August/September 2014

EQUESTRIAN FASHION Ford Plantation p132

LUXURY DINING Guide to the Top Spots p172

GREATEST PETS Your Votes Are In! p54

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

POWER LUXURY ISSUE TIPS SECURING

THE FUTURE OF YOUR FINANCES. LAWYERS: THE GUIDE TO FINEST IN THE SOUTH. LUXURY ITEMS: INDULGE! YES, IT'S GOOD FOR YOU.

MISS AMERICA 2014?

VEGAS RANKS HER 2ND IN THE RACE FOR MISS AMERICA AND IF MAGGIE BRIDGES WINS, SHE WOULD BE THE FIRST MISS GEORGIA CROWNED QUEEN SINCE 1952.

P. 42

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

SOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Features 70

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If she can continue her winning ways, #2 seeded Maggie Bridges will be the first Miss Georgia crowned queen since 1952.

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78 A FINANCIAL PROPHET

Dave Ramsey’s wisdom on achieving financia success.

54 SOUTH’S GREATEST PETS

South’s readers vote for the Greatest Pets in Savannah.

60 SOUTH’S GREATEST BOSSES

Savannah’s greatest leaders in the community.

64 ON THE TENNIS COURT

Tennis star Murphy Jenson gives life’s lessons.

70 ULTIMATE LOWCOUNTRY RETREAT

One of Palmetto Bluff’s featured homes located on the May River.

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Contents DEPARTMENTS

CHIT CHATS 28 CLUB SOUTH

DINE SOUTH 166 SUMPTUOUS SAVANNAH

50th Issue Party & JCB Mud Run 34 SLANG WJCL’s Brandyn Reagan 36 HIGH COTTON Gulfstream’s CEO Larry Flynn

A.Lure’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie 168 SOUTHERN SIPPIN' Sippin’ in Style with Dawn Hiers

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170 SMALL BITES Erica Davis’ Lowcountry Legacy

38 IN THE STUDIO American Folk Artist Chase Allen

172 LUXURY DINING Fine Dining in Savannah

40 SOUTHERN MADE 45th Anniversary Ceremona Benedetto Guitar

PLAY SOUTH 180 MONTE CARLO NIGHT

42 TRUE SOUTH Bet on Miss Georgia, Maggie Bridges 44 CULTURE City Hotel Band

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46 SOUTHERN ADVENTURE Sport Fishing or Skeets & Clays, Take Your Pick

194 SCENES OF THE SOUTH Martinis at the Mansion, Savannah Mile, and Ampersand Ribbon Cutting

50 PETS OF THE SOUTH Exotic Luxury Bengal Cats & Crime-Busting Canines

Harley Strickland & Fashion Night

198 MOUTH OF THE SOUTH Native Savannahian Tawney Ellis Brings Her Music Back Home

LAW 106 SOUTH’S FINEST LAWYERS

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offers their legal advice.

94 HIGH RIDERS Equestrian Luxury in Richmond Hill’s Ford Plantation

GO SOUTH 104 HIT THE ROAD

Our Best Places to Eat, Play, Stay, and Shop in Atlanta and the Coastal South

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181 BEST FESTS 182 EVENTS CALENDER

48 ON THE PORCH Pros and Cons on HB 60

STYLE SOUTH 92 BEAUTY, FASHION & LUXURY

The William Jay Society’s Night of Gaming, Glitz, and Glamor

MONEY

82 FINANCIAL EXPERTS offer you tips on the future of your finances.

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LUXURY 106 GO AHEAD, INDULGE! it’s good for you.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER/ A SIGN OF SUCCESS

A SMILE AND SAY CHEESE MOMENT: HAPPINESS IS HAVING THE FAMILY ATTEND THE 50TH ISSUE CELEBRATION GROWING UP, I REMEMBER MY DAD WORKING A LOT. HE WAS THE BOSS, AND THERE WASN’T ONE SECOND THAT HE LET HIS TEAM, OR OUR FAMILY, FORGET IT

His upbringing was far from wealthy. That not-so-opulent background led him first to the Army and then to a powerful position delivering appliances for his father-in-law, soon to be my grandfather.

But Dad worked hard and smart. He moved on to a job selling furniture. Before too long, he was the manager of the store. He wasn’t about to let his family face the same hardships that he had faced, so he did the one sure-fire thing he knew to prevent it.

He continued to work hard and developed a keen eye for opportunity. He didn’t look for shortcuts, and if something didn’t seem ethical, he wouldn’t consider it. But he wasn’t afraid to take a risk.

Eventually he launched his own furniture store, which thrived. Soon he had a reputation. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold. People joked about that. That might be the ultimate mark of success.

It didn’t hurt that my mom was also cut from the same cloth. Dad got a little lucky there. They have run the family businesses together from the time they were young newlyweds in the early ‘60s.

