Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington
and Tybee
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Toshi Hirata Seasons of Japan, CEO
S TA F F
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 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
VOTE
Yes
FOR THE TYBEE POOL
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
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CONTENTS September/October 2015
08
features
08 Gay Taking Life One Cup At A Time Fortson and Libby Miller 14 Pediatric Dr. Katy Moretz Neurologist and Child Advocate
18 Champion’s Jimmy Stettler and the YMCA’s Program 22 Will Take A Dive On Tybee Tybee Get A Community Pool? 24 2nd Annual Tybee Salutes Heroes Event
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18
departments
07
Publisher’s Letter
27
Let’s Do Business
06 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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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
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. Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Thank You Chatham Isles As we bring you our fourth edition of Chatham Isles Living, we are gearing up to finish our first year with our next two issues. We have some great ideas in store to make some additions to the magazine. Over the next couple of issues, you will see us implement some new pages and sections.....each that will be beneficial to advertisers and readers alike. We have gotten some terrific responses from our readers and advertisers from our first three issues. We do appreciate your calls and emails. The positive responses we have received have certainly reminded us of the reason we began this magazine..... to bring the people of these islands their very own community magazine. With that being said, this magazine is for you. It is about you....your people, your places and your events. So, share your thoughts and ideas with us. Julie Hales, PUBLISHER Share your events and happenings. We want to know more about you and everything that makes your community so special. In addition to our print edition, we have a bi-weekly E-Newsletter that we can share your events and happenings. All you have to do is email the information to us and we will gladly share it with our email base. If you wish to have your email added to the Newsletter, please let us know. We will also share these on our Facebook Page. Please make share to find us and like our page so that you can stay up-to-date on different things happening in your area. And, don’t forget our website. We invite you to visit www.chathamislesliving.,com to see our latest stories and happenings. Email your story ideas, events or happenings to me at Julie@idpmagazines.com or to Jeff at jeff@idpmagazines.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Whitemarsh, Oatland, Talahi, Wilmington
and Tybee
ABOUT THE COVER
SS er NE ill SI bby M U i 5 B L
1 d IN n an er 20 ENortso Octob M / F r e y O W et Ga ptemb
Me
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Energy! Dedication! Commitment! That’s exactly what you see when you meet Gay Fortson and Libby Miller. These two ladies have taken the hits and survived it all. Read their wonderful story and see how they made “life” experiences into a “friendly” business. Cover Photo Taken By Natalie McAllister
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
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Taking Life
One Cup At A Time
story by shannon robinson photos by natalie mccalister
08 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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t is quite possibly the most divine and intoxicating aroma known worldwide. In fact, the beverage that is made from it is consumed by over an estimated 80 percent of American adults. With statistics like those, it’s no wonder that the beverage is offered in so many varieties or that a gourmet shop can be found in nearly every town. People simply like coffee. The significance runs much deeper than mere fondness for two ladies on Wilmington Island, though. For Libby Miller and Gay Fortson, coffee is a passion, a legacy and a symbol of hope. Friends for twenty years, roommates for the last ten and business partners for the better part of three, both grew up calling Savannah home. Gay grew up in a close-knit family where she was one of six children. Her mother worked thirty years as a nurse at Memorial Hospital while her father was in the service. Ambitious and born with a natural confidence, Gay’s knack for sales launched her into her own communications business. “I’ve always been in sales, and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” she explained. For fifteen years, her business thrived, growing from a single retail store into five of them
with locations from Rincon, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida. The success of her business, Fortson Wireless, afforded Gay a comfortable lifestyle, but the unforeseen economic crash caused her to close the doors for good in 2008. Gay floundered to gain employment and come to terms with the loss of a lifestyle she knew and loved. Not easily discouraged, she searched for work diligently. After a two-month struggle in searching for a job, she happened into Huc-a-poo’s on Tybee Island and inquired about work. They had a kitchen position, which she’d never done. Though she left disappointed, she didn’t make it far before making a U-turn and heading back to give it a shot. She maintains that it was the most fun she’s ever had at a job. It wasn’t long after she started her new gig that other options started to present themselves. She was able to secure a position as a business account manager. To help her best friend, she started helping Scott Miller, Libby’s brother, a little with the wholesale accounts at his coffee shop. Since Gay loved coffee and sales, she was a natural and it helped him immensely. Scott owned Ogeechee River Coffee Company, which was located in
