Chatham Isles Living November December 2015

Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington

November/December 2015

Mike Smith Casting Compassion, Reeling Hope

and Tybee

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CONTRIBUTORS

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

is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. 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 area, and the family moved to Pooler. After spending time as an at-home mom, she decided to pursue an area of personal interest—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.

Shannon Robinson is a free-spirited freelancer that collects hobbies and has a story for every conversation. She enjoys writing and honing her skills in this craft.

Jeff Whitten

Lea Allen

Natalie McAlister is a life long Effingham resident.

She has a great love of photography. Taking photos of family and friends sparked Natalie’s desire to become a professional photographer. Since then, her passion has grown to child and newborn photography. She is a wife and mother of two.

She volunteers her time weekly to a local food bank. Natalie is also an Avon representative.

Lane Leopard

Kathryn Vandenhouten

is a freelance writer who enjoys meeting new and interesting people. She earned her English degree at Georgia Southern University, and caught the travel bug while studying abroad in Costa Rica, where she received a minor in Spanish. After college, she worked briefly in Yellowstone National Park, where she enjoyed hiking and photographing the scenery and the wildlife.

DiAnna Jenkins

04 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

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05

CONTENTS November/December 2015

features

departments

08 Casting Mike Smith Compassion, Reeling Hope

07

Publisher’s Letter

27

Fishing Report

29

Let’s Do Business

14 ABrad Hook Tybee Artist 18 Tybee MLK Parade 22 Christmas Captain Judy Memories

specials

33

Shop Local, Shop The Islands

photograph by: Frederick Leigh Winn of Marietta, Georgia

06 November/December 2015 | 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.

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.

CIRCULATION: Chatham Isles Living is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Happy Holidays Isn’t it funny how the holidays can just sneak up on you? It seems the older I get, the quicker they come.

But, this is a wonderful time of year. Fall is in full swing. The air is getting a little cooler. Pretty soon we will all be sitting around the table enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with our family and friends.

What a blessing.

Then comes Christmas, another great opportunity to enjoy your family and friends. This is a time for giving and enjoying all the amazing things life has to offer.

Blessings! That’s what we have at Independence Day Publishing. We are so blessed to be able to bring you Chatham Isles Living. We have thoroughly enjoyed the beginning months of bringing you this magazine, a magazine totally devoted to the isands.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER Since starting this publication in March of this year, we have met some wonderful people and made a lot of new friends. We have been able to give our readers a magazine they can truly call their own.

Chatham Isles Living has been a great addition to our publishing business. So, we do feel very blessed.

We do hope you have enjoyed the birth of Chatham Isles Living. We ask you to stay tuned through the coming months and years as we continue to bring you local features and happenings on the islands.

We wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. And, we look forward to seeing you all in 2016.

Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington

and Tybee

November/December 2015

ABOUT THE COVER

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is more than just an avid angler. He’s also a caring husband, father, grandfather whose devotion to a good cause has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars in the battle against leukemia.

And, he’s quite the talented artist whose work really reflects the salt life.

Casting Compassion, Reeling Hope

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

07

K. Michael Smith Casting Out Compassion And Reeling In Hope

T

story by cindy burbage

he great poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

That’s Michael “Mike” Smith, an avid fisherman who turned his love and knowledge of the water into making a difference in his community. A native of Chatham County, Mike has lived nowhere but on the coastal isles of Georgia. Residing on Whitemarsh Island, he and his wife celebrated 10 years of matrimony this year; and Mike, 60, is the father of four children and four grandchildren, and love of the water is a family thing.

“We all love to fish, hunt and camp. We catch our own shrimp and oysters too,” he proudly explains.

Smith is an active member of the Savannah Sport Fishing Club. He competes in at least 12 tournaments a year. In 2007, he became the chairman of the committee for the Leukemia Cup Regatta to organize the annual Inshore Slam Tournament, which is a fishing competition to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

It’s a big undertaking, but the rewards are worth it.

“I have a committee of six to seven members and we start meeting in February and meet monthly to prepare for the event in September,” Mike said. “We go out and get sponsors - businesses and individuals, and in 2015 we were able to raise right around $32,000 for the tournament. Plus the registration of 33 boats and 75 anglers, so we totaled approximately $37,000 for the fishing tournament.”

That figure increases every year and over the last eight years, this tournament alone has taken in more than $200,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Even though finding and keeping sponsors is an essential part of the job, it is not the only one. The committee keeps the tournament fresh and inviting every year with entertainment and good food. Local bands perform and local restaurants such as Johnny Harris pitch in to take care of the participating anglers. And, the

08 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

event is held at the beautiful Savannah Yacht Club which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, located on Wilmington Island, and is home to the most breathtaking sunsets the South has to offer.

“We want everyone to have a good time, so they will return,” Mike said. They do. “This is one of the largest inshore tournaments on the coast,” he added.

