Twin Brothers Bring Their Soccer Talents to the Pro Ranks in
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PUBLISHER
Jan Southern
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Laura Zielinski
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Back to School
This may be our back to school issue, but back to school season did not go as planned for most of us this year. After just a few days in session, schools closed in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby, which caused extensive damage to many of our neighbors through rain and flooding.
It has been moving to see the community band together to help. Organizations like Bryan County Family Connection, Family Promise of the Coastal Empire and United Way of the Coastal Empire, as well as countless individuals, responded in the face of disaster to connect displaced people with the resources they need. Local churches and businesses pitched in by providing food, toiletries, childcare and laundry facilities to those in need of support. This collaboration is what makes Bryan County so special even as the area grows. We help our own, whether we’ve been here for decades or newcomers.
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Write and tell us what you think. Bryan County Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters via email to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.
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In this issue, we feature the story of Jose Rosa, founder of Live Like Locals Savannah, who has beaten cancer twice and used his new lease on life to unite people by marketing community events.
We saw double with twins Aaron and Moises Martinez who play for the Savannah Clovers FC soccer team. They have put in a lot of hard work for the love of the sport, playing against teams from Maryland, Michigan and Florida.
We also caught up with Tiffany Zeigler, mayor of Pembroke and chairwoman of the town’s Downtown Development Authority. She is committed to managing her hometown’s growth while retaining its small-town charm.
We hope you enjoy these inspiring stories as we go into fall. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather stays uneventful for the rest of the season! If any other natural disasters occur, we know that our community will stand strong and be resilient.
CEO/Publisher
Bryan County Magazine
Jan Southern
Melissa McBride Stille of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC
Are You Ready for Health Insurance Open Enrollment?
Melissa McBride Stille is a health insurance broker who has been in the health insurance industry for 16 years. As the sole proprietor of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage she is dedicated to presenting her clients with the best health care options available because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”
Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Oct 15 - Dec 7
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is when everyone with Medicare has to choose to either keep their current plan or enroll in a different one.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your insurance coverage and cost remain the same because they do not! Health and drug plans can change cost, coverage, and who is in their networks from year to year.
It’s tempting to keep what you have, even if you aren’t satisfied, because investigating new plans can be very confusing. That’s why working with a local agent is critical to obtaining the best outcome for your needs.
Working with Melissa—at no cost to you—will ensure that you:
• get the most benefits from your plan
• get the lowest drug cost
• get personal service all year whenever you need help or have questions
Melissa can explain the four parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) as well the difference between Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Plans. She can also assist with seeing if you qualify for Extra Help (federal prescription help), Medicaid or to eliminate the monthly $174.40 Medicare Part B Premium (2024 premium).
Melissa also works with Medicare recipients under 65, including those who have Medicare through Social Security Disability, because they too have to make the same decisions annually.
Local Trusted Agent
With so many health insurance companies trying to get your business, how do you know what to do? Their only goal is for you to change your plan.
“That’s how they make money. They do not have any special plans, so don’t be fooled,” says Melissa. “They can change your plan without a signature or without you knowing! All they need is your Medicare number, so do not give it out.”
Melissa takes pride in helping you find the plan that fits YOUR needs and being there for you after open enrollment.
“When a client’s circumstances change, that can impact their health insurance, so keeping in touch is crucial,” she says. “I promise, as my client, you will hear from me. I care about each and every client and do a review of everyone’s health policies every year because there are so many changes annually. I like to simplify things and present you with your best options.”
If you have a question regarding your health insurance options, give Melissa a call or send her an email. Remember, there is NO COST because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!” Cell (912) 239-7119 | www.StilleYourAgent.com Melissa@StilleYourAgent.com
CONTRIBUTORS
1. Scott Douglas is a broadcaster celebrating 50 yrs in radio as an air personality, news director, event DJ and content provider several publications. Hear him Sunday mornings on Q105.3FM Savannah’s Local Radio Station. He was raised in Connecticut and shares a home with his high school sweetheart Gail. Scott was born in Mississippi and now feels he is back were he belongs in the south.
2. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer from Bogota, Colombia, with 8 years experience. She has traveled and worked all over the United States. One of her proudest achievements is the work she did with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.
3. Gail Mihalik lives in Rincon where she shares a home with Scott, her high school sweetheart, and their two rescues, Harley and Athena. Chef by trade with over 50 years of experience under her apron, she spends most of her time living, loving, and sharing the history and culture of the area. In her spare time, she is a food tour guide in Savannah and a part-time creative writer.
4. Gail Parsons has more than 30 years experience writing for magazines and newspapers. She most enjoys feature writing because it allows her to meet interesting and inspiring people, and share their stories. In 2023, she and her husband fulfilled a long-held dream to move to the Savannah area and have settled in Rincon. She is also an artist and enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach.
5. Erich Perez and his wife, Dr. Misty Seale are owners of iHeart Dental in Rincon. Erich’s other role is founder and president of Kronos Media Productions and K&R Studios in Rincon. They specialize in videography and photography as well as sound and recording. Erich and his wife are avid Jeep enthusiasts and have 5 American Bulldogs. You can check them out at @gods. of.dogs on Instagram.
6. Stephen Prudhomme is a native of New Jersey who lived in Savannah and Rincon for 25 years before moving to Pikeville, TN, with his wife and son. He’s written sports, features, news and business for a number of newspapers and magazines over nearly 40 years and likes table tennis, Frisbee and running.
7. Cindy Reid has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. She has been published extensively in Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine, and other lifestyle magazines. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, she embodies the saying “I wasn’t born in the South but I got here as soon as I could.” She can usually be found on a beach, a boat or at a pier at sunset.