Habersham Village. “Scott loved to roast coffee – that’s where his heart was,” Gay said, “and to really facilitate his roasting, he opened a coffee shop.” Gay and Libby often hung out at the coffee shop, visiting with Libby’s family or simply unwinding from work. For Libby, work is being an educator for the past twenty years. She graduated college with an Arts and Communications Degree. “I wanted to be in advertising, and that job fell through literally the day I was supposed to start,” Libby recalled. Upset and unsure of her next move, she was encouraged by her mother to enjoy some time off. Following a group of friends, she moved to Aspen, Colorado for the winter. “I had a blast, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. God love my mom for saying ‘go have fun!’” Miller reminisced. She returned to help her mother who was having surgery and wound up staying in Savannah. Though she worked for Friedman’s Art Store and Savannah College of Art & Design as the Art Supply and Framing Manager, and really enjoyed framing, she decided to pursue teaching instead and is glad she made the choice. Libby taught at Hubert Middle School in downtown Savannah for eight years. “It
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was an awesome, awesome experience. I met some great people, both teachers and kids,” Libby said. However, she found that she really wanted to work with younger students, so she sought out and was offered a position at Marshpoint Elementary School on Wilmington Island. She worked there for twelve years as both a fifth grade teacher, a Gifted Facilitator, and finally as the IB Coordinator of their Specialty Program, which she absolutely loved. Libby wanted to further her education and decided to get her EdS (Education Specialist Degree) in Instructional Technology because this was another passion of hers, and wound up being offered a job she considers amazing and is very content in. However, like her dear friend Gay, it seemed that just when life seemed to be going perfectly, suddenly the proverbial wind was knocked out of her. With tears in her eyes and voice unstable, an emotional Libby told of the heartbreaking events that began in the spring of
2012 and unfolded into a year fraught with agony and grief. In late March, she went in for routine surgery and something went wrong. Instead of being out of commission for days, she wound up back in emergency surgery less than a week after her release. She was hospitalized for over a month. The road to recovery didn’t end with the six-week hospital stay, though. After being released from her second surgery, she continued her recovery in her mother and father’s care at their home in Bluffton, S.C. Adding to the personal hell Libby was already forced to endure as she struggled down the seemingly endless road to recovery, tragedy befell her family yet again. On September 20, 2012, Scott Miller passed away suddenly from an unexpected illness. Scott’s wife and mother tried desperately to maintain his business. Try as they might, they hadn’t the knowledge or passion for roasting and the coffee shop like he did. Libby and Gay decided they couldn’t let Scott’s passion pass away with
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him. Their hearts heavy with grief and spirits nearly broken from stress, Gay and Libby (still physically recovering from her own near death experience) decided to make coffee their business and life by selling their brand wholesale. With a career she wasn’t fond of, Gay happily left her business position to promote and sell their coffee while Libby continued to work full-time in education (she was offered a position as an Instructional Technology Coach) and dedicate her earnings and evenings to the business’s success. Starting from home, the roommates, best of friends, and new business partners dedicated a room to coffee. “Literally, an 18 wheeler would come down our cul-de-sac and drop a pallet of coffee beans at our front door and I would hope it wasn’t raining.” Gay then would wrestle each individual heavy bag onto a dolly and wait until Libby was done at her day job, which was a schoolteacher at that point, so that they could navigate the coffee down the narrow walls of their Wilmington Island home to the coffee room. Early on, they were investing all of their savings and earnings into the business and had yet to see a profit. With an end to their savings dangerously close, they began brainstorming ways to quickly boost sales and hopefully earn a profit. Gay recalls, “I said to Libby, let’s think of something really cool and funky that’s different in Savannah and the southeast.” It was her love of cold brew coffee that sparked her interest in experimenting and perfecting recipes that would wind up being that very “cool, funky and different” thing. Then with the help of family and friends, and a lot of endless days invested by the women, they began to bottle their own cold brew. Their hard work received some much-deserved validation when they were named a finalist in the University of Georgia’s 2015 “Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest”. The honor of being a finalist in such a contest says volumes about the time, effort and love poured into each bag or bottle. Together, Libby and Gay are successfully building an empire from the wreckage that was left after their respective worlds seemed to crumble to the ground. Their resilience in the face of adversity and loss is truly inspirational. With a story like no other that created a friendship like no other, it’s no wonder that when they finally decided on a name for their business it involved friendship - Friendship Coffee Company. Cicero once said, “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.”
