Savannah magazine - January/February 2023

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Vol.34 No.1 $6.99 savannahmagazine.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 THE FAMILY ISSUE Calibogue, dog of Outside Savannah founder Mike Overton, on Page Island (page 84) LOCAL SCHOOLS Page 100 Guide to 20 Ways OUTSIDE to Get in 2023

SMART SERVICES & SPECIALISTS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE REGION.

Residents of Southeast Georgia and the South Carolina lowcountry should feel comfort in knowing they have access to the most advanced oncology care in the region. St. Joseph’s/Candler offers innovative and customized treatment plans at the nationally recognized Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion in Savannah, Bluffton, and throughout a network that spans a 33-county area.

At these facilities, patients and their families will find committed medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists as well as other specialists who are exceptionally skilled at the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They’ll find physicians who utilize state-of-the-art technology and clinical trials that can help patients beat cancer. There’s no reason to travel; compassionate and comprehensive cancer care is close to home.

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Moments that you’ll never forget.

When you’ve had enough screen time, riding a bike is a nice change of pace. So is shing from a bridge. Or swinging in a hammock. Maybe taking a kayak out. These are the experiences you’ll never forget. And we think you’ll enjoy remembering.

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47 IN THE ELEMENTS

Stylish gear from local shops combines function and fashion.

Photography by Peter Colin Murray Styling by Sara Spicer

57 FAMILY PLANNING

This Springfield family has laid the foundation for generations of gatherings.

Written by Margaret Daniel

Photography by Kelli Boyd Photography

73 SCOUT'S HONOR

To celebrate the start of Girl Scout cookie season, local mixologists share a grown-up take on the iconic treat.

Photography by Michael Hrizuk

TASTE

84 20 WAYS TO PLAY OUTSIDE IN 2023

From Savannah's beloved greenspaces to the waterfront and beyond, here are 20 family-friendly (including some dog-friendly) ways to play outside this year.

Written by Colleen Ann McNally & Lily Avery

INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Learn the ABCs of local K-12 schools. Compiled by Colleen Ann McNally & Betty Darby 152

THE AFTERWORD

In her new column, writer and local mother Andrea Goto shares her secret to finding the best school for her daughter in Savannah. Illustration by Ray Goto

ON THE COVER

Calibogue, dog of Outside Savannah founder Mike Overton, on Page Island.

Photo courtesy of Outside Savannah

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 7 COURTESY OUTSIDE SAVANNAH
84
100
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
THE FAMILY ISSUE Calibogue, dog Outside Overton, on Page Island (page 84) LOCAL SCHOOLS Page 100 Guide to 20 Ways OUTSIDE to Get in 2023
CONTENTS
2023
73 MICHAEL HRIZUK 47 57 100 COURTESY BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL PETER COLIN MURRAY / SARA SPICER KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
8 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM CONTENTS IN EVERY I SSUE 10 Editor’s letter 20 Get Social BUZZ 25 New in 912 28 Room to Grow 28 That's a Wrap 32 January/February Events 39 Giving Back: Supporting Our Future 43 Old Savannah: Bowled Over STYLE 47 In the Elements 52 My Savannah: Robin and Andy Napoli 57 At Home: Family Planning TASTE 73 Scout's Honor 77 Chef Q&A: Ryan Whyte-Buck of Folklore BE WELL 139 A Reason to Smile SEEN 145 The Downtown Design District Annual Holiday Walk 146 Lit on Liberty 148 Savannah Magazine’s Good Issue Launch Party 148 Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Save Spectacular Celebration 150 Historic Savannah Foundation’s Annual Gala THE AFTERWORD 152 The Secret to Finding the Best School in Savannah B. Trapper Griffith SVP Commercial Lending Trapper.Griffith@TCFederal.com Commercial lending tailored to Trust your business to TC Federal Bank for a premium lending experience. We keep lending fast, easy and local to help your business thrive. TCFederal.com 105 W. CONGRESS ST | SAVANNAH, GA | 912.483.0062 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 109 School Smarts 123 Vetting the Experts 129 Savannah’s Business Professionals

DISCOVER THE COUNTRY DAY DIFFERENCE.

The Savannah Country Day School promises a transformative experience where students embrace a multitude of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our talented faculty combine the best in traditional and innovative education to help students reach their fullest potential while always treasuring each child’s energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Learn more about why Niche.com ranked Savannah Country Day as the #1 Private School in Savannah by registering for a small-group open house event. Discover

e Savannah Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school, serving students from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, in addition to its early childhood learning center for children ages six weeks to four years old.

The
Day
at
Country
Difference
savcds.org/admissions.

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.

To subscribe and save 80 percent off the newsstand price, go to savannahmagazine.com or call 800.453.1049.

For address changes and other concerns, contact savannahmag @emailcustomerservice.com.

Send pitches, ideas and feedback to colleen.mcnally@savannah magazine.com.

To advertise, download our media kit at savannahmagazine.com, email jane.townsend@savannah magazine.com or call 912.652.0294.

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I AM MORE “glamper” than “camper.”

Growing up, I much preferred visiting Hogwarts and the Land of Oz from the pages of a book versus playing in the woods. Still, when I look back on my younger years, some of my most formative experiences were the ones that pushed me out of my comfort zone. The dad-and-daughter trips spent white-water rafting, a canoe trip to Little Tybee in college and years of playing soccer brought me joy and taught me lessons you can’t learn in a book.

It’s no secret that spending time in nature is good for physical and mental health. Still, sometimes we need a nudge. So, why not set a goal to make exercise more enjoyable this year? Personally, I’ve set a New Year’s resolution to take a surfing lesson. But, with 20 ways to play outdoors, Savannah magazine’s 2023 Family Issue is packed with something for everyone (page 84) — plus stylish gear to get you going (page 47). From picking up pickleball to hitting the trail with furry family members in tow,

I hope this list inspires you to find a new hobby — or pass on a favorite pastime to the next generation.

Speaking of lasting legacies, Savannah’s schools are rich with history lessons. In addition to updating our annual school chart, we asked administrators to explain what sets each school apart from its peers — from the enduring traditions to trailblazing alums and most tenured employees (page 100).

After all, whether choosing a new school or a new sport, the community you share it with matters most.

See you out there, Savannah!

CORRECTION

In “A League of Her Own,” in our November/December 2022 issue, Ellen Bolch was the second woman appointed to the role of Chatham Club president, following Dolly Chisholm. She is also a board member for Bethesda Union Society and served as the organization’s third female chair, following Jenny-Lynn Bradley and Alice Jepson.

10 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM EDITOR’S LETTER
Photo by KATIE MCGEE
found Artillery, 14 oors below and across the street from “You know, the Chatham Club and the Rotary Club were traditionally men’s clubs,” Bolch says, adjusting the artfully bejeweled beetles on her left shoulder. “When they were thinking admitting women, the chair called me and said, ‘Ellen, you think like man, appointed to the role, following Dolly Chisholm. (Bolch also member of the Rotary Club and has previously served as president.) “I have tried to stir up little bit of trouble on behalf women,” Bolch says. “When graduated high school, my parents asked me wanted teacher or nurse.” With just two options before her, was not going to let anyone tell me what do.” Ellen took her aspirations far from home, receiving master’s degree in advanced nursing practices and healthcare administration “I considered Savannah very provincial,” Bolch says. “Ten years later, realized just what gorgeous community was from. wanted A League of Her Own SALTof CITY the of companies specializing in all aspects in-home health care and vital sign telemonitoring. “We’re about giving you little bit of help so you can age in place,” Bolch says. Eager to offer aid beyond THA Group, Bolch serves on the Board of Curators for the Georgia Historical Society and board member in 2019, she became the rst female chair of United Way the Coastal Empire’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Committee. Best of all, the organization’s Women Who Rule luncheon earlier this year, Bolch earned their highest honor: Woman of the Year. Her next philanthropic goal? Getting more millennials involved in Savannah’s venerable charities. “I want to see our community “Forget the mosquito. am gnat, and can be so pesky!”
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14 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM Andrea Goto WRITER | GUEST COPY EDITOR “The Afterword,” page 152 CONTRIBUTORS Allison Stice WRITER “Bowled Over,” page 43 3228 Skidaway Road • Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912.354.6464 Fax: 912.352.7266 myneighborerica.com 2 YOUR “GOOD NEIGHBOR” AGENT Erica Herndon Timmons 2022 RUNNER-UP Peter Colin Murray PHOTOGRAPHER “In the Elements,” page 47 Sara Spicer STYLIST “In the Elements,” page 47
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MAKE SOME ROOM.

Room to grow your family, room to explore nature, and room to reconnect. We left the city to find some fresh air, and ended up falling in love with The Landings.

Experience the Landings life. Call 912-598-0500 or visit TheLandings.com today for a tour of our island.
LOCATIONS SAVANNAH: 1139 Lexington Ave, Savannah, GA 31404 POOLER: 1000 Towne Center Blvd, Ste 701, Pooler, GA 31322 HARDEEVILLE: 1010 Medical Center Dr, Ste 100, Hardeeville, SC 29927 WWW.SAVANNAHGI.COM 912.303.4200
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ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. Subscribe: 800.453.1049

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Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2023 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June, October and December for $19.95 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 1375 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 37131, Boone, IA 50037-2131

18 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITOR Colleen Ann McNally ART DIRECTOR Rebecca Hrizuk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melanie Schmermund GUEST COPY EDITOR Andrea Goto ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jane Townsend ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS Jill Strauss & Lane Pelliccione ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S Morgan Crolley & Catherine Wooditch ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Holly Todd
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20 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
MAKING THE CHOICE BETWEEN OLD AND NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION KATIE MCGEE Alair recently completed this Marsh Harbor home, designed by Fred Wasson. Written by TIARA HODGES
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Trinity United Methodist Church 8 PM LOS LOBOS Lucas Theatre for the Arts

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THU 4/6

5 & 8:30 PM THE ALT WITH OISÍN MCAULEY / TÉADA Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 5:30 & 8:30 PM KENNY BARRON & DAVE HOLLAND TRIO WITH JOHNATHAN BLAKE Charles H. Morris Center

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PM EMERSON STRING QUARTET Trinity United Methodist Church 8 PM PATTY GRIFFIN Lucas Theatre for the Arts

BASSEKOU KOUYATE & NGONI BA / JAKE BLOUNT, NIC GAREISS & LAUREL PREMO Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 6 PM DOVER QUARTET WITH JOSEPH CONYERS Trinity United Methodist Church 7:30 PM LEO KOTTKE Trustees Theater FRI 4/7 Tickets & Information: savannahmusicfestival.org |

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6 PM
TUE
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PM
TUE 3/21 PM
PM PRE-SEASON CONCERT PINK MARTINI FEAT. CHINA FORBES Lucas Theatre for the Arts THU 3/23
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PM AARON LEE TASJAN / S.G. GOODMAN North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum
PM ZURICH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FEAT. DANIEL HOPE & PHILIP DUKES Lucas Theatre for the Arts FRI 3/24
& 8:30 PM SONA JOBARTEH / NATU CAMARA North Garden Assembly Room at Ships of the Sea Museum
PM ALEXANDER MALOFEEV, PIANO Trinity United Methodist Church
PM THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / SIERRA HULL Lucas Theatre for the Arts SAT 3/25
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PM KODO: TSUZUMI Lucas Theatre for the Arts SUN 3/26
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PHILIP DUKES & FRIENDS I SCHUBERTIADE Trinity United Methodist Church
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SAT 4/8 12:30 PM NOON30: TÉADA Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 2 & 5:30 PM ETIENNE CHARLES: TRACES / HAROLD LÓPEZ-NUSSA: TIMBA A LA AMERICANA Charles H. Morris Center 6 & 9 P M ZYDECO DANCE PARTY: JEFFERY BROUSSARD & THE CREOLE COWBOYS Metal Building at Trustees’ Garden 6 PM DREW PETERSEN, PIANO Trinity United Methodist Church 7:30 PM CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT / SAN SALVADOR Lucas Theatre for the Arts OUTDOOR

TASTE BUZZ

New in 912

Families that eat together, stay together. That’s the idea at Brochu’s Family Tradition (2400 Bull St., Suite 8), where Michelin-starred, James Beard Award-nominated Chef Andrew Brochu dishes up oysters, elevated comfort foods and homegrown hospitality alongside his wife and co-owner, Sophie.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 25
SAVANNAH
Photo by ROBIN ELISE MAAYA

Originally slated to open in Chicago in 2020, the Brochus put their plans on hold during the pandemic before relocating the restaurant to Savannah — closer to their roots and relatives. Now housed in a renovated 1930s-era grocery store in the Starland District, the realized restaurant is a true family affair, with husband-and-wife team Dave Baker as executive chef and Georgia Vinzant Baker as the pastry chef while Andrews’s sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Ben Kimbrough, oversee operations. brochusfamilytradition.com // @brochus_restaurant

... Start the New Year with a fresh hairstyle. The second location of 40 Volume Salon & Spa is now open in Pooler (405 U.S. 80, Unit 101), with services including lash extensions, waxing, facials, hair extensions, makeup and more ... Meanwhile, Atlantabased salon Melrose & McQueen (2222 Bull St.) has set up shop in a chic loft space located above Ukiyo and overlooking the Starland District. Clients can enjoy a cocktail of their choice or other beverages from the bar while getting an expert color or cut … Chic & Co. Studio (346 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite A) brought blowouts and hair care to West Broad, the redevelopment of early 20-century buildings on Savannah’s Westside. The outdoor-centric design store Courtyard by Chuck Chewning (406 W. Jones St.), purveyor of gourmet popsicles Savannah Square Pops (344 Martin Luther King

Jr. Blvd.), elevated restaurant Vici Rooftop (411 W. Charlton St.) and the 24/7 gym for athletics, mindfulness and personal training AMPT-Savannah (411 W. Charlton St.) have also joined the block. Additional new neighbors, including a flagship location of Origin Coffee Bar (344 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) and Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center (340 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), are slated to open soon. Check with individual businesses for updates on openings … And, on an extra sweet note, Gigi’s Cupcakes has opened at 225 W. Broughton St., marking its third Savannah location. Pick up a box for your Valentine (or yourself) with flavors like Champagne, Scarlett’s Red Velvet, Winter Citrus Spice, Nilla Amore and the gluten-free Triple Chocolate Torte — to name just a few.

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ROBIN ELISE MAAYA Brochu's Family Tradition Chuck Chewning JENNY UPPERMAN Melrose & McQueen COURTESY CHARLES H CHEWNING INTERIORS // PHOTO BY THOMAS LOOF
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Room to Grow

YEARS AGO, inthe rooms of a San Francisco cafe, a young James Lough dreamt of a place of spiritual and creative freedom, a place where writers and artists could come together to explore and compose without financial or societal burdens. Originally imagined as an artist colony in New Mexico, Lough’s once fuzzy daydream slowly materialized in Savannah when an unexpected opportunity arose in Spring 2021 to rent out a space just off a historic square on Houston Street. And so he and co-owner Jennefer Morris-Lough began the journey of Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit

Formerly a Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) writing professor, Lough left the walls of academia behind after 29 years of teaching to pursue his lifelong dream. While he opened the doors to Clearing House Savannah in November 2022, the circa-1899 building itself has a rich history of cultivating both the mind and body. In the former home of the Kate Baldwin Free Kindergarten — one of the first kindergarten programs in Savannah — Lough strives to keep the spirit of growth, learning and exploration alive through the workshops and classes now available at Clearing House Savannah.

“Like everything in life, this isn’t what I imagined it would be,” Lough says. “But it’s so much more. We’re excited to be open, to be a resource for those looking to grow spiritually and artistically, and to offer a space for people to connect with themselves and with each other.”

As eclectic as the man who envisioned it, Clearing House Savannah hosts a wide variety of workshops and classes — from yoga (including yoga for kids) and Qigong to visual arts and creative writing. The space is also available to rent for events such as weddings, lectures, readings and retreats. clearinghousesavannah.com // @clearinghousesavannah

That’s a Wrap

AS A PERPETUAL creative and a new parent, Emily Testa LeMaster craved a better way to balance being herself and being a mom.

Her solution? She launched a new Savannah-based business called Cub Wrap, a hands-free baby wrap that looks and feels good.

While these wraps boast machine-washable, sun-blocking, moisture-wicking recycled fabrics in chic shades like olive, coral and lavender, the best part may be that Cub Wraps are certified hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute — helping to take some of the weight off other new parents, too. cubwrap.com // @cubwrap

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COLIN DOUGLAS GRAY Cub Wrap WILLIAM GLASSER WILSON Clearing House Savannah Center for Art and Spirit

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001170. Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans. Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2023. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without

express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2023 Visit online for more information LatitudeMargaritaville.com
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Alfred Stevens (1823–1906); Jour de Régates, Menton , 1894; oil on canvas; Telfair museums purchase, 1916.3

JAN

JAN. 10

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to North America for its 2023 tour, including a stop at the Savannah Civic Center’s Johnny Mercer Theatre. See the internationally acclaimed dancers perform the classic tale of “Sleeping Beauty” set to Tchaikovsky’s music.

JAN. 13 – 14

JAN. 1

Dare to start the new year with a splash? Take the Tybee Polar Plunge and help support the Tybee Post Theater.

JAN. 1 – FEB. 28

Explore Jekyll Island State Park before the end of February, and you may return home with a handcrafted keepsake. The annual hide-and-seek game known as Island Treasures is a tradition dating back to the early 1900s when beachcombers searched for fishermen’s washed-up markers, then made from hollow glass balls. Today, volunteers hide clear globes around the island for visitors to find and exchange for handmade glass works of art.

Four collegiate hockey teams from Georgia and Florida compete to win the Thrasher Cup title at the Enmarket Savannah Hockey Classic, a two-day tournament presented by the Savannah Sports Council.

JAN. 14 – 15

The world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, Shen Yun Performing Arts, graces the stage at the Johnny Mercer Theatre for two nights during the global tour of its 2023 performance, “China Before Communism.”

JAN. 16

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the MLK Observance Day Association honors the civil rights leader with a parade. The route begins at 10 a.m. at East Broad and Liberty streets and winds through downtown to conclude on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

JAN. 20 – 21

Calling all cinephiles! In tandem with its counterpart in Telluride, Colorado, the Mountainfilm On Tour — Savannah promises another year of educational and inspiring films at the Trustees Theater.

JAN. 22

Introduce little ones to the Savannah Philharmonic with a roaring performance curated just for them. Held at the Lucas Theatre, “When Instruments Roamed the Earth” is a family friendly program inspired by the evolution of music.

JAN. 26

Support the Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision by Dining in the Dark at Enmarket Arena. Designed to raise awareness about vision loss, this sensory experience includes three courses in complete darkness to heighten the appreciation of smell, taste, sound and touch.

JAN. 26 – 28

Jumpstart 2023 with new ideas and inspiration. Hosted by The Creative Coast at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, GRIT Conference (formerly known as Geekend) continues its 11th year of fostering connections among people passionate about building products, companies and experiences in the region.

