Pooler Magazine May/June 2023

and Garden HOME

A POWERFUL, MOVING EXPERIENCE.

St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Physical Therapy in Pooler gives you the power to return to a more normal, active lifestyle in the quickest, safest and most efficient manner possible.

Our highly-qualified physical therapy team evaluates mobility problems, recommending the most appropriate treatment course to:

· Increase/maintain muscle strength, endurance and coordination

· Decrease pain, swelling/inflammation of joints and muscles

· Restore and increase range of motion

· Occupational Therapy & Hand Rehabilitation (Pooler Campus)

· Promote rapid return to athletics or work following an injury

· Diagnoses related to low back pain, neck pain, falls/balance, pre/post orthopedic and neurological surgeries and more

With convenient westside locations in both Pooler (St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Pooler Campus) and Rincon, our expert therapy team provides a powerful, moving experience that helps you recover, rebuild and renew yourself.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (912) 737-2270, or visit sjchs.org/ptpooler.

Through a partnership with "Watch Me Grow," parents have camera access to their child’s classroom. Each classroom has two cameras so parents can get a peek at their little one any time throughout the day. We believe in open access throughout the day, which gives parents piece of mind.

PARENT COMMUNICATION

With the Procare Parent connect, parents communicate with the teaching staff in real time to receive updates about classroom activities, program happening and photos of your child at play and learning.

CONTACTLESS CHECK IN & OUT

We provide a QR code for parents to scan with their cell phones to check their children in and out of the program.

SIGN UP & STAY CONNECTED

Sign up for our program at angellearningcenter.com under the Register Now section and Savannah/Pooler. Or check out our Facebook page to see what we do throughout the day.

CONTRIBUTORS

1. Jenny Lynn Anderson is a public relations and marketing strategist, author, travel blogger, and national motivational speaker who loves to generate buzz.

2. Trish Brown, is a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and is currently seated on the Chatham County Board of Elections. Styling artists such as P.Diddy, Christina Rae, and curating fashion shows with headliners such as Common, Keke Palmer, Waka Flocka Flame and Flau’jae, Trish has written articles for Primrose Bridal Journal and is an expert co-author on more than 20 Wiki-How articles.

3. Leidy Lester is a freelance photographer from Bogota, Colombia, with 8 years experience. She has traveled and worked all over the United States. One of her proudest achievements is the work she did with models and highly experienced photographers in Las Vegas.

4. Erich Perez and his wife, Dr. Misty Seale are owners of iHeart Dental in Rincon. Erich’s other role is Founder and president of Kronos Media Productions and K&R Studios in Rincon. Erich and his wife are avid Jeep enthusiasts and have 5 American Bulldogs.

5. Cindy Reid has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. She has been published extensively in Effingham Magazine, Pooler Magazine, and other lifestyle magazines. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, she embodies the saying “I wasn’t born in the South but I got here as soon as I could.” She can usually be found on a beach, a boat or at a pier at sunset.

6. Claire Sandow is a freelance graphic design and marketing professional who lives in Savannah with her husband, daughter and two cats. She received a Mass Communication degree from Georgia College & State University. In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing her many hobbies, including knitting, crocheting, quilting and running.

7. Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic designer specializing in print design. With more than 17 years experience, Laura enjoys shaping stories through meaningful design. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband Keith and their three beautiful children, Alli, Matt and Claire.

8. Mabel, morale officer, enjoys roaming the backyard at home, sitting for hours on the back porch and coming to the office to greet visitors and encourage the staff. Mabel loves getting treats and taking long naps in her mommy’s office in the afternoons.

Devin Hollingsworth Account Executive

Penny Redmond Distribution

Morris L. Southern Chief Operations Officer

Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher

Christie Wilson Director of Advertising

Lexi Rockwell Marketing Assistant

PUBLISHER Jan Southern

Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com 912-318-8645

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Morris L. Southern Morris@JDelSURMarketing.com

CLIENT SERVICES

Christie Wilson, Director of Advertising Christie@JDelSURMarketing.com

Devin Hollingsworth, Account Executive Devin@JDelSURMarketing.com

DESIGN

Laura Zielinski

DISTRIBUTION

Penny Redmond

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

Home & Garden Issue

Welcome to our annual Home & Garden Issue of Pooler Magazine. In this issue we share lives of adventure and the simple pleasures close to home.

Sometimes a life event can shake you to the core and be a catalyst to venture away from home. That’s why the Magnificent 7–Pamela and Glenn Jackson, Lori and Wayne Dasher, Johnnie and Teresa Jackson, and the memory of their friend Robert Dasher, who passed away from COVID–set sail April 15 to complete the Great Loop, a recreational boating route that follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, the New York Canals, the Great Lakes, some inland rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico. Think of it as the Appalachian Trail for boaters. We wish them well on their journey!

The Home & Garden Issue wouldn’t be complete without some gardening tips. Learn how to start a thriving container garden and to grow one of summer’s favorite harvests: tomatoes. With a strong foundation, you can look forward to a bumper crop even if you (like me) don’t have a self-proclaimed green thumb.

It’s always exciting to give our homes a fresh new look with new furnishings or a new color palette. We have the articles to inspire you, including Trish Brown’s fresh perspective on interior design.