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Youth Sports • Become a Healthier YOU • Heart of Savannah 5K Family Events • Programs and Classes for all With the lazy days of summer soon behind us, there is no better time to fall back into healthy habits at the Y! From our exceptional fitness, personal training, and sports programs, to our extensive early childcare, preschool and school-age programs, to our fun family and community events, the Y offers an array of options focused on strengthening bodies, minds and communities. • Programs and Classes for all • Get back into your fitness schedule or begin a new routine • Youth Basketball registration begins October 1 • Take advantage of our year round aquatics
12 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA LOCATIONS: EFFINGHAM Y GOLDEN ISLES Y HABERSHAM Y ISLANDS FAMILY Y LIBERTY COUNTY Y MCINTOSH COUNTY Y RICHMOND HILL Y SOUTHSIDE Y TYBEE ISLAND Y WEST CHATHAM Y
912.897.1192 ISLANDS YMCA 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, GA 31410
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www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
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Dr. Katy Moretz
Pediatric Neurologist and Child Advocate story by katie vandenhouten photos by natalie mcalister
14 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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r. Katy Moretz is a well known figure in her community as well as in medicine. As a part of the talented team of physicians at Savannah Neurology, Moretz is one of only three Savannah physicians who is board certified in pediatric neurology. She specializes in brain disorders in children, some of the most common of which are cerebral palsy, developmental delay, headaches, seizures, autism and ADHD. She has been practicing in Savannah for seven years, and she is thrilled that she is now making a difference in the same city where she grew up. It takes a special type of person to practice pediatric neurology. The reimbursement rates are certainly not the highest, and many neurological disorders cannot be cured, but Moretz says she absolutely loves it. Nothing makes her happier than to care for her patients and their families. “Not only do my special needs patients need a cheerleader in their corner who can encourage them and take care of them no matter how severe their disability might be, but their parents need that also,” says Moretz. “I try to keep a smile on my face, and I always try to have encouraging words and find the silver lining for these families. I want them to know they are loved and that their lives matter.” Her positive attitude not only makes a difference to her patients, but she says it made a difference in her medical career as well. After graduating from UGA and originally not getting accepted into medical school right away, Moretz had an interview at the Medical College of Georgia. Her interviewer said one of her best attributes was her “tremendous personality,” and that compliment stuck with her. She says she may not have graduated with a 4.0, but her attitude has definitely helped her succeed in life and in her medical career. She was accepted into medical school after that interview, and the rest is history. A self-described “joiner,” Dr. Moretz has always been one to participate in clubs and community activities. In high school,
she was the cheerleading captain and the student council president, but in 2011 she became involved in another extracurricular activity - Dancing With the Savannah Stars. Dancing With the Savannah Stars is the annual fundraiser for the Savannah/Chatham County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Inc. The fundraiser benefits abused
and neglected children in Chatham County. After being chosen as one of the “Savannah Stars,” for the 2011 fundraiser, not only did Moretz fall in love with ballroom dancing, but she found another children’s cause that supports children in the community. Ever the advocate for children in
need, she is now a CASA board member as well. Moretz has always wanted to work with children. “I declared that I would be a pediatrician since grade school, and I don’t go back on my word,” she says. Her success is a result of hard work, a positive attitude and an unbridled drive to achieve her goals. “My mother always told me not to rely on anyone else for my own success,” she recalls. “There is an opportunity for all of us out there to pursue what we love...we just have to grab it and work hard.” Her mother also taught her and her sister to be independent. “My mom was constantly pushing my sister and me to work towards a career so we would be able to support ourselves, never having to depend on a man for financial reasons,” she recalls. “I always knew I would work.” She has several physicians in her family and claims the science and math gene is in her blood. Most of her aunts are nurses, her grandfather was a radiologist, her father still practices dentistry in Savannah, and she has several uncles who are physicians. Her husband, William, is also a well known physician in Savannah. They met at the Medical College of Georgia, and they married just a week after they graduated from medical school. Though they are both busy physicians, they still find time to be outdoors and enjoy their family. The Moretz family now has three acres on Wilmington Island that they’ve decided to cultivate. “We have ten chickens, nine ducks, and a labradoodle,” she says. “William plants the garden, and I try to pick the produce.” When asked what she likes best about playing farmer, Moretz says with good humor, “I can tell you what I hate about it-bird poop! But the fresh eggs and produce are delightful,” she adds. She loves the fact that she is able to practice medicine and raise her children in the same area where she grew up. Her son, Henry, and her daughter, Emily, both attend Savannah Country Day School, where Moretz graduated high school. She lists her children as one of her dearest gifts. Having lived on Tybee Island in her
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“I try to keep a smile on my face, and I always try to have encouraging words and find the silver lining for these families. I want them to know they are loved and that their lives matter.”
