Savannah Magazine - September/October 2023

NOLAN SMITH

THE ART OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE.

A sudden onset of weakness in her limbs and hands began interfering with two of Elaine’s biggest joys: painting and bike riding. Additional symptoms, including slurred speech and severe trouble swallowing, led to electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy testing, which revealed necrotizing autoimmune myopathy – a rare autoimmune condition attacking the muscles.

Under the care of Dr. Poston, a neurologist, Elaine was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and other lifesaving drugs. Immunosuppression and regular follow-ups with Dr. Poston and multiple St. Joseph’s/Candler specialists helped Elaine regain her strength and return to the pursuits she loves.

“The team of specialists at St. Joseph’s/Candler found answers and solutions to help me regain my strength so I could get back to doing the things I love to do.” – Elaine Lee

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER”

– Ryon Poston, M.D. – Neurologist

stages of myopathy

Elaine Lee - Savannah, GA

Tyler Kopkas, Owner Ardsley Station Customer since 2021

Queensborough takes pride in being a local resource for financial services. But we’re more than just a bank. We live, work, and invest our time and resources right here 24/7. Your success is our reward and giving back has been part of our DNA since 1902. We are your Qmmunity bank.

It's the little touches that go above and beyond...

57 BEAUTY BOOM

The Savannah College of Art and Design’s fastest growing degree program partners with the region’s top cosmetic and fragrance experts for a beautiful — and healthier — future.

Written by Kendall McKinnon

65 ANYTHING BUT PLAIN

The co-owner of cocktail hotspots Savoy Society and Colleagues & Lovers, Jane Fishel (also known as the Queen of Fernet), knows a thing or two about acquired tastes. Here, she shares how she spends her days.

Written by Catie McCoy

Photography by Michael Schalk

109 WHEN DAWGS FLY

After two national champion titles at the University of Georgia, Savannah native Nolan Smith prepares for his NFL career

TASTE

to take flight with the Philadelphia Eagles — and still pauses to give back to his hometown.

Written by Nathan Dominitz

Photography by Peter Colin Murray

120 THE BEST OF SAVANNAH

The results are in for our 22nd annual reader-voted poll. Plus, we’ve highlighted a few honorable mentions for good measure.

Written by Andrea Goto, Caroline Eubanks, Colleen Ann McNally, Kiki Dy, Nathan Dominitz and Rachel McDermott

Photography by Michael Schalk, Jason B. James, Randall Patrick Photography and Nikki Krecicki

210 THE BEST OF SAVANNAH DOCTORS

Readers voted these doctors and medical professionals the best in the region.

Written by Lily Avery

Photography by Michael Schalk

ON THE COVERS

Football player Nolan Smith

photographed by Peter Colin Murray at Daffin Park.

Brunch at Collins Quarterin Forsyth Park

photographed by Michael Schalk.

MICHAEL SCHALK

COURTESY SCAD

PETER COLIN MURRAY

MICHAEL SCHALK

MICHAEL SCHALK

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.

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DURING A SAVANNAH SUMMER, some days feel too hot to make the short walk to the mailbox, let alone go for a run.

And yet, despite the heat on a scorching Saturday in July, Savannah-native-turned-NFLlinebacker Nolan Smith had preteens running drills at Daffin Park during his third annual youth football camp. Even after the camp wrapped, a crowd of kids continued to follow Smith around on the field, hanging on his every word and watching as he paused for photos with the local media.

The aspiring players’ admiration for Smith comes as no surprise. A two-time national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs, Smith knows a thing or two about what it takes to be “the best” — making him a fitting addition to this year’s Best of Savannah issue. (Read more in “When Dawgs Fly,” on page 109.)

At a whopping 288 pages with hundreds of winners and runners-up, the 22nd annual edition of Best of Savannah celebrates the distinct sights, sounds, scents, flavors and feelings that make Savannah so special. Flip to page 120 to find the complete list of this year’s Best of Savannah honorees and page 210 for the Best of Doctors.

Readers will find many familiar favorites among these pages, such as the 50-year institution River Street Sweets (“A Sweet Anniversary,”

page 53) and The Original Pinkie Masters Bar, which turns 70 this year. There also are exciting newcomers, like Brochu’s Family Tradition, voted Best New Restaurant, and Lauren Wolverton, voted Best Influencer. We’ve even highlighted a few honorable mentions, from the Savannah Bananas’ successful World Tour and the team’s new nonprofit, Bananas Foster, to Keitaro Harada, the music and artistic director of The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

With the arrival of September, I’m looking forward to all the hallmarks of fall (also known as “spooky season”) in Savannah: watching college football, gathering with friends for oyster roasts, spotting celebrities during SCAD’s Savannah Film Festival, browsing the talented vendors at the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival and, of course, taking lots of long walks through the Historic District with a cool breeze.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Savannah magazine is proud to present the 2023 “So Savannah” Photo Contest Readers’ Favorite: “Catching Up on the Day” by photographer Barrett Benton. Benton’s photo also was voted Editor’s Favorite in the Amateur Category. She will receive a $200 prize for her winning entry. More than 450 readers voted to determine our lucky winner. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped share the creative spirit of Savannah!

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

Colleen Ann McNally Editor

Dr. Mike Welsh and Clara Welsh

Walker T. Pendarvis DMD, MHS is a Board Certified Periodontist with extensive specialty training in dental implants, dental surgery, bone and soft tissue augmentation, periodontal disease, and IV sedation. He is passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to achieve clinical success as well as the highest level of esthetics. As an internationally published research author and National Institutes of Health fellow, he is innovative while utilizing the latest 3D technology to properly diagnose and measure the most predictable outcomes for his patients.

“The Best of Savannah,” page 120

“A Lasting Impression,” page 271

page 109

“Anything but Plain,” page 65

THREE LICENSED AUDIOLOGISTS ON STAFF

FIVE LICENSED AUDIOLOGISTS ON STAFF

Our board certified physicians specialize in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. While preforming surgeries at St. Joseph’s/Candler facilities, we utilize the most advanced technology and procedures so you can be assured that you will receive the best results with the least amount of discomfort. Just a few of the services o ered in-house are: CT scan, thyroid ultrasound, allergy services, TMJ treatment, and balloon sinuplasty.

Our board certified physicians specialize in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. While performing surgeries at St. Joseph’s/Candler facilities, we utilize the most advanced technology and procedures so you can be assured that you will receive the best results with the least amount of discomfort. Just a few of the services offered in-house are: CT scan, thyroid ultrasound, allergy services, TMJ treatment, and balloon sinuplasty.

Peter Colin Murray

Michael Zoller, MD

Kristen Thomas, PA-C

Michelle Yamada, PA-C

Jennifer Mils, MD Brad Rawlings, MD

William Moretz, III, MD

Stephen P. Rashleigh, MD, FACS

Fred Daniels, MD

Michael Schalk

Thomas Sanders

Andrea Goto CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Many patients will suffer from hemorrhoids before the age of 50. But there’s a solution to rid the feeling of sitting on a cactus — it’s hemorrhoid banding. The Center for Digestive and Liver Health physicians are experts in this simple, quick, and painless procedure to get you back to feeling better in no time. To learn more, visit our website and schedule your hemorrhoid banding appointment.

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ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990

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DR. DEW IS AN ARTIST. MY TEETH LOOK NATURAL— THEY ARE PERFECT. I CAN’T WAIT FOR OUR NEXT FAMILY PHOTO!

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“Did you see our ad in the latest issue of @savannahmagazine? In the realm of real estate, imagination takes flight! Our new brand campaign, designed by Simone Massoni, celebrates the fusion of real estate and art. His vibrant and imaginative illustrations infuse each corner with a touch of whimsy. This new series features a hidden key in every image.”

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“Check out this feature in Savannah magazine on Bridgette Frazier, a founder of South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) member BlacQuity, describing her plan to preserve and share Gullah heritage in the Bluffton region through her unique fusion food truck, Chef B’s Eatz, and Ma Daisy’s Porch, Frazier’s new restaurant coming soon to Bluffton!”

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TASTE BUZZ

New in 912

In a proprietary collaboration with Service Brewing, Thompson Savannah (201 Port St.) recently launched their new custom beer, East River Lager, available now at all of the hotel’s bars and restaurants, including Fleeting and Bar Julian. With flavorful notes of toast and citrus, this clean, Mexican-style lager is a one-of-a-kind refreshment that can be enjoyed year-round in a can designed to capture the sights of the bustling Savannah River.

In case you missed it: The team behind Farm Bluffton, Common Thread and Wildflower Cafe at the Jepson Center have brought their beloved Strange Bird food truck to roost at the Streamliner Diner (1220 Barnard St.), open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m., where they’ll be slinging Smokehouse Tacos and crispy chicken sandwiches. ... Next up, swing on over to King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Bar (514 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), an intimate watering hole dedicated to Louis Armstrong’s mentor, Joseph Nathan Oliver, that’s serving up savory jazz licks and Cajun cuisine in style. If that isn’t enough, tucked away down a narrow walkway beside the building, you’ll find Agatha’s Coffee and Tea House (516 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), a cozy cafe celebrating mystery writers and the “Queen of Crime’’ herself, Agatha Christie, in a lavishly bookish atmosphere. … If you’re looking for that classically refined steakhouse experience, Bowdie’s Chophouse announced plans to bring prime steaks, gourmet cocktails and rustic elegance to Eastern Wharf (101 Port St.). … To round out the feast, treat yourself to Treylor Park Pizza Party (1201 Habersham St.) — a far out, retro sci-fi-styled joint featuring everyone’s favorite doughy dish done up with that iconic Treylor Park twist, like the Ahi

Tuna Pizza and housemade Hot Pockets. … Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Gullah Geechee community at Georgia Southern University’s Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Center (13040 Abercorn St., Room 102), which officially opened its doors during this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Located in the Armstrong Center of Georgia Southern’s Savannah campus, the center commemorates the many contributions of the Gullah Geechee people and promotes preservation through academic research and community outreach. … Support underexhibited artists with Cleo the Gallery at their new location (915B Montgomery St.).

The contemporary art haven seeks to upend the art gallery status quo, paying artists to exhibit their work in the gallery, whether they sell or not. Become a true patron of the arts with a monthly membership option that grants you access to artist talks, member dinners and more.

TC Federal Bank recently celebrated the opening of a full-service retail branch (7150 Hodgson Memorial Drive), which offers a wealth of personal and business banking services with an eye toward supporting the local community. … The Twelve Oaks Shopping Center location of family owned tommyMattress (5500 Abercorn St.) is now open, with a wide selection of the top mattress brands and adjustable bases to help you find your perfect night’s sleep. … If you’re looking to revamp your style this season, the new Savannah location of independent retailer Marmalade Fresh Clothing

(212 W. Broughton St.) is bursting at the seams with original finds and vintage treasures to help liven up your wardrobe. … And for the savvy fashionistas about town, the luxury resale boutique Madison & 5th (412B Whitaker St.) brings sustainable high fashion to the Hostess City with its curated selection of handbags, shoes and dresses from top brands like Chanel, Prada and Valentino.

TC Federal Bank

Cleo the Gallery

NATHANIEL THOMPSON

ALEX LACEY

Marmalade Fresh Clothing

KAYLEY SAVANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Killers, Crimes and Bloody Times

In his newest book, author Derek Smith recounts a grisly decade as a Savannah crime reporter

Written by ZACHARY HAYES

TALES OF SAVANNAH’S FAMOUSLY DARK AND MYSTERIOUS UNDERBELLY have long been dominated by restless spirits and haunted mansions, but author Derek Smith is here to make the case for another uniquely blood-curdling horror: the deeds of man.

Known for his series of historical nonfiction titles, in his 10th and latest book, “Bloody Savannah,” Smith breathes new life into some of the most twisted, deranged and downright strange cases he covered during his tenure as a crime reporter for the Savannah News-Press during the ’80s and ’90s, including the particularly brutal year of 1985, when metro Savannah held the undesirable superlative of the nation’s highest murder rate.

Alongside the city’s brushes with infamous serial killers and cop-killer manhunts lie peculiar accounts of a “Scarecrow” killer, a slain voodoo priest and fatal squabbles over chicken dinners and $4 hamburger debts. “I was going to cover whatever it was,” says Smith. “Good, bad or ugly.”

The book, published by McFarland, also features a number of Savannah’s most gruesome and frustrating cold cases, a chilling dose of mystery that Smith hopes

Shelf Management

Add more trending titles with Savannah ties to your to-be-read stack.

>> In “Kugels & Collards: Stories of Food, Family and Traditions in Jewish South Carolina,” authors Rachel Gordin Barnett and Lyssa Kligman Harvey celebrate how traditional Jewish dishes intersect with Southern ingredients and African American culinary traditions. The cookbook includes more than 80 recipes and accompanying stories, including a few with Savannah connections.

>> Helen P. Bradley’s debut novel, “Breach of Trust,” draws on her real-life experiences as a former newspaper journalist and leader of a nationally recognized victim advocacy program. Get ready for political drama, corruption and a dose of inspiration to do what’s right.

>> Photographer Randall Patrick’s self-published book “Lower Country” includes extraordinary images of the seemingly ordinary — offering a glimpse into his deep understanding of the human experience.

>> Native Savannahian Leigh Ebberwein’s latest novel, “The Castle on Wassaw Sound,” is the third installment of her Saints of Savannah series. The imaginative tale follows an unlikely duo as they work together to preserve a lost piece of Savannah’s history.

might bring justice to some of the city’s forgotten victims. “I wanted to bring these cold cases back to the public attention,” says Smith. “Just on the chance that it might rattle somebody’s memory.”

To add this book to your Halloween reading list, visit mcfarlandbooks.com/ bloody-savannah.

>> In “How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told,” award-winning author Harrison Scott Key shares a vulnerable look into what happens when his wife has an affair with a family friend. Key brings laughout-loud humor and heartwarming honesty into a not-so-funny situation. (Spoiler alert: There is a happy ending.) – C.M.

COURTESY MCFARLAND BOOKS

AROUND THE WORLD IN NINE NEW EXHIBITIONS

SCAD Museum of Art Inspires with Fall Showcase

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN presents a distinctive art experience at the renowned SCAD Museum of Art. Students, alumni and the entire Savannah community will have an opportunity to engage and be inspired by new, dynamic exhibitions from established and emerging artists from around the world. These artists will also take part in dedicated programming that ranges from gallery talks, panels, lectures, performances and film screenings.

“We’re so excited to share this great group of exhibitions with Savannah audiences,” said Daniel S. Palmer, the museum’s chief curator. “The SCAD Museum of Art has something for everyone, with nine new exhibitions by the world’s most important contemporary artists and the debut of new artworks in all media that are sure to impress.”

Nevin Aladağ’s Refraction,” running through Jan. 15, is a new, site-specific commission featuring her largest works to date for the SCAD Museum of Art’s facade “jewel boxes.” The artist’s “Social Fabric”

works connect disparate pieces of carpet from around the world into complex collages of amalgamated hybrid forms. Her “Pattern Kinship” works are composed of overlapping laser-cut plexiglass layers, juxtaposing architectural motifs including various patterns referencing Savannah’s historic buildings.

Nina Chanel Abney’s “Big Butch Energy/Synergy,” presents recent large-format works that examine Black identity and queerness through coming-of-age narratives. On display from Sept. 21 to Jan. 29, Abney broaches these subjects playfully, focusing on her personal experiences as a masculine-of-center woman, while expanding on understandings of collegiate storylines that have centered white hetero characters in popular films like “Animal House.”

In a two-part exhibition called “Hot,” Erwin Wurm presents an in-depth look at his ongoing relationship to fashion. This exhibition, available through Jan. 15, is most clearly exemplified in the artist’s One-Minute

The SCAD Museum of Art has something for everyone, with nine new exhibitions by the world’s most important contemporary artists and the debut of new artworks in all media that are sure to impress.”

– DANIEL S. PALMER, SCAD MOA chief curator

Nevin Aladağ, Social Fabric, Arch, 2023, Carpet pieces on wood, 10’ 3.09” tall, 8’ 10.9” wide, four pieces. Courtesy of the artist, Wentrup, Berlin and Galerie Krinzinger, Vienna. Photo by Paul Bendau.

Sculptures, which invite audiences to pose with specific objects, and in doing so, complete the artwork.

M. Florine Démosthène’s “Mastering the Dream,” running through Jan. 8, explores enigmatic human forms through collage and experimental sculpture. Démosthène’s practice centers the Black female body in abstractions that engage themes of human transformation and collective experience.

Danielle BrathwaiteShirley’s first solo museum exhibition in the U.S., “Get Home Safe,” is an immersive and interactive installation that centers the lived experiences of Black trans people. The exhibition, running through Jan. 7, consists of virtual, digital and physical components including video portraits, vinyl wall graphics and a video game designed by the artist.

In “Night Walk,” on view Sept. 21 through Jan. 29, eminent painter Yu Hong weaves personal experiences and memories with significant collective shifts in contemporary China. In six large-scale, richly detailed paintings and three small studies of hands, Hong evokes classical art historical motifs drawn from the Italian Renaissance, particularly Michelangelo’s contorted forms, as well as traditional Chinese painting.

In his most ambitious exhibition to date, Tyler Mitchell displays photographs innovatively printed on textiles in “Domestic Imaginaries,” an immersive installation alongside new “altar” sculptures. Strung from a zig-zagging clothesline, Mitchell’s showcase will include photographs printed on fabric, stretching nearly 300 feet. The exhibition, articulating an attentiveness to the quieter moments of life, will be on display this year through Dec. 31.

Unpacking the complexities of artist portraiture, “Likewise: Artists Portraying Artists,” on display through Dec. 18, delves into the genre’s unique capacity to immortalize intimate moments previously only shared between portraitist and muse. The group exhibition offers insight on the depicted artists, while paying keen attention to the portraitists who balance rendering the sitter with their own perspectives and creative vision.

In “Soft Shell,” SCAD graduate Xiwen Zhu’s first museum exhibition, taking place Sept. 8 through Dec. 26, Zhu introduces striking images that depict dreamlike dioramas staged at the artist’s studio in Shanghai. Each constructed scene consists of found items intermixed with photographic materials, such as snapshots and cut-outs of stock photos.

For more information on the exhibitions and planned fall programming, visit scadmoa.org.

SCAD MOA WELCOMES THE SAVANNAH COMMUNITY TO ENJOY FREE ADMISSION ON THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH. RESIDENTS OF SAVANNAH OR ANY OF ITS SURROUNDING COUNTIES (CHATHAM, BRYAN, EFFINGHAM, LIBERTY, BEAUFORT AND JASPER) ARE INVITED TO VISIT FREE OF CHARGE.

Yu Hong, Pyramid, 2022, acrylic on canvas, two parts, each: 118 1/8 x 98 3/8 in. each. Courtesy Lisson Gallery. Yu Hong. Photography by Yang Hao.

Rebecca Ness, Hangama, 2021–22, oil on linen, 90 x 70 in. Courtesy of the SCAD Museum of Art, gift of Raul Danon.

M. Florine Démosthène, TheStruggleMakesYouBeautiful, 2023, acrylic on Mylar, 50 x 38 in. Courtesy of the artist.

Nina Chanel Abney, Pump, 2022, collage on panel, diptych: 96 x 72 in. each. Courtesy of the artist, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, and Pace Prints, New York.

SEP

SEP. 4

Happy Labor Day! Fire up the grill and soak in those last few rays of summer.

SEP. 16

Round up your furry friends and join the Savannah Kennel Club for their annual Fast and the Furriest 5K-9 and 1 Mile Fun Walk, where you and your dog can strut your stuff together around the picturesque Lake Mayer.

If you don’t have a pup of your own, don’t worry. The local rescues can provide you with a running buddy for the day who’ll be more than happy to run the course. Races start at 8 a.m., and be sure to stick around for cold refreshments and massages for you and your dog.

SEP. 17 – 18

Experience Vegas in Savannah at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire’s annual Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino event at The Golf Club at Savannah Harbor. The two-day affair opens with a Sunday evening full of brews, cigars and casino games before Monday morning’s Ronald Open Golf Tournament

SEP. 18 – 24

The 42nd annual Savannah Jazz Festival kicks off this year with a special screening of “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” at the Lucas Theatre on Monday night — the perfect opening for a week full of jazz, blues and Latin dance performances, with a full slate of free shows lined up for Friday and Saturday in Forsyth Park. Check out savannahjazz.org for the full schedule of events.

SEP. 23

Get creative and help light up the night at this year’s Savannah Water Lantern Festival — an evening full of games, food, vendors and community that ends with the dazzling launch of hundreds of personalized paper lanterns into the calm waters of Lake Mayer. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and make sure you’ve finished designing your lantern by the 7:30 p.m. launch.

SEP. 23 –

OCT. 28

Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Germany during Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District, where stein holding and bratwurst eating competitions, traditional polka music and free family friendly activities will liven up the riverfront every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

SEP. 24 –

OCT. 1

Join Choate Construction in the fight against hunger at the 2023 CANstruction Competition at the Jepson Center for the Arts and Telfair Academy. There, teams will design and build elaborate structures entirely out of canned food, all of which will be donated to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia at the end of the competition.

Savannah Jazz Festival

COURTESY PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT

Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire’s Beer, Guys, Cigars, Golf & Casino

Aweek-long eventwith plenty of activities, the festival showcases locally harvested seafood and delicious Lowcountry cuisine while highlighting the rich history and culture ofthe area. It all

14-22, 2023

OCT. 7

The Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus with conductor Keitaro Harada are proud to present the city’s largest free outdoor cultural event with this year’s Phil the Park in Forsyth. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening full of fun, food and live music starting at 4:30 p.m.

OCT. 11

After serving for 20 years as an executive at the Georgia Ports Authority, artist Robert Morris is raising his sails as a full-time creative with his newest exhibit, “Outward Bound,” opening at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

OCT. 13

Celebrate survivors of domestic violence and their children at SAFE Shelter’s Twilight at the Thompson, a Masquerade Ball, at the Thompson Savannah. This black-tie affair will feature live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

OCT. 20 – 21

Join First City Pride Center in honoring and supporting inclusivity at the Savannah Pride Festival — a weekend event full of music, carnival games and festival favorites like the Pride Parade and Masqueerade celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.

OCT. 21

Celebrate the preservation of Savannah’s past, present and future at the Historic Savannah Foundation’s Annual Gala. Their largest fundraising event of the year, the luxurious gala will be held at the storied Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees’ Garden, starting with a 6 p.m. reception followed by dinner and dancing at 7 p.m.

OCT. 21

Return to the shaded Bluff Drive and and enjoy some of the best art, food and music that Savannah has to offer at the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival. Over 90 artists and vendors will line the streets around the TPG Isle of Hope Marina and Pavillion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music at the marina and Paxton Park until 8 p.m. Proceeds support the Isle of Hope Historical Association.

OCT. 21 – 28

From the most celebrated auteurs to the most promising student filmmakers, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Savannah Film Festival is back to showcase the finest cinematic experiences from around the world. Head to filmfest.scad.edu for a full schedule of screenings, panels and workshops.

OCT. 27 – 28

Legendary Athens, Georgia, jam band Widespread Panic is set to bring their iconic blend of blues, jazz and Southern rock to Enmarket Arena for a woozy pair of Halloween weekend shows.

OCT. 31

Don’t be afraid! It’s all ghouls, ghosts and good times during Halloween in Savannah.

Robert Morris’ “New Dawn” artwork is part of his “Outward Bound” exhibit at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

COURTESY SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM

Susan Mason, Richard Greco and Staci Donegan at Phil the Park

ALLISON REVELLE

GETTY IMAGES FOR SCAD SAVANNAH FILM FESTIVAL

Eddie Redmayne at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

birdBackyard feeding…

has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains the same — the joy that birds bring each time you catch a glimpse of them at your feeders.

As we celebrate the new ownership of the Savannah Wild Birds Unlimited store, we thank you for sharing this ight with us! Join us at our Wild Birds Unlimited Savannah and Hilton Head locations for every aspect of backyard birding, from equipment and outings to solutions and resources. We have the knowledge and products to enhance your overall experience!