135 Goshen Rd Ext., Suite 251, Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406

PoolerMagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write to us and tell us what you think. Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send all letters via email to Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

Pooler Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com

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

CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed to hundreds of locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at PoolerMagazine.com

Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.

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

I hope you enjoy the stories in this issue of Pooler Magazine and that it may give you the motivation to try something new, whether it’s a coat of paint or plans for a road trip.

CEO/Publisher Pooler Magazine

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

Welcome Morris

We want to welcome our newest member of the J. DelSUR Marketing family! Morris L. Southern is the new Chief Operations Officer for J. DelSUR Marketing Group, Effingham Magazine and Pooler Magazine. Morris is a retired Air Force veteran and former Gulfstream Senior Manager. Morris will be overseeing operations to increase efficiencies and to help us better serve our clients and advertisers.

Jan Southern

Melissa McBride Stille of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage, LLC

Co-Pays • In Network • Out of Pocket • HMO

PPO • Medicaid • Medicare • CHIP

You may not know what any or all of these terms mean but there is someone who does know—licensed insurance agent and health care broker Melissa McBride Stille. After over 15 years in the health insurance industry, she is your best ally in obtaining health insurance that works best for you and your family.

Because she is locally focused, Melissa has a true understanding of our community. Being local means she can get to know you and understand your individual needs and situation. Being local means she is available for face to face interactions. You can meet in person, get answers via text, send her an email that gets answered quickly—whatever works for you. Try doing that at a big company with an 800 number! You never have to yell “Customer Service” into the phone because the person who picks it up is Melissa!

With the depth of knowledge obtained from years of experience she can help simplify the often confusing process of signing up for health insurance. Melissa has already done the groundwork and research for you. Being an independent health insurance broker means she works for you—the client.

As Your Agent:

• She takes the time to understand your needs

• Works with you directly, one on one

• Provides services free of charge to you

• Provides personalized recommendations

• Help you enroll in qualified health programs

• Reviews your health plan annually

Health insurance is both vitally important and often confusing. As your agent Melissa will explain the basic components of health insurance:

• Premiums

• Deductibles

• Policy Limits

• Exclusions

• Riders

All of these greatly impact both your care and the cost.

“I know many clients are understandably concerned with cost but the best insurance for you is not necessarily the cheapest. When we look at plans together we will consider all the costs related to the insurance, as well as what you are actually getting for your money.”

Things to consider when comparing plans, even within the same insurance company:

• Generally a lower premium means a higher deductible, and a higher premium means a lower deductible.

• Some plans have separate deductibles for different services. For example, a plan might have one deductible for medications and a separate deductible for other services such as physical therapy.

• Different plans cover prescriptions differently. It is very important to check what the plan offers for the prescription drugs you take and at what price. Many plans have different copayments for different drugs, and some drugs may be much more expensive than others.

• Most plans have provider networks you need to use to get the lowest-cost care. Make sure the plan’s network works for you. And if you already have a provider you want to keep seeing, make sure they are part of the network. Melissa says it is important to prepare ahead of time for any life changes that affect your health insurance, such as retirement. “Don’t wait to start! You need to prepare three months in advance for life/insurance changes. Contact me and we can go over the timeline so you are ready at the right time.” The same goes for open marketplace deadlines—call Melissa and get on track in advance.

Melissa gives every client her cell number—it is even in all of her advertising so that every one, even future clients, can feel comfortable reaching out to her. She lives locally, with an office in Effingham but for the quickest response give her a call on her cell (912) 239-7119.

“I look forward to getting your call and helping you determine your best health care options.”

bucket list. Most of us have one, either written down in a journal somewhere or fixed in our minds. See the Grand Canyon, climb Mt Everest, write a novel, learn bass guitar. The honest truth is that only a handful of us ever really get to check off these experiences because well, life. Careers, mortgages, kids, responsibilities. The daily grind.

But sometimes we get a wakeup call, one we actually pay attention to, because it strikes so dear to our heart. For this close knit family the loss of their beloved Robert was that wake up call.

The Wake Up Call

On Sept 4, 2021, Robert L. Dasher, Sr., 53, of Guyton, Ga., passed away after a courageous fight with COVID, leaving his wife Lori, children Robert, Nolan, Maggie and April, and extended family in grief stricken shock. Brothers John and Glenn Jackson, along with their cousin Wayne Dasher, had grown up with Robert, remaining the best of friends into adulthood, and his death “hit us hard,” says Glenn.

This was the wakeup call and that’s where the Great Loop— a six thousand mile water journey— comes in. The catalyst was Wayne and his wife, also named Lori, who are long distance truck drivers. She says the Great Loop had been on her mind for years.

“Actually I wanted to do this for a long time,” says Lori, “and I kept trying to talk Wayne into it but Wayne wasn’t fully on board. The morning Robert died, Wayne and I were in Arizona, driving back home to be with friends and family for his funeral when Wayne had a turning point. Out of the blue he looked at me and said, ‘we are doing the loop.’ Shocked, I replied, ‘well I was going to somehow do it but I’m glad you’ve decided to join me!’”

