2023 Best of Pooler

St. Joseph’s/Candler’s 84,000 square-foot campus, located on Pooler Parkway and I-16, combines hightech, digital technology and a high-touch friendly atmosphere for an unparalleled customer experience that completely re-imagines healthcare.

Services include:

• Surgical services (General Surgery, Orthopedics, Podiatry, ENT, Facial Plastic Surgery, Gastroenterology, GYN, Pain Management Injections, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and Robotic Surgery)

• Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-RAY, Mammography, Dexascan)

• Urgent Care

• Primary Care Physicians

• Medication Management

• Specialty Care Physicians (Bone, Joint & Muscle Care, Cardiology, ENT, Facial Plastic Surgery, Neurology, OB/GYN, Podiatry, Vascular Surgery)

• Independent Physician Practices (Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, Metro Surgical, Neurological Institute of Savannah, Most Plastic Surgery)

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Lab Draw Station

Based on high-tech innovations, convenience and the high-quality compassionate care that one has come to expect from St. Joseph’s/Candler, the Pooler campus redefines the patient experience and takes smart medicine to a whole new level.

THE BEST CHOICE For Early Childhood Education & Child Care

ANGEL LEARNING CENTER is an accredited private learning center providing premier services for Pooler and surrounding areas. We partner with parents to build the right foundation for your child’s learning and for life.

CAMERA ACCESS

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

Check out our Facebook page to see what we do throughout the day: www.facebook.com/ALCSAV

Or join us on instagram at www.instagram.com/alckids

GEORGIA’S QUALITY RATED

We have enthusiastically taken on the commitment to continuously enhance the support we provide to children and families. Our focus is on maintaining a culture of quality across all our programs, with Quality Rated playing a pivotal role. Our objective in achieving Quality Rated status involves not only meeting but surpassing a clearly defined set of program standards.

GEORGIA PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

We have been awarded a Lottery Pre-K program. The mission of Georgia’s Pre-K program is to prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond, and the first goal in National Education is that “all children will start school ready to learn.” We are proud to be part of this mission.

MEALS AND SNACKS

Healthy, kid-friendly meals and snacks are included with tuition. You can feel good knowing that your child has had a healthy breakfast including fresh fruit, a nourishing lunch and a satisfying snack before heading home for the evening.

ACTIVITIES

Our children get plenty of opportunities for activities and exercise. We have four separate playgrounds to accommodate all ages—from one-year to school age. Our regulation-size gym is used for games and other activities as well as an alternate playground when outside play is not an option.

Melissa McBride Stille of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage,

Are You Ready for Health Insurance Open Enrollment?

Melissa McBride Stille is a health insurance broker who has been in the health insurance industry for 15 years. As the sole proprietor of Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage she is dedicated to presenting her clients with the best health care options available because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Oct 15 - Dec 7

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is when everyone with Medicare has to choose to either keep their current plan or enroll in a different one.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your insurance coverage and cost remain the same because they do not! Health and drug plans can change cost, coverage, and who is in their networks from year to year.

It’s tempting to keep what you have, even if you aren’t satisfied, because investigating new plans can be very confusing. That’s why working with a local agent is critical to obtaining the best outcome for your needs.

Working with Melissa—at no cost to you—will ensure that you:

• get the most benefits from your plan

• get the lowest drug cost

• get personal service all year whenever you need help or have questions

Melissa can explain the four parts of Medicare (A, B, C, and D) as well the difference between Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Plans. She can also assist with seeing if you qualify for Extra Help (federal prescription help), Medicaid or to eliminate the monthly $164.90 Medicare Part B Premium (2023 premium).

Melissa also works with Medicare recipients under 65, including those who have Medicare through Social Security Disability, because they too have to make the same decisions annually.

Local Trusted Agent

With so many health insurance companies trying to get your business, how do you know what to do? Their only goal is for you to change your plan.

“That’s how they make money. They do not have any special plans, so don’t be fooled,” says Melissa. “They can change your plan without a signature or without you knowing! All they need is your Medicare number, so do not give it out.”

Melissa takes pride in helping you find the plan that fits YOUR needs and being there for you after open enrollment.

“When a client’s circumstances change, that can impact their health insurance, so keeping in touch is crucial,” she says. “I promise, as my client, you will hear from me. I care about each and every client and do a review of everyone’s health policies every year because there are so many changes annually. I like to simplify things and present you with your best options.”

If you have a question regarding your health insurance options, give Melissa a call or send her an email. Remember, there is NO COST because, “I work for my clients, not the insurance company!”

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. Katrice Williams is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree. She later decided to pursue her writing interests. Katrice appreciates the Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings He has bestowed upon her. She loves spending time with her family.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Caitlin Ruth Account Executive

Penny Redmond Distribution

Devin Hollingsworth Account Executive

Jan Southern, DPA CEO/Publisher

Morris L. Southern Chief Operations Officer

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

Caitlin Ruth, Account Executive Caitlin@JDelSURMarketing.com

DESIGN

Laura Zielinski

DISTRIBUTION

Penny Redmond

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

Best of Pooler

From all of us at Pooler Magazine, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to vote in the 2023 Best of Pooler Reader’s Choice Awards. Your show of support for these businesses, organizations and individuals in our area is remarkable and appreciated.

Nominations opened in June with the voting period from July 1 through August 5. The greater Pooler community responded with thousands of shares online and votes for the favorites from Best Coffee to Best Firefighter.

In this issue we celebrate our readers who voted, all the organizations that won in their category, and our incredible sponsors.

CEO/Publisher

Pooler Magazine

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

PoolerMagazine.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

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.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Angel Learning Center

The Horne Law Firm

Innovative Orthodontics

Melissa Stille with Stille-DeWitt Health Brokerage

Tanger Outlet – Pooler

SILVER SPONSOR

The Salt Table

BRONZE SPONSORS

Thomas and Hutton

Vitali Med Spa

Jessica & Co.

Jan Southern

“Literally the best and easiest process I have ever had with a legal team.”

ABOUT THE COVER

Pooler Magazine celebrates all of the winners of the 2023 Best of Pooler awards! Our readers cast more than 10,000 votes in 134 categories to determine this year’s award recipients. See the full list of our 2023 winners on page 32.

Features

14 The Sunshine Girls Ministry

All-volunteer group has a simple message of love and acceptance for the women of their ministry

26 Last Stop Loved

Georgia rescue group focuses on finding loving homes for senior and healthcompromised dogs

32 Best of Pooler 2023

See the full list of the places, people and things voted “Best” by our readers

45 Do You Really Know Your Company Brand?

Branding is more than just a logo and colors— it is the essence of your business

51 The Gut-Health Connection

54 Rothwell Baptist Church

Pastor Micah Ellington shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ

79 6 Small, Kind Gestures to Make a Big Impact Each Day

Kindness improves well-being and leads to more positive moods. Find six easy suggestions for adding more acts kindness to your day

Departments

9 Publisher’s Thoughts

72 Pooler Happenings

81 Pooler Events

LOVED. VALUED. PURPOSED.

The Sunshine Girls Ministry

Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Lexi Rockwell

There is a group of women who gather with no other agenda than to save the seat next to them in church for those who may not feel welcome otherwise.

Our beautiful coastal life has many facets, and one is that sex trafficking and exploitation are terrible realities for some. That being true, it is also true that in the adult entertainment business—i.e., strip clubs—not all the women employed are necessarily being exploited. In fact, many are economically struggling single mothers and students just trying to maximize their earning power as best they can in a short amount of time. However, the stigma of working in that business is profound.

Enter The Sunshine Girls—an outreach ministry dedicated to “serving the nontraditional woman. She’s the woman who does not follow established norms but has broken the barriers of tradition to create her own path in life. Wherever she is on her path, Sunshine Girls are here to walk by her side.”

The all-volunteer Sunshine Girls have a simple message of love and acceptance that they carry directly to the women of their ministry. They are sponsored by several local churches which support their goal of providing a warm

meal, a simple gift and a gentle hug to those that are often unfairly judged unworthy. The Sunshine Girls listen, and laugh and cry, and when asked, pray together with “their girls.”

“The ladies in this industry are familiar with judgment, especially from Christians, rather than acceptance. We believe there is a way to show these ladies love in a tangible way, without condemnation and in such a unique way that they will know us by our love and by our God.”