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Island Treasures at Jekyll Island State Park
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FEB

FEB. 3 – 4

On your mark, get set ... go! A local favorite for rookie and seasoned runners alike, The YMCA Critz Tybee Run weekend begins with a 5K and kiddie race on Friday night, followed by a 7 a.m. 10K Saturday morning, a half-marathon at 8:30 a.m., a beach run at noon and finishes with a 1 mile run at 1 p.m. Choose one — or complete them all to equate to a full marathon.

FEB. 4 – 5

Travel centuries back in time during the Georgia Historical Society’s Colonial Faire & Muster. Free and open to the public, this popular annual event at Wormsloe State Historic Site offers something for all ages.

FEB. 14

Happy Valentine’s Day!

FEB. 16 – 19

Celebrating the love of books, the Savannah Book Festival showcases more than 40 authors across a four-day Presidents’ Day weekend event. Among this year’s impressive lineup is an opening address by Jack Carr, a keynote by Preston & Child and a closing address by David Maraniss at the Trustees Theater.

FEB. 17

Do good every day, but especially today, in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day.

FEB. 20 – 24

Listen up: For its 30th year, the American Traditions Vocal Collection presents its annual competition at District Live. Dubbed ATC x PRD, the four-day event brings some of the country’s top vocalists to the Plant Riverside District to compete for more than $35,000 in prizes.

FEB. 23

Country music legend Wynonna Judd makes a rare appearance in Savannah’s Enmarket Arena — one of only 15 venues — during “The Judds: The Final Tour.”

FEB. 17 – MAY 21

Not to be missed, “Photography’s Last Century: The Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Collection” opens at Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts with more than 80 works by masters of photography like William Eggleston, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman and more. Originally presented at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition pulls from the private (and covetable) collection of Tenenbaum and Lee, who share a passion for art inspired deeply by Tenenbaum’s late parents, Lorlee and Arnold Tenenbaum. Their legacy lives on through their service as leaders and colossal benefactors of Savannah’s cultural community, including the Telfair.

Fittingly, the exhibit also serves as a precursor to “Bold Expressions: The Collection of Lorlee and Arnold Tenenbaum” (March 10 – July 9), further celebrating the family’s passion for collecting — and living — with original prints, paintings, drawings and ceramics by artists such as Marc Chagall, Diego Rivera and Jaune Quick-to-SeeSmith, among others.

FEB. 24

Support CURE Childhood Cancer at the Savannah iteration of Catie’s Gathering. Sponsored by Coastal Electric of Georgia and held at the Trustees’ Garden, this year’s event aims to break last year’s record-setting $118,825 raised for the cause.

FEB. 25

For its 43rd year, The Telfair Ball is back in Forsyth Park. The iconic black-tie gala is the Telfair Museums’ most significant annual fundraiser — and one of Savannah’s most sought-after experiences.

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COURTESY AMERICAN TRADITIONS VOCAL COLLECTION ATC x PRD
Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts

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GIVING BACK

Supporting Our Future

Local scholarships uplift the givers, the receivers and the community

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 39 BUZZ

ONE OF THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE I’ve received is, “If you’re feeling down, help someone else.” I didn’t realize how deep of a balm this could be, though, until I read these words from Jimmy DeLoach: “We all have a story of healing. The Abbie DeLoach Foundation is mine.”

Abbie DeLoach was a vibrant young nursing student at Georgia Southern University when she and four classmates died in a horrific car crash in 2015. The following year, Abbie’s father, Jimmy, founded the Abbie DeLoach Foundation (ADF)

Abbie excelled as a student and athlete, long dreamt of becoming a nurse and aspired to do global outreach. Today, her foundation centers around these things as a way to “continue Abbie’s good works.” The ADF has given more than $1.25 million in scholarships for student athletes and nursing students, medical outreach trips and more. abbiedeloachfoundation.com

Dr. David Byck, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a giant in the Savannah medical community. He practiced as an OB-GYN at Memorial Health University Medical Center for over 30 years and served in multiple roles, including chief of staff. Before his death in 2020, he was influential in bringing the Mercer University School of Medicine to its Memorial campus, where he passed on his standard of excellent, compassionate care for women to the next generation of OB-GYNs. Byck was also a dedicated advocate for women’s reproductive rights and investing in ongoing medical education programs.

Byck’s legacy will live on not only through his students but through the Dr. David B. Byck Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will benefit future deserving students in the department of obstetrics and gynecology with a focus on rural health and medically underserved communities. Visit medicine.mercer.edu/ byckfund to donate, or contact Nicole Kummer in the Office of University Advancement at kummer_nl@mercer.edu or 478-301-5648 to learn more.

A scholarship can be a way to aid not only students, but also the community they will eventually serve. Savannah AMBUCS helps individuals conquer challenges related to mobility and

independence. Their first scholarship, which originated in 1947, is for graduate-level students in physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy. According to Miranda Marchant, Savannah AMBUCS’ media contact, “Their goal is to support these students who will eventually work in the community and, more specifically, help the folks with different abilities and mobility issues that AMBUCS supports.”

Their second scholarship, created in 2021 in celebration of the organization’s 80th year, is for students with different abilities attending Savannah Technical College. savannahambucs.com

With its “What Makes Savannah Home” scholarship essay contest, Sandpiper Supply hopes to help local students achieve their educational goals and to inspire them to pause and reflect upon the “beauty and uniqueness” of Savannah. This year marks the scholarship’s fifth, and more than $10,000 has been awarded.

“It is our hope that down the road, when these young people are professionals with their degree in hand, or having chosen a trade, they will consider Savannah as the place to call home and raise their families,” says Sandpiper Supply’s showroom director, Christy Ellis. sandpipersav.com/scholarship

MORE TO GIVE

The Tourism Leadership Council Scholarship Program supports college students who are pursuing a future in the tourism and hospitality industry. tourismleadershipcouncil.com/tlc-scholarship

Junior League of Savannah Kids Who Care Scholarship recognizes local high-school seniors for outstanding volunteer service to their community. jrleaguesav.org/kids-who-care-scholarship

Folds of Honor awards K-12 and higher education scholarships to dependents of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders. foldsofhonor.org/scholarships

40 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
2022 Abbie DeLoach Foundation Luncheon honoring scholarship recipients from the classes of 2021 and 2022. COURTESY ABBIE DELOACH FOUNDATION From left: Robert Redenz, DDS; Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD; Kevin Dickinson, DDS; Spencer Smith, DMD; Briana Amos, DMD

Bowled Over

Savannah couple reimagines soldiers’ entertainment center into a rental home at Tybee Island’s Fort Screven

AS BRENT AND REBECCA WATTS embarked on the renovation of Tybee Island’s Fort Screven barracks into a contemporary vacation rental, another historic property caught their eye.

The couple knew the neighboring building had formerly housed the library for servicemen living at Fort Screven, which served as part of the U.S. coastal defense system from the late 1800s through World War II. They soon discovered the property also played a role as the soldiers’ recreation center — complete with three bowling lanes.

That’s when undertaking the renovation into a rental home now known as The Alley became really exciting, says Brent, president of Cabretta Capital, who, along with his wife, Rebecca, has preserved and restored more than a dozen historic properties in Savannah and on Tybee Island. The husband-and-wife team set about revitalizing the building to its former glory — and fun.

According to the Georgia Historical Society, Fort Screven was an active military base for 50 years and stood as a guard to the mouth of the Savannah River. After it closed in 1947, the property was sold to the City of Tybee and later to private citizens. One of the fort’s batteries is now the Tybee Island Museum, while other parts of the fort along Officer’s Row have been transformed into private residences.

Built in 1910, The Alley converted into apartments in the 1970s. While the bowling lanes (and, in fact, most of the flooring in that area of the building) were long gone by the time the Watts took ownership in 2020, many historic details remained. The former library was still in good shape, and signature “super cool” features, like the cased opening for the dining room supported by a railroad track, were still in place, Brent says.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 43 BUZZ
Photo courtesy of TYBEE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Qualifying for the Historic Tax Credit program, which requires using as many original materials as possible, the Watts worked with President Patrick Johnston at Chatham Developers and Ward Architecture + Preservation over the next two years to restore the slate roof, heart pine floors, windows, and doors of Sapele wood.

And, in the six-bedroom rental’s most unique feature as an echo to its past, a brand new Brunswick bowling lane complete with automatic ball return, pin setter, scoreboard and lighting allows vacationers to enjoy games in the same spot where soldiers stationed on Tybee Island once formed their own league.

Tybee Island holds a special place in the Watts’ hearts and memories as the site of weekend excursions and family gatherings

over the years. Since the island lacks a designated landmark historic district like nearby Savannah, they want to set an example when it comes to salvaging significant historic structures others might consider a teardown, Rebecca says.

“We hope visitors have a great family vacation on Tybee with all of the modern amenities one could want, but we also hope they get to experience and appreciate the history that happened before they were there,” she says. “We plan to feature photographs, and we put books about the history of Tybee in many of our units.”

Travelers can now rent The Alley managed by Rendezvous Property Management for their next trip to the beach — and have the perfect indoor activity if it rains.

The refreshed interior space is complete with a brand new bowling lane.

44 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM BUZZ
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At Schulze Eye & Surgery Center,

we are dedicated to excellence in surgical eye care. Combining leading-edge technology with personalized attention to our patients, we can open your eyes to a whole new world of decreased dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether your needs include traditional or refractive cataract surgery, custom LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or corneal transplants, our on-site ambulatory surgery center allows for surgery in a specialized setting, affording greater efficiencies & lower costs to our patients. You can count on our skilled staff to give you personal attention before, during and after surgery to help you achieve your visual best. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

we are dedicated to excellence in surgical eye care. Combining leading-edge technology with personalized attention to our patients, we can open your eyes to a whole new world of decreased dependence on glasses or contacts. Whether your needs include traditional or refractive cataract surgery, custom LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or corneal transplants, our on-site ambulatory surgery center allows for surgery in a specialized setting, affording greater efficiencies & lower costs to our patients. You can count on our skilled staff to give you personal attention before, during and after surgery to help you achieve your visual best.

Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr.

728 E. 67th St. | Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-3120 | Schulze-Eye.com

728 E. 67th St. | Savannah, GA 31405 (912) 352-3120 | Schulze-Eye.com

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SAVANNAH JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 47
In the Elements Stylish gear from local shops combines function and fashion
Photography by PETER COLIN MURRAY // Styling by SARA SPICER
Stay warm and ready to pop local oysters marshside
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STYLE

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Pack all the essentials to stay hydrated and protected from the sun's rays, even in the winter months

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 49 STYLE
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Robin and Andy Napoli

After meeting and marrying in Savannah 35 years ago, the couple now owns and operates Jones & Bull — and lives above the home décor store with their pup, Murphy

6 a.m.: We’re early risers. Perhaps not surprising, as we both grew up in Army families, and Andy served in the Army as well. We feed and walk Murphy, then work out in our home gym. Andy first, then Robin with her trainer Keegan Hudson, owner of Hudson Training

7 a.m.: “Coffee time” is sacred time. Every morning, we play Jumble (Robin always wins) and read our family’s horoscopes. Andy is an Aquarius, Robin is a Libra and our kids are Scorpios. Our daughter, Katie, was born here and now lives in Ardsley Park with her husband, Toby, and our two grandchildren, Nico and Poppy. Our son, Cooper, is living his best life in Vail, Colorado. Robin’s twin brother and her sisters also live in the area, along with our nieces and nephews. Murphy also enjoys playtime with local cousins, Olive, Sophie and Benji.

8 a.m.: For breakfast during the week, we opt for something fast and full of protein. But on Saturday, we treat ourselves to Savannah Scone Company — all the flavors are fantastic. On Sunday, we walk down the street to Clary’s Café. Andy’s order is the Oglethorpe; Robin’s is corned beef hash with three poached eggs.

9:45 a.m.: Andy gets the shop ready to open (with Murphy supervising, of course). Meanwhile, Robin works upstairs in our home for the first hour of the day.

Noon: For lunch, we typically order takeout: banh mi pork paninis from Art’s. On Friday, we get sandwiches and pastries from The Grey Market and Le Café Gourmet

2:15 p.m.: Robin holds down the shop, while Andy and Murphy take an afternoon walk (and chase-the-ball session) in Forsyth Park

4:30 p.m.: Monday through Saturday, we’re winding down to closing time at 5 p.m. On Sunday, we close early at 4 p.m. because Sunday dinner with our family starts at 4:30 p.m. This has been a tradition for the past six-plus years, no matter where we’ve lived. There are always at least six of us, but it’s an open invitation for all our family members (near and far). When we’re not dining with family and friends, we have a date night. Cotton & Rye, The Collins Quarter and Alligator Soul are favorites.

8 p.m.: To unwind in the evening, we watch British crime dramas — and hit pause when we hear our favorite ghost tours walking below. Our building was a funeral home in the early 1900s! We love Savannah and the new friends we’ve made through the shop. Having family here is the greatest gift and so is living in such a beautiful city doing what we love surrounded by people we love.

Murphy’s Favorites

Vet: Forsyth Park Animal Hospital Park: Forsyth Park Treats: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Home Away From Home: The Hipster Hound

52 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM STYLE
Photo by KATIE MCGEE
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AT HOME

Family Planning

This Springfield family has laid the foundation for generations of gatherings

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 57

BECOMING FAST FRIENDS

with your interior designer is not a given. And to the dismay of many a design hopeful, giving your designer carte blanche is rarer still — unless you are the Rahn family of Springfield, Georgia. “From the get-go, we connected,” says Allison Willis (Linen + Line Design) of her dream clients, Nicole and Jason Rahn. “From that first meeting, I felt like, ‘I’ve got you.’”

Before Willis was tasked with the home’s 5,000-plus square feet, the Rahns challenged architect William Court (Court Atkins Group) to create floor plans suited perfectly to the brick elevations of a beloved Southern Living house design and their family of six.

“Our task was two-fold: first, to capture the spirit of the timeless, brick Georgian home they had always wanted with a grand drive or approach,” says Court of the home nestled on 800 acres of family land. “The second task was to completely modify the [home’s] layout to work for their family.”

After a two-year design pas de deux between Court and the homeowners, the plans were readied, and the foundation was laid by Jason Singleton (Singleton Custom Homes).

With Nicole and Jason busy running their family business, The McGraley Company, an impressive 90-person commercial construction outfit specializing in site prep, industrial property maintenance and erosion control amongst other things, and raising four daughters whose names make up the company name, McKenzie (24), Michaela (22), MaryGrace (21) and Miley (15), Willis was tasked with making every selection, down to door hardware and switch plate placement.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 59

What insight did the homeowners have for Linen + Line? “They didn’t tell me their favorite colors — nothing,” Willis laughs. Looking over the designer’s vision boards, Jason and Nicole were happy to trust the expert. “They loved each room, and so we went for it.” The designer says, adding, “There were maybe two times in the whole project where they asked for a second option.”

Willis devised a scheme of timeless colors and patterns paired in fresh ways to accentuate the home’s formal architecture and antique oak floors. In the foyer and dining room — one space separated by cleverly positioned ceiling tracery and rugs — Scalamandre’s Raphael paper climbs the walls accented by abstract art, a pair of gilt lanterns, wooden antiques and gray upholstery enlivened by blue welts and buttons perfectly matched to the blue velvet draperies. Through an archway, white and blue upholstery dots the living room and kitchen. Outside on the back patio, overlooking the cow pasture, woven and rusticated pieces mingle, topped with clean gray and white cushions.

Behind the living room, things take a darker turn. Called the hearth room, the masculine space is wrapped in dark shiplap and capped with exposed wooden beams — the perfect spot for Jason to take a nap after a busy day.

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In the primary bedroom, shades of green echo the view outside the window.

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Interior designer Allison Willis (Linen + Line) paired timeless colors and patterns in fresh ways to accentuate the home’s formal architecture and antique oak floors.

“I made it moody for him,” Willis says, noting the leather and plaid finishes accented by vintage finds sourced at Clutter Furnishings & Interiors.

While the main level scheme accommodates Jason, upstairs is all for the girls. Each daughter selected their color scheme with Willis — all blue for MaryGrace, and pink with blue, green or purple accents for the other three.

“I’ve never seen sisters take care of each other like they do. They go to concerts together, they do Georgia Southern games together, they’re very involved in their church,” Willis says. “Even the boyfriends come along, too.”

At the end of the day, the family ends up together again, sitting around Jason and Nicole’s bed on the daybed, chairs and ottomans Willis designed for just that purpose. “They are the tightest family I have ever seen. They do everything together,” the designer says.

Even with ample space to sprawl, Jason and Nicole want nothing more than to be together as a family and, it seems their wish for each daughter to build their own family home on the “compound” might just be granted. “I think [our dream] will come to fruition,” Nicole says. “They love spending time with us.”

For more than their daughters, the Rahns’ home is already fulfilling their mission of hospitality. Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookie swaps, employee meals and a surprise birthday party for Jason (with over 100 guests in attendance!) have made use of every perfectly tailored perch. Even Willis and her husband have been happy recipients of the Rahns’ famous generosity (her husband even scored a job with The McGraley Co. after the project wrapped).

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At Jason’s birthday bash, guests expressed surprise when the designer explained Nicole had given her free rein over the design. “They couldn’t believe it. [Nicole] likes staying on top of things, knowing what’s going on in the business,” Willis says, laughing. “I’m glad I didn’t find that out before the project started, because that would have made me nervous.”

Nervous or not, this invitingly elegant home proves Willis’ design expertise and the Rahns’ easy-going nature were a picture-perfect match. “People always say [the house] is showy but homey. It doesn’t feel like a museum,’’ Nicole says. “We hope we are making people feel comfortable when they come in. We don’t tiptoe around things. We live here.”

Together, as a family.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 69 STYLE

DETAILS

Homeowners: Nicole and Jason Rahn

Year built: 2022

Year purchased: 2020 Square footage: >5,000 heated and cooled

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms Time to complete: 2 years

Architect/planner: Court Atkins Group

Interior designer: Linen + Line Designs

Contractor/builder: Singleton Custom Homes

Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile

Paint: Benjamin Moore

All details supplied by interior designer.

Wallpaper: Thibaut, Brunschwig & Fils, Schumacher, Scalamandre, Pepper Home

Windows/doors: Guerry Lumber

Kitchen design: Walsh Custom Cabinets

Bath design: Walsh Custom Cabinets

Audio/visual: Sight and Sound

Furniture: Wesley Hall, Gabby, Bungalow 5, Worlds Away

Appliances: Livinggood's Appliances and Bedding

Home accessories: Acquisitions Atlanta, Clutter Furnishings & Interiors, Webb Marstellar

Art: Stephanie Wheeler, The Collective Dallas

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TASTE

Scout’s Honor

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 73
SAVANNAH
Salute Your Shortbreads (page 74)

To celebrate the start

of Girl Scout cookie season, we tapped a few of the city’s top mixologists for a grown-up take on the iconic treat. Raise a toast to your local troop — and don’t forget to place those orders! Savannah is the birthplace of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, after all.