She says right after the funeral they told the others they were doing it, “and Glenn, who is the most responsible out of all of us, said ‘If you’ll wait till spring 2023 we’ll do it too.’ That settled it—it was a go!”

Pamela Jackson, who is married to Glenn, says boating the Great Loop was “always a bucket list item” for them. “We were all sitting around and talking about bucket lists. Robert had only had 53 years, which is such a short life,” she says, “so we decided we could do the Great Loop ‘one day’ or it could be ‘day one’ of the adventure. We chose to make it day one, which subsequently became the name of our boat—Day One.”

“There was something about losing Robert that created a determination in us all,” says Lori. “Before

Sometimes we get a wakeup call, one we actually pay attention to, because it strikes so dear to our heart.

Seizing the Moment with a Once-in-a-Lifetime Boating Adventure

Story by Cindy Reid | Photos by Leidi Lester

we knew it we were all deciding on boat names and were boat shopping!”

The Magnificent 7

Pamela and Glenn Jackson, Lori and Wayne Dasher, and Johnnie and Teresa Jackson are all successful people in middle age who found the impetus for adventure in the profound loss of a loved one. For the Great Loop they are ‘all in,” each couple essentially taking a year off, with trips back as needed for work and family.

They wanted to create a group name and logo so Glenn came up with “The Magnificent 7”—the core group of six plus Robert. The 7 is also a sweet reminder that Robert was a baseball player, and was always #7. The group says bonding together as the Magnificent 7 helps them to remember that “living life while you have it to live is simply magnificent!”

They are all experienced boaters, and although they have all owned various

boats over the years, they were not of the size needed for the trip. They will be traveling together but in three separate boats and so each couple has purchased a trawler specifically for the trip. Piloting a trawler has been a learning curve for all the

said “What the hell have we done?” But as she says, riding out the weather is part of the adventure and they are ready for whatever comes next.

Glenn and Pam are on Day One—a 44 ft Gulfstream—Johnnie and Teresa are on All In—a 43 ft Hatteras—and Wayne and Lori are on Hootie Hoo—a 47 ft trawler.

The Great Loop

The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that recreational mariners can travel that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America’s heartland.

couples but they are getting the hang of it.

For Wayne and Lori it was an adventure from the start, having purchased a boat in Port Charlotte, Fla., that they arrived to bring home on the eve of Hurricane Ian. Just before the storm, they brought the boat inland and rode it out while onboard. After Ian passed Lori looked at Wayne and

It’s America’s Great Loop—aka the Great American Adventure That No One Has Ever Heard Of. Think of it as the Appalachian Trail for boaters.

The route follows the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay, and the New York Canals northwards, goes across the Great Lakes, then south

The group says bonding together as the Magnificent 7 helps them to remember that ‘living life while you have it to live is simply magnificent!’

on the Inland Rivers, and then west on the Gulf of Mexico. Like the Appalachian Trail, the trip can be done in one loop or in segments. The route can be done in two months but typically boaters take a full year if doing it in one continuous loop. There are just over 150 locks on the great loop, which passes through 15 states and two Canadian provinces.

Loopers can begin at any point along the route, and when they return to their starting point they are said to have “crossed their wake” and to have finished the Great Loop. It’s a lengthy trip and less than 200 people complete the 6,000 mile journey per year. Those boaters who are on the loop often fly a white burgee and those who have completed the loop fly a gold one. Those who finish the entire loop earn the right to be called “Loopers.”

Seasonal Compass

Because there is no official starting point or single route to complete the loop, boaters start wherever location and weather conditions make sense for them.

Of course they want to avoid severe cold and hurricane season, and the large route gives them that flexibility.

Most boaters plan segments dockage stops, and many take the opportunity to go ashore and see the sights.

The Magnificent 7 plan on following the seasons by heading north in the spring, east in the summer, west in the fall and south to the Florida Keys in the winter. Basically they are taking the Canadian route on the north side and then down through Alabama on the west side of the loop.

They embarked on April 15—the first Saturday after Easter Sunday—so they could celebrate the holiday at home with family before leaving. The three boats left from the Savannah Riverfront at the same time so friends and family—including Robert’s wife Lori—could see them off.

Planned stops include the Trawler Fest, held in Baltimore in May, where they can meet fellow “Loopers.” Other highlights they are looking forward to are seeing the Statue of Liberty by water, the Arch of St Louis, Niagara Falls and exploring

Canada. They also want to visit as many baseball fields as possible, such as the iconic Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium and, when the season changes, football fields throughout their journey, especially Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“It’s an adventure and we gravitate to adventures,” Wayne says. “It may take us a little longer due to contractual obligations for work, necessitating a couple of quick trips back, but that’s okay, we will take it as it goes.” He says he is looking forward to meeting new people, discovering new restaurants and bars, and enjoying small towns along the way.

