Savannah magazine July/August 2020 by Savannah Magazine

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J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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Vol.31 No.6 $6.99

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We were here then ...

... and we’re here now. We were here before man stepped foot on the moon ... before the first Ford hit the road ... 44 years before Elvis strummed his first guitar. You could say we’ve been here through it all. And through it all Queensborough has been the bank that Georgians depend on. When the sun comes up tomorrow, we’ll be here for you…and the next day, for our future customers, because we believe the best is yet to come.

G E O R G I A’ S C O M M U N I T Y B A N K since 1 9 0 2 QUEE-20010CR

For those ready for what’s next. Your home is more than a building or an address. It’s where you experience life, family, connection, growth. It’s a retreat to call your own. Your home should be as exceptional as you are, and as you are going to be. For a lifestyle inspired by your potential, there is only Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty.

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J U L Y / A U G U S T

2 0 2 0

83 41

THE SUBLIME SANCTUARY JUST OFF THE COAST Gray’s Reef is protected — but it’s still ours to explore By Jessica Leigh Lebos

RIVER OF DREAMS

Richard Kessler’s big idea By Sylvie Baggett

COU R TESY OF G RAY’S REEF

180

SAVANNAH HEALTH GUIDE

Your annual guide to health and wellness in the Lowcountry

170

THE LONG PAUSE

Savannah in solitude By Sarah Domet

FRESH AIR

For Savannahians making summer plans with social distancing in mind, a day’s drive makes all the difference

LA U REN JON ES

74 COU R TESY OF LOVELA N E DESIG N S

COU R TESY OF G OLDEN ISL E S

T A S T E CONTENTS

180

HEAD OF THE CLASS

2020 may be a year unlike any other — but Savannah’s valedictorians are going places. Here, our outstanding graduates strike a pose, backed by a heartening commencement address by celebrated writer (and Savannah native!) Bruce Feiler

ON THE COVER

A serene scene on Beard Creek off of Bull River. Photo by Ron Silvoy

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 Editor’s letter 18 Get Social

BUZZ

21 New in 912 24 July/August Events 28 30 Reasons Why ... Savannah’s the best place to live on the water

34 Giving Back: Tybee Marine Science Center 37 Old Savannah: St. Vincent’s Academy

STYLE

41 Creative Cover 46 My Savannah: Sherry Buckman of Pride Pools, Spas & Leisure Products

51 At Home: Family Room

TASTE

65 Summer is Short: Eat Dessert First

COMMERCIAL LENDING TAILORED TO

70 Chef Q&A: Tony Seichrist of Wyld Dock Bar

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

Trust your business to Trapper Griffith and TC Federal Bank for a premium lending experience.

S45 Meet the Doctors S59 Meet the Medical Professionals S62 Meet the Dentists 189 Women in Business (Part II)

SEEN

197 Class of 2020

SALT OF THE CITY 105 W. Congress Street, Unit C | Savannah, Georgia | 912.483.0060

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

200 Sherrill Milnes

Congratulations ! Congratulations

Bard College Barnard College Amherst College Boston College Bryn Mawr College CaseCase Western Reserve Western Reserve University Colgate University Davidson College Davidson College Duke University The Class of 2020 earned admission to 105 colleges and Elon College Emory University universities located in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Oxford College Georgia Institute of of Emory Additionally, these 67 graduates were offered scholarships University The Class of 2019 earned admission to 113 colleges andTechnology totaling more than $2.95 million collectively from all admitting Florida State University Harvard College universities located in 27 states, the District of Columbia, Canada colleges—in addition to the HOPE awards. The impressive, and George Washington Lafayette College and the United Kingdom. Additionally, these 65 graduates were abbreviated, list of admitting schools (to the right) is a testament Massachusetts Institute of University offered scholarships totaling more than $5 million collectively Technology to our talented students who embrace a rigorous curriculum Georgetown University from all admitting colleges—in addition to the HOPE awards. NewGeorgia York University Institute of while receiving personalized college guidance from our team of The impressive, and abbreviated, list of admitting schools (to Northeastern University Technology experienced the right) iscounselors. a testament to our talented students who embrace Princeton University Gettysburg College a rigorous curriculum while receiving personalized college Purdue University Hamilton College Discover difference! guidance the fromCountry our teamDay of experienced counselors. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Haverford Sarah Lawrence College College Call 912.925.8800 to learn more about Indiana University Southern Methodist University Discover theCountry Country Day difference: The Savannah Day School. Lawrence University Syracuse University explore our campus; spend time in our classrooms. University TexasNortheastern Christian University

The Savannah Country Day School Congratulates the Class of 2020!

The Savannah Country Day School Congratulates the Class of 2019!

Call 912.925.8800 to schedule a visit.

savcds.org

Princeton University

University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill Rice University Tulane University Sarah Lawrence University The United States Military Southern Methodist Academy Preparatory School University The University of California, Syracuse University Davis Texas Christian University The University of California, Tulane IrvineUniversity University of British Columbia The University of California, University of Georgia Santa Barbara University of Maryland The University of California, Santa Cruz University of North Carolina— University of Florida Chapel Hill University of Miami Georgia University of University of of Michigan Miami University University of Richmond University of Virginia University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Villanova University Washington and Lee Virginia Polytechnic Institute University and State University College of William and Mary Wake Forest University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Williams College

Service | Knowledge | Character

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Each office is independently owned and operated.

Congratulations to Holley K. Dean, AIF®

Senior Vice President/Investments

for being named to Forbes’ America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors List

Forbes’ America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, April 21, 2020. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, and were selected from a pool of 32,000 nominations. Advisors in the America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors list are judged on individual contribution, but total team assets are shown, which can include one or more additional advisors. Qualifying advisors met the following basic requirements: a minimum of seven years as an advisor, a minimum of one year at their current firm, recommended and nominated by their firm, completion of an online survey, over 50% of their revenue/production must be with individuals, and an acceptable compliance record. The ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures derived from telephone and in-person interviews and surveys; service models, investing process, client retention, experience levels, review of compliance records, firm nominations, etc.; and quantitative criteria, such as assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receives compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Forbes is a registered trademark of Forbes, Inc. All rights reserved.

(912) 790-5727 direct | (800) 239-7862 toll-free 33 Bull Street, Suite 200 | Savannah, Georgia 31401

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

PATRICK L E MA STER

EDITOR’S LETTER

FRANKLY, our annual Life on the Water issue has never come at a more opportune time. As social distancing efforts continue, we’re bringing you fresh catches, day trips and watery excursions to fill the space between. Jessica Leigh Lebos’s feature on Gray’s Reef (complemented by stunning photos of life underwater) is, by my estimation, one of the most important stories we’ve ever told. The same goes for Sarah Domet’s piece on Savannah during quarantine, featuring interviews with our new mayor, Van Johnson, and other civic leaders. “Crisis brings about opportunity,” Johnson says of the COVID-19 pandemic and city shutdowns — and Savannah is primed and ready to rise to the occasion. In May, I happened to pass Savannah Arts Academy’s drive-through graduation ceremony on a morning walk with my 6-month-old son, Hank, and the sight of those decorated cars winding through a cheer tunnel of faculty and staff spurred a feature on local valedictorians, who didn’t get the recognition they deserve this spring. Capped off with a commencement address by New York Times bestselling author (and Savannah native) Bruce Feiler, we wish our graduates all the best in their future endeavors. The Class of 2020 embarks at a challenging moment by any measure, and most advice feels woefully out of touch in a world where the fact that Black lives matter is still deemed by some to be an opinion. Still, I imagine what I’d tell my son if he were leaving the nest instead of napping next to me with both hands on his belly: Start small, think big and press forward. Ask honest questions and demand equitable answers. You are what you stand for. Stand for good.

Emily Testa LeMaster Editor-in-Chief

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

y e k r You

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PUBLISHER

Anita Hagin EDITORIAL & DESIGN

Emily Testa LeMaster Liz Gulick-Silvoy M A N A G I N G E D I T O R Sara Watson S E N I O R G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R Kristen Chapman S O C I A L E D I T O R Sylvie Baggett C O N T R I B U T I N G G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R Britt Scott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Jane Townsend

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jill Strauss

Lane Pelliccione

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Morgan Crolley

Corinne Karmiel

A D V E R T I S I N G C O O R D I N AT O R S

Anne Robin

Holly Todd

EXECUTIVE

Tina Battock Scott Ferguson D I R E C T O R O F M A N U FA C T U R I N G & P R O D U C T I O N Sherry Brown P U B L I C AT I O N S E R V I C E S M A N A G E R Cher Wheeler A C C O U N T I N G M A N A G E R Veronica Brooks C I R C U L AT I O N B U S I N E S S M A N A G E R Michelle Rowe EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

D I R E C T O R – F I N A N C E & O P E R AT I O N S

M O R R I S C O M M U N I CAT I O N S CHAIRMAN

William S. Morris III CEO

Craig S. Mitchell

Crystal

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. Subscribe: 800.453.1049 Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com

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A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 1088, Savannah, GA 31402. Copyright 1990-2020 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June and October for $19.95 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 433237, Palm Coast, Florida 32143-9616

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020

Class of 2020 College Acceptances CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020

Landmark College Appalachian State University Louisiana State University Auburn University Mercer University Baylor University Michigan State University Berry College (Honors College) alachian State University College Landmark Middle College Georgia College Birmingham-Southern Louisiana StateState University urn University Mississippi University Boston University Case Western Reserve UniversityMercer North Carolina State University University lor University Northeastern University Charleston Southern University Michigan ry College (Honors College) State University Pratt Institute Clemson University Middle Georgia College mingham-Southern College Purdue University College of Charleston ton University Mississippi State University College of Coastal Georgia Queens University of Charlotte North Carolina State University e Western Reserve University Colorado School of Mines Reed College rleston Southern University Northeastern University Reinhardt University Dartmouth College PrattRensselaer Institute Polytechnic Institute mson University Davidson College Georgia State College Rollins College Purdue University ege ofEast Charleston College Samford University Queens University of Charlotte ege ofFlagler Coastal Georgia Seton Hall University Florida State University orado School of Mines Reed College South Georgia State College George Washington University Reinhardt University tmouth College Georgia College Stetson University Polytechnic Institute idson Georgia CollegeInstitute of Technology Rensselaer Suffolk University t Georgia State College Rollins College Texas A&M University (Honors Program) gler College Samford University The Ohio State University Georgia Southern University The University of Alabama Georgia Southwestern State Seton Hall University ida State University University University The University of North Carolina South Georgia State College orge Washington at Asheville (Honors College) Hampden-Sydney College orgia College Stetson University The University of North Carolina High Point University orgia Institute of Technology Suffolk University at Chapel Hill (Honors College) Kennesaw State University Texas A&M University nors Program) (Honors Program) The University of Tampa (Honors)

orgia Southern University orgia Southwestern State versity

The University of West Georgia University of Alabama at Birmingham University of British Columbia The University of West Georgia University of California, Davis University of Alabama University of California, Irvine University of California, Santa at Birmingham Barbara University of British Columbia University California, SanDavis Universityofof California, Diego University of California, Irvine University of Central Florida Universityofof California, Santa University Colorado Barbara University of Connecticut Universityofof California, San University Georgia (Honors Program Diego and CURO Honors Scholar) University of Central Florida University Illinois at Universityofof Colorado Urbana-Champaign University of Connecticut University of Kentucky Universityofof Georgia (Honors University Massachusetts Program and CURO Honors University of Mississippi Scholar) of Nevada, Las Vegas University University North Georgia Universityofof Illinois at University of Rochester Urbana-Champaign University Southern California Universityofof Kentucky University of South Carolina University of Massachusetts University of South Florida Universityofof Mississippi University Tennessee

University of Virginia University of Washington Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University VassarUniversity College of Virginia University of Washington Virginia Commonwealth University Wofford College State University Valdosta Yale University Vanderbilt University YoungVassar Harris College College

Class of 2020 College Acceptances

The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of North Carolina

92%

Virginia Commonwealth Unive Wofford College Yale University Acceptance Rate to the Young Harris College

University of Georgia

92% 72%

National Acceptance Rate of 46%

Acceptance Rate to the

Acceptance Rate to

University of Georgia Georgia Tech

National Acceptance Rate of 46%

National Acceptance Rate of 20%

72%

$3.94 Million in Merit & Talent Scholarships

University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of North Georgia University of Rochester

excluding HOPE Acceptance

Rate to

Georgia Tech Pre K3 - Grade 12

saslions.com

National Acceptance Rate of 20%

THE CGO GROUP

Wealth Management Group At The CGO Group, we have a proud heritage and a growing clientele. While the ages and stages of clients’ financial lives span generations and the nation’s geography, a majority of those served by Brian Coulter and Jennifer Grayson are active and retired executives whose achievements in the corporate sector and passions for the Savannah lifestyle continue to bring them joy.

Robin B. Pulaski Registered Senior Client Associate

Brian S. Coulter Senior Vice President Resident Director

Jennifer K. Grayson, CFP®, CPFA Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

Victoria C. Harper Registered Client Associate

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B Y - L A W S

O F

T H E

L A N D I N G S

14c. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the water, stress is to be cast out to sea.

S AVA N N A H , G E O R G I A M a k e y o u r m o v e t o o u r c h a r m i n g c o a s t a l c o m m u n i t y.

Experience the Landings life. Call 912-598-0500 or visit TheLandings.com today for a tour of our island.

GET SOCIAL

FROM OUR READERS

Summer in Savannah means life on the water and sand between your toes. NEXT UP: Our annual Best of Savannah coverage. Share your favorite Savannah spots for a chance to be featured in our September/October issue â&#x20AC;&#x201D; simply tag @savannahmagazine and use #savannahmagazine.

@hold1331 / Lucy Holden

@iphoneexploits

@multi_meek

@raisingtheroux

@savannah.dental

@savvycoastsarah

@sundialcharters

@travellingwes

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

Deepwater Living BEAULIEU 492A BEAULIEU AVENUE • • • • • •

8 acres of deepwater property overlooking the Vernon River 4.55 upland acres Prime location in historic Beaulieu neighborhood 3 BR/2BA cottage Stunning river and marsh views Earth causeway

Offered for $ 1,295,000

THE LANDINGS | 3 SHE CRAB CIRCLE

RICHMOND HILL | 90 WILLIAMSON DRIVE

• •

• • • •

•

3 BR/3.5 BA home with panoramic views of the Intercoastal Waterway Located in award-winning gated community with golf, tennis and world-class amenities West-facing waterfront views and incredible natural light

Offered for $930,000

Staci Donegan, Associate Broker Seabolt Real Estate C: 912.247.2052 | O: 912.233.6609 24 East Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA 31401 staci@stacidonegan.com | stacidonegan.com

4 BR/5 BA home overlooking the scenic Ogeechee River Deepwater dock and picturesque waterfront views Located on a large half-acre lot just off Hwy. 144 & minutes from I-95 Excellent public schools and easy access to Richmond Hill dining, shopping and recreational activities

Offered for $645,000

HISTORIC WATERFRONT URBAN/SUBURBAN ISLANDS GATED COMMUNITIES Historic Landmark District’s Top Real Estate Agent

TA S T E BUZZ

CO UR T E S Y OF H OS TE S S P R OV I S I ON S

S A V A N N A H

The Hostess gift box from Hostess Provisions

New in 912

City in a box: Hostess Provisions delivers curated gifts that aim to tell the story of Savannah (hostessprovisions.com) ... Stop by Stump Plants (1612 Bull St.) where plant education and thoughtful design ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sprouting a green thumb in no time ... With carefully curated

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

COU R TESY OF STU MP PLA N TS

COU R TESY OF SOU THERN TIDE

BUZZ

breathes new life into River Street with a new hotel, three distinctly themed buildings, restaurants and dozens of new retail spaces, including Southern Tide (300 W. River St., Bldg. A, Unit 6D), 13 Secrets’ second location (300 W. River St., Bldg. C, Unit 4) and J. Parker Ltd.’s newest location (300 W. River St., Bldg. A, Unit 6C) ... Poseidon Spa (400 W. River St.) offers high-end pampering in a luxe space inspired by the dynamic movement of water ... At Savannah Tequila Company (400 W. River St.), enjoy a full-service tequila bar with contemporary interpretations of Mexican cuisine ... Stop and smell the flowers, bath products, fragrances and more at Urban Poppy’s second location (400 W. River St., Unit 1) ... Oak 36 (5500 Abercorn St., Ste. 36), a restaurant and bar in midtown, serves elevated American classics and plant-forward dishes created in partnership with Chef Dusty Grove ... Electric Moon Skytop Lounge (400 W. River St.) features sweeping views of the Savannah River and cocktails inspired by the Hostess City itself.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

CO UR TE S Y OF U R BA N P O PP Y

gowns and an exclusive line of accessories, Camellia Bridal Shop (125 W. Duffy St.) has something special for every bride ... Plant Riverside District (500 W. River St.)

Clockwise, from top left: Stump Plants sells a range of succulents; A look from Southern Tide; Urban Poppy‘s French Pastilles

We salute all women in business.

Bay Street Realty Group Cora Bett Thomas Realty FRIPP & HARBOR ISLANDS 2 Harbor Drive Harbor Island, SC 29920 843.838.3004

DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT 701 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902 843.301.0013

SKIDAWAY ISLAND 2 Skidaway Village Walk Suite A, Savannah, GA 31411 912.355.4171

www.baystreetrealtygroup.com

DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH 5 East Perry Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.233.6000

BUZZ

J U LY E V E N T S

Savannah Bananas vs. Macon Bacon benefitting Park Place Outreach

Sweet! It’s National Chocolate Day.

Day! Enjoy your hot dogs, apple pie and sparklers.

7 10 Cheers on National Piña Colada Day!

4 | Happy Independence

Shop fresh food from local farmers in Savannah’s beautiful Forsyth Park at the Forsyth Farmers' Market.

Parks After Dark: Full Moon Hike at Wormsloe Historic Site

18-19 Girl Scouts Virtual QuestFest

20-21 Take a boat ride from Skidaway Island to Ossabaw Island on a Turtle Hatching Day Trip.

Grand opening of Plant Riverside District

AUGUST EVENTS

Prohibition Cocktail Classes at the American Prohibition Museum

9 Tybee Island Light Station and Museum Tours 24

10 | Stock up

on everything from vegetables to artwork at the Tybee Island Farmers & Artisan Market.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

7 Feeling folky? Check out the First Friday of Folk Music at First Presbyterian Church.

| Celebrate National Aviation Day with a trip to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Honor the senior citizens in your life on National Senior Citizens Day.

8 | A virtual Savannah VOICE Festival kicks off its eighth season.

27–30 Celebrate unity, love and respect at the Tybee Equality Festival.

NEW DEC ADE | NEW DECK GET DECKED OUT WITH GUERRY LUMBER

SAVANNAH’S PREMIER SOURCE FOR DECKING & RAILING

BUILDER: MBS Construction Services, LLC ARCHITECT: Shauna Kucera, Array Design INTERIOR DESIGNER: Jane Coslick Designs & Restorations

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Opening Spring 2021...

SAVANNAH BOATHOUSE

A FULL-SERVICE MARINA Along with a 108-space dry stack facility, which will accommodate vessels up to 35 feet in length with various configurations for all sizes and shapes of vessels, Savannah Boathouse will also include 2,000 linear feet of in-water dock space. The marina will feature on-site bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities, wash racks, parking lots, a marina office with retail store and an event deck, which will be available to host parties or weddings.

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BUZZ

Explore the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum to learn about its nearly 300-yearlong history.

Savannah magazine turns 30 this year. To celebrate, in each bimonthly issue, we’re spotlighting 30 reasons why the Hostess City is the place to be.

Savannah’s the best place to live on the water

Get beachready with a new pair of sandals from Globe Shoe Company.

The Instagram-worthy Captain Crab’s Sampler Platter at The Crab Shack comes piled high with crab legs, mussels and shrimp.

C AS E Y J ON ES

Let loose on a Little Tybee Island boat tour with Sundial Charters.

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Pick up a few pounds of peel-and-eat from Nelson’s Quality Shrimp Company.

CA S E Y JO NE S

Latitude 32°’s iconic sea turtle logo looks great on everything from baby onesies to koozies.

KELLI B OYD

Reasons Why…

Traditional Savannah fare tastes great at Erica Davis Lowcountry.

On Tybee Island Charters’ fossil tours, passengers turn up everything from Megalodon teeth to ancient Native American pottery.

University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium features 16 exhibits showcasing Georgia’s marine life.

The Savannah Yacht Club has been in operation since 1869.

Make Tybee Island your home — at least for a week or so — with Oceanfront Cottage Rentals. The undisturbed habitat on St. Catherine’s Island is home to ospreys, sea turtles and lemurs.

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BUZZ

With contemporary styles and eclectic flair, Edgewater Drive is the go-to boutique for summery outfits.

Gear up with everything from outdoor clothing to ﬁshing reels at Rivers & Glen Trading Co. Co

Luxury robes from Gunner’s Daughter feature maps of coastal cities printed on ultra-soft jersey.

See life-sized sharks, sand mansions and contemporary sculpture at the annual Savannah College of Art and Design Sand Arts Festival.

See another side of Savannah’s waterways on an East Coast Paddleboarding tour.

Spartina 449 infuses the essence of Daufuskie Island into their handbags, clothing and accessories.

The history of Fort McAllister on the beautiful south bank of the Ogeechee River. Bring Lowcountry scenes indoors with a Bellamy Murphy painting. Trek through 31,551 acres of marsh at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

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Spot some bottlenose dolphins from a cruise with Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours.

The peachy pink and vibrant orange sunrise at North Beach on Tybee Island is truly unforgettable.

Enjoying the sea breeze (cocktail in hand!) at The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen’s outdoor bar. The casual, Caribbean vibe at Fish Tales restaurant.

JA S ON B. J A M ES

Fried catfish and collard greens dockside at The Wyld are simply perfect.

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Dream of the sea with Savannah Jack’s custom nautical chart blankets, pillows and more.

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The Back River view at A-J’s Dockside is almost as good as the food.

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PHOTO COU R TESY OF SCA D

The Color of Water “WHEN YOU LIVE BY THE OCEAN,” says painter and SCAD MFA grad Pedro Covo, “everything you do is about the water and the dynamics it creates.” He’s been in Savannah since 2017, but the water he’s talking about is the Caribbean Sea, near his hometown of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Covo’s family is rife with commercial artists — a cartoonists, an arts administrator, a film director — so after earning an undergraduate degree in visual arts, he followed suit, working as an illustrator at an advertising agency. Still, an idea nagged at him. “Impulse made me

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“It’s about the mood and the movement, more a feeling than a likeness.” — Pedro Covo switch from illustration to painting,” he says. “Capturing the abstraction of the water and the human figure, it was

something only painting could do.” He enrolled in the graduate painting program at SCAD with a series in mind: Los Nadadores, inspired by the turquoise water and coral reefs of the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena and the green beaches of Castillogrande. While his subjects tend to be people he knows, he sketches them first, then paints from the sketch. “It’s about the mood and the movement, more a feeling than a likeness,” he says. The scale is most striking of all: writ large as life, Covo’s figures are recognizably weightless, cool and free.

