, the kid who is an honor roll student; plays football, basketball and baseball at Calvary Day School; and is a member of the National Honor Society, also finds time to give back.

Throughout his high school career he has participated in numerous community outreach projects. He has volunteered at his church, Pooler First Baptist, where Marc’s grandmother, Cheryl Elton, is secretary and where he’s pitched in and helped her get some things done. He has also volunteered to help with things like outside maintenance work at The Living Vine in Savannah. He has taken supplies to a homeless shelter in Savannah. He participates in Operation Christmas Child every year, and he attended a mission trip to Kentucky his freshman year. Not that Marc spends a lot of time talking about it. You sort of have to coax it out of this very humble young man.. “I do it because I like helping others,”

Marc said. “I’ve learned a lot, too. It’s very eye opening.”

Marc is the oldest son of Hugh and Rhonda Elton. He is the older brother to Zach Elton, a Savannah Christian student, who is a lead performer in Savannah Christian’s Drama Team.

Rhonda is the Media Specialist at Georgetown Elementary. Before accepting the job as Leisure Services Director, Hugh was a teacher, coach and athletic director for the Savannah Chatham Public Schools. When he was younger, he, like Marc, spent time working jobs at the Pooler Recreation Department.

Together, Hugh and Rhonda have made an impression on their oldest son, who in response to the question “who’s inspired you most” answers in a heartbeat. “My mom and my dad both,” he said. “They’ve been there for me, every decision I’ve had to make they’ve been there for me and helped me to make the right one.”

There are decisions still to come, of course,. At 17, Marc’s undecided on what he wants to study or what he wants to do in his life after he finishes college. But, that won’t begin until after he wraps up his senior year at Calvary, where the Cavaliers are off to an 8-0 start as October winds down. Elton is a starting safety and wide receiver who also scored the winning touchdown earlier this year against Bradwell Institute.

“There’s no other feeling like being under the lights on Friday nights,” Marc said. Although if football is No. 1, then baseball is a close No. 2, and basketball comes in at No. 3. In his ranking of how much fun sports are to play, it turns out there’s a reason he digs baseball more than hoops.

“I’ve pretty much played baseball since I was old enough to walk, so that’s where that comes from.” Elton hit .312 for the Cavaliers in 18 games last spring.

He wasn’t exactly a standout in basketball, but the 6footer still managed to get varsity playing time. That’s no small accomplishment for anyone, let alone a kid whose weekday schedule starts before the school bell rings at 8:15 a.m. and goes on until school ends around 3, then another few hours after practice ends around 6 p.m., be it fall, winter or spring.

“When I get to the recreation park to help it’s usually from around 8:30 to 10 p.m., with games and practice,” Marc said. “I try to study before I go to bed and at school when I have time.”

If he gets into Georgia, it will be the culmination of a dream come true for his family, which has bled Georgia red and black for as long as Marc can remember.

“My family’s always been huge Georgia fans,” he said. “I went up there when I was about 10 or 12 for a football camp and just fell in love with the campus,” he said. “I got to tour it last summer as a prospective student and loved everything about it - the traditions, the campus, the college football - all of it.”

In the meantime, Marc will be a fixture on the playing fields and hardwood courts at both Calvary and the Pooler Recreation Department. “Being involved in sports is fun, and that’s what it’s all about for me. I really enjoy being out there.”

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 29

“It’s fun being able to teach kids how to do something I’m good at,” Marc said. “I like passing that on.”

P

pooler park

P R E L O O

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

ices

erv S e r u s i t & Le ET

tmen ROGERS STRE r a p e D ion UTh RecreatLER PARK 900 SO • Baseball 5-14 POO

• Softball 7-12 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

30 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

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 • Quilting • Billiards Room • Line Dancing • Jewelry Classes • Crafts • Day Trips • Meals • Exercise • Games Transportation Provided If Necessary

Faces In business FIRST GUARANTY MORTGAGE CORPORATION Landmark 24 realty, inc.

80 west mini storage ENT ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH, P.C. Savannah Yoga CENTER GeoVista credit union Wiley’s home center harold’s auto paint & body shop low country eye care COASTAL EMPIRE PERIODONTICS & implant dentistry fire island graphics

FIRST GUARANTY MORTGAGE CORPORATION

A

proven professional, Stacie Taylor is a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer with First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation who loves to help her customers achieve the dream of home ownership. A native of Atlanta, Stacie is a graduate of Georgia State University where she received her Bachelors in Business. She is a devoted wife and the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and two beautiful step-daughters. Her true passion in life is spending time with her family and friends, as well as meeting and helping new people. Her mother is Sandra Yarbrough Simmons, a native of Rincon. Her father, Joe Simmons is a big Georgia Tech fan, while her husband is a fan of the University of Georgia. Rather than be a “house divided”, she is equally devoted to both teams!

For over thirteen years, Stacie has assisted Georgia buyers and home owners with their mortgage needs. She understands that the home lending process at many lenders is often cold

and impersonal, with little regard to convenience, courtesy or true customer service. Stacie treats her customers as real people with real dreams, not as just another name on a loan. From application to closing, Stacie ensures that her clients’ questions are answered quickly and that they are kept informed every step of the way.

Stacie truly believes that satisfied customers are the key to success in any business. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation based on honest communication and quick and reliable follow through and she is honored when her clients refer her to their family and friends. Stacie takes the time to get to know her clients, to answer their questions and to make them feel comfortable with each step of the loan process. Her commitment to service excellence and extensive knowledge of the entire mortgage transaction combine to create an unparalleled lending experience for everyone involved. On closing day, she finds that there is nothing better than the smiles and thanks she receives from clients, as well as from the attorneys, sellers, and Realtors who also truly appreciate her hard work and dedication.