SAMOA ON THE LOW

Created by Christian Harman of the American Prohibition Museum and Congress Street Up SERVES ONE

2 oz. Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon ¼ oz. Rich Coconut Piloncillo Syrup

SALUTE YOUR SHORTBREADS

Created by Hayley Spaulding, bar manager at Black Rabbit SERVES FIVE

"It's a little bit mulled wine and a little hot toddy. But I think it would go perfectly with the classic shortbread Trefoil."

2 c.Three Taverns Lord Grey sour ale

11/3 c. brown sugar

3 Earl Grey tea bags

½ c. St. George Spiced Pear liqueur

4 c. dry Chardonnay

2 lemons, cut in thinly sliced wheels with seeds removed

Bring the ale and brown sugar to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the tea bags for about 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Remove tea bags and continue to simmer until the carbonation bubbles from the beer are gone (about 15 minutes). Stir in the spiced pear liqueur and chardonnay. Reduce heat to low to keep warm and let everything incorporate. Serve warm in a camp mug with a lemon wheel.

2 dashes cacao bitters pinch of salt Caramel Syrup dried coconut for garnish

Rich Coconut Piloncillo Syrup

Combine two parts coconut water to one part piloncello sugar in a blender. Blend until sugar is dissolved.

Caramel Syrup

Combine ½ cup of butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add one cup of sugar and stir constantly for five to six minutes or until the mixture turns to a caramel color. Slowly add ¾ cup whipping cream while stirring for one to two minutes until the mixture is smooth and desired consistency.

Stir the first four ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until chilled. Brush the inside of a rocks glass with caramel syrup and place a large ice cube inside. Strain the drink over the ice and top with dried coconut.

FLIRTIBIRD

Created by Mark Acasio, bar director for Ele & the Chef SERVES ONE

“The Samoas cookie was the first — and my favorite — Girl Scout Cookie I had when we moved from the Philippines. Toasted coconut desserts are one of many delicacies in my home country. In this drink, I wanted the Samoas flavor to shine as a tropical cocktail.”

1 oz. Don Papa Rum

1 oz. Kula Toasted Coconut Rum

1 oz. cream of coconut

3 oz. fresh coconut water

1 oz. citrus juice

3 drops cacao bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a tiki mug or pilsner glass with crushed ice. Garnish with toasted coconut.

IN SEARCH OF SCOUTS?

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia’s online Cookie Finder leads you to local troops and booths. gshg.org

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Celebrating more than 100 local artists! An old fashion soda shop with Savannah’s Signature quirk! Please Support Local. Don’t want to come downtown-order from our online store! 223 W. Broughton St. | 912.999.7051 | LocallyMadeSavannah.com Milkshakes*FunkyFloats*PopsicleTwists LAVAZZA COFFEE ELEGANT FRENCH PASTRIES & DESSERTS ÉCLAIRS GELATO CAKES FINE CHOCOLATES 204 West Broughton Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.712.5094 lemacaronsavannah@gmail.com Wishing you a Happy New Year! – STEPHANIE & REGGIE, OWNERS

Enjoy the Falling Forward sharable cocktail at Bar Julian.

Enjoy the Falling Forward sharable cocktail at Bar Julian.

SETH KEPLINGER

Beverage Manager, Thompson Savannah

SETH KEPLINGER

Beverage Manager,

9 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

3 parts Crème du Mûre blackberry liqueur

3 parts Fresh lemon juice

Topped with Fever Tree Ginger Beer

Combine spiced rum, blackberry liqueur and fresh lemon juice and shake with ice. Strain into old fashioned glasses with ice, top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh blackberries.

9 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

3 parts Crème du Mûre blackberry liqueur

3 parts Fresh lemon juice

Topped with Fever Tree Ginger Beer

While studying exercise science and allied health, Seth discovered that despite his love for sports medicine, hospitality was his true passion – particularly when it came to creating original cocktails. Starting his career in Charleston, South Carolina, under the mentorship of top industry professionals, Seth quickly embraced the opportunity to learn, grow and create with purpose before making his way to Savannah with the intent to impact the food and beverage community in a positive way. Now, as the beverage manager at Thompson Savannah, Seth’s inspired bar program reflects thoughtful and balanced offerings that feature whimsical flavor combinations that push boundaries.

Combine spiced rum, blackberry liqueur and fresh lemon juice and shake with ice. Strain into old fashioned glasses with ice, top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh blackberries.

While studying exercise science that despite his love for sports passion – particularly when Starting his career in Charleston, mentorship of top industry professionals, Seth quickly learn, grow and create with purpose before making impact the food and beverage community in a positive at Thompson Savannah, Seth’s inspired bar program offerings that feature whimsical flavor combinations

THOMPSON SAVANNAH: 201 PORT ST. | 912.790.1234 | THOMPSONSAVANNAH.COM

THOMPSON SAVANNAH: 201 PORT ST. | 912.790.1234

Photography courtesy of THOMPSON SAVANNAH

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Falling Forward
BY THOMPSON SAVANNAH
PRESENTED Photography courtesy of THOMPSON SAVANNAH
Falling Forward
SAVANNAH
PRESENTED BY THOMPSON

CHEF Q & A

A New Moon

RYAN WHYTE-BUCK Chef, Folklore

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 77

HIS RESUME is all over the map — literally. Before leaving school in 2007 to pursue his career in the kitchen, the former black metal musician studied accounting and environmental studies. Since then, Chef Ryan Whyte-Buck has had a hand in opening restaurants around the world, from the West Coast to New York City to Taiwan and Qatar. Since landing in Savannah, his take on global flavors has been exclusive to guests at Bellwether House, the luxury bed and breakfast located on Gaston Street — until now.

The latest endeavor from the same team (who also own Mirabelle Savannah), Folklore is now open for dinner and brunch at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Congress Street.

Here, Whyte-Buck shares the catalyst behind the new venture, what family time means to him and his go-to recipe to make for a memorable meal at home.

ON THE OPENING OF FOLKLORE

We were getting such good feedback on the cuisine at the Bellwether House that we decided to pursue a restaurant space. When The Fat Radish announced their withdrawal from Savannah, we knew we had a great option on our hands.

Folklore will be, at its heart, Southern cuisine — but I also wanted to include some influences and flavors from East Asia, which is my favorite place to eat and travel. The interior design was inspired by the moon, a focal point of many of humanity’s myths and legends. Guests will notice spherical pendants and sconces, as well as a glimmer and glow from ubiquitous brass finishings. My wife, Sofie, painted four pieces for the restaurant illustrating legends of the Jade Rabbit and Chang’e — two prominent figures of East Asia’s lunar mythology.

Savannah is lucky to be part of a rich tradition of Southern cooking that stretches the entirety of the Lowcountry. This city benefits from having cuisine that has been passed down without disruption for hundreds of years. People are born and raised with food, and those traditions

are established and respected. I find Savannah’s greatest strength to be its sheer dedication to good service, friendship and kindness. I have felt so welcomed and cared for in this city.

ON HIS ROOTS

When I tell people I’m from Southern California and worked in Portland, Oregon, and New York City, they always assume I’m from Los Angeles. Folks are usually surprised to find out I’m actually from a tiny ranch town and my best friends as a kid were my dog and a horse that lived in the field behind my dad’s house.

ON LESSONS LEARNED

I’m of the belief that every experience in life can teach you something. Any interaction with someone else can leave you with a new perspective shaped by their experiences. My grandparents inspired me to build strong bonds with those around me by feeding and teaching. Music contributed to my career in the form of honing creative expression and working towards something bigger with the help of others. My experiences in higher education taught me that you can’t just wing it; you really have to put in the work to know what you’re doing and actually follow through with it.

ON HIS PROUDEST PLATES

I’m proud of a lot in my career: from my first real opening with James Beard Award winners, Greg and Gabi Denton’s Ox Restaurant [in Portland], to opening the small, all-day cafe Golda [in Brooklyn] two days after my first child was born. The culinary moment I’m most proud of will always be my first date with my wife. We went camping out at Bagby Hot Springs in Oregon, and I cooked a big dinner over the campfire. She says that dinner proved that I was worth a second date. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me, and, if what she says is true, it was the most important moment in my life.

ON DAD TIME

In my time off, my family and I love to take in the coast's natural beauty and spend time with friends. We can usually be found on Tybee Island, Oatland Island or at the Skidaway and Whitemarsh preserves. Special weekends will find us exploring some of the region’s local delights from dockside restaurants to the south or secluded cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

ON HOME COOKING

While we use every technique under the sun in my professional kitchens, at home, I just love to grill. Savannah has some of the most beautiful skies I have ever seen, and I relish being out on my patio grilling and sipping a homebrewed beer while the sun sets. When I say I like to grill, I mean I really like to grill. Something about being outdoors, the smell of char and smoke, awakens something in my mind: some primal, ancient satisfaction that all will be right in the world for another day.

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“Savannah has some of the most beautiful skies I have ever seen, and I relish being out on my patio grilling and sipping a homebrewed beer while the sun sets.”

KALBI RIBS

“This dish is a special treat for my family and me. I can’t always find them, and I can’t always a ord them. But when times call for celebrating, we’ll go out of our way for this special preparation. Kalbi ribs are beef short ribs, cut thinly against the bone, marinated with this simple and delicious marinade and cooked with high heat. The meat is fatty and tender with a teensy, chewy bit around the rib bone (my favorite part) and goes great with grilled bok choy or Chinese broccoli, fresh kimchi and potato salad or rice.”

TIP Find the ribs at one of Savannah’s many local butcher shops. Chef Whyte-Buck sources his Asian produce from Chinatown Market on the corner of Price and Henry streets.

4 – 5 pounds of ribs

The marinade:

1 head of garlic, peeled

1 bunch of green onions, with ends trimmed o

1 c. soy sauce

1¼ c. brown sugar

2 Asian pears, peeled and cored (substitute Gala apples if needed)

1 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola

2 tbsp. sesame oil

2 tsp. ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Marinate the ribs for at least 4 hours. Get your grill up to medium-high heat or make a bed of coals around 1½ inches thick. Cook the ribs on each side until caramelized and beginning to char. When ribs look deliciously grilled, set them off to the edge of the grill to stay hot and continue to render that little chewy bit around the bone. Season your vegetables of choice with a little salt and grill them to your preferred doneness. Garnish the ribs and veggies with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve your grilled bounty with rice or potato salad, sliced radishes and fresh kimchi or pickled peppers.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 79
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to Get Outside 20 WAYS

in 2023

From Savannah’s beloved greenspaces to the waterfront and beyond, there is no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy the coastal weather year-round. Here, we have rounded up 20 familyfriendly (including dog-friendly!) ways to start the year on a more active foot.

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Photo courtesy of OUTSIDE SAVANNAH Written
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 85

AROUND TOWN

Turn your Wheels

“People are usually surprised by how bikeable and skateable Savannah is year-round,” says Calia Brown, the executive director of Bike Walk Savannah (BWS), a nonprofit organization working toward safer, more accessible and more convenient biking and walking in the city. “The Oglethorpe Plan really lends itself to slower streets that are more welcoming to people biking, walking and rolling.”

Whether you’re new to the area, trying a different commute or looking to get more exercise, Brown recommends starting slow and making a plan. BWS hosts monthly Cycle Socials in various neighborhoods and provides suggested routes, such as the Truman Linear Park Trail. Between Jenkins High School and Lake Mayer Park (1850 E. Montgomery Cross Road), the 3-mile, multi-use path is ideal for all abilities. “The city will begin construction on the next segment of this trail in early 2023, and when complete, the path will run from Daffin Park to Lake Mayer for a distance of approximately 6 miles — or 9 miles if you include the paths around both parks,” says Brown, who also serves as chair of Friends of Tide to Town — a nonprofit organization in support of the urban trail system that will eventually form a 30-mile loop.

Getting and maintaining the right gear is a must, too. “Most importantly, wear a helmet no matter your age, use lights in darkness and follow the rules of the road,” says David Udinsky, owner of Perry Rubber Bike Shop (240 Bull St.). “Like any sport, make sure the bike is proper for the sport, is in safe operating condition and is the proper size.” Perry Rubber provides everything for the casual tourist rider as well as distance road cyclists. For those aspiring towards the latter, Udinsky encourages all-age cyclists to join a group ride. “There are several groups offering varying rides, in both speed and distance,” he says. “Savannah’s riding community has an average of one ride per day, seven days a week.”

Hit the Trail

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, take a walk along the 1.5-mile loop circling Lake Mayer. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. Located along Georgia’s Intercoastal Waterway, Skidaway Island State Park (52 Diamond Causeway) offers 6 miles of dog-friendly trails that wind through the park, connecting to a boardwalk and observation tower to fully take in the beauty of the island. There is a $5 parking fee. Nearby, The Landings Nature Trail (1 Landings Way N.) is another option for residents of the gated community and their guests. Small but mighty, the Whitemarsh Preserve (68 Johnny Mercer Blvd.) is a go-to spot for a quick jaunt. Dogs are permitted if leashed. Go off the beaten path to The Dairy Farm (2500 Tennessee Ave.) for more space to roam. Once a private operating farm, the local dog-friendly escape is now a maintained trail system, open from dawn till dusk. Although minimally marked, all trails connect, making it difficult to get lost.

Get a History Lesson

Nothing says Savannah quite like a walk back in time. Completed in 1847, Fort Pulaski National Monument (101 Fort Pulaski Road) is an outdoor exhibit for visitors, with over 4,800 acres of salt marsh. An entrance fee of $10 is required for ages 16 and up to take advantage of the park’s kid-friendly (and dog-friendly) trail system and views, and admission remains valid for seven days. For those seeking a more interactive experience, look no further than Old Fort Jackson (1 Fort Jackson Road). Built in 1808, Fort Jackson is Georgia’s oldest standing brick fort. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the typical daily life of a 19th-century soldier and see cannon demonstrations. Admission is $10 per adult and $7 for ages 4-12. And, for those interested in more civilian history, Savannah’s iconic Wormsloe State Historic Site (7601 Skidaway Road) is a must-see, with historical interpreters, a museum full of artifacts to explore and 7 miles of trails

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Photo by MICHAEL SCHALK Hop on a bicycle from Perry Rubber Bike Shop at Chippewa Square

to entertain the whole family. Dogs are allowed outside but not inside the museum. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $4.50 for ages 4-17 years and $2 for children under 2.

Stroll through Cemeteries

Not just for spooky season, a stroll through one of Savannah’s many historic cemeteries is the perfect outing for nature lovers with a penchant for peace and quiet. Bonaventure Cemetery (330 Bonaventure Road) offers more than 100 acres to meander through, with rows of vibrant camellias and azaleas that begin blooming in winter and early spring, respectively. The gates open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pets are welcome. The Bonaventure Historical Society also provides free guided tours at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of the second weekend of the month. In the heart of the Savannah Historic District, the 6-acre Colonial Park Cemetery (200 Abercorn St.) was established in 1750. The park is open to pedestrians from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with hours extended until 8 p.m.

between March and November. Named for the native laurel oak trees that once inhabited the area, Laurel Grove North Cemetery (802 W. Anderson St.) spans 67 acres around a natural ravine, while Laurel Grove South Cemetery (2102 Kollock St.) covers 90 acres, adorned with towering cypress trees. Both are open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have a Dog Playdate

You never know who you may meet at the dog park. At Daffin Dog Park (1198 Washington Ave.), for instance, you may meet Brio, a mixed-breed dog from Fort Stewart and winner of the Top All-American Dog award at Westminster’s Masters Agility Championship. While his handler, Ali Park, says they often travel to compete or train, Daffin is his favorite local spot for a walk. With separate enclosed areas for small and large dogs, as well as spaces for those looking to brush up on some training, the wellshaded site is the place for pups — and their humans — to mix and mingle.

Dine Al Fresco — with Dogs

Any day of the week, Starland Yard (2411 De Soto Ave.) is packed with people of all ages, pups and plenty of entertainment. And with slices from Pizzeria Vittoria plus a fenced border preventing little ones from wandering too far, it’s easy to see why our readers voted the open-air food truck park as Savannah’s “Best Kid-friendly Dining.” With plenty of outdoor space to spread out and watchthe boats go by, The Wyld Dock Bar (2740 Livingston Ave.) claimed its own “Best Waterfront Dining” title in our 2022 reader poll. In nearby Thunderbolt, Finches Sandwiches & Sundries (2600 Mechanics Ave.) puts smiles on faces with its colorful patio, laidback vibes and cute, four-legged customers. (Be sure to follow the shop on social media for updates on events that support local pet rescues, too.)

Sea Wolf Tybee (106 S. Campbell Ave.) has elevated takes on familiar foods that are also fun to eat. Case in point: the wagyu hot dog paired with Champagne. Sandy feet are welcome, too.

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Finches Sandwiches & Sundries

Picnic in the Big Park

There’s always something to see and do at the 30-acre Forsyth Park (2 W. Gaston St.). On a Saturday morning, pick up a coffee from the walk-up window at Collins Quarter at Forsyth (621 Drayton St.) while kids tackle the wheelchair-accessible playground, then peruse the Forsyth Farmers’ Market for an impromptu picnic. Or, let the Mansion on Forsyth Park (700 Drayton St.) do the prep for you. The hotel offers customizable takeaway picnics available via OpenTable on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting at $85 for two, options range from artisan charcuterie to kiddie-friendly favorites. For the adults, upgrade the keepsake canvas tote with Tip Top Proper Cocktails, so the only BYOB you need to do is bring your own blanket.

Take a Staycation

Don’t let tourists have all the fun. Savannah’s boutique hotels offer alluring amenities, pet-friendly policies

and, often, discounted overnight rates for locals. Head to The Alida (412 Williamson St.) for the heated pool, open year-round for guests (with day passes available for $35 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.). While there, take a spin in the WeMoke — an open-air electric vehicle that rides low and slow and rents at $125 per hour. Older kids can sit in the back, but drivers must be at least 21 years old to drive. Or, make The Desoto Savannah (15 E. Liberty St.) your temporary home base to exhale from the daily routine and explore the city from a new perspective. The hotel’s “Park, Sip and Stroll” package is designed to let parents slow down with to-go drinks and make special memories with little ones — or stay in with room service.

Attend an Outdoor Concert

While the Savannah Stopover Music Festival takes a gap year in 2023 to better align the festival dates with future growth plans, the fest is sponsoring a free monthly concert series at The Park at Eastern Wharf. This spring, the Savannah Philharmonic continues its

Phil the Squares series, with the first concert slated for March 11 at Chippewa Square. Mark your calendar for the 2023Savannah Music Festival, happening March 23 through April 8 at iconic venues throughout the city — including a series of outdoor performances at Trustees’ Garden from artists such as Buddy Guy, Christone “Kingfish’’ Ingram, Eric Gales, King Solomon Hicks, Jontavious Willis and more. Check the Savannah VOICE Festival website (savannahvoicefestival.org) for dates of its ongoing Songs and Stories in the Squares, a musical tour that begins at Davenport House Museum (323 E. Broughton St.) and continues through Columbia, Greene and Crawford squares.