childhood, she is happy that she is now raising her own family in the same coastal area that she came to love growing up. “There is that moment of peace on your way home...when you go over one of the bridges and just sigh with contentment,” says Moretz. “There is nothing better than a long day on the beach with your family, friends and plenty of sunshine.” She has been practicing in Savannah for seven years now. “I love watching my patients grow up,” she says. “I love to see what they become.” Some people see her
job as a sad one, where she has to see sick children, many with incurable disorders, but she maintains that there is nothing else she’d rather do and nothing more rewarding than showing her patients and their families that there is hope and that she cares. Like many of her patients, Moretz has also experienced the downside of fate. She has seen first hand the heartache associated with tragedy, yet she still is filled with gratitude and positivity. Her 3 year old nephew drowned in a pool a few years ago.
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“Just like that, we all realized how fragile life can be,” says recalls. “Every day should be cherished. We should appreciate what we have, and love as much as we can.” She applies that same appreciation and gratitude toward her personal life as well as her career. Working closely with children with disabilities really puts things into perspective. Her life’s work is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and their families. And it’s not only her patients who have taken notice. Dr. Ben Spitalnick is the Vice President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and President of Pediatric Associates of Savannah. He regularly refers his patients to Moretz. “When I refer patients to Dr. Moretz, I have the confidence that my patients are getting highest quality medical care, right here in Savannah,” says Spitalnick. “Her devotion to her patients, along with her expertise and compassion, make her a true asset to our children.” All in all, Dr. Katy Moretz is a pediatric neurologist who loves her patients and has the passion and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Savannah and The Chatham Isles congratulate her on her continued success in medicine and her continued advocacy for children in need.
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Coach Jimmy Stettler and the YMCA’s
CHAMPION PROGRAM story by cindy burbage photos by kelly klotz
T
he term role model may often be overused or wrongly applied. But it fits Islands Family YMCA sports director Jimmy Stettler like a glove. Born and raised in Savannah, Jimmy attended the historic little Catholic school on Tybee Island, Saint Michael’s, for elementary and middle school, and went on to graduate high school from Benedictine Military School. It was while at Bendictine he began to frequent the Islands Family YMCA for recreation. Jimmy became a camp counselor, working with children. In college he realized that special education was his forte. “I’ve always loved being around kids, and I have worked around them since I was 16, it brings a lot of joy to me,” Jimmy said. Not surprisingly, he was able to turn his part time counselor position into a full time job. Earlier this year, Jimmy, who is also known as Coach or Mr. Jimmy by the kids at the facility, and the Island’s Family YMCA, were approached by May Howard school nurse Brenda Sierzant about opening a sports program aimed for children with different abilities. After all, children with special needs are just like any other child, having the same wants and needs as their peers. However, they require additional help and some modifications. In April of 2015, the YMCA Champion Program debuted. The
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strategy of the group is to teach children with special needs how to play different sports. During the hour long session, children from the age of 5 to 14 are taught the skills and rules of specific sports. After they have learned the taught skills, these special children participate in a fun game to show off their newly achieved expertise in the sport. Although the children have been encouraged to play other sports programs through the YMCA in the past, because of their special needs, they have had to play with younger teams. The YMCA Champion Program is designed for them to be part of their sport, allowing them to hang out with their fellow school mates. So far, the coach and his team of volunteers have offered classes on baseball, soccer, flag football, kickball and basketball. He will add gymnastics to the mix very soon. “You got to keep it fresh for them,” he says, and notes there is no limit on participation. “We have a wide range of kids. Some are highly functional and we have a few in wheelchairs. We try to adapt where everyone gets to participate. And actually the challenge of coming up with the ideas for everyone to participate is fun.” The sport of choice for the session is chosen based on team players needs. Everyone is included and considered a member of the team. Within a year, Coach Jimmy would like to see the sports pro-