Well respected in her field, Stacie has been recognized during her professional career for outstanding achievement within the mortgage industry, most notably as a Gold Award Winner by the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia and a Summit Circle Gold Award Winner for New Home Residential Loans.

Extremely active in the community in which she serves, Stacie is a dedicated member of a variety of boards and associations such as the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia, the Homebuilders Association of Savannah, the Sales and Marketing Council, Young Council of Realtors, Manchester’s Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Stacie loves working for First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation because the mortgage company offers many options to her clients as well as shares her same ideals and values in regards to serving their customers. Plus, as a part of the local community, she loves that she is a part of a company that makes it easy and convenient for area residents to do business the way they want to - online or in-person.

As your neighborhood source for mortgage financing, Stacie and First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation have a variety of loan programs available, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, refinances up to 150% of the house value and jumbo loans with very competitive rates. Contact Stacie today for a free mortgage consultation. She would be happy to assist you, your friends, family or associates find the right loan program to meet your individual needs.

Stacie Taylor • Senior Loan Officer • First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation 138 Canal Street, Suite 306, 2nd Floor, Pooler, GA 31322 • Phone: 912-667-7775 • Fax: 912-303-7854 E-Mail: staylor@fgmc.com • NMLS ID 411398 • Company NMLS ID 2917 • Branch NMLS ID 882215 First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation (NMLS ID 2917) is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender and Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee 32 September/October 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Landmark 24 realty, inc.

L

andmark 24 Realty proudly works with the area’s finest, award-winning builders, partners Jerry C. Wardlaw, his bother Jack Wardlaw and Steve Hall, of Landmark 24 Homes.

As second generation builders, their long standing reputations are built on a foundation of commitment to excellence. Wardlaw’s design sensibility offers quality and affordability, while Hall’s award winning custom homes embodies essence of the southern lifestyle. Building beautiful homes, in attractive neighborhoods, with family oriented amenities, in premier locations, are just some of the elements that come together to create Landmark 24 Homes formula for success.

Landmark 24 Realty is the exclusive real estate agency for Landmark 24 Homes. Cindy McPherson, is the broker of this elite group, and manager of this division.

Cindy has been in the new home business since 1982, the last ten of those years with Landmark. With her years of experience, she has been a tremendous asset to the Landmark family.

Landmark 24 currently has five communities in Pooler, Willow Point, Spring Lake, Harmony, Berkely Walk and Forest Lakes. They were building in Pooler when Cindy joined their team. As a resident of Pooler, she says, “The demand here is amazing. This is my favorite place to sell.”

“When I first came here ten years ago, there was not much here. I have watched it grow. I knew Pooler would be a ‘hot spot’ moving forward,” she adds.

There is one thing about Landmark 24 Realty that some people may not know. Even though they are the exclusive agency for Landmark 24 Homes, they are also a general real estate brokerage firm. Their goal has been to provide comprehensive services that offer the best value for prospective homeowners in the Greater Savannah area. “We currently have 18 agents. The core group has been with me the majority of my

10 years. We have a great team. We have sales offices in each of our communities, allowing us access to the customers. This gives us the ability to list and sell re-sales. About 25% of our business is general listings,” Cindy says.

She adds, “The expertise of our agents is second to none. This team has sold over 3,000 homes in the 10 years I have been here.

We are here to service our clients. Whether it is a new home sale, a re-sale or a listing, we want our homeowners to be happy.”

Cindy loves her position with Landmark. “Steve, Jack and Jerry are small, local builders. They are concerned about their quality and their reputation. No builder is perfect. When an issue arises, these guys always make the decision of what is the best thing to do for their customer. It is wonderful working for people who believe this way,” she says.

The demand for new homes now is greater, and there is not much supply. The prices are beginning to go up and new home inventories are still below normal. The turn-around in the industry has been a slow process, mainly because banks have been more cautious about lending for construction.

Even though banks are a little tighter now, the agents at Landmark 24 Realty rarely get into a situation where they can’t get their clients in a new home. The Landmark 24 family has an in-house finance company, Alliance Mortgage Services. They also have several preferred lenders like Georgia Bank and Trust and Ameris Bank.

“First time home buyers are not supposed to be real estate professionals. That’s our job! We welcome the opportunity to educate and assist them in finding a home that meets their needs,” Cindy says.

She adds, “The banks are beginning to ease up and we are having great success with getting our clients financed.”

Whether it’s your first home or you’re moving up, Landmark 24 has something for everyone. Give Cindy and her team a call today.

6605 Abercorn St., Suite 201, Savannah, GA • (912) 353-1275P• Landmark24.com ooler Magazine | September/October 2014 33

80 west mini storage

T

hough the Pooler Parkway has been an unquestioned and major economic driver for the city after which it is named, sparking everything from thousands of acres of mixed use development at Godley Station to glittering new restaurants, banks and shopping opportunities that seem to be expanding at an almost monthly rate, its existence hasn’t necessarily had the same impact on areas just outside the vast Parkway’s sprawling reach.

Should you doubt, ask 80 West Mini Storage owner, Forrest Floyd, who moved his family onto the property off Highway 80 in 1996 and built the family business from the ground up. As the Parkway boomed, Floyd found that business in the Bloomingdale/Pooler corridor had a harder time attracting the attention of potential customers.

“It amazes me that so many people come in to rent say, ‘I never knew you were over here,’” Floyd said. “My challenge is getting people to know that my business is just outside the Parkway.

It seems that folks seldom stray to the west.”

