Dec/Jan 16 Health Wellness by South Magazine

BEST DOCTORS 2016 H GREATEST KIDS

THE ALPHA OMEGA ISSUE INSPIRING

RECOVERY WARRIORS: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST PAG E 72

STORIES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

DEC. 2015-JAN. 2016 H ISSUE #59

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

HEALTH& WELLNESS

Features 72

88 82

SILENT WAR: Retired Delta Force commander Tom Satterly still remembers the battle of Mogadishu like it was yesterday. Written by Robyn Passante

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53 48

102

ADRIAN PETERSON

RECOVERY WARRIORS

DR. CHRISTA JILLARD

TINY DANCER

MEET THE DOCTORS

DAVID PENA

ROBYN PASSANTE

ANNE ROYAN

EMMA IOCOVOZZI

MARY PICKETT

Talks “The Run”, his late son, and his new foundation.

Three women and their powerful stories of survival.

The opening of Savannah’s first high-risk breast cancer clinic.

Emily Schrader is on her way to becoming a ballerina.

Our yearly look at all the best doctors in the South.

Contents 28

158

160

162

36 DEPARTMENTS

MORE STUFF

DINE/STLYE/GO

PLAYSOUTH

28 CHIT CHATS Roger Moss and the Savannah Children’s Choir

32 CLUB SOUTH Dine South 2015

142 CUSTOM REVOLUTION The new way to create highend custom jewelry

170 THE ERS CHAMPIONSHIP The last race of the year is bringing runners together

144 STYLE SOUTH Our fashion editor’s picks for New Year’s Eve

172 BEST FESTS

36 CULTURED The medicine of laughter

38 IN THE KNOW Project DAN 42 ON THE PORCH

The Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy 44 HIGH COTTON Stan “The Candy Man” Strickland

46 TRUE SOUTH R.I.P. Pinkie Masters

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40 SOUTHERN MADE Savannah Square By Square 50 ALPHA & OMEGA Pastor Kenny Grant and Claudia Deen 54 BABY CARE ANYWHERE A new book by doctors Ben Spitalnick and Keith Seibert 60 SOUTH’S GREATEST KIDS You voted and here they are! 68 EPIC ATHLETICS Gym routine got you bored? Try these refreshing takes on working out

158 BOBBY DEEN Junk Food Flippin’ 160 SOUTHERN SIPPIN’ The quintessential quencher, Sweet Tea 162 VEG OUT

Let these vibrant veggie dishes wake up your taste buds

174 GOSPEL CRUISE Make a joyful noise on this Sunday Riverboat cruise 178 EVENTS CALENDER 184 NEW YEAR’S EVENTS All the best NYE parties in the South 188 SCENES OF THE SOUTH Were you seen by the South 194 SECRET SOUTHERNER Can you guess who it is?

PUBLISHER’S LETTER ABOUT THE COVERS BEST DOCTORS 2016 H GREATEST KIDS!

THE ALPHA OMEGA ISSUE INSPIRING

STORIES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

DEC. 2015-JAN. 2016 H ISSUE #59

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE I know this because every now and then the Universe reminds us that hindsight is 20/20. We take health for granted until, eventually, things break down. A solid sense of mortality is not a characteristic of youth. Unfortunately, neither is the need to plan for the future. The future is now! Um, until “now” is 25 years from now. Or something like that. What I’m trying to say is that your health and wealth are incredibly important to a long and pleasant stay on this planet. Planning ahead is the key. The problem is humans aren’t really coded to execute that program. We’re more the live-for-today type, especially when we’re young. Exhibit A: Me. Oh, I had a blast. I just wish I had paid a little more attention to my health and wealth. I would have had just a little less fun, and my middle-aged self would be thanking my young self for being considerate to my future (old) self. Stay with me, folks. I’m going somewhere with this. For the younger readers, I’m going to try to override your biological programming. First, of course, have fun. But remember that this is the best time to start planning ahead. Eat right, get physically active and stay that way. Twenty-eight days later you’ll have established a habit that will pay dividends throughout your life. Second, make sure you save some portion of your money in something that grows. You’ll survive without one night at a trendy restaurant. And do you really need four mobile devices? No, you don’t. Trust me on this one. Both of these actions are immeasurably great for your body, mind, spirit and security. And both will likely save you a bundle of cash in the future. For the rest of us codgers, there’s good news, too. It’s never too late to reap the benefits of better health and

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BEST DOCTORS 2016 H GREATEST KIDS

wealth habits. Even better, it’s basically the same advice I gave to the young-uns. So you don’t have to strain your tired eyes reading it again. Okay, okay, just a few more details. For your health, follow this rough ratio: 60%-80% is eating right. Take every bite of food as seriously as a heart attack, and you’ll likely avoid one. 20-40% is good sleep and exercise. And don’t forget to exercise your brain! It works incredibly well at keeping you sharp due to the brain’s weird and wonderful plasticity. Learn to play a musical instrument or any new skill. Do puzzles. There are even apps available to work out your mind. In the wealth department, you might have some catching up to do, so you’ll have to put more money into savings. The good news is that you’re probably in your prime earning years, so you have more to save. Finally, enjoy this issue because it’s full of professionals and advice that can lead you to better health and greater wealth. That’s my plan for 2016 and, if you also need a tune-up, it should be yours, too. I’m using a new app called Way of Life. I’d love for you to join me there in sharing our journeys and inspiring each other to live healthier, wealthier and more fulfilling lives. But first I have to finish editing this issue. I just wish my eyesight was still as sharp as that damn hindsight.

THE ALPHA OMEGA ISSUE INSPIRING

RECOVERY WARRIORS: SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST PAGE 72

STORIES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

DEC. 2015-JAN. 2016 H ISSUE #59

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

HEALTH& WELLNESS

South was honored to feature the stories of some very special women in this issue including Demi Eliese. Travis Teate traveled in from Miami to shoot this brilliant cover. Features editor Robyn Passante shares her story and more on how they overcame life’s challenges in a big way. Cover Design by Michael Brooks. GREATEST KIDS 2016 H GREATEST NURSES

HEALTH& WELLNESS

VEG OUT IN SAV THE SWEET SOUTH PINKIE MASTERS EPIC ATHLETES ADRIAN PETERSON RING IN THE 2016 NYE BOBBY & CLAUDIA DEEN LIVE FOREVER OR DIE TRYING

Many, many thanks and keep reading, DEC. 2015-JAN. 2016 H ISSUE #59

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM H $4.95

–Michael Brooks, Publisher/Creative Director

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tom Satterly offers South magazine’s feature editor Robyn Passante an exclusive peak into his adventurous past as a member of one of the most elite special forces in the military. Photography by Patrick Lahman, a St. Louis based photographer specializing in photographing law enforcement and military. Tom is wearing Crye Precision combat pants, shirt and tactical vest (cryeprecision.com). Art Director/Cover design, Michael Brooks.

Life’s rewards come in many ways, but none greater than time with family. Publisher Michael Brooks pictured with his dad and son, Logan (left), wife and son Dodge at his first 5k (center) and with his daughter Sophia (right)and her friend Valentino at Girls on the Run 5k (right.)

I NEED A COMPLETE EXISTENTIAL TUNE-UP. HEALTH, WEALTH, MIND, SPIRIT—THE WHOLE SHEBANG.

Tactical apparel and vest by Crye Precison (cryeprecision.com) supplier to U.S. special forces.

DR. JILLARD’S LIFESAVING CONTROVERSIAL TREATMENTS PAGE 88

Best

Doctors

Dr. Jillard is South’s 9th Annual Best Doctors cover. She recently relocated to Savannah, Georgia and is practicing with Southcoast Medical. She has caught much attention lately by performing preventative surgeries that Angelie Jolie made famous this year. Photographed by Savannah based Blake Crosby and written by Anne Royan. Cover Design by Michael B. See page 132

P h o t o g r a p h b y C O R E Y B R O O K S, DAW N B R O O K S

CONTRIBUTORS

ANNE ROYAN

CLAUDIA DEEN

PATRICK LAHAM Patrick Lanham first picked up a camera while serving in the Air Force, stationed in Europe. He fell in love with photography while documenting his travels. Back home in the U.S. after serving, he studied photography in college in Chicago, then got busy working as a photographer’s assistant, and hasn’t stopped since. His passion for photography is the product of his love for people, fashion, art and travel, and for the experience of connection that is so key to making a great picture. See Patrick’s work in on the military cover and in Silent War on page 78.

SOUTH’S INTERN SPOTLIGHT LUCY ELAM

Lucy Elam is a 17-year-old senior majoring in Communication Arts at Savannah Arts Academy. As an aspiring writer, avid reader, and purveyor of all things thought provoking, she has been thoroughly enjoying her experience interning at South magazine, where she does everything from writing, editing, and office management, to occasional Post Office and Tequila’s Town runs. Her favorite things about working with South include the vibrant creative atmosphere, the open flow of ideas, and the realistic experiences she gains on a daily basis.

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In 2010 Claudia left her native country, Venezuela, and came to the United States to get her master’s degree at SCAD. After graduating and living two years in Chicago working in the advertising industry, she moved back to Savannah where her passions about running and healthy living made her take a major career change. She became a Certified Health Coach and now she helps and educates people in the importance of living a healthy and active life. Read about her fitness tips on page 50.

FRANK FORTUNE For over 35 years, Frank Fortune has been professionally capturing images of almost any subject imaginable, first as Director of Photo Services at Georgia Southern for thirty years and now for his company, The Fortune Image. While his company offers many areas of expertise, Frank enjoys editorial on location shooting the most. “Meeting and capturing images of people in their environment is very challenging and rewarding at the same time.” See Frank’s photo of Adrian Peterson on page 48.

Anne Royan lives in Savannah and is working towards an MFA at Savannah College of Art & Design. She holds a BA from Brown University. She has worked in the Fashion/Editorial department at Harper’s Bazaar and as a contributing writer for regional publications. She is currently completing a memoir that began as notes from a travel journal kept during a six-month trip traveling solo through the Himalayas. Read her work on pages 36, 88 & 174.

KISSIE-LYN Kissie-Lyn is a freelance HairMakeup Artist and beauty expert from lashes to nails. At the same time, she is the head manager of two beauty salons in Savannah. She has been sharing her talents and beautifying others for over 13 years. Kissie-Lyn is optimistic and grateful for every opportunities she received and gives back to her community and the unfortunate every chance she gets. Kissie-Lyn was the makeup artist for The Dancing Stars of Costal Georgia to benefit Alzheimer. She was the makeup lead for High Style Events supporting the America Cancer Society. Kissie-Lyn and her team also collaborated with celebrity designer, Thai Nguyen, for a fashion show, “Glamorous Heart”, to raise money for refugees. When she is not doing runways, she is busy doing weddings. She loves reminding her brides, “People will stare, make it worth their while,” Harry Winston. See Kissie’s work in “Dr. Jillard to the Breast-cue” on page 88.

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CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! SOUTH’S GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE BACK!

OUR TENTH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE IS COMING! We are seeking the South’s greatest portrait photographers. Now is the time to compile your finest portrait photography and go to southmag.com and enter for a chance to be featured in a very special edition of South magazine, called Faces of the South. This issue promises to the best yet and a salute to the 10 years of publishing in this great region packed full of the most creative and talented people in the world. For more information, go to southmag.com or call 912-236-5501.

Bohemian’s Ultimate Getaway Winner, John Crowley THE WINNER OF THE BOHEMIAN’S ULTIMATE GETAWAY! Many thanks to winner John Crawley and everyone for participating and showing support for South magazine at DineSouth!! John Crawley received one night stay at the Bohemian and a $100 food and beverage gift certificate redeemable at Rocks on the Roof and Rocks on the River. Enjoy, John!

MEALS ON WHEELS MEGAN M. KERLEY ACCEPTING THIS YEARS DONATION FROM SOUTH MAGAZINE’S RECENT EVENT, DINESOUTH ON BEHALF OF SENIOR CITIZENS INC. AND MEALS ON WHEELS

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i INSTAGRAM

@Instasouth is your one-stop handle for Dixie’s coolest pics.

PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michael Brooks ART DIRECTOR Julius Woodard EDITOR Emma Iocovozzi ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Jared Jordan EVENTS EDITOR Marcia Banes ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mary Thomas Pickett, Josh Flores OFFICE MANAGER/ CIRCULATION Barbara Barnette CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robyn Passante, Anne Royan, Lisa Simons, David Pena, Sofia Fernandez, Mary Thomas Pickett, Lucy Elam CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Frank Fortune, Blake Crosby, Patrick Laham, Travis Teate, Cedric Smith, Angela Hopper-Lee, Josh Branstetter, Dylan Wilson, Lindsey Clark PRODUCTION INTERNS Lucy Elam, Kasey Medlin, Kerrilyn Gibson, Britney Landry FASHION EDITOR Ashley Borders FASHION INTERN Ashlee Scott

South magazine is published bimonthly by Bad Ink, (Brooks Advertising Design, Inc.). Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Bad Ink without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement. We welcome your product news. Include prices, photos and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to the Managing Editor, South magazine, 116 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples. Subscription rates: U.S.: $19 for one year; $28 for two years; years single copies: $4.95. Change of address notice: six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address to: South magazine, Change of Address Notice, 116 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401, attn: Circulation | South magazine: A Division of Bad Ink,phone: 912.236.5501 fax: 912.236.5524 southmagazine.com

GET IN TOUCH

WRITE TO US AT editor@thesouthmag.com or 116-A Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401

ChitChats

CLUB SOUTH ON THE COVER MOUTH OF THE SOUTH HIGH COTTON IN THE STUDIO SOUTHERN MADE CULTURED ON THE PORCH

THE COLOR OF MUSIC WE LOVE ROGER MOSS AND HIS PITCH PERFECT BAND OF KIDS AT THE SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

“We unite and transform children- teaching them confidence and social skills.”

The first time Roger Moss ever sang, he was 5 years old. “We always had music in our house growing up. My mother would tell people that she prayed she would have musical children.” The youngest of four, all of whom either played an instrument or sang, Moss remembers singing was akin to breathing in their home, a modern day von Trapp family. At the age of 16, Moss went to a small private college in Chicago, majoring in pre-law, intending to become an attorney. While at school he changed his major to communications, preferring the detailed intricacies of how humans connect to each other. Even though he wasn’t studying music he still found time to sing in the conservatory at the college. Then came one of the defining moments on his journey. “They had asked me to sing in chapel a couple of times,” he recalls, “and one day the head of the conservatory made the comment that I should never sing again.” Devastated of course, Moss stopped sing for a while all together. After a couple of weeks, however, he started to realize he was denying himself the one thing he enjoyed merely because one other person happened to criticize it. “That’s when I learned that you get to decide what voices you want to listen to … so I ignore all the negative noise, and I tell my students to do the same.” These days Moss is following in his father’s founding footsteps, starting the Savannah Children’s Choir with partner Cuffy Sullivan and the Savannah Classical Academy. For this he blames his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit. Now entering their 10th year the Savannah Children’s Choir has recived many accolades and is a fixture in the community for children from all walks of life. “Something that I’m most proud of is the fact that 100 percent of our kids have gone to college,” says Moss, a testimony to the fact that being a part of the SCC isn’t just learning how to sing. “We unite and transform children, teaching them confidence and social skills.” Of course, at the heart of it all lies the music. Moss will tell you immediately that he loves all kinds of music and does not confine himself to just one genre. “What I love about singing — there is so much freedom if you allow it.” After speaking to Moss it’s hard not to want to twirl around in circles, belting one out like Maria, but for now we’ll just leave that to the kids in the choir. Sunday, December 6 Annual Holiday Concert Lucas Theatre, 3 p.m. Tickets at Savannah Box Office or call 912.525.5050

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CLUB SOUTH/ RUE DE JEAN SOFT OPENING

n t, Karen Glin Madison Ellio

Michael Cournoyer, Dr. Jennifer Yannucci Brendon & Casey Ferrara

Ray Navarro, Hope Navarro

Crystal Higgins, Jessie Blanco

Indie Harris, Sharon Rowlett

Silvia Nunez, Christian Patti

Heidi Ledbetter, Brittany Tufts

It was a night to remember at the 39 Rue De Jean VIP Preview Grand Opening! Over 200 guests came to celebrate the soft opening of the muchanticipated French restaurant with a Japanese flair. Guests were greeted with champagne glasses at the door and treated themselves to fine wine and food worthy of Louis XVI. 1.Senea Crystal, James Whitfield 2.Bonnie Jenkins 3.Sharon & John Massey, Emmaline Routon 4.Catherine & Chuck Cooper 5.Janelle Tawill 6.Erica Jarman 7.Amy Hughes, Kim Calabro, Sumedha Sharma

Cindy Mullally, Matt Toole

6 Angela & Vincent Zambito

5 2

P h o t o g r a p h y b y T R AC Y S C A R P O T I

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CLUB SOUTH/ DINE SOUTH 2015 Well over a thousand people joined South Magazine at the 8th Annual Dine South event. Thirty-two local restaurants featured delicacies from every cuisine imaginable, from tuna tartar to succulent smoked barbecue and sushi rolled right in front of you. Savannah Station was packed with Savannahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elegant partygoers, many of which took to the dance floor, rode the mechanical bull, or lounged by the fire pit provided outside.

Lyn Avenue

Kissie Lyn Tan, Huoth Tan

Karen Powell

Tracy & David Walker Chris Rawlins, Courtney Rawlins

Jennifer Hangen & Jessica Quito

1.Susanna Jenkins & Jamie Lee Yawn 2.Meredith Stone & Shannee Theus 3.Chris Clark & Diana Prevatte 4.Elizabeth Conneff & Ashley Radick 5. Roger Moss & Antoine Lang 6.Claudai Hernandez, Aj Asci, Katie Hernandez 7. Dru Nelson & Jason Usry 8.Alaina Alaina Bowen

Mark McCullough & Elizabeth Brewster

3 1

7 5

8 6 2

P h o t o g r a p h s b y K RYS TA L O B L I N G E R , T R AC Y S C A R P O T I , L I N D S AY PAY N E , C O R E Y B R O O K S , A R I A N NA H K U B L I S OUT H MAGA ZI NE.C OM

Friendliest

STAFF

2015 AWARDS NOT THE BEST ... BUT THE GREATEST CULINARY EVENT OF THE YEAR. DINE SOUTH WAS A SWINGING SUCCESS. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THE PARTY POSSIBLE!

ine South hosted a variety of restaurants this year, all of which succeeded in keeping attendees happy and full, but it was the little things that made certain businesses standout. During the event, Vic’s on the River, Little Italy, and Savannah Tech went the extra mile to dress up their booths, while Savannah Candy Kitchen, Yia Yia’s, and Savannah Venue Management had the best treats to satisfy our sweet tooths. Everyone boasted happy, smiling faces but the friendliest staff members were Tequila’s Town, Jazz’d, and Little Italy (whose waiter started the dance party, might we add).

LITTLE ITALY

greatest

BOOTH

VIC’S ON THE RIVER

greatest

sweetest

BOOTH

SAVANNAH TECH 34

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BOOTH

YIA YIA’S

greatest

FOOD

BOOTH

sweetest

BOOTH

A.LURE

Friendliest

STAFF

SAVANNAH VENUE MANAGEMENT

LITTLE ITALY

Friendliest

greatest

FOOD

STAFF

TEQUILA’S TOWN

JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR

greatest

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FOOD

COTTON & RYE

TEQUILA’S TOWN

BOOTH

SAVANNAH’S CANDY KITCHEN

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

C U LT U R E D / T H E M E D I C I N E O F L A U G H T E R “The funniest thing I can think of to talk about is being single and dating again in my 30s.”- Marcia Banes preforming at the Savannah Comedy Revue at Club One

A LAUGH A DAY EVER HEAR THE OLD ADAGE THAT LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE? THERE IS NO JOKING BEHIND THE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM.

aughter has been shown to lower stress levels, increase relaxation and ease feelings of anxiety, depression, social conflict and discomfort. Laughter releases endorphins, the lovely little cocktail of chemicals produced by the brain that creates the sensation of a natural high. Savannah-based therapist Erin Armstrong Parker agrees with the benefits of laughter. She explains, “I regularly use comedy as a therapeutic tool in my practice, especially in treating anxiety disorders.

LIKE, I LAUGHED SO HARD I LITERALLY DIED: YOU CAN LAUGH, BUT DON’T LAUGH TOO HARD

Third Century BCGreek philosopher Chrysippus died of laughter after watching a donkey eat his figs. 1410- King Martin of Aragon died from

Laughter can break the negative cycle of anxiety by easing the catastrophic thought process, which leads to a happier feeling, which in turn reduces the chance of continued panic attacks.” A daily dose of laughter is a simple prescription that has the potential for life-altering benefits. The comedy scene in Savannah is growing up and starting to make some noise. From the dive bar open-mic scenario to big-name headliners at monthly comedy shows, the city has offerings in all arenas. Chuck’s Bar on River Street hosts an open-mic night every Tuesday. This is a great venue for performers new to comedy or people curious about giving stand-up a try. The décor includes colored Christmas lights and dollar bills stapled to the walls and ceiling. The bartender, JP, is one of the funniest people in the place. Everyone is welcome, first timers and house favorites alike. The participants are people shrugging off the monotony of their day jobs to step up on the stage and, for the few minutes of their set, command the room. The bottled beers are inexpensive and ice-cold, and after a few, the room warms up and the jokes get funnier. On the other end of the spectrum, The Savannah Comedy Revue, founded by actor and comedian Thomas Paris, hosts an evening of stand-up at the Bay Street Theater on the first Saturday of each month. The theater holds an impressive 240 seats, with VIP seating section arranged at round tables near the stage and general admission tickets filling in the stadium-style seating just behind. The monthly event draws comedians from all over the South

a combination of indigestion and uncontrollable laughter. 1660- Thomas Urquhart, a Scottish aristocrat, died laughing upon hearing that Charles II had taken the throne.

1893- A farmer from Indiana died after hearing a joke and laughing continuously for an hour.

as well as nationwide, many of whom boast impressive resumes that included spots on HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central. The Wormhole on Bull Street, which falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, hosts a comedy show on the first Friday of each month. The intimate setting of this dark, neighborhood bar was the spot where comedian David Spade showed up to take the stage and test out new material last time he was in town to film a movie. Come early for Happy Hour, stay late for the comedy show. For further information and upcoming events for all of the venues, check their websites, as well as the Savannah Stand-Up Comedy Facebook page.

WHERE TO GET YOUR LAUGH ON CHUCK’S BAR 301 W. River St., Savannah, GA. Admission is free. 912.232.1005

THE WORMHOLE

2307 Bull St., Savannah, GA. Tickets available at the door or online. wormholebar.com, 912.507.3599

SAVANNAH COMEDY REVUE

Bay Street Theater, 1 Jefferson St., Savannah, GA. Tickets available at the door or online. savannahcomedyrevue.com

laughing while watching “A Fish Called Wanda”.

1989- Danish audiologist Ole Bentzen died

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IN THE KNOW / NALOXONE, THE OVERDOSE CURE?

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP... We asked Terry Bruce at the Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia how to bring someone back from an overdose. “A lot of doctors will prescribe Suboxone (a medication for opioid dependence) and then never see the patient again, which is basically legalized addiction.” Says Bruce. “At the Assisted Recovery Center, we have spent 16 years treating patients successfully by combining talk therapy and medication and believe that addiction is a disease that can be treated medically.” If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction please visit arcageorgia.com or call 888-570-6391.

PROJECT DAN

A SIMPLE ADMINISTRATION OF NALOXONE COULD SAVE COUNTLESS LIVES FROM THE DEATH SENTENCE OF OVERDOSING.

Austin Nicholas Barthen, from an accidental overdose of OxyContin on September 16, 2005. He was only 24 years old.

Dr. David Gaskin has joined his brother in the fight against overdose deaths.

< Lesli Messinger lost her son,

means it can safely and effectively reverse an overdose if consumed soon enough. Equipping officers with naloxone is only the first step in the process. Project DAN aims to provide training for these officers, and eventually first responders, on how to administer naloxone, while also increasing awareness of the Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty law. Many addicts or friends and family of addicts are afraid to call the police for fear of being arrested, but the amnesty law, passed in the House and Senate in 2014, protects those who are seeking medical assistance during a drug overdose. Lesli Messinger, Executive Director of the Savannah Harm Reduction Coalition, lost her son Austin 10 years ago to a drug overdose at age 24. “Austin was such a wonderful person. He had a great laugh, and he had lots of friends,” Messinger said. She has recently partnered with Ray Gaskin and police officers to help raise awareness about Project DAN, but Lesli makes up the “street team”. “I actually go into the trenches, under the bridges, and the tent city’s handing out Naloxone Kits and letting people know about the amnesty law.” Often Lesli is the only person reaching those who are susceptible to overdoses. “Our message is, treatment is available. We have highly effective methods of combatting opioid dependency and we are trying to decrease the stigma associated with what is not a moral failing or weakness, but a brain disease that has been

“The stigma of addiction is something we need to address, but we need to keep these people from dying, first.” Dr. Ray Gaskin, a board-certified specialist in addiction medicine, has spent over 30 years watching and hearing people die from overdoses. He can tell you statistics that are, quite frankly staggering - every hour, three people die of an overdose. They’re mostly from prescription pills, but these days more than ever, it’s heroin. His mission recently, along with Dr. David Gaskin, is simple: raise awareness about Project DAN. Project DAN (Deaths Avoided by Naloxone) is designed to reduce incidents of overdoses by equipping law enforcement officers with the prescription drug naloxone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which

Dr. Ray Gaskin, a board-certified specialist in addiction medicine with over 30 years of experience. recognized by the American Medical Association since the 1950s,” Says Gaskin. He hopes that by January, his coalition can start raising money towards putting naloxone kits in the hands of Savannah’s police officers, first responders, and even civilians, as well as advertising to raise awareness of this life-saving drug. For more information on Project DAN please visit rxdrugabuse.org. To donate items to the Savannah Harm Reduction Coalition, go to stopsavannahoverdoses.org. For more information on Savannah’s Naloxone Rescue program or how to get involved, call Dr. Ray Gaskin at 912.352.9902.

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SOUTHERN MADE / GENUINE PRODUCTS

MIKE & MICK William Washington Gordon Monument in Wright Square

Gazebo on Crawford Square

James Oglethorpe Monument Chippewa Square

Nathanael Greene Monument in Johnson Square

SOUTHERN MADE SQUARES SAVANNAH SQUARE BY SQUARE TAKES A REFRESHING LOOK AT A HISTORICAL CLASSIC

It’s been almost 30 years since anyone wrote a book about Savannah’s 22 world-famous squares, and a lot has changed, since then. From one end of the historic district to the other, Savannah’s squares are the backbone of a beautiful city that draws more than 13 million tourists each year. That’s why local historian Michael Jordan and his graphic designer/artist friend

NOT SO ODD COUPLE You might say Mick McCay and Michael Jordan are sort of an odd couple—Mick is a genteel, soft-spoken artist and graphic designer in his early 60s, and Michael is a high-energy, frenetic 40-something filmmaker, journalist, and historian. Yet these two buddies have found a common cause in telling the story of Savannah’s historic squares—the latest in a series of collaborations since they met eight years ago. The name of their new book, “Savannah Square by Square”, was taken from an hourlong video guide to Savannah thatJordan produced back in 2010. McCay, who created the graphic designs for the film, borrowed the name and asked Jordan to use his Savannah knowledge to pen a coffee table book about the squares. McCay created original line drawings for the book and roped in three of his photographer friends—including his wife Connie—to take hundreds of color photographs of the squares and the buildings that surround them. Asked what fuels their passion for the squares and Savannah’s history, Jordan said, “For me, what makes the squares special is the way the architecture and the monuments and the trees and Spanish moss come together. I’ve been all over the world, and I’ve never found anywhere in the world that is as special to me or as amazing as the squares of downtown Savannah.” McCay chimed in, “Do I love this city? You know, you either live in Savannah, or you wish you lived in Savannah!”

Mick McCay decided it was high time someone told the squares’ story in a new and exciting way. The pair teamed up to create “Savannah Square by Square”, a 112-page hardcover book featuring more than 300 eye-popping, full color photographs of the squares, alongside Jordan’s informative and easy-to-read historical narrative. The book also includes Savannah’s “other squares”—Forsyth Park and Colonial Park Cemetery. “Savannah Square by Square” is published by Historic Savannah Foundation. It’s available for $29.95 at retailers throughout Savannah starting December 15, and online at savannahsquarebysquare.com.

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ON THE PORCH / HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Hormone Replacement DO THE BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY? The history of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a sordid one. Once hailed as the go-to cure for relieving menopause symptoms, reports in the early 2000s linked it to higher chances of developing cancerous cells and other health risks, such as strokes and blood clots. Now, over a decade later, new information is coming out that could redeem this treatment option. While the benefits are still attractive to many patients, there are varying opinions on the long-term risks. We asked two prominent doctors to help us bridge the gap when it comes to this controversial method of coping with menopause.

Con: HRT Dr. Mark Winchell • Orthopedic Surgeon • ABOS Board-Certified in General Orthopedics • 19 years of experience “THE ISSUES OF INCREASED RISK ARE REAL, BUT NEED TO BE PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE.”