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Picnic provisions from Mansion on Forsyth Park COURTESY
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COURTESY THE ALIDA

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IN THE GAME Get Addicted to Pickleball

A cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America — but you probably already knew that. “It’s hard to go anywhere without hearing about it these days,” says Jaylen Brennan, the head pickleball professional at the Savannah Golf Club (1661 E. President St.), which has increasingly converted tennis courts to pickleball to keep up with demand.

“Once you start, you will be hooked,” agrees Chris Kader, director of court sports at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club (71 Green Island Road). The widening fanbase is often attributed to its appeal to all ages and athletic abilities. “The initial cost to start playing is very low, which makes it appealing to all demographics,” adds Brennan. “It is so easy for beginners

to pick up, and it is immediately addicting.” Savannah Golf Club also offers introductory clinics and private lessons for nonmembers. Brennan recommends using an app such as Pickleheads (pickleheads.com) to find places to play, with drop-in groups that match your skill level. As private clubs are typically limited to members and their guests, the city’s only public courts are at Lake Mayer Park.

According to Andrew Jones, founder of the Savannah Pickleball Club , a few places, including the YMCA and Salvation Army, have access for a small fee. “I get calls, emails and Facebook messages multiple times a week from locals (and out-of-town visitors) looking to play or get into pickleball,” Jones says. Still can’t find a court? Krader suggests making your own. “That is how many players start out — some chalk lines, a portable net in their driveway, and soon the entire neighborhood is playing!”

Go for the Goal

In March 2023, the Savannah Clovers Football Club kicks off its inaugural professional season in Memorial Stadium (101 John J. Scott Drive), heating up the city’s soccer fever. Just ask Gary Wright, executive director at Savannah United Soccer, the largest club between Atlanta and Jacksonville, with 2,200 players across 120 teams and programs for all levels playing throughout the year. Started following the merger of Coastal Georgia Soccer Association and Savannah Celtic, the club is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and boasts both state and national league championship titles amongst some of its higher-level teams. While it’s never too late to start playing soccer — and the club’s affiliate Savannah Soccer organizes an adult league — Wright recommends introducing children to the sport as early as possible. “We start our Early Goals program for 3-year-olds,” he says. “To get good technically and look to progress in the sport to a higher level, the younger, the better.”

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Hit the Links

In late 2022, Heritage Golf Group bought The Club at Savannah Quarters (8 Palladian Way), marking the first club in Georgia for the fast-growing owner and operator of golf and country clubs in the nation. According to General Manager Philip Linaugh, the private club is seeing increased popularity in the sport — which continues a nationwide trend fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Savannah, the growth is supplemented by an influx of new residents. “Our membership has expanded significantly over the past two years, especially our ladies’ golf program, which continues to take flight,” says Linaugh. “We are excited to see an increase in couples taking up the game together.” He adds that the club also sees more families, young professionals and retirees. In turn, The Club at Savannah Quarters hosts lessons, camps and clinics geared both to beginners and experienced golfers. “It’s never too late or too early to start,” says Linaugh. “One of our members who is new to golf is a Vietnam veteran who lost his leg during the war. His love of golf is a reminder that all can benefit from this great outdoor game.” While play at private clubs such as The Club at Savannah Quarters, The Landings, Savannah Golf Club and Savannah Country Club is reserved for members, public play is available at Bacon Park Golf Course (1 Shorty Cooper Road), Crosswinds Golf Club (232 James B. Blackburn Drive) and The Club at Savannah Harbor (2 Resort Drive).

ON THE WATER Hunt for Shark

Teeth

“We live where people want to vacation,” says Bryan Neal, owner of Low Country Drifters. After retiring from a 27-year career in the military, Neal founded the Thunderbolt-based charter

company in 2021. Although his business is new, Neal and his family have called the area home for decades.

“While we stay in-shore, the Intracoastal Waterway is an adventure in and of itself. Between the time spent with family and friends, our guests get to see wildlife and scenery they don’t often get to or have ever seen.” Neal says his guests, young and old, revel in the thrill of the search. “They have found megalodon teeth, pottery, fossils, arrowheads and more,” he says. “My kids (ages 10 and 13) have always enjoyed unearthing new treasures, finding crabs hiding under rocks and seeing all the wildlife while headed to our destination.” Four-hour tours start at $500 for up to six people. Pups are usually welcome on board, too — though Neal does caution that some destinations may be off-limits to dogs at certain times of the year due to migratory birds and sea turtle nesting seasons.

Escape to a Private Island

Of course, Low Country Drifters isn’t the only local business that offers excursions of this nature. Based at Plant Riverside District, Outside Savannah (300 W. River St., Unit 6B) is the local outpost of Outside Brands. What started as a windsurfing school on Hilton Head Island in 1979 has grown into a leading local outfitter, with daily boat tours of the historic Savannah Riverfront, Georgia Ports Authority and even its own private destination: Page Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. A full-day adventure to Page Island can include a long list of activities such as tubing, fishing and crabbing, dock jumping, dolphin and bird watching. However, Outside’s founder and CEO Mike Overton notes that just being immersed in the location is an experience within itself. “I know of nowhere else in the area that offers the sense of peace and tranquility more than

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The Club at Savannah Quarters
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Page Island,” says Overton. “Simply being there, connected with the flow of the tides and opportunity provided by the wide-open space and vistas often makes an ideal day.”

Set Sail

Prefer to be your own captain? Freedom Boat Club at the Savannah Boathouse Marina (8020 U.S. 80 E.) and Carefree Boat Club at Isle of Hope Marina (50 W. Bluff Drive) cater to those who want a low-maintenance, recreational boating experience Membership fees include cleaning, repair, insurance and storage so that you can spend more time out on the water without all the worry.

Learn to Surf

There is so much more to surfing than just catching waves, according to Turner Horton, owner of Tybee Surf Lessons. “There are so many life lessons to be learned and shared,” he says. For first-timers, Horton emphasizes the importance of starting with an experienced coach, especially as the beach becomes more crowded. “When I started, there were a few really great surfers who’d scare off beginners, and then there were some old-timers on longboards who were really friendly but would run laps around you in the lineup and catch all the best waves,” he says. “We also have swimmers and fishermen to share the wave areas with, too. As a surf community, we need to remember to actually educate the campers and beginners on safety, etiquette and respecting the beach.” In addition to private, semi-private and group lessons from the spring through the fall, Tybee Surf Lessons offers “Uke N Surf” (ukulele and surfing) camps in June and July — with his youngest students starting at just 3 years old.

Go Paddling East Coast Paddleboarding

offers stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for all abilities along the Back River, Horsepen Creek and Little Tybee. Get up close and personal with wildlife on any of the twohour paddling sessions starting at $50. For longer trips out on the water, Savannah Canoe and Kayak (414 Bonaventure Road) has you covered.

Offering both half-day and full-day tours, paddle enthusiasts can pick from tours including the Skidaway Narrows, Cockspur Lighthouse and Ebenezer Creek. Catch a sunset or a full moon across the salt marsh with one of its well-timed paddle tours, starting at $69. Getting out on the water is even better with man’s best friend. Aqua Dawg Kayak Company (1 Old U.S. 80) offers a variety of guided excursions, including some that are dog-friendly, starting at $55 for a tandem kayak.

Cast a Reel

We’re not talking about short Instagram videos. Rather, get your kids to put down the screens and pick up a fishing line to create a day that they’ll remember longer than the current dance craze. Not sure where to start? No sweat. The guides at Rivers & Glen Trading Co. (103 E. Broughton St.) will point you in the right direction — whether booking a fishing charter directly or through their network of local guides. In particular, Rivers & Glen specializes in sight-fishing for redfish and other inshore species found along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. The company primarily practices catch-and-release, teaching future generations that local species are a valuable resource to protect and preserve. Half-day charters start at $450 for up to two anglers.

FURTHER AFIELD

Saddle Up a Horse

Live out your “Yellowstone’’ daydream with a horseback ride at Red Gate Farms (136 Red Gate Farms Triangle). Tucked off Chatham Parkway, the 92-yearold, 440-acre farm offers rides around the farm’s grounds and trail system for ages 12 and up. Individual lessons and horse camp begin at age 7 and pony rides begin at age 4.

Go Wild

Open daily, rain or shine, Oatland Island Wildlife Center (711 Sandtown Road) covers over 100 acres of maritime forest with a 2-mile nature trail loop featuring five main exhibits. Before you go, check the calendar for special activities, such as Toddler Tuesday, summer camps and other seasonal happenings. Admission is $3 to $5, depending on age. Across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (694 Beech Hill Lane) offers another quick escape. A current habitat restoration project scheduled to be complete by spring 2023 may affect trail access, so double-check before making the trek.

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COURTESY TYBEE SURF LESSONS
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(912) 352-3081 • casevet.com AVANNAH MAGAZINE 7 2019 W NNER Preventative and Curative Care, Geriatric Medicine, Surgery, Advanced Dentistry, Ultrasound and Echocardiogram, Grooming, Boarding Thank you, Savannah FOR VOTING US BEST VETERINARIAN FOR 12 YEARS CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT 2021 W NNER 2022 WINNER

100 YEARS OF PET CARE

Case Veterinary Hospital partners with clients to keep their companions healthy.

“FOR FOUR GENERATIONS, MY FAMILY AND I have been serving pets and their people in this community,” says Carla Case-McCorvey, DVM, owner and veterinarian of Case Veterinary Hospital. “Through world wars, political upheaval, the Great Depression, several recessions and now a global pandemic, we’ve worked together with our clients to care for the pets we love. In those 113-plus years, a lot of changes have taken place, the most notable of which is how our pets have truly become a part of our families. We realize what an honor it is to be trusted with that care.”

Case-McCorvey, a University of Georgia

School of Veterinary Medicine graduate, points to the veterinary hospital’s mission — to partner with pet owners to enhance their loved one’s lives.

“My great-grandfather would be amazed at what we’re doing now to keep pets healthy, help them live longer and take care of their illness or injury when it occurs,” Case-McCorvey says. “From the time they are a brand new puppy or kitten in our lives until those moments when we have to tell our best friend goodbye, we’re here for you at Case to be sure they are receiving the best care available.”

Case-McCorvey is particularly proud of being locally owned.

“You'd be surprised to know how many veterinary hospitals in our area have the same name they’ve always had but are now corporately owned! Being locally and privately owned allows Case Veterinary Hospital to make decisions that are best for the well-being of our team members, clients, and patients regardless of how it affects the bottom line. This really matters!” she says. “When it is your family’s name on the sign out front, your family’s legacy in the community in which you are raising your own children, doing what’s ‘right’ by your employees, your clients and your patients is the only choice you’ll want to make.”

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CASE VETERINARY HOSPITAL: 111 EISENHOWER DRIVE | 912.352.3081 | CASEVET.COM

INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE

When the calendar flips to January, Savannah’s parents know it’s crunch time in the school admissions process. To help learn the ABCs of leading local K–12 schools, we’ve compiled a quick guide to the trailblazers and distinct traditions that make each academic community proud.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

BETHESDA ACADEMY

IN 1740, the Rev. George Whitefield founded Bethesda — meaning “house of mercy” — as the first orphanage for struggling young colonists in America. Centuries later, Bethesda has evolved into an independent day school with tuition paid by all families, accompanied by significant financial aid.

President Mike Hughes, Ph.D., says people are surprised to learn Bethesda is no longer an orphanage and is not a school for those who need “second chances” due to bad behavior. “Graduates go on to study and graduate from fine colleges and have meaningful careers in key organizations such as the Georgia Ports Authority,” Hughes says.

TREASURED TRADITION A gift from the Women’s Board of Bethesda, seniors receive professional attire, including a navy blue blazer and Bethesda tie, and a portable leather travel kit to help prepare them for college life, interviews and their career.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS Gen. Lachlan McIntosh and Gen. Daniel Stevens for the militia serving in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. In addition, Syd Williams (class of 1927) was an accomplished student-athlete who rose to senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company, helping to expand the brand worldwide.

FAMILIAR FACE Gary Gatewood grew up at Bethesda and has worked as a maintenance technician at the school for 39 years. In addition to the students, his favorite things about his job are the cattle herd and the 650 oak-covered acres overlooking Moon River.

ST. VINCENT’S ACADEMY

ESTABLISHED IN 1845, St. Vincent’s Academy (SVA) is the oldest Mercy school in the country. The origin story began when the Bishop of Charleston sent three Sisters of Mercy to Savannah to start a school. “We have been operating continuously for 177 years, serving as an orphanage first, then as a day school,” says SVA President Mary Anne Hogan. Students attend classes in a historic, renovated convent.

TREASURED TRADITION “Our school has so many wonderful traditions that support the ‘Sisterhood’ of SVA,” says Hogan. The Junior Ring Ceremony, a Halloween Assembly, Spirit Day and graduation in the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are among the favorites. However, there is one life skill Hogan says all SVA students should learn before getting their diplomas. “Parallel parking downtown. We don’t have a parking lot!”

Editor’s note: Information was compiled in November 2022 from questionnaires sent to the schools. Institutions are listed by age. Participation in the questionnaire is optional.

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NOTEWORTHY ALUM The great Southern author Flannery O’Connor. Her childhood home is a short walk from the school. FAMILIAR FACE Science teacher Donna Antonucci has been at SVA for more than 25 years. St. Vincent’s Academy COURTESY
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Photo courtesy of BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

BENEDICTINE MILITARY SCHOOL

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE — as it originally was called — began as a boys’ preparatory school in 1902 in the Southern military tradition of Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel. With a $40 tuition and a requirement of completing 4th-grade grammar school, 21 cadets enrolled in the first year. A member of the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB), Bishop Leo Haid founded the school (though the full origin story can be traced back as early as 1874).

Flash forward to 1936: Benedictine’s unprecedented national attention as a day military school to earn an honor unit of distinction prompted the monks to change the name to Benedictine Military School in 1937 — though many people still affectionately use “BC” for short. In 1963, the school moved to its current home on Seawright Drive.

TREASURED TRADITION The Commissioning ceremony occurs at the top of each school year, marking the transition of senior Cadets into positions of leadership within the brigade. Before graduation, another essential experience is marching in the annual Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an enduring tradition since 1903.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS George Karam Gannam, class of 1938, was the first Savannahian to die in World War II. The George K. Gannam Memorial Review, also known as Gannam Day, is a ceremony held on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Staff Sgt. Gannam also played an important role in establishing Benedictine’s publication, The Campus Quill, and served as the editor during his senior year.

FAMILIAR FACE The Rev. Ronald Gatman, OSB, has been a fixture at the school for 44 years and counting.

SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

ESTABLISHED IN 1955, the strong roots — and reputation — of Savannah Country Day School (SCDS) trace back to the founding of The Pape School in 1905. Today, the campus includes 20 buildings spread across a 65-acre campus.

TREASURED TRADITION To foster the bond between the oldest and youngest students, seniors escort kindergarteners into their first school assembly. In turn, the kindergarten students parade the seniors out of their final school assembly. For their last day of classes, seniors also lead a bike parade to school. Additional

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Benedictine Military School
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Savannah Country Day School COURTESY SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

can’t-miss milestones include Outward Bound, the 8th grade’s week-long trip in the Florida Everglades, and the Freshman Weekend trip to North Georgia, which signals the kick-off to 9th grade.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS David DiBenedetto, class of 1991, is editor-in-chief of Garden & Gun magazine. Bruce Feiler, class of 1983, is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, the presenter of two prime-time series on PBS and the inspiration for the drama series “Council of Dads,” which aired on NBC. Sali Sumer Christeson, class of 2003, is the founder and CEO of Argent clothing. Joseph Conyers, class of 2005, is the associate principal bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

FAMILIAR FACE Bill Eswine was hired as the Lower School science teacher in 1972 and is currently completing his 51st year at SCDS. “There are very few places where you’re given the freedom to do the work you love as I have been at Country Day,” says Eswine. “The value of a great education is not always obvious until years later when you see your former students who understand that being wise requires discipline, that caring for others requires compassion and that we all desire to connect to something beyond ourselves.”

BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

FOUNDED BY THE SISTERS OF MERCY in 1939, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School (BSS) sits prominently at the corner of Victory Drive and Waters Avenue. “Our school embraces our location in the center of our vibrant city,” says Brooke Clark, director of communications. “We work in collaboration with many local businesses and organizations. Our students enjoy playing at Daffin Park and can attend many field trips thanks to our convenient location.”

TREASURED TRADITION The school’s faith life drives many of its traditions. In addition, Clark says the students love Field Day, Spirit Week, Catholic Schools Week and the school-wide Buddy Program, where younger students partner with older students to attend monthly Mass and collaborate on service projects.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS “Our school has produced doctors, lawyers, teachers and [businesspeople],” says Clark. “In addition, the foundation at Blessed Sacrament has helped form priests and religious sisters.”

FAMILIAR FACE Jeannie Marlowe has taught at BSS for 44 years. “It is so very special to me that I get to teach the babies of the children I taught,” says Marlowe. “It says a lot when so many people who went to BSS as children bring their own children back.”

SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

THE REV. GEORGE and Mrs. Harold Deane Akins first welcomed eight board students to the Evangelical Bible Institute in 1951. Today, the Raiders’ team spirit alludes back to those early years.

“SCPS boarding students became known for sneaking into the kitchen to grab a late-night snack or snag some leftover brownie,” says Becky Thomason, the school’s communications director. “From these incidents, the administration kept referring to the students as ‘raiding’ the kitchen at night. When sports came into the picture, we needed a mascot. It seemed fitting to become the Raiders.”

Situated on Chatham Parkway, the campus offers 119 acres of open-air learning space, including the Ecological Diversity for Educational Networking (EDEN) outdoor education center, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, hiking trails and wetlands. The campus is also home to a Georgia Historical Society marker as a site of a battle during Gen. William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” (Artifacts have been collected from the school grounds.)

TREASURED TRADITION To honor their senior’s last first day of school, families line the drive onto campus with signs, balloons and photos. “It’s a really special day that families look forward to,” says Thomason, class of 2005.

FAMILIAR FACE Barbara Lanier is in her 51st year at SCPS. “There are so many things I love about Savannah Christian — many of them reflected in the Honor Code: a lifestyle reflecting truth, honor, respect and scholarship,” Lanier says.

ST. PETER THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MEANWHILE, TWO SISTERS OF MERCY — Sister Kiernan Davis and Sister Finbarr Kane — opened the Nativity School at Nativity Church in 1951. This set the foundation for a Catholic education for students in the Thunderbolt/ Wilmington Island community, which led to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, according to Communication Coordinator Ana Portman.