8. Claire Sandow is a freelance graphic design and marketing professional who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and cat. She received a Mass Communication degree from Georgia College & State University. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.
9. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. With more than 17 years experience, Laura enjoys shaping stories through meaningful design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children, Alli, Matt and Claire.
Morris L. Southern Chief Operations Officer
Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher
Christie Wilson Director of Advertising
Chris
Mabel Morale Officer
It’s almost FALL y'all!
Story by Stephen Prudhomme | Photography by Erich Perez
Aaron and Moises Martinez are 25-year-old twin brothers who started playing soccer in their hometown of Mexico City and continued in Colorado. They competed for elite youth and adult teams before taking their talents to college.
Befitting their twin status, they’ve competed on the same teams. Their latest stop is in Savannah, where they’re together one again, playing as professionals.
The brothers, who live in Bryan County, play for the Savannah Clovers FC, a Tier 3 professional team that competes in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) and holds its home games at Memorial Stadium. The league features teams from Maryland, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, California and Arizona and is split into east and west divisions.
The league runs from March to September. Playoffs are in October. The Clovers will play some 25 to 30 games in a season.
Players are full time professionals who have competed in college or at a professional academy. The soccer is top notch and competitive as players gain experience as professionals and look to move up to the top levels of the sport.
Among this group of talented players are Aaron and Moises Martinez, whose soccer odyssey started over 20 years ago and eventually led them to Savannah and another opportunity to operate as a dynamic duo on the pitch.
Born to Play
The twins come from a soccer family. Their father and older brother played the sport. It was only natural they followed
The goal is to reach our highest potential. We’re working on our craft. This is the best route to go. “
suit. “We loved playing soccer,” said Aaron, who is 3 minutes older than Moises.
When they were 10 years old, they moved to Colorado. Two years later, they enrolled in the Colorado Rapids Academy and honed their skills competing in various tournaments around the country. “There were very competitive teams,” Moises said.
The Martinezes moved to the college ranks and played at Salt Lake Community College in 2017 and 2018. Aaron
transferred to Colorado Mesa University (CMU), a Division II school, and played there from 2019 to 2021 (missing the 2020 season due to the pandemic) before graduating with a degree in business administration and management and working a variety of jobs while keeping his soccer skills sharp by competing in a summer semipro league and on a number of under 23 (U23) teams in Colorado.
Moises took same time off after leaving Salt Lake Community College and pursued a number of vocations, including training and coaching for Greeley FC, before going to Colorado Mesa State and playing soccer in 2022 and 2023 and graduating with a degree in sports management. Although the brothers were used to being together on the pitch, Aaron said it was a good challenge to be apart and compete with other players while at CMU.
Signing with Savannah
In 2023, Aaron became the first player to sign with the Savannah Clovers, who were coached by Dave Proctor. A former professional player in England, Proctor coached for 20-plus years with the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, and Nashville SC in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Proctor coached Aaron and Moises in several age groups at the Colorado Rapids Academy. “He’s a very good coach,” Aaron said.
In April, Moises joined the Clovers, thus presenting Proctor with the challenge of telling the twins apart.
“Thankfully they wear different colored soccer boots so I can tell them apart,” Proctor said. “I still call them by the opposite name to this day.”
Proctor described the twins as very technical, tenacious players who are very skillful and have good passing range. Aaron, he noted, has a bit more tenacity in the tackle. They both possess great attitudes and work ethics and are great guys off the field, Proctor added. “The twins have the greatest smiles, especially after a win,” the coach said.
Aaron, a midfielder, said the team is very professional, with players and coaches setting a high standard. Focusing
on getting goals and assists, which he said teams at the higher levels are looking for, noted he’s trying to earn player of the month honors and working hard to reach that next level.
Working on Their Craft
Top professional soccer players have seven figure salaries. The Martinez brothers might reach that level one day. For now, however, they’re playing for the love of the game and a possible shot at a big payday.
“We make a modest salary,” said Aaron, who shares an apartment with Moises. “Housing is included. We stay afloat. The goal is to reach our highest potential. We’re working on our craft. This is the best route to go.”
Moises, a wing who previously played the striker position, describes the league as very competitive and shares his brother’s goal of jumping to the next
level in several years. He said there’s an adjustment going from college to the pros.
“It’s more organized and at a higher competitive level in the pros,” Moises said. “The training is more intense. Players compete for the love of soccer. There are a few holes on a college team. In the pros the players are all picked and good.”
The Clovers
The Clovers are a community-based soccer team that started in June 2016 as an amateur club with a mission of bringing the highest levels of soccer to Savannah and having players, fans and businesses serve the community. The team competed in the United Premier Soccer League for five seasons and played in the 2020 and 2021 NISA Independent Cup.
In 2022, the team received a large financial investment. This allowed it to
turn professional and be sanctioned as a National Division Three League member by the United States Soccer Federation. The Clovers began their inaugural season in March 2023 with Aaron in the lineup, followed a year later by Moises.
It’s a Twin Thing
Although they’re identical twins, Aaron and Moises have differences on and off the field. Aaron has shorter hair. Moises said Aaron’s more intense on the pitch. Aaron noted they’re both defensive minded but Moises is crafty and offensive minded.
Playing on the same team as professionals is rewarding for the duo. Moises said Aaron paved the way for him and is a great motivator. He further described him as very crafty and a talented player.
Playing with his brother, Aaron remarked, gives him strength and great motivation to see Moises playing well.
“Playing alongside my twin brother is great and a dream come true,” Aaron said. Sometimes, the reality of competing as professionals interrupts that dream. Aaron said they share the mentality of giving 100% percent every day.
“My spot is on the line,” Aaron said. “I’m ruthless, even if it’s my brother.”
Although Moises said Aaron is more intense on the pitch, he’s focused in his own right. “We share that intensity and that makes us better,” he said.