One thing the Magnificent 7 knows is that Robert will be with them and is in fact their guardian angel for the long trip. In honoring his life, they are choosing to live their lives without wasting a day or having any regrets. This is a story about the Great Loop, but it is also a story about family, friendship, bucket lists and most importantly…love. ■

The Great Loop. Map by cartographer Tom Fish https://geo.fish

SETTING UP A SELF-SUSTAINING CONTAINER GARDEN

By Claire Sandow

Container gardens are a great way to start a garden, especially if you don’t have a lot of space. You can grow many of the same herbs and vegetables that you would grow in an in-ground plot with the convenience of containers that can be placed in the optimal spots in your yard. A container garden with an automatic drip irrigation system can turn an apartment balcony, porch or any area into a mini selfsustaining farm.

To get started, you’ll need to collect your containers. An economical way to get started is to check with stores for free 5-gallon buckets. You’ll have to clean them out and drill some drainage holes into the bottom, but they’ll keep your upfront expenses down. You can also use raised beds, window boxes or a collection of fun flowerpots. Just collecting pots and decorating them is fun for the whole family!

You’ll also need potting soil, which is a blend of organic materials that will set your garden up for success and drain water properly. Some have added fertilizers that will help your plants thrive.

Then, select your plants. What produce does your family like to eat?

Plant leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to have a ready-made salad or some herbs like basil, mint or rosemary to add seasoning to your cooking.

All these plants need water to thrive. Some, like tomatoes, need lots of water whereas other types of vegetables may only need a little water. While you can water them by hand, you can save time by using a sprinkler system or setting up an irrigation system. An automatic drip irrigation system can be set up with timers to ensure that your plants get the water they need when they need it most and with the hot conditions that we face in Effingham County, this is a must!

Once you’ve got your supplies, you can plant your dream garden and feed your family fresh produce.

The garden can become a family project where kids can be involved with planting, harvesting and preparing the vegetables to eat.

To learn more about the types of plants that do best in our region and how to care for them, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service is a valuable resource. Their website is filled with great information about plant care, pest identification, a general calendar of when to plant certain crops and more.

Ready to grow? Head to a local nursery like Ebenezer Rose & Garden Nursery or Ijon Webb’s Farm Supply in Springfield and start exploring your options.

We will discuss the value of personally fitting your device to your specific needs and your hearing health. Multiple locations and dates to choose from! Join us to learn more about:

n Why untreated hearing loss is a health problem

n Related medical issues linked to hearing loss

n Why speech-in-noise testing is crucial to communication needs

n The advantages and disadvantages of using third party providers

n What we provide as Doctors of Audiology at AHAS Cocktails and light appetizers provided

SKIDAWAY ISLAND POOLER

(L-R) Dr. Casey Allen, Dr. Katy Laws, Dr. Sara King

MILNES VOICE PROGRAMS EXPAND TO POOLER

It’s amazing how magic can happen when you mix singers and salt makers together. You simply combine the two and a masterpiece is created. This is exactly what occurred when two couples from two communities merged through a serendipitous meeting.

In 2011, world-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes and his wife, soprano star Maria Zouves, were setting the stage in Savannah with the creation of the Milnes VOICE Programs, a cultural project that would help thousands of singers find their career path through educational programs and workshops.

Wizard of Oz and I was so moved by her performance, right there on the spot, our company became their very first corporate sponsor.”

A Vision for Cultural Enrichment

Over the years, the four have formed an enduring friendship, and their desire to bring cultural growth to the community of Pooler and surrounding areas has flourished. They’ve brought events to Savannah Quarters Country Club, but still had a desire to expand the reach and impact.

Story by Jenny Lynn Anderson

Meanwhile, just miles away in Pooler, Ga., Dave and Carol Legasse were incubating The Salt Table, an awardwinning specialty food company of salts, spice blends, sugars, teas, dip mixes, and other specialty food products.

“I was the president of a Rotary Club in Savannah that year and we had just started our Salt Table Company,” Dave Legasse explains. “Maria Zouves came and gave this presentation about VOICE. She was vivacious, had a great sense of humor and was such a high-energy person. She sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The

“There are so many positive things happening in West Chatham County due to the explosive growth in Pooler,” says Dave.

Pooler’s population is hovering at 27,000 and—since 2000—it has grown faster than 97% of similarly sized cities. However, Dave knows there can be a downside to quick growth as well.

“There’s congestion and Pooler as we have known it as a rural area is now quickly turning suburban. This can be unsettling, but our belief is if you’re going to have this type of growth, you need to make sure a better quality of life comes with it,” he says.

That’s where the Legasse couple is investing their time to inject a cultural component to the community. “We need to plan ahead for cultural events, venues that can support those events, sporting areas and green places and spaces where people can breathe fresh air. This will ensure Pooler remains a high-quality place to live.”

The Savannah’s VOICE Programs

As the couples continued to explore opportunities, they hatched a great idea. The Savannah’s VOICE Programs, which is known as the Savannah VOICE Festival, would become the starting signature milestone.

This year it will expand to Pooler for the first time during its two-week festival, held Aug. 6 - 20, 2023. As usual, it will be hosted in various venues around Savannah, but a phenomenal event at the The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will be added to the lineup.

A Vision for the Mighty Eighth

Maria Zouves has a vision for the event. “The Mighty Eighth is an epic space so we’re going to use that venue as the set to pay homage, celebrate and honor a timeframe in American history that was so special from the American Songbook perspective,” says Zouves.