With the help of the Savannah Yacht Club, the tournament is growing more successful every year, with anglers traveling from up and down the Georgia and South Carolina coasts to compete.

The tournament weekend begins on a Thursday with a captain’s meeting for registration, and fishing happens on Friday and Saturday. The sportsmen’s teams consist of two or three members per boat and they may weigh in three legal fish, one of each species: redfish, flounder and trout. Anglers may also weigh in one fish per category for angler awards. At the end of the tourney, the top boats receive prizes for their catch, along with the top anglers.

Every year anglers also pay tribute to an “Honored Hero.” This year that was Keith Sumrall, a 10-year survivor.

Sponsors are also key to the tournament’s success, and among the 27 sponsors involved this year were Wet Willie’s, Gulfstream and Strength of Nature, to name just a few. Many of the sponsors help out every year, including Mike’s employer, International Paper, which contributes a sizeable grant each year. Contributers get their names on the official tournament T-shirt, which is given to each angler in the tournament.

The tournament is is part of the Leukemia Cup Regatta, one of three major fundraisers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Chatham County. In conjunction with the fishing tournament, other fundraising events go on as well. They include-a clay shoot, yacht hop, a live and silent auction, tennis tournament and a 5k run, all held at the Savannah Yacht Club. A golf tournament played at the Savannah Golf Club is also included, and all the events combined raised approximately $400,000 to date.

The organization’s second major fundraiser occurs in the

“Savannah is such a giving town and donates so much money, and every year there is more,” Mike said. “They participate in so many charity events throughout the year. The thing with Leukemia is that everybody has been in touch with someone that has this disease. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, the survival rate with this was only 10-15 percent. Now, today the rate is at 95 percent.”

Spring, when six men and six women compete in the Man & Woman of the Year Campaign. Each dollar that is collected is equivalent to one vote, as the vie to get as many votes and possible over a 10-week span.

The contenders who raise the largest amount of money or the most votes win the title. At their Grand Finale Gala, this year’s Man and Woman of the Year were, Ryan Fulchi, DMD of Habersham Dental and Dr. Suzanne Anderson of Chatham Hospitalists. This year this leg of the fundraising took in an approximate $393,000 The third division is the Light the Night walk that takes place at Forsyth Park in beautiful downtown Savannah. Corporate teams, teams of friends and supporters and individuals drum up sponsors for the cause.

During Light the Night, participants each carry an illuminated lantern in one of three colors. The white one is carried by survivors. Red is held by people supporting the fighters, and the gold lantern is gripped by those that are walking in memory of a loved one that has lost his battle with cancer. The route of the walk takes you around the marvelous squares of this historical city. A bountiful crowd, each with a lit lantern, is a beacon of hope and a light in the night. This year this division raised almost $300,000.

All told in 2015, Chatham County has raised nearly $1 million.

All proceeds not only go for the research of this disease, but also for patient services, education and community services and patient advocacy. The research that has been funded by compassionate donors, has shown to assist in other areas of cancer. Certain rare forms of stomach and skin cancers have benefited from some therapies that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has discovered.

“Savannah is such a giving town and donates so much money,

10 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

and every year there is more,” Mike said. “They participate in so many charity events throughout the year. The thing with Leukemia is that everybody has been in touch with someone that has this disease. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, the survival rate with this was only 10-15 percent. Now, today the rate is at 95 percent.”

Although fishing is Mike Smith’s chief interest, he has also discovered his artistic side. As he lives by the tides collecting driftwood, old dock boards and reclaimed wood, he transforms it into art. He has made an array of pieces, mostly coastal inspired-dolphins, swordfish and anchors, to mention just a few.

The artist also fiddles with making tables and Adirondack chairs by hand. His grandson assists with the gathering of the recycled wood.

“The marshes are full of this trash,” Mike said. Once collected, he delicately cuts and designs the pieces to perfection; placing them together like a puzzle. This creates unique craftsmanship that is adored by many. Not only does he sell his artwork, but he also donates them to other causes for fundraisers, such as auctions. And just as the admiration for the water is shared throughout his family, so is the talent and appreciation for various arts.

The arts have been a tradition for the Smith family, one of his children is an art major and his family in south Louisiana has always enjoyed painting and music.

For Mike, every September is another opportunity to give share his knowledge of the salt life to benefit those in need. Every penny raised makes a difference in finding an antidote to this killer disease. And as the boats roar from the dock, every angler in the tournament knows that this fishing trip is about more than just catching the biggest or the most fish. So much more is on the line on that day, it’s a tournament of hope for a cure. With every line that is cast and every hook set, the fight is on to win.

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13

The Artist Brad Hook Finds Himself on Tybee

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sk any tourist planning a visit to the Savannah area about their sightseeing agenda and you’ll likely find Tybee Island on the list – and for good reason. The small community is home to more than just what Mother Nature distributes along the beach as her whitecapped waves crash into the shore. A fantastic medley of creative personalities and hard-working entrepreneurs lay claim to Tybee Island as well.