There’s a definite change in climate between Colorado and southeast Georgia. In Colorado, the air is thinner and drier. Cold weather and snow can appear throughout the year and make it challenging to play soccer. Those two are largely absent in Savannah and the surrounding area, much to Aaron’s delight.
“I love the heat,” Aaron said. “It’s hard to play in cold weather. I get a good sweat
every time I play. It’s very green. I like that as well.”
Moises, proving the brothers aren’t identical in every way, isn’t as fond of the warm and humid weather. “I prefer cold weather,” he said. “I don’t mind the warm weather… It takes time to adjust to it.”
The Martinezes have had to adjust to the weather and playing professionally, but there’s the comfort of doing it together, just as they’ve done for all but 3 minutes of their lives.
“I know exactly where he’s going to be when we’re playing soccer,” Aaron said. “We’re very compatible with one another.” ■
SMOOTH TRANSITION: 3 Tips to Prepare for the New School Year
Whether your child is starting school for the first time or simply returning at a new grade level, preparations for the school year can feel overwhelming for both students and parents alike. To help make the back-to-school transition as seamless as possible, consider taking these steps ahead of the academic term.
Set Goals for the School Year
As the new school year approaches, talk with your student about what he or she wants to achieve academically, socially and personally. Whether it’s getting better grades, making new friends or getting involved in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can help your child stay focused and make the most of the school year. To stay organized and track progress along the way, consider creating a list of short-term goals that contribute to his or her long-term objectives.
Practice Healthy Habits
Establishing a routine that incorporates sleep, exercise, self-care and a healthy diet can help set your child on a path toward success. Start by setting consistent sleep and wake times to ensure your student is well-rested and ready to focus during the day. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support overall well-being.
In addition to sleep, ensure a balanced diet and regular exercise are priorities. Fueling your child’s body with nutritious foods can help boost energy levels and concentration. Also encourage physical activity through sports, exercise classes or going for walks. Don’t forget to make sure your student leaves time for relaxation and selfcare. Whether it’s reading a book, practicing a hobby or spending time with friends and family, engaging in enjoyable activities can help recharge the mind and reduce stress.
Organize Schedules and Supplies
Organization is key to a successful school year. Using a planner or calendar to track assignment due dates, exams and extracurriculars can help your student effectively manage his or her time. In addition to organizing schedules, gather the necessary supplies. Make a list of the items he or she will need for each class, such as notebooks, pens, a calculator, textbooks and more. Check if any supplies from the previous year can be reused or if purchasing new ones is necessary.
Find more tips to make the school year a successful one at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash | Sponsored by eLivingtoday.com
No matter what life throws your way, never lose sight of your dreams.”
That conviction is what Jose Rosa lives by and helps others achieve.
After twice beating an aggressive form of cancer, he was determined to keep his business afloat while mentoring and inspiring others. Through Live Like Locals, he helps entrepreneurs overcome the struggles of starting and maintaining their own business while hosting events for the community to enjoy.
Rosa said he started the business because he likes to see people succeed and when they hit the rough spots, he knows what they are going through.
“I know it’s tough,” he said. “Everybody goes through some type of trial, some type of difficulty in life. It’s hard to see people that really want something and they just don’t know how to get it. When people will look at how tough things can be—I’ve been there. I’ve seen some stuff that most people won’t see in an entire lifetime.”
His experiences, rather than bringing him to despair, gave him strength.
owners helping with their marketing, and as technology shifted more to the digital world, so did his business.
The entrepreneurs he worked with, while he was helping them grow their businesses, also became his mentors.
Live Like Locals
In 2017, he started Live Like Locals Savannah and would eventually replicate the model with a focus on Jacksonville, Florida.
“We started Live Like Locals … basically because I was getting tired of trying to explain to people how to use video to build their business,” he said. “So, I said, ‘Let me just do myself’ and Live Like Locals was born.”
With Reneé LaSalle behind the camera Live Like Locals started posting weekly Top Five videos.
“We did that for three and a half years,” Rosa said. “Every single week we put out a video that was two to three minutes long. She was great on camera and she would just basically tell you what are the top five events that you should attend this week in Savannah.”
Everybody goes through some type of trial, some type of difficulty in life ... When people will look at how tough things can be—I’ve been there. I’ve seen some stuff that most people won’t see in an entire lifetime.” “ “
Determination
Rosa started life in New York City. Growing up in the Bronx in the 1970s and 80s wasn’t easy but it helped mold a mind set of determination.
“Growing up in New York—it was difficult,” he said. “When I was 14 years old, I got beat up by a gang, on 42nd Street in Times Square during the middle of the day.”
The attack happened while he was on his way to work. Right after school the young Rosa would take the subway from the Bronx to Manhattan. That day, he learned his first real life lesson.
“That was my first impact with life, and I knew then—life is gonna be tough,” he said.
As a teen, Rosa wasn’t convinced he would live past 20. But he had dreams and determination. When he was 28, it was time to say goodbye to New York and start turning the dreams into reality. Rosa first landed in North Carolina. Eventually moving to Orlando and 18 years ago found Savannah.
When he arrived, he found home. He started meeting people, making connections and growing his graphic and web design company. He worked with small business
Before long, people were contacting him, he was getting press releases from places that wanted him to mention their event and Live Like Locals was going places.
“It was fun,” he said. “But it was more of a journey because it opened up opportunities for me to have more digital marketing work. And then, trying to figure out how Live Like Locals would make money was a little bit different.”
Just as he thought they had it figured out, everything came to a screeching halt when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. As Rosa tried to reinvent his business under the fog of the pandemic, little did he know that the biggest challenge of his life was right around the corner.