What will happen that evening is a synergistic relationship that translates to everyone in the room. As concert participants sit among and below the five static aircrafts in the gallery, they will go on a sentimental journey back in time to the Swing and Big Band and Broadway music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. The Elite Party Band’s musical instruments will swirl through the room and be joined with classically trained singers.

“This music will evoke a feeling about being an American, about Americana that has permeated our stages, movie industry, commercials and popular culture for decades,” Zouves explains.

But she notes that none of this would have been possible without the Legasse’s commitment to inspired living. “As the front man, Dave has boundless energy and is always looking for the next way to impact growth, change and connectivity. With an accounting background, Carol’s the driving quiet force working behind the scenes making things happen,” she adds.

“Dave and Carol make a great team and are creating a significant footprint on the future of Pooler,” says Zouves.

For more information about purchasing tickets to the Savannah VOICE Festival or to become a community donor to the Milnes VOICE Programs, visit savannahvoicefestival.org. ■

The VOICExperience Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to pass on the traditions of great singing and develop new audiences for opera. Since 2001, VOICExperience has helped thousands of singers find their career path through educational programs and workshops, where emerging artists work with the best names in opera, musical theatre and song. Under the umbrella of The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, VOICExperience continues its dedication to the quality, integrity and perpetuation of the vocal arts through life-changing intensives, performances, and community enriching outreach events in New York, Georgia (with the Savannah VOICE Festival), Florida and Illinois. The VOICE Programs (Savannah VOICE Festival and VOICExperience) are committed to welcoming all, serving artists and patrons locally and globally as the organizations embrace the ideals of a diverse community.

When Matthew and Jamie Pratt founded Patriot Pros Roofing there were two values they knew they would never compromise—Quality and Integrity. They love helping people make the right decision on a very important asset, their homes. They do so with a relentless attention to detail and focus on providing the very best customer service.

“We approach every customer with a servant’s heart; eager to assist with honesty and integrity throughout the entire process,” Jamie Pratt says.

In addition to expert roofing services, Patriot Pros offers siding, windows, doors, gutters and fencing services as well. This allows the team to continue their attention to detail and quality to their customers’ other home renovation needs and gives homeowners one source to call whenever they have a project that needs attention.

Matt and Jamie Pratt are Rincon residents and love serving the Effingham County community as well as the surrounding areas from Tybee Island to Hilton Head.

If you are looking for expert work and excellent service for roofing, siding windows, doors and more, give them a call.

YOU SAY TO-MA-TO, I SAY TO-MAH-TO

Local Garden Experts Offer Advice for Growing Thriving Tomato Plants

Story by Claire Sandow

When it comes to backyard gardening, tomato growing is a common undertaking. Tomatoes are a plant that require a lot of attention to thrive, but the rewards are worth it.

One common pitfall faced by novice gardeners is trying to start their tomato plants from seed.

“Most people and even growers don’t grow from seed. You can grow tomatoes here from seeds if you start in February, but starting from small plants is sufficient as well,” says Russell Sowers, owner of Ebenezer Rose & Garden Nursery in Springfield.

Starting from a small plant allows you to get started later in the growing season while still giving you a summer harvest to enjoy. Just keep in mind that the plant can eventually grow to be upwards of 3

feet tall, so don’t forget to pick up a tomato cage to support your plants!

The climate of Effingham County allows gardeners to grow almost any variety of tomato from juicy cherry tomatoes to hearty beefsteaks.

“The most popular ones are the hybrids that are bred for taste and meat,” says Myra French of Ijon Webb’s Farm Supply in Springfield. “You can grow just about any variety of tomato out here but there are plant viruses and bugs that attack them.”

Disease resistant seeds are available, but no plant is immune to every ailment. Treating your tomato plants with a onetime systemic treatment can help with disease prevention and there are also insecticides that can ward off common pests like hornworms.

Another important factor to your success is the location of your tomato

plant. You can grow them in a greenhouse, but they just don’t taste as good. Tomatoes thrive when they get at least 6 hours of sun per day. But be careful because the sun can be a double-edged sword for your plants. When it gets too hot outside, tomatoes can experience sunscald, some yellowish-white patches that affect the flavor of the fruit.

Watering your tomatoes is a must, but it’s a delicate balance between too much and not enough. A combination of hot and rainy weather can cause the tomatoes to take in too much water and cause cracks in the skin of the fruit. Too little water means the plant does not get enough calcium, making the tomatoes susceptible to blossom end rot.

This information may sound intimidating, but the staff at your local nurseries are happy to help you get started and set you up for a rewarding harvest.

5 RESILIENT FLOORING TRENDS FOR SPRING REMODELING SEASON

If the idea of a spring remodel brings equal parts intrigue and dread, starting with your flooring can make the process more appealing. For example, sustainable, resilient flooring comes in a variety of options to both your budget and personal style.

Resilient flooring is a durable type of flooring that includes rubber, linoleum, cork, luxury vinyl tile or sheet vinyl, among others. Increasingly popular in homes across the country, resilient flooring options are designed with indoor air quality and other important performance factors in mind, but they’re also built to stand up to the rigors of everyday life.

