December/January Full

INTERVIEW: SEAL TEAM VI WARRIOR PAGE 68

DEC 2 013 - JAN 2 01 4 H ISSUE #4 8 H $4. 95

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PEDIATRICS CARDIOVASCULAR CRITICAL ENDOCRONOLOGY TRAUMA NEUROLOGICAL CARDIOVASCULAR

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DEC-JAN 2014 $4.95

SOU T HM AG A Z I N E .COM

FINAL Cover Dec..indd 1

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

SOUTHERN SLANG

DR. YAEL ELFASSY'S BRITCHES

CHEER SAVANNAH HHHH

K iD S SOUTH'S GREATEST

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contents ➼

sou th

dec | jan 2014

| features

68

S E A L T E A M 6 WA R R I O R

D R . H OWA R D WA S D I N ' S I N C R E D I B L E L I F E A S A N AV Y S E A L ➼ B Y J E F F V R A B L E

108

S O U T H ’ S G R E AT E ST K I D S

T H E W I N N E R S O F O U R T H I R D A N N UA L CO N T E S T.

➼

BY GEN FULLER

124 198

A L B A N Y, GA

Q UA I L C A P I TA L O F T H E WO R L D. ➼ BY MARTY FISCHER

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T H E D O CTO R ' S D E N

O N E M A N C AV E T O R U L E T H E M A L L . ➼ B Y J A N I C E S H AY

BREAKIN' BAD

G E T M O T I VAT E D T O G E T H E A LT H Y I N T H E N E W Y E A R . ➼ BY LINDSEY GROV ENSTEIN

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contents âžź

sou th

dec | j an 2014

| departments

[ LIVE ]

[ G O , S T AY , S H O P ]

42 SLANG Straight from the mouth of one rockin' doc

44 ARTHUR BLANK & BILLY PAYNE 1 0 things you may not know about the soon-to-be Georgia Trustees

52 THE SPIRIT OF GINNY WILDER

190 QUICK TRIPS

82

Resolve to get some R&R

193 SAVANNAH'S DUCK DYNASTY Waterfowl and our coastal heritage

78

198 ALBANY GEORGIA The quail capital of the world

1 3 predictions for 2 01 4

210 t h e per i l s o f c a r o l yn

54 HELPING OUT

Stylishly, fabulously healthy

120

Neighbors doing good this holiday season

[ MEET ]

[ E AT ] 218 JUICING The hottest, tastiest health trend you've got to try

78 SAVANNAH'S IRON MEN Four local athletes take on the Iron Man

220 1 LB/DAY

88

...of chocolate. Yes, please

GUNZ & GOD Championship bodybuilder Rodney Helaire shares his motivations.

96 STORM TROOPERS The sweet feet of Storm Soccer

103 A TIME OF GOOD CHEER Stephanie Britt of Cheer Savannah

222 HAPPY NYEAT

218 193 210

Dine your way into the New Year

[ P L AY ] 228 BEST SOUTHERN FESTS Lights, eats and tech

12o CHILDREN IN CHARGE

230 EVENT CALENDAR

A peek inside the Children's Hospital at Memorial Health

Our guide to the best events in town

242 MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

126 SOUTH'S GREATEST NURSES

Lady Mahogany

The winners of our first annual contest

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meet the doctors Our 7th year , meet th e do c t o r s

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publisher’s letter

dec | jan 2013

SEAL INSPIRATION

About the Covers

IF YOU COU L D PICK A N YON E IN TH E WOR L D TO SPEN D A N A FTER NOON W ITH, W HO WOU LD IT BE?

Most of us would probably choose a celebrity. A movie star, rock god, or a famous professional athlete. Some of us would choose a world leader or even a famous CEO. Very few of us would choose someone like the local chiropractor. And most of us would be missing the opportunity to meet the most amazing people.

I don't use the word "amazing" very often. Today, it is overused to describe anything from carbon-copy pop idols to bagels. But "amazing" is probably not amazing enough to describe people like Dr. Howard Wasdin.

There's a lot to be impressed by. The good doctor is a PUBLISHER MICHAEL BROOKS New York Times best-selling author. He's a husband, father & DR. HOWARD WASDIN. and grandfather. And he's a retired Navy SEAL. I've read three books written by Navy SEALs recently: No Easy Day, which chronicles the killing of Osama bin Ladin; Lone Survivor, about a SEAL operation gone wrong, which resulted in the worst loss of life in SEAL history; and Dr. Wasdin's book, SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper. The f ir t two were startling because they were real, unvarnished accounts of world-changing SEAL missions and incredible feats, the kind of stuff that serves as the basis for Hollywood action blockbusters. Dr. Wasdin's book struck me for a different reason: he made it all seem achievable. It's the story of a humble man who reaches heroic heights simply because he put his mind to it. And it gets you thinking that maybe the same is true for all of us.

Now, before I get carried away, the Navy SEALs are very special people, yes, amazing, one and all. If you know anything about what it takes to become a SEAL, you know that their training alone makes an NFL training camp look like a Jazzercise class. Actually, that's an understatement. These guys are as close to superhuman as it gets.

I'll be forever grateful for meeting Dr. Wasdin and getting the chance to personally hear more about the incredible tales that I read in his book and saw covered on TV. I was struck by how this man who has built a nice, normal small-town Southern existence is also an elite warrior who had dared to go where few of us would even dream of.

But what impressed me most, and will stay with me forever, are not the battle tales.

It's that a man who could have quite literally done anything he put his mind to decided to do what fulfilled him most in small South Georgia town: helping people who can't help themselves.

I knew he was the ideal inspiration for kicking off 2014. Be amazed on page 68.

Many thanks and keep reading,

Michael Brooks, Publisher

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cover: Best Doctors photographer: Danny Griffin hair & makeup: Catherine Taylor creative director: Michael Brooks styling: Kevin Cartee r. Yael Elfassy showed us what she's made of during her cover shoot for this issue of South. The feisty pediatritican and this month's "Slang" went under the razor to bring awareness to St. Baldrick's Day, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children's cancer research.

Read all about it on page 42.

D

cover: Actress, Elizabeth Mitchell photographer: Melis + Dainon creative director: Michael Brooks hair & makeup: Erica Rae, Laura Martinez styling: Rose Tran

T

exas native, actress Elizabeth Mitchell, stuns on our December/January cover.

Photographer Melis Dainon shot Mitchell in Austin, where she's currently filming ABC's Revolution. Read our sit down interview with this Southern stunner on page 82.

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editor’s letter

dec | jan 2014

SHUTTIN' IT DOWN IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE ALIVE. I have to remind myself

of this when I am disheartened by social media taking the place of real conversations, or when I can’t seem to get my inbox to under 500 messages on any given day... oh yeah, it's great.

But If I'm being honest, it is. The concept of holistic health is taking hold in a big way: we understand that skinny does not necessarily mean healthy; there is more dialogue than ever about mental health; and the digital world that is so often the bane of my old-fashioned, paper-loving existence is making it possible for us to work and play and live our lives outside of traditional 9-to-5 cubicle settings.

Along with this wireless convenience is the double-edged sword of constant accessibility. The lines between home and work are blurrier now than ever.

With each issue of South, I’m on the lookout for through lines and themes—the meaty stuff that will stick with me (and hopefully you, too) long after the book has gone to press. This being our health and wellness issue, I was sure that it would be a motivating tip for getting into shape or the push I need to finally cut out carbs. While the issue is full of useful health advice, there’s one thing as an aunt of seven (#8 is due in June) that I can’t get out of my mind: how lucky I am that the children in my life are healthy.

Dr. Yael Elfassy, this issue’s “Slang,” told me about her involvement with St. Baldrick’s Day, an organization that works with children who have cancer (page 42). I was astounded to learn about how many children are affected by cancer and how indiscriminate the disease is. Clark Byron’s piece, “Children in Charge”on the Children’s Hospital at Memorial (page 120) reminds me how lucky our community is to have a state-of-the-art facility with an outstanding staff, to stand sentinel over children with serious illnesses.

It puts it all in perspective, these little angels who persevere with grace and joy in the face of fear and the unknown; their brave and tenacious parents who fight like crazy to keep their families together. It reminds me that life is short and that it is not only my privilege but my responsibility to hold tight to those I love—and to take better care of myself so that I will be my best for them.

My New Year’s resolutions include more of the following: long walks with our dog, yoga, juicing (I’m a convert—check out page 218) and conversations and adventures with my husband without an Apple product in my hand. Getting tuned in by going unplugged.

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?

I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and an abundance of balance and good health in 2014.

magazine

publisher/creative director Michael Brooks ➼ mb@thesouthmag.com managing editor Kristen Smith art director Hector S anchez advertising art director/ marketing Kimberly Kuprijanow ➼ kim@thesouthmag.com art assistant China Fagan ➼ china@thesouthmag.com account executives Adriana Brazil ➼ adriana@thesouthmag.com Casey Mosley ➼ casey@thesouthmag.com circulation and financial manager Ivy B evill ➼ ivy@thesouthmag.com contributing editor Janice S hay style editor Kevin C artee interior design contributor LukeJohn D ickson copy editors Cameron Spencer, J anice S hay contributing writers Clark B yron, K evin C artee, M arty F ischer, P aula S . Fogarty, G en F uller, M argaret H arney, R hianna Van Helton, Stirling Kelso, S tephen P rudhomme, J anice S hay, R émy Thurston, J eff rabel contributing photographers John A lexander, K ate Blohm, K im Branagan, L ogan Crable, M elis D ainon, B ailey D avidson, C hina Fagan, Danny Griffin, C hristine H all, M argaret H arney, Jabberpics, J ason B . J ames, C edric Smith, A lvin Nguyen editorial interns Rachael B ach, A riel Felton, L indsey Grovenstein, K antrice Lee-Hodges, K elly Strojny south mag a zin e i s p ubl ish ed b imon t h l y b y b a d i n k , b r o ok s a dv er t ising desig n, i nc . r epr od uc t ion b y a n y me a ns of t h e w hol e or p a r t of b a d i n k wit hout w r it t en p er mission f r om t h e p ubl ish er i s p r oh ibit ed. v ie ws e x pr essed i n t h e e dit or ia l p ag es d o n o t i mpl y o ur e n dor semen t . w e wel c ome y our p r od uc t n e ws. i nc l ude p r ic es, pho t os a n d d ig it a l f il es wit h y our p r ess r el e a se. pl e a se f or wa r d p r od uc t s a mpl es a n d m edia k it s t o r ev ie ws e dit or , south mag a zin e, 1 1 6 bul l s t r eet , s ava n na h , g eor g ia 3 1401 . w e c a n no t b e r espon sibl e f or u nsol ic it ed p r od uc t s a mpl es. subsc r ipt ion r at es: u .s.: $19 for one year; $28 for two years; s ing l e c opies: $4.95. c h a ng e of a ddr ess n o t ic e: s ix t o e ig h t w eek s p r ior t o mov ing , pl e a se c l ip t h e m a il ing l a bel f r om t h e most r ec en t i ssue a n d s en d i t a l on g w it h y our n e w a ddr ess t o: south mag a zin e, c h a ng e of a ddr ess no t ic e, 1 1 6 bul l s t r eet , s ava n na h , g a 3 1401 , a t t n: c ir c ul at ion

south magazine: A D ivision of B ad I nk 1 1 6 B ull Street, S avannah, G eorgia 31401 phone: 91 2.236.5501 f ax: 91 2.236.5524 southmagazine.com

Happy New Year!

Kristen Lee Smith, Managing Editor

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PHOTOGR A PH BY DEN N IS SMITH

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featured contributors

dec | jan 2014

CLARK BYRON Clark Byron writes regularly

Marty Fischer is one of America's best known outdoorsmen. He a host and Executive Producer of TNT's Outdoor Explosion. He is a professional hunter, outdoor writer and public speaker, a National Sporting Clays Association Level III shooting instructor and is preident and founder of a new outdoor apparel and hunting accessories company called Final Strut Gear. He is also president of SportShooting Consultants, Ltd., a gun club design and business consultation firm that has designed more than 150 shooting facilities throughout North America.

MARTY FISCHER

READ MARTY'S WORK IN "SAVANNAH'S DUCK DYNASTY" [PAGE 193] AND "ALBANY, GA" [PAGE 198].

for a number of periodicals, local and national, as well as being an author for hire.

Clark is the co-author of several published fiction and nonfiction works. He has recently completed his own first novel, Therefore, I Am: A Fictional Story of the Real-Life Struggle between Reason and Faith, which will soon be available in paperback and Kindle® on Amazon.com.

Clark is an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist with two CD albums and several national and worldwide television appearances to his credit. He lives with his lovely wife, Elaine, in Historic Downtown Savannah. SEE CLARK'S WORK IN “STORM TROOPERS” [PAGE 96] AND "CHILDREN IN CHARGE" [PAGE 121].

STIRLING KELSO

Writer Stirling Kelso currently contributes to the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Money magazine and Food & Wine, among other publications. When she’s not living out of her little red suitcase, she calls Austin, Texas home. READ STIRLING'S WORK IN “Q&A WITH ELIZABETH MITCHELL” [PAGE 82].

K E V I N C A R T E E , South's new Style Editor, Kevin Cartee, was born and raised in Sa vannah , Georgia and holds a degree in in Radiolog y f rom Armstrong. Af ter years of social and business etiquette training, fashion consulting, and experience in the medical field; Kevin decided to combine his education to form Cartee Image Consultants, Savannah’s first image consulting firm, working as “Savannah’s first Image Consultant in Georgia’s first city.” A few of Kevin’s clients include celebrities, multibillion dollar corporations, SCAD, Tanger Outlet Center, Derst Baking Company, WSAV -TV and WJCL-TV. Kevin regularly appears as Style Expert and Fashion Correspondent for WSAV-TV. Kevin devotes his f ree time to numerous charities in the Savannah and Hilton Head communities.

SEE K EV IN'S WOR K IN “SOUTH'S GR EATEST KIDS” [PAGE 108] A N D THROGHOUT THE ISSUE.

TERRY ALLEN is a leading independent photographer with a 30-year long career of lifestyle, architectural and food photography. Growing up in Georgia-with constant exposure to the art, cuisine and sporting pursuits of the American South-created a natural path for his camera to follow. His work has taken him all around the world and over the past three decades he has been published in numerous leading sporting publications in the US, Britain and Africa. Terry, his wife and their two children live in Athens, Georgia along with his turntable and collection of Beatles records. SEE TERRY'S WORK IN “ALBANY, GA" [PAGE 198].

JASON B. JAMES Jason B. James is

a food, portrait and fine art photographer based in Atlanta.

He studied at The Creative Circus and has been bouncing around the South for the past couple of years shooting and

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talking about food. Jason’s curious nature and love of community always gets him into new and exciting adventures.

When not finding new ways to make things sublime, Jason’s life consists of loving his wife, Liz,

and dog, Chloe. He also digs bicycling, cooking, djing, blogging on his site Hams + Yams, and baseball. He just generally likes to keep things rad. SEE JASON'S WORK IN “HAPPY NYEAT” [PAGE 223] AND THROUGHOUT THE ISSUE.

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letters ➼

dec | jan 2014

write to us at editor@thesouthmag.com or 116 bull street, savannah, georgia, 31401

Best of DineSouth 2013

The votes are in and tallied, and three top-notch vendors brought home the “Best Of” awards from this year’s hugely successful DineSouth event. Out of more than 35 participants, you chose Savannah Tech's culinary program staff FORM’s food and Nature Crisp’s booth as your favorites this year.

“Thanks for the fabulous experience!” – KATE

South's social media lit up when photos posted of Barber Pole owner, Gary Foust, proceeded to mohawk and then shave Dr. Yael Elfassy's head for our "Slang" photoshoot (see the finished product on page 42). It was all for a great cause and a dry run for the upcoming St. Baldrick's Day event on March 8, 2014 in City Market. Guys (and gals) rev up your razors and join the fun. No head is safe.

“Yum!” – G RANT

–AARON E DWAR DS

“Already looking forward to next year!”

–SUSAN G I LC H R I ST

AND THE WINNERS ARE. . .

BEST FOOD

BEST

D I S P L AY

[Correction, Please] The photograph on page 95 of our October/November should have been credited to Kate Blohm. Photographs on page 22 should have been co-credited to Kim Branagan.

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S HAFFE R

“Had a wonderful night out, thanks to South magazine”

BEST S TA F F

While photographing South's Style Guide, we happened across a pair of newlyweds who had traveled from England to be married here in Savannah. This impromptu shot was our gift to them. Best of luck.

CAR PE NTE R

JUDGES CHOICE

1. BELFORD'S

2. SAVANNAH TECH 3. A. LURE

1. BELFORD'S

2. DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ, FORM, FOXY LOXY (THREE-WAY TIE!) 3. A. LURE, SAVANNAH TECH (TIE!)

1. BELFORD'S

2. SAVANNAH TECH 3. DRIFTAWAY CAFE SAVANNAH RIVERBOAT

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stay connected

dec | jan 2014

contests at southmagazine.com

✱ EVE NT CALE NDAR

connect FAC E BOOK Like The South Magazine on Facebook for exclusive polls, content and photos.

TWITTE R We’re always out and about, live Tweeting at events.

Follow us @south_mag.

South's Guide to Everything (awesome) in the South

ABOUT TH E CONTE STS To showcase the greatest Southerners and what we love most about lif e in Savannah and the Lowcountry, South magazine hosts several reader-voted contests a year. From “Greatest Chef," to “Greatest Photographer,” and more, winners are featured in an editorial spread shot by one of our award-winning photographers. This month, see the winners of South’s "Greatest Kids" (page 108) and “Greatest Nurses” (page 126). To vote in our current contests visit southmagazine.com.

➼ The next time you want to head out on the town or are bored out of your mind, don't forget to check out South's calendar. Whether you're looking for a fun festival to attend or a play to see, we've got you covered with all the information you'll need. Don't miss our weekend emails that come out each Thursday to let you know what the South team is up to for the weekend. Visit the events page of southmagazine.com to submit an event to our calendar.

TUM BLR Don’t miss our behind-thescenes photos on Tumblr at south-magazine.

RSS Stay up-to-date on all of our latest blogs and articles.

PI NTE R E ST Follow us on Pinterest (southmagazine) to see what inspires South.

I NSTAG RAM @Instasouth is your one-stop handle for the coolest pics in Dixie.

blogs DAILIES We’re consistently updating the blog on our award-winning website southmagazine.com to keep you in the know with what’s happening around town. Everything from art openings and live music to networking events, fashion shows and events by South are covered along with online-exclusives f rom current issues, behind-the-scenes photos and more!

If you want South delivered right to your inbox, sign up f or our bi-weekly newsletter. Weekly event listings, Scenes of the South galleries, and weekend guides are just a click away. Visit southmagazine.com to sign up and stay in the know.

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PHO T O GR A PH Y BY A M A N DA SM I T H ( T OP L E F T ), TA RY N C OL L ET T ( B O T T OM L E F T ) & JA BBE R PIC S ( BOT TOM R IGH T )

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scenes of the south

dec | j an 2014

photography by ashley baumann, kim branagan and christopher georgeff

DINESOUTH ✱ OCTOBER 3, 2013 South’s 6th Annual DineSouth event at Savannah Station delivered even more fun and food than last year with a plethora of restaurants, chefs, and exhibits to whet any appetite. The food this year ranged from desert samplings, to gumbos, to meats and seafood from vendors like The Salt Table, Driftaway Café, A. Lure, Locall 11Ten, The Public, and many more. Even better than eating specialized delicacies, and enjoying a great night out, all the proceeds from the event support the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, adding a charitable flare to the whole affai .

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3 • who's who 1. Parker Grant and the Mechanical Bull 2. Buffie Nelsom, Jessica Pepin, Erica Davis, Martha and Andrew Lee 3. Denee Nason and Kendra Boyle 4. Denis and Mike Grabowski 5. Maggie Lee Old Savannah Tours 6. Parker, Nick and Brenan Grant 7. Brandi Anuskiewicz and Connie Butsko 8. Sam, Lana and Joe Dabit 9. Heath and Leann Ritch

5 Kate Dewdle and Jaime Matthews

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Judge Claire Cornwell Williams

Carol Southard and Carl Coxhead

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scenes of the south

dec | jan 2014

photography by ashley baumann, kim branagan and christopher georgeff

DINESOUTH âœą OCTOBER 3, 2013 To accompany the decadent cuisine and open bar, DineSouth 2013 invited a few friends to join the party. Hunter Cattle Company brought their popular petting zoo, along with the famous mechanical bull, while two new exhibits brought a new edge to the festivities. Gallery le Snoot graced the entrance with their glowing booth offering t-shirts designed specifically for the event, while Savannah Harley-Davidson dared you to ride on the wild side on a motorcycle simulator.

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who's who 1. Cleonique Hilsaca with Gallery le Snoot 2. Charnay Westbrook and Joey Caldwell 3.Amy Murphy, Emma Kornegay, Kayvan and Amanda Gerami 4. Jesse and Lisa McCain 5. Jessica Lot, Clark Humperdink and Rebecca Oblesby 6. "Nate" the B&D Burgers Gator and Brooke Havy 7. Old Savannah Tours and Forrest Gump was on hand.

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Forrest Gump

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Adger & Laurie Ross

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scenes of the south

dec | j an 2014

photography by kim branagan

MOON RIVER ✱ OCTOBER 24, 2013 Protecting and preserving a 250-mile river is hard business, but with the help and support of a community, the mission is a whole lot easier. The Ogeechee Riverkeepers hosted the 6th Annual Ogeechee Rivers Rock at Moon River Brewing Company. The event, that featured tunes from The Accomplices, a silent auction and Moon River’s popular craft beer, help to raise money and awareness for the Ogeechee River Basin’s research, cleanup and conservation.

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who's who 1. Keith Seibert and Andrew Hartzell 2. Mark Eckstine and Zach Smith of The Accomplices 3. Jill and Tom Havens 4. David Acuff and Jamie Marie Smith 5. Ed and Shirley Carpenter 6. David Acuff, Cari and Patrick Felps 7. Kristen and Jake Crawley 8. Brian Hjemvik and Katelyn Woodward 9. Brennan Lemieux, Christin Schuette, Tom Cook and David Acuff

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A R T

|

LIVE&THINK

B U S I N E S S

|

C U L T U R E

The PULSE Art + Technology festival will take place from January 29 to February 2.

PULSE Art + Technology 2014 Hosted by the Telfair Museum at the Jepson Center for the Arts, the PULSE Art + Technology Festival is a free, all-ages event exploring the intersection of art and technology. From January 29 to February 2, the festival will feature amazing interactive art, lectures, performances, hands-on workshops and a family day. A selection of the interactive website Looking at Something by RafaÍl Rozendaal, the first artist to sell websites to private collectors, will allow users to change the weather from sunshine to a thunderstorm. Performances include the awardwinning beatboxer/visual artist Adam Matta and an interactive concert by Savannah’s own KidSyc. Visit telfair.org for more information. -Gen Fuller 38

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P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y O F T H E T E L F API H R OM TU O SGERUA M P HO B F YA T RK T

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apps & gadgets

Hard Habits to Break

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A L L T H E M O T I VAT I O N YO U N E E D T O K I C K T H O S E B A D H A B I T S T O T H E C U R B L I N DS E Y G R OV E N S T E I N A N D E L I Z A B ET H S C H E F F I E L D

ALLAYO: Healthcare just got easier.

We all have a busy schedule and sometimes our health care is forgotten. Wouldn’t a personal health care assistant be nice? This app is just the thing you need to arrange health care for the whole family. “Allie” gives users reminders for exams, medications and even healthy behaviors. She also schedules appointments and helps with ordering and refilling prescriptions. Not to mention helping with insurance claims and findin physicians and specialists, Allayo is your way to connect to the world of health care with ease to make sure your health care needs are met. $FREE Way of Lif e: Got a habit that you need to break? How many late night snacks have you been sneaking out of the fridge and how long have you been trying to stop? This app is the ultimate habit-breaking device. It takes just a minute to track, identif y and

change your way of life. And once you do break your habit, this app is equally great for building good ones as well. $FREE. Habit List: There’s no easier way to create good habits and break bad ones than with this app. Habit List gets you to set your goals and motivates you with reminders and tracks your progress. See your progress with streaks—just how long have you been working out? Flexible, easy to use, and it has results. Habit List will have your results too. $1.99 QuitNow!: “This is my last one, I promise!” We’ve all heard that one, and you’ve probably said it. But the next one often follows that last one. Quitting smoking is no easy feat to accomplish but with this app it can be a lot easier. This app offers your real-time status to help ease the stress and anxiety of quitting. See the time since the last cigarette of your life, see how many cigarettes you have avoided and

see the time and money that you have saved since quitting. This app also indicates your health improvement process, making it easy for the last one to be the last one. $FREE Lose It!: Watch as the pounds melt away by simply logging what you eat every day. Punch in your starting weight and height. Want to loose a pound every week? The app calculates how long it will take you to get to your goal weight at that rate. Scan the barcodes of your food packages before you eat to get accurate calorie intake every day. Log your exercise - everything from jumping rope to bowling–to burn those extra calories. $FREE NOOM WEIGHT LOSS COACH: Dieting is one of the more dreaded topics of health and fitness. With all calories to count and appetizing dishes to avoid, it’s easy to lose motivation and not lose those pounds. This app has an entire food database to

help you navigate your way through the grocery store, as well as a personalized and interactive weight lost plan that gives you real results with exercise plans and a logbook to track workouts and meals. The Coach gives you daily task to help create positive lifestyle changes for long-term weight lose and provides tons of helpful and educational articles to keep you up to date on health and wellness. $FREE COUCH TO 5K: Have you ever wanted to run, but after a week of sweating, soreness and injuries, you return back to the safety and comfort of your couch? It’s happened to all of us, but with this new app even the newest runner can being running a 5K in no time. With five diffe ent motivational coaches to choose f rom, this app will guide you through each workout in an evenly-paced manner. With free GPS capabilities and a distance and pace tracker, Couch to 5K will get you off the couch and on the run before you know it. $1.99

Gadgets FITBIT Turn f itness into a lif estyle. Clip this small device onto you every day and track steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, quality of sleep and hours slept. Fitbit will capture your activity all day, even when you’re sleeping. Sync it to any device and access your data easily to track your progress. $99.95 and up J A W B O N E U P : Recently relaunched, this bracelet tracks your activity during the day, your sleep at night, as well as logs your food intake and mood to give you a better overall picture of your health, happiness, and calorie input. Maybe one of the coolest features is that a single charge will last you throughout the week, and it’s waterproof. It also includes a silent alarm to wake you up and a buzzer for reminders. $129.99 and up 40

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SOUTHERN DIALECT IS RIPE WITH CLEVER TURNS OF PHRASE. EACH MONTH, WE ASK ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SOUTHERNERS FOR HER FAVORITE.

"Britches" NAME: Dr. Yael Elfassy OCCUPATION: Pediatric Hospitalist at SouthCoast Medical Group FAVORITE SOUTHERN SLANG: Britches USAGE: “I say ‘My britches are falling down’ when my scrub pants are loose.”

“Let’s show them it’s not a big deal.

It’s just hair."

Dr. Yael Elfassy, better known to her tiny patients as Dr. E, is coming off a banner year: she finished her residency and began her career as a pediatric hospitalist with SouthCoast Medical Group and welcomed a baby girl, Charleigh, with her husband, Brad Conner.

“Yeah, it’s been a big year,” she says with a grin.

“Just bring it on! That’s my motto.”

The self-described “feisty” pediatrician is relishing all of her new roles and finds that being a new mom has had a tremendous impact on her approach to medicine. “Since having my daughter I’ve realized as a mom, or as a parent, you have to do what works for you and your family,” she says. “Sometimes the textbook is wrong and you just have to do what works to make your family happy and get some sleep. If it works for you, that’s okay!”

Another role Dr. E is particularly proud of is the one she plays with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a national organization that raises money for children’s cancer research at events around the country. Dr. E chairs the Savannah event, which will take place in City Market on March 8th.

Individuals sign up on the St. Baldrick’s Day site and ask friends and family members to sponsor them to shave their heads. It’s a symbolic gesture that resonates deeply with children and their families. “These kids are going through so many harsh chemicals and treatments and they lose their hair because of it,” Dr. E says. “Let’s show them it’s not a big deal. It’s just hair. It comes off and it will grow back once your treatment is over.”

Dr. E notes that children’s cancer research is the most underfunded of all types of cancer research.

“About half the money we raise through St. Baldrick’s comes back to the children’s clinical oncology group at Memorial to help with clinical trials,” she says. This year’s fundraising goal is $52,000.

To find out more (including how you can help without going under the razor) visit stbaldricks.org.

—Kristen Smith; photograph by Danny Griffin

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Logan Illustration Goes Here

Jeff Vrabel • Illustration by Logan McDonald

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THEY’VE BOTH BEEN NAMED 2014 GEORGIA TRUSTEES BY THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THEY’RE BOTH LEGENDARY FIGURES IN GEORGIA (AND ELSEWHERE) AND THEY’RE BOTH, BY MOST ACCOUNTS, GOOD DUDES. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT BLANK IS THE CO-FOUNDER OF HOME DEPOT AND CURRENT OWNER OF THE ATLANTA FALCONS, AND PAYNE BROUGHT THE OLYMPICS TO ATLANTA IN 1996 AND HAS SERVED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB SINCE 2006. BUT HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS YEAR’S INDUCTEES. 1. Blank owns a home in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, one t hat i s bigger than yours a nd i s well h idden f rom v iew, even on t he beach, u nless you k now where to look. It’s safe to assume when things break, he probably goes to the Home Depot in Bluffton.

2. Payne not only served as head of the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games, he’s t he g uy who c ame home f rom church one d ay telling h is w ife of “an idea founded i n goodness”: t o bring the Games to town. A t t hat point he w as a real-estate attorney who h ad never been to an Olympics or, f or t hat m atter, ov erseas on business. T he idea h it h im, h e said i n an i nterview w ith Georgia Trend, “ like a bolt of l ightning f rom t he sky.” T his m akes Payne t he only g uy ever to spearhead a city’s bid to w in t he Games a nd r un t hem when t hey got t here.

3. The Blank Family Foundation has donated almost $300 million to early childhood development, e ducation, t he arts a nd parks a nd g reen-space. B lank h as signed t he Giving Pledge, w hich commits to g iving away at least half of his wealth to charity.

4. Payne is credited with changing a number of traditions at Augusta National Golf Club, i ncluding t he one t hat ended 7 5 y ears of a ll-male membership by inducting former S ecretary of State Condoleezza R ice a nd f inancier Darla Moore. B ut he a lso w as t he f irst to a llow a video game based on t he Masters, o ne t hat uses t he actual course a nd conditions, enough so t hat i f it’s r aining i n Augusta, it’s r aining on your screen a s well.

5. Aside from his spots on Hilton Head and in Atlanta, Blank retreats f requently to a 9 ,000-acre r anch i n a p lace c alled Paradise Valley, M ontana. A ccording to a 2009 blog post i n t he Atlanta JournalConstitution, B lank spends more t han a month t here every year — m ostly off t he grid, a lthough he does a llow h imself a little email. “At t he r anch, i t’s a lmost l ike living i n a c ocoon,” Blank w rote. “ It’s very much a n urturing k ind of atmosphere.

Part of t he tone i s t here’s no T Vs, n o radios, n o newspapers. P eople come t here and spend a l ot more t ime t alking to each other, c ommunicating w ith t heir families and t heir f riends. P eople just get away from a ll of t he noise.”

6. Payne attended his first Masters as a sophomore at the University of Georgia, driving f rom Athens w ith a f rat brother i n a pink 1 974 Chevy coupe. I f t here i s a w ay to a rrive at your f irst Masters more dramatically, w e c an’t t hink of it.

7. In addition to the Falcons, Blank deals in what you could call fantasy sports: He owns t he G eorgia Force, a n A rena Football League f ranchise, h as considered buying the Atlanta Braves and has expressed interest in a Major League Soccer franchise.

8. One more change Payne’s driving for: More kids getting into golf. This A pril, Augusta National a nnounced plans to host a Drive, P utt a nd Chip championship for boys a nd g irls ages 7-1 5, a nd t he club h as allowed accompanied juniors to attend tournaments for f ree since 2008. “ Our industry must continue to address t he critical i ssues of t he sport's declining participation a mong youth, a nd we simply want to help,” Payne said at t he 201 3 State

of t he Masters news conference, w hich featured a p erformance by Maroon 5. O K, we m ade up t hat last part.

9. One of Blank’s early business decisions: Stocking t he h igh shelves of h is first t wo Home Depot superstores w ith empty boxes to m ake it look l ike t hey h ad more product. It worked; n ow t hose shelves a re f ull of actual stuff.

10. In the lead-up to the Olympics, Payne found himself in the company of President Bill Clinton a nd suggested t he two play a r ound of golf sometime. C linton agreed, a nd Payne responded w ith one more bit of news: “ I’m gonna whip your ass.” T he president of t he United States, i t should be noted, l aughed h ard.

What: 2014 Georgia Trustees Gala honoring inductees Arthur Blank and Billy Payne When: Saturday, January 15 at 7 p.m.

Where: Hyatt Regency Savannah, 2 West Bay Street Cost: $250 for members; $295 for non-members; $2,750 members reserved table for 10, general seating; $3,150 non-members reserved table for 10, general seating; $5,000 reserved table for 10, priority seating; $10,000 VIP reserved table for 10; $10,000 corporate reserved table for 10 Visit georgiahistory.com for more information.

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An Ode to O’Connor THE GEORGIA HISTORICAL S OCIETY KICKS OFF T H E G E O R G I A H I S T O RY F E S T I VA L W I T H A T R I B U T E TO A LOCAL WRITING LEGEND

RÉMY THURSTON | ILLUSTRATION BY LESNOOT

I T ' S N O S U R P R I S E T O P R O U D S AVA N N A H I A N S , that the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is based on Whitaker Street in Georgia’s first city rather than Atlanta. Every year the Society puts on the Georgia History Festival, a weekend to inspire the youngest generation of Georgians to understand the past in order to better explore the future. The Festival is always held near the date that the colony was f ounded—February 12, 1733. This year, the celebration kicks of f on February 6—a Thursday, and a f antastic day to go out to see a movie.

Knowing this, the Georgia Historical Society has elected to screen a film at the Lucas Theatre based on the work of one of the state’s most recognized and emulated authors: Flannery O’Connor. South will be sponsoring the screening of the selected film, Wise Blood,

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which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., but plan to arrive early for some in-depth analysis.

“Prior to the screening,” says Christy Crisp, Director of Programs f or GHS, “there will be a short discussion f eaturing a panel that will include Stratton Leopold who produced the fi m—and even has a minor role—and GHS Senior Historian, Stan Deaton, discussing the significance of the film and the influenc of Flannery O’Connor on popular culture.” It is the same Stratton Leopold from Hollywood and ice cream shop fame, she explains.

Choosing the 1979 film based on one of O’Connor’s works was deliberate, as 2014 will also be the 50th anniversary of the writer’s untimely passing at the age of 39. The GHS has selected O’Connor as the Featured History Figure this year to commemorate her literary contributions not only to her home state but also to the vast array of artists she inspired with her religiously realistic, Southern-gothic style. Show business staples like Tommy Lee Jones and Conan O’Brien wrote about O’Connor in their Harvard theses; Bruce Springsteen and Bono credit some of their song-writing inspiration to her way with words.