Some of these incredibly talented individuals haven’t always called this area “home.” Midwest native Brad Hook is one such artistic soul.

Brad made the move to Tybee Island about six years ago from Indiana. In restaurant management for over 30 years, he had no idea that his life would soon take a new direction. A self-taught artist and painter from the age of 5, he’d always known where his niche was, but as many adults often do, he’d opted for the security of a full-time career in corporate America. Though his parents encouraged his natural artistic talents, they discouraged him from relying solely on art for financial stability.

Ironically it was Brad’s father, Warren Hook, who ignited the creative spark in Brad. While enlisted in the Navy, Warren would sketch out humorous scenarios relating to his career, and Brad would try tirelessly to replicate his father’s work. When Brad began spending Saturdays watching PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) to see William “Bill” Alexander and Bob Ross create masterpieces in under an hour, Warren decided to buy Brad his first oil paint set and a canvas to paint on. It was at that point that Brad Hook got hooked on painting.

Though he did heed his father’s warning to opt for a stable career, Brad never set his brush down, and he maintains that the experiences he gained from the path he

story by shannon robinson chose have made him who his is – and he wouldn’t dream of changing that.

Through the years he continued his art.

He developed his own techniques using watercolor and acrylics, and while living in Indiana he simply gave his work away.

He never dreamed that moving to Tybee Island would offer him the opportunity

he’d always dreamed of.

Soon after relocating, a neighbor and local artist, Denise Vernon, took interest in his work. She encouraged him to show and sell his work in her gallery. It was at her gallery, The Dragonfly, that he sold his

first piece. Ecstatic and encouraged, Brad became more determined than ever to pursue his life-long dreams of being a fulltime artist, an endeavor, he maintains, has only come to fruition through the love and support of his partner of 27 years, John Deahl. “He has been my biggest supporter, critic, motivator and inspiration,” Brad disclosed.

He also joined the Savannah Art Association. The association has a gallery located at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport where Brad currently has a sculpture and paintings on display. During the last show he participated in, a woman traveling from Atlanta took interest in a very large painting of Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah. She contacted Brad through his website on the day the show closed and asked if he would ship the painting to her. Before the conversation had ended, she’d expressed her desire for a Savannah skyline painting. Brad had been working on one and sent her a picture of the incomplete painting. She bought it immediately without waiting to see it completed.

It wasn’t long before Brad was investing a large amount of his time creating artwork. He had always dreamed of the day he could sell art full-time, and finally that day had arrived.

Brad already worked full-time, though, managing Leopold’s Ice Cream in Savannah, which was also a life change. He grew tired of corporate America and wanted to work where people mattered more than the profits.

His boss, Stratton Leopold (who many recognize as the famous film producer and casting director), found and hired Brad, from his online resume, to manage not only his Ice Cream Shop on Broughton Street, but also assisting in their new distribution warehouse, shipping, wholesale programs and future locations.

Brad soon found himself working two full-time careers and loving every moment

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

15

“Every once in a while I have to create something that is just for me, like Lucy here.”

of it. “I’m juggling a full-time art career, and a full-time restaurant career,” he mused.

Brad conveyed that Stratton appreciates his artistic nature and allows him to make his own schedule, with one stipulation – Brad is required to schedule himself offwork two days a week to do his art. Though Brad says that taking that time is difficult to do when managing a restaurant, especially since Stratton’s career is requiring him to stay out of town lately, he is able to make it work, and he doesn’t regret leaving corporate America at all. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in years, and it shows in my work,” Brad beamed.

Currently, his good friend Samantha Claire, who has been a huge influence, mentor and supporter of Brad’s art career, is looking to open a new gallery on Broughton Street and for that opening, Brad has created a special piece. The large painting is of Wormsloe Historic Site’s nearly two-mile path enshrouded by giant Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss. The

detail Brad was able to give the painting, as well as every piece of canvas he touches, is awe-inspiring. Watercolor isn’t often thought of as a vibrant medium, but the techniques Brad has perfected make each painting look like a photograph. He is currently working on six other pieces for this opening as well.

As if he weren’t busy enough, Brad is also a member of “The Village Craftsmen” on Riverstreet. It is a Co-Op gallery of about 20 artists who display there art there and must also dedicate some time to working in the gallery as well.

In January, a gallery is opening on Tybee Island, one that was purchased and renovated, and he has completed four works of art for that opening. The majority of his recent work reflects Tybee, in fact.

There is a large demand from tourists and locals alike for art depicting the beauty found on the island.

It is in his quaint studio, a converted bedroom, where Brad finds his resolve.