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COU R TESY OF TYB EE MA RIN E SCIEN CE CEN TER

BUZZ

GIVING BACK

Nesting Season Tybee Marine Science Center settles into a new home Written by KATIE GRIFFITH

AFTER 30 YEARS housed in a shoebox-sized former police station near the pier and pavilion, later this summer the Tybee Marine Science Center moves to the Fort Screven Historic District. From its new home nestled into sand dunes, the the science center is a short trek from the beach — for guests and diamondback terrapins alike. According to Executive Director Maria Procopio, the resident population changes frequently based on a short-term stay catch-and-release program, but typically includes baby alligators, horseshoe crabs and sea jellies collected by trawling, seining, sand-sifting and beachcombing nearby. The only permanent science center habitants are a few turtles, dubbed “animal educators” by Procopio and her staff.

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The 5,366-square-foot facility was designed by Craig Clements of Sottile & Sottile and built from sustainable materials, with input from Tybee residents. From the building’s hurricane-wind-load velocity sheathing to its turtle-safe exterior light bulbs, the science center has been planned with meticulous care — and the thoughtful touches extend past what meets the eye. Below the pedestrian paths, a permeable paver undercroft allows water to flow through cracks and absorb into the sand, reducing surface run-off, mitigating erosion and eliminating standing water. Overhead, a valley in the metal rooftop channels rainwater into a 1,785-gallon cistern, which is then filtered and salinated for the aquariums inside.

“These ecosystems, and their inhabitants, need safeguarding, and children are coastal Georgia’s next generation of stewards.” — Maria Procopio, executive director

Clements describes the building’s interior as a white box space — akin to an art gallery — that allows flexibility for future exhibits. The windows of the main gallery are made of certified sea turtle safety glass, designed to block menacing color wavelengths that distract sea turtle mothers from nesting in the dunes and the hatchlings from making their way to the ocean (sea turtle nesting season is May 1 through Oct. 31). Throughout the space, observation decks made from South Carolina-grown black locust hardwood open to panoramic views of Daufuskie and Hilton Head islands across Calibogue Sound, where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic. Now, as ever, the science center’s mission is to help cultivate

coastal stewardship and connection through education and hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Although the brandnew facility doesn’t open to the public until September, SeaCamp 2020: Coastal Kids Ocean Adventure programs will run for nine weeks in June and July. There, campers ages 6-11 will embark on marsh trips and beachcombing adventures, observing and collecting indigenous flora, fauna and sea creatures — snails, spider crabs, sea pansies, puffers, flounders and polka-dot batfish, to name a few. After a long spring of distance-learning due to COVID-19, these exploratory treks and outdoor classrooms provide an especially welcome summertime experience filled with lessons every coastal kid should learn.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

37 Meddin Drive, Tybee Island, GA 31328 912-786-5917 tybeemarinescience.org

SeaCamp sessions run June 1–July 31, daily and weekly sessions available. Tybee Island Marine Science Center opens to the public September 2020.

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Savannah’s premier senior living community offers five star service and care with the warmth of home. Kelli Hartley, Sales Director Arianna Maldonado, Move-In Coordinator

When 89 year-old Savannah Square resident Dorothy Madsen moved to the Hostess City from Dubuque, Iowa this past December, she was understandably a bit apprehensive. “I had never been to Georgia,

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BUZZ

Sister Jude Walsh, with seniors, lays the cornerstone, Dec. 12, 1967.

O L D S AVA N N A H

Old School St. Vincent’s Academy celebrates 175 years Written by ALLISON STICE BULKA

WHEN I LIVED DOWNTOWN on East Jones Street, the sight of St. Vincent’s Academy students walking briskly over the cobblestones on their way to class was a hallmark of my morning dog walks. As my old pug and I crossed Madison Square and hooked a right at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, we passed under the 6-foot bronze likeness of Sisters of Mercy founder Mother Catherine McAuley, one of the few statues in the Historic District honoring a woman, behind the

Photography courtesy of SAINT VINCENT’S ACADEMY

wrought-iron gates of the convent and academy on Liberty Street. For 175 years this July, the Sisters of Mercy have been educating SVA students in the Greek Revival building designed by architect Charles McCluskey. And though this spring was a little quieter than usual, as St. Vincent’s moved classes online, the coronavirus pandemic recalled other testing moments in the school’s history. SVA President Mary Anne Hogan said the challenge of this year’s coronavirus response reminded her of the sisters’

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

BUZZ

ABOVE: The school, as seen from East Liberty Street LEFT: Nuns discussing plans for a new gym in 1966. BELOW: St. Vincent’s Academy students

resiliency through recurring yellow fever epidemics, hurricanes, the Civil War and more. “The sisters have always been caretakers, and their ability to put their own needs to the side reminded us we have to do whatever we can to make sure our students and their families are taken care of,” she says. “That’s the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy.” In 1845, six sisters led by Mother Vincent Mahoney arrived from Charleston on a mission that would profoundly shape Savannah to this day. St. Vincent’s Academy was the first Catholic educational institute established in the state of Georgia. In just 10 years, the day school, boarding school and orphanage doubled enrollment, leading Mother Mahoney to purchase the rest of the 200 block of Liberty Street. Over the course of the school’s history, the Sisters of Mercy educated Maggie Davis, daughter of former president of the Confederate President Jefferson Davis, while also finding clandestine ways to teach math and reading to the children

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Sister Mary Jean Mulherin and students in a World War II-era Jeep, 1945

of slaves and freed slaves. (The school was integrated in the mid-1960s.) Then, as now, school life revolves around a courtyard bordered by classrooms. On the original convent side, an area affectionately dubbed “the dungeon” stretches out near St. Vincent’s grotto depicting Our Lady of Lourdes, where slips of paper with prayer requests are sealed within rocks laid in 1903.

BUZZ

“It’s a place where women can flourish and be themselves during a time in life when that can be kind of hard.”

Many generations of SVA students day because she didn’t want to come from the same families, and leave. She and her high school many faculty are former students as friends still meet for lunch once a well — like Sister Jude Walsh, Class of month,” Crider says. “It’s a place 1943, whose time at the school inspired where women can flourish and be her to join the Sisters of Mercy. After themselves during a time in life working in several of Savannah’s when that can be kind of hard.” Catholic parochial schools, she came The sisterhood born in the halls —Katie Crider, St. Vincemt’s alumna back to St. Vincent’s as principal for of St. Vincent’s has a few outward nearly 30 years before serving in the markers: most notably, the ring, a school’s development office as director royal blue oval spinel with the school of the alumnae association and as the first-ever archivist, where crest that adorns the right hands of graduates. she wrote the book on St. Vincent’s history, literally — Enduring Another way to spot a St. Vincent’s girl, according to Crider, Legacy was published in 2015. is by their parallel-parking ability honed by so much practice “St. Vincent’s is the love of my life,” Sister Jude says. snagging a downtown spot in order to make it to class before Katie Crider, Class of 2005, whose family history at 8 a.m. St. Vincent’s dates back to the class of 1890, said long-time Perhaps most important, the school’s legacy is manifest in teachers would occasionally call her by several relatives’ its alumnae — working in law, business, education, government, names before arriving at hers. science and a host of other professions — and in their dedication “My grandma said the day she graduated, she cried all to service and support for one another.

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Creative Cover As coronavirus interrupted brick-and-mortar operations, several local designers and makers pivoted to making masks to support public health efforts Written by FEIFEI SUN

SPRING HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN an inspiring time for Danietté Thomas: With proms around the corner, and summer wedding season on the horizon, the fashion designer and founder of Danietté is usually just gearing up for her busy period. This March, Thomas found herself confronting a different reality. As coronavirus shut down retail stores and forced citizens into shelter-in-place, Thomas realized that her usual spring work process would take a different shape this year.

Photography courtesy of BLANK CANVAS

After hearing about personal protective equipment shortages from her mother, a nurse, Thomas started making masks to donate to Savannah hospitals. “It felt like one of the only ways I could do something to help, to create something positive during such a challenging time for people,” she says. Turn the page for a look at how Thomas and other local designers and makers have been using their design skills to support public health efforts to combat COVID-19’s spread.

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

STYLE

ABODE/WALKER CUSTOM METAL

LEFT AND ABOVE: Abode masks; shield made in partnership with Walker Custom Metal

Reports of hospitals running out of personal protective equipment compelled Brian Walker, founder of Walker Custom Metal, to team up with Christy Rippetoe, co-founder of Abode, to produce 3D-printed face shields for local hospitals, doctors and hospice care facilities. “This was born out of wanting to support our frontline workers in any way we could,” says Walker. “I knew about Chrissy’s work, and thought: Let’s team up and do whatever we can to help.” Together, they’ve donated more than 1,000 shields to date. At Abode, which offers creative workshops, studio spaces, retail and events that aim to connect and foster community among local artists and artisans, Rippetoe and her team also launched an Abode Mask Force, rallying community members to make hospital gowns, masks, surgical caps and mask ear savers — small clips that help masks wearers avoid the painful pinch of elastic on their ears — among other equipment. “The requests came in daily when we got started, and it has been really overwhelming to feel the support of the community,” says Rippetoe. walkercustommetal.com / abodesavannah.com

BUCK + DOE

Buck + Doe

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Designer Jessica Pope was inspired to start creating masks after she donated fabric from Buck + Doe, the bowtie company she runs with her husband, Trae Gurley, to a friend in California who was making them there. “I had a lot of materials and could get elastic, which there has been a huge shortage of, so I knew I had to help where I could,” she says. Pope even enlisted help from her grandmother, who taught her how to sew. “My grandma helps me cut fabric from her home in Idaho and then sends that to me,” she says. To date, they’ve fielded more than 3,000 requests and have donated more than 1,500 masks to healthcare workers around the country. buckanddoegoods.com

Photography courtesy of ABODE / BUCK + DOE

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For Anna McCraney, mask making became a form of self-care as she and her product development studio found their pieces stuck in production this spring with factories shutting down around the country. “I started channeling my anxiety into dyeing fabrics in my backyard,” she says. McCraney started making masks to give away, but soon connected with local and national sewers, pattern makers and other designers who had been furloughed. Blank Canvas Development has sold more than 700 masks to date, employing sewers in Savannah and beyond, including Texas, New York, Ohio and elsewhere. $9; blankcanvasdevelopment.com

DANIETTÉ

Shortly after she began making masks to donate to local health care workers, Danietté Thomas also started designing fashion versions for sale, in sequin-covered and tie-dye fabrics, donating a mask to someone in need for every order purchased. The requests rolled in right away: “I was so inundated with orders, I had to put my phone down,” she says. So inundated, in fact, that Thomas had to hire a few seamstresses to help with production shortly after launching her collection online. “Prior to the coronavirus, I didn’t have any employees,” she says. “I’m grateful that I’ve been able to employ people in this crazy time — it has definitely been a small silver lining in all of this.” $10 and up; daniette.com

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This Whitaker Street shop offers a DIY kit that includes supplies to make 10 masks, including a non-woven material for filtration and fabrics in a range of patterns, from bright florals to geometric designs. $25.99; measurefabric.com

Designer Abi Kingaby is offering a free fabric mask with any purchase at her Etsy store, which carries vintage and handmade pieces for men and women. etsy.com/shop/yourladyjane

Designer Lane Huerta offers children’s fabric masks in whimsical animal designs, featuring dragons, kittens and panda prints. $9.95; lovelanedesigns.com

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Photography courtesy of DANIETTÉ / LOVELANE DESIGNS

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STYLE

M Y S AVA N N A H

Sherry Buckman Co-owner, Pride Pools, Spas and Leisure Products 7 a.m.: My day begins with a check on my garden. As I water my hibiscus from Landmark Nursery, I mentally prepare for my day.

3 p.m.: This is my “do not disturb” time as I prepare payroll for our 28 staff members.

8 a.m.: I drop off my schnoodle, Doodles, at Toni’s Grooming Station for a trim, then head to Pride Pools Savannah retail location for a meeting with the retail staff and marketing director.

5 p.m.: I leave work and head downtown to browse Broughton Street for a gift. I can always find something special at The Salt Table or Paris Market and Brocante.

10 a.m.: With two locations and a busy summer season in full

swing, every day is totally different. This year, since everyone’s spending so much time at home, we’re busier than ever, so I rotate between working on the sales floor, greeting our customers and meeting with vendors, before it’s time for a conference call with my brothers (we three own the company).

6:30 p.m.: My husband and I have a standing dinner date night with another couple in downtown Savannah. After a drink at Sorry Charlie’s, we love to try a new restaurant or return to one of our all-time favorites, Jazz’d Tapas Bar — which means the added bonus of a visit with our friends, Jazz’d owners Brian and Julie Curry.

12 p.m.: After placing orders with our vendors and distributors, I head to meet a friend for lunch — at Houlihan’s.

9:30 p.m.: One last email check before starting my to-do list for tomorrow. One thing on the list: inviting some friends over to our own pool this weekend. We’ll grill on the Big Green Egg, and I’ll make a big batch of my famous margaritas.

1:30 p.m.: In our busy season, free time is rare, but when I do

10:30 p.m.: I wind down from the day by flipping through

get a minute to myself, I love to get my nails done at Nail Art RH Nail Salon in Richmond Hill.

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the latest issue of Savannah magazine and watching local news — then it’s bedtime.

Photography by KATIE M C GEE

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Family Room The Boydens build a soft place to land Written by ANNA JONES Photography by RICHARD LEO JOHNSON

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TUCKED AWAY ON the banks of the Skidaway River sits a slice of land that nobody wanted. On and off the market for years, this pie-shaped lot befuddled a series of owners, leaving each uncertain how to make it the site of their future home. That is, of course, until it fell into the hands of Libby and Steve Boyden, who saw nothing but opportunity and a picturesque view. “We didn’t really think much of it,” Libby says of building the house on the irregular lot. “We’ve had so many people come by and say ‘Oh I love how you built the house!’ Even previous owners [of the land] have stopped by to say they liked our home, but we just thought it was no big deal.” With the help of Libby’s father-in-law, Bill Boyden of Boyden Construction Company Inc., and local Bluffton architect Sam Laberti of Low Tide Designs, Libby positioned the home at a clever angle so that it nestles comfortably into its natural surroundings. Framed by live oaks and the deep waters of the Intra Coastal Waterway, the home’s exterior elevations help to reflect the easygoing, laidback life that Libby and Steve have made here. An interior designer by trade, Libby leaned on her own expertise to help Laberti design a house where she and Steve could spend their next chapter. The 4,100-squarefoot four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath Lowcountry-style house is grounded by an easy, open plan that thoughtfully connects each room to make each space well used and loved. This practical yet pretty sensibility sets the stage for carefree days that begin with coffee on the back patio, followed by lunch in the casual kitchen/dining area and capped off with cocktails on the wide front porch, where a daybed provides the perfect spot to take in the cool coastal breezes. “We live in every inch of this house,” Libby says. “We have two Labrador retrievers and we love it — nothing is too precious.” Walk into the Lowcountry-inspired cedar shake home, and you’ll instantly understand. A wide foyer crowned by a custom silver chandelier provides passage to the great room ahead. Extending across the back of the home, Libby designed the great room for comfortable living, mixing fine fabrics like Schumacher drapes with unexpected details such as a geometric brass and silver lantern and modern art awash in blues and indigos. Rustic European limed oak floors bring another layer of warmth to the home, leading from the great room to the kitchen and out onto a brick patio at the rear of the house overlooking the Skidaway River. Libby designed the kitchen and dining room as a hybrid space, preferring not to fuss with the formality of a separate dining room as she has in houses prior. Instead, an airy

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The Harmony Lifestyle is waiting for you! Call 912.244.9880 or visit www.HarmonyAtSavannah.com IN D E PE N D E N T L IVI N G | A S S I ST E D LIVIN G | ME MORY CARE | 9136 Old Montgomery Rd | Savannah J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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kitchen centers around a honed white marble island with navy bamboo stools to keep friends and family close to the cooks, usually Libby and one or both of her daughters. Two gigantic Low Country Originals lanterns made out of rock crystal, seeded glass and platinum finished steel hang over the island for plenty of light, while perimeter cabinets provide extensive storage for simple organization. The elegant dining area, defined by wraparound/panoramic river vistas, features a traditional pine dining table and a mix of slipcovered and wooden armchairs, all sourced from Century Furniture. A custom floor-to-ceiling cabinet doubles as traditional china storage, displaying Libby’s treasured sets and keeping entertaining essentials easily accessible for impromptu dinner parties and happy hours. In the jewel box of a powder room, Libby used a palette of warm neutrals to add unexpected glamour. Here, textured Thibaut wallpaper and a Ro Sham Beaux beaded chandelier play off an open marble vanity with polished nickel legs and fixtures, while overhead a circular mirror is flanked by custom polished nickel sconces complete with tidy little lamp shades. Steve and Libby’s private master bedroom is located off the study, an easy commute for Steve after he finishes his work. This light-filled haven provides instant relaxation — the robin’s egg blue master bed and a pale blue velvet bench create a spa-like calming effect. Elegant window drapes, made from Anna French Palampore Collection fabric in Grey, are Libby’s favorite part of the room, while overhead a custom chandelier from Low Country Originals provides subtle lighting, with rock crystals and oyster shells hanging from each spindle. The master bath extends the soothing vibe of the master, with separate his-and-hers marble vanities, a soft blue and white diamond-patterned wallpaper, and a standalone tub, a luxurious way to unwind at the end of the day. The second floor echoes the flow and function of the rest of the house, starting with an open loft area at the top of the stairs, where comfortable couches offer the perfect perch amid pops of color from bright coral pillows, a Wesley Hall velvet chair and an oversized piece of art. Two additional bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs give family and guests plenty of private space to relax, such that when family and friends come to visit, the house feels full of life but never crowded. This nuanced consideration mirrors so much of Libby’s thoughtful design — rooms made to work and to welcome, then layered with all the warmth and beauty they can contain. The result, to the delight of Libby and Steve, and their family and friends, is a place to call home.

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RESOURCES* Architects/planners: Low Tide Designs

Landscape design: Nelson Group

Interior designer: Libby Boyden Interior Design

Hardscape design: Nelson Group

Contractor/builder: Boyden Construction

Electrician: Maxwell Electric Co. Inc

Tile/Flooring: Thibaut Designs

Audio/visual: Rody’s Audio Warehouse

Windows/doors: Marvin/ Coastal Sash and Door Kitchen design: Libby Boyden Interior Design, Wilson Cabinetry Bath design: Libby Boyden Interior Design using fixtures from Sandpiper Supply Lighting: Lowcountry Originals, Circa Lighting Plumber: Jenkins Plumbing Co.

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Carpenter: William Jones, Boyden Construction HVAC: Byrd Heating & Air Furniture: Wesley Hall, Gabby, Made Goods, Ambella Home Appliances: Livingoods’ Appliances and Bedding Accessories: Libby Boyden Interior Design

*all resources supplied by homeowners

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COTTON & RYE Strawberry-basil ice cream cake with whole roasted strawberries, fried herbs and minted meringue

Summer is Short: Eat Dessert First After a sweet start, move on to summery mains from our favorite local spots Photography by JASON B. JAMES

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ALLIGATOR SOUL Oyster with watermelon mignonette and balsamic pearls

COTTON & RYE Pickled Georgia shrimp in watermelon gazpacho with charred corn, green tomato, cornbread crouton and sweet pickled rind

CHA BELLA Compressed watermelon salad with pickled rind and brûléed burrata

B. MATTHEW’S EATERY Watermelon bruschetta

ALLIGATOR SOUL Sautéed shrimp and Cajun succotash with peppadew

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FEW INDUSTRIES HAVE been so singularly affected by coronavirus as the food and beverage community, but chefs like Tony Seichrist are hopeful the pandemic can be an impetus for positive change. Here, the chef-owner of Wyld Dock Bar tells us about his pandemic food cravings, why we need to rethink our food supply chains, and how he’s revamping his restaurant menu for a post-COVID palate.

ON RE-OPENING: We switched to

all takeout food when we first re-opened in April. We felt lucky to be in a position to do that, but personally, I had a problem, from an ecological perspective, with the amount of trash we were producing as a restaurant with that model. It was unsustainable. It’s been challenging because we just don’t know what’s going on with the virus. But again, we’re lucky because we’re over 90 percent outdoor dining, and we have a lot of room to allow for social distancing.

ON VULNERABILITIES IN THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: This pan-

CHEF Q&A

Tony Seichrist THE WYLD DOCK BAR Interview by FEIFEI SUN

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demic has raised obvious concerns about breaks in the food supply chain, and you’ve seen it wreak havoc on restaurants, farmers, and really, everyone. It has exposed a weakness in our systems that we’ve known about and talked about for at least 20 years, or the time I’ve been cooking, which is that we have this monopoly-style system of food producers, and we have to think about diversifying. Throughout the years, I’ve talked to health department officials, representatives from large food companies, and they would all prefer you buy from large producers. It’s the status quo. But there’s a reason that doesn’t work, and we have gotten a big dose of that. At the end of the day, the free market will

Photography courtesy of TONY SEICHRIST

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decide, but I’m absolutely hopeful: People have been forced to think about where their food comes from — hell, they’re thinking about where their toilet paper comes from — in a serious way for the first time. No one takes it for granted anymore.

ON CREATIVE SOLUTIONS: Mobile abattoirs are

my big thing. It’s better for animals — they can be processed on site instead of traveling and becoming stressed out. I’ve also been looking into aquaponics. I’d love to get in touch with a company like Farmshelf, which makes smart, indoor farms. I think restaurants could take a page from their playbook: We could grow our own arugula, our own basil. Those things add up.

ON PANDEMIC FOOD CRAVINGS: My girlfriend and I live on Tybee, so we’ve been eating a lot of blue crab, red fish, whiting, and chicken from Brandon [Chonko] at Grassroots. We’ve been making chicken piccata. It’s one of those nice, easy things you can make in 15 minutes.

“People have been forced to think about where their food comes from in a serious way for the first time.” ON SELF-CARE WHILE SHELTERING IN PLACE: Our house used to be split into a duplex with a hot

tub on the bottom floor, so I’ve been doing a pre-dawn soak every day. It’s a little spa-like experience. Then, I do a few pushups and try to keep moving. Being sedentary isn’t good for me.

ON NEW MENUS FOR NEW PALATES: I think we’ll see more of a seafood shack style of dining. We’ll always have quality ingredients and our love of food, so it’s not going to turn into a fries joint kind of thing, but I think we’ll be looking more in our backyard for food we can pull locally. I think you’ll see more blue crab on the menu, plenty of shrimp, and more diversified fish options in smaller amounts — a little more simplistic, a little more elemental, but done with great ingredients.

