Issue 50 Preview

Fabulous Females in Their Fifties p98

How Ted Dennard Struck Gold with Savannah Bee Company p36

Y’all Come and Get it Fifty Dishes to Die For p201

S AVA N N A H & T H E C R E AT I V E C O A S T

S

AL EDI CI T

ISSUE NO.

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P

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50 GREAT MOMENTS FROM CELEBRITY CLAD PARTIES TO BOXING WITH PAULA DEEN TO A DEMOCRAT DEFENDING HIS RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

FIFTY COMPANIES CELEBRATING SUCCESS

SOUTHERN

GOLD

BEAUTY & THE BEES:

MODEL SAVANNAH CHRISTINE AND THE WILMINGTON ISLAND WILDFLOWER BEEHIVE OF THE SAVANNAH BEE CO.

JUNE / JULY 2014

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Features

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50 GREATEST MOMENTS A look back on the greatest moments of South's eight years.

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49

55

61

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Billion dollar fitness swan overcomes obstacles.

America's fir t couple of hospitality settles down in Savannah.

Jamie and Bobby Deen re-boot the family business.

Special advertising section.

WHO IS FORBES RILEY?

HOME AT LAST

THE LADY'S SONS

50 COMPANIES CELEBRATING SUCCESS

S O U T H M A G A Z I N E .C O M

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Contents

CHIT CHATS 32 CLUB SOUTH

GO SOUTH 180 HIT THE ROAD

34 SLANG Emily Bargeron of Mamie Ruth

DINE SOUTH 194 SALTED & STYLED

St. Baldrick's Day, Tybee Ballroom Party, The Art of Great Fashion

36 HIGH COTTON Savannah Bee's Ted Dennard 38 IN THE STUDIO Metal artist Shelley Smith 40 SOUTHERN STYLE Pawley's Island Hammocks celebrates its 125th anniversary 42 TRUE SOUTH Backyard chicken farming 44 CULTURED The Accomplices, Save the Date with Mary Kay Andrews 46 SOUTHERN ADVENTURE Stand up paddle surfin

STYLE SOUTH 96 BEAUTY GUIDE A hint of gold

98 FABULOUS FEMALES Eight of the region's fabulous females in their 50s 106 STARS OF THE SOUTH The results are in for the 2014 hottest singles and greatest moms and dads

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Our best places to eat, play, stay, and shop in Atlanta and down the Coastal South

Libbie Summers and Chia Cong 196 SOUTHERN SIPPIN' Savannah Bourbon Company 198 SMALL BITES Roberto Leoci's Pacci and other new hotspots in town

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110

201 50 GREATEST DISHES Savannah's best dishes

PLAY SOUTH 212 MUD, SWEAT & CHEERS The 2014 JCB Mud Run 213 BEST FESTS

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214 EVENTS CALENDAR 222 SCENES OF THE SOUTH Tourism Awards and Scholarship Dinner, Diamond Ball, Telfair's Marilyn exhibition opening, Pete Liakakis Roast 226 MOUTH OF THE SOUTH Something to Crow About! Why South's totem is the Rooster; exploring its symolism and impact on culture.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TIME TO RE-BRAND. “You re-branded yourself,” he said. “I barely recognized you.”

He was a guy that I see in the gym quite of ten. We rarely speak. I guess my new “brand” was reason enough to strike up a conversation.

The fact that my new look—a shaved head in honor St. Baldrick’s Day—was never intended to be a personal branding statement didn’t matter. I was really warming up to my leaner, meaner image. Hair is highly overrated.

The happy truth is that aside from my shorn locks (skillfully done by Rob Horton of Rob’s Salon), the entire South crew, dubbed South Baldzine, re-branded the same way and raised over $10,000 f or the f ight against pediatric cancer. Even my wif e f orsook her lovely Publisher, Michael Brooks and wife Frankie "re-branded" by Rob Horton tresses to join us chrome-domes (se e page 28). A strange-but-happy day.

It was such a simple and seemingly insignificant gesture. But it meant a lot to St. Baldrick’s goals and its staff, lead by Dr. Yael Elfassy, who, you may recall, graced our January cover with an immaculately buffed scalp. We owed her one. And, of course, the kids always deserve our support.

But as I was standing there in the gym, I was thinking of me. I was reminded of how simple changes can make large and far-reaching waves. It was already working for me. People took notice.