The Diagnosis
It started with a cough. It wasn’t COVID. The doctor said it was a cold and gave him antiviral medicine. It lessened the cough but, in a week, it was right back.
“They ran a chest x-ray,” he said.
There was no question, something was terribly wrong, the x-ray showed his lungs were black. However, because of COVID it
NEVER STOP
Dreaming
Story by Gail Parsons
Photography by Leidy Lester
was six weeks before he could get in to see a pulmonologist. By then his cough had worsened and he was running a constant low-grade fever but when he started coughing up blood, Rosa got scared.
“You see it in the movies and its like, ‘you’re coughing up blood, life is over,’” he said.
The day he finally got in to see the pulmonologist, he was immediately admitted to the hospital for more tests.
“At first they thought I had lung cancer, but I don’t smoke and there was nothing in my family,” he said. “It was scary because that was what everybody was saying they thought I had because my lungs were so messed up and so black.”
As he waited for the biopsy to come back, he thought about the goodbyes he would have to say—stage four lung cancer doesn’t come with a high survival rate.
“When they found out I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, that was a relief,” he said. “I had one of the doctors look at me and say, ‘If somebody forced you to choose a cancer, this is the one you want to have.”
Armed with the knowledge that he had a better chance for survival than if he had lung cancer, Rosa turned his attention to getting past this hurdle. It turned out the cancer was aggressive. It was all over his lymph nodes, in the chest, the abdomen, and his lungs were filled with it.
“It was everywhere,” he said.
He started chemotherapy and a few months into it the PET scan showed 90% of the cancer was gone. The light at the end of the tunnel shined a little brighter. He finished up the treatment and was ready to get back to living his life. As
normal procedure, he went back in for another scan one month after his last treatment.
The results were devastating. Somewhere along the line, the chemo had stopped working. The cancer was back and worse than before.
“It was all over,” he said. “There were masses on my lungs and in areas that I had no cancer before and that was when they realized this was too aggressive, the cancer was just growing. It was a slap to the face because we thought it was over. We thought the fight was done—we had rung the bell.”
taken all life from you. You’re really weak. I was almost in a comatose state. It was so bad.”
Planning a Future
Rosa’s first cancer diagnosis was in 2021. In May 2023, after two grueling years, he went into remission.
“That was when we started getting back to work,” he said. “That’s when I made plans for Live Like Locals again.”
With a renewed lease on life, Rosa picked up where he left off and is busy setting up pop-up markets around the area and bringing people together to share their cultures, build their businesses and enjoy life.
I don’t care if you’re 19 or 50—keep dreaming. Don’t let the dream die. “ “
A More Aggressive Treatment
As the world was getting used to living with COVID and businesses were reopening, Rosa’s dream shifted from pursuing the growth of Live Like Locals to simply staying alive. Because the chemotherapy didn’t work, the next step was a stem cell transplant.
“What they do is they take your blood out, they clean it and then there’s no cancer in it,” he said.
But it’s not an easy process and includes seven days of chemo. Then the stem cells are reintroduced into the blood stream in the hopes that the body will accept them, and they start duplicating by themselves.
“You have to wait a couple of days until your numbers come back up again,” he said. “The feeling—it feels like they’ve
No matter what is around the next turn, Rosa will continue following his dreams, create new ones and help others reach their goals. It’s the same dream he had before the cancer but now, his outlook is a little different.
“Things kind of changed in the sense of before you think business, you think money,” he said. “A lot of what I’m doing now is helping and encouraging others to do more.”
He has 10 hosts for Live Like Locals Savannah. All of them have a drive to succeed and together they empower each other.
“The trade-off is I’m helping them on the digital marketing side and they help me on the Live Like Local side,” he said.
Exactly what the future holds, Rosa isn’t sure, but he knows if he could be where he is today, anything is possible.
“I find that even at my age of 51, I haven’t stopped dreaming,” he said. “I don’t care if you’re 19 or 50—keep dreaming. Don’t let the dream die.” ■
Pooler,
Thank you,Pooler!
As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Pooler’s Best Construction Company, Remodeling Company, Plumber, and Electrician. Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.
As a local, family-run business, we are honored to be chosen as Pooler’s Best Flooring Company, Best Construction Company, and Best Renovation Company. Our mission is to always improve the communities, homes and businesses where our customers live and work. We never waver from our responsibility to deliver the highest quality remodeling, repairs, and above all, customer satisfaction.
Mayor Tiffany Zeigler on the GROWTH OF PEMBROKE
Story by Gail Parsons | Photography by Jason Hurst Photography
Named for Judge Pembroke Whitfield Williams, a jurist and an education leader, the town of Pembroke was born out of the railroad industry.
Its first citizen was M. E. Carter. He was on the construction crew for the railroad and lived and worked out of a boxcar. When the tracks were laid and the trains started showing up, people and businesses quickly followed. Although the first residents started moving into the area in 1889, it wasn’t until August 1905 that the Georgia General Assembly incorporated the city. In 1937, Pembroke became the county seat.
M.E Carter and the founding fathers certainly could not have imagined how Pembroke would look 120 years later, said Mayor Tiffany Zeigler.
“You start out living in a railroad car in the middle of pine trees, then moving forward to now you having three state highways that converge upon one another right in downtown,” she said. “You’re starting in a small country area with a railroad coming through it to seeing potentially 2000 houses with commercial coming with it all at one time. I think that would probably flabbergast them. It flabbergasts me.”
But she also believes they would be proud to see how most of the downtown has been preserved. Buildings have maintained the architectural design and integrity of the original structure.
“I think our city has done a phenomenal job at that,” she said.