Sunshine Girls Director and Savannah Team Lead Amy Waddell says the group was founded in 2011 and started out praying in the parking lots of the local strip clubs. Over time it has evolved into an outreach ministry with different teams performing varied functions. When you talk to Amy about the Sunshine Girls the one word you will hear over and over is “love.”

Amy says, “There is a small army of us, and each volunteer is here to center love on these girls. God loves you no matter what, and we are here to carry the message of God’s love.”

Whether it is cooking meals, praying, assembling gifts, or entering the clubs, the volunteers

The all-volunteer Sunshine Girls have a simple message of love and acceptance that they carry directly to the women of their ministry.

team up for weekly outreach nights. Every Thursday and Friday nights, different teams visit the strip clubs in Savannah, Hinesville, and nearby Hardeeville, South Carolina.

“Our goal is simply to serve the girls, get to know them, and let them know they are loved and valued, “says Amy, “No strings attached.”

Volunteer Teams

The Sunshine Girls have multiple teams, each with a distinct function. A team can have anywhere from five to thirty members. Not all teams actually enter the clubs, many serve by preparing meals or simple gifts.

Those who do minister directly in the clubs often become good friends with the women employed within. Amy says for many dancers this is a temporary stage in their life, trying to make money for school and pay the rent, and many are single moms.

“In the beginning, the women were hesitant as to our motive. But our volunteers consistently carry the message that God shines a light into darkness, that God sees and loves no matter what

and over time many of the dancers have become our best friends,” says Amy, “We are there for baby showers, for funerals, we ‘do life’ with them. We don’t want any woman to feel less than. We walk alongside the girls but it’s not our job to change anyone. It is our job to carry the word that God loves them.”

Sunshine Volunteers

Every Sunshine Girl has her own special reason for being there and they are as varied as the individuals volunteering. It’s not an easy ministry and volunteers receive specific training, especially if they are planning on entering the clubs, something that may be completely alien to them. Shining a light into darkness can be very hard. The overall message the volunteers are bringing however is very simple.

After getting to know the Sunshine Girls, women served by the ministry often choose to come to church events, “We go to a lot of different churches, not just one, but a lot of the women have ‘church hurt,’ so it can be difficult to walk through that door.”

Amy is adamant that no woman feels stigmatized at church. “If they decide to come to church, they sit with us.”

Amy says, “When I was young, I saw a different side of the church, and I never want any of the women we work with to see that side, to feel excluded or not wanted in church. I see women the way God sees them. When we sit together at church it is no different than sitting down next to an attorney, a doctor or a real estate agent, because we are all the same in God’s eyes.”

Volunteers Needed

The Sunshine Girls are always looking for new volunteers and donations to support their ministry. They have a website and Facebook page with links to their

“ “

volunteer application where applicants can learn about the specific teams.

An integral component to the outreach is the Meal Train. Every week Sunshine Girls bring a home cooked meal into the clubs as a way to build relationships with the women who work there. They say that food is their vehicle into the club to get to know the women who work there and remind them that they are loved, valued, and purposed.

The Teams:

• Dessert Team - This team provides home cooked individually wrapped desserts for the Savannah Clubs each week.

• Care Team - As needs are identified in the clubs, this team will help do the research to connect girls to places to people to help meet needs. This could be anything from housing resources and job searches to childcare and groceries.

• Gifts/Events Team - Whether it is a gift on a holiday or random night, or a baby shower or spa day, we love any reason to shower our girls with love and celebration.

• Prayer Team - This team is committed to praying for those on the outreach

team as well as the girls and other staff members in all the clubs. This team plays such a vital role in what we do. Prayer times are offered in Savannah (Thursdays) and Hinesville (Fridays) prior to the teams departing to the clubs.

• Club Outreach Team - This team will go into strip clubs and bring food and love on the girls and other staff members. The team consists of a team leader and then one, two, or three other ladies, depending on the club that they are serving.

• Cooking Team - This team is responsible for preparing meals each week so they can take them into the clubs. Food is the groups way into the clubs, and this is a huge part of the ministry.

Amy says each volunteer wants “to do right by these girls. I believe our volunteers are here to love hard when the going is hard. They are here to have coffee with a dancer, to sit with her at church, to watch her kids with her while they hunt Easter eggs, and to just be a friend.” ■

Sunshine Girls Director and Savannah Team Lead Amy Waddell.

For Such a Time as This

Shirlenia Daniel is a candidate for Pooler City Council. As a long-time resident, she faithfully embraces Pooler’s rising growth and development while maintaining its rich heritage. As a Pooler Planning & Zoning commissioner, she has unique insight into the council's workings and procedures.

Shirlenia is involved in a wide variety of community endeavors. As an Executive Pastor, she keeps faith first in everything she does. And as a 20-year retired military veteran and U.S. Army Captain, she is deeply dedicated as a servant leader. As a devoted Proverbs 31 woman, she enjoys the many blessings and challenges of raising a healthy family.

Shirlenia understands that Pooler is at the forefront of tremendous growth and is committed to using her experience-driven leadership to help guide the city into a bright future. With an unwavering commitment to community service, youth initiatives and whole/ healthy families, Shirlenia will always serve the community towards excellence.

With passion, desire, and faith over fear, Shirlena will continue to commit selfless service towards all community endeavors. Elect Shirlenia Daniel for Pooler City Council this November.

www.ElectShirleniaDaniel4Pooler.com

ShirleniaforPooler | ShirleniaDaniel

What do I stand for?

FAITH & COMMUNITY

Building connections & bridging communities through faith while humbly seeking truth to assist those in need & encouraging them to stay hopeful & focused.

HEALTHY WHOLE FAMILIES

Aspiring to build healthy families who do not have to struggle for basic necessities, good education, love and restoration in a safe environment, and a home free from fear of violence and crime.

CULTIVATING HONOR & INTEGRITY

Focusing on honesty, respecting the law, and honoring those amongst us with integrity. Striving to be upstanding citizens while valuing and supporting one another’s differences.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Promoting community engagement that will inspire every age, especially our youth, to serve throughout communities willingly to obtain access to something greater than ourselves.

EMPLOYMENT & OPPORTUNITIES

Creating employment opportunities and fostering professional development, promotion, and goals – encouraging financial stability and economic growth.

SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Providing access to resources, support, and guidance for entrepreneurs to succeed in a competitive environment. Instilling the spirit of innovation and creativity so everyone has an opportunity to reach their potential.

«

« « « « «

Re-Elect Tom Hutcherson for Pooler City Council

Focus When Re-elected

Community Relations

THE WAY TO THE FUTURE!

 Pursue partnerships with local schools;

www.hutchersonforpooler.com

 Develop a Youth Council;

hutchersonforpooler@yahoo.com

Diversity

 Advocate for greater participation in city government for all citizens regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

FB.com/hutchersonforpooler

 Push for transparency in city government (via workshops, and town hall meetings);

 Encourage businesses to hire locally.

Governance

 Advocate for term limits, districts, and staggered elections.

Paving the way to the future

www.hutchersonforpooler.com hutchersonforpooler@yahoo.com

/hutchersonforpooler

Focus When Re-elected

Community Relations

Diversity

Ordinances; to contribute improvements; policy that criteria when (e.g. local, owned acquiring outinfrastructure proand County).

 Pursue partnerships with local schools;

Management

 Develop a Youth Council;

Community Relations

• Strict adherence to the ordinances;

• Encourage developers to contribute to infrastructure improvements;

• Create a purchasing policy that utilizes additional criteria when awarding city contracts (e.g. local, women, and minority-owned businesses);

 Push for transparency in city government (via workshops, and town hall meetings);

• Pursue partnerships with local schools;

 Advocate for greater participation in city government for all citizens regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

• Develop a Youth Council;

Governance

• Push for transparency in city government (via workshops and town hall meetings);

 Encourage businesses to hire locally.

• Continued focus on acquiring outside funding for infrastructure projects (Federal, State, and County)

Governance

• Advocate for term limits, districts, and staggered elections.

 Advocate for term limits, districts, and staggered elections.

• Encourage businesses to hire locally.

Diversity

• Advocate for greater participation in city government for all citizens regardless of race, religion, or national origin

3 T H I N G S Y O U

N E E D F O R Y O U R

W I N D O W S

PATTERN & TEXURE Break up your room with exciting patterns and texture for your window coverings! Use bright patterned fabrics for draperies or roman shades or go for a beautiful texture with a patterned roller shades (pictured) Combine textured treatments with draperies to soften and blend the look with your area

EXTERIOR REVAMP Time to spring clean and redo the exterior of your home While scheduling that pressure wash and looking at your landscaping; consider revamping the shutters for your home Go for a new color to make your home look brand new or add a custom cut out in your exterior shutters to have a one of a kind home If colonial shutters seem too dated, go for the classic Bahama Shutter to add a fresh take on your home's aesthetic and add shade to your interior.