“I think the most important thing Savannahians should know about Flannery O’Connor is that in her short writing career, shortened by lupus, she was able to have a large impact,” says Sophia Sineath, Education Coordinator for GHS. “So who knows how much she would have written if she had a longer life.”

Audience members who are unf amiliar with O’Connor will enjoy the screening just as much as the author’s biggest fans.

“One of the reasons why is simply all the Georgia connections,” says Sineath. “Not only do you have Stratton Leopold involved in the movie, but it was also filmed largely in Macon, Georgia. A lot of Maconites acted as extras in the movie, and it’s just going to be a more interesting movie-going experience because you will have the discussion beforehand to put the movie into context.”

For viewers who want to get a more in-depth look at O’Connor’s lif e, her childhood home, located on 207 East Charlton St. in Savannah, is available to visit. Andalusia, the dairy farm where O’Connor spent the majority of her life, is in Macon.

Concessions will be available, and reservations are required as this promises to be a popular f eature. Tickets will be sold f or $8.50. More information will be released at georgiahistory.com as details are finalized

What: Screening of Wiseblood as part of the Georgia History Festival When: Thursday, February 6 Where: The Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn Street Cost: $8.50 Visit georgiahistory.com for more information.

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Critz Tybee Island Run Fest R U N F O R S O M E O N E E L S E ' S H E A LT H — T H E 2 0 1 4 R U N F E S T T O B E N E F I T L O C A L H E A LT H AND EDUCATIONAL CHARITIES

STEPHEN PRUDHOMME

can be a daunting proposition, something reserved for only the most hardcore, dedicated runners.

The 26.2 miles becomes more palatable, however, when it's sliced, like a pie, into five smaller pieces. Suddenly, the marathon distance seems much more achievable.

Offering that "pie" by the slice or whole, depending on your running appetite, is the idea behind the Critz Tybee Run Fest. The third annual event will be held January 31 through February 1 on Tybee Island. Participants can run all five races, as some 200 people did last year, or, for those not in a marathon mood, just one. They can also do two, three or four races. Over 3,000 runners competed in last year's event.

After doing all five races two years ago, Melissa Ramsey, fitness and training director at Fleet Feet Sports, scaled back to two last year: the 5K and half-marathon. "It's always a great atmosphere," she says. "It's a nice, flat course."

A veteran of several marathons, Ramsey offers some advice to anyone who's opting for the longer distance races. "Don't go out too fast in the 10K," she says. "The half-marathon comes right after it."

The Run Fest was born in the running lab known as Fleet Feet Sports in Savannah, the brainchild of owner Robert Espinoza and

PARTICIPATING IN A MAR ATHON

avid runner and community leader Dale Critz Jr., as a way of offering a "marathon" for those reluctant to run 26.2 miles in one fell swoop.

“They came up with 2.8-mile beach runs to reduce the tedium of running on the roads,” says Billy Warren, general manager of Fleet Feet Sports. He describes the races as great spectator events where everyone is cheering and, in the case of the Friday night 5K, are excited about the upcoming weekend.

Cornelia Stumpf, Marketing Director of the Tybee Island Run Fest, shares those sentiments. She notes it's a family-friendly event and party atmosphere with a potentially nice bonus for those leaving colder environs in February: fantastic weather. "The rest of the country, you have cold weather," she says. "Here, we've had temperatures in the 70s."

The warm feelings extend to the local community as charities are the beneficiaries of money collected from event sponsors and registration fees. "Every penny goes to the local community," Stumpf says. Last year, nine health and education organizations received $70,000 from these proceeds. Stumpf says they hope to equal or surpass that amount in 2014.

To ensure that Tybee remains one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the country, organizers are going green, using environmentally safe paper products for all food items, having volunteers clean up the course and event site and placing trash and recycling bins along the race routes.

Basil's Kiddie Run starts off the Run Fest on Friday, January 31, at 6 p.m. Youngsters will run between a one-eighth and onequarter-mile loop that begins and ends at the lighthouse.

Next up is the North Beach Bar and Grill 5K at 6:00 p.m., also starting and ending at the lighthouse and highlighted, so to speak, by participants carrying glow sticks.

Saturday's races will kick off with the Sundae Cafe 10K, which starts on 15th Street at 7 a.m. and finishes on 16th street.

The Critz Half-Marathon shares the same starting and finishing points as the 10K and will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Runners will find a softer surface in the Lighthouse Pizza 2.8 Mile Beach Run, which starts at noon at the pier and finishes at 16th Street.

That totals 25.2 miles, leaving the YMCA 1 Mile Run, starting at 1 p.m. at 15th Street and finishing at 16th Street, as the final piece in the 26.2-mile marathon pie.

A post-race party and awards ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. near the finish line.

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What: Critz Tybee Island Run Fest When: January 31‑February 1 Where: Tybee Island, GA Cost: $25 to $130, depending on the number of races.

Children receive a 50% discount; active duty military receives early bird registration rate.

Visit Critztybeerun.com for more information.

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vannah, says the distance is dif f erent f rom many runs, so it is important to pace yourself during the early part of the race.

Warren says anyone who ran the previous week's Savannah Bridge Run, considered one of the toughest courses in the Southeast, will revel in the f lat, f ast course. “It'll make them f eel f aster,” Warren says.

In the spirit of the season, the race features a holiday-themed costume contest. Participants will be judged on their costumes and not race times—if you come dressed as Santa, one of his elves or reindeer, or even a Christmas tree, and cross the finish line, you will be eligible for prizes. In keeping with the holiday theme, participants are being asked to bring a can of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Where: Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, Hutchinson Island When: Saturday, December 14

Reindeer Run

Cost: The entry fee is $30 through December 10 and $35 through race day. Packets can be picked up Friday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m at Fleet Feet Sports, 3405 Waters Avenue, or on Hutchinson Island on Saturday, December 14 from 7 to 9 a.m.

Checks made payable to the Rape Crisis Center can be mailed to PO Box 8492, Savannah, GA, 31412.

Go to fleetfeetsavannah.com for more information.

D A S H E R , D A N C E R , P R A N C E R , V I X E N, C O M M E T, C U P I D, D O N N E R AND BLITZEN — TAKE YOUR MARKS! STEPHEN PRUDHOMME | PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN ALEXANDER

SANTA AND HIS REINDEER will have the chance to warm up f or their big day when they come to Hutchinson Island next month to take part in the fourth annual Savannah 8K Reindeer Run. Given that workout, their sleigh could fly a little higher this year.

The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire is sponsoring the event for the fourth year and has partnered with the Savannah Trade Center. The 4.96-mile race is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at 9 a.m. All proceeds will help the center in its mission to help support sexual assault victims, their families and friends and to provide prevention education for all ages.

Kesha Gibson-Carter, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center, says that the center is looking to emphasize the organization's role in ending bullying and cyberbullying, especially in schools. The Rape Crisis Center will be introducing a bully and cyberbully hotline after the first of the year that is being funded by proceeds f rom the Reindeer Run as well as by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The Reindeer Run is one of many activities the Rape Crisis Center will host to help spread the anti-bullying message.

“It's essential to stamp out bullying,” Gibson-Carter says.

“With recent incidents in Georgia and other parts of the country, it's at the forefront of people's brains. Rudolph was bullied. It's kind of corny, but we're playing on that. The message is to run against the bully and play in reindeer games.”

The projected 400 to 500 runners in the Reindeer Run will run on a flat course that begins and ends at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and will cross the auto race track. Bill Warren, general manager of Fleet Feet Sports in Sa-

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Ginny's Wilder's Predictions for 2014 1. June will be a high-energy month with wild weather and fluctuations in the business cycle.

2. A well known actress will surprisingly take her final bow.

3. Star couples- One in show business and one in politics will call it quits.

4. The world will seem even smaller because of new digital advances based on new technology.

5. Middle Eastern troubles take a strange, new turn by about July.

6. In September, the government of a Western European country will be replaced.

7. May will see a great victory by the United States… or so it will seem.

The Spirit of Ginny Wilder Rhianna Van Helton | Photograph by China Fagan

“WILL YOU BE TAKING MY PICTURE TODAY? I MEAN, IT DOESN’T REALLY MATTER, BECAUSE I’VE GOT BEAUTY SHOP HAIR AND IT ALWAYS LOOKS GOOD,” Ginny Wilder tells me matter-of-factly over the telephone. She’s a flamboyant fashionista at heart, proudly showing me pictures of her eclectic, vintage eyeware collection during the first moments of our meeting.

But the real reason I’m interviewing Wilder has nothing to do with the everyday world we see in the fashion magazines and everything to do with the world we can’t see at all.

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8. There is going to be a world uptick in our understanding that issues that affect you also affect me... us.

9. Alzheimer’s disease, due to some off-thewall research, comes closer to being halted.

(Not prevented or cured, but halted at the stage the person is affected.)

10. Chicken Pox cases increase. Research suggests that the virus also causes another condition in addition to shingles.

11. Experiments growing human body parts continue and improve with more sophisticated research. Controversy abounds.

12. A mindful existence seems to be more within reach and more sought after.

13. Treatment for cocaine addiction will be enhanced by injections that take away the craving and dull the effects of the drug.

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South magazine: How long have you had your gifts?

Ginny Wilder: I have been what they call “precognitive” since I was a child. I knew in advance when things were going to happen. Also, my father worked as a psychic in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama.

SM: What is the difference between a psychic and a medium? And what do you consider yourself?

GW: I’m both. As a psychic, which is about 90% of my work, I deal with the person either sitting in front of me or talking to me on the phone. Being psychic also has to do with someone’s past, their present, and what is probably going to be their future. The mediumship part is when messages come from the other side from people who have crossed over and died.

I am able to communicate those messages in one of two ways: I speak the message like I’m speaking to you now or I write the message, which is called automatic writing. My spirit guide is a gentleman named Isaiah, and because I am available 24/7 to the spirit, he is highly protective of me and shields me from bad spirits.

SM: Isaiah, your spirit guide, do you know his background?

GW: I have no idea. I believe that the spirit guides have lived before and they have some sense of the things we feel and go through, but they cannot concern themselves with that now. They are in a different place, and in spirit, times does not exist.

SM: Do you consider yourself a fortune teller?

GW: My energy readings are based on what you present today, but also everybody I talk to are adults of free will. I can say things that are likely to happen right now, but you can change that; you could get on a plane to Montana tomorrow and change everything. Anything I say is not set in stone. The future is what is likely to happen based on the energy at the time of the reading.

SM: How do you conduct readings?

GW: I don’t do group readings, I don’t do couples. I also do not do computers or text messaging and the reason for that is because it all goes to the cloud and can be retrieved. I’m also really lazy and can’t be bothered by it in addition, but most importantly, I don’t have permission from my spirit guide. These are virgin fingers. They’ve never deleted one email.

When I do readings, I only want to know the person’s first name. Other than that, I don’t want to know anything else about them. Not being on the internet is just another safeguard for clients because I can’t look them up and that’s how the Spirit wants it. If he changes his mind, he’ll let me know.”

SM: Where do your readings take place?

GW: People can come to my home or I go to meet them at restaurants without too much activity. I talk to people anywhere, frankly. I am spirit-led 24/7, so it doesn’t really matter where I am. It does have to be a place of excellence, though, an orderly space, a place where I can feel comfortable and, of course, a place with good energy.

For a private reading by Ginny call 404-210-7032. She is located in Savannah GA, but can travel for out-of-town appointments.

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C O M B AT V E T E R A N S M O T O R C YC L E A S S O C I AT I O N : V E T S H E L P I N G V E T S —KRISTEN SMITH

Wi liam Bu r k e l and his fellow Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association members are making sure that vets in need are not without a helping hand.

Aside f rom previous military service, each member is also linked by a love of riding motorcycles. “Everyone rides.

It ’s a brotherhood to help other veterans,” he explains of the non-profit organization,

which is made up of full member combat vetera ns a nd auxiliary member veterans with no combat experience.

The CVMA has chapters in almost all 50 states, including two in Georgia. “We work to get supplies like clothing, sleeping gear and tents to homeless vets in Savannah.”

Burkel estimates that there are over 700 homeless veterans in the tri-county area.

The CVMA works in conjunction with the VFW and Savannah-Chatham Police Department to identif y the need in our area and to distribute donated and collected items.

This winter, Burkel says there will be a need for coats, blankets, shoes, boots and r e g u l a r - si z e d pa nt s a nd shirts, as well as non-perishable food items.

Donations can be dropped off at VFW Post 66 0, 51 15 Ogeechee Road, Savannah.

Tax-deductible donations to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association may be mailed to 403 Bristol Circle, Bloomingdale, GA 31 302.

BLESSING BAG

Christina McIntosh and several members of the First Baptist Church of the Islands began assembling Blessing Bags­— clear plastic bags containing items such as toiletries, gum and Bibles—as a way to teach their children about giving and thinking of others. "It's been a wonderf ul experience," she says, "making them aware of the f act that not everyone has the things that we do. It's not just about us anymore." McIntosh keeps several bags in her car in the event that she runs across someone in need. They also distribute specialty bags at nursing homes in the area. It's a small gesture that means so much. “It's not so much what's in it, it's just the fact that someone cared enough to say, ‘I thought of you,’ or I'm praying for you.’” Consider putting together your own blessing bags this season.

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Breakin'

SOME OF SAVANNAH'S HEALTHIEST TELL US WHAT IT TAKES TO BREAK THOSE BAD HABITS IN THE NEW YEAR ONCE AND FOR ALL. THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. GET ACTIVE AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE. 56

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LINDSEY G R O V E N S T E I N

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Jodie Luther-Kofod How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? I have been in the fi ness industry since 1987.

What motivates you ? I get my motivation from seeing other people flourish. I’m 48 years old, and I have a 9 year- old, I want to make sure I’m around for him. You have to do your part along the way. What are some of your healthy habits? I do food prep once a week, which includes figuring out recipes that I like and how to make them healthy. And I Tupperware them and freeze them so I have them throughout the week. I balance myself with varied activities throughout the week. I also look forward to my day off. It’s important to take that. You always want to make sure you have a balance with everything. How do you inspire others to make healthy choices? To start, it’s like baby steps. Make a game plan—beginning to end. And pretty soon the baby steps get bigger. Even through setbacks, get right back in there. Make sure that whatever it is you’re doing that you’re feeling happy. And eventually the exterior will mirror how you feel.

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Clockwise from top left: Deborah Fleming, Vandi Marquez, Kathrine Albert and Mark Stewart

“YOU WANT TO AVOID THE SATURATED FATS, THE BAD FATS AND THE POTATO CHIPS. STICK WITH VEGGIES, NUTS AND LEAN CUTS OF MEAT.”

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DEBORAH FLEMING

How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? All my life, I would say. However, I took it on my own f rom age 16 when I f irst started working in a gym. What motivated you to do it? If I’m honest, I wanted a career in dance. I lived in a very small town with nothing going on, and the closest I could get to it was to be an aerobics instructor. What motivates you now? Health and looking in the mirror! You don’t want to give up after all this time. What are some of your healthy habits? I make sure I eat regularly; I rarely take in things that are bad for you. I’m not big on f ried foods or sweet things. And I work out at least five times a week, but that is my job. What's your healthy living advice? Ones of the biggest things I say to the people I train is that if you have a bad week or a bad day, just push it aside and keep going. Just keep trying. And have somebody to help you be accountable.

KATHERINE ALBERT How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? I always tried to eat healthy and do moderate exercising, but I’d say for the last two years I’ve especially gotten into a real routine of exercising and going to classes at the Islands YMCA with Jodie.

What motivated you to do it? Before, I was exercising on my own, and then I realized that there were a lot of classes offered. Classes are motivating to me because I had people who expected me to be there. If you have a teacher you tend to push yourself harder. What motivates you now? I exercise early in the morning and it makes me want to get up and get going. My body craves it and I want to exercise. I have a more productive and positive day when I exercise. It’s a good cycle. I exercise because I need it and because it makes me feel better. What are some of your healthy habits?

I drink a lot of water. I cut out diet sodas. I try to eat foods that aren’t processed—lots of fruits and vegetables and a lot of fish. What is your best healthy living advice? It’s about small steps. It’s a long-range goal.

Anything that you can do that is more than what you’re doing yesterday is positive. Take it slow, give your body time. It takes time to get to a place where you’re happy.

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VANDI MARQUEZ  How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? I have always had a predisposition for healthier options. Growing up, I was an athlete and learned the value of taking care of my body. I enjoy fitness and feeling good about my appearance.

What motivated you to do it? My extended family and the health pitfalls that come with being overweight. I don't want my boys to lose me over something that I can control. Life is too good to spend it feeling lousy or sick.

What motivates you now? My three boys and my husband and the hope that by taking care of myself now, I will be around for a very long time with them. I also really want them to have good habits established early, and for those habits to be second nature while they're young. We identify healthy options over the unhealthy ones on a regular basis—and not because we are so strict and always make the healthier decision…but because we hope to teach that you can have everything you "want," as long as it is in moderation.

What are some of your healthy habits? I work out four to five times per week. I try not to eat after 6 or 7 p.m. 75% of my diet is protein to promote lean muscle.

What is your best healthy living advice? Small changes do and will make a difference! Those extra calories that you can avoid by not eating the lef tovers f rom the highchair tray or what remains on the kids' plates will add up!

What is the greatest advantage to staying in shape? Keeping up with my three sons who are extremely active.

Mark Stewart  How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle?

I’ve been serious f or about a year and a half . What motivated you to do it? I got to the point where I put on some weight and I wasn’t happy about it. I wanted to get back in the gym and cut back and get leaner. In the f irst year I lost 30 pounds. What motivates you now? I just like the adrenaline. You have more energy. I f eel better. Especially when you get a full body sweat, you release dopamine.

I like that f eeling of release.

You feel like you have a burden taken off you. What are some of your healthy habits? I eat

clean; I try to get 8 hours of sleep a night; I try to drink at least half my body weight in water; I avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. All that is hard to do, but it’s worth it. It all comes down to discipline. You want to avoid the saturated fats, the bad f ats and the potato chips.

Stick with veggies, nuts and lean cuts of meat. What is your healthy living advice? You can avoid trips to the doctor if you eat right and get the proper nutrition and get proper sleep.

Commit to a healthier lifestyle, because a lot of diseases and problems can be thwarted simply by eating right.

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TRENTON SPENCER  How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? I’ve been a military officer since high school, and I went to college for ROTC. I always had traditional military-type health and wellness. You know, did PE and when you’re hurt, you take a pill. In 2009 I got frustrated. What motivated you to do it? The three different pain pills they had me on didn’t solve my problems.

That’s about the time I discovered Ayurvedic at an Indian store on Montgomery Crossroads. It’s a 5,000-yearold idea that focuses on wellness and the totality of life. What motivates you now?

Every action is about healing yourself. We should spend every effort to help our bodies do what they're supposed to

do. Thirty-five pounds later I don’t have any more back pain or foot pain—it’s all gone. At the age of 34, I look the same as I did when I graduated college at 21. What are some of your healthy habits? I run on occasion, and I just started doing actual weight lifting. But eating is fun! Every spice, every herb is put in for a reason. It all has an effect on my dosha. Every action affects my weakness. Everything is Aruvedic. What is your healthy living advice? I know it may seem a little weird, but Aruvedic is just a different way to look at the same problem.

Stay focused on preparing your body to do what it's supposed to do. It's all very particular to each person; there's not one thing that solves everything for everybody.

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“DON’T EAT IT IF IT DOESN’T GROW OR IF IT DOESN’T HAVE A MOTHER OR FATHER.” DARLENE MAJESKY How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle?

When I was 19, I took it to a serious level. I cut back a lot of sugars and started eating right. What motivated you to do it? You can’t eat as much as you did when you were a teenager! You see results when you cut sugars and carbs. Don’t eat it if it doesn’t grow or if it doesn’t have a mother or father.

What motivates you now? If you see results, you want to stick with it. And you just feel good in general! Being a standin and acting in the film industry, you want to look good on camera. Do the work, you get the results. What are some of your healthy habits? I don’t eat any fried foods. I tend to eat a lot of veggies and lean protein. I like taking my kids on their bikes while I’m running to keep up with them—it makes it a family thing. What would you say to our readers to help motivate them into healthier living? Get involved with people that are into it. That will help motivate you. Surround yourself, and it will help you stick with your goal. Just set your mind straight and give it at least a month to see results.

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STAISHA RIEHL  How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle? My mother was ahead of the curve, so I got instilled in it early. I’ve been at Cross Fit now for four years; it’s my whole life.

What motivated you to do it? What motivates you?

The feeling it gives me! I do better; I feel better. I can tell when I don’t do it. I understand the way my body functions and I want to keep it happy.

What are some of your healthy habits? I work out every day at Cross Fit and I do yoga. I have a desire to eat well. I ask myself, “What is my body asking for?”

Where did you meet your husband, Geoff [see next page]? We met at the Jingle Bell 8k on Hutchinson

Island.

How is it beneficial being in a relationship with someone who pursues a healthy lifestyle, too?

We have a lot in common. He got me into running and I got him into Cross Fit. And when I’m tired he understands and motivates me, and I do the same for him on his off days. Dieting is easy, too. We both cook. We’re a team. It’s a huge bonding experience because we’re a support system.

What would you say to our readers to help motivate them into healthier living?

I always say feel prepared and comfortable. So try to stick it out. Understand that it will be horrible at first.

Find motivation—there’s a lot at Cross Fit.

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“DON’T EAT IT IF IT DOESN’T GROW OR IF IT DOESN’T HAVE A MOTHER OR FATHER.” GEOFF RIEHL

How long have you been pursuing a healthy lifestyle?

Ever since high school, really. I started at Cross Fit two years ago. What motivated you to do it? Well, I’m primarily a runner. But the other workouts we do at Cross Fit, like strength, enhance cardiovascular performance.

What motivates you now? It’s a good stress reliever. I run 5ks, 10ks and marathons so I’m mildly competitive.

I do well at what I do. It keeps me competitive. What are some of your healthy habits? We don’t eat out a lot; instead we bring our own food. We cook every night.

What would you say to our readers to help motivate them into healthier living? Make it a lifestyle. Combine it with routine that you already have. To not work out is abnormal. Your body needs it. Change your mindset, and then make it a part of your daily routine.

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AS FEATURED IN CIGAR AFICIONADO

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The Doctor’s Den

WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COLD AND THE BIG GAME ROLLS AROUND, MEN EVERYWHERE RETREAT TO THEIR PRIVATE LAIRS LIKE HIBERNATING BEARS. NONE, HOWEVER, CAN COMPARE WITH DR. RICHARD GRECO’S WELLAPPOINTED PLAYGROUND—AN OVER-THE-TOP, CLUB-STYLE SPACE THAT WILL MAKE MEN EVERYWHERE GNASH THEIR TEETH IN ENVY. JANICE SHAY H P H OTO G R A P H Y BY BA I LE Y DAV I D SO N When Dr. Richard Greco and his wife Robin built their new home on Wilmington Island, they agreed that she would be in charge of the layout and design of certain rooms and he would have a domain that would be specifically designed for him. He wanted a space where he could relax and entertain himself and others: He wanted a man cave.

Planning his fantasy retreat on Wilmington Island began as soon as the walls of the house were up. Dr. Greco collected photos of rooms, desks, bars, and humidors that he liked and wanted to incorporate into the overall design. The raw space was planned as not one but a warren of rooms that would each have a dif ferent use.

In the beginning, Greco showed interior designer Chad Mabry the photos of details he had collected to help create a men’s club atmosphere. Mabry remembers, “My inspiration going into the project was the men’s game room at the Biltmore in Ashville. We created a space that’s reminiscent of men’s smoking and billiard rooms at the turn of the last century.” He adds with laugh, “These are places men could go to smoke, drink, and cuss!”

The main room is anchored by a large, curving desk looking out toward the waterway that seems like the captain’s deck on a large ship. In fact, the whole room gives the feeling of stepping onto a well-appointed ship. The ceilings, walls and f loors are all wood, as on a ship; and the view of the Wilmington River is expansive. A golf simulation room, a cigar room with glass-cased humidors, and a theater room complete Dr. Greco’s vision of 2,600-square-feet of f un.

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“A man’s cave, as we know, is his castle, and the bear became part of the decor.

Doesn’t every man cave need a touch of caveman?”

Dr. Richard Greco and his wife, Linda at thebar in his man cave

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The room's clubby feel is elevated by soaring wood ceilings

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What man cave would be complete without a theater?

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...or a bear?

This mounted bear was a gift from a friend, much to Mrs. Greco's chagrin

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The next thing you notice when you enter the room, af ter the beautif ully detailed wood paneling, the soaring ceiling, and the expansive view, is the very large, ver y imposing mounted bear standing sentry at the bar. Robin is quick to note that when a f riend of f ered to give her husband the bear he had killed, she voiced her disapproval of the offer, saying, “I like my animals alive.” However, a man’s cave, as we know, is his castle, and the bear became part of the decor. Doesn’t every man cave need a touch of caveman?

To his credit, Dr. Greco designed this comfortable, clubby space to please others in his f amily as well as himself . He installed a rootbeer tap at the bar f or his grandchildren; made sure the main room was big and comf ortable enough to hold cock ta il pa r ties f or up to 50 or more couples (they have hosted a sta nd-up pa r t y f or 150); a nd he ex tensively researched how to rid the large bar area of lingering cigar smoke. Failing to f ind any residential answers on the market, he asked Cigar Aficionado magazine to help him solve the smoke problem. They recommended a commercial grade air scrubber, such as what restaurants use—and consequently became so interested in the resulting design that they published a stor y f eaturing Greco’s man cave in the June 2013 issue of the magazine.

Mabry worked with Dr. Greco and the builder, David Haynes, to choose different types of woods to cover the floors, ceilings, and walls. Greco says, “Haynes’s team of carpenters not only built the house but did all of the paneling, built the bar, and actua lly constr ucted some of the built-in furniture.” The attention to detail is obvious everywhere. On the barreled ceiling of the spacious main room, the wood is lighter in color at the highest point to visually create even more light and height.

Jacobean Revival chairs, a few well-chosen antiques, and light f ixtures reminiscent of Spanish-st yle lantern lights at San Simeon in California reinforce the feeling as you enter the room of stepping back into another era.

The result is a f antastic man cave that anyone (read: even women) would enjoy.

No small feat.

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A billiards table is a natural fit in the space, which was inspired by turn of the century game rooms

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Detail of the Jacobean revival chairs which, along with other carefully chosen pieces, are a tip of the hat to a bygone era

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To his credit, Dr. Greco's space has been designed to provide fun for all ages— grandchildren included

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SEAL TEAM 6 THE SOUTH'S MOST FAMOUS TKTKTKTKTK

WARRIOR

JE FF V R A BE L H PHOTOGR A PH Y BY JA BBE R PICS

• •• • M O S T O F D R . H OWA R D WA S D I N ' S PAT I E N T S A R R I V E AT H I S C L I N I C I N R U R A L G E O R G I A E X P E C T I N G T O S E E A M I L D - M A N N E R E D C H I R O P R AC T O R . T H E Y M I G H T WA N T T O A S K A B O U T T H E O T H E R C H A P T E R S O F H I S S T O R Y.

You know how it is: You’re a New York Times best-selling author, out for the weekend piloting your plane over Florida coast, when out of nowhere, right on your tail, bam, there’s John Grisham.

“I’ve got a 235 Charger, basically a really nice single-engine plane,” says Dr. Howard Wasdin, 51, Georgia chiropractor, f ormer member of SEAL Team Six, Purple Heart-awarded veteran of the Black Hawk Down battle of Mogadishu, author and guy who’s probably underselling his plane right now. “And [Grisham] comes flying in behind me in a Citation, this really nice jet. His house is down the beach from my condo — I always show people his place, saying I’ve got to sell a whole bunch more

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books to get that. And his Citation overtakes me f lying into Fernandina — I had to hold out over the ocean and come in behind him,” he says, laughing at the idea of two best-selling authors landing on a little spit of land in northern Florida at the same time. “It’s all good.” Actually, make that three. “The funny thing is, between where I am and Grisham’s place, Stephen King is building his new house.” Three big-shot authors, within a half-mile of each other, in one sleepy, humid corner of the world. “Now keep in mind,” Wasdin says, “King is king, and Grisham has 22 New York Times best-sellers. I’ve had one.”

Luckily, it’s a pretty good one.

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FOR MORE ABOUT DR. WASDIN, GO TO SOUTHMAGAZINE .COM FOR EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF HIS DAYS AS A NAVY SEAL .

DR. WASDIN WEARS AN AUTHENTIC KILT THAT WAS CUSTOM MADE TO REPRESENT HIS FAMILY HERITAGE. THE KILT WAS USED TO IDENTIFY WARRIORS ON THE BATTLEFIELD. WASDIN'S ANCESTORS HAD THE REPUTATION AS BEING ONE OF THE FIERCEST ON THE BATTLEFIELD.

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I T S TA N D S

TO REASON THAT MOST of Wasdin’s patients arrive at his Jesup, Georgia, practice thinking they’ve made an appointment with a mild-mannered chiropractor, not a former member of SEAL Team Six, four-time author, Black Hawk Down battle veteran, Boys & Girls Club supporter (he was f lying over Florida f or a charity event) motivational speaker and a guy with three or four lifetimes’ worth of stories.

Many of those stories became the foundation of his 2011 book, SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper, a wellreceived and sharply written ref lection on Wasdin’s military service that benefited f rom what is probably the greatest viral marketing accident of all time: It was released in May 2011, just days af ter the raid that killed Osama bin Laden and made the unit as much a household name as can be expected of a mystery outfit of elites. The book was getting buzz already (the Times said it was as “visceral and action-packed as a Tom Clancy thriller"), but after the raid all hell broke loose. The publish date was moved up, the print run tripled. The morning af ter the raid the calls began: Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, Jon Stewart, Hannity, Reader’s Digest, Time, too many radio stations to remember. (Vin Diesel’s currently hanging on to the movie rights.)

Wasdin had written the book at the behest of his wife as a way to combat PTSD and to serve as a tale of perseverance for soldiers (and others) f acing hard times; suddenly the “very poor, very barefoot boy f rom Screven, Georgia,” was the public f ace of the unit that had ended the world’s most wanted f ugitive.

Wasdin is the first to admit that the raid on bin Laden f ueled the book’s rise, and to the guilt he felt going on book tours while the actual members of the team remained in the field. “If [bin Laden] hadn’t become the most hunted man in the world for 10 years, nobody would still give a rat’s behind. But since that SEAL Team Six is the one who went in and smoked him, now [people were] interested.”

Still, his story has clearly resonated beyond the level of the military angle. “If you’d have told me back then that one day this would happen, that on the weekends people would pay me $15,000 an hour to speak to them, I’m still like pinch me I’m dreaming,”

➼ TOP: WASDIN REINLISTING TO ATTEND BUDS/TRAINING. BOTTOM: MISSION SUCCESS IN MOGADISHU: WASDIN'S "ONE SUCCESFUL MISSION IN MOGADISHU" COMPRISED OF HIM ANDANOTHER SEAL HELPING A YOUNG BOY WHOSE FOOT HAD BEEN BLOWN OFF BY A LAND MINE. OPPOSITE: WASDIN AND HIS FELLOW TEAM-MATES.

he says from his home in Jesup. “But the more pragmatic side of me reasons that a lot of people have gone through the lessons I’ve been through. So it’s my responsibility, literally, to say, ‘Look, you, too, can overcome this. You can keep the faith and keep your heart right.’”

THE EXTENDED VERSION of Wasdin’s life story is already known to be book-length, so here’s the author-bio version: Wasdin was raised by adoptive parents in Screven, Georgia. His stepfather was an abusive drinker; he writes in his book that his childhood was not a pleasant one. He enlisted in the Navy, became a highly regarded sniper, and eventually was selected to join the secretive unit known as SEAL Team Six. Wasdin took part in the 1993 battle of Mogadishu, site of Black Hawk Down, where he took three bullets to the leg over four hours, injuries that nearly killed him. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart and medically retired f rom the Navy af ter 12 years of service, but, as the book recounts, came home to a an extensive and troubled rehab of his injuries, physical and otherwise. Wasdin credits his wife, Debbie, with encouraging him to write as therapy to release ➼ DR. HOWARD WASDIN AND HIS WIFE, DEBBIE, IN THEIR SOUTH GEORGIA HOME. THE FLAG HAD FLOWN OVER GEORGIA'S CAPITOL DURING THE TIME HE WAS SHOT IN MOGADISHU AND WAS PRESENTED TO HIM BY SENATOR SAM NUNN AFTER HE RETURNED HOME TO RECOVER FROM HIS INJURIES.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JABBERPICS AND COURTESY OF HOWARD WASDIN

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➼ IN WASDIN'S OWN WORDS

DR. HOWARD WASDIN’S BOOKS — BOTH FICTION AND NONFICTION — ARE BASED ON HIS EXPERIENCES AS A MEMBER OF SEAL TEAM 6.

RELEASES DECEMBER 31!

EASY DAY FOR THE DEAD

Wasdin’s next novel, out December 31, is the second installment in his “Seal Team Six: Outcasts” series.

SEAL TEAM SIX: MEMOIRS OF AN ELITE NAVY SEAL SNIPER

“I’VE SEEN ENOUGH DEATH AND DYING,” HE SAYS. “I DON’T NEED ONE MORE PERSON TO CHECK OUT ON ME, HAVE ME SECOND-GUESSING MYSELF.” and organize his thoughts into a workable narrative. He played with notes and bits for a while, but af ter the publication of Black Hawk Down, he amended it to include his own history, that of a Georgia boy overcoming adversity, and ending, as he says, “shaking [my] fist at God, but coming full circle to say, ‘You know what, I f ound some light in a pretty dark spot, but I realized it wasn’t the light that moved, it was me.’” He also credits Debbie with pointing him toward his second life. Sharp-eyed viewers may notice that the logo of Wasdin’s Absolute Precision Chiropractic clinic includes a sniper’s target.

But while he might have included an emblem of his past, the move into the chiropractic practice was intended partly as a break f rom that bloody history. “I’ve seen enough death and dying,” he says. “I don’t need one more person to check out on me, have me second-guessing myself.” Wasdin came back from battle knocking around, doing security and diplomatic work, doing what he calls

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“gun-for-hire” type jobs. He began thinking of medicine af ter a chiropractor helped put his body back together after the series of bullet wounds. “I became a believer,” he says.

“Af ter a couple of cervical adjustments in South Miami Beach I slept through the night for the first time in six and a half years. My right leg had been pretty much shot off, but I wasn’t limping anymore. I couldn’t deny it. It sounds corny, but people come to SEALS to get help, and people come to chiropractors to get help. I’ve had two jobs in one lifetime that I’ve really loved.”

He opened his practice, Absolute Precision Chiropractic, in 2009 — a year before the book was released, he says, for anyone who thinks that his patient base comes f rom the warbooks section of the bookstore. And he adheres to a simple business plan for all of them: education. “Once you do that, the light comes on, and you’ve got a patient for life. I’ve done so many briefs with generals, admirals, congressmen. You have to let them know what you

The New York Times said it was as “visceral and actionpacked as a Tom Clancy thriller."

SEAL TEAM SIX: OUTCASTS The fir t of Wasdin's fiction series based on his SEAL Team six stories. Its sequel, Easy Day for the Dead, will be released in December.

I AM A SEAL TEAM SIX WARRIOR

The young adult version of Wasdin's memoir.

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AS I DROVE, I RAN OUT OF AMMO IN MY CAR-15.