They taught their sons the same worth ethic, although, at the time, I didn’t understand how there could be so much to do when you were the boss.

Nevertheless, as far back as I can remember, we were always cutting grass, cleaning buildings, or working on something. Work was and still is a big

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part of our lives. Our vacations weren’t elaborate.

Water skiing at the river and just being together as a family was more than enough.

Truth be told, it took me a long time to fully appreciate and understand my parents’ work ethic, but I’m inspired by it every time we create a new issue. So, as you enjoySouth’s fourth annual power, luxury, and law issue, know that it’s made of the same stuff that my folks’ success is made of. And that makes the long nights at work more than worth the effort.

Oh, and that first furniture store? It’s still thriving today under the leadership of my brother, the one that got all the brains in the family. And my mom and dad are still working together, well into their 70s. Of course, I visit home as much as I can, and every time I’m reminded of how fortunate I was to be born into this family. They’re some of the finest people I’ve ever known.

Maybe that’s the ultimate mark of success.

Many thanks and keep reading,

ABOUT THE COVERS

➼ MISS GEORGIA 2014 The Next Miss America? Maggie Bridges is featured on our 51st cover and was photographed by AJ Day, a well-known international photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. If Maggie Bridges wins the Miss America title on September 13, 2014, she will be the first Mi s Georgia to win the crown since 1952.

See page 42.

➼ CIGARS & THE WOMEN WHO LOVE THEM The South staff as on the hunt this issue to find a female xec that smokes cigars. We have all but given up hope when Brandyn Reagan showed up to her photoshoot asking, “Where’s the cigar?” Fate took over where we left off which led to an impromptu co er shoot. Art directed by Michael Brooks and photographed by Tim Riethmiller and posted by Andrew Davis and photographed at Regus Business Offic in downtown Savannah, Georgia. See page 34.

–Michael Brooks, Publisher/Creative Director

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EDITOR’S LETTER

publisher/creative director Michael Brooks

I always dreamed of riding into the sunset in a red vintage 1960 Porsche Roadster with a Cuban cigar and the wind in my hair. Thanks to the amazing people I have met through my tenure at South magazine, this dream came true. The talented photographer, Josh Branstetter called upon John Phillips and his vintage car to make this happen for my final editor’s picture.

Power, luxury, and the law converge in this issue to deliver stories and images designed to inspire us to greatness and to titillate our aspirations for the good life. Putting my last issue together as Editor for South was a pleasure beyond my expectations as I think I stumbled on what luxury really means; I think it is about indulging in our dreams. In my interview with the amazing Grand Slam tennis pro, Murphy Jensen, he hit me between the eyes with, “Don’t dream big; Dream Monumental!” That is a well-earned indulgence indeed that costs us little in the way of money and is attainable by all. Murphy’s lessons on leadership and team building as coach of the dominant World Team Tennis champions, the Washington Kastles, apply not only to sports, but also to the boardroom, and to life in general.

The Southern luxury products we feature in this issue can stand up against any others in the world. Luxury goods not only connote status and success, but there is intrinsic benefit to owning such goods; their levels of quality and craftsmanship deliver intangible returns in the longevity and efficiency they can deliver.

Benedetto Guitar’s 45th Anniversary edition model retails for about $80,000 and their opening price point and the world’s top jazz musicians such as Bucky Pizarelli seek after core models.

If you are out and about, catch Benedetto’s CEO Howard Paul play with the region’s top jazz musicians. It is a monumental dream indeed to be able to play a Benedetto guitar as magically as Howard does.

Larry Flynn, Gulfstream CEO, shared some of his formulas for being a successful leader. The company’s products, like most great luxury brands, shatter the concept of mere indulgence and go to increasing an executive’s productivity. Most hopefully of all for our beloved Hostess City, all signs indicate that Savannah is at an economic tipping point, and we check in with four of the city’s visionaries: Patrick Shay, Greg Parker, Richard Kessler, and Ben Carter.

We inspire you with luxury fashion and the royal sport of foxhunting, and introduce you to the good life of a man who ditched his big real estate career to live his dream of being a great artist. Dream monumental!

interim editor Paula S. Fogarty art director Timothy Riethmiller Aaron Bernstein circulation and financial manager Ivy Bevill account executive Katie Pollock advertising art director Megan Hunt assistant art director Virginia England contributing editor Cameron Spencer web editor Mary Zimmer contributing writers Clark Byron, Elizabeth Danos, Janice Shay, Corrie Dyke, Robyn Passante, Shawndra Russell contributing photographers Jabberpics, John Alexander, Angela Hopper-Lee, Michael Hrizuk, Mallory Prevatt, Cedric Smith, Zoe Christou Welsh editorial interns Elizabeth Danos, Kaitlin White art interns Mallory Prevatt, Kalle Thomas

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 reviews 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; 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 116 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401 phone: 912.236.5501 fax: 912.236.5524 southmagazine.com

–Paula S. Fogarty, Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS

AJ DAY

. AJ was encouraged to pursue his dream of making photography a career by his late father.