The Painted Bunting is one of America’s most colorful birds. In addition to being naturally beautiful, they also have an interesting feeding pattern. Their diet varies at different times of the year to switch from smaller seeds to protein-rich insects. It is common for Painted Buntings to return to the same backyards year after year, so nding the perfect feeder, along with patience and persistence, will pay off to win over these beauties. Try one of our feeders to encourage Painted Buntings to feed in your yard space!

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Reading to Learn

United Way of the Coastal Empire improves local lives through the power of literacy

Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

WHEN ONE THINKS OF A CRUCIAL SCHOOL YEAR for students, the third grade might not be the first to spring to mind. But according to the United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE), this is the most pivotal grade level — the year when the curriculum shifts from learning to read to reading to learn. And if a student isn’t a proficient reader, it’s also the year they begin to fall behind.

Statistics from the Kids Count Data Center show that 70.9% of Chatham County third graders fell below the Proficient Learner status on the Georgia Milestones English Language Arts assessment in 2015. That means that nearly three in four students had not yet demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, and the students would need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. In 2021, that number had risen to a shocking 77.2%.

The mission of UWCE is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities — and improving literacy in Coastal Georgia stands out as a clear means of improving lives.

Why? The organization’s research revealed some alarming information: that children with reading difficulties are more likely to experience health and behavioral problems, teen pregnancy, premature departures from school, trouble sustaining employment and even poverty; that 66% of children in Georgia are below a proficient reading level; that 61% of low-income families in the United States do not have any books in their homes; that third grade students who are not proficient in reading by the end of the year are four times more likely to drop out of high school; and that by age 10, a child’s path to success is determined by their reading proficiency.

“A ready and resilient workforce is one of our four bold goal areas, and we recognize that if we don’t meet the earliest benchmarks, there’s no way we’ll make the later ones,” says Brynn Grant, president and CEO of UWCE. “We’re investing in the success of our youngest learners through a year-round series of programs and activities to improve early language and literacy — because the third graders of today will be our workforce tomorrow.”

This series of programs is called Read United. Its earliest iteration began 15 years ago as the Reading Across Liberty program in Liberty County. It gradually expanded into Bryan and Effingham counties and, this past year, into Chatham County.

Its most visible program so far has been Read United Day.

In February 2023, United Way of the Coastal Empire gifted new books to more than 19,000 children in UWCE’s service area.

UWCE President and CEO Brynn Grant reads to a class as part of Read United Day.

“We’re investing in the success of our youngest learners through a year-round series of programs and activities to improve early language and literacy — because the third graders of today will be our workforce tomorrow.”

— Brynn Grant, president and CEO of UWCE

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, in February 2023, the United Way was able to gift new books to more than 19,000 children in UWCE’s service area. Volunteers and community leaders also read to 950 pre-K through second grade classrooms in the region. This coming year, Read United Day is set for Jan. 26, and UWCE will need even more volunteers and books.

Another program, Read United Buddies, is a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Savannah. It is an evidence-based, leveled reading program that advances students’ reading abilities by focusing on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and reading instruction/phonemic awareness. For each pilot school, 20 second grade students receive one-on-one reading tutoring to support reading proficiency by the end of the third grade and beyond. Trained volunteers known as Read United Buddies commit to working with students twice a week for 30 minutes throughout the school year.

In addition, Read United has recently joined forces with Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation. Mitchell was a star wide receiver with the University of Georgia who went on to win Super Bowl LI with the New England Patriots. He is also someone who self-describes as having entered college at a junior high reading level. Today,

he is an author and poet who helps and inspires young readers in a big way.

“A solid foundation in reading is paramount to a student’s success,” says Mitchell. “Share the Magic Foundation’s Reading Rally program is designed to boost reading skills and provide access to books for students in under-resourced communities. Through Share the Magic Foundation’s partnership with United Way of the Coastal Empire, we will be able to ensure that every second grade student in the Savannah area is able to open a book and discover the magic of reading.”

Over the past year, Read United has engaged local school districts in Share the Magic Foundation’s Virtual Reading Challenges: READCamp, READBowl and READMarathon, according to Grant. And this fall, United Way is introducing Malcolm Mitchell’s Reading Rallies in each county they serve.

The Reading Rally is an hour-long, high-energy pep rally with Mitchell. A live magician makes the reading experience even more exciting, and each student receives Mitchell’s book, “The Magician’s Hat,” to take home.

With such winning programs helping to teach and inspire the students of Chatham County, odds are they will bring something else home, too: a love of reading.

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A Sweet Anniversary

Fifty years later, Savannahians and visitors are still stuck on River Street Sweets

Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

IN THE EARLY 1970s, there weren’t many retailers, restaurants and hotels along Savannah’s historic River Street. But Stan and Pam Strickland believed there was something special about the riverfront area. In 1973, along with Pam’s mother, Georgia Nash, the Stricklands opened a gift store called The Cotton Bale at 13 E. River St., named for the cotton warehouses that had lined the street from the 1700s through the mid-1950s.

If not for the Strickland children, Jennifer and Tim, the

location might still be home to one of the many River Street gift shops today. But shortly after the shop’s opening, the hand of fate (or perhaps fate’s sweet tooth) intervened.

The family was at the Atlanta Gift Market trade show, hoping to find some items for The Cotton Bale, when 11-year-old Tim spotted a fudge pot. He begged his parents to purchase it for the shop, and Stan and Pam gave in.

St. Patrick’s Day was the following week, and 13-year-old

BUZZ

Jennifer made the shop’s first batch of chocolate mint fudge. It was a huge hit, and it quickly became evident that candy sold better than knickknacks. Six months later, The Cotton Bale rebranded as a fullfledged candy shop: Savannah’s renowned River Street Sweets.

The experimentation with other candies began in the Stricklands’ home kitchen. They remembered how much they’d loved the pralines in Louisiana (where Jennifer was born), and they began testing recipes.

When they found one they all loved, the family began making what would become known as River Street Sweets’ World Famous Pralines right in the fudge pot in the corner of the shop.

Made with fresh butter, cream, sugar and Georgia-grown pecans, these mouth-watering delights became their bestseller and signature treat.

One spring day in the late 1970s, during the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens, a crowd of ladies came into the shop as Stan was scooping pralines onto a large marble slab he purchased from a local gravestone company. The sweet, nutty confection stuck to the marble and crumbled as Stan tried to remove it, so he offered the ladies a taste. They loved the broken pieces (and told him he should use butter on the marble so they wouldn’t stick). Still, the happy accident led to the tradition of offering a warm sample to every guest who walks into their stores. Fifty years and millions of handmade pralines later, River Street Sweets is a Savannah staple.

But the Stricklands didn’t rest on their laurels — or their pralines.

“Our business has changed over the years by increasing our products based on guests’ wants and needs,” says Kelley Cale, a River Street Sweets employee of almost 30 years, who now serves as vice president of marketing and director of corporate sales. “We now make homemade ice cream in our stores, as well as a delicious popcorn line in addition to specialty chocolates and our signature best sellers.”

Siblings Jennifer and Tim Strickland run River Street Sweets, a Savannah staple known for its pralines.

As for Jennifer and Tim, they don’t take for granted what a “treat” it was to essentially grow up in a candy shop.

“Jennifer and I literally grew up on River Street, in the candy store, and enjoyed being the official taste testers for every candy our parents made,” shares Tim. “We did our homework there after school and then joined in learning how to make candy in our teens.”

Today, they run the family business, which includes the original River Street flagship store, their Habersham Village store and their third Savannah location on Broughton Street, which opened in March 2023. They also have stores in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Sarasota, Florida. All told, River Street Sweets is the world’s leading praline supplier.

In addition, in 2014, they began to franchise under the merged brand name River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. (Stan opened Savannah’s Candy Kitchen in 1990 after he and Pam separated.)

And now, the next generation is also involved in the business.

“Jennifer’s sons, Willy and Luis, are working in the stores here in Savannah, and my daughter, Joelle, is working in the corporate office in marketing,” Tim explains. “We are enjoying exposing them to various tasks as they learn more about the business.”

When asked about working with family, Tim says, “It definitely has its share of challenges, but has also been very rewarding. We consider our work team our family also, and we know we would not be where we are today without them. We like to say our family is like our pralines — mostly sweet, but a little nutty!”

The Stricklands are always looking to grow and enhance the business, and they project to open 20 more stores in the next five years through franchising.

“We are proud of our ‘sweet’ legacy,” says Tim, “and we hope to continue to share it with others for the next 50 years.”

From top: The River Street Sweets storefront then and now.

“We like to say our family is like our pralines — mostly sweet, but a little nutty!”

— Tim Strickland

TASTE STYLE

Beauty Boom

Savannah College of Art and Design’s fastest-growing degree program partners with the region’s cosmetic and fragrance experts for a beautiful — and healthier — future

Written by KENDALL MCKINNON

SINCE 1978, SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (SCAD) has prepared talented students for creative professions, with degree programs ever-evolving to keep up with — and exceed — industry standards. Forty-five years later, SCAD offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs — from social media strategy to immersive reality to sneaker design — at locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. The fastest-growing undergraduate major? It’s not film or fashion design. It’s the business of beauty and fragrance Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Worldwide, the beauty industry brings in $500 billion in revenue. It also has had an enormous and, at times, negative impact on the environment and individual wellness.

Leaders in the industry approached SCAD to develop a program that would build a pipeline of entry-level talent into the field, and in 2018, classes began. Meloney Moore, Associate Dean of the De Sole School of Business Innovation at SCAD, pioneered the major after a seven-year tenure as a marketing executive at Estée Lauder.

“Everyone uses at least five or six beauty products a day,

whether they recognize it or not,” Moore says. “Whether that’s your shampoo or body wash or deodorant, or whether that’s sunscreen when you go to the beach. Beauty is a part of our grooming process.”

For Moore, the impact of beauty goes below the skin, too.

“It was a big emotional journey for me, working in the beauty industry,” she says. “It was intimidating at first. Then, what was eye-opening was understanding what people believe beauty means, how they view themselves and how we give them the tools to improve confidence and to support their lifestyle, health and well-being.”

Now, Moore translates those formative experiences into lessons for more than 150 students each year — and counting — as part of the SCAD De Sole School of Business Innovation.

Business of beauty and fragrance is what SCAD refers to as a “go-to-market major.” The coursework trains students to research, identify whitespace opportunities, collaborate with creatives to develop packaging, execute 360-degree experiential marketing plans and develop a business model to successfully launch their own new brand in the marketplace.

Students of the Bachelor of Fine Arts business of beauty and fragrance program at SCAD participate in a workshop.

The in-depth knowledge of aesthetics, style, cosmetics, fragrance and adornment sets students up for careers as entrepreneurs or with industry leaders, from L’Oreal and Rare Beauty to indie brands.

For example, Moore describes how fragrance plays a role in the experience of walking into a high-end hotel or through the university’s door, and in turn, how that fragrance becomes part of a brand.

“We have a signature scent at SCAD — Santal — and you can smell it in our Magnolia Hall, Poetter Hall and SCADstory,” she says. “It is very beautiful, and everyone recognizes that when they come into the room.”

The program also empowers the next generation of beauty leaders by partnering closely with local experts who promote clean practices and sustainability.

Vogue was onto something when an article in 2020 named Savannah the country’s new clean beauty capital. Today, Savannah’s retail scene is bursting with young businesses looking to course-correct the beauty industry through the use of naturally sourced ingredients native to the coastal city.

That was what Cari Phelps had in mind when she launched her natural skincare business, Salacia Salts, in 2012.

“I had the concept to use salt in skincare formulations, as it’s a naturally powerful ingredient and it’s naturally occurring,” says Phelps. For an extra degree of sustainability, the salts are sold in reclaimed packaging using glass wine bottles.

Phelps, who graduated from SCAD in 1999 with a degree in graphic design, was ahead of the clean beauty curve. Now, she helps current students by providing materials and sustainable packaging for classes.

“Since SCAD launched the business of beauty and fragrance degree several years ago, even more eyes will be on our city, and they will be expecting innovation and thought leaders to blossom from this area,” Phelps says. “I believe we can claim Savannah as a green beauty oasis in the United States.”

In addition to Salacia Salts, The Soapery, Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary, Pelindaba Lavender, Savannah Bee Co. and Nourish are just a handful of other businesses that offer their knowledge and resources in contribution to the program. For example, Savannah Bee Co. frequently hosts educational tours of their facilities, while The Soapery often employs SCAD students.

“... what was eye-opening was understanding what people believe beauty means, how they view themselves and how we give them the tools to improve confidence and to support their lifestyle, health and well-being.”

— Meloney Moore, Associate Dean, De Sole School of Business Innovation at SCAD

Rose-Marie Swift of RMS Beauty speaks with SCAD beauty students during a workshop. Swift is a pivotal partner in the success of SCAD’s business of beauty and fragrance Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

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“This program would not be a success without the local beauty community in Savannah,” says Moore. “The partnerships that we have made with the local community and the local business owners have been phenomenal. They have been so supportive.”

Further afield in Charleston, South Carolina, is the RMS Beauty headquarters.

The big-name brand was founded in 2009 by RoseMarie Swift (RMS), a prominent makeup artist for 30-plus years who pioneered the clean beauty movement when she ventured to make cosmetics with safer ingredients. In 2021, an investment firm acquired the company, which was generating $30 million in sales, with plans to continue growing as the demand for healthier beauty products rises.

Swift has been another pivotal partner in the success of SCAD beauty by leading masterclasses in creative direction as well as providing internships and product donations. “Her passion for this generation is impressive,” says Moore. “Our students love her, and she is a great program mentor with a wealth of knowledge.”

And it’s not just the university benefitting from the local collaboration.

Like Phelps, some SCAD grads will choose to take their beauty knowledge and plant their business roots back in Savannah’s fertile soil.

LOCAL BEAUTY EXPERTS SHARE THEIR TAKE ON SAVANNAH’S SIGNATURE SCENT

“Magnolia — there is depth in its fragrance profile. It’s simple yet complex. Dark notes balanced with bright. The flower personifies Savannah with its grand beauty, and its dichotomy reminds me of our city.”

— Cari Phelps, creative director and founder of Salacia Salts

“Something with jasmine and maybe a hint of vetiver. That classic floral scent with an earthy grounding.”

—

“A mix of all the wonderful indulgences the city offers: sweet candies, fresh baked goods, perfectly mixed cocktails, fresh coffee and delightful bath products, all with the undernote of marsh and river water.”

— Shoshanna Walker, owner of Nourish

Kelsey Bucci, CEO and founder of Paris Laundry

PHOTOS COURTESY SALACIA SALTS

Above: Cari Phelps, 1999 SCAD grad and founder of natural body care company Salacia Salts, helps current students by providing materials and sustainable packaging for SCAD beauty classes.

Below: Salt, a naturally sourced ingredient native to our coastal city, is the basis of many of Salacia Salts’ skincare formulations.

Anything but Plain

JANE FISHEL

Co-owner of Savoy Society and Colleagues & Lovers

Written by CATIE MCCOY // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

FERNET IS AN ITALIAN SPIRIT known for its bittersweet flavor — made from 27 herbs and spices — and its cult-like following among seasoned bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. And though the concoction has been enjoyed around the globe for centuries, the dark complexity requires a discerning palate to appreciate it.

Jane Fishel is one such fan. She goes by the Queen of Fernet on Instagram, and is nearly as ubiquitous in Savannah’s cocktail scene as a bottle of Fernet-Branca.

After years of bartending at some of Savannah’s favorite watering holes, Fishel planted her flag as the co-owner of Savoy Society and Colleagues & Lovers (C&L), alongside her partner Matt Garappolo.

Despite her cosmic success, she admits that running two restaurants in the city — let alone some of the most vivacious, trendsetting spots in town — was not originally in the cards.

“I actually had always assumed I’d be in New York forever,” she says. After living briefly in Savannah in her teens, Fishel bounced from coast to coast, managing bars and pursuing a degree and career in audio engineering, before returning south.

Now, the audiophile channels her acquired tastes into some of the locals’ favorite hotspots for happy hours and late nights. Here, she shares a look into her anything-but-plain day.

First Things First

Fishel is pure proof that success and motivation do not always manifest through early mornings, contrary to conventional belief. She’ll be the first to admit she is no early riser.

Still, the beginning of her day is far from idle. She is adamant about implementing movement into the start of her morning, and is typically sweating it out in spin class or enjoying group pilates at The Hub — just not before 10 a.m.

With a confidence that commands a room and two wildly successful bars under her belt, Savannah’s highness of cool has made a name for herself — one cocktail at a time.

As the co-owner of Colleagues & Lovers (pictured here) and Savoy Society (previous page), Fishel splits her days between both businesses.

Working Wonders

When it comes to work, Fishel’s day-to-day life varies immensely. With her bartending days behind her, her schedule consists of lots of back and forth, checking in and seeing what everyone needs.

“I’ve been blessed with the best staff, and it’s very important for us that we communicate,” she says. “They are as much a part of either business as we are.”

This prompts many trips to the store, order placements and other miscellaneous tasks.

“I promise it’s not all that glamorous of a thing,” Fishel says with a laugh. “I quite literally scrub the toilet and deep clean the bar at Savoy twice a week — not because I don’t have a fantastic team to help with these things, but because I am very, very particular.”

Afternoon Indulgence

From the groovy wallpaper, vintage furniture and the solely

vinyl soundtrack, it’s safe to say that the eclectically tailored atmosphere at both of Fishel’s bars are a driving force behind their success. Even smaller details such as cocktail names, menu design and the old movies screening on Savoy’s retro television prove to be just as deliberately delightful.

To fuel her creative inspiration, Fishel enjoys shopping at vintage stores and visiting local galleries when she is off the clock. “It’s very peaceful for me,” she says.

“I love Sulfur Studios. Emily [Earl] and Jon [Witzky] have done such an amazing job with the space, the exhibitions and their IMPACT magazine. I am also frequently checking out the Jepson Center and the SCAD Museum of Art.”

Bon Appétit

While the menus at Savoy and C&L are replete with an abundance of snacks, rotating specials and sweets, Fishel reveals that there is rarely more than “yogurt, assorted berries,

From left: Fishel shops for vintage fashion at her local favorite, East + Up. She enjoys starting her day with a fitness class at The Hub.

champagne and vermouth” in her fridge at home.

If she isn’t at one of her own bars, she tries to dine at other restaurants and bars in the city to see what’s trending or revisit one of her go-to picks: Cotton & Rye, E-TANG or perhaps her all-time favorite, Crystal Beer Parlor.

Evening Escapades

Along with the menu, live music often serves as the deciding factor when it comes to determining the evening’s circuit.

“One of the biggest things — besides the food and cocktail scene — that has gradually become much better in Savannah is the music,” Fishel says. “There is so much music in this town now that had never existed before and, if anything, only in small pockets. Of course, all the festivals we have here are great — I love Savannah Stopover and Dog Days — but otherwise I am a huge fan of all the live music they book at Over Yonder.”

On the occasion of enjoying a cocktail with a little less bass, Fishel appreciates paying a quick visit to Savoy’s neighbors at The Wayward, or sipping on a glass of wine at Le Chai. As the evening dies down, she prefers to pop into one particular neighborhood watering hole, sipping on a gin sonic (gin, soda and tonic).

“I am almost always grabbing a drink at Lone Wolf Lounge I love a dive bar, but Lone Wolf especially ticks all the boxes for me. Aside from it being just blocks away from my home, they have an impressive wine list, cocktails with top-notch tequila, or you can grab a Hamm’s beer for $2,” says Fishel. “Nine times out of 10, I’ll make the decision on my way home to end my night there.”

They also serve plenty of Fernet.

Fishel often ends her night at Lone Wolf Lounge with friends, including the bar’s co-owner Tom Worley.

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True Stripes

A West Coast couple finds their dream pied-à-terre on Taylor Street — and gives the historic townhome a funky and fierce refresh

Written by MARY FITZGERALD // Photography by MICHAEL SCHALK

THE LURE OF SAVANNAH is undeniable — just ask one West Coast couple who fell in love with the city’s charm 20 years ago. “We found ourselves visiting a couple of times a year,” the husband and wife recall. “The dream was always to be able to spend as much time here as possible.” Feeling it was finally time to make a commitment, they initiated their search for a second home in the Hostess City.

The couple knew exactly what they were looking for, but it took about a year to find a suitable property. “We had a very clear vision for how the place needed to feel. We wanted a place that felt authentic, with original details like high ceilings, crown moldings and exposed brick — details you would never find in the new and modern construction where we’re from.” They ultimately sealed the deal with an 1893 historic brick townhouse nestled on a quiet stretch of Taylor Street.

The location was perfect, but the home needed some finessing. Managing a renovation remotely is a tall order, so the couple reached out to their real estate agent and friend Shannan Hunt for guidance. She suggested Anne Pappas of Anne Pappas Interiors and Kevin Norris of American Craftsman Renovations.

“Their teams understood our style and how we like to work,” note the homeowners. “They brought in some of the best people to restore and build, or rebuild, anything that needed attention and helped us oversee the project from a distance.”

“The house looked stuck in the ’90s,” says lead designer Jourdan Seckinger of Anne Pappas Interiors. “The bones were great, it just needed some TLC. The goal was to create a vibrant and relaxing home that still spoke to the historic Savannah architecture.”

The homeowners agreed. “We wanted to try and restore as much of the original detail as possible and replace anything that felt too modern or out of place.”

First up, the drywall in the entry stairwell was removed to reveal beautiful, period brickwork. “You have to highlight old brick when you can,” says Seckinger. To add definition and character to the walls of the large, open first floor, existing crown and dentil moldings were supplemented with custom-designed applied moldings. Flat fireboxes in the living and dining areas were enhanced with new cast concrete mantels and surrounds to add depth and visual interest. All the floors were replaced or refinished, including an unsightly laminate kitchen floor that now sports a chic checkerboard tile design in gray and white from Savannah Surfaces. The original wooden floors, once painted gray, were sanded, refinished and stained to achieve an Old World patina.

A dated wrought iron railing, which separated the living room and step-down dining room and kitchen, was removed and replaced with a bookcase/desk divider designed by the Anne Pappas team. The kitchen, although serviceable, lacked charisma. It was given a muchneeded facelift by painting the cabinets in a lively shade of teal and installing new appliances.

“We like color and mixing patterns and textures,” the homeowners say of their style, which is on full display in the upstairs bedrooms. “We love when different looks and eras come together and feel cohesive.” Seckinger was totally in sync with their design directive of intentional and adventurous furnishings and mixing old with new. “They are a really funky, eclectic couple,” says the designer. Although the furnishings were recently purchased, she adds, “they wanted them to look like they were collected over time.”

While small, the living room needed to pack a lot of drama, and the homeowners wanted furniture that was super comfy but fun. “Since the clients love color, we used a Cabernetcolored velvet sofa and different textures to make the space feel dynamic and layered,” says Seckinger.

Lighting also plays a starring role in the home. The clients requested fixtures that were as much art as they were functional. For the living room, Seckinger specified Visual Comfort’s signature Talia chandelier — a sculptural fixture of swirled, artisanal glass orbs attached to bright metal baskets, adding a sparkling flourish overhead. In the dining area, an Arteriors chandelier adds a contemporary note over a classic, burl wood dining table from Made Goods and mauve pink leather upholstered dining chairs from Vanguard.

Nowhere is the homeowners’ fun and funky aesthetic more evident than in the downstairs powder room. The walls are lined with Gucci’s kicky Tiger Face print wallpaper. “The wife said, ‘I have to have this in my house,’” recalls Seckinger.

“ The biggest accomplishment in this home is the seamless merging of old and new and staying true to the historical architecture while bringing it into the modern world.”

— Jourdan Seckinger, lead designer, Anne Pappas Interiors

The light and bright guest room faces the street. A custom headboard wears Schumacher’s edgy Giove fabric in emerald and sapphire. Its cool colors are warmed by the wood tones of the Arteriors desk and Modern History chest.

“We tied the wallpaper together with a bright red ceiling — to speak to the living room sofa — and brought in gold accents.”