TREASURED TRADITION While the calendar of holiday activities remains robust throughout the year, a key milestone is 8th-grade Confirmation.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS Nora Fleming Lee, who serves as CEO of Coastal Heritage Society, former NFL football player Josh Mallard, Dr. Felix Maher (general dentistry) and Dr. Tonya McCullough (dermatology) are all former pupils.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 103
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

FAMILIAR FACE Sister Susan Harms is a first-grade teacher and has served the school for 49 years.

HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL

EMMIE RUTH BELL HANCOCK opened Hancock Day School in 1953, beginning with kindergarten and a first-grade class. Her objective? To establish a school where each student could develop and reach the full realization of his or her potential.

Hancock’s son, William Bell, and his wife later managed the school until 2004. Upon the announcement of their retirement and the planned closing of the school, the community formed Parents and Friends of Hancock Inc., a nonprofit organization, to continue the school. A former school property was purchased nearby and is now the current home of Hancock Day School.

TREASURED TRADITIONS Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Halloween Parade and Thanksgiving Feast are among the favorite days of the year.

NOTEWORTHY ALUM Former student Holden Geriner is a quarterback at Auburn University.

FAMILIAR FACE Amy Morgan is the school’s most veteran teacher. “Teaching kindergarten at Hancock has given me the opportunity to spread the joy of learning to many students over the years,” Morgan says.

CALVARY DAY SCHOOL

IN 1959, Dr. John Tippett, along with several involved parents, began planning for a Christian school with a rigorous pursuit of academic excellence. Originally named Calvary Baptist Day School, Calvary launched with 13 kindergarten students. Each year a grade was added until the 1973-1974 school year when Calvary enrolled its first senior class. Today, Calvary’s student body represents more than 100 churches in the Savannah area as a nondenominational Christian school.

TREASURED TRADITION “In the mass of events students look forward to each year, two, in particular, stand out: Homecoming Week and Spiritual Emphasis Week,” says Eden Fussell, communications and marketing content editor. “The camaraderie and support exhibited through both events show Calvary is accomplishing its goals — to grow students into successful, mature [and loving] people.”Fun fact: Retired teacher Marci Hamilton (also the mother of Class of 1980 alumnus and teacher and coach of over 20 years, Jackie Hamilton) penned the school’s alma mater, which was inspired by old hymn music and the school’s faith.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS On the long list of notable names are Swann Sieler, philanthropist, manager of external affairs

for Georgia Power’s Southeast Region in Savannah and caretaker of the University of Georgia’s bulldog mascot lineage; the late John Davis of John Davis Florist; former MLB pitcher Tyler Bashlor; Judge Rizza O’Connor; Heather Newsome, the assistant chief nursing officer at Memorial Health University Medical Center; Ted Carellas of Carellas Murphy Law LLP and many more.

FAMILIAR FACE Mary Graham is a preschool teacher with 47 years of experience in the Calvary Early Learning Center (ELC). “Her passion for young children stems from the example set forth by the ELC’s founding director, Donna Thaggard,” says Fussell. “She’s watched as generations of Cavaliers have grown up … and has even gotten to teach their children as well.”

MEMORIAL DAY SCHOOL

ALTHOUGH MEMORIAL DAY School was formed in 1971 by the membership of Memorial Baptist Church, the school has operated as a nondenominational Christian school since its beginning.

TREASURED TRADITIONS A few recognizable names include actor Marshall Hilliard, Dawn Odom, who serves as principal of St. Vincent’s Academy, and Chatham Fire Chief Wayne Noha. NOTEWORTHY ALUMS On the long list of notable names are Swann Sieler, philanthropist, manager of external affairs for Georgia Power’s Southeast Region in Savannah and caretaker of the University of Georgia’s bulldog mascot lineage; the late John Davis of John Davis Florist; former MLB pitcher Tyler Bashlor; Judge Rizza O’Connor; Heather Newsome, the assistant chief nursing officer at Memorial Health University Medical Center; Ted Carellas of Carellas Murphy Law LLP and many more.

FAMILIAR FACE Pam Gross is not only a 30-year member of the faculty, but she also graduated from Memorial Day School, and her mother, Tammy Rowell, was the first head of school.

ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL

DURING THE 1970S, the governing body of the Independent Presbyterian Church determined Savannah needed another quality college preparatory school. Business leaders and parents worked together to secure a site for a new campus and to raise money for the buildings. According to Director of Public Relations Scott Searcy, the school’s new name, St. Andrew’s on the Marsh, reflected its Scottish heritage and the island setting. The church agreed to relinquish the school so that it could become an independent, nonprofit institution governed by a board of trustees. In 2011, St. Andrew’s unveiled a redesigned logo to underscore the school’s identity. “It is that independence from the curricular mandates of the state or a religious institution that has enabled us to become leaders in teaching and learning,” says Searcy.

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Hancock Day School Calvary Day School Memorial Day School St. Andrew’s School

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

TREASURED TRADITIONS Each student is placed into one of six Scottish clans and participates in the annual Scottish Games. The winning clans are rewarded with ribbons, which are proudly added to the clans’ tartans and flags hanging in the cafeteria. To further foster a sense of belonging, each student is assigned into groups of three — representing a partnership of a Lower, Middle and Upper School student. “Partners meet throughout the year to create a secret handshake, share a book, be a friend or mentor and look out for each other,” adds Searcy. Last but not least, every senior class plants a flowering crepe myrtle tree on campus, signifying their individual contribution to the school’s legacy — a theme that carries into a personalized commencement ceremony. “Each graduate takes center stage while we read their student biography and share where they will matriculate to college,” says Dr. Kelley Waldron, head of school. “[It] reflects the individualized approach we take to supporting each of our students as they become successful young adults, ready to take on college and life with the confidence that they are well-prepared and loved.”

NOTEWORTHY ALUM Philip Rucker, valedictorian of the Class of 2002, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the first recipient of St. Andrew’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017.

FAMILIAR FACE Nancy Beckmann, a 2nd-grade teacher, has over 30 years of employment at SAS.

CHATHAM ACADEMY

CHATHAM ACADEMY wasfounded in 1978 by a group of parents and concerned citizens who realized the need to have a school for students with learning disabilities. Carolyn Hannaford was the first Head of School and continued to grow the school for 43 years prior to her retirement in 2020. “Many people don’t know there is a specialized school in our area designed to meet the needs of students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD,” says Director of Development, Guieneverre Cutlip.

From day one, Cutlip says students realize learning can be different when it is done in a welcoming environment designed to fit their individual needs. “Our students learn how to accept their strengths and weaknesses, [how] to advocate for themselves with confidence. They will know how to do hard things.”

TREASURED TRADITION “Field Day! Parents and alumni always come to volunteer and cheer on the teams.”

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS “Our graduates have gone on to become business owners, coaches, movie extras, work at Disney in Hong Kong, and one recently passed the Bar exam!”

FAMILIAR FACES Principal Cherie Pelli and Coach Joe Levan both enrolled in the 1994-1995 school year and remain an integral part of the school.

THE HABERSHAM SCHOOL

IN 2012, a number of devoted parents sought to establish a new, full-day, classical Christian school for the greater Savannah area. According to Chaston Hart, the director of marketing and development, the school’s name and mascot are a nod to one of Savannah’s most notable colonial citizens, James Habersham. “A man of deep spiritual convictions, Habersham is known for his time spent as a schoolteacher, businessman and acting governor of Georgia,” says Hart. “Although he found great success in his business and political careers, it was his work in the founding of Bethesda that prompted our founders to name the school for him. Habersham was an American Patriot in the Revolutionary War. As such, we are the Habersham Patriots.”

TREASURED TRADITIONS Students from every grade level are sorted into one of four houses: House of Washington, House of Pulaski, House of Madison, and House of Lafayette. Upper School students who apply and interview for positions each spring are selected as House leaders. In these positions, students are trained and mentored alongside faculty advisors as all students compete to earn the coveted House Cup. Students lead their fellow House members through three key events: Feast Day in November, the Sidewalk Arts Festival in March and House Olympics in May.

NOTEWORTHY ALUM Sam Parker, Class of 2021, is attending the University of Georgia with an athletic scholarship for swimming.

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Chatham Academy at Royce COURTESY CHATHAM ACADEMY AT ROYCE

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AS THE 10TH LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT in Georgia, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) enrolls more than 35,000 students across 55 schools. To provide students with a diverse portfolio of educational options best suited to their interests and abilities, SCCPSS offers 26 Choice Programs throughout the district. Programs begin in elementary school and continue through high school, with options varying from Heard Elementary, the first STEAM-certified school in the Southeast, to Savannah Arts Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, which is consistently named in US News and World Report’s “Best Schools” issue. The application window is open online at sccpss.com between Jan. 21 – Feb. 3, 2023 for the upcoming school year.

TREASURED TRADITIONS The history of SCCPSS spans more than a century, with Beach High School being one of the oldest schools in the district. The uninitiated may assume the name refers to Savannah’s proximity to the coast, while in reality, the namesake is Alfred Ely Beach. He is known for his donation to establish the Beach Institute, a school for newly freed slaves to learn a trade and have a job in the post-Civil War era. SCCPSS took over the reins of the school in 1915. Today, a highlight of the commencement ceremony is the Alumni Oath. Last year, Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Broad, Savannah Chatham County School Board District 2 Representative and former Beach High student, led graduates in the tradition.

R ead a local mom’s journey to find the best academic fit for her child on page 152

According to Stacy Jennings, director of communications at SCCPSS, there is another quintessential thing that SCCPSS graduates should have. “Life experience that leads to self-fulfillment. Every student wants a life as a productive citizen. Every student deserves the opportunity to become their very best self,” says Jennings. “As our superintendent is fond of saying, ‘Every scholar needs a job.’ We want our scholars to be employed, enlisted, enrolled or entrepreneurs.”

With an aviation and aircraft maintenance pathway offered in partnership with Gulfstream, Groves High School exemplifies these words in action. “The same with Georgia Ports, Georgia Power and JCB,” says Jennings. “All have benefited from the Logistics pathway at several of our high schools.”

Of note, Woodville Tompkins Technical & Career High School boasts a 100% graduation rate for six years running. Savannah Early College High School also has a 100% graduation rate, and provides students with the potential to earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of transferable college credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

As for families who are indeed seeking a school on the beach, turn to Tybee Island Maritime Academy (TIMA). “Tybee Island didn’t have a public school for 25 years after Tybee Elementary closed in the

late ‘80s,” says Peter Ulrich, principal administrator at TIMA. “When the private school St. Michaels closed in 2011, the community wanted a school back on the island.” TIMA opened as a charter school in 2013, marking its 10th anniversary this year with the graduation of its first 8th-grade class. As the only school in the state of Georgia promoting high academic achievement through a maritime, career-focused, project-based curriculum, that also means that flip-flops are on the supply list, and recess happens on the beach.

Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is also celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023. The creation of the school was a grassroots effort by local residents, donors and Roger Moss, the incoming president of the SCCPSS board. As a charter school, SCA provides a free education to any student living in Chatham County and part of SCCPSS, with admissions received by an online lottery. Check schools’ individual websites for deadlines and more information.

NOTEWORTHY ALUMS In addition to Hoskins-Broad, notable names who have passed through SCCPSS include, but are not limited to:

Camille Syed, multimedia journalist at WTOC (Islands); Cliff McCurry, director of Community Development at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard (Savannah High); Dr. David Bringman, professor at Georgia Southern University and SCCPSS District 6 school board member (Beach); Judge Lisa Colbert (Groves); Leah Ward Sears, former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court (Savannah High); MiQuan Green, photographer and entrepreneur (Groves); Pervis Ellison, former NBA basketball player (Savannah High); Rear Adm. Susan Bryer Joyner (Jenkins)

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 107
Tybee Island Maritime Academy COURTESY TYBEE ISLAND MARITIME ACADEMY
CHRIST-CENTERED • EXCELLENCE • DEVELOPMENT SERVANT LEADERSHIP • RELATIONSHIPS • JOY Our mission at Calvary Day School is to provide a Christ-centered educational experience through the development of the total student — spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. CALVARYDAYSCHOOL.COM 4625 WATERS AVE, SAVANNAH, GA 31404
Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 109
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School ......................... 110 Chatham Academy................................................... 109 Hancock Day School 112 Memorial Day School ............................................... 114 Savannah Classical Academy ................................... 114 Savannah Country Day School ................................. 111 Tybee Island Maritime Academy.............................. 113 From AP and honors courses to championship athletic programs and STEM programs, Savannah’s area public and private schools provide a variety of educational experiences rooted in excellence and integrity. Find the fit that’s right for your child by using this guide to the area’s top educational institutions. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FITTING THE
TO THE STUDENT: Chatham
has designed the classrooms,
techniques and curriculum to
SPECIFIC LEARNING PLANS: Our goals are to teach each student the academic skills appropriate
their
to
their
and
themselves. We utilize direct, sequential, multisensory instruction
performance
SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTION METHODS: • 10:1 (or lower) student-teacher ratio • Orton-Gillingham approach • Marilyn Zecher multisensory math • Executive function skills • Mindfulness and extracurricular activities • Direct instruction in all content areas • Consistent progress monitoring Chatham Academy is tailored to students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and ADHD
ACADEMY 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. 912.354.4047 chathamacademy.com
SCHOOL SMARTS
CURRICULUM
Academy
teaching
allow each child to experience academic and social success. Each class is structured so students have clear expectations, accommodations and academic supports.
for
level,
accept responsibility for
actions and their learning,
to advocate responsibly for
to target academic areas of need and increase
in areas of academic strength.
CHATHAM

BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

believe.

1003 E. Victory Drive 912.356.6987 bss-savannah.org

OUR MISSION:

• Rooted in faith and committed to academic excellence, the community of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School prepares and empowers children to lead, love and serve God, the Church and the world.

WHY CHOOSE BLESSED SACRAMENT?

• Family Atmosphere: Nurturing environment, supportive teachers and involved parents. We focus on a safe learning environment that encourages independence and self-efficacy.

• Tradition: Established in 1939, we are the oldest Catholic school still operating in the Savannah Deanery.

• The Curriculum: Designed to challenge students to meet their highest potential, our groundbreaking instructional materials help differentiate individual needs.

• Facilities: Include new regulation-sized gym, media/ technology lab, broadcast news center, science lab, STEAM lab, art room and cafeteria/kitchen

• Extended Day: Before/after-school childcare program

• Specials: Art, Music, PE, Media and Technology

• Technology: One-to-one Chromebooks (5-8), iPads (PreK-4) and SMART Boards and IPEVO cameras in every classroom

• Cutting-edge Computer Programs: Google Classroom, Seesaw and I-Ready

• Individual Student Needs: Flexible grouping and two resource assistants — a Learning Resource Specialist in both lower and upper school for enrichment and remediation

• Athletic Programs: We promote skill development and healthy competition in volleyball, football, cheerleading, basketball, golf, soccer, cross-country, track and swimming.

Savannah Country Day school

THE EXPERIENCE:

• Faculty, student advisers and counselors work with students and parents to chart a path for individual student success.

• Over 75% of faculty have advanced degrees.

• Small student-to-teacher ratios foster individualized attention (10:1, 7:1 and 8:1 in Lower, Middle and Upper Schools).

• Competitive athletics program, with more than 50 teams in 15 sports and more than 80 percent of Middle/Upper School students participating in athletics.

• Renowned fine and performing arts program includes visual art, chorus, jazz band, theatre, photography, orchestra, ceramics, jewelry and technology-based digital art.

• Our Learning Support Team of nine specialists provides one-on-one support for students with learning differences.

• College Counseling Office works with families to navigate college admissions process starting in ninth grade.

• Clubs and activities include Quiz Bowl, Mock Trial, Fencing, Math Club, Robotics and more.

• One of six member schools in Georgia in Global Online Academy, a consortium that provides students with more than 45 additional course offerings, including Game Design, Bioethics, Business Problem Solving and more.

THE RESULT:

• Ranked by Niche.com as No. 1 K-12 school in Savannah, No. 1 College Prep School and No.1 STEM High School.

• During the past six years, our graduates have been accepted by more than 100 colleges and universities, including Princeton, Cornell, Georgetown, Harvard, NYU, Tufts, UVA, UNC, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

• SCDS has sent more students to the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech than any other school in Savannah.

• Once in college, our students consistently outperform their peers from other area schools.

• Our seniors average almost $5 million in scholarships — in addition to HOPE.

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 111
Discover the Country Day Difference
824 Stillwood Drive 912.925.8800 savcds.org

Hancock Day School

Roots to Grow … Wings to Fly

6600 Howard Foss Drive 912.351.4500 hancockdayschool.org

THE HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE:

• Hancock offers students an educational experience unlike any other in the Savannah area, with a challenging curriculum that prepares students to lead, both in the classroom and in life.

• Small classes, dedicated faculty and numerous opportunities for independent inquiry develop students into lifelong learners.

• A wide range of extracurricular activities engages students’ minds and bodies on a safe, nurturing campus.

HANCOCK DAY SCHOOL SEEKS:

• To enroll qualified students entering pre-K through eighth grade.

• Our students are inquisitive, strongly motivated and highly committed to working through challenges and opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US:

• We’re happy to answer your questions and arrange a tour of our campus. Please call Director of Admissions Cindy Drew at 912.351.4500 or email cdrew@hancockdayschool.org. We look forward to getting to know your family and showing you why Hancock gives you “Roots to Grow … Wings to Fly.”

Tybee Island Maritime Academy

TOP OF THE CLASS IN:

• Maritime Focus: Our studies cover human relationships to the ocean across curricular subjects.

• Integrated Beach Curriculum: The students use the beach as their classroom and science lab regularly. They advocate for the protection of the coast and marshlands because of their intimate relationship with it.

• Place- and Problem-Based Learning with Arts Integration: In partnership with community experts and through real-life projects and activities, students not only embrace traditional concepts, but also hone their ability to think critically and creatively, to solve problems and to work together. Students learn how to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in the real world.

WE’RE PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS FOR:

• Being designers of their learning.

• Leading with empathy.

• Partnering with the community.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS:

• Flexible.

• Collaborative.

OUR MISSION:

TIMA seeks to create a vibrant, dynamic and unique learning experience that seeks to engage every student, stimulate intellectual curiosity and facilitate academic excellence and achievement. The school’s educational philosophy stems from the value that every learner is a teacher, every teacher is a learner, and all perspectives and voices are important.

WE TEACH FOR THE FUTURE: We teach students how to be creative problem-solvers together, with each other and in partnership with organizations that exist in the space already.

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 113
Project-Based
Hands-On,
714 Lovell Ave., Tybee Island 912.395.4060 tybeeislandmaritimeacademy.com

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Be Virtuous. Be Studious.

705 E. Anderson St. 912.395.4040

savannahclassicalacademy.org

OUR MISSION IS TO: Provide every child with a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling a commitment to civic virtue and moral character.

OUR STRENGTHS: Academic achievements, safe and nurturing environment and the wide selection of programs including advanced academic and technical courses.