Today, AJ is highly requested and known for his ability to bring out the best in his clients.

AJ has shot recognizable faces, including television reality stars, national and international beauty queens, and fashion models. See Day's work on both the cover photograph of Miss Georgia, Maggie Bridges, and interior photo of Bridges on page 42.

EVA FEDDERLY

STEPHEN DELANEY HALE

ANGELA HOPPER-LEE

SHAWNDRA RUSSELL

From New York City to Savannah, Eva is passionate about traveling. Eva owns a public relations firm, Spun, that specializes in arts, food, and culture. She is also passionate about politics and investigative journalism and is a new contributor at The Christian Science Monitor. Eva graduated from University of California, Berkeley where she studied the history and evolution of American Popular Culture. Re ad Eva's article in South’s Go section starting on page 166.

Angela Hopper-Lee has ten years of experience as a photographer in Savannah. A SCAD graduate, she loves all realms of photography yet finds great joy in photographing animals and their people. Angela shares her home and studio with her husband, Wayne, and daughter, Annabelle Blu, along with their two Siamese cats, Click and Snatch; two Aussies, Bruiser and Copper; and two African Spur Thigh tortoises. See Angela’s photography in “South’s Greatest Pets” on page 54.

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Stephen Delaney Hale is a freelance writer living in Aiken, SC. He wrote Aiken and Its Horses: A Celebration of Equestrian Sport and was among the authors of African Americans in Aiken County. He most often writes magazine articles centered on his hometown, usually concerning the different horse disciplines, history, nuclear issues, and golf, especially The Masters, which he has attended for the past 52 consecutive years (54 altogether.) Re ad Ste phe n’s article, “Tally Ho Ya’ll,” on page 80.

Shawndra Russell is a writer and social media educator for businesses, professionals, and graduate students with the intent of stopping outdated marketing. Her latest works are 51 Ways to Help Your Social Media Manager Crush It! And How to Become a Freelance Writer in 30 Days. Read about her services and projects atshawndrarussell. com. Read Shawndra’s article in “Top Luxury Dining Spots” on page 172.

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S TAY C O N N E C T E D FIND US ONLINE

f FACEBOOK

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

t TWITTER

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

TWITTER

Cassandra Thomas (@ cassithomas1) “@south_ mag what a marvelous #50thanniversary party!

Congrats!”

Red Clover Boutique (@ shopredclover) “Having a great time at the @south_mag 50th Issue Party with @ SavannahBeeCo”

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Online Contests Every issue, we like to feature some of the greatest members of the South. From “Greatest Kids” to “Greatest Photographers,” we aim to recognize those who excel at what they do. By holding online contests, we encourage our readers to make nominations and vote. Winners are featured in an editorial spread and are photographed by professional photographers. This month, check out our Greatest Pets (page 54) and Greatest Bosses (page 60). To vote in our current contests visit southsgreatest.com.

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I’ve subscribed to South for years, and I’ve got to say- I love the new design. It looks and reads great, and it’s the perfect depiction of what it’s like to be in the South. Keep up the good work! ­ —Margaret Howard, Beaufort, SC

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r RSS

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

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I was at the 50th Issue Launch Party, and I had an absolute blast.

The food was delicious, the band was fantastic, and the fashion show was phenomenal. I even met a certain young man at the party, and we’re still dating! Thanks, South!

– Jennifer Sparks, Savannah, GA

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TUMBLR

Don’t miss our behind-thescenes photos at south-magazine.

PINTEREST

Follow us at (southmagazine) to see what inspires South.

i INSTAGRAM

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

FACEBOOK Smoothie King Downtown

Savannah: (photo comment) “Love your new design ~ 50 best wishes on your publication success.

Infiniti f Hilton Head (posted to South’s page): “Congratulations to Dave Legasse, winner of our gift basket from the South Magazine 50th Issue event recently at Savannah Station.”

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

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ChitChats

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

THE RISE OR FALL OF THE CREATIVE CLASS? Which comes fi st: creative endeavor or economic opportunity?

Richard Florida’s book, The Rise of the Creative Class argues that it is creative individuals who assist in stimulates economic growth within a community. Florida discusses the “three Ts”: talent, tolerance, and technology in relation to one another.

Overall, Florida addresses the importance of maintaining creativity in a thriving economy.

In contrast to Florida’s argument, Frank Bures in his article “The Fall of the Creative Class” maintains that it is not the creative class that drives the economy, but perhaps it is the economy that drives the creative class.

Savannah’s own Bea Wray, Executive Director of The Creative Coast, weighs in: “One thing we believe strongly is that creativity and financial success are tied, not competing. Nothing ignites creativity like prosperity and nothing extinguishes it like poverty.”