There he turns on his favorite music by

16 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

Michael Buble, and creates. “Every once in a while I have to create something that is just for me, like Lucy here,” Brad explained, referring to a framed sketch of Lucille Ball that adorned the studio wall. He also spoke of his recent inspiration to paint a sea turtle against an ocean background, which is all set within an old Tybee windowpane, after hearing a lecture given by Tammy Smith, manager of the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project. The 3D-like painting is breathtaking.

Now that Brad has become accustomed to his simultaneous careers, and has settled into a routine he has no trouble managing, he wants nothing more than to pick up where he left off regarding the art community on Tybee. He’s entering more of his work into galleries and plans to open his own in the next five years. As for the question of “When will he slow down?” he just smiles and says, “My art – I’ll never retire. I’ll do that until the day I die.”

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Tybee Honors Dr. Martin Luther King With A Parade

T

story by jeff whitten photos by kelly klotz

ybee Island’s third annual parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may just be turning 3 in January, but the roots of the island’s heartfelt salute to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning civil rights leader go back more than a decade, according to organizer Julia

Pearce.

It basically began in 2000, when Jamie Maury organized members of Tybee All Saints Episcopal Church to partnered with Savannah’s St. Matthew Episcopal Church to ride in Savannah’s annual MLK parade. But after a decade of making the trek to Savannah, church members started asking themselves why they couldn’t put on their own celebration and honor Dr. King in their own way.

“It was a way for Tybee residents to attend the parade in a supportive festive environment,” Pearce said. “By 2011, Maury was away at Princeton studying divinity and the Savannah parade had reached 300-plus entries and lasted five hours. We wondered why we traveled to Savannah for an MLK parade when Tybee loves a parade and has many.”

All Saints church members encouraged Pearce to look into a King parade on Tybee. She quickly learned it was no easy task to stage a parade. “We found out in order to have a parade we needed permission from city department heads, the police chief, the city manager, city council, the public works department,” Pearce said. “We needed a $1 million insurance bond with an anti-terrorist rider, so we had to have sponsors, revenue, participants and a committee to coordinate the activities. TybeeMKL Committee was born.”

They made it work. In January 2014, the first TybeeMLK parade was held. There were 12 entries and Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson was grand marshal. Last year, Dr. Otis Johnson, former Savannah mayor, had the honors.

This year, former Tybee Mayor Walter Parker will be grand marshal, and 35 entries are expected to take part in the parade as part of the island’s Human Rights Celebration, which gets under way at 2 p.m. Jan. 9, 2016, with the parade. It starts at the base of Walter Parker Pier. (See breakout for list of all those signed up to participate in the parade) Tybee’s parade is held 10 days before the national MLK holiday

18 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

to allow people to participate in both events, Pearce said.

“This celebration is a tribute to all citizens who try to make the community a better place,” she said, and in addition to the parade the Tybee Dreamer Humanitarian Award, sponsored by Hands on Savannah and United Way, will also be awarded. The Ladies of St. Michael’s Thrift Shop won the award in 2015.

In addition, TybeeMLK represented Tybee citizens in Charleston after the July Emanuel 9 massacre. Pearce delivered condolences and donated money from Tybee residents to Emanuel 9 families of the victims.

Why a parade on Tybee?

Ask William Strong, a founding member of Tybee MLK, why is it important for Tybee Island to have its own parade and he counters with a question of his own.

“Why is it important to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., anywhere?”

To Strong, Pearce and fellow parade committee member Beverly Flanagan, “celebrating MLK Day is a way of honoring Dr. King and the principles he stood for,” Strong wrote. “Racial fairness, social and economic justice, human dignity, nonviolence, peace and love. These are universal principals naturally worthy of celebrating anywhere.”

Strong said the “MLK Day on Tybee serves as a time to focus on the good Dr. Martin Luther King Jr embodied In the steadfast practice of nonviolence and his devotion the seeking social justice.

Moreover, MLK Day gives Tybee a chance to experience the spirit of community coming together racially and socially.”

Pearce said the parade helps remind residents that divisions don’t matter.

“Every city, village and hamlet will have pockets of ‘us’ and ‘them,’ Like ‘Pool People’ vs. ‘No Pool People,’ and ‘Plastic Bag Ban People’ vs. ‘No Plastic Bag Ban People,’ and ‘Paul Wolff People’ vs. ‘Barry Brown’ people.”

Pearce continued: “We have a Martin Luther King Jr. parade to remind us that none of these divisions matter. We are all neighbors. What does matter is how we treat each other. Love is the solution to all division. Dr. King said, ‘Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.’”

2016 PARADE PARTICIPANTS:

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When the 3rd Annual TybeeMLK Parade gets under way at 2 p.m. Jan. 9, 2016, here’s a lineup of those currently expected to participate. The lineup is subject to change.