“For years, medical experts believed that hormone replacement for women was a good thing. In the process of doing a large randomized, double-blinded and controlled study (the only study really good at scientifically verifying data) the evidence about the detrimental effects of HRT was so concerning, that the study was abruptly stopped in 2002. Since that time, the pendulum of knowledge has swung back toward the middle and we now recommend an individualized approach to treatment for women based on the age of onset of menopause and the severity of her

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symptoms. The original benefits are still proven to occur, however, there is also mounting evidence of the detrimental effects including ... endometrial/breast cancer, increased risk of stroke, blood clots and gall bladder disease. There is also an increased risk of high blood pressure in some patients. The issues of increased risk are real, but need to be put into perspective. Generally speaking, the risks go up if you are greater than 10 years out from your first symptoms of menopause when starting treatment, are older than 59, or have been on treatment for more than 5 years. Therefore, starting treatment early in menopause is the smartest way to balance the benefits and the risks, with a plan to stop HRT at the 5-year mark, if not sooner. We do not know the long-term risks and benefits of HRT, and the decision is ultimately between you and your doctor.” For more information, call Dr. Winchell at 912-925-3767 or visit savannahboneandjoint.com.

Pro: HRT Dr. Mary Kay Ross • Founder of the Institute For Personalized Medicine • Over 9 years of experience with Hormone Replacement Therapy • Board-Certified in Emergency Medicine “THERE ARE MAJOR BENEFITS TO HORMONE THERAPY, BUT A RESPONSIBLE DOCTOR WILL WATCH THEIR PATIENTS CAREFULLY.”

“When I first started my practice 7 years ago, hormones were very popular, then we went through a period where it became kind of taboo. Throughout all of this I used Hormone Replacement Therapy, always in very low concentrations, but now I have changed my views. For women, we now know that we have to be very careful when administering estrogen, so I do a lot of testing that can tell me if someone is able to methylate properly and how they are metabolizing their

estrogen. Estrogen metabolism can be linked to prostate and breast cancer, as well as blood clots. At the Institute For Personalized Medicine we use genetic testing as well to better determine the risks. I like to use bio-identical hormones when I use estrogen, and I like to use the lower concentration. I don’t give hormones to everybody; if someone needs to have them, we go through the pros and cons and the risks and benefits. Ultimately, I take Hormone Replacement Therapy as an individualized approach. There are major benefits to hormone therapy, but a responsible doctor will watch their patients carefully. It is very dangerous for a general physician who is not trained in hormones to administer them, to both men and women alike.” For more information call Dr. Ross at 912-352-1234 or visit instituteforpersonalizedmedicine. com.

Wr i t t e n b y E M M A I O C OVO Z Z I

HIGH COTTON / SOUTHERN LEADERS TELL ALL

SWEET SOUTH

FOR YEARS, SAVANNAH CANDY KITCHEN HAS BEEN MAKING SAVANNAH A SWEET DESTINATION. STAN STRICKLAND SITS DOWN WITH SOUTH MAGAZINE TO DISCUSS HIS SECRET TO SUCCESS AND WHAT HE HAS IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE. Emma Iocovozzi

itting down with Stan Strickland, you can’t help but feel a bit intimidated. His presence seems to take up the entire room, from the way he speaks to how he holds himself, like a Santa Claus that has connections with the Mob. This in itself could explain why Savannah Candy Kitchen has become such an icon in the city, but learning how this self-made man got to be where he is today is as interesting as it is serendipitous. Stan was born in Woodbine, Georgia, where his mother worked at a candy factory that made oldfashioned delicacies like pecan pralines and peanut brittle, though this connection wouldn’t make itself apparent until years later. In 1973, Stan along with his wife Pam, fresh from the army and living in Germany, decided to open up a year-round Christmas store on River Street. With the promise of the new Hyatt opening, they were the fourth business to open there. Stan remembers how desolate it was. “The only other businesses were Boars Head and a place that sold baskets … you could throw a bowling ball down the entire stretch of River Street and not hit a single soul.” Strickland says with a

SWEET 10k 30k SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS

The number of customers a day that visits Savannah Candy Kitchen.

The number of pralines made in 1 day (keep in mind they hand-dip and hand-stir every batch)

300

The number of folks it takes to make and deliver these sweet treats to the world.

Over one million pecan halves used in these goodies makes this one nutty treat.

P h o t o g r a p h s b y B L A K E C R O S BY

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Interior of the new River Street Sweets, Savannah’s Candy Kichen at Tanger Outlets laugh, but things weren’t as funny back then. After a while, they realized the Christmas store wasn’t working out so they tried other venues, from glass engraving to a line of country-style furniture, “But there just wasn’t enough people no matter what you did,” Says Strickland. Finally, almost ready to throw in the towel, the Strickland family, Stan, Pam, and their kids Tim and Jen, attended the Atlanta Gift Show. Tim, ten and the time, found a fudge kettle and they decided to buy it. In 1978, Stan and Pam tinkered with old-fashioned recipes and modified the kettle in order to make pralines, a modification that they still use today. Jennifer, then 13, helped Stan make the first batch. Now comes the moment- the realization if you will- that everyone who has ever been inside one of Stan’s stores will know. The first time they made pralines, the smell wafted through the store and caused all the meandering customers to immediately perk up and wait for the batch to be finished. This is when Stan knew he had something special. Today, pralines are still about 35 percent of the Stricklands’ entire business, outselling any other product. Nowadays, the struggle is a distant memory for Stan and Pam, who divorced in 1990 but each retain their own candy company. Pam, with Tim and Jen, owns River Street Sweets, and Stan opening the Savannah Candy Kitchen in 1991. Stan has since opened numerous stores across the southern region, including Nashville, Atlanta, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, and his plans to expand are even more grandiose than even Stan could ever imagine, “We went in different directions when it came to the retail side of things, I wanted to focus more on the mail-order and wholesale aspect of the business and slowly grow my retail operation, while Pam, Tim and Jen wanted to open a lot of retail locations.” This is perhaps serendipitous, as recently both companies have been trying to bridge the gap.

A couple years ago, Tim and Jen bought River Street Sweets from their mother and when they had out grown their mail-order space, they went to their father to find a larger place. “I had a lot of warehouse space I wasn’t using, so it just seemed like the right idea to work together.” And with that, two businesses that were separated for almost 25 years are now working together to make something even more special. Their most recent collaboration, a store in the new Tanger Outlets, is a beautifully updated version of the two stores. They are now franchising and going mail orders under the name River Street Sweets- Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. You can tell Stan feels good about working with his children again, as if life finally came full circle and brought him exactly where he needed to be. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: There are a lot of factors to why Savannah Candy Kitchen has become such a success. Hard work, an influx of tourists to Savannah, and listening to customers is vital to growing the business. Stan says he used to sit outside the shop on River Street and listen to the tourists as they walked out. “I learned more about my business that way than doing anything else.” ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS: “I think you have to surround yourself with smart people and dedicated people that will be a part of something that makes your collective dream come true. They have to see that it’s more than just a job; it’s a way of life. We here at Savannah Candy Kitchen live and breathe candy, and we have employees that have been here for years that are like family to us.”

PASS ME A PRALINE THE SOUTH’S FAVORITE TREAT HAS A SWEET HISTORY Named after 17th century French Diplomat, César duc de Choiseul, comte du Plessis-Praslin, this sinful confection was actually the invention of his personal chef and included almonds and a creamy caramelized coating. When it was eventually brought over to New Orleans in 1727, the lack of almonds and abundance of native pecan trees turned the recipe into the popular treat we know today. Back in the 19th century, pralines were so in demand that there were women called Pralinières who used to make and sell them on the streets of the French Quarter. Eventually, pralines spread across the south, where the recipes are different according to where you eat them. In particular, Savannah has put pralines on the map, inviting rumors that the sugary confection was indeed invented there. Since Albany, Georgia is the official pecan capital of the world, with more than 600,000 pecan trees, Savannah’s pralines are truly regional.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

TRUE SOUTH / WHERE WE COME FROM

A DIVE BAR, BY DEFINITION, IS AN UNGLAMOROUS NEIGHBORHOOD WATERING HOLE WHERE FRIENDS AND STRANGERS COME TO SWIG LIGHT BEER AND THROW A FEW DARTS. IT’S A PLACE VOID OF PRETENTION AND FANCY COCKTAILS, WHERE NOBODY GIVES A DAMN WHO YOU ARE, YET MOST EVERYONE ALREADY KNOWS. THE BEST DIVE BARS HAVE WALLS LINED WITH CHEAPLY FRAMED PHOTOS OFFERING GRAINY PROOF OF THE FAMOUS FACES THAT WERE ALSO ONCE RIGHT HERE IN THE SAME DARK SPACE, LIFTING THE LOUNGE TO A LEGENDARY STATUS THAT’S REVERED BY LOCALS. 46

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BARTENDER BURKE STEWART IS AMONG THOSE WHO LOUDLY WELCOME EVERYONE WHO ENTERS THE LOUNGE. WONDERING HOW THAT DAY WILL UNFOLD WITHOUT THE LEGENDARY SPOT SERVING UP PBR’S AND TUNES ALL DAY LONG. serving up beers and tunes all day long. Pinkie’s staff is beseeching patrons to come in for as many PBRs as their livers can handle in the next few weeks, and a hopeful GoFundMe page has been created to try to raise the estimated $60,000 needed to move the bar. “Its not always true what they say, location doesn’t have to be everything. The dark, dank rathole of a bar you’ve come to know and love can be just as unpolished and real anywhere, but we need your help!” the GoFundMe page reads. “Any and all donations of whatever size are immensly (sic) appreciated. Even if you’re just passing on the word, we thank you from the deepest bottoms of our demolished livers.” The bar might move, and Pinkie’s name might live on elsewhere, but it won’t be where Jimmy Carter stood and proclaimed his hope for the future. That place, like Carter himself, is headed for the history books. And we raise our glasses as it goes. Among dive bars in Savannah, Pinkie Master’s Lounge has been king for decades. And in January, it will lose its crown. Thanks to a lawsuit brought on by an incident back in August, when bar-back Leonard “Catfish” Scriven stabbed patron Jonathan Staggs, bar operator Guy Kirk has filed for bankruptcy and is closing the Drayton Street pub on January 1. Kirk has been quoted in local media outlets, saying it started when Staggs was banned from the bar but came back to harass and threaten Scriven. Bar landlords Martin and Coleen Hogan also were named defendants in the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages from the defendants for failing to keep customers safe.

Regardless of the reason, the closing of Pinkie’s marks the end of an era for Savannah’s pub-crawlers and political movers and shakers, particularly those who remember the nowinfamous St. Patrick’s Day, 1978 when thenGeorgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, a friend of Pinkie, climbed on the bar and announced his candidacy for the presidency. A plaque commemorating the event is embedded in the bar on that very spot, classing up the beer cans and gin and tonics in plastic cups that decorate the bar top on a typical night, the Stars and Bars hidden in plain sight behind it. But Pinkie’s is much more than a political footnote. As with any great dive bar, the 65-yearold establishment has made a name for itself by simply not trying to be anything but what it is: a place that draws hipster students, old money and blue collars equally for its killer jukebox, dart boards, and lively conversations in well-worn booths. The “Best Dive Bar” nod from Southern Living in 2013 may have put Pinkie’s officially on the map, but it’s been the X that marks the spot for locals around Drayton for decades. For now, bartender Burke Stewart is among those who loudly welcome everyone who enters the lounge. Stewart graciously keeps the taps flowing and the corn popping, proclaiming Pinkie’s to be ground zero for Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, wondering how that day will unfold and how the revelers will manage without the legendary spot

Wr i t t e n b y R O BY N PA S S A N T E P h o t o g r a p h s b y C E D R I C S M I T H DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

ADRIAN PETERSON: IN HIS OWN WORDS INTERVIEW BY DAVID PENA || PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FORTUNE

BIRTHDAY: July 1, 1979

HIS ABILITY TO SPEAK PUBLICLY, HOWEVER, DID NOT COME SO NATURALLY– HE STRUGGLED WITH STUTTERING GROWING UP, BUT PETERSON DIDN’T LET OTHER STUDENTS’ TEASING STOP HIM, AND IT PAID OFF. “I DIDN’T CHANGE WHO I WAS. I WAS STILL ACTIVE WITH MY SPORTS.” THIS DRIVE AND DETERMINATION UNDOUBTEDLY HELPED PETERSON PERSEVERE AND SUCCEED IN ATHLETICS. DESPITE HIS HEROICS ON THE FIELD, HIS LIFE OFF OF IT WAS NOT WITHOUT TRAGEDY, AS PETERSON’S 6-YEAR-OLD SON, AJ, PASSED AWAY EARLIER THIS YEAR AFTER THE CHILD WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN INOPERABLE BRAIN TUMOR LAST YEAR.

BIRTHPLACE: Gainesville, Florida QUOTE ME:: “All hard work will eventually pay off.” ULTIMATE GOAL: I want to eventually speak at every school in America in order to make a difference in the lives of kids today. TITLE OF HIS BOOK: Don’t Dis My Abilities CELEBRITY WHO MADE PETERSON STAR STRUCK: During my rookie year, meeting Bret Favre was incredible.

S BANK AND THE ADRIAN PETERSON ALL DAY FOUNDATION: S Bank has recently partnered with The Adrian Peterson Foundation to help create awareness for children who suffer from speech and language disorders. They have planned a variety of community events and activities to raise money for the foundation. Please visit sbank.com for more information.

“THE RUN”

A Youtube Sensation with over 2,340,860 views

Adrian Peterson is known in NCAA folklore for, among other things, “The Run,” a magnificent 58-yard run in the 1999 Division I-AA Championship game against Youngstown State. While it takes an extraordinary football player to set NCAA records and play in the NFL, friends of Peterson concur that he’s an even more extraordinary father, husband and friend, especially in the aftermath of the tragic loss of a child. Former Eagles teammate and friend Andre Weathers said, “They (Petersons) have used it as a positive, to make more people aware.” Georgia Southern University head coach Willie Fritz added, “It’s just a credit to him and his family to use (his experiences) as a platform to help other people.” The best advice I ever got was to just be myself and not to pretend to be someone I was not. I was driven by a need to overcome the obstacles in my life. My biggest motivation is being successful at what I do, no matter what I am doing at the time.

field was overcoming my speech impediment as a child. The main idea that I try to convey during my motivational speeches are…to dream big, try to overcome all obstacles with patience, and touch someone’s life every day. Faith in God was instrumental in helping me to get through my son’s passing. Peer pressure is just a matter of choice. It’s not where you come from or where you go; it’s what you do when you get there that counts.

Jason McKie from the Chicago Bears was the best joke teller I ever knew. My favorite word is “work.” My least favorite word is “can’t.” My fondest childhood memory is eating at my grandmother’s house with family every Sunday, then playing outside with cousins and siblings. My epitaph will hopefully read, “Adrian Peterson was a great athlete but an even better person.” My favorite part of Savannah is the historic district - there’s so much to see and do.

I majored in commercial recreation in college with a minor in sociology. My favorite foods are like most big kids’…wings and pizza.

My toughest opponents on the football field were whoever I was playing every Sunday in the NFL because they were the best in the sport. My toughest opponent off the

SINCE HIS SON’S PASSING, PETERSON HAS USED THE SPOTLIGHT TO HELP AND EDUCATE OTHERS, DIVIDING HIS TIME BETWEEN BEING A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND TRAINER AT THE ALL PRO SPORTS PERFORMANCE GYM IN THE CHICAGO AREA.

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Adrian Peterson’s son AJ. who passed away at the age of six.

Adrian Peterson when played runningback for the Chicago Bears.

FOR THE RECORD...

ADRIAN PETERSON’S ATHLETIC ABILITY WAS APPARENT FROM THE START. HE WAS A TWO-TIME ALL-STATE, ALL-AREA SELECTION AND TEAM MVP AT SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL IN ALACHUA, FLORIDA. HE WENT ON TO PLAY FOOTBALL AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, WHERE HE DOMINATED THE FIELD FROM 1998-2001. HE FINISHED HIS COLLEGE CAREER WITH 6,559 RUSHING YARDS, A DIVISION I FOOTBALL RECORD. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE GEORGIA SOUTHERN HALL OF FAME IN 2012. FROM THERE, HE MADE IT TO THE NFL AND PLAYED PROFESSIONALLY FOR 10 YEARS WITH THE CHICAGO BEARS.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

ALPHA & OMEGA ALPHA & OMEGA YEAR-END LOOK AT NEW BEGINNINGS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CEDRIC SMITH 50

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CLAUDIA DEEN / Fitness Guru Claudia Deen is a Certified Health Coach. She has completed 7 marathons, 11 half marathons and 2 Ironman 70.3s and is constantly posting wellness content through her blog, Instagram and Facebook accounts with the intention of educating others on the importance of living a healthy and active life. She's also a lululemon ambassador, and when she’s not working with her clients or training for a race, Claudia can be found volunteering for sport-related charity events or giving community lectures to spread her message of health. Sugar or alcohol, never both When celebrating during the holidays, choose between drinking alcohol and eating dessert. Alcohol turns into sugar and it’ll only accumulate as fat in your body, so you don’t want to oversaturate yourself. If you go for the alcohol, your best options are wine, champagne, or vodka with club soda, and always remember to have a glass of water in between drinks! Eat a rainbow every day This time of the year focus more than ever on eating a rainbow in most of your meals. By this I mean to include different types of vegetables and fruits that are in season, which will give you tons of nutrients and will satisfy your body keeping the cravings on check. Think kale, squash, collards, broccoli, strawberries and beets. Drink plenty of water You’ve probably heard this many times but this is crucial, especially coming from all the excess of the holidays. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day on your days off and 12 on the days you are working out. A decent standard measurement is drinking a gallon a day; you can buy a jug at the grocery store and make sure to finish it by bedtime. Do cardio, but don’t forget to lift When it comes to weight loss, a lot of people become cardio junkies to see faster results. This is great because you’ll sweat a lot, but you always want to include strength-training activities. When you lift weights, your body burns calories for up to 24 hours after your workout, while cardio only burns calories for the duration of the workout.

PHYSICAL

REFLECTING ON THE PAST AND looking toward the future, the new year has

always been a time when we try to refocus and remember where our priorities lie. We asked two members of the community for tips on how to reset yourself spiritually and physically while we wave 2015 goodbye and say hello to 2016. Our experts tell the best ways to come correct with your mind, body, and spirit.

2015/2016

SPIRITUAL KENNY GRANT / Pastor

2015/2016

Keeny Grant currently serves as the senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Temple. A former Marine drill instructor, Kenny has a unique style of teaching and preaching. He communicates the Word of God with insight, clarity, passion and conviction. Often punctuated with humor, his impactful messages always leave his audience informed, inspired, and equipped to apply God's word to their daily lives. Decisions If we don’t choose, life will choose for us. To follow Jesus is a decision about what you believe is true. If you know in your heart that He is God – you will follow Him. If He is just a religious figure to you, then you will not pursue Him for who He really is. Many people deceive themselves in this way. They don’t know that they are responding to Him as something He is not. He is not a religious figure – He is God, a living God. How you respond to Him shows what you believe about Him. He desires a living relationship with all of us and created us to enjoy that with Him. Discipline Relationships need care and nurturing not just to live but also to thrive. It is impossible to have a living and thriving relationship with Jesus without feeding it a steady and hearty diet of His word and prayer. His word and prayer are the rich nourishment of spiritual life. Without them, the relationship will starve and wither. Desire When by faith we realize who God is, we desire more of Him. We mysteriously stop wanting what we want and begin to want what He wants. Wanting what God wants more than what we want is evidence of His supernatural work in your life. No one can genuinely achieve the unwinding of selfish desires apart from God’s work in us. Can you imagine what a tall order that is? The human heart is naturally self-seeking. Mine is a prime example.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

TINY DANCER

53 57

ANTIBULLYING

BABY CARE ANYWHERE

TRAINING YOUR CHILD

SAVIOR OF THE STREETS

CHILDHOOD OBESITY

GREATEST KIDS

LOVELANE

Raise kids that do good, feel good and how to do a couple good things yourself

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Tiny Dancer

Emily Schrader is on a journey to become one of the best ballerinas in the country… and at only 11 years old, she just might do it. Emma Iocovozzi

t some point in every little girl’s life, she dons a pink tutu and tries her hand at one of the most intensely beautiful and beautifully intense activities in the world—classical ballet. Most don’t make it past the first year, preferring the twirling more than the technique. But some - very few - know from a young age that the combination of hard work and raw talent can catapult you into the highly competitive and impressive world of ballet.

Emily Schrader’s daily routine is a tough one. She gets up early, goes to school full time at Savannah’s Classical Academy and dances seven days a week. Three days a week she is in lessons with a private instructor. Often she isn’t home until 9 p.m. and even then she usually takes dinner in her room, lying out on the floor, bent in an impossible position, doing her homework. Her mother a professional photographer, and of course Emily’s own personal cheerleader, is there to document her journey, and through it all she says Emily has never complained once. It’s true - when you look at pictures of Emily or videos of her rehearsing, there are times when she’s laughing and times when she’s concentrating, but never a sad or overwhelmed look. Lauren says she’s a wise old soul.

Photo by Lauren Schrader

At five years old, she started classically training and seemingly hasn’t stopped since. Now at 11, Emily and her mother are starting to get more serious about what it’s going to take to succeed. Through it all though she says the journey in itself is amazing. “My whole family learns and grows with Emily. There is enough joy in there to add up all the work it takes,” Lauren says, with a tear in her eye. It’s rare to see a mother who’s so dedicated to her child’s passion while also being so far from the typical overbearing stage mom trope. “If Emily told me tomorrow that she didn’t want to dance anymore, we would walk away satisfied with the knowledge that this experience has changed us for the better.” In the dancing world, everything is sped up and most girls who are serious are trying to join

professional ballet companies by the age of 17. Emily was lucky enough to find an instructor this year who has genuinely helped with her technique, and Lauren says Emily would rather teach ballet and have her own studio than become a career dancer. What makes Emily different, though, is her attitude, “She’s very into wellness and hasn’t succumbed to the typical pressure most girls are under to stay thin.” Lauren is adamant that if you give a kid healthy choices from the beginning they will continue to crave them. These days, the Schrader family takes it one day at a time—life can seem like a blur when your child is gifted. In the very near future Emily will likely be asked to join a rigorous ballet summer camp, but her goal is to always start each day the same way: in first position. •

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN BABY CARE ANYWHERE: - HOW TO PICK YOUR PEDIATRICIAN - WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR BABY - HOW TO BATHE YOUR BABY - WHAT YOUR BABY SHOULD BE DOING AS HE OR SHE GROWS - UNDERSTANDING GROWTH CHARTS - FALLS AND HEAD TRAUMA - DOSING ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN - TRAVELING WITH YOUR BABY

One of the best parts about “Baby Care Anywhere”, is that it doubles as a journal for you to record checkups, questions you have for your physician, and even checklists to make sure you didn’t forget anything! *

Ben Spitalnick and Keith Seibert, photo by Lindsey Clark

Baby Care Anywhere Pediatricians Ben Spitalnick and Keith Seibert bring us the new go-to guide for the modern mother. Emma Iocovozzi

EVERYONE HAS HEARD THE AGE-OLD ADAGE, “Life doesn’t come with an

instruction manual.” That, of course, doesn’t keep us from venturing to the Internet or the bookstore searching for answers to life’s little questions. We’ve even taken to calling ourselves “Dummies” in the hopes that these how-to manuals will yield something other than confusion, and motherhood is no different of course. There seems to be endless resources for new moms, on top of all the advice you will inevitably get from everyone you know who’s ever had a child. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. Enter “Baby Care Anywhere” - anywhere being the operative word. This book, penned by Savannah pediatricians Ben Spitalnick and Keith Seibert, is not for the moms of days past. This book is for the mom on the go, the multi-tasker who needs answers at her fingertips. The book itself is small in size and meant to fit in a baby bag or purse, and when you look at the table of contents, you see that every section is neatly organized and in chronological order starting with “How to Pick Your Pediatrician.” Already you’ve calmed down a little, right? What every modern mother needs are fast answers to important questions, and often expectant and new mothers only have vague, anxiety-producing websites like WebMD to fill this void. Spitalnick and Seibert had very similar paths, both going to the University of Georgia and ending up in Savannah, and although they are managing partners of different practices, the idea of collaborating on a

book seemed like a no-brainer. Spitalnick explains, this over coffee one afternoon. “All the books out there were too dense, so often new moms looked at Google or other sites to get answers.” They wanted to make an authoritative book that was also easy to access. After spending countless hours at the neighborhood Starbucks, their unofficial office, taking inspiration from not only the moms in their care but their home life as well (Both Spitalnick and Seibert are fathers to young children), they finally put together a rough draft. That’s when the American Academy of Pediatrics stepped in. The AAP decided to publish the book, giving them a national stage, which in turn got them a much wider audience. For Spitalnick and Seibert, the result has been surprising. They have been doing radio interviews and book signings all over the country, and although the recognition is nice, it is not the best part of the process. “It really helps to get out of your space once in a while … there’s more than just the daily grind,” says, Spitalnick, on how writing a book has brought a new vitality to his practice and his life. So what’s next for these two? Another book, of course. “We want to cater to the same people that are buying the book now, but for kids who are a little older,” Spitalnick says with a smile. There seems to be no doubt that “Baby Care Anywhere” will replace “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” in the pantheon of iconic childcare books, if it hasn’t already.

* EXCERPTED FROM “BABY CARE ANYWHERE: A QUICK GUIDE TO PARENTING ON THE GO”, 54

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PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP). TO ORDER, VISIT SHOP. AAP.ORG/FOR-PARENTS. FOR MORE CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION, VISIT HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG, THE OFFICIAL AAP WEBSITE FOR PARENTS.

Savior of the Streets

Kenny Brown is on a mission to combat teen homelessness. David Pena

ON A DARK NIGHT, NEAR A DIMLY lit backstreet in

the heart of downtown, Kenneth Brown walks where few of us would choose to venture. He is neither a law enforcement officer nor a firefighter, but he traverses these parts of Savannah on a regular basis. As director of the Street Outreach Program, a department of Park Place Outreach, his mission is to help young people on the street who have “lost their way.” Brown’s goal is to help homeless, abused or runaway teens find a way off the streets and reunite them with their families. “I go wherever I’m needed,” he calmly says in his baritone voice. The need for help is tremendous, to say the least. With Brown’s efforts and the generous support of local organizations and individuals, the Park Place Outreach shelter has helped over 6,000 individuals. The process is fairly straight forward, yet effective. After canvassing the city’s shelters, homeless camps, and various sites

that are deemed “target areas,” Brown and case manager Latrell Ferguson “assess and intake” these desperate teens, who receive everything from a warm bed and three square meals a day to family counseling, tutoring, and crisis intervention services. “We offer young people who are experiencing unfortunate times another option in life, the option to get back on their feet,” Brown says. The organization also plays an important role with the Savannah–Chatham The most recent Metropolitan Police Department to homeless count reduce juvenile crime. Park Place reveals 3,997 cites many examples of young people homeless persons. coming to the shelter on the verge This includes of committing acts of crime but 717 children and choosing to take a more productive youth. This count path. This is due to the efforts of does not include Brown and his staff, which include, 800+ homeless three peer mentors. These mentors children enrolled are previous Park Place residents in our public who have been recruited by Brown to schools system as engage and relate more closely to the they do not meet resident teens in crisis. Their efforts HUD definition of homeless (but are considered homeless by our public school system).

TEENS WITHOUT A HOME

Brown’s goal is to help homeless, abused or runaway teens find a way off the streets and reunite them with their families.

Study from the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless

Kenny Brown

seem to be paying off in spades. Located at 514 E. Henry St., Park Place Outreach provides support for troubled children and teens in Savannah and the surrounding area. Since 1984, the shelter offers youths between the ages of 11 and 21 a safe and loving environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In a seemingly “throw away” society, where everything has a price and the culture allows room for a select few while discarding the unproductive members, Brown and his team at Street Outreach are helping those who are “discarded” find their way back. For more information about Park Place Outreach or if you know someone in need of their assistance, visit parkplaceeyes.org.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Sandy Baker is addressing childhood obesity in a real way. David Pena

MOST OF US HAVE TUGGED AND PULLED ON A

bothersome piece of flab on our bellies, the result of downing one too many chicken wings or beers. To an adult, being overweight is most often associated with the necessary evil that accompanies the aging process. To a child, however, it’s a totally different story. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 25 years, and more than one third of children and adolescents are now considered overweight or obese. With those kinds of statistics, it’s no mystery why everyone, including our First Lady, is clamoring for the public’s attention to this nationwide physiological problem. One Savannah woman decided to do something to help remedy this dire situation. The idea for COPE, Childhood Obesity Prevetnion and Education, came from founder Sandy Baker’s desire to help overweight children. For Baker, this problem hits very close to home. From the age of 10, Baker was on formal diet programs under medical supervision. After a lifetime of struggling with weight loss, finally losing 135 pounds and maintaining that since 2006, she recognized that young people need the coping skills necessary to ward off food attachments and self-criticism before it takes them down the path of obesity and low self-esteem. If she could help children develop good coping skills and a healthy relationship with food from a young age, they may not have to wait until they are adults, 56

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- Approximately 17 percent (or 12.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. - Overall, obesity prevalence among children whose adult head of household completed college was approximately half that of those whose head of household did not complete high school (9 percent vs. 19 percent among girls; 11 percent vs. 21 percent among boys) in 1999–2010. - Childhood obesity among preschoolers is more prevalent among those from lower-income families.