Classic Hardwood with a Resilient Twist

Ideal for kitchens, dining rooms, hallways and home offices, hardwood designs create a timeless foundation for your home with the ability to evolve with your tastes. When you go the resilient

flooring route, you’ll find design options for everything from dramatic walnut to stately mahogany. Plus, options like luxury vinyl tile and plank are modular, making installation a little easier for DIYers.

Modern Stone-Look Flooring

When it comes to resilient home flooring, stone style designs don’t just look sturdy, they’re durable, too. For example, slate-inspired tiles can add effortless class and character to hightraffic rooms that are cleaned often, such as dining rooms and mudrooms. Stone-look resilient flooring also gives your floors a stronger ability to adapt to rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, which often see fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Rigid-core flooring, for example, is one of the fastest

growing categories of resilient flooring due to its comfort, durability and ability to resist water.

Large Format Tiles

Functional rooms like the kitchen are often the heart of the home where people meet to share the adventures of their days. They also often see a lot of dirt, moisture and accidental spills. However, resilient home flooring installations are resistant to scratches and stains, ideal for homes with small children and pets. Plus, they are easy to clean without the need for harsh chemicals and there’s no grout to maintain. Many resilient flooring options are also available in water-resistant or waterproof varieties.

An option such as large-format tile, including the sheet vinyl category of resilient flooring, can also create the illusion of space in basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms and other areas, making them appear more expansive.

Statement Designs

Just like a statement piece ties together the perfect outfit, a statement floor can make an impressive focal point

in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, laundry room or mudroom. With statement designs from Beautifully Responsible partners, the possibilities are nearly endless with a variety of styles such as Bohemian, Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, Minimalist Zen, Scandinavian and more that can appeal to homeowners with different tastes and preferences. Resilient flooring types like luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl are also available with textured surfaces to make an additional statement.

Cozy Spaces

If you’ve found a perfect statement rug, resilient flooring can create an ideal foundation underneath in family rooms, bedrooms, hallways or basements. Many resilient floors are built to provide comfort underfoot, absorb sound and make spaces accessible for all levels of mobility. Also look for third-party labels such as FloorScore to identify solutions for protecting the air quality in your home.

Tailor your flooring to your style and needs and your home will be modern, functional and a healthy dwelling for the whole family.

Sponsored by Beautifully Responsible

There’s no need to leave Pooler when you need an MRI, CT scan, X-ray or ultrasound. And now that also includes 3D Mammograms. 3D mammography combines multiple images of the breast to create a full three-dimensional view, which makes it ideal for spotting abnormalities at an early stage. Pooler Imaging has a Hologic Dimensions 3D Mammography unit that utilizes the Affirm Biopsy Guidance System and the Brevera Breast Biopsy System to provide a complete tomosynthesis mammography experience to every patient, every time. Together, the state-of-the-art equipment allows for a quick and streamlined process for patient care. Other procedures include:

• MRI

• MR Angiography

• CT

• CT Angiography

• Stereotactic Guided Breast Biopsies

• X-Ray

• Ultrasound

• Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration

• Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsies

Pooler Imaging Center sets a precedent for medical imaging services, offering state-of-the-art technology, convenient location, fast and affordable services, and in-house, highly-trained radiologists on staff. For more than ten years, they have been a one-stop-shop for a wide range of imaging procedures. Same day scheduling is available for many procedures, and for some like X-rays, walk-in appointments are available.

With a passion for high-quality patient care, Pooler Imaging Center is staffed by technologists who create a compassionate environment for patient care, offering options like sedation when necessary to ease anxiety. When you call, you’re certain to get a real person on the phone.

Located behind LongHorn Steakhouse

BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE Rincon

Welcome to the Badcock Home Furniture & More Rincon and Pooler store locations, where they love helping their customers make their house a home. “From your shopping experience to your delivery experience, we give our customers the best experience possible by delivering high quality products and putting our customers’ needs first,” says Jeremy Nease, owner of both stores.

Nease purchased the Rincon Badcock Home Furniture & More in 2011. He successfully grew the customer base, in fact it tripled in eight years, which led him to open his second store in 2019.

“We built the 15,600 square foot stand alone Pooler store from the ground up,” says Nease. “Both our stores are one stop shopping for everything you could need for your home, from recliners to mattresses. We have superior quality with extremely competitive prices ensuring you will get the best deal possible with us.”

For Every Room in the House

At Badcock it is easy to cost effectively transform your bedroom, living room, or dining room into a beautiful space you and your family will love. Their vast selection includes:

• Sofas (sectionals, sleepers), chairs, recliners

• Dining room sets, bar stools

• Bedroom suites, separate pieces, mattresses for all size beds

and Pooler Locations

• Kitchen and laundry appliances

• TVs, computers, home theaters

• Rugs, lamps, wall decor, decorative pillows

Spring Savings

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home! From new sofas to bright accent pieces, Badcock has it all. Revamp your living room or bring in new kitchen appliances. Create an inviting outdoor living space complete with a new grill (gas or charcoal)—and keep your yard beautiful with their selection of lawn equipment. And Nease says, “with the vast majority in stock, no waiting months here!”

Utilize your tax refund by investing in your home or take advantage of Badcock’s in-house financing. Badcock Home Furniture & More offers affordable payment plans just right for every customer. They make it stress free to apply for credit with in-house financing that works for you. Check it out and see how easy it is!