That’s not the case near I 95, where the Parkway’s effect is hard to miss.

Bulldozers push dirt and construction workers build an outlet mall which some say will rival any in the South.

Not far away are acres of full parking lots in front of a number of national retailers Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Super WalMart and a number of restaurants. All this ringed by an incessant flow of traffic. .

Those who do “stray west,“ will find Floyd, whose 80 West Mini Storage offers 400 units of both conventional and climate controlled storage in sizes ranging from 5x5 to 10x30 for personal, household or commercial storage.

80 West Mini Storage is also a certified AmeriGas Propane refill and exchange dealer. “That has turned into a great add on,” Floyd said. “Many come in and pay their rent and fill their propane tanks at the same time.”

And 80 West Mini Storage offers discounts to veterans, senior citizens and students, said Floyd, a retired Master Sergeant after 21 years in the Georgia Air National Guard, all while being what he called “the low cost provider in the area.”

Floyd, who was raised in Port Wentworth, now calls South Guyton home, but not until after his family moved everything they owned onto the property where the self storage business now sets and put in sweat equity to get it off the ground.

“We sold our home, purchased this property, moved our fam-

ily into the business and worked it four years until we could get it up and running,” he said. “We did this through hard work, the American Way.” Now, as Pooler booms and Bloomingdale and West Chatham grow along with Effingham County, Floyd has hopes his business will blossom as well.

But that’s only if people know it’s there, seemingly just west of the groundswell of newness coming to a city and a region that embraces growth like a long lost friend and hopes it doesn’t get lost somewhere along the way.

“I simply want people to find my business,” said Floyd, whose business has both a website and a Facebook page. “We offer low cost storage, we cater to veterans and we are local. We may not be inside the city limits, but we are just west of Pooler and can accommodate all of your storage needs.”

80 West Mini Storage is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm. They are open on Saturdays from 9:00 am until noon and closed on Sundays.

If you have storage needs, or need to get a propane cylinder filled , call 80 West Mimi Storage…..they are just to the west!

80 West Mini Storage • 1716 East Highway 80, Bloomingdale, GA 31302 • (912) 748-9600 Fax (912) 748-8930 • 80westministorage.com

ENT ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH, P.C.

Brad A. Rawlings, MD

F

Stephen Rashleigh, MD, FACS

William Moretz, III, MD

ounded in 1977, ENT Associates is celebrating 38 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, Bluffton 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

ENT Associates of Savannah, P.C. • 5201 Frederick Street, Savannah • (912) 351-3030 www.entsavannah.com • Offices in Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Savannah, Bluffton and Statesboro

Savannah Yoga CENTER

S

avannah Yoga Center first opened its doors eleven years ago in downtown Savannah under the community-minded leadership of Kelley Boyd and quickly became known as a “community-oriented, travelerwelcoming yoga center and boutique.”

After 10 years of service to the greater Savannah community, Savannah Yoga Center (SYC) opened a second location in Pooler, Ga in January 2014.

SYC Pooler is the only yoga center or studio in Pooler and is located in the former Curves space at 111 Canal Street, across the parking lot from Scribble Art Studio and the Pie Society.

Founder and director Kelley Boyd says, “our goal in providing yoga to the Pooler community is to empower, strengthen, relax and promote the community’s overall well-being.” People are tired and overwhelmed, she notes. They are frequently also looking for ways to add meaning and depth to their lives. “We want Savannah Yoga Center of Pooler to be a second home, a place where moms and dads and individuals can come to regroup and recharge and reconnect with themselves.”

Knowing how intimidating it can be to try something new, Kelley encourages everyone to “just show up!”. A random selection of students from any yoga class in the world will produce a variety of characters. Young, old, beginner, experienced. Some will be flexible, fit, and healthy, while many more are likely to be the kind of people who can barely touch their toes, the out of shape, the injured - in short, ‘normal’ people. Yoga is suitable for anyone, any age, at any level of fitness and teachers at Savannah Yoga Center are trained to modify yoga poses to accommodate disabilities and physical limitations.

Boyd suggests that anyone new to yoga, regardless of their degree of athleticism, should start with a Beginning Yoga class.

The Beginning Yoga Class enables the new student to build strength, confidence flexibility and concentration in the basic yoga postures while also learning to link poses together through breath and fluid movement. Highly accredited and knowledgeable teachers work closely with beginners to ensure a well-educated start to a yoga practice.

For moms-to-be and new mother’s, Savannah Yoga Center offers “Baby & Me” and “Infant & Me” classes. These gentle classes can help prepare the expectant mother’s body for birth as well as provide a chance to reconnect & rebalance after giving birth. “Gentle Integral Yoga” is offered each Tuesday at noon and is an excellent choice for the expectant or new mom as well as beginners to yoga. Instructor Ann Carroll has been a certified Pregnancy Yoga Instructor since 2001. As an addition to her Pregnancy Yoga practice, Ann is also a certified childbirth educator, Labor Doula and Hypnobirthing® Instructor.

Power Yoga and Hot Yoga classes are increasingly popular as adjunct practices for elite athletes and men wanting to establish a vigorous yoga practice. These classes are often held in a heated room and provide the benefit of a serious mind/body workout.

Each class is led by a certified and experienced yoga teacher and SYC of Pooler offers different levels of classes. With more than fifteen instructors and over seventy-five classes available weekly, Savannah Yoga Center has a yoga class that is right for you. For practitioners wishing to deepen their practice or learn to be yoga instructors, SYC offers yoga teacher training since 2007 and in-depth yoga workshops from the world’s leading yoga teachers like Kathryn Budig.