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS FOR: Their dedication to continual learning and academic success and commitments to our community service projects.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS: Rigorous and supportive.

WHEN CHOOSING A SCHOOL ASK: About student success rates and program options.

WE TEACH FOR THE FUTURE BY: Preparing our students to be involved, educated and successful citizens.

Memorial Day School

matter.

6500 Habersham St. 912.352.4535 memorialdayschool.com

WE’RE EXCITED:

Give me an “M.” Give me a “D.” Give me an “S.” … Memorial Day School, where your child feels like they “Matter.”

WHY CHOOSE MEMORIAL DAY SCHOOL:

• Celebrating more than 50 years of success

• Individual attention with small class sizes

• Family atmosphere in a Christian environment

• Cognia-accredited

• Supportive faculty and staff who provide one-on-one attention and mentorship

OPEN HOUSE:

Come see us at our winter open house from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 22. No appointment necessary.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Contact Admission Director Jamie Lane at 912.352.4535 or jlane@memday.org.

• Go to memorialdayschool.com.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

114 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM ★ Special Advertising Section
FOLLOW US! 29 Career Pathways 2 National Blue Ribbon Schools STEM and STEAM Certified Schools Virtual Academy Rigorous academic preparation Dual Enrollment 87.6% graduation rate Visual and Performing Arts Engineering, Aviation and Welding Medical Science Veterinary and Horticulture Work-based learning Internships and apprenticeships 2 National Green Ribbon Schools Extensive World Languages Life Skills SAVE THE DATE! STUDENT SUCCESS EXPO: January 21 @Savannah Civic Center | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. CHOICE application window opens January 21. Come to the Expo to learn about all our CHOICE program offerings. DISCOVER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVANTAGE. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO EXPERIENCE THE #PUBLICSCHOOLADVANTAGE, CONTACT THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE FOR A TOUR. For more information visit sccpss.com

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (K–5)

ADDRESS PHONE

• Bloomingdale* 101 E. Main St., Bloomingdale, 31302 912.395.3680

• Brock* 1804 Stratford St., 31401 912.395.5300

• Butler* 1909 Cynthia St., 31415 912.395.2525

• Coastal Empire Montessori Charter 301 Buckhalter Road, 31405 cemco.org 912.395.4070

• Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School* 400 East Broad St., 31401 912.395.5500

• Gadsden* 919 May St., 31415 912.395.5940

• Garden City 4037 Kessler Ave., Garden City, 31408 912.395.6820

• Gould* 4910 Pineland Drive, 31405 912.395.5400

• Haven* 5111 Dillon Ave., 31405 912.395.6501

• Heard* 414 Lee Blvd., 31405 912.395.6630

• Hodge* 975 Clinch St., 31405 912.395.5200

• May Howard* 115 Wilmington Island Road, 31410 912.395.3925

• Largo–Tibet* 430 Tibet Ave., 31406 912.395.3450

• School of Humanities at Juliette Low* 15 Blue Ridge Ave., 31404 912.395.6380

• Marshpoint* 135 Whitemarsh Island Road, 31410 912.395.4000

• Pooler* 308 Holly Ave., Pooler, 31322 912.395.3625

• Pulaski* 1001 Tibet Ave., 31419 912.395.6466

• Shuman 415 Goebel Ave., 31404 912.395.4500

• Jacob G. Smith* 210 Lamara Drive, 31405 912.395.6530

• Southwest* 6020 Ogeechee Road, 31419 912.395.3301

• Susie King Taylor Community School (Charter, K–5)

1709 Bull St., 31401 912.395.4200

• West Chatham* 820 Pine Barren Road Pooler, 31322 912.395.3600

• White Bluff* 9902 White Bluff Road, 31405 912.395.3325

• A.B. Williams 1150 Wheaton St., 31404 912.395.2500

• Windsor Forest* 414 Briarcliff Circle, 31419 912.395.3353

ELEMENTARY (K–8)

ADDRESS PHONE

• Ellis Montessori Academy* 220 E. 49th St., 31405 912.395.5470

• Garrison* 649 W. Jones St., 31401 912.395.5975

• Georgetown 1516 King George Blvd., 31419 912.395.3475

• Godley Station 2135 Benton Blvd., Pooler, 31407 912.395.6000

• Hesse* hitfield A e 912.395.6440

• Isle of Hope* 100 Parkersburg Road, 31406 912.395.6555

• New Hampstead 2451 Little Neck Road Bloomingdale, 31302 912.395.6200

• Rice Creek 100 Mullberry Ave., Port Wentworth, 31407 912.395.4100

912.395.4060

MIDDLE SCHOOLS (GRADES 6–8)

ADDRESS PHONE

• Coastal 4595 U.S. Hwy. 80 E., 31410 912.395.3950

• DeRenne 1009 Clinch St., 31405 912.395.5900

• Hubert 768 Grant St., 31401 912.395.5235

• Mercer 5330 Montgomery St., 31405*** 912.395.6700

• Myers 2025 E. 52nd St., 31404 912.395.6600

• Oglethorpe Charter 7202 Central Ave., 31406 912.395.5075

• Southwest 6030 Ogeechee Road, 31419 912.395.3540

• STEM Academy at Bartlett 207 Montgomery Cross Road, 31406 912.395.3500

• West Chatham 800 Pine Barren Road Pooler, 31322 912.395.3650

HIGH SCHOOLS (GRADES 9–12)

ADDRESS PHONE

• Beach 3001 Hopkins St., 31405 912.395.5330

• Groves 201 Rommel Ave., Garden City, 31408*** 912.395.2520

• Islands 70 Whitemarsh Island Road, 31410 912.395.2000

• Jenkins 1800 E. DeRenne Ave., 31406 912.395.6300

• Johnson 3012 Sunset Blvd., 31404 912.395.6400

• New Hampstead 2451 Little Neck Road, Bloomingdale, 31302 912.395.6789

• Savannah Arts Academy (Charter) 500 Washington Ave., 31405 912.395.5000

• Savannah Classical Academy 705 E. Anderson St., 31401 savannahclassicalacademy.com 912.395.4040

• Savannah Early College 400 Pennsylvania Ave., 31404 912.395.2535

• School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High 400 Pennsylvania Ave., 31404 912.395.5050

• Windsor Forest* 12419 Largo Drive, 31419 912.395.3400

• Woodville Tompkins* 151 Coach Joe Turner St., 31408 912.395.6750

OTHER EDUCATIONAL CENTERS ADDRESS PHONE

• 21st Century Learning Centers (2–12)

402 Market St., 31408 912.395.5686

• Building Bridges Academy MS 3609 Hopkins St., 31406 912.395.6780

• Building Bridges Academy HS 402 Market St., 31408 912.395.2540

• Career Technical Education 402 Market St., 31408 912.395.6765

• Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy 2001 Cynthia St., 31415 912.395.5440

• Massie Heritage Center 207 E. Gordon St., 31401 912.395.5070

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center* 711 Sandtown Road, 31410 912.395.1212

Savannah Chatham E-Learning Academy (Virtual academy grades 3 – 12)

3609 Hopkins St. Room 7A, 31401 912.395.5516

• WINGS Elementary Program Alternative Learning 400 East Broad St., 31401 912.395.6744

All Savannah Chatham County Public high schools are SACS accredited. The elementary, K-8 and middle schools are accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. *Public schools that will offer Pre-K in the 2022–23 school year **Latest available figures.. *** Temporary location.

116 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
• Tybee Maritime Academy (Charter) 714 Lovell Ave. Tybee Island, 31328 tybeeislandmaritimeacademy.com COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics

Changing Behavior. Changing Lives.

ARE CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS INTERFERING WITH YOUR FAMILY LIFE?

DOES ANXIETY KEEP YOUR CHILD FROM LIVING THE LIFE THEY WANT? WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP YOUR CHILD LIVE UP TO THEIR ACADEMIC POTENTIAL?

We are here to help. We partner with families to improve behavior, facilitate learning, and strengthen the parent-child relationship. We offer both comprehensive psychological evaluations and evidence-based behavior therapy.

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!”

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 912.436.6789. Changing Behavior. Changing Lives.

310 EISENHOWER DRIVE, BUILDING 5 • SAVANNAHBEHAVIORALPEDIATRICS.COM
Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist, Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; and Dr. Cassidy Oliver, Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SCHOOL & ADDRESS

• Acton Savannah

2 Saint Thomas Ave., Isle of Hope, 31406 actonsavannah.com, 912.226.2686

• Advance Academy at Matthew Reardon Center for Autism 11500 Middleground Road, 31419 matthewreardon.org, 912.355.9098

• Advanced Academics 405 Highway 80, Ste. 104, Pooler, 31322 adv-aca.com, 912.348.2017

• Angel Learning Center 178 Basswood Drive, 31407 angellearningsavannah.com, 912.228.8228

• Benedictine Military School 6502 Seawright Drive, 31406 thebc400.com, 912.644.7000

• Bethesda Academy 9520 Ferguson Ave., 31406 bethesdaacademy.org, 912.351.2068

• Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 1003 E. Victory Drive, 31405 bss-savannah.org, 912.356.6987

• Calvary Day School 4625 Waters Ave., 31404 calvarydayschool.com, 912.351.2299

• Chatham Academy at Royce 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd., 31406 chathamacademy.com, 912.354.4047

• Early Learning Academy 11500 Middleground Road, 31419 matthewreardon.org, 912.355.9098

Georgia Cyber Academy*** 1745 Phoenix Blvd., Ste. 100, Atlanta georgiacyber.org, 404.334.4790

• The Habersham School Gould Cottage Campus: 505 E. 54th St., 31405 thehabershamschool.org, 912.509.0540

• Habersham Hall Campus: 235 Habersham St. thehabershamschool.org, 912.509.0540

• Hancock Day School 6600 Howard Foss Drive, 31406 hancockdayschool.org 912.351.4500

• In His Arms Educational Center 7816 U.S. 80 E., 31410 inhisarmsdaycare.com, 912.897.6826

• Kidzplace Child Development Center 2826 U.S. 80 W., Garden City, 31408 912.596.4886

• Memorial Day School 6500 Habersham St., 31405 memorialdayschool.com, 912.352.4535

• Montessori Academy of Savannah Inc. 8415 Cresthill Ave., 31406 912.355.2000

AGES/GRADES TUITION**

TOTAL STUDENTS RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ACCREDITATION/ ORGANIZATION

PreK–12 years $6,950 – $8,900 (6 – 12 years old) 12 Nonsectarian International Association of Leamer Driven Schools/Acton Academy Network

5–21 years Sliding scale 30 None GAC

PreK–8 Varies by class and full or partial day 100 None Homeschool

6 weeks–12 years $10,400 Up to 325 None Quality Rated

9–12 (male)

$14,600 non-Catholic plus fees; participating Catholic discount $1,000; $200 activeduty military discount 425 Catholic Cognia, GISA, GHSA, NCEA, SAIS

6–12 (male) $8,000 (fi nancial aid available) 120 Christian Nondenominational Cognia, NAIS, SACS, SCISA

PreK–8 $6,720 Catholic $8,810 non–Catholic (multiple-child discount) 453 Catholic Cognia

6 weeks–12

$10,400 (Pre-K3 and younger); $9,545 (Pre-K); $10,645 (K); $11,195 (1–5); $11,595 (6–8); $11,795 (9–12) (Inquire about discounts and fees)

1,225 (ELC and school) Christian GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS, Cognia, GHSA, ACSI

1–12/PG for students with LD/Dyslexia/ ADHD $20,802 97 None Cognia, SAIS, GISA

18 months–5 years Inclusive enrollment Call for pricing Up to 60 None Quality Rated

K–12 None (public charter school) 11,700 statewide None Cognia

PreK–12 (early dismissal K)

$5,775 – $10,500 (PreK4) $11,500 (K) $12,500 (1-5) $12,950 (6-12)

180 Christian Nondenominational GAC

PreK–8 $9,300 (PreK half day) $11,800 (K–5) $12,200 (6–8) 460 Judeo–Christian

6 weeks–12 years

AdvanceED, GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS

$150/week (6 weeks–2 years) $135/week (2–4 years) $55/week (4–12 years) 103 Christian Nondenominational Bright from the Start

Infant-12 years $110-$145 weekly Christian

PreK–12 Daycare $7,300–$8,950 225 Christian Nondenominational

Preschool (Age 2–PreK)

Half– and full–day programs Call for pricing 65 None

AdvancED, GAC, GISA

Pan American ontessori ertified

118 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
** Latest available figures
COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside

THREE-PEAT CHAMPIONS

Savannah United’s 2008 Girls Premier Team Claims State Cup

THE SAVANNAH UNITED’S 2008 Girls Premier team made Savannah United soccer history in May 2021 when it became the youngest team (of girls or boys) to win the Georgia State Cup — the U13 (under 13 years of age) Georgia State Cup Champions. In May 2022, the same team made club history, becoming the first team to repeat a state title, when it became the U14 Georgia State Cup Champions. Then, in December 2022, the premier girls team took it one year further, becoming the first to three-peat, claiming U15 Georgia State Cup Champions, which is the first time in Georgia Soccer history.

As a result — and for the third year in a row — the 2008 Girls Premier team will represent Georgia Soccer for the players’ respective ages at the U.S. Youth Soccer Southern Regional Championships, which features other state cup champions and

National League Piedmont Conference champions from Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

The team currently is ranked second in the National League Piedmont Conference, U.S. Youth Soccer’s top level of competition, with a chance to win the league on January 14, the last game of the season. Additionally, the team is currently 1-0 in the National League Player Recruitment Opportunity (PRO) League, and it will wrap up its remaining games in Mesa, Arizona, in January, after several in Orlando, Florida, this past December.

The 2008 Girls Premier team is part of Savannah United’s Select Program, the organization’s competitive, try-out-based travel teams.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 119
PRESENTED BY SAVANNAH UNITED
Photography courtesy of SAVANNAH UNITED

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SCHOOL & ADDRESS AGES/GRADES TUITION**

• Rambam Day School 111 Atlas St., 31405 rambamdayschool.org, 912.352.7994

• St. Andrew’s School

601 Penn Waller Road, 31410 saslions.com, 912.897.4941

• St. James Catholic School hitefield A e stjameschargers.com, 912.355.3132

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Preschool 10 W. 31st St., 31401 splpreschool.com, 912.234.4255

• St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School 7020 Concord Road, 31410 school.saintpetertheapostle.com 912.897.5224

• St. Vincent’s Academy 207 E. Liberty St., 31401 svaga.net, 912.236.5508

• Savannah Christian Preparatory School 1599 Chatham Parkway, 31408 savcps.com 912.234.1653

• Savannah Country Day School 824 Stillwood Road, 31419 savcds.org, 912.925.8800

• Savannah Honor Academy 5111 Abercorn St., 31405 (in JEA Community Center) savannahhonoracademy.com 773.573.7328

• Urban Christian Academy 4560 ACL Blvd., 31405, 912.234.4710

• Veritas Academy 25 W. Oglethorpe Lane, 31401 veritassavannah.org, 912.238.1222

TOTAL STUDENTS RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION ACCREDITATION/ ORGANIZATION

Age 2–8th grade $4,900–$9,865 $5,135–$10,965 90 Jewish SACS Quality Rated Bright from the Start

PreK–12

PreK–8, Early Learning Center for ages 1–3 years

6 weeks–4 years

$6,250 (half day PreK) $10,650 (full day PreK, K) $13,150 (1–4); $15,700 (5–8) $16,875 (9–10); $17,250 (11–12)

525 Nonsectarian GISA, NAIS, IB World School, SAIS, SACS

$6,626 Catholic $8,602 non–Catholic (multiple child discounts) 400 Catholic AdvancED, SACS

$165/week (6 weeks–2 years) $150/week (3–4 years) 110 Christian Nondenominational Quality Rated 3–Star School

PreK–8 $6,576 Catholic $7,913 non–Catholic (multiple child discounts) 240 Catholic Cognia (NCA CASI, NWAC, SACS CASI)

9–12 (all girls, nonboarding)

PreK–12 Daycare/ Preschool (6 weeks–4 years)

$9,540 Catholic (reduced rate for second child) $11,539 non–Catholic Approx. 300 Catholic Cognia, GISA, MESA, NCEA, SAIS

$7,130 (PreK & K morning) $11,980 (PreK & K full day) $12,110 (1–5) $12,780 (6–7) $12,860 (8) $13,030 (9–12) (contact for preschool rates)

Jr. K–12 (6 weeks–4 years at The Little School)

1,400 Christian Nondenominational Cognia, CESA, GISA, SAIS

$16,935 (Jr. K and K) $19,775 (1–5); $22,425 (6–8); $22,575 (9–12) (tuition includes lunch) 1,045 Nonsectarian GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS

K–5 $9,500 24 None None

PreK–12 $3,500 (K–12) 49 Christian GAC

PreK–12

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

SERVICE ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE

• Class 101 7702 Waters Ave., 31406 912.303.7600 myclass101.com/savannah

• Deep Center 2002 Bull St., 31401 912.289.7426 deepcenter.org

• • • Mathnasium Locations in midtown, Pooler and the islands 912.355.5678 mathnasium.com

• Parent University 2002 Bull St., 31401 912.507.8566 parentuniversitysav.org

• Royce Learning Center/ Chatham Academy 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd., 31406 912.354.4047 roycelearningcenter.org chathamacademy.com Savannah Educational Consultants 130 Tibet Ave. #103, 31406 912.238.9552 savannaheducationalconsultants.com

$3,890 (3-day PreK) $5,300 (5-day PreK – K) $7,710 (1–6); $8,780 (7–12) 190 Christian ACCS, GAC *Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

120 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
**Latest available figures COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside
Pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapists providing quality therapy to help children reach their full potential 110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115, Pooler | 912.988.1526 • 2453G US Highway 17, Richmond Hill | 912.445.5612 912.988.1526 | chatterboxpeds.com Where your family is our family! WINNE R 2O18 2019 W NNER 202 RUNNER-UP 2021 W NNER

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

SCHOOL ADDRESS PHONE TUITION** ENROLLMENT

• Columbia College of Missouri — Hunter fi ccis.edu/hunter

P.O. Box 42119 Hunter AAF, 31409 912.352.8635 $375/hour; $250/hour for military (including all fees and books) 1,200

• na a n worldwide.erau.edu/locations/savannah 125 Southern Junction Blvd. Bldg. 200, Ste. 204, Pooler, 31322 912.450.0073 Contact for pricing Varies

• a n n georgiasouthern.edu; Statesboro campus: 912.478.4636; Armstrong campus: 912.344.2576; Liberty campus: 912.877.1906

1332 Southern Dr., Statesboro, 30458 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31419 175 W. Memorial Dr., Hinesville, 31313 912.478.4636 Contact for pricing 27,000+