Population Growth
“Since the announcement of the Hyundai plant and really the expansion of the ports and industry coming out west from Chatham County and Savannah, we’ve seen an influx of developers looking for infill lots, larger lots, whether it be for subdivisions or planned unit developments,” she said. “In the last year and a half, we’ve seen more housing permits come through putting individual houses in these infill areas, but also smaller subdivisions.”
A planned unit development is a community of homes with shared amenities and services, operated by a homeowner’s association. These developments use a creative model to create communities as opposed to the traditional housing development, which simply fits as many homes onto the available land as possible.
Our goal is to preserve the mindset of the small town, to preserve our downtown ... as we grow, we keep in mind the historic nature of our community and how it was formed. “ “
Its strategic location in north Bryan County continues to make Pembroke an attractive place to live and raise children. According to the US Census, the population steadily rose going from 467 residents in 1910 to 2,513 in 2020 when it was up 14.4% over the previous census in 2010.
Zeigler said she foresees a much higher growth percentage coming up.
“Initially, this was … a small railroad town,” she said. “It was based off the railroad and the turpentine industry. It was actually a bustling little town at one time. I was looking through some newspapers from the 1930s when we actually had two car dealerships right here in town.”
Over the decades the downtown has grown and shrunk. There were booming times and slow times, she said. Now, with the Hyundai Plant in Bryan County preparing to start production, Pembroke is on the cusp of a growth spurt.
Under Pembroke ordinances, there is a minimum acreage for a PUD. That zoning designation allows the opportunity to creatively plan developments that normal zoning would not allow for. It also has minimum conservation requirements that must be followed.
“Twenty percent of the land area that is not wetlands has to be preserved for amenities and green space for the residents of that community,” she said. Some of the projects, currently in various stages of the application process, will require annexation in addition to rezoning. Over time, Pembroke’s 7.7 square mile footprint will likely increase.
A balancing act
The responsibility for balancing growth with maintaining a smalltown vibe falls to the city planners.
“Our goal is to preserve the mindset of the small town, to preserve our downtown atmosphere,” Zeigler said. “Of course, we can’t control the state highways and how they may expand at some point one day, but we will certainly be actively involved in that process, in making sure that our town is preserved.”
Preserving history, the intrinsic value of the town and what makes Pembroke special, starts with ensuring its residents understand the history of their city, and that starts in the schools.
“We are making sure the kids … understand how our city was formed, how it came about over the last 100, 125, years, and how it’s moving forward,” she said. “Then, as we grow, we keep in mind the historic nature of our community and how it was formed.”
Zeigler said she and other city officials are selective as to what development projects they allow. On the aesthetic side of the house, as potential commercial or residential development is approved, they’ll blend modern with historic architectural features.
Maintaining the small-town vibe, despite a growing population, will not happen by accident and is a multi-faceted effort. The Downtown Development Authority, of which Zeigler is the chair, plays a key role in that process.
“When we’re doing activities such as our movie nights and farmers markets, we’re bringing people together in that atmosphere— providing a place for people to get to know one another through activities,” she said. “I think that’s going to be important also with our recruitment of businesses that are coming in, making sure that they meet the needs of our community.”
It also helps to maintain positive working relationships with the state and county government, Pembroke’s sister city of Richmond Hill, and other surrounding towns.
“I think that relationship has gotten a lot better from the past,” she said. “We also talk
small towns, when she left, she vowed she would never be back. College was her ticket out. However, when it came time to raise a family, and after getting a taste of a larger city, her impression changed, and she came to appreciate the small town vibe. But she understands why it is difficult for young people to come home, even if they want to.
“One, there’s a lack of available housing,” she said. “Second, a lack of affordable housing. A large majority of our kids coming out of our high school are having to move away. They’re not able to stay.”
Combine the lack of housing with a slow job market and young people are driven away.
With new housing options coming soon, the expansion of the ports, and the opening of the Hyundai plant and all the residual job opportunities it will bring, she anticipates change is on the horizon.
Zeigler’s vision is to create a city where young people want to stay, a city where they feel like there’s a purpose for them.
“I want to see opportunities,” she said. “I want to see opportunities for businesses to have growth. In the past, there’s been a lot of small businesses that have not been
Pembroke is a very tight knit town. The people tend to take care of one another, whether they’re long-time generational families or they’re new families that are coming in. “
“
a lot with our neighbors in Statesboro and Hinesville. Their Downtown Development Authorities have been phenomenal in helping our Downtown Development Authority with resources and helping our new DDA director fit into her position.”
The goal for the city and the DDA is to create a live-work-play model so people can stay local and not have to travel outside of the community. If they can stay local to work and play, it reinforces the tight-knit mindset as people get to know each other.
However, to do that, growth is needed. Without growth the city could not provide the services they need to provide. That is where the balancing act comes in—allowing growth but not losing the small-town vibe.
“Pembroke … is a very tight knit town,” Zeigler said. “The people tend to take care of one another, whether they’re long-time generational families or they’re new families that are coming in. If anything happens to a particular family or the community as a whole, the community tends to rally behind one another.”
A vision for the future
Zeigler was raised in Pembroke and like so many young people growing up in
able to sustain themselves here in our community, and I want to see that change. As a small business owner myself and third generation in our company, I want to see other companies able to do that within our community.”
To see that vision to fruition the city government and the Downtown Development Authority need to provide the resources businesses require to stay viable. They also promote the Buy Local campaign to keep people in town.
“It’s really a multifaceted mindset on how you go about changing people’s minds,” she said. “You don’t have to get in your car and go 30 minutes to Walmart or Tanger Outlet, or any of the big box stores.”
While the tradeoff for living in a small town is not having chain stores, residents should still be able to run out and get the things or services that they need locally, Zeigler said.