For more information and class schedules, visit http://savannahyoga.com/syc-pooler/ and follow Savannah Yoga Center on twitter and instagram.

38 September/October 2014 | P ooler Center Magazine• 111 Canal Street, Pooler • (912) 988-1320 • savannahyoga.com Savannah Yoga

GEOVISTA CREDIT UNION

B

ecoming a member at GeoVista Credit Union is actually more like joining an extended family. That’s because GeoVista is a not-for-profit community institution that can only thrive when all of their members do. In a nutshell, they exist for you, so your needs and voice can be heard.

“Our Credit Union offers lower fees and lower rates,” said Sharon Gellatly, Manager at GeoVista’s Pooler branch. “A credit union is owned by its members. Gains from fees and rates go back to the members,” she added. Banks are owned by stockholders who reap the benefits.

GeoVista specializes in products and services for the individual. You will find the same kind of services offered by a bank including many checking and savings programs, auto loans, home mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, Visa credit and debit cards, but with more reasonable terms.

A variety of checking products offer special features. Kasasa Cash is a product that earns higher dividends based on account activity. Vista Choice and Senior Checking offer special features suited to unique individual needs.

GeoVista also offers online banking, online bill payer, mobile banking and e-statements. These services provide convenience

for their members.

Auto loans are offered with features such as Extended Protection Plans. EPP gives car buyers the option of adding a quality extended warranty at considerable savings and financing it in the loan.

Another option is Guaranteed Auto Protection. GAP covers the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the loan balance if the vehicle is totaled in an accident.

GeoVista has a variety of savings accounts that pay competitive dividend rates with convenient features like direct deposit and payroll deduction. There are several choices in Share Certificates to make saving even easier.

Visa Credit Cards feature two types - conventional and secured. Members may obtain a Secured Visa Credit Card by pledging funds in an account to cover purchases … a great way to establish or rebuild credit.

GeoVista extends an invitation to join their credit union family. If you live, work, worship or attend school in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham or Liberty counties, you are eligible for membership. Joining is simple and once you’re in, you’re a member for life!

ooler Magazine | September/October 2014 39 107 Grand Central Blvd., Suite 201, Pooler • (912) 748-6401 • Pwww.geovistacu.com

Wiley’s home center

Detra Thomas

A

s fashions change and trends come and go, your furniture has remained an integral part of your home.

Furnishings have changed over the years, and picking out the right furniture can sometimes be a task.

Not everyone is an interior designer, so finding the right “fit” for your home may be a challenge to some. But, at Wiley’s Home Center, that burden is taken off your shoulders.

When you walk in the door at Wiley’s, you immediately see a vast display of furnishings, set in a “room” atmosphere, giving you a perfect picture of how your “room” should look.

There is no second guessing what pieces should be placed together. Wiley’s has done that for you. Walking in the door, you will see living rooms tastefully put together with perfect matching accessories. You will see bedrooms put together with perfect accenting pieces. Dining tables and matching china cabinets, all tastefully decorated will give you a vision of how it will look in your home.

Twenty seven years ago, Wiley Thomas embarked on his dream... the dream to open a quality furniture store in Effingham County. This dream became a reality in 1987 when Wiley’s Home Center opened its doors in Rincon. Now, twenty seven years later, it is still a successful family owned and operated business.

Owned by he and his daughter, Detra Thomas, Wiley’s takes great pride in their business. Their customer service is second to none. You are always greeted with a friendly smile. Their experienced salespeople will cater to you and help you with whatever

your needs may be. It is this impeccable customer service that sets Wiley’s apart from others and is a huge part of their continued success. Detra says, We’re just trying to offer you the right kind of furniture, at the right price, the right way.”

Wiley’s carries over 150 brands of furniture, appliances, bedding and floor coverings. Popular brands such as Flexsteel, Hooker, Bassett, Vaughn Bassett, Liberty, Riverside, Serta, Whirlpool, GE and Frigidaire make up their impressive inventory. The store has over 35,000 square-feet of display and warehouse area.

“We often hear customers say there is not a store like this anywhere in the area that carries the quality of furniture for the price. Along with furniture priced from the medium to high category,” Detra adds, “Our goal is to provide excellent customer service and same day delivery.”

Wiley’s is a popular place to buy appliances. The store actually has onsite technicians. “A lot of people buy appliances from us because of them,” said Detra.

Wiley’s offers immediate delivery, 12-month no-interest financing with approved credit, and in-store financing with approved credit, and superior service after the sale.

Wiley’s is located on the north end of Rincon, just over the viaduct. It may take a few minutes longer to get to, but it is definitely worth the time.

So, if you are looking for quality furniture at a reputable store, look no further. Wiley’s Home Center is the expert at “Helping to Make Your House a Home.”

38 September/October | Pooler agazine Wiley’s Home2014 Center • M1202 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon • (912) 826-2932 • www.wileyshomecenter.org

harold’s auto paint & body shop

Mark Arrington

“I

t’s all about customer service. And, ours is second to none,” states Mark Arrington, owner of Harold’s Auto Paint & Body Shop in Rincon.

Harold’s opened its doors over 29 years ago, and has always exceeded customer expectations by providing the best in full service collision repair.

Customer service is of the utmost importance to Mark and his staff. He adds, “I have a shop full of people with the same goal in mind. We all want one thing….our customers to be happy.”

Mark has weekly meeting with his managers. At each meeting, the importance of good customer service is always emphasized. As Mark says, “Where would we be without our customers?” Harold’s has a team of highly skilled technicians that perform expert frame, mechanical, and auto-body collision repairs. The shop has a full-time mechanic to handle air conditioning and suspension service, as well as all collisionrelated damage.