They looked closely, as if they were seeing a new side of me. It was time to do the same for South.

Just like an old hairstyle, our design, look and feel had grown on me. It was comfortable and familiar. We knew how it to keep it neatly groomed. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, for many businesses, it’s a very good thing. But not for us. Much of our mission involves reinvention and reinterpretation. Worse, others in our region were starting to look and feel a lot like us. It was time to do some of that re-stuff. Quick.

So, as promised in our last issue, we have been hard at work tearing down the last eight years of design and rebuilding a fresh new magazine in its place just in time for our 50th issue. And this time we have a secret ingredient. Nope, we’re not telling. The Colonel keeps his formula a secret, and we love and revere the Colonel and his tasty chicken.

What we can tell you is that we think you won’t be able to put this issue down; whether or not you can work out why is not important. You’ll never know how much heart, soul and downright hard work went into the pages of this issue, but we know you’ll feel it.

Just relax, kick back and enjoy the changes, the fresh perspective, and the wonderful unfamiliarity of it all; sort of like I’m doing with my head. Many thanks, God Bless & Keep Reading.

–Michael Brooks, Publisher

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ABOUT THE COVERS

Beauty and the Bees: Our 50th cover was art directed by Michael Brooks and photographed by Jabberpics. Model, Savannah Christine was wearing a top from Villa and a bee necklace

by Shelly Smith. Location was at the Savannah Bee Company headquarters. The bees are the makers of wildfl wer honey, aka Southern gold.

Commemorative Edition: This special edition cover had a limited run of only one thousand copies.

Designed by Tom White, this cover is one you will want to get your hands on! The symbol of the bee and honey sticks appear throughout the design, signifying our goldenanniversary issue.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

publisher/creative director Michael Brooks

I HEARD THAT fifty is the new thirty.

It sure feels like it! The number is a resonant milestone, shimmering with a golden glow, and there is a confidence that comes with having survived fifty of anything. Although I have not been here for all 50 issues of the magazine, this anniversary gave me the opportunity to carefully peruse all 50 issues and to reach out to others in order to identify our 50 greatest moments.

Retrospective aside, this issue contains rich new content about the arts, business, Southern lifestyle, and travel. As we expand our readership in the triad region between Atlanta, Charleston, and Jacksonville with a concentration on the Coastal South, our Savannah base remains strongly rooted.

Paula with Robin Greco and Jenny Gentry Being a woman "of a certain age" myself, it was a great experience to work with a distinguished group of "real" women of Savannah in their 50s who appear in our fashion spread. They feel freer and more confident than ever and were willing to speak their minds as never before. Each is celebrating life a little more each day and we were happy to join in!

Paula Deen’s sons, Jamie and Bobby, best embody the region’s rich commerce, creativity, resilience, and friendly nature. The "Sons" graciously opened themselves up in an interview about their 25th anniversary milestone, and their plans f or the f uture. This silver-lining story touches on everything that is great about the South: food, family, loyalty, faith, and charity. It is truly heartwarming to get to know a family who has pulled through so much together. From rags to riches to persecution and resurrection, this is one of the great American comeback stories with much cause for celebration.

We encourage you all to celebrate either living in or visiting the Coastal South with our travel section, which you can count on for every issue. The style of the South is something people emulate the world over. We not only take you on the road, but also into some of the region’s most elegant private homes. Karen and Ted Kleisner opened up their spectacular historic home in Savannah to us. It is hard to believe they decorated it themselves, but they truly know how to live with things they love and have created a home where their family at the center.

Summertime in the South is sweet and sultry. Take it in slowly, and let it work its magic on you!

