Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington
and Tybee
Desmond
Crone
Into The Blue
March/April 2016
Luke Smith
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CONTRIBUTORS
STAFF
Cindy Burbage is a native of Richmond Hill. She began writing in college and took a hiatus to raise her four beautiful children. Cindy enjoys traveling and is always ready for a road trip. She believes that faith is greater than fear.
Katrice Williams She is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She moved to the Atlanta Metropolitan Area to pursue business career endeavors. A few years later, her husband, Tony, received a job offer in our local area, and the family eventually moved to Pooler. After spending a fulfilling amount of time as an at-home mom, she decided to pursue an area of personal attraction—writing. In her spare time, Katrice enjoys the 3F’s: family, food, and fun!! She’s also fond of occasionally writing a bit of good poetry.
Jeff Whitten
Lane Leopard
Luke Smith is a full time photographer and single father based out of
Rincon, GA, Having grown up in Cajun country in Louisiana, Luke feels right at home on the Georgia coast and has for the last 10 years. When he’s not doing freelance photography for commercial clients, Luke is spending time with his son.
Miranda Osborn is an Australian-born professional whose career started somewhere between journalism and fetching coffee before taking a happy turn to photography, graphic design and all things visually creative in-between. From newspaper photos to magazine shots, from product shoots to weddings, her CameraKoala.com photography has appeared in numerous nationwide catalogs, publications and has had the privilege to grace several magazine covers in Liberty County, GA.
Kristie Carpenter has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master’s of Education from Wayland Baptist University. She spent 15 years working in the media, both publishing and television. Most of those years were spent producing live news in a career that led her from Louisiana to Texas and Hawaii. She also taught community college level communications classes in Oklahoma. Other than writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, going to the beach, and running. Being a native of New Orleans, she is happy to finally be back in the South and call Pooler home.
Lea Allen
Marsha Stewart
DiAnna Jenkins
04 January/February 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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CONTENTS March/April 2016
features
08 Desmond Into The Blue Crone Finds His Freedom
14 Elaine Glenn Inspired, and Inspiring 20 Living Dr. Lesley Mailler The Wildlife 28 News and Notes • Wilmington Island Farmer’s Market • Tybee Senior Paddlers • Coastal Middle School
departments
07
Publisher’s Letter
24
Fishing Report
33
Let’s Do Business
38
Dining Guide
06 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
PUBLISHER’S Thoughts
Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Jeff Whitten editor jeff@idpmagazines.com Lane Leopard graphic designer lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com Marsha Stewart account executive marsha@idpmagazines.com
Chatham Isles Living is proudly produced by:
108 International Drive, P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Write to us and tell us what you think. Chatham Isles Living welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Jeff Whitten at jeff@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.
Celebrating our first year. Wow! It doesn’t seem possible that a year has passed since we had the launch party for Chatham Isles Living at North Beach Grill on Tybee Island last March. We have met so many wonderful people and acquired some great new friends along the way. This journey has been quite an adventure, almost like following a treasure map, for us to learn more about the islands. From the history, events and their people, we have truly learned what has captured the hearts of many. And like buried treasure, we plan to uncover the beautiful and unique gems of those that call these islands home. The beauty of the marsh, the waves on the beach and the gentle coastal breeze calls many to live and visit these precious lands. As we continue to bring you the stories that make these islands unique, we Julie Hales, PUBLISHER ask you to share with us your favorite stories and the things you would like to see in Chatham Isles Living over the next year. Our plans for our second year are well underway and we have a cool cast of stories lining up. We certainly want our readers to let us know what they would like to see. After all, this magazine is for you.....a publication for you to call your very own where you will always see the best of the best in your own community. The majesty of these islands has intrigued us, as we hope you have been intrigued by our magazine. This avenue has opened our minds for many more stories to tell and many of you will see your faces and the faces of your neighbors on the pages of Chatham Isles Living. We thanks each of you for making the first year of Chatham Isles Living a success....we look forward to many more years of serving Oatland, Talahi, Whitemarsh, Wilmington and Tybee islands. See you as the next tide changes.
Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington
and Tybee
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Chatham Isles Living 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 Jeff Whitten at jeff@idpmagazines.com. Stories or story ideas must be submitted via email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things on Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington and Tybee Islandsvwill be considered.
ABOUT THE COVER
Desmond CIRCULATION: Chatham Isles Living is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.
Crone
Into The Blue
Meet Tybee Island’s Desmond Crone. Desmond has a unique life story and a desire to make the world a better, happier and healthier place. He has a passion to touch the lives of others..... and he has done that....and continues to do that....into the blue!
March/April 2016
Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | January/February 2016
07
Into The Blue
Tybee’s Desmond Crone Finds Freedom story by jeff whitten photos by luke smith and provided by desmond crone
08 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
I
f it’s meant to be, Desmond Crone may one day be the man who brings hang gliding to Savannah. But it isn’t a goal, not even a plan, at least not exactly. It’s more like this idea is kicking around in Crone’s head and if it happens, it was meant to happen. If not, then something else was meant to happen. That’s how it works. “I’ve learned not to try to look too hard into the future,” said Crone, and with good reason. His own life hasn’t turned out the way it might once have. It isn’t even what it was three years ago. It’s not even what it was last year. The hang gliding itself started out of the blue in July when Crone turned 38 and felt he needed to do something different and face down another fear call it Desmond’s birthday present to Desmond. After flirting briefly with the idea of skydiving, Crone, a bit young for a midlife crisis but in the midst of a search for meaning nonetheless, turned to Google and did a internet search for places to hang glide and the rest, as they say, is history. He found just such a place in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, booked an appointment to go up with an instructor and then drove north so he wouldn’t change his mind. The trip changed Crone’s world. It would change anybody’s. “We’re 5,000 feet high, a mile up in the air, and as soon as they released us from that plane and it got quiet with the wind hitting my face, it was pure freedom. I said to myself right then, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’ve got to learn how to get up here by myself.’” By now it’s probably clear Crone learned all he needed to know to get up there by himself. Over the past seven months he’s gone from Kitty Hawk to Lookout Mountain, Tenn., to Orlando, Fla., to learn how to fly solo in various ways and is now a level two certified pilot. “I see pictures and sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that’s me up there,” he said. “I feel like I’m dreaming sometimes. There’s nothing that seems impossible up there, and when I’m looking down at the world I feel like I really can do anything.” There’s a caveat. Crone’s come too far to be selfish now. This solo flying isn’t strictly for him. “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever done, but if it was just for the fun of it I don’t think I’d be doing it,” Crone said. “My purpose in life today is to help others and so in every decision I make, everything I do, I have to ask myself, will what I do help and inspire other people.” There’s altruism there, yes. But there’s also this: Helping others is how Crone helps himself. “I realized the more I helped people, the more the universe helped me.” The universe. Crone is a spiritual man, one who prays as soon as he wakes in the morning, but he’s not necessarily a religious one. There is a difference.