• a f na a n a anna pe.gatech.edu 210 Technology Circle, 31407 912.966.7922 Contact for pricing Varies an an n n gcu.edu 3300 Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 912.532.6194 Contact for pricing 90,000 campus 20,000 online

• a f a a a n Southeast Regional Campus augusta.edu 5356 Reynolds St. Ste. 203, 31405 706.721.3186 Contact for pricing Varies

• n f n a anna a medicine.mercer.edu 1250 E. 66th St. 912.721.8220 Contact for pricing 220 a na n nu.edu 9388 Lightwave Ave., San Diego, CA 92123 912.601.7301 Contact for pricing n n piedmont.edu 1021 Central Ave., Demorest, GA 706.778.8500 Contact for pricing

• n n point.edu/savannah 55 Al Henderson Blvd., 31419 912.629.3855 $9,050/semester full-time; $250/credit hour for dual enrollment (option for military rate) 700 Savannah Campus

Ralston College ralston.ac

P.O. Box 8302, 31412 912.658.5665 Contact for pricing

• a n n a a anna saintleo.edu 325 W. Montgomery Cross Road 31406 912.352.8331 $360/credit hour $250/credit hour for active military 870 a anna f an D n scad.edu P.O. Box 2072, 31402 912.525.5100 800.869.7223 $38,340/undergrad $39,240/grad (per academic year) 15,704

• a anna a n savannahstate.edu 3219 College St., 31404 912.358.4338 $2,540/in-state/semester $9,241/out-of-state/semester 4,100

• a anna n a savannahtech.edu 5717 White Bluff Road, 31405 912.443.5700 800.769.6362 In-state: $100/credit hour (plus fees) Out-of-state: $200/credit hour (plus fees) 4,600+

• n southuniversity.edu

• a n strayer.edu/campus/savannah

• n savannah.troy.edu

• a a n f an a skio.uga.edu

n f Carolina Beaufort uscb.edu

709 Mall Blvd., 31406 912.201.8000 866.629.2901 $5,555/quarter for most programs 1,100 campus 9,800 online

20 Martin Court, 31419 912.921.2900 Contact for pricing Varies

2743 Perimeter Parkway, Ste. 201 Augusta, GA 30909 850.332.8798 800.414.5756

$250/credit hour/onsite (undergrad) $338/credit hour/online (undergrad) $330/credit hour/onsite (grad) $494/credit hour/online (grad)

10 Ocean Science Circle, 31411 912.598.2400 Marine science research facility; educational mission fulfilled through University of Georgia

1 University Blvd., Bluffton, SC, 29909 801 Carteret St., Beaufort, SC, 29902 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head, SC, 29928 843.208.8000

600 campus 6,000 online

122 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside
ADDRESS
TUITION** ENROLLMENT
INSTITUTIONS ** Latest available figures
$5,172/in-state/semester (Chatham, Effi ngham and Bryan counties qualify as in-state) $10,695/out-of-state/semester 2,100+ • n webster.edu/georgia P.O. Box 42029 Hunter AAF, 31409 P.O. Box 3209 Fort Stewart, 31315 912.354.0033 912.876.8080 Civilian undergrad: $670–$675/hour; Civilian grad: $575–$780/hour; Military grad: $350–$470/hour 90 Hunter 125 Fort Stewart (varies by term)
SCHOOL
PHONE
an a an a a n theadvancedaestheticsacademy.com 40 Okatie Center Blvd. Okatie, SC 29909 843.784.3376 Contact for pricing Varies • a empire.edu 7400 Abercorn St. Ste. 901, 31406 912.447.3330 Contact for pricing • a a D f a anna roadmaster.com 30 Artley Road, 31408 912.348.7282 $6,995 8 per class (classes start weekly) • a anna a n savannahaviation.com 34 Hangar Road 912.964.1022 • a anna n n savannahwineinstitute.com 2 E. Bryan St., 31401 912.662.5199 Contact for pricing VOCATIONAL
Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 123 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 6500 Waters Ave. | 912.225.3130 vontrappanimallodge.com VON TRAPP ANIMAL LODGE Betsy Von Trapp DVM Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia; Rotating Small Animal Internship, Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Atlanta Specialty Certi cation: Certi ed in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture, Certi ed Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Pet
We
Pets are treasured friends and family members — and we want to give them the best care possible. Meet some of the area's most knowledgeable veterinarians and specialists. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE HALL, ANGELA HOPPER & KATHERINE IVES Atlas Animal Hospital ................................................................. 126 BluePearl Specialty ..................................................................... 125 Coastal Veterinary Oncology ..................................................... 124 Live Oak Veterinary Specialists .................................................. 127 Von Trapp Animal Lodge ............................................................ 123 VET TING THE EXPERTS
rehabilitation is important for pets because ... it can help address issues such as osteoarthritis, neurological disease and obesity. We work with a number of post-operative pets, but our services can also be a good alternative to surgery.
see our practice growing by ... adding on geriatric and hospice care in 2023. We love our senior pets and look forward to working closely with owners during these golden years of their pets’ lives. I love practicing in Savannah because ... we have such a petloving population. Our clients consider their pets a part of their family!

COASTAL VETERINARY ONCOLOGY

Andrew T. Daters MS, DVM, ACVIM Brittany Feldhaeusser DVM, ACVIM

335 Stephenson Ave., Savannah 70 Pennington Drive, Suite 10 Bluffton, South Carolina 912.355.5791 coastalveterinaryoncology.com

Education: Dr. Daters obtained his DVM and residency training at Louisiana State University; Dr. Feldhaeusser obtained her DVM and residency training at the University of Georgia

Specialty Certi cation for both: Oncology, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

I wish more of my patients’ owners knew … that as an oncologist my goal is to provide them with the information they need to make the decision that is right for them. I will support you and never pressure you into a speci c treatment, and I will be honest about my opinions and recommendations.

You owe it to your pet to ... stay with them when it is time to say goodbye. I know it’s hard to see them like that, but it is much less scary for them if they have their favorite person holding them and saying “I love you” during their nal moments.

A common and preventable pet ailment is ... mammary (breast) cancer. This cancer is hormonally dependent, so spaying a female dog or cat before they go through a heat cycle reduces her risk of developing mammary tumors to less than 1%.

One recent innovation in animal medicine is … genetic sequencing of canine tumors to identify mutations that can be treated with targeted therapies. This is bringing us one step closer to a more personalized medicine approach to treating cancer in animals.

My new favorite pet product is ... transdermal medications for cats. Cats are very dif cult to medicate orally, so being able to apply an ointment to their skin is much easier for most people and results in a better relationship with the cat.

If I were an animal, I would be … a manatee because they are calm, peaceful, trusting and always seem happy. They know the importance of slowing down and enjoying life.

–Answers provided by Brittany Feldhaeusser

BluePearl savannah

Education: Shealy: BS, Clemson University; MS and DVM, Louisiana State University; Intern, Animal Medical Center; MS Residency, Auburn University; Bradbury: BS, University of the Cumberlands; DVM, Auburn University; Intern, Georgia Veterinary Specialist; Residency, Hope Veterinary Specialist

Specialty Certi cation: Shealy: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons; Bradbury: American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal

We’re proud to … be a member of the BluePearl family of specialty and emergency hospitals. BluePearl is a well-known, respected team of more than 95 specialty and emergency hospitals with similar values and a mission to enrich lives through remarkable care for pets. Over the last two years, we have slowly transitioned to a new name, BluePearl Savannah. Although our name changed, our commitment to excellent medical care remains the same.

The most commonly referred orthopedic condition is … ACL tearing.

A common and preventable pet ailment is … obesity. One of the best things an owner can do for his or her animal is keep them slim and trim.

We are excited to utilize … our new 128-Slice CT Scan. With 3D reconstruction of CT images, we can create 3D prints of bones and organs for presurgical planning and produce intraoperative implants.

We love practicing in Savannah because … pets are family here, and the pet-owning community appreciates the level of veterinary care available.

Dr. Shealy’s pet family includes … a German Shorthaired Pointer, ve barn cats, two miniature donkeys, several horses and many chickens.

Dr. Bradbury’s pet family includes … three French Bulldogs and gold sh.

We give back to the community by … assisting animal care groups and pet owners with costs for care when appropriate.

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 125
335 Stephenson Ave. | 912.354.6681 bluepearlvet.com/hospital/savannah-ga info.savannah@bluepearlvet.com
(formerly Coastal Empire Veterinary Surgery) Paul M. Shealy DVM, MS, DACVS Marcus Bradbury DVM, DACVS-SA

Atlas Animal HospitaL

Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana; Rotating Small Animal Internship, Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Atlanta

I love practicing in Savannah because … it’s where I ful lled my dream of starting my own veterinary hospital.

I keep my own pets healthy by … running annual bloodwork. Detecting disease early allows us to provide better treatment options.

You owe it to your pet to … speak to your veterinarian if you notice signs such as overgrooming, licking paws or scratching. These are signs of itch and can lead to hair loss and infection. Dermatology is my favorite area of veterinary medicine.

My pets … include three French Bulldogs. I love brachycephalic breeds and have tailored our hospital protocols to meet many of their unique needs.

I am grateful for … the warm welcome we received from other veterinary hospitals in the area and for my amazing support staff. Many have been with us since we opened and are very dedicated to the veterinary profession.

It is important to me that … my clients fully understand and are comfortable with the treatment plan for their pet. We need to be a cohesive team.

You owe it to your pet to ... socialize them as much as possible. For nervous puppies or new rescue pups, we recommend stopping by the of ce for treats and to say “hello.” This helps us build a bond with our patients and limit fear.

You’d never guess I ... would have wanted to become a orist if I couldn’t be a veterinarian!

Emily
Bradbury DVM 230 Stephenson Ave. 912.342.4700 atlasanimalhospitalsav.com

Live Oak Veterinary Specialists

Jason King DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), cVMA, cVPP

Carrie Santare DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)

Michael Cocchiaro DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

335 Stephenson Ave. 912.662.7544

liveoakvetneuro.com

Education: King: DVM at University of Georgia and Residency at University of California-Davis; Santare: DVM at Cornell University and Residency at University of Florida; Cocchiaro: DVM at Texas A&M University and Residency at University of California-Davis

Specialty Certi cations: Veterinary Neurology, Neurosurgery, Acupuncture, Pain Management and Cardiology

What’s new with Live Oak Veterinary Specialists?

King: We brought Dr. Cocchiaro on last year to offer cardiology services, and Dr. Carrie Santare joined us this spring as our second neurologist.

Have you had any interesting cases in the past year?

King: We had a little Springer Spaniel with a spinal column birth defect. She had a severe humpback that was compressing her spinal cord to the point that she couldn’t walk.

Santare: We made a 3D print of her spine so we could plan the surgery. This was great because we had a much better idea of what we were getting into before we even went into the operating room. We had a little model in the operating room that we could look at while we were doing her procedure. She did really well after surgery, and she’s running and swimming at home now.

King: I don’t know that we could have helped her if there hadn’t been two of us in that operating room together! We’ve also had several cases present for neurologic conditions that turned out to be due to cardiac disease.

Cocchiaro: There was one little dog that came in for seizures but we gured out it was actually his heart that was the problem. He’s doing great on medications now. He was in pretty bad shape before we get that sorted out! Thankfully, we’ve got an incredible team of support staff that allows us the exibility to get the pet where they need to go between the three of us!

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 127

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SAVANNAH’S Business Professionals

From building your house to taking care of everything and everyone who makes it a home, these local and family-owned* business professionals represent a standard of excellence and integrity that is true to Savannah. Here’s your guide to the area’s top business leaders.

Photography by KELLI BOYD, KATHERINE IVES, KAYLEY JOHANSSON, KATIE LOGSDON & KATIE M c GEE

*Family-owned businesses are lovingly noted with this icon. Family-owned BUSINESS

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 129
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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Curry Dry Cleaners
136 FASTSIGNS of Savannah
134 Guerry Lumber Company
130–131 Henry Plumbing
136 Mint Green Tag Sale
132 Sandpiper Supply
133 Victory Plumbing
135
130 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM ★ Special Advertising Section
From left: Lindy Wheat, Will Wheat and Lynda Beam

OUR MOTTO

“Everything to Build Anything.” Established in 1927, Guerry Lumber creates for our customers an unmatched supplier experience by providing quality materials, dependable service and competitive prices. Commercial builders and homebuilders will find our location has not changed, but our complex has grown to include more than six acres. True to the T.H. Guerry tradition, the members of our crew are experienced users of the products we sell. This gives you the advantage of choosing the right materials in the right amounts, to be delivered to the right place at the right time. You can count on Guerry Lumber to be a responsible partner. As T.H. Guerry Sr. (Pop) used to say, “Our passion for quality runs very deep for we have turpentine running through our veins!”

WHAT WE DO

Guerry Lumber provides top quality building products including lumber and sheet goods; decking, railing and flooring; doors, windows, shutters and custom millwork. We are also happy to offer estimating and on-site delivery.

OUR STORY

T.H. Guerry Sr. (Pop) founded Guerry Lumber in 1927 on the southwest corner of Victory Drive and Bull Street. T.H. Jr. (Tom) spent his childhood working at the company and, in 1934 at the age of 20, became his father’s business partner. In 1965, Kirby Beam, the son-in-law of Tom Guerry, joined the company to continue the Guerry tradition for personal service, masterful craftsmanship and high-quality products.

In the early days, Pop sold nails and lumber out of a metal shed just big enough for a

desk and a heater. The wood would arrive by rail rough and green. Everything we sold was manufactured at Guerry Lumber, from windows and sashes to turned wood columns and stair parts.

The company’s success and the camaraderie between Pop and his crew are legendary. Pop used to say their strong bond was the result of pure gum turpentine running through their veins. To this day, Guerry Lumber is a group of talented individuals committed to providing customers with quality service and products. Lindy Wheat and her son Will, our fourth and fifth generations, are dedicated to continuing the family’s vision of an unmatched supplier experience.

WHAT SETS US APART

Our management team has more than 90 years of experience in the industry, and our inside and outside sales team is available to help walk-in, DIY and professional builders with their projects, from the foundations to door locks. We also have a full-time estimating department to provide detailed material lists broken down by each stage of the job to ensure on-time and in-full deliveries based on the customers’ needs.

WE SUPPORT

We give back to our community by supporting several area nonprofits, including The Savannah Tree Foundation, The Boy Scouts of America, United Way of the Coastal Empire, Horizons Savannah, the Nancy N. and J.C Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion and Habitat of Humanity.

Special Advertising Section ★ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 131
Company LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES 912.232.3128 | 123 W. 44TH ST. | GUERRYLUMBER.COM | @GUERRYLUMBER Family-owned BUSINESS
Guerry Lumber

OUR MISSION

Is to help our clients through what can be a very stressful situation. Whether they are downsizing, moving or liquidating a family member’s estate, the process can be overwhelming. We provide a full-service package, completely clearing the estate while treating each family with compassion and their belongings with respect. Our reputation and professionalism help ensure the best results possible for your family.

WE’RE PROUD OF

Our word of mouth referrals – whether we’ve done a sale for your family, a neighbor or a colleague, we especially enjoy meeting new families in this way.

OUR TEAM

Works together seamlessly to produce a beautifully staged, professionally photographed and individually priced sale. Our staff is our greatest asset, they are friendly, knowledgeable and love assisting shoppers.

WE’RE THANKFUL FOR

Being able to work together at a job we love.

It is a privilege to work with people you love and trust, and we are so grateful to each family who hires us and every shopper who attends a sale for making this life possible.

A SAVANNAH TRADITION

When you attend a Mint Green Tag Sale, you can expect to bring home fabulous treasures

at fair prices. What you might not expect are the new friends you’ll make among all the great people you meet in line!

WE ADMIRE

Other family-owned businesses, especially those who have been in business for many years. We enjoy hearing how they separate work and home life, as we are still trying to achieve that perfect balance. The best advice we’ve received is to appreciate each other’s strengths and to always treat each other with respect. Working together is so rewarding.

132 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM ★ Special Advertising Section
The Mint Green Tag Sale Company ESTATE SALES 912.232.1039 | 3025 BULL ST., SUITE 220 | THEMINTGREENTAGSALECOMPANY.COM Family-owned BUSINESS
From left: Dawn and Marshall Kutchey and Kristen Kutchey Patterson

OUR STORY

Sandpiper Supply was started in 1977 as a small plumbing supply house and has grown to serve plumbers, homeowners, designers, builders and architects with everything to plumb home and commercial projects.

Founders Chat and Carol Howard had the whole family involved from the get-go. “It was a family affair, working late nights helping Dad and om with paperwork after finishing our homework,” says Chat Howard III, also known around the office as unior andpiper outgrew the old Starland Dairy barn and built another warehouse on the original site on Barnard Street before moving to the current location on Bull Street in 2007. The new location includes a showroom to serve the

growing decorative division that sister Christy llis manages, while hat unior runs the parts and commercial side of the business.

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US

Sandpiper has an incredible group of employees who are so knowledgeable and helpful that they really elevate the customer’s experience. Chat and Carol also foster an environment where everyone is treated like family.

OUR AWARDS

Sandpiper has been recognized nationally. Most recently, Christy’s showroom has been noted as an elite “Destination Showroom,” and hat unior was chosen as the Wholesaler magazine’sPerson of the Year during his

presidency of the Southern Wholesaler’s Association. They are most proud, though, of the repeated recognition in Savannah magazine’s “Best of Savannah” readers poll.

WHAT SETS US APART

While the products offered are unique and the service is top-notch, what really sets Sandpiper apart is how they give back to the community. They support many local charities and even started a scholarship exclusively for students in hatham, ffingham and r an counties. Savannah is their home, and they want to see it thrive and succeed.

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Supply Inc. HOME FIXTURES, KITCHEN AND BATH PLUMBING & PARTS 912.313.0756 | 4101 BULL ST. | SANDPIPERSAV.COM | @SANDPIPERSUPPLY
From left, standing: Christy Ellis and Chat Howard III; sitting: Carol and Chat Howard II
Sandpiper
Family-owned BUSINESS

FASTSIGNS of Savannah

OUR MISSION

At FASTSIGNS of Savannah, we celebrate the power of possibilities. We’re here to help you make your statement with custom signs and visual solutions.

WHAT WE DO

FASTSIGNS of Savannah is a locally owned and independently operated custom sign company. FASTSIGNS International Inc. is an industry leader that began more than 35 years ago and has over 760 centers in the U.S. and internationally. Our team of experts take projects from concept to completion, providing services that include graphic design, production, delivery, installation and more – all the while developing long-term relationships.

OUR STORY

After having careers in real estate and accounting, Sean and Kelly hit the ground running as FASTSIGNS franchisees in 2018 and have never looked back! They strive every day to make the most of every project, every customer relationship and every team member.

THE SECRET TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

We believe customer service is No. 1. Creating a strong team is also a building block of our success and future growth.

WHAT SETS US APART

As a family-owned and -operated business,

we take pride in putting fun and heart into all we do. Our team is a family, and our customers and vendors feel the energy we bring to our work environment and the way we connect with our customers.