EASY BREEZY USAGE No matter inside or outside, we recommend motorizing your treatments Motorization is the key to living the "smart home life" Migrate your home into the smart future with home automation Control your shades with a remote or compatible smart devices Use an app to set up scenes that automatically take place with no thought to you

Not sure where to start? Let our expert design consultants walk you through the best options for you.

From outdoors To open doors.

Discover Port Wentworth #ChoosePortWentworth

You may know Port Wentworth, Georgia, as “Savannah’s Front Porch,” but we are so much more. Minutes away from a myriad of conveniences, services, and attractions, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Atlantic Ocean, and Tybee Island beaches—and even historic downtown Savannah—are right at our doorstep.

Live. Experience. Thrive.

Luxury Living and Southern Charm

Exciting Experiences and Activities

Increasing Career Opportunities

Last Stop Loved Georgia Rescue, Rehabilitation & Relocation (GRRR)

Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Leidy Lester

There are few situations in life more heartrending than an older dog who has been brought to a shelter. No longer in the loving care of their owner, they have been left to fend for themselves at an age when they should be cherished and pampered. No more cozy nights or long walks. Often there has been no medical care as the owner could no longer provide it. They are exhausted and bewildered. Not the right end for years of devotion—not the right ending at all.

But for some senior dogs here in the coastal empire, there is a different ending. Thanks to Georgia Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Relocation (GRRR), more than 500 senior dogs have been rescued and rehomed, giving all these dogs a loving ending, truly making their Last Stop Love.

Georgia Rescue, Rehabilitation & Relocation

Founded in 2011, GRRR is a small (but mighty) 501(c)(3) rescue organization based in Savannah serving Chatham and the surrounding counties. Their mission is to help all senior dogs by finding homes and providing medical care for medically challenged senior dogs, regardless of their age or health condition.

GRRR is dedicated to rescuing senior dogs and small breed dogs from owners who are no longer able to care for them, from public shelters that lack a “no-kill” policy and from situations where a senior or small breed dog has suffered abuse or neglect.

Many senior dogs are surrendered because their owner passed away or entered a care facility, and family members are unable to make the commitment to take in the senior dog.

The foster homes are warm and loving, and the forever homes are carefully screened. When dogs are rescued by GRRR, they receive complete veterinary treatment, including spaying or neutering, as well as immunizations and microchips. Sometimes the foster home is a forever foster home where GRRR supports all financial costs for the dog while they live out their remaining months or years. They believe every rescued senior dog deserves to find their last stop loved.

The Last Stop Loved program at GRRR is run entirely by volunteers who work tirelessly to find and rehome the least seen animals among us—the ones that face an almost certain death at the end of their life when they can least understand what is happening to them.

Foster-Based Care

As a foster-based organization, GRRR rescues dogs and places them in foster homes before they’re adopted into their forever home.

GRRR’s Director Perry Brandon became the director of the allvolunteer organization in 2019. A few years ago, he created a Facebook page for senior dogs in southeast Georgia and named it Last Stop Loved, specifically for senior dogs more than seven years old, especially those with medical problems or disabilities. The page highlights the dogs that need help the most as they are often overlooked as possible adoptees due to their age and potential medical costs.

“Generally, seniors are overlooked rescues in shelters. I wanted to develop a population who was also interested in senior dogs—caring people who were not averse to fostering,” says Perry.

The Last Stop Loved program at GRRR is run entirely by volunteers who work tirelessly to find and rehome the least seen animals among us.

“Many foster and adoptive homes have the heart and the ability but simply do not have the extra funds to maintain an aging dog, so we take care of the financial issues. It’s more important that they are able to be there and able to deal with senior dog issues such as incontinence and limited mobility. My goal was—and is—to create a rescue to enable all these senior dogs to have a ‘last stop love.’”

Inspired by Love

Perry says his beloved dog Jake’s end of life issues “triggered the entire thing in my head.”

Jake was adopted as a puppy, and Perry was there for him every step of the way as a senior dog.

“Being there for his end of life was profound. When a dog has issues, such as arthritis or incontinence, you really go through it with them.”

He says senior dogs are his passion and his name has become synonymous with their rescue, “if a senior winds up in a local shelter, they think ‘call Perry’!” And that is fine with him, because he wants to ensure that every animal possible finds that level of love and caring through their last days.

It’s not a one-way street because there are many benefits to fostering or adopting a senior dog or cat (they have a small cat program) with GRRR. An older animal

It is also a good venue to connect with potential volunteers. “We are primarily looking for foster homes,” says Perry. Because the cost of an animal’s care is often an issue, GRRR says “you furnish love and a safe environment, we furnish all supplies and cover all medical expenses” so that every animal is in their “forever stop,” be it fostering or adopting.

Rehoming gives these sweet seniors a caring home where they are once again a family member. The organization also

is usually calmer, housebroken, gentle and content. The folks at GRRR say after being rehomed, the animals often “totally transform and begin to regain or discover a level of happiness that they may have only known as a young dog or perhaps they never knew.”

Meet & Greet

GRRR hosts “Meet & Greet” events at PetSmart on Victory Drive, Savannah. These are not immediate adoption events, as that is a process, but rather a way to introduce GRRR, Last Stop Love, and some of the dogs and cats who need homes to the general public.

It was at PetSmart that the cat program began, as they asked GRRR to take it on after another organization pulled out. “We said yes, and in fact many kitties have been saved,” said Perry, who says that PetSmart has been a wonderful partner in their mission.

gratefully accepts donations of material supplies and funds. (Specific donation information can be found on their website: www.grrrsavesdogs.org.)

Hope for Every Dog

No dog is considered too far gone for adoption or fostering because GRRR has seen what can happen in a stable environment when loving care and medical treatment are provided. Withdrawn and sick animals can be brought back to a happy ‘retirement’ life, cherished and still useful, bringing devotion and joy to their human companions.

Last Stop Love is a very special program that joins together the rescue vision of GRRR with the unique—and often overlooked—needs of the senior dog population. If all dogs (and cats) go to heaven, then there will be a place reserved for the folks who work so hard day after day to give the seniors one more loved day. ■

You furnish love and a safe environment, we furnish all supplies and cover all medical expenses.

BEST ASSISTED LIVING

Oaks at Pooler

BEST ATTORNEY

Derek Horne

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Home Town Auto Care

BEST BANK TELLER / OFFICER

Brandie Menees, Great Oaks Bank

BEST BAR

The Taco Stache

BEST BARBER SHOP

Chop Barber Shop

BEST BATH AND BODY SHOP Ellen Claire Soapery

BEST BBQ

Jim N Nick’s

BEST BREAKFAST

First Watch

BEST BURGER

B & D Burgers

BEST BURRITO

Jalepenos Mexican Grill

BEST CAKES

Smallcakes Savannah Quarters

You VOTED for the Best!

You told us the PLACES, PEOPLE and THINGS you love in the greater Pooler area, and we’re so proud to share the winners of the 2023 BEST OF POOLER with you!