“I believe when I start to put labels on things I start to separate myself, and I don’t want to do that. I believe we’re all connected in some way, humans, animals, the environment.” It’s that connection that Crone is looking for. “As soon as I open my eyes in the morning and look at the ceiling, I’m asking the universe to come in right now, because I don’t know how to live my life on my own. That is clear by the 36 years that I did try to live it on my own, so please put people in my life for me to help, for me to inspire.” Then, as Crone put it, the day begins and “everything kind of unfolds.” Crone grew up on Tybee, a bullied kid so afraid of social interaction he wouldn’t look people in the eye. “I was always paralyzed by fear,” he said, and can tell you about his first drink as a child when a relative gave him a sip of a mixed drink and Crone instantly felt alcohol was a way to fit in. He therefore embraced it wholeheartedly. But alcohol lost its potency, and Crone turned to various drugs. Somewhere along the way he lost his wife and kids - his two beautiful children, Cash and Chloe, now live in Charleston, S.C., and Crone is devoted to them, but believes he can best be their father by living a life they would be proud of. Crone has been clean and sober for three years. It’s something he wants people in a similar boat to know because if he can do it so can they. If he can quit drinking, so can they. If he can stop doing heroin, so can they. If he can go hang gliding, so can they. “I feel like if people know somebody who is struggling who made it, somebody like me who can do amazing things, then they’ll feel that they can too,” he said. “I don’t believe I’m any different than anybody else ... and I think the best way to uplift your own life is to uplift the lives of others.” Crone’s first order of business upon getting sober was to get healthy. That led to his involvement in exercise, which led to his competing in fitness competitions, a hybrid between bodybuilding and exercise. Crone was so good he won physique titles in his class a few times. He began training others and became known around Savannah and beyond as a personal trainer. But the metamorphasis that began when Crone stopped doing heroin wasn’t over. Desmond gave up eating meat - he exists on a ‘plant-based diet’ - and stopped doing fitness competition. He also stopped personal training. This particular revelation came in June 2015, a month before Crone’s birthday and his first hang gliding trip. “I woke up the next day after my last fitness competition feeling something had to change, and it came to me during morning medidation that maybe the way I’m eating wasn’t right, maybe it’s not right to eat animals. Nobody said anything to me, but
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
09
“I feel like if people know somebody who is struggling who made it, somebody like me who can do amazing things, then they’ll feel that they can too,” he said. “I don’t believe I’m any different than anybody else ... and I think the best way to uplift your own life is to uplift the lives of others.”
once I did some research I changed my philosophy on diet, nutrition, and health and wellness,” he said. “I decided competitions were not the best way for me to be healthy, and I want to promote a healthy vibrant lifestyle.” Crone also began to do yoga, thanks to a morning when he wandered over to a class on the beach. “They say when the student is ready the teacher appears.” Just don’t try to put a label on it. Labels are arbitrary. The antithesis of freedom, which is what Crone is searching for. “I’m always looking for freedom. At first it was freedom from self, from addiction, then it became a journey to become free of different fears. Public speaking was one - I used to hate it, now I love it, love sharing a public message. Then there was getting up on stage in front of people in fitness competitions, then it was helping others through personal training.” And now flying. Crone has become interested in animal welfare and environmental issues and believes he can best advocate for all he cares about through his own actions - be the change he wants to help effect in a world the man is really seeing with a fresh set of eyes. “People don’t like to be told what to do anyway,” he said. “So it really pushes people away if I’m out there telling them how to live their life. Nothing against people who do that, but for me I think the best way for me to help is to live a life people want to live.” He also realizes he was lucky in a sense to grow up on Tybee, a place he ran away from as a young man and is only now coming to call home again. No matter where he winds up, Tybee’s a part of him forever now. “To wake up and walk out your door and you’re on the beach, most people don’t have that, but it’s all I knew.”
10 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
Imagine it then, from a hang glider, 1,000 feet in the air. It could happen if the universe agrees and Crone brings hang gliding to the Georgia coast. See the blue water and white sand, the waves and the shore birds, the gulls and the sun bathers and the anglers on the pier. Imagine what you can’t see. “The thing that turns me on the most about flying is you’re learning to get in touch with something you can’t see,” Crone said, recalling flights he made in Tennesee. “You can’t see that thermal energy, you can’t see the windlift, it’s just getting a feel for it. It’s almost like you’re gaining a sixth sense. There’s something really cool about doing something many people would never do.” There’s another part to this story, one that sums up Crone as much as its ever possible to explain who a person is in a paragraph or two. When Crone learned his childhood acquaintance Carie’s daughter Kyley had cancer, he was so moved he wanted to walk to Utah to raise awareness and began training by doing 15-20 miles walks, but injuries put a stop to that plan. Still, Crone went out to Utah and then the family, which includes twin sister Kayla, came to visit Crone, and he believes the time he spent with them ultimately inspired him to take to the air. “Even with what they were faced with, you would never know,” Crone said. “They were always smiling, enjoying life. I hope I can be like that. I hope I don’t look back on my life and say, ‘I wish I’d done that, but now it’s too late.’ So now I can almost see that they also kind of led me to this flying.” And it led to this end for the story. Crone asked if we could put a link to a website raising funds for Kyley’s battle. Here it is, https://www.youcaring.com/search/go?w=kyley+cornwell.
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13
ELAINE GLENN
Inspired, and inspiring forward by jeff whitten, story by elaine glenn photos by luke smith
Note: When we first approached Coastal Middle School teacher Elaine Clark Glenn about featuring her story in Chatham Isles Living, she called it an undeserved honor. We disagree, and were fortunately able to talk her into doing the story. What’s more, because Elaine, who suffers from melanoma, was on her way to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. for several days of treatment, we decided to email her a list of questions she could answer during her stay in Florida. “It will give me something to think about while I’m down there,” she said. “It will be therapeutic.” No surprise that Elaine is more than just an accomplished and highly respected teacher whose latest honor was being named the Savannah Chatham County Public School System’s 2015 Special Education Service Provider of the Year. She’s also a loving wife and mother, an adventurer with an abiding love for coastal Georgia and Savannah, and a gifted writer whose “stream of consciousness approach” in responding to our questions was so beautifully done it seemed the best way to tell her story was to use those words. So, here it is. Thanks, Elaine. You inspire us.