This section showcases an icon of the creative class, Chase Allen (page 38), and an icon of upper-end economic success, albeit a creative technological one, Gulfstream CEO Larry Flynn (page 36).

Go to thecreativecoast.org for more information on the Creative Coast.

ELIZABETH DANOS

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C L U B S O U T H / 5 0 T H I S S U E PA R T Y

This past May, South celebrated the launch of our 50th issue at Savannah Station. Savannah Bee Company was the lead sponsor, and Ted Dennard’s educational charity, the Bee Cause, was the benefactor. Robert Leoci was the featured che f, who provide d gue sts with delectable treats. Hunter Cattle Company provided meat, games, and seating, and Savannah Distributing provided drinks for the night.

Gigi’s Cupcakes, Wright Square Café, and Olde Savannah Rum Cakes provided desserts. Shelley Smith presented her couture fashion show, which featured garments made from recycled oil drums. The party was a success, and we were thrilled to have over 500 of our closest friends celebrate with us.

1. Judge Tom Ede nfie ld, Nancy & Lamar Coney 2. Sarah Diaz & Ann Marie Struble 3. Natalie Hendrix and Kris Humme r (WSAV) 4. Lauren Davis, Caroline Molloy, Nathan Maiuri, & Andresa Eaddy 5. Tina-Tyus Shaw (WSAV) and Jame s Shaw 6. Je nna Raynor and Kate Dowdle (Savannah Be e Company) 7. Kate Gre e ne , Colin Gray, and Liz June au 8.

Model in a Shelley Smith design

Leoci’s Trattoria New River Auto Mall’s white Jag’s in front of Savannah Station.

Savannah Bee Co

mpany

Robin & Richard Greco

Amy Stanford, Forrest Gump (John Sandifer), Teresa Earnest

Gigi’s Cupcakes

Izzy Hudgins & Liz Thomas Nicole Bork, Mavenn Mosley, Oma r Portigliatti, Nicole Kalogitones, Renee Wood

Savannah Bee Company Savannah Bee Company

Katie Smith

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C L U B S O U T H / 5 0 T H I S S U E PA R T Y

Amy & Lukejohn

Dickson Putnam Ream, Emily Wa

Jurrell and Precious Howell, Kenneth and Vicki Brown, Owners of Sisters of the New South

Lauren & David Purvis

rren, Sam Peterson

Sarah Branner & Joseph Brazier

Highlights of the evening included presentations from Savannah Bee Company founde r Te d De nnard on his e ducational Be e Cause non-profit organization. We also revealed the fashion spread with a video of the photo shoot featuring ‘real’ women of Savannah in their 50’s including United Way’s Jenny Gentry, and WSAV’s Tina Tyus Shaw who spoke to the crowd about the richne ss that come s with aging. Everyone moved their fe e t to the amazingly tale nte d bluegrass band City Hotel inside, while revelers jammed to the musical stylings of DJ Jason Bouchea outside. Silent auction items brought in thousands of dollars for the Bee Cause, and we could not have been more thrilled with the evening. 1. Re be cca Sandquist, Kara Be nde r 2. Joe & Cassie Langley 3. Mark McCullough 4.

Je nnife r Hagan & Tara Jose fik

Hunter Cattle Company

Savannah Bee Company

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CLUB SOUTH/ JCB MUD RUN

Participants got down and dirty at the JCB Mud Run this past June to raise money for The Lady Bamford Center. The day started off with a costume contest, followed by the 4.3 mile race, which had numerous obstacles for participants to conquer. There was also an after party featuring live music, refreshments, and an awards ceremony for competitors sponsored by South.

All proceeds raised from the JCB Mud Run went to the Lady Bamford Center for Early Childhood Development. The mission of the Center is to focus on the developme nt of disadvantage d children living in the Savannah area.

Mallory & Alex Huffma

Chris and Amanda Lucas

Kirk Lower and Jody Pyles

Dan Comite & John Duberley Mark & Hank Albee

Dean Hause & Daniel Burgesser

David Paddison, Je anne Paddison, Caroline Paddison, and Margare t Robinson

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SLANG / FROM A SASSY SOUTHERNER

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WOMEN & CIGARS

Who doesn’t welcome an opportunity to meditate, reflect, and, yes, blow some smoke?

More and more women are discovering the heady allure of smoking a cigar. In fact, approximately 2 percent of women in the United States (about 3 million) have taken up the habit. Whether for the health benefits (a cigar is far healthier than a cigarette—you don’t need to inhale), for the variety of sizes and thus lengths of smoke time, or simply for the diversity of aromas available, cigars are becoming the go-to method of relaxation and meditation for today’s American woman. In this issue we take a look at what it means to be a powerful woman in the South, and--let’s be honest--

“For me, cigar smoking is part of the ritual of the fine art of living.”