Harold’s wants to be the shop of your choice, not just a shop for direct repair. They work with all insurance companies and believe the customer has the right to make the choice as to who they want to use. “We want you to use the shop of your choice.

We feel we have the best staff, the best equipment and the best service. And, we will always be here if you have an issue. We stand behind every job we do,” added Mark.

Harold’s has a mammoth, 22,000 square foot state-of-theart facility equipped with the latest technology and equipment.

The shop is outfitted with multiple workstations ensuring high capacity and timely service.

Precision paint matching ensures a perfect color match every time. Harold’s sprays only DuPont, the finest automotive paint on the market. In addition to Harold’s limited lifetime warrantee, DuPont provides a lifetime warrantee on all its refinish systems. “We give the same quality work on all insurance or customer pay, and we work direct with all insurance companies,” said Arrington. “We provide a limited lifetime guarantee on each repair, valid as long as you own your vehicle.”

Every employee at Harold’s understands who the customer is and what customer satisfaction really means, never forgetting the customers have choices when it comes to collision repairs.

They focus on quality workmanship and courteous, timely service. You can expect your damaged vehicle to be restored to factory-new condition.

So, if you find yourself in need of an auto paint and body shop, give Mark and his staff a call. They will take care of you…. with a smile!

Pooler Magazine | September/October 2014 39 Harold’s Auto Paint & Body Shop • 5500 McCall Rd., Rincon,GA • (912) 826-2457

low country eye care

P

ooler’s Low Country Eye Care has undergone extensive remodeling and expansion since it was founded in October of 2005 by Dr. Tim Hendricks and Dr. Todd Schnobrich.

At the same time, the practice’s commitment to patients has been both cutting edge and family friendly.

“We continue to invest in the latest technology to ensure the best possible patient care,” said Dr. Hendricks, who received his undergraduate degree in cell biology from the University of Georgia and his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis.

One example of technology used by Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Schnobrich, a graduate of both the University of Maine and the New England College of Optometry in Boston, is the Spectralis OCT. The Spectralis OCT takes high definition scans of the retina and optic nerve, as many as 40,000 per second, which gives optometrists a better look at a patient’s eyes and better information with which to diagnose the presence or absence of such unfortunate illnesses such as macular degeneration.

That, in turn, can help eliminate unnecessary anxiety for patients and help them avoid the time and cost of unnecessary referrals and hospital visits.

Low Country Eye Care also has offices in Richmond Hill and Hinesville. Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Schnobrich have three other

optometrists who see patients in the Coastal Empire.

Its office staff is touted as friendly and family oriented, and services include glasses, contact lenses, diabetic exams and ocular diseases. Low Country Eye Care also co manages both Lasik and Cataract surgeries.

Low Country Eye Care also offers a full service optical shop with fashion frames including Costa Del Mar’s, Gucci, Marc Ecko, Nike, Scott Harris and others.

Most insurances are accepted, including Gulfstream’s VSP, Tricare and many other vision and medical plans.

Both Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Schnobrich are active members of the community Dr. Hendricks has made three mission trips to Nicaragua and helps provide indigent eye care through the Lions Club.

Dr. Schnobrich, meanwhile, did his residency at the Boston VA Outpatient Clinic before moving on to work at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. He’s also practiced in Statesboro.

Staff members at the Pooler office include Samantha Brown, Jessica Jones, Darla Sentinella, Emily Shuman, Brittany Pride, and Rebecca Heard.

Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. They are located at 1000 Towne Center Blvd in Suite 502. For an appointment, call 748-1272.

Low Country Eye Care • 1000 Towne Center Blvd., Suite 502, Pooler, GA 31322 40 September/October 2014Phone: | Pooler M912 agazine 748 1272 • Fax: 912 748 1996 • www.lowcountryeye.com

COASTAL EMPIRE PERIODONTICS & implant dentistry

Dr. Justin Bordlemay Dr. Dustin Hedgpeth

T

he staff at Coastal Empire Periodontics is committed to providing patients with the highest quality periodontal and implant care available today.

Their goal is to make the patients experience as comfortable as possible. They continuously work on finding the latest and greatest modern techniques to treat periodontal disease with minimal pain and discomfort.

Dr. Justin Bordlemay hails from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Kuztown University with a Bachelors of Science degree in 1996 and then attended dental school at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a DMD in 2001. After graduating dental school, he served in the United States Army as a general dentist for two years before entering into specialty training. He received his certificate in Periodontology from the from the Army Periodonitc residency located in Fort Gordon, GA. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology.

Dr. Bordlemay is married to Dr. Cathy Bordlemay, also a dentist practicing in Richmond Hill. They have two children, Tristan and Peyton. Dr. Bordlemay enjoys boating on the weekend and watching sporting events, especially Pittsburgh teams.

He quickly realized the need to extend his own practice past Richmond Hill, opening a new location in Pooler. “There was a need for periodontists in Pooler, with many general dentists in the area. The new Pooler location also makes us more available to the patients in Effingham and surrounding areas,” Dr. Bordlemay stated.

They now also have another doctor on board, Dr. Dustin Hedgpeth. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. A native of Mississippi, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Mississippi College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2006. In 2010, he received his Doctor of Dental

Coastal Empire Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Medicine degree and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He went on to complete his specialty training in periodontics and received his Master of Dental Science at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Hedgpeth and his wife, Brittney, have been happily married since 2010. In 2013, they welcomed their first son, Boston. He also enjoys outdoors activities including hunting, golf, and fishing. Dr. Hedgpeth is an avid Red Sox baseball fan.

“I am excited to join the team at Coastal Empire Periodontics and I am committed to providing the highest possible level of periodontal and implant care to our patients,” Dr. Hedgpeth stated.