AN EXCERPT FROM SEAL TEAM SIX: MEMOIRS OF AN ELITE NAVY SEAL SNIPER

Our convoy slowed down, and a booger-eater emerged in a doorway, aiming his AK-47 right at me. I brought my SIG SAUER across. Double tap. I’d made that double head shot over a thousand times in training. Under the present combat conditions, I rushed the shot. Miss. Adrenaline pumping at full blast, the world seemed to decelerate around me. The booger- eater pulled the trigger in slow motion. The bullet hit my right shinbone, practically blowing off my lower right leg.

This guy ain’t playing around. I took an extra half second and got on my front sight. Like John Shaw says, “Smooth is fast.”

Double tap. Both rounds hit him in the face. If I’d have taken that extra half second the fir t time, I could’ve saved my leg.

education. “Once you do that, the light comes on, and you’ve got a patient for life. I’ve done so many briefs with generals, admirals, congressmen. You have to let them know what you can — and what you cannot — do. You have to do that knee-to-knee, looking them in the eyes.”

AS A PROMINENT FACE, Wasdin has a lot of thoughts on SEAL Team Six, especially in the context of the current storms regarding the NSA, Edward Snowden and the vast reach of international intelligence and espionage.

“I personally think America needs to know we have a SEAL Team Six, but not what they’re doing until it’s done,” he says. “And depending on where it’s done, maybe not even then.” But in the fiction realm, the team exists in grand fashion, having spawned something of a cottage industry of books. A youngadult version of Wasdin’s book, I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior, followed in 2012; Wasdin says he still gets emails f rom kids going through what he went through. “Breaks my heart,” he says.

From there came an offer for something a little dif ferent: The publishing giant Simon and Schuster approached Wasdin and his writing partner, Stephen Templin, to furnish fiction novels based on his memoir. The first, Seal Team Six Outcasts was released last summer; its sequel, Easy Day for the Dead arrives December 31. The books are f iction but, of course, draw from a wealth of Wasdin’s own very nonfiction past. “You can write a fiction book and draw from characters in your past— trust me, every single person on SEAL Team Six has a very unique personality—but you 72

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can’t hit too close to home. Even people who’ve read the first part of the Outcasts book have wondered, ‘You know what, this could be true,’ but as long as you’re not giving up techniques, tactics or procedures, you’re OK.” The project af ter, however, is something completely different: It’s called The Last Rescue and is a return to nonf iction and a story about the woman who started the writing career: Wasdin’s wife, Debbie. “Even the more elite will stumble and fall, and this book is about her rescuing me. It’s about finding the right person, male or female, who can complement you and motivate you to do something.”

THROUGHOUT THE MEDIA blitz and TV appearances, Wasdin maintained that his book wasn’t a story of violence or warfare — he has low regard for what he calls “chest-beater books” and took pains to avoid writing one — but a story of overcoming adversity, which, he says, is what leads his speaking clients to his door. He sounds a bit bemused by it all, the idea of crazy-rich CEOs coming to a damaged kid from rural Georgia for the golden keys to the mysteries of fulfillment.

“The thing that’s still amazing to me is that I’ve got these Fortune 500 companies, and they want me to come in and motivate them. I was in this really nice restaurant in Vegas one time surrounded by gazillionaires — people who own ships, trains, motor carriers — and they’ve got this little redneck from Screven, Georgia., a kid who was mowing lawns for $1.50, who’d been around the world twice and got his butt kicked every single time, to come in and motivate them. If I had the world by the short nubbies I

wouldn’t have to have someone come in and make me happy and talk to me about teamwork.” But as he looked around the room, he says, he found he had something the gazillionaires didn’t: “A grounding spirit,” he says. “I show them how some other people around the world have it, how good we’ve got it, and at the end I’ve brought them down f rom wherever they’re at to the lowest base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. That’s when you know you’ve succeeded. I don’t care how much money these guys have, just for a few minutes they realized that but for the grace of God go I. We’ve had it so good for so long that people can’t remember when it was bad.”

Up next: A year of f , while he decides if there’s more writing he wants to do. Since the book came out he’s been doing presentations, seeing 150 patients a week and working with the local Boys and Girls Club, something he wants to establish as his legacy. Recently he received the Jeremiah Milbank Award. “That’s how I want to be remembered, not as a Navy SEAL but a guy who did so much for the Club here in Wayne County.” For the first time in a while, Wasdin can see an end to the activity, the sprint he’s been on for years. “When I was shot I was 32 years old. I never expected to live to be 40, and to be having this conversation, to have had my first grandbaby this past year I’m blessed beyond belief. For the first time in my life I can think of nothing that’s on my bucket list. The only thing I could think of to improve my life is maybe upgrade to a twin-engine plane. And maybe move closer down the road to where Grisham is.”

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MEET

C H A R A C T E R S

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C O M M U N I T Y

CONTENTS

A B E AU T I F U L HEART Ariel Felton At the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, Calvin Owens gets abused and people-shy animals ready for adoption. Owens, who previously worked at Screven County animal shelter, admits to being an animal person all his life.

“They keep me on a positive level,” Owens said. “I can relate to some of these dogs more than people.”

Stepping into the kennel, Owens is greeted with barking, whimpering and tail-wagging. Workers have often caught Owens taking time to stop and play with the animals, and giving them something that many have not received in a while: love. Obviously, the feeling is mutual. ➼ Humane Society of Greater Savannah 7125 Sallie Mood Drive 912.354.9515 humanesocietysav.org Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to daily life in the Lowcountry

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IRON MEN

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ELIZABETH MITCHELL

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RODNEY HELAIRE GUNZ & GOD

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SUPERHEROES OF THE SOUTH

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STORM TROOPERS

102 CHEER SAVANNAH

108 SOUTH'S GREATEST KIDS

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MEET THE DEAN He does stuff. Good stuff, every day.

K R I S T E N S M I T H • P H OT O G R A P H BY C H I N A FA G A N

➼ DR. ALLEN AMASON, Dean of the College of Business Administration at Georgia

Southern University in Statesboro, knows a thing or two about institutional health.

With a career spanning 18 years in higher education, including a lengthy stint at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, he has several publications to his name. He has also consulted on strategic management and management processes for an impressive bevvy of corporations.

But there is much more to Dr. Amason than his prof essional accomplishments, scores of accolades and the apparent adoration of his colleagues. The McIntosh County, Georgia native and father of three is married to his college sweetheart. He is looking forward to handing his oldest daughter her diploma from GSU’s College of Business at commencement this spring.

The good Dean was kind enough to stop by South f or a cup of coffee (he takes it black) and a chat about his new role. Quick-witted, self-effacing and gracious (not to mention a good sport during our outdoor photo shoot on an unusually chilly October morning) he opened up about the prognosis f or Southern’s College of Business and the impact he sees his students making in the world.

SOUTH MAGAZINE: What made you decide to come to Georgia Southern?

DEAN AMASON: The opportunity. I found, as the department chair, that I rather enjoyed living vicariously through the success of others, if you will. As a professor, you’re measured and evaluated and derive your satisf action f rom your own productivity: research, teaching, that sort of thing. As a department chair, you spend so much time on administration that you have less time for your own research and you do less teaching, but you have a chance to make the place better. And I found I rather enjoyed that. So it seemed a natural step to try and apply the same philosophy to a whole college, and Georgia Southern seemed the right college.

SM: What are some of your goals for the college of business?

DA: I would like to have the college of business be amongst the f irst option f or good students and good faculty looking for a place to go. So all the programs, all the things that the f aculty and administration and I try to implement will be targeted towards that, first

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and foremost. We’re going to push more heavily into Savannah in an effort to increase our footprint and impact here.

SM: Why Savannah?

DA: The market is here; the university is there. But we’re not that f ar away. It seems to me that as a business school, especially, our obligation is to go where the market is; to try and have some impact there and to try and use that impact to increase our advocacy f or our students in Statesboro. So what I would hope through these initiatives in Savannah is that our Georgia Southern brand and the brand of the college of business becomes more respected, more prominent, more sought af ter and that creates a pathway for our undergraduates who are housed in Statesboro, to find internships, to find jobs and to find a network of people that they can plug into for support.

SM: What does that expansion into Savannah look like?

DA: We’ll be expanding our MBA program here, changing the format to make it a little more

user-friendly. We’re going to adopt what’s known as a professional MBA model with classes that don’t run on a traditional semester schedule, but on a modular schedule of 10 or 12 weeks.

We’ll be using more technology to provide more fl xibility for working professionals. We’re going to be trying to complement that with some other programs: a speaker series and some other outreach efforts that we’ll do at our facility here in town. And we hope to be doing a little more executive education and continuing education here, as well, on things that f it our strength right now.

SM: In terms of your student body, what do you think are some key components for undergraduates, graduates, even working professionals in the new MBA program to getting the most out of their time at Georgia Southern?

DA: I would say aspiration is really important.

What I would like to see them seeing is the opportunity. I am from McIntosh County, Georgia.

My undergraduate degree is f rom Georgia Southern. If I can be successful, any student at Georgia Southern can be equally successf ul if not more so. A little bit of confidence, a little bit of upward-sloping aspirations, a little bit of tenacity goes a long way. But it’s something that we cannot give them, [it’s something] they have to pick up and take.

SM: If you had to sell Georgia Southern in just a short phrase to a student who might be considering going to another college, what would you say?

DA: I described this to a prominent alumnus in Atlanta at a dinner recently: “We do stuff.”

It’s not just about how many articles you publish, how many students you graduate or even how prominent those students may be.

What our students are known for, what our philosophy is, what we hope we instill in people is the idea that your value derives from what you do. So, we do stuff. And hopef ully we do it a little better than others.

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A LITTLE BIT OF TENACITY GOES A LONG WAY.

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M EN FOUR SAVANNAH ATHLETES ON WHAT IT TAKES TO COMPETE IN ONE OF THE MOST GRUELING COMPETITIONS ON THE PLANET —Rhianna Van Helton 78

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“May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back.

Now go out and have the best day of your life,” echoes a voice over the sound system. U2‘s “It’s a Beautiful Day”pipes through the air and the anticipation of what lies ahead is palpable as contestants bounce excitedly in Mirror Lake. Then, a gun fires and thousands of bodies pound the water like a thousand fish swimming upstream.

It’s the swim start of the 2012 Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon, and four of those fish, swimming for their lives on this July day in the Adirondacks are a long way from the sweet marsh waters of their coastal Georgia home.

Savannah’s very own Ironmen—Matt Grill, Chris Klein, Tim Dare, and Corey Stanley—met during mutual athletic pursuits in town. One thing led to another and before they knew it, all were signed up for the hardest race on the planet. They began as workout buddies, training together for an entire year; but they finished the race, life-long friends.

An Ironman challenge consists of three parts: swimming, biking, and running. What sets it apart from a regular triathlon is the Ultra Distance of each leg, beginning with a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and finishing with a marathon length run of 26.2 miles.

Corey Stanley, a physician’s assistant at Southern Urgent Care, grew up playing soccer and felt confident in his ability to do that kind of long distance run. “If you have an athletic background, it makes training for an Ironman a little more feasible.” Stanley agrees. “If you do it by yourself, it’s not nearly as fun.”

Speaking with all four men over the phone individually—trying to organize a sit down interview with two physician’s assistants, a dentist, and a lawyer is a herculean feat in and of itself—they were eerily in sync with their answers, especially in regards to the importance of preparing for a race.

➼

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"Preparation itself is very time consuming,” says Chris Klein, an attorney at Klein Law Group. “Do your homework so you understand the diet, rest, and exercise routine. Pace yourself and allow for enough time to train properly.”

Matt Grill, a Southern transplant from Michigan and dentist at Coastal Dentistry, was an accomplished cyclist and swimmer before training, but confesses that he had never run more than five miles at a time before signing up for the race. “It was a daunting experience to say the least, but it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do. One of those bucket list things,” Grill laughs.

The men are split down the middle when asked which leg of the race they consider hardest. “The sheer hours you spend on the bike are probably the hardest part,” says Stanley. “Give or take, it’s about six hours to ride 112 miles. It’s not that you’re physically tired, but mentally, being by yourself for that long is just really boring.”

Grill agrees. “In upstate New York, there are a lot of hills, and that was hard to train for because here in Savannah, we don’t have any hills. It doesn’t matter how many miles you put in when you’re biking flat surfaces.”

Dare and Klein believe that the third leg of the 26mile marathon is the most grueling. “The run is last and at the end of the day so the general fatigue makes it more difficult. You lose your form, and everything deteriorates from there,” says Dare.

To prepare for the hilly landscape of the Adirondack Mountains, the workout buddies would run up and down parking garages in Savannah.

Whether training for a 5k or a marathon, these world-class athletes are full of advice and useful tips on how to ready one’s self for race day.

“Educate yourself on the race itself and understand what you’re getting involved in, and if you can, get a coach,” says Dare.

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you’re feeling helps too. The last thing you want to do on race day is show up nursing an injury,” says Grill.

According to Klein, setting goals will help you turn the next corner of a training trajectory. “I encourage everybody to set a goal a little outside their comfort range.”

Matt Grill believes a change of scenery helps knock out the cobwebs of a stagnant exercise routine. “If you think you’re going to train on a treadmill at home, you’ve lost your mind,” he explains. “You can get excited about a workout when you’re doing three miles at Lake Mayer or Isle of Hope.”

And a little f riendly competition among f riends doesn’t hurt either. “We have a little inside joke that even if we’re on a treadmill, we’re still racing; but during an Ironman, at that distance, you don’t have to win. Just finishing feels good,” says Dare.

The men are quick to acknowledge their loved ones and the community members who have helped them during their journey. They are especially grateful to Coach Ryan Williams (who passed away recently) and Ernie Ledesma—a physical therapist at Ledesma Sports Medicine who graciously allowed the triathletes to train inside his facility during the winter months.

“It takes a village to get someone to the Ironman finish for sure,” say Klein.

Finisher’s Medals aside, these Ironmen are quick to tell me the real prize they took home.

“By far, the best part was being able to work together with my buddies towards this goal. We did it as a group,” says Klein. “When I was running marathons, I thought doing a Ironman would be totally insane, but a group of guys working towards the same goal made it enjoyable and achievable.”

“I feel like I got four life f riends out of the deal,” concludes Grill. “The benefi of friendship was the best thing about the whole experience.”

With the Mont-Tremblant, Quebec Ironman just around the corner in August of 2014, these ultra athletes are taking friendship to the next level.

Run for Your Life IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO LAKE PLACID IN 2014, GIVE ONE OF OUR AREA’S RACES A GO IN THE NEW YEAR.

JANUARY 4, 2014

Yates Astro Resolution Race 5K Trail Run / Walk Bethesda Academy, fl etfeetsavannah. com. Held at the beautiful Bethesda Academy Campus near Isle of Hope, the proceeds from this trail run provide aid to the boys of Bethesda Academy.

JANUARY 11, 2014

Ledesma Sports Medicine Rails to Trails Ultra (5K, 10K, 25k and 50k) at McQueen’s Island Historic Rails to Trails. ultrasignup.com. Starting at Fort Pulaski, this rails to trail ultra length race supports the restoration and maintenance of the old track that was once the historic Savannah/Atlantic railroad line to Tybee Island and instrumental in Fort Pulaski’s survival during the Civil War. Now converted into a rustic, scenic running trail, this six-mile long path runs the length of Highway 80 and is often in need of repair due to tide erosion.

JANUARY 18, 2014

Soled Out 5K Thunderbolt, active.com. Providing continued support for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti, the Soled Out 5K is a part of the organization REBUILD.

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Q A P h o to g r a p h s B y M E L I S DA I N O N & A LV I N N G U Y E N

Elizabeth Mitchell

SOU T H SAYS HOW DY TO OU R AUST IN, T E X A S N EIGHBOR , ACT R E SS E L I Z A B ET H M I TCH E L L TO CH AT A BOU T HER L AT E ST ROL E , HER SOU T HER N L IF E A N D HOW SHE STAYS SO DA NG F I T ST I R L I NG K E L SO

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SOUTHERN STA R

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It’s no wonder that E li zabeth M itch e ll feels right at home in Revolution’s post-apocalyptic world: The NBC drama series is filmed in Texas, her native stomping grounds. We sat down with the Emmy-nominated actress to chat about her string of strong female roles (the understated Dr. Juliet Burke from Lost, anyone?), her Lone Star State roots and her real life secret weapons—yoga and green juice.

South magazine: Welcome back

to Texas, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth Mitch ell: Thank you!

I love being here. My parents are in Dallas so it’s great to be close to them.

SM: To get started, tell me a little bit about your character Rachel Matheson, a mother and scientist on Revolution. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world. How do you identify with the character?

EM: Rachel is a little difficult for me because she herself has such a hard time being the person she wants to be on an emotional level. That’s very sad for her. It’s not dissimilar to people who are highly intelligent but who act like 15- or 17-year-olds socially. I think her intellect is fun—it’s fun to walk around with a brain like that. Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m not a fan of the fact that she kills everyone.

SM: Rachel also saves people.

EM: I think her whole original goal

was to save people. That was her identity and it was taken away, and if you’re not the hero then you’re the anti-hero. Everything she does fails.

She lost her son. What she’s gone through is almost unimaginable.

SM: Who do you enjoy watching work

on set?

EM: Billy Burke (Miles Matheson)

and David Lyons (“Bass” Monroe) are very good at stunts. Recently, they went an entire hour sword fighting without stunt doubles or anything. I was on the sidelines

cheering, “That was great!” I felt like a soccer mom.

SM: Revolution is filmed in Austin.

Do you feel like you’ve become acquainted with the city while working here?

EM: My work schedule is very busy, but I try. I ride my bike places. I have one of those old-fashioned bikes with a basket in the front. I’m the resident dork. When Billy (Burke) sees it, he always goes, “Come on!” It’s funny.

SM: Austin has a lot of hills, so that must be a good workout.

EM: I’m a big believer in working out. The harder a workout is, the more I feel like I chose the right thing to do. I think you have the body that you make. Sometimes it’s fun to make it strong and sometimes it’s fun to make it feminine by eating a lot of cupcakes. I’m in a strong phase right now; six months ago, I was in a cupcake phase.

SM: What else do you do to stay fit?

EM: I’ve been very into yoga lately.

Black Swan Yoga (blackswanyoga. com) here in Austin is my absolute favorite place. It’s donation only! I go every day and when I can’t go, I do their routine at home.

SM: What are a few of your top restaurants in Austin?

EM: I spend most of the time with my son CJ when I’m not working.

We’ve gone to Uchi, which he loves because he gets to cook meat on a

rock. He thinks that’s the coolest thing that ever happened, and I’m happy because I get to eat sushi.

I also get a farm delivery box from Johnson’s Backyard Garden. They deliver fresh produce and eggs to me every weekend. I just can’t believe all of the great foods that come out of Texas!

SM: What are some of your favorite items from JBG? EM: Kale is one of my favorite vegetables, though it’s hard to eat a lot of it. I massage the leaves with olive oil and put them in the fridge to crisp up. Then I make a sea salt and balsamic reduction and add cherry tomatoes.

SM: So a number of the characters

you’ve played over the last several years—Dr. Juliet Burke on Lost, FBI agent Erica Evans on V and now Rachel Matheson on Revolution—are strong, smart women. When you address these roles, who do you draw inspiration from?

EM: I’m a huge lover of Emma Thompson. She’s funny and kind and smart. She was absolutely brilliant in her adaptation of Sense and Sensibility (1995). I think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen, in a lyrical, soft way.

The women I find beautiful are invariably over 50. I don’t know why.

I think I’m drawn to their experience. About 20 years ago, Jessica Lange said, “Just when you figure out what you’re doing, they don’t want to hire you anymore.” That’s

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no longer the case for women today, and I think that’s very exciting.

SM: What do you admire about Texas women in

particular?

EM: They’re feminine but there’s also this strength

there. I remember when I fell in love with my first boyfriend. I didn’t fall in love so much with him as much as I did his mom. She was so cool. I just wanted to hang out with her all the time. He’d say, "Hey, come over here,” and I’d say, "Hold on, your mom and I are talking!" [laughs] SM: You went to Booker T. Washington High School for

One producer calls me the velvet hammer. I’m a big fan of politeness, but I also think as women we have to be very careful to set our boundaries.

the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas. Are there any acting lessons f rom that time that you still draw f rom?

EM: Discipline. I was really undisciplined in high school. The school rewarded students that worked hard, not just those that were the most talented. That taught me a great work ethic.

SM: Do you think your Southern roots give you a

competitive edge in Hollywood?

EM: One producer calls me the velvet hammer. I’m a

big fan of politeness, but I also think as women we have to be very caref ul to set our boundaries. I think you can do that in a good way: People treat you the way you set yourself up to be treated. A sense of manners goes a long way. That was drilled into me as a kid.

SM: Who was the manners guru in your family?

EM: My dad. We looked people in the eyes and shook

their hands, said our pleases and thank yous. I think it’s very southern to make someone feel as if they are the only person in the room when you talk to them.

SM: What’s next for you?

EM: That’s a good question. I’ve been reading a book

and I’m trying to get the rights for it. So that might be what’s next for me. I can’t say much more right now.

SM: What other books are on your nightstand?

EM: I read a few books every week. I’m currently read-

ing This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz; Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne; Laurie B. Arnold’s Hello There, We’ve Been Waiting for You!; and The Expats by Chris Pavone, among others.

SM: What advice do you have for women who are

pursing acting today?

EM: No matter the field, I would say support other

women. The women you support in your youth are going to be the ones who will be directing you or producing your work in the future. So be kind, always—and be kind to yourself.

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Gunz & God

THIS MAN IS THE REAL DEAL. HIS APPROACH TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THAT INTEGRATES MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT IS NOT SOMETHING HE IS SELLING; IT IS SOMETHING HE IS LIVING.

BY PAULA S. FOGARTY • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JABBERPICS/MIKE FORCE

The world of competitive bodybuilding can seem daunting to the average person on the street. Sitting down with Savannah’s International body building champion, Rodney “Gunz” Helaire, makes this world and its practices much more approachable.

Helaire defies the stereotypes of most pumped-up muscle men and at first his loaded “gunz” are intimidating. Perhaps even Michelangelo would have been challenged to sculpt such sinews. Yet his gentle, well-spoken manner is disarming as he tells his story.

As a world champion, Helaire is something of a spiritual warrior who confronts adversity gratefully and inspires his clients to do the same when they engage his training at his two RH Fitness locations in Pooler and 88

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Swainsboro.

A Pineville, Louisiana native and middle child of eight in a single-parent family, Helaire became the man of his family at an early age and accepted his responsibility honorably through the mentoring of church elders.

“I was baptized at seven and was on the streets evangelizing with the elders right away” he said. “This kept me out of trouble and on a solid path. If more kids today had that kind of mentoring, the world would be a better place. Rejoice when trials come, and rejoice when things are great. It may sound simple, but we really can do anything we puts our minds to,” he added.

His twelve years of service as an army combat medic steeled Helaire for his future

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RODNEY IS AVAILABLE FOR PERSONAL TRAINING IN ADDITION TO HIS CLASSES. CONTACT HIM AT R&H FITNESS 912.925.6996

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as a championship bodybuilder. The moment he decided to go on stage in the unique theater of competitive bodybuilding was after a 1995 Ironman competition in Colorado where he placed first in the lightweight division. He earned his International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness (INBF) pro card in 2003, and since then Helaire has earned seven World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) titles. These positions were not easily secured, as he faced arch-rivals and physical setbacks that would have made most men throw in their thong.

Not unlike the WWE rivalry between The Rock and John Cena, Rodney “Gunz” Helaire faced Ben “The Bull” Tennessen three times in legendary arm-lock contests before defeating him in 2007. “The Bull” has not been seen on the stage since then.

The evangelical spirit of “we shall overcome” drove “Gunz” through not one, but two hip replacements in 2010 and 2012 to come out again on top of his game after recovery. “It was totally idiopathic,” he says.

The pain started in his knees, which were compensating for his deteriorating hips.

After his right hip replacement, Helaire

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recovered in an astounding nine-and-a-half months and went on to win the pro title in New York. After his left hip replacement, he recovered in a mind-boggling four-anda-half months and took the place of second runner-up in Switzerland.

“You can’t let mistakes and setbacks dictate your future,” Helaire asserts. “I am living proof that you can do anything you put your mind to.” His approach to a healthy lifestyle that integrates mind, body, and spirit is not something he is selling; it is something he is living.

So what of performance-enhancing drugs? It is hard to believe that he achieved his Adonis-like physique without them.

“Those drugs are only about size,” Helaire says. “People get caught up in size, and they are not bodybuilding for the love of the sport or a healthy lifestyle.” The banned substance list for natural bodybuilding competitions is long. Athletes must be free of banned substances and hormones for seven years before being able to compete.

On a competition weekend, athletes take a polygraph test on Friday, and a urine test if they place first.

Helaire is no dieter either. He eats the same year round, whether or not he is training for competition. His staple food is ground turkey, every day, even though the tryptophan in the meat can cause fatigue.

“That is just another reason to work out more,” he says. Green beans, fish, chicken, and rice for carbs join turkey on Helaire’s regular menu. His day begins consistently with a protein and fruit shake with apples and peaches. It is fast, easy, and he says it kick starts the digestive process for the day.

“Gunz” takes on clients of all ages and degrees of fitness for both competition and personal training at his RH Fitness gyms.

His competition clients obviously have strict diets, as he says, “They are eating to grow, so it is mostly protein and water.”

One of his competition clients, Cassy Langley, graced the cover of South magazine’s April/May 2012 Adventure issue. She started training with Helaire in Jan 2011 and began competing in the swimsuit division, but got a little too hard, so she moved up to the figure division, where judges look for more muscularity. In her last show, Langley took first in her division and first

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overall. She received WNBF pro card in July.

“Rodney is a great person and very humble,” Langley says. “He took me under his wing. He does it because he loves it. I have had some rough spots competing, and he has really encouraged me.”

Langley’s first pro show will be the WNBF at Savannah Country Day School on March 22. Helaire is heading up the competition.

For the average person looking to get into a naturally fit lifestyle, Helaire teaches classes at RH Fitness ranging from Bootcamp and Abs, to Toning, Step and Zumba—on top of his regular training.

“I never run out of energy. I coach people of all levels of fitness, but I have to perform at the top level in all classes to encourage the fittest,” he notes. “But I never get tired.”

In addition to his packed schedule, Helaire also serves as the WNBF head judge for Canada and where he is also a guest poser. He has such a following of fans that even when he is a judge he must strip down for the audience.

Some superficial oddities of competitive bodybuilding include tanning and hair removal. “Gunz” uses tanning crème to even his skin tone before going on stage and his

“HE TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING. HE DOES IT BECAUSE HE LOVES IT. I HAVE HAD SOME ROUGH SPOTS COMPETING, AND HE HAS REALLY ENCOURAGED ME.” – CASSY LANGLEY, PRO COMPETITOR

hair removal remedy is shaving, although others wax or choose electrolysis. This is all an effort to highlight sculpted muscle and to lend a Leonardo-like chiaroscuro to the human form.

Mind over matter, form meeting substance,

faithful perseverance, and embracing a healthy lifestyle are at the heart of Rodney “Gunz” Helaire’s philosophy. So what is missing? Attention ladies! He still has not found that soul mate that will accompany his amazing journey through life.

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SUPERHEROES OF THE SOUTH

b y J I M S T O N E W I T H F R A N K S U L KOW S K I P h o t o s : R OX Y ( R OX I F Y S T U D I O . C O M ) I l l u s t r a t i o n / C o m p o s i t i n g : M A D I E G A B L E S A N D J E S S I C A W E I S S O F T Y TA N C R E AT E S / R OX I F Y S T U D I O

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here is nothing that represents the soul and energy of the South better than Friday night under the lights. The stadiums are packed to capacity from Vidalia to Hilton head, Stateboro to Savannah. Generations of loyal fans come to watch hometown heroes do battle with their rivals. The cheers roar and radiate out from the bleachers on every big play. On the field, young men transform themselves.

They learn valuable life lessons about teamwork, discipline, dealing with adversity, perseverance, decisiveness, honor, and, maybe most importantly, how to grind it out when things get tough. They learn that true character is illuminated when tested. Every player that has strapped on a helmet and had those butterflies in their stomach before that first play knows the feeling. It's a rite of passage: Testing yourself against the best. A chance to show all the hard work and countless hours of weights, drills, and practice have paid off. And in rare cases for the uber talented and very determined... to go from local hero to superhero and a chance to make it big.

I asked sportscasting icon Frank—“The Big Guy”­— Sulkowski to help select three young men to represent the All-Star team in a special photo shoot and to share with me his thoughts on these players. The players selected for our superhero shoot were Calvary Day’s Milan Richard, Richmond Hill’s Nick Fitzgerald and Benedictine’s Brad Stewart.

Richard is headed to Clemson, Fitzgerald to Mississippi State and Stewart still has another year but is considered one of the area's top recruiting prospects. Here’s what the Big Guy had to say about these three.

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• MILAN RICHARD (above) Calvary Day School senior “It’s safe to say football is in his blood. Calvary Day senior tight end Milan Richard is the nephew of former University of Georgia legend Herschel Walker. However, Milan will not be following in his uncle’s footsteps by playing between the hedges in Athens. The big tight end has already verbally committed to play football at Clemson University. While he’s already hauled in plenty of passes and honors at Calvary Day, the largest coming late this summer when he was selected to play in the upcoming Semper Fidelis All-American High School Bowl. As a junior, Milan was named GHSA Class A All-State.”

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NICK FITZGERALD Richmond Hill High senior

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will hit the books and gridiron at the next level. As a senior, Fitzgerald has accounted for more than 1,700 yards of offense and 32 touchdowns for the Wildcats. As a junior, Fitzgerald was a wide receiver for the Wildcats and needless to say, the transition was a smooth one. Fitzgerald helped guide Richmond Hill to 9-1 record in the regular season. The Wildcats would also advance to the GHSA Class AAAAA playoffs. The highlight of Fitzgerald’s senior campaign was being named the Enmark Player of the Week back in October. He was honored for accounting for seven touchdowns in a 47-28 win over Glynn Academy.”

• NICK FITZGERALD Richmond Hill High senior “Nick Fitzgerald is just days away from becoming an SEC football player. The Richmond Hill senior signal caller will enroll early at Mississippi State, where he

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• BRAD STEWART (LEFT) Benedictine junior “Benedictine’s Brad Stewart is Mr. Versatile. The three-sport standout shines in football, basketball and baseball for the Cadets. Stewart plays wide receiver, defensive back and kick returner for head coach Danny Britt. As a sophomore, Stewart would haul in 40 catches for 722

yards and 13 touchdowns. He would also intercept four passes. But, Stewart has not slowed down this season. While helping lead Benedictine to an undefeated 10-0 regular season, Stewart scored ten more touchdowns and collected over 700 yards receiving. The future looks bright for Stewart. He is on the radar of major college football and baseball programs across the Southeast.”

The Enmark High School Football All-Star Team is comprised of the areas top athletes.

The honored players were selected from teams across Southeast Georgia and Southeast South Carolina. Enmark teamed with WJCL/Fox Sports Director, Frank “The Big Guy ” Sulkowski to help put together the program and criteria to select this years team. ESPN radio is also a sponsor of the team and adds their expertise, media reach and prestige to the award.

For a complete list of the Enmark All-Stars, visit southmagazine.com

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FOR SOME KIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES, SOCCER IS LIFE. IS IT GENETICS, LUCK OF THE DRAW OR DEDICATION AND HARD WORK? JEREMY AVEN OF STORM SOCCER ACADEMY KNOWS IT'S THE LATTER. AND HIS PROGRAM IS PRODUCING THE ATHLETES TO PROVE IT. CLARK BYRON H PHOTOGR APHY BY DANNY GRIFFIN/MICHAEL BROOKS 96

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CURRENTLY, STORM SOCCER HAS OVER 35 YOUNG ATHLETES WHO ARE ON THEIR RESPECTIVE STATE LEVEL TEAMS IN GEORGIA OR SOUTH CAROLINA. STATE LEVEL PLAY OCCURS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

WALKING ACROSS THE VAST expanse of the Jennifer Ross

Soccer Complex on Sallie Mood Drive in the middle of the afternoon, the eight fields lie empty, quietly awaiting the impending stampede of spirited young athletes. In an hour or so, some of the fine t young soccer players in the area will converge on the site.

On field number 3 a lone figure near the dugout places orange cones and other brightly colored markers in preparation for the af ternoon’s training session. The man is Coach Jeremy Aven, f ounder and director of coaching at Storm Soccer Academy in Savannah.

Founded in 2010 as Savannah Soccer Academy, Aven changed the name because the academy had quickly grown to serve young players in the Hilton Head area as well. Today, just four short years later, Storm Soccer Academy has grown from 70 to over 700 students. The academy has f ive f ull-time staf f ers, all of whom are highly trained and licensed soccer coaches, as well as over 15 parttime coaches and trainers with similar credentials.

What makes Storm Soccer so remarkable? An unmatched commitment to excellence. “When we started four years ago, our main objective was to cater to kids who were at a very elite level who were not getting the soccer experience they needed at the elite end,” says Aven. “We’re catering to the 25 percent of kids that say, ‘I love soccer and all I want to do is soccer. I want to train every single day. If I can get on the national team, how do I get there? If I can go play f or Duke or UNC or UCLA, how do I do it? Can someone put me in an environment where I can at least have an opportunity to do it?’”

Skill level and age are taken into account when placing a player within one of the academy’s teams. “There are a number of teams at Storm Soccer for each age group,” says Aven. “We have some kids who play up an age group. It’s not necessarily all kids

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their age. We break up kids by ability more so than we do just age or gender. If we have a kid who’s really good, we give him or her an opportunity to play against older, stronger, better players.”

Currently, Storm Soccer has over 35 young athletes that are on their respective state level teams in Georgia or South Carolina. State level play occurs under the auspices of the Olympic Development Program (ODP). Every state has its own Olympic Development Program run by the principal youth soccer authority in that state, in this case, Georgia Soccer in Atlanta. Each kid can try out for his or her particular age group of the ODP. Of one team of 14 Storm Soccer boys ages 13-14, all but two made the state ODP team for their age group. Four have graduated to the Region Pool of 50 to 60 players from which the best 18 are chosen to comprise the Region Team. Region—in this instance, Region 3—denotes a national region of eleven contiguous states. Three of Aven’s four Region Pool qualifiers were selected to the 18-player Region Team.

The team travels to various parts of the country to play other region teams comprised of the best 18 kids from their regions of the United States.

Another program run by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) consists of district training centers in major metropolitan areas throughout the country. Only the best youth players are invited for the purpose of hand-picking kids for a National Team. Since July 2013, ten of Aven’s best players have been invited to be candidates at the USSF event at the National Training Center in Atlanta.

So, how does one train a talented youth soccer player to become an elite one? Looking at the Academy’s curriculum gives us a window into the method and the madness—or rather, genius. In two areas of the curriculum, juggling and fast footwork, we see these years-long training regimens teaching players how to manipulate a soccer ball in ways non-players might never dream possible.

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TOP TALENT Juggling the ball with the feet is an effecti e way for a player to improve a player’s ball control skills from his or her fir t contact with the ball onward. Juggling develops a player’s ability to strike the ball with the laces/inside of the foot, as well as the player’s balance, coordination, proprioception (the ability to sense and control dif f erent parts of the body at the same time), overall fitness and focus. Juggling requires many hours of practice to reach the highest levels. The dedication to the development of these skills is vital to become an expert in ball control. Players at Storm begin juggling at 6 years old.