“We have a wide range of kids. Some are highly functional and we have a few in wheelchairs. We try to adapt where everyone gets to participate. And actually the challenge of coming up with the ideas for everyone to participate is fun.” gram grow. When the free program initially began, only a handful of children showed up to play, and the summer months were slow too. But now with school being back in full swing, the numbers have increased to approximately twelve members per session. Ideally, in 2016, the YMCA would like to see at least twenty special needs children engaging in and taking advantage of the awesome opportunity. With growth, more volunteers will be needed. Although Jimmy advertised on social media for help, word of mouth of such a fantastic program seems to have provided the biggest results. “We actually had a family that came in to volunteer, their son gave up playing fall baseball to come and help out on Sundays, just because he wanted to be a part of it. That was pretty cool,” Jimmy said. He also explained that more community participation would be great as well. Also within a year from now, he would love to see their twice a month sessions turn into a once a week deal. Programs such as this are good for parents, too. Groups that cater to children with special needs are aware of the adaptations that are needed for each child. Once the accommodations are met, and the teammates have a level playing field, then the action and fun generates. The parents, their caregivers, are able to sit back and enjoy watching as their child plays without the hurdles of
their everyday life. During a game, upon entering the gymnasium, you are greeted with the sounds of squeaking sneakers on the floor of the basketball court, bouncing balls and, of course, laughter. All of the players are greeted by name and the official sports gesture of a high five. Each team member is cheered for their accomplishments during the game as well as during the sports skills station. Their permanent, contagious smiles and their beaming sense of pride and accomplishments can be felt by all spectators. The camaraderie among the volunteers, parents and children is a marvelous stature. At the end of their game, the talented children huddle together, hand on top of hand, chanting “One, two, three… team!” Jimmy’s dedication and hard work to this program and his passion for the children with special needs help make this a successful program and one that will hopefully be around for many years to come. The YMCA Champion Program is at the Island’s Family YMCA, located on at 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd on Wilimington Island. They meet from 2pm-3pm Sunday afternoons twice a month. There next session will be on September 27. For more information, please contact Jimmy Stettler at 912-897-1192. www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
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y h W
Julie Hales Publisher/Sales (912) 657-4120 julie@idpmagazines.com
s U Ask OU On Y Be ! ld ages u o Sh ur P O
108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon,GA, 31326
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DiAnna Jenkins Account Executive (912) 308-7408 dianna@idpmagazines.com
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Take a Dive on Tybee along with Vicki Worden and Rita Eichelzer:
COMMUNITY POOL AT MEMORIAL PARK story and photos by katrice williams
22 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
T
ybee Island is a favorite vacation spot for many tourists. Nevertheless, many of its residents also appreciate what their home has to offer. They also look forward to the growth and development to come. Few are more thrilled than Vicki Worden and Ritajane Eichelzer. Vicki and her husband, Art, have been in the area for over 25 years, after being quite well-travelled. Ritajane moved to Tybee from Iowa in 2000. The women have participated in the YMCA’s water aerobics class for quite some time, which is offered at the campground pool. The pool is primarily for use by campers; however, overall use by other individuals and groups can be limited. In 2011, Vicki and Ritajane, with the help of a few other noteworthy individuals, spearheaded an island initiative anticipated to add even more value to the community. They decided that a community pool would be a great benefit to residents and visitors. The ladies organized a meeting with several other members of their water aerobics class. The group soon adopted the name Tybee Island Community Pool Incorporated. By the close of the meeting, one thing was obvious—the area would definitely benefit from a pool for all to enjoy. Actually, Vicki and Ritajane have taken an interest in benefiting and helping others for a long time; both are nurses by trade. Vicki is a nurse practitioner and Ritajane is a retired registered nurse. Their career knowledge helps them to be very aware of the many advantages that pools provide, whether for health and fitness, therapeutic benefits or just overall relaxation. The ladies insist that it is definitely a grass roots effort. Vicki and Ritajane were named president and vice president, respectively. Other members include: secretaries Diane Lightsey and Dawn Rehnstrom, and treasurer Georgeann Ingles. Board members consist of Julia Timmons, Chuck Powell and Herb Greenblum. Sandy Major, John Major and David Birdwell make up the Strategic Planning Committee, while Cappy Birdwell is an active and devoted member. Vicki and Ritajane are also thankful for the help and support from 247 interested advocates. Ritajane filed for and received 501 (c) (3) status with the federal government in 2013. This allowed the organization to be non-profit, allowing it to be exempt from income taxes upon meeting certain requirements set forth by the Internal Revenue Code. It is able to receive donations from supporters, who can use their charitable offerings as a tax write-off. The organization proposed their idea to the city