At Coastal Empire Periodontics, they stay on top of the ever growing modern periodontal treatments. “We are using state of the art equipment for innovative techniques, such as the only FDA approved laser to treat periodontal disease and 3D imaging technology to aid in diagnosis and treatment with dental implants,” says Dr. Hedpeth. They have extensive experience in periodontal plastic surgery, bone grafting and implant surgery.

They are CE certified and licensed in Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy TM using LANAP® (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) as an alternative to treat several periodontal issues without surgery, which minimizes pain and discomfort.

Dr. Bordlemay currently performs the Pinhole surgical technique to treat generalized recession of the gums, as seen on the Dr. Travis show. There are only 550 dentists in the world certified to do this technique.

Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own. A referral is not necessary to be seen at the offices of Coastal Empire Periodontics, so give them a call for any periodontal needs.

107 Grand Central Blvd., Suite 206, Pooler, GA • (912) 988-1907 Pooler M 2014 41 Effingham Magazine agazine October/November 53 10055 Ford Avenue, Suite 3-C, Richmond Hill, GA •| September/October (912) 445-5311

fire island graphics

Sharon Mason

I

f you hide your light under a bushel basket.....”

That surely is suicide for any business, from the smallest mom-and-pop shop to a huge corporation.

Promoting your business is the key element to your success! Sharon Mason has been helping Effingham County businesses do just that for over 26 years.

There are many ways to promote your business......advertising in local publications, billboards, radio spots, television.....but, regardless of your advertising avenue, you must first brand your business.

Branding your business starts with your image. Have a logo

designed by a professional. Then, take that design and show it off. Put it out there for people to see....on signs, t-shirts, hats, cups, business cards, banners, decals....grow your brand, grow your image!

Sharon and her team at Fire Island Graphics, formerly SM Promotions, in Rincon can provide you with quality products and quality service, all at a reasonable price. They offer many items for you to “put your name on.”

Fire Island Graphics has a show room for you to come by and look at all the products you can put your logo on. It is amazing to see all the new gadgets they have in stock. Also, there is no minimum order. Sharon and her team will do 1 or 100. No job is too small... or too big.

From apparel, to coffee mugs, to koozies, to signs…you name it, Fire Island Graphics has it.

They offer in-house screen printing and embroidery. If you are looking for company T-shirts or polo shirts, they have a large selection of it all, and in any color imagineable. If you can’t find what you are looking for in the store, take a look at one of the many catalogs they have. They can order anything you need.

Sharon started her business by embroidering items from home. This started 26 years ago, shortly after marrying her husband, Steve Mason, a resident of Meldrim at that time. As her home business began to grow, Sharon saw a need to open a store front in the Effingham community.

Liberty Graphics, Sharon’s first store front business, opened in Rincon in 1998. Her business was so successful, that in only one short year, she was approached by a buyer and decided to sell and head back home.

After operating at home again for years, Sharon decided it was time to open another location. The birth of SM Promotions came about a few years ago.

Fire Island Graphics also offers business cards, banners, decals and custom made signage. Sharon and her team can put your name on almost anything!

They also carry unique school items and do a lot of work for both the Effingham County High Rebels and the South Effingham Mustangs.

For the golfers in your life, they carry golf apparel....even custom golf bags.

If you have a need to get your name recognized, call Sharon at Fire Island Graphics. She will give you quality work, on time, every time.

52 October/NovemberFire 2014 | Island Effingham Magazine • 105 Commercial Ct., Rincon • (912) 826-SIGN (7446) Graphics

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Do Business...

In Pooler

Auto Glass Service, LLC

I

n a world where everything from huge corporations, to banks, to retailers seem to grow larger by the minute, Chris and Cindy Sparry did the same. They founded Auto Glass Service, LLC 15 years ago with a business philosophy that may best be summed up in short bursts of words.

Bigger isn’t always better.

Quality service and workmanship are better.

If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.

They have ran with the plan ever since. “Since we began, we have never strived to be the biggest glass repair and replacement shop in the Savannah area, but to be available when our customers need us,“ Chris Sparry said. “Service and quality are what we pride ourselves on. We are not a national chain windshield replacement shop with revolving door customers. We are a customer-friendly, small-town, small business that has survived for 15 years while other national glass shops have come and gone.”

And then there’s this, the part of the Sparry business plan that comes in all caps with three exclamation points behind it: “WE SERVICE CLIENTS WHERE WE LIVE!!!”

The emphasis is there for a reason. “That has been the key to our success,” Sparry said. “Not only do we believe in the products and services that we sell, most of the people we service are or will become friends and longtime acquaintances, friends who have come to trust us with their second-largest purchase, their car.”

Now at the halfway point of a second-decade of installing glass in the Savannah area, “Auto Glass Service still maintains the same

44 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

level of unparalleled service and a strong commitment to satisfaction by maintaining close contact with our family of clients and not sacrificing a quality, safe windshield installation under any circumstances,” he added.

And it’s a family business in the strictest sense of the word.

Chis is in charge of installations, overseeing employees, quality control, inventory and those duties which might best be described as general managerial, all while continuing to install glass and run a mobile truck.

Cindy is in charge of customer service, answering emails, scheduling jobs, ordering parts and handles all of the general office duties.

Together, they offer FREE -- there’s that all caps again -- mobile service: “Our mobile service trucks bring the glass to you and install the glass at your home or work place, offering you convenience and no wasted time,” Chis says. He also noted all new glass installations are covered by warranty against leaks and poor workmanship, while teachers, students and Gulfstream employees are eligible for discounts.