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An oyster toadfish swims above the sand at Gray’s Reef, in front of a densely populated ledge

THE

SUBLIME SANCTUARY

Gray’s Reef is protected — but it’s still ours to explore Written by JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS

JUST OFF THE COAST 74

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Photography courtesy of GRAY’S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

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Above: A diver swims above a rocky ledge moderately populated by a seascape of finger sponges, soft corals, tunicate and fish. Right, left to right: A North Atlantic right whale swims with her calf. This is one of the most endangered whale species, with only about 400 whales remaining, and Gray's Reef is part of their only known calving ground; Loggerhead sea turtle resting under a ledge at Gray's Reef. Although still a threatened species, loggerheads have been increasing in numbers along the Georgia coast for the past few years, and they rest and forage year-round at Gray's Reef.

N OA A N M F S A N D F LOR I D A F I S H & WI LDL I F E C ON S E R VAT I ON COM MISSION , U N DER N OA A R E S E A RC H P E RM I T #15 488

IF YOU SAILED 20 MILES straight east off of Skidaway Island and gazed around the horizon, you would see nothing but a seamless view of water and sky. Sixty feet below the surface, however, there’s quite a party going on: A bottom landscape of rocky outcroppings and sandy sediment has played host to a dazzling array of marine flora, fish and the occasional massive sea turtle for more than 2 million years. Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary covers 22 square miles of the ocean floor reaching all the way to the Continental Shelf, one of the largest off the Eastern seaboard. But few Savannahians know of its riches. Discovered in 1961 by University of Georgia marine biologist Milton “Sam” Gray, this busy spot was designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 1981 by President Jimmy Carter, protecting it from commercial fishing, oil drilling and other degrading exploits. Since then, it has become a shining example of oceanic conservation and a vital research hub for marine science. That doesn’t mean Gray’s Reef is off limits to everyone but scientists. Its managing body, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), permits recreational activity in the area, giving scuba divers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of sea squirts, tube worms and other creatures in their natural habitat. Even if you opt to stay dry in your boat, you can still interact with the reef, casting out a line for the 200 species of fish that feed on the cornucopia of plankton life (the whiting and mackerel catches are reportedly outstanding). Come late fall, you might even spot a North Atlantic right whale and its young circling one of the only known calving grounds in the world for the species, though you’re required to stay at least 500 feet away from these protected creatures. Other prohibitions include anchoring on the reef, throwing anything in the ocean or damaging the bottom formation — but as long as they follow the rules, humans are encouraged to visit. “We’ve found that people who use the reef respect the regulations; we don’t have to enforce them,” says Michelle Riley, Gray’s Reef communications and outreach coordinator. “The local boating, diving and fishing communities respect what we have here.” Stricter guidelines must be followed within the reef’s designated research area, encompassing eight square miles in the southern third of the sanctuary. The pristine habitat has yielded volumes of data about the living organisms of Gray’s Reef, collected by a revolving team of scientists who make the daily two-and-a-half-hour commute

Photography by GREG M C FALL/NOAA

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“THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ARE NEVER GOING TO GO TO GRAY’S REEF, SO OUR JOB IS TO BRING THE REEF TO THEM.” — Michelle Riley

during the year as well as an annual two-week pilgrimage that requires living aboard NOAA research vessel the Nancy Foster. The research team makes two, sometimes three dives a day to explore and document the reef’s diversity and overall health. Research coordinator Kim Roberson laments that this summer’s dive trip has been suspended due to coronavirus and the risk of keeping a crew in confined spaces, but she and her team continue to monitor sensors and collect data through cameras, tagged species and hydrophone recordings, which eavesdrop on the underwater scene. “We have scientific equipment in the water that gives us information on a number of fronts, about what grows on the reef and how many different types of animals swim through,” explains Roberson. “The sounds of the sanctuary especially tell us so much.” Many types of fish use sound to communicate, and the scientists overhear much conversation between barking oyster toadfish — grumpy-looking things with scraggly beards that actually grunt at each other, be it a warning or a greeting. “I don’t speak fish yet, but I’m certainly studying the language!” Roberson says with a laugh. She also points to a recent NOAA Decades of Detection report, which determined that acoustic telemetry (measuring space through sound) reveals a pattern of movement indicating that Gray’s Reef may also be a popular stop along an important East Coast migration corridor for certain sharks and large fish species. “We don’t know why, but we’re excited to find out,” says Roberson, adding that even after hundreds of dives, she’s always ready to get back to the reef and “see what mysteries are out there.” Though Roberson embraces a “more is merrier” perspective on visitors, the fact is that underwater diving requires major equipment, which means only those with a scuba license get to see Gray’s Reef up close. Fortunately, her predecessor, Greg McFall, installed underwater cameras to capture images of this special ocean intersection, yielding intimate, stunning snapshots of its inhabitants and visitors. Many of the photos included in this article were taken by McFall, and help raise awareness of this treasured resource. “The vast majority of people are never going to go to Gray’s Reef, so our job is to bring the reef to them,” says Riley, who works from the research office based on Skidaway Island. “The goal is to show that Savannah’s National Marine Sanctuary belongs to all Americans.” Riley oversees the annual Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival and NOAA diver Sarah Fangman among finger sponges, soft corals and Atlantic spadefish during a research dive

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

Photography by GREG M C FALL/NOAA

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

underwater robot competitions for local schools, and this year has organized the first Gray’s Reef Expo to reach an even wider audience. Originally slated for May and postponed because of COVID-19, the event has been rescheduled for Nov. 21 and 22 on River Street, with a portion taking place inside the Hyatt Regency Savannah’s waterfront Harborside Ballroom. A commemoration of NOAA’s 50th anniversary, the expo promises two days of free activities, live ocean animal exhibits and a virtual reality booth that transports participants to the rocky reef bottom. Also on view: an 80-foot wave-shaped display built from reclaimed materials by students at Savannah Technical College, and technophiles of all ages can get personal with NOAA’s new underwater research rover. Ultimately, the expo also serves as an opportunity for locals to take pride in the marine sanctuary right off their coast — and a special invitation for divers, boaters and fisherfolk to brave the 20-mile trip out to the reef to explore. “We’re so fortunate that Savannah was chosen as the gateway to Gray’s Reef. It could have been Brunswick or Jekyll Island, but it’s ours to share with the world,” says Riley. “We want people to know it’s there and to use it.”

THE GRAY’S REEF EXPO NOV. 21–22 ON RIVER STREET graysreef.noaa.gov/expo See more images and videos on savannahmagazine.com

Black sea bass at Gray's Reef

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A shrimp takes a ride on a jellyfish in Gray’s Reef. The behavior could be for protection of the shrimp from predators, but scientists aren’t sure.

Photography by GREG M C FALL/NOAA

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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Sunrise over Lake Jocassee

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

FRESH AIR

For Savannahians making summer plans with social distancing in mind, a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive makes all the difference.

A kayak on the Santa Fe River

The waterfall at Graveyard Fields

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

TYBEE ISLAND

Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island

THE GOLDEN ISLES

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IF YOU’RE INTO … ECLECTIC EXCURSIONS 256 miles from Savannah, Greenville, South Carolina is the perfect place to explore the outdoors on foot, by bike or by boat. From stunning waterfalls and lakes to the centerpiece of downtown, the Reedy River, here it’s entirely possible to wrap up a boat day with dinner at an award-winning restaurant. Locals and visitors alike love Greenville (yes, that Greenville) because there's always something new to discover.

HOW TO …

GREENVILLE • Climb Rainbow Falls, a 140-foot waterfall deep in the heart of South Carolina’s 40,000acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Preserve. • Cool off with a dip in the Middle Saluda River. • Hike through Caesar’s Head State Park to the overlook, an outcropping above the Blue Ridge Escarpment with stunning views of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. • Hop on the 4-mile Raven Cliff Falls trail, which includes the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls and a suspension bridge over the creek. • Enjoy the 22-mile Prisma Swamp Rabbit Trail — perfect for a leisurely bike ride. • Just 7 miles from downtown, Paris Mountain State Park offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails and lakes for fishing and swimming. • Set your alarm for a breathtaking sunrise at the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as “Pretty Place.”

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• Pack a picnic lunch with takeout from a downtown restaurant and sit by the Reedy River in Falls Park overlooking the beautiful falls and Liberty Bridge. • Dive into some of the cleanest and clearest waters in the Southeast at Lake Jocassee, located at Devils Fork State Park. • Head to Gather GVL, Greenville’s first food hall, which is entirely outdoors and features 13 delicious concepts, from German cuisine and Mexican fare to burgers, pizza and poke bowls. • With restaurants, bakeries, breweries and retail outlets, mixed-use (and largely outdoor) spaces The Commons and Hampton Station are the perfect place to wile away an afternoon. • Pack it in for the evening at The Westin Poinsett downtown, or stay further afield at the Red Horse Inn in Landrum, SC, or Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest.

TOP: Furman University’s Bell Tower on Swan Lake BOTTOM, FROM LEFT: Falls Park on the Reedy, Raven Cliff Falls, Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy

Photography courtesy of VISIT GREENVILLE SC

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IF YOU’RE INTO … ALTITUDE WITH AN EDGE 311 miles from Savannah sits Asheville, North Carolina, where national parks, state forests and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway offer endless opportunities to get out and stay safe. Here, it all starts with one of the oldest rivers in the world: the French Broad River, which helped to shape the Appalachian Mountains. The river runs from south to north (as locals like to say: it’s a little quirky, just like Asheville!) and weaves itself into many facets of Asheville life — from fun in the sun to perfect spots to dine and sip with a view.

Divers at Ginnie Springs

IF YOU’RE INTO … FLOATING YOUR WORRIES AWAY Stand-up paddleboarding on the French Broad River

HOW TO …

ASHEVILLE • Try stand-up paddleboarding with Wei Mauna guided tours. • Catch a drive-by waterfall view at Looking Glass Falls. • The peaks of Southern Appalachia are known for their lush greenery and misty blue skies, but don’t miss the mountain balds — open spaces with rolling grass and blooming rhododendrons. • Ever heard of the sea of clouds? The technical name for this atmospheric phenomenon is thermal inversion, where

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low-lying clouds rest in the mountain valleys and undulate with a wave-like motion. Get above the cloud line at Black Balsam or East Fork Overlook early in the morning for the best view. • When night falls, tuck in at Hyatt Place, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, or the Village Hotel on the Biltmore Estate, right across from the French Broad River. • In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Asheville’s award-winning indie restaurant scene has pivoted to provide an array of gourmet takeout offerings perfect for a

207 miles from Savannah, Gainesville, Florida, is known for its college-town charm, delectable cuisine, hoppin‘ craft brewery scene, art and culture. Here, unique geography and a temperate climate pave the way for outdoor activities — and when it comes to fun on the water, the options are endless.

GAINESVILLE multi-course picnic. Be sure to check out pop-ups from James Beard-nominated chefs including Brian Canipelli (Cucina 24, Forestry Camp), Katie Button (Cúrate), Jacob Sessoms (All Day Darling, Table and Tacos El Gallo), John Fleer (Rhubarb, The Rhu).

• At O’Leno State Park (built on the banks of the Santa Fe River in the 1930s), take a hike along the riverbank to the “sink” where the river disappears underground, and catch plenty of wildlife and bird sightings along the way.

• Asheville is a craft beer town — grab a brew and a bite at New Belgium Brewing, Wedge Brewing Company and Zillicoah Beer Co. (all three host a rotation of food trucks) or flip the script and head to Duck Taco Shop, which offers beer, wine, cocktails and adult slushies from its upcycled “beer bus.”

• Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is an ideal entry point for a relaxing day on one of Florida’s most beautiful and pristine rivers — by all means, float on by.

Photography courtesy of EXPLORE ASHVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

• Try the local custom dubbed “spring and chill” — in other words, kick back and relax at the natural spring pools at

Poe Springs Park, which pumps 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water daily.

catching all the sights from the comfort of a tube or raft.

• If water creatures are your thing, explore the wonders of Ginnie Springs, featuring some of the clearest water in the world. Jacques Cousteau once described this springs and caverns system as having “visibility forever.”

• If you’re a certified scuba diver, spend the day exploring world-renowned underwater caves at the Ginnie Ballroom or the Devil’s Spring System.

• Calling all fishermen! Don’t miss the prize-winning bass fishing at Orange Lake. • Drift down the Santa Fe River from the Beaver’s Landing river access point,

Photography courtesy of VISIT GAINESVILLE, ALACHUA COUNTY

• Once you’re off the water, head to the award-winning Great Outdoors in High Springs, a restaurant and tavern serving elevated classics in a historic and restored opera house.

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IF YOU’RE INTO … PEACEFUL EASY FEELINGS 85 miles from Savannah, the Golden Isles encompasses four islands and a mainland city — which means plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. Whether you flock to this sunny stretch of sand for a swim, a moment of solace or a delicious meal, visitors often find that being in the Golden Isles feels like coming home.

HOW TO …

GOLDEN ISLES • It’s sea turtle season! Schedule a guided beach walk or spend a day at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can even take part in a rehabilitated sea turtle release. • Catch a sunset from St. Andrews Beach — the west-facing vantage point makes it the perfect perch. • Stroll down the St. Simons Island Pier, then cut through Neptune Park to the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, where the former keeper’s quarters has been converted to an exhibition space and gift shop.

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• Hop on a rented bike and hit the St. Simons Island trail system, made up of more than 30 miles of picturesque paths.

• Hungry yet? Head to local favorites Marcie Hunter Echo, Brogen’s South or Palmer’s VIllage Cafe for a memorable bite.

A dock leads out to the Mackay River, kayaks at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island

IF YOU’RE INTO … STAYCATIONING IN STYLE 17 miles from Savannah, Tybee Island offers plenty of ways to get on the water — just head out early to beat the crowds. Earn your chill with an East Coast Paddleboarding tour or charter a boat through Compass Sailing, stop at Tim’s Beach Gear to stock up before you hit the sand, and try local favorites Sundae Cafe or Bernie’s Oyster House for a bite before driving back over the bridge.

• When it’s time to call it a day, opt for the King and Prince Beach & Gulf Club or Jekyll Ocean Club — or book a stay at one of Sea Island’s three luxurious hotels for private beach access and five-star service.

Photography courtesy of GOLDEN ISLES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Photography by CASEY JONES / VISIT TYBEE

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Come explore. Savor our rich history, culture and natural beauty. Feast on our local seafood. Shop our unique and sometimes quirky shops and galleries. Enjoy our true Southern hospitality. Experience the Bluffton State of Mind!

River of Dreams Richard Kesslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big idea

Written by SYLVIE BAGGETT

Photography and renderings courtesy of PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

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Right, Entrance to the JW Marriott; below, Richard Kessler Opposite, clockwise from top left: A redering of the Plant Riverside District pool bar; A redering of the Plant Riverside District lobby; Plant Riverside District during early phases of construction

ICHARD KESSLER’S vast collection started with a purple cup. Every Friday growing up, Kessler made the trip from Rincon to Savannah with his family, stopping at the Bargain Corner Grocery on the corner of Bay Street and, occasionally, the general store across the way. “Once, the general store had these brilliantly colored aluminum cups,” he says. “My father said to pick whatever color I liked best, so I did. I went home with a purple cup.” Like a magpie, Kessler collects whatever sparks his interest. As a child, he hauled wagon loads of white quartz rocks from the railroad to his home, where they would sit under an oak tree like museum artifacts for him to admire. Today, his collections are more highbrow — think antique Bösendorf pianos and rare Italian sculptures. “But I still have that cup somewhere,” he says. Despite honing a keen eye for exquisite items from a very young age, Kessler says it took time for him to understand Savannah’s unique beauty. As he prepared to leave for college, he says, he began to realize the

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charms of the architectural haven he grew up in. From the ornate, Gothic Revival spires of the Temple Mickve Israel, to the Regency-style ionic columns at the Telfair Museum of Art, he realized that each detail held not only historical significance, but a story in and of itself. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, Kessler narrowed his career options to three: a musician, a Lutheran pastor, or a real estate developer. Claiming to lack the innate talent necessary to become a musician (though he studied piano for 10 years), he nixed that idea. Nor, he felt, did he have the resources necessary to give back to the church in a way that properly conveyed his devotion. And so he became Richard Kessler, real estate mogul. Since the early 1970s, Kessler has been shaping the fabric of Savannah. Walk anywhere in the Historic District, and you’re likely to see the result of Kessler’s work: the Kehoe house on Habersham Street, Mansion on Forsyth Park, the Armstrong-Kessler mansion — a National Landmark he restored in 2019 with the help of architect Christian Sottile to serve as his Savannah residence. What’s more, each of Kessler’s projects possess a commitment to the native spirit of a building “I think Richard really sees Savannah as a living place,” says Sottile. “He has a desire not only to preserve and restore but also to extend the life of these buildings. He’s attracted to heroic projects,” says Sottile, who has joined Kessler on perhaps his most ambitious project yet: Plant Riverside District. Extending the riverwalk by a quarter-mile and adding 670,000 square feet of entertainment and hospitality space to downtown Savannah’s historic waterfront, this is, according to the Plant Riverside District website, the largest redevelopment the Historic District has ever seen. “This project is a massive undertaking,” Sotille says. “It could have been done in a very timid way, but Kessler engaged with every possibility that was there.” It’s that sort of courage that sets Kessler apart. In all, the project encompasses a JW Marriott hotel, three distinctly themed buildings, high-end shopping, rooftop bars, art galleries, parks and live music venues — all in the footprint of the city’s first power plant, built in 1912. The Electric Moon rooftop bar borrows its name from an early form of street lamps — 60-foot-tall towers emitting halos of circular light. (Savannah was one of the few cities in the country that had them.) The porte-cochère window welcoming visitors to the Three Muses hotels is held in place with 400-year-old heart-pine pilings unearthed while digging the building’s foundation. Each structure in the complex is modeled after a different century, and the intended effect of the newly

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Top: A chrome-dipped dinosaur replica inside Plant Riverside District Above: The smokestacks from the original power plant are still visible.

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extended riverwalk is a travel through time. Inspired by the structure’s cavernous appearance (reminiscent of a cathedral or museum, he thought) Kessler decided to make the space into an actual museum, one that tells the history of power, energy, and natural sciences. In true Kessler fashion, he pushed that idea further — all the way back to the Mesozoic era. After a museum in Montana turned down his offer to purchase their 137-foot long seismosaurus, they offered to build Kessler a dinosaur of his very own. “I tried to convince them to build it just a little bit bigger so it would break their record, but they weren’t having it,” he says. The 135-foot-long replica of Amphicoelias fragillimus, complete with 240 chromedipped bones and a neck that moves 12 feet up and down, was installed in its new home this past January. That’s the kind of creator Kessler is, one who’s always looking for more. He doesn’t just want to build a dinosaur — he wants to build the world’s biggest dinosaur. He doesn’t just see a power plant, but the very origin of energy itself. When Kessler talks about his legacy, there is no hesitation. “Always leave things better than you found them,” he says. An old oak tree beautified by white quartz; a long-forgotten power plant made new. “Once you get into that mindset, it defines your actions.”

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TA B L E O F CONTENTS In this Issue s6

Editor's letter/Contributors

Trending s9 s10

New in 912 Breath of Life

Coronavirus s13

Hiding in Plain Sight

s14

Health Food

s16

Kid Stuff

s18

What's Up, Doc?

s20 On the Frontline s22

On Demand

s30

The People's Doctor

Live Well s33

One Small Step

s34

Easy on the Eyes

s36

Body Armor

s38

Back on Track

s40 Go All Out s42

Wave Riders

s70

Sea Well

Special Advertising Sections s45

Meet the Doctors

s59

Meet the Medical Professionals

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Meet the Dentists

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I FIELD AND SEND a lot of emails in my line of work, and one thing I’ve noticed is a recent yet abiding sincerity surrounding salutations and closings. I’ve received emails from close colleagues and strangers alike inquiring about my family’s health and wellbeing in the course of otherwise-mundane work inquiries, ending with earnest, heartfelt instructions to “Take good care” and “Stay healthy.” Whereas in the past I might’ve fired off a quick email without so much as an introduction, finishing it with a simple, “Thanks,” I’ve begun to check in more carefully. This isn't a performative “Hope you’re doing well” — these days, I really mean it. I really hope you are doing well. Our health has always been important, but coronavirus has bolstered, bolded and underlined that fact. For the first time (and hopefully the last) this annual publication features a special section on coronavirus, including words of

C ON TR I B U TI N G

L ETTER

MOLLY HAYDEN

E D I TOR' S

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W R I TE RS

wisdom on page s30 from retired Dr. Diane Weems, the former director of the Coastal Health District for the Georgia Department of Public Health who spent three decades protecting our region from formidable infectious diseases. Of course, good health takes many other forms, from the latest advances in cancer diagnostics (page s10) to the benefits of a vitamin-rich diet (page s36) to those small and subtle tweaks that keep us looking and feeling youthful (page s34 and page s42). We've delved into health at all ages, too: parents will appreciate practical coping strategies from pediatric psychologist Dr. Kristi HofstadterDuke on page s16, while adult children of senior parents will find our report on telehealth, page s22, of interest. The common thread among all these stories is the local health care community, comprised of whip smart, big-hearted professionals who often put patients first, before themselves and before their own families. Erin Mungo, an emergency room nurse at St. Joseph’s/Candler, perhaps illustrates this best in a candid interview on page s20. People like Erin are the reason we can sign off with a “Stay healthy” and rest assured, in Savannah, it’s possible.

Gracie Williams

“Hiding in Plain Sight” page s13

Andrea Goto

“On the Frontline” page s20 “Wave Riders” page s42

Rebecca Sandberg “Kid Stuff ” page s16

Jessica Leigh Lebos “The People's Doctor” page s30

Jay Lankau

“Body Armor” page s36

Stephen Alford

Sara Watson Editor

“Health Food” page s14 “On Demand” page s22 “One Small Step” page s33 “Back on Track” page s42

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SCAD students created morale-boosting chalk art at Candler Hospital.

Savannah College of Art and Design NEW students created colorful IN 912 chalk art as a thankyou to the health care professionals at Candler Hospital. The good vibes stretched for hundreds of miles: SCAD Atlanta also honored health care heroes with chalk masterpieces at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding Hospital. Less is more. A new CT scanner at Coastal ENT (322 Commercial Drive) reduces a patient’s exposure to unnecessary radiation. The 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT scanner is an advanced device offering one-seventh the amount of X-rays compared with a conventional CT scan during a standard, 18-second exposure.

3D Accuitomo 170 ENT Scanner

At St. Medtronic Joseph’s/ Micra Candler, cardiologist and clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Daniel Cobb is opting for leadless, or wireless, pacemakers called Medtronic Micra. These capsule-sized pacemakers don’t have any wire leads, eliminating the risk of leads breaking after surgery. The minimally invasive procedure also doesn’t require any chest incisions. “Patients recover quicker, and they don’t have the same restrictions post-surgery as traditional pacemakers,” Cobb shares.