CHILDHOOD OBESITY TRENDS

2015

Helping Children One Pound at a Time

NEWS FROM THE CDC:

1980

Sandy Baker, founger of COPE (Childhood Obesity Prevention and Education)

as she did, to correct poor nutritional behaviors. From that, COPE was formed, which sought to combat childhood obesity with a threefold approach – nutrition education, physical fitness, and a therapeutic/behavioral component. For her efforts, Baker has been recognized by Congresswoman Dr. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., for her contributions to the 2015 Kelly Report, a callto-action for Congress to to prioritize improving health outcomes in diverse communities. The report brings together members of Congress, medical professionals and public leaders to examine the root causes and impact of health disparities in America, while seeking to provide a comprehensive set of legislative and policy recommendations to reverse them. Congresswoman Kelly stated, “Now is the time to address the issue of obesity in America, particularly in children. As the Kelly Report mentions, children with obesity are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, discrimination, and self-esteem issues. As we continue the conversation about reducing health disparities and achieving health equity in a generation, we must put childhood obesity at the forefront of the discussion.” Baker’s findings included in the report, reveal how the COPE model can help alleviate childhood obesity problems though family-based, after school programs that target three major areas to reduce and prevent childhood obesity. “COPE’s inclusion of behavioral health as well as a parent component could be what is needed to change the outcomes we are seeing in the childhood obesity epidemic,” noted Baker recently. “We have the results to prove our method is a game changer.” Visit the COPE website at copeforchange. org or contact Sandy Baker by email, sbaker@ copeforchange.org.

SINCE 1980, OBESITY PREVALANCE AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS HAS ALMOST TRIPLED.

GEORGIA WAS IN THE TOP 20 PERCENT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY RATES WITH PREVALENCE EXCEEDING 20 PECENT.

ONE IN EVERY 3 CHILDREN WILL BE OBESE OR OVERWEIGHT BY THEIR 5TH BIRTHDAY

- Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980. The overall rates have remained the same for the past 10 years.

TRICK YOUR CHILD INTO EATING HEALTHY Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation. So that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams. This is an ambitious goal, but with your help, we can do it.

As we all know, it’s important to teach Monster Mouths Apple snacks children healthy eating habits from the getgo. That being said, we’ve never met a kid who’d chose an apple over a doughnut. Here the oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and dry are some easy and creative snacks that will one can of chickpeas, mix with some olive entice even the pickiest of tykes. oil and whatever spice combination you desire (we love ranch!) and pop them MONSTER MOUTHS: Slice an apple into in the oven on a baking sheet for 40 eight parts, take two slices and spread minutes, stirring occasionally. nut butter (we love almond!) on one side of each. Take five yogurt-covered raisins BANANA ICE CREAM: Slice up some bananas, and stick them in between the nut butter. freeze for two hours or overnight, then throw in your blender or food processor ROASTED CHICKPEAS: When you roast until thick and creamy. Serve immediately chickpeas in the oven, they become super or throw in some goodies like nut butter crispy on the outside and make for a great or carob chips. (Caution: you may eat it all snack that’s packed with protein. Preheat before your kid gets to it.)

Turning Pain into a Purpose Victoria DiNatale and her antibullying campaign. David Pena MOST OF US ARE AWARE OF THE EMOTIONAL EFFECTS that can result from bullying; children

who are bullied are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, self-mutilation, anxiety and suicide. However, new studies have shown that physical effects can be tied to bullying as well. These include headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, persistent coughing, bedwetting as well as various sleep problems. As a former victim of bullying, Victoria DiNatale knows a few of these symptoms all too well. The 24-year-old antibullying activist travels across the low country speaking to thousands of elementary, middle and high school students about the dangers and consequences of bullying and cyber-bullying. During her

presentations, DiNatale is an open book when it comes to her past experiences as a victim. She takes a very clear and sometimes brutally honest approach when relaying her encounters with bullies in middle and high school. Starting in the sixth grade, she was tormented daily, which led to a persistent cough and deeply-rooted anxiety. In high school, her tormentors continued, and at one point posted a degrading YouTube video about her, which ultimately led to a criminal defamation conviction for one of her aggressors. “It was a very traumatic experience that led to me developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” she says. “Because of that experience, I feel like it’s my responsibility to reach out to others who are also hurting in the way that I was hurt.” One of the many lives she has impacted is that of a student named

Victoria DiNatale

Jessica, whom she met while speaking at a Florida State Future Educator’s Of America conference. After her presentation, DiNatale was speaking with several students and teachers when her attention shifted to a girl who was obviously in emotional distress. DiNatale struck up a conversation with the girl and felt the need to emphasize her conviction that suicide is never an option, insisting that the teen promise not to harm herself or give up hope. Since that time, through various correspondences, Jessica confided that DiNatale’s keynote speech and subsequent conversation with her struck a nerve and halted her plans for taking her life the day after the conference. Public speaking is far more than a passion for the Armstrong alumnus; it’s her very own business. DiNatale formed Standing Victorious LLC to spread bullying awareness to victims, their families, and to bullies themselves. She has been hailed as a “motivational powerhouse,” delivering her message of hope, help, and perseverance to thousands of students and adults across the southeastern United States. DiNatale is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, and her ultimate goal is to work in clinical psychology in order to treat victims of bullying. She also plans to continue her anti-bullying campaign by taking her message across the country. To contact Victoria or to schedule a presentation, call 912-695-2813 or visit standingvictorious.com. Follow her on Facebook facebook.com/standingvictorious or Twitter @ StandVictorious. «

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We love Lovelane Sofia Fernadez

School Readiness begins in the Crib Training your child in the way they should learn. David Pena PAUL FISHER, a local retired

businessman, believes targeting infants and toddlers could be the key to finding solutions to a wide variety of societal problems, including crime, poverty, low educational outcomes, and teen pregnancy. Fisher’s journey to addressing these challenges, particularly of preparing students for school, was a long one. After obtaining his degree in chemical engineering, the South Dakota native worked for Paul Fisher Dow Chemical. After 30 years with Dow, Fisher retired and moved his family to Savannah in 2004, where he became a board member of Rotary Savannah South. It was during a Rotary board meeting eight years ago that Fisher posed the question of whether or not the service organization was having the most impact it could in the community. It was from this meeting that Fisher founded the Savannah Early Childhood Foundation (SECF), which aims to tackle poverty by making sure that all children are ready for school. Fisher implemented a multi-year research effort which revealed that, first and foremost, 58

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the vast majority of brain development occurs in the first two to three years of life. Fisher states, “Everyone wants to help children get a better educational outcome, but they don’t know how to do that for an infant and a toddler, so they create child-centered models, which start when the child can engage with them at four or five years old.” In other words, school-age resources such as Head Start, kindergarten, and various Pre-K programs fall short. Communities typically do not support resources external to families until school age. Fisher and his team hit upon something innovative and unique: in order to avoid the pitfalls of childcentered teaching, we need to start with a more “parent-centric” approach at an earlier age. In cooperation with a wide range of public and private sector partners, SECF developed a groundbreaking new model to reach children in particularly high-risk neighborhoods during the first three years of life, when science indicates that the most critical brain development occurs and individuals learn the fundamental skills to help them succeed in life. SECF began offering a proven training and enrichment program called Early Learning College (ELC), empowering them with the skills they need to create a safe, nurturing, language-rich environment for both infants and toddlers. The courses at ELC involve a wide variety of issues, such as dealing with stress, disciplining children with love, interactive storytelling, and creating toys with common household goods. “The solution lies in ensuring access to high quality, language-rich early childhood learning facilities for all children in the target segment, starting at birth — and more importantly, providing parent training in a way that does not preach to them, but uplifts and empowers them to be teachers themselves,” Fisher says. « To find out more about the Early Learning College, contact Parent University at 912-507-8566 or write to Michael O’Neal at Michael.O’Neal@ sccpss.com.

In their “little corner of the world,” as designer and entrepreneur Lane Huerta calls the back end of Lovelane Designs, an enjoyable energy surrounds members of the Lovelane team as they sort, tag and pack children’s super hero capes, arm cuffs and helmets, all handmade from raw and environmentally friendly materials. The order is off to popular kids’ retailer Land of Nod, which Huerta came in contact with thanks to Etsy Open Call, in which chosen applicants get the chance to pitch their handcrafted goods to large retailers. “They’ve really supported us, since we’re truly a handmade business, which is the reason Etsy began in the first place,” says Huerta, a self-taught artist who learned how to screen print in San Francisco. When Huerta first moved to Savannah, with husband Patrick, she bartended nights and worked out of a little shed in the back of her house, making towels and pillows with her own screen printed designs. When her daughter Clementine was old enough to start creating her own characters and games, however, everything clicked. Huerta found an instant gratification that came with her talent to create anything her daughter was making up in her little mind. “Clementine was the whole reason this came about,” says Huerta, who keeps a child-sized desk in a corner of her buzzing office for her four-year-old. “When she was able to play dress up ... It was a perfect, happy accident.” Huerta is excited for things to come, now that the Etsy buzz is slowing down and the holiday season is picking up. She is constantly thinking of new collections and themes, discussing them with the handful of women that are part of her team. She’s decided to leave the retail side of things to other businesses like Land of Nod and even the Paris Market here in town, where Savannah parents and kids can go mix and match to create their own makebelieve characters. > lovelanedesigns.com

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plus 10 kid friendly activites!

YOU VOTED AND HERE THEY ARE — THE CUTEST, SWEETEST, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, GREATEST KIDS IN THE SOUTH! ANGELA HOPPER-LEE 60

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BENEDICTINE MILITARY SCHOOL

This year the December Nights and Holiday Lights 2015 extends through six acres from the new Visiting Center to the White Garden. The lights are on select evenings from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve.

Allison

Alexis Bouton

FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A KID? Allie: “I get to have wonderful dreams and have a sister to play with me all these years!” Lexi: “Playing tea party.” DO YOU GUYS LIKE TO PLAY OUTSIDE? Allie: “Yes, I do! Oh-M-Gee, there’s a lot ... I love doing cartwheels, hanging out with friends, swinging, jumping on the trampoline and that’s all.” Lexi: “Yes ma’am! Jumping on the trampoline and swinging on the swings at the playground.” YOUR HEROES? Allie: “All of my family and my Kindergarten teachers: Mrs. Barras and Mrs. Steplight.” Lexi: “Allie.”

Tucker

Dylan hurst

Tucker is non-verbal so Dylan answered for the both of them! WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? “A Motocross Racer” WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DO FOR FUN? “Play games, watch movies, and travel around the country.” WHO IS YOUR HERO? “My brother Tucker because he is the best brother I could ever have.”

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

The Golden Pecan, The Prequel to the Nutcracker, will be presented by Savannah Ballet Theatre at the Lucas Theatre on Friday, Dec. 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Nutcracker in Savannah is brought to you by Savannah Ballet Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 5th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lucas Theatre.

Gabe

Georgia

WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? Gabe: “Go on bike rides and watch Georgia football games.” Georgia: “Go on bike rides and the beach.” FAVORITE FOOD? Gabe: “Chik-Fil-A Nuggets!” Georgia: “Spaghetti!” WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Gabe: “A vet or builder.” Georgia: “I want to be big like Mom and Dad.”

Emily Kenkel FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A KID? “I’m still pretty new at this, so I’d have to say seeing things I’ve never seen before … like a waterfall, or a giraffe, or a bonfire!” FAMILY FUN: “We like to check out what’s going on at Forsyth Park … we’ve been to Earth Day, the Jazz Festival, Buddy Walk, the Farmer’s Market, the list goes on! We also love sharing a tasty meal with friends!” WHO IS YOUR HERO? “Serena Williams … she is one tough cookie, just like me! My mama and I love to watch her play!”

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Haley Bryant WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN SAVANNAH? “Downtown, the water (beach and rivers), Forsyth Park, and Fire (I love the sushi!!!)” WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? “Movie Star!!” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE? “I love to hula hoop, draw with chalk, run, and play soccer!” DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

The annual Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade is a town favorite and coming this year on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. on West River Street. The Telfair Museum has Free Family Days every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. kids enjoy story time, art projects, and get to explore the museum. Sailing with Santa Cruise is coming starting Nov. 27 and ends Dec. 12. Come and take your Christmas picture with Santa. board the Georgia Queen at 1:30 p.m. and sail from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jackson Paul WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? “I want to be a professional baseball player. If that doesn’t work out I want to be a veterinarian. I want to make lots of money so I can buy my family a big house on the water!” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN SAVANNAH? “Being so close to the beach and being able to go fishing and crabbing!” ON DANCING: “I have a bunch of songs I like to dance to... Up Town Funk, Sweet Home Alabama, The Nae Nae.”

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Tarver

Madden Holmes

WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? Tarver: “Paint my nails and wear lipstick!” Madden: “Read and play with my cousins. Oh! And catch lizards!” WHATS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE? Tarver: “Play in my dollhouse!” Madden: “Catch lizards and toads/frogs!” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A KID? Madden: “You don’t have to work. All you have to do is go to school and play.” Tarver: “Pink!”

Addison Feiler WHAT SHE WANTS TO BE WHEN SHE GROWS UP? “Minnie Mouse!” HER FAVORITE THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE? “Run, pick flowers, and blow bubbles!” ON HER FAVORITE FOODS: Strawberries, blueberries, chicken and candy corn, duh!

Savannah Children’s Museum is currently all outside located in Tercentennial Park where kids can enjoy the reading nook, a seasonal garden and explore the twisting maze. Oatland Island Wildlife Center holds Toddler Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 every Tuesday with stories, crafts, games and more.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Logan Ford ON SAVANNAH: Logan loves the beach! So we make sure to enjoy Savannah’s beautiful coast whenever we can. Also, Savannah is such a wonderful, tight-knit community, which has been a blessing for Logan to have his grandparents and friends so close and involved in his life. We wouldn’t have it any other way! FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A KID? Well, of course, playing hard - all day long - is the best part about being a kid for Logan! His absolute favorite thing to do on this planet is to PUSH whatever he can get his hands on, and that includes your dining room chairs, classroom tables, toys…nothing is safe! His teachers have lovingly nicknamed him “Bulldozer.” He also enjoys riding his “horse” – aka, Nova, our family Labrador. WHO IS YOUR HERO? “My daddy.”

Reagan Le WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A KID? “Playing and not having school during the summer!” WHO IS YOUR HERO? “Mommy” WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? “I like to ride my bike, hula hoop, and play with my puppy, Cooper, and my favorite part about living in Savannah is going to the beach.”

Tybee Island Marine Science Center offers turtle exhibits and a touch tank - all available on the beautiful Georgia Coast. Get Air Trampoline Park is a safe place where kids can jump, practice gymnastics and stay active. They are open every day and are happy to host kids’ parties.

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Cailyn Barrow WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? “I grow big!!! I want to be a princess like mommy.” ON SAVANNAH: “I like my school and playing at the playground with friends!” FAVORITE SONG TO DANCE TO? “Abracadabra!! I sing and dance to ‘Let It Go’.

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Abby Jones FAVORITE SONG TO DANCE TO? “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. BEST PART ABOUT BEING A KID? “Playing dress up as a doctor, princess, chef and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!” PLAYING OUTSIDE: Abby loves riding her bike, going to the playground, and going roller skating at the park.

Benedictine Military School, founded initially in 1874 as a parish for Benedictine monks, opened in 1902 as a private Catholic college preparatory school catering to a diverse group of young men, and dedicated to providing a quality academic program, cultivating leadership skills though a junior ROTC program, and offering many athletic and extra-curricular activities. To learn about Benedictine’s more than 100 years of excellence or for more information on how to become one of “The BC 400” please visit THEBC400.COM OR CALL 912-644-7000. Benedictine Military School

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

FOR MOST OF US, GOING TO THE GYM EVERY DAY CAN GET MONOTONOUS TO THE POINT OF DISCOURAGEMENT-LET THESE ATHLETES INSPIRE YOU TO MIX UP YOUR ROUTINE AND HAVE SOME BLAKE CROSBY FUN IN THE PROCESS.

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Betsy Hunter Hughes, center

YOGA & PILATES

BETSY HUNTER HUGHES Betsy Hunter Hughes is a certified Integrative Nutrition Coach and teaches Pilates classes at Savannah Yoga Barre. For her, yoga and Pilates are the best way to bridge the mind body gap with exercise. “Pilates is a unique, effective, and intelligent way to move. It creates symmetry, balance, and strength in the mind and body. It increases muscle awareness, communication between mind and muscles, postural alignment, and internal health. The breathing is a powerful tool to improve cardiovascular control and the exercises themselves make a killer body.” For most people exercise is just an excuse to be distracted with music or television or magazines but with Pilates and yoga Betsy says the mental aspect is just as important as the physical aspect. “Pilates is very mental. It challenges your thinking through anatomical cues, allows for very little distraction from outside stressors, and keeps you engaged in what is going within your body.” BETSY HUNTER HUGHES IS A FITNESS AND NUTRITION COACH AND A PILATES TEACHER AT SAVANNAH YOGA BARRE, SHE IS CURRENTLY TAKING ON PRIVATE CLIENTS. SAVANNAHYOGABARRE.COM

CROSSFIT BRIAN NEDAB CrossFit is both a series of high-intensity interval exercises, including weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman and gymnastics, as well as competitive fitness sport. Brian Nedab and his wife are the owners of two CrossFit gyms in Savannah. Nedab loves how CrossFit is never boring. “CrossFit isn’t specific, and it’s about balancing strength exercises with speed, agility, and accuracy.” For him, it’s important that there is a mental and spiritual aspect to it as well. “There is something blissful about pushing myself when I train and knowing I am capable of more.” For his gear, Nedab is a big proponent of shopping at local places like Half Moon Outfitters. BRIAN AND SABRINA NEDAB ARE THE OWNERS OF CROSSFIT STEADFAST TRAINING CENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO CFSTEADFAST.COM OR CALL 912.713.3755.

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BODYBUILDING TIFFANY LAUMEYER

Tiffany Laumeyer is a bodybuilder who says strength training is an important part of her fitness program, “Many women miss out on the benefits of strength training out of fear of developing bulky muscles. This is a misperception. A regular strength training program helps you reduce overall body fat while improving strength and endurance.” She says when it comes to eating, she is equally as passionate about nutrition as she is about fitnes. “Proper nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to perform at its highest level. Even if you’re not an athlete, your average day-to-day life will be much improved.” To those new to strength training, she admits starting a fitness journey can be overwhelming, but if you take it slow and set small goals it will keep you focused. “If you are not sure of where to start or feel uneasy doing it alone, hire a personal trainer. That’s what I did and I love it!” LAUMEYER OWNS GET FIT WITH TIFF LLC, WHERE SHE DOES PERSONAL TRAINING, NUTRITION COACHING, MEAL PREP, BOOT CAMPS, AND CONTEST PREP. CONTACT TIFFANYLAUMEYER@ GMAIL.COM, 912.508.3670 OR LIKE HER ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/GETFITWITHTIFFLLC

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ROAD BICYCLING KEVIN IOCOVOZZI

For those of us who are over a certain age or who have a history of joint problems, a lot of high-impact exercise is simply not possible. Iocovozzi says road bicycling is a great alternative to stay in shape. “The social aspects are awesome and it’s a sport that my wife and I can enjoy together. On the health side, my cardio numbers are great and it helps keep the weight off!” Though he goes to the gym three times a week and plays golf most Sunday’s, he says biking is the perfect sport for those just getting started. “Find friends who share your interest in cycling and start with short trips. Head down to Gallery Espresso on Saturday mornings around 7 a.m. and you’ll meet a ton of folks who dig riding bikes.” As for the gear, his says Perry Rubber Bike Shop is the best in town.

Couples biking: Kevin and Fabienne Dickinson, Jimi and Jim Goodlett, and Kim and Kevin Iocovozzi

WHEN HE’S NOT BIKING DOWN TO TYBEE WITH HIS FRIENDS, IOCOVOZZI IS PRESIDENT OF DS AVIATION SERVICES, SPECIALIZING IN GULFSTREAM AIRCRAFT; DSAVN.COM.

IRON MAN TRIATHLON

EMILY WILLIAMS-BIRCH Ironman triathlons are a series of long-distance races that include a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run, all without taking a break. They are largely considered to be the hardest single-day sporting event in the world. For Emily Williams-Birch, it’s as much about mind strength as it is about body strength, and training for three different events - plus strength training - is great for mixing it up and preventing boredom. For people who are just getting started with working out, she says, “You have to find something that you can’t wait to do, something that, even when you’re tired, you have the internal motivation to do it. I do triathlons for me, for a healthy body, mind, and for FUN! I have the coolest triathlete friends, and the experiences I get through training and races make for excellent life stories that help me transform and impact the lives of the students I teach. “ IN ADDITION TO BEING AN IRONWOMAN, WILLIAMS-BIRCH IS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND MUSIC AT THE SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

Emily Williams-Birch & Chris Ramsey of Fleet Feet running at Lake Mayer

FOR RUNNING GEAR CHECK OUT FLEETFEETSAVANNAH.COM. DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

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RECOVERY WARRIORS WHAT DROVE US TO SURVIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRAVIS TEATE, BLAKE CROSBY & JABBERPICS

FOR WOMEN, BODY IMAGE ISSUES ARE NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS HOW WE GET DRESSED IN THE MORNING. MILLIONS OF WOMEN SUFFER FROM BODY DYSMORPHIA, AND THE PRESSURES OF SOCIETY’S EVER-NARROWING CONSTRUCTS CAN AFFECT US EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY. HERE ARE THREE STRONG WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN TO THE BOTTOM AND RISEN UP TO TELL THEIR STORY. ROBYN PASSANTE

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

A WOMAN’S BODY IS A MIRACULOUS, LIFEGIVING FORCE, A POWERFUL BLEND OF SOFTNESS AND STRENGTH THAT PULSES WITH LOVE. AT ANY SIZE, SHAPE AND AGE, A WOMAN’S BODY IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD.

ut the very nature of its power means that a woman’s body is also prone to being undermined and undervalued, degraded and defiled. Sometimes that’s done by outside forces, other times by sinister voices within. The thing about a woman’s body, though, is that you can never, ever count it out. Eventually, it will muster its strengh of spirit and harness the power of the mind, and it will rise. It will silence those sinister voices and it will leave behind the ones doing it harm, and its wounds will fade to battle scars that will make it even stronger and more beautiful than it was before. Want proof? Just look at these women. Charleston native Nikki Dubose, 30, grew up immersed in chaos. She had an alcoholic mother with dissociative identity disorder and bipolar disorder. She was physically abused at age 4 and sexually abused at age 8, which is the same year she started binge eating. Overeating turned into purging by age 10, which eventually morphed into anorexia nervosa. “I had a really unstable family life. I really felt I had nobody to turn to,” Dubose says of her childhood pain. “So I basically turned to all the wrong things.” All the wrong things included alcohol and drugs, sexual promiscuity and a raging eating disorder that would control her mind and body for 17 years. Ironically, as she used these harmful habits to cover her emotional anguish, her damaged body was increasingly admired. Dubose, who now lives in Los Angeles, spent years working as a model for a top agency based in Miami, traveling the world on the merits of her looks alone. “The skinnier I got, the happier they were,” she said of those in the fashion industry. “I had bones for arms. One day before a photo shoot, I was holding up my arms for them to put lotion on and it was literally just bone, there was no

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Ashley Thompson suffered from anorexia and whittled down to an emaciated 79 pounds while in college. Demi Eliese (below) experienced postpartum depression and gained 55 pounds. She went through a period of overeating to cope with emotional pain .

Demi Eliese before / during transformaiton

muscle or anything. Someone said, ‘Oh my god, your arm is so skinny. But it’s OK, all the supermodels have arms like this.’” Dubose, who is 5 feet 9 inches, weighed 90 pounds. Ashley Thompson, 25, knows exactly what that kind of feedback can do to someone whose fragile self-esteem has become unhealthily tied to their shape and weight. Thompson, who grew up in Carrolton, Georgia, suffered from an eating disorder for three and a half years in college, a journey through pain that started in high school when the gymnast and cheerleader suddenly lost 20 pounds while battling a staph infection. “When that happened, I had people start to tell me, ‘You look amazing! You’ve lost weight!’ So from there on, I became obsessed with getting smaller and smaller,” says Thompson, who stands 5 feet 2 inches, and whittled her way down from a healthy 128 pounds to an emaciated 79 pounds by excessive exercise and adhering to a super-strict daily diet. “In the morning I’d eat one small Activia yogurt cup. At lunchtime I’d cut up one red apple into the smallest pieces I possibly could, so it would seem like I was eating more than I was,” she says. “After school, I’d run seven miles every single day. And then I’d get home and eat one chicken breast and some broccoli, and that was it.” Unlike Dubose, Thompson says her eating disorder didn’t stem from any kind of childhood trauma or abuse. She was merely responding to the positive feedback from her initial weight loss. And by the time friends and family seemed to turn on her, replacing their praise and envy with insults and concern, Thompson’s eating disorder was out of control. “I got made fun of everywhere I went,” she says of her skin-and-bones appearance. Thompson recalls the day she posted a selfie on Facebook of what she thought were her six-pack abs. “It was actually my ribs. I remember one comment was, ‘Somebody needs to eat a cheeseburger.’ It got to

"I BECAME OBSESSED WITH GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER.” – ASHLEY THOMPSON

"I HAD A REALLY UNSTABLE FAMILY LIFE. I REALLY FELT I HAD NOBODY TO TURN TO, SO I BASICALLY TURNED TO ALL THE WRONG THINGS.” – NIKKI DUBOSE

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

IT WAS VERY MUCH A BIG MIND-SUCK. I WAS IN A REALLY DARK PLACE. a point where I knew I needed to do something, but nobody understood how hard it was for me to actually do something about it. In my mind, I saw imperfections and flaws that only continued dieting could cure." Charleston resident Demi Eliese, 35, had the opposite problem. The former Marine, fitness model and online personal trainer had trouble losing the 55 pounds she gained with her second pregnancy. Postpartum depression, endometriosis and an unhealthy relationship from her past that haunted her all contributed to Eliese’s troubles losing weight. It’s a common struggle for many new mothers, but for a woman whose body had been her income, it was devastating. “I maintained my business as much as I could, but my business is very much dependent on (clients) seeing me through conference calls and FaceTime,” she says. “They would say ‘You haven’t posted a picture lately, I need my Demi motivation.’ Sometimes I would pull out old pictures and say, ‘Yeah, this is from yesterday.’ That was a lie.” While she went through a period of overeating and under-exercising to cope with her physical and emotional pain, even after she began eating right and exercising consistently, it took almost two years for the numbers on the scale to budge. Eliese says she felt like a fraud. “(My clients) look to me for inspiration, but I was overweight. It was very much a big mindsuck. I was in a really dark place,” she says. “I had

nothing to give them besides my words; I didn’t have proof. I was on antidepressants for a long time because of it.” Eventually, though, all three women found their way out of the darkness, freeing their minds and their bodies in the process. For Eliese, it came with time, dedication to exercise, and a healthy new relationship. For Thompson, it came after her long-time boyfriend broke up with her and her family threatened to send her to rehab. And for Dubose, it came after her mother’s death in an alcohol-related car accident. “She died from her addiction and it made me wake up. I was really faced with my own mortality at that point,” Dubose says. “I saw myself in the casket when I went to her funeral.” Dubose quit drugs and alcohol, then quit modeling, and then, through online counseling and much spiritual soul-searching, she quit her eating disorder. She and Thompson both say they’ve been free from the chains of anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder for more than two and a half years. “Recovery’s a lot of work,” Dubose says. “I stayed at home for basically two years. I worked with a mentor online. I had a Life Recovery Bible that helped tremendously; spirituality was very important to me.” Thompson says her faith also helped boost her recovery. But these women did more than get themselves well. They each vowed to help empower other women to be healthy. Dubose became a public speaker, writer and online counselor to others who are dealing with the damaging ripple effects of childhood sexual abuse and eating disorders. Thompson and Eliese are both personal trainers, showing people the right way to attain their best bodies – something they’ve had to learn the hard way. “What I experienced taught me a whole new passion for my life,” Thompson says of switching from being a hair stylist to a personal trainer. “I

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIETING AND ANOREXIA HEALTHY DIETING

ANOREXIA

THE REALITY OF EATING DISORDERS > Women are much more likely than men to develop an eating disorder. Only an estimated 5 to 15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are male. > An estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent of women suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime. Research suggests that about 14 percent of female adolescents have anorexia. > An estimated 1.1 to 4.2 percent of women have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime. > An estimated 2 to 5 percent of Americans experience binge eating disorder in a 6-month period. > About 50 percent of people who have had anorexia develop bulimia or bulimic patterns. > 20 percent of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems.

GETTING HELP

For those who suffer from eating disorders, the process of eating a meal can be more than daunting. Dine is a treatment center that focuses on supportive outpatient therapy in a small group setting. Meeting Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m., participants gather for group therapy that includes having a meal together, processing, and using skills to manage the transition to recovery. Dine focuses on a calm, nonjudgemental, and empowering environment, and can be done in conjunction with individual therapy. For more information visit dinesupportgroup.com or call 215.350.5526.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF ANOREXIA

Healthy dieting is an attempt to control weight.

Anorexia is an attempt to control your life and emotions.

Your self-esteem is based on more than just weight and body image.

Your self-esteem is based entirely on how much you weigh and how thin you are.

> Lack of energy and weakness

You view weight loss as a way to improve your health and appearance.

You view weight loss as a way to achieve happiness.

> Constipation and bloating

Your goal is to lose weight in a healthy way.

Becoming thin is all that matters; health is no concern.

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have found a different calling for myself. I’m now a full-time trainer and online nutritionist, and I help people with fitness competitions, eating disorders and eating behaviors.” Eliese, who had once been featured on a P90X infomercial with Tony Horton and had won South Magazine’s “Hottest Bodies” contest before her weight and self-esteem struggles began, says seeing how her children look at her makes her feel the most powerful, and the most beautiful. “As a mother, it doesn’t get any better than that, when they look at you and they’re proud of you.” ¬

> Severe mood swings; depression > Slowed thinking; poor memory > Dry, yellowish skin and brittle nails > Tooth decay and gum damage > Dizziness, fainting, and headaches > Growth of fine hair all over the body and face

EATING DISORDERS AMONG WOMEN > 1 in 5 women struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating. > Only 1 in 10 women with eating disorders receive treatment. > The incidence of anorexia in young women age 15 - 19 has increased every decade since the 1930's. > Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents. > The typical age of onset for eating disorders is before age 20.