For Seckinger, the biggest accomplishment in this home is the seamless merging of old and new — staying true to the historical architecture while bringing it into the modern world.

“We used classic pieces and added color in unexpected ways to create a cohesive story that allows all rooms to play together beautifully,” she adds.

The project was an exciting challenge for the design team. “It was so different from our usual cream and blue Lowcountry coastal look,” says Seckinger. “The homeowners had interesting ideas and a very clear direction. It allowed us to really stretch our creativity as designers, and it was refreshing to step out of our comfort zone.”

For their part, the homeowners are equally pleased. “Our home is ‘us’ — bright, open, funky and filled with interesting little details.” If there is one thing the couple would have done differently, they say, “It would be to have purchased a place in Savannah 10 years earlier.”

An en suite bathroom sports House of Hackney’s Flora Fantasia wallpaper in cerulean.

A downstairs powder room is adorned with kicky Tiger Face print wallpaper by Gucci.

Upstairs in the primary bedroom, the colors are purposely more muted. A Schumacher wallpaper lends a tonal backdrop for the Vanguard bed wrapped in floral Kelly Wearstler fabric.

DETAILS

Neighborhood: Historic District

Year built: 1893

Year purchased: 2022

Square footage: 1,500 – 1,800 (including added room in the garage)

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 2 beds, 2.5 baths

Timeframe of renovation/remodel: 10 months

Interior design: Anne Pappas and Jourdan Seckinger of Anne Pappas Interiors

Contractor: Kevin Norris of American Craftsman Renovations

Courtyard design: Anne Pappas Interiors

Brick installation: Acme Brick

Electrical: American Craftsman Renovations

Tile/flooring: Savannah Surfaces; Tiles of Ezra

Windows/doors: American Craftsman

Renovations

Stone: MultiStone

Paint: Sherwin-Williams

Furniture: Custom designed by Anne Pappas Interiors; Vanguard; Made Goods; Arteriors; Modern History; CB2; Four Hands; Anthropologie; RH; Pottery Barn

Wallpaper: Gucci; Schumacher; House of Hackney; Zoffany

Fabrics: Schumacher; Kelly Wearstler

Lighting: Visual Comfort; Arteriors

Area rugs: Jaipur Living; Loloi

Stair Runner: Culver Rug Company

Shutters, window treatments: Tailor Made Draperies

Hardware: Rejuvenation; Re:Purpose Savannah

Plumbing fixtures: RH; Kohler

Appliances: Ferguson

Television: Samsung

Home accessories: Asher + Rye; Courtland and Co.; Leah Bailey Interiors

Art: By owner

All details provided by the interior designer.

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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, so I didn’t know what to expect. However, when my son moved here from Connecticut after he retired from his job, he didn’t want me to spend my winters in Iowa, so we began looking for a place here for me to live.”

Sail Away to Freedom at Savannah Square

Although Dody (as she’s known) would usually spend her winters in Arizona and Florida, she says she still longed for a more active lifestyle. “I’m still a very active person, but I don’t play golf or bridge. After taking a look at several places in the area, we then decided to take a look at Savannah Square.”

Immediately Dody and her son Fred were struck by the welcoming atmosphere of the senior living community, which offers elegant and comfortable residences for seniors with a range of lifestyles and requirements. With their spacious cottages and apartments, Savannah Square’s independent living accommodations are perfect for seniors on the go, but the community also features Palmetto Inn, a personal care residence with an on-site health center. “My son told me that this is a place that I was going to just love, so he put down the deposit without telling me. He had already made up my mind, so to speak,”

laughs Dody, “But in the end he was right.

I do love it, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live.”

Savannah Square’s amenities include restaurant-style dining, a full-service beauty salon, clubhouse, fitness studio, library, and a 24-hour staff. Located just three miles from St. Joseph Candler Hospital, their midtown location provides convenient access to all the best dining, shopping and cultural attractions that historic Savannah has to offer. Situated on several acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Savannah Square offers an abundance of organized educational, social and recreational activities for all its seniors.

There is also laundry and housekeeping services available, and Savannah Square

REAL WEDDINGS

Meta & Clarkson

A stylish Savannah couple weaves deep-rooted family traditions into their wedding — complete with a pheasant shoot and a tartan-draped reception

Written by AMANDA BROWN

Photography by KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

ONE FINE DAY IN JULY 2021, Clarkson Logan suggested that he and his then-girlfriend, Meta Adler, take a walk on her family farm in South Carolina.

The property holds a special place in their hearts. After years of long-distance dating between Savannah and New York, the couple had spent countless hours together on the land when the world first went into quarantine the year before.

For this particular walk, Logan suggested they dress up like characters from the television show, “Downton Abbey.” He knew that Adler loved anything outdoors and had an affinity for Old English charm, and today’s walk needed to be one to remember.

After some convincing to dress up in the summer heat, the two set out with the farm dog, Coco, and strolled by the crepe myrtle trees in the plant nursery. Then, Logan got down on one knee and asked Adler to spend forever together.

The wedding was held just seven months later.

While the swift timeline may intimidate some, Adler brought to the table her ample experience executing special events as a former caterer and co-owner of Hostess Provisions, a Savannah-based gift shop specializing in luxe entertaining essentials. (Fun fact: she and Logan first hit it off at her late Broughton Street bistro, Dept. 7 East.)

Their vision for the wedding? A handsome hunting club — designed with nods to the couple’s European heritage as well as their deep Southern roots, and filled with friends and family. To bring the dream to life, they enlisted highly sought-after Savannah party planner Tara Skinner of Tara Skinner Weddings & Events.

The multi-day fête kicked off on a Thursday afternoon with a pheasant shoot on a friend’s farm, followed by a cocktail reception complete with barbecue. On Friday evening, the couple hosted a rehearsal dinner at The Chatham Club — Adler’s late grandmother’s favorite place — and a welcome party in the Grand

Ballroom at The DeSoto Savannah, while anticipation built up for the big day.

On the morning of the wedding, Logan and his 25 groomsmen suited up at the stately Harper Fowlkes House. Meanwhile, Adler and her 12 bridesmaids primped at the historic Green-Meldrim House, adjacent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, where the ceremony would take place hours later.

While beauty expert Genevieve Routon styled the bride’s hair and makeup, Skinner and bridesmaid Jessica O’Neill had a special surprise in store.

O’Neill’s daughter, who served as the flower girl, carried a baby bunny over to Adler.

“Jessica explained how we needed some live bunnies to hold to calm her nerves,” Skinner says. The special moment turned into a favorite memory of the day.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., Adler walked down the aisle in a custom Reem Acra dress.

Once the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds exited the church while an 11-piece ensemble performed Adler’s favorite song: “Appalachian Spring: Doppio movimento” by Aaron Copland. A horse-drawn carriage — lead by bagpipes — delivered them to the reception at The Oglethorpe Club, where Adler’s family have been long-time members, “which made it near and dear to their hearts,” Skinner says.

To the surprise and delight of guests, the club’s parking lot was entirely transformed.

A magical forest scene full of giant paper mâché mushrooms and taxidermy animals led them to a cocktail hour in a tent draped in a red tartan.

A 50-foot-long custom art gallery spanned the back of the tent, displaying curated artwork from the bride’s family’s collections as well as two abstract paintings by O’Neill depicting scenes of the Adler’s family farm.

The party continued inside the club, where mantels were adorned with lush floral arrangements, including vines from

the Adler farm. Positioned in front of one mantel was the wedding cake: a six-tiered, almond pound cake made by family friend Mollie Stone of MollieCakes.

As the night went on, the surprises continued. Each thoughtful touch exemplified both the couple’s close-knit Savannah community and their fun-loving personalities.

They served guests late-night snacks of Champagne and French fries — one of the bride’s favorite combinations. Meanwhile, she changed into a white sequined cocktail dress and sneakers so she could dance the night away. And there was a cameo appearance from Godzilla.

“I gave the mask to my dad for his birthday,” Adler says, explaining he is a big practical jokester. “I thought it was amazing, and he even brought it to the reception.”

As the party came to a close, the couple walked through the whimsical forest one last time, with cold sparklers lining their path to a chauffeured getaway car — courtesy of another close friend and neighbor, the owner of Callan’s Classics.

Looking back, Adler remains overwhelmed with the support from everyone who came together to make her dream wedding a reality. “They made it special and a perfect day for us,” she says.

DETAILS

Date: July 9, 2022

Planner: Tara Skinner Weddings & Events

Number of guests: 375

Rehearsal dinner location: The Chatham Club

Welcome party location: The DeSoto Savannah

Location of ceremony: St. John’s Episcopal Church

Location of reception: The Oglethorpe Club

Officiant: Rev. Gavin Dunbar

Photographer: Kelli Boyd Photography

Videographer: Justin Peay Productions

Florist: August Floral & Event Design

Music for ceremony: New Arts

Ensembles; Steven Branyon (organist)

Music for reception: The Royals

Bagpipers: Craig Sherman and David Crampton

Cake: MollieCakes

Groom’s pies: Cashiers Farmers Market

Tent/rentals: Amazing Event Rentals

Tent draping: The Veil Charleston

Lighting/sparklers/AV system: JLK Events

Catering: The Oglethorpe Club

Late-night food: Krystal; Krispy Kreme

Bride’s hair and makeup: Genevieve Routon

Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup: Salon Aqua

Live bunnies: Fluffle Bunnies

Bride’s dress: custom design by Reem Acra

Alterations: Adrienne Boyce

Groom’s attire: Grady Ervin & Co.; Berlins for Men

Groomsmen attire: J. Parker Ltd.

Accessories for bride: her grandmother’s jewelry

Rings: heirloom/ Levy Jewelers

Ice sculpture: Chandler Echols

Invitations/paper styling/custom signs: Lowcountry Paper Co.

Custom crest artwork: Hagood Coxe

Art for gallery wall: Jessica O’Neill (Art by O’Neill) and the couple’s family collections

Transportation: Old Savannah Tours; Carriage Tours of Savannah; Callan’s Classics

Tree Rentals: Pineland Nursery

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Q: Is red light therapy effective, and do handheld devices work as well as professional LED treatments?

A: I GET THIS QUESTION A LOT , and I actually love light therapy! (I even have my own LED light mask that I use at home.)

LED therapy was originally developed by NASA for astronauts who became injured or ill on long-term space missions and were the first to experience its healing benefits.

Research has shown that exposure to red light can actually improve wrinkles, texture and skin tone. Studies have also found red light is beneficial for wound healing given its antimicrobial properties – making it a great option for those who suffer from breakouts or acne.

Although at-home devices aren’t as potent as in-office treatments, they can still make a great addition to a selfcare regime. I would definitely recommend daily or weekly LED treatments paired with a great skincare routine for an easy at-home boost.

La Dolce Vita

Written by FEIFEI SUN

CHEF Q & A

DEREK SIMCIK

Executive Chef and Culinary Director, Saint Bibiana at Hotel Bardo

Photo

BORN IN ATHENS, GREECE, Chef

Derek Simcik had also lived in Tunisia, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Japan and Austria, all before the age of 20. Now settled in Savannah, he’ll bring his passion for travel — and the flavors of the Italian coast — to Saint Bibiana at Hotel Bardo (formerly The Mansion on Forsyth Park) when the revamped urban resort opens this fall. Here, Simcik talks about returning to his Southern roots, his love for travel and why he hasn’t watched “The Bear.”

ON RETURNING SOUTH TO OPEN HOTEL BARDO

I’ve been a part of opening about 16 to 18 properties throughout my career, and when I heard about this opportunity, I immediately saw the vision of Hotel Bardo — the idea of taking a historic building in a new, modern direction. I’ve been in big cities most of my career, most recently in Seattle, but I’ve always been drawn to coming back to the South. My mom’s from Louisiana, and my dad is from Texas. When I visited Savannah, I fell in love with it, and everything seemed to line up: the right place, the right time, the right project.

ON BRINGING COASTAL ITALIAN FLAVORS TO SAVANNAH

I wanted to take a thoughtful, modern approach to coastal Italian cuisine, from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, over to Sicily and around the Lecce region. Savannah and the coast of Italy have similar weather, so those dishes play really well here.

Most Italian food you find in America is actually Italian-American, so I’m excited to showcase a different side of this cuisine. You’re not going to see a Caesar salad on the menu — though it may show up on the pool bar menu — but you will find oysters with housemade vinaigrette, crudos, a puntarelle salad with anchovy flavor and grilled octopus. You have to have grilled

Saint Bibiana at Hotel Bardo will serve thoughtful, modern coastal Italian cuisine when it opens this fall.

octopus. We’re also going to make our pasta in house, and I’m excited to bring in local ingredients from Gannon Organics and Hunter Cattle Co.

ON GROWING UP AROUND THE WORLD

My father was in the CIA, and we spent a lot of my childhood moving for his job. Because I’d spent so much time abroad, I actually spent most of my 20s exploring the U.S. Before the pandemic, I’d go to Italy once or twice a year. I still love to travel, and I’m drawn to places where people have a real passion for what they’re doing, whether it’s eating, dancing or simply living well.

ON EATING AROUND TOWN

One of my favorites is Late Air. Everything from their execution to flavor profiles to the types of wine they serve is right up my alley. I think the atmosphere of The Garage at Victory North is also great, and I’m friends with a lot of the team, so it’s fun to have a

“Cheers” moment when I walk in. I’m also a fan of Moodright’s, Over Yonder and Lone Wolf Lounge. And it’s a Sunday ritual to go out on the water and then come back and stop at Huc-A-Poo’s for an hour or two.

ON COMPARING HIS CHEF LIFE TO “THE BEAR”

A few years ago, there was this meme that went: “A tattoo sleeve used to mean you were a biker who would kill, now it means you’re a chef who makes a lovely pork belly with balsamic drizzle.” People were sending it to me nonstop on social media, so I started blocking everyone who did. That’s like “The Bear” now.

I know a set designer on the show, and he talked about how they brought in chefs to train the actors, which I thought was cool. And I appreciate that it’s giving people an inside look at kitchens, like [Anthony Bourdain’s] “Kitchen Confidential.” But I have yet to watch an episode. I live that reality day in and day out. I don’t need to relive it.

“I wanted to take a thoughtful, modern approach to coastal Italian cuisine ... Savannah and the coast of Italy have similar weather, so those dishes play really well here.”

COURTESY LEFT LANE

Saint Bibiana will make their pasta in house when it opens this fall.

PIPE RIGATA PASTA WITH BROCCOLI RABE PESTO AND PINE NUTS

Shared by Chef Derek Simcik

Start to Finish: 30-40 minutes

Serves: 4

“At Saint Bibiana, we make our own pasta for this dish and infuse it with Spirulina. For at-home, you can use any type of pasta you would like, but I recommend either rigatoni, spaghetti or bucatini.”

Broccoli Rabe Pesto

1 bunch fresh broccoli rabe

2 cloves fresh garlic

¼ c. extra virgin olive oil

½ c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Wash and trim the broccoli rabe.

Blanch broccoli rabe in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly softened. Transfer to paper towels to dry and cool slightly. Roughly chop.

In a food processor, pulse garlic. Add broccoli rabe and pulse. While pulsing, slowly add the olive oil and periodically pause to scrape the side of the bowl.

Remove the pesto from the food processor into a mixing bowl and fold in the Parmesan cheese.

Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to use.

Pasta

10 oz. dry pasta of choice

2 tsp. red chili flakes

1–2 tbsp. olive oil

¼ c. broccoli rabe pesto

half lemon, juice and zest

toasted pine nuts, to taste

grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Begin by bringing some salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta to the water and cook until it’s about 95% done.

While the pasta is cooking, add a small splash of olive oil to a saute pan, just slightly coating the bottom. Heat the oil on medium-low then add a pinch of chili flakes. Allow the chili flakes to toast and oils from the flakes to season the oil in the pan.

Add 1⁄4 cup of the broccoli rabe pesto to the pan and stir.

Drain the pasta, reserving 2 to 3 ounces of pasta water, then add the pasta and the pasta water to the saute pan. Toss to make sure all the ingredients are combined.

Increase heat to medium and allow the pesto to come together with the starches from the pasta water for about 1 to 2 minutes.

Squeeze lemon juice onto the pasta.

Remove pan from heat and spoon pasta into a large serving bowl.

Top with zest of the lemon, toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

NIKKI KRECICKI

Best of luck to the Class of 2023!

The Savannah Country Day School Class of 2023 earned admission to 110 colleges and universities in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, these 79 graduates were offered scholarships totaling more than $7 million collectively from all admitting colleges—in addition to the HOPE awards. Finally, these students enjoyed great results from our two state flagship universities, UGA and Georgia Tech. 60% of our applicants earned admission at Georgia, while 61.5% were admitted at Tech. The impressive list of admitting schools is a testament to our talented students who embrace a rigorous curriculum while receiving personalized college guidance from our team of experienced counselors.

The Class of 2023 will attend the following colleges and universities:

Aden Adjei Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Phil-Anthony Ajayi Case Western Reserve University

Phil-Isabelle Ajayi New York University

Nat Barid Georgia Southern University

Lily Barton Wofford College

Claudia Birthisel Texas Christian University

Banks Bradley University of Virginia

Britney Brown George Washington University

Alli Lane Buckler Wake Forest University

Reagan Carlson Parsons School of Design

Noah Carney University of Georgia

Michael Clifton Kennesaw State University

Anna Conley University of Georgia

Taylor Conley University of Georgia

Madalyn Cox Georgia Southern University

Gracie Daters Washington and Lee University

Keeley Daughtry Georgia Southern University

Nicholas Eskandar Southern Methodist University

Aidan Eyth Johns Hopkins University

Jake Felser Georgia College

Ruby Fleetwood Georgia College

Molly Fountain Auburn University

Melanie Fox Gap Year

Marshall Gerber University of Georgia

Mia Goldberg Indiana University

Carson Grady High Point University

Michael Grandy Proctor Academy

Owen Haas Florida State University

Lane Hammond Georgia Southern University

Ethan Harrison Union College

Liv Hecht Auburn University

Brayden Heiges The University of Pittsburgh

Ned Henneman Vanderbilt University

Avi Heyman Duke University

Skye Horn Auburn University

Katie Horne Auburn University

Mason Howington University of Georgia

Chase Huggins Emory University

Rowan Indgjer Berklee College of Music

Sophia Jenkins Ithaca College

Kat Johnson Oglethorpe University

Alex Kaminsky New York University

Maya King Georgia Institute of Technology

Amanda Kronowitz Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Peyton Lewis Auburn University

Logan Lin Rollins College

Julia McGoldrick Clemson University

Maison Miller Auburn University

María Miller Clemson University

Jackson Mondy Auburn University

Amani Mouna Augusta University

Sloan Mullins Savannah College of Art and Design

Ellie Neil Elon University

Yenna Park United States Military Academy at West Point

Paige Parsons Georgia Institute of Technology

Leyla Patel University of Virginia

Jade Perrin American University

Haley Phillips University of Georgia

Anna Pollak Brown University

Anslee Poppell University of Georgia

Maddox Rahimi Louisiana State University

Adrian Remington University of North Georgia

Owen Rogers Clemson University

Roni Rosales Giron Clemson University

Jordan Ruben Georgia Institute of Technology

John Ryan Brown University

Sarah Jane Schulze Duke University

Ben Sentman Florida Institute of Technology

Stone Spivey Auburn University

Eliza Stubbs University of Georgia

Lily Tran Agnes Scott College

Arden Watson Adelphi University

Soren Watson University of Miami

Olivia Wells University of Georgia

Lawler White University of Georgia

Davis Wilkes University of Georgia

Eoin Wilson Georgia Institute of Technology

Fiona Wilson The University of Texas

Alysa Young University of Georgia

WHEN DAWGS F LY

After two national champion titles at the University of Georgia, Savannahian Nolan Smith prepares for his NFL career to take flight with the Philadelphia Eagles — and still pauses to give back to his hometown

Written by NATHAN DOMINITZ

courtesy PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Photo

WATCH NOLAN SMITH,

22, rush to level quarterbacks, and you’ll see the former University of Georgia (UGA) football player and current rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles in beast mode. However, he starts each morning as more of a Labrador retriever than a bulldog.

“I wake up like a 6-year-old kid,” he says. “I just wake up happy, just hit the ground running.”

On a hot July day in Daffin Park’s Floyd Morris Field, Smith’s excited energy is on full display. For the third consecutive year, the Savannah native returned to his hometown to lead a free youth football camp called Pups Day Out. A Friday night session welcomed high schoolers, ages 14 to 17, while the second session — Smith’s favorite — was held for younger players, ages 10 to 13, on Saturday afternoon.

“Certain older kids nowadays, they feel like, ‘I know it all, and I’ve got all the secret sauce,’” says Smith, adding that these teens might need more of a push to be engaged and energized. “Those little kids, they wake up ready to go. That’s how I think about my life every day.”

After leading his charges through a sweat-soaked, two-hour-plus camp session, Smith imparts some of his wisdom — secret sauce or not.

Work hard, train hard. Pay attention to detail, not cutting corners.

With all eyes fixed on him, Smith reminds the kids that any opportunities to earn money and endorsements as a college football player will be taken away if they’re not academically eligible, so they have to keep up with schoolwork.

“You’re not going to step on the field if you’re not a student. Y’all feel me?” Smith tells them.

PETER COLIN MURRAY

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Many youngsters believe they will play in the NFL; the reality is the odds are very much against them.

Smith says that he knew he was going to make it. Not from arrogance but from taking charge of his reality.

“I knew it because I have always surrounded myself with great people and tried to be better and focused on being better, being coachable,” Smith says. “I knew that I wanted it and would do whatever it takes.”

Smith was not a typical ninth grader playing defensive end for his first season at Calvary Day School. Mark Stroud, who coached Smith in 2015, recalls how the coaches knew he wouldn’t play a down on the junior varsity squad — it was straight to the varsity.

“He was probably the best player on the field on any given Friday night as a ninth grader,” says Stroud, most impressed by Smith’s focus on improvement to get to the next level.

Players talk a lot about playing for a big college program. Smith was doing something about it.

“He had the drive, he had the charisma, he had the toughness, he had the athleticism,” Stroud says. “All of that was in place as a ninth grader. It was a matter of him continuing to grow and continuing to get better. Naturally, he showed all the signs of being great early.”

Smith built on his natural talent with years of dedication, study and sacrifice. After two seasons at Calvary Day School (2015-16) where he was all-state, he graduated from IMG Academy (2017-18), an elite private boarding and sports training school in Bradenton, Florida, where he was one of the top-ranked prospects in the country.

He changed his diet and ate healthier and smarter. Between school years, Smith continued training using modified methods, such as spending one summer running on the sands of Tybee Island to get quicker and faster.

When he enrolled early at UGA, he played four seasons (201922) at outside linebacker and helped the Bulldogs win the past two NCAA national championships.

“Being raised down here in Savannah, you’d be so humbled and work so hard at the little things that when you get to the big level, you’re just so appreciative of everything,” Smith says.

Winston Wright Jr., 22, who has known Smith since they were children, credits his friend’s mindset for making it to professional football.

“You’ve got to have that ‘it’ factor, and he’s got that ‘it’ factor. He put his head down and worked, and it paid off,” says Wright, a Memorial Day School graduate and wide receiver/kick returner at Florida State. He also partnered with Nolan in this year’s Pups Day Out camp.

“He’s a good guy, very positive,” adds Wright. “He’s always got a smile on his face. We just need more people like that in the community. … Good things happen to good people.”

Before this year’s camp started, Smith made a surprise visit to the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club — a place he spent time as a child — to sign autographs and donate school uniforms and supplies.

“I tell people this is the reason you do it, to give back to the future,” he says. “I told my girlfriend, I was shocked. It almost took my breath away. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ They’ve got so much energy, they were so hyped. They came in there and were chanting my name. I just felt good just to be able to give back. I was one of those kids. That was my highlight of the day, seeing the big-time athlete from Savannah State (University) or somewhere coming through. I just had to do that when I was down here.”

Nolan Smith talks to young football players at Pups Day Out youth football camp at Daffin Park in July.