“Whatever Blows Your Skirt Up” Southern Slang: WJCL’s Brandyn Reagan

It has been said that behind every great man is a great woman. BRANDYN REAGAN is one such woman from Savannah.

She serves as Executive Assistant to the President of ABC affiliate WJCL, Les Van. Van said, “TV stations are unique working environments, and it is hard to keep up with it all. Brandyn keeps me on track with all my direct reports, putting financial reports together, organizing my schedule, and representing us on boards and at events. She was the most confident, optimistic, and passionate candidate. She is very competitive and reminds me of myself,” said Van.

WORK-HORSE ETHICS “I am competitive to the core; if you want something, go and get it!” she said. She also claims

Paula S. Fogarty

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to be a die-hard “work horse.”

Most of her workdays are spent on financial projects, organizing schedules, sitting in on newsroom and sales meetings, and serving as the Travel Host planner for the station.

“I recently coordinated a huge event with over 400 guests that included government officials and VIPs. I managed all the details, including catering, vendors, entertainment, swag bags, and a photo op with the Falcons Cheerleaders!” she exclaimed.

OH RELAX! This woman’s idea of relaxation is playing on three competitive tennis leagues and running in marathons, so there are no flies on Brandyn. Music inspires her to write creatively when she finally sits down long enough to be reflective!

Feature Photograph by Timothy P. Riethmiller

Her key to balancing work, motherhood, and recreation is communication. “I am a communication freak who has to have everything written down on lists, and I follow up with everyone constantly.” As a leader, she says she is “sassy and fun, but with a ‘you-better-do-it’ attitude.”

SUPPORTING WOMEN She supports causes on her own, such as “Girls on the Run.” “They instill goal-oriented behavior in girls and positive attitudes for success. Women in this world need to help each other more,” she said.

QUIRKY SOUTHERN GIRL The quirkiest Southern thing she ever did as a woman was to bake muffins and cookies for the Wall Street protestors, even though she disagreed with them. “It’s a Southern thing.”

ON SLANG “I think slang keeps you true to your roots. ‘Y’all’ isn’t slang; it is acceptable English!”

FAVORITE SOUTHERN SLANG “‘Whatever Blows Your Skirt Up.’ This was one of my grandmother’s favorite things to say about doing what struck your fancy. I think it is my favorite too!” n

-Helena Stigler, President and Cofounder of Michel Perrenoud nothing says power like a woman with a cigar in her hand.

With female customers on the rise, cigar manufacturers are beginning to cater their products toward women.

Flavors such as honey, mocha, and vanilla are lining the aisles in cigar shops all over the world. And, ladies, if you’re thinking about trying out a stogie, you’re not alone. Celebrities such as Heidi Klum, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Schiffer have all been spotted smoking them.

SUGGESTED SIPPIN’S WHILE ENJOYING A STOGIE IPA BEER Not all beers work well with cigars, but India Pale Ale offers just the right flavor to accompany any cigar.

COGNAC Few things go better with a cigar than a finely aged cognac. The epitome of luxury, the combination will leave you feeling both relaxed and powerful.

MARTINI For those ladies who still enjoy a classic martini, don’t worry; it goes fabulously with a cigar. We recommend a dirty martini with any flavor cigar!

AUGUS T / SE P T E M B E R 2014

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HIGH COTTON / SOUTHERN LEADERS TELL ALL

Flynn’s 30,000 ft View Gulfstream CEO Larry Flynn’s insights on success.

Paula S. Fogarty

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any people associate Gulfstream Jets with luxury, and rightfully so, with Rolls Royce engines and custom interiors.

Others, however, such as the company’s president, Larry Flynn, associate them with efficiency and productivity for successful companies. Flynn stated, “Gulfstream aircraft are time machines that help public, private, and Fortune 500 companies achieve their business interests around the world quickly, safely, and efficiently.”

Prior to being named president in 2011, Flynn served Gulfstream as senior vice president of Marketing and Sales, and prior to that, he was the president of Product Support for Gulfstream and its former incarnation as General Dynamics Aviation Services.

Mr. Flynn shared his thoughts with us on leadership, innovation,

THE BRIEF

GULFSTREAM BY THE NUMBERS

66,000 ideas submitted by the internal employee initiative, Your Ideas at Work

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$65

million

the average cost of a new G650

50%

the G650 uses 50% fewer parts due to continuous process improvement

#1 67% 55

Gulfstream is the number one brand in business aviation

of Gulfstream’s customers are made up of private and Fortune 500 companies

years in the aircraft manufacturing business

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The Student Leadership Program is designed to equip high school students with tangible skills that will allow them to explore options beyond the classroom. We focus on Gulfstream’s four key leadership areas: 1. PERSONAL LEADERSHIP Students learn the importance of having a personal identity, goals, and a plan of action.