THE SKINNIER I GOT, THE HAPPIER THEY WERE. DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

“I HAD RESIGNED MYSELF TO THE FACT THAT I WASN’T GONNA MAKE IT, SO THEN IT BECAME EASY. I FIGURED WE WERE DEAD, SO IT DIDN’T MATTER.” 78

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SILENT WRITTEN BY ROBYN PASSANTE

H PHOTOGRAPHED BY PATRICK LAHAM

IT’S BEEN 22 YEARS SINCE THE BATTLE OF MOGADISHU, BUT THE IMAGES AND THE SOUNDS STILL COME. RETIRED DELTA FORCE COMMAND SGT. MAJ. TOM SATTERLY REMEMBERS WATCHING THE FIRST BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER SPIN OUT OF CONTROL, REALIZING IN THAT INSTANT THAT INSTEAD OF CAPTURING ENEMY LEADERS, HIS OBJECTIVE HAD BECOME RESCUING THE AMERICANS ON BOARD.

Tom Satterly on the morning of October 4, 1993 in Mogadishu. The day that would forever change his life.

om remembers running into the streets, over and over, pulling injured Rangers to safety, retrieving weapons, grabbing supplies. He remembers the panic, the resignation, of running out of ammunition while under nearly continuous assault for 18 hours. And he remembers with horrifying clarity seeing his friend take a bullet to the head as they made their way to the crash site. “That’s when I realized we weren’t invincible. And we weren’t even to the site yet,” says Satterly after a pause and a choke, as the weight of the loss surges to the surface, if only for a moment. Satterly has carried that weight for more than two decades, seen it spill into other parts of his life, watch it splashed across movie screens (mostly accurately) in “Black Hawk Down.” A career military man with 20 years in the Army’s elite Delta Force, he’s been retired since 2010, but the effects of war remain deeply embedded. Feelings of loss and the aftershocks from the horrors of war

Somalia one month prior to the Battle of Mogadishu

still play tricks on his mind. He still changes lanes when driving to move away from an abandoned car ahead, in case it has an IED. He doesn’t like large crowds, or sitting with his back to the door. “I have anger management issues,” he says. “Very little patience. I probably have zero empathy.” But he also has a future. Satterly, 48, now trains select recruits through the Savannah-based company F3EA, which contracts with the government to develop and execute realistic military training for today’s special forces. The work has offered purpose to a post-military life that didn’t always have it. He had a rough start to his retirement, battling depression, a drinking problem and a general loss of place; without the adrenalin and challenges he was used to he became lost. At his lowest, in 2013, he contemplated suicide. That’s around the time he met Jen. “When I met him he was a mess; he drank like a fish,” says Satterly’s wife, Jen, who he married in a May ceremony on Tybee Island. Her laid-back, artsy vibe doesn’t initially seem to match Satterly’s military-bred gruffness, but he credits her with bringing him back from the brink, encouraging him to open up about his past and helping him clean up his act. “He calls me his unicorn butterfly rainbow,” she says. When the two met, Jen says she wasn’t all that interested in the military and didn’t really appreciate what those at war neither endure nor embody. But a colleague told her she should watch the movie “Black Hawk Down,” as one of the main characters was a composite of Satterly and a few others who’d been in that battle. “I went home and I watched it and I bawled,” Jen says. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is the worst thing I can imagine going through.’”

On one of their first dates, Satterly says something from that dark day in Mogadishu was dislodged, and the floodgates opened. “We were sitting outside and she was talking about Somalia, and I just started bawling,” he says. “I couldn’t tell you why; it was weird and embarrassing and awkward, but I just started thinking differently. I hadn’t cried about Somalia for 15 years.” Jen remembers that day as a game changer for both of them. “I asked him, ‘What was it like seeing your friends’ bodies dragged through the streets? I can’t even imagine.’ We sat there for two hours, and he just cried – about everything he’d been holding in for so long,” says Jen, a professional photographer. “I do think that was a turning point for Tom.” After living in Savannah for a year, Satterly, along with his son, moved to St. Louis in June to be with Jen and her two children and work on finally creating his own happy ending. Jen is Satterly’s fourth wife; his personal life, he says, has been another casualty of war. But, he argues, the lack of empathy that can be destructive personally can double as a life-saving measure in a war zone.

PTSD: THE SIGNS

The effects of a traumatic event may not present themselves immediately. Symptoms may become apparent a few days after the event, or they could take months or even years to affect the victim. It is important to know the signs as a victim or a loved one, and to seek help if the symptoms become long-term.

PTSD SYMPTOMS: 1. RELIVING THE TRAUMATIC EVENT Distressing memories that take the victim unawares. Recurring nightmares about or related to the event. Flashbacks to the traumatic event. Intense distress when reminded of the event. 2. AVOIDANCE & DETACHMENT Avoiding people and situations that remind the individual of the event. Avoiding talking or thinking about the event. Avoiding normal activities. 3. NEGATIVE CHANGES Feeling isolated from others and having difficulty experiencing emotion. Being uninterested in activities once enjoyed. Memory loss, especially in relation to the traumatic event. 4. ANXIETY AND HYPERAROUSAL Having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Irritability and angry outbursts. Rarely feeling safe or at ease. For more information, contact ptsd.va.gov.

“I had people run up to me in Iraq and say, ‘Hey, So-and-So just got blown up.’ And even though it might have been one of my good friends, I’d say, ‘I don’t give a f---. Why do you have to tell me that now?’ I really didn’t care in that moment, because I had 40 to 60 other guys to worry about. If I broke down over that one guy, then I failed everyone else,” Satterly says. That kind of brutally practical thinking is part of what attracted the Indiana native to the super-secret hostage rescue and counterterrorism unit known as Delta Force. He’d joined the Army in 1986 at age 18 and was promoted quickly. But it was a visit from a Delta Force recruiter that truly changed the trajectory of Satterly’s life — and the recruiter wasn’t even pushing it hard. “(The recruiter) clicked on the overhead projector and showed a picture of the Earth. He said, ‘This is our training area.’ And he was real condescending — he said, ‘Look, I don’t care if you come or not. I’m not gonna try to sell you on it,’” Satterly recalls. “I remember thinking, ‘I want to work there.’” By 1991 Satterly had been selected to undergo the grueling six-month training that would secure him a spot in the tightknit brotherhood. “We trust each other so much,” he says. “We’d be live firing on a range and I’d walk down 50 yards, check the target for bullet holes, paste it up, turn around and walk straight back up while guys were shooting to my left and right.” By the time he retired as a Squadron Command Sergeant Major in 2010, Satterly had worked in Bosnia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Colombia and Iraq. He’d helped to track and capture many of the terrorists from the now-famous deck of 52 Most-Wanted Iraqi Playing Cards from Operation Iraqi Freedom. He’d also done a lot of protection work for generals in Bosnia, Korea and the Middle East, and had assisted in the security detail for President George W. Bush when he surprised the troops in Iraq on Thanksgiving 2003.

WHAT TOM DOES NOW... F3EA

F3EA (Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze) is a proven service provider within the Department of Defense (DoD) and more specifically within US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and United States Government Entities. F3EA was founded by Tim Pearson, former 160th SOAR (Nightstalkers) and provides a level of training support in order to deliver a formalized course of instruction and complex exercise support. F3EA has the capability to conduct training in multiple environmental and terrain conditions both

Photo: Amanda Churchill

Satterly training Jordanian Special Forces

“I told the guys the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were coming to visit,” he says. “And they believed me, until Air Force One came flying in.” Satterly’s humor is sharp, honed over long years and missions to help balance his edginess and OCD tendencies, Jen says. It also helps with the physical side. “He lives in a constant state of pain,” she says, mentioning the six surgeries on his lower back, neck and shoulder he’s had to fix the injuries sustained from two IEDs and a mortar attack over the years. That much surgery leaves marks. But not all scars are skin-deep. “There was a lot of soul-searching (the night of the Battle of Mogadishu),” Satterly says. “I had resigned myself to the fact that I wasn’t gonna make it, so then it became easy. I figured we were dead, so it didn’t matter.” As it happened, the battle didn’t even end when he was expecting. When the rescue convoy arrived to bring Satterly and his men back to safety, he found not respite but another bracing challenge. “I opened one of the doors, and they said, ‘There’s no room’ and shut it.” With no room on the ride to safety, Satterly was among several Delta operators who ran what’s been dubbed the “Mogadishu Mile.” Well behind the convoy and chased by an angry, well-armed mob, they sprinted on foot to the friendly side of town nearly a mile away. “I was just picking up magazines on the ground, looking for ammunition,” he says. “I’d find a magazine that had three or four bullets in it, knock the dirt out, stick it in, start shooting it, then find another one.” He tells these stories with a level of calm detachment, the sort of thing that made him a natural fit in the military. Delta Force was, in its own way, perfect for him. “I miss every bit of it,” he says. But he’s seemingly found a new niche with F3EA, helping the next generation of elite fighters learn methods for making it through their own Mogadishu Miles. “I’m happy when I’m with former unit guys and other Special Forces and Rangers and we’re working a target training,” he says. “I’m happy helping guys learn how to come back alive.” And he’s happy being around Jen, getting to know her two kids and reconnecting with his own 16-year-old son. “I really respect that he’s taken charge of his life,” Jen says. “Going from a man on the verge of suicide to a man who’s pretty happy now, helping other people, giving back in a big way and rebuilding his relationship with his child. He’s looking at life like he’s got a second chance. It’s pretty inspiring to be around.” ¤

TOM AND JEN WERE MARRIED ON TYBEE ISLAND ON MAY 8, 2015. JEN SATTERLY, ON HER WEDDING DAY:

“We got to know each other better and fell deeper in love in Savannah, so when we decided to elope, Savannah was the obvious choice. We were married on the beach at sunset, just the two of us, an officiant, and a wonderful photographer, Amanda Churchill. We were so relaxed and happy, and the scenery was perfect. “After the ceremony, we headed to downtown Savannah and had a blast with the F3EA family, eating and celebrating into the night. Savannah and Tybee will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

ON HER HUSBAND:

“I love Tom for the hope and courage and joy he works for every day despite what he faced for decades. I think it takes courage to be happy when you’ve experienced so much loss and pain. “I love that he is so good with my kids and shows them new things, pushes them out of their comfort zones, and makes them laugh, too. That melts my heart. I love that he makes me feel safe and secure in love again. I can be 100 percent myself around him. “He makes me want to be better. That’s why I love him.”

Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) to ensure Department of Defense operational successes and personnel safety during all operations. So if all that sounds a bit confusing, here it is in everyday language. The F3EA are a bunch of bad-tothe-bone former special operations guys who train the active elite forces in various types of combat situations. They deeply care about the level of training that these warriors get before they head into battle and are dedicated to preparing them for it. If we told you anything more than that, we would have to ... well, you know.

SOUTH’S GREATEST NURSES T H I R D

A N N U A L

HEROES OF THE HOSPITAL FROM HAPLESS, HIGH-STRUNG RELATIVES TO TRAUMA DECISIONS MADE IN SECONDS AND ENDLESS AMOUNTS OF PAPERWORK, OUR NURSES ARE THERE WHEN WE NEED THEM MOST. RARELY CELEBRATED YET ALWAYS INSPIRING – YOU VOTED AND HERE THEY ARE – THE GREATEST NURSES IN THE SOUTH.

Photography by Blake Crosby

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APRIL DOWNING

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER “Nursing isn’t about something that someone else can do for you to make your job easier. It’s the most challenging of days that molds you into the nurse and person you become in the end. Every situation happens for a reason and gives you those life experiences that not every person is fortunate to be exposed to. I help (along with an amazing team of nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, and other staff) take care of some of the sickest newborn infants and there are a million decisions that have to be made in a matter of moments. Even on the saddest, most strenuous of days, I still feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to do what I do.”

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

JESSICA SMITH

VIDALIA CHILDREN’S CENTER Jessica Smith: A Family Nurse Practitioner for 9 years at Vidalia Children’s Center, cancer survivor, and on her way to receiving her doctorate in nursing. “Being a nurse fulfills my need to help better a person’s situation. That may only be holding their hand and crying with them. Then there are days where you know that you really made a difference in a person or family’s life.” On Her Favorite Nursing Anecdote: “I was interviewing an elderly man who was being admitted to my hospital floor. I got to the cardiovascular conditions and asked him if he had angina. He replied 'Why no! That is a female part!!!' Yes that really happened.”

KAY DURDEN

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL Kay Durden: A gastroenterology nurse of 24 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital “My prayer is that I will be remembered for the love and care that I show to my coworkers and the many patients that are in my care each day.” “I am up at 4 a.m. getting ready for work. I shower, dress and read a scripture from the Bible. Presently, I am a charge nurse in a gastrointestinal unit so I get to work early and prepare the unit for the day, which includes checking the schedule for procedures and making staff assignments. I am a resource for the patients, staff and doctors throughout the day.” “I love making my patients and their family members laugh.”

RENNIE NICHOLS-BAILEY VIDALIA CHILDREN’S CENTER

Rennie Nichols-Bailey: A board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate and master's in nursing and over 23 years of experience in pediatrics. “Other than the devastating news times, I absolutely love my job. Loving on little babies and playing with children throughout the day is my calling and never really feels like work.” “I had been a nurse practitioner for less than a year, and had just begun to do hospital rounds. One evening I was making rounds on a patient that had been in the hospital for a couple of days with fever. I went in and immediately noticed her red eyes and strawberry-looking tongue. Upon assessment I also heard a heart murmur and I knew those combination of things was an indicator of some kind of disease process but could not remember exactly what it was called. I went out to the nurses’ desk and told them I thought it was something that sounded like a motorcycle. This was before the days of Google … so we all started looking in the indexes of medical books and came across Kawasaki disease. That was it! My patient had all the symptoms and needed immediate transfer to a larger facility to receive treatment to avoid long-term heart damage. To this day, the patients mom tells everyone I saved her daughter’s life. I like to think it was God putting me in the right place at the right time. “

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MARGIE MCCLELLAN

MEMORIAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Margie McClellan: Nurse at a medical-surgical oncology unit, recently received a Master of Science in nursing, and is expecting twins in February.

DIANE MORROW

“I think one of the most important things patients and their families can do to help out the nurses is ask questions if they do not understand something or feel uncomfortable in any way. I think patients feel they are troubling a nurse if they ask questions, but nothing could be further from the truth. We want patients to feel both comfortable and confident when they go home. I always recommend patients keep a list of questions at the bedside.”

Diane Morrow: A pediatric hematology-oncology nurse for 8 years at Memorial Children’s Hospital.

“There are so many things I love about nursing, but the most gratifying is getting to help oncology patients. They embody an inner strength that is remarkable to witness and difficult to put into words.”

MEMORIAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL “One thing patients can do to make our jobs as nurses easier would be to understand that we have many other patients to care for.” “My favorite anecdotes always end with laughter. Laughing makes everything better.”

“One thing that I can say for certain about my days as a nurse is that it is rarely boring and a 12-hour shift can fly by.”

“ I didn't realize I wanted to become a nurse until later in life so nursing is my second career, but what I like about nursing is there are so many things you can do with a nursing career.” DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

MARY GODBEE-DUNN Mary Godbee-Dunn: An internal medicine nurse for 21 years who has received many accolades, including Who's Who Among American Nurses. “I am passionate about quality patient care and like the hands on aspect with patients. It is heart-warming to care for people. I thank God every day for the gift to help those in need.” “My favorite anecdote is when Dr. Gaskin attempted to give me a cortisone shot in my heel. I jumped and the needle went flying in the air. We both looked up and wondered where it would land. To this day we laugh about it.” “My father had a massive heart attack in 1989 and had to have triple bypass surgery. I decided at that very moment I wanted to be a nurse."

BRENDA BURNS: CANDLER HOSPITAL

“I love the personal challenge of giving the best nursing care to my smallest patients and their families during my shift. The smile on the parent's face when they bring their baby home is all the reward I need.” “The one thing that a relative can do to make my job easier is to participate as much as possible in their sick/preterm baby's care. This helps lessen the frustration and helplessness they sometimes feel.” “Nursery nurses know whenever there is a full moon, there will be a lot of moms in labor the next day. It never fails that we will be in for a wild ride delivering newborns.” “The most joy I have in my life is interacting with my 16-month-old grandson, Logan. I treasure watching him grow up month by month.”

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KATHRYN ZEIGLER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Kathryn Zeigler: A labor and delivery nurse at Memorial Hospital since 2011, who will be receiving her Master of Science in nursing in December to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. “Nursing is such a unique profession. I enjoy getting to invest in people and care for them, but what I love most about nursing is running into these patients out and about months (or years) later and having them recognize me and thank me for my care.”

V OTE FOR THE NEXT GREATEST ON SOUTHMAG.COM

“As a labor and delivery nurse, I care for people during one of the happiest days of their lives. Every mother remembers what it was like to be in labor, and I just feel fortunate that the care I provide helps to make that memory as happy as possible.” “Though labor and delivery is usually a very happy place to work, there are instances when it is heartbreaking. These days are very challenging as a nurse because we are human like everyone else. During these situations, I have cried with patients, prayed with patients, and cared for them through very trying times. While it definitely is a challenge, I don’t hate it. That’s what nurses do."

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

WRITTEN BY ANNE ROYAN / PHOTO BY BLAKE CROSBY

DR. JILLARD TO THE BREAST-CUE WITH A NEW HIGH-RISK CANCER CLINIC OPENING IN SAVANNAH, DR. CHRISTA JILLARD IS HELPING RAISE AWARENESS ON THE BENEFITS OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES.

ver coffee at 8 a.m. on a rainy weekday morning, Dr. Christa Jillard is apologizing for being (not even) ten minutes late to our meeting. Held up at the hospital, she was checking on a patient who will be released today. She smiles broadly as she speaks, indicating how genuinely excited she is about this development. These are two distinguishing characteristics about her - she is genuine, and she is committed. Without a lab coat or surgical scrubs on, she remains professional, yet relaxed and natural. She is warm and animated, and chases away any notion of a surgeon with a chilly bedside manner. She exudes a genuine passion and total commitment to the topics she is discussing, which are the possibilities and plans that she sees for women’s health in Savannah. Jillard has recently opened a high-risk breast cancer clinic in Savannah. The clinic will provide risk assessment, education, counseling about treatment options, and support for both patients and their families. She states with confidence, “When someone is identified as having a high risk, we can support them fully.” Being female in the surgical world has taught her much about the importance of what it means to be relatable. She explains, “I feel an obligation to be able to relate to my patients and to bring the ability to understand (what they are going through). I feel very strongly about the patient/ physician relationship, and extending empathy can go so far.” Breast cancer touches close to home for many. With almost 230,000 women diagnosed each year in the US (as well as 2,300 men), almost

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ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: 1 in 8 women (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime

More than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2016. More than 40,000 are expected to die from invasive breast cancer this year.

IN ADDITION:

Preventative mastectomies have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by at least 95 percent in women who have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene or the BRCA2 gene.

everyone knows someone who has been affected by the disease. Breast cancer has a familiar face; all too often it is the face of a loved one. The staggering statistics suggest that 1 in 8 women will face this disease in their lifetime. Jillard is working to change these statistics into success stories of survival. The high-risk breast cancer clinic represents a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals: physicians, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists and genetics counselors. Jillard explains, “My overall goal at the end of the day is to be able to create a network for women in Savannah, where everyone is on the same page and we are aware of what tools we have in our toolbox.” As was recently publicized by actress Angelina Jolie Pitt's article in the New york Times describing her experience with a preventative mastectomy, genetic disposition plays a vital role in whether an individual is considered high-risk. If an individual has a family history of breast cancer, the odds rise that they carry the gene BRCA1 or BRCA2, which significantly increases the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. At Jillard’s clinic, patients can get genetic testing to see if they are a carrier for these genes and then receive full support deciding on a course of action. She reiterates the belief that knowledge is power and that there are many treatment options available. She is providing a supportive environment full of resources to promote proactive behavior in combating this disease. Cancer is ever-changing, as are he guidelines for screening. The options for treatment are constantly evolving. Jillard aims to guide women by helping them answer the questions: what are the resources we have and how do we take advantage of these resources. She explains, “It is my job to make sure that our patients are aware of all the opportunities and choices that they have in front of them.” She seeks to empower women in their decision-making process and then stand by them each step of the way.

Angelina Jolie Pitt is dedicated to raising awareness about carrying the specific â&#x20AC;&#x153;faultyâ&#x20AC;? genes that make her and many other women more likely to develop ovarian and breast cancer. She has been using her own story to encourage women to take the necessary steps to know about their options. She has undergone surgery for a double mastectomy and the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes. To understand your own genetic risk please visit southcoast-health.com/ highriskbreastcancerclinic.

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15 WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER WE ALL WANT TO LIVE AS LONG AS WE CAN WHILE STILL RETAINING THAT “YOUTHFUL GLOW.” NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ASIDE, HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS FROM THE PROFESSIONALS THAT CAN ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE.

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THE HUMAN RACE HASN’T QUITE ACHIEVED IMMORTALITY, BUT WE ARE CERTAINLY MAKING STEPS - THE PAST CENTURY ALONE HAS SEEN A DRAMATIC LEAP IN THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY NATIONWIDE. BUT WHILE WE MAY BE LIVING LONGER LIVES, WE AREN’T NECESSARILY LIVING HEALTHIER ONES. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM THE PROFESSIONALS THAT CAN NOT ONLY INCREASE YOUR LIFESPAN, BUT HELP YOU ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST. 1. GET IN THE KNOW Understanding what’s wrong (and right) about your body is essential to knowing what habits to break versus what you need to continue doing. “Be an active participant in your health care,” advises Dr. Michele Henson from Live Oak Allergy. That means doing your own research! Ask informed questions and give helpful answers - you’ll be blown away by how much more you will get out of your visits to the doctor’s office.

changes can add up to big, positive results,” advises Dr. Elena Pimanova, Memorial Medical Associates.

3. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION We’ve all heard that too much of a good thing can be bad for you, but did you know that eating in excess can actually shorten your lifespan? We all know it’s hard to resist that second helping of cake, but research indicates that eating less can actually help you live longer. Dr. Christa Jillard from South Coast Health adds, “Do what you love to do, and be a passionate person, but live your life in a balanced way; everything in moderation.” Always remember enough is as good as a feast! 2. TAKE BABY STEPS Achieving and maintaining good health is a process, completed in progressive and sometimes frustratingly small increments. You've probably heard from anyone who's caught the nutrition fever, “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!” As cliche as it sounds, it is absolutely true. A complete lifestyle change requires time and dedication! Don’t try to overhaul your exercise and nutritional habits overnight. “If you want to lose weight, start by replacing sodas with water. Go from whole milk to one or two percent. Over time, these little

4. HIT THE GYM The number one piece of advice that doctors and fitness experts agree on is to get some exercise on a regular basis. “If you want to stay slim, go to the gym,” rhymes Dr. Everhard of Cool Body Contouring. Dr. Dmitri Sofianos of Chatham Orthopaedics adds, “Be active! My main goal as a spine surgeon is to keep my patients happy and healthy by helping them return to an active lifestyle. I encourage them to do the exercises and activities they enjoy.” 5. TURN THE TV OFF If much of your day is spent staring blankly into a screen, guess what? You’re not alone. However, screen time isn’t the best option when it comes to your health. “Less time in front of a screen, more time outside,” advises Dr. Ben Spitalnick from Pediatric Associates. “Turn off the TV and your electronic devices and head outside. You will be amazed what you will discover about yourself and the world around you,” states Dr. Jeremy Hatch, Surgical Associates of the Low Country. 6. BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION Strength, endurance, flexibility, motor control, and function, are the foundational components of core stability. Your core is incorporated

into almost every movement of the human body - from breathing to bicycling. The approximately 29 different muscles that make up your “core” go far beyond just the abdominal, and they work as stabilizers for your entire body. Dr. Mark Jenkins remarks, “One of the top reasons patients visit their physician is due to low back pain. Developing and maintaining good body mechanics and a strong core will help eliminate back pain issues, as well as other joint problems.” 7. DON’T SMOKE! It seems simple and obvious, but about 20 percent of people in the South still light up on a regular basis. “Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” says Dr. Bonzo Reddick, a physician at Memorial University Medical Center. And don’t forget that smokers are more likely to have panic attacks, anxiety disorders and depression. Talk to your primary care physician about ways to cut back on cigarettes or quit altogether. 8. DON’T GET SICK That may sound glib, but according to Dr. Chris Patel, “One of the biggest pushes in medicine for the last decade has been preventive medicine.” As a doctor specializing

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

in chronic pain management, he specifies that, “prevention typically centers around strengthening with proper technique and decreasing the stress/strain on our bodies.So don’t wait until you are sneezing and coughing or can barely lift your arms to do something about your health. Be proactive! 9. THINK BEFORE YOU EAT According to Dr. Randall Royal from Riverside Women’s Care, “The one thing that almost every American needs to change is their diet.” Think about what your daily eating habits are. Is your midday snack something akin to Little Debbie? Or something Popeye would be proud of? Consider cutting out highly processed foods and replacing them with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. All it takes is a little consideration and effort and you can drastically improve your overall mental and physical well being. 10. WATCH YOUR BACK(SIDE)! Colorectal cancer is no joke guys. In the U.S., it’s the third most common cancer among both men and women, and the fourth most common cancer

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overall. “Schedule your colonoscopy! A colonoscopy is the most effective method of screening for colon cancer and is not just for detection, but prevention as well,” advises Dr. Gregory Borak of Gastroenterology Consultants. 11. GET SOME SHUT-EYE Physicians tell us that a good night’s sleep is critical to the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Dr. Fred Daniel at the Associates of Savannah reiterates, “While diet and exercise is important, sleep is also required for maintaining good health.” You hear that? That’s an authorized prescription, lay back, relax, and catch some Zs! 12. BE CONFIDENT Part of feeling good is looking

good. Having a good self-image can actually be part of a person’s overall physical health. While Mother Nature has blessed some of us more than others, looking one’s best can lower stress and help keep an emotional balance in one’s life, which can equate to good health. 13. HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM Dr. Jami Scanlon encourages you to “have the love of family and friends!” Everyone needs people who let them know they’re loved, give them a call when they’re feeling down, and are always there no matter what. “Spend some quality time with folks you care about - you’ll be more fulfilled and your body will thank you for it," says Dr. Dmitri Sofianos of Chatham Orthopaedics. 14. BELIEVE IN SOMETHING MORE Dr. Micah Riegner of SouthCoast Pediatrics specifically credits Jesus, as a key to living forever, but studies have shown that just possessing a sense of spirituality can be enormously beneficial to an individual’s well being. Faith actually has an effect on our physical health and longevity.

So whatever you believe, be involved and committed! Your body as well as your soul will benefit! 15. BE HAPPY Out of everything on the list, this one may seem the simplest but often proves to be the most difficult. Take a step back, evaluate your life, and see what needs to be changed. Try to relax and enjoy yourself - what’s the fun in living forever if you’re stressed out all the time? Dr. John Hargrove of the Holistic Health Center says,“Stress is one of the biggest things people have to deal with in life. It’s important for people to instill balance in life and to enjoy the process." Often it comes down to just having a good attitude. “Be optimistic, be happy, and smile. People who smile and are optimistic are more healthy and live longer lives,"says Dr. Nelson Elam from Southcoast Pediatrics.

+ HEALTH EXTRA

A HEAVYWEIGHT LIFTER DR. OLIVER WHIPPLE IS OFFERING A NEW LEASE ON LIFE TO PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM OBESITY. Over 97 million Americans are considered overweight or obese, more than one-third of the adult population. As many as 10 million people are morbidly obese, meaning their excess weight puts them at risk for serious health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or even death. If you are seriously overweight and have at least one of these health conditions, then you're probably a good candidate for bariatric surgery, which can help obese or morbidly obese patients lose much of their excess body weight. “Bariatric surgeries are basically weight loss surgeries, but the primary focus is the medical problems associated with the weight,” says Dr. Oliver Whipple, the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Memorial Health Bariatrics. Whipple has been part of the bariatric program at Memorial since 2005, a year after its inception, and along with a team of fellowship-trained surgeons and nurses, he performs these procedures at the Bariatric Surgery Center. There are basically two procedures, both done laparoscopically. The first type, a “sleeve” gastrostomy, is most commonly performed. During this procedure, twothirds of the stomach is removed, leaving the stomach in a tube or “sleeve” shape, which limits the amount of

food that can be eaten at one time, allowing the patient to feel full sooner. In the second procedure, a gastric bypass, the stomach is divided into two sections: a tiny pouch for digestion and a larger area that will never hold food again. The idea is to make the patient feel full after only a few ounces of food. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is stapled and sutured to the new stomach to allow food to bypass parts of the small intestine. Because most nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine, bypassing several feet of this digestive piping means fewer calories converted are into fat. There's also less opportunity for nutrients to be absorbed, making daily vitamin and mineral supplements a necessity. “What makes my job rewarding is I have the ability to impact health risks like diabetes and hypertension before they get a chance to destroy the body, and I can help alleviate the physical pain that comes from being severely overweight,” Whipple says. “As the weight comes off, patients feel dramatically better with just activities of daily life - getting out of a car, climbing stairs.” After growing up in Vidalia, Whipple attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree in pharmacy, then attended medical school at Mercer University and completed his residency at Memorial University Medical Center in 2004. Contact Memorial Health Bariatrics at 912-350-DIET (3438) for more information.