PETER COLIN MURRAY

CHILD’S PLAY

That mindset has kept Smith grounded. He plays a kid’s game with an adult approach. Every calculated step has a purpose in preparation for the next one.

“Nolan is so cerebral,” says his business manager, Darrin Hood of Atlanta-based BT8 Management, who has known Smith since his high school days. “Every decision that he makes, he’s already thought about it at least 20 times before he does it. You don’t really meet too many young people like that.”

They discussed whether Smith should leave Georgia, then on top with its first national title since the 1980 season, after his junior year and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.

But Smith felt he had more to accomplish, like winning a second ring and improving his NFL stock to be a no-doubt, first-round pick in 2023, Hood recalls. Smith says he had promised his mother he’d stay in school, and, truth be told, he wasn’t ready to leave either.

He entered his senior year as an All-American linebacker and served as a captain. He was the defensive leader in the eighth game against the Florida Gators on Oct. 29, 2022, when he tore his right pectoral muscle — ending his college career early.

Still, Smith stayed focused on football.

He became a de facto assistant coach, helping teammates with his expertise and motivational skills to finish a perfect 15-0 season and repeat as College Football Playoff national champions on Jan. 9, 2023.

In the spring, Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. While his fellow classmates were attending career fairs and searching LinkedIn for jobs, Smith trained for the NFL Scouting Combine — a battery of physical tests and job interviews — and “wowed” them in early March.

“ I knew [I would make it to the NFL] because I have always surrounded myself with great people and tried to be better and focused on being better, being coachable. I knew that I wanted it and would do whatever it takes . ”

– Nolan Smith

DREAMING BIGGER

“Freakish” was a common description after Smith sprinted 40 yards in 4.39 seconds and had a vertical jump of 41-and-a-half inches — numbers more aligned with swift receivers than 240pound human tackling machines.

His next dream-come-true moment came April 27 when the Eagles made Smith a first-round pick, 30th overall, in the draft.

He felt blessed by God, calling it “amazing” because the Eagles had selected so many of his former UGA teammates in the two most recent drafts — so much so that fans are referring to them as the “Georgia Philly Dawgs.”

Today, the Eagles’ roster lists Smith at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. It may seem hard to believe that somebody with his strength, size and stature was labeled for years as “not big enough.”

Smith has a post pinned to his X profile (formerly Twitter) from July 7, 2017, after the then-rising 11th grader had verbally committed to UGA. It reads: “‘Too small, Not strong enough, He needs lots of improvement.’ I will never forget these words!”

While his first season as a professional player unfolds this fall, he again faces doubters who, despite all of Smith’s effectiveness in college games, still wonder if he’s long and heavy enough to be an edge rusher/defensive end, or athletic enough to play outside linebacker at the NFL level.

As for Smith, he can’t wait for the games to start, to play the sport he loves and again prove critics wrong. He wakes up every day ready to go.

“I’m ready to learn something new, be in a new system and challenge myself,” Smith says. “You never grow unless you challenge yourself.”

Running drills on the NFL practice field with the Philadelphia Eagles. COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

“You’ve got to have that ‘it’ factor, and he’s got that ‘it’ factor. He put his head

down and worked, and it paid off. ”

– Winston Wright Jr.

HOW IT WORKS:

The Best of Savannah winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were automatically disqualified. Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned.

= Honorable Mention

SAVANNAH

Celebrating the sights, sounds, scents, flavors and feel of Savannah

Written by ANDREA GOTO, CAROLINE EUBANKS, COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY, KIKI DY, NATHAN DOMINITZ & RACHEL MCDERMOTT

The Family That Cooks Together

TUCKED AROUND THE CORNER from Bull Street on East 40th in the Starland District is the entrance to the oddball world of Brochu’s Family Tradition. The restaurant, which opened in December 2022 after pandemic-related delays and much anticipation, is unlike anything else in Savannah.

On the expansive concrete patio in front of the restaurant, diners with strollers and dogs gather around picnic tables shaded with striped yellow-andwhite umbrellas. A walk-up window offers guests a casual way to order boozy slushies, “fried chicken and fancy seafood,” as the retro sign advertises.

Meanwhile, inside is a feast for the senses. Every table in the industrial, garage-like space is packed with people and mismatched plates with heaping piles of food — the whole chicken dinner, round trays of oysters, puffy bread with cheddar rillette and mouth-watering pies. Old boat motors hang as art behind the bar, while a wallpaper pattern featuring chicken legs adorns the bathroom. Just beyond the dining room, guests can get a glimpse into the kitchen. Throwback hits from pop punk bands like Green Day, Blink-182 and Bowling for Soup bring the decibel even higher and create that happy cacophony of a bustling restaurant — or a large family reunion.

As the name suggests, Brochu’s is a family-owned restaurant. “We have three married couples working together, in addition to the sister/in-law relationship. Communication skills are a must,” says Sophie Brochu. “It’s occasionally challenging, but ultimately so rewarding. Everyone brings a different skill set to the table.”

Born and raised in Savannah, Sophie met her husband, Andrew Brochu, working in a restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. Andrew, who is Michelin-starred and a James Beard Award finalist, was content to leave

formalities behind, return to the Southeast and open their own restaurant inspired by the casual family gatherings he grew up attending. (Fun fact: Andrew’s father worked for Red Lobster for over 40 years, and his family moved across Florida and Georgia opening new locations.)

“We took a big risk relocating this concept from Chicago to Savannah when the pandemic hit,” says Sophie. “Chefs Georgia and Dave Baker moved cross country to partner with us, and Jessica and Ben (Andrew’s sister and brother-in-law) uprooted their lives outside of Atlanta to join us. There were many moments where it felt like we would never reach the opening, and now we’re over half a year in.”

And there certainly hasn’t been a dull moment. “It’s still a pretty tumultuous time for the restaurant industry,” adds Sophie. “Food costs are high, operating costs are high and margins are notoriously tough. We’re trying to provide value to our guests but also operate a successful business, and this balance can be tricky. We’re never going to make everyone happy, but we do try! And the guests that love what we do make this job very rewarding.”

To keep things fresh, the menu changes with the seasons. Recently, the restaurant also launched “Sour Hour” on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m., where they play “sour” music to pair with pickle martinis and pickle wings. “Andrew spends a lot of time creating different playlists or adjusting the music depending on the energy of the room,” adds Sophie, who is also musically gifted. Locals may recognize her from her band Fauvely or from performing with Savannah supergroup Black Hat.

And in July, Sophie and Andrew welcomed their first baby into the world — giving even more meaning to the family traditions they are creating. — C.M.

B rochu’s Family Tradition

BEST NEW RESTAURANT RUNNER-UP, BEST FRIED CHICKEN and BEST OYSTERS

P hoto by MICHAEL SCHALK // S tyling by NIKKI KRECICKI

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

BRUNCH

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: The Ordinary Pub theordinarypub.com

APPETIZERS

Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com

Runner-up: Circa 1875 circa1875.com

BARBECUE

Sandfly Bar-B-Que sandflybbq.com

Runner-up: Wiley’s Championship BBQ wileyschampionshipbbq.com

BREAKFAST

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: J. Christopher's jchristophers.com/locations/ savannah

BURGER

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com

Runner-up: B&D Burgers bdburgers.net

BUSINESS LUNCH

The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com

Runner-up: The 5 Spot 5spotrestaurant.com

CATERER

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Runner-up: Coastal Kitchen thecoastalkitchen.net

CHEAP EATS

Kay’s Pizza facebook.com/p/kayspizza-savannah

Runner-up: Sly’s Sliders and Fries slysslidersandfries.com

CHEF

Chef Collin Clemons, 1540 Room 1540savannah.com

Runner-up: Kirk Blaine, Castaways and Chef Kirk Blaine Catering chefkirkblaine.com

CHINESE

Flock to the Wok flocktothewok.com

Runner-up: Wang’s II

FARM BAG/ BOX DELIVERY

Local Farmbag localfarmbag.com

Runner-up: Polk’s on the Go polksgo.com

FINE DINING

1540 Room

1540savannah.com

Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th elizabethon37th.net

FOOD TRUCK

Beauregard’s Chariot (BowTie BBQ) bowtiebarbecueco.com

Runner-up: Chazito’s Latin Cuisine chazitos.com

FRESH/ORGANIC GROCERY STORE

Whole Foods Market wholefoodsmarket.com

Runner-up: The Fresh Market stores.thefreshmarket.com/ga/ savannah/65

FRIED CHICKEN (TIE)

Geneva’s Chicken & Cornbread Co. eatgenevas.com

Mrs Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com

Runner-up: Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

FRIES Circa 1875 circa1875.com

Runner-up: Green Truck Neighborhood Pub greentruckpub.com

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

Fox & Fig Cafe foxandfigcafe.com

Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

INDIAN NaaN on Broughton naanonbroughton.com

Runner-up: Pakwan Indian Cuisine pakwanus.com

ITALIAN

Bella Napoli Italian Bistro bellanapolibistro.com

Runner-up: (TIE) Corleone’s Trattoria corleones.com

Garibaldi’s garibaldissavannah.com

JAPANESE

Hirano’s hiranoshabersham.com facebook.com/hiranosouthside

Runner-up: Ukiyo ukiyosavannah.com

JUICE/SMOOTHIES

Blend & Press Wellness Bar blendpresswellnessbar.com

Runner-up: Clean Juice cleanjuice.com/locations/pooler

LATE-NIGHT FOOD

Kay’s Pizza facebook.com/p/kayspizza-savannah

Runner-up: Congress Street Social Club congressstreetsocialclub.com

MEDITERRANEAN

Troy Mediterranean Cuisine troymediterraneancuisine.com

Runner-up: Shuk Mediterranean shuksavannah.com

MEXICAN Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com

Runner-up: Jalapeño’s Mexican Grill jalapenosinc.com

NEW RESTAURANT (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)

Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

Runner-up: Shuk Mediterranean shuksavannah.com

OUTDOOR DINING (NON-WATERFRONT)

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: Starland Yard starlandyard.com

OYSTERS

Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar sorrycharlies.com

Runner-up: Brochu’s Family Tradition brochusfamilytradition.com

All Shuk Up

S huk Mediterranean RUNNER-UP, BEST NEW RESTAURANT RUNNER-UP, BEST MEDITERRANEAN

IT’S HARD TO SAY if this Habersham Street hotspot is better for a sun-soaked, fast-casual lunch with refreshing iced teas or a glowing golden-hour cocktail at the bar in the open-air courtyard. Inspired by Israel’s lively, open-air markets, Shuk Mediterranean owner Alexis Levin appointed Flourish Collaborative to design the stylish eatery’s branding and interiors. The result is distinct spaces for day and night connected by a stoa breezeway that represents traditional Greek architecture. The Mediterranean influences continue throughout the design — soft color palette and playful furniture shapes reminiscent of Bauhaus architecture found in Tel Aviv — and on the menu. Don’t miss the whipped feta dip with crushed pistachios and pomegranate honey or the weekend brunch. — C.M.

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

PIZZA

Vinnie Van Go-Go’s vinnievangogo.com

Runner-up: Screamin’ Mimi’s screaminmimispizza.com

PRODUCE MARKET

Davis Produce facebook.com/davis-produce

Runner-up: Forsyth

Farmers’ Market forsythfarmersmarket.com

SALAD

Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

Runner-up: Starland Cafe thestarlandcafe.com

SANDWICHES

Finches Sandwiches & Sundries finchessandwiches. shopsettings.com

Runner-up: Zunzi’s zunzis.com

SEAFOOD

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Runner-up: Tubby’s Seafood tubbysthunderbolt.com

SEAFOOD MARKET

Russo's Seafood Market

Runner-up: Ambos Seafoods

SHRIMP AND GRITS

Vic's on the River vicsontheriver.com

Runner-up: Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

SOUTHERN

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room mrswilkes.com

Runner-up: The Pirates’ House thepirateshouse.com

SPECIALTY/GOURMET FOOD STORE

Brighter Day Natural Foods brighterdayfoods.com

Runner-up: Frali Gourmet fraligourmet.com

STEAK

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse ruthschris.com/savannah

Runner-up: The Steakhouse on Whitemarsh thesteakhousewhitemarsh.com

SUSHI

The Vault Kitchen & Market thevaultkitchen.com

Runner-up: Sushi Hana Japanese Restaurant sushihanasavannah.com

TACOS

Bull Street Taco bullstreettaco.com

Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com

TAKEOUT

Erica Davis Lowcountry ericadavislowcountry.com

Runner-up: Zunzi’s zunzis.com

THAI The King & I kingandisavannah.com

Runner-up: Chiriya’s Thai Cuisine chiriyasthaicuisine.com

VEGETARIAN Fox & Fig Cafe foxandfigcafe.com

Runner-up: Kayak Kafé eatkayak.com

VIETNAMESE

Saigon Bistro facebook.com/saigonbistrosavannah

Runner-up: Flying Monk Noodle Bar flywiththemonk.com

WATERFRONT DINING

The Wyld thewylddockbar.com

Runner-up: Vic’s on the River vicsontheriver.com

WINGS 520 Wings 520wings.com

Runner-up: Coach’s Corner coachs.net

Linger Longer

SOBREMESA IS THE SPANISH WORD for that time you spend at the table well after you’ve finished eating. Your stomach may be full, but you stay seated to satisfy your craving for more conversation and to enjoy the company around the table, fully present in the fleeting moment.

While there may not be a direct translation for this sensation in English, friends Guinn McMillion and Ryan Ribeiro have created a space in Savannnah that embodies the concept.

Inspired by the duo’s travels through Spain and Portugal, Sombremesa Wine Lounge opened on Abercorn Street in 2022 and, as the name suggests, is dedicated specifically to the art of aftermeal lingering.

The vibrant space is dressed in topaz-hued velvet seats, modern

art and plants hanging out of disco balls. Behind the bar, a shimmering gold wine rack is packed with a wide array of bottles ranging from the expected Spanish standards and French classics to the funky orange varietals and West Coast darlings. And because an ideal state of sobremesa comes after copious amounts of food, the kitchen also creates beautifully curated snack boards with an assortment of charcuterie, cheeses, olives and (the Savannah magazine staff favorite) marcona almonds dusted in lavender and powdered sugar.

Stop in any evening to sample pours, or check the calendar of social events. More often than not, there will be an educational, sommelier-led tasting, a Flamenco dance lesson or a visiting winemaker sharing stories from the vineyard — and offering a compelling reason to stay even longer. — C.M.

S obremesa

COURTESY SOBREMESA

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

CUPCAKES

Gigi’s Cupcakes gigiscupcakesusa.com/pages /savannah-georgia

Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery backinthedaybakery.com

CUSTOM CAKES

Wicked Cakes of Savannah wickedcakesofsavannah.com

BAKERY

Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

Runner-up: Auspicious Baking Company auspiciousbakingco.com

CANDY SHOP

River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com

Runner-up: Savannah’s Candy Kitchen savannahcandy.com

CHOCOLATE

River Street Sweets riverstreetsweets.com

Runner-up: Chocolat by Adam Turoni chocolatat.com

COFFEE ROASTER

PERC Coffee perccoffee.com

Runner-up: Savannah Coffee Roasters savannahcoffee.com

COFFEE SHOP

Foxy Loxy Cafe foxyloxycafe.com

Runner-up: VEL myvel.com

COOKIES

Byrd Cookie Company byrdcookiecompany.com

Runner-up: Two Smart Cookies twosmartcookies.com

Runner-up: Flirt with Dessert flirtwithdessert.com

DOUGHNUTS

Baker’s Pride Bakery savannahbakery.com

Runner-up: Duck Donuts duckdonuts.com

FROZEN TREATS (OTHER THAN ICE CREAM)

Savannah Square Pops savannahsquarepops.com

Runner-up: Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard ritasice.com/location/ritasof-savannah-ga

ICE CREAM

Leopold’s Ice Cream leopoldsicecream.com

Runner-up: Ben & Jerry’s benjerry.com/savannah-broughtonstreet

MACARONS

Marche de Macarons marchedemacarons.com

Runner-up: Le Macaron French Pastries lemacaron-us.com/locations/savannah

TEA

Gryphon Tea Room scadgryphon.com

Runner-up: The Savannah Tea Room savannahtearoom.com

Going Up

V ici Rooftop

HONORABLE MENTION, BEST HIDDEN GEM

WHEN THE WEATHER IS JUST RIGHT, locals and visitors alike flock to Savannah’s rooftop bars for cool libations and scenic views. There is no shortage of options, thanks to the bevy of boutique hotels that dot the city’s downtown and riverfront. However, Vici Rooftop, located atop the redeveloped West Broad building, may be Savannah’s bestkept secret — for now, at least.

To find Vici, look for the black gated entrance on 411 W. Charlton St. Once upstairs, enjoy top-notch cocktails, elevated small plates and live music — without the tourist crowds. — C.M

Culinary Crossroads

C ollins Quarter

BEST BREAKFAST, BEST BRUNCH, BEST OUTDOOR DINING (NON-WATERFRONT) and BEST BLOODY MARY

U kiyo

RUNNER-UP, BEST JAPANESE

IT

ALL

STARTED IN

2014 with the flagship Collins Quarter on the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue.

Nearly a decade later, crowds still line up on weekend mornings to sit on the sidewalk under the signature teal umbrellas and chow down on plates of the Swine Time Benedict, Short Rib Hash, Avocado Smash and Bananas Foster French Toast.

Meanwhile, Australian expat and owner Anthony Debreceny expanded his restaurant empire — also known as Southern Cross Hospitality (SCH) — to include Australian-inspired elevated pub food at The Fitzroy on Drayton Street, laid-back bites at The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen on Tybee Island and a second location of Collins Quarter in Forsyth Park.

This year, SCH also added two more concepts to its repertoire: Ukiyo Izakaya & Ramen Bar in the Starland District and Doki Doki Ice Creamery located next to the original Collins Quarter.

The latest additions mark a shift to Japanese-inspired cuisine, drawing on Debreceny’s fond memories of time spent in Asia and his enduring desire to introduce new flavors in a foodie town like Savannah.

But, having a reputation as the best requires much more than a clever concept. It’s no secret that in the past year, one of the most challenging parts of operating a restaurant, let alone opening two new ones, has been keeping a dedicated staff.

“We are very lucky to have strong, capable teams at all of our locations and we strive to be a fair and rewarding company to work for,” says Elizabeth Woods, general manager of Collins Quarter. “We as a management team know Anthony is a force of nature and will never let himself, his team or his businesses fail.”

And in the age of burnout — especially in a demanding industry like hospitality that is focused on taking care of others — leadership also means knowing when to take a break and practice self-care.

“In the past year, it has been so special for us all to see Anthony be able to spend more time with his family and travel, and to assist him in continuing to open and operate such wonderful restaurants,” says Woods.

Looking ahead to 2024, SCH is cooking up its next concept on Broughton Street.

“We are always in awe of the positive and incredibly profound support we receive from this amazing community,” Woods adds. “We know there are so many other amazing small business restaurants in town to choose from, and we couldn’t be more appreciative that this town has recognized our brands as some of the best.” — C.M

MICHAEL SCHALK

Welcome to the Saint Julian’s Drinking Table at SAVANNAH’S BEST ROOFTOP BAR. Bar Julian invites guests to experience a market driven Mediterranean menu and inspired craft cocktails, amidst the sparkling Savannah skyline.

Open Daily 201 Port Street barjulian.com

BARTENDER

Charlie Wentway, Garibaldi garibaldisavannah.com

Runner-up: Sam Krause, Ardsley Station ardsleystation.com

BEER LIST

World of Beer worldofbeer.com

Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com

BLOODY MARY

The Collins Quarter thecollinsquarter.com

Runner-up: (TIE)

A-J’s Dockside Restaurant ajsdocksidetybee.com

The Funky Bunch Café thefunkybunchcafe.com

BREWERY

Service Brewing Co. servicebrewing.com

Runner-up: Two Tides Brewing Company twotidesbrewing.com

DIVE BAR

The Original Pinkie Masters theoriginalpinkies.com

Runner-up: Ellie’s Crow Bar Lounge crowbargrill.com

HAPPY HOUR

Edgar’s Proof & Provision pandp.life

Runner-up: Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com

LIQU OR STOR E

Habersham Beverage Warehouse habersham.bottlecaps.com

Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem Wine & Package Shop johnnieganem.com

MARGARITA

Jalapeño’s Mexican Grill jalapenosinc.com

Runner-up: Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant tequilastown.com

NEW BAR (LESS THAN A YEAR OLD)

Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com

Runner-up: Arco Cocktail Lounge & Coastal Fare arcolounge.com

NIGHTCLUB

Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos savannahsmilesdueling pianos.com

Runner-up: Club One clubone-online.com

PUB

Six Pence Pub sixpencepub.com

Runner-up: Churchill’s Gastropub & Taphouse churchillsonbay.com

ROOFTOP BAR

Bar Julian at the Thompson Savannah barjulian.com

Runner-up: Peregrin at Perry Lane Hotel peregrinsavannah.com

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

Edgar’s Proof & Provision pandp.life

Runner-up: Colleagues & Lovers colleaguesandloverssavannah.com

SPORTS BAR

Coach’s Corner coachs.net

Runner-up: Midtown Sports Grill midtownsportsgrill.com

WINE BAR

Sobremesa Wine Lounge sobremesasav.com

Runner-up: 208 Wine Bar 208winebar.com

WINE LIST

Savoy Society savoysociety.com

Runner-up: Common Restaurant commonrestaurant.com

WINE STORE

Savannah Wine Cellar savannahwinecellar.com

Runner-up: Le Chai – Galerie Du Vin lechai.com

COMPANY TO WORK FOR United Way of the Coastal Empire uwec.org

Runner-up: Gulfstream Aerospace gulfstream.com

DATE NIGHT

Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com

Runner-up: Common Thread commonthreadsavannah.com

DIY STUDIO/ CLASS WORKSHOP

Board & Brush Creative Studio boardandbrush.com/savannah

Runner-up: Pinspiration pinspiration.com

FESTIVAL

Savannah Music Festival savannahmusicfestival.org

Runner-up: Savannah VOICE Festival savannahvoicefestival.com

ART GALLERY

Laney Contemporary Fine Art laneycontemporary.com

Runner-up: Kobo Gallery kobogallery.com

ARTIST

Bellamy Murphy bellamyart.com

Runner-up: Peter E. Roberts petereroberts.com

BAND/MUSICIAN

Turtle Folk facebook.com/turtlefolk

Runner-up (TIE): Damon and the Sh*tkickers facebook.com/people/damonand-the-shitkickers

Chuck Courtney chuckband.com

CHARITY EVENT/ FUNDRAISER

Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine Women & Shoes rmhccoastalempire.org

Runner-up: The Alzheimer’s Association’s Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia alz.org/georgia

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT (TIE) Arco Cocktail Lounge & Coastal Fare arcolounge.com

Jazz’d Tapas Bar jazzdtapasbar.com

Runner-up: Peregrin Peregrinsavannah.com

GOLF COURSE

Savannah Golf Club thesavannahgolfclub.com

Runner-up: Savannah Country Club thesavannahcountryclub.com

GROUP TO VOLUNTEER FOR United Way of the Coastal Empire uwce.org

Runner-up: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire rmhccoastalempire.org

GUYS’ NIGHT OUT

Starland Yard starlandyard.com

Runner-up: McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge mcdonoughslounge.com

Apéro for All

HONORABLE MENTION, BEST APÉRO HOUR

IF IT WASN’T FOR THE PALM FRONDS and Spanish moss hanging outside the windows of Late Air, you might think you’re in a new-age wine bar in Brooklyn, New York, rather than Savannah’s Starland District.

After hosting a series of well-attended pop-ups around town, owners Madeline Ott and Colin Breland opened the natural wine bar at the corner of Bull and Victory Streets in December 2022.

In short order, the rotating list of curated wines by the glass and bottle has landed the bar on Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 list of “The 50 Best Restaurants in America”— only one of five in the Southeast.