This curriculum is based on “Teens Can Make It Happen” by best-selling author Stedman Graham.

and marketing.

ON INNOVATION “Innovation is definitely one of the competitive advantages Gulfstream offers in terms of manufacturing. We continuously look at how we can do things more efficiently and effectively. Take our flagship aircraft, the G650, for example. That aircraft uses 50 percent fewer parts, thanks in large part to advances in manufacturing. We also designed the aircraft with maintenance in mind.”

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NUTS AND BOLTS

ON LEADERSHIP "Leadership at Gulfstream is a team sport. I don’t see myself as serving at the helm of the group. To remain the No. 1 brand in business aviation, we have to be willing to both collaborate with and to take care of our most important resource, our employees. We encourage all of our employees to take leadership classes, because we believe they’re all leaders, regardless of their titles.”

➽

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT "Continuous improvement is woven into our culture, so that’s at the forefront of our minds whether we’re designing airplanes in engineering, joining a wing to the airplane’s fuselage in manufacturing, or replacing an engine at our service center. If there’s a way to do it better, believe me, our employees will think of it.

We have an internal initiative called Your Ideas at Work, and I have to say, our employees have embraced it wholeheartedly. ”

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2. PEOPLE LEADERSHIP We encourage the students to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities. How can they leverage their skills to influence other ? What motivates people?

3. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP This area focuses on analysis, critical thinking, and innovation — all critical skills for a student to have when leaving high school and entering the professional world.

4. RESULTS LEADERSHIP This is a big one. We want students to walk across that stage and graduate.

Results leadership is about planning, executing, and knowing the result you want to achieve.

MEASURING PERFORMANCE

MARKETING VIA SERVICE

THE BALANCING ACT OF WORK AND LIFE

"Every person who works here has annual goals they’ve developed in concert with their team and manager.

Those goals support our overall company goals, and we work hard to make sure each one of those goals is measurable quarterly and daily."

"I’m a firm beli ver that top-quality product support (taking care of your current customers) drives new aircraft sales. Every employee is an ambassador for our brand.

We empower our employees to do what they believe is right."

"We encourage all of our employees to have work-life balance, and I try to lead by example. I value my personal time, whether I’m exercising at lunch or spending time with my family after work. It’s all too easy to get engrossed in the day-to-day tasks and procrastinate personal commitments. "

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IN THE STUDIO / SOUTHERN ART

Chase Allen Ditching a Real Estate Career for Artistic Passion Paula S. Fogarty

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Deep in the maritime woods of secluded Daufuskie Island, nestled under the largest Live Oak tree on the island, sits the Iron Fish Gallery and home of American folk artist Chase Allen. Allen chucked his career in commercial real estate to become a self-taught metal artist in 2001 and is now one of the region’s most iconic artists of aquatic-themed works. Allen holds a degree in business and communications from UNC Wilmington but had an epiphany when two people close to him died and he realized

GULLAH STYLE GALLERY

Allen’s Home & Gallery Conjure Creativity.

The original 1920s Gullah home is typical of the style and was the subject of a SCAD architectural program. It has been a labor of love for Chase Allen, who has been working on the property since 2001.

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Visitors are drawn in by the colorful blue trim— used traditionally to ward off vil spirits on Gullah homes—the large array of colorful aquatic-themed sculptures, and an outdoor gallery. This is the place where you are most likely to find the a tist welding, hanging out with his dog, or enjoying morning eggs while listening to music, which is always audible

that he had only one chance to live the life he wanted.

He is a vigilant believer that following your passion leads to real success and said, “Find your passion and protect it like a child.” His studio has grown from a canvas tent to a proper blacksmith’s shop and outdoor studio replete with anvils, hammers, kilns, and torches.

Metal fish, mermaids, stingrays, octopi, crabs, and lobsters adorn the porches and walls of his outdoor gallery. There is an honor system for anyone who wishes to purchase an item; customers slip their money under the door.

Allen’s latest works are large perforated, backlit wall hangings framed with reclaimed wood from the region. Traditional blacksmith techniques collide with a fine finishing method using oil paint, Mother Nature’s rust, and chemicals to fix the finish. He purchases sheet metal and allows it to thoroughly rust outside, then he rubs the sheet for a random texture before shaping it into a form. “I like to work as much as possible with nature,” he explained. Some works appear more rustic than others, such as the stingray sets that glisten with an unctuous, hematite-like finish.

Allen advises artists to focus.

“I think because I have confined my work to aquatic subjects, it keeps me focused. We are all interested in so much, but we have to focus. The only thing I really remember from school is that 75% of businesses fail due to a lack of focus.” ironfishart.com n

SAVVY INDEPENDENT

The Craft of Salesmanship It is unusual to find an a tist who helps customers envision how his works might be displayed. On his porch a list of 10 tips on how to cluster his sculptures, or how to paint an ocean scene for a kid’s room with his fish jumping abou , helps customers envision his works in their world; this may be the residual impact of his business background.