Players on each team are tested every two weeks by a coach to determine whether he or she is ready to move on to the next level. The f ir t thing they learn is the “bounce juggle” move.

Then after passing a bounce juggle test that requires 100 consecutive juggles with the ball never touching the ground, they can move on to “all surf aces” juggling phases. At the highest level, an athlete will be able to juggle a ball 60 yards in 12 seconds withou tthe ball touching the ground. Storm staf f spends considerable time training juggling. It is an extremely efficien way to acquire more touches for each player. Players cultivate a high level of f ocus because they are driven to pass their test and move on to juggling from the next surface, be it their foot, knee, leg,

➔ ALLIE RATHBUN: 13 years old, playing since age 8. In soccer, Allie plays right forward or right back. She has made the Region 3 pool for her age group. They chose a select number— about 40 people from all 11 states, which was about 500 people ➔ SAUL & RAUL TINOCO, twins: 14 years old.

Both started playing soccer at age 4. The Tinoco family moved to Pooler from Vidalia specifically for Storm Soccer Academy. Both boys made the region pool of 60 players—30 players from each of the 11 states contended. The twins were two of five from Storm Soccer to make the region pool—the most of any club in Savannah. “These two are amazing, both as kids and as players,” says Jeremy Aven.

or head, and various combinations of each.

Another part of the curriculum, “f ast f ootwork,” is a Storm Soccer Academy staple. The program trains players to have great composure and conf idence with the ball. Storm coaches employ a series of fast footwork ball movements that are incorporated into weekly training sessions to enhance comfort level with the ball. When perfected over time, fast footwork skills enable a player to def eat the ef f orts of individual and multiple defenders.

Aven and Executive Director Brad Nein created Sweet Feet to serve children ages 3-6 in

schools, preschools, day schools, in after-school programs. The program teaches basic soccer skills and movements. It started with seven to ten kids participating. In just a short time, that number has ballooned to over 300.

Aven emphasizes the importance of training youth soccer parents, as well as youth soccer players. “We start early and we educate often,” he says. “In the world that we’re in at the very, very competitive level, it gets kind of crazy with coaches and parents that only want to win, and development gets thrown out the window."

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"What we're all about is creating a positive environment where kids can develop appropriately. It's difficul thing to do in this age of youth sports. It’s about constantly educating and re-educating parents. They’re the ones who are the driving force on everything.

Kids can fall right in line, but parents normally cause the biggest problems.” says Aven.

When Aven’s staff sends email reminders of the weekend play schedule or a synopsis of the weekend’s play results, the email also includes conspicuously-placed tag lines on what a parent’s role is and what is appropriate parental behavior while attending a game; for example, parents do not referee or coach from the sideline. “We tell them that their job is to cheer on their child and other children in a positive manner,” he says. “Being a [soccer] parent means loving your kid, putting them in a program you trust is the right program, that the staff knows what they’re doing and I’m going to leave it to them.” Aven says that often parents in other youth soccer environments don’t trust. “They don’t know if they’ve made a good decision, and so they try to micromanage every piece of their kid’s experience. We just hammer it home, week after week, month after month, year af ter year,” says Aven. Storm of f ers soccer parent seminars about behavior, properly supporting their children’s soccer experience, what college coaches are looking for, and other subjects.

Aven makes no bones about the fact that it is expensive to attend Storm Soccer Academy. However, though Storm is a for-profit entity, Aven says they do a lot of fundraising through another nonprofit organization so that the Academy can provide scholarships.

Aven says that, to date, more than $90,000 in scholarships have

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➼ Brad Nein: Chief Executive Of f icer, Jeremy Aven: Director of Coaching, Miguel Lopez: Senior Staff Coach been awarded. “We don’t turn anybody away if they’re good enough to get in the door ability-wise,” says Aven. “We want to help them find their way and realize their dreams regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

If soccer is a big part of your youngster’s dream and you want the best shot at seeing that dream fulfilled, contact Storm Soccer right away. For more inf ormation, see them online at stormsocceracademy.com.

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➔ THE GUITERREZ FAMILY'S SOCCER TRAILS

A COMMITMENT TO HEALTHY SPORTSMANSHIP FOR THEIR GIRLS

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Giancarlo and Michelle Gutierrez from Statesboro,

Georgia have their three daughters, Isabella (13), Helen (10), and Vivianna (8), on the road continuously as little warriors in competitive soccer tournaments. As participants in the Savannah based Storm Soccer Academy, these girls travel as far as Greenville, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida for tournaments. A former soccer coach himself, Giancarlo Gutierrez says, “The technical training they’re learning at the Academy is what really drew me to Storm. Also, learning a team sport, competition, good sportsmanship, how to act appropriately, and putting the technical training to use in the games--you can literally see it.”

Jeremy Aven, the head coach at the Storm Academy is known for his encouraging, collaborative coaching techniques and Michelle Gutierrez says, “We love Jeremy’s philosophy of working with the players individually to increase each one’s ability. With the coaches making it so much fun, my children never complain about having to go to practice. They complain when they can’t go to practice for some other reason!” The Gutierrez family has gone as far as buying an additional vehicle for their soccer activities, but they see it as an important developmental activity for their girls on many levels. Ultimately, Michelle says, “We are just a crazy soccer family!”

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“This is about the girls; helping them to focus on themselves. We're giving them their own strength, power and independence.�

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A TIME OF GOOD CHEER

CH EERLEADI NG GURU, FITNE S S ENTHUS IA ST AND NFL MOM STEPHANI E BRITT I S D E F Y I N G C O N V E N T I O N A N D E M P OW E R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F S AVA N N A H ’ S G I R L S , O N E T O E T O U C H AT A T I M E .

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LET’S BEGIN BY

stating the obvious: Stephanie Britt is adorable. A petite powerhouse with great hair, a figure to die for and a fierce sense of style—not to mention a South Georgia accent that is almost too charming for words—Britt is also, in a word, defiant. Physically, the 36 yearold mother of three defies her age. Professionally, she defied the odds by building Cheer Savannah, a cheerleading empire in a community that didn’t know what competitive cheer was 14 years ago.

Stephanie Britt is more than just another pretty face.

“I think you’re born with some innate personality traits,” she says. “My mom has this picture of me when I was four with my pom-poms—I was the mascot for the varsity team.

I love supporting.”

Britt grew up in South Georgia, an upbringing she describes as “very rural, very modest. Some could say ‘poor,’ and I’d be fine with that.” There wasn’t much to do in her town growing up except cheer. “I was passionate about it and studied it,” she remembers. “In math, everybody else is doodling, I’m drawing formations on my grid. I was a captain, All-American. I was successful at it. I think anything you’re successful at, you like.”

Britt was so skilled as a cheerleader that she used her “God-given gift” to help put her through college. She landed a job coaching middle school cheerleaders in Statesboro while she attended Georgia Southern University. Her work with the middle school led to a gig coaching gymnastics at the GSU gymnastics center. “Then the Georgia Southern cheerleaders wanted me to make up their dances. So I did their choreography.” She points out that she never imagined cheerleading as a career. “I thought I was going to go on to college and be a businesswoman of some sort.”

After college, Britt got married, and she and her husband, Danny, moved to Savannah for his job as a football coach at Calvary Day School. When the camp that was hired to coach Calvary’s cheerleaders that year backed out, a nine-months pregnant Britt stepped up to the plate. “That’s how it started. I started working with the Calvary cheerleaders

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and we got really good. I went to the school and I said, ‘I want to take them to compete.’” The school said no. Britt was undeterred.

“We couldn’t do it through the school, so I put an ad in the Savannah Morning News,” she says. “‘Anybody interested in competitive cheerleading, show up at a meeting.’ And so 24 girls and their mamas showed up. I let all 24 make it, and that was how Cheer Savannah started.”

Never mind the fact that Cheer Savannah’s first squad had zero cheerleading experience.

Britt and the girls trained hard and won their first competition in Orlando.

Preparedness and tenacity aside, Britt attributes much of her success to being in the right place at the right time. “We happened to win our f irst competition,” she explains.

“American Cheerleader Magazine happened to be there. They interviewed us, put us in their magazine. The next year we were [one of the] top 25 programs in the country. We got noticed, so I was asked to be on the national judging panel. Just all these right time, right places.”

Her empire was well on its way only two years after that first win in Orlando.

“We just kept winning, kept doing things dif ferently, kept having success our way. We were never the most difficult, because we didn’t have any experience, so we focused on chore-

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C H E E R S AVA N N A H P R O V I D E S F I V E L E V E L S O F A L L - S TA R COM PETITIVE CH E E RLEA DI NG TO GI RLS AGE S 5 TO 18. TH E AT H L E T E S , A B O V E , P O S E I N T H E I R P R A C T I C E U N I F O R M S AT T H E C H E E R S AVA N N A H G Y M .

ography, dance, amazing costumes, being perfect, and flair and entertainment value.”

It was a winning combination. Thirteen years later, Britt and her team coach over 500 athletes, ages 5-18 at the Cheer Savannah gym in Pooler and with area middle and high school squads.

Cheer Savannah is among roughly 25% of gyms in the country to coach levels 1-5 at the competitive, or All-Star, level. Cheer Savannah's Senior Level 5 team has made it to the World Finals competition, and Britt is proud to report that several of her former athletes are now cheering on scholarship at Division I colleges.

“When I moved to Savannah 15 years ago, there was no competitive cheer. None,” she says, almost incredulous. She attributes a combination of the need with her own youthful enthusiasm for getting Cheer Savannah off the ground.

“I was able to think outside the box. I didn’t know enough to be guarded. I was young and stupid, so I thought, ‘I’m gonna do whatever I want to do. I’m not going to be held by any peer pressure to follow within these restraints.'”

Britt plans to open a brand new, much larger Cheer Savannah facility in Pooler in 2014.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Of the hundreds of athletes Britt and her husband have coached, Britt’s f avorites are her children. Daughters Southern, 15, and Saylor,

BRITT PHOTOGRAPHED WITH HER ADOPTED SON, DEMARCUS ( C E N T E R ) W H O N O W P L AY S F O R S A N F R A N C I S C O 4 9 e r s A N D K N O W S H O N M O R E N O , U G A F O O T B A L L S TA R W H O I S C U R R E N T LY P L AY I N G W I T H T H E D E N V E R B R O N C O S .

“We just kept winning, kept doing things differently, kept having success our way.”

13, are polar opposites with one thing in common: they’re both excellent cheerleaders.

“They’re very conservative, very spiritual, very grounded in their faith,” Britt says proudly. And both girls are on the Senior Level 5 team at Cheer Savannah.

“My youngest baby is 13,” Britt gushes. “Her name is Saylor and she’s my mini-me. She’s so incredibly compassionate and kind, giving and loving. She’s a great cheerleader, and that’s her passion.”

Britt’s oldest daughter, Southern, is 14 and takes after her husband. “They look just alike, they act just alike,” she says.

One more child rounds out the family. “My

son is 26, and he plays for the San Francisco 49ers,” Britt says of Demarcus, as casually as if he were a CPA. She really lights up as she shares this next fact: “He holds our family together; he’s our glue.”

The Britts first crossed paths with Demarcus in another one of those right place, right time moments—and a moment when another of Britt’s inherent personality traits kicked in.

“I’m a bleeding heart,” she confesses. “Anything that has to do with an animal or a child, I’ll take ’em all. My husband’s like, ‘My God, woman, do not bring another living creature into our home! I cannot feed anything else!’”

All bets were of f when she saw Demarcus playing basketball at the Bethesda Home for Boys while she was there conducting a cheerleading benefit with Cheer Savannah.

“I see this kid, and it sounds so superficial—but God’s honest truth— he had the most beautiful smile; just sparkling and laughing. And he was just slamming the basketball, just dunking. I’m always a fan of anybody who’s good at what they do. So I asked, ‘Who is the beautiful child dunking the basketball? What is his story?’”

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WHEN SHE CAN'T MAKE IT TO SAN FRANCISCO TO SEE D E M A RCU S PL AY,

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STEPHANIE SPORTS HER SON'S #83 JERSEY AND CHEERS HIM ON FROM HER FAVO R I T E GA M ET I M E H A NGOU T, M E LLOW MUSHROOM.

enormous. We’re the one place he can go...”

She smiles. “So that’s our neat little crazy family.”

“WE BELIEVE!”

grade education through the Academy.

Britt and her husband worked to get Demarcus into Calvary. “They were all on board,” she says. “Calvary got him in.

Bethesda transported him back and forth.

I met him and was like, ‘Here’s a cell phone, here’s some money. I’m Miss Britt. And so whatever you need—and here’s your lunch ticket.’ We just started a relationship.”

Because of his size and athletic ability, the Britts encouraged Demarcus to go out for football at Calvary. “He hated it and he was terrible,” Britt laughs. It was not until his junior year that he took to the sport.

He was recruited by the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, chose UGA and, as Britt says, “The rest is kind of history.”

Between the beginning of his varsity football career and high school graduation, Demarcus moved in with the Britts. Life at Bethesda had become unbearable for the 17-year-old, so the family squeezed him in to their tiny home. It was so tiny, in fact, that Demarcus was sleeping on a twin-size bed in the Britts' home office. “He hung off from the knees down!” Britt laughs.

If it sounds like Savannah’s version of The Blind Side (Britt says she was shocked when she saw a trailer for the film. Not knowing it was based on NFL player Michael Oher’s life, she called her husband crying and exclaimed, “They stole 106

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“To me, the best byproducts are the girls' self-esteem, confidenc and physical health.” our story!”), the Britt’s family portrait is much like that of the Tuohy’s: it’s not entirely understood.

“This weekend, somebody was like, ‘Oh, what you did for Demarcus was really nice.’

I hate when people say that,” Britt laments.

“He was our blessing. He really was our gift.

The only time my family shares a meal is when Demarcus is home. We go in so many directions, but when Demarcus is home, we drop everything.”

There is one rule governing time with her son: “We don’t talk football in our home.

We do not have football conversations. Even my husband, who is a football coach, does not have football conversations with him.

It’s what Demarcus does f rom 7 in the morning until midnight—the pressure is

Walking into the Cheer Savannah facility in Pooler is like diving into a sea of red and pink uniforms and hair bows. The phrase “We believe!” is painted in huge pink letters in the practice mirror. Any urge to squeal over the cuteness of the little pony-tailed girls bounding around the gym in their practice uniforms is suppressed upon realizing that these darlings are forces of nature. Under the tutelage of Britt and her coaching staff, they are confident and poised—they look you in the eye and say “Hello” in self-assured tones that are a far cry from the hushed tones that many 12- and 13year-old girls eke out, paralyzed by self-consciousness.

When they hit the mat, it is immediately clear why Britt and her staff refer to their cheerleaders as athletes. Listening to the rhythmic, almost musical cadence of the girls sticking countless back handsprings during warm-ups is jaw-droppingly awesome. These girls can fly.

“Put your feet together, get pissed of f and land a standing f ull!” Britt calls out to one of her athletes who has apparently adopted a defeatist attitude.

The girl closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and lands the stunt. Her team applauds.

Another younger cheerleader tugs on her sleeve and asks to be in the front of the formation. “You miss another practice, you won’t be in the front,” she tells the girl, matter-of-factly.

Britt and her coaches are quick to dole out encouragement, but praise is earned. The methodology works. These girls are confident, fierce and having a blast. Not to mention that they bring home championship trophies from major championships year after year.

“To me, the best by-products are the girls’ self-esteem, conf idence and their physical health,” Britt says of her approach.

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DEMARCUS, BRITT AND HER DAUGHERS, SOUTHERN AND SAYLOR

“I make the children, from 5 to 18, speak to us.” She insists on interacting with each girl directly, especially when a parent or f riend tries to serve as a go-between. “If you have a problem, you speak f or yourself ,” Britt explains. “We want them to learn how to communicate, how to speak to adults, how to resolve their issues.”

Britt says that she f requently hears f rom

parents about the impact that Cheer Savannah has had on their daughter’s physical health.

“They’ve dropped like 20, 30 pounds—overweight kids, their entire bodies have changed,” Britt enthuses. “And I’m sure there’s a multitude of reasons. Number one, of course, the physical exercise. Number two, talking to them about nutrition and what a healthy body should look like. I tell them you can be as big as you want to be, but you have to be strong enough to f lip that mass over. They have started understanding that to be a higherlevel athlete, your body has to be a higher level. You have to train like any other sport.”

Parents are also strongly encouraged to maintain a dialogue with their daughters about having a positive body image and maintaining a healthy weight. “So many moms will say, ‘Will you talk to my daughter about her weight? I don’t want to make her anorexic, and I’m scared she’s going to have an eating disorder,’” Britt says. “I say, ‘You are her mother! Who better to do it? She does have an eating disorder—she’s overweight. And if you don’t help her through it, she will think it’s normal and OK and she’s going to hate you when she’s older.’ The girls are too young to monitor that themselves.”

Britt is quick to point out that having a

healthy body doesn’t happen by accident—it's the result of having a healthy lifestyle. “I’ve gotten a bad rap f rom people because I’m in shape, but it’s not because I was born this way,” she says. “I work out almost every day of my life. It is a part of who I am. It’s not because I’m vain; it’s because I have 500 little girls who look up to me and 500 of their mothers who look to me. How am I going to be a role model to them if I can’t keep my body healthy?”

Fostering a dialogue between parents and the girls on these sensitive issues is made easier within the Cheer Savannah f acility.

The hours of practice, mentoring and pursuit of perfection that take place inside the space is only for girls—and it always will be.

It is not uncommon for Britt and her staff to learn that one of their athletes will no longer be coming to cheer practice because the sporting pursuits of a brother take precedence in the family. It is evident that this deeply troubles her.

It also makes her more determined to empower her athletes with a sense of self .

“Cheer Savannah will never be co-ed,” she asserts. “This is about the girls; helping them to focus on themselves. We are giving these girls their own strength, power and independence.”

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South’s Greatest Kids Contest is a tradition we look forward to every December. If it’s possible, this year's winners are cuter than ever—and just like their proud parents, we can’t wait show them off. gen f ul l er | pho t o gr aphy by c hr ist ine hal l

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Designed by John S. Norris in the Greek Revival style, Massie Common School House was built with a $5,000 dollar donation from Peter Massie and opened in 1856 as Savannah’s first free public school. During the Civil War, the school was used as a hospital and was then used as a Freedmen’s Bureau School for newly emancipated slaves. Closed as a school in 1974 due to the deterioration of Savannah’s downtown, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and reopened in 1977. Massie now serves as a teaching museum of local history and architecture and offers over fifteen different walking and building tours at its Heritage Center. The Hertiage Classroom and Recess at Massie allows children to play 19th century school-yard games. A traditional May Day festival is coordinated each year that includes a May Pole Dance. For more information visit www.massiesschool.com.

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Wa r d r ob e p r ov id e d b y Sar a Jane c h il d r e n 's b o ut iq ue . t o sh t h es op el o o k S, g o sar a t jane o .m y sh o p if y .c o m

Ja lee Wa it s , 5 “Jalee loves to dress up.

S he loves clothes,” says mom Julianna as Jalee bounds off to change.

For the past three years all of the Waits’ Christmas presents have been home-made.

“We used to give lots of presents and spend lots of money, but we decided to make everything ourselves instead. You can only have so much stuff, though it’s hard to think of something to make.” In a world full of technology, it’s all that extra love and thought that makes each gift so special. on Ja lee Yosi S amra ballet fl ts, $48 Dino Bebe sweater, $44 Dino Bebe tulip skirt, $44 Mayoral scarf, $14 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Sar a h A shl ey, 8 mo nths S arah A shley is a bubbly baby with a penchant for iPhones. T he youngest of five, S arah’s three older sisters were part of S outh’s Greatest Kids last year, with big sis Emily scorning the cover shot.

“S he’s an easy, happy baby,” beams S arah A shley's mom T racy Breisch.

In addition to taking pictures around the tree and driving to see the lights, S arah will grow up making gingerbread houses with her siblings.

“T he candy always gets eaten and they never look like they do on the box,” says T racy. “But we’ve done it every year for a while now. T he kids love it.” on sa r ah a shle y A ngel Dear cardigan, $40 Precious Kids fl wer print smocked dress, $68 Mayoral shoes, $18 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Ian Wil l ia ms , 3 N othing is more gratifying than watching a child experience something for the very fi st time.

“S eeing him get excited over something I may have just passed by makes me smile just as much as he does,” explains mom L isa S carbrough.

Every year for Christmas Ian looks forward to traveling to N orth Georgia to spend the holiday with family.

“For us it’s about the experiences and adventures that come with the holidays,” says L isa. “We usually take a day to go out and explore places like Sweet Water Creek or Stone Mountain. Most every year, we wrap up the trip with a visit to the Georgia A quarium. Ian loves it.”

Wil l ia m Dav idson , 9 “L ast year I wasn’t into fashion, but this year I’m kinda getting into that kind of stuff,” explains William, whose sister, A bigail, was one of last year’s winners.

“We like to do crazy things and have fun,” laughs his mother Tracy Davidson. “H e’s genuine. H e really cares about people. H e can be silly, but he’s a people pleaser. H e likes to make people happy.”

William is all about tradition— from singing traditional country music by Johnny Cash at karaoke, to his favorite Christmas traditions of chocolate chip cookies and going to his grandmother’s house.

“My favorite holiday is Christmas,” says William. “It’s Jesus’ birthday.” on will ia m Myself Belts belt in leather, $20 Mayoral shirt with bowtie, $38 Mayoral straw fedora, $16 Mayoral grey cord pants, $36 sarajane.myshopify.com

CREDIT JBailey- Button Down S hirt $40 Mayoral- N avy Cord Pant $42 Mayoral- Grey Sweater $36

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L on don El iz a bet h Edmon ds , 19 mo nths L ondon started modeling for baby products at just three months old, so she’s a natural in front of the camera.

“Becoming a parent is just an amazing feeling.

T here are no words to express the love we have for L ondon,” beams her mother, S hazi. “S he has such a sweet nature. We will never take that for granted.”

For L ondon, Christmas means going to the house of her great-grandmother, who has always made the holiday special for her grandchildren, a tradition that S hazi plans to continue. A nd of course S anta’s never missed a morning either. on l o n don R uffle Butts ruffl leggings, $11 Mayoral hat, $14 Mayoral dress, $18 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Ian Wil l ia ms , 3 N othing is more gratifying than watching a child experience something for the very fi st time.

“S eeing him get excited over something I may have just passed by makes me smile just as much as he does,” explains mom L isa S carbrough.

Every year for Christmas Ian looks forward to traveling to N orth Georgia to spend the holiday with family.

“For us it’s about the experiences and adventures that come with the holidays,” says L isa. “We usually take a day to go out and explore places like Sweet Water Creek or Stone Mountain. Most every year, we wrap up the trip with a visit to the Georgia A quarium. Ian loves it.” on ia n JBailey button down shirt, $40 Mayoral navy cord pant, $42 Mayoral grey sweater, $36 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Ka l on Ric e, 3 “I didn’t know how much I was missing out on until I had Kalon,” says his beaming mom, Kari R ice.

“Every time he reaches a new milestone—learning to speak, his fi st steps, learning his numbers and alphabet—makes me proud.”

Kalon, who loves to help decorate and put up the tree, also looks forward to a new family tradition: the Elf on the S helf.

“T he kids love waking up to see where he has moved to and what he has done next.” on ka l on Mayoral sweater, $38 R emember N guyen button down shirt, $22 Tea Collection denim knit pants, $38 sarajane.myshopify.com

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PHo t o c r e d it s I an: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, Button D own S hirt, JBailey $40 Navy C ord Pant, Mayoral $42 Grey S weater, Mayoral $36 London: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, R uffle Leggings, R uffle Butts $11 Hat, Mayoral $14 D ress, Mayoral $18 S ara Ashley: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, Flower Print S mocked D ress, Precious Kids $68 C ardigan, Angel D ear $40 S hoes, Mayoral $18 C hristian Negron: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, Brown C orduroy R omper, Anvy Kids $48 S hoes, Mayoral $18 Hat 2Handknits $18 William Webb: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, C orduroy Blazer, R ugged Butts $38 Button D own S hirt, R emember Nguyen $22 S weater Vest, Mayoral $32 Bowtie, T adpole & Lily $22 Khaki Pants, R ugged Butts $34 S amantha: S ara Jane C hildren's Boutique, White S weater D ress, Mayoral $52 Feather Headband, Halo $8 Purse, Mayoral $24 Horse Lovie, Angel D ear $13 Monkey, Baby O rganics $10 Boutique, S weater, Mayoral $38 Button D own S hirt, R emember Nguyen $22 D enim Knit Pant, T ea C ollection

Skyla r, 3, an d Sa man tha Bur nha m, 5 “S amantha is starting to read and they’re both in ballet. It’s incredible to watch them grow up, to teach them – they absorb everything,” says S kylar and S amantha’s mother, H ilary Burnham. “S eeing how much they act like us as they get older,” she adds with a laugh.

T he girls, who are naturals in front of the camera, are both serious and determined.

“We love Dora and Mickey Mouse,” S kylar whispered to me while we sat together.

L ike many families, the holidays for the Burhmans mean alternating between grandparents houses and integrating traditions from sides.

CREDITS S amantha: Ch r ist ian Bla ke Mayoral -White N egr on , 3 mo nths Sweater Dress $52 When new mom S arah saw H alo - Feather H eadband $8 that South was accepting Mayoral- Purse $24 nominations for "Greatest A ngel Dear- H orse L ovie $13 Kids," she didn’t think that Baby O rganics- Monkey $10 Christian would be one of the winners, but this S kylar: cheerful darling couldn’t Mayoral- Fur Sweater $48 be overlooked.

Mustard Pie- skirt $50 “H e’s so happy all the Mayoral- Basic top $18 time. H e’s everything I Tea Collection- L eggings $25 never knew I needed,” says S arah.

With busy schedules and no family nearby, Christian’s parents are welcoming the chance to make new traditions this holiday season for their new family. on chr ist ian A nvy Kids -brown corduroy romper $48 2H andknits -hat $18 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Willi am Webb , 3 Diagnosed in March 2013 with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects only 700 children in the US every year, three-year-old William is an inspiration to his family and to the community. William, who is inquisitive, loves to interject with his own questions and observations, including that he’s looking forward to a new bike on Christmas.

“I don’t know when snow is coming,” William tells me.

“It’s a long way.”

While there are treatments for neuroblastoma, William relapsed after his last round of chemo, which means for William, there is no cure. For now the Webbs hope that an experimental treatment will give them enough time to find a cure.

“I think our perspective has changed with everything that’s happened,” says Danielle. “Just seeing him being joyful and happy, even when he’s ornery like he is, to see him healthy enough to be ornery because he’s felt bad for so long and he’s been so sick, and we’re not out of the woods, to see him smiling, laughing, playing, means everything.”

If you would like to help kids like William, the family asks that you make a donation in his honor to CURE Childhood Cancer. To learn more visit curechildhoodcancer.org. on willia m Tadpole & L ily bowtie, $22 Mayoral sweater vest, $32 Remember N guyen button down, $22 Rugged Butts khakis, $34; corduroy blazer, $38 sarajane.myshopify.com

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Sk yla r (3) an d Sama n tha (5) Burnha m “Samantha is starting to read, and they’re both in ballet. It’s incredible to watch them grow up, to teach them—they absorb everything,” says Skylar and Samantha’s mother, H ilary Burnham. “Seeing how much they act like us as they get older,” she adds with a laugh.

The girls, who are naturals in front of the camera, are both serious and determined.

“We love Dora and Mickey Mouse,” Skylar whispered to me while we sat together.

L ike many families, the holidays for the Burhmans mean alternating between grandparents' houses and integrating traditions from sides of the family. on sk y la r Mayoral fur sweater, $48 Mustard Pie skirt, $50 Mayoral basic top, $18 Tea Collection leggings, $25 on Sam an tha Mayoral white sweater dress, $52 H alo feather headband, $8 sarajane.myshopify.com

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DOCTOR'S ORDERS Sa v a n n a h ’s o w n p r e s cr i p t i on f or a h e a l t h ie r min d , b o d y a n d so u l

“Health is the greatest posession.” –Lao Tzu

SAVANNAH , GA

Dr. Jack Eades

In a Hurry To Be Holy QUIET REFLECTION DURING AN EARLY MORNING TURKEY HUNT INSPIRED JACK EADES, MD TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH kristen smith • photography by john alexander

“It was kind of like folks gave up,” says Dr. Jack Eades, MD of Southern Asthma and Allergy. “We live in a hectic, fast-paced society where I realize we have a lot of demands. But I thought it was deplorable how many people nowadays say ‘I’m too busy to read the Bible.’”

An answer came to Dr. Eades while he was turkey hunting.

“I’m out there at dawn, it’s a good time to think or pray, and this thought pops into my mind: ‘It sure would be nice if somebody would write a short devotional booklet from all 66 books of the Bible that could be read in one minute or less.’ I thought, ‘I’ll do it one day when I get around to it.’”

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The thought repeated itself until he was prodded to get going immediately.

He grabbed his shotgun, walked a mile back to the hunting cabin and began to write, starting with verses that he had committed to memory. That was in April 2012.

“I would write on the weekends and at night and early in the morning,” he describes of his process.

He also included many of his own photographs in the book to correspond with the devotionals.

By December, Dr. Eades had completed the book, In a Hurry to Be Holy: Short Devotionals for Busy People, which was released the following July.

“A lady at my church described it as a ‘series of appetizers,’” Dr. Eades explains. “Hopefully people will get that appetizer from each book of the Bible and say, ‘This was interesting. I want to go back to the Book and read more about these verses.’”

In a Hurry to be Holy is available at Barnes and Noble in Savannah, by special order at Lifeway stores nationwide and at Amazon.com. Proceeds from the book benefit the Missions Committee of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.

pet therapy Vol u n t e e r s a n d St a f f f r o m HS GS t a l k a b o u t t he i r o w n p et s a n d ho w b e i n g a p et o w n e r c a n b e n e f i t he a lt h.

1. Exercise: “I'm a runner, and my dog is my best running partner.

He keeps me active and provides constant companionship.” -Kate Koss, HSGS Veterinary Technician 2. No Slacking Allowed: “I work two jobs and have no real desire to spend my free time on a treadmill. But I also have two dogs who give me the‘Mom, it's time to go out’ nudge several times a day.”- Selah Dalacos, Volunteer Coordinator 3. Mood Enhancers: “I can never be a party pooper when he's around. He keeps me upbeat and motivated.” -Kate Koss, HSGS Veterinary Technician 4. De-stressing: “Truly there's nothing better after a long, stressful day than wagging tails and doggie kisses to make you feel better!” -Selah Dalacos, Volunteer Coordinator 5. Security: “He also makes me much more at ease on my evening runs when I may feel a little nervous by myself. Security and exercise buddy, total package.”

-Kate Koss, HSGS Veterinary Technician -Ariel Felton

Dr. Mandel and Bailey Davis, who was able to apply to and graduate from the Savannah Police Academy after her LINX procedure

Got Heartburn?

DR. MANDEL AND THE NEW LINX PROCEDURE MARGARET HARNEY

“There are certain foods that are classic,” says Dr. Jeffrey Mandel, oncological surgeon with SouthCoast Medical Group in Savannah. “Spicy foods, citrus-based stuff, tomatoes, all the good things in life. A lot of people don't want to avoid those foods.”

For the 7 million Americans who take medicine for acid reflux daily and another 40 million who take it at least once a week, the Linx procedure Dr. Mandel conducts is an answer to the mild and moderate cases who have been searching for a solution to their heartburn—or just dying to get off he Prilosec.

“People have been looking for a better option out there to get people off medicines,” says Mandel. “But isn’t there a better surgery? [LINX] is as good a surgery as the medicine, but it has less side effects.”

Performed same-day, the FDA-approved laparoscopic procedure installs a magnetic ring of titanium beads at the bottom of the esophagus. It controls the valve that allows heartburn to occur, is completely reversible and has been conducted by Dr. Mandel 15 times. For lovers of jalapeno cornbread, fried chicken and bacon, this is really great news for you—especially because Dr. Mandel has been named a top surgeon by Consumer Research Council of America since 2005.

“As more people hear about this and have good results, more and more people will elect to have it,” says Mandel, “and then they won’t have to worry about their reflux anymore.”

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DR. ERIC M. PEARLMAN, MEDICAL DIRECTOR AND PHYSICIAN CHIEF

Children

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BILL LEE, SR. VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER. JENNIFER GUILLIAMS, HEAD OF CHILD LIFE SERVICES

The Remarkable Success of the Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health CLARK BYRON ★ PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE HALL

When you think about it, is there any more powerful human being than a child? We always think of children as precious, and they most certainly are, which may be why they are so powerful. An expression of love or gratitude from a child is far more powerful than the grandest benediction conferred by the most revered person on earth (you pick one). There’s no such thing as an ordinary child. Inherent in childhood is the condition of being extraordinary. It is only when children grow to adulthood that they are faced with the choice of whether to become ordinary or strive for something more.

Children actually run the world—it’s true, they do. We adults are accustomed to thinking of our children as the leaders of tomorrow, but the truth is they actually lead the leaders of today. Nowhere is that more true than at the Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.

The 114-bed pediatric hospital goes way beyond a standard pediatrics unit. It is a distinctly separate hospital that is part of the Memorial Health System and is located on the campus. It is the only facility of its kind in Southeast Georgia, serving some 35 counties with care and capacity that is the envy of many much larger American cities.

This is so because kids are king (or queen, as the case may be). It’s all for them. The finest care, the most highly trained practitioners, the newest trends and best practices in pediatric medicine encompass every aspect the young patient and his or her family experience.

These all exists at the Children's Hospital at Memorial Health in Savannah–the only

children’s hospital in the region–because of the powerful love that children inspire and impart to adults. This is how children lead our leaders: they inspire, they evoke, and they deserve to be well.

When a child suffers, he or she silently calls upon us to stretch our greatest capabilities beyond their known limits. They make us want to make everything in their world just right for them, regardless of the difficulty or the cost, and in response, we do whatever it takes to make it happen. That’s power!

Space would fail us to tell in fine detail of the impressive and even amazing medical care that is provided by what is arguably one of the finest children’s care teams in the South. But we’ll try to hit on the highlights and distinctives that make Savannah’s Children’ f Medicine. He has been in charge of the Children’s Hospital since 2009. “Pediatrics is really a calling,” says Dr. Pearlman.

“When you’re on those rotations, you just love working with the kids, you love working with the families, and you just enjoy it.” Dr. Pearlman is quick to note that physicians who aren’t in pediatric medicine love kids, too, but they are often intimidated by the weighty responsibility of caring for someone else’s child.

“You know Pēds or you don’t,” he said.

“It’s something that just comes naturally to some people.”

What makes it so important—as the mission statement reflects—the Children’s Hospital is a community asset. It does not belong to the doctors, health organizations

or any other interests. While the Children’s Hospital is supported by Memorial Health, Dr. Pearlman says, it really belongs to the people it serves in Savannah and the 35plus county region. “What makes that important is that it’s not just space­—although it really needs to be the right space,” says Dr. Pearlman. “Space for kids is different from space for adults, but it’s having the right people, resources and services in place to really provide for the overall health and well-being of children and families.”

Dr. Pearlman says the Children’s Hospital has spaces that no other place at Memorial has, including playrooms abundantly furnished with toys. There are also rooms for teenagers with toys and other objects that are appropriate for them. These are all safe zones. “Nothing bad happens in that space.