To be clear, Late Air is so much more than wine. The à la carte menu of small plates from Chef Juan Stevenson is ever-evolving. There are the usual staples of the Europeaninspired apéro hour: olives dressed in citrus and Aleppo pepper, housemade jams paired with cheese and freshly baked bread (via Stevedore Bakery) and butter.

But to fully experience Late Air is to find a cozy seat, stay for hours and indulge in several courses. Prepare to be blown away by expertly prepared dishes such as the beef tartare with herb pistou, Calabrian balsamic, bottarga and potato chips.

If any of this sounds pretentious, think again. Regardless of your wine knowledge, expect to be greeted warmly by the staff, which includes familiar faces like Ryan Landers, the artist Drew Murray, whose work also hangs throughout the minimalistic space, and photographer Jason James, who also occasionally doubles as a vinyl DJ. — C.M.

L ate Air

NIKKI KRECICKI

A True Original

T he Original Pinkie Masters BEST DIVE BAR

Written by CAROLINE EUBANKS

THE WHITE SIGN WITH THE ICONIC PABST BLUE RIBBON LOGO is like a beacon above the building, drawing in thirsty locals and travelers like a tractor beam. On my last visit to the now 70-year-old watering hole, it was the crisp air conditioning and a $3 beer to quench my thirst that pulled me in. My friends and I gathered in a booth beneath the yellowed disco ball, lit from the dim glow of colored Christmas lights and chatted about our weekend plans.

And I’m not alone. It’s 4 p.m. on a Friday and the bar, set in the middle of the darkened room, is completely full of out-of-towners, Savannah College of Art and Design students and the regular group of older men that hold court there, discussing politics and events of the day.

While the bar opened in 1951 as The Rainbow Grill, by 1953 it was known as Pinkie Masters — the nickname given to its larger-than-life owner Luis Chris Masterpolis, the son of Greek immigrants. Tucked between Lafayette and Madison Squares, it quickly gained a loyal following from all ranges of Savannahians.

Despite the passage of time, it feels like little has changed in terms of decor, with breweriana and photos of regulars crowding the walls, along with artwork from Georgia artist R.Land and old Jimmy Carter campaign signs. Masterpolis, who later changed his name to Masters when he started boxing, forged a friendship with then-gubernatorial candidate Carter, supporting him in his political endeavors. After Masterpolis’ death from cancer in 1977, Carter visited the bar on St. Patrick’s Day and gave an endearing speech about his friend.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the more lively days to visit Pinkie’s, when the bar opens at 7 a.m. for parade attendees to sip on beer and whiskey, and the crowd dons their finest green duds. But at any time of year you might spot celebrities in town filming various projects, including Liam Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny, enjoying the jukebox tunes and conversations like the locals.

But there was a time when it seemed that Pinkie’s future was uncertain. After Masterpolis’ death, the bar passed hands a number of times and by 2015 had fallen into disrepair. The then-owner stripped the bar of much of its famed memorabilia, planning to open elsewhere.

Two regulars purchased the ailing space after a great deal of work, bringing it back to its former glory. The “Original” was added to the name despite the fact that the other Pinkies never opened. More regulars came together and brought in pieces salvaged from the bar over the years, including items that had belonged to Pinkie and the beer signs stolen from the watering hole.

After 70 years, Pinkie’s has been repeatedly voted as the city’s top dive bar and will hopefully continue to be a port in the storm for all in search of ice-cold beer and boozy slushies.

Just remember to bring cash.

Rising From the Dead

HONORABLE MENTION, BEST COMEBACK

Written by KIKI DY

TO SAY THE JINX WAS A SPECIAL PLACE for many Savannahians would be an understatement. Over its 17-year run, the music venue and watering hole — replete with rockabilly decor, boisterous patrons and no-nonsense bartenders — was the city’s epicenter for all things eclectic, euphoric and eccentric.

The venue catapulted local sludge metal bands — acts like Baroness, Kylesa and Black Tusk — to the national stage. It also played host to an impressive variety of entertainment, from burlesque revues to experimental Japanese punk rock bands dressed as Power Rangers.

Those who frequented The Jinx recall a caring community of locals and out-of-towners united by the shared values of authenticity and inclusivity. When Jonathan Athon, Black Tusk’s bass player, died in 2014, his friends and family gathered at the bar to mourn together — that’s how tight-knit Jinxies were.

That was until 2020 when the bar became a pandemic casualty. When they closed, they couldn’t afford rent, so the doors stay shut — taking a lot of character and memories from Congress Street with it. As owner Susanne Warnekros shares, “There is not a day that goes by for any of us that someone doesn’t bring up The Jinx and say how badly it’s missed.”

However, after a years-long search for the location and a series of starts and stops, Jinxies can rejoice. In early June, the Savannah City Council granted the long-awaited special use permit for The Jinx to reopen at their new Starland location after patrons banded together to help usher in the decision. “Over 200 letters were written on our behalf, and we had 340 signatures on the petition,” says Warnekros. The overwhelming display of support, plus the promise of a parking plan, outweighed concerns about the proximity to residential homes and late-night operating hours.

How did she and the team know the new building at 2602 Whitaker St. was the one? Like many great things in Savannah, it was a feeling.

“We looked at buildings for what seemed like an eternity and finally found it,” Warnekros says. “It’s hard to explain, but there was just something about the new space that told us it was the one.”

The bar’s new era will include long-time Jinx bartenders Tony Beasley and Rich Krauss as partners. Warnekros also teases that locals can expect “many more familiar faces popping in to work here and there.”

As for the 2024 grand opening, Jinxies can expect a music-filled month to remember — although the official date is still to be determined. “I assure you it will be an absolutely mind-blowing lineup, likely over the span of a month versus just a weekend,” Warnekros promises.

Regulars will miss the well-worn wooden floors sunken with the sweat of bands past, but the mystery of what the new era of The Jinx will bring makes this a comeback to keep your eyes on.

As Warnekros says, “Life is all about evolution; it’s only natural. What’s to come is going to be very magical.”

COURTESY SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS

T he Jinx

Social Networking

L auren Wolverton BEST INFLUENCER

Written by RACHEL MCDERMOTT

LAUREN WOLVERTON HAS A LONG LIST of her favorite spots in Savannah saved on her phone. It’s her job to know — and to share with her followers.

As a rising influencer, Wolverton partners with local businesses to promote their goods and services via her social media, hosted parties and podcast, “Glitter Everywhere.” And there’s not much she won’t share. From dining out to dating advice to mental health and more, Wolverton is celebrating the sparkly and messy parts of life as a 20-something.

by MICHAEL SCHALK

What about Savannah makes it home?

Savannah’s got big city energy. There’s a buzz here, there’s creativity here, there’s art here, there are new ideas here, but it has that small-town feel to it.

What makes a social media account stand out?

If you’re having a great day, I want to see it. If you’re a business and have a gorgeous plate of food, I want to see it. I also want to see you make a joke about a crappy review. If you’re a personality, I want to know if you dropped your coffee this morning.

What’s an influencer’s role in 2023?

I love the thought of being able to be a micro-influencer, a local influencer. I actually know the people where I’m sending my followers and my community. My followers from Instagram get to go and have an in-person experience and meet the brand that I’m recommending, and then they get to establish that connection in person. I’m hosting in-person events and that’s influencing, too. I get to introduce people to a new place they haven’t been to, which also helps the business. I’m tagging the same girls on Instagram, they’re getting to know each other in the comments, and I’m like, what if we all move from our phones and just hang out? My goal is to help in whatever way I can, and I’m advocating for local businesses I love.

Do you get nervous sharing your truest self on your podcast?

“Glitter Everywhere” is about life in your 20s. Like glitter, it’s messy and fun. After I record, there are times I think, Is that too much? I get messages saying, “I was in my car listening to this and I just had the same thought this morning.” I think that my purpose with the podcast is to either make people laugh or bring them a little bit of joy, make them feel like they’re not alone and relate to them. We’re all feeling the same thing.

What’s in the planner next?

I’ll be on the red carpet for SCAD Savannah Film Festival asking celebrities for insights into their life. I’m really into giving people something new, interesting and quirky to do in Savannah, so many more pop-up style parties — with birthday party themes of my dreams — to come.

of the Coastal Empire

For voting us 6 years in a row best charity event/fundraiser

For voting us 6 years in a row best group to volunteer for

www.rmhccoastalempire.org

In a Jam

TURTLE FOLK IS A FAMILY. From a basement to playing festivals in the Southeast, the band’s shows include lots of rock, lots of jam, lots of improv and a few surprises. Twenty years after the group started jamming in the summer of 2003, the band continues to add new originals and covers to their setlist. Influences range from Black Sabbath to Widespread Panic to the Beastie Boys, but Turtle Folk likes to keep audiences on their toes by throwing in a noodle or deep cut.

Members include Michael “Turtle” McCormick on vocals, Jamie Shanks on vocals and guitar, Joe Pelliccione on guitar, Zack Vogtner on bass, Sean Pelliccione on drums and James Gartside on percussion. Split between Atlanta and Savannah, gigs are also a time when the band gets together to catch up and for their ritual of writing a setlist. Being on stage is a joy to experience together and an opportunity to express themselves through music. They would probably play if nobody came, but it’s a lot more fun when people do, and the band feels humbled by it.

The musicians’ significant others are supportive and out in the crowd with the next generation of Turtle Folk, their kids, who are getting older and into music. Mark the calendars for a show on Sept. 22 at the Daufuskie Festival and Oct. 27 for a post-Widespread Panic show at The Wormhole. New music is on the horizon, with rumors of an album on the way soon. — R.D.

Turtle Folk BEST BAND

The Beat Goes On

FOR THOSE WHOSE CONCEPT OF A MUSIC FESTIVAL is derived from Coachella, Lollapalooza or Bonnaroo, then the Savannah Music Festival (SMF) may come as a shock to the system — in a good way.

First, there are no overnight campsites, portable restrooms, mile-long lines at the bar or standing in the summer heat from noon to night. The choose-your-own-adventure schedule is as much of a celebration of Savannah’s various arts venues as it is a smorgasbord of musical genres. Of the nearly 100 live performances spread across 17 days, guests can choose from air-conditioned classical concerts held at the Trustees Theater or the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, or open-air shows with soulful blues musicians in the gardens at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum or Kehoe Iron Works.

Combine SMF’s something-for-everyone approach and the post-pandemic rebound of crowds, and it’s no surprise that the 2023 SMF brought in record box office sales, with more than 24,000 patrons attending the festival from across the U.S. and 14 countries around the world.

In 2023, the SMF launched its Explorer Pass, offering free admission to SMF concerts to more than 400 SavannahChatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students and family members. The program builds upon SMF’s existing year-round efforts to connect the community through music with initiatives like the SMF Jazz Academy — free, after-school music lessons for SCCPSS students in grades 5 through 12.

Mark your calendar now for the 35th annual festival, happening March 28 through April 13, 2024. Find updates on the lineup, purchase tickets and learn about ways to volunteer at savannahmusicfestival.org. — C.M.

S avannah Music Festival BEST FESTIVAL

Like Fine Wine

K eitaro Harada HONORABLE MENTION, BEST CONDUCTOR

Written by RACHEL MCDERMOTT

MUSIC AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of the Savannah Philharmonic Keitaro Harada describes a conductor like wine.

“Wine can either age to become world-class quality or runs the risk of going to waste if not cultivated correctly,” he says. “I do my best to be honest with myself and to make sure I hone my craft each day.”

Since joining the SavPhil in 2020, Harada has reinvigorated conversations and gatherings surrounding live music in Savannah through free public performances and collaborations. Under his leadership, the SavPhil’s year-round music education programs offer everything from a free concert for nearly 10,000 fifth graders at the Johnny Mercer Theatre to providing free instruments and violin instruction to students to a music lecture series in partnership with Senior Citizens, Inc.

In April 2023, the SavPhil renewed his contract through the 2026-2027 season, ensuring the world-class music will play on. Here, he shares a peek behind the curtain.

As a young conductor, do you experience the works differently than a conductor in another generation might?

The more knowledge one has about art, history, life, culture and language, the broader the depth of interpretation will be. I conduct Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony differently today than when I was in my 20s, and I will conduct it differently when I’m in my 40s. The more life experience I have, the more I understand the muse and spirit of the composer.

Where would you tell people to start if they’ve never listened to classical music before?

A great place to start is on YouTube. You can watch countless orchestra concerts and find music that resonates. A really good one to listen to is Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez. Attend one of the free concerts like Phil the Park on Oct. 7 at Forsyth Park. If you enjoy it, perhaps plan to attend a concert at Lucas Theatre. Open your mind and see where it leads you.

If the music impacts the community, how does the community impact the music?

From listening and through collaborations and partnerships with organizations throughout Savannah and the Southeast, we strive to bring music to every neighborhood across the region. Whether classical, rock, pop, rap, jazz or soul, people generally enjoy music for the sake of music. Our mission is to be innovative in what we program and build community through the common language of music.

What are you most excited about in the upcoming season?

Our 15th Anniversary Season is truly a season of celebrations. We’ll be presenting world-class guest artists throughout — sharing everything from “Holiday Stories of Savannah” this December to The Beatles in January and wrapping the season with Gershwin’s beloved “Rhapsody In Blue.”

FRANK FORTUNE

Heartfelt Thanks

I’m so grateful to Savannah for selecting BEETTAN as THE BEST! This community is incredibly special to me, and achieving what I have been able to do with BEETTAN wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

Home Run

S avannah Bananas

HONORABLE MENTION, BEST DANCE MOVES AND BEST NEW NONPROFIT

Written by NATHAN DOMINITZ

THE SAVANNAH BANANAS have gotten serious in 2023.

In February, the team went all-in on Banana Ball, their original, unorthodox and zany version of the game with rules to speed up play and create more action and drama within a two-hour time limit.

The stated goal is to “make baseball fun,” entertaining and interacting with fans through music, dancing, promotions and hijinks from when they arrive and throughout the game to hanging afterward for autographs and, yes, more dancing.

The Bananas originated as a collegiate summer league team in 2016, and after three championships (2016, 2021, 2022), the amateur franchise left the Coastal Plain League (CPL) and turned its focus to its professional spinoff.

The Banana Ball exhibitions of recent years became a full-fledged “World Tour” this year, with games scheduled for 33 cities in 21 states, including 31 “shows” where it all started at Savannah’s Grayson Stadium.

From a business standpoint, it makes sense. While playing away games in the CPL, which follows the traditional rules of baseball, the Bananas were limited in how much of their choreographed shows they could bring on the road — much to the disappointment of nationwide fans who were unable to get their hands on the tickets to home games. So, in keeping with their mission of “Fans First. Entertain Always,” they eliminated this friction point, just as they had earlier dropped in-game advertisements and convenience charges.

Today, the Bananas have never been hotter in ticket and merchandise sales. They boast a fanatical following through their viral videos and posts on social media (i.e., 7 million-plus followers on TikTok). National media descended on Savannah to (try to) explain a phenomenon, with ESPN streaming a documentary series. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum even unveiled a Savannah Bananas Bobblehead.

The team has come a long, long way from its lukewarm debut in 2016, when the franchise sold only two tickets in its first three months of existence. To launch the team, co-owners Emily and Jesse Cole put

everything on the line — they went $1.8 million in debt and sold their house. Back then, some may have called the Coles’ vision to reinvent baseball an impossible mission. Now, with that mission complete, the Coles are taking on a new challenge.

In June 2023, the franchise announced Bananas Foster: a nonprofit organization celebrating the children, families, social workers and others in the foster care community while educating and hoping to inspire people to get involved through volunteering time; donating goods, services and funding; and possibly becoming foster families.

“We have a waitlist of 800,000 people who are trying to get tickets to one of our sold-out shows this year,” Emily Cole wrote on Facebook on July 18. “Why can’t we create a waitlist of foster families so when a kid comes into care, they’re matched with the right home?!”

More than advocates, the Coles became a licensed foster care family in late 2020, after the birth of their son Maverick in May 2018. Two young girls, identified here as K and A, were placed with them in January and October 2021. There were more than 390,000 children in foster care in the United States, including about 10,500 in Georgia in 2021, the most recent year data is available, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

“As it stands right now, there are so few foster families that not every child and teen who enters into care has a home to go to,” says Jolie Chabala, Bananas Foster program coordinator. “If we had a waitlist of families, then these children who go into care would have a home, have a bed, have a place to go to, but it would also be the right place for them to go to.”

Foster families have been celebrated individually at nearly every Bananas game across the country this year with behind-the-scenes tours and player meetings, care baskets and standing ovations when their stories are told. Stories like an Indianapolis woman who works at a children’s hospital in the mental health ward. She has welcomed more than 30 children into her home since becoming a single foster mom at age 22. She’s 28 now with six children in her care from ages 1 to 16.

From a Bananas standpoint, the program makes sense. The point of baseball is to get home.

For more information on Bananas Foster, including links to eight local and national educational partners, go to bananasfoster.org

Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

RECORD PRODUCER JON BONUS has collaborated with top-charting artists like Justin Bieber, Post Malone and Ed Sheeran. He once even landed a song placement in the final episode of the hit television show “The Office.”

Then, he got an offer from hotelier Richard Kessler to help bring to life Kessler’s vision for District Live Studios — a recording studio within the state-of-the-art live music venue at Plant Riverside District. At the end of 2022, Bonus made the move to Savannah and got to work.

The first order of business? “Adding the finishing touches on the room with some of my gear and additions to maximize the creative vibes,” he says. Since then, Bonus has welcomed artists including Grace Potter, Corey Smith, Kidd G and more into the booth for recording sessions.

Here, he shares what he is listening to now and how he spends his time outside the studio.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

I have been playing the piano since I was 4 years old and have always been involved in music performance and composition for my entire life. In college, I interned at a venue in Atlanta called Center Stage, but my first official start was when I interned at Sony Music. After graduating, I took a position as an Artist Development Representative at EMI Music (now Universal).

You and your family recently relocated from Atlanta. How are you adjusting?

After almost six months apart (except for weekends), my wife Brittany and daughter Summer have finally joined me in Savannah, and the town couldn’t be more welcoming.

I’d like to give a big thanks to Dr. Greg Kolovich and his wife Martina Kolovich for allowing me to stay with them while making this transition. Greg was my college roommate at Georgia Tech and has been an orthopedic surgeon with Optim Orthopedics in Savannah for several years now. Martina is a nurse and owner of Refine Savannah here in town. They are both big parts of the community and I can’t thank them enough. They are a big reason we were able to make this move work!

What’s the best part about your job?

Creating music — making something physical out of essentially thin air that helps an artist express a truth or feeling or gives a listener something physical to connect them to what they are going through in their life. Part of the addictiveness of this creative process is the unending puzzle of combining different vocals, sounds, genres, eras, words and rhythms of making a song or piece of music that can really connect with all of us.

How does District Live Studios compare to other places where you’ve worked?

District Live Studios is a truly unique studio. It’s located in an entertainment district located in the heart of a Southern city with super traditional roots while also operating as part of a luxury hotel (JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District/Kessler Collection) and a Live Nation-affiliated venue (District Live). Add to that an owner like Mr. Kessler, who is committed to the art and music culture of Savannah, and you definitely have a one-of-a-kind studio space for all creatives.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Most people are genuinely surprised that I got my master’s degree in international affairs from Georgia Tech. I never had a job that used my degree as I jumped straight into music.

Second, would be my in-studio TV viewing choice while working solo. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I have HGTV on as background noise. I love a good reno!

How do you spend time when you’re not in the studio?

I love spending time with my family. My daughter just turned 6, and her mind is just opening up to the world. Everything is incredible to her at this stage in life. Watching her unlock reading, dancing and singing — I think all parents find so much joy in this. Aside from family time, I like playing basketball, baseball — almost any sport with a ball —and traveling. I don’t mind airports and planes, and I enjoy getting out of town and coming back refreshed.

Which artists top your personal playlists?

I’ve got no shame — lots of pop. Literally reading off of my current Spotify: Tori Kelly, Justin Bieber, Drake, Morgan Wallen, SZA, Post Malone, Ariana Grande, The Chainsmokers, John Mayer, Arizona and John Summit.

The Corner Store

Jones & Bull

BEST NEW BUSINESS (TIE)

AT THE INTERSECTION OF JONES AND BULL STREETS — two of the most scenic in Savannah’s historic district — is Jones & Bull, an aptly named home decor and furniture store, circa 2022. Albeit a new business, the shop was a long-time coming for owners Robin and Andy Napoli. The couple, who met and married in Savannah over three decades ago, first purchased the retail space below their Jones Street home in 2014. They collected their inventory — found vintage and antique pieces — and dreamed for years before finally opening their doors.

Today, Jones & Bull is a true family affair. Their daughter Katie Napoli is an artist, with her own wallpaper print on display. She is a familiar face, along with her husband, two children and Robin’s siblings, who also live in the area. And lucky shoppers may also be greeted by Murphy, the Napolis’ dog — and perhaps their most treasured find yet. — C.M.

MICHAEL SCHALK

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

HISTORIC SITE/ ATTRACTION

Wormsloe Historic Site gastateparks.org/wormsloe

Runner-up: Bonaventure Cemetery savannahga.gov/498/city-cemeteries

INFLUENCER

Lauren Wolverton instagram.com/lauren_wolverton

Runner-up: Niki Blackwell nikiblackwell.com

LIVE MUSIC

Victory North victorynorthconcerts.com

Runner-up: Coach’s Corner SoundGarden coachs.net

MUSEUM

Telfair Museums telfair.org

Runner-up (TIE): Andrew Low House andrewlowhouse.com

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum shipsofthesea.org

R ADIO STATION

WRHQ 105.3 FM Quality Rock wrhq.com

Runner-up: WAEV 97.3 KISSFM 973kissfm.iheart.com

THEATER COMPANY

The Historic Savannah Theatre savannahtheatre.com

Runner-up: Savannah Children’s Theatre savannahchildrenstheatre.org

AFFORDABLE FASHION

Red Clover Boutique shopredclover.com

Runner-up: Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com

ANTIQUE FURNITURE

Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market pickerjoes.com

Runner-up: Jere’s Antiques jeresantiques.com

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Picker Joe’s Antique Mall & Vintage Market pickerjoes.com

Runner-up: Tapley’s Mercantile and Antiques tapleysmercantile.com

BIKES & BIKE REPAIR

Quality Bike Shop

qualitybikeshop.com

Runner-up: Star Bike Shop starbikesavannah.com

BRIDAL / FORMAL WEAR

Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com

Runner-up: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection

whitemagnoliabridal.com

CARS (NEW)

Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com

Runner-up: Critz Auto Group critz.com

CARS (USED)

Southern Motors Group southern-motors.com

Runner-up: Grainger graingernissan.com graingerhonda.com

Keeping Shop

Provisions

BEST NEW BUSINESS (TIE)

NATURAL WINES, craft sodas, trendy tinned fish, and cult-favorite olive oils have become ubiquitous online but were missing from retailers in Savannah — until Nikki Krecicki’s Provisions debuted on the corner of Whitaker and Liberty Streets last fall.

A Savannah College of Art and Design graduate and an accomplished photographer, Krecicki was living in New York when she first started Provisions as a pop-up series that combined her interests in prop styling, connecting people and enjoying good food with friends. Lucky for Savannah, she brought her talents back to the Hostess City to debut the beautiful, brick-and-mortar iteration of Provisions.

More than a shop, Provisions is a place to meet and mingle with neighbors and friends. Krecicki quickly transforms the long wooden table — typically covered in woven baskets of fresh produce and other goodies — into a dining table for cookbook supper clubs and art classes. Or, she’ll move the table altogether to roll out yoga mats and host a wellness workshop.

And the shop is indeed full of friends — both in person and on the shelves. Much of the housewares, farm-fresh products and artful merchandise come from fellow Savannahians and SCAD grads.

Follow along on Instagram @provisions.sav to see what Krecicki has in store next. — C.M.

I AM HUMBLED AND HONORED BY YOUR VOTES SAVANNAH, THANK YOU!