“We are a small city, but there’s a lot of things that we can do and have the ability to do because we are a small city,” she said. “And you know, we’re not behind the times on everything. There’s a lot of forward-thinking ideas going on here and we are moving forward.” ■
F i r s t t i m e . F i x i t w i t h L o w c o u n t r y. 9 1 2 - 7 1 2 - 2 7 9 7 L
FINISH 2024 STRONG!
Bryan County is BACK TO SCHOOL
Story by Cindy Reid
Parents can pat themselves on the back for successfully navigating another summer break but now it’s time to sharpen the pencils, fill the backpacks and catch the bus because school has started!
Bryan County School leaders are excited to welcome back almost 11,000 students and 1,600 staff members for the 2024-2025 school year which started on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and concludes with high school graduations on May 16 & 17, 2025.
There is a lot going on and we’re here to give you all the deets on the upcoming year. Take a look, check out the informative links, and let’s have the best school year ever!
Bryan County Schools
Bryan County is the fastest growing county in the state of Georgia and sixth fastest in the nation. Bryan County Schools (BCS)—“Committed to Excellence & Success in all we do,”—is working hard to meet the demands of growth.
Elementary Schools
PowerSchool’s Parent Portal provides parents/ guardians confidential and real time access to information tied to their child(ren), such as attendance and grades, through their own PowerSchool Parent Portal account. PowerSchool’s Parent Portal also allows teachers and parents/guardians to communicate electronically so that information is shared on a regular, timely basis. To get started, you will need your Confidential Access ID and Password assigned to you for each child, issued by the school. For further info: www. powerschool.com/community-support/parent-studentresource-center/
Nutrition
Bryan County Elementary School
Carver Elementary School
Frances Meeks Elementary School
McAllister Elementary School
Richmond Hill Elementary School
Richmond Hill Primary School
Currently there are six elementary schools and three secondary schools in the district with the new Richmond Hill High School projected to open Fall 2025. The new school will feature an outdoor education classroom, healthcare science labs and a spring sports complex complete with baseball and softball fields and a lacrosse stadium. Check out Future Opening Dates & Projected Projects Through 2034 at www.bryan.k12.ga.us/page/ project-timelines-draft-projected-projects.
Technology
Secondary Schools
Bryan County Middle High School
Richmond Hill High School
Richmond Hill Middle School
Let’s give a big round of applause for the BCS School Food Nutrition Program for serving tasty and nutritious meals throughout the year and making payment as easy as possible. Parents may set up an account through MySchoolBucks at MySchoolBucks.com or download the App to make direct online payments. Students approved for free or reduced meals may enjoy one free breakfast and lunch daily. Parents can visit www. bryancountyschools.org/page/ food-service to apply for free or reduced meal benefits online. (It takes less than 5 minutes to complete.) If applying online is not an option, paper copies are available at your child’s school.
BCS has fully embraced current technology in order to keep both students and parents looped into everything BCS.
NEW - Bryan County School Nutrition will be offering new Grab n’ Go options at each school this year. The Grab n’ Go Options will offer lighter selections in addition to the daily hot meal.
Check their website for information, updates and monthly menus. Parents/Guardians may also contact the school nutrition office at any time for assistance.
BCS Mobile App
Stay up to date! Access the school calendar, breakfast and lunch menus, upcoming events and all the latest BCS news directly through the mobile app. Download BryanCS Tips at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
tip411
Bryan County Schools has partnered with tip411 to allow students to anonymously submit tips about threats, drugs, bullying, and suspicious activity from their phone anywhere, anytime. Tips may be submitted using the Bryan County Schools Tip411 app, by text message to 847411 (tip411) or through www.bryan.k12.ga.us/page/tip411
Social Media
BCS has an active facebook page and X account. They update social media pages as often as possible to share news about BCS as well as other relevant district information. In times of inclement weather that necessitate school closing or other school-related emergencies, the pages will be updated and local media within the Savannah media market will be alerted.
And check out Bragging on Bryan County Schools which highlights the success of their amazing students and staff. They look forward to continuing to celebrate students and their many accomplishments throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Visit the Bragging on Bryan webpage at www.bryan.k12.ga.us/article/1391843
Bryan County Schools’ Community Education Division
Bryan County School launched the Community Education Program in 1981, and the After School Program followed in 1993 with about 60 students. In the past 41 years, they have expanded to three Before School and four After School locations serving 1,026 students in north and south Bryan. Before School and After School are open for Pre-K – 8th grade students enrolled in Bryan County Schools. It is a self-supporting program administered by the Community Education Division of Bryan County Schools.
The After School Program offers students an opportunity to begin homework and engage in a learning center environment that includes art centers, STEM, blocks, dramatic play, science, and math centers. After School students also enjoy outside play in safe, modern playground areas. Plus,students can choose to participate in a wide variety of enrichment classes.
Community Education enrichment classes have expanded to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community and now serve 1,174 students. The Community Education catalog includes 227 classes taught by 25 qualified instructors. They offer enriching opportunities and experiences for youth and adults with a variety of after school and evening enrichment classes for children and adults of all ages. These classes were created to provide students with a positive outlet to explore their creativity, expand their knowledge, and find new interests and hobbies. Class meeting times vary in frequency. Some classes meet for several weeks (sessions), while others meet weekly throughout the school year. For more information: https:// gwces.bryancountyschools.org/o/comed ■
BRYAN COUNTY
POOLER FIRE AND RESCUE
Over the past several days our personnel has assisted Bryan County in the Richmond hill area as well as assisting Chatham County Fire with evacuating people. Crews also ensured that everyone was safe and that the ones who were not evacuating had everything they needed.
COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
Richmond Hill is a community like no other! In the wake of Hurricane Debby, we’ve witnessed incredible acts of kindness, determination, and resilience. From rescue operations to delivering essential supplies, the volunteers have been nothing short of phenomenal.