If a child is in a playroom, the nurse isn’t going to come in and give him a shot,” Dr. Pearlman says. What’s more, the Children’s Hospital has treatment rooms. That doesn’t sound like anything out of the ordinary at first, but when Dr. Pearlman explains that whatever treatment a child requires, such as an IV insertion, an injection, or an examination of any kind, the child is taken to a treatment room for that procedure. In other words, nothing that’s going to be an unpleasant experience for the child is done in the child’s hospital room. It, too, remains an inviolable safe zone.

Dr. Pearlman speaks proudly of an innovative and robust program that has grown tremendously under his leadership: Child Life Services. “Child Life Specialists are in-

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dividuals with specialized degrees in Child Life, and/or Child Development,” says Dr. Pearlman. “These professionals are there to make the child’s and family’s hospital experience as comfortable as possible.” In addition to providing the child with toys and DVDs in their rooms, the Child Life Specialist works with the child to navigate through some of the scarier times in the hospital. Child Life Specialists also have effective programs to help families cope with endless, unrelenting challenges of child hospitalization. There are five Child Life Specialists at the Children's Hospital.

Jennifer Guilliams is the Senior Child Life Specialist and head of Child Life Services at the Children’s Hospital. “Our job is to make sure our children are supported developmentally during hospitalization,” explains Guilliams. “Hospitalization causes stress and anxiety in children and can actually decrease their ability to grow and develop normally.”

Guilliams tells us that a child’s development depends a lot on momentum. If something happens to derail that momentum, it can have profound and even lifelong consequences. “What we do is focus on the

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child from their developmental level and try to make sure that they’re understanding the hospitalization, that they are given the tools they need to cope with that process and come out of it without having severe developmental delays or anxiety issues,” says Guilliams. She goes on to explain that it doesn’t have to be a protracted hospitalization to negatively impact a child’s development.

“Anytime a child experiences stress they’re going to regress in their developmental level because they will return to something that was comfortable to them that got them through a previous stressful situation,” she says.

Children process the world through play.

The techniques used in Child Life are ageappropriate and play-based. “It has evolved into this technique to not only help children grow but to help them understand,” says Guilliams. “We use dolls that are kid-friendly to show them their IVs, or their central lines or where their surgery is going to be.” They also use toy medical equipment such as MRI machines to familiarize the child with it so they aren’t so frightened by the real machine when it’s time to approach it. These are

just a few of the many examples of the vital services Child Life Specialists perform to aid little patients and their families.

Bill Lee is Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer. “I am tasked with looking at our strategic vision,” says Lee. “This includes what we’re doing with business development, what we’re doing from a community perspective with industry, business, and our external relationships and partnerships.” It might sound a bit “business heavy,” and no doubt it is, but Lee and Dr. Pearlman share a common vision to do what’s right, to provide what’s needed, and to secure all the resources and qualified personnel necessary to ensure that the Children’s Hospital has everything it needs. "People don't have to travel outside of Savannah to get expert pediatric care," he enthuses. "Our goal is to provide that expert care locally so that children and their families can be treated locally."

Of course, costs are always a primary concern for any hospital, but these men and their many colleagues at various levels and capacities within the organization share the philosophy that it’s really about what we

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“

These kids go through so much, and yet they are still laughing and smiling... they find the little joys in every day and the good in everything.

”

need for the children rather than what we think we can afford at the moment. This is not to suggest that cost concerns are thrown to the wind but, rather, the creativity, innovation and raw determination that pervades the hospital makes so many good things happen that other executives and administrators at other facilities might not even consider because they don’t have the ready cash. One example is the Child Life Services.

How vital it is to a children’s hospital, yet no payer source reimburses for it. In addition, the hospital serves many Medicaid and indigent patients. Nobody gets turned away. Yet

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Medicaid pays only about 75 percent of what it costs to deliver services, let alone provide any margin for reinvestment in other needs.

When Lee came to the hospital in 2010, about 48,000 children from all over the region received services. In 2012, that number jumped to 57,000. Projections for 2013 take the tally to over 60,000. “I don’t necessarily think there’s a pediatric boom in Southeast Georgia,” says Lee. “I think it’s that we’re being seen as the pediatric experts with all of our subspecialties that are not found anywhere else in the marketplace. Parents of young children see that if they want the best outcomes, they need to have access to those pediatric subspecialists.”

The staff t the Children's Hospital recognize that the parents need to be cared for as well. “Our philosophy of care is patient- and family-centered care. We don't just take care of the patient; we take care of that family as well,” says Clinical Director Heather Newsome, RN, who has been with Memorial for 10 years. “That's a big part of the nurse's job, especially when you're dealing with children.

It's not just the patient that you have to be concerned about—you have to be concerned about the mom who is distraught because something

is going on with her child and how you handle those aspects of the family.”

Tiffany Jones, RN, works in the Pediatric Specialty Unit. “Children are so resilient,” says Jones. “They are so inspiring to me.

These kids go through so much, and yet they are still laughing and smiling, and they find the little joys in every day and the good in everything. That inspires me a lot.”

Jones told us what she finds most rewarding about being a nurse at the Children’s Hospital. Her answer could probably speak for every other discipline and specialty serving at the Children’s Hospital. “Some of these kids are going through some really tough battles, and yet they can still find happiness in all of that," she says. "As adults, if we were going through something like what these kids go through, we would complain more or have a harder time or say all the things we didn’t like about what we were going through. But children are different. They’re stronger. They bounce back.”

Children clearly have the power to motivate, challenge, inspire and impart happiness to some of the most highly trained and dedicated professionals on the planet. Ah, to be that powerful again!

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S TA R S O F T H E S O U T H

meet

sou th’s fir st a n n ua l

GREATEST NURSES When we think of seeing a doctor, we don’t think about the nurses who are making a positive difference in the lives of countless patients. It’s hard work that often goes unrecognized. South wanted to take a moment to show our appreciation for some of the greatest nurses right here at home. You nominated them, you voted for them and now we’re here to appreciate all that they do for us.

GEN FULLER • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CEDRIC SMITH

LACAMEO MILLER, RN, MSN/ED

Nurse at: Candler Hospital, Mother/Baby unit Education: Georgia Southern University; University of Phoenix

• The best part of LaCameo’s job is obvi-

ous: “Being able to love all those babies!" she says. "I can’t get enough of them."

• Working with newborns isn’t always easy, and LaCameo has seen her f air share of ups and downs.

• “Healthcare, especially nursing, can be on emotional roller coaster. The hardest part of my job is seeing a mother hurt or mourn the loss of their newborn,” she explains. “Being there for the patient, helping the family cope, and showing compassion helps me feel a bit less helpless in such a sad situation.”

• Before every shift LaCameo likes to say a prayer. “I ask for patience. I pray for the skill and ability to be able to do a great job when giving patient care.”

I PRAY FOR THE SKILL AND ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO DO A GREAT JOB WHEN GIVING PATIENT CARE

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KAY WEST, LPN

Nurse at: SouthCoast Medical Group for Dr. Kristen Updegraff Education: Dekalb College • “I choose nursing because my grandfather was a

brittle diabetic and I had the desire to help others,” says Kay. “Being a part of a team of professionals that make a difference in others’ lives is rewarding.

I pray each day that I can be the kind of person that will be a positive influence in someones life.”

• Unfortunately, not every patient makes it.

“Treating a patient with a terminal illness and not becoming attached is the hardest thing about being a nurse,” she explains. “No matter what, always see a patient as an individual, not a number."

SOMMER CLARK, RN

Nurse At: Memorial Health University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Nurse Manager Education: University of Phoenix • Sommer is currently working on her Master of Science in Nursing and will graduate in the spring.

She can't remember a time when she did not want to be a nurse.

• “I have many nurses in my family and they have all been great role models,” says Sommer. “I couldn’t imagine not being in the medical field Pediatric Nursing is my passion.”

• The best part of Sommer's job? “There’s nothing better than a previous patient coming back to visit that at one time you didn’t think would make it through the night. Its humbling to think I had a small part in that.”

• To handle the challenges of her job, Sommer relies on a higher power. "I'm not really sure if I could have done this job without my faith," she says, "especially as a PICU nurse."

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ASHLEY MOCK, RN

Nurse at: Candler Hospital, Intensive Care Unit Education: Georgia Southern University • Even at a young age Ashley was ready to help people.

• “When other kids fell from their bikes, I was there with Band-Aids and Neosporin,” she says. “It wasn’t until my preceptor course in my final semester of nursing school that I just fell in love with the profession. I actually did my preceptorship in the ICU at Candler. It was like I was meant to be there.”

• As a critical care nurse Ashley gets to help people through some rough times, which is as rewarding as it is hard.

• “It’s so hard for me to see people when they are sad. I try my best to ease their uncertainty and anxiety, even if just for a moment,” she explains. “Seeing the smile on someone’s face as they progress makes it all worthwhile and reminds me this is why I do what I do.” decem ber | ja n ua ry 14

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JACKIE TARIQ, LPN

Nurse at: SouthCoast Medical Group, Family Practice Education: Savannah Technical College

• “I’m able to help others in an immediate anyone interested in the profession should

and direct way,” Jackie explains. “Knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life, assisting them in choosing a healthier life style and hearing the kind words from patients and their families who’s lives I’ve touch is the best part of my job.” • Nursing isn’t for the faint of heart, and Jackie advises that

be compassionate, dedicated and have a great love of people. • “I talk with God and ask for guidance, to allow me to be a good listener and give me understanding. Then I speak to myself I speak to myself with a positive attitude: “Whatever I may encounter on this day my purpose will be fulfilled ”

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REENIE MORIN, RN

Nurse at: Candler Hospital, Labor and Delivery Education: Armstrong State College • “Being a labor and delivery nurse, I’d have

to say the most rewarding part of my job is being able to witness the birth of a new life. I have met so many wonderful families along the way, some with whom I have built life-long friendships,” says Reenie, who is herself a proud mama of fi e.

• After 26 years Reenie knows she made the choice going into nursing. “You have to be compassionate, nurturing, kind, and at times sympathetic to those you are caring for. Be willing to give 100 percent of your heart to those who need you during the most difficult or happiest of times.”

• Reenie makes sure that at the end of each 12 hour shift she thanks her co-workers for all they’ve done, reminding them, “I couldn’t have done it without you!”

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BEST DOCTORS Special Advertorial Feature

of which affects outcome, correct treatment, and the success rate of care. As you can imagine, any case of misdiagnosis is tragic, because it causes additional suffering for patients and their families, not to mention a financial burden on patient , employers and the health care system. An estimated onethird of the $2.5 billion spent on healthcare is considered to be wasted spending, much of which can be tied back to misdiagnosis.

But why, in this age of unprecedented medical knowledge, technology and health care investment, can the rate of misdiagnosis be so high? And how can we help prevent it?

Studies show that many errors happen because well-meaning doctors are pressed for time. The “revolving door” dynamic in the medical world, where doctors spend 10-15 minutes or less with each patient, is a crucial factor in the quality of care patients receive.

Five practical steps you can take to get the right diagnosis:

What Every Patient Should Know If you knew you would get sick one out of every three times you ate at your favorite restaurant, would you still eat there? If every time you got in a plane you knew you had a 28% chance of being in a crash, would you still fl ? Chances are, you’re thinking, “Absolutely not!” However, right now, if you are sitting in a physician’s waiting room with three other people, statistics show that one of you are likely to receive a wrong or incomplete diagnosis. Yet, Americans barely talk about it, let alone do something about it.

Misdiagnosis happens with shocking regularity in this country – with published studies estimating it happens in 15-28% of all medical cases in the US. The spectrum runs from people being told they have cancer, or a type of cancer, when they don’t, to that cancer being incorrectly staged; all 132

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PHOTOGR A PH Y COU RTE SY OF W IL LI A MS K N IFE CO.

12/3/13 8:58 AM

Enter you and I - patient advocates.

While we cannot change the health care system (overnight), we can make a difference to our wn well-being and that of our loved ones. It begins when we empower ourselves to be our own best advocates. This involves asking more questions, knowing your family medical history, seeking an expert second opinion, and having pathologies retested.

Even with the best medical technology available today, studies show it is no more effecti e at getting the right diagnosis than a doctor piecing together a family history with more traditional, low-tech tests. This means learn your family’s medical history.

Write it down and be ready to share it with your doctor, especially if you’re sick and they’re trying to decide what’s wrong.

In addition, I would always advise on getting a second opinion and when doing so, get the doctor to look at your case from scratch – to hear you talk about your symptoms in your own words, and think about your case without being influenced y the conclusions of your original doctor.

If you’re still not satisfied with the answers, get another opinion.

We only have one life and getting the diagnosis right the fir t time, may mean the difference b tween living that life and not. We each have the power to prevent a misdiagnosis by asking questions, insisting on answers, and making sure that we and our loved ones get the right care. Ask as many questions as it takes until you’re satisfied with the an wer. Getting the diagnosis and treatment plan right should be at the heart of every medical decision, and patients need to play a greater role in those decisions.

David Seligman is Chairman and CEO of Best Doctors, Inc. (www.bestdoctors. com), a global health company that brings together the best medical minds in the world to help members get the right diagnosis and right treatment.

BEST DOCTORS

These lists are excerpted f rom The Best Doctors in America® 2013 database, which includes over 47,000 doctors in more than 40 medical specialties.

The Best Doctors in America database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc. For more inf ormation, visit www.bestdoctors.com or contact Best Doctors by telephone at 800-675-1199 or by e-mail at research@bestdoctors.com.

Please note that lists of doctors are not available on the Best Doctors Web site. Best Doctors, Inc., has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list, but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person or other party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Anesthesiology T. PHILIP MALAN, JR.

MHU Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-1750

Cardiovascular Disease JIM GAINER

Cardiovascular Consultants 4700 Waters Ave, Ste 400 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-355-0070

Memorial Health University Medical Center; Savannah Center for Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, Ste 507 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-4750

Critical Care Medicine / Surgical Critical Care FRANK DAVIS MIMS GAGE OCHSNER, JR.

Savannah Cardiology Physician's Park Plaza 8 Hospital Center Blvd, Ste 130 Hilton Head, SC 29926 Phone: 843-682-2740

Colon & Rectal Surgery

JOSEPH SHEPPARD MONDY III

SYL ALAN LORD

Surgical Specialists of Savannah 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 103 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8712

Critical Care / Pulmonary Medicine ANTHONY COSTRINI JAMES ALLEN MEADOWS III

Southeast Lung Associates 11700 Mercy Blvd, Ste 5 Savannah, GA 31419 Phone: 912-927-6270

Savannah Vascular & Cardiac Inst.

Provident Bldg, Ste 500 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-629-7800

Endocrinology and Metabolism KAVEH EHSANIPOOR

JONATHAN SACK

Island Family Medicine 2 Marshland Rd Hilton Head, SC 29926 Phone: 843-842-6357

Gastroenterology STEVEN CARPENTER CHARLES DUCKWORTH MARK E. MURPHY MARK NYCE EDWARD RYDZAK RYAN WANAMAKER

Center for Digestive & Liver Health 1139 Lexington Ave, Ste A Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-303-4200

Memorial Health University Medical Center Savannah Surgical Group 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 202 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7412

J. CALVIN SHARP, JR.

Hand Surgery / Trauma MIMS GAGE OCHSNER, JR.

Memorial Health University Medical Center Savannah Surgical Group 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 202 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7412

Internal Medicine

Endocrinology Associates Provident Professional Bldg, 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5909

SPECI A L A DV ERTOR I A L

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General Family Practice

STEPHEN L. MORRIS JAMES E. RAMAGE

PHILIP A. CUSUMANO

Lady's Island Internal Medicine 12 Professional Village Cir Beaufort, SC 29907 Phone: 843-522-7240

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BEST DOCTORS Medical Oncology and Hematology RONALD F. GOLDBERG

Summit Cancer Care Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, Ste 300 225 Candler Dr Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-6187 BARRY D. LUSKEY L. E. (BUD) ROBERTSON, JR.

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Summit Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave, Ste A Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-6187 OVIDIU GEORGE NEGREA

Low Country Cancer Care Associates Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, 2nd Fl, Ste 201 225 Candler Dr Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-692-2000

Medical Oncology and Hematology /

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Leukemia BARRY D. LUSKEY

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Summit Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave, Ste A Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-6187

Medical Oncology and Hematology / Lymphomas L. E. (BUD) ROBERTSON, JR.

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Summit Cancer Care 4700 Waters Ave, Ste A Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-6187

Nephrology KEITH DIMOND

Medical Associates of Savannah 1115 Lexington Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-354-4813

Neurological Surgery / Brain ROY P. BAKER FREMONT WIRTH

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Neurological Surgery / Cranial Nerve Surgery FREMONT WIRTH

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Neurological Surgery/ General Neurological Surgery ROY P. BAKER LOUIS G. HORN IV

FREMONT WIRTH

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Spinal Surgery ROY P. BAKER JAMES GUNN LINDLEY, JR.

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Vascular Neurological Surgery FREMONT WIRTH

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Clinical Neurophysiology JOEL A. GREENBERG

Savannah Neurology Specialists Bldg C 6602 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-354-7676

General Adult Neurology RICHARD BODZINER

Savannah Neurology Specialists Bldg C 6602 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-354-7676 JOEL A. GREENBERG

Savannah Neurology Specialists Bldg C 6602 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-354-7676 GEORGE WARNER

Southern Neurology Bldg 400, Ste 402

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BEST DOCTORS 23 Plantation Park Dr Bluffton, SC 29910 Phone: 843-836-3667

General Obstetrics and Gynecology E. DANIEL BIGGERSTAFF III

Advanced Healthcare for Women 5354 Reynolds St, Ste 518 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-7717 DAVID B. BYCK PAMELA GALLUP

Provident ObGyn Associates at Whitemarsh 1004 Memorial Ln, Ste 500 Savannah, GA 31410 Phone: 912-897-4604 WILLIAM E. OSBORNE

Provident ObGyn Associates 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 400 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5937 TODD A. ROBINSON

Provident ObGyn Associates 241 Silverwood Commercial Dr Rincon, GA 31326 Phone: 912-826-8820

Gynecologic Oncology JAMES J. BURKE II

ACI Surgical Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8603 WILLIAM E. RICHARDS

Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Ophthalmology/ Anterior SegmentCataract Surgery

DAVID B. BYCK

ANGELA R. SCOTT

Provident ObGyn Associates 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 400 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5937

Women's Gynecologic Oncology Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at Life Care Center 5353 Reynolds St, Ste 200 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-819-5774

Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility

Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Telfair Reproductive Care Center 5354 Reynolds St, Ste 333 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-8558

WILFREIDA LYNN LEAPHART

Savannah Perinatology Associates 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 202 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5970

LAWRENCE D. ODOM

Urogynecology DAVID B. BYCK

Provident ObGyn Associates 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 400 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5937

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Otolaryngology/ Sinus and Nasal Surgery

Otolaryngology

FRED DANIEL

FREDERICK A. KUHN

Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of Savannah 5201 Frederick St Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-351-3030

Georgia Nasal and Sinus Institute 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 112 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-355-1070

Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery

Pathology / Cytopathology

BRADFORD S. COLLINS

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5903

SPECI A L A DV ERTOR I A L

M. MILES GOLDSMITH III

Georgia Ear Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-356-1515

Seaside Ophthalmology 3303 Glynn Ave Brunswick, GA 31520 Phone: 912-466-9500

GUY J. PETRUZZELLI

Otolaryngology / Otology

Beaufort Memorial Hospital Department of Pathology 955 Ribaut Rd Beaufort, SC 29902 Phone: 843-522-5157

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BEST DOCTORS Pediatric Specialist/ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine DANIEL LEONARD SANDLER

Memorial Health University Medical Center Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5915

Pediatric Specialist / Pediatric Cardiology KENNETH BURCH & J. BLAKE LONG

Savannah Children's Heart Center 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-988-5050

Pediatric Specialist / Pediatric Critical Care THOMAS W. MCKEE

The Children's Hospital

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Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8194

Pediatric Specialist / Pediatric Otolaryngology

Pediatric Specialist / Pediatric Endocrinology

Georgia Ear Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-356-1515

ALAN M. RICE

General Pediatrics

Memorial Health University Medical Center University Pediatrics 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8180

MICHAEL D. POOLE

NEIL E. GOODMAN

2500 Starling St, Ste 401 Brunswick, GA 31520 Phone: 912-554-0544 FRANCIS E. RUSHTON, JR.

Pediatric Specialist / Pediatric HematologyOncology

Beaufort Pediatrics 964 Ribaut Rd, Ste 1 Beaufort, SC 29902 Phone: 843-524-5437

J. MARTIN JOHNSTON

Plastic Surgery

MHU Medical Center University Pediatrics Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5646

LAWRENCE E. RUF

Savannah Plastic Surgery 7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-351-5050

Pulmonary Medicine / Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease JAMES E. RAMAGE

MHU Medical Center Savannah Center for Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, Ste 507 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-4750

General Pulmonary Medicine STEPHEN L. MORRIS

MHU Medical Center Savannah Center for Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, Ste 507 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-4750

Pulmonary Medicine/ Interstitial Lung Diseases/ Lung Cancer

JAMES E. RAMAGE

MHU Medical Center Savannah Center for Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, Ste 507 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-4750

Radiation Oncology / Brain, Breast, Lung, Prostate Cancer JOHN DUTTENHAVER

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology of Savannah 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8490

General Radiation Oncology JOHN DUTTENHAVER

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology of Savannah 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8490

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BEST DOCTORS TIMOTHY A. JAMIESON

Cancer Care Center Department of Radiation Oncology 2500 Starling St, Ste 107 Brunswick, GA 31520 Phone: 912-466-5100

Interventional Radiology/ Vascular Radiology L ARRY HORESH Savannah Vascular and Cardiac Institute Provident Bldg, Ste 500 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-353-8346

General Sleep Medicine ANTHONY COSTRINI

Southeast Lung Associates 11700 Mercy Blvd, Ste 5 Savannah, GA 31419 Phone: 912-927-6270

JOEL A. GREENBERG

Savannah Neurology Specialists 6602 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31406 Phone: 912-354-7676

Surgery / Breast Surgery VIRGINIA M. HERRMANN

The Breast Health Center 25 Hospital Center Blvd, Ste 300 Hilton Head, SC 29926 Phone: 843-682-7377

Gastroenterologic Surgery CHRISTOPHER SENKOWSKI

Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute Surgical Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-2299

Trauma Surgery FRANK DAVIS MIMS GAGE OCHSNER, JR.

MHU Medical Center Savannah Surgical Group 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 202 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7412

Surgical Oncology / Breast Cancer

General Surgical Oncology JAMES J. BURKE II

ACI Surgical Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8603

General Urology RICHARD VANDERSLICE

The Breast Health Center 25 Hospital Center Blvd, Ste 300 Hilton Head, SC 29926 Phone: 843-682-7377

Hilton Head Medical Center Urology Group Medical Pavilion, Ste 302 25 Hospital Center Blvd Hilton Head, SC 29926 Phone: 843-681-8203

Surgical Oncology / Gastroenterologic Cancer

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

VIRGINIA M. HERRMANN

JAMES GARBER

Surgical Specialists of Savannah 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 103 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8712

E. JERRY COHN

Phone: 912-352-8346 JOSEPH SHEPPARD MONDY III ANTHONY M. SUSSMAN CHRISTOPHER WIXON

SPECI A L A DV ERTOR I A L

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Savannah Vascular and Cardiac Institute Provident Bldg, Ste 500 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-629-7800

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Special Advertorial Feature

HEALTHCARE

HEROES WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF SAVANNAH, THEY DON’T REALIZE WHAT TALENTED AND

DEDICATED DOCTORS HAVE CHOSEN TO BE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE COMMUNITY. IN

FACT, SIX OF THE PHYSICIANS AT THE CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE & LIVER HEALTH HAVE BEEN NAMED “AMERICA’S TOP DOCTOR” AND WERE THE ONLY GASTROENTEROLOGY DOCTORS IN OUR AREA TO BE SELECTED FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE HONOR. SO WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THIS TEAM THE GO-TO GROUP FOR THE TOUGHEST CASES IN THE REGION?

Gen Fuller • Photography by Jabberpics

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“We were the first to do endoscopic ultrasound in the state of Georgia and we do all the clinical research in gastroenterology in Savannah. At any given time we have five or six clinical research projects going.” – Dr. Mark Murphy “Savannah is a fairly small town, a small community when you really think about it, but with a very sophisticated medical community. It’s really because they have a medical center here, with residents and medical students,” explains Dr. Edward Rydzak, who founded the Center for Digestive and Liver Health (CDLH) with Dr. Mark Murphy in 1994. “Most folks don’t realize it, they take it for granted, but really a community this size has some outstanding doctors, and it is because of teaching. I wouldn’t be here without it.”

If you ask any of the doctors at CDLH they will all tell you that the opportunity to teach is one of the reasons they choose to practice here. All of the physicians have full

faculty positions and are actively involved in the training of new medical students and residents at Mercer University School of Medicine, located on the campus of Memorial University Medical Center.

“I think the medical community in Savannah is very sophisticated because of the teaching program here. It attracts doctors that are interested in teaching, in remaining up-to-date, with cutting-edge technology,” says Rydzak.

Approximately one-third of the junior and senior classes of Mercer University classes are based in Savannah, so it may be surprising to learn that when CDLH was founded, there was no teaching gastroenterology practice in Savannah.

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“I think the medical community in Savannah is very sophisticated because of the teaching program here.

It attracts doctors that are interested in teaching, in remaining up-to-date with cutting-edge technology.” – Dr. Edward Rydzak “Two things happened,” starts Dr. Murphy. “I had planned to be a career academic, but my wife, who I’ve been with since I was 13, was diagnosed with lymphoma during my fellowship. We’re from Savannah, and she wanted to come home when she was in remission, because we didn’t know what was going to happen. I always wanted to teach, and Memorial was looking for someone to do just that. So I talked Rydzak into coming down for his first trip to Georgia ever.”

Together the doctors set up an academic level private practice with a focus on compassionate patient care and cutting-edge technology. Along with teaching, the physicians of CDLH have served the boards of Memorial Health, the Univeristy of Georgia

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The Little Pill That Can...

As Dr. Aragon explained, sometimes you have to take a look inside to figure out what’s going on, and the capsule endoscopy allows doctors to do just that. The size of a large pill, the capsule uses a tiny wireless camera to take thousands of pictures of the digestive tract allowing doctors to see inside the small intestine, an area that isn’t easily reached with conventional endoscopy.

Capsule endoscopy may be used to help diagnose or treat: • obscure gastrointestinal bleeding • inflammatory bowel diseases • cancer • celiac disease • polyps

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College of Arts and Sciences, the Gulfstream Medical Advisory Board, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

In 2003, the practice opened The Endoscopy Center, a four-room in-office endoscopic procedure suite. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), it is equipped with the latest high-definition endoscopic equipment. Today, with seven board-certified gastroenterologists and six mid-level providers, the CDLH is the largest gastroenterology practice in the state of Georgia outside of Atlanta.

“We set out to be that cutting-edge practice, that practice that sort of defined what the standard care for gastroenterology would be in South Georgia. We wanted to be the referral practice for all complicated cases, and frankly after 20 years we’ve accomplished that,” explains Murphy.

Complicated cases like Riletia Hawkins, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease two weeks before she turned 14. Hawkins, now 27, failed numerous therapies that other patients respond to, including some experimental drugs.

“I was always a hard patient to treat. I don’t know why. I’ve had every drug for Crohn’s. Dr. Murphy told me I’m the toughest patient he’s ever had to treat, but that it was his goal to get me in remission. Dr. Murphy says he’s never seen me without a smile but he’s always been the same way: always positive, no matter how dark the situation looked, he always stayed positive and energetic,” says Hawkins, who graduated nursing school in 2009. Now with two degrees under her belt and working on a third it’s obvious that Hawkins hasn’t let Crohn’s disease slow her down.

Dr. Murphy knows that while he’s accomplished what he set out to do, he’s not done yet: “Medicine changes so rapidly, you really can’t sit on your laurels and say, 'Well we’ve arrived, we’re here,' because then you lose that edge. For example, in Savannah there are a total of eight doctors that do ERCP and six are in our practice. We were the first to do endoscopic ultrasound in the state of Georgia, and we do all the clinical research in gastroenterology in Savannah. At any given time we have five or six clinical research projects going.”

Like most doctors, these guys can throw around a lot of medical jargon that for the average person is confusing, complicated and intimidating. The fact that they all have a deep appreciation and desire to teach also means that they are ready to answer patient's questions.

“I enjoy engaging patients, guiding them with clear talk and clear communication so that they can understand the complicated decision making. I put it in terms that they can digest and understand,” explains Dr. Steven Carpenter, who has been with the group since 1996. “With gastroenterology, you can endoscopically visualize the disease for diagnoses and follow the disease visually in its response to therapy. We can see that it got better. You can’t do that with a lot of things, but we can do that with gastroenterology.”

Dr. Carpenter was recently honored with the J. Willis Hurst Bedside Teacher Award. Presented by the American College of Physicians, the award was established in 1991 to honor a Georgia member of Fellow of the College for his or her outstanding teaching activities. The award is given only to one internist in the entire state every year.

Dr. Carpenter’s only wish is that he had more time to spend with his patients.

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tient, and explained what was going on. I arranged for a very clean, easy admission through the admissions department at the hospital. I called the patient’s primary care physician and together we had the patient admitted.”

Sometimes patients don’t even know they need to see a gastroenterologist, because their symptoms are hard to describe and they can’t get a clear diagnosis. It took doctors close to a year to diagnose Hawkins with Crohn’s.

“I think people get very frustrated because they’ll try to express themselves to their doctors and they get sent off to do labs or CAT scans, but everyone comes up with nothing,” explains Dr. George Aragon, who often uses the capsule endoscopy to help visualize things you can’t see in a colonoscopy. “A lot of times you just need to take a look inside.

You have to look at the inside of the stomach, the inside of the colon and find out if there is some type of inflammation going on or some type of cancer that’s causing all of their

“Medicine is a very humbling field. Always listen, and never be too confident about what you’re doing— that’s when you miss something. You cut a corner and medicine, disease, keeps you honest.”

– Dr. Mark R. Nyce

It’s not every day that you encounter a doctor willing to make his own day more difficult just to make a patient’s day easier, but to find a group of doctors committed to the same type of care is truly extraordinary. These physicians are also leaders in the community, serving not just on medical boards but also on the boards of United Way of the Coastal Empire, Savannah Christian Preparatory School, the Savannah Book Festival and Coastal Downs’ Buddy Walk all while continuing to raise the bar for standards of patient care.

“I like to think, ‘What would I want if I were the patient?’” explains Dr. Charles Duckworth, who does the more difficult ERCPs and pancreatic work at the facility. “A patient of mine had an abnormal X-Ray that required admission to the hospital. I’m in the middle of a busy clinic, but I just stopped what I was doing, called the paSPECI A L A DV ERTOR I A L

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"I enjoy engaging patients, guiding them with clear talk and clear communication so that they can understand the complicated decision making. I put it in terms that they can digest and understand.”

– Dr. Steven L. Carpenter

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students, who are placing in the 90th percentile nationally on their gastroenterology subsection board scores.

“You really need to know all of medicine to be a good gastroenterologist. There’s no cookbook style,” says Rydzak. “A lot of things we do revolve around talking to the patient, examining them and then deciding what we really think is going on based on our experiences. To me that’s a very attractive thing. It makes us stand apart. You have to know a lot about cardiology, and pulmonary, because they all interact.”

With the hardest cases in the region being referred to CDLH, it's no wonder that these doctors are committed to providing excellence. For them this means following evidence-based medi-

“I like to think, ‘What would I want if I were the patient?’ A patient of mine had an abnormal X-Ray that required admission to the hospital.

I’m in the middle of a busy clinic, but I just stopped what I was doing, called the patient, and explained what was going on.”

– Dr. Charles W. Duckworth

symptoms, or their pain, or their bleeding and you give them a diagnosis so they can finally get on with their treatments. Its nice you get to give them a diagnosis to their symptoms. You get to give them closure.”

Often just the idea of going to a gastroenterologist, or buttdoctor as the staff ikes to joke, can be scary, and many people put off g ing.

“People think, ‘Where are they going to look?’ and ‘What are they going to do to me?’ and I think that what they find here is that the staff s incredibly nice and perceptive to patients' needs,” comments Dr. Ryan Wanamaker. “We really work to make sure the patient's experience is a comfortable and non-threatening one. It can be scary to be a patient, but we strive to make it less so.”

Wanamaker has been at CDLH for over seven years, drawn to the focus on academics, which he says allows him to stay up to date with current trends and provide better patient care. That strong focus on academics has also drastically benefitted local medical 142

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“You have to look at the inside of the stomach, the inside of the colon and find out if there is some type of inflammation going on or some type of cancer that’s causing all of their symptoms, or their pain, or their bleeding and you give them a diagnosis so they can finally get on with their treatments.”

– Dr. George C. Aragon

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cine and reading the most current literature in order to provide the highest standards of patient safety and quality possible.

“Medicine is a very humbling field,” Dr. Mark Nyce says. “Always listen, and never be too confident about what you’re doing, that’s when you miss something. You cut a corner, and medicine, disease, keeps you honest.”

Nyce credits his mentor, Dr. Fred Gorelick, with whom he completed his residency, with teaching him to pay attention to the details.

“He was extraordinarily detail oriented,” Nyce explains. “He made sure you knew everything. Everything about the patient, everything you were doing. I wouldn’t say he ever told me that in so many words, but I learned from being with him.”

Dr. Nyce was on-call when Hawkins was hospitalized at the end of April.

He performed a colonoscopy and discovered that Hawkins would need another surgery, this time removing what was left of her large intestine and rectum.

“Some people think, ‘I have this disorder; I’m not able to do this’ I say you should never set limitations on yourself. I graduated in the top 10 percent of my class. I was in the National Honors Society. I have two degrees and I’m working on my third. This is a battle that I’m fighting, but I’m going to get through this,” says Hawkins, her voice low, raspy. “Dr. Murphy never gave up. He helped me to keep that smile. He helped me to stay positive.”

At the CDLH, it truly is the doctors, the staff nd their commitment to the medical community that sets them apart, puts them a grade above, and makes us all very lucky to have them involved in the education of the future primary physicians in our communities.

“People think, ‘Where are they going to look?’ and ‘What are they going to do to me?’ and I think that what they find here is that the staff is incredibly nice and perceptive to patients' needs.”

– Dr. Ryan Wanamaker

Signs & Symptoms Tummy trouble. None of us really like to talk about it, which is why so often the signs that something is terribly wrong get overlooked, or even misdiagnosed. It is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, yet only 5-7 percent have been diagnosed with the disease.

So when is constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or abdominal pain

• Any signs of rectal bleeding, including blood on your toilet paper and stool that is bright red, dark red, black or tar colored • Vomiting that continues for more than two days, or is accompanied by unusual symptoms such as extreme head or abdominal pain

your activities, or do not respond as usual to your home treatment

• A fever that lasts longer than three days or reaches more than 103 degrees. Call your doctor immediately if a severe headache, skin rash, stif f neck, persistent vomiting, dif f iculty breathing or pain when urinating accompanies the fever.

it may be time to call a gastroenterologist. Here are some ‘red-flag’

• Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite and/or weight loss

more than just a passing inconvenience? Or, if you have been diagnosed with IBS and your symptoms become worse, begin to disrupt

symptoms to be aware of these symptoms.