Listen To Your Inner Artist Allen is a true artist in the sense that he is informed not by other artists but by his own imagination.

He does not study other artists, but he reads a lot of history. He recently finished A Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin, on how Abraham Lincoln convinced former opponents to join his administration. Of all art forms, music is his biggest inspiration. During our visit, Neil Young’s “Southern Man” was particularly appropriate. This Southern man has found his passion and crafts it almost religiously.

from the outside. There is an honors system where customers can leave money for purchases under the door, or you can leave your number and he will call you for your credit card information. Where else in the world will you fin $7,000 art objects hanging in a gallery outside that encourages such a funky form of payment?

Photograph by M IC H AE L H R I Z U K

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Sav. Christian Full-page Ad

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SOUTHERN MADE / GENUINE PRODUCTS

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45TH ANNIVERSARY CREMONA BENEDETTO GUITAR ($80,000) What is it about a hand-made jazz guitar that would compel people to pay up to $80,000 for one? Like so much of great luxury craftsmanship, one can easily find a Chinese knockoff of a Benedetto guitar for a fraction of the price, but for real connoisseurs of jazz, there is nothing like the sound that comes from a Benedetto Guitar.

Asian and larger sources have diminished the reputations of such iconic brands as D’Angelico and D’Aquisto. Benedetto’s fate under license to behemoth Fender Musical Instrument could have headed in that direction.

Company CEO Howard Paul partnered with founder Bob Benedetto in 2006 to take back control of the manufacturing, preserving the brand’s integrity.

Howard is a well-known jazz guitar virtuoso who travels around the world playing with legends such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Bob James, and Tony Monaco.

Bob is a master luthier who wrote the seminal book Making An Archtop Guitar in 1993; it is a book that created a Renaissance in the world of jazz guitars.

Each model is built by the hands of American craftsmen— most of whom are also

musicians—with the finest materials. Many of the world’s premier artists, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Pat Martino, Martin Taylor, Peter Frampton, Andy Summers (Police), and young star Andreas Varady have all owned Benedetto guitars.

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Benedetto Guitars, the 45th Anniversary Cremona model retails for $80,000. It is crafted of European spruce and maple, redwood burl, ebony, abalone inlays, pure nickel fret wire and strings, and Gotoh Delta gold with snakewood turners.

The headstock and heel are hand carved, and Bob personally inlaid the fingerboard. For those who can’t quite make the stretch for this top-of-the-line model, fret not; their hand carved instruments range from $10,000 to $40,000, and their laminated Professional Series range from $4,500 to $7,500.

BENEDETTOGUITARS.COM

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JET ENGINE TABLE ($1,750)

The creativity in Savannah knows no bounds, as this high-flown table demonstrates!

Made in Savannah at 24E on Broughton Street, this table is fashioned from an Embraer aluminum jet engine cowl. It is co-designed by owner Ruel Joyner and designer Christian Dunbar. 24ESTYLE.COM

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M-CLIP ($4500)

This money clip, a part of The M-Clip’s Signature Line, is sure to put the bling in your cha-ching. Handmade from start to finish, it features two full pavé slide bars with (312) 1.3 mm diamonds and is finished in polished Rhodium. A family company based in Savannah, M-Clip focuses on quality and sutainability when it comes to the products they produceM-CLIP.COM

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TRUE SOUTH / WHERE WE COME FROM

Bet On Miss Georgia!

OddsShark has recently ranked Miss Georgia, Maggie Bridges, #2 to become Miss America. If she wins, it will be the first time since 1952 that a Georgia peach has won the crown.

Elizabeth Danos

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iss Georgia, Maggie Bridges, couldn’t be more excited about participating in the Miss America Pageant in September.

A classic Southern belle from Brinson, Georgia, and a student at Georgia Institute of Technology, Maggie is studying Business Administration while focusing on Information Technology and plans to go to pharmacy school after graduation. To say that Maggie has a lot on her plate is a bit of an understatement.

Believe it or not, Maggie had a rough start when she started competing in pageants around age eight; according to Maggie, she might just as well have “run off the stage.” But after some encouraging words from her mom, she decided to give it another go. “She told me I couldn’t quit because I hadn’t learned anything from the experience.” As a result of her mother’s pep talk, Maggie competed in another pageant, and, sure enough, she won first place. Apparently determination runs in the Bridges family.