Tybee American Legion Post 154, color guard; Grand Marshal Walter Marshal’s car; Tybee Mayor Jason Buelterman; North Beach Grill owners George Spriggs and Kathryn Williams, who are both founding members of the TybeeMLK celebration; Beachside Colony with founding Frances and Tommy Clark, also founding members; Georgia Benton, Daughters of the Confederacy, Benton Tax; Fannies on the Beach with Jenny Orr and company, founding members; Miss Savannah State University Joyes “Joi” Zieh; Savannah State; Tybee City Council; John Finney from the Economic Opportunity Association of Savannah; Crab Shack, Belinda and Jack Flanigan, founding members; Ms. Kathryn Johnson, the oldest African American Tybee resident; Esther Buchsbaum, civil rights dignitary; Gordon “Batman” Varnedoe, founding member; Chatham County Vietnam Veteran Memorial; St. Michael’s Catholic Church, founding member; St. Michael’s Ladies of the Thrift Shop; MLK Savannah; All Saints Episcopal Church; Tybee Teeth; Tybee Church; 1st African Baptist Church E. Savannah; Tybee Parade Brigade, founding members; Danny and Susan Hill, founding members and Tybee Residents; Jerry at WRHQ 1053; Georgia Central Labor Union; Chauncey Barnwell, Esquire; Tybee Vacation Rental’s Amy Gastor; Barry Finch; Savannah Country Day’s Cultural Diversity Club; Tybee Three Wheelers; Johnson High School Marching Band and Tybee Island EMS. www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

19

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Little Miss Judy

Believe it Or Not

H

story and photos by judy helmey ere I am early Christmas morning with doll in hand, eyes closed half asleep, and just happy as can be that daddy didn’t catch Santa Claus! That flash that you see in the background was made by a Brownie Kodak Camera!

“Christmas in the Fifties with Dear old Captain Dad!” As a child, like most, I loved Christmas. I knew that Santa Claus was the real thing and that hopefully he was going to visit my house. Every year my father would tell all of us children that he was going to set a trap so as to catch old Saint Nick. In this department, I wasn’t too popular with the neighborhood kids. This was due to the fact that Daddy was a great hunter and could possibly set a trap that just might work. So as you can see we were all in a dilemma at Christmas time.

We would talk about it among ourselves and came up with some pretty convincing reasons why we shouldn’t worry too much about Daddy’s old trap. The number

22 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

one reason was that we knew for a fact that Santa was very smart. So therefore he would see right through any trap. The other, and best reason, was that we knew for a fact was that if Santa could get into houses without chimneys he could easily escape. After a few minutes, us six year olds would get tired of worrying about this and basically forgot about it. At least until Daddy brought it up again, which was quite often on Christmas Eve! As an only child I was very fortunate to get lots of things during the year. So therefore, when Christmas arrived, I needed more. After all, a child needs lots of things to survive. Back in the old days, we received only a few catalogs. Not like today where your mailbox is packed full everyday for months before the big event.

I would always be anxiously waiting for the “Levy’s” catalog to arrive. This was my Christmas list in picture form. My father would tell me that I could circle what I wanted and he would pass it on to Santa. Now this is the funny thing. He always told me not to spend any more than $25 on all of my gifts. So the process of pick-

ing the presents and then adding their costs up began with hopes that what I had picked didn’t go over the designated amount.

Until I got older, I didn’t understand what money and Santa Claus had in common. After doing all of this work and making my final decision I would hand over my picture Christmas list to Daddy. He would hopefully, as he promised, pass it on to Santa Claus.

However, I never forgot for one moment that he might catch the rascal before he got to our house. I wasn’t the only child worried about this.

Most people leave cookies and milk. However, my father and I decided to make a few changes. Over the years we left sardines and saltines, Vienna sausage and Ritz’s, and one time we left sea rations of can cookies and jelly. As far as something to drink, we left what we had on hand at the time, which could have been anything from water straight out the faucet to something that came in a bottle. It seemed that no matter what we left Santa, he always seemed to eat it all.

When Christmas morning finally arrived I jumped out of bed, ran into the living room, and got a big letdown. There wasn’t any presents or toys to be found. I couldn’t believe it Daddy had actually caught Santa Claus. I ran to daddy’s bedroom almost in tears and woke him up. He rose up half asleep and asked, “What’s wrong?” I replied, “Santa didn’t come!” He quickly replied, “Oh Santa and I got to talking about fishing, eating snacks, and he left all of your presents in my closet!”

Once again my father saved the day with just a few words

putting Christmas morning back into motion!

Hope you have a wonderful Merry Christmas! And I hope that Santa brings you all the tackle that you asked for!

Thanks for reading!

Captain Judy Helmey, Miss Judy Charters

Judy and Dad on Miss Jerry

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

23

MEET KRISTIN BROWN

K

ristin Brookshire­ Brown is an Associate Broker at Century 21 Fox Properties in Savannah, 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 seven to 21.