• Abdominal discomfort or bloating • Pelvic pain

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions it may be time to call a gastroenterologist. Many people choose to first see their primary-care physician, but if you have any of these ‘red-flag’ symptoms , it may be time to see a specialist. If you are experiencing these or any other symptoms you feel need to be addressed, call 912-303-4200 or visit savannahgi.com SPECI A L A DV ERTOR I A L

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South magazine’s 7th Annual

MEET THE DOCTORS photogr aphy by

C h i n a F a g a n , J o h n A l e x a n d e r , D a n n y G r i ff i n ,

david oliver, m.d., f.a.c.s., c.e.n.t.c............................................. 145 the center for digestive and liver health.............................146 chatham orthopaedic associates................................................148 ansley s. tharpe, m.d..........................................................................150 travis f. wiggins, m.d.........................................................................152 harry s. collins, d.o., f.a.c.o.g.......................................................154 claudia nadine gaughf, m.d............................................................156 christi ghaleb, m.d.............................................................................158 robert b. miller, d.m.d.......................................................................160 keith kirby, m.d....................................................................................162 the georgia institute for plastic surgery..............................164 garrett white, m.d..............................................................................166 yael elfassy, m.d..................................................................................167

{ 144

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and

Josh Br a nstetter

edward sammons, o.d.........................................................................168 arthur c. kendig, m.d.........................................................................169 joseph c. hegarty, m.d., f.i.p.p........................................................170 james w. wilson, m.d...........................................................................171 maria c. mascolo, m.d., f.c.c.p.........................................................172 james a. daly, iii, m.d., f.c.c.p., f.a.a.s.m......................................173 karen cooper, d.d.s.............................................................................174 kyrin dunston, m.d..............................................................................175 frederic spector, d.p.m.....................................................................176 deborah cunningham, m.d...............................................................177 richard schulze, jr., m.d..................................................................178 kelly erola, m.d...................................................................................179 pediatric associates of savannah...............................................180 southern allergy and asthma, p.c..............................................181

}

The Best Doctors in America® is an exclusive list of the best 5 percent of physicians in the country, based on an unbiased peer-review process. South magazine is proud to have exclusive partnership with this prestigious organization since 2007 for this primary publication readership area.

The logo signifies this region’s Best Doctors® that made the list in 2013.

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DAVID OLIVER

MD, FACS, CENTC

Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat, LLC education: Medical University of South Carolina board certification: American Board Of Otolaryngology affiliations: Diplomate American Board of Otolaryngology, Fellow American College of Surgeons, Fellow American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Professional Coders; Board of Directors Medical Association of Georgia; St Joseph’s-Candler Hospital, Memorial Health Medical Center, Evans Memorial Hospital (Claxton) residencies: Medical College of Virginia, Department of Otolaryngology areas of expertise: Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

“Serving and caring for patients is very rewarding,” says Dr. Oliver. “ENT as a specialty is fulfilling. I trea every age group with a variety of high tech procedures that deliver progressive patient care.” Those procedures include an in-office ballo sinuplasty, which allows early intervention without hospitalization or prolonged recovery in the course of chronic sinusitis, one the most common medical problems.

“I prefer to invest time in educating patients about their condition so they feel more empowered and take ownership of the decisionmaking process.”

• 912.355.2335 davidolivermd.com 322 commercial drive, suite 2 savannah, ga 31406 photography by josh branstetter

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The Center for Digestive and Liver Health and The Endoscopy Center The Highest Quality Endoscopy and Patient Care

We consistently set the clinical standard for gastroenterology practices in the Coastal Georgia and South Carolina regions. ➼

Our team of board-certif ied gastroenterologists perf orms

the latest diagnostic testing in gastroenterology, and employs modern treatment techniques to address such cases as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and hepatitis. We are dedicated to preserving your digestive health and providing the advanced care every patient deserves.

The group focuses on providing state-of-the-art care for patients with digestive and liver disease, as well as identif ying colon cancer. Previously, CDLH introduced new technologies such as endoscopic ultrasonography, Barrx ablation therapy and wireless capsule pH monitoring to coastal Georgia, among others. This year, the group perf ormed the f ir t successf ul endoscopic mucosal resection of an esophageal cancer in coastal Georgia— complete removal of a cancer without incisional surgery!

MARK E. MURPHY MD board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Medical College of Georgia fellowship: UNC at Chapel Hill - Digestive Diseases and Nutrition areas of expertise: Inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, endoscopic intervention for Barrett’s Epithelium, and colon cancer EDWARD RYDZAK MD

board certification: Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Albany Medical College, NY fellowship: UNC at Chapel Hill - Division of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition areas of expertise: Esophageal disorders, pancreatic and liver disorders, colon cancer, therapeutic endoscopy, and stomach disorders

CHARLES W. DUCKWORTH MD

board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Medical College of Georgia fellowship: University of Virginia - Gastroenterology areas of expertise: Endoscopic retrogradecholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), and pancreatic disease

STEVEN L. CARPENTER MD

board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Medical College of Georgia fellowship: Emory University areas of expertise: Endoscopic ultrasound and gastrointestinal oncology

MARK R. NYCE MD

board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Jefferson edical College fellowship: Yale New Haven Hospital, University of Virginia Health System areas of expertise: Inflammatory b wel disease, Colorectal Cancer Screening

RYAN C. WANAMAKER MD board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Emory University of North Carolina School of Medicine fellowship: UNC - Gastroenterology areas of expertise: Colon cancer, GERD, hepatobiliary disorders, and capsule endoscopy GEORGE C. ARAGON MD

• 912.303.4200 • savannahgi.com 1139 lexington avenue, savannah, ga 146

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board certification: Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine medical degree: Meharry Medical College, Washington, D.C. fellowship: George Washington University Medical Center - Gastroenterology areas of expertise: Colorectal cancer screening, hepatology, and capsule endoscopy

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Standing, left to right: Dr. Mark R. Nyce and Dr. Ryan C. Wanamker . Seated, left to right: Dr. George C. Aragon, Dr. Steve L. Carpenter, Dr. Mark E. Murphy, Dr. Edward Rydzak and Dr. Charles W. Duckworth.

photography by josh branstetter

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RONALD H. LEVIT MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: University of Texas Health Science Center areas of expertise: Orthopaedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery, and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery SPENCER WHEELER MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: Medical College of Georgia areas of expertise: Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Surgery of Knee, Shoulder, Hip and Elbow ROBERT D. HOFFMAN MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: Duke University areas of expertise: Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy and Replacement JOHN T. PRATHER MD board certification: Board Certifie medical degree: Medical College of Georgia areas of expertise: Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot & Ankle Surgery GREER E. NOONBURG MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: Dartmouth Medical School areas of expertise: Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Shoulder and Knee Reconstruction JAMES F. HOLTZCLAW MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: Emory University of Medicine Areas of Expertise: Orthopaedic Surgery, Total Joint Replacement, and Ortho Trauma

MARK A. JENKINS DO

board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine areas of expertise: Orthopaedic Surgery, Surgery of Knee, Shoulder and Hip, Orthopaedic Trauma

GERALD CHAI DO

board certification: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation medical degree: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine areas of expertise: Interventional pain management, electrodiagnostics & non-operative orthopaedics

RAPHAEL R. ROYBAL MD board certification: Orthopaedic Surgery medical degree: University of New Mexico areas of expertise: Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

• 912.355.6615 • chathamorthopaedics.com 4425 paulsen street, savannah ga 31405

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➼ Open until 8 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Convenient locations in Rincon, Richmond Hill and Savannah

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Chatham Orthopaedic Associates

Quality Orthopaedic Care for more than 50 Years Whether urgent care or treatment of a chronic problem is needed, Chatham Orthopaedic Associates are dedicated to their patients’ care and committed to quality in everything they do. Our board certified p ysicians involve patients in the decision— making process, educating them and their families on diagnosis and treatment options. Trained at some of the best institutions, the group has at least one physician providing subspecialty care including hand and upper extremity, foot and ankle, spine, sports medicine, joint repair and pain management. They provide a full range of services including X-Ray, MRI, and Physical and Occupational Therapy. Our doctors strive to offer each patient a plea ant and efficient experienc

photography by john alexander

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Ansley S. Tharpe

MD

GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH

At Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah, each patient’s care is managed by an impressive team of board-certified gastroenterologists who are recognized leaders in their field.

Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah is the only GI group in Savannah that has been in practice for 35 years.

“Find your passion and a mission you believe in and that you absolutely love,” says Dr. Tharpe. “When you feel like you’ve made a difference in someone s life, it becomes so much more than a job.”

Dr. Tharpe believes that establishing the patient-doctor relationship is the most important thing a doctor can do.

“Patients need to be able to value and trust the knowledge and judgment of their doctors. And likewise the doctor must

be capable of responding to the patient’s needs, and be ready to take responsibility for the patient’s care.”

Born in Americus, Georgia, Dr. Tharpe grew up in Macon.

She credits Savannah’s beauty and charm as the reason she decided to practice here. “I love walking the beautiful squares downtown,” explains Dr. Tharpe, who also loves to sing, and with singing comes dancing, a great way to stay active and healthy.

education: Medical College of Georgia board certification: Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine affiliations: The hospital campuses of St. Joseph’s/Candler and Memorial Health University Medical Center residencies: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine areas of expertise: Colon cancer screening, reflux disease Chron’s & Colitis, IBD

• 912.354.9447 519 stephenson avenue, savannah, ga 31405 150

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photography by china fagan | the landings club

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Travis F. Wiggins

MD

GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH

The physicians at Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah are committed to providing patients with the highest quality prevention and treatment of digestive diseases in a caring, compassionate manner.

“There are few, if any, guarantees in the practice of medicine,” says Dr. Wiggins. “I use my best judgment in determining what I think is best in each situation, applying my skills and experience with the latest technical advances in medicine, procedures and equipment.” Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah has a state-of-the-art endoscopy center on site, and offer the mo t advanced sedation methods to ensure the greatest comfort for patients.

“As a gastroenterologist I strive to promote wellness by identifying risk factors that could lead to future health

problems such as colon cancer,” explains Dr. Wiggins.

“Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle prove to be the best preventative measures against colorectal cancer.”

I was born and raised in the South. My wife and I have always loved the beauty of Savannah and we wanted our children to grow up here. Keeping up with three energetic boys is a workout in itself,” says Dr. Wiggins. “But whenever we get the chance to go dancing, we take it!”

education: Medical University of South Carolina board certification: Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine affiliations: The hospital campuses of St. Joseph’s/Candler and Memorial Health University Medical Center and Effingham Coun Hospital in Springfiel residencies: Medical University of South Carolina areas of expertise: Colon cancer screening, reflux disease, pancreati and biliary diseases, radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus

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• 912.354.9447 519 stephenson avenue, savannah, ga 31405

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Harry S. Collins

DO, FACOG

SAVANNAH AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE, INC.

Normal is not optimal. Medical literature supports replacing hormone levels to that of a younger age, typically 25-to-30 years old. At these levels optimal health is obtained as well as the feel-good effects of one’s youth. The problem lies in how one defines “normal” and “optimal.”

“If a 20-year-old has the hormone levels of a 60-year-old, they will not feel well and their physician will treat them,” explains Dr. Collins. “If someone who is 60 has the levels of a 60-yearold, they will not feel well, but this is considered normal.” A leading expert in Bio Identical Hormone Optimization, Dr. Collins understands normal is exactly where you do not want to be.

“Medical studies have demonstrated that optimizing our hormone levels to the levels we had in our 20’s and

30’s protects us against heart disease, diabetes, elevated cholesterol and the many other problems associated with aging,” he says. “I am 66 years old. Not only am I a physician, but I am also a patient.”

Savannah Age Management Medicine has the knowledge and expertise to maximize your potential for improvement through physician-prescribed bio-identical hormone optimization. “Aging is inevitable, but looking old and feeling old is optional.”

education: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences board certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology affiliations: Diplomate American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Life Fellow, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Member, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association residencies: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC – Obstetrics and Gynecology areas of expertise: Bio Identical Hormone Optimization, Age Management Medicine

• 912.925.6911 • agemanagementmed.com 1000 towne center blvd. ste 506, pooler, ga 31322 154

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Claudia Nadine Gaughf

MD

CHATHAM SKIN AND CANCER CENTER

Chatham Skin and Cancer Center is a state of the art private medical practice specializing in clinical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Gaughf specializes in facial rejuvenation, including minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Juvederm and other fillers.

By treating chronic skin disorders, and with the early detection of skin cancer, we are able to greatly improve our patient’s quality of life. This may be as simple as improving the self-esteem of patients with severe acne or psoriasis.

“One of the best parts of my job is seeing a smile on the face of a teenager who had severe acne, or knowing a patient with severe psoriasis can now wear shorts without being embarrassed,” explains Dr. Gaughf.

Every week Dr. Gaughf diagnoses at least one melanoma, mostly in the early curable stages, saving many patients’ lives by diagnosing skin cancers early. “I can’t overemphasize the importance of having yearly skin examinations,” says Dr. Gaughf.

To stay healthy, Dr. Gaughf plays sports with her kids, like tennis and baseball, works out with a personal trainer two days a week, jogs and does ballroom dancing.

Dr. Gaughf won the “Top Fundraiser Award” and “Best Female Dancer” for the 2013 CASA’s Dancing with the Stars, raising over $15,000 for CASA, which supports and protects a child’s right to be safe. For the last six years she has also participated in the Ballroom Extravaganza, a local charity event. This year she raised $20,000 and won the Viewer’s Choice Award.

education: Medical College of Georgia board certification: American Board of Dermatology affiliations: Consulting staff at Memorial Hospital, Member of Georgia Society of Dermatology and American Academy of Dermatology residencies: Medical College of Georgia in Dermatology; Medical Center of Central Georgia in Internal Medicine areas of expertise: Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, acne, psoriasis, and skin rejuvenation

• 912.354.7124 • mysavannahdermatologist.com 639 stephenson avenue, savannah, ga 31405 156

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Christi Ghaleb

MD

FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER

Since opening the doors to her own practice in 2010, Dr. Ghaleb has continued to serve both old and new patients alike with efficiency, caring, and true one-on-one attention. Dr. Ghaleb deals with a wide spectrum of issues and concerns, providing her with an opportunity to meet new people from various backgrounds in her community.

While the facility boasts a state-of-the-art Electronic Health Records system, Family Medicine of Pooler’s website allows patients to request appointments, review labs, fill out medica forms and communicate with office taff. orking side-byside with her husband Pete, who is also a respected physician, they have been able to perfectly complement each other. “We met during my fir t dive while we were both in our fir t year of medical school. He later proposed to me 60 feet under water,” Dr. Ghaleb says.

Together, they make an excellent team. “He exclusively handles the business side while I take care of patients,” Dr.

Ghaleb explains. “In this way I can focus more of my attention on patient care. I’m compassionate and caring with my patients, but I can be stern, just as I am with my family.” Dr. Ghaleb is the recipient of various awards including Vitals Patients’ Choice Award “Most Compassionate Doctor” for 2012 and “Best Doctor in Savannah” by Savannah Magazine.

“It validates that we’re doing the right thing for our patients,” she says. Of all of her achievements, Dr. Ghaleb says her two children are her greatest accomplishments.

education: Ross University School of Medicine board certification: American Board of Family Medicine affiliations: American Academy of Family Physicians residencies: Memorial Health University Medical Center areas of expertise: Women’s care, adolescent medicine

• 912.748.1100 • familymedicineofpooler.com 433 us highway 80 w., pooler, ga 31322 158

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11/26/13 9:52 AM

Robert B. Miller

DMD

MILLER DENTAL GROUP

A leading expert in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Miller specializes in procedures such as teeth whitening, dental implants and Invisalign, an invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.

“Patients should look for a dentist who will take the time to answer all of their questions and concerns,” Dr. Miller explains. “I believe in telling patients what they need and providing them with what they want—while helping them understand how their teeth and gums can affect their verall health and well-being. The best part of my job is giving patients a smile they can be proud of.”

A Savannah native, Dr. Miller lives here with his wife and children. “I have always enjoyed the coastal lifestyle and southern traditions that make Savannah such a great place to live,” explains Dr. Miller. “We like to go boating, golfing and spend weekends at our family farm.”

education: University of Georgia; Temple University School of Dentistry affiliations: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Invisalign Preferred Provider, Laser Practice Certification areas of expertise: Invisalign, Lumineers, Cerec CAD/CAM, laser certified, cosmetic and family dentistry

• 912.525.7777 • millerdentalgroup.com 901 east 66th street, savannah, ga 31405 160

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11/26/13 9:52 AM

Keith Kirby

MD

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT & PAIN CENTER

Pain causes physical and emotional suffering for patients and their families.

Dr. Keith Kirby doesn’t just treat pain; also he treats people suffering with pain.

Dr. Kirby is the areas’ leading expert in nonsurgical treatment of pain due to disorders of the spine. He tailors each patient’s treatment plan, in order to relieve their pain and help them get their lives back to normal. “I started out as a physical therapist, but I became a physician so I could do more to help my patients,” says Dr. Kirby. “It’s very gratifying to be able to relieve pain for a patient who has been sufferin for months, sometimes years, and allow them to get back to a life without pain, or with pain that is no longer intolerable.”

Dr. Kirby served as a flight sur eon in the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War before practicing with the Neurological Institute of Savannah for 10 years. Dr. Kirby then opened Savannah Pain Management in 2005, followed by the Savannah Pain Center in 2008, the only Ambulatory Surgery Center in the Savannah metropolitan area specifically dedicated to the treatment of pain. o help stay fit, D . Kirby swims at the Aquatic Center in the mornings and golfs on the weekends.

education: The Chicago Medical School board certification: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine affiliations: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Candler Hospital and Memorial Health University Medical Center residency: Medical College of Wisconsin areas of expertise: Nonsurgical treatment of disc herniations, degenerative discs, and arthritis of the spine

• 912.352.4340 • savannahpainmanagement.com 8 wheeler street, savannah, ga 31405 162

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The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF©

Surgical skill meets artistic ability and personalized care at The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery The care with which this dynamic group of board certifie plastic surgeons evaluate their patients forges highly personalized relationships. “I never treat anybody the same.

Everybody has their own unique desires for going through with surgery,” says Dr. Thomas Horn. He likes to meet with his patients at least three times prior to surgery and states, “I always tell my patients I don’t stop being their doctor at 5 p.m. I am available for them when they need me.”

The group's practice covers the full spectrum of plastic surgery, including both reconstructive and elective cosmetic surgery. Dr. John Paletta points out that cosmetic surgery in the 21st century is an increasingly acceptable method for feeling better about one’s self. “People are more accepting of cosmetic surgery in the South than in the Midwest, but there is a misconception that it is only for the wealthy,” he says.

Younger patients are opting for breast augmentation, eyelifts, brow-lifts, liposuction, botox, filler , and Brazilian butt lifts.

More mature patients are opting for neck and facelifts. A number of financing o tions are available today, making such procedures more easily affordable The artistry of plastic surgery is critical to great results and that is a key component to The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery’s philosophy. “We all have to creatively visualize each procedure in 3D. And we have to listen carefully to our patients about what bothers them,” says Dr. Paletta. Patient testimonials emphasize the personalized care given by all the doctors in the busiest plastic surgery practice in Savannah.

Although cosmetic procedures are more popular now, Dr. Paletta warns, “It is still a surgery, so our emphasis on safety and quality is critical.”

JOHN PALETTA MD, FACS

THOMAS HORN MD education: University of Florida board certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Surgery affiliations: Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, Moretz Surgical Society, American Medical Association residencies: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Miami areas of expertise: A wide range of plastic surgery procedures for the face, body and breasts as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and reconstruction following breast cancer

education: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine board certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery affiliations: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fellow, American College of Surgeons, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Medical Society residency: University of Pittsburgh, Plastic Surgery, York Hospital, York, PA – General Surgery areas of expertise: Facial cosmetic surgery, breast surgery, body contouring surgery and non-surgical options, reconstruction following breast cancer

• 912.355.8000 • mycosmeticsurgeon.md 5361 reynolds street, savannah, ga 31405 164

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GARRETT WHITE MD SouthCoast Medical Group education: University of Kansas School of Medicine board certification: : American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine & Nephrology) affiliations: American College of Physician Executives; Renal Physicians Association; American Society of Nephrology; Nephrology Coverage Advisory Panel (RPA subcommittee) fellowship: Nephrology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN residencies: University Hospital/ University of Cincinnati areas of expertise: Nephrology

“I listen and try to alleviate patients’ fears about chronic illness through teaching, which empowers patients toward better healthcare,” says Dr. Garrett White. The fir t in his immediate family to go to college, Dr. White completed a degree in engineering before attending medical school.

“Chronic illness affects patient and their family,” says Dr. White, who exercises three days a week to stay healthy.

“We have four children, which is motivation to stay healthy,” he says, adding, “I won’t be retiring anytime soon.”

Dr. White is proud to use his talents to help and serve others, and is inspired by the people he meets every day.

• 912.527.5225 southcoastmedical.com 1326 eisenhower drive building 1 savannah, ga 31406 166

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11/26/13 9:53 AM

YAEL ELFASSY MD SouthCoast Medical Group education: Xavier School of Medicine board certification: Board Eligible for American Board of Pediatrics affiliations: American Academy of Pediatrics, Gold Humanism Honor Society residencies: Pediatric Residency, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia areas of expertise: Pediatrics

“Choose someone you can trust, someone you feel you can build a relationship with,” says Dr. Elfassy (also known as “Dr. E) on what to look for when choosing a physician for your child. “As pediatricians, we see your children seven times in the fir t year—and that does not account for sick visits, which we know all inevitable with little ones.”

With a smile on her face and a high fi e ready for her pint-sized patients, Dr. E will help your family feel comfortable with treatment plans through open communication and support.

• 912.303.3500 southcoastmedical.com 310 eisenhower drive, no. 16 savannah, ga 31406

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EDWARD SAMMONS OD SouthCoast Medical Group education: Nova Southeastern University of Optometry affiliations: American Optometric Association; Georgia Optometric Association, PresidentFirst District GOA areas of expertise: Primary Eye Care with Emphasis in Dry Eye, Diabetic Eye Care, Glaucoma, and Contacts

“Being a good listener is a doctor’s most important role.

Careful attention to what patients tell us often leads to an accurate diagnosis in absence of diagnostic tools,” says Dr. Sammons.

In addition to listening to his patients, Dr. Sammons uses an Optical Coherence Tomographer, cutting edge laser technology, for early detection of Glaucoma, as well as diagnosing retinal disorders.

Dr. Sammons has been practicing in Savannah for almost 10 years, and credits the city’s perfect mix of culture, beauty and friendly people for leaving him with no desire to leave. A family man, Dr. Sammons is inspired by his wife. “She manages to practice dentistry full time, take care of me and our children, and still manage to pay attention to the details,” he says. “We have two wonderful boys and my free time is generally spent taking them fishing ”

• 912.527.5200 southcoastmedical.com 1326 eisenhower drive building 1 savannah, ga 31406 168

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ARTHUR C. KENDIG MD SouthCoast Medical Group education: Medical College of Ohio board certification: American Board of Internal Medicine; American Board of Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Disease affiliations: Heart Rhythm Society, American College of Cardiology residencies: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation areas of expertise: Cardiac Electrophysiology

Dr. Kendig describes himself as an “electrician of the heart."

"I implant pacemakers to speed the heart up, and defibrillators to shock it bac to normal,” he says. “I also use computer-generated 3-D maps of the anatomy and electrical system of the heart to diagnose rhythm problems, and burn or freeze areas of the heart’s electrical system that are abnormal.”

Of all the intricacies within the incredible design of the body, Dr. Kendig says the heart has always fascinated him the most. “While we are alive, it is always moving. It makes sound, creating its own rhythm with its blues-like ‘lub-dub, lub-dub,’ and occasionally provides music in the form of murmurs and clicks,” he explains.

• 912.527.5300 southcoastmedical.com 1326 eisenhower drive building 2 savannah, ga 31406

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11/26/13 9:54 AM

JOSEPH C. HEGARTY MD, FIPP

Optim Healthcare education: Hahnemann University School of Medicine board certification: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Pain Medicine, American Board of Interventional Pain Practice residencies: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN fellowships: Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice, America Society of Interventional Pain Physicians areas of expertise: Interventional Pain Management

My uncle was diagnosed with Polio at 15, paralyzing him from his chest down. He never felt sorry for himself or considered himself disabled,” Dr. Hegarty says of the inspiration that led to his interest in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

These days Dr. Hegarty loves stand-up paddle boarding, saying, “it’s a great workout, and its so peaceful on the water I sometimes forget it’s exercise.” An expert in spinal cord stimulation, he believes that there are great options available for people that have severe intractable pain. “I’ve come across some really amazing people that have done some incredible things in their lives. It really makes you realize how privileged you are as a physician to have the trust of these remarkable people.”

• 912.644.5300 optimhealth.com 210 east derenne avenue savannah, ga 31405

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JAMES W. WILSON MD Optim Orthopedics education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill board certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery affiliations: American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, United States Olympic Committee, Doctors on Call, Georgia Medical Society and Georgia Orthopaedic Society residencies: Parkland Hospital (Dallas, TX) fellowships: Sports Medicine, Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Vail CO; Served as team director for the Denver Broncos and USA Olympic Ski Team areas of expertise: Orthopedic Sports Medicine

Dr. Wilson loved science and math from a fairly young age, but it wasn’t until his years wrestling at UNC that his interest in orthopedics began. “I was an All American Wrestler at UNC and had a few orthopedic injuries that led to my interest in studying orthopedics,” explains Dr. Wilson. Since moving to Savannah in 1998, Dr. Wilson has been helping people feel better and enabling them to participate in all of life’s endeavors. A leading expert in shoulder reconstruction, Dr. Wilson will provide the care you need to stay active and healthy.

• 912.644.5300 optimhealth.com 210 east derenne avenue savannah, ga 31405

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MARIA C. MASCOLO MD, FCCP

Southeast Lung Associates education: University of Virginia board certification: Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine affiliations: American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, American Sleep Disorders Association, St. Joseph’s/ Candler Health System, Effingh Health System residencies: Chief Resident, University of Virginia; Internal Medicine Residency, University of Virginia, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at University of Virginia areas of expertise: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma, Pulmonary Infectious Disease Establishing long lasting relationships with patients is Dr. Mascolo’s goal, who understands that while we all want a quick fix it isn t always realistic when it comes to health care. “My relationship with my patients is a partnership,” she says. “I want them to be active participants in their own health care.

They should be comfortable coming to me with questions and I in turn want them to be actively involved in the healing process.” Dr. Mascolo sees her work as a vocation, not just a job, but still makes it a point to have a little down time.

“I spend a lot of time at the soccer fields with y kids,” she says. “I am also committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle to set a good example for my patients.”

• 912.826.3927 selung.com 131 silverwood centre, suite 100 rincon, ga 31326 172

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11/26/13 9:54 AM

JAMES A. DALY, III

MD, FCCP, FAASM

Southeast Lung Associates Southeast Sleep Disorders Center education: College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY board certification: Sleep Disorders Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Internal Medicine, Sleep Subspecialty Board of ABIM affiliations: American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, American Academy of Sleep Medicine fellowships: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, LA, CA Pulmonary critical care areas of expertise: Sleep Disorders and Pulmonary Medicine Dr. Daly began his medical career in the “trenches” of medicine as an orderly.

“These experiences have served me well,” Dr. Daly comments. “I appreciate all the levels of care needed at the bedside, especially the orderly.” A Savannah native and Benedictine graduate, Dr. Daly returned to Savannah after 20 years away, saying he felt an “inexorable force compelling" him home.

“Savannah is a marvelous place to practice medicine and raise a family,” says Dr. Daly, who enjoys hunting with Grace, his German short-hair. A leading expert in sleep disorders, Dr. Daly uses radiofrequency base of tongue reduction, a new method of treatment for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

• 912.629.2290 selung.com 340 hodgson court savannah, ga 31406 photography by josh branstetter

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KAREN COOPER

DDS

Smile Designs education: Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry affiliations: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Implant Association, American Dental Association fellowship: Digital Implants and Intravenous Sedation (IV) areas of expertise: Cosmetic Dentistry, 3D Digital Treatment Planning and Placing Dental Implants

Dr. Cooper has always had a passion for cosmetic dentistry, and is often moved to tears by her patients’ reactions to their enhanced smiles. “These moving times,” she says, “make me want to cry with them.” Dr. Cooper understands that past experiences can make going to the dentist unpleasant, which is why she is always gentle and friendly. “Patients will ask me, ‘when am I getting the shot,’ and I will tell them I already did it. Usually they respond with, ‘I didn’t feel it,’ or ‘that was the best shot I’ve ever had.’” For the past several years Dr. Cooper has been a member of D1 Athletics, a training program with expert coaches and the latest in sports therapy. “I love the challenge,” she explains. “I also enjoy the serenity of outdoor experiences, such as boating, fishing and leisure biking ”

• 912.920.6202 savannahsmiledesigns.com lawrell hill village plaza 101 little neck road suite 2f savannah, ga 31419 174

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KYRIN DUNSTON MD True Balance MD education: Jefferso Medical College fellowship: American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine affiliations: American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Institute for Functional Medicine, American College for Advancement in Medicine, American Functional Medicine Association areas of expertise: Natural weight loss and hormone optimization for men and women

Dr. Dunston doesn’t just help other people lose weight; she and her staff h ve collectively lost 300 pounds. “I practice what I preach: I keep my hormones balanced, my body detoxified, y nutrition top notch and maintain my mental, emotional and spiritual balance, by playing the piano and painting.” says Dr. Dunston, who is described by patients as inspirational.

By using modern technology to pinpoint the cause of your medical concerns Dr. Dunston can help you stop medicating the symptoms and treat the underlying problems.

• 912.401.0449 truebalancemd.com 200 stephenson avenue suite 302 savannah, ga 31405

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FREDERIC SPECTOR DPM Coastal Foot & Ankle Center education: Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine board certification: American Board of Podiatric Surgery affiliations: Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery; Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital and Memorial Health University Medical Center residencies: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Hayward/Oakland, CA; Southeastern Medical Center, North Miami Beach, FL areas of expertise: Reconstructive foot surgery, diabetic foot care, plantar fasciitis, heel pain and sports medicine

Dr. Spector has practiced podiatric medicine and surgery in Savannah since 1982.

He states, “The technology available in the Surgery Centers at the Savannah area hospitals are second to none.

They have given me the tools to provide my patients with state of the art foot surgery.”

Dr. Spector is a leading expert in surviving diabetes without amputation.

• 912.354.3668 fredericspectordpm.com 352 commercial drive savannah, ga 31406

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DEBORAH CUNNINGHAM MD

Atlantic Radiology Associates education: American University of the Caribbean board certification: Diagnostic Radiology affiliations: Society of Breast Imaging, American College of Radiology, Radiologic Society of North America fellowship: Breast Imaging at Boston Medical Center residency: Albany Medical Center areas of expertise: Breast Imaging and Breast Biopsies

The region’s only female, fellowship-trained mammographer, Dr. Cunningham empowers every patient with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their medical care. “I like to hear the whole story of what brought a patient to see me before making any medical decisions,” says Dr. Cunningham, who serves as the Chief of Breast Imaging and the Medical Director of Memorial University Medical Center’s Breast Center of Excellence. “Patients need someone who listens to what they say, and they need to feel that they are in a protected and safe environment.” To stay healthy, Dr. Cunningham plays with her kids.

“When I am at home, it is all about home. When I am at work, it is all about work. I love what I do and I have the best family in the world.”

• 912.350.8436

atlanticradiologyassociates.com

memorial university medical center 4700 waters avenue savannah, ga 31404

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RICHARD SCHULZE, JR. MD

Schulze Eye & Surgery Center education: Princeton, Oxford, University of Virginia School of Medicine board certification: American Board of Ophthalmology affiliations: American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, Windsor National Associates, and the Medical Advisory Board of the Georgia Eye Bank residencies: Ochsner Clinic, New Orleans, LA areas of expertise: Cataract and refractive surgery

“I’m a fourth generation physician. My father, also an eye surgeon, was one of the happiest, most fulfilled peopl I knew growing up. He’s why I went into medicine.” Like his father, Dr. Schulze truly loves helping people be able to see again and treats each patient like a member of the family. “The best part of my job is helping blind people see again,” he says. “You cannot put a value upon the happy smiles I see the day after surgery.” Dr. Schulze believes that some of the old guiding principals of medicine have been forgotten in an era where outside insurance companies try to dictate care. “I treat each patient as if he or she was a family member, and the rest just falls into place.”

• 912.352.3120 schulze-eye.com 728 e. 67th street savannah, ga 31405 178

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11/26/13 9:56 AM

KELLY EROLA

MD

Hospice Savannah education: McMaster University, Ontario, Canada board certification: Family Medicine; Hospice and Palliative Medicine affiliations: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Canadian College of Family Physicians areas of expertise: Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Hospice Savannah provides services and resources on living with a life limiting illness, dying, death, grief and loss. “Every patient has a story to tell and we need to listen with open minds and try to understand their perspective so we can truly help.

“Listening,” says Dr. Erola, “is a doctor’s most important role. Many people don’t know that Hospice is covered by Medicare for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. Often people get referred too late in their illness.”

Dr. Erola also sets a fine example of maintaining balance. “I never take work home. I have a supportive family who listens and understands my work.”

Her balance also includes vacations with her family, running 30 miles per week, eating bran with blueberries, Greek yogurt and a daily glass of red wine.

• 912.355.2289 hospicesavannah.org 1352 eisenhower drive savannah, ga 31406

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PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH, PC PEDIATRIC MEDICINE

The Parent’s Trusted Partner in Pediatric Health™ Joseph Morrison Jr., MD, FAAP • Gustave Kreh, MD, FAAP • Robert Shelley, MD, FAAP • Michael Demauro, MD, FAAP • Diane Savage-Pedigo, MD, FAAP • Paul Nave, MD, FAAP • Ben Spitalnick, MD, MBA, FAAP • J. Steven Hobby, MD, FAAP • Adria Wilkes, MD, FAAP • Mark Wilson, MD • Giselle Rosinia, MD, FAAP

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Open 365 Days a Year!

• www.pedsav.com 912.355.2462 • 4600 waters avenue • savannah, ga 31404 912.330.5010 • 110 medical park drive • pooler, ga 31322 912.898.9800 • 1001 memorial drive • savannah, ga 31410 photography by john alexander

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SOUTHERN ALLERGY AND ASTHMA, PC JACK EADES MD education: Mercer University School of Medicine board certification: American Board of Allergy and Immunology affiliations: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Georgia Medical Society, Southeastern Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society residency: Wake Forest University fellowship: Vanderbilt University areas of expertise: Allergic Disorders, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis

WASIL KHAN MD, PHD education: Medical University of South Carolina residency: Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University fellowships: Allergy and Immunology, Wake Forest University

Southern Allergy & Asthma seeks to provide state-ofthe-art therapy to patients suffering from various allergi diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, hives, and food, drug and insect allergies.

“My role is to make patients better. I give the best care I can by speaking directly to the patient based on the facts of the case without speculation,” explains Dr. Eades.

• 912.303.9355 southernallergy.net 5223 paulsen street savannah, ga 31405

photography by john alexander

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GOSTAYSHOP

T R A V E L

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F A S H I O N

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S H O P P I N G

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L O D G I N G

Book your stay at one of the most haunted rooms in Savannah—if you dare.