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US

What we create with our clients is a brilliant reflection of their brands and their personalities. Whether they’re looking to elevate their brand or start from scratch, our customers can leave the details to our experienced team.

BUSINESS

134 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM ★ Special Advertising Section
From left: Sean and Kelly Brooks, owners; Tyler, production/installation; Billy, production/installation; Alexis, designer; Kryssy, CSR/OSR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 912.927.4018 | 11136 ABERCORN ST., SUITE A | FASTSIGNS.COM/SAVANNAH-GA | FACEBOOK.COM/SAVANNAH79
Family-owned

OUR MISSION

To bring craftsmanship back to plumbing while providing the best possible customer service and to cultivate an environment where our crew feels valued and supported.

WHAT WE DO

We provide residential and commercial plumbing service, repairs and installation. From minor to major repairs, we can provide comprehensive guidance and resolve any issue with high- grade materials and attention to detail.

OUR STORY

Learning the trade starting at age 16 here in Savannah, Kyle has developed an expertise

not just in plumbing, but also in issues inherent to historic structures and coastal living. Kelley has a background in art and spent some time showing work locally while they grew their family to include three bright little ladies. Finding themselves at a crossroads during the pandemic, they decided to create something together that builds on our shared values and brings together their different strengths to be a positive force in a place they love so much.

OUR CREDENTIALS

Kyle is a class II (unrestricted) Master Plumber and is also certified for backflow testing, repairs and installation.

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US

We value our customers’ peace of mind and want to make sure we leave a job with all the questions answered and issues solved.

WE SUPPORT

Brightside Child & Family Advocacy (formerly known as Savannah CASA, Sulfur Studios, ARTS Southeast, Bike Walk Savannah and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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Victory Plumbing CONSTRUCTION & HOME SERVICE 912.429.9428 | 2109 COLORADO AVE., UNIT D | VICTORYPLUMBINGSAV.COM | @VICTORY_PLUMBING_SAV
Kyle and Kelley Hagemes
Family-owned BUSINESS

Henry Plumbing Company

PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

912.352.9827 | 1209 E. 59TH ST. HENRYPLUMBINGCO.COM | @HENRYPLUMBINGCO

OUR SERVICES

We handle residential plumbing repairs, remodels, pipe updates, sewer line repairs, main water line repairs, water heater repairs, natural gas installations and maintenance, and installations of gas lanterns, gas fireplaces and water heaters. For new construction, we dig out the new plumbing foundation, set the plumbing lines and piping, connect water sources and create the desired plumbing design aesthetic for clients.

OUR HISTORY

We have served Savannah as

a locally owned, family-owned, Veteran-owned business since 1968. We currently are on our fourth generation of family leadership of Henry Plumbing Company.

WHAT SETS US APART

The high quality of training and education our team receives. Weekly, we educate our team on new plumbing technology, safety standards and the best ways to serve our customers. There is no plumbing problem too small or too big for us.

Family-owned BUSINESS

Curry Dry Cleaners

DRY CLEANING & ALTERATIONS

912.355.2930 | 1310 E. DERENNE AVE. CURRYDRYCLEANERS@GMAIL.COM

OUR MOTTO “When You Care, It Shows.”

OUR STORY

We are a third-generation, family-owned business –celebrating 78 years in business!

OUR AWARDS

We’ve been recognized as Best Dry Cleaner by readers of Savannah magazine from 2003 to 2022, and runner-up in 2012 and 2017.

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

You have to be honest with people and let them know you will do your very best.

WE SUPPORT

We give back to our community, including local churches, schools and a variety of organizations.

136 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM ★ Special Advertising Section
John Curry Sr., owner and president, and Lisa Curry, vice president Family-owned BUSINESS From left: Tanner and Meghan Reed and Tonya and Todd Reed
YOUR CITY. YOUR MAGAZINE. For pricing and ordering details, visit savannahmagazine.com and click on “BUY.” Order your featured keepsake today! ho o yo r ine rofile ith a high ality archi al ee a e la e. It ships to you ready to hang, no framing necessary. Choose from four edge colors. Acrylic stand-off and glass plaques are also available. OTHER OPTIONS: Article and Cover Reprints | Advertisements AWARDS: Best of Savannah | Best of Doctors Best of Homes | New Guard VISITSAVANNAH.COM VISITTYBEE.COM GET YOUR FREE GUIDES TO S AVANNAH &T YBEE I SL AND ! The official 2023 Insider’s Guides are your go-to references for all things Savannah and Tybee! Call one of our information specialists at 912.644.6400 to get your free guide today! SCAN TO ORDER NOW
350 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD. | SAVANNAH, GA | 912.483.6600 | FORSIGHTEYE.NET “ ” We adore Dr. Morrow and the wonderful team at ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear! The thorough eye exams and technology used are nothing like I’ve experienced in the past. I feel confident my family and I are receiving the very best level of care every time we visit. The office is beautiful, and the selection of glasses is top-notch. I highly recommend ForSight for all of your eye care and eyewear needs! — THE CRAWFORD FAMILY • LATEST TECHNOLOGY • COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS • COMPLEX CONTACT LENS FITTINGS • AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CARE • GREAT SELECTION OF GLASSES UNIQUE EYE CARE & EYE WEAR CARE PLAN AN ALTERNATIVE TO HIGH COST DENTAL INSURANCE NO DENTAL INSURANCE? NO PROBLEM! NO: Maximum NO: Claim Form NO: ID Card NO: Pre-Authorization NO: Pre-Existing Eligibility NO: Waiting Period 912.353.9533 | 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 • Savannah, GA 31406 | www.savannahdentalcentre.com Taking care of Savannah families since 1988! BEFOREAFTER N N Smil

BETASTEWELL

BETASTEWELL

A Reason to Smile

Holistic health takes priority in cosmetic dentistry procedures

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 139
SAVANNAH
SAVANNAH

ROSEMARY CLARK first turned to Dental Harbor in crisis: she lost a crown. Although Clark wasn’t yet a patient, Dr. Abby Dew’s independent practice on Skidaway Island made a same-day appointment. What impressed Clark most, however, happened after she arrived.

“What sets Dr. Dew apart is her really empathetic understanding of how traumatic the dentist is for a lot of people,” she says.

Clark would know. She is a certified mental health therapist who specializes in treating people with trauma. She also has unique dental needs from a history of treatments that she describes as truly awful experiences.

“When people think of cosmetic dentistry, they often think of a smile makeover or very optional work, but I have had significant dental challenges and problems throughout my life,” she says. Several different dentists were involved because she frequently moved, leading to quality inconsistencies.

“Not all dentists are created equal,” Clark says. “I can tell horror stories from the dental chair, and most of us have one. Someone may be a rational, normal person most of the time, but you get to the dentist’s office and are terrified.”

Acknowledging anxiety

She was relieved to find a safe haven in Dental Harbor. “They are gentle. They don’t just insist that you keep moving or get over it. It’s a comfortable place,” she says.

That distinction begins with Dew always taking Clark’s blood pressure upon arrival. “I have healthy blood pressure, but when I would get there, it would be through the roof,” says Clark. “It was an immediate biofeedback that whether or not I was aware of my anxiety, my body certainly was. We breathe, we settle down — she is very accommodating to what is necessary.”

Through repeat visits, Dew achieved Clark’s goal: to do everything possible to get the mouth to a healthy place and then maintain it while being as cost-effective and painless as possible. “And then you want it to look right,” says Clark. “There is vanity in it. You don’t want to look like you have wooden teeth.”

Botox can be part of the equation

In addition to having multiple crowns replaced, Clark asked for a solution to mediate chronic jaw pain. The pain was linked to one of the culprits of dental damage: Clark clenched her teeth while sleeping. “I think it’s a side effect of my being a mental health therapist,” she says. “I’ve suffered from headaches for years and didn’t realize they were connected to that.”

Dew offered Botox therapy as an alternative to using a mouthguard. While synonymous with reducing fine lines and facial wrinkles to enhance appearance, Botox also relaxes the tight jaw muscles that can cause clenching and headaches.

“It may seem a bit strange that dentists are now performing cosmetic Botox injections, but the advanced training they receive in facial anatomy and structure makes it a great fit,” says Dew.

140 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM BE WELL
“It may seem a bit strange that dentists are now performing cosmetic Botox injections, but the advanced training they receive in facial anatomy and structure makes it a great fit.” — Dr. Abbey Dew
COURTESY ROSEMARY CLARK
Dr. Abby Dew COURTESY DR. ABBEY DEW

Function first

Likewise, Dr. Ryan Reeves of Beyond Exceptional Dentistry understands that modern cosmetic dentistry is about more than a pretty face. Instead, he believes the aesthetic aspects rely on one’s overall health and vitality.

“There’s a person’s smile, and then there’s the way a person smiles,” he says. “A person’s lips, cheeks and the lower third of their face are supported by teeth. Over time, that lower third of the face shrinks, causing wrinkles, saggy skin and an appearance of a much older person.”

If the lower jaw isn’t in the proper position, Reeves warns, this can lead to various issues, from the cracking and breaking of teeth to other symptoms, such as migraines, ringing in ears, neck pain and back pain. Finding positions of harmony between the muscles and the teeth, however, can prevent discomfort from teeth breaking, moving, shifting and crowding, as well as gum or bone loss.

Reeves honed his signature VitaSmile technique for this reason. A nonsurgical facelift, the VitaSmile combines a smile makeover and a full bite reconstruction to enhance both the appearance and the function of teeth.

“Using a specific 3D scan, I analyze the position and placement of certain joints and jaw position,” says Reeves. “Then, with the use of computerized bite analysis, the muscles are measured to find where the patient’s precise pain-free symmetrical facial position should lie. With this position, the facial muscles will relax and allow for a more youthful, [painless] and more natural appearance.”

Following the comprehensive exam of an individual’s needs, Reeves may recommend further procedures to restore health and beauty, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental crowns or dental implants. As a result, Reeves says his clients can look decades younger and pounds lighter. “By changing the inside, we can change the outside,” he says.

3 Steps to Planning a Perfect Smile Makeover

According to Dr. Abbey Dew, owner and dentist of Dental Harbor

Know what you want. It’s your smile — decide what you love about it and what you want to change. Missing or crooked teeth? Older crowns that don’t quite blend in? Help the dentist understand what a perfect smile means to you by sharing pictures of smiles you love or perhaps photos of your younger self.

It’s OK to interview multiple dentists. Like with any investment, it makes sense to do your due diligence. Be sure that a dentist’s practice philosophy aligns with your desired outcomes, whether conservative and natural or big and bright. Don’t just rely on advertisements — ask friends and colleagues for their dentist recommendations and request to speak with past patients who have had similar work completed. Make your decision considering your desired budget, timeline and vibe of the dentist and staff.

1 2 3

Your makeover can take place over time. Avoid high-pressure, urgent treatment plans. In most cases, treatment is available in phases. Pacing therapies are not only helpful from a budget and scheduling perspective but will also be less traumatic to your mouth because there is time to heal between treatment phases. A great dentist can provide you with a prioritized treatment plan, laying out the steps to get you from your current state to your dream smile.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 141 BE WELL
“Always look at the why.
[You can’t] make something prettier without addressing the underlying issue. The first priority is function, then aesthetics will follow.”
— Dr. Ryan Reeves

THE DENTIST SAVANNAH HAS TRUSTED FOR OVER 14 YEARS

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR COMPLETE DENTAL WELLNESS BOTOX® • INVISALIGN® • SMILE MAKEOVERS 50 MEETING STREET, SUITE B • SKIDAWAY ISLAND • 912.480.0804 DENTALHARBOR.COM • @DOCTORABBYDEW WORLD-CLASS DENTAL CARE NOW IN SAVANNAH Abby L. Dew, DDS Schedule Online Now!

TASTE SEEN

The Downtown Design District Holiday Walk

DEC. 1

The shops along Whitaker Street kicked off the holiday season with good cheer, festive décor, pop-up vendors and plenty of charcuterie.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 145
SAVANNAH
Photo

The Downtown Design District Annual Holiday Walk

146 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM SEEN
Ashley Perkins, Kar Speckhals, Sammie Jordan and Chelsea Smith Emily McLeroy, Cameron Kruse and Kara Marshall Scott Dole, Amanda Branch, Courtland Stevens and Jim Lynch Chase Brown, Ellen Brown and Gaston Crue Conley Barbara Schnabel, Dan Rizzo and Tricia Guggenheim Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN Nikki and Kim Krecicki Tiffany Smith
DEC. 1 Storefronts along Liberty Street sparkled with holiday shoppers and local artisans during this festive fête.
Lit on Liberty
Ashley Whitaker and Nadia Osman Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN Charles Mack, Jamie Kiser, Elizabeth Seeger, Mary Kate Polsinelli and Greg Stewart Emily Bargeron, Olivia Lake, Mary Liz Craft and Michelle Peth SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE MORE FROM THESE EVENTS
ATCSavannah.org|@atcsavannah Don'tmissSavannah'sownsingingcompetitioncelebrating30years fromFebruary20-24,2023 www.atcsavannah.orgfortickets

SAVANNAH MAGAZINE'S

Good Issue Launch Party

OCT. 15

The elegant soirée at the SCAD Pei Ling Chan Gallery celebrated the 50th anniversary of national marine sanctuaries and the soon-to-debut Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center.

148 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM SEEN
Save Spectacular Celebration
Photography by BUNNY WARE Heather Collier and Elizabeth Myers Susan Hancock, Crystal Auguste and Shannon Phillips
GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION
Mo Hamzian and Sonia Doubell Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN
NOV. 15 Savannah magazine and friends toasted the release of our November/December 2022 issue at Bar Julian atop the Thompson Savannah.
Morgan Bryant and Carly Wootton Jack and Caroline Gregory and Ashley and Mike English Marc Friedman and Susan Banks Marianne Greer and Kelly May LIsa Hueneke and Ralph Ainger Sarah Grasty-Prueitt and Ben Prueitt Nicole Baskins, Matt Brookhart, Allison Alexander and John Armor Jeremy Davis and Lesley Francis
SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE MORE FROM THESE EVENTS
Jody Patterson and Cathy Sakas

SAVANN AH’S LOCALRADIO STATI ON

w r h q . c o m

HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION'S

Annual Gala

OCT. 22

Held at Victory North, this much-anticipated event supported HSF’s mission to save buildings, places and stories that define Savannah's past, present and future.

150 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM SEEN
Hannah Eyre and John Xarras Emily Colson, Robby Perkins, Jenna Harcher and Jamie Durrence Ryan McCurdy and Katie Schmitz Michael Massette and Ron Melander Danny and Lisa Pinyan Photography by MALCOLM TULLY Aaron and Cassidy Richman Jenny Manypenny, Sean Gibbons, Daria and Patrick Brazile, Marie Bierniak and Cait Murray Ridley Stallings, Megan Goldberg, Melissa Rowan and Zia Sachedina Dennis Keene, Anne Allen Westbrook, Todd Baiad and Leslie Kenne Van Johnson, Susan Adler and Austin Hill SCAN THIS CODE TO SEE MORE FROM THESE EVENTS

So many ways to save.

Find tools and resources to help save money and energy. Georgia Power has energy-saving tips on everything from controlling airflow to adding weatherstripping. Plus you’ll have access to resources like online energy audits and My Power Usage to learn about your energy consumption. There are hundreds of simple ways for you to save energy – and saving energy means saving money. To learn more, visit georgiapower.com/save. ©2018 Georgia Power. All rights reserved.

The Secret to Finding the Best School in Savannah

IT USED TO BE that everyone went to their neighborhood schools. If you lived near friends, they were guaranteed to be your classmates, and remain your classmates all the way through high school. But those days have gone the way of the cassette tape and phone book. Today — between homeschooling, private schools, charter and specialty public schools — we have more choices than ever, adding to the stress of parents who desperately want to do best by their kids.

And when it comes to selecting a school, what is best?

I have an answer, but first I must tell you a story.

I grew up in a small college town in the Pacific Northwest. Our public schools were among the best in the state. The few private schools we had were either religiously affiliated or catchalls for kids who were expelled from public schools. Their enrollment remained in the double digits.

When I moved to Savannah 22 years ago, the narrative I heard seemed to be flipped. It told of “legacy” families whose entire family tree attended Savannah Country Day; whose mother, grandmother and great-grandmother went to St. Vincent’s; whose father, uncle, brother proudly attended Benedictine. I was assured that these, along with a handful of Savannah’s other private schools, were likely your best bet if you wanted your child to have a safe, successful academic career and find themselves magically enrolled in an Ivy League college, because who wouldn’t want that?

A year before my daughter was to enter kindergarten, I had a complete breakdown. I was overwhelmed by the choices, the application process, whether I should throw down a hefty deposit to secure one school in case there wasn’t space or she didn’t test into another. We toured public and private schools like one would for college: me, dragging my 4-year-old kid around, asking her, “Do you like it here? What about here?”

You know what she liked? The school with the ducks.

My daughter vehemently shot down the only private school we could afford — if we were willing to eat Spam out of a soft pouch for the next 12 years — because some taller-than-average 5-year-old was mean to her on the tour. (I was angry at him for far longer than an adult should be.)

Turns out, that little bully did us all a favor.

We — and our pocketbook — decided to give public school a chance, and if that didn’t work out, we’d try to find a way to grow a money tree.

It did work out, though it was not an easy road getting there because unless you’re enrolling in a neighborhood school, you’ve got to game the system. I spent months having my daughter interviewed and tested, I buttered up to the front-office staff, and I provided my citizenship and residency with what felt like more evidence than my passport required. Then, we quite literally won the lottery, and my daughter secured a seat at our first-choice elementary. It was a wonderful experience.

When my daughter wanted to continue on to the nearby middle school where most of her friends would be, I obliged, though with some trepidation because, as we all know, most middle schoolers, are, by nature, feral. But that’s the case across the board, so I figured it would be a wash wherever she attended. I was delightfully surprised by her more-positive-than-mine middle school experience.

My daughter, artistically minded, always had her high school sights set on Savannah Arts Academy, which you have to audition for. If you’ve ever attended your child’s first recital, sports competition or required immunizations, you can understand the anxiety our entire family endured while awaiting the results.

Now 16 and a junior at Savannah Arts, my daughter continues to thrive. Sure, there have been tears, friend breakups and makeups, calls to teachers and principals, miscommunications and a pandemic along the way, but we’ve not only survived, we’ve thrived.

That is not to say that public school is the best option. It was the right one for us — for my child. Good friends, legacy and otherwise, chose different routes for their own reasons and have also been more than happy with the experience.

So, here’s the answer you’ve been waiting for: there is no best school. There is, however, the best fit for your family, child, finances and location. It can take some effort to find it if you’re a new parent or new to Savannah, but luckily our city is blessed (and stressed!) with enough options to allow you to do best by your child.

152 SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM
Illustration by RAY GOTO the AFTERWORD

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