BEST CHARITY EVENT

The Wild Game Dinner by Special Kicks

BEST CHICKEN WINGS

Wild Wings Cafe

BEST CHILDCARE/PRESCHOOL

Angel Learning Center

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Barnes Family Chiropractic

BEST CLOTHING ALTERATIONS

King of Kings Alterations

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Three Tree Coffee Roaster at The Front Porch

BEST COMMERCIAL CLEANING

DustBusters Carpet Cleaning

BEST COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION/CLUB

Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR

DNA Computerworks

BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

The Dewitt Tilton Group

BEST COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Miller Dental Group Pooler

BEST CREDIT UNION

Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union

BEST DAY SPA

Pooler Day Spa

BEST DENTAL GROUP

Godley Station Dental

BEST DENTIST

Dr. Roma Patel, Aspen Dental

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

Dr. Sidney Smith, Georgia Skin and Cancer Clinic

BEST DESSERT

Smallcakes Savannah Quarters

BEST ELECTRICIAN SERVICE

Joyner Electric and Security

BEST ESTHETIC TREATMENT SERVICES

Pooler Day Spa

BEST EVENTS & CATERING SERVICES

Georgia Girl Art Paint Parties

BEST EXTERMINATOR / PEST CONTROL

Bee Green Pest Solutions

BEST FAMILY/WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER III Olive Green

BEST FASHION BOUTIQUE

September’s Closet

BEST FENCING COMPANY

Coastal Contracting LLC

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Queensborough National Bank and Trust

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICES

Edward Jones | Veronica Voisine

BEST FIREFIGHTER

Captain Josh Daniels

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Burn Boot Camp

BEST FITNESS TRAINER

Brenna Jensen, Burn Boot Camp Pooler

BEST FLOORING COMPANY

Kirkland’s Flooring

BEST FLORIST SHOP

A Special Touch Floral Shop

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Chazito’s Latin Cuisine

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Miss Sophie’s Marketplace

BEST FUNERAL HOME

Thomas C Strickland & Son Funeral Home

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Badcock Furniture & More - Pooler

BEST GARDEN CENTER

Polks Plus

BEST GOLF COURSE

Savannah Quarters Country Club

BEST HAIR COLORIST

Jessica Sauls, By Jessica & Co. Beauty Lounge

BEST HAIR SALON

Full Bloom Salon & Dry Bar

BEST HAIR STYLIST

Laura Wilson

BEST HEALTH AND WELLNESS PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Savannah Pelvic Health and Wellness

BEST HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISOR

David Pence: Allstate Insurance

BEST HEARING HEALTHCARE

Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

BEST HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/HVAC

Atlantic HVAC & Plumbing

BEST HOME BUILDERS

Howard Premier Homes INC

BEST HOME DECOR STORE

Badcock Furniture & More - Pooler

BEST HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY

Enhabit Home Health Care

BEST HOSPICE ORGANIZATION

Hospice Savannah

BEST HOTEL

Courtyard by Marriott - Savannah Airport

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

David Pence - Allstate Insurance

BEST INSURANCE COMPANY (Property & Casualty)

Hammer Insurance

BEST KIDS ACTIVITIES

Pooler Karate

BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Sergeant Francis Morris, Pooler Police Department

BEST LAW FIRM

The Horne Law Firm

BEST LAWN CARE

Grow it We Mow It

BEST LEARNING CENTER

Mathnasium of Pooler

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Liquor Land Warehouse

BEST LOCAL FACEBOOK PAGE Georgia Girl Art Paint Parties

BEST LOCAL INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

Georgia Girl Art Paint Parties

BEST LOCAL PHARMACY Apollo Pharmacy

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER III Olive Green, LLC

BEST LOCAL WEBSITE www.booksbynikkiscott.com

BEST LUNCH RESTAURANT

The Taco Stache

BEST MAKEUP ARTIST

Dolled Up- Caroline Crosby

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

Pooler Karate

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

Kassie Biess, Bodyworx by Kass

BEST MASSAGE THERAPY GROUP

Pooler Day Spa

BEST MEDICAL GROUP

St, Joseph’s/Candler-Pooler Campus

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

Queensborough National Bank and Trust

BEST MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR

Great Oaks Bank

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Royal Cinemas 14 & World’s Tallest IMAX

BEST MOVING COMPANY Wingman Junk Removal and Hauling

BEST MUSEUM

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

BEST NAIL SALON Orchid Nail Salon

BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Gilliard and Company

BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER

Rachel Smith, Vitali Med Spa

BEST NUTRITION CLUB (Food / Drinks) Blue Moon Nutrition

BEST NUTRITIONIST Nutrition Coach Kerri

BEST OB/GYN

Susan Greene

BEST ORTHODONTICS GROUP

Innovative Orthodontics

BEST ORTHODONTIST Dr. Ashley Clayton. Innovative Orthodontics

BEST ORTHOPEDIC GROUP Chatham Orthopaedic Associates

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT The Taco Stache

BEST PANCAKES

First Watch

BEST PEDIATRICIAN Dr Christopher Rogers, Pediatric Associates of Savannah

BEST PET DAY CARE & BOARDING Barks Dog Daycare

BEST PET SITTER / DOG WALKER

Jesseka Starcher

BEST PET SUPPLIES STORE

Woof Gang Dog Bakery and Grooming

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Dr. Michael Giamanco, Atlas Physiotherapy

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates

BEST PIZZA

Lovezzolas Italian Pizza

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP

LifeSpring Worship Center

BEST PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER

Pooler Plastic Surgery

BEST PLUMBING COMPANY

Henry Plumbing

BEST PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Dr. Shital Patel, Primecare of Georgia

BEST PRINTING COMPANY

UPS - Patrick Bradshaw

BEST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY

Coastal Contracting LLC

BEST OUTDOOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY Grow it We Mow It

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Greater Savannah Property Management

BEST PSYCHOLOGIST

Jean Goldthwait, LCSW, Shrink Savannah

BEST PSYCHIATRIST

Chad Brock, Shrink Savannah

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

Trisha Cook

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

The Trisha Cook Team - Keller Williams Realty

BEST REMODELING COMPANY

The Citrus Home

BEST RESTAURANT WAIT STAFF

The Taco Stache

BEST ROOFING COMPANY

Patriot Pros Roofing

BEST SCHOOL

LifeSpring Christian Academy

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

Legacy at Savannah Quarters

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

AIS Solar - Pooler

BEST SPECIALTY STORE Polks Plus

BEST STEAK

Texas Roadhouse

BEST STORAGE COMPANY Stop N Stor Self Storage

BEST TATTOO ARTIST

Pete Castañeda, Tattoos by LA Pete, High Rank Tattoo

BEST TATTOO SHOP High Rank Tattoo

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT World of Beer - Pooler

BEST URGENT CARE ExperCare Urgent Care

BEST VETERINARIAN DOCTOR

Dr. Michael Brown

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC Pooler Veterinary Hospital

BEST VISION CARE

Low Country Eye Care Pooler

BEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Edward Jones | Veronica Voisine

BEST WINDOW TREATMENT COMPANY

Savannah, Blinds, Shutters, and Shades

BEST WORSHIP LEADER

Pastor Dr. Julie Stanley-Mack, LifeSpring Worship Center

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: 912-665-3338 or visit patriotprosroofing.com

DO YOU REALLY KNOW YOUR COMPANY BRAND?

By Dr. Jan Southern,

In the 1800’s ranchers used a “brand” to identify their cattle from others. The “brand” was essentially a logo that distinguished one rancher from the other. That is why when we think of a logo, we think of “brand.” A logo is of course, very important. Companies such as Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola take painstaking care in selecting just the right imagery, fonts, and colors to create the visual elements of their brands and with great success.

This is just one aspect to their success, however. Those essential elements make up the visual identity of the company, but the brand is much broader and frankly, much more interesting.

David Olgilvy, a leading expert on advertising defined brand as “the intangible sum of a product’s attributes.” Further defined, the attributes of a brand are the culmination of experiences, feelings and perceptions of a company or organization. It is your values, motivations for being in business, the carefully crafted customer journey. It is created out of every interaction with a customer, in every Google review, every accumulated perception built over time and through all your customers, your employees and the community in which you operate.

This is not to say that a company’s logo and colors are not critically important in communicating a brand. They absolutely are. When you see a logo with colors, shapes and symbols, it is expected that these elements reflect the values and core identity of the company or product.

I had the opportunity to work with a new company in the logistics industry last year.

I am always excited to help a startup company because to me, it is a blank canvas with a world of possibilities. By the time they hired us they had already created the company name and the logo. The name had personal meaning to the

owner and the images and colors reflected in the new logo had more to do with that meaning than with the industry and their potential customers. This is a company whose primary clients are manufacturers and warehouses who needed trucking services. The logo was beautifully designed using delicate graphics and soft pastel colors. Not an image typically conjured up when thinking of the trucking industry. Could it work? Perhaps. But it would take extra effort for prospective customers to reconcile the disconnect of a dainty, more flowery image being aligned with their male-dominated, heavy equipment type company.

So, as a small business, you likely created your logo yourself and are now thinking, “What do I do now?” Not to

identity led us to believe. There was no visible sales associate. We looked around a few minutes before a woman came out from the back of the store and went straight behind the counter. She did not acknowledge us. When we were finished shopping, I went to the counter and inquired about the personal styling. She asked for my name, phone number and email and said the expert stylist would contact me. Two weeks passed before I realized I never got that call.