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

CBD PRODUCTS

Mary Jane’s CBD mjcbd.com

Runner-up: Avni Farms Dispensary avnifarmsdispensary.com

CLOTHING DESIGNER

Emily McCarthy, Emily McCarthy & Co. emilymccarthy.com

Runner-up: Emily Bargeron, with Mamie Ruth, East + Up and Starland Strange & Bazaar mamieruth.com eastandupvintage.com starlandstrangeandbazaar.com

CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING

Designer’s Consignment facebook.com/ designersconsignmentsav

Runner-up: Avalon Exchange avalonexchange.com/savannah

FINE JEWELRY

Levy Jewelers levyjewelers.com

Runner-up: Harkleroad Diamonds & Fine Jewelry harkleroaddiamonds.com

GIFTS AND DÉCOR

Polka Dots Gifts and Accessories polkadotssavannah.com

Runner-up: One Fish Two Fish onefishstore.com

HANDBAGS Satchel shopsatchel.com

Runner-up: Garland Bags garlandbags.com

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

E. Shaver, Bookseller eshaverbooks.com

Runner-up: The Book Lady Bookstore thebookladybookstore.com

JEWELRY DESIGNER

Mary Liz Craft, M. Liz Jewelry Studios & Boutique mlizdesigns.com

Runner-up (TIE): Andrew “Chad” Hamilton Crawford, 13 Secrets Jewelry Gallery 13secret.com

Lisa Zipperer, Lisa Zipperer Designs lisazippererdesigns.com

MADE-IN-SAVANNAH PRODUCT

Cheese Straws, Savannah Cheese Straw Company thesavannahcheesestraw company.com

Runner-up: Honey, Savannah Bee Company savannahbee.com

MEN’S CLOTHING

J. Parker Ltd. jparkerltd.com

Runner-up: John B. Rourke Gentlemen’s Clothiers johnbrourke.com

NEW BUSINESS (TIE)

Jones & Bull jonesandbull.com

Provisions provisions-sav.com

Runner-up: Savannah Nutrition facebook.com/p/savannah-nutrition

SHOES

Globe Shoe Company facebook.com/ globeshoecompany

Runner-up: Copper Penny Shooz copperpennysavannah.com

SPORTS/OUTDOOR WEAR

al -Moon ut tters halfmoonoutfitters.com

Runner-up: Rivers and Glen Trading Co.

riversandglen.com/pages/rivers-glensavannah-ga

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

VINTAGE CLOTHING

East and Up Vintage eastandupvintage.com

Runner-up: House of Strut houseofstrut.com

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Morgan Rae Boutique morganraeboutique.com

Runner-up: J Paige shopjpaige.com

AUDIO/VIDEO/LIGHTING PRODUCTION

Stage Front Presentation Systems sfps.net

Runner-up: Advanced A/V Rentals advancedav.rentals

AUTO REPAIR

Autobahn Service Center Inc. autobahnsavannah.com

Runner-up: Victory Car Care facebook.com/savannahcarcarevictory

BOAT DETAILING AND MAINTENANCE (TIE)

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

Coomer, Coomer & Routhier coomercpa.biz

Runner-up: Dabbs, Hickman, Hill and Cannon dhhccpa.com

COMMUNITY BANK/ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

BankSouth banksouth.com

Runner-up (TIE): First Chatham Bank firstchatham.com South State Bank southstatebank.com

AD AGENCY

Joselove-Filson joselovefilson.com

Runner-up: RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com

Hogan’s Marina hogansmarina.com

Thunderbolt Marina Inc. thunderboltmarine.com

Runner-up: Waterline Up

CONVENIENCE STORE

Parker’s parkerskitchen.com

Runner-up: Chu’s chusmart.com

DEEJAY

All About You Entertainment allaboutyoudjs.com

Runner-up: Will Smith, W. Smith Music wsmithmusic.com

DRY CLEANER

Curry Dry Cleaners currydrycleaners.com

Runner-up: David’s Dry Cleaner (now part of Five Star Cleaners)

EVENT RENTALS

Ranco Event Rentals rancotents.com

Runner-up: EventWorks Rentals eventworksrentals.com

Photography: Shutter Speed Digital Images

Photography: Dreamweaver Photos

Building Futures

Wendy Wallace

Lighthouse Financial Group, LLC BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

Written by ANDREA GOTO

WENDY WALLACE WAS LIVING ON TYBEE ISLAND and working remotely as a recruiter for DeVry University when her mother suddenly suffered a stroke. She passed away 10 days later, leaving behind a heartbroken husband and family. As Wallace helped her father begin the overwhelming process of sorting through their finances, she discovered a costly mess in the form of bad investments and poorly handled insurance policies that her parents weren’t even aware of.

“It was like investigative research,” Wallace says of the months it took her to get their finances in order. That’s when the mother of two grown children decided to pivot, launching her own financial planning firm.

“I wanted to work with and help people that were retired to make sure that nothing like what happened to my parents ever happened to them,” she says.

Two decades later, Wallace has a successful business that’s primarily driven by referrals, reflecting the meaningful relationships she develops with her clients. “It’s important to care and listen to what the client wants, and, unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of advisors who do that,” she says. Because, as Wallace points out, financial planning actually goes beyond how much money one needs to retire. “It depends if they’re single or married, what their health status is, what they like to do,” she says. “We build a plan around those things for their future and also a plan for when they pass.”

Wallace notes the importance of being honest and straightforward so her clients can actually understand and have a good feeling about the plan they put together. And while these conversations can be difficult, they’re often followed by a huge sense of relief. “The best part is when I meet with them, and I let them know exactly when they can retire and not run out of money because I’ve built a financial plan for them.”

Wallace recommends that anyone within 5 to 10 years of retirement should meet with a financial planner, though her older clients are beginning to send their children and grandchildren her way. “When I started this business years ago, it was with a different generation that were savers,” she says. For those who are, it’s still a good idea to make sure your money is working for you. And for those who aren’t “savers,” well, it might be time to make a plan with someone who can understand.

WHITNEY COLLINS

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Wendy J. Wallace, Lighthouse Financial Group lifigroup.com

Runner-up: Jason Ford, Wells Fargo Advisors fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/oxnardford-financial-group/meetteam.htm

FLIGHT SCHOOL

Savannah Aviation savannahaviation.com

Runner-up: FlightSafety International flightsafety.com/locations/savannahlearning-center

FLORIST

John Davis Florist johndavisflorist.com

Runner-up: Garden on the Square gardenonthesquare.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ DESIGN FIRM

Joselove-Filson Advertising joselovefilson.com

Runner-up: RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com

INSURANCE COMPANY/ AGENCY (AUTO, LIFE, ETC.)

State Farm statefarm.com/agent/us/ga/ savannah

Runner-up: Morris & Templeton Insurance Agency morristempleton.com

IT

SUPPORT/SERVICES

Speros speros.com

Runner-up: Symphona symphona.us

LAW FIRM

Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com

Runner-up: Hunter Maclean huntermaclean.com

LAWYER

Todd M. Baiad, Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com

Runner-up: Danny Falligant, Bouhan Falligant bouhan.com

MARINA

TPG Isle of Hope Marina iohmarina.com

Runner-up: Hogan’s Marina hogansmarina.com

PARTY/EVENT PLANNER

Tara Skinner Weddings and Events taraskinnerevents.com

Runner-up: Ivory & Beau ivoryandbeau.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Stayce Koegler Photography staycekoegler.com

Runner-up: Christine Hall Photography christinehallphotography.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM

Abshire Public Relations abshirepr.com

Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

SEAMSTRESS

Curry Dry Cleaners currydrycleaners.com

Runner-up: Stitch Savannah stitch-savannah-llc.square.site

SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY

Savannah Station savannahstation.com

Runner-up: Kehoe Iron Works trusteesgarden.com/rentals/ kehoeironworks.html

TOWING COMPANY

Sapp’s Wrecker Service sappswreckerservice.com

Runner-up: Gordon’s Wrecker Services facebook.com/p/gordonswrecker-service

TRAVEL AGENCY

Four Seasons Travel fourseasonstrvl.com

Runner-up: Edgewood Travel edgewoodtravel.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Mary Clare Kolbush Films maryclarekolbush.com

Runner-up: Jeff Koegler, KOE Creative Media facebook.com/koecreativemedia

WEB/SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

RobMark Web • Advertising • PR robmark.com

Runner-up: Lesley Francis PR lesleyfrancispr.com

ACUPUNCTURIST

Savannah Community Acupuncture savannahacupuncture.org

Runner-up: Bauer Coslick, Vitality Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine vitalitysavannah.com

BARBERSHOP

AV8 Barbers av8barbers.com

Runner-up: Bell Barber Co. bellbarberco.com

BODY BRONZING AND TANNING

BEETTAN

beettan.com

Runner-up: Body Bronzing by Becca savannahspraytan.com

DAY SPA

Spa Bleu spableu-sav.com

Runner-up: Savannah Day Spa savannahdayspa.com

ESTHETICIAN

Kathryn Taylor Day e ne Savannah refinesavannah.com

Runner-up: Morgan Carpenter, Sage Skin and Beauty sageskinandbeauty.com

A Southern Staple

Todd Baiad Partner, Bouhan Falligant BEST LAWYER

Written by ANDREA GOTO

“I CAN VIVIDLY RECALL getting into a discussion with my second grade teacher, and she said, ‘You’d be a really good lawyer,’” Todd Baiad says, recalling his earliest attorney inklings. His uncle, also a lawyer, influenced him as well, and it quickly became the track Baiad would steadfastly follow. And while he may have known his career path from a young age, it’s likely the kid from Connecticut didn’t know he’d end up a Southern staple.

Baiad first headed south for college, becoming what many Southerners seemingly aim to be: a University of Georgia Bulldog. Maybe that’s when he started to feel Southern roots taking hold, or maybe it was when he studied at Emory University School of Law. But, certainly, by the time he came to Savannah to work for Bouhan Falligant for the summer, just to see if it was a good fit, something clicked — or maybe bloomed?

“I absolutely fell in love with the city and with the firm, and I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to practice,” he says. It would also become the place where he and his wife, Savannah native and Georgia State Representative Anne Allen Westbrook, would start their family and stay to raise their three sons.

In his 23 years with Bouhan Falligant, Baiad has received many awards and has worked a number of intriguing cases, though he’s particularly honored to have served as counsel to the Democratic National Committee and President Joe Biden in an election contest case in the Southern District of Georgia. “It was kind of the intersection between politics and law, and it was fascinating to be a part of that,” he says.

While Baiad is humbled to have experiences like these, it’s pretty clear why he’s earned them.

“The most important thing is when you say you’re going to do something, you do it, and making sure when you make a statement to a court that it is factually accurate,” he says. “Because, as a lawyer, the most important thing you have is your reputation.”

He also enjoys the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. “Making sure that your client ends up being successful and watching your client be successful, to me, is incredibly gratifying and rewarding.”

Spoken like a true Southerner.

COURTESY BOUHAN FALLIGANT

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

GYM

FIT Gym

fitgymsandfly.com

fitgymsavannah.com

Runner-up: YMCA of Coastal Georgia ymcaofcoastalga.org

HAIR REMOVAL

Wax & Wane Waxing Salon waxandwanewaxing.com

Runner-up: Southern Sugaring & Spa southernsugaring.com

HAIR SALON

40 Volume Salon & Spa 40volume.com

Runner-up: Chapel Hair chapelhairsavannah.com

MANICURES/PEDICURES

Legacy Nails

Runner-up: Crystal Nails

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Cathy Thomas, LMT, Savannah Healing Arts massagebycathy.us

Runner-up: Christina Harley, Christina’s Healing Hands Massage Therapy christinashealnhands massagetherapy.com

MEDICAL SPA

Glow Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique glowsavannah.com

Runner-up: Refine Savannah refinemedaesthetics.com

NONSURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE SPECIALIST (FILLERS, ETC.) e ne Savannah refinemedaesthetics.com

Runner-up: Chatham Plastic Surgery chathamplasticsurgery.com

PERSONAL TRAINER

Drew Edmonds, Train Me 24/7 fitgymsavannah.com

Runner-up: Cameron Scott, Orangetheory Savannah orangetheory.com/en-us/locations/ georgia/savannah

PILATES AND BARRE STUDIO

Pure Barre purebarre.com/location/ savannah-ga

Runner-up: The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com

SPIN AND CYCLE STUDIO

The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com

Runner-up: CycleBar cyclebar.com/location/ midtown-savannah

YOGA STUDIO

Savannah Power Yoga savannahpoweryoga.com

Runner-up: The Hub Savannah thehubsavannah.com

BABY GEAR

Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com

Runner-up: Tactical Baby Gear tacticalbabygear.com

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

Exhilarate – The Adventure Zone exhilaratesav.com

Runner-up: Oatland Island Wildlife Center sccpss.com/schools/oatland /pages/default.aspx

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Punch & Judy punchandjudysavannah.com

Runner-up: Emily McCarthy & Co. emilymccarthy.com

DAYCARE

Little Raiders Learning Academy at Savannah Christian Preparatory School littleraidersla.com

Runner-up: The Sanctuary Child Learning & Development Center thesanctuarychildlearningcenter.com

KID-FRIENDLY DINING

Starland Yard starlandyard.com

Runner-up: Crystal Beer Parlor crystalbeerparlor.com

PLAYGROUND

Forsyth Park savannah.com/forsyth-park-3

Runner-up: Hull Park savannahga.gov/351/parks-playground

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com

Runner-up: St. Andrew’s School saslions.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Savannah Arts Academy spwww.sccpss.com/schools/saa/ Pages/default.aspx

Runner-up: May Howard Elementary School spsccpss.com/schools/mh/Pages/ default.aspx

SUMMER CAMP

St. Andrew’s Summer Camp saslions.com/summercamps

Runner-up: Camp R.E.D. C.H.A.O.S. at Savannah Christian Preparatory School savcps.com/summer-camp/ red-chaos-weeks-2-and-3-106

ANIMAL RESCUE

Renegade Paws Rescue renegadepawsrescue.org

Runner-up: One Love Animal Rescue oneloveanimalrescue.com

DOG TRAINER

The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

Runner-up: The Zoom Room Dog Training zoomroom.com/location/savannah

DOGGIE DAYCARE

The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

Runner-up: Von Trapp Animal Lodge vontrappanimallodge.com

GROOMER

The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

Runner-up: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com

PET SITTER/ DOG WALKER

Savannah Pet Sitters savannahpet.com

Runner-up (TIE): Blissful Buddha Pet Services blissfulbuddhapetservices.com Christy Graham Christy’s Critters facebook.com/christyscrittersga

PET SUPPLIES

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming woofgangbakery.com

Runner-up: The Hipster Hound hipsterhound.net

2023 BEST of SAVANNAH

PHYSICAL THERAPY/ REHABILITATION FACILITY

Fetch Canine Rehab fetchcaninerehab.com

VETERINARIAN

Brian Mulvey, Savannah Veterinary Medical Center savannahveterinarymedical.com

Runner-up (TIE): Hunter Brigdon, Brigdon Animal Hospital brigdonanimalhospital.com John Schoettle, Innovative Veterinary Medicine ivmdvm.com

VETERINARIAN CLINIC

Case Veterinary Hospital caseveterinary.com

Runner-up: Crossroad Animal Hospital crossroadah.com

VETERINARIAN SPECIALIST

Paul Shealy, DVM, MS, DACVS, BluePearl Savannah vss.org

Runner-up: Andrew Daters, DVM, MS Coastal Veterinary Oncology cvo.vet

INN/B&B

Ballastone Inn ballastone.com

Runner-up: The Marshall House marshallhouse.com

TOUR COMPANY

Old Savannah Tours oldsavannahtours.com

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

The Drayton Hotel thedraytonhotel.com

Runner-up: The Cotton Sail Hotel hilton.com/en/hotels/savvyup-thecotton-sail-hotel-savannah

HOTEL (MORE THAN 100 ROOMS)

The DeSoto Savannah thedesotosavannah.com

Runner-up: Perry Lane Hotel perrylanehotel.com

Runner-up: Kelly Tours kellytours.com

TOUR GUIDE (TIE)

Brandon Carter, Savannah True History Tours savannahtruehistory.com

Dan Leger, Savannah Dan Tours & Entertainment savannahdan.com

Drawing upon the natural beauty and unique charm of the Coastal Georgia and South Carolina region, Southern Coastal Weddings offers an elevated and authentic view of the region’s wedding culture … ever after, circa now.

Thomas W. Horn, MD

W. Joe Campbell, MD Richard J. Greco, MD John D. Paletta, MD Patrick J. Buchanan, MD William H. Dascombe, MD

BEST 2023 DOCTORS of SAVANNAH

Providing excellent patient care while keeping up with the latest medical innovations is no easy feat, but these Best of Doctors honorees do it seamlessly.

Interviews by LILY

AVERY

// Photography by MICHAEL

SCHALK

JEFFREY MANDEL, MD, FACS SouthCoast Health

BEST GENERAL SURGEON

GENERAL SURGEONS regularly take advantage of incredible technology to improve lives in myriad ways. From routine procedures to complex operations, these surgeons do it all. To Dr. Jeffrey Mandel, of all the operations he performs, a surgery to counter persistent reflux called LINX is particularly a point of pride.

“Thousands battle persistent reflux daily,” says Mandel. “This procedure addresses the cause of the problem rather than just preventing heartburn. It’s allowed me to help far more patients who are struggling with this disease.”

The LINX procedure involves implanting a LINX device — a “bracelet” of magnetic titanium beads — around the base of the esophagus to improve the body’s ability to prevent reflux. Mandel began performing the procedure in 2013 as an alternative to the more commonly performed Nissen fundoplication, where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the base of the esophagus to control reflux, and he has championed the efficacy of the device ever since.

“The LINX device is a game changer,” says Mandel. “It allows patients to no longer be dependent on medications to control their reflux. It has the same efficacy of the Nissen but with fewer side effects and is more durable.”

He hopes to see this number continue to grow as more patients — and doctors — become familiarized with the surgery.

“As more people have the device and have excellent results, more patients will choose to have the procedure rather than be dependent on medication for the rest of their lives,” says Mandel.

Over the last decade, Mandel has performed this procedure hundreds of times, hitting a milestone this year with his 500th procedure.

SANJAY IYER, MD Memorial Health

BEST EMERGENCY

MEDICAL DOCTOR

FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, emergency care might feel like a numbers game. For Dr. Sanjay Iyer, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He isn’t just providing expert, immediate care; he’s supporting patients during their most vulnerable moments. Every patient Iyer treats leaves a lasting impression on him. He seeks to do the same.

“When people come to the ER, they usually come in feeling at their worst or pretty bad,” Iyer explains. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is alleviating pain and suffering. And, ideally, diagnosing and treating diseases that are causing them pain.”

When reflecting on his experiences in the emergency room, one recent patient comes to mind. The patient, a woman in her 30s, arrived at the ER suffering from a stroke.

“You don’t imagine someone in their 30s having a stroke, but she was,” says Iyer. “Thankfully, we were able to administer the clot-busting medications that were needed for an acute stroke, and she made a full, 100% recovery. It was really satisfying to be able to help her in that moment.”

If it weren’t for Iyer’s quick action, this patient could have suffered permanent paralysis or worse.

Iyer adds that without the entire ER team, he wouldn’t be able to provide that high level of care. “I work with a great team of doctors, nurses and support staff,” says Iyer.

HOW THE LIST WORKS: The

Best of Savannah Doctors winners were determined by reader votes alone. Only one ballot per person was accepted; duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address were automatically disqualified. Savannah magazine does not control how individuals campaigned.

“It’s important to give credit to all of the Memorial ER staff. Everyone. It takes a whole team to make a successful ER.”

Total Wellness at its Best

Allergist/Immunologist

Wasil Khan, M.D., Ph.D. (runner-up)

Cardiologist

Roy D. Flood, Jr. M.D., FACC (runner-up)

Critical Care Specialist/Intensivist

Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner)

Family Medicine/General Practitioner

Christopher J. Oldfield, M.D. (runner-up)

Foot Specialist/Podiatrist

Craig K. Skalla, D.P.M. (winner)

General Surgeon

Jeffrey S. Mandel, M.D., FACS (winner)

Infectious Disease Specialist

Nenad Avramovski, M.D. (runner-up)

Internal Medicine/General Practitioner

Misal Patel, M.D. (runner-up)

To request an appointment, or for more information visit

Nephrologist

Nizar S. Eskandar, M.D., FACP, CMCM (winner)

Nutritionist

Rebekah M. Laurance, RD (runner-up)

Optometrist

Edward D. Sammons, O.D. (runner-up)

Osteopathic Physician

Regina B. Dandy, D.O. (runner-up)

ALLERGIST/ IMMUNOLOGIST

Bruce D. Finkel, MD Coastal Allergy & Asthma coastalallergy.net

RUNNER-UP: Wasil Kahn, MD, PhD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

ANESTHESIOLOGIST

William M. Fuqua, MD Anesthesia Associates Savannah

RUNNER-UP: John Solitario, MD Anesthesia Consultants of Savannah

AUDIOLOGIST

Susan Timna, AuD, CCC-A Expert Hearing ... Your Concierge Solution experthearingsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Cori Palmer, AuD, CCC-A Expert Hearing ... Your Concierge Solution experthearingsavannah.com

BARIATRIC SURGEON

Oliver C. Whipple, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Robert J. Kelly, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

CARDIOLOGIST

Jennifer L. Yeh, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Roy D. Flood, MD, FACC SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Chadwick W. Stouffer, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Jeremy E. London, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

CHIROPRACTOR

Layton Truax, DC TrüMove Chiropractic Wellness trumovewellness.com

RUNNER-UP: Todd M. Titus, DC Titus Chiropractic & Sports Therapy savannahsportschiro.com

CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST/ INTENSIVIST

Nizar S. Eskandar, MD, FACP, CMCM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Sojourner May, RDH Georgetown Family Dental georgetownfamilydental.com

RUNNER-UP Melissa Plumber Poston Dental postondental.com

GENERAL DENTIST

Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS Georgetown Family Dental georgetownfamilydental.com

RUNNER-UP: Mark N. Dye, DMD Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC thesavannahdentist.com

ORAL SURGEON

Michael C. Wilson, DMD Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery chathamoralsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Paul M. Hinchey, DMD, MD Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery chathamoralsurgery.com

ORTHODONTIST

Christopher Deleon, DMD Broderick, Dusek & Deleon Orthodontics savannahorthodontics.com

EAR, NOSE & THROAT SPECIALIST

David S. Oliver, MD, FACS Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat coastal-ent.com

RUNNER-UP: Michael Zoller, MD, FACS ENT Associates of Savannah entsavannah.com

EMERGENCY

MEDICAL DOCTOR

Sanjay Iyer, MD Memorial Health memorialhealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Jay D. Goldstein, MD Memorial Health memorialhealth.com

ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Ismary O. De Castro, MD Savannah Endocrinology savannahendocrinology.com

RUNNER-UP: Abby T. Abisogun, MD, ECNU Shoreline Endocrinology drabbyendo.com

FAMILY MEDICINE/ GENERAL PRACTITIONER

DENTISTRY

& ORAL HEALTH

COSMETIC DENTIST

Mark N. Dye, DMD Mark N. Dye, DMD LLC thesavannahdentist.com

RUNNER-UP: Roy D. Maynard Jr., DDS Georgetown Family Dental georgetownfamilydental.com

RUNNER-UP: Mark Dusek, DDS, MS Broderick, Dusek & Deleon Orthodontics savannahorthodontics.com

DERMATOLOGIST

Corinne Howington, MD Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

RUNNER-UP: Claudia N. Gaughf, MD Gaughf Dermatology gaughfdermatology.com

Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Christopher J. Oldfield, MD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

FOOT SPECIALIST/ PODIATRIST

Craig K. Skalla, DPM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: David Valbuena, DPM Georgia Foot & Ankle gafootandankle.com

ELIZABETH HINELY CHILDRESS, NP

BEST NURSE (NP) Coastal Care Partners

BEST HOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

SINCE OPENING ITS DOORS in 2019, the team at Coastal Care Partners has continued to evolve and expand its services to better fit the needs of the community. In 2021, as part of that evolution, Coastal Care Partners embarked on a new venture, offering concierge medicine primary care and concierge pediatrics in addition to the in-home care and other services for aging adults. As with all of their offerings, they approached this new endeavor with one goal: providing personalized care for their patients.