LEOCI 'S FI N E FOODS L I N D S E Y G ROV E N ST E I N

Bring a little bit of Leoci's home for the holidays with the acclaimed chef's own line of food products.

Take your pick from jams and relish such as Leoci’s fig jam, hot pepper jam and Vidalia onion relish as well as a variety of meats—handcrafted smoked lonza, pancetta and duck proscuitto. “I chose unique products that I like a lot and that I use a lot,” says Roberto Leoci, chef and owner Leoci’s Trattoria. “There was a high demand of people asking for our products, and I just wanted to share them with the public.” Purchase each product individually, create your own gift box or choose from several packages. Prices range from $2 5 to $1 2 5. Leoci's Fine Foods are available in Savannah at Leoci’s Trattoria, 2 4E, Whole Foods, Smith Brothers and the Wilmington Island Farmer’s Market. ➼ Leoci's Trattoria 606 Abercorn Street 912.335.7027 leocis.com

CONTENTS

184 quick trips

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savannah's duck dynasty

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quail capital of the world

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south's style guide

204 perils of carolyn

Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to daily life in the Lowcountry

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PHOTOGR A PH BY JA SON B. JA M E S

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Enjoy over 72 acres of peace and tranquility at Dahlonega Spa and Resort

Renewal and rejuvenation await at Westglow Resort and Spa

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Quick Trips

F I N D YO U R C E N T E R A N D G E T H E A LT H Y F R O M T H E I N S I D E O U T I N T H E N E W Y E A R LINDSEY GROV ENSTEIN DAHLONEGA SPA AND RESORT,

parks, including the Appalachian Trail,

through workshops and seminars that

lag from all the holiday buzz,” says

DAHLONEGA, GA

that provide boundless hiking

explore self-esteem, balance, and goals

Marketing Communications Manager

Relieve the stress of everyday life in

opportunities. There are plenty of

and life enhancements. Westglow also

Ivie Parker. "You really want to focus

the foothills of the Blue Ridge

packages to choose from so you can

offers a personalized nutrition and

on the upcoming year. And what better

Mountains at Dahlonega Spa and

personalize your vacation. In

diet services program that evaluates

way to do it than by the beach?”

Resort. The fresh air, nature trails and

December and January, book one of

your individual nutritional needs,

spa treatments available in the facility

Dahlonega's two retreats focusing on

tailors a personalized diet, and

nights in a AAA Four Diamond room,

are sure to sooth your body and soul.

meditation and manifesting your goals

provides a cooking class on how to

daily breakfast and dinner for three

“There are no televisions or phones in

and needs for the new year.

prepare healthy meals at home. You’ll

nights, daily yoga sessions, optional

the rooms,” says Nicole Winkler, the

k 400 Blueberry Hill 706.865.7678 rrresorts.com/dahlongea

be sure to leave your vacation feeling

outdoor guided meditation sessions, a

renewed and rejuvenated.

fire pit complete with s’mores and a

k 224 Westglow Circle 828.295.4463 westglowresortandspa.com

night meditation on the beach—as well

general manager at Dahlonega. “You are forced to relax.” There is a yoga hall, three massage rooms, a large

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Accommodations include three

as a dance party. The program

outdoor Jacuzzi, a 40-foot walking

WESTGLOW RESORT & SPA,

labyrinth, and 72 acres of open

BLOWING ROCK, NC

meadows and wood for you to explore

The beautiful Westglow Resort offer

WILD DUNES RESORT,

forgiveness mediation and self-worth

and walk. The resort offers a variety of

health and wellness programs that aim

ISLE OF PALMS, SC

meditation. “This retreat is more

body works, scrubs, wraps and skin

to improve your well-being through

Just in time for the new year, the

about taking a step back and taking a

care treatments at the spa. “Grab a cup

renewal and rejuvenation. Choose

“Perfectly Imperfect” Resolution

holistic look at how you think about

of our freshly-brewed Costa Rican

from the Mind, Body & Spirit Retreat,

Rehab Retreat at Wild Dunes Resort is

your goals and life and dreams and

coffee ” Winkler recommends. “Then

Stress Relief Retreat and Couples

designed to silence your inner critic

what you’re aspiring to be,” says Parker.

sit out on our wrap-around porch and

Re-Charge, among others. The

and replace it with positive inner

enjoy the mountain view.” The resort

programs offer wellness services that

peace. “We started brainstorming.

k 5757 Palm Boulevard 888.778.876, wilddunes.com

is 15 minutes from many national

explore the mind, body and spirit

January is typically when people get a

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provides three resolution sessions that focus on meditation and discussion,

PHOTOGR A PHY COURTESY THE DA HLONGE A SPA & R ESORT & W ESTGLOW R ESORT A ND SPA

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âžź Mungin Creek Hunt Club members (L-R) Thor Robertson, Ted Robertson, Dan Shealy and Buzzy Weimar pose after a morning in the blind.

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SAVANNAH’S Duck DYNASTY

S AVA N N A H ' S R I C H DUCK HUNTING H E R I TA G E I S A S A L I V E T O D AY A S I T WA S WHEN THE L O W C O U N T RY WA S F I R S T S ET T L E D •• M a r t y Fi s c h e r •• P H O T O S BY • Te r r y A l l e n •

SOUTHEAST GEORGI A A ND THE

Lowcountry region of South Carolina have been blessed by Mother Nature in many ways. Adequate rainfall and a temperate climate make the region very popular year round for humans and animals alike. The availability of food and water during the late fall and winter months makes our area especially attractive to millions of migrating birds, especially waterfowl.

Throughout time, waterf owl species have migrated south during the fall, primarily for survival.

The brutal winters in states f ar to the north mean frozen water and virtually no food—deadly conditions for the birds. •••

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Not long after the city of Savannah was f ounded by General James Oglethorpe, f armers that settled in the region began planting rice in the marshlands of the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers. Rice was already a staple crop in neighboring South Carolina, and since ducks and geese loved to feast on the carbohydrate rich grain, they floc ed to the area in huge numbers.

As you might imagine, hunting waterfowl has became a very popular pursuit, as locals and wealthy businessmen from the Northeast came to the region for the fabulous late winter hunting. They bought large properties that became rice plantations all along the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. It was surmised by some that the rice culture faded with the freeing of slaves after the Civil War, but the main reason is more likely international competition, as well as states like Louisiana, Arkansas and California becoming large rice-growing regions.

The rice culture of the region may have faded into the sunset, but the popularity of duck hunting didn’t die with it. The old ricef ields that dotted both sides of the lower Savannah River still exist, as do many of the trunk gates that controlled the infl w and outfl w of water.

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Once those ricefields were removed from production, many individuals from wellknown Savannah families bought the land and managed it primarily for duck hunting.

And while we are a few generations removed from the fir t local waterfowl enthusiasts, many of the region’s present-day avid duck hunters are descendants of those early pioneers of the sport.

Prominent Savannah businessmen like Dale Critz, senior and junior, Colonial Oil executive Bob Demere, graphics guru Jim Davis and attorney Robbie Harrison have their own private waterfowl hunting locations in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Dr. Richard Schultz owns a plantation in the area as well, and actually grows his own strain of wild rice called Carolina Gold.

Some of the rice is harvested and sold commercially, but Schultz will quickly tell you that his rice farming operation is more for the ducks than it is for people. There are many more examples that could be cited here, but suffic it to say that many Savannah business icons are just as comfortable in camoufla e and waders as they are in a three-piece suit.

Today, the numbers of waterfowl migrating to the region pales in comparison to the

flocks of ducks that reportedly blackened the sky a couple of centuries ago; but the passion of the area’s waterfowl enthusiasts is as strong as ever.

DUCK SPECIES The Coastal Georgia/Lowcountry South Carolina region in the lower part of the Atlantic Flyway, and most of the ducks migrating south are in Canada or along the Canadian/U.S. border east of the Mississippi River.

The most harvested duck in the region is the wood duck. This handsome bird is migratory, but many wood ducks actually stay in the area year round and are often found in swamps and beaver ponds.

Other duck species f ound in the area include ringneck, Northern shoveller, bluewing and greenwing teal, mallard, pintail, gadwall, American wigeon, mottled duck and black duck. With the exception of the ringneck, all of these other duck species are dabbling ducks, which means that they feed on top of the water, or tip up and stretch their necks underwater for food.

Diving ducks like the canvasback, redhead, bufflehead and scaup are also hunted

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∞ Tools of the trade: Marty Fischer Signature Series mallard and wood duck calls by Final Strut Gear (finalstrut.net), Cap and camo by Mossy Oak (mossyoak.com), Waders by Drake Waterfowl (drakewaterfowl.com), and Winchester Supreme High Velocity steel waterfowl ammunition (winchester.com).

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∞ Understanding duck language and knowing what calls to use and when to use them can be the difference between a great hunt and a bad day in the blind.

SUIT UP

in the the region, primarily in the coastal salt marshes. These ducks actually dive under the water to search f or f ood, and their diet is different from their dabbling duck cousins.

Waterfowl hunting in the U.S. is federally regulated. As a result, a federal duck stamp and Harvest Inf ormation Permit, or HIP, are required in addition to state permits and licenses. The HIP permit is free of charge and can be obtained when purchasing a hunting license.

Since ducks like water, a lot of the duck hunting in the region takes place from a boat. Most duck boats are stable jon boats covered with a blind structure and camouf la e. Decoys and calls are not necessary, but the chances of success are limited without them. The decoys used should be of the species you are planning to hunt in a given location. There are lots of duck calls on the market. In f act, duck calls from years past are very collectable. The most common call is that of a hen mallard, as all puddle ducks will respond to a properly blown mallard call. Other ducks, like pintail, teal and wigeon, make a whistling sound, and divers utter a low guttural growl.

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National Wildlife Refuge, which was established as the Savannah Birding Refuge in 1927. The core acreage in the refuge is loWhen it comes to clothcated to the east and west of U.S. Highway ing, duck hunters often wear 17 across the Houlihan Bridge in Port waders and waterproof outWentworth. Hunters and non-hunters freerwear, with ample layers quent the refuge to view scores of differen underneath, depending on birds, waterfowl, reptiles and plants. the weather. Remember that Hunting access is north of the ricefield duck season in the South in Chatham and Ef f ingham counties in takes place in the winter Georgia and Jasper County in South Caromonths, and conditions can lina. Most of the hunting is accessible only change quickly. by boat. With the exception of the extreme Most hunters use a 12-gauge shotgun for northernmost reaches of the ref uge, the waterfowl, although a lower recoil 20-gauge Savannah River, river cutoff areas and creeks is acceptable under most conditions. Nonthat feed them are tidal. toxic shot is required and the most common There is also excellent duck hunting shot size for duck hunting is #2, 3 or 4. south of Savannah on the Ogeechee and Altamaha rivers. There are quota hunts f or the Butler Island National Wildlif e Refuge near Darien, Georgia and there are Of course the landscape has changed a bit walk-in hunting areas in the Altamaha over the years as commercial, residential Wildlife Management area. Occasionally and industrial development along the there are hunt slots available on the Butler coastal marshes and rivers has limited the Island quota hunts, should someone who acreage available to hunters. But since ducks drew a hunt tag not show up. require both water and a food source, you The duck hunting tradition in the Savanmerely need to find both in an area that nah, coastal Georgia and Lowcountry South holds ducks and you will Carolina region is strong. Generalikely have an opportunity tions of hunters have ventured for hunting success.

Waterfowl on af ield in search of the myriad While many of the prime the Web species of wildfowl found in the waterfowl areas these days waters of the region. The future • Visit fws.gov/ are on private land, there savannah/ to is bright as responsible hunting are tens of thousands of learn more about and conservation coupled with hunting opportuacres of excellent waterfowl adequate rainfall and habitat connities on the habitat in the region that are Savannah ditions have duck population open f or public hunting.

National Wildlife numbers near an all-time high. As Refuge.

Two of the best are in local long as those things continue, National Wildlife Refuges.

• georgiawildlifeSavannah's Duck Dynasty will The closest refuge to the city federation.com continue for generations to come. has complete of Savannah is the Savannah

WHERE TO ROOST

information on duck hunting season in Georgia.

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ALBANY •

➼

marty fischer | photogr aphy by terry allen

The state of Georgia is known for many things. It is widely referred to as the Peach State (even though it is third in peach production behind California and South Carolina; however, it is the largest producer of pecans and peanuts in the nation). The coastal region is known for the colonial city of Savannah, its beautiful beaches and the bounty that its fisheries provide.

But southwest Georgia is known as "The Quail Capital of the World." This region, from Thomasville to Albany, is home to large plantation properties dedicated to agriculture and the promulgation and survival of the bobwhite quail. Albany is home to the annual Quail Albany Conservation Hunt, which attracts hundreds of celebrities and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

It is the fast flying and beautiful bobwhite quail that draws sportsmen and celebrity personalities from the worlds of sports, music and film to gather in Albany (locals pronounce it All-been-ie) for the Quail Albany Celebrity Conservation Hunt each January. The 28th annual hunt will commence on January 23, 2014, for the 27th consecutive year in Albany.

The Celebrity Conservation Hunt was actually founded by Quail Unlimited, a now defunct wildlife conservation organization in the mid-1980s. The first hunt was actually held on a

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private plantation near Newington, Georgia, in Screven County. It was moved to Albany the following year, primarily because of the large number of available hunting plantations in that area. After all, it takes a great deal of property, volunteer help and organization to move more than 100 quail hunters to and from more than 30 hunt locations used during the event.

This “Quail Capital” region of Georgia is home to scores of magnificent plantation properties, many purchased by wealthy businessmen for

winter retreats and hunting. It is common to find employees on these properties who represent the third, fourth and fifth generations of their families to work there.

The bobwhite quail, known as the "Gentleman of Gamebirds," thrives in this part of the state because the habitat is as perfect for the bobwhite quail as can be found anywhere: large agricultural fields of corn and soybeans; wiregrass for cover and brooding; live oaks and expansive stands of longleaf pine and a temperate climate are just what the

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bobwhite quail needs to survive. And when you consider that these lands are managed for the birds and other wildlife, landowners are doing their part to maximize the potential of their land for agriculture and wildlife.

Over the years, the celebritydriven event has hosted hundreds of well-known personalities who donate their time to raise much-needed funds for wildlife conservation. Some of the more notable names that have attended the event include actors Ben Johnson, Dub Taylor, Larry Hagman (J.R.

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Attendees descend upon Albany each year for the camaraderie, the dogs, beautiful landscapes, unbelievable Southern cuisine and, of course, the fast- flying bobwhite quail. Many of the shooting plantations that offer their land and staff or the event are entirely private during the rest of the year; outside of this event, hunters cannot pay to hunt at these private plantations, since they are managed totally for the landowner and his guests.

Ewing) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing); sports stars Ryan Klesko, Bobby Richardson, Bo Jackson, Greg Norman, Vince Dooley and Pat Dye; military heroes Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf and Gen. Chuck Yeager; Grande Ole Opry stars Grandpa Jones, Jim Ed Brown and Little Jimmy Dickens.

Of course, there are hundreds more unnamed here, but rest assured, the celebrity list is a long one.

Each year, the event features terrific concerts by well-known musical artists.

Performers like Daryl Singletary, Tracy Byrd, Moe Bandy, Restless Heart and John Anderson have performed for the cause of wildlife conservation.

Attendees descend upon Albany each year for the camaraderie, the dogs, beau194

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tiful landscapes, unbelievable Southern cuisine and, of course, the fast- flying bobwhite quail. Many of the shooting plantations that offer their land and staff for the event are entirely private during the rest of the year; outside of this event, hunters cannot pay to hunt at these private plantations, since they are managed totally for the landowner and his guests.

A typical hunt day at the event starts with a full hunter's breakfast, where the hunting participants meet to see whom they are hunting with and on what property they will be hunting. There are two days of hunting, and celebrities, hunt patrons and VIP guests are assigned to different properties each day. Community volunteers will transport hunter groups to their assigned property, where

they will be turned over to the landowner and staff or a memorable day of fun, food and fellowship before returning for the evening events.

Unlike other forms of hunting, the upland bird hunter does not typically wear camouflage. Comfortable boots, brush pants, button up shirts, an orange vest or jacket and cap are in the dress code.

Hunter safety is of paramount importance, as there are many moving parts in the hunt once the dogs are working and birds are flushing.

Hunt groups are usually made up of four hunters and a guide. Traditionally, only two hunters are allowed off f the hunt wagon at a time, with others behind the action to socialize and relax. The guide is in charge of the hunt, and guns

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Former Gov Sonny Perdue and former Braves infielder Jeff Treadway

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are usually not loaded until the dogs go on point.

A major part of each hunt day is spent enjoying the braces of expertly trained bird dogs doing their job. Not many things in the outdoors can top watching English pointers, setters and German shorthairs slam on their brakes to point out the location of a covey of fast-flying partridges. The focus in the eyes, the locked tail and rippling muscles of a dog on point are truly things that memories are made of. Many properties feature flush dogs to actually move the birds from the point and to retrieve any birds harvested by the hunters. Flush dogs are usually Labrador retrievers or a small breed of spaniel.

On every participating property, hunters, guides and dogs spend the day traversing the gently rolling terrain found in this region of the state. Some properties move hunters on horseback and mule-drawn wagons while others feature specially modified and outfitted SUV-type vehicles often called "bird buggies."

In keeping with the tradition of quail

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hunting in the South, hunters are not allowed to use pump or semiautomatic action shotguns. Only break action guns capable of firing just two shots are allowed. On many properties, only 20-gauge or smaller scatterguns are permitted. For the majority of hunters participating in this event, it is more about the fellowship and experience than it is about the harvesting of birds.

Mealtimes at all of the participating properties are special, as true Southern cuisine is the order of the day. Many properties have special recipe items that have been passed down for generations, and are served only at that particular property. Food items like fried quail or chicken, pork tenderloin or pork chops, butter beans, green beans, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, garlic mashed potatoes and more are standard fare. Fruit cobbler, pies and cakes to finish the wonderful meal.

Since this is a fundraising event, evenings are well planned with outstanding meals, live and silent auctions for tremendous items like hunts, baseball and football packages, original artwork and celebrity-pro-

vided items, as well as the aforementioned concerts.

For more than two decades, Albany has been a gracious host for the event. Many of the celebrities, hunt patrons and VIP participants return year after year to rekindle the friendships they have made over time.

And as is so often the case with events that stand the test of time, their success really is all about the people. If there was ever an event that is the epitome of the "Outdoors Social" crowd, the Quail Albany Celebrity Conservation Hunt is it.

The Quail Albany Celebrity Conservation Hunt is one of Georgia's great events. The fact that the dollars raised over those three January days will be used for quail habitat restoration and wildlife conservation only compliment the enormity of the event.

Consider attending the event as a hunter or social guest. You can be assured of a memorable time, while rubbing shoulders with well-known celebrities and enjoying the best of what the sporting South has to offer.

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Heading to the Hunt...

The beauty of the Quail Albany Celebrity Conservation Hunt is that virtually anyone can participate by way of the Hunt Patron system. Individuals interested in participating in the event can still go to the event website, www.quailalbany.org, click on The Hunt and fill out a Hunt Patron form. There are hunting slots (very limited availability) as well as social event opportunities for individuals, couples or families.

Plantation Guide

Without question, quail hunting in the South is one of the more traditional outdoor pursuits you can enjoy. There are numerous hunting preserves located throughout the State of Georgia and surrounding states. Since pointing or flushing dogs are pretty much required to hunt quail, preserves usually offer the best access for the majority of hunters. Listed below are some hunting preserves in the greater Savannah area as well as a number of properties who participate in the Quail Albany Celebrity Conservation Hunt.

Dorchester Hunting Preserve, Midway, GA, huntdsp.com Marsh Hunting Preserve, Statesboro, GA, 912-587-5727 Wynfield Plantation, Albany, GA, wynfieldplantation.com Quail Country, Arlington, GA, quailcountry.com Southern Woods Plantation, Sylvester, GA, southernwoodsplantation.com Rio Piedra Plantation, Camilla, GA, riopiedraplantation.com Red Pebble Plantation, Rebecca, GA, redpebbleplantation.com Little River Plantation, Ashburn, GA, littleriverga.com

These properties offer half day and full day hunts, meals, overnight lodging, guides, dogs and most offer rental shotguns should you not have your own.

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style guide

on her Slip Victoria's Secret, $49.50 www.victoriassecret.com on him Pants Express, $59.90 www.express.com Belt Aldo, $30 www.aldoshoes.com

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if there's one thing we southerners are good at, it's throwing a great party. from galas and cocktail parties to networking affairs and lowcountry boils, south has an answer to that burning question: “What are you going to wear?�

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Networking Like a Power Pro This isn’t your everyday networking event — this is a sleek night on the town, rubbing elbows with major movers and shakers. Whether you're coming to network or flaunt your sleek “business professional” look, bring your A-game. For women, a hot sequined Nicole Miller party dress might be just what the doctor ordered; for guys, make a stop at Marc Jacobs. The slight sheen of the fabric and cut of his suits scream power. Special thanks to New River Auto Mall for providing the Limited Edition Jaguar.

on her Dress Nicole Miller, $550 BleuBelle Boutique www.bleubelle.com Necklace Moon and Lola, $86 BleuBelle Boutique www.bleubelle.com Watch Michael Kors, $450 www.michaelkors.com Clutch Moyna, $260 Globe Shoes (912) 352-1158 Shoes Flirt by Pelle Moda, $195 Globe Shoes (912) 352-1158 on him Shirt, $59 Jacket, $628 Pant, $358 all at Marc by Marc Jacobs www.marcjacobs.com

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Custom Skirt Karen Paolicelli & Green Label Designs, $525 www.greenlabeldesigns.com Blouse The Limited, $49.95 www.thelimited.com Shoes Globe Shoes Camdyn by Sam Edelman, $110 (912) 352-1158

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The White Party Tips and Trends: It’s often hard to find outfits for white parties or know if it’s ok to wear color. One tip for white parties is that some color is needed for your outfit. Say what?! Ladies, choose neutrals for your accessories like nudes, metallic, or black if you must. Wear gold and/or sliver jewelry. Guys, if you can’t find white shoes and a white belt then wear black for your accessories. Black is a neutral color and in small amounts can pull your white outfit together.

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on her Gown Tadashi Shoji, $400 Kathy Rich www.kathirich.com Bracelet Lasting Memories, $125 Bleubelle Bridal www.bleubellebridal.com Shoes Fantine, $69.30 Nine West www.ninewest.com on him Calvin Klein Tuxedo Simons Formal Wear, $144.95 www.simonsformal.com

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Black Tie Gala Tips and Trends: Classic is back! Men’s waist coats, pocket squares, and boutonnieres are classic pieces that are making a resurgence in men’s fashion. Waist coats are slim fitted, pocket squares have prints, and boutonnieres are no longer huge orchids or roses. If you choose to wear a boutonniere, try a small sprig of rosemary or f resh thyme. It not only smells refreshing but adds an interesting and rustic addition to a sleek and classic outfit.

Ladies, if you are interested in bringing back some vintage style, try a 40’s finger wave hairstyle and/or a bright red lip. Make sure to blot those lips. Lipstick across your teeth can put a damper on an evening.

on her Dress Beth Bowley, $278 Jewelry Various, $82-$100 Pashmina, $56 all at Terracotta Boutique www.terracottasavannah.com on him Shirt, $64.50 Jacket, $250 Pant, $69.50 Belt, $45 all at Banana Republic www.bananarepublic.gap.com

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Dine South Tips and Trends: If you are tired of the same old cuffs and bangles for bracelets, make your own "stack" out of a few simple necklaces.

Wrap them a few times around your wrist and voila!

Photographer: da nn y g r i f f i n â€

Models: josh & kelley keller, Dr. & mrs. horn, jessica lauren, Dr. & Mrs. spitalnick, dr. & Mrs. winchell Style Editor: Kevin Cartee // Hair Stylist: Havi Johnson, Salon M, Laura Brooks, Park West Makup Artist: Krystle Venticinque, The Powder Room Location: the mansion on forsyth, Leoci's Trattoria (THIS PAGE) 202

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THE PHOTO TALE OF A NEW BRIDE (SORT OF) TRYING TO ADJUST TO HER NEW LIFE (KIND OF) WITH HER NEW HUSBAND (SUCH AS HE IS). (NO JUICERS WERE HARMED IN THE SHOOTING OF THIS STORY.)

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THE PERILS OF

Photographer: C E D R I C S M I T H Art Director: M I C H A E L B R O O K S † Models: SAVANNAH CHRISTINE & MORGAN WINSOR // Wardobe Stylist: KEVIN CARTEE Hair Stylist: HAVI JOHNSON, SALON M // Makup Artist: KRYSTLE VENTICINQUE, THE POWDER ROOM Location Scout: LUKEJOHN DICKSON // Special Thanks: ANDY & CAROLYN STEIGMEIER

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• H IM Prospector Co. www.prospectorco.com Reading Classes, The Janitor, Han Kjobenhavn $160

• HER Terra Cotta, www.terracottasavannah.com Sheer Shrug, Only Hearts $48 Lace Panty, Hanky Panky $29 Bracelet, Chanluu, $189 Necklace, Chanluu $109 Silk Lingerie Top, Donated from private collecion Copper Penny, www.shopcopperpenny.com Turquoise Shoes, Copper Penny, Kate Spade $328 decem ber | ja n ua ry 14

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• HER Red Clover Boutique, www.shopredclover.com Gold Pumps, Chinese Laundry $46 Gold Necklace, Red Clover Brand $18 Vintage Inspired Rings, Red Clover Brand $18-22 Vinage pencil skirt donated from private collection.

• H IM Prospector Co, www.prospectorco.com Double Edge Safety Razor, Muhle, $64 Porcelain Shaving Mug, Muhle $48 Silver Tip Badger Shaving Brush, Muhle $118 K.C. Atwood Aftershave, $18 206

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• H IM Prospector Co, www.prospectorco.com Reading Glasses, The Janitor, Han Kjobenhavn $160 On Time Fashions. www.ontimefashiononline.com, Fedora, Stacy Adams $35 Loafers, Amali $35 Sunglasses, Holly, Illevasteva $290 Ollie Otson, www.ollieotson.etsy.com Vintage Dress Shirt, $$16 Vintage Shorts, $20 Blue Dress Shirt, St. Patrick. $17 Amali, $35

• HER Extant Fair, www.extantfair.com Sunglasses, Holly, Illevasteva $290 Ollie Otson, www.ollieotson.etsy.com Vintage Green Earrings, $8 Vintage Fuschia Silk Scarf, $6 Red Clover Boutique, www.shopredclover.com Vintage Inspired Motorcycle Vest, Under Skies $52 Dark Skinny Jean, MonoB $78 Red Clover Brand Bangles, $10

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• HER Red Clover Boutique, www.shopredclover.comGold Pumps, Chinese Laundry $46 Gold Necklace, Red Clover Brand $18Vintage Inspired Rings, Red Clover Brand $18-22

• H IM Express, www.express.com Black Producer Suit Pant, $148 Cole Haan, www.colehaan.com Back Oxford Dress Shoe, $178

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South Magazine’s

Holiday Gift Guide 2013

This year South is spreading a little cheer and making your shopping easy.

Find the perfect present for your coworkers, your fashion forward friends, your hard-to-shop-for parents, or maybe even a treat for yourself.

WRIGHT SQUARE CAFÉ • 21 W. YORK STREET • 9 12 .238 .115 0 • WRIGHTSQUARECAFE.COM From the moment you open the doors, you are greeted with the rich aroma of fresh coffee beans, herbs, fruits, and baking bread. You’ll find yourself surrounded by imported chocolates and a vast array of epicurean delights. Relax, and enjoy a sandwich or a wrap and be sure to save room, and time, to indulge in the truly decadent desserts & gourmet chocolates from over 50 chocolatiers around the world. The menu always delivers fresh and flavorful foods using the highest quality ingredients. Grab a lunch buddy and enjoy!

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LIVE OAK RESTAURANT GROUP • SAVANNAH • 9 12 .23 6 .5 50 1 • LIVEOAKSTORE.COM Live Oak Restaurant group has been a local, family owned and operated group of restaurants in Savannah, GA for over 30 years, serving up the freshest seafood and land fare available in the beautiful Hostess City! Fiddler’s Seafood is dedi­cated to the hard working families of previous gen­erations who have left an indelible mark on the seafood industry in our community. The front porch is a relaxing place to sit in a rocking chair and sip on a cocktail with friends. Molly McGuire’s, located on Wilmington Island, is a beautiful restaurant with willow trees, fresh water lagoon and surrounding gardens. Enjoy great game time food at Dub’s Pub—the only sports bar on River Street with multiple televisions, ping pong, bumper pool and foosball. Experience genuine Savannah flavor in an 1850’s King Cotton warehouse at River House. Sit riverside and enjoy local seafood while watching local and merchant ships sail by. Family owned and operated since 1976, Spanky's serves up the original chicken finger! Or visit Tubby's for a wide range of fresh catches, crabcakes, and fare for the land lovers on their large outdoor deck on the riverfront. Keep this tradition alive by sinking your teeth into the freshest, and most delicious Low Country cuisine. gif t guide decem ber | ja n ua ry 14

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E ZZLUR A D YO !

AT ARTYH P H H

photography provided by cedric smith

RED CLOVER • 24 4 B ULL STREET 91 2 .23 6 .4 0 5 3 • SHOPREDCLOVER.COM

THE MEN'S STORE BY JOSEPH • 28 W. BROUGHTON STREET 9 12 .232 .5 50 3 • THEMENSSTOREBYJOSEPH.COM

Red Clover is a shopping destination that you'll continue to visit for the latest in fashion and inspiration. They offer a range of styles, from bohemian, to classic, to vintage inspired pieces. Stop in or shop online to find your holiday treasure.

The Men's Store by Joseph has been in business for the past twenty years and define our success by achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction possible. You can find popular brands such as Ralph Lauren, Sean John, Michael Kors and much more.

SAVANNAH BEE COMPANY • 10 4 W. BROUGHTON STREET • 9 12 .23 3.78 7 3 • SAVANNAHBEE.COM Savannah Bee Company is your destination for speciality honeys and natural, luxurious beeswax-based body care. This season, they are launching a new line of lotions and body wash.

Honey Body Lotion is made with honey, while the Honey Body Wash is made with honey, propolis, and royal jelly. They come in a variety of scents such as lemongrass spearmint, wild blackberry, and tupelo honey. They're perfect stocking stuffers or can be a deserving gift to yourself. Stop by any of their three locations in Savannah, and their new store in Charleston.

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SPA BLEU • 101 BULL STREET 9 12 .23 6 .149 0 • SPABLEU-SAV.COM

THE SALT TABLE • 5 1 BARNARD STREET • 9 12 .4 47.0 20 0 SALTTABLE.COM

Give the gift of relaxation. Spa Bleu gift certificates are the perfect way to relieve the holiday stress. A touch of the exotic combined with a variety of European and traditional, organic spa treatments will refine your experience of true 'bleu' southern comfort.

The Salt Table samples over 60 different salts as well as seasoning blends, sugars, teas and other flavors to inspire the chef in everyone. With over 200 products to try in-store, it’s no wonder that Trip Advisor ranked The Salt as a Top Place to Shop in Savannah.

GIFTS THAT WILL Last ALL YEAR

EPIPHANY BEAD AND JEWELERY STUDIO 4 0 7A EAST MONTGOMERY CROSSROADS • 9 12 .9 20 .6 6 59 EPIPHANY.INDIEMADE.COM

JOHN B. ROURKE 7 13 5 H ODGSON MEMORIAL DRIVE • 9 12 .3 5 5 .1211 JOHNBROURKE.COM

Epiphany Bead and Jewelry Studio is a wholesale and retail bead and jewelry supply store, carrying a wide variety of gemstones, glass beads, findings and much more.

This holiday season, give a handcrafted gift to your loved ones. Come in and create something special, or have one of our designers make something for you!

John B. Rourke constantly explores worldwide fashion centers for the finest brands and designer collections to bring together an unequalled selection of suits, sport coats, trousers, sportswear, furnishings and accessories. They apply their expertise with each customer to create a wardrobe that is as unique as the man who wears it. gif t guide decem ber | ja n ua ry 14

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HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN • 2 RESORT DRIVE • 9 12 .201.2 25 0 • HEAVENLYSPASAVANNAH.COM The world’s largest Heavenly Spa by Westin, at Savannah Harbor, invites you to enjoy their Butter Rum Holiday Packages. Or give the gift of Heavenly Spa by Westin's sensory journeys to that special person, deserving of some pampering. Heavenly services will awaken the senses and gift certificates are sure to delight. This Holiday season with every $100 gift you will receive an additional $25 to use at the spa. The renewed you is waiting!

TH E

THE MAGIC PUPPET TOYS & GIFTS • 212 W. BROUGHTON STREET 9 12 .23 4.20 0 7 • MAGICPUPPETTOYS.COM

MAIDPRO • POOLER, GA 9 12 .4 5 0 .67 76 • MAIDPRO.COM/POOLER

Before you even step inside you know this is no ordinary store. Smart toys, gifts and magic for kids of all ages. Just look for the store with the live giant tortoise in the window. Free Beautiful Gift Wrap. Knowledgeable Happy Helpers!

Tied up with holiday chores?Let MaidPro handle your holiday cleaning. You have enough to do. Let MaidPro dust, scrub, clean and vacuum until everything shines.

Call or go online for a free quote. Gift certificates are available.

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PLANET FUN • 23 E . BROUGHTON STREET 9 12 .201.0 2 28 • FACEBOOK: PLANET FUN SAVANNAH

SARA JANE CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE 20 2 3 7 TH STREET • 9 12 .23 4.52 6 6 • SARAJANEKIDS.COM

Blast off o Planet Fun for that unique gift you won't find anywhere else! From Doctor Who to Pokémon, hundreds of nostalgic toys to vintage video games, and gag gifts and stocking stuffers galore! Trade in toys, collectibles, and video games for cash or store credit.

If you need a gift for a little one but have a big love for fashion, visit Sara Jane. As Savannah’s premier children’s store, it offers clothes for babies, boys and girls that are [almost] as cute as they are.

SAVANNAH'S CANDY KITCHEN • 2 25 E AST RIVER STREET • 9 12. 232. 26 39 • SAVANNAHCANDY.COM Savannah’s Candy Kitchen is not only the largest candy store in the southeast, it’s also a place where young and old can enjoy the sweet tastes of nostalgic and Southern candies.