council. The Strategic Planning Committee, which is “well versed in business and finance,” as stated by Vicki, developed a very impressive preliminary report for the council to view. “There was a lot of work put into the preliminary report by our strategic planners,” Vicki says. Interestingly enough, the ladies reveal that board members Sandy Major and Chuck Powell even set up a workshop for council members, so they could evaluate the findings while having the research in hand. This enabled the council to be knowledgeable about the proposal and communicate the information effectively to residents. The group even acquired the help of architect Michael Griffith to design the pool. They found that the volleyball court at Memorial Park would be a superb location to construct the pool, while not affecting the other park infrastructure. Vicki and Ritajane are encouraging residents to register for the referendum vote by October 5. They would definitely appreciate a vote of “yes” for the community pool on November 3. The ladies persist to spread the word about the pool through various advertising outlets. Vicki and Ritajane are optimistic that majority of the votes will yield a vote of “yes,” especially since they found that 78 percent of residents already voted in favor of the community pool on a past survey. They hope that the 2016 city council will follow the wishes of the people. “We’re hoping that the 78 percent materialize,” Vicki mentions. The two ladies agree that even after the city builds the pool, they will continue to be supporters. Vicki asserts, “Once the pool is built, our group will continue to fundraise to assist with operation cost.” Ritajane agreeably says, “We’ll constantly support them after they build the pool.” Vicki and Ritajane are excited about the pool proposal. “I just see it offering a lot
to any age group,” Vicki remarks. Though the pool will be for public use, the ladies feel that it will prove to be a huge benefit for the close-knit community that already resides on Tybee Island. Ritajane states, “Community with a capital ‘C’…that’s what it’s all about.” Vicki and Ritajane feel certain that the pool will be a healthy and safe recreational activity for all ages. Vicki declares, “I just see it offering a lot to all age groups; I see anybody being able to use it. It’s a safe, controlled environment. ” She goes on to say, “The community needs a pool. A lot of us are in our 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, but still very active and we’re gonna stay active and healthy.” The pool will be a 50’x 75’ zero entry pool, making it easily accessible for those with certain disabilities. Individuals can enjoy open swim time, water aerobics, lifeguard and general swim lessons and much more. Moreover, safety will always be a priority, so trained lifeguards will be on duty while the pool is in use. Additionally, a 10-foot high fence, ample lighting and security cameras will be on site and in use. Other necessary accommodations, including restrooms, showers and changing areas will be conveniently located. Proponents say the pool will require no tax increase and will be covered under current city insurance. The operating and maintenance cost will be covered by visitor costs and special residential membership fees. The ladies take pride in their community and are looking forward to many rewarding things to come. Vicki states, “We have a lot of good things going on.” Vicki and Ritajane, along with Tybee Island Pool Incorporated, are confident that the community pool will be one of those things. Anyone interested in the pool proposal can visit www.tybeeislandcommunitypool.org for more information.
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
23
Military active duty and veterans take note, Tybee Island wants YOU this Veterans Day. story by jeff whitten
T
he island, along with American Legion Post 154, is hosting its 2nd Annual Tybee Salutes Heroes event November 1315. Organizers hope to draw as many as 100 veterans and active duty military and their families to the beach for a little rest and recreation during the three-day event, which will include a parade, a memorial ceremony and a family celebration. It’s a labor of love for those involved, event co-chair Sharon Shaver said. “We are so happy and excited for the active and former military personnel and their families to be here on Tybee. Our goal is to honor them and show Tybee’s continued support for our troops, past and present,” said Shaver, who credits fellow chair Diane Kaufman for bringing the idea to Post 154. “It has kind of taken off from there,” Shaver said of Kaufman’s idea.