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COU R TE S Y OF S T. J OS E PH ' S / CA N DLE R

COU R TESY OF SAVA N N A H COLLEG E OF A R T A N D DESIG N

TRENDING

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August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, and it’s so much more than a skin condition. “Psoriasis can cause depression and decreased quality of life,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology, who recommends talking to a dermatologist about biologic treatment options if topical creams aren’t working.

Dr. Jason McClune

Breath of Life COU R TESY OF SAVA N N A H VA SCU LA R IN STITU TE

Varicose veins disproportionately affect women — but not by much. Forty-five percent of those suffering from varicose veins are male, according to Savannah Vascular Institute (4750 Waters Ave. #500), whose non-surgical laser therapy treatment is gaining popularity among men. Find more about varicose vein treatment on page 46. Savannah-area seniors will soon have two new independent and assisted living facilities to choose from. Harmony at Savannah (9136 Old Montgomery Road) is now open, while Atlanta-based Thrive Senior Living’s Thrive on Skidaway (5 Lake St.), is slated for a full opening by late summer. —SARA WATSON

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T R E NDING

A new technology detects early-stage lung cancer Written by SARA WATSON

THE STATISTICS ARE undeniably grim when it comes to late-stage lung cancer. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer accounts for about 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses and is the leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States. But a new roboticassisted bronchoscopy procedure available at Memorial Health — the first hospital in the state to offer this technology — helps identify the disease in its early stages, vastly improving a patient’s odds of survival, says boardcertified interventional pulmonologist Dr. Jason McClune. “Stage 1 and 2 of lung cancer is considered curable, but when you get to advanced stage 3 or stage 4, it ends up being a fatal disease,” McClune says. “That’s why lung cancer screening is so important, and this new technology adds another layer to assisting with and improving early detection.”

McClune says the new roboticassisted bronchoscopy, called Monarch, is an upgrade from navigational bronchoscopy, a technique that has “been around for several years, but has many limitations,” he says. Navigational bronchoscopies allow physicians to collect biopsies from roughly the inner two-thirds of the lungs, but not the outer edges, McClune says. If preliminary imaging showed a patient had a lesion in this inaccessible, peripheral area, a physician would require surveillance scans (watching the area and repeating scans over a period of time), an invasive biopsy, or even open biopsies that would require thoracic surgeons, McClune says. Compare that with Monarch, where physicians use an instinctive controller, almost like a video-game controller, to navigate a flexible, robotic endoscope: “There’s basically no part of the lung that isn’t

reachable,” he says, noting that the minimally invasive endoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure where 95 percent of patients go home the same day. In addition to being significantly less invasive, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is also more effective. The reported diagnostic yield (biopsies that lead to a definitive diagnosis) is 97 percent with Monarch, compared with 70 to 80 percent with navigational bronchoscopy, McClune says. “That’s a considerable improvement, and getting a diagnosis early will hopefully lead to sending people for curative surgery,” he says. The cutting-edge tool illustrates the commitment to technology at Memorial Hospital, owned by HCA Healthcare. “We’re the only institution and the first in the state of Georgia to offer this technology,” McClune says. “Part of us having it first is because of our skillset, training and certification, but the other part is, it ties to our strategy of offering a multidisciplinary clinic to our community and surrounding counties,” he says. Instead of seeing multiple providers over a span of several weeks, patients can see multiple providers on the same day in the same clinic. “Our overall setup helps expedite diagnosis and treatment, and [robotic-assisted bronchoscopy] is another asset we felt we needed to bring the fight against lung cancer,” McClune says.

SUMMER HOMES Close to Home

A beloved family home is rebuilt from scratch

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More Than Words A new build on Tybee Island takes a fresh approach to beachfront living

Sweet Harmony Neighbors collaborate to splendid effect in a Richmond Hill remodel

Family Tides An abandoned Tybee Island bungalow is lovingly restored

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AT SUMMER BREEZE, OUR PRIORITY IS UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO OUR RESIDENTS’ HEALTH.

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Hiding in Plain Sight Can a common heartburn drug help us fight coronavirus? Written by GRACIE WILLIAMS

WHILE THE WORLD is slowly opening back up from the coronavirus shutdown, medical professionals are hunkering down to try to find a treatment and vaccine. At the time of publication, many methods have been (and are still being) tested, but there seems to be a growing interest in an unlikely medication called famotidine, the key ingredient in certain heartburn medications, like Pepcid. The potential for famotidine as a viable coronavirus treatment emerged in Wuhan, China — ground-zero for the virus — earlier this year, when researchers made an interesting discovery. They found that the common denominator among patients hospitalized for coronavirus who were

experiencing better outcomes was the presence of famotidine in their systems as opposed to omeprazole, the active ingredient found in another heartburn drug, Prilosec. This data quickly spread to the U.S., where doctors decided to continue testing famotidine even further. Now, Northwell Medical, New York’s largest health care provider, is conducting clinical trials on patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 to see if famotidine has potential, according to a report in Science magazine. Locally, Dr. Gregory Borak of Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah believes it’s too soon to know how effective the drug is, but says he’s

open to the idea, as are the other medical professionals. “It’s a medicine we’re comfortable with, we’ve used it for a long time, and, as far as medicines go, it’s relatively safe,” Borak says. “Even at high doses, I would suspect that the benefits would outweigh the risks.” But what are the risks? In April, the Food and Drug Administration announced its request for all drugs with the main compound of ranitidine — yet another heartburn medication — to be taken off the shelves immediately because of its potential link to cancer. Ranitidine is most commonly found in the over-the-counter medication Zantac, and along with famotidine, is in

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a class of medications called H2 blockers. These blockers work by decreasing the amount of acid made by the cells in the lining of the stomach. The similarities between the two heartburn medications may seem troubling at first glance, but despite the similar effects of heartburn prevention the two medications share, the carcinogen in Zantac has not been found in Pepcid. What does elicit possible concern is not the drug itself, as of now, but the stockpile mentality that has recently swept the nation. If Pepcid were to be a possible promising player in coronavirus treatment, it could become more elusive than an eight-pack of Charmin. “There’s always a risk that people will abuse the right to get it, and stockpile it if medical researchers are too forthright about everything they’re looking at,” Borak says. The world got a glimpse into the dangers of stockpiling medication with the testing of the malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) as potential treatments. Because of widespread publicity, demand skyrocketed, and some doctors began prescribing Plaquenil on an off-label basis, according to the Lupus Research Alliance. This led to a shortage of the drug for patients who actually needed it, like those suffering from lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a panel of experts convened by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases strongly recommends against taking the drugs because of its risk of heart rhythm problems, including increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The testing of Pepcid is still under the radar, but like just about everything else pertaining to coronavirus, it’s constantly evolving. While we wait patiently for a treatment or cure, Borak offers practical, professional advice. “Treat everyone like they are a potential carrier, and keep practicing safe measures and good hygiene,” he says. “Hopefully, COVID-19 will continue to reduce.”

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COU R TES Y OF M E A L S FOR M E DI C A L

C O R O NAV I RU S

Health Food Meals for Medical fuels frontline workers Written by STEVEN ALFORD

NOT ALL HEROES wear capes (lately, they wear scrubs). But all heroes need a good, hot meal. For the past several months, locally based Meals for Medical has made sure frontline medical workers have the food they need to keep fighting the coronavirus in our community. The group’s origin story began when Jennifer Green, a physician’s assistant turned full-time mom, saw a Facebook post of exhausted emergency room workers in New York grateful to receive a meal after caring for patients. “I thought, ‘You know what, that’s a really good idea. I’ll reach out to some folks in the emergency rooms in Savannah and see if anyone would appreciate that,’” she recalls. Green posted on her personal page in early March asking if anyone was interested in helping feed local health care workers. The idea took off. After the first few meals were delivered, Green created a Meals

for Medical Facebook group, and the generosity grew exponentially. The group now includes more than 3,200 local members, and Green estimates they’ve served more than 12,000 meals in April and May (the latest available data as of press time). They’ve provided food for nurses and doctors in all of the emergency rooms, intensive care units and isolation units at surrounding hospitals, and have also fed Chatham County Emergency Medical Services personnel and first responders. “It’s been awesome,” Green says. “It was better than I ever expected, and for me to not be a formal nonprofit, just an individual in the community with an idea — it’s amazing that people were so willing to give.” During a time of economic slowdown, Meals for Medical has actually served dual benefits. The group has kept hungry health care workers strong as they battle the

Finding out that it is 100 percent funded by donations from our community made us feel a sense of love and support,” Rice says. “There were days that were really trying. Coming out of a bad moment to see fresh and hot meals made us know that our community was behind us.” Many of the donations for meals have come from individuals in the community, though businesses and restaurants have stepped up to the plate to purchase or donate meals as well. As businesses reopen, Green and her Meals for Medical friends are looking for new ways to continue the spirit of giving. Green says she hopes to turn the informal Facebook group into a real nonprofit and look for new ways to give back to the health care workers who keep us safe. “It’s been a really big endeavor, and it shows that this community knows how

COUR TE SY OF M E A L S FOR M E DI C A L

virus while also keeping local restaurants churning out dozens of meals through donations from community members. “Working with Meals for Medical was both a blessing and a privilege for us,” says Leighton Maher of Café at City Market. “They provided a platform for the community to help struggling small businesses and the hard-working medical personnel.” As the virus first reared its head in the community, many medical heroes rushed in to do what they could, working long hours and often forgetting to take care of themselves. Meals for Medical has helped fill that gap and give health care staff the strength they need to keep going, says St. Joseph’s/Candler emergency room nurse Mary Rice. “When Meals for Medical started bringing in food it helped brighten our day.

to come together when things get tough,” Green says. To learn more about Meals for Medical, visit their Facebook page, or email Jennifer Green at jengreen28@gmail.com.

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Kid Stuff

Practical strategies help children foster a healthy state of mind Written by REBECCA SANDBERG

PARENTS CAN NOW receive behavioral health as a facet of their child’s pediatric primary care. This integrated approach, a collaboration between Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics and SouthCoast Health, is the first and only of its kind in the region — and the timing couldn’t be better. Over the last several months, daily routines have been turned upside down due to the coronavirus, and as people struggle to find stability, anxiety levels are collectively rising. Unfortunately, this isn’t limited to adults, says Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics owner and pediatric psychologist Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke. Using behavioral health methods, Hofstadter-Duke (along with her colleague Dr. Kristen Hembree, Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics’ director of integrated care) offers practical tools to help children find resiliency during unprecedented times. First, a bit of relief: “It is absolutely normal that we are seeing changes in the behavior of our children,” Hofstadter-Duke says, pointing to coronavirus guidelines that have dismantled children’s daily routines. Parents are finding that simple play dates or swim lessons are not as straightforward as they used to be. Now, children might need to wear a mask or have their temperature checked

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prior to doing an activity. “When we have significant changes in day-to-day life, we can see an increase in behavioral and emotional changes,” Hofstadter-Duke says. This trend is not new. It happens on a small scale during times of change — the shift from school routine to summer routine when a child seems “out of sorts,” for instance. But coronavirus presents parents with large-scale shifts that affect predictability, routine and connectedness. And for children, these are the very three elements that foster emotional stability and well-being. A parent or caregiver might see an increase in a child’s emotional anxiety or tantrums, or observe that a child who never had emotional issues before is now in a heightened state of anxiety. When children are distressed emotionally, adults need to pay attention, Hofstadter-Duke says. Because kids, particularly young children, often do not have the complex language to say or even know what they need, they act out to get the attention of someone who can help them make sense of the situation. “What’s critical for children is how adults respond,” she says. For older kids, Hofstadter-Duke recommends encouraging simple but purposeful actions, like hand-washing and mask-wearing. “Letting them

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know that they can actively take part and contribute to pushing things in the right direction is a major part of helping children feel like they have self-efficacy in a crisis situation.” No matter a child’s age or ability, Hofstadter-Duke has three tangible ways to support children emotionally while also providing strong roots of resiliency for their future. “One of the best things we can give children is our time,” Hofstadter-Duke says. Of course, with so many of us staying mostly at home, parents might think that they are spending more time with their kids than ever before. However, being around kids doesn’t necessarily equate to being with kids. Being with kids is characterized by engaging face-to-face, she says — and engagement doesn’t take as much effort or planning as one might think. HofstadterDuke says in most cases, a daily check-in will do the trick. “It communicates to a child, ‘I am here for you,’” she says. This is not a time for criticism or a conversation about what needs to improve, but rather an opportunity to ask questions, invite questions and listen. Next, while it seems almost impossible to establish during coronavirus, routine is essential to a child’s sense of wellbeing. This doesn’t mean planning out every minute of the day, Hofstadter-Duke says. Instead, “it’s a matter of finding the right balance between helping children be flexible while also providing routine. We need both.” In practice, that means creating a family calendar, or a list of things to count on for the week: This week we will call grandma and grandpa on Zoom, or this week we will work on an art project. When certain things don't work out or things change, a bit of routine lets children know that there is still a plan in place. Children also need social engagements — another necessity that feels increasingly difficult to achieve. Children rely on peers, grandparents, coaches and teachers to help them feel connected to something larger than themselves. But Hofstadter-Duke makes the distinction that social distance is not social isolation. Fostering and maintaining social relationships will require creativity, but these intentional moments of connection will go a long way in helping a child feel protected both physically and emotionally, she says. As rules for social interaction continue to change, it’s important to look for ways to adapt: think drive-by birthday parties, visiting with grandparents through a window, and taking walks six feet apart. Fundamentally, all of Hofstadter-Duke’s tips center on stepping up rather than zoning out. “The number-one thing that encourages resilience in children is the presence of a stable, consistent adult,” she says. Addressing children’s behavioral health head-on ultimately provides resiliency, an important coping skill for every age and epoch.

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What’s Up, Doc? PEOPLE WEIGHING the deci-

sion about whether to resume preventive care and elective appointments can rest easy. Medical and dental practices across Savannah are taking a number of specific precautions to keep patients safe. In general, offices are urging patients to stay in their vehicles and check in on the phone rather than using waiting rooms. Staff and patients are undergoing preliminary temperature checks and screenings; all rooms are being regularly disinfected; and personal protective equipment like masks is required for staff and patients. Here’s what else is newly normal: Coastal Pediatrics turned its two area locations into a separate well office (Pooler) and sick office (Savannah) and has removed communal toys and books. Find a wealth of information — including pictures of all providers in masks to ease kids’ nerves ahead of time — on their Facebook page. … Following a preliminary screening to enter the building, Chatham Orthopedic Associates is providing gloves for all patients to use their touch-screen computer check-in system. … Savannah Dental’s curbside check-in, which includes a temperature check, means patients won’t be exposed to one another.

Checkout happens before they leave the exam room via a portable credit card scanner. … Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery uses N95 masks for all procedures and separates appointments between non-elective patients and cosmetic patients. An online skincare ordering site and virtual consults further limit contact. … Southern Allergy urges patients wearing masks to bring their emergency inhalers, if applicable. Telemedicine appointments are also available. —SARA WATSON

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Tell me about the moment you realized the coronavirus was coming and, being nurses, you and your husband Andy would have to isolate from your children. (Four are Erin’s children from a previous marriage and three are Andy’s. Both share equal custody with their former spouses.)

SAVANNAH MAGAZINE:

A N G ELA HOPPER LEE

ERIN MUNGO: My husband’s former wife

On the Frontline

Discover the personal sacrifices of an ER nurse — and the unexpected blessings she found along the way Written by ANDREA GOTO

THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK showcases the tireless work and personal sacrifices made by our essential workers — especially the medical workers who put themselves in harm’s way to serve others. It’s hard enough to imagine the amount of stress on a nurse like Erin Mungo, s20

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who works in the emergency room at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Then add to the mix a spouse who is also an ER nurse and a blended family of seven children, ages ranging from 6 to 15, and what do you get? The answer might surprise you: A beautiful thing.

was the first person to voice a concern about the kids. It was right before St. Patrick’s Day, and we were winding down our week together, and the kids would return the following week as usual. We were just starting to see cases of COVID19 appearing in Georgia, but nothing significant in our area yet. It caught Andy and me off guard, because we hadn’t really wrapped our heads around how bad it could be. It took us about 12 hours to digest her concern and agree she might have a point, so we determined that it would be best for the kids to remain with their other parents for at least two weeks. We weren’t so much afraid for all of our children to get sick; we were afraid for them to get it from us and give it to others, especially Vivian, my 6-year-old. She was my primary concern because she has Type I diabetes, and it can be such a wildcard when you get any kind of viral illness. I told the kids, even if you think the virus won’t affect you, if you bring this home to your sister, you could kill her. I put it in very plain language. SM: But two weeks turned out to be optimistic. MUNGO: Right. We ended up being apart

for nearly 9 weeks. We’d FaceTime our kids, which is already typical for us when they’re with their other parents, and we’d see them from afar. Andy would go over to his former wife’s house and sit in the yard and talk to the kids through the window. I’d drop things off on my former husband’s front porch for the kids. I’d sit by my car, and they would stand on the second-floor balcony and we’d talk.

SM: I can’t imagine how difficult that must’ve been. MUNGO: One of the weirdest moments

for me was the first time that I dropped stuff off and I could see them, but I had to leave without touching them. I’m not even sure what words describe it best, but as a mother it was very unnatural. I was thinking, I’m their mom and I’m walking away. SM:

How did the kids handle it?

MUNGO: The younger kids had a harder

time when it came to missing us, but they didn’t question our decision as much as the older kids did. The hardest thing was trying to make them understand why we thought isolating from them was the best decision without them feeling like we were pushing them away. The kids’ other parents were really supportive — they carried the torch. They did all the homeschooling

and dealt with all the complaining and fighting. I really feel like I owe them. They kept everyone safe and let Andy and I focus on what we needed to do at work. SM:

Were there any silver linings?

MUNGO: Seeing patients go home is very

rewarding. That, and having the support and appreciation from the community because it makes our days so much better. Every single day, someone was bringing meals to us. I didn’t pack a lunch for two months. When you walk out at the end of the day and there are balloons all around the ambulance, you can’t help but smile and think, OK, we did something good today. SM: How did you decide it was the right time to have your kids come home?

MUNGO: There were so many unknowns

in the beginning, but as the weeks went by, we started to know a little bit more and get a better picture of the disease distribution and prevalence, and so we were willing to tolerate more risk and let the kids come back home. There’s never going to be a silver bullet. There’s not going to be a vaccine for a long time, and it’s not going away, so we’re going to have to figure out how to live with it and how much risk we’re willing to accept and tolerate. SM: What was that reunion like? MUNGO: When I pulled in her dad’s

driveway, my youngest came barreling down the stairs, and it erased all of those odd feelings that I’d had. I instantly felt so much better. I thought, this is my relationship with my children. This feels like home again.

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On Demand Telehealth keeps medicine moving Written by STEVEN ALFORD

A FEW YEARS AGO, hospitals around the country tried to roll out a new way for patients and their providers to interact virtually, but it was a hard sell to convince people why they should convene with their doctor through a video screen when they could visit them face-to-face instead. The coronavirus changed all of that. Lawmakers hurried to pass legislation in early March that broadened the scope of reimbursements for telehealth and expanded the kinds of virtual services providers could offer without violating HIPAA privacy rules. Social distancing is imperative in keeping patients and providers safe. By avoiding sitting in a crowded waiting room, patients can limit exposure to the highly infectious virus. Now, many area hospitals, private practices and wellness professionals are connecting with patients and clients virtually through telehealth video conferencing. It’s a welcome tool for people who are at risk or who simply prefer to stay home.

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MEMORIAL HEALTH Memorial Health began offering telehealth services in early April for nearly all of its practices and specialities. Doctor visits are now offered by Memorial providers from a patient’s smartphone or computer. Supported platforms for meetings include Apple FaceTime, Google Duo and WebEx Meetings, giving patients a range of options. “This gives our patients the ability to see their doctors from the comfort of their own homes,” says internal medicine physician Dr. Nicole Cohen. “We’re doing all we can to make sure our patients are still able to connect with their trusted medical providers.” Memorial Health’s pediatric department also began using telehealth appointments for children and their families to keep them out of crowded waiting rooms and safely at home. “We all have felt the changes in our daily lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the outpatient medical world is no exception, even in pediatrics,” says pediatrician Dr. Andrew Gunter.

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Though they encourage virtual meetings whenever possible, Memorial Health pediatricians are offering visits for sick patients in the morning and routine visits for well patients in the afternoons. The pediatric center is sanitized every 30 minutes, waiting room chairs are spaced six feet apart, and everyone entering the facility is screened at the door and given a mask. At Memorial, telehealth has been a great tool for providers to examine and diagnose a range of health issues and routine checkups for patients of all ages. “These visits have their limitations, but our feedback has been quite positive,” Gunter says. “We would hope to continue to offer this to our patients even after the pandemic subsides, as it has been a wonderful addition to patient care.” ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER St. Joseph’s/Candler quickly embraced telehealth and virtual exams as the coronavirus ramped up in the community. Doctors from a range of specialties can now meet with their patients virtually from their homes before deciding whether they need to come into an office for closer examination. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael Babcock, for example, can monitor a variety of health aspects of his patients remotely,

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thanks to blood pressure cuffs, remote stress tests and pacemaker monitors. “Telehealth has been really helpful because many of our patients don’t want to come in or leave home,” Babcock says. “My view on telehealth has changed dramatically. Now, people can stay in their own homes, have a conversation about their health, and make sure their chronic medical conditions are being addressed.” Babcock says many of his patients who once had to drive an hour or two for a doctor visit can now meet virtually with their provider from the comfort of home. However, there is a sense of personal connection that gets lost through a video screen, he says. Laying hands on patients is still the time-tested way to have the best sense of what is ailing them. Before hopping on a telehealth call with your provider, Babcock has a few tips for making the experience as rewarding as possible: Keep any medications on hand for reference during the call, know your blood pressure readings ahead of time and have any questions for your doctor ready to bring up. “Telehealth is another arrow in our quiver,” he says. “I’ve had some really positive feedback from patients. They don’t have to stop their life to see a doctor. Some people can do it on their lunch break from work. It’s definitely increased flexibility.”