F
or me, life is about faith, family and friends sharing work and play with reckless abandon. Blessed to be adopted by parents who loved me unconditionally and who fostered a raw sense of respect for all people regardless of their stance in life, growing up has always been a challenge. The innocence of childhood, with its uninhibited believing in the impossible, innate curiosity and wild wander provided a natural path to continue my education....to be the forever student, to never have to become an adult. Attending Jenkins High School while working at M&M Grocery store as a cashier provided a dichotomy of using my head and my hands, a philosophy that my dad instilled in me. Following graduation, entering Armstrong State College with aspirations of being a first generation college graduate, my pilgrimage was again a balance of knowledge and skill by working to pay for school as a dental laboratory technician, a trade learned while taking breaks from doing pickup and delivery for the business. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and entering graduate school at Georgia Southern College allowed me to continue my Peter Pan quest. Raised in a conservative Christian home, ironically there was no career calling of biblical proportion. Unlike most people, I lack a good testimony of a true calling - a wellpaved path to the satisfying world of work. Unlike Samuel who responded to a voice and more like Jonah who fled the scene, I ran from my purpose. Shortly after graduating from college, my middle school principal contacted me about teaching a 6th grade Language Arts class at Wilder Middle School. At 22 years old, I quickly told her that I had no aspirations of being
14 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
a teacher, that I never even liked playing school as a kid and more importantly, I wasn’t sure that I even liked little children. Refusing to take no for an answer, she persuaded me to come spend the day with the current teacher who was soon to leave to become a principal. Following the few hours visit, I returned to the office to confirm that teaching was not for me. The principal then looked at me and asked a question that would change the course of my life forever...will you just show up tomorrow? For some surreal reason, I did show up the next day, and I still occasionally joke that after 24 years , I am still just showing up tomorrow. Much like a record played backwards with an encrypted message for the listener, teaching is my passion. Who else gets to go to work every day and learn, play, explore, discover, wander, create and all with the future leaders of our world as their playmates. Teaching also gifted me with my best friend and the love of my life, my husband Jim. Like an anchor, he has been a constant stronghold in my journey and a model of the perfect father to our son Patrick. Over the years, we have not only enjoyed working together, but we have played together by camping treks across the country, swashbuckling adventures like pirates in our boat “The Black Pearl,” scuba diving, hiking mountains, serving as boy scout leaders and practicing our faith at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension. Quiet times find me writing, playing the piano, walking on the beach, kayaking a marshy creek or watching the sunrise or sunset. Surrounded by God’s grace in my backdoor profession, it has been an honor and privilege to work beside principals, teachers, parents and students who somehow sifted out my many flaws and saw something good in what I do. Ever the art and never the science, teaching has the
capacity to change lives. Over the years, my walls and shelves have been decorated with awards such as WTOC Top Teacher, E93 Radio Station Teacher Recognition, Coastal Middle School Teacher of the Year and Special Education Provider of the Year for the Savannah-Chatham CountySchool District; however, they belong to those who chose to walk beside me and support me in my endeavors. This has been especially true over the past few years as serious health issues have invaded my life. Secretly battling melonoma since 2009, the effects of surgeries and treatments have now prevented me from hiding the fight. Fearful that revealing my physical weaknesses would cast doubt upon my ability to work and play like the adrenalin junkie that I
16 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
am, the opposite has occurred. Along with the unfathomable love of my mom, my husband Jim and our 20 year old son Patrick, God has showered me with a work family who provides me with a daily portion of patience, compassion, kindness and prayer. My church families at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension and First Baptist Church of the Islands keep me grounded in soul and spirit and my YMCA Livestrong group makes sure that I don’t let my hyperactivity take away my physical strength. My life is a tale woven together with the blessings of love and hope, a romantic saga of learning life’s most important lessons through play, and a story with characters with amazing grace who complete the symphony of my life’s song.
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
17
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Kristin Brookshire-Brown is an Associate Broker at Century 21 Fox Properties in Savannah Georgia where she was born and raised. After living in Florida for a few years, she chose to come back to her hometown to raise her five children who range in age from eight to twenty-two. Kristin is involved in the schools and community and she donates a portion of each sale to the Ronald McDonald house, Savannah Crime Stoppers, and the Humane Society of Greater Savannah. She is a member of the Savannah Area Board of Realtors, the Distinguished Sales Society, and has practiced real estate for over fifteen years. Licensed in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, Kristin is proud to serve those who serve Our Country by specializing in Military Relocation as a Certified Network Affinity Specialist with CARTUS and USAA. Additionally, she has hand-selected a team that is designed to support her and her clientele throughout their real estate transaction to make the experience stress-free and as smooth as possible. Kristin’s team consists of her tech-savvy assistants Danielle Rowley and Jordyn Whitcher, and Steve Miller, an experienced Realtor who is skilled, eager and committed to client satisfaction. Working with both buyers and sellers, Kristin is well-versed in all price ranges and property types from cozy cottages to deep-water delights, and has been awarded the Centurion
designation again in 2015, which is Century 21’s most prestigious award for high volume home sales. She attributes her success to dedication, strategic advertising and the ability to observe and adapt to changing market conditions. Kristin and her team devote time throughout the year to continuing education in real estate to ensure they know of any changing laws or regulations. As a Century 21 agent, Kristin is committed to exemplifying the gold standard by providing the highest quality client care, a practice that has resulted in receiving a Customer Service Pinnacle Award year after year for client satisfaction. Kristin invites anyone with real estate questions to give her a call, text or email. She offers free services like Comparative Market Analyses to determine property value in today’s market, private viewings for potential buyers, and advice to anyone who seeks it. Her team offers many advantages to buyers, most notably providing listings to view that meet the client’s criteria before sites like Zillow can publish them. When selling a home through Team Kristin Brown, you can expect to have all of your needs taken care of from listing to closing. Kristin’s team will schedule professional photographers and staging, and promote your listing on over 600 websites, social media sites, and in various printed publications. See what Team Kristin Brown can do for you, give them a call today!