So other than their logo and colors –their visual identity – did the customer experience reflect what they told us about their brand? Were they customer focused? Did they give personal attention? My perception of that brand began with their logo, colors and other aesthetics, but it will be remembered a certain way based on my experience and interaction with the boutique itself.

It is a beautiful thing when all of the elements of a brand align to strengthen the overall identity of a company or product.

worry. Your customers are likely used to your visual identity, now, you have the opportunity to infuse more depth to the brand experience, creating even deeper connections with your customers, employees and community.

My sister and I went to a boutique while traveling recently. We looked up shopping destinations online before venturing out. This boutique’s logo and website were beautiful and had the same look and feel that appealed to my style. The social media posts for the boutique were all about friendly customer service and a personal touch. I was particularly interested in their offer of a personal stylist because well, let's face it, I could always use a style refresh. When we got to the store, it was not as elegant and pretty as their brand

So, remember, your company or product brand is not your logo. If you hear that a company is going to “rebrand,” it should mean they are changing the very essence of who they are and their strategy for how they do business. The brand is built out of all the interactions, experiences and memories your audience has with you.

Your logo and marketing materials should be reflective of how you want to be perceived and how you want to treat the people that come in contact with your products or services. Assessing the brand through all of these elements is what will make for a great brand strategy and a strong and sustainable company.

For more information on building a strong brand, visit JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406

BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE RINCON AND POOLER LOCATIONS

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

• 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.

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.

KIRKLAND’S FLOORING OFFERS QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Kirkland’s Flooring has been committed to quality and unbeatable prices for the past 20 years starting in Evans, Ga, but they never planned on just stopping there.

Kirkland’s Flooring was not new to the Savannah area as they started doing new construction work in 2009. So in July 2020, Kirkland’s Flooring decided to lay down roots in the lowcountry and opened their Savannah showroom. Located less than a mile from the popular Tanger Outlets, it is arguably in a perfect location in the ever-growing Pooler area.

In their beautiful showroom, they exclusively sell Evacore Waterproof Floors. These luxury floors are designed for comfort and to be lived on. Waterproof Click looks exactly like real hardwood, but it’s low-maintenance, stain & water resistant and affordable. No wonder it is quickly becoming the #1 flooring consumers choose!

Why choose Kirkland’s Flooring?

Kirkland’s is here for you every step of the way! They are a full service and complete turn key company from start to finish.

Founded on quality, customer service, dedication to product knowledge and a standing reputation, they have always and will continue to focus on their crews leaving their customer’s homes with a lasting impression of a job well done.

With business in the lowcountry flourishing, you can say that Kirkland’s Flooring Pooler location is another great success story for the company of 20 years and counting. Today, Kirkland’s continues to be committed to quality and offering a greater selection with unbeatable pricing that simply can’t be matched by big box stores. 912.200.7914 kirklandsflooring.com

THE GUT-HEALTH CONNECTION

By Kerri Dodson, MNT, MCHWC, Master Nutrition Therapist

The human body is an intricate ecosystem comprised of trillions of microorganisms that live within and upon us. The gut microbiome, is a diverse community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging research has illuminated the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and various aspects of our well-being, from digestion and immune function to mental health, autoimmune disease and chronic disease.

Understanding the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms. These microbes play a vital role in breaking down complex carbohydrates, synthesizing essential nutrients, and protecting against harmful pathogens.

Effects on Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

The gut microbiome is to aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Beneficial bacteria help break down dietary fiber and other complex carbohydrates that are otherwise indigestible by our own enzymes. In turn, these microbes produce short-chain fatty acids, which provide an energy source for colon cells and contribute to a healthy gut lining. It also assists in the synthesis of certain vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin K, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. This symbiotic relationship between our bodies and these microorganisms underscores the importance of a well-balanced gut microbiome.

Immune System and Disease Prevention

A well-functioning gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining a robust immune system. It acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens by competing for resources and producing antimicrobial compounds. Additionally, the gut microbiome helps regulate the immune response, preventing inappropriate inflammation and promoting immune tolerance.

Research suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to various autoimmune disorders, allergies, and chronic inflammatory conditions. By maintaining a diverse and balanced gut microbiome, we can potentially reduce the risk of these conditions and support overall immune health.

Implications for Chronic Disease

Mounting evidence suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may contribute to the development of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiome affects metabolism, energy extraction from food, and even fat storage. Disruptions in these processes can lead to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.

Moreover, the gut microbiome’s role in inflammation regulation and immune system function has implications for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding and modulating the gut microbiome could offer new avenues for preventing and managing these conditions.

Cultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome involves a combination of lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. Consuming a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics (which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria), and probiotics (live microorganisms that confer health benefits) is essential for supporting a diverse microbial community.

Reducing the use of antibiotics, managing stress, and getting regular exercise can also contribute to a balanced gut microbiome. Furthermore, emerging research into personalized microbiome interventions, with targeted stool sample testing, holds promise for restoring gut health.

How Can a Nutrition Therapist Help?

As a Nutrition Therapy, I can provide targeted testing so we can understand which bacteria in the gut is overgrown or insufficient. Through a targeted protocol along with lifestyle and dietary changes, we can work together to reduce inflammation, heal chronic illness and bring you back to a vibrant life.

Kerri Dodson, Master Nutrition Therapist, Master Health and Wellness Coach

Great Day On The

Course in Support of the Pooler Lions Club

The Pooler Lions Club held their 8th Annual Chipping for Charity Golf Tournament on May 13 at Crosswinds Golf Club. All proceeds from the tournament goes toward the Pooler Lions Club Charity Fund, support our work helping the blind and visually impaired.

Although vision is one of our major areas, we are also involved in the community with environmental, childhood cancer, diabetes and hunger service projects. Our membership is growing as well as the number of service projects we are involved with. We invite you to be a part of it.

Golf Chair, Linda Saytanides stated, “We were excited to have 128 golfers for our 8th Annual Chipping for Charity Golf Tournament. Our golf tournament is the Club’s major fundraiser and is our biggest friend raiser. We had more than 70 businesses supporting us with prizes, auction and goody bag items. Thanks to all our golfers who came out and supported us—not only by golfing, but bidding on our silent auction. This was the first time we held a silent auction and the reviews were great. We could not have done it without you!”

It was a great day to be at Crosswinds even though no one hit a Hole-in-One to win the F150 Ford Truck sponsored by JC Lewis Ford. The closest to the Hole-in-One was Andy Thompson of ‘Dude, where’s my Par? Team.’

Everyone enjoyed breakfast sandwiches by The Chocolate Martini Bar & Restaurant, Goody Bags by SoFIT Gym and beverages by Coca-Cola. Also thanks to Chick-fil-A Savannah Quarters for sponsoring our Fire-Rescue Team and the Pooler Chamber for sponsoring our Pooler Police Team.

Tournament Winners

We are proud to present our tournament winners:

• 1st place: ‘Angry Birdies’ with Paul Baker, Bryan Swan, Mike Martin and Danny Fagley.

• 2nd place: ‘Angel Learning Center’ with Love Patel, Pritesh Patel, Hitesh Patel and Pritesh Patel.

• 3rd place: ‘Full Swing’ with Brett Copeman, Brian Thomas, Ron Dasher and Aaron Dudley.

• Last place: ‘Coca-Cola’ with Tom Bolton, Curtis Redding, Joe Dyer and Larry Nye.

• Longest Drive: Laura Smith of ‘Butts & Gutts’

• Closest to the Pin: at 5’11” went to Jake Deason of ‘Iron Lads’. Our top teams received gift certificates to play at area golf courses.

Sponsors

Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous donations:

• Gold Sponsors: The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce, J.DelSUR Marketing Group and Mitsubishi Power.

• Silver Sponsors: Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah and Great Dane.

• Bronze Sponsors: Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union, Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah, Pooler Veterinary Hospital, Lighthouse Financial, The Horne Law Firm and Rocky’s NY Deli & Italian Catering.

Advertising Supporters

Thanks also to our Advertising Supporters:

• J. DelSUR Marketing Group publishers of the Pooler and Effingham Magazines

• The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce

• Crosswinds Golf Club

• Adams Outdoor Advertising.

See all our 50 Hole Sponsors and photos at www.poolerlionsclub.org.

The Pooler Lions Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit service organization that helps those in need and makes a positive difference in their lives. The Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6pm at Lovezzola’s Restaurant, 320 Hwy. 80 East. Visitors are welcome and suggestions for service projects are appreciated. The Lions Club motto is “We Serve” and our 2023 slogan is “Together We Can.”