FIRE DEPARTMENT DELIVERS SUPPLIES
Richmond Hill Fire Department and partnering first responders delivering 100 bags of food to residents in flooded areas.
September 2024
BRYAN COUNTY EVENTS
9/3, 10/3: Friends of the Library Used-Book Sale 10am-1pm | Richmond Hill Library
9/6: Richmond Hill High School
Football at New Hampstead 7pm | Pooler Stadium
9/7, 10/5: Cars and Coffee 9-11am Richmond Hill History Museum
9/12: United Way Bryan County Kickoff 8-9:30am | 6024 US-280, Pembroke
9/13: ArtNite “Roads” 5:30-8pm Richmond Hill Convention & Visitors Bureau
9/14: Marching Madness 5k 8am-10am | J.F. Gregory Park
October 2024
9/20: Richmond Hill High School Football vs Buchholts 7pm | Richmond Hill High School
9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12: The Richmond Hill Farmers Market 3-6pm | J.F. Gregory Park
9/27: Richmond Hill High School Football vs Tift 7pm | Richmond Hill High School
10/11: Richmond Hill High School Football vs Valdosta 7pmm | Richmond Hill High School
10/12: Run for the Hill 5k 8-11am 35 Outfitters Dr., Richmond Hill, GA
10/25-10/26: The 25th Annual Great Ogeechee Music + Seafood Festival JF Gregory Park
GET SMART ABOUT SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
Every day, 1.3 million children ride to school in 22,000 propane school buses across the country, making school bus safety a matter that affects thousands upon thousands of families.
One important facet of safe student transportation is the type of bus they ride to and from school. Diesel buses emit harmful emissions that can contribute to respiratory health issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Propane buses offer a safe, affordable and clean energy alternative.
These buses reduce harmful emissions by 96% compared to diesel, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. They can also meet school districts’ needs with a range of up to 400 miles and the resiliency to continue operating across all terrains and in any weather. As an affordable energy source, propane buses allow school districts to put money back into what matters most: student education. It’s for these reasons more than 1,000 school districts across the country have already made the switch to propane.
Speaking to your school district officials about the benefits of propane buses is one step you can take toward protecting your kids’ safety going to and from school. You can also share these safety tips with your child to help ensure a safe trip every time.
While Waiting for the Bus
• Wait calmly at the bus stop. Avoid rowdy behavior or playing with toys that may roll into oncoming traffic.
• Passengers should stand where the driver can see them clearly. Avoid letting kids wait inside a house or car, which may prevent the driver from seeing them approach.
• Seal backpacks so papers and other items remain secure.
• Stand patiently and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. Watch for the driver to indicate it’s safe to board.
• Never reach under the bus for fallen items. If you drop something, alert the driver and ask for help.
On the Bus
• Remain seated at all times. Even small bumps can create jostling that results in injuries, so it’s important to sit flat and face forward when the bus is moving.
• Use indoor voices when talking with friends. Loud voices and sudden shouts can startle drivers or prevent them from hearing potential danger warnings, such as another driver’s horn or an approaching emergency vehicle.
• If you’re using a phone or electronic device, keep the volume low, on mute or use headphones to avoid unnecessary distractions.
• Keep your possessions in or under your seat at all times. This keeps the aisle clear so others can enter and exit the bus safely and prevents possible injury from kids trying to retrieve lost possessions while the bus is in motion.
• Be respectful of emergency exits and never tamper with or block this important safety equipment.
Exiting the Bus
• Always wait until the bus has fully stopped before leaving your seat.
• Use handrails when exiting the bus and take care to avoid skipping steps. The last step down can be especially big, so be conscious of your footing to avoid falling.
• If you must cross the street after leaving the bus, do so where the driver can see you. Take five giant steps out in front of the bus and wait for the driver to motion that your path is clear before entering the street.
• Talk about the bus ride as part of a recap of each school day. Report any concerning behaviors to bus drivers or school administrators, if necessary.
Find more information about improving school bus safety at BetterOurBuses.com.
Sponsored by Propane Education & Research Council
A PLETHORA OF OPTIONS LOCAL MOVIE THEATERS
Story by Gail Mihalik |
by Scott Douglas
Photography
Movie theaters have certainly changed over the years. Our friend, Gail Mihalik, shares her insights on the cinematic experience. Immerse yourself in the history of cinema, from the Kinetoscope to the marvels of IMAX and 3-D complexes, and how movie theaters have continually adapted through innovations to entertain audiences and sustain the allure of the silver screen, impacting cultural experiences.
Movie Evolution
The concept of movies was not the brainchild of one person. Instead, it was introduced by the Edison Co. as the Kinetoscope, a machine that allowed an individual to view moving pictures. This invention first came to fruition in 1893 and became a worldwide concept by 1894. For a penny, viewers could insert a coin, turn a crank, and watch a short flick. While many others experimented with the idea, the Nickelodeon became the standard, and the silver screen was born. In 1905, strolling down Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, Pa., would have brought you to the Nickelodeon. This historical gem marked the beginning of the motion picture industry. Unlike today’s multiplexes or streaming services, the Nickelodeon, derived from the Greek word Odeon for “theater,” was a unique five-cent venue where a mere nickel
granted access to a 15-20 minute film. The silver screen—a muslin sheet—was illuminated by silent images, accompanied by the enchanting tunes of a piano, offering moviegoers an immersive and captivating experience.
Looking back, you would have seen movie houses named “The Gem” or “The Palace,” with marquees giving the impression of the ornate interiors within. Thanks to the visionary efforts of John P. Davis and John Harris, this stand-up venue was transformed into a cinema that seated nearly 96 people, showcasing films from early morning until midnight daily. The success and popularity of silent films spurred the rapid expansion of theaters and the birth of the film industry.