–Paula S. Fogarty, Editor

editor Paula S . Fogarty art director Aaron B ernstein advertising art director Kim Kuprijanow circulation and financial manager Ivy Bevill account executive Katie Pollock web editor Mary Z immer contributing art director Hector Sanchez, Tom White contributing editor Janice S hay copy editor Cameron Spencer editorial assistant Audrey L atimer beauty editor Lady K atherine Taylor contributing writers Clark B yron, E lizabeth D anos, S injin Hilaski, L auren Hunsberger, M arna Ashburn-Krajeski, A udrey L atimer contributing photographers Jabberpics, John Alexander, Alexandra Arnold, Ashley Bauman, Kim Branagan, Bailey Davidson, Chia Chong, Judy Duffy, Andrew Forino, Colin Gray, Christine Hall, Jay Hooker, Angela Hopper-Lee, Geoff Johnson, Nikki Krecicki, Anthony Neste, Mallory Prevatt, Kelly Roetto, Pablo Serrano, Cedric Smith, Travis Teate, Zoe Christou Welsh editorial intern E lizabeth D anos art intern Mallory P revatt south mag a zin e i s p ubl ish ed b imon t h l y b y b a d in k , b r o ok s a dv er t ising d esig n, i nc . r epr od uc t ion by 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 is p r oh ibit ed. v ie ws e x pr essed i n t h e e dit or ia l pag es d o n o t i mpl y o ur e n dor semen t . w e w el c ome your p r od uc t n e ws. i nc l ude p r ic es, pho t os a n d dig it a l f il es w it 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 ed ito r , south mag a zin e, 1 1 6 bul l s t r eet , s ava nna h , g eor g ia 3 1401 . w e c a n no t b e r espon sibl e f or unsol ic it ed p r od uc t s a mpl es. s ubsc 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 week 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 n o t ic e, 1 1 6 bul l s t r eet , s ava nna 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

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CONTRIBUTORS

ELIZABETH DANOS

ASHLEY BORDERS Ashley Borders is an international entrepreneur who started and owns two fashion companies; the first she started at age 16. While working for multinational firms abroad, Ashley has lived in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Germany, Italy, Scotland, United Kingdom, and China. She has dressed celebrities from Kate Middleton to Melanie Griffith to Tom Cruise and worked the catwalks of Haute Couture in Europe and USA. In addition, she has spent several years as a costumer for television and feature fi ms. Borders also has founded the Bedouin Charity which teaches and encourages work skills and training for women in developing countries. She now contributes her talent and style insights to South through wardrobe styling and industry editorials. See Ashley's work in "Fabulous Females in their 50s" on page 98.

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Liz has grown up in Savannah; she loves it so much that she can't seem to bring herself to leave. She is a senior at Armstrong State University, studying English Communications. She is a lover of fashion and words, and is constantly looking for ways to combine the two. When Liz isn’t writing, she enjoys riding her single speed and having boat days with her puppy, Hampton. Read Liz's work in "Fabulous Females in their 50s" on page 98.

JOHN ALEXANDER

Originally from Columbia Maryland, John studied at UMBC and completed a BA in Graphic Design in 1998. He has photographed for many of Savannah’s most prestigious businesses, including Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Efacec, Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and has been a regular contributor for South magazine since 2010. See Lauren's work in "50 Companies Celebrating Success" on page 116.

ANTHONY NESTE

Anthony has worked as a freelance photographer since the 70s, shooting for clients such as Sport Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and H.B.O., among others. With 30+ years of experience under his belt, he now enjoys shooting fashion and glamour around the country. Anthony runs private and group workshops in Flagler Beach, Florida. See Anthony's work in "Who Is Forbes Riley?" on page 49 and Go South on page 180.

LAUREN HUNSBERGER

Lauren Hunsberger is a writer and editor who was born and raised in the Southeast, but eventually found her way to the Northwest. She still visits the beautiful beaches and quirky people of Savannah regularly, but these days is more often found exploring and writing about the mountains of Seattle. Lauren is a former Manager Editor of South. See Lauren's work in "Shooting Black, White, and Gray" on page 90.

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S TAY C O N N E C T E D T R AV E L + A D V E N T U R E I S S U E [

s a v a n n a h

& t h e

APRIL-MAY 2014 H ISSUE #49

c r e a t i v e c o a s t

]

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

FACEBOOK

Like South Magazine for exclusive content, polls, and photos.

t TWITTER

We’re always out, live Tweeting at events. Follow us @south_mag.

Online Contests TO SHOWCASE THE greatest Southerners and what we love most about life in Savannah and the Lowcountry, South magazine hosts several reader-voted contests a year. From “Greatest Kids” to “Greatest Chefs” 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 Mom and Dads” (page 118) and South’s “Hottest Singles” (page 110). To vote in our current contests visit southsgreatest.com.