‘Angry Birdies’ Paul Baker, Bryan Swan, Mike Martin and Danny Fagley

‘Coca-Cola’ Tom Bolton, Curtis Redding, Joe Dyer and Larry Nye

Laura Smith Linda Saytanides, Congressman Buddy Carter and Peter Hershey

Pooler Lions Club

ROTHWELL BAPTIST CHURCH

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Story by Katrice Williams

Photography by Leidy Lester

Rothwell Baptist Church has been a significant part of Pooler’s unique heritage for many years now.

Micah Ellington is the pastor of Rothwell. He believes that the Gospel of Jesus reigns supreme and that Jesus is the sole example of true, pure and perfect love for the world.

Rothwell’s Mission

The history of Rothwell entails the overcoming of some seemingly detrimental odds. Micah reveals that many years ago, both a disastrous church fire and a massive flood yielded tremendous destruction to the building on separate occasions; yet Rothwell still

stands. It stands with a mission to: Grow. Connect. Serve. Reach.

“We want to grow in our relationship with God. We want to connect with others and also serve people inside the church and those around us. Then, we want to reach our community with the Gospel,” Micah comments.

Pastor Micah and His Ministry

Micah has been the pastor of Rothwell for nearly a year after moving to the local area from Eagle River, Alaska. He has been involved in ministry since he was about sixteen-years-old; his goal has been to find some way or another to help share the Gospel of Jesus. He has served in

numerous capacities within the Body of Christ throughout the years.

“The Lord laid it upon my heart, and I followed Him into ministry. I found different ways that I could serve within the churches that I was a part of, even throughout college, though I didn’t have my first full-time ministry job until my wife and I moved to Alaska,” he says.

As a member of The Crossing Church in Chugiak, Alaska, Micah served in various pastoral roles: teaching pastor, men’s ministry pastor and youth pastor.

“I was able to find the different areas where the Lord was leading me; it was just discovering what the Lord had for me –His calling for my life,” he states.

Micah’s father-in-law Brad Rud has been the senior pastor at The Crossing Church for quite some time.

“He showed me how to lead. He encouraged me and worked with me; he really poured a lot into my life,” Micah adds.

While in Alaska, Micah enjoyed ministering to the youth; he strove to be a positive and relatable example in their lives. Whether ministering to them at church or during youth retreats such as hiking, snowmachining through the mountains or other adventurous outings, Micah loved sharing the Word of God with them.

“I have always had a love for the youth and for being able to speak truth to them to

help them live a God-fearing life at a young age. Growing up, I had some incredible youth pastors in my life who showed me what it was to be a man of God. As a youth pastor, I wanted to be able to share some of the mistakes I made early in life so that they could experience an even better life in Christ,” he says.

Often, the apple does not fall far from the tree, as one of Micah’s biggest inspirations is his dad Brad Ellington who has also been a pastor for many years.

“He has been a great role model of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and what it means to serve other people. It has meant a lot to have a faithful and supportive father who has encouraged me

to follow what the Lord has laid upon my life,” Micah says.

Micah appreciates several mentors who have supported his walk with Christ over the years, including: Matt Magness, Eric Smith and Kemmer Sorrel. They are friends who have encouraged him to stay true to his calling, challenged his thinking or just offered a listening ear.

The Gospel and Serving

Micah has been able to see the Lord at work within his church community, and he is utterly grateful. In the past year, the congregation has grown by about 40%. He mentions that several individuals have been baptized into Christ this year; he could not be more humbled by that.

“We’re continuing to move forward with what God has called us to do, and we’re excited for the opportunity to share Jesus. We’re praying that the Lord will expand our reach,” he says.

In addition to Sunday morning worship service and Sunday school, Rothwell provides its members and guests several other ways to connect and get involved in the ministry. The church offers a young couples’ small group fellowship on Thursday evenings and a women’s Bible study on Tuesday evenings; it also has a Young at Heart Senior Ministry and a children and youth ministry.

“God is willing to use us. He doesn’t have to, but He wants to; we all have something specific to do … our own purpose. No matter how old or how young, God can use you,” Micah remarks.

Rothwell serves the local area through various outreach activities throughout the year, including: annual Easter egg hunts, Christmas services with plays and musicals to enjoy or even free doughnut and coffee events for elementary school teachers before they begin their school year.

“We’re just asking God to show us ways to reach our community and the people around us so that we can minister to their spiritual needs. My prayer is that we continue to grow and see our impact spread throughout Pooler for the glory of God because it is all about Him, not about us,” he states.

Micah admits that the ministry wants to be faithful in whatever the Lord has for them to do – to boldly and willingly spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We want to be used by God in a powerful way. We try to be intentional in our conversations. Whether we’re in a coffee shop talking to a waitress, at a gas station or out to eat, we want to

invite people to join us on Sundays. They might be hearing the Gospel for the very first time and decide to give their life to Christ,” he says.

Family Inspiration

Moreover, beside many great men of God stands a great woman of God. For Micah, it is his wife Sarah. She has served faithfully at both Rothwell and The Crossing Church in Alaska. Sarah often enjoys sharing her gift of singing with the church community.

“She is so amazing. She has been a huge support for me in the ministry. She has a loving personality. She’s an excellent mother, and she’s my best friend,” Micah says. The couple has four little girls (and a little bundle on the way). The family has enjoyed making Pooler their home.

Pastor Micah Ellington is delighted to share the Gospel of Jesus with others.

“I want my congregation to know that God is using us to reach our community … to reach other people,” he says. ■

Worship service begins Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. For more information, call: (912) 748-7593 or visit rothwellchurch.com.

We’re continuing to move forward with what God has called us to do, and we’re excited for the opportunity to share Jesus. We’re praying that the Lord will expand our reach.

Savannah’s newest restaurant wants to change the way you think about breakfast, lunch and drinks. The Toasted Yolk Savannah Cafe celebrates the best food of the day, from farm fresh eggs and perfectly cooked bacon to club sandwiches and strawberry salads.

Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch—and fun cocktails!—the innovative restaurant features new takes on classics as well inventive menu offerings featuring farm to table ingredients. And their full bar offers a full slate, from beer and wine, to sparkling spirits. Owned and operated locally, the Toasted Yolk Texas franchise was chosen for their superior menu options. “The food and the recipes are very good, and the portions are generous,” the owners said, “We have been open for two months and it’s been very popular.” They were also drawn to the unique upscale decor that features both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Manager Lindsay Jackson says they welcome businesses and organizations to utilize their spacious meeting room which is equipped with stateof-the-art conference room technology.

The Toasted Yolk menu is filled with contemporary and innovative choices with everything made from scratch using the highest quality ingredients. Customer favorites on the breakfast menu include:

JUNKYARD FRIES: A heaping mound of fries topped with homemade chili, queso, and jalapenos.

DOUBLE DECKER: Four-egg omelette stuffed with sausage, bacon, ham, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.

GRANOLA APPLE FRENCH TOAST: French toast glazed with cinnamon-apple compote and topped with fresh granola.

SOUTHERN FRIED ARNOLD: Two biscuit halves topped with two hand-battered chicken tenders, two poached eggs, and covered with country sausage gravy.

SOUTHWEST BREAKFAST BOWL: Kale, quinoa, bulgur wheat, brown rice, rosemary chicken, sausage, cherry tomatoes, black beans, jalapeños, and guacamole tossed in our tomatillo salsa and topped with two eggs cooked to order.

BRISKET SCRAMBLE: Four eggs scrambled with smoked brisket, sautéed onions, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese, and topped with homemade queso.

The lunch menu features starters, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The extensive drinks menu includes juices, coffees, wines, beers and Bloody Marys and Mimosas handcrafted from their in house recipes.

Conveniently located by the Savannah International Airport, The Toasted Yolk Cafe is open everyday from 7 AM to 3 PM.

The Special Kicks Program

Shortly after Pooler Karate opened its doors, owner and founder, Carson Fortner began to work with a little girl named Lilah. Lilah is partially blind, deaf, and was nonverbal at the time. After working with Pooler Karate she was able to walk and talk for the first time in her life.

This positive experience was eye-opening for the Pooler Karate team. This was the magic spark that eventually led to the creation of the Special Kicks Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Originally affiliated with Pooler Karate, Special Kicks is now expanding throughout the region and beyond. It’s a martial arts program that offers individualized instruction for kids and adults with special needs, such as autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, physical and cognitive disabilities, and other special diagnoses.