As time progressed, the Roaring Twenties brought forth remarkable advancements, including the introduction of color and sound films, forever altering the cinematic landscape. Subsequent eras saw the innovation of drive-in theaters, the creation of 3D movies, and the rise of expansive multiplexes. Additionally, theaters began providing amenities such as concessions, air conditioning, and distinctive interior designs—and don’t forget the popcorn. Thanks to Charles Manley, the first electric popcorn machine was perfected in 1925. All these colorful additions to
theater life helped captivate and delight movie enthusiasts.
There are many options for moviegoers in our area. Here are just a few:
The Mars Theatre, Springfield Opening in 1945, this theater offered multiple genres of entertainment. From westerns featuring Roy Rogers to classics like Gone With the Wind, the theater itself was so lively that the townspeople couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. Daily shows, state-of-the-art presentations, and all the assorted accompaniments kept attendance high. However, the creation of television brought the Mars to its knees in 1957, as people preferred to stay home and watch what was on TV.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that the Mars reopened as office space. The theater was dismantled, and most of the decor was discarded. The building underwent multiple facelifts until the mid-1990s, when the Springfield Revitalization Corporation (SRC) stepped in and initiated a new project. Working with the city of Springfield, construction began in 2007. By 2013, the Fox Theatre Institute granted the theater funds to complete the project, focusing on restoring some of the original details of the Mars while reviving the look of the era. Updated sound, lighting, and projection technology helped bring the project to completion.
Today, the theater is a forum for entertainment and artistic gatherings, offering live music from bands of all genres, movies for families and film lovers, cultural events, and community activities. Check out The Mars Theatre for family fun specials, concerts, and shows.
Royal Cinemas 14 & World’s Tallest IMAX, Pooler
Imagine reclining in a comfy chair with your favorite beverage and food from the upgraded concession stand while being immersed in the sound and sight of a thrilling movie.
This locally-owned theater opened in 2011 and quickly added the first IMAX in 2012. Due to consistent audience interest, the company has been able to
continuously expand, offering upgraded concessions complete with a bar and grill. By 2022, the theater added two more screens, including the tallest IMAX in the world, standing at 76 feet 2 inches high and 101 feet wide. Also considered the largest venue of its kind in Georgia, the “IMAX experience” at Royal Cinemas 14 & World’s Tallest IMAX is truly unparalleled. The screen, much larger than standard ones, allows you to see the entire picture without any cuts. The sound quality is incomparable, with speakers strategically placed so that each seat in the auditorium receives every sound signal simultaneously. This is achieved using lasers that continuously measure the seats’ proximity to the screen, ensuring a fully immersive experience.
Royal Cinemas offers weekly changes to the movie lineup, keeping audience interest alive.
The Savannah Theater, Savannah
This theater boasts being the longestrunning theater in its original location in the United States. The doors opened in December 1818 with a comedy production of A General Daughter.
This venue has undergone multiple facelifts due to fires, the last of which occurred in 1948. The theater is now adorned with an ornate art-deco style, curved coffered ceilings with gold leaf paint, a winding staircase to the balcony, and even the tail end of a car repurposed as a settee where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine before the show. The lobby
is a mini-museum, with scrolls noting the information of many famous actors and actresses who have graced the stage.
The stage is alive year-round with multiple shows: musicals, comedy, drama, children’s shows, and musical revivals. A talented ensemble can be seen in almost every show, including one of the owners, Matt Meece, who followed in his father’s footsteps by co-owning a theater.
Tos Theatre, Pembroke
What do fruitcakes and movie theaters have in common? The answer: Salvino Tos.
Before Salvino Tos ventured into movie entertainment, he followed the family business as a baker. Originally from Italy, Tos arrived in New York at age
17 with forty dollars in his pocket and the world at his feet. He held multiple jobs before eventually settling in Claxton, Ga., as a baker. He opened Claxton’s very first bakery, specializing in sweet rolls, but people preferred his biscuits. He would travel by horse and carriage trying to sell his sweet rolls, only to be disappointed. One day, he decided to try one of the family’s old recipes for “Fruit Cake,” and the rest is history.
After selling the bakery, which still exists today, he moved to Pembroke to pursue his real dream: a movie theater that also hosted live performances. He wanted this to be the centerpiece for all the townspeople to enjoy. While the theater was under construction, beginning in 1937, he showed movies on
Saturday nights in the Masonic Hall. The theater finally opened its doors in 1939, offering extended movie times, including Saturday matinees. Salvador’s passion continued for more than forty years. The nonprofit group “Friends of the Tos Theater” and a committed board of directors are the champions of the newly renovated theater. The organization continues to accept donations while offering outdoor movies (weather permitting).
Our area has many historic and stateof-the-art theaters to enjoy. Whether you prefer live performances or movies on the big screen, there is something for everyone in the Greater Savannah area. ■
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.
“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE TO PRACTICE AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER.”
Dr. William Crosland, Interventional Cardiologist
KENNETH TURNER - SAVANNAH, GA
As an avid workout enthusiast and competitive bodybuilder, Kenneth was taken by surprise when he suddenly began feeling intensely ill. Luckily, he was just a short walk from the Candler Hospital Emergency Room – where he suffered a massive heart attack during his examination.
Literally bringing him back from death after 30 minutes of CPR, the Candler team put him on a ventilator and called Dr. William Crosland. Kenneth was transported to The Heart Hospital at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where Dr. Crosland inserted an Impella and followed it up with a coronary stent. After 30 days in a coma and 2 months in the hospital, Kenneth has made a full recovery. He’s back to working out and still in awe of the lifesaving care he received from Dr. Crosland and the entire St. Joseph’s/Candler team.