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3109 East Victory Drive Savannah, GA 31404 Toll free: 888.352.2747 Office: 912.352.2747 www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016 19
Dr. Lesley Mailler
Living the Wildlife
A
story by kristie carpenter
nyone who has ever visited Oatland Island Wildlife Refuge knows that it is a place where you find nature at its best. Some forty-nine species call this place home, and it is truly a comfortable home for them because they are in their natural habitat. Many volunteers and employees make the lives of these animals comfortable, but one in particular has devoted her life to making sure they receive the utmost love and care. She also ensures visitors receive an educational experience that helps them appreciate conservation and their role in nature. Dr. Lesley Mailler works as the veterinarian at Oatland Island Wildlife Refuge. This job is one that has gained her quite a distinction in her profession. She is the only veterinarian in the state of Georgia to work for a public school system. In 1974, the Savannah Chatham County Public School System opened the Oatland Island Wildlife Refuge and for more than forty years has made it a place where students can learn hands on about veterinary science and wildlife conservation. Mailler began her career at Oatland Island while just a teenager. Mailler says she knew from the age of 4 that she wanted to be a veterinarian because she has always been drawn to animals. As a junior in high school, she began volunteering at Oatland Island. She continued until she graduated in 1983. While volunteering there, she learned just how strong of a connection she had to animals. For the first time, she shared a story she has never told anyone of how she was feeding the otters and one slipped past her and ran out the gate into the woods. She said, “I began chasing it, holding a bowl of fish, thinking there is no way that otter will come back, when all of a sudden it stopped, turned around and began following me back into its enclosure.” Mailler attended Armstrong University after graduating from Savannah Christian Preparatory School. After two years, she transferred to the University of Georgia at Athens (UGA) where she received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Equine Studies. She then went on to complete her studies at the UGA Veterinary Program. After graduating, she became an associate veterinarian in a mixed animal practice in north Georgia. She and her husband returned to Savannah in 1996, and she went to work
20 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
photos by luke smith at Skidaway Hospital, where she had her first job as a veterinary technician and receptionist. She eventually bought Skidaway Hospital and remained there until being bought out by a corporate veterinary chain. During this time, she remained loyal to Oatland Island. She was the veterinarian of record, so if one of the animals got sick or needed an exam, she was there to take care of them. Mailler said, “I have always had a special interest in exotic/ wildlife medicine, so I jumped at the chance to work at Oatland. It gave me the opportunity to focus solely on zoo medicine.” The diversity of her job is something Mailler loves most. She says no two days are alike and no two patients are alike. On a given day, she could perform anything from surgery on a tiny toad to helping a sick 2,000-pound bison. The diversity can also present some challenges. Mailler said many of her patients do not allow her to examine them without being sedated first. Often times, she performs a physical examination through binoculars. This is not the only tool that may seem odd that she has come to rely on. She has become skilled in shooting a blowgun. Some of her patients are too dangerous or unwilling to allow her to administer drugs by hand, so she uses the blowgun to shoot a dart at them, which is carrying the medicine. While most of her job allows her to be hands on with the animals and in the wild, there is another aspect that falls outside the realm of veterinary medicine. Mailler is in charge of keeping up with licensing and regulatory paperwork. Oatland is required to file paperwork yearly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The USDA and DNR also inspect Oatland on a yearly basis. Mailler says this can be a daunting task, but Oatland always excels. Mailler’s position as both a veterinarian and educator allows her to embrace her inner teacher. Oatland Island partners with the Islands High School (IHS) Veterinary Program. Elize Zador, one of Oatland’s educators, has developed an internship program for the IHS veterinary and research students. The students go out to Oatland during the week to help with many aspects of animal care and participate in outreach programs. Mailler said she enjoys seeing the students work in the barnyard. Many of them have never touched a cow or sheep before, and by the end of the class,
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
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they have learned to work safely around them and do a basic exam. Oatland Island also recently hosted the statewide, high school veterinary competition. Mailler said it was wonderful seeing students so enthusiastic about veterinary medicine and its future. In the more than thirty years since Mailler began her relationship with Oatland Island, she said there has been tremendous growth both in the number of visitors and in the development of the implementation of best practices. “We are always striving to improve and have gotten a lot accomplished through innovation and team work,” she said. She recalls one of the biggest changes is when Oatland stopped accepting a can of dog food for admission. Many visitors were disappointed by this decision, but it became a big benefit to the carnivorous animals. A diet of high quality raw meat formulated specifically for each species was implemented by this change. Her hope for the future is that Oatland will be able to bring back the Black Bears. Since the animals are brought there through rescue, getting the bears is not the problem. Building a habitat for the bears is an expensive endeavor, but Mailler has not lost sight of this goal. Mailler knows her work at Oatland is sending a message to the community on how important environmental education is to our lives. Mailler said, “Conservation and understanding our impact on the natural world should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Our naturalists and teachers strive to educate the students and visitors, not only about the natural world, but also hope to awaken an understanding of their role in its stewardship. It is very gratifying to be a part of that goal. ”
22 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
23
MARCH/APRIL FISHING FORECAST FISHING REPORTS FROM CAPTAIN JUDY
For fishermen out there that just want to give fishing during this time of the year, there are a lot of catching opportunities. And of course, you have options: You can use your boat or mine! By the time March rolls around the fish know that the cold season has run its course. I believe that fish look so forward to the month of March, because they know April follows. After all, being able to migrate as well as eat at anytime is a big plus for a fish during this time. This is the month when water temperatures will start to rise and not even a cold front can stop it, because it is still going to happen! There is an old saying that my father used all of the time, especially when talking about the water temperatures during these times. He always said, “When it’s 65 everything is alive!” It is true, when the water reaches this temperature everything truly does comes alive! (I hope that is the same for me when I turn 65, well I will find out for sure this year!) I guess you could call March and April the beginning of the end of hibernation times!
For those fishermen that prefer inshore fishing during this time, it is a great time to look for potential fishing spots. The water is clear and it is the best time to see exactly what’s down under. And, of course, while you are looking, I suggest dragging some sort of lure behind you. With all fish in the migrating, as well as, the hungry mode, you could find yourself catching a red fish, a spotted sea trout or a founder. It is a known fact that when fish are on the move, they have to eat or they will not get where they are going! As far as best baits, I suggest if available, of course, live shrimp. However, they might be hard to come by and also can be very expensive. Your best live bait and it travels well, is going to be the ever popular cold water loving mud minnow. The best news is you can catch your own. All you need is a minnow trap and a place such as
a shallow tidal slough to set it. As far as bait for the trap, I suggest using raw chicken parts, tube of saltines, bacon, cracked crabs or oyster or clams. Any of these baits will work like a mud minnow attracting charm.