As a nurse practitioner at Coastal Care Partners, Elizabeth Hinely Childress joined the practice in 2021 to help start the concierge program. After two years, this service has grown to provide care to over 200 patients in the area.

“We build more of a relationship with our patients, and they become more like family when it comes to sitting down and spending an hour with our patients versus 15 minutes and having them wait two hours,” says Childress.

Childress notes a recent patient experience that highlights why their approach to healthcare is not only more personal but can lead to positive outcomes. “We noticed something was off with our patient,” she says. “It was a slight change in their breathing, something you wouldn’t notice unless you’re with the patient often.” An early diagnosis of lung cancer, Childress explains, was possible due to the intimate relationships practitioners at Coastal Care Partners are able to develop with their patients.

“When you spend a lot of time with a patient, you’re able to see a little bit more of the picture and can diagnose a little better and get the right patient care plan sooner,” Childress says.

“Not only is it beneficial to the patients, but it’s beneficial to us to be able to grow that relationship with them. It’s important that our patients feel comfortable telling us what’s going on.”

ERIKA MORROW, MS, OD

ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear

FOR PRACTITIONERS IN THE FIELDOF OPTOMETRY, providing patients with the gift of improved vision is the name of the game. But for those with irregular or difficult prescriptions, corrective options like glasses or contacts are often limited. At ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear, Dr. Erika Morrow provides an alternative for those patients in the form of specialty contact lenses.

“People who have severe corneal disease, severe dry eye, conditions like keratoconus, people who have had refractive surgery that didn’t end up with a great result, people who have had a procedure called radial keratotomy, it leaves their cornea very distorted,” says Morrow. “So you can’t put a contact on the cornea because the cornea is already so unhealthy.”

Using tools like the Eaglet-Eye Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) and the medmont meridia Advanced Topographer, Morrow is able to measure and map out even the smallest detail of the eye. The ESP captures up to 350,000 measurement points across a 20 millimeter area of the eye’s surface, while the medmont meridia provides exceptional color imaging of the patient’s eye. From there, Morrow can design specialty contact lenses that meet the patient’s exact needs.

Morrow recalls one patient, a well-known local plumber, who came to her after undergoing numerous unsuccessful surgeries on his corneas. “He couldn’t see much when he came to me,” says Morrow. “It was really impacting his ability to work and to live normally.” With the help of specialty lenses designed by Morrow, his visibility is far sharper, improving his work — and his golf game.

The only optometrist in the region to provide this service, Morrow aims to continue spreading the word about the advantages of the specialty contact lenses she offers.

“There are more people out there who could benefit from these lenses than you would think,” says Morrow.

“I want people who think they’ve run out of options to know there’s another solution. I’m here, and I want to help.”

From left, sitting: Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP; Angela Scarboro, PA-C Standing: Hellen Carter, Front Desk Specialist; Nikki Simmons-Cook, CMA; Sandra Brassard, RD/LD, CDCES; Danyelle Bligen, CNA; Sharonda Shelley, MA/Team Leader; Ji Ae Yun, Front Desk/Translator; Yanti Wyant, LPN

KRISTI HOFSTADTER-DUKE,

KRISTI HOFSTADTER-DUKE, PhD Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics

BEST PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST

FOR DR. KRISTI HOFSTADTER-DUKE, rewarding aspect of the job stretches beyond the walls of her practice.

the most

She does more than tackle concerning adolescent behavior; she creates a better quality of life for the children she helps.

Earlier this year, Hofstadter-Duke was reminded of the magnitude of her work and the lasting impact it has on her patients and their families.

Hofstadter-Duke had been working with a young girl who was struggling with crippling anxiety. She hadn’t seen the patient in months when she received a text message from the child’s mother.

“The mom said she just wanted me to know that her daughter was doing exceptionally well,” Hofstadter-Duke recalls. “She had a great school year. When I saw her, there was a lot of avoidance of things that were worrying or made her anxious, and the mom said the daughter was now going to sleepaway camp. It was such a huge milestone for her.”

Hofstadter-Duke says she can’t take all the credit, though. When working with adolescent patients, a lot of her process involves teaching parents how to provide the right support to get the right results. If the parents are willing to put in the work, the likelihood of success is higher, she says. And this patient’s mom was clearly dedicated to doing her homework.

the parents are willing to put in the work, the likeli-

“Often when the parents are the most invested and they really put in place things that we come together and talk about, that’s when we see the really significant impact that has a lasting effect,” says Hofstadter-Duke. “That patient’s mom deserves a lot of the credit, because there are so many times that we meet with families, and we don’t always see the same results. This outcome was awesome.”

KAYLEY SAVANNAH PHOTOGRAPHY

• William L. Mansour, M.D.

• Ansley S. Tharpe, M.D.

OUR PROVIDERS

•

• Isaac E. Perry, D.O.

• Jordan T. Houston, PA-C

•

•

• Sara L. Barrett, PA-C

•

•

•

Branden S. Hunter, M.D.

Gregory D. Borak, M.D.

Travis F. Wiggins, M.D.

Kristen Rosales-Vasquez, PA-C

Stephen J. Lightfield, PA-C

Samantha H. Hess, PA-C

RYAN MOODY, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates BEST

RUNNER-UP, BEST CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST/INTENSIVIST

DR. RYAN MOODY always knew he wanted to practice medicine. From a young age, math and science came naturally to him, and he always had an eagerness to help others, so a career in the medical field was a no-brainer.

Moody chose pulmonary critical care just as easily. Often considered one of the more taxing specialties, he found that his ability to remain calm in high-stress environments was best suited for critical care. Now, with 15 years of experience under his belt, Moody carries the same passion for critical care that he did when he first started practicing.

“It is not an easy specialty, in terms of how sick people are when you see them,” Moody says.

When it comes to quality care, Moody prides himself on being ready to handle any medical situation thrown at him with ease, and aims to bring that same composure to each of his patient interactions. Surgery and critical care needs are often stressful situations for patients and their loved ones to navigate. Moody strives to offset that stress as much as possible.

“No matter what, I try to make sure that my demeanor makes it easy for these patients, so they feel at ease when they’re receiving care from me,” says Moody. “That’s what’s most important.”

“I really like that no matter what the situation is, no matter how sick someone is, I am ready for it. I’m trained for it.”

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Rebecca Hart, ANP-BC, IFMCP Faith, Hope & Wellness faithhopewellness.net

RUNNER-UP:

Tassie Hargrove, BS, DC, ANA Holistic Wellness Center of Savannah holisticwellnesssavannah.com

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Mark E. Murphy, MD The Center for Digestive & Liver Health savannahgi.com

RUNNER-UP:

Branden S. Hunter, MD Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah gastrosav.com

GENERAL SURGEON

Jeffrey S. Mandel, MD, FACS SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP:

T. Ellis “Chip” Barnes IV, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

WOMEN'S HEALTH

GYNECOLOGIST

Andrew Tucker, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

RUNNER-UP:

Sarah C. Jarrell, MD, FACOG Savannah ObGyn savannahobgyn.com

OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST (TIE)

Andrew Tucker, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

Sarah C. Jarrell, MD, FACOG Savannah ObGyn savannahobgyn.com

RUNNER-UP:

Carmela A. Pettigrew, MD The Rejuvenation Clinic of Savannah and OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah rejuvenationclinicmd.com savobgyn.com

UROGYNECOLOGIST

Joseph T. Stubbs III, MD, FFPMRS, FACOG UROGYN Savannah urogynsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Barry Schlafstein, MD St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

HAIR RESTORATION SURGEON/SPECIALIST

Timothy Minton, MD, FACS Minton MD Hair Restoration Center at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: E. Ronald Finger, MD Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center fingerandassociates.com

HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

RUNNER-UP: THA Concierge Care thagroup.org

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDER

Alliance Home Medical

RUNNER-UP: AeroCare adapthealth.com

HORMONE THERAPIST

Harry Collins, DO Savannah Age Management Medicine agemanagementmed.com

RUNNER UP (TIE): Carmela A. Pettigrew, MD The Rejuvenation Clinic of Savannah and OB/GYN Specialists of Savannah rejuvenationclinicmd.com savobgyn.com

Pamela G. Gaudry, MD The Georgia Center for Menopausal Medicine menopausalmedicine.com

HOSPICE-CARE PROVIDER

Hospice Savannah, Inc. hospicesavannah.org

RUNNER-UP: Georgia Hospice Care georgiahospicecare.com

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST

Melissa Wynn, MD Southern Surgical Providers, PC

RUNNER-UP: Nenad Avramovski, MD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

DOCTOR OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

Yulianty D. Kusuma, MD, FACP Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Misal Patel, MD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

NEPHROLOGIST

Nizar S. Eskandar, MD, FACP, CMCM SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Rebecca L. Sentman, MD Nephrology and Hypertension Medical Associates thekidneydocs.com

NEUROLOGIST

Victor W. Rosenfeld, MD Rosenfeld Neurology and Sleep rosenfeldneuro.com

RUNNER-UP (TIE): J. Michael Hemphill, MD Savannah Neurology Specialists savannahneurology.com

Stephen N. Donahue, MD Savannah Neurology Specialists savannahneurology.com

NEUROSURGEON

Louis G. Horne IV, MD Neurological & Spine Institute neurologicalinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP: Kevin N. Ammar, MD Neurological & Spine Institute neurologicalinstitute.com

NURSING

CLINICAL REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHESIST (CRNA)

James R. Glazier Jr., CRNA The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

RUNNER-UP: Gayle Ridgway, DNP, CRNA

The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP)

Caroline Turner, FNP-C Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

CATHERINE

GRANT, MSPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Founder and CEO of ExperCARE Health

BEST URGENT/IMMEDIATE-CARE MEDICAL CLINIC

FOR CATHERINE GRANT AND HER TEAM at ExperCARE Health, constant change is the key to their success. When Grant set out to start a health clinic in 2009, her primary goal was to create a better model and experience for both healthcare professionals and patients when it comes to urgent care.

“We wanted to create a more seamless transaction for people so that it fits into their lifestyle,” says Grant. “People don’t want to have to make an appointment weeks ahead of time. They want to be able to walk in when they have a need and get it taken care of and use their insurance and feel like they’re not compromising quality because of convenience.”

To receive care at any ExperCARE Health facility, patients can either schedule a same-day appointment from their phone or computer, or simply walk into any of the five locations to receive care. From providing basic routine care to more extensive testing, such as X-rays and electrocardiograms (EKGs), ExperCARE Health is a one-stop shop for those looking for quick, reliable health care that fits into any busy lifestyle.

When visiting an ExperCARE Health location, expect to be talking to a physician within 15 minutes of arriving. And over 90% of any diagnostic testing needed can be done onsite. Patients can even follow up with an ExperCARE Health physician like they would any other provider. “We’ll stick with them and be their primary contact until they have someone else,” says Grant. “At the end of the day, we want people to know that we’re here for them, no matter what.”

Grant’s next goal? ExperCARE Health is set to open two more locations in Georgia, one in Hinesville and another in Rincon, by year’s end.

Fourteen years later, with five current locations in the region, it’s safe to say she met the mark — and then some.

KATY LAWS, AUD, CCC-A

SARA KING, AUD, CCC-A

CASEY ALLEN, AUD, CCC-A

JACK CONSIDINE, MD CEO and Founder of Coastal Imaging, Global Imaging Solutions and The Center for Women’s Health BEST RADIOLOGIST

WHEN IT COMES TO THE MEDICAL FIELD, there are few disciplines as anxiety inducing for patients as radiology. There is the cold, clinical atmosphere, the intimidating machines and, perhaps worst of all, the seemingly endless wait for the results. And for women — who have a whole suite of additional imaging needs, from mammograms to ultrasounds — this can be an especially vulnerable, stressful experience.

These concerns were at the forefront when Dr. Jack Considine and Coastal Imaging opened The Center for Women’s Health in May 2022. From the moment patients walk into the center, with its serene, spa-like atmosphere and welcoming staff, they know this won’t be their typical mammogram.

“It’s a spa inside and absolutely beautiful,” says Considine. “The combination of the latest technology with an exceptional, fellowship-trained mammographer onsite, Dr. Jessica Wilder, sets our center apart.”

The Center for Women’s Health prides itself on being a one-of-a-kind facility by women, for women, with a best-in-class staff who’ve spent their entire careers tending to women and their imaging needs. “Health needs are very personal to women, and our facility gives them a place where they can relax and be vulnerable,” Considine says.

Now, more than a year since opening, the practice is providing lifesaving care to a growing number of patients through the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

“These patients are someone’s mom, wife or sister,” says Wilder. “Knowing that we found a small cancer that they can go on to have treated so they can continue to live their lives with their loved ones is the ultimate reward — and why we do what we do.”

“There is comfort in knowing that the staff taking care of you faces the same concerns and questions about their own health.”

Thankyou!

2023

RUNNER-UP:

Brianna Sapp, FNP-C Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

NURSE (LPN/RN)

Jason Cook, LPN Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Heather May Mathis, RN The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

NURSE (NP)

Elizabeth Childress, NP (ACNP) Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

RUNNER-UP:

Punam Sheth, NP-C, MSN Coastal Pediatrics mycoastalpediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

J essica Glover, MSN, NP-C Coastal Pediatrics mycoastalpediatrics.com

RUNNER-UP: Samantha Bossak, FNP Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Heather Mell, NP-C Shrink Savannah shrinksavannah.com

WOMEN’S

HEALTH

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Melanie Brainard, FNP Coastal Care Partners coastalcarepartners.com

RUNNER-UP:

Brandy Aliotta, APRN, BC St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

NUTRITIONIST

Sandra G. Brassard, RD, LD, CDCES Internal Medicine of Savannah; Southern Comfort Nutrition internalmedicineofsavannah.com southerncomfortnutrition.com

RUNNER-UP:

Rebekah M. Laurance, RD, LD, CDCES SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

J. David Carson, MD ExperCARE Health expercarehealth.com

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Bob Phillips, OTR/L, CHT, COMT Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Kristen VanVlek, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM Pediatric Rehabilitation & Wellness pediatricrehabandwellness.com

ONCOLOGIST

Mark A. Taylor, MD Summit Cancer Care summitcancercare.com

RUNNER-UP (TIE): O. George Negrea, MD Low Country Cancer Care lcccsav.com

Jennifer Yannucci, MD Low Country Cancer Care lcccsav.com

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Richard Schulze Jr., MD Schulze Eye & Surgery Center schulze-eye.com

RUNNER-UP: Mark K. Manocha, MD Georgia Eye Institute gaeyeinstitute.com

OPTOMETRIST

Erika Morrow, MS, OD ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear forsighteye.net

RUNNER-UP: Edward D. Sammons, OD SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

FOOT & ANKLE

John T. Prather, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Juha Jaakkola, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

HAND & WRIST

Ronald H. Levit, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Gregory Kolovich, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

HIP & KNEE

Charles A. Hope II, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Robert Dow Hoffman, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

SHOULDER & ELBOW

James W. Wilson Jr., MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Robert Dow Hoffman, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

SPINE

D’mitri Sofianos, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Thomas E. Niemeier, MD Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN

Mark A. Jenkins, DO Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Regina D. Dandy, DO SouthCoast Health southcoasthealth.com

OUTPATIENT

THERAPY CLINIC

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Optim Orthopedics optimorthopedics.com

PAIN MEDICINE/ MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Joseph Hegarty, MD Optim Pain Management optimhealthsystem.com

RUNNER-UP: Keith A. Kirby, MD Savannah Pain Management & Savannah Pain Center savannahpainmanagement.com

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ROBERT “HUNTER” DUNLAP, MD

Savannah Chatham Imaging

RUNNER-UP, BEST RADIOLOGIST

WHEN CONSIDERING the plethora of technological and procedural advancements in the world of interventional radiology, one stands out among the rest to Dr. Robert “Hunter” Dunlap: prostate artery embolization (PAE). This nonsurgical option is designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. The procedure is wildly successful, with little to no recovery time, and Dunlap is currently the only physician in the region who offers it.

“It’s an excellent option for patients who are not surgical candidates or who don’t want to go through surgery,” says Dunlap. “Providing this procedure has opened the door for me to help a lot of men who previously didn’t have a lot of treatment options, if any.

According to Dunlap, 75% of men over 70 years old, and 80% of men over 80 years old, will have symptoms of BPH. Medication is typically the first treatment, then an assessment can be made whether a surgical or nonsurgical option is the best route for the patient, depending on age, current medications and other personal factors.

“During the PAE procedure, we go up through the blood vessel of the prostate, and we put tiny little beads — they’re microscopic, smaller than grains of sand — into the blood vessel that feeds the prostate,” Dunlap explains. “It softens the prostate and shrinks the gland and reduces the symptoms of BPH without the patient having to have surgery.” Recovery time is nearly nonexistent after a PAE. Patients can typically return to work the following day.

Although a common issue among men, Dunlap does find that discussing PAE is often an uncomfortable conversation for many patients to initiate with their doctors. “It can be a difficult thing to talk about, but once you move past the stigma, in general, the overall satisfaction of having the procedure is very, very high,” says Dunlap. “It really does make a huge difference in your quality of life.”

And that’s what it’s all about — being of service, providing care and offering patients relief so they can live their life.”

BEST FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST

We love getting to Your ROOT CAUSE of the problem!

Functional medicine is a systems biology based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. At Faith, Hope & Wellness, we strive for holistic care of physical, mental and spiritual health and give personalized attention to your detailed health history to restore wellness.

PEDIATRICIAN

Ben Spitalnick, MD, MBA, FAAP Pediatric Associates of Savannah pedsav.com

RUNNER-UP: Dudley W. Stone, MD Coastal Pediatrics mycoastalpediatrics.com

PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRIST

Kevin Winders, MD LifeStance Health lifestance.com

PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, PhD Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com

RUNNER-UP: Shauna Joye, PhD, LP Joye Psychology & Wellness, LLC joyepsychology.com

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST

Evan M. Siegall, MD Chatham Orthopaedic Associates chathamorthopaedics.com

RUNNER-UP: Christopher H. Rittmeyer, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

PERINATOLOGIST

Anthony B. Royek, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: Arthur M. Baker, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

PHARMACY

Village Walk Pharmacy villagewalkpharmacy.com

RUNNER-UP: Georgetown Drug Company georgetowndrug.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Ernest R. Ledesma Jr., PT Ledesma Sports Medicine ledesmasportsmed.com

RUNNER-UP: Andrew Aberle, PT, DPT Independent Physical Therapy of Georgia, LLC

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Angela M. RingScarboro, PA-C Internal Medicine of Savannah internalmedicineofsavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Elizabeth B. Brennan, PA-C Low Country Dermatology & Aesthetics lcderm.com

PLASTIC SURGEON

BREAST & BODY

Thomas W. Horn, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

RUNNER-UP: Richard J. Greco, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

FACE & NECK

Timothy Minton, MD, FACS Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com

RUNNER-UP: Thomas W. Horn, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

RECONSTRUCTIVE

Thomas W. Horn, MD The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

RUNNER-UP: Richard J. Greco, MD

The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery mycosmeticsurgeon.md

PSYCHIATRIST

Kevin Winders, MD LifeStance Health lifestance.com

RUNNER-UP: Chad Brock, MD Shrink Savannah shrinksavannah.com

PSYCHOLOGIST / PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Daniel S. Haddad, LCSW, LISW, MAC Savannah Therapy savannahtherapy.net

RUNNER-UP: Shauna Joye, PhD, LP Joye Psychology & Wellness, LLC joyepsychology.com

PULMONOLOGIST

Ryan B. Moody, MD, FCCP Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

RUNNER-UP: Gifford W. Lorenz, MD Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

RADIOLOGIST

Jack Considine, MD Coastal Imaging; GLOBIS: Global Imaging Solutions; The Center for Women’s Health coastalimaging.net; globalimagingsolutions.com; coastalimaging.net/ womenshealthcenter

RUNNER-UP: Robert “Hunter” Dunlap, MD Savannah Chatham Imaging scirads.com

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Patrick Blohm, MD The Georgia Center for Reproductive Medicine gcrmsav.com

RUNNER-UP: John Schnorr, MD Coastal Fertility Specialists coastalfertilityspecialists.com

RHEUMATOLOGIST

Than Win, MD Wrightington Rheumatology wrheu.com

RUNNER-UP: Dean H. Stephens, MD Coastal Rheumatology Associates coastalrheumatology.com

RHINOLOGIST (NASAL & SINUS)

Christopher Melroy, MD,FARS

Georgia Nasal & Sinus Institute sinusinstitute.com

RUNNER-UP: David S. Oliver, MD, FACS Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat coastal-ent.com

Thank you Savannah magazine readers, for voting

NIZAR ESKANDAR, MD, FACP, CMCM

BEST NEPHROLOGIST and BEST CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST/INTENSIVIST

BEST OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN

BEST PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST

BEST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON: SPINE

BEST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON: FOOT

BEST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON: HAND & WRIST

BEST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON: HIP & KNEE | SHOULDER & ELBOW

BEST OUTPATIENT THERAPY CLINIC

Robert Dow Hoffman, M.D. RUNNER-UP

Mark A. Jenkins, D.O. WINNER

Evan M. Siegall, M.D. WINNER

John T. Prather, M.D. WINNER

& ANKLE

Ronald H. Levit, M.D. WINNER

D’Mitri A. Sofianos, M.D. WINNER

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates RUNNER-UP

GREGORY KOLOVICH, MD Optim Orthopedics

RUNNER-UP, BEST HAND AND WRIST ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

THINKING SMALL is Dr. Gregory Kolovich’s specialty, at least when it comes to X-rays. During his fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, the idea to develop a portable handheld X-ray machine first came to Kolovich. We’ve miniaturized cell phones and computers, he thought, so why not X-rays?

“Sometimes you just need a quick X-ray, whether it’s in surgery or on the sideline of a sporting event,” says Kolovich. “Either way, X-rays are extremely important because they’re the first and last imaging modality.

Dubbed the Micro C, the handheld X-ray doesn’t require a degree in radiology or orthopedics to use. In fact, anyone can use it. With a built-in telemedicine platform, the user can take a quick X-ray of the afflicted area and use the software to connect with a medical professional who can triage the injury.

While the device is gaining popularity in nursing homes, urgent cares and at sporting events, its aid to third-world countries is where this device truly shines. Kolovich takes annual mission trips around the world and has discovered a great need for the Micro C. He notes that over two-thirds of the world doesn’t have access to simple X-rays, resulting in a lack of treatment for even the simplest problems.

“You have a young kid who got kicked by a horse in Kenya who might have a terrible injury, but they don’t have access to an X-ray,” says Kolovich. “So they walk around with these problems which are easily correctable by conventional means, but they don’t even have a way to diagnose it because they don’t have X-ray.”

To combat this problem, Kolovich and his team are partnering with Parkway Venture Capital and Intel Capital to reduce the cost of the device to expand accessibility to third-world countries.

“Our mission statement is we allow anyone, anytime, anywhere to shoot an X-ray,” says Kolovich. “And we truly mean that. Everyone should have access. Everyone.”

The whole treatment process starts and ends with an X-ray. It’s really the cornerstone of orthopedics.”

We are here

Changing Behavior. Changing Lives.

What families are saying:

• “The most comprehensive testing as well as behavior/ psych therapy we’ve found! Amazing place!”

• Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics “has changed our family’s lives and added so much more peace and joy to our days together! We are so much better equipped to handle our children’s changing behaviors and finally found the tools we need to better enjoy each other!”

We partner with families to provide unparalleled psychological testing and therapy, so that children and adolescents can boldly and skillfully build a life of meaning, intention, and competence. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 912.436.6789.

Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; and Dr. Cassidy Oliver, Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

MARK MURPHY, MD Center for Digestive and Liver Health

BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST

DR. MARK MURPHY is passionate about colons, specifically screening colonoscopies. With colon cancer ranking as the third most common cancer in the United States, Murphy is dedicated to sharing the importance of regular colonoscopies with every patient he sees.