The program stresses development of balance, coordination, discipline, focus, attention, social skill development, and physical fitness. They also advocate for students and families, as well as promote inclusion throughout the community.

Special Kicks began partnering with B and B Care Services, Inc. to help pay for the cost of training for individuals who qualified for state funding. However, after Covid budget cuts in the State of Georgia, the funding for this program was cut by 40%. With 70 special needs students at the time, the school had to get creative and find a way to help fill this funding gap.

They created the award-winning Wild Game Dinner as a fundraiser. Their first dinner was held in December 2020. That year they raised about $50,000. Their goal was to double that amount

for the event in December 2021, and they were successful. From 2021 on, The Wild Game Dinner has continued to be a sold-out event, bringing in more funding to support the growing program.

Special Kicks supports well over 100 families and continues to grow at a rapid pace. The program has recently expanded to offer support for wounded veterans under the “Rooster Project.”

The Special Kicks Program continues to grow under its mission to change lives through the power of martial arts, inspire lifelong change, build strength, and advocate for those with different abilities, regardless of physical, mental, or financial challenges. Families report that their students experience an increase in confidence and social skills, perseverance, integrity, respect, self-control, as well as strength, balance, and mobility. They also report a decrease in anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and emotional outbursts.

The program focuses on supporting the capabilities of all students, with flexible one-on-one and group class options depending on individual needs. There is also a Special Kicks Summer Camp every year that provides enrichment for students as well as non-students with special needs. This camp includes activities such as tie dye, pet therapy, bowling, sensory activities, and more.

If you would like to help support Special Kicks as they continue to expand their impact and explore new ways to support the community, you can make a one-time or recurring donation, as well as register for special events and fundraisers at www. specialkicks.com.

Pooler Karate is a beloved institution that has been teaching martial arts programs for both juniors and adults since 2010. Led by a dedicated staff, their programs focus on both the mental and physical side of martial arts. At Pooler Karate, students learn in a challenging and supportive environment that empathizes their overall well being.

Programs:

Karate—Help arm your child with self confidence and discipline to help them deal with peer pressure and stress. Karate can also help adults learn to deal with stress physically and mentally. As students climb the ranks to Black Belt, they will be challenged, but Pooler Karate teaches more than “the belt.” They see their martial arts program as a self-improvement course with a black belt attached. Their goal is for students to grow and learn as they continue their journey in karate.

Lil’ Ninjas Karate and Lil’ Rollers Jiu-Jitsu—For ages 2-5, these classes start simple and gradually become more challenging based on each child’s individual pace. Parents love watching their kids learn and grow in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.

Krav Maga—An extremely popular self defense program, this is not a traditional martial art. No katas. No rituals. No nonsense. Based on simple principles and instinctive movements, it is designed to teach real self defense in the shortest amount of time possible. Students will learn how to defend against common chokes, grabs, and bearhugs, as well as guns, knives, and sticks. Krav Maga also teaches people to function during the stress and shock of a sudden, violent encounter. Krav Maga is a system that thrives on its success of making people safer.

Jiu-jitsu—“The Gentle Art” revolves around the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent in a variety of ways. Jiu-jitsu is considered a martial art, a sport, a method of promoting physical fitness and building character, and a way of life. And exciting news—they just installed new mats that will be a “canvas for our dedicated and phenomenal students to showcase their skills and passion for Jiu-Jitsu!”

Community Driven Staff

At Pooler Karate you will find a very community driven staff, most of whom have been with founder Carson Fortner since they were children.

“I couldn't do what we do without my team. They make the school a success,” he says. “Having been with me so long, they have the community heart built into them, especially with the Special Kicks program where that’s the norm.” (Learn more about Special Kicks on p.62).

For those who are interested in martial arts but unsure about starting Carson says, “Absolutely no experience needed! Just come and try it. We can make it work for you to your comfort level.”

At Pooler Karate their goal is to get you to a place where you feel good about both your mind and body while learning new skills that enhance your life. Come and join their thriving martial arts family!

Best Kids Activities

2023

Thank You Pooler for Voting Us Runner Up for Best Massage Therapist!

“I want my clients to know that I show up for them, hold space for them. I use the art of massage therapy to help them heal as well as relax,” Christina says.

Services Include:

• Deep Tissue

• Hot Stone

• Swedish

• Post and Prenatal

• Lymphatic

• Back Mud Mask

• Reflexology/Feet and Hand Massage

• Bamboo Fusion Massage

• Sugar/Salt Body Scrubs

• And much more!

Massage therapy provides more than immediate relaxation or relief. It is an important element in personal self-care. Christina's Healing Hands offers the total package.

www.christinashealnhandsmassagetherapy.com 402 SW U.S. Hwy 80, Pooler Ga 31322 | @CHHTM @CHHTM

Voted multiple times to roll back property taxes.

YOUR NEXT MAYOR OF POOLER

“I have the experience and the knowledge to move the city forward into the future as we expand economically and fiscally. I will oversee the expansion of our roads and internal infrastructure as I have done for a quarter of this century. I will continue to keep taxes low, public safety high, and Pooler recreation #1 in the county and region. Please vote for me so I can continue to work for you and our great city.”

Endorsed by:

US Representative Buddy Carter

State Representative Ron Stephens

State Representative Bill Hitchens

Former Mayor Mike Lamb

Mayor Rebecca Benton

WWW.STEVIECARES.COM

Focus on innovative technology & improvements to move traffic efficiently throughout the city.

Continue to keep our public safety departments equipped and highly trained.

Continue to protect and preserve quality of life in our neighborhoods.

POOLER

Ribbon Cutting for Clean Eatz, Pooler

Ribbon Cutting for Blue Moon Nutrition

Ribbon Cutting for Viet Huong Oriental Market

Grand Opening of Serenity Med Spa

RIBBON CUTTINGS AROUND POOLER

Jessalyn Barrett, Barrett Law, LLC

Jessalyn Barrett, an attorney with many years of practical experience, has opened a local law practice. After graduating from Georgia State University College of Law she served as an Assistant District Attorney before leaving the public sector to establish Barrett Law, LLC

“I became an attorney to help people,” says Jessalyn. “I promise my clients they will be seen and heard. Everyone deserves representation. Utilizing my years of legal experience, I will go to bat for you to achieve the best possible outcome.”

Current Areas of Practice:

PERSONAL INJURY:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Premise Liability

• Dog Bites

• Negligent Security

• Assault and Battery

FAMILY LAW:

• Divorce

• Child Support

• Child Custody

• Guardianship

• Assistance post-divorce with modifications and contempts

Client Friendly

Jessalyn uses technology to make her clients experience both efficient and convenient. She says, “My drop box system is set up so clients can see—and add to—every document pertaining to their case at any time, day or night. With busy schedules, being able to tap into their case without having to come into an office is a relief for my clients.”

All consultations are free of charge, and for added convenience you can schedule a free 30-minute consultation online at barrettlawllc.com. “I feel strongly that legal fees should be upfront, therefore I use a flat rate system for family law cases. You will know the cost each step of the way so you can make decisions that fit your budget,” says Jessalyn. Personal injury cases are paid on a contingent fee basis, with no upfront cost to the client.

A busy mother of four, Jessalyn enjoys family beach days, cooking new recipes, and living near the water. “We moved here for the slower pace of life in the lowcountry and we love it,” she says. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”

If you are looking for an attorney who is on your side and is open, honest and transparent in every way, reach out to Jessalyn Barrett, Barrett Law, LLC.

Barbers of the Lowcountry Brings an Elevated Men’s Grooming Experience to Pooler

At Barbers of the Lowcountry, customers get more than a haircut, they get an experience. When guests walk into one of Barbers of the Lowcountry’s three locations, they are greeted by a front desk concierge and an inviting waiting room. Once they are checked in, they are offered a snack or beverage, including options like beer from local craft breweries. Once guests are in the chair, they are in good hands with seasoned barbers familiar with many types of men’s haircuts and other men’s grooming offerings.

Barbers of the Lowcountry was founded in 1997 on Hilton Head Island by Lou Nelsen. Today, the business is a family affair that spans three generations and now, three locations. Lou’s son Brent Nelsen is an accomplished barber in the Bluffton location, while son Darin Nelsen owns and manages the Pooler location. Lou’s grandson Anthony Nelsen recently received his barber’s license and is honing his skills in the family business.