“I’ve had some really positive feedback from patients. They don’t have to stop their life to see a doctor. Some people can do it on their lunch break from work. It’s definitely increased flexibility.” —DR. MICHAEL BABCOCK, INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST, ST. JOSEPH'S/CANDLER

EXPERCARE While large hospitals and health systems have embraced telehealth services for their patients, so too have local doctor’s offices and urgent cares. ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine C. Grant says the company’s use of telehealth ramped up this spring as patients needed immediate care but preferred to see a provider from the safety of home. “Convenience and access to a health care provider from anywhere with a reliable connection are the undeniable advantages to utilizing telemedicine,” Grant says. ExperCARE provides an initial evaluation for nearly all non-emergent patients through a telehealth platform, at which point providers determine whether it is best for the patient’s visit to be completed virtually or moved to an in-person visit, either curbside in the patient’s vehicle or inside the clinic. Telehealth has proven convenient for initial patient consultations and routine follow ups, but it’s not without limitations, Grant says, noting the inability to perform certain diagnostic testing, like urinalysis or X-rays, and the inability to provide certain treatments, like suturing or splinting.

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While virtual interactions can’t completely take the place of face-to-face interactions, Grant thinks telehealth will continue to play an important role in providing care to their patients moving past the pandemic and into the future. “Telemedicine is here to stay,” she says. “It can’t replace all aspects of the evaluation and delivery of health care, but there is no doubt that it can and will help optimize the overall delivery model.”

“The novel coronavirus changed the way we interact with one another. However, the continuity of care must carry on since there is no break in illness.” —DR. YULIANTY

INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH Internal medicine is one practice of health care in particular that benefits from the personal interaction of a physician and their patient, but Internal Medicine of Savannah has been able to pivot to offer telehealth visits nonetheless. “The novel coronavirus changed the way we interact with one another,” says internist Dr. Yulianty Kusuma, who along

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with her team specializes in the treatment of a range of conditions, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism and arthritis. “However, the continuity of care must carry on since there is no break in illness.” In internal medicine, certain conditions could be overlooked when not closely monitored in-person, Kusuma says. However, many signs of internal illness can now be examined remotely through telehealth as technology and awareness improves. KUSUMA “Some visible signs such as swelling and redness can be seen by camera,” Kusuma says, “and we are able to provide blood pressure and temperature checks if patients have the proper devices.” Drawbacks include the fact that many patients do not have the access to the appropriate technology, or knowledge of how to use it, but Kusuma hopes as telehealth is more widely embraced, the possibilities of what providers can do for their patients will expand.

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Savannah Health

“Our company is working hard to combat social isolation. We, in a safe way, engage our clients by making in-person visits and even taking them on outings.” —AMY PIERCE, PRESIDENT OF COASTAL CARE PARTNERS Scott and Amy Pierce

SHRINK PSYCHIATRY

situation developed and Georgia’s stay-at-home orders were announced, we quickly realized we had to embrace telehealth as our primary way to conduct business.” As people begin to become more comfortable with returning to in-person meetings, Brock says telehealth technology will find its place in a provider’s toolbox, though it’s not a replacement for face-to-face visits. “I don’t anticipate this being the future for mental health as it does not take the place of in-person dynamics and observations,” he says. “I do see it working for monthly visits where a highfunctioning patient may not necessarily have any concerns, but just needs to check-in.”

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C OU R T E S Y OF S HR I N K S AVA N N AH

Dr. Chad Brock, a board-certified psychiatrist who founded Shrink Savannah, has made use of telehealth and video conferencing to stay connected with patients during a lonely and trying time. Virtual visits allowed providers at Shrink Savannah to stay in touch with their patients, and telehealth came in particularly handy for patients in college, who returned home to other states and regions during the shutdown. “Initially, we thought we would only be doing appointments via telehealth for maybe a week or two,” Brock recalls. “As the

Chad Brock, MD

COU R TESY OF C OA STA L C A R E PA R T N E R S

C O R O NAV I RU S

COASTAL CARE PARTNERS Many of Coastal Care Partners’ clients are seniors who live at home and need help making sense of an often complicated health care regimen. Now, that also includes helping patients understand and utilize new advances like telehealth, which until just recently were not a routine part of care. “Telehealth has gone from somewhat of a novelty to a best practice for elderly patients during the pandemic,” says Amy Pierce, president of Coastal Care Partners. Coastal Care Partners team members help fill that gap between doctor and patient by taking diagnostics from the patient in real-time during the call. It’s an added layer of care for elderly patients who are at most risk of contracting the coronavirus from a crowded waiting room. They work with primary care physicians, pulmonologists, cardiologists, oncologists, orthopedics, surgery follow-ups, hospital discharge follow-ups and more. Coastal Care Partners nurses are able to give injections, perform blood draws, offer wound care, and other services for which elderly patients would otherwise need to visit a clinic.

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“We make sure the strategy the doctor has laid out is executed,” Pierce says. “We monitor and assist with medication management, and any other instructions that the doctor prescribes.” Though telehealth has served as a great way to keep patients safe, Pierce says their senior population still enjoys getting dressed up to visit their doctor, something many think of as a social event. “While some of that may have been lost, our company is working hard to combat social isolation,” Pierce adds. “We, in a safe way, engage our clients a good bit by making in-person visits and even taking them on outings where we monitor their distancing and ensure they are safe, but at the same time, maybe they can go for a walk or car ride to get outside and see the world.” NEW YOGA NOW Yoga can ease stress, relieve anxiety and may help decrease inflammation. Fortunately, devotees can glean these same proven benefits at home. Since the coronavirus outbreak, New Yoga Now is one of many area studios that has opened up classes online to keep customers and instructors safe, says co-founder Kendall Beene. The studio live-streams group classes, kids’ yoga classes, workshops and teacher training courses. “This pandemic has definitely opened our minds to the effectiveness of online yoga classes and especially online teacher training courses,” Beene says. “We have been absolutely delighted by the connections the trainees are making with each other and with themselves in the virtual format.” Virtual yoga has its pros: it allows New Yoga Now’s teachers to reach a broader audience than the yoga studio usually can hold, Beene says, and people are less shy about joining a yoga class when they don’t have to worry about being watched by others in the classroom. Still, Beene admits the virtual atmosphere creates a barrier to the community-building aspect of yoga that many participants enjoy. “There will always be folks who thrive on the group energy of in-person yoga, so we don’t see studio classes going anywhere as long as it is safe to gather,” Beene says.

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The People’s Doctor Public health is paramount for Dr. Diane Weems Written by JESSICA LEIGH LEBOS

THE DISRUPTIVE COURSE of the coronavirus pandemic took many of us by surprise, but Dr. Diane Weems saw it coming with eyes wide open. The former director of the Coastal Health District for the Georgia Department of Public Health spent three decades helping protect local communities from the threats of H1N1 (commonly called swine flu), Ebola virus, Zika virus and other infectious diseases, and she knew that a widespread epidemiological nightmare was not only possible, but inevitable. “This is the kind of virus we’d always worried about,” Weems tells me, sighing, over a video interview during the shutdown. “In these days of global travel, it was going to end up here,” she says. Though retired since 2016, Weems keeps up with scientific publications and preventative strategies, lauding the efforts of the medical community and others still working to contain the coronavirus spread and mitigate its impact. “I’m just a citizen now, but once you’re in public health, you stay interested,” says Weems, who moved to Savannah in 1987. “Public health always has economic consequences, and watching it in real time, you realize how difficult it is to balance safety with security. I think our local leadership has done an outstanding job.” While some public health professionals answer a clarion call to service, the Florida native didn’t declare an interest in medicine until she realized her original major wasn’t much of a life plan. “I had enrolled in the music program at the University of Florida, and my mother asked ‘What are you going to do with that?’” she recalls. “I saw that making a career of piano was not as enjoyable as just playing as a passion. I’d taken some chemistry classes and volunteered at a hospital, and when I landed a job at a medical library, I found that I was deeply interested in medicine.” She enrolled in UF’s medical school to train as a pediatrician alongside her husband-to-be, Dr. David Weems, who went on to become a radiation oncologist. When he accepted a position in Georgia, his wife decided that a regular schedule with the Department of Public Health served their young family better than the demands of a private practice and offered the opportunity to foster health for families in a different way. Over the decades, the couple earned the deep respect of the Savannah medical community, despite their unpopular football allegiance. “We are Gators for life, no apologies. Even my COVID mask is orange and blue!” says Weems, laughing. Weems reached the district’s top public medical position while raising two children, something she credits in part to her husband. “I was able to have the career I had because I had a great partner. He always supported and understood the value of my work,” she says.

C OU R T E SY OF DR . DI A N E WE E M S

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“To achieve the highest level of public health, we have to make sure that everyone has full access to health care services and education.” Such support and understanding became most clear during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, when during one of the busiest times in her career, Weems was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. “Although he was first and foremost my partner and husband, it was helpful he had the training he did,” Weems says. Fighting the disease also galvanized her commitment to public health. “After going through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, I became an even more ardent supporter for public health programs that assist women with routine screening and breast health education,” she says. Happily, Weems is cancer-free, and the former physician has remained occupied during pandemic life with yard work, making too many brownies, and cooing with her first grandchild over Zoom. “We still haven’t gotten to kiss him because they’re in

Texas, but we can wait,” says the new grandmother. “We’re all sacrificing right now, but it pales in comparison to what other people are going through.” This empathetic perspective encompasses Dr. Weems’ legacy, and she will be honored later this year with Planned Parenthood Southeast’s Howard Morrison Memorial Award, an accolade that recognizes a living person who has dedicated their life and work to improving health care for all. “Since early in my career, we’ve talked about health care and health disparity, and how that affects communities, not just individuals,” she says, circling back to the long-term impacts of coronavirus for folks living on the Georgia coast. “To achieve the highest level of public health, we have to make sure that everyone has full access to health care services and education.”

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LIVE WELL

Dr. Charles Hope performing outpatient knee surgery

One Small Step

Operation Walk USA provides life-changing orthopedic surgery — for free Written by STEVEN ALFORD

THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY of local health care providers, four orthopedic patients are back on their feet after a lifechanging experience: receiving free hip and knee replacements at Optim Surgery Center in Savannah. It’s all part of Operation Walk USA, an independent medical charitable organization that provides free orthopedic care for uninsured patients. Founded in 2011, the group is dedicated to helping patients who require a hip or knee replacement surgery but are unable to afford the procedures. The group connects patients, physicians and hospitals to provide joint replacement surgery for those who otherwise would have no other option.

Optim Orthopedics surgeons Dr. Charles Hope and Dr. David Sedory donated their time, performing the procedures at no cost to the four patients, who suffered from arthritis, at Optim Surgery Center in December 2019. For patients enduring hip or knee pain, undergoing joint replacement surgery can offer a new beginning and a return to a pain-free life. Seeing the difference from before and after the surgeries is what makes it all worthwhile, Hope says. “It’s hard to adequately describe the pride and pleasure I experience when a patient previously crippled by arthritis walks into my office and thanks me for restoring their function and ameliorating their pain,” Hope says.

Chronic joint pain and arthritis are the leading causes of work disability among adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 50 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis or joint pain, with the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis expected to increase to an estimated 78.4 million adults by 2040. By contrast, only about 1 million joint replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. each year, the CDC reports. Unfortunately, many patients do not have the means or the insurance needed to pay for costly joint replacement procedures and return to an active lifestyle. Since its founding, Operation Walk USA has helped more than 800 joint

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More than 50 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis or joint pain. By contrast, only about 1 million joint replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. each year. replacement patients in 21 states across the country, donating more than $20 million to make those procedures a reality. It’s a gift that has been changing lives right here in the Coastal Empire for the past several years at Optim Surgery Center. “Hearing patients describe walking stairs, playing sports or just living life with less pain for the first time in a decade makes all the years of study and hard work worthwhile,” Hope says. Jeffery Smith, 59, is one such patient who was at the end of his rope living with debilitating joint pain. After twisting his knee and damaging his joints, Smith knew it was finally time to do something after living with chronic pain for years following the injury. Smith found Operation Walk USA online and decided to take a chance and apply for a procedure. “I couldn’t believe it happened,” Smith says. “It’s like hitting the lottery for someone in my position, and I’m just grateful.” Under Dr. Hope’s care, Smith underwent right total knee replacement surgery and is now back on his feet and able to live a painfree life.

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“The recovery was extremely short,” Smith adds. “I was able to get up after a few hours and walk. They released me after a day with a whole new future.” None of this experience would have been possible without the coordination and teamwork between a range of providers and organizations: Optim Surgery Center, Optim Orthopedics surgeons, Operation Walk USA, Stryker medical devices, support staff, rehabilitation staff — it was a team effort to make a lasting difference. “There is no better feeling to know that you, whether as an individual or as part of a whole, have done something to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” says Ed Osterman, total joint/ spine coordinator for Optim Surgery Center. As the joint replacement team coordinator, Osterman worked closely alongside the patients and was able to see firsthand the kind of impact the procedures have made in turning their life around. It’s something he and the Optim Healthcare team are proud to be a part of, and will continue to make happen, he says.

Easy on the Eyes NON-MEDICAL PROTECTIVE face masks, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, create an instant, come-hither stare — and the time might be just right for some subtle eye enhancements. “People have always asked, way before masks, ‘What can I do for my eyes to make them look younger?’” says Savannah Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Luke Curtsinger. “If it’s wrinkling, you can smooth it with Botox and other neurotoxins, and if it’s missing volume, you can add filler.” Some cosmetic procedures, like an upper eyelid blepharoplasty to correct a droopy eyelid, help vision and aesthetic appearance alike, Curstinger says. “It’s a very rewarding procedure to do, because many people don’t realize how blind they were until they have it done.” But needles and knives aren’t the only options. Topical eye creams help soften and brighten the delicate eye area — a favorite of Curtsinger’s is the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream, which happens to be a bestseller at Glow Medical Spa (the team at Glow also suggests the Circle\Delete conditioning under-eye concealer from Jane Iredale). At Vitali Medspa, a resurfacing laser called CO2RE addresses under-eye wrinkles and pigmentation at once. Another way to emphasize the eyes? Boost your lashes and brows. The Sassy Chic Cosmetic Bar offers 100 percent vegan services for brows, including eyebrow henna and Instagram-worthy brow lamination, as well as lash lifts, which curl the lashes and last for up to 8 weeks. (Owner Mildred Paderewski notes she follows a strict sanitation protocol using medical-grade disinfectants, and also has a UV disinfectant air purifier.) Finally, wear sunscreen. Yes, even for your eyes. “In taking care of any part of the skin, including the skin around the eyes, sun protection is most important,” says Dr. Claudia Gaughf of Gaughf Dermatology. For best results, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide daily. —SARA WATSON

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Body Armor Can healthy foods help boost the immune system? Written by JAY LANKAU

MOST OF US can remember the food pyramid poster on the walls of our school cafeterias, and as we grew older, we came to understand that a balanced diet didn’t just keep us healthy in the short-term, it also helped stave off illnesses and chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Now, healthy foods are trendy: Lowcarb diets, vegan and gluten-free options, juice cleanses... we’ve come a long way from that old-school, apple-a-day poster. And in the time of coronavirus, when many are looking to bolster their immune systems, we’re increasingly turning to

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food as a remedy, a possible fix. But so-called “immune-boosting foods” — though popular on social media — are a bust. “You can eat healthy foods and get enough exercise to support the normal function of your immune system, but boosting is not possible,” says Rebekah Laurance, a registered dietitian at SouthCoast Health. While nutritious foods like fruits and non-starchy vegetables are good for the body, they can’t actually strengthen our immune systems. Moreover, stronger isn’t always better: an overactive immune system

can result in autoimmune disorders like asthma, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease. The goal, says Laurance, is supporting rather than strengthening. “Your immune system can be supported by a general healthy diet that includes the antioxidant vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc,” Laurance says. If it’s the vitamins we need for immunity, can’t we just skip the careful selection of food and head to the pharmacy shelves? Not exactly. In fact, Laurance explains that most over-thecounter supplements should only be taken

“Your immune system can be supported by a general healthy diet that includes the antioxidant vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc.” —REBEKAH LAURANCE, REGISTERED DIETITIAN AT SOUTHCOAST HEALTH

if you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency. Healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction, and seeing a doctor regularly should be more than enough to maintain a strong immune system. Nutrients from all categories of foods, including proteins, carbohydrates, and even healthy fats and natural sugars, are what goes into keeping a body healthy. However, misinformation easily available online and people looking to get rich quick with promises that can’t deliver overcomplicates our collective relationship to food, Laurance says, pointing to the rise of social media, where “Instagram models” and “flat tummy” supplements are advertised in abundance. As a dietitian, Laurance says it’s this kind of social media influence that causes the most common misconceptions about nutrition. “There’s an assumption that thin people are healthy, or that because you are skinny, you are not at risk for chronic diseases,” she says. “Social media shows models promoting cleanses or supplements that claim to make you look like them, but in reality it may not be achievable for every person’s body type.” Not only is it not necessarily achievable, it’s often not healthy, Laurance says. Some diets follow the logic that sugar is bad, and therefore anything with sugar should be avoided. But our bodies need nutrients like sugars and carbohydrates — readily available in fresh fruits, for example — in order to fuel our cells with energy. Instead of turning to social media for potentially unsafe foods or ones with

false claims, Laurance offers some simple advice: “Every meal should be as healthy as you can make it,” she says. Small changes can happen slowly, such as adding an extra fruit or vegetable somewhere in your day, or drinking more water. A Mediterranean-style diet, full of whole grains, fish, fruits, and vegetables, has been shown to reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases, particularly heart disease, while colorful fruits and vegetables come highly recommended — bright reds, greens, and blues signal high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, Laurance says. It’s these kinds of vitamins and minerals that maintain an immune system, not supplements from the store. Laurance also notes that simply limiting fast food and sugary beverages can be enough to drastically improve one’s diet. So, now that we know what to eat, where do we get it? Savannah has a bounty of healthful options: Stock up on colorful fruits and vegetables while supporting local business at Forsyth Farmers Market; Brighter Day Natural Foods Market, 1102 Bull St., is just across the park, where you can find plenty of healthy snacks, fresh produce, and all-natural ingredients. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite or pick up something premade, Blend & Press Wellness Bar, 4505 Habersham St., offers a wide selection of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Foxy Loxy, The Coffee Fox, Henny Penny, and Fox & Fig all have primarily plant-based menus (the latter, at 321 Habersham St., is completely plant-based).

REFRESH & REPLENISH

WHILE LAURANCE recommends limiting supplements unless you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency, two local spots offer a novel way to receive nutrients. At The Corner Suite, 24 W. Henry St., IV infusion therapy sends hydration or vitamins directly into the bloodstream. Hydration therapy includes a simple mix of saline and electrolytes administered via IV drip. A typical vitamin infusion includes B-12, vitamin C, and magnesium and might be a better method for absorption compared with the digestive tract, which can strip down the benefits you’d get from oral vitamin supplement. “A lot of people feel immediate results [with hydration therapy], because most people walk around dehydrated and don’t even realize it,” says manager Miriam Howard. “For the vitamin infusions, most people see or feel something the next day.” Prices start at $80. The B12 shot at Glow Medical Spa, 415 Eisenhower Drive #6, has a similar effect to what you’d get with an IV treatment for $25. Some people get this procedure — a shot in the arm or hip — done about once a week, says Glow marketing director Lindsey Kuhns. “If you’re feeling down, or lethargic, or if you’ve had a long weekend and you need a boost for Monday, this will definitely help,” Kuhns says.

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C OU R T E SY OF L E DE SM A SP OR T S M E DI C I N E

Back on Track Written by STEVEN ALFORD

FOR PEOPLE LIVING with aches and pains or looking to get back on track after several months at home, physical therapy might be the right prescription — and the staff at Ledesma Sports Medicine is passionate about helping patients return to an active lifestyle. “When everyone was sheltering in place, there was so much disruption to everybody’s lifestyle,” says physical therapist Ernest Ledesma, who founded Ledesma Sports Medicine with his wife, physical therapist Kris Bartiromo, 10 years ago. “Thinking about your health could have been on the back burner, and any existing problems might’ve been sidetracked because you couldn’t go to the gym to work out,” he says. As coronavirus restrictions ease and people feel more comfortable taking up active routines, Ledesma said his team is ready to help Savannahians reach their fitness goals. Patients are seen by referral from a range of providers and insurance carriers, though the facility also treats selfpay patients. The physical therapy team, including five dedicated physical therapists, addresses a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological ailments, from

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The Alter-G treadmill

COU R TESY OF LEDESMA SPOR TS MEDICIN E

Ledesma Sports Medicine helps patients resume an active lifestyle

those recovering from hip and knee replacements, to patients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or who are recovering from a stroke. As an outpatient physical therapy clinic, Ledesma Sports Medicine’s licensed physical therapists specialize in the treatment of orthopedic, neurological, work and sports-related injuries, balance problems, and pre- and postsurgical conditions. The facility also offers specialized gym memberships for post-therapy, fitness training and weight-control management, and its state-of-the art equipment — including the area’s first anti-gravity Alter-G treadmill — maximizes recovery and physical training. (The Alter-G is a positive-air pressure machine designed to unload a patient’s body weight on the treadmill, decreasing the stress load on their body, allowing them to exercise more

“Seeing not only their physical changes but also their mental state improve is extremely rewarding.” —ERNEST LEDESMA, CO-FOUNDER, LEDESMA SPORTS MEDICINE

feely with less physical stress on an injury.) As the coronavirus concerns mounted, Ledesma Sports Medicine staff began utilizing telehealth technology to connect with patients virtually to continue their physical therapy safely from home. It’s a service Ledesma envisions utilizing for the near future, as some patients continue to socially distance. Whether providing therapy in person or remotely, Ledesma says the goal is to get patients active again. “You get people who are distraught about their physical situation, but what I love about this profession is being able to motivate them,” Ledesma says. “Seeing not only their physical changes but also their mental state improve is extremely rewarding.”

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Dr. Dr. Michael Michael Poole Poole

Dr. Stephanie Stephanie Ambrose Dr. Ambrose

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your physician and make sure you have a clean bill of health before taking up a serious running regimen. “One of the biggest mistakes new people make is they get really overzealous and want to start off running five, six, seven days a week, and they end up getting injured,” Nadeau says. The old adage is true when it comes to running: It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. “If you’re starting off at week one, don’t do anything more than three or four days a week for a total of about 12 to 15 miles to ease yourself into it,” he says. Once you’re comfortable with your distance and daily average, Nadeau suggests adding an extra day per week to increase miles. Another key lesson for new runners is to properly stretch before and after a run to keep muscles limber and protected. “It’s amazing how many injuries happen because of overuse or poor stretching,” Nadeau says. Of course, getting serious about running means a serious pair of footwear, too. A quality pair of running shoes will cost about $130, Nadeau says, but it’s money well spent. “Without them, you run the risk of ankle issues and fatigue that can really hamper your running.”