Winning Team

“Our team is here for you,” says Nease. “They all go above and beyond to give every customer the best possible outcome, from product selection to home delivery.”

The team is led by General Manager Bobby Heath, Theresa Davis, Rincon Store Manager and Dezi White, Pooler Store Manager.

“Our stores provide customers with the style of home furnishings they want, at prices they love, by friendly sales associates, in an atmosphere that allows them to picture the furniture in their own home,” says Nease. “Come in and check out our products in person.”

About W.S. Badcock Corporation

W.S. Badcock Corporation, a subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc. (NASDAQ: FRG), is a southeastern home furnishings company headquartered in Mulberry, Fla. Founded in 1904, its branded Badcock Home Furniture & More retail chain has grown to more than 380 corporate and associate dealer stores across eight states. Badcock carries a complete line of furniture, appliances, bedding, electronics, home office furnishing, accessories and seasonal items while offering payment plans just right for its customers.

For more information, visit www. badcock.com.

Trend Report 2023 HOME STYLE GUIDE

Story by Trish Brown

We’ve been cooped up in our homes, staring at our surroundings (and each other) uninspired and burdened by laundry and our new work from home jobs. As we move forward as a society post-COVID, it becomes blatantly obvious—its time to refresh and repurpose our living spaces to be more reflective of our tastes and the new multi-functional spaces our homes have become!

Trish Brown—style expert and SCAD alum—brings the top five trends to embrace when redesigning our interior living spaces for 2023!

“We already know there are some trends from 2022 and prior years that we’ll see carried throughout the home and unfortunately, laundry is here to stay. The trends of 2023 give us the opportunity to break out of the traditional patterns and leave behind some outdated rules to bring more spontaneity and comfortability into our dwellings, especially as we start opening our homes for more entertaining.”

1. Organization is More Important than Opulence

First things first—gone are the days when we bodaciously flaunted wealth with no rhyme or reason.

The new place to be is organized and inviting, with the thought process being that even without key accent pieces and other on-trend furniture, organization makes the home just flow more easily. Organization is the little black dress every home should have.

With the economy impacting even the healthiest of wallets, eliminating clutter and dedicating specific zones for the items that bring you joy will quickly allow you to show off your chic aesthetic! From color coordinated closets to sectioned off organized spaces removing excess and dialing in on the key items that bring you both joy and functionality is the first trend that’s sure to be timeless and classic! Pictured here, we have the closet of Melissa, hand-built by her husband Vernon Donovan.

2.

All of the Lights!

As a rule, light can create or detract the mood of a room, so it’s no surprise that statement lighting fixtures are poised to gain popularity as a modern trend for 2023.

This look may come in the form of decorative table lamps, chandelier lighting (but not the gaudy kind), or—for the bolder thrill-seekers, the long lost wall lighting companion— wall sconces will see a resurgence!

In elevating and opening the aesthetics of your home, explore attracting the eye to large smooth surfaces as an ideal way to explore placement of wall sconces in the new year.

When implementing this trend be cautious of over-lighting the space and washing out the mood created by other elements in the room. Be mindful of your interior goals and how the space will be used to determine how and where the trend is relevant for your space.

Round is trés, trés chic. The sterility that can come from revamping your space may need to be toned down with the use of some of the trends for 2023. That being said, get comfy with organic fixtures and entryways!

If you can’t bring yourself to bring actual spheres into your space (although, you REALLY should step outside your comfort zone and try it) explore round accent pillows in monochromatic color ways and don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful round light fixture, allowing you to tap into two trends simultaneously!

While this trend is sure to be popular, be careful—too many organic and round elements don’t give the eye a place to rest and can quickly overpower a room. Keep this trend as the, “ace up your sleeve” when you’re stuck on what element a static space may need to be livened up.

This ain’t your Aunt Florence’s tacky 70’s wall paper trend (Just kidding we love you Auntie Florence!!). Nope! Wallpaper has been one trend slowly creeping up in popularity, and with styles such as embossed faux crocodile, wall paper isn’t just for walls anymore either! Boring staircase? Applications of wallpaper to the riser (that’s the vertical surface on your staircase) are gaining more popularity as a way to add personality without overpowering a full room in the trend. If you’re too traumatized from the wallpaper of the 70’s, this plant inspired mural by Julia McDonough, exudes a coolness in a small space beckoning you to relax. A mural is a beautiful way to enjoy the impression of wallpaper, without the intimidating commitment of installing it yourself!

5. Come into the Out!

Here, nature is invited into the stylish home of 2023! Solid teak wood from Asia—shipped to the Richmond Hill, Georgia, home of Nisha and Rocco Giustino—capture the return to nature trend in their dining room space (above) that seeps into their living room as well (right).

With this trend the emphasis will be pairing an outdoor aesthetic with the atmosphere of your interior.

Want an airy feel? Keep the space open with lighter colored woods. Want a moody sultry vibe? Darker plants and deeper hues in flooring are excellent elements with which to experiment.

In this space the Indian and Puerto Rican roots of their heritage can be found in family photos, strategically placed wicker and rattan furniture, decorative pillows and area rugs.