Should you need to a new windshield, Auto Glass Service offers a 24-hour online quote and schedule service online at AutoGlassServiceco.com. Auto Glass Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays by appointment.

All major credit cards are accepted, too.

For more information, call Chris at 912-508-3259 or Cindy at 912-508-3009.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Bringing It Back Broken Windshield? CONSIGNMENT FREE MobilE SERvicE To You! Windshield Repair and Auto Glass Replacement Serving Savannah, Pooler, Rincon, Hinesville, Richmond Hill and most of South East Georgia.

• Children’s Clothing • Men’s Clothing • Women’s Clothing • Household Decor • Infant Equipment • Toys • Handbags • Shoes • Accessories • Handmade Items • School Uniforms

(912) 348-2077 • (912) 247-6960 912-508-3009 • www.AutoGlassServiceCo.com Chris Sparry and Cindy Sparry

1024 U.S. Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia 31322 Next To New Super Buffet Hours: Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-3

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 45

Tater Bugs is the area’s favorite cloth diaper store and a whole lot more!

• Ergonomically Correct Baby Carriers • All Natural Skin Care for Babies • All Natural Nail Polish • Hair Bows • Re-Usable Snack Bags • Essential Oils • Herbal Teas

• All Natural Household Cleaning Products • All Natural Toys Made From Recycled Materials • Breastfeeding Supplies • Support Groups • Consignment and much, much more!

Organic and Earth Friendly Products

Come see us at: 335 SE US HWY 80

Pooler, GA (Next to the Omelette House)

Or Call us at: 912-656-7326

Hours:

Mon-Fri 10-5 Sat 11-4

www.taterbugssavannah.com

Tiffany Kohler (912)656-2216

totallycreativephotography@yahoo.com

Capturing Your Families Special Moments

46 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

/08 JO QPPM FS

RINCON CHEVROLET

the All-New

formerly fuller chevrolet

Your Hometown dealer

Christa Sales

Donna e Servic

Onie Parts

500 SAVINGS VOUCHER

Herma Servic n e

Jimmy Servic e

Rick e Financ

Must present this at the time of service.

See us for complete details.

Jimmy Servic e

10 OFF

$

ON THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW VEHICLE IN STOCK!

Tony Sales

%

Tony e Servic

Taylor Sales

A nn Parts

OVER 300 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVING YOU!

5480 GA HWY 21 S (877) 242-1289 s RinconChevrolet.com

Mary Servic e

ON ANY SATURDAY SERVICE! Must present this at the time of service.

See us for complete details.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

SERVICE OPEN SATURDAY!

SATURDAY

MONDAY-FRIDAY

8:30AM-7PM 9AM-6PM

7AM-2PM

7:30AM-6PM

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 47

Visit Us Here!

Read Current Articles See Past Issues Sign Up For Our Bi-Weekly Newsletters View our on-line Business Directory Media Kit

Poolerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ONLY Community Magazine!

www.PoolerMagazine.com

pooler REAL ESTATE

This Home is Offered By:

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

5805 Highway 21 South Rincon, Ga. 912-826-0927 888-826-0928 912-826-5828 (fax) www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com



  





 





Your Real Estate Team... Working For You!

DiAnna Jenkins (912) 308-7408 dianna@triplepowersales.com 912.826.0927 Office 912.826.5828 Fax • 877-826-0928 Toll Free 5805 Hwy 21 S., PO Box 350 • Rincon, GA 31326 www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com

50 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

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

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COOLER in

POOLER! From Left: Kirstan Fredrick, Priscilla Waldburg, Trisha Cook, Salynda Carter-Walter, Allen Hayes

106 Broken Bit CirCle

447 WAlthour rd

5 Beds 4 Baths 4146 Sqft Granite Counters Stainless Appliances lots of Amenities $289,900

4 Beds/ 2.5 Baths 2281 Sqft Granite Counters Stainless Appliances Screened Patio Privacy Fenced Yard $225,000

aCt

21 VerAno lAkeS dr 3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2636 Sqft open kitchen Stainless Appliances Privacy Fenced Back Yard $199,900

tr on C r

102 MAGnoliA dr 4 Beds 3.5 Baths, 3406 sqft upgrades Galore, inc Zodiak Counters, hardwood, Custom Cabinets, Fireplace, Screened Porch $289,900

er

d Un

Co

aCt r t n

1032 Sqft 3Beds/2Baths lots of Amenities Private Back Yard $127,900

e

d Un

MIn Co

G

147 lAkePoint dr

n

o So

GodleY PArk 3 Beds/2 Bath 1424 Sqft townhome in Godley Park $99,900

163 lAkePoint dr

205 WilloW Point

2021 Sqft 4 Beds 2.5 Baths Stainless Appliances Privacy Fenced Back Yard $180,000

1662 sqft 4 Beds 2 Baths Vaulted Ceilings Stainless Appliances Corner lot/ Fenced $179,900

509 Benton dr

121 old WhAlinG WAY

1615 sqft 3 Beds 2 Baths Sunroom Green house Corner lot Fenced in $159,900

3 Beds 2 Baths 1325 sqft Vaulted Ceilings Wood Floors Privacy Fenced Yard $139,900

ItsCoolerInPooler.com 912-844-8662 912-748-4600

Sam Snead’s Tavern: A Fabulous Local Dining Experience • Story by JULIE HALES

I

Photos by TIFFANY KOHLER •

f you are looking to feed your passion for great food then come into Sam Snead’s Tavern!