Kristin is involved in the schools and community and she donates a portion of each sale to the Ronald McDonald house, Savannah Crime Stoppers, Hospice Savannah 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 more than fifteen years. 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. Kristin is well­versed in all price ranges and property types from cozy cottages to deep­water

delights, and was awarded the Quality Service Pinnacle award for outstanding client satisfaction. As a Century 21 agent, she is committed to exemplifying the gold standard by providing only the best for her clients, a practice that has resulted in many of her clientele becoming return customers. She attributes her success to dedication, strategic advertising, the ability to observe and adapt to changing market conditions.

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 the value of homes in today’s market, private viewings for potential buyers, and advice to anyone who seeks it. When selling a home through Kristin, you can expect to have all of your needs taken care of from listing to closing.

See what Kristin Brookshire Brown and Team Brookshire can do for you!

Kristin Brown 912.844.2579 Kristin.Brown@Century21.com

28 & 24 Horsepen Point $2,999,999

62 Palmer Boulevard $599,900

1303 Walthour Road $449,900

206 Pink Dogwood Lane $278,500

110 Manta Cove $249,900

106 Blockade Court $249,900

110 Blue Marlin Drive $232,900

221 Road Atlanta $169,999

5102 Walden Park Drive $169,900

Buy or List With

KRISTIN BROWN

Call, text, or email me today!

912.844.2579 • Kristin.Brown@Century21.com www.Savannah-­Realtor.com

3109 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA 31404 Toll free: 888.352.2747, Office: 912.352.2747

114 S Campbell $425,000

137 Runner Road $414,900

103 Farringdon $306,000

7 Teakwood Drive $239,900

528 Quarterman Drive $239,900

704 Suncrest Boulevard $239,900

1608 Jones Avenue Unit #11 $159,900

147 Sugar Mill Circle $134,900

401 N Cromwell Road Unit #A-1 $99,000

HOLIDAY CATCHING AFFAIR! FISHING REPORTS FROM CAPTAIN JUDY

INSHORE FISHING REPORT/FORECAST

There is one thing that I can say about the Holiday months when it comes to catching fish and that’s “it can happen!” During this time all fish from spotted sea trout to flounder to red fish are doing what they do best and that’s bulking up for those unpredictable but fast on the way cold weather patterns. It’s also a great time to be a weather watcher. Normally the inshore bite will “turn on big time” when there is an approaching cold front. The fish usually feed hard at about 18 to 24 hours out before the big weather change. The best natural bait is live shrimp and the best artificial bait is those that imitate them. These baits will work under popping or traditional adjustable corks or just plain naked meaning using a hook only. For those reading that think fishing naked is performed without clothes, it can certainly be done this way. However, it is really all about the terminal gear used meaning no weights, no floats, only a small in line leader tied in between the main line and the hook. The advantage to fishing just naked has a twofold part. The prey/bait has the freedom to move where it thinks it is going to be safe and the targeted species, being for the most being part physic, is already privy to this thought.

However, if you can’t purchase or catch your own live shrimp there is another bait to consider. The old standby mud minnow is easy to catch and it’s hardy bait. It does come in second on the best bait to use scale. But I can guarantee you that 9 times out of 10 that is you can get shrimp neither can the fish. A single mud minnow works great and is usually good several times even after hits, misses or catches. If one minnow lip hooked either under a popping or adjustable cork doesn’t work I suggest adding another one. Using double up baits can turn an unlikely bite on.

INSHORE NIGHT FISHING REPORT/FORECAST

For those fishermen that prefer darkness over daylight fishing this is the perfect time of the year to give it a try. Most all isolated dock lights will hold the interest of some sort of bait, which in turn brings on one heck of a top water bite. Best baits are DOA’s artificial shrimp patterns rigged on 1/8 to ¼ jig heads and small Rapala Pinns series of floating/diving lures. For fishermen that prefer the live bait such as shrimp or mud minnows these baits will also work. Best procedures for working a dock light can be quickly ascertained by pitching and retrieving a few lures in different directions or placing bait rigged under a cork up current of the light. Bites should be consistent for about 15 to 20 minutes and then it will be time to move on or take a break giving the fish time to regroup uninterrupted.

OFFSHORE ARTIFICIAL REEFS REPORT/FORECAST

For those that love a light tackle fish catch experience this is the time of the year to visit the near shore artificial reefs. Sheepshead, black drum, trophy red fish, flounder and cold water sharks put these areas on their list of places to school up to bulk up for winter migrations. Best baits for Sheepshead, black drum and trophy red fish are going to be the purple back fiddler and green mussels.

Small pieces of shrimp will also work. These fish love anything wrapped in a shell or the meat that is removed from one. Flounder are known for situating themselves on the outskirts of the structure when the tide is slack while waiting for that prefect meal.

Best baits for the old flounder are jumbo mud minnows or small sand perch placed on a Carolina style bottom rig. Placement of

26 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

this bait is simple, cast to the outskirts of the structure, set drag to medium, place rod in holder, and when you get a hit whatever you do don’t pick the rod up until the flounder eats your bait. In other words give them time to eat!! As far as the sharks go take along some squid or cut a Sheepshead belly strip out and put it on the bottom near the structure.