Kaufman is with Mermaid Cottages, which hosted the event for five years before it was taken island wide for the first time in 2014. Last year, 50 Tybee beach houses, cottages and condos were made available free of charge to families of active duty, retired military and veterans. Organizers hope to double that this year. In addition, other Tybee accomodations are offering special rates for the weekend, and several island restaurants, shops and attractions will have special discounts for military families. The weekend kicks off Friday, November 13, when each military family will receive a welcome bag donated by Visit Tybee. The bag will contain coupons, discounts and gifts from local businesses. The Tybee Salutes Heroes Parade, sponsored by the City of Tybee Island, will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday on Butler Avenue. Last year, members of the 3rd Infantry Division based on Fort Stewart and rep-
24 July/August 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
resentatives from the Fort Pulaski Coast Guard station took part in the parade, and so did the city’s mayor and council. There were a number of businesses involved, and veteran’s groups such as American Legion Post 154. The commander of the Georgia Department of the American Legion was also on hand. Veterans from Korea and Vietnam also took part in the parade. “This is the second year for the parade,” Kaufman said. “We hope to grow this bigger and bigger each year.” Among those expected to participate in this year’s parade are rangers from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, Shaver said. The 3rd ID and Coast Guard is expected to again participate, and Marines from Parris Island have been invited to participate as well, along with representatives from the National Guard, Navy and Air Force. There’s also been a concerted effort to spread the word. “We have expanded our visibility
through Facebook, other social media, email blasts and letters to all military organizations,” Shaver noted. “Of course, none of this would be possible without the complete support of our American Legion Post 154 under the leadership of Commander Chuck Bolen. The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 154 and Ladies Auxiliary 154 help to make this all happen as well.” After the parade, Tybee will conduct a ceremony to honor active duty, retired military and veterans, then American Legion Post 154 will host its military family celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It will include games for children, a pot-luck dinner and a cash bar. Sunday is all about taking some R&R on the beach, according to organizers, who say supporting the troops is second nature on Tybee. “Honestly, I have never seen more dedication and patriotism anywhere else,” Shaver said. “This tiny little island
always pulls together. We have a Korean War Monument and Veterans’ Memorial here. Our American Legion Post 154 is an important part of this community. And we are very fortunate to live in a community that has the city behind us 100 percent. Our mayor and council have shown complete support and the city of Tybee Island is partners with the American Legion Post 154 as well as participating rental owners and companies.” But at the end of the day, Tybee Salutes Heroes is about those who served, and those who still serve. While organizers have set a goal of 100 families participating this year, the ultimate aim is honoring 1,000 families. That sounds like a lot, but it’s what the weekend is for. “We have a very dedicated group of folks making this all happen,” Shaver said. “But the whole purpose of the event is to honor those who serve and have served. We would not have our freedoms with-
out these men and women and be able to proudly fly our American flag.” Individuals and families interested in staying on the island need to fill out an entry form at http://visittybee.com/events/ event/tybee-salutes-heroes/. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. on November 1. Individuals and organizations interested in staying in the parade can find an application online at http://visittybee. com/events/event/tybee-salutes-heroes/. Applications can be sent to the address provided on the application or emailed to tybeesalutesheroes@gmail.com. The deadline to submit the parade application is October 30. In addition, those with questions can call Kaufman at 912-313-0784.
www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
25
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ON THE ISLANDS www.ChathamIslesLiving.com | September/October 2015
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28 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com
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Nestled between the lighthouse and the beach, the North Beach Grill offers an amazing lunch and dinner menu that will tantalize even the most reserved palate. Eclectic fusion with a Caribbean flair, the menu features local, sustainable seafood and the freshest ingredients. While the chef creates gourmet dishes rivaling the best restaurants in town, North Beach Gill also serves hot dogs, crab cake sandwiches, fish tacos and wings in their quaint shack by the sea. So, if you have been on the beach all day and want to grab a beer and a burger – or, if you want to have an amazing dinner with family and friends, the North Beach Bar and Grill is the place for you!
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Open Daily from 11:30 am - 10 pm
32 September/October 2015 | www.ChathamIslesLiving.com