Tap into any or all of these trends to update your home for 2023 and enjoy a refreshed multifunctional home!

Trish Brown has a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design and is the owner of Trish B. Stylin’ Design

Photography by Calvin Parker, Calvin Wayne Photos

Featured Homes: Vernon and Melissa Donovan of Vernon Donovan State Farm and Donovan Rehab Pediatric Speech & Occupational Therapy, respectively

Rocco and Nisha Giustino,Charter Jet Pilot, CW4,USA Ret,. and Director of Human Resources, Nine Line Apparel & President of Operation Kid Forward, Savannah based Nonprofit, respectively.

3. Curve Appeal

4. Wall Paper? Yes, Please!

MORE CREATING, LESS CONSUMING

By Dr. Jan Southern, J. DelSUR Marketing Group

Let me describe a scene to you, and I’m calling myself out on this one. It’s 5 a.m. My feet are propped up on the couch, where I’m drinking my (first cup of) coffee and scrolling through my phone. I read the news but then switch over to apps like TikTok, Instagram or Facebook to see funny videos and get updates on what my friends and family are up to. I just checked on them before going to bed. Not that much has changed.

It’s here where I get a flash of deja vu, because I was just in this spot last night binge-watching a series on Hulu. It was an uncomfortable sensation that had reached a tipping point. I had been consuming so much content through reading articles, watching TV and scrolling social media that I was consuming far more than I created. Plus, I had hours of time unaccounted for. Time that could have been dedicated to reaching my personal and professional goals

Where did the time go?

My career in marketing has been all about creating meaningful imagery and words to help transform businesses and help them be their best. I have seen my work in marketing as a logical extension of my creativity. It is a rewarding career and I absolutely love what I do. But by consuming so much content, I was falling short of the person I wanted to be. I was missing out.

Consuming less and creating more is important for all of us, and it looks different depending on your personal and professional goals. Creating on a personal level can include building deeper relationships, having more meaningful conversations, or setting aside time for improving your health. Professionally, it could mean starting a business, developing new content or taking steps toward a more satisfying career.

This year, I am continuing my commitment to create more and consume less. Here’s a few ways I’ve found work well for me.

Personally:

• Sit for 10 minutes with my morning coffee without the phone or other distractions.

• Take out my journal and write one page of whatever is on my mind. This is an adapted “morning pages”

practice from the book by Julia Cameron—The Artist’s Way.

• Go for a walk and spend the first 15 minutes without listening to music or my favorite podcast. Just walk and take in the nature surrounding me.

• Eat at least one meal per day without technology distractions, either quietly alone or with my husband.

• Go to bed at least 4 nights per week without the TV on.

Professionally:

• I have committed to writing or creating content on a topic that interests me at least once per week.

• I doodle. As I am thinking about how to help a client solve a particular problem, I break out my sketchbook and doodle while I am thinking.

• In my organization, we now have more brainstorming sessions together. We develop client campaigns through fun, easy sessions where we throw each and every idea out and see how we can create something unique and effective for our client’s company.

• When I am stuck, I go for a walk or organize my office. If I am at home, I pick one area to clean or organize. This helps clear the clutter from not only my space but also from my head. With a clear mind I have created some of my best work.

• I’ve also utilized the screen time features built into my phone. Here, I can see how much time I’ve spent on my phone, set time limits for distracting apps and even schedule downtime away from my screen.

I cannot tell you what methods will work for your life. I would simply encourage you to find ways to live in the present and take a break from overconsumption.

I’ll leave you with a prompt to get your brain started: What could you create if you were consuming less? I would love to hear your ideas! Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. ■

"Consuming less and creating more is important for all of us, and it looks different depending on your personal and professional goals."

May 2023

POOLER EVENTS

5/6: Community Committee Fair 10am - 12 pm 306 N Godley Station Blvd Pooler

5/6: Pooler Run for Heroes 2023 8am | West Chatham Middle School

5/7: Doggie Carnival 12 - 4pm | Forsyth Park

5/8: J.C Lewis Ford Pooler Grand Opening Celebration Art & Oysters 4pm | JG Lewis Ford Pooler

5/10 - 5/11: Wine, Women & Shoes Kehoe Ironworks at Trustees’ Garden

5/13: 31st Annual Stamp Out Hunger

Letter Carriers’ Food Drive

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia

5/13: Pooler Lions Club presents the 8th Annual Chipping for Charity Golf Tournament

June 2023

Crosswinds Golf Club, Savannah

5/20: A Day For Women 11am - 2pm | Fuel Nutrition of Pooler

5/24: Women’s Wellness Fair 11am - 5pm | Georgia Tech Savannah

6/4 - 6/9: Nerf Gun Camp 9am - 4pm | Pooler Karate

6/8: The Studio Spa-cation Stay-cation Summer Party 6 - 8:30pm | 900 Mohawk Street, Savannah

6/10: Community Kids Firefighter Day 10 - 11am | Pooler Fire Dept.

6/25 - 6/27: Watercolor Intensive Workshop: “Luminous Watercolor Landscapes and Skyscapes” Sunshine Pottery

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406.