All sizes of black fish make way to most all artificial reefs in search of a colder water hold up. This is the best time to find large schools of these fish holding on all types of structure from the lower relief to wrecks. The reason being where there is a feeding possibility they are stayers until this event changes. Large summer trout are can also be found schooling on the artificial reefs and some of these fish are in the 20 inch plus size range. The best bait is going to small pieces of cut fish, squid, and cigar minnows.

2015 GROUPER SEASON WILL BE OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 31

With the grouper season 2015 open until December 31 you still have time to catch. Although this has not been a great grouper catching year fishermen still have this month to end it with a big rod bending bang. Large gags are known for migrating into shallow water during this time of the year. In the shallow department artificial reefs located in 35 to 90 feet of water are stopping off staging places. The best places to fish on the artificial reefs are the places where you have wrecks such as the barges, battle tanks, subway cars, ships, tugs, and dredges. These fish prefer these areas, because they can move in and out of structure feeding on those smaller fish that feel safe inside. Grouper not only takes advantage of its camouflage of blending in, but also its ability to get into tight spots. I always suggest using live bait when targeting grouper. No respectable large fish, at least most of the time, is going to leave an already target rich feeding environment for the likes of something that may or may not be worth its travels.

Let ’s Go Fishing!

INSHORE • OFFSHORE • SIGHT SEEING

2016 Inshore Fishing Clinics February 20, 2016

Saturday in classroom $90.00 per person Continental breakfast and lunch included Place: Tubby’s Tank House 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt, GA Time: 8:00 AM till 2:00 PM

October 29, 2015,Christopher Miller is holding up a large amberjack also known as a reef donkey!

February 21, 2016

Sunday on inshore boats in the water $125.00 per person Time: 8:00AM till12:00 NOON Snacks and drinks provided by Captain Judy Place: Miss Judy Charters dock, 202 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah, GA

Miss udy Charters

Trolling & Bottom Fishing • Heavy & Light Tackle • Multiple Boats Fishing License, All Bait & Tackle Supplied

912-897-4921 • WWW.MISSJUDYCHARTERS.COM

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015

27

Looking for us?

Here’s where you can find your FREE copy!

Island Chiropractic Clinic The UPS Store BB&T 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 Pro Nails Southern Urgent Care Walmart South State Bank First Chatham Bank Curry Dry Cleaners Angel Nails Island Pet Centre Lisa Lisa’s Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant Curry Dry Cleaners Island Veterinary Clinic Illusions Hair Salon Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage Todd Fruit Dentistry Blake’s Fresh Local Dining Suntrust The Barber Pole ACE Cancun Café Basil’s Molly McGuire’s Howard’s Family Dental The Best Cleaners Keller Williams Little Italy Publix Coco’s Desert Bar

Hogan’s Marina J & T Nails Dr. Humphrey’s Islander Food Island Eye Care Sea Islands Bank Whitemarsh Plaza Oatland Island Wildlife The cottage Salon Skipper’s Florist Mercer Point at Whitmarsh Tybee Jet Ski YMCA Lazaretto Creek Seafood Coco’s Sunset Grill Captain Mike’s Dolphin Adventure Tybee Island Marina 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 Seaweeds Ice Cream Bike Shop Dunes Inn & Suites Funky Fish Outdoors Admiral’s Inn Sunrise Breakfast Airbrush T-Shirts Nicky’s Air Brush 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 Salon Sobe 80 E. Gastro Pub Chu’s Gas Station North Beach Grill American Legion Golf Cart Rentals Bowie Seafood 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 Points, Please Call Lea at (912)826-2760 28 November/December 2015 | www .ChathamIslesLiving.com

Let’s Do Business

ON THE ISLANDS www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

29

IS YOUR STRUGGLING IS YOURCHILD CHILD STRUGGLING ININMATH CLASS??

MATH CLASS??

OR DO TOTO CHALLENGED OR DOTHEY THEYNEED NEED BE CHALLENGED MORE IN MATH???

MORE IN MATH???

MATHNASIUM MATH LEARNING CENTER CAN HELP!!!

At Mathnasium, we build a program specifically for your student based on a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.  We help them CATCH UP on the fundamental math skills they have missed in class.  We help them KEEP UP through homework help, test prep and regular teacher communication.  And we help the GET AHEAD through a customized learning plan.

Sessions are affordable and drop in, no appointment needed!!!! Contact us today!!!

MATHNASIUM OF ISLANDS POOLER 459 107 Pooler Parkway Drive (near Publix) MATHNASIUM OF SAVANNAH Charlotte (next to Polka Dots) Call 912-330-0666 Email pooler@mathnasium.com Check out www.mathnasium.com the website www.mathnasium.com Call 912-898-3700 Check out the website

ǡ ǨǨǨǨǨǨǨ also in Savannah, Pooler, Bluffton!!!