Go All Out Get a leg up on alfresco exercise Written by STEVEN ALFORD

AS WE EMERGE from a strange hibernation, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Coastal Empire (while still practicing social distancing). Running and biking are particularly inviting — but don’t take on too much too quickly. Here, local health experts offer a few tips and products to help make the outdoor experience smart, safe and less likely to result in injury. s40

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RUN TIME Mike Nadeau, owner of Fleet Feet Savannah, knows all too well what it’s like to jump into a new fitness routine. After working in front of a desk in corporate America for years, he decided to get back in shape after his 40th birthday and take up running. Now, he averages 40 to 50 miles per week and has shed extra pounds. The first step, he says, is to check with

SPIN CITY With dedicated bike lanes and undeniably beautiful scenery, Savannah is a great town for cyclists, whether they hit the road for leisure, transportation or exercise. But a bike is an investment, says Perry Rubber Bike Shop general manager Edgemont Martin, and choosing the right one requires a little forethought. “Once you go shopping for a bike it gets pretty complicated. If you haven’t defined the parameters that you want, you could have a huge scope,” Martin says. There are bicycles designed just for riding on asphalt and pavement, and there are multi-use bicycles geared toward going on and off the trails. There are also high-impact bicycles tailored just for challenging trails and mountains.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

The first step, Martin says, is deciding on the turf and terrain you plan to ride on. “This will help simplify the process of picking something out,” he says. Next, go for a test ride: “Never buy a bike you haven’t ridden,” Martin says. In all categories, from competitive bikes to hybrids, or multi-use to mountain bikes, the starting price range for a good bicycle begins at about $500, Martin says. Popular brands at the shop include Specialized, Salsa, AllCity or Surly. These aren’t the bikes on the shelf at a big box store that break after a year; a real bicycle is meant to put in some miles. Cyclists also need a quality helmet. Martin says it’s important to find one that has a safety rating from an

independent safety organization. The Perry Rubber Bike Shop prefers helmets approved by Snell, which puts helmets through rigorous safety testing. After purchasing a new bike and helmet, Martin suggests starting off in a calm setting, like a back street or deserted trail. “Make sure your reflexes and body are used to controlling it before you are in a situation that might require you to think fast,” he says, noting to always practice road safety. For Martin, the love of cycling comes from being a child and heading out on a bike, full of independence. “When you reacquaint yourself with cycling as an adult, it brings back that vibrant feeling,” Martin says.

AS THE COMMUNITY gears up for summer activities, Dr. Brian Fallon, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Ankle & Foot Associates, encourages Savannahians to take it slow. “The coronavirus lockdown has many patients excited and anxious to get back outside and get active again,” Fallon says. “Unfortunately, a sudden increase in activity can be a recipe for injury.” Common overuse injuries of the feet and ankles include plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress fractures and shin splints, Fallon says, all of which can lead to significant pain and downtime. To keep feet and ankles injury-free, Fallon advises investing in a quality pair of running shoes, and checking for wear and tear often — a sign that certain portions of your feet might be experiencing more friction than others. “I tell my patients to perform the fold test on running shoes to check for proper support,” he says. “Try to fold the shoe with your hands from the heel to the toes: You want a shoe that is firm in the heel and through the middle, and only has flexibility up toward the toes where your foot should normally bend when walking.” If any pain pops up during a workout, pay attention, and don’t “write it off,” Fallon advises. “Pain is your body's way of telling you it doesn't like something you’re doing,” he says. “If pain occurs, you need to decrease or stop your activities. If pain persists, you need to see your doctor.”

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Wave Riders Radiofrequency fine tunes our bodies Written by ANDREA GOTO

IF YOU’VE EVER had an MRI take images of your body, you’ve experienced one medical application of radiofrequency energy. But considering radio waves have been used for many medical purposes for over a century, it’s likely that you’ve encountered them more than once under a doctor’s care without even realizing it. While it’s not a new s42

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technology, the medical and cosmetic industry has discovered novel ways to use radiofrequency to fine tune the body, head to toe. ABOUT FACE The elements, many of which we can’t avoid, are against us when it comes to skin. Gravity, pollution, sun exposure

and the simple passing of time all wreak havoc on skin, and it’s most noticeable on our faces. From Botox and chemical peels to microneedling and surgical facelifts, there are many ways to improve the overall look and condition of the skin, but radiofrequency holds a lot of promise in that it’s what everyone wants in a cosmetic procedure: it’s comfortable, effective, minimally invasive with little downtime, and the results are quick and lasting. Dr. Timothy Minton of Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery offers FaceTite by InMode, a facial contouring procedure that can spot-reduce fat and tighten the skin from the cheekbone to collarbone, though it’s very individualized based on each patient’s needs and desires. Minton

applies a numbing agent and makes a small puncture through which he deposits an anesthetic solution combined with saline. The FaceTite handpiece is made up of a tiny probe that goes under the skin and an attached electrode that is simultaneously pulled across the top of the skin to treat the area from the inside out. The probe under the skin uses radiofrequency to deliver carefully regulated electrothermal energy (heat) through the skin directly to the electrode receptor on the surface. One of the tricks to using radiofrequency effectively lies in harnessing and controlling its heat energy to get the desired effects. “That’s what I love about this device,” Minton says of the FaceTite handpiece. “It measures the internal and external temperature for you in real time. It's pretty foolproof.”

20 percent of all adults, and women more frequently than men. Many people look to treat these protruding, bluish veins because they are unsightly, but more important to Dr. Kristy Weibke, a vascular surgeon at St. Joseph’s/Candler, is a patient’s health and wellbeing. At best, varicose veins can cause discomfort. “However, the worst outcome would be getting venous ulcers or stasis ulcers that are so hard to treat and painful,” she says. “Our job is to prevent you from getting to that point.” Weibke explains that there are a number of ways to treat varicose veins, one option being to “strip,” or remove, the vein. “But that’s not really treating the underlying problem, because the underlying problem is an incompetence of valves,” she says. In the venous system, in order to push blood back to the heart, the body has one-way valves preventing the blood from going backwards. If a valve isn’t functioning correctly, blood can pool, leading to varicose veins. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treats the leaky valve problem. A catheter provides access to the superficial vein, and radio waves are applied to cause the vein to clot and shut down. “It’s essentially turning off the leaky faucet in your leg,” Weibke says, noting that RFA has “really great outcomes” — within three months, most people see a significant reduction in their varicose veins. “Additionally, RFA has been around for decades, so we have a really good idea of complication rate and long-term outcomes,” Weibke adds. To understand how radiofrequency works, you have to know about things like electromagnetic fields, oscillation rates and gigahertz. Or, simply look for the proof in the proverbial pudding: the patients who benefit from radiofrequency’s cosmetic and medical applications.

Radiofrequency holds a lot of promise in that it’s what everyone wants in a cosmetic procedure: it’s comfortable, effective, minimally invasive with little downtime, and the results are quick and lasting.

BODY OF EVIDENCE Radiofrequency is also effective in treating the body — and its potential for cosmetic improvements can go more than skin deep. Evolve (also by InMode) offers three different modalities to achieve three different outcomes. “I like to consider Evolve as the trifecta of treatments,” says Dr. Corinne Howington of Low Country Dermatology. “One modality dissolves fat, another tightens skin, and the third tones the muscles. It’s: Trim, Tite, Tone.” Evolve’s Trim instrument consists of six transducers (rectangular cartridges placed directly on the area of the body being treated, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, back, etc.) held in place by an adjustable strap. The transducers use radiofrequency energy and suction for about 15 minutes to eliminate fat and cellulite. The Tite method requires the placement of eight transducers on the

body for 30 minutes where there is skin laxity, providing painless heating to both the skin and subdermal level. Finally, the Tone instruments consist of four larger cartridges placed on muscle areas, such as the glutes and abs, to stimulate involuntary muscle contractions and rapidly tone those muscles. All three modalities are noninvasive and require no downtime. And while I can vouch for involuntary contractions being an incredibly odd and slightly uncomfortable sensation, the suction used during Trim is mild, and the heat levels are no more intense than a heating pad. Whether you choose Evolve Trim, Tite or Tone — or a combination — Howington suggests six sessions per modality spaced one week apart to get the best results. Annual maintenance is also recommended because, well, aging doesn’t stop for anyone. NOT JUST VAIN According to the National Institute of Health, varicose veins afflict about

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MEET THE DOCTORS

DANA KUMJIAN, M.D.

ERIK D. BERNSTEIN, M.D.

REBECCA SENTMAN, M.D.

JAMES BAZEMORE, M.D.

JESSICA COLEMAN, M.D.

MIKHAIL NOVIKOV, M.D., PhD.

WILLIAM G. GRUBB, M.D.

BRYAN KRULL, D.O.

C. THOMAS TUCKER, M.D.

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THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM

RAFAEL DAVID RODRIQUEZ, M.D.

RINCON

604 Towne Park West Rincon, GA 31326 912-354-4813

BRUNSWICK

3025 Shrine Road Suite 450 Brunswick, GA 31520 912-264-6133

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DOCTORS

Audiology and Hearing Aid Services...................................................................................... Page S48 Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat .................................................................................................... Page S53 Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Savannah PC ..................................................................... Page S55 ForSight Eye Care................................................................................................................... Page S52 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah PC...................................................................... Page S46 Internal Medicine of Savannah ............................................................................................... Page S45 Optimal Hearing ..................................................................................................................... Page S50 Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics LLC ....................................................................................... Page S51 Savannah Pain Management Inc. ........................................................................................... Page S47 Savannah Vascular Institute .................................................................................................... Page S58 Shrink Savannah ..................................................................................................................... Page S49 Southeast Lung Associates ...............................................................................................Pages S56-57 Vitali Medspa .......................................................................................................................... Page S54 Photography by KELLLI BOYD, CHRISTINE HALL, ANGELA HOPPER, KATIE IVES AND KATIE MCGEE

Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP INTERNAL MEDICINE OF SAVANNAH 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com WE FOCUS ON: adult medicine. We diagnose and treat diseases in adults and manage chronic diseases. Preventative care is also an important part of our practice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; updating vaccines, doing annual wellness exams, recommending cancer screenings, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and working with patients to help control risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated blood sugars and high cholesterol.

We establish a partnership with our patients for lifelong health, working closely with them throughout the ups and downs of life to keep them in the best health. We strive to help patients improve their quality of life and achieve their wellness goals. MY MESSAGE OF WELLBEING IS: eat healthy, exercise routinely, stay positive and be kind to others.

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From left: Jordan T. Houston, PA; Gregory D. Borak, MD; Branden S. Hunter, MD; Christen F. Standiford, NP; Ansley S. Tharpe, MD; Travis F. Wiggins, MD; Sara L. Barrett, PA; Not Pictured: Kristen Rosales-Vasquez, PA-C

Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, PC HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler, Memorial University Medical Center and Effingham Hospital and Care Center BOARD CERTIFICATION: Internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine ACCREDITATION: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.; Medicare Deemed status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

MAIN OFFICE: 519 Stephenson Ave. ENDOSCOPY CENTER: 519 Stephenson Avenue OTHER LOCATIONS IN: Savannah,

Richmond Hill, Pooler, Springfield and Bluffton 912.354.9447 | gastrosav.com s46

WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Our areas of expertise include: TIF procedure for reflux (GERD) treatment, therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy, colon cancer screening, reflux disease, pancreatic and biliary diseases, radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, Crohn’s and colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal cancer and endoscopic ultrasound. WE ARE COMMITTED TO: providing patients from across the Coastal Empire with the highest quality and most

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compassionate care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease — and we have been doing so since 1978. Our highly qualified physicians are all board certified and have been trained in leading institutions across the country. Collectively, our diverse backgrounds and medical expertise of specialty procedures set our practice apart from our peers. WE STRIVE FOR: convenience and accessibility. We have several offices throughout the region that offer convenient and prompt appointments. Our Endoscopy Center is equipped with the latest

technology, including in-house pathology and a fully staffed team of anesthesia specialists. By using the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, we offer more convenient treatment and a faster recovery for our patients. WE RECOMMEND: men and women who are at an average risk for colon cancer should begin colon cancer screening at age age 45. A colonoscopy is the most effective method for screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection but prevention as well. Regular colonoscopy screening and removal of polyps reduces your risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90 percent.

Keith A. Kirby, MD Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. 8 Wheeler St. 912.352.4340 SavannahPainManagement.com

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle. MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities in which your pain prevents you from doing.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) joint problems, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT: nonsurgical treatment options for degenerative disc disease and disc herniation of your neck and back. Ninety percent of those with a herniated disc will improve within six months after nonsurgical treatment.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T: suffer from pain needlessly. If you suffer from pain that does not resolve itself in four to six weeks, ask your doctor to refer you to a physician who is board certified in pain medicine.

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Audiology and Hearing Aid Services 803 E. 68th St. | 912.351.3038 Other Locations: Pooler The Village on Skidaway Island | 912.598.0616 From left: Susan Timna, AuD CCC-A; Cori Palmer, AuD CCC-A; Sara King, Aud, CCC-A; Sarah Laws, AuD, CCC-A; Casey Allen, AuD, CCC-A; (not pictured) Katherine Neufeld, AuD, CCC-A

OUR MISSION IS: to improve a patient’s quality of life by improving their ability to communicate with friends and family. The entire world has learned the term “social distancing,” but social distancing is not social isolation. Social isolation is one of the risk factors of hearing loss that can lead to loneliness, depression, cognitive decline and depression. We encourage everyone who either suffers from hearing loss or has a family member who lives with hearing loss to stop living in isolation. WE UNDERSTAND: that hearing loss sneaks slowly

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into your life. First, with a feeling that people are mumbling at restaurants, then it takes more effort to hear and starts to cause conflict among family members. Eventually, you are declining invitations to socialize with friends to avoid possible embarrassment or the feeling that you cannot keep up with conversation. People with untreated hearing loss also experience an increase in falls, hospitalizations and even car accidents. WE ARE MOST EXCITED TO: explain the difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is the ability to

recognize that a sound has occurred; listening is the ability to recognize that a sound occurred and be able to act upon it. The most impactful way to improve a patient’s ability to listen is to decrease the volume of background noise relative to the volume of the speech. Hearing aids, which help decrease background noise, come in a variety of technology levels and price points. Our clinic provides specialized testing to determine exactly how much support our patients need to improve their ability to listen and overall communication.

Chad Brock, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Oklahoma RESIDENCY: Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina AFFILIATION: oard ertified in

eneral sychiatry

SHRINK SAVANNAH 1601 Abercorn St. 912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the advancements and acceptance of psychedelic medicine, such as ketamine therapy. Ketamine therapy is used for treatment-resistant depression and can be administered intravenously or nasally. I began offering ketamine infusion therapy in 2017 to patients who had become frustrated with their lack of improvement due to treatment resistance. Results have been overwhelming for many, with some experiencing a change within a matter of hours.

THIS MODERN APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH IS: so important. Individuals struggling with their mental health deserve to explore every opportunity for recovery without social stigmas getting in the way. Following a ketamine treatment, many people start to feel benefits within a few hours or the next morning. This is a game changer for those who have struggled with severe depression that does not respond to therapy and prescription medication.

KETAMINE IS SAFE: When ketamine is administered in a controlled medical setting by a properly trained physician using established methods, it is very safe. Ketamine is the only anesthetic that does not suppress the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. AM I A CANDIDATE FOR KETAMINE THERAPY?: Shrink Savannah schedules all potential candidates for an evaluation before scheduling ketamine therapy sessions. You’ll be able to meet with your provider, tour the treatment rooms and ask questions at that time.

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Gabriel Pitt, Au.D. DOCTORAL DEGREE: University of South Florida EXTERNSHIP: University of California San Francisco AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler Care Network, Memorial Health Partners

OPTIMAL HEARING 527 Stephenson Ave. A-3 912.352.8530 optimalhearing.com Other locations: Statesboro, Jesup, Brunswick, Dublin and Vidalia, Georgia, and Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo/balance assessment I’M MOST PROUD OF: being asked by my audiologist peers to serve as president of the Georgia Academy of Audiology. After my tenure on the board of GAA, I was then asked to sit on one of our profession’s national academy’s board as secretary. Giving back to the audiology profession has been an honor. MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: what can be done about dizziness and imbalance. he first step is to determine

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the underlying cause. Our clinic is able to run a full diagnostic assessment on the vestibular/balance system, which is housed in the ear and can cause dizziness and imbalance. There are simple in office procedures we can do to treat certain types of dizziness. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WERE AWARE OF: the connection between hearing loss and dementia. A recent consensus paper from The Lancet — a well-respected professional medical journal — reported that of all dementia cases, 35 percent were potentially modifiable.

The report found nine modifiable factors that contribute to acquiring dementia, including smoking, diabetes, education, depression and hearing loss. Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia is relatively new, and it was found to be the largest single modifiable factor that contributes to dementia. Rather than an unimportant condition, hearing loss needs to be assessed and treated if possible.

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com From left: Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, psychology fellow; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Martha Hinchey, psychology fellow

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child is exhibiting challenging behavior, social delays or learning difficulties, we are the specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period.

OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our progress in expanding the availability of behavioral health services in our community. We recently began an exciting new partnership with SouthCoast Health Pediatrics to provide high-quality behavioral and developmental services in the comfort of your pediatrician s office e are also excited to announce our

new social skills groups, which help children and adolescents learn basic social interaction skills. We are also offering a summer reading clinic to assist children who are not yet readers or who have difficulty with decoding, fluency or comprehension skills. ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: catch your child being good (quiet, calm, polite dult attention, particularly parent attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

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Erika Morrow, MS, OD QUALIFICATIONS: Doctor of Optometry and Master of Vision Science AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Optometric Association (president of istrict , merican ptometric ssociation, nfant , etro avannah otary, avannah rea hamber of ommerce, avannah mall Business Chamber

FORSIGHT UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: primary eye care and specialty contact lenses. I began working as an ophthalmic technician at the age of 19 and fell in love with eye care. I love making a positive difference in my patients’ lives – it’s exciting. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR ARE: fitting patients with specialty contact lenses because they have corneal diseases like keratoconus. One of my most memorable cases was a young CPA who was struggling to see numbers. I fit him with sclerals, and he

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was able to go from 20/200 to 20/20 vision with the specialty lenses. It was extremely emotional because he had been to several specialists prior before randomly finding me, and he could not believe he could see again. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: personable and thorough. Patients tell me that I make them feel comfortable – and that is always my goal. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: is r. hristine indt,

the inventor of EyePrint Pro and a pioneer in scleral lenses. She has devoted her entire career to providing vision for patients who need specialty contacts and would be full of advice and words of wisdom as a female doctor and inventor. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: taking their eyes for granted. Your sight is one of your most precious senses, and they do not deserve the cheapest or easiest eye care and eye wear solutions.

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY: Medical College of Virginia AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT Savannah: 322 Commercial Drive | 912.355.2335 Pooler: 200 Blue Moon Crossing | 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed more than 200 of these in office procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: the addition of our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. The new service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit. WE OFFER: a myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep

apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their healthcare is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best care, must first listen to their needs.

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Christopher R. Curro, MD MEDICAL DEGREE: oss niversity chool of RESIDENCY: edical enter of entral ercer niversity BOARD CERTIFICATION: merican oard of nternal

edicine eorgia,

edicine

VITALI MEDSPA 130 Canal St., Ste. 403, Pooler 833.VITALI1 vitalimedspa.com

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I am passionate about aesthetic medicine. A board-certified internist, hail from outh lorida and received my medical degree from oss niversity chool of edicine in . completed my undergraduate studies at the niversity of outh lorida, where earned a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences. s itali edspa s medical director and provider, my mission is to ensure that our organi ation continues to remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing and innovative industry by providing every patient with the most comprehensive, safe and

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effective treatment options to meet our patients desired aesthetic goals. ur team, comprised of nurse practitioners, physician s assistants, estheticians, medical assistants, licensed massage therapists and office staff, are highly motivated and dedicated to patient care it s a true team environment. Rest assured that your aesthetic concerns will be heard and met using a wide range of medical modalities and e uipment. e offer, and are the area s leading experts in, laser hair removal, body sculpting, microneedling, vascular treatments, in ectables, facials, chemical peels,

massage therapies and other aesthetic medical services. e have a wide range of special e uipment, including andella s entle ax ro, , rofound, ela 2 hape, xceed and Nordyls ool culpting and ool one by llergan ydrafacial ure culpting and so much more m excited about the countless ways that the itali edspa team can help our patients in the upcoming year and years to come. m a man on an aesthetic mission. Reach out to book a free consultation now. might even strum a line or two on my guitar my other passion.

Ears, Nose, & Throat Associates of Savannah, PC 5201 Frederick St. 912.351.3030 entsavannah.com Top Row: Dr. Michael Zoller, Dr. Fred Daniel, Dr. Stephen Rashleigh, Bottom Row: Dr. William Moretz, Dr. Brad Rawlings, Michelle Yamada, PA-C, Kristen Thomas, PA-C,

WE SPECIALIZE IN: comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for problems of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck, including treatment of allergies and sinusitis, sleep apnea, thyroid and parathyroid disease and voice and swallowing disorders. We also treat pediatric ENT patients for a variety of problems, including chronic ear infections and tonsillitis. Our skilled audiologists provide the latest in hearing aid technology at Audiology and Hearing Aid Services. We utilize the latest ENT

technologies, such as balloon sinuplasty for treatment of sinusitis, radiofrequency ablation of the tongue base for treatment of sleep apnea and endoscopic techniques for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR PATIENTS: we have a state certified Ambulatory Surgery Center, are fully privileged at all Savannah area hospitals and offer early morning and Saturday appointments. e have satellite offices in Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Statesboro and The Landings.

WE TREAT: each patient and set of symptoms individually because we know what works best for one patient may not work best for another. We take the time to create an individualized approach to your ENT health, working to improve your conditions and quality of life. We want you to feel comfortable and confident understanding your treatment plan. Our health coach will walk you through each step of your treatment plan, surgery, or other procedures to ensure you are healing and improving.

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From left: Joann Fountain, NP; Obaid Rehman, MD, FCCP; M. Judith Porter, MD, FCCP; C. Adam McCoy, MD; James A. Meadows III, MD, FCCP; Bryan Christian, NP; Maria C. Mascolo, MD FCCP; Gifford W. Lorenz, MD; James A. Daly III, MD, FCCP, FAASM; Ryan B. Moody, MD, FCCP; Aaron Soutar, PA; Kaitlyn Matthewson, NP; Randall B. Evans; MD, FCCP; Masood Ahmed, MD; Aaron Montover, NP and Josh Bonin, PA Not Pictured: Michael D. Mullins, MD FCCP; Michael P. Perkins, MD; Robert L. Burnaugh, MD FCCP; Craig

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Schuring, MD; Jacob Sellers, NP; Edith Utley, PA; Taylor Gibson, NP; Lorra Byrd, NP A TRADITION OF CARE: We are an independent, multigenerational, family oriented practice that has been part of the Savannah community for 37 years! Our mission is to provide outstanding, faith-based care to the region, to assist referring physicians in the care of their patients and to collaborate with local and regional healthcare institutions. Our goal is to be leaders in delivering healthcare innovations in pulmonary, critical care

and sleep disorders medicine. Our care team includes 14 physicians, 7 nurse practitioners and 3 physician assistants. WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, critical care, interventional bronchoscopy, lung cancer, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, MAI/MAC, asthma and many other respiratory diseases. OUR EXPERTISE: Our physicians are board certified in pulmonary medicine,

critical care, internal medicine and sleep medicine. They have acquired advanced training from prestigious centers such as Emory University, the Medical College of Georgia, Harvard, the Mayo Clinic, Columbia University, UCLA, University of Virginia and Yale University. The physicians of Southeast Lung Associates use the most technologically advanced tools to diagnose and treat a number of pulmonary and critical care conditions. From GPS navigated bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy to sleep studies in our accredited sleep centers, we believe we offer our patients world-class care.