Left: This spotted sea trout was so excited about the possibilities of eating a shrimp that it completely missed and got the hook instead! Wow, looks like this shrimp can be used again! Above: The mud minnow can be fished lip hooked under a traditional or popping float rig. This bait also works great when just fished directly on the bottom with a Carolina style rig or hooked up just plain naked. And, in some cases, two minnows on a hook are better than one. This hardy bait is not anywhere as delicate as a shrimp, and can be used a number of times, even after it has been bit and hit.
24 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
Left: Back in the mid nineties while trolling around the R 8 Naval tower with the horn stuck on wide open, we caught this 50 plus pound yellow fin tuna. Captain Ali Young, my first mate for over 25 years, is holding this fish as if it only weighed 10 pounds! It took us about one hour to wear this fish out! We caught it while trolling a chartreuse hair 21/2 ounce sea witch (three hooks in a row) rigged with a large ballyhoo. I pulled this rig 30 feet behind a number three Davis Planer. Now for those blue water fishermen that are laughing, best not, because as I have always said, “Old School is the Tool!” Below: Cracked crab works great as bait in the mud minnow trap!
Artificial Reefs Areas During this time, if you would like a short boat ride to the fish, I suggest heading out to one of the near shore artificial reefs. And the next question would be, “Your boat or mine?” These areas are holding some pretty interesting catching options. Normally the black sea bass also known as sea bass, are holding on low relief bottom. There are pallet balls, tires, concrete piles, and culver pipes, which offer these fish a lot of feeding opportunity. As far best bait, I suggest using cut squid or fillet of fish. Heck, any sort of jig tipped with or without any sort of bait “artificial or not” jigged on the bottom will also work. As far as the wrecks, these areas offer lots of vertical feeding opportunity. These spots would be great places to start your Sheepshead (aka convict fish), catching adventure. The best bait when targeting this fish is the purple back or black back fiddler. Did you know that a Sheepshead can hit your fiddler so hard that it can suck the insides out of the crab while leaving only
its empty shell left balanced on your hook? So therefore, with this shared knowledge, I suggest always giving your fiddler crab a good once over before sending it back to the bottom. After all, no respectable Sheepshead would be interested in an old empty fiddler shell! And you must know what I mean; after all when you have eaten all of the deviled crab stuffing, the interest is gone! Savannah Snapper Banks This live bottom area is located about 29 miles off our coast. It takes a longer boat ride, but certainly does offer a lot of different catching opportunity. The bottom fishing is great and no matter the amount of baited hooks used, hook ups should happen! As far as the fish catching possibilities I will name a few: large green head black fish, triple trouble trigger fish, supper sized hog nose snapper, knobbed head porgy, amberjack aka reef donkeys, masked almaco jacks, banded rudder fish, football sized vermilion, and I could keep
on listing, but I think you get the gist of it all! Blue Water Fishing It’s about a 60 mile run and is considered a more serious boat ride for sure. Please know that the secret to success when it comes to this type of fishing is that you must always factor in the weather. The most popular areas to fish are going to be South and Triple Ledges, which are located in about 160 to 200 feet of water. These areas certainly do hold the interests of some colorful fish. It’s a great time to catch Yahoo Wahoo and black fin tuna. Now you might not see them, but they are there. During this time “old school trolling techniques” is the rule! We pull Ilanders lures rigged with medium/large ballyhoo, naked cedar plugs soaked in menhaden oil, and chin weighted dink ballyhoo. To some fishermen this means the basics, but for us elders, it just works!
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
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Let ’s Go Fishing! INSHORE • OFFSHORE • SIGHT SEEING
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The Armstrong Offshore Fishing Team! Wes Daniels, Walter Holzman, Jarret Hill, (Captain Tommy Williams) Jeff Edwards, and Mike Drexter fishing a 10 hours Savannah Snapper banks on Thursday January 21, 2016.
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and drink. Also any personal items that they might want such as sunglasses, any medications, hats, and etc. As far seasickness, please have those that might have problems to take precautions to prevent any sort of motion sickness.
which is very reasonable. The cost to clean, separate, package, and label runs about $.40 (cents) per pound. Please bring coolers to take your cleaned fish home in for each fish day.
• All boats furnish all bait, tackle, fishing license, and ice needed for the fish
912-897-4921 • WWW.MISSJUDYCHARTERS.COM
26 March/April 2016 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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NEWS AND NOTES
Wilmington Island Farmers Market
F
armers markets have been making a comeback in recent years, and one of the most popular in our area is the Wilmington Island Farmers Market at Islands High School. Now in its fourth year, the WIFM has fast become a must-do for islands residents and visitors alike, thanks in no small part to the quality of its vendors and variety of what they bring for your table. But it’s not all organic cucumbers and cantalopes, beets and banana peppers. There’s arts and crafts, guest chefs to help you learn new ways to prepare nature’s bounty, local artisans display their creations and more. The Wilmington Island Farmers Market includes a weekly story hour for kids, music and more. It’s pet friendly, people friendly and earth friendly, all in keeping with the mission of the Wilmington Island Farmers Market to support the community, highlight local talent and bring healthy food to our collective doorstep. Open rain or shine each Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the WIFM runs from March through June. It also has a fall session beginning in September and continuing into December. Here’s a lineup of vendors in 2016, according to the WIFM website: Farm Adam’s Farm: Organic lettuces, vegetables, fruits and herbs; Alake’s Georgia Pecans: Pecans, whole and shelled; Avondale Apiary: Honey; Bootleg Farm: Seasonal vegetables and fruits; Canewater Farms: Seasonal vegetables and fruits; Capital Bee Company: Honey; Coastal Heritage Society: Seedling plants and herbs; Georgia Buffalo: Farm raised buffalo; Grassroots Farms: Farm raised eggs, chicken, turkey, duck; Gruber Farms: Seasonal vegetables and fruits; High Hope Plantation: Seasonal fruits and vegetables; Polk’s Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables; Savannah River Farms: Farm raised beef, pork, chicken, lamb; T’s Bees:
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Honey; Wilmington River Apiary: Honey. Food Vendors/Purveyors Beach Beggin: Pet treats and dog collars; Bucknjunebugg Granola: Specialty granola mixes; Flirt with Dessert: Baked goods and breads; FraLi Gourmet: Fresh and dried pastas, sauces, and oils’; Groovy Dudes Coffee: Serving PERC coffee along with lots of other breakfast items; Hipster Hound: Pet treats and pet care products; Kona Ice: Flavored Ices; Olive Affairs: Olive; tapendades, olives, soups; Palmetto Kettle Corn: Fresh popped kettle corn; Pie: Gourmet pies and breads; Savannah Oatmeal Company: Gourmet oatmeal varieties; Savannah Rumrunners Bakery: Fresh breads pastries cakes; Soggybottom BBQ: Fresh smoked BBQ, BBQ sauce, and BBQ seasonings; Spouses’ Bakery: Fresh baked pastries, breads, danishes; Taste of Color Candy: Homemade candy; Uncanny Cannery: Canned vegetables and pickles; Vegetable Kingdom: Soups and marinades’ Artisans Beads by Gail: Handcrafted pearl jewelry; Copper Tree Pottery: Pottery; Fusion Bath & Body Products: Shae butter body care products; Jane Neville Photography: Framed photography; KaiNat Body Products: Natural body care products; Olde Savannah Soap Company: Artisan soaps, lotions, bug off lotions, body polish, mud mask, mousse, bath bombs, lip balm; Ramblin Studios: Vilmaris Designs: Wilmington Island Garden Club: Handcrafted floral arrangements and plants. Food Trucks Low Country Lobster; Molly MacPherson’s; Sav Stree Eats: tacos; Zunzi’s: sandwiches; Rain Cabin’; 520 Wings; Chazitos: Latin Cuisine; *food trucks vary depending on day
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2015
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NEWS AND NOTES
Tybee Senior Paddling Group
I
f there’s one thing Georgia’s coast has plenty of, it’s water. There’s also an abundance of natural beauty associated with that water, and seniors looking for a new way to get out and explore our beautiful coast may want to give kayaking a try. It’s healthy, it’s low impact -- on you and the environment -- and it’s a whole lot of fun. There’s even a group out there more than ready to help you get started. That group is known as the Tybee Senior Paddling Group, and it is open to anyone who “professes to be a senior,” according to organizer Marie Milburn, who teams with Sea Kayak Georgia and the Tybee YMCA to arrange group paddles, cookouts and other social events with an eye toward making sure everyone involved has a ball.
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And what’s not to love about a good paddle? Proponents of kayaking note it the sport is a great source of exercise because the act of kayaking itself requires the use of a number of muscles at various times. Over time, kayaking strengthens those muscles while also helping improve one’s cardiovascular health. What’s more, kayaking is a boost to one’s mental health and promotes a positive mood, because just being on the water is a great way to relieve stress, enjoy nature and have fun, and more advanced kayakers find them ideal platforms for fishing and photography. You can find out more about the group by emailing Milburn at r.rollingon@comcast.net.
NEWS AND NOTES
Coastal Middle School Continues To Shine photos from Savannah Chatham County Public School System
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oastal Middle School got some good news late last year. The school is one of 17 in Georgia which in December was named a Lighthouse School to Watch. This is the second time CMS was so named. Here’s a press release from the school: In 2012, Coastal Middle School was recognized by the Georgia Middle School Association (GMSA) as a Lighthouse School to Watch. This nationally-recognized distinction is based upon rigorous standards of educational excellence without limits and a continuum of improvement in a variety of venues. Like a real lighthouse, Coastal stands firm as a strong beacon of exquisite structure combined with an unwavering mission to offer all who walk on our campus a safe harbor in which to learn and grow. Over the past three years, Coastal Middle School has endeavored to be a faithful light-keeper, never failing to keep oil in the lamp and our light burning brightly. This past fall, Coastal welcomed a Lighthouse Schools to Watch visiting team, who reviewed our re-designation application and came to walk the many steps with us to the top of the tower, providing us with an opportunity to show firsthand how we help students navigate around the rocks and crags of middle school and to see the world through a global lens. In December, Coastal was once again honored to join the list of 17 Georgia schools to be acclaimed as a Lighthouse School to
Watch for another three year term, an affirmation of the steadfastness with which we have continued our journey to illuminate the way for those seeking excellence in a place that has no limits. Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch is an affiliate of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform and a part of the National Forum Schools to Watch. High-performing schools are identified based upon their dedication to academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures and processes. Designated schools provide a model for other schools to follow and mentor schools which endeavor to embark upon a journey of excellence. For more information, visit https://gamiddleschoolassociation.org
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Looking for us? Here’s where you can find your FREE copy!
Island Chiropractic Clinic The UPS Store BB&T Panda Cilantro’s Kroger (Starbucks) Salt Water Spa Cheek’s Barber Shop Blue Bamboo Hair Design Scuba Steve’s Seafood David’s Produce St. Joseph’s Candler Medical Group Sunlit Nails Marsh Point Dentistry Mathnasium Spine & Sport Palm Beach Tan Savannah Ballet Physicians Laser K Bella Gourmet Carryout Fabulous Things Anytime Fitness Publix Savannah Hair Southern Urgent Care Walmart South State Bank First Chatham Bank Angel Nails Lisa Lisa’s Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant Curry Dry Cleaners Island Veterinary Clinic Illusions Hair Salon Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage Todd Fruit Dentistry Bristro 346 Suntrust Lili’s The Barber Pole ACE Cancun Café Basil’s Molly McGuire’s Howard’s Family Dental Coastal Islands Real Estate The Best Cleaners Keller Williams Paintings by Shawn Brittania Pub Little Italy Publix Cheers Coco’s Desert Bar
Hogan’s Marina Captain Judy’s Wilimington Island Club Summer Breeze J & T Nails Dr. Humphrey’s Islander Food Island Eye Care Sea Islands Bank Pam’s Cutting Point Diana’s Alterations Ellie’s Crow Bar Friendship Coffee Lisa’s at Home Flirt with Desert Savannah Bee Company Store and Restore Centry 21 Solomon Properties Oatland Island Wildlife Double Star Signs The cottage Salon Skipper’s Florist Train Me 24/7 Mercer Point at Whitmarsh YMCA Savannah Yach Club Tybee Jet Ski Lazaretto Creek Seafood Coco’s Sunset Grill Captain Mike’s Dolphin Adventure North Island Surf & Kayack Crab Shack Gift Shop Tybee Island Wedding Chapel Tybee Beach Vacation Rentals Paddle Tybee Kayak Tybee Teeth Gallery By The Sea Tybee Vacation Rentals Titan Advertising Tybee Visitor’s Center Solomon Properties Waves Urgent Care 24/7 Tybee Animal Hospital Island Style High Tide Surf Shop Board Loft Paddle Surf Island Pharmacy Chu’s Market Mermaid Salon Tybee Coin Laundry Tybee Insurance Tybee Island Rentals McAlwee’s Seafood
Funky Fish Outdoor Tybee City Hall Tybee Island Branch Library Tybee YMCA Sky Suites Tybee IGA Social Sting Rays Shell Food Mart Bike Shop Dunes Inn & Suites Funky Fish Outdoors Admiral’s Inn Sunrise Breakfast Nicky’s Benny’s Island Hopper’s Chu’s Waves Aloha Wind Rose Café American Windwear Lighthouse Pizza Bernie’s Oyster Bar Chu’s Wet Willie’s Christy’s Department Store Soft Serve Ice Cream Rockhouse