Sam Snead’s Oak Grill and Tavern is a truly unique restaurant named after the legendary Sam Snead (a.k.a. “Slammin Sammy”). In keeping with the spirit of golf, guests can enjoy the club house feel with rich mahogany wood décor and memorabilia collected by Sam Snead himself as he made his way into golf history with the most PGA Tour victories.

Diners can choose from a wide selection of foods grilled over an oak wood fire; creating a unique flavor that compliments our Certified Angus Beef ® Steaks, Seafood, Pork Chop, or our juicy fall off the bone Ribs. And if you like fish, you can’t beat Sam Sneads, as the fish is delivered daily and prepared to perfection by our amazing chefs. Sam Sneads offers a variety of exceptional

52 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

dishes prepared fresh in house so there’s no doubt anyone can satisfy their hunger for great food.

Pooler’s Sam Snead’s, one of a small chain of 13 restaurants and is managed by Lori Taylor, operating partner and General Manager. She has been with the company for over seven years and oversees the daily operations of the restaurant. Lori is very proud of her tremendous staff that always strives to make each diners experience a ‘hole in one’. “Most of our staff members have been here for 5 or more years and are more family than employees.

We offer our guest the best in fresh, made from scratch, cuisine.

Combine the food with the service, throw in the ambiance, and we give you the total package in your dining experience”.

Even though Snead’s is part of a chain, it does not have that chain feel. Lori is very proud of the local flair her establishment

P l a c e s to E at & D r i n k i n P o o l e r has to offer. Her chefs also take great pride in offering local nightly specials like Prime Rib, tender Lamb Shanks and a Fresh Catch of the Day. Whether you join them for lunch or dinner, you will find the atmosphere warm and inviting. More than the atmosphere, you will find the food delicious and to be one of a kind.

Sam Snead’s will soon be boasting some brand new menu items, recently adding new entrees such as Slow Braised Short Ribs, New York Strip, Crispy Scored Flounder and some delectable appetizers like Loaded Potato Wedges and featuring a ‘Snead’s exclusive‘…Niblick. This is smoked chicken, peppers, and cheeses tucked inside a wonton pocket.

Also for our vegetarians, we now offer several new vegetarian dishes.

Sam Snead’s doesn’t forget about our salad lovers either.

They have a wide array of tasty salads which are complimented by their very own house made salad dressings. Of course all of these delicious meals should only be followed by the one of a kind house made desserts available at Snead’s as well.

Sam Snead’s has gone through a complete renovation of the inside over the past two years and will soon be doing a remodel of the patio area. Patrons will then be able to experience a larger outside dining area; completely covered and enclosed with patio heaters and drop down televisions. This will make for some very enticing outside dining. The outdoor patio overlooks the lagoon and course of the Crosswind Golf Club.

If you’re planning your holiday parties, Snead’s is the perfect place. They have a banquet room that accommodates up to 50 people. Call Lori and speak to her about Sam Snead’s catering menu for that ideal Christmas Party or business function or feel free to visit our website for menus and information at www.samsneads.com.

Regardless of what drink you prefer, be sure to stop by the tavern that is like no other in town. The rich colors of the Mahogany wood bar and built in wine racks, along with the low-lit pendant lamps induce a warm, inviting atmosphere.

They offer 24 Craft beers on tap every day. Even the well drinks offered at Snead’s are top notch, with brand names like Bacardi, Jim Beam, Beefeaters, Seagram 7 and Jose Quervo. They also have quite a selection of top shelf scotches and tequilas. Sam Snead’s also offers an extensive wine list to which no one in Pooler can compare. From their wine display case, one can choose from some very rare and unique varietals of wine .They also feature several wines from famous pro golfers such as Greg Norman ,Arnold Palmer, and Ernie Els to name a few. If they don’t carry your favorite beverage, just ask. They soon will! And don’t forget their Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 in the bar.

The tavern and restaurant is truly a unique and pleasurable experience unmatched by any other establishment in the area. They are definitely the hidden jewel of Pooler area!

Sam Snead’s is located at 7 Sylvester C. Formey Drive just before the entrance to the airport and sits snuggly between Crosswinds Golf Course and Pooler’s new Hyatt Place. For more information or reservations please call 912-963-0797 or visit the website at www.samsneads.com

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2014 53

P l a c e s to E at & D r i n k i n P o o l e r Come Relax With Us

Serving Homestyle American Cuisine

Perfect After A Long Work Day!

Holiday Inn & Suites 103 San Dr. Pooler, GA 31322 www.holidayinn.com/sav-pooler (912) 330-5100

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

Sam Snead’s Tavern 7 Sylvester C. Formey Dr. Pooler, GA 31322 www.samsneads.com (912) 963-0797

Wasabi Fusion 950 C Morgan’s Corner Pooler, Georgia 31322 wasabifusion.net (912) 450-0885

Seasons of Japan

To Advertise in the dining guide, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call Julie at (912)657-4120 or DiAnna at (912)308-7408

Holiday Inn & Suites | Savannah Airport 103 San Dr. | Pooler, Ga 31322 Hotel: 912.330.5100 Fax: 912.330.5101 www.holidayinn.com/sav-pooler

Located at the Entrance of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

WWW.SAMSNEADS.COM 912-963-0797 7 SYLVESTER C. FORMEY DRIVE 54 November/December 2014 | Pooler Magazine

950 C Morgan’s Corner Pooler, Georgia 31322 912-450-0887 or 912-450-0885

wasabifusion.net

When you test drive any new or used vehicle, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll donate

$25 to your local Humane Society our Come see Deals! reat Doggone G

We stand for integrity, cuStomer Service and alWayS the lowest price!

9393 aBercorn St. SavannaH, ga 31403 DanvaDencHevrolet-caDillac.com

912.925.9393