SLEEP DISORDERS CENTERS: We are the largest regional sleep disorders network accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Our sleep centers are located in Savannah, Hilton Head, Hinesville, Rincon, Jesup, Brunswick and Douglas. LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM: We offer the broadest degree of expertise in screening and evaluation for patients with lung cancer. If you are asymptomatic for cancer, are between the ages of 55 and 77 and have a long history of regular tobacco use within the past 15 years, you may benefit from our proactive screening and care.

By utilizing low-dose CT scans, we can detect lung cancer early, which can improve treatment options. LUNG CANCER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: We are the regions leader in interventional, GPS navigated and endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy procedures for our lung cancer patients. We also host a multi-disciplinary evaluation and treatment program that teams with other specialties for rapid, high quality care for lung cancer patients in our office. SERVING OUR COMMUNITY: You have us where you want us! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed a regional net-

work of 20 locations serving South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina. Our physicians provide critical care, sleep and pulmonary medicine to rural hospitals and easy, local access to patients. Our telemedicine outreach program is able to provide 24/7 access to our sub specialty care for those that need it most. NEW PATIENTS: At Southeast Lung Associates, we value our new patients and welcome you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of our providers, please reach out to our main office at . . .

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Savannah Vascular Institute ain

ffice aters venue, uite , rovident ldg ocations also in avannah outhside, Rincon, Hinesville, Jesup, Statesboro, Vidalia and luffton, outh arolina 912.629.7800 savannahvascular.com From Left (back row): Justin Brown, MD, Ryan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kelley, DO, Taylor Ellison, MD, Christopher Walls, MD, E. Jerry Cohn, MD, Christopher Wixon, MD, Michael Dahn, MD, J. Sheppard Mondy, MD, Davis Moon, MD, From Left (front row): Larry Horesh, MD, Anthony Sussman, MD, Kirstin Nelson, MD, Anthony Avino, MD, William Darden, MD

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WE ARE LEADING SPECIALISTS IN: vascular disorders of arteries and veins. Our vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists are board certified and fellowship trained to manage circulation disorders (PAD), aortic aneurysms, carotid artery blockages, stroke prevention, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, pelvic congestion and uterine fibroids. e speciali e in minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery, such as laser vein treatments for varicose veins, angioplasty, stenting for arterial blockages, endografts for aneurysms and uterine fibroid emboliation.

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OUR SAVANNAH ROOTS: run deep. In 1994, Dr. Anthony Sussman founded the first surgical practice in Savannah dedicated to vascular surgery. For 25 years our physician-led practice has grown to 11 vascular surgeons and three interventional radiologists with eight locations throughout the Coastal Empire. Our group of highly trained specialists share a commitment to excellence, growth and innovation. WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO: have frequent and open communication with their primary healthcare provider to identify early signs of

vascular disease. Individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol/triglycerides, obesity and high blood pressure are at a higher risk for developing vascular disease. Lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, tobacco cessation and maintaining a healthy diet and weight can reduce risks for vascular disease. WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL FOR: our staff and their relentless adherence to providing compassionate and comprehensive care and for our fellow healthcare providers and hospital staff for providing collaborative and supportive services to our patients.

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MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Buckingham South ................................................................................................................. Page S59 Coastal Care Partners and Coastal Independence and Mobility............................................ Page S61 GHC Hospice.......................................................................................................................... Page S60 The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire ............................................................................... Page S60 Photography by CHRISTINE HALL

Rita Slatus, Rita Slatus, Executive Director Executive Director BUCKINGHAM SOUTH

Buckingham South 5450 Abercorn St. 5450 Abercorn St. Savannah 31405 Savannah 31405 912.355.5550 912-355-5550 buckinghamsouth.com

buckinghamsouth.com

of care as one’s medical ASSISTED LIVING needs increase. 24-hour, FACILITIES: address both the health care needs as well round-the-clock nursing ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: both theahealth careAddress including full time as the social and emotional care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being registered nurse, licensed well-beingofofeach each resident resident. An assisted living community will provide medical technicians, An assistedmedication living community monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation certified nursing assistants, will provideandmedication mon- social stimulating recreational, and cultural activities.a medical director and security are all itoring, daily housekeeping, WHATand SETSstimulatBUCKINGHAMon SOUTH Is thethe finest callAPART: to ensure transportation unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the care. Because Buckingham ing recreational, social and highest quality of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South locally owned cultural activities. South is able to provide continuity of care is as one’s medical needs and operated, management is increase. 24-hour, round-the-clock nursing care including a full timeBUCKINGHAM registered nurse, licensed medical technicians, certified on location 24-7 to address WHAT SETS nursing assistants, and security are all on call confamily questions and SOUTH APART: is the a medical director to ensure the finest care. Because Buckingham South is locally cerns and to ensure the highunparalleled, personalowned and operated, management is on location 24-7 to address est level the of highest individualized ized approach, tailored family questions andto concerns and to ensure level of attention. Buckingham South provide the highest attention. quality individualized is truly avannah s finest of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South assisted living community! 1 S P E C I Acontinuity L ADVERTISING SECTION is able to provide

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The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire 315 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Wilmington Island 130 Stephenson Ave., Savannah 912.235.2166 | thespeechclinic.org From left: Sally Mathews SLP, Amy Daniel SLP, Ansley Sellers Owner/SLP, Lindsey Saltourides SLP, and Ruth Bourque OT WE’RE EXPERTS IN: pediatric speech/language and occupational therapy. Our speech language pathologists can treat more than just speech sound production. We can address developmental delays, receptive language comprehension, expressive language, social skills, stuttering, oral motor weakness, Apraxia and feeding/swallowing. Our occupational therapists help children who have cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities with performing everyday activities, like dressing,

eating, brushing teeth and academic readiness skills. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: our relationships with our patients and their families. We do our best to make therapy sessions feel like playtime. As parents ourselves, we understand that supporting the patient’s family is important and can greatly influence the progress we make. OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK US: how can I help my child learn to communicate? Our favorite answer: Play!

GHC Hospice

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From left: Brooks Brunnemer, RN; Danielle Goldhill, RN; Donna Howard; D. Keith Cobb, M.D.; Wendy Dunwody, LMSW; Mark Douglas, LCSW; Marie Stevens, BSN; Dr. Thomas Garner; Jodi Hagan; Richard Gottlieb; Randi Crews; Susan Jaffie; Roxanne Spencer, MSN RN; Kathleen Staley, BSN RN

WE ARE LEADING EXPERTS IN: managing and controlling unwanted symptoms associated with a life-limiting illness including clinical, emotional, social and spiritual care.

hospice aides, social services, chaplains and volunteers.

growing into the South Carolina Lowcountry.

OUR MOTTO IS: “Making Every Moment Matter” which is supported by our nonprofit GHC Foundation.

7130 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 201 | 912.355.0000 ghchospice.com

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: medical doctors, nurse practitioners, skilled nursing,

WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: expanding in our local communities and

WHAT SETS US APART: doing the right thing no matter what. We pride ourselves on being with the family in any time of need, day or night. We value excellence and do not compromise on care.

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Coastal Care Partners Coastal Independence & Mobility 7074 Hodgson Memorial Drive Coastal Care Partners: 912.598.6312 | coastalcarepartners.com Coastal Independence & Mobility: 912.421.8000 | coastalindependence.com Scott and Amy Pierce

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: outstanding aging services. Coastal Care Partners is Savannah’s only comprehensive nurse-managed aging services company. Through our unique, nurse-managed programs and services, Coastal Care Partners is making aging at home a more obtainable reality for the aging population. Coastal Independence & Mobility is committed to fostering more independent lifestyles for aging adults by providing the products and equipment needed for elderly to live safely in the familiarity and

comfort of home for as long as possible. Both companies work together to provide our customers with a complete, 360-degree care program that is unique in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

of uncertainty, an aging life care manager serves as a guide and advocate for older adults facing ongoing health and mental health challenges due to aging, disability, dementia and more.

OUR GOAL IS: to help you navigate all of the complexities of aging and to restore your family’s peace of mind.

WE CAN HELP IF: you or your loved one is having an issue that you think is “just part of getting old.” We love to prove this wrong and find solutions for our clients for all types of issues from chronic health challenges to mobility problems.

WE OFFER: an innovative, relationship-focused approach to caring for aging adults. From overseeing medications to answering medical questions at a time

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DENTISTS Coastal Dental Surgery LLC.................................................................................................... Page S63 Cohen Dental ......................................................................................................................... Page S66 Georgetown Family Dental ................................................................................................... Page S64 Groover Family Dentistry ........................................................................................................ Page S62 Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC .......................................................................................................... Page S67 Savannah Dental..................................................................................................................... Page S65

Photography by KELLI BOYD AND KATIE MCGEE

Michael J. Groover, DMD DENTAL DEGREE: University of Louisville School of Dentistry AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Savannah Dental Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

GROOVER FAMILY DENTISTRY

711 E. 70th St. Suite B 912.354.9541 | grooverfamilydentistry.com I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST: When I saw how my father changed his patient’s lives through oral health and dentistry. Patients would approach my father outside of his dental office and speak as if they had known each other for years, but then I would realize they were his patients. I knew at a very early age that I wanted to follow his footsteps and continue the family-oriented environment that he created in our practice. s62

MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER: As caring and compassionate. We try to create a dental experience where it is very clear that we have your best interests at heart, and we want you to feel like you are a part of your treatment. My staff and I treat all of our patients like we would want our family members to be treated.

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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS EDUCATION: Medical University of South arolina ollege of ental edicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: octor of ental edicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: iplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: merican ental ssociation, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia ental ssociation, merican ental ociety of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

COASTAL DENTAL SURGERY, LLC 6600 Abercorn Street, Suite 204 912.349.3259 | CoastalDentalSurgery.com

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological advances such as in office imaging to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. After performing

a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce postsurgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

perfect tooth. No sutures and no pain — immediate full arch of teeth in one day. iseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a sameday beautiful restoration is delivered. Minimally invasive gum grafting beautifies the smile and improves oral health.

PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES INCLUDE: immediate tooth removal with prompt implant placement and temporization. A patient may arrive with a fractured tooth and literally walk out with a beautifully restored implant that looks as natural as a Special Advertising Section • S A V A N N A H H E A L T H 2 0 2 0 - 2 1

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Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry RESIDENCY: General Practice Residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Savannah Dental Society, National Dental Association

GEORGETOWN FAMILY DENTAL 821 King George Blvd. 912.927.8484 georgetownfamilydental.com

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: our new CEREC and digital scanner! Digital impressions are more accurate, quicker and easier than ever before. Patients love it because it’s a more pleasant experience. No more messy traditional impressions; no more temporary crowns. We offer same-day crowns that look and feel like a real tooth. I’M MOST PROUD OF: my team at Georgetown Family Dental. God has truly blessed me to be surrounded by team members who genuinely care about people and are just as passionate as I am about providing understanding,

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judgement-free dental care in a relaxing environment. THE LAST BOOK I READ WAS: “The Servant” by James C. Hunter. This book explains that leadership starts and ends with service. The key to leadership is accomplishing the tasks at hand while building relationships. When I serve my team, when I take care of my team, my team takes care of me and the practice. MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: am I a candidate for dental implants? Successful implantation starts with a thorough evaluation of your jaw, teeth, mouth and overall

health. Most of our dental implants are placed right in our office and can now be done same day. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: compassionate. Because of my own medical history growing up with a developmental disorder that affected my airway, oral cavity and facial symmetry, I understand what it’s like to be the patient. I treat my patients with care and kindness, providing a judgment-free atmosphere full of love and support as I work with them to improve the beauty and function of their smile.

Savannah Dental 815 E. 68th St. 912.355.8821 savannah.dental ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Academy of Cosmetic Orthodontics, Invisalign Gold Provider Pictured: Kevin Dickinson, DDS and Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD

WE OFFER: all dental services under one roof. Stephanie J. Sweeney, DMD, is an expert in Invisalign and cosmetic procedures, while Kevin Dickinson, DDS, specializes in extensive wear, rebuilding smiles and wisdom teeth extraction. The newest member of our team, Robert Wolinchus, DDS, is an expert in implants and sedation dentistry. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: being the only office in avannah to offer the new iTero Element 5D digital scanner. The near infrared technology allows us to see cavities between the teeth without ionizing X-rays. This

will help us catch cavities when they are smaller and help treat patients, like pregnant women, without X-ray exposure. OUR PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: modern and relaxing. We took inspiration from medical spas and used design principles to create an inviting space. From the reception area to the treatment rooms, the colors, music and visuals have all been carefully curated to create a calming effect. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: how our whole team has responded to the COVID-19

protocols upon returning to work. Our team really came together researching, innovating and implementing new protocols to ensure that every patient can be safely treated without fear of potential exposure from our team or other patients from the moment they arrive in the parking lot. OUR FAVORITE WAYS TO RELAX ARE: being on the water. Dr. Dickinson grew up sailing and is often found at the Savannah Yacht Club or a barrier island when he s not in the office. r. Sweeney loves to stay active surfing, kiteboarding and foilboarding.

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Scott Cohen, DDS MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Tennessee, Memphis ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Sleep Medicine, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

COHEN DENTAL 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com

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MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store, starting at age 6, I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. “Being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back.“ Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain my patient’s trust and confidence. or more than years, that’s how I have built

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my practice, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original 1940s Cohen’s sign in my office hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned — treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back! I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: my godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the aluminum foil shavings for filling the cavities!

I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. Most recently, we challenged our acebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund. Next up is Wine Women and Shoes on Oct. 22 — I’ll be a Shoe Guy raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

Mark N. Dye, DMD MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

MARK N. DYE, DMD LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Bldg. 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY IS: a conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with high-pressure sales and excessive treatment plans. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: professional, knowledgeable, and caring with a sense of humor. I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town.

ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: brushing and flossing twice a day AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island. WE ARE PROUD TO BE: truly state of the art e are constantly redefining exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technology. e are one of four regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more “mouthfuls of goo.”

MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: if it isn’t broken, then don t fix it e take pride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.

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Pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapists providing quality therapy to help children reach their full potential.

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Savannah Health L I VE

WE LL

Sea Well

A local company sets its sights on affordable sunglasses IT’S A COMMON REFRAIN — apply sunscreen before you go outside, no matter what. In coastal Georgia, where balmy beaches, secret kayaking spots and lush parks are practically irresistible, it’s no wonder Savannahians spend a lot of time outside. While the harmful effects of sunlight on unprotected skin are well documented (pigmentation, wrinkles and even some forms of skin cancer), the damage those rays can do to our eyes is lesser-known. Luckily, there’s an easy and fashionable solution that you probably already own: sunglasses. According to ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Schulze, sunglasses are a nonnegotiable accessory while outside. “In addition to providing a physical barrier against trauma and foreign bodies entering your eyes,” he says, “sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful effects of U.V. radiation in sunlight, which can contribute to the formation of cataracts and pterygiums.” Treatment of both types of these abnormal growths on the eyeball’s surface can range from medicated eye drops to surgery if a patient’s vision becomes obscured. While some form of protection is better than nothing, not all sunglasses are created equal. Every Day Boater, a newly launched brand out of Richmond Hill, prides itself on creating high-quality,

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COU R TESY OF EVERY DAY B OATER

Written by SYLVIE BAGGETT

Every Day Boater sunglasses

affordable sunglasses for life on the water. Hector Claudio, the brand’s founder, wanted an alternative to the overpriced, underperforming sunglasses he had purchased in the past for his frequent fishing and boating excursions. “I was a little bit stunned at how much premium sunglasses cost,” Claudio says. “It’s not unusual to see a 500 percent or 800 percent markup.” Every Day Boater is able to keep costs low by doing a handful of sunglasses exceptionally well. “We stick to tried and true designs with an enduring style,” Claudio says. Currently, the company offers everything from classic aviators to traditional square-frames with several options for color and pattern. Each pair of sunglasses is made from durable polycarbonate frame material and features polarized mineral glass lenses (Claudio found that polarization adheres better to glass than plastic). When sunlight strikes flat surfaces, like a smooth stretch of inlet, reflected light beams travel in a uniform direction, creating a distracting glare.

Polarized sunglasses use a special filter to block this intense, reflected light. “If you spend time on or near the water, polarized sunglasses are especially helpful because of their ability to reduce glare, thus giving you better overall quality of vision,” Schulze says. For boaters like Claudio, that ensures an extra level of safety. “The less you have to squint your eyes,” Claudio says, “the more you can see the beauty — or the danger — around you.” Every Day Boater is stocked locally at various marinas and through an online store, everydayboater.com. The company keeps pricing simple: all sunglass styles are $100. Sunglasses serve the dual purpose of allowing you to see your surroundings accurately and protecting your eyes from harm, be it U.V. rays or wayward debris. So before your next outdoor adventure, whether it’s deep-sea fishing or a backyard barbecue, apply your sunscreen, pop on your sunglasses and enjoy the Savannah summer.

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That’s the Power of the Shield.

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OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

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Dr. Jessica Mullinix Candler Hospital Professional Office Building 5354 Reynolds Street, Suite 518 Savannah, Ga. 31405 St. Joseph’s/Candler - Pooler Campus 101 St. Joseph’s/Candler Drive, Suite 220 Pooler, Ga. 31322 Office hours every Monday 912-819-9650

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Dr. Andrew Tucker Professional Office Building Candler Hospital 5354 Reynolds Street, Suite 315 Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-354-2634

Looking for highly-skilled physicians specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, state-of-the-art technology, compassionate care, and specialized services that cater exclusively to women? Connect with expert Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the Savannah region through MyTelfairDoc.com, and nd t e ig ly s illed p ysician t at spea s to yo r ni e needs as a woman

Photo by Beau Kester

“Savannah magazine is the best publication to get the vibe of the city and its many neighborhoods. It’s heart-warming to see our company’s quality products and materials appear in some of the beautiful Home Tours that the magazine has showcased.” YOUR CITY. YOUR MAGAZINE.

—WILLIAM RHANGOS, CO-OWNER OF SAVANNAH HARDSCAPES AND SAVANNAH SURFACES, WITH ALLISON RHANGOS, FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL AVID READER SINCE THE BEGINNING AND ADVERTISER FOR 23 YEARS

THE LONG PA U S E Written by S A R A H D O M E T Photography by PA R K E R S T E WA RT

THE IDEA CAME to Kate Greene back in March, during her second week of self-isolation: She would decorate the tree in the front yard of her Baldwin Park home, and she would invite her neighbors to decorate it, too. Greene gathered the scrap materials from her large potholder loom â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cut up T-shirts, mostly â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and began decorating the tree that morning. What began with one tree and a few colorful pieces of fabric quickly evolved into three trees and

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a communal art installation. Visitors stopped by to admire Kate’s ribbon tree, or to hang something from its branches. Festoons of lace, garlands of yarn. Soon other items appeared, embellishments that speak to the grit and humor of Savannahians, even during a time of crisis: Mardi Gras beads, old CDs, a medal from a 10K run, Christmas ornaments, and even a Dusty Rhoades figurine, suspended in mid-air, about to smash a bionic elbow into his opponent — in this case, coronavirus. Standing before this tree, observing its adornments, left like gifts — a hand-written note from a child, an American flag, a cross fashioned from popsicle sticks and pipe cleaner — one can’t help but feel that the future is hopeful. In Savannah, as elsewhere, the global pandemic has brought out the best — and occasionally the worst — in all of us. Quarantine, if nothing else, has been a time of reckoning, reconsideration and reflection. Perhaps nobody knows this better than Mayor Van Johnson, sworn into office just eight weeks before the pandemic hit. “Crisis brings about opportunity,” he says. A discernible note of pride sounds in his voice as he talks about Team Savannah, the 2,400+ city workers who have kept the city fully operational during coronavirus shutdown, despite unusual circumstances and personal risk. Johnson describes them as “heroes with invisible capes.” “I’ve had a lot of time to think,” says Johnson. In particular, he notes, “slowing down has taught me to value the everyday accomplishments of people who don’t have titles or offices.” He receives daily calls from citizens with a simple question: “How can I help?” Across the city, residents have stepped forward to sew and distribute masks for their neighbors; strangers have volunteered to run errands for our elderly and high-risk populations; and, thanks to community donations, a tent camp has been erected to protect our city’s homeless citizens, with the goal of providing more permanent transitional housing. “Every day, I continue to be amazed at the love and support of Savannahians, at what Martin Luther King, Jr. called ‘the beloved community,’” Johnson notes. King’s beloved community hinges on empathy and justice; it joins us together in a common cause, one that compassionately acknowledges the value of every single citizen. “What we’re seeing right now,” says Johnson, “is the heart and soul of Savannah.” The snapshot of a city at a critical moment — not the ribbons that adorn a tree, but the tree itself.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This pandemic has forced us all to take a moment,â&#x20AC;? says Susan Adler, president and CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and this is a good thing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s created opportunities for collaboration that may not have happened otherwise.â&#x20AC;? The HSF, along with the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival, and the Savannah Philharmonic, among other leading arts and culture organizations, have been working collaboratively and asking vital questions: What do we want the future to look like? How can we improve?Â What do we value most? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a choice right now, as leaders and as citizens, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to us to make a good choice,â&#x20AC;? Adler says. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forward-looking and pragmatic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good will come out of this moment. Savannah has a rich history and incredible beauty. And we must preserve it, for us and for our visitors.â&#x20AC;? Coronavirusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full impact on Savannah is yet to be known, but the statistics are sobering. Tourism typically represents $3 billion in visitor spending per year, and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy relies on these dollars. Joseph Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah, has never witnessed such a devastating impact in his 35-year career in the hospitality and tourism industry. Hotels that usually book at 90 percent occupancy rates have seen numbers plummet to the single digits.Â Â However, Marinelli himself is optimistic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a beautiful city and a welcoming community with terrific weather â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of the time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and an environment in which people can prosper,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;moment in timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; here to attract visitors, home and business owners, and investors in a way we never had before.â&#x20AC;? Slowly but surely, Savannah is emerging from its long pause. The horse-drawn carriages circle the squares once again. Music wafts through City Market. The tourists are returning. Parks are filling with joggers and picnickers, kids and dogs in tow. As Savannahians consider what this moment has meant for them and what the future might hold, the ribbon tree in Baldwin Park continues to root us to the present, and to our need for human connection, even from a distance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ribbon tree brought me joy, and it brought others joy. No larger cosmic meaning,â&#x20AC;? Greene says. She plans to leave her communal installation in place until after the threat of the pandemic crisis passes. But for now, the branches of the tree sag delightfully under the weight of ribbons and relics, small tokens offering solace in uncertain times.