Tybee Times Spanky’s Fannie’s Atlantic Inn Dizzy Deans Hotel Tybee Beachside Colony Marlin Monroe’s Desoto Hotel Sugar Shack 80 E. Gastro Pub Chu’s Gas Station North Beach Grill American Legion Golf Cart Rentals Bowie Seafood Salon Sobe Tim’s Beach Gear Bargain Warehouse Debbie Brady Robinson Gallery Seaside Sisters Fish Art Ty Bean Lattitude 32 Caldwell’s Cottage Hucapoos Airport GA Welcome Center
For Questions Or Information On Distribution 32 March/April 2016 | www.Chatham IslesLiving.comPoints, Please Call Lea at (912)826-2760
Let’s Do Business
ON THE ISLANDS www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
33
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34 March/April 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com
M
athnasium is a math learning center, where math is taught in a way that makes sense. The Mathnasium Method helps kids learn math in a way they understand it and enhances their love of life. We have this service right here at our fingertips. Aileen Clarkson owns Mathnasium of Savannah Islands. Her other locations are in Savannah, Pooler and Bluffton, SC. Mathnasium provides math tutoring and homework help to students in the Savannah school districts. The Islands Mathnasium staff is passionate about helping kids gain stronger math skills through our year-round and summer-only programs, and to get ready for college. Aileen compares coming to the learning center like going to a gym. But instead of pumping up their muscles, her young clients are intent on beefing up their brains — by honing their skills in mathematics and acquiring what Aileen calls “number sense.” The Mathnasium franchise, located next to Polka Dots, serves kindergarten through 12th-graders in an after-school setting conducive to making math understandable and enjoyable. “Children don’t hate math,” said Aileen, a native of Scotland who holds an Honors Degree in Mathematics for Business Analysis from Glasgow College, “They hate being confused by math. Once they start understanding it, they love it.” In the process of promoting that understanding, Aileen starts by doing an assessment of a student’s abilities in math and determining any gaps in the student’s mathematical development. Based on that, a learning plan is designed, and prescriptive work is assigned. The Islands Mathnasium takes pride in the attention they give their students, allowing individual instruction in a small-group setting with one teacher to no more than four students. The instructor explains math concepts, and the students respond by completing worksheets and playing math-related games. “We use lots of games,” said Aileen, “and the worksheets are fun.” The instruction is aimed, she said, at “inspiring a love for math and numbers” with the goal of making the students “problem solvers” and “building confidence” in their mathematical abilities. The Mathnasium Method isn’t a radical approach to learning; it’s intended, she said, to supplement what students are experiencing in the classroom and is “totally in line with the private and public school curriculum.” Just like “going to a gym,” students attend Mathnasium at their own convenience. “You pay a set fee once a month and you have access to 3 hours of instruction per week. Sessions are drop-in, no appointments are necessary.” she says “so you can fit us in around your other activities”. With hours from 2:30 to 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 10:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturdays and 12:00 to 3:00 on Sundays, Mathnasium makes it easy for their students to make time for their learning. “We encourage them to come three times a week for an hour or twice a week for 90 minutes.” adds Aileen. Their specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting. This unique approach enables them to effectively explain math concepts well and lend a helping hand to every student. Their tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn. Mathnasium also provides help to students preparing to take standardized tests such as SAT and ACT. Mathnasium instructors use a unique assessment process to determine exactly what each child knows and what they need to learn. Next, they design a customized learning plan for teaching
the concepts the student needs to master. Next, the instructors check progress along the way to make sure kids truly understand and retain the concepts they have been taught. The results are amazing. Kids will see measurable changes in attitude, confidence and school progress. The instructors will also set aside time to provide homework help. They will help kids understand their homework assignments so they feel better prepared to complete the work at school. The Mathnasium program provides the foundation and support for students to succeed at each stage. Elementary school students build their math foundation, mastering computation and problem solving with whole and rational numbers, and understanding number sense. Mathnasium even makes learning times tables fun. Students in middle school continue to build strong math foundation, mastering “the how and why” (algebra readiness), helping with homework, and filling in gaps needed for advanced classes. And the high School students fill in their foundational gaps, addressing different levels of knowledge from Algebra through Calculus, helping with test preparation and assisting with homework. Mathnasium’s goal is to enhance your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts and overall school performance. At the same time, they build confidence and help families see measurable progress. Their program provides consistency and flexibility. Mathnasium also offers summer programs, private tutoring and free consultation. They are currently accepting enrollment applications for their summer programs. Mathnasium’s fun summer programs are all about preventing summer learning loss and helping students prepare for what lies ahead. For some, that may mean a solid review of previous material, while others will benefit from previewing upcoming concepts. Most students will get some of both. Summer programs allow you to set your own flexible schedule. You will use 15 to 24 hours anytime that suits you. Drop in on whatever days you choose. You can spread your visits throughout the summer of use them all in two weeks. This flexibility allows you to keep your summer vacation times open for family trips. We work around you. Aileen researched education franchises for over two years and realized the Mathnasium method matched her own way of teaching perfectly. She is excited to bring Mathnasium, and to partner with the local schools to build strong math students by “making math make sense”. For more information on Mathnasium of The Islands and a schedule of fees, contact Aileen Clarkson at (912) 898-3700. Their website is www.mathnasium.com. Call us today to find out how we can make your student crazy about math! We MAKE MATH MAKE SENSE, and kids love coming to Mathnasium. No, really they do!!!
Savannah Islands Mathnasium 107 Charlotte Drive Savannah, Georgia 31410 (912) 898-3700 www.mathnasium.com
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | March/April 2016
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Mathnasium is a learning center in your neighborhood where kids go to catch up, keep up and get ahead in math. Sophisticated assessments shape a customized learning program for each student. Mathnasium kids get higher grades and develop a love of math!!