Art Lessons For The Holidays GREAT GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Paintings by Shawn

140 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410

912-777-2504

www.artcenterofwilmingtonisland.com shawnphd@hotmail.com 30 November/December 2015 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Join Us For Our

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, December 2nd 5:30PM - 7:30PM Great food, drinks and give aways!

FREE Gift For All Customers!

WE FIX WET BASEMENTS! ...AND SO MUCH MORE!

BEFORE

AFTER

• Basement Waterproofing • Basement Finishing • Structural Repairs • Concrete Leveling • Humidity & Mold Control • & Especially Nasty Crawl Spaces!

CONTACT US FOR A

FREE ESTIMATE

866-951-7883 LBSchatham.com

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

31

publisher’s pic

photograph by: Frederick Leigh Winn of Marietta, Georgia To submit your photo to be chosen as the next Publisher’s Pick, email your photo to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com. Amateur and Professional are both welcome to submit!

32 November/December 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com

Shop Local GUIDE

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

33

EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDOR OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON DURING

TYBEE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

E

xperience Tybee in a different light this holiday season with distinctive culture, dining, shopping, and festive small town excitement on the coast.

Beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through New Year’s Day, Tybee Island offers family-friendly fun to brighten the holiday season for all to enjoy.

Numerous island businesses are participating in Community of Caring. This year, to share the true spirit of the holidays with others, donations are being collected throughout the season for the Rising TYde Community Food Pantry, the Animal Shelter, and the Children’s Hospital at Memorial. A list of needed items and participating drop-off locations is available at: http://www. tybeefortheholidays.com/community-of-giving.

Small Business Saturday® on Tybee is November 28.

Recognizing the importance of supporting small, independently-owned businesses in our community, the City’s Development Authority/Main Street Program is pleased to be a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday®. From City Officials, to Tybee residents, to island visitors alike, all are encouraged to shop local this season. Visit http://www.tybeefortheholidays. com/shop-local-saturday/ for participating businesses and locations.

Lights on for Tybee Celebration begins at 6:30pm on Friday, December 4 when Mayor Buelterman lights Tybee’s Christmas

34 November/December 2015 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

tree downtown at the Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout. Following the tree lighting ceremony, there will be singing led by the Tybee Arts Performing Society, dance performances by Gretchen Greene School of Dance students, and an awards presentation by Tybee Beautification Association for the best decorated businesses. Plus, a variety of businesses will have extended store hours and complimentary refreshments throughout downtown as “snow” flurries fall to create a magical experience for the children. Ornaments hung on the Tybee Christmas Tree during this year’s Community Decorating Day on November 28 will include creations made by Tybee Island Maritime Academy students. This hometown celebration will conclude with Santa and Mrs. Claus making a special appearance to delight the young ones.

On Saturday, December 5, two special events are planned.

Jane Coslick Holiday Cottage Tour begins at 10am to benefit the Savannah Humane Society Low Cost Community Spay/Neuter Clinic. The tour highlights classic historic Tybee Island cottages restored by the famous interior designer, Jane Coslick. At 1pm, the Tybee Island Christmas Parade begins filling the streets with festive floats and spirited parade participants as Santa and Mrs. Claus are led from the 14th Street parking lot to the Tybee Gym on 5th Street. Once they arrive at the gym, they will spend time listening to children’s Christmas wishes and having photos taken.

The YMCA will provide snacks and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Share your holiday spirit during this old-fashioned Christmas parade while touring some of the island’s preserved gems!

Other activities which include holiday shows and performances, a lit parade, tours, a “plunge” in the ocean, and more will add to the joy of the season on Tybee.

Tybee for the Holidays provides plenty of family-friendly fun to brighten the holiday season. All are welcome to witness the splendor of the island from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Visit www.tybeefortheholidays.com for more information.

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

35

Tybee for the Holidays EXPERIENCE TYBEE IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT THIS THANKSGIVING THROUGH NEW YEAR’S DAY

with distinctive culture, dining, shopping, and festive small town excitement on the coast.

SIGNATURE EVENTS INCLUDE: Saturday, November 28 - Small Business Saturday® Friday, December 4 - Lights on for Tybee Celebration Saturday, December 5 - Tybee Christmas Parade Thursday, December 31 - New Year’s Eve Fireworks Friday, January 1 - Tybee Polar Plunge And More...

TybeeForTheHolidays.com • 912.472.5071

A Classic Main Street Community

Happy Holidays FROM THE STAFF OF

36 November/December 2015 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | November/December 2015

37

We Wish You A

Merry Christmas!

Retail Store Coming Soon!

COFFEE • COLD BREWS (912) 631-9544 friendshipcoffeecompany.com 38 November/December 2015 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

and Amer Impression

and American Impressionism October 16, 2015 THROUGH January 24, 2016