Their unique approach to barbering was pioneered in 2010 when the Nelsens recognized a need for a new kind of barber shop in the area. “We noticed that guys are wanting to pamper themselves and really take their grooming seriously,” says Brent. So, they started offering straight razor shaves and began stocking a selection of upscale shaving products.

“Back then, there was no styling involved and no education on men’s hair or shaving products. That’s what we brought to the table and what we continue to do today,” says Brent.

In addition to selling high-end products from brands like Truefitt & Hill, Reuzel and 18.21 Man Made, they have developed their own exclusive line of men’s grooming products inspired by their Lowcountry roots. The Loggerhead pomade boasts a cedarwood scent and a strong hold for styling thick or curly hair.

The Skiff Hair Creme has a lighter hold and a rich vanilla scent. The Pluff Mudd sculpting clay is designed for sensitive skin and has a mild coconut scent. The Spanish Moss hair powder is a thickening product that adds volume to hair.

Another offering that sets Barbers of the Lowcountry apart are the tiered membership packages. With a membership, guests receive 18% off haircuts, 15% off additional services like shaves or beard trims, 15% off all products in the shop and complimentary neck cleanups between appointments. Members can also skip the line at checkout and be billed via their member account.

Next year, the Pooler location will start offering quarterly socials with beer, wine or bourbon tastings. Members will be able to attend for free and non-members will pay an entry fee, and the proceeds will benefit a local charity. “We want our customers to feel like they are part of something bigger,” Brent says.

FULL BLOOM SALON & DRY BAR BEST HAIR SALON OF 2023

Full Bloom Salon & Dry Bar is an eco-luxe salon that is leading the trends with new and innovative hair designs, as well as timeless classic styles. Their collaborative team of t stylists, led by founder and owner Hannah Sikes, understand the transformative power of hair and cosmetic beauty. Born and raised in Springfield, GA, Hannah opened her first salon at age twenty and believes all women deserve to be pampered in a luxury beauty destination. Full Bloom Salon & Dry Bar is just that, a salon where your personal style, from rich hair colors to long lush extensions, will be created just for you.

Currently Full Bloom has eight stylists and Hannah is actively looking to add to her team. Stylists who are interested in providing elevated service while staying current on hair and beauty trends are welcome to apply.

Full Bloom is a full service Certified Sustainable Salon which means they recycle 90% of their hair products. Hannah says, “We are partnering with Green Circle Salons, who empowers salons to offset their emissions and recover much of their beauty waste.” That includes previously unrecoverable materials and hard-to-recycle items like hair clippings, foils, excess hair color, aerosol cans, and color tubes.

Salon Services Offered:

Smoothing Services Facial Wax (brow, lip, chin) Brow laminations

Full Bloom is a Kevin Murphy salon—an Australian-based line offering a full range of shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products inspired by the finest ingredients that nature offers. They use only natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources harvested in a way that does no harm to the environment. Their 100% cruelty free products use only sulfate free surfactants that effectively cleanse and remove surface oil and dirt, without stripping or depleting the hair of its color. And Kevin Murphy products help and protect the environment by utilizing packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable.

What sets Full Bloom apart?

Their stylists attend two or three educational classes a year to continue to educate themselves on the latest trends in hair coloring, cutting & styling. And they are Pooler’s first and only Certified Sustainable Salon.

How do I make an appointment?

Full Bloom offers 24 hours online booking through their website or simply call during business hours. Consultations are always complementary.

What’s included at my appointment? Consultation

Snacks and beverages on your choice

Hot towels

Scalp massage

Style of your choice

Whether you are looking for a blowout, a new style, a wedding package or that perfect place to begin your Girls’ Night Out or Bachelorette Party weekend, give Full Bloom Salon & Dry Bar a call.

(912) 346-6021

www.fullbloomsalonanddrybar.com

/fullbloomsalonanddrybar

@fullbloomsalon

Full Bloom Salon & Dry Bar remains located at 105 Grand Central Blvd Suite 104, Pooler GA in the same plaza as The Center for Women’s Health and Painting with a Twist. Parking is plentiful!

6 Small, Kind Gestures to Make a Big Impact Each Day

Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. While these moments can have a monumental impact on the person on the receiving end, they often go unrecognized.

In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology” found that performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being and leads to more positive moods. At the same time, many people underestimate the impact their kindness may have on themselves and others.

To help foster positive connection among friends, family and communities, which the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory revealed can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions, people should consider ways to weave moments of kindness into their daily lives.

Here are a few simple ways to show kindness:

Hold the Door for Strangers

It may seem small, but holding the door for someone who is entering or exiting a building after you is a brief way to offer a helping hand and set off a contagious string of goodwill.

Send a Thoughtful Surprise

Sending someone a favorite treat, book or even a photo memory can provide a positive boost to not only the recipient but the sender as well. To take this gesture one step further, have a gift delivered to a person you don’t know but may be in need of a thoughtful gesture – such as a basket to a soldier overseas or senior citizens in local nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Celebrate and Share Kindness Online

So much of the world is connected via social media. To build positive connections online, seek out digital spaces or services that emphasize and inspire kindness, such as the Starbucks Kindness Mobile AR experience. By combining the real world with augmented reality, the experience invites people to explore and share acts of kindness through notes inspired by real stories of kindness, photos, videos and Kindness Cards that can be shared on social media or by text message.

Look for Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering time to local organizations, such as nursing homes, homeless shelters or food pantries, is an engaging and personal way to help those in your community.

Be Kind to Your Mind

By practicing gratitude, compassion and kindness toward yourself, you can spark moments of kindness that are more genuine and intentional with others. Meditation practice, such as the free, guided collection from Starbucks and Headspace, invites calm and kindness, opening the door to cultivate a more considerate relationship with mind, body and world.

“Experiencing kindness in the world begins with cultivating kindness toward ourselves,” said Dora Kamau, mindfulness and meditation teacher at Headspace. “This week, try being kind to your mind and notice how this has a ripple effect on others and the world around you.”

Offer Words of Encouragement and Gratitude

Whether it be via a text, note or conversation in-person, words are a direct way to show kindness and help individuals feel seen, appreciated and respected. Depending on what the situation requires, providing a compliment or saying, “thank you,” can make a significant impact on someone’s day.

For more ideas to share a little kindness, visit stories.starbucks.com.

Sponsored by Starbucks

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.

September 2023

9/9: Patriot Day Run 8am | Forsyth Park, Savannah

9/9: Playing with Food 9am | Savannah Tech, Eckburg Auditorium

9/9: Community Yard Sale 9am - 1pm

YMCA of Coastal GA-West Chatham Branch

9/14: Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Expo

3 - 7pm | Kehoe Ironworks Building 660 E Broughton Street, Savannah

9/21: Taste of Pooler!

5:30 - 8:30pm | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

9/23: 10th Annual Nine Line Run for the Wounded 5k/10k/10 miler

8am

9/24: Open House City Church Pooler

October 2023

11:30am | 200 Governor Treutlen Rd Pooler

9/29: 4th Annual Bill Wade Memorial Golf Tournament

8am | Crosswinds Golf Club, Savannah

10/14: 2023 WFAP Gala

7pm | 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler

10/14 - Pooler City Solar Eclipse Spectacular!

11:50pm | Pooler Pkwy, Pooler, GA

10/20: Savannah Pride Festival 2023 10am | Ellis Square, Savannah

10/27: Charity Golf Tournament for Social Apostolate 12:30pm | The Club at Savannah Quarters

10/28: Pooler Karate Trunk or Treat 5 - 8pm | Pooler Karate

T h a n k Y o u t o o u r M e m b e r s F o r v o t i n g f o r u s a s B e s t C r e d i t U n i o n i n P o o l e r !

W e a r e h e r e t o s e r v e y o u , o f f e r i n g a v a r i e t y o f p r o d u c t s a n d s e r v i c e s i n c l u d i n g :

• A u t o , H o m e , a n d P e r s o n a l L o a n s

• C h e c k i n g a n d S a v i n g s A c c o u n t s

• S h a r e C e r t i f i c a t e s , I R A s , a n d M o n e y M a r k e t

• Y o u t h C h e c k i n g a n d S a v i n g s a n d M O R E !

C o m e o n i n t o o u r N E W L Y R E N O V A T E D b r a n c h t o d a y t o l e a r n m o r e !