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

“BEST DOCTORS, INC. IS TRANSFORMING AND IMPROVING HEALTH CARE BY BRINGING TOGETHER THE BEST MEDICAL MINDS IN THE WORLD TO HELP IDENTIFY THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. THE COMPANY’S INNOVATIVE, PEERTO-PEER CONSULTATION SERVICE OFFERS A NEW WAY FOR PHYSICIANS TO COLLABORATE WITH OTHER PHYSICIANS TO ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE BEST CARE. Headquartered in Boston, MA, the global company seamlessly integrates its services with employers’ other health-related benefits, to serve more than 30 million members in every major region of the world.

More than a traditional second opinion, Best Doctors delivers a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medical condition – providing value to both patients and treating physicians. By utilizing Best Doctors, members have access to the brightest minds in medicine to ensure the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Best Doctors’ team of researchers conducts a biennial poll using the methodology that mimics the informal peer-to-peer process doctors themselves use to identify the right specialists for their patients. Using a polling method and balloting software, that Gallup® has audited and certified, they gather

“Gallup® has audited and certified Best Doctors, Inc.’s database of physicians, and its companion The Best Doctors in America® List, as using the highest industry standards survey methodology and processes. These lists are excerpted from The Best Doctors in America© 2015-2016 database, which includes over 40,000 U.S. doctors in more than 40 medical specialties and 400 subspecialties. The Best Doctors in America© database is compiled and maintained by Best Doctors, Inc. For more information, 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.” “Copyright 2015, Best Doctors, Inc. Used under license, all rights reserved. This list, or any parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without written permission from Best Doctors, Inc. No commercial use of the information in this

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the insight and experience of tens of thousands of leading specialists all over the country, while confirming their credentials and specific areas of expertise. The result is the Best Doctors in America® List, which includes the nation’s most respected specialists and outstanding primary care physicians in the nation. These are the doctors that other doctors recognize as the best in their fields. They cannot pay a fee and are not paid to be listed and cannot nominate or vote for themselves. It is a list which is truly unbiased and respected by the medical profession and patients alike as the source of top quality medical information.”

list may be made without the permission of Best Doctors, Inc. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.” “BEST DOCTORS, THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA, AMERICA, and the Star-in-Cross Logo are trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries, and are used under license.” 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.”

THE LISTS ARE EXCERPTED FROM THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA® 2015 – 2016 DATABASE. Colon and Rectal Surgery SYL ALAN LORD

Memorial University Surgeons 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8712

Critical Care Medicine FRANK DAVIS

Savannah Surgical Group Provident Professional Bldg, Ste 202 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7412

Critical Care Medicine JAMES ALLEN MEADOWS III

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

Critical Care Medicine

JOSEPH SHEPPARD MONDY III

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

Critical Care Medicine STEPHEN L. MORRIS

Memorial 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 JAMES E. RAMAGE

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

Dermatology

JAMES A. YECKLEY

835 E 65th St, Ste 107 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-354-8866

Family Medicine BONZO K. REDDICK

Memorial Health University Physicians, Family Medicine Center 1107 E 66th St

Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8404

Gastroenterology STEVEN CARPENTER

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

Gastroenterology

CHARLES DUCKWORTH

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

Gastroenterology MARK E. MURPHY

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

Gastroenterology MARK NYCE

The Center for Digestive and Liver

Health 1139 Lexington Ave, Ste A Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-303-4200

Gastroenterology EDWARD RYDZAK

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

Gastroenterology RYAN WANAMAKER

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

Medical Oncology and Hematology RONALD F. GOLDBERG

Summit Cancer Care Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, Ste 300 225 Candler Dr Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-651-5550

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Medical Oncology and Hematology BARRY D. LUSKEY

Summit Cancer Care Anderson Cancer Institute Bldg, Ste A 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-651-5550

Medical Oncology and Hematology OVIDIU GEORGE NEGREA

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

Neurological Surgery LOUIS G. HORNIV

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

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

Neurological Surgery

Medical Oncology and Hematology

Neurological Surgery

L. E. (Bud) Robertson, Jr. Summit Cancer Care Anderson Cancer Institute Bldg, Ste A 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-651-5550

Neurological Surgery ROY P. BAKER

Neurological Institute of Savannah

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JAMES GUNN LINDLEY, JR.

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

DANIEL V. SUH

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

Neurological Surgery FREMONT WIRTH

Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine 4 Jackson Blvd

Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-1010

Neurology

RICHARD BODZINER

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

Neurology

JOEL A. GREENBERG

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

Neurology

GEORGE WARNER

Southern Neurology Bldg 400, Ste 402 23 Plantation Park Dr Bluffton, SC 29910 phone: 843-836-3667

Obstetrics and Gynecology JAMES J. BURKE II

Memorial University Medical Center Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute

PAMELA GALLUP

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology DAVID B. BYCK

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology ANNA CABECA

119B Center St St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Phone: 904-452-8432

Obstetrics and Gynecology PAMELA GALLUP

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology

WILFREIDA LYNN LEAPHART

Savannah Perinatology Associates Provident Professional Bldg, Ste 302 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5970

Obstetrics and Gynecology

LAWRENCE D. ODOM

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology

WILLIAM E. OSBORNE

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Brunswick, GA 31520 Phone: 912-466-9500

Candler Hospital Women's Gynecologic Oncology 5353 Reynolds St, Ste 200 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-819-5771

Otolaryngology

WILLIAM E. RICHARDS

Obstetrics and Gynecology

BARRY SCHLAFSTEIN

Progressive ObGyn 5353 Reynolds St, Ste 201 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-355-5755

Ophthalmology

S. WILLIAM CLARK III

502 Isabella St Waycross, GA 31501 Phone: 912-285-2020

Ophthalmology

FREDERICK A. KUHN

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

Otolaryngology

GUY J. PETRUZZELLI

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

Pathology

LORRAINE E. PARE

Georgia Eye Institute 4720 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-354-4800

Memorial University Medical Center Savannah Pathology Services 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31403 Phone: 912-350-8655

Ophthalmology

Pediatric Cardiology

ROBERT T. KING III

ANGELA R. SCOTT

Seaside Ophthalmology 3303 Glynn Ave

Kenneth Burch Savannah Children's Heart Center

University Memorial Surgical Bldg, 2nd Fl 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-988-5050

Pediatric Critical Care MARY CAROL LYTLE

Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31403 Phone: 912-350-8190

Pediatric Critical Care THOMAS W. MCKEE

Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8016

Pediatric Endocrinology ALAN M. RICE

Children's Hospital Outpatient Center Division of Endocrinology, Bldg 3 5102 E Paulsen St Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-350-6543

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Pediatric HematologyOncology J. MARTIN JOHNSTON

Memorial University Medical Center Children's Hospital Outpatient Center Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Program 4700 Waters Ave

Pediatric Neurological Surgery WILLIARD D. THOMPSON, JR.

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

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery DONALD K. MCCARTNEY

Southeastern Orthopedic Center 210 E DeRenne Ave Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-644-5300

Pediatric Otolaryngology MICHAEL D. POOLE

Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists 5356 Reynolds St, Ste 505 Savannah, GA 31405 Phone: 912-356-1515

Pediatric Specialist/ Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

DANIEL LEONARD SANDLER

Memorial University Medical Center Department of Neonatology 4700 Waters Ave, 2nd Fl Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-5915

Pediatric Surgery WILLIAM BOSWELL

Savannah Pediatric Surgery 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 307 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7914

Pediatric Surgery DAVID E. CARNEY

Savannah Pediatric Surgery 4750 Waters Ave, Ste 307 Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7914

Plastic Surgery LAWRENCE E. RUF

Savannah Plastic Surgery Associates 7208 Hodgson Memorial Dr Savannah, GA 31406 100

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Phone: 912-503-2703

Pulmonary Medicine

JAMES ALLEN MEADOWS III

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

Pulmonary Medicine STEPHEN L. MORRIS

Memorial University 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 JAMES E. RAMAGE

Memorial University 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 TIMOTHY A. JAMIESON

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

Sleep Medicine

ANTHONY COSTRINI

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

Sleep Medicine OBAID REHMAN

Plaza D, Bldg 5 11700 Mercy Blvd Savannah, GA 31419 Phone: 912-429-9679

Surgery

FRANK DAVIS

Savannah Surgical Group Provident Professional Bldg, Ste 202 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-7412

Surgery

SYL ALAN LORD

Memorial University Surgeons 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8712

Surgery

CHRISTOPHER SENKOWSKI

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

Surgical Oncology

Phone: 912-629-7800

Vascular Surgery

JOSEPH SHEPPARD MONDYIII

Savannah Vascular and Cardiac Institute Provident Professional Bldg, Ste 500 4750 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404

JAMES J. BURKE II

Memorial University Medical Center Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, ACI Surgical Associates 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404 Phone: 912-350-8603

Surgical Oncology JAMES GARBER

Memorial University Surgeons 4700 Waters Ave Savannah, GA 31404

Phone: 912-629-7800

Vascular Surgery

ANTHONY M. SUSSMAN

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

> Phone: 912-350-8712

Vascular Surgery E. JERRY COHN

Savannah Vascular and Cardiac Institute Provident Professional Bldg, Ste 500 4750 Waters Ave

Vascular Surgery CHRISTOPHER WIXON

JOSEPH SHEPPARD MONDY III

Savannah, GA 31404

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

“BEST DOCTORS, THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA, AMERICA, and the Star-in-Cross Logo are trademarks of Best Doctors, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries, and are used under license.” 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.”

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

101

DECEMBER 2015 | JANUARY 2016

MEET THE

DOCTORS PHOTOGR APHY BY

B L A K E C R O S B Y, D Y L A N WI L S O N & JA B B E R P I C S

SOUTHCOAST HEALTH, DR MCCORMACK...................................... 103

GEORGIA INSTITUTE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY ................................ 125

COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY. ............................................104

COOL BODY CONTOURING................................................................126

CHATHAM ORTHOPADEIC ASSOCIATES. .........................................106

OPTIMAL HEARING............................................................................127

GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH ...................108

SOUTHCOAST HEALTH DR. COWART...............................................128

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC.. ...........................................110

SOUTHCOAST HEALTH DR. JILLARD ...............................................129

MEMORIAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES..................................................112

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH .........................................130

BLUFFTON-OKATIE PRIMARY CARE ...............................................114

ENT ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH ...................................................131

OPTIM PAIN MANAGEMENT ...........................................................115

UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH......................................132

FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER...................................................... ..116

BONNIE J ROTHWELL .......................................................................133

NEUROLOGICAL SPINE & PAIN. ......................................................118

SMILE DESIGNS BY KAREN COOPER ..............................................134

COASTAL EAR, NOSE, & THROAT, LLC ...........................................120

BEYOND EXEPTIONAL DENTISTY . ...................................................136

RIVERSIDE WOMEN’S CARE ............................................................121

WHELAN CHIROPRACTIC .................................................................139

LIVE OAK ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY .............................122

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER OF SAVANNAH .....................................140

NEPHROLOGY & HYPERTENSION MEDICAL ASSOCIATES .............123

WETHERINGTON CHIROPRACTIC ......................................................141

MOST PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY ........................124

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doctors

southcoast health margaret b. mccormack, do

internal medicine

PASSION TOWARD PROGRESSION

MARGARET B. MCCORMACK, DO SOUTHCOAST HEALTH IS A MULTI-SPECIALTY, PHYSICIAN-OWNED MEDICAL GROUP WITH OVER 120 PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. While I was in high

school my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her path through the medical system helped me realize my passion for helping people.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? You can be

taught the medical skills and knowledge required to practice medicine in a classroom, but interacting with patients teaches medical students the art of medicine. If you don’t learn to interact and gain trust from your patients, you will fail as a physician.

What is one thing we can do as patients to stay healthy in 2016? Keep working to

quit smoking. Even if you have tried to quit and failed before, keep trying! Each time you try to quit, you are more likely to succeed.

What is your favorite thing to do on your days off? Spending time with my family

and friends as much as possible, cooking, eating, and around this time of year, watching college football.

What makes the South a special place to practice medicine? The people and

the natural beauty of the South make it special for me. I have always felt so blessed to grow up on the coast in Jacksonville, Flordia and now to live in the unrivaled beauty of Savannah’s historic, lowcountry charm, it couldn’t be any better.

MARGARET B. MCCORMACK, DO SOUTHCOAST HEALTH

1326 EISENHOWER DRIVE, BUILDING 1, SAVANNAH, GA • 912.691.4100 SOUTHCOAST-HEALTH.COM SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

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COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY

Joel L. Shanklin, MD Dr. Joel Shanklin is the founder of Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery and was involved in the design and construction of the office and surgery center complex, which opened in August 2003. Dr. Shanklin is a California-trained plastic surgeon who studied to refine his techniques with plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. He was fellowship trained in plastic surgery at the University of California. He attended medical school at the University of Louisville.

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Luke J. Curtsinger, MD, FACS Dr. Luke Curtsinger is board-certified in both general surgery, by the American Board of Surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery, by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He attended medical school at the University of Louisville, where he graduated in the top 20 percent of his class. He is fellowship-trained in both wound healing and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

PLASTIC SURGERY

EVOLUTION IN PLASTIC SURGERY

COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY Entrusting your appearance to someone else can be a nerve-racking experience. The team at Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery understands the many emotions you may experience on the path to a plastic surgery procedure. Once you have decided to rejuvenate your appearance, these experienced surgeons are readily available to resolve your questions and concerns by providing sound expertise combined with candor and compassion. A personal connection, clear communication, and years of experience are the keys to the natural-looking, exquisite results patients have come to expect from Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery. After an in-depth evaluation and discussion, their surgeons design a personalized approach to properly address your aesthetic concerns. Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery offers many procedures ranging from breast augmentation and breast reduction to tummy tucks and liposuction. The practice is ranked among the top 3% of Botox providers nationally, and among the top of all Dysport practices nationwide. The surgery center is the only plastic surgery center in the region to be certified by The Joint Commission.

Meghan K. McGovern, MD, FACS Dr. Meghan McGovern came to Savannah in 2002 after completing training in plastic surgery in Pennsylvania and medical school in Virginia. She is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Her practice is devoted to a wide range of patients, from new mothers needing breast enhancements or abdominal nips to high-powered executives looking to erase years of worry from their brows.

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

Michael R. Huntly, MD, FACS Dr. Michael Huntly is board-certified in both general surgery, by the American Board of Surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery, by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Before moving to Savannah, Dr. Huntly was the Chief of the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA. Dr. Huntly graduated from Birmingham Medical School and completed both the General Surgery and Plastic Surgery residency programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Photo, from left to right: Joel L. Shanklin, MD Luke J. Curtsinger, MD, FACS Meghan K. McGovern, MD, FACS Michael R. Huntly, MD, FACS

COASTAL EMPIRE PLASTIC SURGERY

900 MOHAWK ST, SAVANNAH, GA, 912.920.2090 GREATSURGEONSGREATRESULTS.COM

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CHATHAM ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES

HELPING YOU ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

CHATHAM ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES Chatham Orthopaedic Associates, P.A., is Savannah’s longest-running orthopaedic practice. Established in the 1950s, we have grown to a practice of ten orthopaedic and pain management doctors in the greater Savannah area, as well as a team of highly-skilled physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, orthopaedic technicians and imaging professionals; and physical, occupational and certified hand therapists. Our team of doctors utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques and rehabilitative protocols to provide patients with the finest care available to fit each patient’s unique needs. The physicians at Chatham Orthopaedics are on staff at Candler Hospital, Memorial University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital. In addition, some physicians have staff privileges at Effingham Hospital.

CHATHAM ORTHOPAEDICS HAS SIX CONVENIENTLY-LOCATED OFFICES READY TO SERVE YOU. SAVANNAH OFFICE:

4425 PAULSEN ST. • 912.355.6615

SOUTHCOAST MEDICAL OFFICE:

1326 EISENHOWER DR, BLDG 1 912.527.5235

ST. JOSEPH’S OFFICE:

11702 MERCY BLVD., SUITE 2D 912.355.6615

POOLER OFFICE:

1000 TOWNE CENTER BLVD SUITE 602 • 912.450.1101

RICHMOND HILL OFFICE:

3780 HIGHWAY 17 • 912.355.6615

RINCON OFFICE:

613 TOWN PARK DRIVE WEST SUITE 303-304 • 912.826.3111 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CHATHAMORTHO.COM

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What are you doing to improve healthcare delivery in Savannah?

Chatham Orthopaedics is a founding member of Merit Independent Physicians Association (IPA) and Merit Clinically Integrated Network (CIN). Our network’s vision is to become the premier, clinically-integrated physician organization in southeast Georgia by demonstrating top clinical results for our community and providing the best value to patients, health plans, employers and other purchasers of health care services. With nearly 130 physicians represented by 23 practices from 19 specialties in Savannah, this local network encompasses the best platform for sharing best practices and holding each one of us accountable to the community. SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

general orthopaedics

Pictured ( from left): Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mitri Sofianos, MD; Raphael Roybal, MD; John Prather, MD; Robert Hoffman, MD; Spencer Wheeler, MD; Gerald Chai, DO; Mark Jenkins, DO; Greer Noonburg, MD; James Holtzclaw, MD; Ronald Levit, MD

What sets you apart from the other practices in Savannah? SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

Chatham Orthopaedic Associates strives to be the practice of choice for patients. We aim to deliver on our promise of healthcare done right by providing convenient after-hours care, in-office imaging, Ped CT and MRI services, outpatient surgery and physical and occupational therapy. We employ support staff to coordinate workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation services and preauthorization management for our patients and business associates. The business staff works with your insurance plan and you to ensure benefits are maximized and the out-ofpocket costs are fair and consistent with physician office fee schedules. Our team of specialty-trained, boardcertified and board-eligible physicians specialize in all aspects of orthopaedic and pain management work along with dedicated physician assistants, nurse practitioners, athletic trainers, physical therapists and occupational therapists. We are here to get you back to what you love to do and deliver that care close to home. DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

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meet the

doctors GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH

A FOCUS ON CONVENIENT, QUALITY CARE GASTROENTEROLOGY

CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH is leading the way in gastroenterology care in the Southeast region. Their practice is managed by an impressive team of impactful leaders, board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine. Their physicians are committed to providing patients with the highest quality prevention and treatment of digestive diseases: esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine or colon, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah continues to pioneer gastrointestinal health care with a sophisticated on-site endoscopy center that offers the most advanced sedation methods to provide quality comfort for their patients. Utilizing the most current endoscopic techniques, they can offer more convenient treatments and faster recovery rates for their patients. Their team is dedicated to preserving your digestive health and delivering the sincerest care for patients with digestive and liver disease, as well as identifying colon cancer. Since 2002, GCS has performed close to 70,000 procedures at their state-of-the-art facility. In addition to their main office in Savannah, they also see patients in Richmond Hill, Pooler, Springfield and Bluffton, with a second Savannah location coming soon.

GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS OF SAVANNAH SAVANNAH OFFICE:

519 STEPHENSON AVE, • 912.354.9447

POOLER OFFICE:

1000 TOWNE CENTER BLVD, BUILDING 300, SUITE 305, • 912.354.9447

BLUFFTON OFFICE:

10 OAK FOREST RD, STE C, • 912.354.9447

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE:

459 HWY 119 SOUTH, • 912.354.9447 GASTROSAV.COM

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gastroenterology

Left to Right: : Travis Wiggins, MD Kristen Rosales-Vasquez, PA-C K. Andrew Swagler, PA-C. Greg Borak, MD Ansley Tharpe, MD David Chalikian, MD, P.H.D. Sara Barrett, PA-C Branden Hunter, MD

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

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doctors

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SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC

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pain management

EXCEPTIONAL PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC Dr. Kirby is a leader in nonsurgical spine care and interventional pain management. Eighty per cent of adults suffer with neck and low back pain. For the majority, their neck and back pain will improve in a short period of time. Unfortunately, many people suffer from chronic persistent pain that fails to respond to physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. Chronic persistent pain can affect every aspect of one’s life. It can make it difficult to work, perform simple household chores, enjoy being with friends and family, or sleep. “It is important to identify the causes of a patient’s persistent pain and develop a treatment plan to address the causes.” Medications are prescribed to help reduce pain, improve mobility, improve sleep and treat any depressive symptoms. Savannah Pain Center, a state of the art Ambulatory Surgery Center, provides Dr. Kirby with the facilities in which he performs many types of procedures to alleviate pain. Dr. Kirby’s commitment of delivering the highest quality of care is reflected by the professional and caring attitude of each and every staff member.

SAVANNAH PAIN MANAGEMENT, INC. Pictured left to right: Keith A. Kirby, MD, William Grabowski, PA-C, Margaret Reinhart, APRN

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

8 WHEELER ST., SAVANNAH, GA 912.352.4340 SAVANNAHPAINMANAGEMENT.COM

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MEMORIAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

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INTERNAL MEDICINE

IMPROVING CARE WITH TEAMWORK

MEMORIAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES At Memorial Medical Associates, the board-certified physicians and staff share one goal: to help patients take control of their health and live happier, more productive lives. They do that by focusing on patients with a coordinated approach to healthcare. As a patient-centered medical home, Memorial Medical Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team works with patients and their families to create a care plan that works for them. A nurse care coordinator meets one-on-one with patients who have a chronic disease, helps them set realistic goals for managing their disease, connects them with appropriate resources, and monitors their progress and challenges through regular phone calls and office visits. Memorial Medical Associates now has two convenient locations, including its new Savannah office on Waters Avenue and a Pooler office located off Benton Boulevard.

MEMORIAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES SAVANNAH OFFICE:

6602 WATERS AVE., BLDG. A 912.350.6000

Pictured left to right: Nicole Cohen, M.D., MBA, Thomas J. Hogan Jr., M.D., Elena Pimanova, M.D., John Moore, M.D., Peggy Byck, M.D., Stephen Malone, M.D., Wilfredo Dolor, M.D.

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

POOLER OFFICE:

101 W. MULBERRY BLVD., STE 100 912.350.6000 MEMORIALHEALTH.COM/MMA

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family medicine

Bluffton-Okatie Primary Care

meet the

doctors

MEETING LOCAL NEEDS BLUFFTON-OKATIE PRIMARY CARE

At Bluffton-Okatie Primary Care, we deliver high quality healthcare to all the families in our lowcountry community; we are located at the gates of Sun City. Our mission is to provide compassionate care while guiding you to healthy habits. Our boardcertified family physicians offer preventive care as well as chronic disease management, from adolescents to geriatrics. With a passion for life-long learning and working for better outcomes, both Dr. Jimena Burnett and Dr. Christopher Madison are here to deliver exceptional medical care for you and your family.

BLUFFTON-OKATIE PRIMARY CARE

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE BLUFFTON-OKATIE OUTPATIENT CENTER. BLUFFTON-OKATIE PRIMARY CARE 40 OKATIE CENTER BLVD. SOUTH, SUITE 100 OKATIE, SC 29909 FOR APPOINTMENTS PLEASE SCHEDULE ONLINE: BLUFFTONOKATIEPRIMARYCARE.COM OR CALL 843-705-8888

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doctors

PAVING THE WAY TO PAIN MANAGEMENT OPTIM PAIN MANAGEMENT Pictured Left to Right: Andrew Pandya, MD Markus Niederwanger, MD Joseph Hegarty, MD

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

OPTIM PAIN MANAGEMENT

A little bit about your practice:

Interventional therapies can include everything from epidural steroid injections in the neck and back to more complex procedures like Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants and Radiofrequency Ablations. We work collaboratively with our physical therapy team to optimize patient functionality and lifestyle. When a person is in pain, the last thing they want to do is move, and our goal is to get people in a more pain-free state so that they can get back up and moving again. Our multimodal team design is a superior approach to achieving this endpoint. Optim Pain Management is a department of the physician-owned Optim Medical Center - Tattnall.

pain management

What are you doing to stay on the forefront of medical technology and innovation?

The Optim Pain Management physicians are leaders in the latest and cutting-edge technology. Our physicians are very active in genetic screening, which allows them to tailor a customized medication plan specifically for each individual patient based on their genetic sensitivities. They are also working extensively in innovative clinical research studies for Spinal Cord Stimulation treatments with great potential for drastically improving the lives of our patients.

OPTIM PAIN MANAGEMENT

322 STEPHENSON AVE, SAVANNAH, GA 800.827.6536 â&#x20AC;˘ OPTIMHEALTH.COM

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FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER

Exercise might feel like an uphill battle. Well, get over it! I mean that figuratively and literally. Stay active by enjoying all of the outdoor activities that Savannah has to offer.â&#x20AC;? -CHRISTI GHALEB, MD

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FAMILY MEDICINE

TAKING PATIENT TREATMENT TO NEW HEIGHTS. FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER Dr. Christi Ghaleb does not need to look at a chart to know your name or how you are feeling. At Family Medicine of Pooler, her patients are treated like family. Dr. Ghaleb broke away from the major hospital scene in 2010 to start her own family medicine practice centered on lasting, caring relationships with patients and their families. She and her husband, also a physician, understand that patients want more than a medical diagnosis. They are taking the treatment of their patients to new heights, providing them with the comprehensive, personalized care that every family deserves. “We are very proud of consistently having the lowest wait times at less than 5 minutes. Our waiting room is almost always empty because we insist on only seeing patients at or before their appointment times. Late appointments are asked to reschedule rather than taking that time away from other patients,” Dr. Ghaleb says. The result is a very quick, yet thorough, on-time visit to the doctor’s office. On her days off, Dr. Ghaleb says she enjoys, “spending time with my family, including off-roading and camping in our new ‘family car.’” Families she serve consider her an expert with the ability to apply the latest medical breakthroughs to their everyday care and keep them well. Family Medicine of Pooler’s on-site Electronic Health Records system offers the most up-to-date technologies to its patients.

FAMILY MEDICINE OF POOLER

433 US HIGHWAY 80 W, POOLER, GA 912.748.1100 FAMILYMEDICINEOFPOOLER.COM

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pain management

neurological spine & pain

meet the

doctors

RESTORING FUNCTION & QUALITY OF LIFE DR. CHRIS PATEL

NEUROLOGICAL SPINE AND PA IN SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE WITHOUT HAVING TO RELY ON CRUTCHES, WHETHER PHYSICAL OR CHEMCIAL.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. I always wanted to be

a doctor as a child, but it didn’t crystallize as a goal until age 14, when I visited a small hospital in Africa during a trip with my parents. The conditions were meager and the demand for treatment was obvious, but the hopeful look in the villagers’ eyes when they saw the local physician inspired me to answer that look back here at home.

What was your most defeating medical moment and how did you learn from it?

Unfortunately for most physicians, I think our most defeating medical moment is when we lose a patient despite all of our efforts and all of our knowledge. And sadly, this has happened more than once during my 17 years of medical life. We always try to learn from those moments. We analyze them in excruciating detail and deconstruct each decision to determine what else we could have done...would we do anything different? I like to think that I’ve learned a multitude of lessons, but the most important is realizing our individual limitations and the limitations of modern medicine. We don’t have all of the answers, and medicine is always advancing. It’s our duty to learn and expand our practice and the armament of tools that we use to treat our patients.

What is your favorite thing to do on your days off? I love to create and stay active. Indoors, I

enjoy working on art or working on DIY projects and woodworking. I enjoy exploring the outdoors particularly when I can take my dogs on the adventure.

What makes the South so special for you as a practitioner? Growing up in the South, I’ve

always had an appreciation for the history, the culture, and the people. And of course, you can’t beat the weather or the food. But ultimately, the South has always been home, and working in the South has been rewarding because I’m treating my neighbors.

CHRIS PATEL, M.D. NEUROLOGICAL SPINE AND PAIN 8880 ABERCORN STREET SAVANNAH, GA 912.231.4444 • SAVANNAHPAINRELIEF.COM

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neurological spine & pain

Our focus is establishing a proper diagnosis implementing individual based treatment plans. We realize our patients are suffering men and women struggling with families and jobs and just trying to live their best lives.” – Priscilla Ross, MD

pain management

A LISTENING EAR DR. PRISCILLA ROSS

NEUROLOGICAL SPINE AND PAIN IS FOCUSED ON IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THEIR PATIENTS, BRINGING CUTTINGEDGE TREATMENTS TO THE SAVANNAH COMMUNITY.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. It became a profound desire for me when, at 7 years old, I lost my favorite aunt. She contracted malaria as a 23-year-old missionary in Honduras.

What was your most defeating medical moment and how did you learn from it?

There are several tough cases that stand out in my mind. I can remember resuscitating a 19-year-old for most of the night through a trauma surgery, only to find out he died the next morning after the surgery. The satisfaction of helping someone the night before faded quickly when I had to disclose the news to the family. These humbling moments are a reminder that life is fragile and precious and our health should not be taken for granted.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? Sometimes there are no

answers for problems in textbooks and there are not always solutions to problems. Many times if you just listen to patients they will give you the answers you are looking for. So much of what we do is just caring and spending the time with patients to help guide them to a healthier and happier life.

What sets you apart from the other practices in Savannah? Both Dr. Patel and myself are

double board-certified, licensed interventional pain physicians who follow literature-based spine protocols, including establishing proper diagnoses and implementing detailed treatment plans, including physical therapy, lifestyle modification, injections and genetically tailored usage of pain medications. But beyond this, I believe what sets us apart is that we take time and truly listen to our patients. Some of my most outstanding moments in my practice have been when patients have asked me for prayer. We are all God’s children at the end of the day.