The Kitchen has recently expanded and ships Southern treats to homes all over the U.S. But don’t let their size fool you; Southern hospitality is as plentiful as the sweet treats here, and you’ll feel like a local as you’re greeted warmly by the candy makers when you step inside. Salt water taffy is made daily in-store on a vintage machine from 1914. While you’re there, sample a warm Classic Pecan Praline—so good it will melt in your mouth! gif t guide decem ber | ja n ua ry 14

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EAT&PLAY

R E S T A U R A N T S

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F O O D

DEPT 7 EAST MARGARET HARNEY

The chic interior of Dept 7 E ast is a mix of cozy French countryside and Southern tradition— which is also the perfect way to describe Meta Adler and Chef Michele Jemison’s gourmet menu selection. Located on Broughton in conjunction with the Tea Room gift shop, Dept 7 East is a dedicated homegrown establishment with farm- fresh ingredients and a Croque Mademoiselle with housemade pepper jelly that will blow your taste buds away. Perfect for popping in for a quick bite or sitting down for some hot tea, Dept 7 East is downtown’s newest place for lunch, catering, and delicious lavender lemon squares. Just don’t forget to say hello to their mascot, Commander Cody, for a dose of good ol’ Southern humor. ➼ Dept 7 East 7 East Broughton Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.232.0215 facebook.com/dept7east Go to southmagazine.com for a guide to daily life in the Lowcountry

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218 juicing

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one pound/day chocolate diet

222 happy nyeat

228 best southern fests

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events & entertainment

236 scenes of the south

242 mouth of the south

Dept. 7 East is open for business on Broughton Street

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Healthy Eating

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JUICING N O, I T ’ S N O T W H AT YO U D I D O N N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E W I T H F R I E N D S ; I T ’ S K A L E B Y T H E G L A S S F U L—T H E H O T N E W T R E N D F O R H E A LT H Y E AT I N G . janice shay

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ost of us, admit it, don’t get enough fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Why not throw a few collard greens, some celery, parsley, green apple and a squeeze of lime into a juicer and drink your vitamins today? In the past couple of years, celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Alicia Silverstone have helped raise awareness of juicing as part of a healthy diet and a great way to cleanse your system of toxins while losing weight. Peak juicing season begins on January 1, when we’re all faced with those last-minute resolutions to eat better, lose weight, and change old habits.

Most friends who are seasoned juicers swear by a regime of daily fasting: juices for breakfast or lunch followed by a regular evening meal for one week to one month. It sounds like a pretty harsh diet, right? But—here’s the thing—if the juice drink tastes pretty great, it’s not so hard to do.

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Dr. Kyrin Dunston, owner of True Balance MD and author of Cracking The Bikini Code: Lose Weight, Gain Vitality, and Learn the Revolutionary Keys to Getting the Body and Health of Your Dreams, says, “Juicing can provide a high nutrient and antioxidant content, as well as contributing to weight loss, cancer prevention, lowering blood pressure, improving immune and digestive functions and other positive health benefit .”

The cleansing fast is becoming very popular in the new year after the excesses of the holidays. Savannah Power Yoga (SPY)offers a very popular three-week cleansing detox in January that is based on Dr. Alejandro Junger’s bestselling detox book, Clean: Remove. Restore. Rejuvenate. Junger’s manifesto adheres to the notion that “food is medicine… good food has the power to keep our healthy genes on and turn our unhealthy genes off. “ SPY partners with local restaurants like Thrive and Blue Turtle to provide healthy meals for the program, and fresh-pressed juices are delivered to dieters by

Savannah Squeeze, a new local juice business.

If you think that juicing is just a passing f ad, consider that last October Starbucks invested in a $70 million, state-of -the–art juicery in California that produces a branded retail line under the name Evolution Fresh, to be sold in all their stores and in some Whole Foods.

While bottled, processed juices are becoming more accessible at local stores and coffee houses, cold press juicing is the popular method of extracting juice f rom f ruits and vegetables. A cold press crushes and presses the fruit, resulting in a higher juice yield and supposedly retaining more of the nutrients. A cold press juicer costs more than a centrifugal juicer (with blades that mash the f ruit), but are the f avorite method f or juicers who want the most nutritional value from their drinks.

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Drink your veggies!

Sweet Green (left) and Beet Blend juices from Savannah Squeeze

Where to Get It

South rounded up of a few of the places in Savannah that offer fresh juices—plus a special recipe from a local nutrition doctor for those of you who prefer to juice at home.

W H O L E FOO D S • Whole Foods doesn’t have a designated juice bar, but juices are sold out of the produce department in the cooler.

Boasting an industrial cold press juicer that associate store team leader Emily Salzer laughingly says is “as big as a bus,” Whole Foods offers nine blends of fresh cold-press, unpasteurized juices daily.

Whole Foods’ bestselling juices are Green Lemonade, made with apples, cucumbers, lemons, kale and spinach; and Mommy Books, which is a blend of carrots, spinach, beets, lime, apples and ginger. Wholefoodsmarket.com

SAVA N NA H SQU E E Z E • Planned for late December, Chelsea Dye is opening a juice bar called Savannah Squeeze in the strip center at 66t h and Paulsen. It will be the only local juice bar dedicated to producing cold press delights for the general public, and will also serve smoothies and raw bites. Previously, Chelsea’s juices were available only through her delivery business. Kate Taylor, owner of Savannah Power Yoga, says that each year Chelsea provides juices for the many people who participate in their January cleansing program. Now the public can enjoy Chelsea’s juice bar, too. Keep your eye on her website for the exact opening date. Savannahsqueeze.com

DR. KYRIN DUNSTON GINGER SNAP RECIPE:

2 medium apples, 3 large stalks celery. cucumber, 1 thumb ginger, 6 kale leaves, Juice of lemon Peak juicing season begins on January 1, when we’re all faced with those last minute resolutions to eat better, lose weight, and change old habits.

While bottled, processed juices are becoming more accessible at local stores and coffee houses, cold press juicing is the popular method of extracting juice from fruits and

vegetables. A cold press crushes and presses the fruit, resulting in a higher juice yield and supposedly retaining more of the nutrients.

As part of her functional medicine practice, Dr. Dunston recommends juicing once a day for people who want to add fruits and vegetables to their daily diet.

THRIVE CAFE

C H E LS E A DY E

S AVA N N A H S Q U E E Z E A NEW CONCEPT OPENING DECEBMER 2013. GET YOUR JUICE ON THE GO OR RELAX INSIDE THIS NEW HEALTHY MINDED CAFE.

• Owner Wendy Armstrong of Thrive Café will be putting their commercial juicers to work daily in the new year to offer a variety of juice choices made from locally grown beets and kale, as well as specialties made from their trademark organic fruits and vegetables.

Juices will be sold in two sizes. Check their website in January for details. thrivecafesavannah.com

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ates Moonstruck Chocol as has been featured list, part of Oprah’s O s even and the brand wa atier the official chocol h of the 77th and 78t . rds Academy Awa

1lb/day: the chocolate diet GARY HALL OF WRIGHT SQUARE CAFÉ HAS BEEN KNOWN TO EAT UP TO A POUND OF CHOCOLATE A DAY. YOU READ THAT RIGHT—

A POUND. HERE’S THE SKINNY ON HIS OBSESSION AND ONE OF HIS ALL-TIME FAVORITE BRANDS: MOONSTRUCK CHOCOLATES. kristen smith | photography by jason b. james

“I’m kind of a snob—a food snob,” Gary Hall confesses. Perhaps “confesses” is the wrong word. This man is unapologetic about his love of good food. “My obsession is so great that one day in Paris I spent $700 on chocolate. I had to buy a new suitcase just to get it home.”

A veteran of the gourmet food industry, he and his partner, Anthony Attardi, opened Wright Square Café in 2001. Hall was primarily interested in feeding his chocolate habit. “I wanted to just open up gourmet foods and chocolates and maybe coffee,” he says. “Anthony realized that we had to make sure to pay the bills, so we should probably have [prepared] foods, too.” But Hall refused to budge on one aspect of the café’s fare: “I more or less had to have the chocolate aspect here because I do tend to eat a large amount of chocolate and I had to know that I was able to get the quality that I wanted.”

How much, exactly, is a large amount?

“I have been known to eat a pound a day,” he says. “But generally it’s a good eight or ten ounces. Almost exclusively dark.”

If that sounds a bit excessive, consider this: dark chocolate has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. But for Hall, not just any dark chocolate will do.

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“Chocolate has to look a certain way,” he explains.

“There’s a certain sheen to it, and that’s because it has been processed and tempered just properly.”

Hall’s current favorite is a piece called Pure Gold, Moonstruck Chocolates' combination of dark chocolate, Drambuie (a dark Scottish whiskey) and honey. “You don’t get that alcohol flavor in this one, but the Drambuie and honey enhance the chocolate and give it a flavor and texture that’s out of this world,” he says.

Pure Gold is also a favorite of Theresa Ford of Moonstruck Chocolates. “We are a small, handbatch company,” she says over a plate of chocolates at Wright Square. “We import fine European chocolate, but then we use our own blend of beans from all over the world.”

Moonstruck Chocolates has been featured as part of Oprah’s O list, and the brand was even the official chocolatier of the 77th and 78th Academy Awards. Wright Square is the only retailer in Savannah to sell Moonstruck Chocolates.

“Wright Square Café is where Moonstruck belongs,” she enthuses. “This is the perfect setting, the perfect customer. In the Savannah market, people know what they want. They know if they want their dark chocolate, they know if they want caramels—and they know they want their pecans!”

Sink your teeth into Gary Hall's favorite chocolate at the Wright Square Holiday Open House on Friday, December 6, from 5:00 to 9:00. Wright Square Café will be offering special in-store sales, snacks and refreshments. Don't miss the live music and appearances from Santa in the square, plus raffles to benefit local charities. 21 W YORK ST, SAVANNAH, GA, (912) 238-1150, WRIGHTSQUARECAFE. COM | MOONSTRUCKCHOCOLATES.COM

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{ DINING GUIDE }

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HAPPY NYEAT SOUTH'S GUIDE TO CELEBRATING NEW YEAR’S EVE IN SAVANNAH

Boogie the night away at Jazz'd Tapas Bar on New Year's Eve. Join "Tyson" and First City Events as they bring in the new year.

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It’s no secret that Savannah has thrown some great parties in the past 200-plus years— from the exclusive Christmas at the Mercer House, to hosting one of the largest St. Parick’s Day celebrations in the world.

We've put together your guide to ringing in the New Year, Savannah style.

They don't call us The Hostess City for nothing!

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JAZZ'D NEW YEARS EVE SAVANNAH'S SEXIEST NIGHTSPOT SERVES UP A HOT MIX OF TAPAS CHAMPAGNE SPLITS, PARTY FAVORS AND A TABLE FOR THE NIGHT. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. CALL 912.236.7777 . VISIT JAZZDTAPASBAR.COM FOR MORE INFO.

B R I A N C U R RY

J A Z Z ' D TA PA S B A R "People dress to the hilt and dance like crazy," he says of the New Year's Eve atmosphere at Jazz'd. "It's a blast."

photogr aphy jason b. james

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W E ST I N ’S F U L L - B LOW N BAS H

Want to get a jump on your New Year’s Eve but also make sure you last the night? Then you may want to make The Cof f ee Fox on Broughton Street your first stop.

They will close at 9 p.m., but until then, the craft beer will be flowing f rom their four rotating microbrews on tap, and the staff will be whipping up their Hot Spiced Wine, Bourbon Vanilla Champagne Cocktails, and Eye Openers—“It’s a Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro with two shots of espresso in it; 'beer and coffee meet at last' is its tag line. The perfect mix to get relaxed and hyper at the same time!” owner Jen Jenkins says.

They also have a small but caref ully selected wine and beer list to help you kick of f your night right. 102 West Broughton Street

Blow out 2013 with a proper party at the Westin. Want to enjoy a leisurely, upscale dinner?

Reserve a table at their acclaimed restaurant, Aqua Star, which sits on the second fl or and features huge f loor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Savannah River— the perfect spot to view the fireworks show. Got kids? You’ve got two choices: a family celebration, or a Kids-Only Night Out where the Westin staf f will help your little ones enjoy the evening with face painting, video games, crafts, noisemakers, and more. Lastly, the main attraction is their New Year’s Eve Bash at Aqua Star which includes a which includes a full bar, dinner stations and live entertainment. 1 Resort Drive |

312.401.0399 | thecoffeefox.com

912.201.2000 |westinsavannah.com/ celebrate

F LOAT I NG PA RT I E S W I T H SAVA N NA H R I V E R BOAT Savannah Riverboat has three special ways for those who want to avoid the bar scene or do something different for dinner, as you float on the Savannah River aboard their 500-person, three-level vessels. Choose from the relaxing New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise, the fancier New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise and the lively Party Cruise. Both the Dinner Cruise and Gala Cruise are kid-f riendly, too. The Dinner Cruise is from 7-9 p.m. The four hour Gala Cruise includes a buffet of surf and turf items like lobster tail and beef tenderloin. Your ticket also includes a bottle of house wine or champagne,party favors and live entertainment. The Party Cruise is perfect for those who want to dance the night away with plenty of high-energy tunes spun by a DJ and includes appetizers, a champagne toast and party favors.

Advance reservations are required for all cruises. 9 East River Street | 800.786.6404 | savannahriverboat.com

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OU T D OO R C E L E B R AT I O N S This year, River Street is upping its game as a New Year’s Eve party spot. Fireworks will still light up the sky at midnight, but River Street will also have live entertainment and other goings-on starting at 5 p.m., with plenty of food and drink vendors as well as easy access to the number of bars and restaurants that make up River Street’s façade. Or, soak in our mild winter weather and check out the street party at City Market. This outdoor bash is free and open to the public, and the bars and restaurants that line the openair setup have plenty of drinks and eats to choose f rom. Live music kicks of f at 9 p.m. and continues until 1 a.m. Make reservations at Belford's, or go around the corner to Sapphire Grill or Garibaldi Café f or a f abulous start to your New Year's Celebration.

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D I SCO PA RT Y AT JA Z Z ’ D TA PAS BA R Jazz’d is one of the sexiest spots to spend an evening in Savannah year-round, but for New Year’s, they up their sexy quota even more. Owners Brian and Julie Curry transform their swanky underground lounge to what they describe as “Studio 54, Jazz'd Style,” teaming up with First City Events to help craft a memorable evening. $150 reserves your table for the entire evening and includes Tapas for Two, plus party favors, noise makers and champagne. “People dress to the hilt and dance like crazy. It's a blast,” Brian says. Those who don't reserve a table can still eat and drink in the bar area next to the dance floor. 52 Barnard Street | 912.236.7777 | jazzdtapasbar.com

CHAMPAGNE TOASTS

The requisite champagne toast is a symbolic gesture that makes midnight special, and plenty of Savannah hotspots honor this tradition. No matter where you are at midnight, it’s sure to be an extraordinary evening since you’re in Savannah!

H

THE R AIL PUB

(this year they have an outdoor courtyard, too) therailpub.com H

L I V E E N T E RTA I N M E N T AT T H E SAVA N NA H T H E AT R E Savannah Theatre hosts Rockin’ New Year’s Eve: one part live performance, one part dance party, and all rockin’. At 9 p.m., a performance of the theatre’s award-winning show Jukebox Journey salutes the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s.

When the show ends, hats, streamers, and noisemakers are given out to the audience along with a complimentary toast at midnight. The stage becomes a dance floor and the band continues to play until 12:30 a.m. “This New Year's Eve party has been a successful event at the theater for the past 10 years, attended by all from ages 25-80,” says producer Michael Meece. 222 Bull Street | 912.223.7764 | savannah-

BAY STREET BLUES BAR

(also has karaoke and a buffet) 912.236.6655 H

ROCKS ON THE ROOF (great views for the fireworks) bohemianhotelsavannah.com H

SAVANNAH SMILES

(dueling piano bar) savannahsmilesduelingpianos.com

theatre.com

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Shucking up some grub at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival

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Boone Hall Plantation hosts the Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Pulse Art + Technology Festival

Preparing oysters at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Best Southern Fests

Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights

' T I S T H E S E A S O N F O R B R I G H T L I G H T S , B L U E G R A S S A N D I C E S K AT E S rachael bach

SAVANNAH HARBOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WHEN: NOV 29–JAN 1 WHERE: HUTCHINSON ISLAND, SAVANNAH, GA

Don’t miss this holiday extravaganza with a drive-through light show of over 85 light displays, bonfire , food and drink, interactive animal shows, and the new Entertainment Pavilion that hosts holiday dancing and singing perf ormances. If you want to walk the event, make sure you bundle up! All profit go to charities such as the Lighthouse Ministry, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society, and many others. Admission is $25 per automobile. savannahharborfestivaloflights.com; 912.596.2525 LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL WHEN: NOV 29–JAN 1 WHERE: BOONE HALL PLANTATION, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC

Be sure to check out the world’s

largest oyster festival with over 80,000 pounds of oysters served!

Witness the mind-blowing Oyster Shucking and Oyster Eating contests, live music and a variety of foods from local restaurants at the food court. All proceeds benefit Hospitality Heroes, Shriners Hospitals f or Children, Hollings Cancer Center and other charities. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com; 843.577.4030 SKATEFEST 2013 WHEN: DEC 14–JAN4 WHERE: SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER

Get in the holiday spirit and strap on a pair of blue skates to enjoy Savannah’s own winter wonderland at SkateFest 2013. Invite your family and friends to take a spin around the rink, grab a snack at the concession stand, or take a picture with the new nutcracker statues. This year’s hour-and-a-half sessions cost

$7 per person, or you can purchase a $35.00 SkateFest pass for 6 sessions.savannahga.gov; 912-651-6556 38TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL WHEN: JANUARY 2–4 W H E R E : J E K Y L L I S L A N D, G A

Come out to this three-day festival at the new Jekyll Island Convention Center that features live performances from bluegrass performers such as country legend Gene Watson and more. Don’t forget to sign up for the jam sessions with Gilbert Nelson. adamsandandersonbluegrass.com; 706.864.7203 JEKYLL BBQ BEACH BASH WHEN: JAN 31–FEB 1 WHERE: GREAT DUNES PARK, JEKYLL ISLAND, GA

Bring on the barbeque at this two-day event hosted by the Brunswick Lions Club and Georgia Barbecue Association. Pro-

fessional and amateur BBQers will battle for over $8,500 in prize money. Get there early to enjoy a full day of live music, a Harley Davidson show, art vendors, and even a zip line exhibited at this celebration. Admission is free. john@jajonesinsurance.com; 912. 258.6698 PULSE ART & TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL WHEN: JANUARY 29 WHERE: JEPSON CENTER, SAVANNAH, GA

The Telfair Museum brings back this popular event full of interactive art, artist lectures, performances and workshops for the whole family. Get there in time to see a projection-mapped sculpture by Cuppetelli and Mendoza as well as a perf ormance by award-winning beatboxer/visual artist Adam Matta and more. This event is free and open to the public. telfair.org; 912.790.8800

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F T H E L O W C O U N T R Y O Y S T E R F E S T I VA L , T H E T E L FA I R M U S E U M

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Tickets are $35 for adults and $17 for children on select days and times. The show will run until December 26 and will be sure to start a family tradition in your home. 222 BULL STR EET; 912.233.7764; SAVANNAHTHEATR E.COM DECEMBER 4

TYBEE POLAR PLUNGE JANUARY 1, 201 4

MORE INFO: Join thousands of swimmers at the 14th annual Tybee Polar Plunge who are taking a dip into the icy Atlantic to ring in the New Year. Don't forget to wear a wacky costume and compete in the "Gang of Goofs" contest to win a prize. Be sure to pre-register at the Tybrisa Roundabout. visittybee. com; 912.786.5444

DECEMBER 1 SAVANNAH HARBOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS With over 60 spectacular light displays around Road Course on Hutchinson Island, the drive-through light show will be fun for all the family to enjoy. Ending the course at the Pit and Paddock are nightly bonfires with s’mores, hot chocolate, and family-friendly activities, as well as a host of special events! The event will continue until January 1.

HUTCHInSON ISLAND; SAVANNAHHArBOR FESTIVALOFLIGHTS.COM

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TYBEE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Experience the holiday season on the beach! Make plans to join Tybee Island Community for a month-long celebration of the season. The event will be filled with activities, holiday lights, parades, festive dining and special shopping days.

TYBEE ISLAND; 912.472.5071; TYBEEFOR THEHOLIDAYS.COM A CHRISTMAS TRADITION Perfect for the family, this performance blends holiday classics, comedic skits, and glitz and glitter in an unforgettable two-hour performance from an award-winning cast that will keep you smiling.

THE JOURNEY Experience for yourself the night Christ was born in this authentic, walk-through production. Step back centuries in time to the little town of Bethlehem where the city is bustling and the inn is full. It is an experience you won’t want to miss. Production runs from December 4 to December 8, as well as December 11 until December 15. 55 AL HENDER SON BLVD; 912.629.3777; SCCJOURN EY.COM DECEMBER 6 FIRST FRIDAY OYSTER ROAST Enjoy fresh oysters and live entertainment from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dance the night away under the stars while enjoying the peaceful setting that the Westin has to offe .

1 R ESOR T DR IVE; 912.201.2000; WESTINSAVANNAH.COM FIRST FRIDAY FIREWORKS ON THE RIVER Celebrate the fir t Friday of the month on Historic River Street at 9:30 p.m. This beautiful firework extravaganza is great for a family night out, so be sure to get there early for a good spot!

Free admission. R IVER

STR EET; 912.234.0295.

R IVER STR EET-SAVANNAH.COM FIRST FRIDAY FOR FOLK MUSIC Join Savannah Folk Music Society for a night full of fun and folk music from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. $2 donations will be accepted. FIR ST PR ESBYTER IAN CHUR CH, 520 WASHINGTON AVENUE; 912.354.7615; SAVANNAHFOLK.OR G BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE Join Collective Face Theatre Ensemble for a presentation about Gillian Holyoyd. She’s one of the only modern people who can actually cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. She casts a spell over an unattached publisher to keep him away from a rival because she’s attracted to him.

Continues until December 22.

703 LOUISVILLE R D; 912.232.0018; COLLECTIVEFAR E.OR G DECEMBER 7 ENMARK SAVANNAH BRIDGE RUN The race schedule includes the 5k, 10k, Double Pump and Kid quarter-mile over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge overlooking Savannah. Awards and prizes will be given, and there will also be a costume contest. SAVANNAHR IVER BR IDGER UN.COM CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER AND LIGHTED PARADE In addition to Savannah’s usual First Saturday Festivities, including booths and arts and

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crafts, this is a special Christmas celebration. Live holiday entertainment and unique shopping in an Old World setting will be provided. Santa Claus himself will be making an appearance, and the Lighted Parade begins Saturday at 5:30. RIVER STREET; RIVERSTREETSAVANNAH.COM TYBEE ISLAND CHRISTMAS PARADE Starting at 1:00 p.m the parade will start behind the Ocean Plaza and travel up Tybrisa to Butler Avenue and end at the Tybee Gym. The gym will have Santa for photos as well as surprises lined up to enjoy after the parade.

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TYBEE ISLAND; 912.472.5071; TYBEEFORTHEHOLIDAYS.COM 2013 SAILING WITH SANTA CRUISE Come take your Christmas photo with Santa on the river!

Kids sail free with a donation of an unwrapped toy. All toy donations will go to Next Generation, a charity that benefits the Children’s Hospital at Memorial. The boat will run December 8 as well. 9 east RIVER st; 800.786.6404; SAVANNAHRIVERBOAT.COM CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS CELEBRATION City Market is the place for the ultimate Christmas celebration

THE JOURNEY

DECEMBER 4 -8, 11-15 MORE INFO: Experience for yourself the night Christ was born in this authentic, walk-through production. Step back centuries in time to the little town of Bethlehem where the city is bustling and the inn is full. It is an experience you won’t want to miss. Production runs from December 4 to December 8, as well as December 11 until December 15.

SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 55 AL HENDERSON BLVD; 912 .62 9.3777; SCCJOURNEY.COM

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with the family. With face painting, a petting zoo, cooking, decorating, ornament making, and Christmas pictures with Santa— the kids are sure to have a grand time! Bring an unwrapped toy to donate. The celebration will start at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. 219 W BRYAN STREET; 912.232.4903; SAVANNAHCITYMARKET.COM DECEMBER 9 HOLIDAY GOSPEL DINNER CRUISE Bring the family out for a twohour dinner cruise on the river.

Experience the savory fl vors of the South that you love with a delicious Southern buff t and live Christmas Gospel music. Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and the ship will set sail at 7 p.m. The cruise will set sail on December 9 and December 16. 9 EAST RIVER STREET; 800.786.6404; SAVANNAHRIVERBOAT.COM

DECEMBER 13

DECEMBER 14

HOLIDAY POPS Join the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 7:30 p.m. for a night of sing-along carols. Soloists Michelle Jarrell and Harry O’Donoghue will be singing.

Tickets prices are $36, $60, & $100. Will also be available on December 14. 222 East HARRIS STREET; 912.525.5050; SAVANNAHPHILHARMONIC.ORG

REINDEER RUN Back for its fourth year, the Reindeer Run raises funds for the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire. The Crisis Center provides crisis intervention for children and adult victims, and your donation will help support these programs and create a safer community. The race will begin at 9 a.m. and will total a distance of 8K. SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER; 1 INTERNATIONAL DR; 912.233.3000;

39TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES The tour will run from December 13 until December 15. On the 13th, a new Holiday Music Show at Trinity Methodist Church will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. On Saturday, 12 stunning historic homes will be featured.

Sunday will conclude the event with Holiday Tour of Inns.

DNAHOLIDAYTOUR.COM

DECEMBER 19 CHRISTMAS CABARET Enjoy classic Christmas favorites at this all-ages holiday show at the Lucas Theatre. A bar will be open, but the theater is BYOB (wine only, please). Seating begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for

general admission, $15 for students or children. The production will continue until December 21. LUCAS THEATRE; 32 ABERCORN ST; 912.525.5040; LUCASTHEATRE.COM DECEMBER 2 1 PINE BOWS AND HOLY SWAGS Enjoy Victorian Christmas Gaslight Tours at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace at 6:45 p.m. for $15. Sing carols in the parlor and visit the grand home in glittering low light to experience the Christmas past. 10 East OGLETHORPE AVE; 912.233.4501; JULIETTEGORDONLOWBIRTHPLACE.ORG DECEMBER 2 6 HOLIDAY EVENING TOURS BY CANDELIGHT The Davenport House invites guests to tour the Federal-style home by

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candlelight. Come experience how early 19th century Savannahians celebrated the New Year.

Light refreshments and music will be provided. $8 adult tickets in advance, $10 at the door, $5 child tickets in advance, $7 at the door. The tour will continue until December 30. 324 Eas t STAT E ST ; 912.236.8097; DAVENPORT HOUSEMUSEUM.ORG DECEMBER 31 2013 NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER CRUISE For a relaxing evening to celebrate the coming year, join the cruise boat on the river for dinner. Boarding begins at 6 p.m. and will set sail at 7 p.m. $53.95 ticket prices for adults and $29.95 for children. 9 EAST RIVER ST REET ; 800.786.6404; SAVANNAHRIVERBOAT .COM

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NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Bring in the New Year at City Market with an outdoor street party! Live music starts at 9 P.M. Free to the public, so be sure to stop by! 219 West BRYAN ST REET ; 912.232.4903; SAVANNAHCIT YMARKET.COM 2013 NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA CRUISE Celebrate in style on the river this year. The four-hour cruise will include hors d’oeuvres and delicious entrees like lobster tail and carved beef tenderloin.

Party favors and live entertainment with plenty of dancing and a cash bar will be provided. $164.95 ticket prices. 9 EAST RIVER ST REET ; 800.786.6404; SAVANNAHRIVERBOAT.COM NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Bring in the New Year with a

bang—literally! Fireworks will be launched from the Tybee pier for the beach to see. T YBEE ISLAND JANUARY 1 TYBEE POLAR PLUNGE Start off the New Year taking a plunge into the brisk Atlantic Ocean at 12 p.m. with thousands of other Savannahians!

Tybee Island will also be hosting the return of the “Gang of Goofs” contest and parade.

T YBEE ISLAND; 912.663.1099; T YBEEPOLARPLUNGE.COM JANUARY 4 ELVIS LIVES Visit The Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center for an unforgettable experience through the life of the iconic, unforgettable multi-media and musical

journey of Elvis Presley’s life.

His style has continued to intrigue and inspire audiences of all generations.

301 West OGLET HORPE AVE; 912.651.6557; BROADWAYINSAVANNAH.COM JANUARY 17 IN THE MOOD Lucas Theatre presents a Big Band Revue, celebrating the Greatest Generation and the 1940s through song, swing dance and music from Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and more! It’s sentimental, romantic, nostalgic and jazzy—a true tribute to the Swing Era. Starts at 2 p.m.

LUCAS T HEAT RE; 32 ABERCORN ST ; 912.525.5040; LUCAST HEAT RE.COM

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JANUARY 2 4 SAVANNAH RESTAURANT WEEK There’s no better time to dine out than this week! Each participating upscale restaurant will offer a three-course, fi ed price menu for only $30 per person. Here in Savannah we want to celebrate our restaurant scene that is becoming a vital tradition of hospitality here.

Restaurant week will continue until February 2. DINING. SAVANNAHNOW.COM JANUARY 29 PULSE ART AND TECHNOLOGY FESTIVAL 2014 PULSE returns with a slate of exciting programs for all ages, including interactive art, lectures, performances, hands-on workshops and a family day—all presented free of charge. JEPSON

CENTER; 207 West YORK ST; 912.790.8800 JANUARY 31 CRITZ TYBEE RUN FEST With fi e events to choose from—5K, 10K, Half Marathon, 2.8 Mile Beach Run and 1 Mile Run— any runner from a beginner to full-fled ed marathon runner will enjoy this run fest. The fest will continue on February 1. TYBEE ISLAND; CRITZTYBEERUN.COM SCENES DE LA VIE DE BOHEME Presented by the Savannah Philharmonic is one of the most popular operas of all time.

Tickets are $16 to $50 and the show will start at 7:30 p.m.

LUCAS THEATRE; 32 ABERCORN ST; 912.525.5040; LUCASTHEATRE.COM

CANDY TREE AT THE TELFAIR DECEMBER 1-31

MORE INFO: Celebrity designer, Kenny Davis, is decorating a traditional candy Christmas tree at the Telfair Museum. The tree will be auctioned for charity and this special event is only occurring at three other locations throughout the country. Davis is the founder of Savannah Pie Company and has designed for several celebrity clients such as Cher, Toby Keith and Ashton Kutcher.

The tree will be on view throughout the month of December. 207 West york street; 912.790.8800; telf air.org

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PHOTO GR A PH Y BY K I M BR A NAG A N

SAVANNAH SPEED CLASSIC ✱ OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1

South joined the crowd at the three-day Savannah Speed Classic event sponsored by the Hilton Head Island Motoring Association. Professional racers thrilled race fans and classic car lovers as they barreled down the track around Hutchinson Island and the Westin Savannah. Local businesses and car collectors dotted the fields in tents featuring raffl , games and vintage vehicles—and chances to win a lap with a driver around the course.

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who's who 1. Peter and Murna Ballard 2. Rose Brienkus and Courney Bell 3. Taylor, Warner and Mary Kaye Peacock and Jill Jauch 4. Katie Sanks 5. Shannon Lezatte, Paul Bose and Linda Peterson 6. Marissa and Michael Seimie

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PHOTO GR A PH Y BY K I M BR A NAG A N

DANCING WITH SAVANNAH STARS âœą NOVEMBER 14 2013

Months of training with a professional ballroom dancer and letting those feet loose on the stage paid off. The Lucas Theatre was filled to watch the 6th Annual Dancing with Savannah Stars. Eight Savannah celebrities showcased their dancing talents to raise money and awareness for CASA a non-profit program that works with neglected and abused children.

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J.D. and Drew Hunt

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Rachel Lee and Madison DeLoche

Bethany and Ernie Gray and Maggie Jones

Jessica Reed

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10

1. Michael Bossak, Rachel Moore, Monique Palmaccio, and Jos'eh Marion 2. Brett Parsons, Eric Pearlman, Angie Moye, April Downing and Natalie Hogan 3. Abbey Bertsch and J.P. Moncada 4.

Tanya Milton - 2010 winner 5.

Sonny Dixon 6. Bethany and Ernie Gray and Maggie Jones 7. Rachel Lee and Madison DeLoche 8. Dr. Claudia Gough and Mack McKenzie 9. Kate Blaire, Garlana Matth ws, Magic Mark and Kristine Compton 10. JaeLynn Folks and Kevin Cartee

Jessica Reed

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PHOTO GR A PH Y BY JOH N A L E X A N DE R A N D K I M BR A NAG A N

CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL • AUGUST 13, 2013

The Savannah chapter of the American Diabetes Association kicked off the 2013 Step Out: Walk to End Diabetes campaign at Tubby's Tankhouse in Thunderbolt.

The celebration included food and drinks and even a dunking booth for Savannah's professional firefighte . ADA's Step Out: Walk/Run to End Diabetes will be October 19th at Skidaway Island State Park.

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Michelle and David Turley

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1. The Wood Family 2. Chelsea, Melissa and Frankie Brooks 3.

Al Moses 4. Patrick Watson and Mongo 5. Anna Fullerton and Oliva Martin 6.

Annika and Elana Woodward

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1 SAVANNAH FILM FEST • OCTOBER 25–NOVEMBER 1

The annual Savannah Film Festival brought eight days worth of cinematic activity to downtown including special screenings, red carpet celebrities, and lectures with some big Hollywood names. Every year the event gathers a crowd of 40,000 people, ranging from award-winning writers, directors and actors to talented students interested in the business. This year’s guests included Alec Baldwin, Norman Reedus, Abigail Breslin and more.

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1. Ashley Nelson and Carrie Russell 2. Elaine Zahn 3. Alexander Payne 4. Carmela Spinelli, Jesus Rojas Aches and Christina Routhier 5. Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack 6.

Norman Reedus

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LADY MAHOGANY

BY THE NUMBERS (1) : ●A Voice For

*

Y CATCH LADY MAHOGAN ON 94.1 THE BEAT ON GH MONDAY THROU A.M. SATURDAY FROM 10 S DAY TO 3 P.M., AND SUN FROM 7– 8 P.M. 94.1THEBEAT.COM

Others: "If someone asks me what I do, I’m a community advocate before I am Lady Mahogany. I want people to know about the different needs that are in their very own community."

(2) Persistence Pays Off: “I grew up in a way where if you wanted something, you had to ask for it.

And if you needed something, you had to get it. No doesn’t mean no. No means not right now.”

(3) Living The Dream: “To whom much is given, much is expected. And I have been given a lot.

I really have, and I don’t take any of that for granted. A lot of people get paid to bust up bricks or put up a roof. I get paid to hit these buttons and talk into this mic.

That’s pretty cool.”

WITH A VOICE FOR RADIO, a

body for print and enough enthusiasm to launch a thousand ships, Lady Mahogany, nee Weslyn Bowers, has created quite the name for herself as one of the Lowcountry’s most recognizable voices on local radio at 94.1 The Beat. A former Wilhemina Models talent, she’s also an accomplished dancer and choreographer with acts as big as Beyonce and Janet Jackson.

A mother, wife and a business owner, she’s also become an advocate for the Savannah community. As host and emcee of scores of events and fundraisers each year, she’s found a way to give back to the host that’s given to her, including Blessings in a Book Bag, a program that provides

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food to elementary school students to take home over the weekend. Without these "blessings," many of these children would not eat until returning to school on Monday.

“Blessings in a Book Bag doesn’t just pack food and give it to kids,” she explains. “What kids need is consistency.

They need to know that something in their life is consistent. When they have their parents leaving them, situations at the school or people brushing them off, they can know that for the past three years, Mahogany has not missed a Friday.”

In the control room at the 94.1 studios, South caught up with the doyenne of the midday airwaves.

(4) Thankful and Inspired: “Three years ago on Thanksgiving morning, something inside of me just said, ‘You have to do more.’ … And I said, 'I want to feed kids on the weekend.' I remember that was a big thing for me growing up. I couldn’t wait until Monday morning, because I was wondering what they were going to have for breakfast.

I knew that Friday afternoon, that was going to be my last meal; whatever I ate at school that day, that was going to be my last meal.” Visit blessingsinabookbag.org.

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