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36 March/April 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com
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ART LESSONS & ART PARTIES
IN MY STUDIO OR IN YOUR SPACE! Art Supplies • Canvas Prints • Canvas Frames
Paintings by Shawn
140 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410
912-777-2504
www.artcenterofwilmingtonisland.com shawnphd@hotmail.com www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | January/February 2016
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DINING GUIDE
North Beach Bar & Grill
A
story by katrice williams
products shelf-life can often be very indicative of its overall quality. Quite similarly, quality restaurants tend to have an obvious degree of staying power. In an era where many restaurants are here today and gone tomorrow, Tybee Island’s very own North Beach Bar and Grill is surely a diamond in the rough. It boasts over twenty years in the industry. Mr. George Spriggs is the founder and co-owner of North Beach Bar and Grill. He partnered in ownership with Ms. Kathryn Williams in late 2009, after a long-term business partnership with the previous co-founder and co-owner had recently dissolved. George opened the restaurant back in 1993 under the name North Beach Grill, which later changed to North Beach Bar and Grill in 2010. George was surely no newcomer to the food and beverage industry having acquired a plethora of previous experience in other locations, including venues on Hilton Head Island. Prior to purchasing the restaurant in 1993, George remembers contemplating over the very huge decision to start his own business. He recalls the first time he laid eyes on the building, commenting, “I saw what was then a little gray building sitting in the sand leaning to one side; I saw a
photos by susan deloach
vision for it.” Since its inception, North Beach Bar and Grill has undergone several noteworthy, value-added renovations. The restaurant has had numerous additions to its structure; however, one of the biggest changes included the kitchen being enlarged from 200 square feet to about 1000 square feet! Additionally, the facility was not started as a full-scale restaurant. “It was originally suppose to be a little snack shack or concession stand,” remarks George. It began with a very small menu. However, product quality was always a huge focal point and was never compromised regardless of the length of the menu. George points out, “We concentrated on making sure that those items were just excellent.” In fact, George mentions the restaurant’s primary motto, “100% out of the kitchen, 100% of the time.” He adds, “We thought if we could do that, then everything else would fall into place.” Overtime, North Beach Bar and Grill acquired a reputation for their quality products and excellent service. Hence, it soon became a fully established restaurant. Additionally, North Beach Bar and Grill is not your typical, everyday eatery. Awesome food and great service are blended with a unique dining atmosphere so customers will have a truly memorable
38 January/February 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com
experience. The restaurant is known for its mouthwatering Caribbean Cuisine and relaxed environment. Concerning this, George says, “I think what has stayed consistent is that this is a pretty laid back place; it’s a place to chill, relax and hang out all day.” He feels that the restaurant has truly maintained that appeal. Upon entering the establishment, guests often hear soft, Caribbean melodies. Regarding the choice of music, George notes, “We did not want to alienate guests by playing a particular genre.” He goes on to explain that the laid back beat and appeal of Caribbean-Reggae music “fits the bill” for various age groups and cultures. The Caribbean-based menu only adds to the distinct feel and personality of North Beach Bar and Grill. However, the menu also includes several seafood and southern dishes for the more down-home appetites. Despite some noteworthy item changes, North Beach Bar and Grill has had many of its same menu items since its start. George declares, “It’s rare to find a place where something has been on the menu for twenty years or longer.” Some of the long-time, savory dishes include the jerk chicken, jerk pork, red beans & rice and crab cakes. The cooks at North Beach take pleasure in producing very high caliber foods each day. They use
P L A C E S TO E AT & D R I N K O N T H E I S L A N D S an array of seasonings and special ingredients, which assures that dishes will be flavorful. Even a simple hamburger becomes a work of art. About this, George insists, “It’s not just a piece of meat that’s thrown on the grill…five seasonings go into it.” It’s beyond evident that George has a thorough and impressive knowledge about foods that are sure to please the palate. That may be largely due to the fact that he, himself, was the restaurant’s head chef prior to 2006. Afterward, a new, head chef was recruited who had extensive culinary experience in both the U.S. and Europe. The staff at North Beach Bar and Grill has always been expected to take a great deal of pride in the dishes that they serve to guests. George asserts, “The food has remained consistent.” He goes on to say, “Overall, on a day-to-day basis, you can come here and the quality of the product is going to be as good, if not better, than the last time you visited.” George and Kathryn are very involved in all aspects of the business. They feel that consistently taking an active role in daily affairs, regardless of how large or small, give them an opportunity to clearly see how well things are going with their products and services. Regarding this, George says, “We’re very meticulous about that, and we keep a good, watchful eye over that.” Even the staff members seem to have a vested interest in the overall success of the restaurant. Prior to hiring anyone, George remembers thinking, “What we need are people who work well for this location in this particular community.” Many of the employees grew up in the area or somewhere nearby. This could be the reason for such an awesomely low employee turnover rate. The restaurant team seems to regard themselves as more of a family than a business. Everyone is a significant factor, and George knows that his employees are tremendously important. He states, “I try to concentrate on making sure that my rapport and my interactions with my employees are the kind that promote people first.” He adds, “After twenty years, what I have is a loyal employee base and people who are here simply because they want to be not because they have to be.” When asked about future goals, George confidently responds, “The goal is to see that it continues doing what it does because it does bring a lot of enjoyment to a lot of people.” The family at North Beach Bar and Grill understands that it is quite a feat to be in the restaurant business for over twenty years; it’s an accomplishment that they don’t take
Kathryn Williams and George Spriggs, Co-owners
lightly. George has gotten to know many of his guests over the years. He mentions being there to see families develop and many children grow up. He points out, “That’s why it’s remarkable.” Moving forward, the North Beach Bar and Grill team desires to maintain the reputation of their restaurant, continue to deliver quality products and take advantage of any opportunity that may come along. Moreover, George mentions his own personal rule-of-thumb, thinking, “Whatever got you here, keep it going.” He goes on to assertively state, “I think we do have a unique vibe here; I think you can feel it the moment you walk in the door.” He, additionally, suggests, “If you’re looking for a place that’s both a great dining experience and somewhat of an escape from the rigor of day-to-day life, then I encourage you to come out and experience what we offer here.” North Beach Bar and Grill truly does offer a tantalizing taste of Tybee.
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | January/February 2016
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Announcing The NBBG Loyalty Club
Download our free app to receive discounts and news of special events. Please note that the NBBG Loyalty Club is replacing the local discount program. (search for NBBnG in the app store)
Live entertainment begins in march! 33 Meddin Drive Tybee Island, GA (912) 786-4442 Open Daily from 11:30 am - 10 pm