PRISCILLA J ROSS, M.D. NEUROLOGICAL SPINE AND PAIN 8880 ABERCORN STREET SAVANNAH, GA 912.231.4444 • SAVANNAHPAINRELIEF.COM

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ear, nose & throat

coastal ear, nose, & throat, llc

meet the

doctors

I prefer to invest time in educating patients about their condition so they feel empowered to take ownership and become involved in the decision making process.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; David Oliver, MD

EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR OUR MOST COMMON ENT PROBLEMS DR. DAVID OLIVER

With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Dr. David Oliver is a leader in optimal treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and sinus problems, which affects millions of Americans. If left untreated, associated health problems, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, hypertension and depression, may develop, causing missed work or school, lower productivity and higher medical expenses. Many modern evaluation and treatment options can be achieved with office-based procedures or minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Oliver and his wife, Rhonda, remain involved in community service organizations, most notably Heads-Up Guidance Services, which guides at-risk individuals in achieving counseling, as well as Savannah Court Appointed Special Advocate, a program which provides advocacy for abused and neglected children. The Olivers enjoy ballroom dancing, fishing and hunting during their downtime.

COASTAL EAR, NOSE & THROAT, LLC 322 COMMERCIAL DRIVE, SUITE 2 SAVANNAH, GA 31406 912.355.2335 COASTAL-ENT.COM

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doctors

riverside women’s care

obstetrics & gynecology

PROFESSIONALISM & EXPERTISE AT EVERY LEVEL DR. RANDALL ROYAL

RIVERSIDE WOMEN’S CARE IS A COMPREHENSIVE OB/GYN PRACTICE INCLUDING FULL-SERVICE OBSTETRICS DEDICATED TO CARING FOR WOMEN THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES FROM THEIR CHILDBEARING YEARS TO POSTMENOPAUSE.

What was your most defeating medical moment and how did you learn from it? I think every doctor has times when they have unforeseen or unexpected outcomes. Obstetrics has the ability to hurt us in that way. Sometimes despite doing everything right, Mother Nature has other plans. I think this gives us a sense that we are merely tools and not truly the deciding factor in what ultimately happens.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? Have an open mind. Everyone can use another friend. People deserve to be heard, whether you agree with them or not. Just because you don’t agree with someone doesn’t mean they don’t have the right to think they are correct. Respect everyone. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

What sets you apart from the other practices in the Lowcountry? Riverside Women’s Care

is unique in that we have 24 hour in-house doctor on call 365 days a year. We actually stay in the building, on labor and delivery, the entire time we are on call. When you go to the Women’s Pavilion at Coastal Carolina Hospital in the middle of the night, you will be seen immediately by one of our in-house Riverside physicians. It’s not often that we have to make immediate surgical or obstetrical decisions, but when we do, I feel much better knowing I’m down the hall from an operating room, rather than down the street or across town from it.

What is your favorite thing to do on your days off? I love building furniture, doing home repair projects and rebuilding old cars. I’m currently working on a large rustic farm table for 10, based on a picture I saw in a Pottery Barn catalog.

RIVERSIDE WOMEN’S CARE TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY: 75 BAYLOR DRIVE, SUITE 200, BLUFFTON, SC 29910 13 MARSHELLEN DRIVE, BEAUFORT, SC 29902 843-540-5857 RIVERSIDEWOMENSCARE.COM

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Allergy & Immunology

LIVE OAK ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY

meet the

doctors

“Being board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics and allergy/immunology allows me the opportunity to provide care for generations within the same family. I love nothing more than seeing an entire family in the same afternoon.” – MICHELE R. HENSON, MD, MHSC

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR MICHELE R. HENSON, MD, MHSC

AT LIVE OAK ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY, WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE OUTSTANDING CARE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN A WARM AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PARTNERING WITH OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO OFFER INNOVATIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED, AND INTEGRATIVE CARE FOR THEIR ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY NEEDS. WE ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED DIRECTLY OFF OF POOLER PARKWAY, MAKING TRAFFIC WOES A THING OF THE PAST.

What is one thing we can do as patients to stay healthy in 2016? Be an active participant in your healthcare. Educate

yourself and seek knowledge because knowledge is power.

What makes this region so special for you as a practitioner? This region is wonderful because of the

people. The history of this region is embedded in the people who have and who currently live here. From its diversity to the southern hospitality to the focus on faith and family, the people are what make it great.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room?

The strength of the human spirit. When I sit down and talk to my patients about their day-to-day lives, I am amazed at the adversity many of them face, and with such grace! My patients inspire me every day.

LIVE OAK ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY 143 CANAL ST., STE. 200, POOLER, GA • 912.348.4100 LIVEOAKALLERGYASTHMA.COM

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Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates

meet the

doctors

PROGRESSING AND MAXIMIZING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE NEPHROLOGY & HYPERTENSION MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

While much has changed since their beginning in 1969, one thing remains constant, Nephrology and Hypertension Medical Associates’ pledge to provide you with expert personalized care, using the most advanced treatments and state-of-the art technologies. “We combine up-to-date medical knowledge with a humane approach, taking into account our patients’ desires and needs,” says Dr. Jessica Coleman. Their team of board-certified physicians diagnose and manage hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions that lead to kidney disease. Equally important is their excellent team of providers and support staff, who care for you with compassion and dedication. With five locations, this group offers the region’s most comprehensive kidney care. Staying on the leading edge of medical care, they combine up-to-date medical knowledge with a personable approach; taking into account the patient’s desires and needs. They

NEPHROLOGY

believe in the importance of developing a partnership with their patients. “They can be courteous, feisty, funny, thankful, often challenging – and frequently so rewarding,” Dr. Rebecca Sentman says. Nephrology & Hypertension Medical Associates not only possess the experience and clinical knowledge required to treat a variety of kidney problems, they understand the importance of individualizing treatment plans for every patient. Dr. Bernstein urges his patients to,“Ask questions and take ownership for your health. Being an active participant in your own healthcare is crucial.”

NEPHROLOGY & HYPERTENSION MEDICAL ASSOCIATES 1115 LEXINGTON AVE., SAVANNAH, GA 912.354.4813 • THEKIDNEYDOCS.COM

Pictured from left to right: James Bazemore MD, Jessica Coleman MD, Dana Kumjian MD, Rebecca Sentman MD, Erik Bernstein MD

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cosmetic surgery

EDUCATION & RECONSTRUCTION

most plastic and reconstructive surgery

meet the

doctors

“I treat my patients like human beings and actually listen to them. I consider my patients part of my family and do whatever it takes to make them well and happy again!" – Daniel Most, MD

DR. DANIEL MOST

MY PRACTICE INCLUDES BOTH COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE ELEMENTS. HALF OF MY CASES ARE BREAST RELATED, AND THE OTHER HALF INVOLVES LIMB SALVAGE AND MICROSURGERY.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. Since I was 10 years old and a surgeon

saved my mother’s life, I felt a connection to the profession.

What was your most defeating medical moment and how did you learn from it? A patient of mine, who I reconstructed beautiful breasts for after mastectomies, passed away due to breast cancer. This is a disease that needs to be our top priority to defeat!

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? My practice has taught me that

patients should be thought of as family members. Would you offer this treatment or surgery the patient was your mother, your brother or your child?

What are you doing to stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation? I regularly

attend online and in-person conferences that cover what is cutting-edge in plastic surgery.

What is one thing we can do as patients to stay healthy in 2016? Examine your diet critically. Ask

yourself, “Where can I eliminate or reduce sugar, processed food, junk food?”

MOST PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, PC

5205 FREDERICK ST., STE. A, SAVANNAH, GA 912.303.6678 MOSTPLASTICSURGERY.COM

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meet the

doctors

the georgia institute for plastic surgery

cosmetic surgery

ATHENEW YEAR, A NEW YOU! GEORGIA INSTITUTE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY Is it time for your New Year’s resolutions? If it involves looking as young as you feel or just improving the contour of your breast or body – we are here to help you. The surgeons of The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery offer each patient excellence in surgical skill. We focus on great customer service with the essence of Southern hospitality. Mycosmeticsurgeon.md was designed to help guide you through all of the plastic surgery procedures that we offer to help you enhance your appearance and Feel Better About Yourself. Explore our site and watch some of our patient testimonials. Look at our before and after photographs as well as watch the video of a typical patient experience in our office and private surgery center. When it is time for you to learn more about the next steps – our plastic surgeons, Dr. Greco,

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Dr. Dascombe, Dr. Paletta, Dr. Horn, Dr. Sailes and Dr. Philpott want to be your first choice as a trusted resource for their expertise and skill. We encourage you to visit one of our plastic surgery offices conveniently located in Savannah, Effingham, Hinesville, Reidsville, Richmond Hill, Statesboro, Vidalia and in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Our physicians are committed to providing the highest quality of care at a reasonable cost, with results exceeding our patients’ expectations. When you think of plastic surgery, think of The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery.

THE GEORGIA INSTITUTE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY 5361 REYNOLDS ST • SAVANNAH, GA 912.355.8000 • MYCOSMETICSURGEON.MD

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coolsculpting

cool body contouring

meet the

doctors

COOLSCULPTING® NON-SURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION DR.MARTIN E. EVERHARD

COOLSCULPTING® BY COOL BODY CONTOURING IS AN FDA APPROVED PROCEDURE THAT IS NONSURGICAL, AND REQUIRES NO ANESTHESIA OR DOWN TIME TO ELIMINATE STUBBORN AREAS OF FAT THAT PERSIST DESPITE ROUTINE EXERCISE AND A PROPER DIET.

What are you doing to stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation? I am always reading about

opportunities to upgrade our devices for the latest innovative sculpting methods. Each member of our staff is a graduate of CoolSculpting® University, where they obtain advanced training in CoolSculpting®.

What makes this region so special for you as a practitioner? Though I graduated from New York University

School of Medicine and continued my surgical practice in New York, the South is where my heart is. I knew that at some point I would return to my roots and help the people who shaped me into who I am today.

What sets you apart from the other practices in Savannah? Cool Body Contouring offers a free

consultation and oversight of your treatment by a physician. At Cool Body Contouring, you are promised privacy as the only patient in an office where CoolSculpting® is performed without other distracting procedures. We also offer evening and weekend appointments in an attractive, private setting.

COOL BODY CONTOURING 9100 WHITE BLUFF RD, SUITE 405 912.200.6000 • COOLBODYCONTOURING.COM 126

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optimal hearing

meet the

doctors

Our patients enjoy seeing the third generation in our family help with their hearing. I am now seeing the grandchildren of patients my grandfather treated 50 years ago. – Gabriel J. Pitt, AU.D.

audiology

COHESIVE APPROACH TO HEARING SOLUTIONS DR. GABRIEL J. PITT, AU.D.

OPTIMAL HEARING IS THE LONGEST-STANDING AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING AID SERVICE IN THE LOW COUNTRY, SPECIALIZING IN HEARING LOSS AND TINNITUS ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT.

What was your most defeating moment and how did you learn from it?

I frequently have patients tell me they have never sought treatment for their tinnitus (ringing in the ears) because they have been told there is nothing that can be done about it. I have made it a goal to educate the public as, well as the medical community, that in many cases we can provide relief and possibly eliminate tinnitus.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or clinic? Those who suffer

from hearing loss can be affected by the handicap in a multitude of ways. From social withdrawal,to an absolute loss of control in conversation, some become lonely and isolated. Others become increasingly suspicious of loved ones. No classroom can prepare you for how the same underlying problem can affect people in so many ways.

What are you doing to stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation?

I stay active in state and national audiology groups. I have been elected by fellow audiologists in Georgia to serve as president of the Georgia Academy of Audiology. I also serve on the board of our national association, The Academy of Doctors of Audiology. These organizations provide excellent venues to stay abreast of all the newest and most innovative hearing and tinnitus treatment strategies and technologies in a private setting.

GABRIEL J. PITT OPTIMAL HEARING 527 STEPHENSON AVE #3 SAVANNAH, GA • 912.352.8530 OPTIMALHEARING.COM

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family medicine

southcoast health ryann e. cowart, md

meet the

doctors

OUTSTANDING HEALTH CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY RYANN E. COWART, MD

Dr. Ryann E. Cowart has joined SouthCoast Health to deliver premium healthcare for the entire family at every stage of life. At SouthCoast Health, Cowart works to build strong relationships with each of her primary care patients. The results are personalized treatment strategies, open communication and healthier outcomes. She was born and raised in Savannah before her family relocated to western North Carolina. A graduate of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C, she completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, V.A. Her time at UVA Family Medicine provided her with a unique understanding and experience with refugee patients. For some of them, the changes in the cycle of life may bring forth challenges. For others, they bring opportunities. Cowart is fully trained and prepared to recognize and embrace both challenge and opportunity.

Building a bond based on mutual trust is the key to a successful doctor/patient relationship.” – Ryann E. Cowart, MD

When she’s not in her white coat, Cowart enjoys spending downtime with her animals. She is a strong animal rescue supporter, a quality that reiterates her compassion and nurturing nature toward others. Influencing patients with simple, but important, lifestyle choices makes her a valuable resource to those she cares for.

RYANN E. COWART, MD SOUTHCOAST HEALTH

1326 EISENHOWER DRIVE, BUILDING 1, SAVANNAH, GA • 912.691.4100 SOUTHCOAST-HEALTH.COM

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doctors

southcoast health christa l. jillard, md

SURGERY

UNPRECEDENTED TREATMENT WITH PERSONALIZED CARE DR. CHRISTA L. JILLARD Running is my therapy, my mental escape. I leave the hard times of the day behind, and step forward to the challenges ahead.” – Christa L. Jillard, MD

OUR MAIN FOCUS IS ON GENERAL SURGERY, WITH SPECIFIC AND INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER AND THYROID CANCER.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. According to my mother, I boldly

proclaimed my aspirations to be a physician while I was in the second grade. I didn’t truly understand the privilege of this position until I was submersed in the thick of healthcare while doing research in college. The opportunity to help others is immensely rewarding, and I was hooked.

What was your most defeating medical moment and how did you learn from it? The trauma bay

is a constant reminder of how powerless we can sometimes be as physicians. From unfathomable acts of self-inflicted abuse, to casualties of haphazard boating trips—some fates are already determined. I had to accept this early on in my training. In spite of this, I must equally accept that each day, all I can do is my very best every time I have the opportunity to care for another person.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? I have witnessed the importance

of faith and determination, which can alter health and radically change lives in the most powerful and profound ways.

What are you doing to stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation? It is imperative

to be a “perpetual student” in the medical world, always learning and striving to learn through reading, attending conferences, and being involved in national dialogue with regard to new and innovative approaches to medicine.

What makes the South a special place to practice medicine? There is an element of gratitude in my

patients that is not indigenous to my northeastern roots. Also, the South is much more on the cusp of innovative medical procedures than one may think.

CHRISTA L. JILLARD, MD SOUTHCOAST HEALTH

7001 HODGSON MEMORIAL DRIVE. STE 1, SAVANNAH, GA • 912.354.6303 SOUTHCOAST-HEALTH.COM

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pediatric associates of savannah

pediatrics

CURES FOR A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

OF SAVANNAH

The physicians of Pediatric Associates of Savannah take pride in offering the same level of medical care that they expect for their own children. They strive to be “The Parent’s Trusted Partner in Pediatric Health” in every way possible. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, these doctors are there for their patients, knowing that “kids don’t take a day off from getting sick, so neither do we.” Their online patient portal allows parents to ask questions and request appointments conveniently from a smartphone or computer. The use of an interconnected Electronic Medical Record system allows access to

meet the

doctors

a patient’s medical record from any of the practice’s locations: Savannah, Pooler, or Whitemarsh Island. In 2012, Pediatric Associates of Savannah was the proud recipient of the prestigious Walt Orenstein Champions for Immunizations Award, the only practice in Georgia to receive the honor that year. Come join our medical family, and let Pediatric Associates be champions for your loved ones, as we’ve been doing for over half a century.

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATESOF SAVANNAH, P.C. 4600 WATERS AVE, SUITE 100 SAVANNAH, GA • 912.355.2462 • PEDSAV.COM

Left to right, standing: Chintak Patel, MD; Ben Spitalnick, MD, MBA, FAAP ; Paul Nave, MD, FAAP; J. Steven Hobby, MD, CPC, FAAP; Michael Demauro, MD, FAAP; Left to right, sitting: Giselle Rosinia, MD, FAAP ; Frances Vega, MD, FAAP; Adria Wilkes, MD, FAAP; Elaine Nussbaum, APN; Diane Savage-Pedigo, MD, FAAP

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doctors

ent associates of savannah

HIGH REGARD FOR YOUR WELL-BEING

ENT ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH

ENT Associates of Savannah has practiced in the field of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, in Savannah for over 30 years. We always put our patients first, and we cover the full range of our specialty. We treat adult and pediatric illnesses of the head and neck, including the full range of pediatric otolaryngology, voice and swallowing disorders, ear disease and hearing restoration surgery, sinus disease including balloon sinuplasty in the office, cosmetic and reconstruction surgery, head and neck tumors, thyroid and endocrine surgery, and allergy testing and therapy. We have six office locations

ear, nose, & throat

in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Statesboro, Rincon, and Blufton. We have four doctors of audiology who help with testing and are well-versed in the newest hearing aid technology. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered evaluation and treatment for all ENT problems.

ENT ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH

5201 FREDERICK STREET • SAVANNAH, GA 912.234.8282 • ENTSAVANNAH.COM

Left to right: Stephen P. Rashleigh, MD, FACS, William H. Morelz III, MD, Michelle Yamada, PA-C, Brad A. Rawlings, MD, Michael Zoller, MD, Fred L Daniel, MD, FACS

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urology

urological associates of savannah, PC

meet the

doctors

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: STEPHEN MICHIGAN, MD • MICHAEL J. COX, MD • RICHARD MAZO, MD • DAVID L. CHENG, MD • RUTH ANN MILES, MD, MICHAEL D. FUNDERBURK, MD • JAMES C. JUDY, MD • BUFFI G. BOYD, MD • SAMUEL A. TORRES, MD • MELISSA PORTER, PA-C

PARTNERS PROVIDING GENIUS CARE UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH, PC

For over 50 years, Urological Associates of Savannah have strived to provide their patients with the most dependable current procedures and diagnostic techniques in urological care. With seven locations, they are the largest specialty group of urologists in the Southeast region. Urological Associates of Savannah is 132

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conveniently located in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Statesboro, Bluffton, Claxton and Brunswick. Their staff effectively combines a network of conveniently located offices to form a comprehensive group of urologic services to meet each patient’s needs. Treating patients of all ages and both sexes, the group’s main emphasis is outstanding patient care. They have the only AAAHC accredited Urology Surgery Center and serve as the only board-certified pediatric Urologist in Savannah. Patients who choose Urological Associates will receive stateof-the-art care including complete laboratory and radiological services such as diagnostic

ultrasound procedures, x-rays, KUB and CT scans. Their Continence Resource Center was developed to meet the needs of their patients by providing urodynamics, biofeedback and neuromodulation. Urological Associates of Savannah take pride in offering their patients the best quality care available.

UROLOGICAL ASSOCIATES OF SAVANNAH, PC

230 E. DERENNE AVE, SAVANNAH, GA 912.490.4000 • UROLOGYSAVANNAH.COM

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meet the dentists

Bonnie J Rothwell, DMD, AAACD

General Dentistry

INDIVIDUALIZED CARE FOR YOUR PEARLY WHITES

DR. BONNIE J. ROTHWELL, DMD, AAACD OUR PRACTICE FOCUSES ON HIGH QUALITY DENTAL SERVICES FOR THE COSMETICALLY-MINDED PERSON. IN ADDITION TO COSMETIC PROCEDURES SUCH AS PORCELAIN VENEERS, DENTURES AND WHITENING, WE ALSO OFFER PLACEMENT AND RESTORATION OF IMPLANTS, AND TMJ DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

Describe the moment you decided you wanted to be a doctor. The moment I knew I wanted

to be a cosmetic dentist happened in dental school. A young patient would not smile due to fluorosis spotting on her teeth. After a dental procedure to make the cosmetic improvement, she cried happy tears and could not stop smiling! I realized then that I can make a positive difference in people’s lives. I thought, “Wow!” I wanted to make people this happy every day and dedicated myself to seeking out the training to do the best I can for my patients.

What have you learned from your patients that you never could have learned from any class or operating room? With cosmetic dentistry, beauty truly is in the eyes of the beholder. There is no “cookie cutter” perfect smile. It’s important to take the time to listen to what the patient desires in order to give them the smile they’ve always wanted.

What are you doing to stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation? We strive

to have the latest technologies. This is an exciting time in dentistry. Our staff recognizes the value of staying current and enjoys the training and continuing education that is required for this technology to benefit our patients.

What is one thing we can do as patients to stay healthy in 2016? Good daily oral hygiene,

including flossing, is very important to our overall systemic health. It’s a simple and inexpensive thing to do every day at home and it can make a significant difference.

BONNIE J. ROTHWELL, DMD, AAACD 11 HOSPITAL CENTER COMMONS, SUITE 200 HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, 843.342.6900 SMILESYOULOVE.COM

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dentists

SMILE DESIGNS

Not just bridging gaps from one tooth to another but bridging the gap to â&#x20AC;&#x153;designâ&#x20AC;? an overall beautiful smile. Hence the name, Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper. To design a smile, it requires more than a just filling a space. Dr. Cooper is a dentist, businesswoman, artist, and engineer.

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The engineer: Fulcrums, forces, tangent lines and load are all factors in developing conventional and implant bridges.

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KAREN COOPER

“BRIDGING THE GAP” TO A BEAUTIFUL SMILE SMILE DESIGNS

The businesswoman: Has successfully run her private practice since 2007.

The artist- She can hand-make any tooth and uses paint brushes when she custom shades your restorations with tints and opaques. She even has a color wheel to facilitate her in placing high and low value to a tooth to mimic a real natural tooth.

Dr. Karen Cooper, a master of both art and science, is bridging the gap to a beautiful smile. “People ask how I have so much energy throughout the day. I wake up every morning at 4:30 because I truly love what I do. When that is the case, it does not feel like work - it is fun. Designing smiles is truly a work of art.” The infectious energy her patients feel when they walk through the door attracts a loyal following. Her customtailored procedures fit the individual needs and goals of each patient. Smile Designs is the only general dentistry office in Savannah with a 3D Cone Beam CT Scanner for digital implant placements. They use the most advanced techniques in dentistry, combined with services like same-day porcelain crowns, in-office custom crown/veneer shading and clear braces. And it doesn’t stop there. Dr. Cooper also attends special workshops to acquire additional training in the skills needed to ensure the functionality and natural appearance of your smile makeover. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, she has traveled the United States and uses what she has learned to help her patients. Her background makes her well-trained to meticulously blend art and science for a facial harmony that ensures the functionality of your teeth. Dr. Cooper dedicates time beforehand so that you are fully involved in making an informed decision. Dr. Cooper earns her patient’s trust, her quality is consistent and she stands behind her work. That is why so many count on Dr. Cooper to design their smile.

SMILE DESIGNS BY KAREN COOPER

101 LITTLE NECK RD. SUITE 2F SAVANNAH, GA., 912.234.8282 SAVANNAHSMILEDESIGNS.COM

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meet the

dentists

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COSMETIC DENTISTRY

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DR. BRAD DURHAM, BEYOND EXEPTIONAL DENTISTY

INNOVATIVE EXPERTS OF SMILES BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL DENTISTRY As Beyond Exceptional Dentistry continues to grow its nationwide reputation as a trailblazer in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brad Durham and Dr. Rod Strickland are pleased to welcome Dr. Ryan Reeves. He earned the coveted “LVI Fellow” designation from the famous Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where his dedication and commitment were noticed by Dr. Durham. Absorbing the values and commitment to excellence that were taught by Dr. Durham, he is a natural fit and perfect addition to the team. Dr. Durham also serves as a consultant, researcher, guest speaker and author. Dr. Strickland, the inventor of the “facelift denture,” trains other dentists in his procedures and attracts patients regionwide with his smile-renewing technique. Dr. Durham says, “The most rewarding part of our job is actually seeing lives change.” With the addition of a third trailblazer, Southeast Georgia is blessed to have a local practice with a nationwide reputation for life change through neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry.

DR. BRAD DURHAM, BEYOND EXEPTIONAL DENTISTRY 1317 ABERCORN STREET SAVANNAH, GA, 912.234.8282 BRADDURHAMDMD.COM

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DECEMBER 2015 | JANUARY 2016

MEET THE

CHIROPRACTORS PHOTOGR APHY BY

BLAKE CROSBY

MANY OF US HAVE A GO-TO PAIN MED WE INSTINCTIVELY REACH FOR WHENEVER WE FEEL ANY TYPE OF PAIN COMING ON, BUT THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU BREAK THAT PATTERN. OUR CHIROPRACTORS TOP THE LIST NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE PAIN RELIEF THEY COMMAND, BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE EACH INFLUENTIAL LEADERS IN THEIR FIELD. WHAT'S STRIKING IN THEIR PRACTICES IS THE DEDICATION GIVEN TO EACH PATIENT ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS - PROVING THAT SMALL-STAFFED OPERATIONS CAN ALSO DELIVER THE UTMOST REGARD FOR YOUR WELL-BEING. THESE DOCS ARE BENEFITTING THE BODY AND MAKING AN IMPRESSION ON THE HANDS-ON APPROACH TO PAIN MANAGEMENT. IT'S QUITE FASCINATING, SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE SOUTH'S GREATEST CHIROPRACTORS.

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meet the

chiropractors

whelan chiropractic

chiropractic

BETTER HEALTH, STRENGTH, & VITALITY DR. CHRIS WHELAN, DC

Dr. Chris Whelan understands that no one likes pain or wants to be in it. That is why he chose to pursue a career that would be beneficial and helpful to those who experience pain. Whelan Chiropractic is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Savannah, where Whelan has treated thousands of diverse patients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone is different. Everyone has a story, but most of all, everyone is special. In the South, people work hard and play hard. That means there are always bad backs to work on.â&#x20AC;? That is why Dr. Whelan is a constant student who believes one should never stop learning. Learning from his patients being no exception. When treating his patients, he stresses how important conditioning your body is to living a better life. His medical philosophy is reflected in the services he offers. Dr. Whelan expects each patient to respond differently to treatment and understands that what works for one might not work for another. For that reason, Whelan Chiropractic offers a very broad range of therapies.

WHELAN CHIROPRACTIC

602 ABERCORN ST, SAVANNAH, GA 912.232.1900, WHELANCHIROPRACTIC.COM

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chiropractic

holistic health center of savannah

meet the

chiropractors

ENHANCING THE HEALING EXPERIENCE DR. JOHN HARGROVE

Holistic Health Center of Savannah prides itself on being the first community-based holistic practice in Savannah. For the past 17 years, Dr. John Hargrove has offered his patients a comprehensive approach to healthy living. He specializes in clinical nutrition and a unique approach to chiropractic care called applied kinesiology. “Getting results quickly and empowering the patient to help themselves is what we do best,” says Dr. Hargrove. Applied kinesiology looks to correct muscle imbalance and movement, not just treating joints. Helping you to determine the root of the pain is an essential component to making more permanent corrections. “I never want to see a patient have to go through unnecessary pain,” says Hargrove. Patients are evaluated based on their specific needs and abilities, with customized treatments and training as necessary. When diagnostic imaging is needed, Dr. Hargrove utilizes exceptional imaging centers such as Coastal Imaging and Memorial Hospital. This unique approach at the Holistic Health Center raises the bar and sets him apart from other chiropractors. Dr. Hargrove lives in Savannah with his wife, Lizzy, and their three beautiful children.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER

100 COMMERCIAL CT, SAVANNAH, GA 912.355.3185, HHCOFSAVANNAH.COM

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meet the

chiropractors

wetherington chiropractic

chiropractic

“We continue to stay in the forefront of medical technology with countless hours of continuing education every year learning new and advanced chiropractic innovations.” - BART WETHERINGTON, DC

PUTTING LIFE BACK IN LINE DR. BART WETHERINGTON

SPE C I AL ADV E RT OR I AL SE C T ION

Dr. Wetherington believes in getting you back to doing the things you once loved to do. His father, who suffered from migraine headaches most of his life, only felt relief after seeing a chiropractor. That is when Dr. Wetherington realized his potential to help others. At Wetherington Chiropractic, it is their goal to offer you dynamic care that begins and ends with your participation, a crucial element to success. Dr. Wetherington is the only chiropractor in Savannah to hold a board certification in the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a safe and painless spinal correction system designed to reactivate the body’s natural healing abilities. This gentle, effective method requires extensive training for correcting spinal misalignment. “I am the only doctor in my practice, so patients will always see me as their treating physician. We also specialize in sports-related injuries, as well as auto crash-related injuries. Lastly, we have great relationships with our city’s leading orthopedists

and neurologists, so when a referral is needed, my patients will only see the best in town,” Dr. Wetherington said. Rather than a quick fix to mask back or neck pain, Dr. Wetherington is interested in your long-term health and wellness. With two convenient locations, Wetherington Chiropractic serves the wellness care needs of patients throughout the Savannah and Pooler areas. On his days off, Dr. Wetherington enjoys spending time with his wife and watching his four kids play the sports they love. Dr. Wetherington says, “Family time is the bond that keeps us together.”