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FABULOUS FEMALES AT 55

Nine Georgia girls, all born in 1961, have been friends for life, and they are now in their “Fabulous 50s” and wrote into us to share their story for our Special 50th Issue. They have lived across the street from one another, been college roommates, attended one another’s weddings, and their parents have all shared in parenting them.

These “Southern Sisters” live in the South and are looking forward to celebrating their 55th birthday together this year! See more fabulous women in their 50s on page 98.

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p PINTEREST

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APRIL-MAY 2014 $ 4 .95

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This issue filled me with enthusiasm and knowledge about not just our beautiful city of Savannah but also about other localities beyond our home. I feel that this issue more than any other, expands the nature of the publication to a national relevance of outstanding quality.

— ­ Alexandro Santana, Savannah I wanted to tell you that this is a very impressive issue. I don’t know if this is my oddity or if other people do this, but I tend to start at the back of a magazine and flip my way forward, then decide what I want to go back to for in-depth reading. I kept stopping and deciding that I wanted to refer back to this article and that article until I reached the front and realized I pretty much wanted to go back and read the entire magazine. ­—Robert H. Daniels, Savannah I was on the flight home to Arizona from Savannah and read the latest issue of South magazine. The article “No Boys Allowed” made me want to come back and dress up like an elegant woman who knows a thing or two about bird hunting!

Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing a story about beautiful, mature women who can hold their own!

— ­ Polly Jones, Flagstaff, AZ

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GET IN TOUCH WRITE TO US AT editor@thesouthmag.com or 116 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

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ChitChats

CLUB SOUTH SLANG HIGH COTTON IN THE STUDIO SOUTHERN STYLE TRUE SOUTH CULTURED ADVENTURE

RECLAIM YOUR ROOTS Welcome to the new South! Our Chit Chat section brings you information about innovation and cutting-edge lifestyle and business developments in the Coastal South. We are happy to introduce you to some of the regions prominent artists and leaders.

Artist Shelley Smith, maker of the fashion in this image. fuses oldschool Southern style with contemporary metal-smithing.

See page 38.

Savannah Bee Company Founder and President, Ted Dennard, shares his leadershhip practices.

See page 36.

The Accomplices are a hot new band creating "The New Savannah Sound." They discuss the emerging new sound of Savannah with us.

See page 44.

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CLUB SOUTH

ST. BALDRICK'S DAY This past March, St. Baldrick’s held a fundraising event for children with cancer in City Market.

Well over one hundred people came out and shave d the ir heads to support the cause. Over $70,000 we re raise d, which completely surpassed the goal of $30,000. Top participants were David Moze r, Micah Rie gne r, and Morgan Webb. Top teams were Team Warriors for William (raising over $18,000!), Team The Life Shave rs, and South Baldazine (that’s us!). Our very own Michael Brooks and Mary Zimmer shaved their heads for our cause . The e ve nt was a huge success, to say the least.

Marella Jackson Poticny

Steve Smith with daughter

Denise Evans

Yael Elfassy, organizer

Frankie and Michael Brooks

Team South Baldazine with Yael Elfassy

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Mary Zimmer

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CLUB SOUTH

TYBEE BALLROOM PARTY

Carla Michael and Ray Anaya

Anthony Attardi and Gary Hall

Nathan Saludez, Ashley Borders, Dou

g Ordway, Katherine Taylor, Dallas John

Jabberpics and Savannah Murray

Caison Morgan and Ray Bing

son

This past March, South magazine held our travel and adventure issue release party at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel on the ope ning night of the Grand Ballroom. Food vendors included Thrive, Cape Creations, Paul Kennedy Catering, Savannah Event Catering, Elizabeth’s on 37th, and Gigi’s Cupcakes.

The night was a huge success and an absolute blast, from the cupcakes to the company.

Hosts Stacye and Lannie Jarre ll also ope rate Oce anfront Cottage Rentals with the most luxurious rental properties on the island, so you can live like a native after your events! The Tybee Wedding Chapel and Ballroom is located minutes from Tybee beach and a quick ride from downtown Savannah. The perfect place to host your next event–we certainly enjoyed ours!

Keisha Gibson-Carter and Ivy Carter

Lannie and Stacye Jerrell, Leonard Mots

Rich and Robin Greco (Above) Mark Ellis and Meredith Gray

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Alissa and Steve Smith

P h o t o g r a p h y b y A S H L E Y B AU M A N, K E L LY R O ET T O

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