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FLEXIBLE. PERSONAL. ONLINE. WELCOME TO E-LEARNING. VIRTUAL LEARNING STARTS AT SAVANNAH CHATHAM E-LEARNING ACADEMY. The Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy offers flexible education programs that help each student achieve their unique dreams and goals. We offer courses for grades 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 from core content to options for Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, World Languages, CTAE, and electives. Services also are provided for students needing support, such as individualized education or gifted programs. We also offer district team sports for grades 9-12 and e-sports for grades 6-8! All teachers are fully certified in their subject areas. Digital devices are provided to all students. All classes are offered online and some classes have face-to-face lab participation as needed. The Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy is virtual learning with the #publicschooladvantage!

INTERESTED IN THE E-LEARNING ACADEMY FOR YOUR CHILD? VISIT US ONLINE AT ELEARNING.SCCPSS.COM savannah.pdf savannah.pdf savannah.pdf

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Pepperdine University Purdue University Rollins College Samford University Sarah Lawrence College

St. James Catholic school, founded in 1956

PreK - 8th Grade ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Mac Lab, Science Lab, iPad Carts, Laptop Carts, and Interactive Smartboards in every classroom ATHLETIC PROGRAM: Soccer, Track, Flag Football, Golf, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Baseball, Softball, Cheerleading EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Rosary Group, Choir, Spanish Club, Math Club, Declamation Club, Quiz Bowl, Scouts, and many more!

8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah 912.355.3131 | sjcs-savannahga.org

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Service Through Knowledge and Character Dear Savannah Country Day School Class of 2020, Congratulations on reaching this milestone. The 67 members of the Class of 2020 have accomplished amazing things and found success both in the classroom and on the playing field and stage. You have earned admission to 105 colleges in 27 states and will attend a variety of schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Duke, Emory, NYU, Villanova, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. • • • • •

Collectively, you were offered scholarships totaling more than $2.95 million from all admitting colleges — not including HOPE awards. You will attend 36 different colleges and universities throughout 16 states. Four of you will participate in collegiate athletics. UGA admitted 20 of our 28 applicants. Georgia Tech admitted 9 of our 20 applicants.

Those who chronicle the history of Savannah Country Day School will remember this moment as a time when the collective strength of the Class of 2020 carried the day. Through a global pandemic, we reimagined our school and continued on with new methods of teaching and learning. You, the next generation of leaders, deprived of sports, performances, friends, ceremonies, traditions and normal routines, found the individual motivation and determination to learn in new ways and make our efforts successful. Ultimately, despite the losses and disappointments, this is a time to be proud of what you have done. We are crossing the finish line of this marathon without fanfare or adoring crowds, but instead with the quiet assurance that together, virtually or in person, a strong community can accomplish whatever it sets its mind to. At this time, perhaps more than ever, it’s great to be a Hornet!

Jonathan W. Day Head of Upper School

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Dear St. Andrew’s Class of 2020, Only a few weeks ago, we held our commencement for you, the Class of 2020. This ceremony is aptly named, as it is a beginning, a starting point for the potential that lies before you, ready for your embrace. In your years at St. Andrew’s, you have risen to the occasion of high academic standards and an expectation of citizenship in a community of learners. In and out of our classrooms, you have learned to think, communicate, collaborate, analyze, question and create. These skills and capacities empower you to be lifelong learners and creators. You join an elite group of St. Andrew’s alumni in this regard – alumni making their mark on the world through the application of these skills in their work and passions. And, you are also uniquely advantaged. The past months have brought unparalleled disruption in our times. Through this, you have learned that bonds of friendship transcend space and place, that relationships are more important than many other priorities in our lives. You have learned that life can be reordered instantaneously, and often our freedom is found in how we choose to respond to our circumstances. You have learned the power of gratitude, focusing on that which we do have and have been given. Often, these lessons come with more age and time, and for some, never. You have the gift of perspective. Alongside your intellectual and interpersonal growth, this gift will allow you to embrace most fully a potential that is bright. As you move into that bright future, we will always be here for you. We wish you the very best and extend a heartfelt congratulations to each of you.

Dr. Kelley Waldron Head of School

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HEAD OF THE CLASS 2020 may be a year unlike any other — but Savannah’s valedictorians are going places. Here, our outstanding graduates strike a pose, backed by a heartening commencement address by celebrated writer (and Savannah native!) Bruce Feiler. Photography by L AURE N JONES

DORIUNTAS BARNES, School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School: Take it one day at a time — and always put school first. Shaw University (on a full basketball scholarship), computer science

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The Wolf In the Fairy Tale WORDS ON COMMENCEMENT

Written by BRUCE FEILER

TAYLOR BANDY, Calvary Day School: Get in the shower if it all goes wrong. Georgia Institute of Technology, environmental engineering

MADISYN HAGAN, Johnson High School: Good things come to those who wait. Still deciding (accepted to eight schools!), mass communication

WILL HANCOCK, Savannah Christian Preparatory School: If no one is standing in your way, you might be going in the right direction. Georgia Institute of Technology, biomedical engineering

STOP FOR A SECOND and listen to the story going on in your head. It’s there, somewhere, in the background. It’s the story you tell others when you first meet them; it’s the story you tell yourself when you visit a meaningful place, when you flip through old photographs. It’s the story you’re going to tell yourself about your high school graduation. The one that didn’t happen. Or happened online. Or with a box of free doughnuts. Or three months late, with a commencement speech delivered in a magazine. It’s the story of who you are, where you came from, where you dream of going in the future. It’s the story of your life. And that story isn’t just part of you. It is you in a fundamental way. Life is the story you tell yourself. But how you tell that story — are you a hero, victim, lover, warrior? — matters a great deal. How you adapt that story—how you revise, rethink, and rewrite your personal narrative as things change, lurch, or go wrong in your life — matters even more. Recently, something happened to all of us: We lost control of that story. For a time, we didn’t know who we were; where we were going. We were lost. What I’d like to tell you today is that

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as graduation presents go, having the plot of your life be disrupted in this way, while certainly not pleasant, may be the most valuable gift you’ve ever received. The reason: All fairy tales go awry. Wolves have a way of showing up. But it’s what happens next that makes the story a fairy tale. The hero shows up, too. And my message to you today: Be the hero of your own story. I’d like to begin by bringing up something we don’t talk about a lot but that plays an oversized influence in how we think about ourselves: Our lives take all different shape. The parents and grandparents among us grew up with an idea that may seem old-fashioned today: Our lives would follow a predictable path. We would go from low-level jobs to mid-level jobs to higher-level jobs to retirement; we would go from being single, to being married, to being parents, to being empty nesters. Libraries of books were written about this idea; entire university departments were devoted to this. Our lives were predictable, straightforward, linear. None of this is true today. Worse, the idea itself is dangerous. It holds you back. Today, the once-routine expectation that you’ll have one job, one relationship, one faith, one home, one body, one sexuality, one identity from adolescence to assisted living is deader than it’s ever been. For all the benefits of living nonlinearly — personal freedom, self-expression — it obliges us all to navigate an almost overwhelming array of life transitions. That means our stories will be interrupted by lots of wolves, lots of ogres, lots of twists and turns. So how do we do that? That’s what I’m here to share. I graduated from high school in Savannah in 1983 and spent the next 25 years living what we might consider to be a classic, linear life. I discovered

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JACKSON GUENTHER, New Hampstead High School: Avoid apathy and indifference, and know that it is OK to care. University of Georgia, sports management

SAMANTHA STRONG, Windsor Forest High School: Make sure you’re still living your life while also staying on top of your schoolwork. Kennesaw State University, nursing

EMILY PRIMMER, Savannah Arts Academy: A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. Georgia Institute of Technology, biology TIANA RUDEN, Savannah Arts Academy: Work hard, try your best, and show kindness to others. Princeton University, public policy

MARGARETHA (MAGGIE) TELLESSEN, Islands High School: The simple reassurance from the people who know me best that everything will be fine has helped reconfirm my confidence so many times when I’ve really needed it. University of Georgia, wildlife sciences

JADEN WRIGHT, Bethesda Academy: Be phenomenal or be forgotten. Presbyterian College, accounting

CASPER BURNETT, Beach High School: If you want something, you have to work for it. Air Force

BHUMY PATEL, Woodville Tompkins High School: Be patient and persistent. University of Georgia, biology and business

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what I wanted to do early on; I did it for no money for a long time, then I found success. I wrote books that made the bestseller list; I hosted television series; I got married and had beautiful children. But in my 40s I had a back-toback-to-back set of experiences that shattered that linearity. First, as a young dad, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer; then my family was hit hard by the Great Recession; then my family suffered a wrenching crisis. I spent the last five years, crisscrossing the country, collecting hundreds of life stories of Americans who’ve been through similar, life-altering experiences. What I discovered is that I wasn’t alone. All of us face a quickening of disruptors, one every 12 to 18 months, according to data I collected. One in 10 of those becomes what I call a lifequake and leads to a massive life change. We spend half our lives in a state of transition. You or someone you know is going through one now. In fact, graduating from high school may be the first significant lifequake you’ve ever experienced. So what advice can I offer you about how to get through these times? In a word: Turn your lifequake into your life story. Turn the most upsetting, destabilizing, discombobulating thing that ever happened to you into a story of how you triumphed in the face of unbeatable odds. Here are three concrete ways to do that: Write it down. When the pandemic first hit, the one thing I compelled my teenage daughters to do was write about their feelings. Boy, did they resist! Three decades of research has shown that people who write about their most stressful life experiences develop greater insight into their emotions and learn to express themselves more fully. They also get new jobs more quickly, new relationships, even new health benefits. Why? Because they turn their misery into meaning.

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ANNA TREDWAY, St. Andrew’s School: The worst they can say is no. Having this attitude has helped me in many aspects of my life where the fear of rejection might have otherwise prevented me from expanding my horizons. Yale University, biology

ANDREW PETERS, Benedictine Military School: Listen with compassion, because our world is in need of more people who can empathize with others. University of Notre Dame, business

JOSEPH (ANDY) COLON, Memorial Day School: Live life with no regrets, be happy for what you’re given and cherish the ones you love. Georgia Southern University, undecided HAILEY FLEWALLEN, Memorial Day School: Treat people like you want to be treated, make standards and keep to them. Georgia Southern University, nursing

GRACE HAMILTON, Veritas Academy: Always trust your intuition. University of Kentucky, equine science and management VIKRAM MANOCHA, Savannah Country Day School: Try everything at least twice — the first time might be a disaster, but giving something a second chance could mean the difference between giving up early or discovering something you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life. Duke University, biophysics

MARIAH GEORGE, Savannah Early College High School: Have integrity and remain true to yourself in the face of obstacles. Fisk University honors program, sociology

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TAYLOR MASON, St. Vincent’s Academy: The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Wofford College, biology

VIREN MIRCHANDANI, Jenkins High School: Discover your true passions and do what you enjoy. Georgia Institute of Technology, computer science

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NICHOLAS BRADLEY, Habersham School: Pursue what you enjoy — following a path merely for an outcome or reward isn’t making the most of life! Mercer University, mechanical engineering

KAIYA POWELL, Savannah Classical Academy: Don’t sweat the small stuff and keep moving forward. Georgia Southern University, criminal justice

Not pictured: Leanna De La Fuente, Groves High School

Tell a friend. Revealing your problems to someone else releases soothing chemicals in our brains and activates systems in our bodies that help us relate better to others. When people relate their most traumatic experiences, their blood pressure and heart rate rise in the short term, but afterward fall below where they started — and remain there for weeks. As the old saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.” Nail the ending. Researchers have found that the most important quality to a story that helps heal us is a story that has an upbeat ending. The event may be positive or negative, but the story ends on a positive note. The larger point here is worth emphasizing: We have a choice in how we tell our life story. We do not write it in permanent ink. There are no points for consistency, or even accuracy. We can change it at any time, for any reason, including one as simple as making ourselves feel better. Which brings me to the ending of this story. Transitions, disruptors, lifequakes. At their heart, they’re interruptions in our life stories. But conflict is the one precondition of a story. For there to be a narrative at all, something unforeseen must happen. The purpose of the story is to resolve this breach. The Italians have a wonderful expression for this phenomenon: lupus in fabula. Fabula means fairy tale. Lupus means wolf. Lupus in fabula means the wolf in the fairy tale, and Italians use it as the equivalent of speak of the devil. Just when life is going swimmingly, trouble appears, ogres arrive, pandemics pop up. I’d love to tell you that what just happened to you this year will be the last such disruption. But it won’t. Wolves will be a regular part of your life. And that’s OK. Because once you beat one wolf, you know you can do it again. That’s why we need fairy tales. They teach us how to slay our fears and help us sleep at night. Which is why we keep telling them year after year, bedtime after bedtime. They turn our nightmares into dreams. Congratulations! Go outsmart your wolves. Go write your own endings. Be the hero of your own story.

Feiler’s senior portrait, 1983

Savannah-native Bruce Feiler is the author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers, including The Council of Dads, which has been adapted for an NBC series filmed in Savannah, Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age, from which this piece is adapted, is being published this month.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Women in Business PART II

Savannah’s leading ladies are setting the pace in everything from banking and beauty to real estate and retail. Read on to meet the female entrepreneurs and executives who are propelling Savannah forward. To see more Women in Business, go to savannahmagazine.com Photography by CHRISTINE HALL, KATIE IVES & KATIE MCGEE

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Hostess Provisions • 912.507.5723 818.649.0340 • hostessprovisions.com OUR MISSION IS: to provide our clients with elegantly curated gift boxes and entertaining services. Our products are inspired by the pillars of entertaining – the provisions, the bar, the guests and the hostess gift. Along with our own line of products, we partner with local businesses, selecting the best of the best to create our packages that tell the story of Savannah and the Lowcountry. WE ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: support other women in the business community. Nothing makes us happier than seeing and collaborating with so many thriving women-owned Savannah businesses. ONLY EXPERIENCE COULD TEACH US THAT: that sometimes it is okay to say no. As women, it’s natural to want to please everyone, but sometimes you just need a minute to yourself. Also, surround yourself with positive people who allow you to thrive. WE’RE MOST PROUD OF: our Savannah-inspired spice line – pimento cheese spice, tomato sandwich spice and pickled shrimp seasoning.

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MY MORNING MANTRA IS: lead with grit and grace. I know Cecilia relates to this, too, but growing up in Savannah in a hard-working family of entrepreneurs taught me that perseverance, kindness, good manners and strong faith are fundamental to success. — Cynthia

ONLY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP COULD TEACH ME: when to let go and fearlessly pursue your passions! You have a choice of whom to work with, so choose to invest your time and energy in those with the same aspirations and integrity. — Cecilia

ONE ACHIEVEMENT THAT STANDS OUT FOR ME IS: the moment Hollywood actor James Crowell joined me on stage to celebrate countless World War II Veterans when my fundraising efforts saw a substantial monument be built in Savannah in 2010 to honor each of them. — Cecilia

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO BECAUSE: we are homegrown Savannah ladies who love this beautiful city and these beautiful waters. It’s all about people and relationships. Family, friends, clients and acquaintances inspire us daily. Listening from the heart, acting with love and following through on our commitments are the foundations of our business philosophy.

MOST PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN: I actually started my public relations career working for Cecilia as an intern. This adventure has taken me from working for someone to working with someone, and now standing beside her as a supportive Partner. — Cynthia

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M • Special Advertising Section

MY ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION IS: work hard, dream big and stay positive. Always be good to one another and say your prayers. — Cecilia

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Real Estate Broker Jenny Rutherford Real Estate Savannah: 311 Habersham St. Tybee Island: 1202 B US Hwy 80 912.388.2828 ennyrutherford.com

MY MISSION IS: to help others build their wealth through real estate. It might be through an investment property, a new office building for their growing business or even in a home for themselves. Right now is a great time to be investing in the future. The market is extremely buyer-friendly at the moment with historically low rates and peak pricing for our selling clients. I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: set goals for themselves and are active in pursuing them. hile participating in ony obins latinum artnership was able to meet some of the most amazing and inspiring women who are crushing it in the business world. hey inspire me to dream big for my business. MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: being an idea tank absolutely love coming up with

creative solutions for each uni ue challenge we are presented with. Also, I am always thinking of new and innovative ways to continue growing my business while keeping my team motivated so we can continue to meet and exceed goals for our clients together. THE SECRET TO GOOD BUSINESS IN SAVANNAH: is to treat everyone like family. avannah is a small city, and reputation and community involvement are everything. y team and are constantly looking for ways to give back and make our community a better place. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED: was that successful people make decisions uickly . decision made is movement. t could be a right or wrong move, but remaining stagnant is deadly. Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;˘ J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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avannah ealty . ryan t., ourth loor marykathrynrealestate.com . . . .

MY MISSION IS: to inspire young women to find their passion and be who they were created to be. MY TOOLS OF THE TRADE ARE: nstagram, acebook and my oogle alendar. ocial media is the No. way to market and stay ahead of the curve. s a ealtor, you are hired to sell, and that means aligning your client s property with your personal brand and reputation. ith a background in marketing, understand the power of utili ing these strategies in order to sell a home efficiently and effectively. oogle alendar allows me to block out time for other areas of my life in order to maintain balance since real estate is . THE BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN SAVANNAH ARE: the people, the lifestyle, the rich history, architectural charm and

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natural beauty. avannah is outhern hospitality at its best. I’M THANKFUL FOR: my incredibly supportive husband, family and friends, loyal clients and being able to call historic downtown avannah home. m grateful to have the ability to share the unparalleled lifestyle of avannah with others in our community and beyond. BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED: reate value, period. s a ealtor, do not ust list properties, sell them. here is a vast difference. he process of selling your home or buying a new home should be en oyable and simple. take on the heavy lifting and alleviate any unnecessary stress while getting you the highest sales price on your timeline. his doesn t happen by accident it s an art and a science

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OUR MOTTO: Competence, exclusivity and passion are the core values that define our real estate firm. here is a single vision shared by the professionals who represent ngel lkers worldwide to link the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or business context, with total passion. ur training, marketing capabilities and international network ensure that our advisors can competently meet your real estate needs. e will develop a customi ed real estate strategy and provide speciali ed services that will work for you and your property. nd we do it all with total passion! OUR MISSION: e are extraordinary business women who en oy sharing our love of avannah, our knowledge of the housing market and the investment opportunities

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OUR BUSINESS: e are a full service, residential real estate brokerage firm speciali ing in avannah and the surrounding coastal communities. n we partnered with ngel lkers, a premier global real estate company, and the community response to our merger has been overwhelmingly successful ounded in ermany in , ngel lkers now operates property shops in nations. y partnering our local bouti ue real estate firm with ngel lkers, we have the ability to market homes across a global network of affiliates, increasing exposure among individuals within an exclusive international audience.

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Morgan Rae Boutique 301 (Upstairs) W. Broughton St. 912.658.4259 morganraeboutique.com @shopmorganrae

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I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: don’t have to follow every trend and choose to represent their personality with their own individual style. MY MOTTO IS: you’re never overdressed or underdressed if you feel beautiful! WE OFFER: sophisticated and contemporary clothing and accessories at a price point that’s achievable for every customer. By hand-selecting our inventory, we are sure to have a little something for everyone — no matter their age, shape or size. OUR GOAL IS: to serve our customers by fulfilling any and every styling need, and we pride ourselves in helping a friend walk out of the boutique feeling beautiful and looking their best.

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I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR: a community that supports small businesses and allows me to continue living my dream. THE SECRET TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL BOUTIQUE IN SAVANNAH: is excellent customer service. Customer service is our top priority. At Morgan Rae, it is our goal to learn faces, names, favorite designers and more to create the best possible relationships with our customers. You will always be our No. 1 priority, and that will never go out of style. I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: decide to go for it! Believe in your own vision of what your life can be and don’t give up until you get there.

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TUNE IN AND CHILL OUT.

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TA S T E SEEN S A V A N N A H

Keira Meeuwen, Blessed Sacrament School

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Unless otherwise noted, photography is courtesy of SCHOOLS AND PARENTS

... On your determination in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, beginning the next chapter of your lives with positivity and ďŹ nding special ways to celebrate. See more graduation images online atÂ savannahmagazine.com

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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SEEN

Nigel Smith Jr. and Brent Armstrong, Savnnah Early College High School

Aimee Silvoy, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School

Cam'Breyon Campbell, New Hampstead High School

Ashley Dalsania, Savannah Christian Preparatory School Tianna Williams, Sol C. Johnson High School

Amelia Moyer, Blessed Sacrament School

Austin Knight, Benedictine Military School

Shlomo Lob, Rambam Day School St. Vincent's Academy

Caylen Nicole Johnson, Mercer University

C’Asia Griffin, Savannah State University

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Alexandra Blanco, Savannah Arts Academy

Maddy Kelly, 8th grade graduation parade St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School

Amon Oliver, Jenkins High School

Kate Tredway and Anna Tredway, St. Andrew’s School Melvin Iwule, Jhamari Nix, Max Cowart, William Glover, Chatham Academy

Unless otherwise noted, photography is courtesy of SCHOOLS AND PARENTS

HA R DE N C R E AT I V E

Savannah Classical Academy Hancock Day School

Evelyn Kahn, Savannah Country Day School

Sam Welch, The Habersham School

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Mary Margaret McCarthy, Auburn University Roger Morton Jr., Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School

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SALTof the CITY

High Note Written by ARIEL FELTON

AFTER A TRIUMPHANT CAREER spanning four decades, 650 performances at the Met and three Grammys, acclaimed operatic baritone Sherrill Milnes is hesitant to choose a moment in which he knew he’d made it. “That makes great movies, but in my case, I don’t think there was a moment,” he says. “I always said to myself, ‘let’s see how I am in a year. If I’m better a year from now, I’ll keep going.’” Milnes is known to the industry as a “Verdi baritone” due to his fondness for Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. After he retired from the stage, Milnes and his wife Maria Zouves created the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs as a way to support the vocal

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arts through life-changing intensive work shops, performances, and community enriching outreach events, including the Savannah VOICE Festival. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s festival will be completely virtual. Milnes and Zouves even filmed a Meet the Maestro video series in which Milnes answers questions from Facebook users about his star-studded career. When he can visit Savannah again, the first thing Milnes plans to do is to unpack. “We just recently bought a house in Savannah, and the movers left all the furniture, but we’ll have to rearrange things,” Milnes says. “Then, Leopold’s for ice cream.”

Photography courtesy of SHERRILL MILNES

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