WETHERINGTON CHRIOPRACTIC

329 EISENHOWER DR., SUITE D 114 CANAL ST, UNIT 603 SAVANNAH, GA • 912.351.0005 POOLER, GA • 912.303.0005 WETHERINGTONCHIROPRACTIC.COM

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StyleSouth South

METAL PRESSIONS NEW YEAR'S PICKS GO SOUTH

A CUSTOM REVOLUTION

ANDREAS AND ELISHA ARGENTINIS ARE TRANSFORMING THE JEWELRY BUSINESS BY MERGING CRAFTSMANSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY. Back in 2004, Elisha Argentinis was pregnant with her first child and in serious need of a crafting outlet. She started holding scrapbooking classes in her home, and when a friend suggested metal stamping, she felt like she had finally found her “thing”. Her husband, Andreas, who previously worked for Priceline when they went public, caught the entrepreneurial bug and was looking for an outlet as well. After selling Elisha's stuff on Etsy for a while, Andreas started noticing a deficiency in the market: truly custom modified jewelry. The Argentinis’ realized that they could create incredible modified jewelry based on a true free-form design that would let the customers have most of the creative control. But how? What you need to know about the Argentinis’ is that they are complete self-starters. Neither of them had any formal training in jewelry design; they are completely self-taught. As orders came in, they got requests for things they never tried before and instead of saying no, they decided to learn on the fly. With that attitude, they added more and more to the quality and craftsmanship of their brand. Nowadays the Argentinis’ have graduated from the shed in their backyard to a full-fledged workshop. You can tell Andreas and Elisha don’t play by the rules of the traditional jeweler. For one, they spent months creating an interactive and user-friendly website that not only lets you have almost complete creative control over your piece of jewelry but also lets you follow the process step by step. “We wanted our customers to become collaborators in the experience of making their piece of jewelry. It inspires them and makes them feel even more connected to the piece,” Says Andreas. It’s what’s next for Metal Pressions though, that should be peaking the interest of residents here in town. Now that they have become one of Etsy’s top sellers and graduated to a much more efficient and streamlined process, the Argentinis are finally ready to market themselves as an entity beyond their online presence. They are brimming with excitement when talking about the possibility of a brick-and-mortar shop in the proposed Argentinis Building, at a prime location on Broughton Street. “We want to open a store that is unlike any jewelry store you’ve ever been to,” Says Andreas. The premise is this, walk into Metal Pressions and you are greeted by a friendly associate who will walk you through the process of making a piece with technology at your fingertips, all while highlighting the unique craftsmanship reminiscent of jewelers of days past. After leaving the Metal Pressions workshop, I am filled with an overwhelming desire to create something, so I tell you, dear readers of South, check out metalpressions.com and create something beautiful, but be warned - inspiration is addictive.

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Wr i t t e n b y E M M A

I O C OVO Z Z I P h o t o g r a p h y b y L I N S D E Y C L A R K

FASHION EDITOR'S

THIS TIME OF YEAR IS FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND WARMTH! HERE ARE A FEW LOCAL GIFTS AND TREASURES I FOUND FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR- SHARE, CHERISH AND ENJOY!

NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PICKS

ASHLEY BORDERS

"Men need items to spruce up their holiday attire as well. These handmade pheasant bow ties are elegant and chic without being over the top - a great addition to any evening suit or tux." Brackish, handmade in Charleston. J.Parker, $195 "Unique holiday ornaments are always stylish and thoughtful gift, and will make you a part of someone's holiday celebration every year." Bottega Bellini

I'm often running late - in fact, my New Year's resolution is to be more punctual! This timeless beauty, with a simple, masculine style and large face, would definitely keep me on track. Watches like this are gender-neutral and add major classic style." Oyster Perpetual DateJust Rolex, Levy Jewelers "I love writing things down - lists, ideas, pertinent quotes ... to me, a beautiful notebook and pen are always a must have." Designed and made in Italy. Bottega Bellini

"I'm always looking for unique holiday gifts, and these are perfect for any hostess or friend. Sourced and handmade by the same family in Italy for over a century."Handmade Italian ceramics, Bottega Bellini

"Channel your inner Grace Kelly with this timeless and elegant piece. James is incredibly talented and shows his impeccable eye again with this holiday must have for any age." James Hogan Couture (dress), price on request / necklace, James Hogan- $465

"This simple clutch is the perfect addition to any holiday outfit - the glossy python print adds chic pizzazz without breaking the bank." Fabr'ik, $66

"Every girl has a wish list - if I'm good (less likely than a meteor hitting me in the head), I want Santa to bring me this vintage platinum, diamond and enamel necklace. Vintage jewelry is special because it's had a past life - I appreciate that and I like to think I can add to its history." Levy Jewelers, Estate Collection, Broughton St.

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"This time of year means lots of parties. I don't need an excuse to glam it up, but when I want an extra sparkle, I go to Globe. These can last throughout the year and most importantly, are easy to dance in!" Jeffrey Campbell, $180 - Globe Shoe Co.

GoSouth

GO SOUTH CHARLESTON JACKSONVILLE AMELIA ISLAND ATLANTA HILTON HEAD

Cabin room at Dahlongea Spa Resort

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The Spectator

HEALTHY

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Indigo Spa at Hilton Head Health

THESE FIVE SOUTHERN SPAS ARE PERFECT FOR RESETTING AND RELAXING

The holidays are notorious for bad decisions — whether it’s overeating, copious couch time, or stressed out relative encounters — and remembering to be healthy is definitely not at the top of everyone’s list. These low country retreats are dedicated to breaking those bad habits and helping you heal, even if it’s just for a weekend. Your body is a temple and should be treated as such. With world-class accommodations, truly delicious nutritional programs, fitness gurus and, wellness spas, these retreats are dedicated to improving your mind, body and spirit, and what’s more, they’re all a hop, skip, and a jump away! Lisa Simons

H I LT O N H E A D SHOP A convenient shopping experience is just minutes away at The Fresh Market Shops, where guests staying in a condo can purchase healthy food options for cooking. There is a Player's World of Sports which, offers sporting apparel for golf, tennis, yoga and workouts. Since most clients see significant weight loss there is an upscale consignment shop, Encore Consignments, located here as well. Locals also enjoy consignment shopping in this affluent area, where you can get designer labels at a fraction of a cost than you would find at a standard retailer.

HILTON HEAD HEALTH

HILTON HEAD, SC

Tucked away in a tropical oasis, Hilton Head Health, or H3 as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called by devotees, boasts stunning marsh views and is located in a private 800-acre gated coastal community on Hilton Head Island, steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. This health and wellness sanctuary is the first weight loss retreat on Hilton Head. There are two types

of accommodations: The Sonesta hotel which is a 4 diamond luxury beachfront resort or for a more intimate feel, a private 2 bedroom condo. This resort offers weight loss programs and wellness packages that focus on stress management for the mind, body and soul. 14 VALENCIA RD. 866-880-7218, HHHEALTH.COM

EAT The more structured program at the resort includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks. All meals are prepared by a Morrocan chef who has been trained in Paris and offers healthier varations of Southern-style cooking. Calorie counts are provided for all meals on the dining menu. If the guests are not on a Wellness program, they have less discipline and can dine off property. One healthy option is Delisheee Yo and offers vegetarian dishes, organic meals, snacks, smoothies and yogurt and is located at 32 Palmetto Bay Road.

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PLAY H3 features nationally ranked tennis, a private beach club, 27 holes of golf, and has one of the top 75 U.S. golf resorts and tranquil walking trails. Hands-on cooking classes are available to teach you how to prepare healthier meals. There is a top of the line workout room, as well as yoga and Pilates. A unique fitness feature at H3 is the health assessment - a fitness expert will suggest a cardio workout and calorie plan, customized exclusively for you.Unwind at the end of the day in the newly designed award-winning state of the art spa.

P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f H I LT O N H E A D H E A LT H

H O M E G U ID E

DAHLONGEA SPA RESORT

DAHLONGEA, GA

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain region, Dahlongea Spa Resort is a breathtaking property that sits on 72 glorious acres in a historic gold rush town. Only an hour and a half from Atlanta, this bed and breakfast’s main focus is for each guest to enjoy the serenity of the open mountain air and remember the days of good old-fashioned conversation. There are no phones or televisions in any of the accommodations. This cozy retreat offers 13 rooms in the Main House and Cottage and for those who want more of a nature retreat there are eight cabins nestled in the woods. 400 BLUEBERRY HILL. 706-865-7678, RRRESORTS.COM/ DAHLONEGA

EAT The Wellness package includes all meals, starting with dinner the night of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure. The resort specializes in healthy handcrafted meals wine lovers can enjoy the award winning wine trail that is within an eight mile radius of the resort. Foodies will love the diverse culinary experiences throughout the Dahlonega area. Guests who are interested in exploring the historic downtown area can purchase a “Wine Walk” pass for $25 at the Dahlonega Visitor Center at 135 S. Park St which is good for the downtown wineries in the historic district.

SHOP Explore little whimsical shops in the historic district. Go antiquing or purchase your favorite wine straight from the vineyard. Other shopping options in this quaint mountainous region include fine art galleries, pottery studios, and vintage shops. Country music lovers will enjoy the latest in Western wear, riding boots and crafted leather at the Branding Iron, which also has a great variety of leather bags and is known as the “coolest store on the square”.

PLAY Start your day on a rocker relaxing with a robust cup of coffee. Close your eyes and listen to the wind chimes and breathe fresh mountain air. Wander the property; hike the mountain trails, marvel at the waterfalls or whitewater raft for an invigorating adventure. Unwind your stress in the outdoor Jacuzzi, awaken your soul with yoga and drift away for a therapeutic massage. There is a nearby vineyard for a robust glass of wine. Gather a loved one or a group for a 2 Night Wellness Getaway, which includes one 60-minute treatment per person and two Yoga classes.

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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 DA H L O N E G A S PA R E S O RT

CHARLESTON

THE SPA AT BELMOND CHARLESTON PLACE CHARLESTON, SC

BELMOND CHARLESTON PLACE is in the heart of the historic district in downtown Charleston. Oldworld charm is combined with luxury and alludes to first-class accommodations. This exclusive hotel offers deluxe, premier and club rooms, as well as signature suites. On site amenities include a rooftop saltwater pool featuring a spectacular retractable glass roof. This lush tropical sanctuary includes a Jacuzzi, and there is also a state of the art gym. The hotel spa offers a secret sanctuary to relax and unwind after a day of siteseeing, a long tiresome flight, business meeting or shopping. 205 MEETING ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29401 843-937-8522

EAT Foodies are in heaven in this awardwinning city voted #1 City in the U.S. four years in a row by Conde Nast. On site there is high tea for parties of 10 or more offering an array of scones, open faced-tea sandwiches, crumpets and homemade desserts. The Thoroughbred Club offers libations, tapas, appetizers and live music and The Palmetto Café offers unique ambience in a dramatic garden-style setting. They serve fresh low country cuisine for breakfast, lunch or brunch.

PLAY There is something for everyone in historic Charleston, a melting pot for art, culture, history and festivals. Tour historic estates and plantations, forts, art and naval museums enjoy a carriage ride, boating, golf, or tennis; or unwind at the Spa at Belmond Place. A unique feature of the spa menu is “Total Well Being," a personal plan for age preservation. Options includes a fitness evaluation to meet your needs and create a plan that you can use at home or on the road. Body firm with a Seaweed detox, Yoga and Pilates or Boot Camp are also offered.

KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

KIAWAH ISLAND, SC

SHOP Sophisticated stores are located on the ground floor of the hotel. Skincare specialty shops include L’Occitane for women and The Art of Shaving for men. There are alluring boutiques for fashion and accessories on site as well. Find upscale designer shops on King Street, and highend consignment shops and art galleries are located throughout the city. Music, history and culture can all be found here.

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KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT is a hidden jewel located 21 miles southwest of historic Charleston. This pristine property was voted one of the Best Beach Resorts in the World by Travel & Leisure magazine. Situated on the coast, this Southern mansion features 255 spacious rooms and suites. This exclusive resort also offers oceanfront homes and villas that fit an array of budgets. The resort’s award-winning spa offers a variety of packages that offer the ultimate compliment to nurturing well-being. Experience luxury and expect Southern hospitality. 1 SANCTUARY BEACH DR. 843-768-2121, KIAWAHRESORT.COM

P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f S PA AT B E L M O N D, K I AWA H I S L A N D G O L F R E S O RT

K I AWA H I S L A N D PLAY Voted “#2 Tennis Resort in the World" by Tennisresortsonline.com, the Ocean Golf Course was host to the Ryder Cup. The Sanctuary Spa is one of the “Top Spas in the U.S.” according to Conde Nast Traveler. You can enjoy a day of pampering or a single spa service. Try a “Sanctuary Journey” to melt the stress away, or a “Sodashi Luxury Facial." There is a fitness facility that offers personalized training sessions and a unique feature for couples is the Suite Seclusion, which offers you relaxation in a River bath whirlpool scattered with rose petals with a candlelit massage orchestrated to soft music.

EAT There are 11 choices of restaurants and one market, all within the resort. Dine on creative menus and a variety of fare that features locally-driven ingredients from fisherman and farm to table. Enjoy fine Southern cooking from a local inspired chef. 24-hour room service is also available for guests. Indulge your palate at a tropical oceanfront café, dine on signature steak or seafood, Low country inspired creations, Italian cuisine or a leisurely poolside treat.

SHOP There is a variety of shopping available on and off the premises. “The Shops at the Sanctuary include fine clothing boutiques, a pro shop, a gourmet shop for hungry guests, a logo shop, and even an art gallery that features fine art prints of the beautiful low country landscapes. There is an upscale grocery store with a wine shop and a Starbucks. There are also antiques shops, specialty stores and a seasonal Farmer’s market held every Tuesday during the summer.

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AMELIA ISLAND

SHOP Signature apparel stores and a spa boutique are located at The Shops of Amelia Island Plantation. Explore the charm of the historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Centre Street. Most of the downtown structures were built in the late 1880s and 90s. There are a variety of art galleries, antiques stores and even an artifact gallery, which carries fossils and other cool artifacts.

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THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT ISLE OF PALMS, FL

The Biggest Loser Resort overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on a barrier island 29 miles northeast of Jacksonville. The resort is tucked away on the tip of the island on a whopping 1,350 acres, with a coastal view of the Atlantic, marshland, and the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. The

accommodations offer a choice of a standard room or villa. The staff integrates a balance of nutrition, education, fitness, and group camaraderie. As your wellness transformation focuses on the mind, body and soul, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt you will leave transformed. 877-825-8878

EAT The Biggest Loser Resort diet is restricted to 1,500 calories, and the meal plan includes a.m. and p.m. snacks, in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner. All villa and resort guests have full access to the restaurants at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, which include innovative, Southern-style cooking and a choice between ocean- and marsh-side views. If you want to explore outside of the plantation and want a healthy option, Nassau Health Food offers an In-StoreCafĂŠ that features healthy wraps, salads, sandwiches, stir-fry and vegan options.

PLAY A typical day combines hiking, fitness classes, healthy prepared meals, educational workshops, interactive cooking classes and water-based classes. Capture the sunrise or sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and reflect upon the tranquility that surrounds you at this coastal oasis. The resort has a tranquil beach, a multi-tiered pool, a 54-hole championship golf course and a nature-inspired spa. Relaxation and rejuvenation are important principles of the program. Massages and facials are available, and guests are encouraged to partake in a spa treatment to unwind at the end of a structured day.

P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f T H E B I G G E S T L O S E R R E S O RT

S H O P P IN G G U ID E

DineSouth

SMITH BROS SOUTHERN SIPPIN’ BOBBY DEEN VEG OUT

MEAT. WINE. CHEESE.

SMITH BROTHERS BUTCHER SHOP OFFERS FRESH INGREDIENTS IN DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH.

Owners Robert and Brenda Anderson

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Robert and Brenda Anderson have successfully translated their passion for meat, wine and cheese into the Smith Brothers Butcher Shop. The shop is a neighborhood grocery, aiming to provide customers with fresh, wholesome and affordable ingredients that are also local. The butcher shop is a 6,000-square-foot space, with adjoining parking and a meeting room in the back. Innumerable cuts for every taste are laid out in glass cases, all prepared in-house. Gary Griffin, the head sommelier, can personally recommend and speak at length about any of the wines sold in the shop. The cheese and charcuterie selection is hand-picked by the shop’s up-and-coming cheesemonger. Fresh, seasonal produce is always for sale. “We only care about the food. If it’s not a product that Robert and I have tried and loved, a product that we believe in, then it’s not going for sale,” Brenda says. The Andersons are devoted to the shop’s philosophy of making people comfortable in the kitchen, a concept they have been playing around with since 2013. Robert has been in the grocery business for 35 years, and Brenda has cooked professionally for almost as long. Smith Brothers Butcher Shop just seemed like a natural progression, a way to remain on the side of the grocery business they both enjoyed. Robert is the man behind the scenes, cutting meat since age 13, and Brenda is the recipe savant. “People fear messing up,” says Brenda. “But we’re about satisfaction and not being afraid of enjoying the grocery store. We’re here to help make that transition easier.” To do so, the Andersons have set up a cookbook library and a gourmet to-go section in the shop, which has become so popular that people don’t even ask what it is, they just take it and go. Brenda hopes to begin a line of daily “take and bake” prepped meals, which will include a protein with seasonings on the side, a starch, a side dish, and a set of instructions. “They’re steps toward being comfortable,” Brenda says. “You can serve your family the food you cooked – we just prepped it!” Visit smithbrothersbutchershop.com 912-239-4512, 535 E Liberty Lane

Wr i t t e n b y S O F I A F E R NA N D E Z P h o t o g r a p h y b y C E D R I C S M I T H

Bobby Deen pictured here with wife and fitness personality, Claudia.

FLIPPIN' JUNK FOOD LIKE MANY SOUTHERN BOYS, BOBBY DEEN GREW UP ON A DECADENT DIET OF HIS MOTHER’S BEST SOUTHERN RECIPES. AFTER YEARS OF BEING OVERWEIGHT, HE DECIDED TO TAKE CONTROL OF HIS DIET. THE RESULT HAS CHANGED THE NOTION THAT SOUTHERN FOOD CAN BE HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS. BY CLAUDIA DEEN 158

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ike anyone who was born and raised in the Deep South, Bobby Deen grew up in a home surrounded by fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, peach cobbler and tons of love. Originally from Albany, Georgia, fate brought Deen to Savannah more than 25 years ago. Back in 1989, the Deen family started a home-operated business, The Bag Lady, out of necessity. It consisted of his mom, Paula Deen, making sandwiches out of their kitchen while Bobby and his brother Jamie served as delivery boys, selling the meals to people in banks, offices and stores around the city. After a few years of hard work, joyful moments and many tears, they opened what eventually became one of the most successful restaurants in town, The Lady and Sons. Every year, thousands of tourists are drawn to Savannah with the sole purpose of trying the decadent Southern recipes Bobby's mom, the Queen of Southern Cuisine, created. If you are a man who grew up in a southern family, you most likely are a true gentleman with a charming accent and perhaps some extra pounds, accumulated over the years as a result of so much love in the kitchen. Yes, love. A lot of people in the South show their love to the people around them through their delicious homemade comfort foods. This is one of the best parts of living in this region of the country, but it can take a toll on your waistline. That’s what happened to Bobby. At age 30, he realized that the long hours working at the restaurant, combined with an overdose of hoecakes and biscuits, had him feeling uncomfortable in his own skin and not as energized as he’d like to be. Then one day he met Sam Carter through a mutual friend at the restaurant; what he didn't know was that on that day, his life would change forever. For the past 15 years, Bobby and Sam have been working out together almost every day. Bobby lost the extra weight that was bothering him and in 2006, People magazine named him one of the "50 Most Eligible Bachelors" in the country. The endless training sessions at the gym not only made him feel and look better, he also grew a solid friendship with his trainer and through him met me, his wife. It was a cool fall day in Savannah in 2010 when we first laid eyes on each other; we fell in love and the rest is history. We’ve been married for almost three years, we are raising our puppy, Coco Deen, together, and we can both agree that our love for healthy living was what brought a young woman from South America and a Southern gentleman together. Bobby and I enjoy sweating in different ways. He’s more of a weight lifter while I enjoy outdoor endurance sports. We spend most of our time together in the kitchen, where we combine our different traditions and cultures and end up with some delicious meals. We both eat healthy and fuel our bodies to feel good, and perform our daily activities the best we can.

The Deen's with South Magazine's own Michael Brooks.

Since Bobby started working out, his relationship with food changed completely, its and no wonder why. It’s been proven that the more active you are, the more conscious you become of what you put into your body. Realizing the impact that exercise and diet had on his overall health, he started focusing on creating lighter versions of Southern recipes, cutting out the calories without compromising the flavor. Think mac ‘n’ cheese made with whole wheat pasta, fried chicken covered with a light cereal batter and, oven-baked potato fries. In the past few years, Bobby has released a few books with his brother Jamie and two solo books. One of them, From "Mama’s Table to Mine", rose to the number one spot on the New York Times Bestseller list, one of the most prestigious achievements any author can have. He has also hosted several television shows on the Food Network and Cooking Channel, including "Road Tasted", "Not My Mama’s Meals", "Southern fried Road Trip" and "Spring Baking Championship". He has also participated in several special celebrity editions of "Iron Chef", "Food Network Star" and "Cutthroat Kitchen". Bobby is currently working on the second season of "Junk Food Flip", a show in which he and his co-host Nikki Dinki, travel around the U.S. looking for decadent but not-so-healthy dishes and then try to recreate them in a lighter

BOBBY'S WORLD

way. He first competes against Dinki, each with their own version of the dish, and whichever version the crowd likes better competes against the original dish. In the end, the customers have the last word. If the restaurant wins, they get $5,000, but if Bobby and Nikki do, the restaurant has to include their new healthy dish on the menu. The show will air on the Cooking

Channel in 2016. Bobby is also hosting the second season of "Holiday Baking Championship". This show will air every Sunday throughout the holidays on the Food Network starting November 1st at 9 p.m. EST. Even though there’s nothing healthy about this show (other than the great friendships that have come out of it) it's a very entertaining program that he shot every summer in Los Angeles where Bobby enjoys working with some of the most talented bakers in the country. Contestants compete for a cash prize of $50,000 and, of course, the title of the Holiday Baking Champion. Life is busy for the youngest member of the Deen family these days. It’s amazing to think how, with determination and hard work a small family business that was born out of necessity has turned into an iconic restaurant, a No. 1 best-selling book and several successful television shows.

FOOD & TELEVISION Holiday Baking Championship will air every Sunday during the holidays on Food Network at 9:00 p.m. EST starting November 1st. Junk Food Flip comes back to the Cooking Chanel in 2016. Follow Bobby and Nikki as they turn some decadent dishes into healthier options. During Season 2 of JFF Bobby will be visiting mouth watering restaurants on the west coast.

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT OUR SOUTHERN COOKING CELEB. 1. HE'S A HUGE FAN OF JERRY GARCIA. 2. HE LOVES GRILLING AND ANY ACTIVITY THAT INVOLVES BEING OUTDOORS. 3. HE COLLECTS ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRIC GUITARS. 4. HE'S A BIG GREEN JUICE AND SMOOTHIE FAN. 5. HE LOVES FISHING WITH HIS FRIENDS. 6. HIS FAVORITE FOOD IS HIS MOM'S GOULASH.

Jerry Garcia played lead guitar for The Grateful Dead, in case you didn't know.

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SOUTHERN SIPPIN' THE LADY & SONS' FAMOUS RECIPE FOR TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SWEET TEA: INGREDIENTS:

3 quarts cold water 4 pitcher-sized cold brew tea bags (we recommend Luzianne) Sliced lemons for garnish Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

SUGAR MIXTURE:

1 cup water 3/4 cup sugar

Bring three quarts of water to a boil. Remove from heat, pour into a pitcher, and steep the tea bags for about five minutes. Bring one cup of water to a boil and add the sugar, stirring to dissolve, then add the sugar mixture into the tea. Mix well. Pour over ice cubes and garnish with two slices of lemon and a sprig of mint.

HAVE YOUR SWEET TEA AND DRINK IT TOO For years we’ve been coming up with alternatives to sugar, and today there are more choices than ever. Here’s a history of sugar substitutes and tips on how you can make guiltless sweet tea without sacrificing flavor.

Jamie Deen (our other favorite Deen) sippin' on his mom's famous sweet tea

SWEET AS TEA

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO MOST SOUTHERN THING EVER, WE CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING MORE UBIQUITOUS THAN SWEET TEA. OUR FAVORITE RECIPE COMES FROM THE PATRON SAINT OF SOUTHERN SIPPERS, PAULA DEEN The first known recipe for sweet tea was published in 1879 and used green tea. During World War II, America’s green tea source was cut off, leaving us with tea that came almost exclusively from British-controlled India, which produced black tea. In the early 20th century, sweet tea was considered the ultimate luxury item and was used as an exhibition of wealth, as it contained tea, sugar and ice. The most valued ingredient at the time, ice, had to be shipped from a cooler climate.

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Saccharin, aka Sweet’N Low: Studies in the 1970s showed bladder cancer in rats, prompting Congress to mandate a warning label for this sugar substitute. Aspartame, aka Equal: Introduced in 1981 and accused of causing everything from weight gain to cancer. Sucralose, aka Spenda: Approved by the FDA in 1998 even though studies showed it negatively impacted the immune system. Sucrose, aka Table Sugar: no more than 6 teaspoons a day Stevia Leaf extract, akaTruvia: Considered the natural alternative to artificial sweeteners, introduced in 2008 Coconut Palm Sugar: a relatively new alternative that is touted as being the most natural and approved by even the pickiest vegans. Sugar in the Raw: a less processed and refined product of sugarcane.

Wr i t t e n b y E M M A I O C OVO Z Z I P h o t o g r a p h y b y B L A K E C R O S BY

HEAVY EATING GOT YOU IN A FOOD COMA? LET THESE VIBRANT VEGGIE DISHES FROM OUR FAVORITE RESTARUANTS WAKE UP THOSE TASTEBUDS!

DISHES: Bruschetta -roma tomatoes, basil, feta cheese, and onions served on warm baguettes, drizzled with garlic olive oil and a Balsamic reduction. Baked Cheese Terra Cotta Plate - chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection of cheeses baked to melting in earthenware terra cotta, with roasted garlic, fresh fruit and toasted baguettes.

Chef Brian Obemeyer

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DISH: Roasted Fall Vegetables & Roots with Epazote and Garlic, Purslane, Toasted Almond Salsa Verde Cruda.

Chef Brandon Whitestone

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DISH: Roasted squash stuffed with lentils, toasted oats, brown sugar, and sumac, with haricots verts and pear mustard. Garnished with fried mozzarella cheese curd.

Chef Brandy Williamson

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D IN IN G G U ID E

DISH: Autumn vegetable spaghetti, with squash noodles, shiitake mushrooms, white beans, mustard greens, and cherry heirloom tomatoes, tossed in an ancho creamed corn.

Chef Will Oglesby

DISH: Roasted radish salad with sorrel, pickled carrots in an orange vinaigretteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; including locally sourced watermelon radish, daikon radish, French breakfast carrots, yellow beets, sorrel and basil.

Chef Lauren Teague

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D IN IN G G U ID E

DISH: Roasted squash filled with Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice risotto; wilted radish greens with smoked onion; butternut squash puree with pickled mustard seed; and a squash, radish and beet green salad with apple cider vinaigrette.

Chef Greg Silver

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D IN IN G G U ID E

PlaySouth

BEST FESTS GOSPEL CRUISE MURDER MYSTERY EVENTS CALENDAR SCENES OF THE SOUTH NEW YEAR’S EVE SECRET SOUTHERNER

THE RUN OF CHAMPIONS

END THE YEAR LIKE A CHAMP YA’LL

Dan Pavlin

Speaking with Dan Pavlin, you get a sense that he looks for opportunities to make a difference in every situation he’s in. As race director and CFO of Endurance Race Services, he and CEO Steve White serve about 20 charities with the races ERS manages. They are constantly creating ways for runners to connect with each other. Such is the case with the Every Savannah Race 2015 Championship. For the past year, runners have been logging into Savannahraces.com and submitting the results for all the runs they complete. There is a point system that not only includes participation and speed but also spirit points, which account for things like costumes and Facebook photo shares. If you rack up 100 points or more you’re automatically entered into the championship event. “The whole point was to shrink the racing world,” says Pavlin. “We wanted to start connecting runners to each other.” Palvin reiterates that for them, racing isn’t just about running fast - it’s about a community that comes together to do great things. That’s why the motto of ERS is “Run a Race, Make an Impact.” “We want to make an impact by raising money for local charities, but it’s also about a lifestyle, healthy living, and getting support from other runners,” says Pavin. The ESR Championship on December 27 will be the last race of the year, culminating in a competition between the top runners for cash prizes and metals. Those that don’t compete are, however, just as excited to cheer on their fellow runners and to raise money for the Savannah Harbor Foundation. Pavlin says, “A lot people are not runners but I want everyone to come out and see what a wonderful community we have going on and what a difference it makes.” To find out more about the Championship Race and other races visit savannahraces.com

P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f DA N PAV L I N

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The Savannah Harbor Holiday Series Savannah, December 1 - 25

Best Fests! It’s time to party in the sultry South

The Savannah Harbor Holiday Series (Savannah, December 1 - 25) Experience the 15th year of this annual holiday tradition at The Westin Savannah Harbor, featuring the South’s Best Santa Claus, world famous Gingerbread Village and Competition, Festival of Trees, daily events from local organizations, and holiday treats at the Winter Escape Ice Bar and North “Pool.” For more information, visit savannahharborfoundation.com. Holiday Festival of Lights (Charleston, December 1 - January 3) Recognized as “One of the Top 10 Holiday Celebrations,” by Coastal Living magazine, the Charleston Holiday Festival of Lights features over 700 magical light displays across morethan three miles. Park your

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car and enjoy family activities, shopping, food, entertainment, and much more. For more information, visit ccprc.com/1546/ Holiday-Festival-of-Lights. Christmas on the River (Savannah, December 4 - 6) Join the holiday celebration on Historic River Street, featuring regional arts and crafts exhibitors, live music and local entertainment. The event kicks off with first Friday fireworks and continues through the weekend with a lighted Christmas parade on Saturday. For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com/ event/christmas-river2/?instance_id=1284. SkateFest (Savannah, December 12 - January 2 ) SkateFest returns to the Savannah Civic Center, inviting local residents and visitors to come and show off their best ice

skating moves. Skate rental is included in the cost and sessions last 1.5 hours. Alcohol-free event, concessions available. For more information, visit savannahcivic.com/ events/2015-skatefest. Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival (Savannah, January 16 & 17) The 12th Annual Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival returns to Savannah’s Lucas Theatre for a weekend of ocean-themed film screenings that are suitable for the entire family. Proceeds from this event benefit the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest near-shore, “live-bottom” reefs in the southeastern U.S., located off the coast of Georgia. For more information, visit graysreef.noaa.gov/ news/features/2015/film_ festival_2015/welcome.html. MountainFilm Festival (Savannah, January 22 & 23) Started in 1979, MountainFilm in Telluride, Colorado is one of America’s longest-running film

festivals, and has always been best described by one unchanging word: inspiring. The Mountainfilm Tour comes to Savannah to with a weekend celebration full of screenings, presentations and panels in addition to a wide array of special guests, from artists to adventurers and academics to activists. For more information, visit mountainfilmsav.org. Atlanta Winter Beer Festival (Atlanta, January 30) This winter Brew Festival offers samples of over one hundred fifty beers and ciders in addition to wines.