Colon cancer is a tricky disease. Patients typically don’t exhibit symptoms until the malignancy is quite large and more difficult to treat. However, if caught in the early stages, it is often easily cured with surgery. With regular screening colonoscopies, Murphy explains, precancerous colon polyps can often be detected and removed before the cancer has had time to develop. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals should start screening measures at age 45.

Murphy recalls a patient he was able to treat for asymptomatic colon cancer after a routine screening. This finding prompted the patient’s husband to get a colonoscopy as well, who was also found to have colon cancer. Murphy was able to easily remove the cancerous polyps in both patients. A seemingly simple, routine screening saved both their lives. To Murphy, this is what gets him out of bed each morning.

Murphy says, “I get up every day excited for the opportunity to help someone else.”

“There is no award, no accolade, no paycheck and no other aspect of any job that is more rewarding than having improved someone else’s life.”

THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM

TEAM SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH: 1115 Lexington Ave. 912.354.4813

TEAM SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

BRUNSWICK: 3025 Shrine Rd., Ste. 450 912.264.6133

JESUP: 111 Colonial Way, Ste. 2 912.588.1919

ST. MARY’S: 2040 Dan Proctor Dr., Ste. 230 912.264.6133

TEAM SOUTH CAROLINA

BEAUFORT: 16 Kemmerlin Ln. 843.524.2002

BLUFFTON: 16 Okatie Center Blvd. South, Ste. 100 843.706.9955

BRYAN KRULL, D.O.

WILLIAM G. GRUBB, M.D.

JAMES BAZEMORE, M.D.

DANA KUMJIAN, M.D.REBECCA SENTMAN, M.D.

ERIK D. BERNSTEIN, M.D.

JESSICA COLEMAN, M.D.

MIKHAIL NOVIKOV, M.D., PHD.

RAFAEL DAVID RODRIQUEZ, M.D.

DOCTORS 2023

SLEEP SPECIALIST

Carlton R. Kemp Jr., MD Memorial Health Southeast Sleep Disorders Center memorialhealthdoctors.com

RUNNER-UP: James A. Daly III, MD, FCCP, FAASM Southeast Lung Associates selung.com

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Brittany P. Tyler, MS, CCC-SLP

The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire; RiteCare Center for Communication Disorders (formerly with Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy)

thespeechclinic.org; chp.georgiasouthern.edu

RUNNER-UP (TIE): Ansley Sellers, CCC-SLP The Speech Clinic of the Coastal Empire thespeechclinic.org

Tory Candea, SLPD, CCC-SLP, CBIS, CDP, CTSS RiteCare Center for Communication Disorders chp.georgiasouthern.edu

THORACIC SURGEON

Marc Bailey, MD, FACS St. Joseph’s/Candler sjchs.org

RUNNER-UP: Chadwick W. Stouffer, MD Memorial Health memorialhealthdoctors.com

LOOK FOR THE CHANCE TO NOMINATE NEXT YEAR’S

URGENT/ IMMEDIATE

CARE CLINIC

ExperCARE Health expercarehealth.com

RUNNER-UP: Urgent Care of Berwick, Midtown, Sandfly & Wilmington Island urgentcarefamily.com

UROLOGIST

Buffi G. Boyd, MD Urological Associates of Savannah, PC urologysavannah.com

RUNNER-UP: Thomas E. Shook, MD Urological Associates of Savannah urologysavannah.com

VASCULAR SURGEON

E. Jerry Cohn Jr., MD Savannah Vascular Institute savannahvascular.com

RUNNER-UP: Anthony J. Avino, MD Savannah Vascular Institute savannahvascular.com

WEIGHT-LOSS SPECIALIST

Steve Fabrizio, MD Premier Medical Weight Loss & Wellness goodbodydoctor.com

RUNNER-UP: Don Gates, MD Scale Solutions scale-solutions.com

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Coming Full Cycle

After a road accident left her in critical condition, a local competitive cyclist gets back on the bike

Written by HANNAH ABBOTT

Photo courtesy of THE RIFT: KORDIAN

ALMOST EVERY DAY, Maggie and Jackson Evans ride the same route along the outskirts of Savannah. The couple, who are not only competitive cyclists but also musicians who perform gigs together, typically move in sync.

Some days, though, they split up to ride separate workouts or add a few extra miles — just like they did on the morning of April 12, 2022.

Jackson finished his ride first, took a shower and went to work as the marketing director for Benedetto Guitars. Every now and then, he check ed his phone to see if Maggie’s ride had been uploaded to Strava, a social media platform where athletes can share their workouts.

At the time, Maggie’s training revolved around “The Rift,” a 125-mile gravel bike race held every July in Iceland. But her ride that morning would never upload. She also wouldn’t show up for her class at Savannah College of Art and Design, where she is a foundations professor.

Jackson’s texts remained unanswered — his calls went to voicemail. He did, however, receive a text in a local cycling group chat, saying that there had been an accident involving a cyclist hit by a moving vehicle.

That’s when Jackson started connecting the dots. He raced home to see if Maggie’s bike was there. It wasn’t. Panic started to set in. He began calling hospitals.

One, two, 10 calls later, Jackson still didn’t have any information. Finally, he reached Chatham EMS, who directed him to Memorial Health University Medical Center. Jackson rushed to the emergency room, still in a shock.

When he arrived on the campus, he recognized a hospital worker — the Evanses had played a gig for her — who helped Jackson locate Maggie’s room. But he only caught a glimpse of his wife’s cycling kit before he was taken to a solitary waiting room and told she was critically unstable.

Here, the gravity of the situation really hit him.

Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die on roads in the United States every year. His wife could be one of them.

When Maggie went into emergency surgery, she wasn’t expected to make it. At that point, she had already lost a lot of blood. Her ribs had been crushed, which lacerated her liver; her spine was broken in several places; her clavicle and hip were fractured; and her lung and diaphragm were punctured.

“Our ribs support the lungs in moving up and down, but Maggie had lost that ability, so we had to plate her ribs,” said Dr. Hemal Patel, an anesthesiologist who helped provide her critical care.

Maggie woke up after hours of surgery, but because she was intubated, she couldn’t speak. She had no recollection that a truck going 65 miles per hour hit her from behind, sending her 138 feet through the air to the marshy area off the road.

Left: Maggie’s bike lies broken on the side of U.S. Highway 80 after a truck driving 65 miles per hour hit her from behind. Below: Maggie reflects in her art studio while recovering from the April 2022 accident that nearly took her life.

COURTESY MAGGIE EVANS COURTESY MAGGIE EVANS

The last thing Maggie remembers was approaching Highway 80 from Johnny Mercer Boulevard, where she had stopped at a red light and gotten into the left turning lane. When the light turned green, she clipped in her cycling shoes and turned onto the highway.

When she could speak again, she thought she might have just broken a bone and asked whether she would still be able to race in Iceland that July. But healing would take a little longer than the three months until the gravel race, so the Evanses optimistically deferred their entries to 2023 and began the long road to recovery.

In the months after the incident, Maggie had to wear a back brace to stabilize her spine.

Slowly, she became a master of focusing on what she could do rather than what she couldn’t — and oftentimes, that meant two steps forward, then three steps back.

Maggie went from spending weeks in a wheelchair to getting around with a walker to riding her bike for 15 minutes at a time — one pedal in front of the other — and feeling completely drained afterward.

Still, it was necessary to keep moving. “If you spend a month in the hospital and rehab center, and more than two months in a wheelchair, muscle atrophy becomes a real issue,” Patel says.

By January 2023, Maggie was strong enough to resume her regular training. All the while, her deferred entry to “The Rift” was looming ahead of her. “I couldn’t fathom completing a race of that magnitude by the summer,” she recalls.

Yet, remarkably, she was able to do just that.

Fast forward to summer 2023, Maggie’s story had come full circle. In March of this year, after 11 months of recovery, Maggie raced again for the first time since her accident. In April, she competed in a 100mile gravel race. By June, she was leading the Southeast Gravel Series in her age group.

“Getting back into physical shape to race — and in that short of a period of time — that’s what’s significant,” Patel adds. “Not a lot of people do that.”

In July — just 15 months after the accident — she and Jackson traveled to Iceland to race 125 miles through mud, across streams and over volcanoes. Maggie finally completed the goal she had been working toward before the accident delayed her plans.

“The race took me 10 and a half hours, and I only stopped for a total of 10 minutes,” Maggie says. “It was a grind. In the middle of it, I was thinking I’m never going to do this again. But when I was done, I was just kinda pumped.”

Now, she is already planning her next gravel adventure. Perhaps it’s her athletic drive that keeps her pushing toward her next goal. But it’s her artistic spirit that, despite all the pain the accident brought, can help her see the experience as enriching.

“This experience is going to come out in my artwork later,” says Maggie. “It’s a part of me now.”

Above: Just 15 months after her accident, Maggie crosses the finish line at “The Rift,” a 125-mile gravel bike race held every July in Iceland.

Far right: Maggie competing in a 100-mile cycling race in April 2023.

Right: With high hopes and spirits, Maggie recovers in the hospital after sustaining crushed ribs; a lacerated liver; a punctured lung and diaphragm; and a fractured spine, clavicle and hip.

COURTESY THE RIFT: KORDIAN

COURTESY SOUTHEAST GRAVEL’S SALUDA REDBANK 100

COURTESY MAGGIE EVANS

412 Williamson st. thealidahotel.com

SPIRITED AND SATISFYING CULINARY

At The Alida, savor classic Southern fare guided by an appreciation for regional ingredients. Let us host you at Rhett, a classic American kitchen and gathering spot serving American staples that feel familiar, like a home-cooked meal. The lively Cabana Club, meanwhile, is a Savannah hot spot for light bites, refreshing cocktails, and good times. Or head upstairs to The Lost Square, a rooftop bar inspired by Savannah’s long-lost communal wards. Warm and always social, all of our dining spaces embody The Alida’s generosity of spirit.

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A Lasting Impression

THERON “IKE” CARTER was born in Savannah’s Charity Hospital, raised on East Anderson Street then Carver Village, churched in St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal and graduated from Beach High School — all places with deep and meaningful ties to Black history and culture. He’s what the Geechee community calls a “been here.”

His nickname “Ike” has stuck around, too. While at Cuyler Junior High, Carter became president of the student council. The nation’s president at the time, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was nicknamed “Ike,” so Carter’s classmates started calling him “Little Ike.” Over time, he dropped the “Little” and the political ambitions, but held onto the power of using his voice and getting his peers to listen.

As a freshman at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Carter first turned his gaze to music. After college, he served four years in the Air Force before settling in Baltimore for 30 years, where he joined the famed Left Bank Jazz Society.

“The Left Bank was a group of people dedicated to preserving the art form,” says Carter. “And they used to do a radio show on WEAA at Morgan State University.” He started out as a co-host for the show, but that wasn’t enough for Carter. “I went to the station manager and told him I needed my own program,” he recalls. And they gave it to him. He named it “Impressions” after the John Coltrane song.

When he later moved back home to Savannah in 1989, he brought his passion for music with him. Carter began volunteering at Savannah State University’s radio station, WHCJ. Eventually, he got his own radio show, and he reprised “Impressions.”

He’s quick to point out, however, that he’s not a DJ — he’s a radio programmer. “DJs take requests and play from a list they’re given. I’ve never taken a request,” Carter explains. “Programmers create the show, select the music and present it.”

Written by TRELANI MICHELLE // Photography by THOMAS SANDERS

And “Impressions” was more than just music. Carter took his listeners to school. For instance, he taught them that “jazz” wasn’t a term that the creators of the genre produced.

Known as “The Voice of Savannah State,” longtime radio programmer Theron “Ike” Carter has more to say

The word itself has a long history, and some scholars believe it originated as a vulgar expression. So, Carter prefers to call it “African American classical music.”

Through his playlists, he showed how blues and spirituals are two sides of the same coin. And he reminded his audience that rap did not begin in the ’70s, but earlier. “In junior high, we’d carry a shoeshine rag and beat rhythms with the rag on our knees and rap,” Carter recalls.

Once he was promoted to WHCJ’s Director, Carter served in the role for 20 years, where he earned another nickname: The Voice of Savannah State. He’s also served as president of the Coastal Jazz Association (now Savannah Jazz), chairman of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival and a frequent lecturer on the history of African American music. He used his positions to bring musical greats like Donald Byrd to Savannah.

Now retired from his director role, Carter still does programs on WHCJ periodically and also collaborates with author-artist Aberjhani on his legacy heritage project — a multimedia memoir about Carter’s experiences and lessons in African American music over 70-plus years.

A resident of Savannah’s Eastside, you might also spot him walking his puppy. The nickname? Sassy — after the remarkable Grammy-award-winning singer Sarah Vaughan, of course.

“DJs take requests and play from a list they’re given. I’ve never taken a request. Programmers create the show, select the music and present it.”

— Theron “Ike” Carter

Connect with those who matter in a place you’ll never forget.

A life well-lived means time connecting with yourself, others and nature. Montage Palmetto Bluff offers a relaxing retreat for your family and friends. A holistic space for connectivity with nature, tness, nutrition, and spa options curated just for you. A soul-full escape.

On location at Montage Palmetto Bluff

TASTE SEEN

“Viridescence” Gallery Opening

JUNE 16

Friends and fans of local artist Bellamy Murphy gathered at Location Gallery to celebrate the debut of her latest series: “Viridescence.” Inspired by her visits to Ossabaw Island, Murphy’s oil on canvas paintings depict the coastal landscape’s stunning istas and nat ral bea t n t rn galler rofits ro the sho are donated to the Ossabaw Island Foundation.

Photo by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Bellamy Murphy

BELLAMY MURPHY’S

“Viridescence”

Gallery Opening

Scott Cleaveland, Denise Grabowski and Chris Carpentino

Bellamy Murphy and Peter E. Roberts

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Amy Paige Condon and Peter E. Roberts

John Deering, Ossabaw Foundation Program Director Robin Gunn and David Levy

Curry Salandi, Randi Zipperer Wilson and Cindy Beaver

Cathy Schmitz and John Thompson

Bryan and Carol Ann Stovall, and Dawn and Robert Daniels

Liz Thompson, Shari Miltiades and Stephen and Cindy Szczecinski

Greg Elmgren, Jeff Eley, Joy Dunigan and Gregory Vaughan

Shawn Boaen and Peggy and Alan Usher

John and Pam Clinard, and Debbie and Glynn Neville

CALVARY DAY SCHOOL

2023-2024

BACK TO SCHOOL

WHERE ONE RELATIONSHIP CAN HAVE LIFELONG IMPA CT

At Calvary Day School, we have seen tremendous growth over the past few years - growth in student population, faculty & staff, space, course offerings, community events, after-school opportunities, and so much more. Although we have grown our community, one thing remains the same: our highest value is relationships.

A quick stroll through campus and one will experience the emphasis we place on connection. Our mission is to develop the total student - spiritually , academically , socially , and physically through a Christ-center educational experience.

From our engaging STEM & Nature Center to our established Fine Arts department , Calvary offers a place for all students to belong. Learn more about all of Calvary's programs by visiting our website!

CALVARYDAYSCHOOL.COM

4625 WATERS AVE., SAVANNAH, GA 31404

CLASSIC CITY COLLECTIVE

Athannah

JULY 20

The University of Georgia (UGA) alumni group Classic City Collective (CCC) brought Athens to Savannah’s Victory North for its summer fundraiser, also known as “Athannah.” The event included a concert by famed singer-songwriter and UGA alum Corey Smith, with all ticket proceeds directed toward UGA student-athletes via the CCC.

Emma and John Helmken

Allison and Joel Gerber

Andrew Blaske

Julia and Hunter Hadden

Kyle and Shannon Phillips, Jeannie Amerson and Jennifer Abshire

Amy and Hannah Green

Carter, Kim, McClain and Waymond Allen

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Cait Stultz and D. Boston Derst

Karlee and Jake Thompson Max Baker and Madison Ehmig

Hancock w ould li ke to wi s h

Hancock Day School root s to g row. win gs to fl y.

Sava nn a h co mm uni ty a won sa f e st ar t t o t h e 2020-20 21

Interested in applying for the 2021-2022 school year?

Interested in applying for the 2024 - 2025 school year?

Plea se conta ct ou r Di recto r of Adm is s ions , Ci n dy D rew, via email a t CD rew@H an cockDayScho ol .org o r by p hon e a t 912-351-45 00 exten sio n 3 02.

hancock day school

6600 howard foss drive • savannah, ga 31406 912-351-4500

Have questions? P leas e conta ct ou r Di recto r of Adm is s ions , Ci n dy D rew, vi a email a t CDrew@HancockDaySchool.org or by phone at 912-351-4500 extension 302.

Interested in applying for the 2021-2022 c on tact o ur Di rector o f Admi ss ion s, Ci ancockD ay Sch ool .or g o r by p hon e a t 91 ha ncock day sch oo l 6600 h ow a rd f o ss drive • sa va nn 9 12 -3 51 - 45 00 • www. ha ncock da y

SAVANNAH CONCOURS WEEKEND

Tito’s Taste of The Landings Cocktail Dinner

JUNE 17

During the second annual weekend, car enthusiasts mingled while viewing 100 unique automobiles on display. The festivities also included themed food and beverage events, such as a dinner with cocktails made with Tito’s Vodka and dishes prepared by The Landings Golf & Athletic Club restaurant collection, while supporting The Landings Military Family Relief Fund and America’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Abby Mitchell and Kristin Alpert

Jackie Armbrister and Kristy Davis

Bill Grady, Joey Reno and Victor Pisano

Jessica Duffy and James Headley

Crispin Cuttino and Alexis Salgueiro

Dr. Jason and Tori King, and James and Sheridan Ward

Karen and Don Manley

Diane Lyon, Gracie Lyon Merritt, Angie Lyon Chu and Susie Padgett

Blake and Maggie Vaigneur, and Christine and Dale Freeman Joseph and Tori Lewis

FIGHT THE WARRIOR WITHIN FOUNDATION

Warrior Ball 2023

JULY 29

he all ol nteer non rofit organi ation ar ed its third anni ersar ith a or al a air at a annah tation rther hel ing to raise a areness and nds to re ent s icide

Kim Gordon and Jay Carver

Jasmine and Hardik Patel

Nicole and Larry Hodges

Kyle and Kate Upshaw

Nick and Daisha Schwear

Miranda Briggs, Amy Headrick, James Collins, Jane Orr and Stephanie Boaz

Julie Phillips, Connie Osborne and Jenny Clements

Mandy Jennings, Brandi Zimlich and Amy Headrick

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Brittany Richmond and Rachel McDermott

Dwayne and Rosa Phelps

Joe Higgins and Sabrina Putney

URBAN

Youthful Perspectives Art Show

JULY 28

Each year, Urban Hope students team up to create an original mural of a biblical story. Then, the artwork is dis la ed at he hitefield Center and a ctioned or sale ith roceeds benefiting the non rofit s ission to empower the children of Savannah and inspire positive change in their lives and our community.

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Ethan Flournoy and Jamil Jackson

DanZella Callaway and Essence Washington

Lauren Bayliss, Hank Phillips and Allison Hall

Ellen and Phillip McClure

Dave and Amy Jorgenson

The Cutters and the Harrigans

Kearyton Riley

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Spiritual Experience the Savannah Side of

A husband-and-wife team, Brian and Jen Byers focus on the positive side of spirituality, o ering personal readings, folk remedies and potions and interactive and historically accurate ghost tours.

mysticapothecary.comsavannahpsychics.comsavannahghosttours.com

Much more than a spiritual supply shop and metaphysical store, this authentic apothecary offers the widest range of herbal remedies and folk-healing potions. Looking for something specific? Jen is never too busy to point visitors to the right herbs and oils or even create a unique tincture, powerful love spell or custom perfume just for them. Or take your time exploring the wide range of crystals and jewelry, tarot cards, astrology books, smudge kits, soaks, candles, meditation supplies and more. Whether it’s an ointment that enhances lucid dreaming or a fortune-telling teacup, this apothecary has it all.

Select from a range of services including psychic, palm, tarot and pendulum readings to mediumship readings and séances – one of the couple’s more personal and fascinating offerings. Looking to connect with loved ones who have crossed to the other side? Brian, a wellrespected psychic medium, has brought many people together during mediumships or séances. Some have even been featured on the new travel show “You Are Here,” hosted by actor, writer and director Colman Domingo (“Fear the Walking Dead,” “Euphoria,” “Transformers” and “The Color Purple”). Watch the “Savannah” episode on AMC or YouTube. Savannah Psychics accepts appointments, walk-ins and even larger groups.

Interact with the spiritual side of Savannah while learning the city’s fascinating history. These ghost tours focus on the truth behind some of Savannah’s most famous hauntings. Brian and Jen not only dispel misinformation about the haints who reside here, but they also try to communicate with the spirits along the way. Featuring headsets to hear the tour guide loud and clear, Savannah Ghost Tours offers a close and personal way to experience Savannah’s spirits. Guests will learn about and utilize popular paranormal ghost-hunting equipment like the K2 EMF Meter and Spirit Box. These tours are fun for all ages – including an adult excursion complete with a bar stop –and promise to leave everyone in chills.

Fear Not

Sure, Halloween is about costumes and candy, but it’s also about community

Written by ANDREA GOTO

GROWING UP, HALLOWEEN was always one of my favorite holidays. My sister and I would scour the pattern books at the fabric store for inspiration (our version of Instagram) and create costumes from the “dress-up box” — literally a cardboard box in the attic — filled with an odd assortment of musty-smelling wigs, Mom’s pageant gowns and motorcycle-gang paraphernalia from Dad’s sordid past.

Over the years, we managed to cull together what I now realize were culturally insensitive versions of a geisha, “Dutch girl,” gypsy, caveman and more. Then, at dusk, we’d race around the neighborhood in search of the houses with the “big” candy and warn our

friends about the houses with fruit. Dad tried to count off how many trick-or-treaters came by, and yet we’d still always run out of candy.

It was a beautiful thing.

Then, sometime around the mid-’80s, something changed. People started to seem more afraid of everything, from Gorbachev and AIDS to Halley’s Comet and Michael Jackson’s moonwalking abilities. Halloween became particularly scary with talk of doorstep abductions, drug-laced candy and razor blades embedded in apples. Mom began insisting that we stick together and only visit the “good houses” — the ones whose tidy yards and ample light suggested safety.

We had to inspect all of our candy before eating it, painfully parting with any piece that appeared to be tampered with. As the years drew on, the number of trick-or-treaters dwindled. Parents started taking their kids store-to-store at the mall instead of door-to-door in their own neighborhoods. Eventually, my parents turned off their porch light and stopped buying candy altogether. As I got older, I did the same.

When my husband and I moved into a quiet neighborhood on Wilmington Island, I heard rumors of a next-level Halloween celebration and saw decorations beginning to go up the day after Labor Day. And I’m not talking about your run-of-the-mill plastic pumpkins and stick-on window witches; I’m talking 30-foot skeletons, pyrotechnics, fog machines and full-on yard installations telling stories of ghost pirates and werewolves, a haunted “Hell House” and a fire-breathing dragon.

On Halloween, thousands of costumed kids and adults descended upon the neighborhood. A parade of people clogged the streets, and kids darted from house to house, laughing and screaming. It was like that iconic Halloween scene in “E.T.” — it felt and looked surreal. I ran out of candy within the first 20 minutes, so we joined the throngs and walked aimlessly in awe of how our community kept the spirit of Halloween alive.

It was a beautiful thing.

I’d eventually learn to buy candy by the bales and raid the day-after-Halloween sales to stockpile decorations for the following year. My husband has upped his costume game to the point where he spent 12 months assembling an authenticlooking proton pack that he’s a little too proud of. And our daughter has grown up experiencing the joy of Halloween rather than listening to her parents wax nostalgic about better times.

That’s not to say that things are perfect. There are still some off-brand Tootsie Rolls in the bunch that try to ruin it for the good candy. But for the most part, I’m more afraid of the creepy costumed folks at the Hell House than I am of anything else. It’s good to know that communities like this exist, and if they don’t, we can still build them.