For more information, visit atlantawinterbeerfest.com. Lowcountry Oyster Festival (Charleston, January 31) The world’s largest oyster festival returns to Boone Hall Plantation to celebrate its 33rd year in the Lowcountry, featuring the legendary oyster shucking and eating contests, live music, wine and beer, children’s area and food court. For more information, visit charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/ lowcountry-oyster-festival. To Submit Your Event Visit SouthMag.com

SkateFest Savannah, December 12 - January 2

Photos courtesy of V I RGI NI A E NGL IS H

P L AY S O U T H / G O S P E L C R U I S E Passing through the shipping lanes of this bustling port city, the River Queen drifts by massive ships that are in from Hong Kong and Bangkok, but inside the brightly lit dining room, it is a distinctly Southern spirit that abounds. The riverboat cuts through the waters as the sun sets. Outside, you can watch the waves roll off the sides of the vessel, while inside, harmonies and timeless songs roll on the voices of the choir, washing over the audience and leaving them swimming in joy. It is a pretty authentic experience for a Monday. After dinner, when the choir takes a break, step outside and wander up to the observation deck on the third level for a beautiful view of the river. One of the best parts of the trip is viewing the city of Savannah from the vantage point of the water. The sounds of song lap against the shores in the wake of the riverboat as she returns home. ¡ Savannah Riverboat Cruises: 9 E River Street, Savannah, GA 912-232-6404 savannahriverboat.com

ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER SAVANNAH RIVERBOAT CRUISES, A GOSPEL DINNER CRUISE A MONDAY NIGHT ABOARD THE SAVANNAH RIVER QUEEN IS an intimate exposure to one

of the many threads weaving the tapestry of Southern culture: gospel music. Whether you have called this city home for generations or are visiting for the first time, the rich cultural experience is worth the trip. Savannah Riverboat Cruises has held the Monday Night Gospel Dinner Cruise since 1993. The cruises run seasonally from April through October, with a few additional dates scheduled during the holidays. The ship begins boarding at 6 p.m. and departs from the docks on River Street at 7 p.m. for a two-hour cruise down the Savannah River. The Gospel Choir performs throughout dinner, which is offered buffet style and features an array of traditional Southern dishes. A full cash bar is available on board. While the nature of Southern gospel music is deeply rooted in religious tradition, there is no religious affiliation necessary aboard the River Queen, and a wide range of guests come to enjoy this cruise. Whether you attend religious services weekly or have missed church for the last few decades, your cup will runneth over with the spirit of song. Gospel is infused with energy and has a way of lifting up its audience, which makes for a fun evening out.

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Gospel music reaches back in time and pulls forth something soulful through its sound. It reaches within you to touch a chord with voices that tremble from powerful harmonies. The esteemed entertainment is a group called Mass Production, lead by J. Vernard Flowers. Flowers and his wife own and operate the Sylvania Funeral Home, and he is also the Minister of Music at First Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Mass Production has been performing on Savannah River Boat cruises since 2000, yet some of the members have been singing together for as long as 35 years. After an introduction and an opening blessing, Flowers turns to his 14-person choir and murmurs, “Let’s go to church.” And with a few chords from a keyboard in the background, the choir members begin to clap out a beat and hum along until the room swells with music and their voices break into a deep, joyous song. The spirited music is a bit contagious and soon the crowd joins along in the clapping and then feet tap in rhythm and suddenly the whole room is swaying softly along with the choir. There are group numbers interspersed with solos, as the microphone is passed through the rows. If you do not know the lyrics at the beginning of a song, you pretty much have them down by the chorus.

MORE CRUISES FROM SAVANNAH RIVERBOAT Sailing with Santa Charity Cruise (Savannah, December 6 & 13) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-sailing-with-santa-cruise Holiday Gospel Dinner Entertainment Cruise (Savannah, December 7 & 14) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-holiday-gospel-dinner-cruise Holiday Lunch Cruise (Savannah, December 10) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/cruises/ holiday-lunch-cruise-0 Southern Holiday Tea Party Cruise (Savannah, December 12) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-christmas-eve-dinner-cruise New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise (Savannah, December 31) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-new-years-eve-cruises New Year’s Eve Gala Cruise (Savannah, December 31) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-new-years-eve-cruises New Year’s Eve Party Cruise (Savannah, December 31) savannahriverboat.com/riverboat/ cruises/2014-new-years-eve-cruises

Wr i t t e n b y A N N E R OYA N, P h o t o g r a p h y c o u r t e s y o f R I V E R S T R E E T R I V E R B OAT C O M PA N Y

P L AY S O U T H / M U R D E R M Y S T E R Y D I N N E R

FOOD, FUN & MURDER ON FRIDAY NIGHTS AT SAVANNAH COFFEE ROASTERS YOU CAN TAKE IN DINNER AND A SHOW ... AND MURDER!

emember that one episode of “The Office”, when Scranton’s most offensive boss makes everyone play a murder mystery game hypothetically based in Savannah? This is what I imagine an evening with the Odd Lot Comedy Troupe at Savannah Coffee Roasters will be like, without any of the awkward accents. Every Friday night, $40 will get you a threecourse gourmet meal and a ticket to a fully improvised murder mystery by Savannah’s premier improv team. Two years ago when Savannah Coffee Roasters opened their location on Liberty Street. in downtown Savannah, one of their first customers was Chris Soucy, head of the Odd Lot Comedy Troupe. He mentioned to owner Lori Collins what a great space it was for preforming, and next thing they knew, they were collaborating on a murder mystery improv show. Back then it was just the show with dinner offered afterwards but Lori found that a lot of her customers were clamoring to get to a ghost tour after the show and had no time to stay for dinner. Her idea of combining dinner and the show was ingenious, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy all the fruits Savannah Coffee Roasters had to offer, while also getting them out in time to pursue other activities. Though Savannah Coffee Roasters boasts a wonderful lunch menu (and rather amazing coffee), it is the dinner menu that strikes a chord with us. For a mere $40, you will not only get a salad and dessert but a main course that consists of fare like wild-caught Atlantic salmon, short ribs, or vegetarian risotto. Be warned though, as eating might not be the only thing you end up doing at this dinner theater. Odd Lot Comedy Troupe, who have been preforming together for more than five years, make it a point to include the audience in every show. The audience gets to choose the characters in the beginning—each member of the improve group has three separate characters ready to go—and are incorporated throughout the performance. Visitors of Savannah will find this dinner theater a refreshing change of pace from the normal tourist activites and since no show is ever the same locals can come out to see it week after week. Visit savannahcoffee.com/events/ to purchase tickets, Every Friday night at 6:30pm

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Wr i t t e n b y E M M A I O C OVO Z Z I , P h o t o g r a p h y b y C E D R I C S M I T H

EN T ER TA INMEN T G U ID E

Events Calendar Check out the latest happenings in the Lowcountry.

Savannah Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert, Savannah, December 11

SAVANNAH

trolleytours.com/savannah/ holiday-tour.asp.

Monet and American Impressionism Exhibit (Savannah, December 1 - January 24) This special exhibition presents four paintings by Claude Monet alongside roughly 50 paintings and 20 prints by many of the leading figures of American Impressionism. For more information, visit telfair.org/monet.

December Nights and Holiday Lights (Savannah, December 2 - 24) Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through a 10-acre Lighted Christmas Garden at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, filled with more than 250,000 sparkling lights. This tour is stroller and wheelchair friendly, but please do not bring your pets. For more information visit coastalgeorgiabg.org/holidaylights.

The Old Town Holly Jolly Trolley Tour (Savannah, December 1 - 24) “Oh What Fun it is to Ride” through the historic district and learn about Savannah’s Holiday traditions while caroling along the way. Following the trolley, guests will visit the Isaiah Davenport House for a glimpse at a typical 19th Century Holiday. For more information visit

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Rooms with a View: Holiday Impressions (Savannah, December 3 - 18) The Telfair Academy Guild presents the second annual “Rooms with a View: Holiday Impressions” exhibit featuring eight local interior designers along with internationally acclaimed designer, Mary McDonald, who will

transform the Jepson Center for the Arts into a dazzling showhouse of constructed “rooms.” For details, telfair.org/museum-events/rooms. Downtown Design District Holiday Walk (Savannah, December 3) Guests may visit more than 20 local shops and boutiques located in the Savannah Downtown Design District to enjoy refreshments, entertainment and early shopping discounts. For more information, visit facebook.com/ DowntownDesignDistrict. Wright Square Holiday Open House (Savannah, December 4) Join the Merchants of Wright Square in the Historic District for a holiday open house featuring live strolling musicians, an appearance by Father Christmas in a horse drawn carriage in addition to vendors in the square offering

more shopping opportunities than ever before! For more information, visit facebook.com/ Wright-Square-Merchants-HolidayOpen-House-310027942345598. Savannah Technical College Opportunity Gala (Savannah, December 4) This signature event honors deserving civic leaders for a lifetime of service in creating and enhancing opportunities for others to succeed and demonstrating a commitment to creating opportunities for Georgians, both locally and at the state level. For more information, visit savannahtech. edu/about-stc/foundation/events. First Friday Art March (Savannah, December 4 & January 1) Experience local art, music, food and culture in the Savannah Starland District and enjoy a family-friendly evening filled

P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f S AVA N NA H P H I L H A R M O N I C

with activities, live performances, food, vendors and more. Walk or ride on the free Old Savannah Tours Trolley and the visit each of the participating galleries, restaurants and shops on the downloadable Map. For more information, visit artmarchsavannah.com. Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run (Savannah, December 5) The Savannah Bridge Run hosted by Fleet Feet Sports is one of the most anticipated races of the year, featuring a 5K, 10K and 15K race along a challenging course that begins on Hutchinson Island, crosses over the Savannah River on the Talmadge Bridge, and finishes in the historic district. For more information, visit fleetfeetsavannah.com/bridgerun. Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade (Savannah, December 5) The Lighted Christmas Parade marks the official arrival of St. Nick to Savannah. The parade begins on West River Street and travel along the river before heading up to Bay Street

and ending in City Market. For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah. com/event/savannahs-lightedchristmas-parade/?instance_id=1172.

Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run Savannah, December 5

Savannah Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert (Savannah, December 11) This perennial favorite returns to the Lucas Theatre for its seventh season featuring a selection of holiday classics performed by the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus with special guests, American Traditions Competition Gold Medalist Alexander Edgermon and Irish entertainer Harry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue. For more information, visit savannahphilharmonic. org/event/holiday-pops-5/. Downtown Neighborhood Association Holiday Tour of Homes (Savannah, December 12) Now in its 41st year, this popular event offers visitors a unique opportunity to peek inside some of the most celebrated private houses within the Landmark Historic District. For more information, visit

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dnaholidaytour.com. Savannah Art Walk (Savannah, December 12 & January 9) Enjoy a self-guided tour of the galleries and local shops located within a one-mile radius of the Savannah riverfront. Attendees begin at the Bohemian Hotel for a free wine reception with local artist and author, Tiffani Taylor, before taking off on their own with the downloadable Art Walk map in hand and reconvening at the Andaz Hotel for a finale reception with raffle drawing. For more information, visit savannahartwalk.com. Martinis at the Mansion (Savannah, December 16 & January 20) Join South Magazine at the Mansion on Forsyth Park for this monthly power networking event and enjoy delicious $5 craft martinis specials. Participate in the evening’s fund raiser to support local nonprofit organizations and have a chance to win fabulous prizes

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donated by local businesses and friends of the mansion. For more information, visit southmag.com.

educational journey that includes, guided tours of the Ossabaw Island’s North End, craft beer from the Service Brewing Company, a pig roast dinner followed by a Champagne toast at midnight, and campfire stories under the stars. For more information, visit ossabawisland.net/ wildnightonossabawdecember312011january12012.aspx.

Ring in the New Year’s as you step back in time to the speakeasy days of old Savannah at the Roaring 20s New Years Eve bash hosted at Jazz’d Tapas Bar. Couples can enjoy tapas for two, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight while dancing 2015 into the past. Advanced reservations required, 21+ only. For more information, jazzdtapasbar.com.

Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight (Savannah, December 26 - 30) The Federal-style, Davenport House welcomes visitors to experience the end-of-year celebrations of early 19th century Savannahians. For more information, visit www.davenporthousemuseum. org/2015/07/04/holidayevening-tours-by-candlelight.

Up the Cup New Year’s Celebration (Savannah, December 31) Raise a toast to the New Year in true Savannah style on historic River Street and watch the non-traditional “ball drop” as a six-foot to-go cup is raised in the air in cheers to the New Year! The countdown begins just before midnight, followed by a firework display to officially ring in 2016! For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com/ event/cup-new-years-evecelebration/?instance_id=1283.

Savannah Color Vibe 5k (Savannah, January 2) Run through this unique 5K race where and get blasted with colored powder at every station, followed by a massive Color Throw event and dance party. For more information, visit thecolorvibe.com/savannah.php.

Wild Night on Ossabaw (Savannah, December 31) Experience a special overnight

Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Celebration (Savannah, December 31)

Savannah Reindeer Run 8k (Savannah, December 19) Join the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire and Fleet Feet Sports as they present the 8th Annual Reindeer Run 8K, inviting both adults and youth to fly like the famous reindeer to help fight bullying. For more information, visit fleetfeetsavannah. com/savannah-reindeer-run-8k.

Cooler in Pooler Resolution 5K/15K (Pooler, January 9) Runners can start working on those New Year’s resolutions at this annual 5K and 15K race that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. For more information, visitvisitpooler.com.

TYBEE ISLAND Jane Coslick Holiday Cottage Tour (Tybee Island, December 5) This holiday cottage tour features unique Tybee Island cottages inspired by worldrenowned interior designer and preservationist, Jane Coslick. For more information, visit tybeefun.com. Tybee Island Christmas Parade (Tybee Island, December 5) This annual Christmas Parade begins at the 14th Street parking lot behind Hotel Tybee and makes its way up Butler Avenue before ending at the Tybee YMCA, where kids can get a photo with Santa. For more information, visit tybeefortheholidays.com/ tybee-island-christmas-parade. Fort Pulaski National Monument Candle Lantern Tours (Tybee Island, December 18 & 19) Guests will be led through a guided

tour of Fort Pulaski by moonlight while enjoying hot cider, cookies, music and more to commemorate the Confederate Nog, a Christmas tradition which began in 1861 as a way to cheer up Confederate Soldiers stationed at the fort during the Civil War. For more information, visit nps. gov/fopu/planyourvisit/event-details. htm?eventID=553416-245777.

for groups of three or more to enter into Gang of Goofs contest for prizes.For more information, visit tybeepolarplunge.com.

HILTON HEAD

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration (Tybee Island, December 31) The Tybee Island annual fireworks display will be set off at the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion beginning at midnight and can be seen from almost anywhere on the beach, in addition to the beachfront restaurants. For more information, visit tybeefortheholidays.com/newyears-eve-fireworks-celebration.

Jingle Jingle 5K (Hilton Head, December 19) Start burning those holiday calories early at the annual Jingle Jingle 5K and Health Walk, featuring a colorful seasonal theme and prizes presented to the top three overall male and female finishers. Participants are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys, gift cards, or phone cards for donations to benefit Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse. For more information, visit bearfootsports. com/heels_jingle_bell_run.htm.

Polar Plunge (Tybee Island, January 1) Thousands of participants will take the plunge into the brisk waters of the Atlantic Ocean as the clock strikes noon on New Year’s Day. Costumes are encouraged

Holiday Fun in Harbour Town (Hilton Head, December 26 - 30) Bring the entire family to Harbour Town and enjoy classic holiday movies, roasted marshmallows, festive games, activities and more. For more information, visit

seapines.com/resort_activities/ christmas-new-years-eve.aspx. Annual Polar Bear Swim (Hilton Head, December 31) Take an invigorating dip in the Harbour Town pool to say farewell to 2015 and welcome in the new year with dozens of fellow “polar bears.” For more information, visit seapines.com/resort_activities/ christmas-new-years-eve.aspx. New Year’s Eve Celebration (Hilton Head, December 31) Enjoy a Harbour Town New Year’s Eve “ball drop” as a huge golf ball is dropped from the top of the Lighthouse. Count down to 2016 with live music, burgers, brews and more. For more information, visit seapines.com/resort_activities/ christmas-new-years-eve.aspx. Hilton Head Snow Day (Hilton Head, January 30) This event is perfect for anyone who has never seen snow as Shelter Cove Community Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with snow

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where visitors may enjoy a variety of snow-inspired activities and entertainment for the entire family. For more information, visit islandreccenter.org/events/ snow-day?rq=snow%20day

awards ceremony and post-race celebration. For more information, visit bearfootsports.com/heels.htm.

BLUFFTON

Charleston Restaurant Week (Charleston, January 6 - 17) Enjoy pre-fixed lunch and dinner menus at over 100 participating Charleston restaurants fduring this 10-day celebration, hosted by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc. For more information, visit charlestonrestaurantassociation. com/charleston-restaurant-week. Charleston Marathon (Charleston, January 16) The 6th Annual Charleston Marathon returns with a unique 26.2 mile course that pulses through the city’s Battery District and historic King Street, in addition to the Shrimp and Grits 5K run through historic Park Circle in North Charleston. After the race enjoy a finish line street festival with live entertainment. For more information, visit

Town of Bluffton Christmas Parade (Bluffton, December 5) The Christmas season kicks off in Old Town Bluffton at the annual Christmas parade, beginning at Town Hall and ending at Red Cedar Elementary with awards for Best Float, Best Performance, Judge’s Choice and Fan Favorite. For more information, visit townofbluffton. sc.gov/Pages/christmasparade.aspx. New Year’s Day Polar Bear 5K Run (Bluffton, January 1) Hosted by Bear Foot Sports, the 9th annual New Year’s Day Run features the Polar Bear 5K, Health Walk, Children’s Fun Run & Dog Walk, followed by an

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CHARLESTON

Polar Plunge Tybee Island, January 1 charlestonmarathon.com. Charleston Boat Show (Charleston, January 29 - 31) Kick off boating season in the LowCountry at the 36th Annual Charleston Boat Show, featuring

something for everyone’s taste and budget including, powerboats, jon boats, skiffs, cruisers, yachts, ski boats and more. For more information, visit thecharlestonboatshow.com.

P h o t o g r a p h c o u r t e s y o f JA PA N F E S T

December Nights and Holiday Lights Savannah, December 2 - 24

ATLANTA Stone Mountain Christmas Celebration (Atlanta, December 1 - January 3) Atlanta’s most heartwarming Christmas tradition takes place annually at Stone Mountain Park, featuring more than two million lights in addition to festive music and visits from favorite holiday characters. For more information, visit stonemountainpark.com/events/ Stone-Mountain-Christmas. Garden Lights in the Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta, December 1 - January 9) This annual electrical extravaganza features spectacular light displays throughout the garden, in addition to other holiday features, including the new Tunnel of Light, Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest, and Model Trains. For more information, visit atlantabg.org/ events-classes/events/garden-lights.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park (Atlanta, December 1 - January 3) It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit Six Flags Over Georgia and celebrate their annual holiday tradition, featuring more than one million LED lights and dozens of Christmas trees that create a magical atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, visit sixflags. com/overgeorgia/special-events/ festival/holiday-park. Atlanta Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” (Atlanta, December 11 - 27) Experience the 20th Anniversary of the Atlanta Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” at the Fox Theater and follow Clara into a magical world of live toys and fairies, where anything is possible. For more information, visit atlantaballet.com/ticketsperformances/nutcracker.

JACKSONVILLE Deck the Chairs at Jacksonville Beach

(Jacksonville, December 1 - January 2) The Beaches Winter Light Festival features more than 20 American Red Cross lifeguard chairs decorated in coastalthemed designs and lights by local businesses and regional artists. For more information, visit deckthechairs.org. ZOOlights (Jacksonville, December 11 - 13 & December 18 - January 2 ) Thousands of LED lights will transform the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees, and animal silhouettes. For more information, visit jacksonvillezoo.org/content. aspx?pageID=16231. For more event & to submit your event visit SouthMag.com

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NEW YEAR’S EVE s t n e v e There’s no doubt that here in the South we know how to throw a party – and what bash is bigger than New Year’s Eve? We’ve got it all: fireworks, masquerades and so many variations on the ball drop that Times Square can’t keep up. Get tickets, make reservations or just walk around town, you won’t be sorry. CHARLESTON Yorktown Countdown Set sail to the old year at this unique party with live bands and DJs from all genres aboard the USS Yorktown, a World War II Essex-class aircraft carrier. yorktowncountdown.com Charleston Wonderland Enjoy live music, a mobile cigar lounge and Charleston’s largest balloon drop at the Charleston Wonderland, where your imagination will run wild. charlestonwonderland.com New Year’s Eve Dinner at Circa 1886 For the foodies out there: Circa 1886 offers a six-course prix fixe dinner with a champagne toast when the midnight bells ring. circa1886.com The Charleston Rose Ball New Year’s Eve Event Be the belle (or beau?) at the ball this New Year’s Eve. Hosted by the

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folks of Charleston After Dark, this upscale shindig features live music and countless hors d’oeuvres at the Johnson Hagood Stadium. charlestonroseball.com

A perfect City Market night: a late moonlit dinner at some of Savannah’s favorite restaurants and live music that goes on all night. savannahcitymarket.com

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Jazz’d Tapas Bar & Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party The annual pairing of two of Savannah’s hippest places does not disappoint. Make reservations for a private table, tapas for two and that bubbly midnight toast. jazzdtapasbar.com

New Year’s Eve Celebration & Ball Drop Watch the Hilton Head golf ball drop from the Harbour Town Lighthouse amidst fireworks at this family friendly celebration. hiltonheadisland.com SAVANNAH Up the Cup New Year’s Eve Celebration There’s no ball dropping in Savannah; here we raise a six-foot to-go cup to toast 2016. Fireworks and open-containers – sayin’ hello to the New Year, Savannah-style. riverstreetsavannah.com Savannah City Market New Year’s Celebration

New Year’s Eve at the Beach Head on east to Tybee Island for a low-key New Year’s Eve at the beach. Bring chairs, towels and something to drink; fireworks start at midnight. tybeefortheholidays.com ATLANTA Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta This New Year’s Eve keep Georgia on your mind with Atlanta’s famed

- FUN LEVEL

Peach Drop in the heart of the city. peachdrop.com Atlanta NYElectric 2016 Holler at 2016 from the Westin’s massive ballrooms, while Atlanta’s top DJs mix the night away at the city’s ultimate New Year’s event. ournightlife.com/event/35757/ atlanta_nyelectric_2016 Buckhead NYW Block Party 2016 The East Andrews Entertainment District becomes a one-stop venue for anything you could want on New Year’s Eve: DJs, late night menus and open bars. atlantanightlife.com/event/36669/ buckhead_nye_block_party JACKSONVILLE New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Jacksonville Landing Food trucks, family fun and – you got it! – fireworks are on the main stage at this Jacksonville New Year’s Eve bash. jacksonvillelanding.com

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S C E N E S O F T H E S O U T H / M A R T I N I S & T E L FA I R M A S Q U E R A D E B A L L

Jessica & Chad Crawfo rd

Katie Gainey, Amanda Butler

Maggie Zakary, Kelley G

MARTINIS: There was a fabulous turn out at the Martinis at the Mansion October event, dedicated to the Coastal Pet Rescue. Raffle prizes were donated to benefit the cause and special animal inspired jewelry was on display. Five-dollar martini specials and free chair massages from Poseidon Spa were an added benefit of this monthly networking event. MASQUERADE: This Halloween Eve marked the inaugural Masquerade at the Mansion celebration. This black tie event featured hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres prepared by Virginia College and complementary drinks from Johnnie Ganemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Fire dancers, magicians, psychics and a live DJ were all part of this exciting fundraising event for the William Jay Society.

Justin Brown, Sam Bacon

Taryn Walker, Jessica Smith Phill Scalmato

1. Erica Drew 2. Andy Resende, Steve Schulte 3. L.D. Murray 4. Rachel Wilson, Jayson Oliver 5. Cindy Male 6. Katie Rudder, Gretchen Pearce 7. Samantha Marti

1 4 3 Angela & Roy Ogletree

5 7

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Photography by L I NDSEY C LAR K, DI ANE D ODD

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH / FILM FEST

The 2015 Savannah Film Festival kicked off with a star-studded and highly anticipated lineup. Attendees previewed unreleased films, and the audience included the moviesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; actors, directors, and writers. The Q&A sessions following many of the films were informative and set in the intimate spaces of the Lucas and Trustees theaters. Over 4,000 people attended the festivities this year.

Reed Morano Paula & Glenn Wallace

Spencer Howell

Danny Jolles, Zachary Webber, Nick Williams

Jim Sadwith

1. Stefania Owen 2. Alex Wolff 3. Alex Neustaedter 4. Olivia Wilde 5. Meg Ryan 6. Lois Robbins 7. Robin Skye 8. Bob Immerman

8 3

1 5

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P h o t o g r a p h y b y L I N D S AY N . PAY N E , J E S S I C A S C O T T

DE C E M BE R 2015 / JANUARY 2016

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH / PICNIC IN THE PARK

Thousands of local residents and out-of-town visitors braved gloomy weather to attend the largest outdoor cultural event in Savannah at Picnic in the Park on Sunday, October 4th. Presented by the Philharmonic and the City of Savannah Cultural Affairs Department, this free annual event at Forsyth Park featured live concert performances throughout the day from local bands, as well as choral and orchestral students.

Drew, Sarah, & Aubrey Naska , Elisabella Bush Amelia Moorshead

Felipe Cuellar, Yukyu Adasin

Edna Jackson, Marcia Banes

1. Charlotte McCurdy & Kiran Manocha 2. Vann Ellison, Shannee Theus 3. Richard Jachens & Ashley Thomas & Sadie 4. Rickey Anderson 5. Paul Harwood, Sarah Yate 6. Jessica Evans, Casey Dattola 7. Olivia Jones

Tina Tyus-Shaw, Crystal Higgins Faye Allen, Pat Shows, Annie Schemmel

Joe Steffen

6 3 1 5 7

2 4

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Photography by L I NDSEY C LARK

SCENES OF THE SOUTH / CHEERS FOR CHARITY Daniel Moss

Eric Brown, Falisia Pelote, Colbi Marks, Daria Collins

Over two hundred guests joined South magazine at Top Deck Bar on the roof of the Cotton Sail Hotel on September 30th to raise their glass and “Cheers for Charity” to kick off the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s 2015 Light the Night Walk Campaign. Guests to this inaugural event enjoyed an evening of networking and fundraising that included a signature, New Amsterdam craft cocktail for five dollars to benefit the charity in addition to a special raffle featuring fabulous prizes donated by Top Deck, South magazine and Cordasco & Company, P.C.

Michael Denuzio, Chrisenberry, and Chris Batties

Erin Powers, Ashley Wilson, Meg Wilson, Alyssa Marhon

Steve & Donna Bunn, Crystal & Dick Higgins

phanie Britt Chelsea Scott and Ste

1. James & Tiffani Rahal 2. Sarah Trovato 3.Dr. Victor Rosenfeld, Sean Laurie 4. Aaron & Kathy Anderson 5. Thomas & Christina Odem, Laura & Eric Roden 6. Paul Carrington, Maria Danello 7. Granville Peart

Lacie Wright, Rob Cordasco

4 Amy Pierce Harden, Megan Muccillo

Photographs by L I NDSEY C LARK

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SECRET SOUTHERNER

HE’S GOT YOUR BACK A SAVANNAHIAN BORN AND RAISED, THIS SECRET SOUTHERNER IS A HEALER OF OLYMPIANS AND REGULAR FOLKS ALIKE. Mini clue: His practice is the oldest one of its kind in Savannah.

Above Board

This Secret Southerner is on the board of numerous committees, including the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation, Team Savannah Weightlifting, and the Savannah Olympic Sports Council.

Rack Em’ Up

In addition to long distance biking, he loves to go hunting — especially for turkeys — and has much taxidermy, including a huge elk, hanging in his living room.

A Home With History

When this Secret Southerner gets done with a long day at the hospital, he comes home to a house built in the 1840s that was once used as a hospital itself in the Civil War. Do you think you know who this issue’s Secret Southerner is? If so, send your guess to editor@thesouthmag.com. The first 10 correct guesses get a free year’s subscription of South.

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P h o t o g r a p h b y C E DR IC S M I T H