Participating in pageants has taught Maggie the value of self-confidence, how to speak well in public, and the importance of people skills. After spending five years chasing the crown, Maggie couldn’t be happier that her lifetime dream has come true. She describes winning the title this past year as “invigorating and empowering.” Being Miss Georgia has provided her with opportuniP h o t o g r a p h y b y A J DAY / M AT T B OY D

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ties that she may not have had otherwise. “It gives me a platform to promote and raise awareness for things I care about, from the importance of volunteering, to funding breast cancer research, to the amazing kids at Children’s Miracle Network,” she says.

Now she’s more than ready to move on to the next thing on her list: taking home the title of Miss America.

Maggie will certainly keep busy between now and September. When she was asked what she needed to do to prepare for the upcoming pageant, she replied, “I have to get all of my outfits ready, which probably won’t be done until the very last minute. But for now my main focus is fulfilling my obligations as Miss Georgia.”

But don’t worry; it’s not all work and no play for this pageant queen. When she can find the time, Maggie enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, singing, and attending sporting events for her school. Being Miss Georgia may be a huge responsibility, but Maggie isn’t forgetting to enjoy the ride.

“Mostly I’m just soaking it all in,” she says.

The last time Miss Georgia became Miss America was in 1953, when Neva Langley earned the title. Now, over sixty years later, it looks like Miss Georgia stands a pretty good chance of winning the crown; according to OddsShark, an online betting site, Maggie is tied for second place along with Miss Florida and

Miss Mississippi.

From riding the waves to walking in pageants, Maggie Bridges does a little of everything, and she does it all well. It’s clear to see that Maggie is a lovely, well-rounded young lady, and we all should be proud to have her represent our state. We at South wish her the best of luck in her future as we all look forward to cheering her on this September when she vies for the title of Miss America. n

MISS AMERICA Sunday September 15th 8 p.m. on ABC (WJCL Sav.)

WANT TO PUT SOME SKIN IN THE GAME? Place your bet on Miss Georgia by going to sports.bovada.lv

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C U LT U R E D / O U R C R E AT I V E C O A S T

CITY HOTEL BAND

Sending Savannah’s New Sound Waves into the Universe Elizabeth Danos

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ack in 2011, Jay, Anthony, Cory, and Aaron bonded over their love for one common thing: music. And thus the City Hotel Band was born. Well, not immediately. The band played around with a few different names at first, but none fit until they came up with City Hotel Band.

They named their group after the first hotel in Savannah, and maybe the wildest. Filled with seedy characters and party animals (actual animals, rumor has it), City Hotel was, for some, the place to be and for others the place to avoid. Now, some 150 years later, City Hotel Band is making its own mark on Savannah.

GONE WITH THE WIND TRIVIA

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The Complete Gone with the Wind Trivia Book: Second Edition

For every little behind-the-scenes detail of Gone with the Wind, this book is a musthave. Jump inside the stories of writing and publishing the novel to eventually transforming it for the big screen. Learn all about the cast, deleted scenes, and the original premiere of the film. acked with quizzes, photographs, and more, author Pauline Bartel is sure to impress any selfproclaimed “Windie” with her work.

Featuring an upright bass, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and harmonica, their sound isn’t quite bluegrass or indie or folk but an eclectic mix of it all. The band often charms audiences with covers by their own favorite artists then reels them in with their originals, some of which are inspired by the city of Savannah.

Their next album is scheduled to release at the end of September, just in time for their performance at Atlanta’s Red Clay Theatre, which is happening September 26 at 8:00 p.m.. If you can’t wait that long to hear them play, you can always check them out in Savannah. Regulars at spots like the Jinx and Tybee Social Club, the band members have become fixtures of the music scene in Savannah.

They’ve also started to frequent Trinity United Methodist Church for Thursday Night Opry—a great place to go and check out some fantastic music.

As the band’s notoriety continues to grow, they have been expanding and doing shows throughout the Southeast. In the upcoming months, fans will have the opportunity to see them in Charleston, Jacksonville, and other cities along the coastal South. You can get more details on their shows by visiting their website, cityhotelband.com or following them on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. n

CONCERT PICKS

No matter what your taste in music might be, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

SAVANNAH

ATLANTA

Jack Johnson (August 9) 10 pm Saddle Bags - 317 W River St

Motley Crue & Alice Cooper (August 16) 7 pm Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Encore Park

A Nickel Bag of Funk (August 1) 9 pm Bernie’s Oyster House 13 16th Street, Tybee Island, GA

James Taylor (August 5) Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Encore Park

CHARLESTON

Keith Urban (August 24) 7 pm Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Encore Park

Crosby, Stills, & Nash (August 12) North Charleston Performing Arts Center - 5001 Coliseum Drive

Aerosmith & Slash (August 28) 7:30 pm Phillips Arena

JACKSONVILLE

3 Doors Down (September 7) 7 pm Verizon Florida Theatre

Donavon Frankenreiter (August 20) The Music Farm – 32 Ann Street

Bob Weir & Ratdog (August 22) 5:30 pm North Charleston Coliseum and PAC - 5001 Coliseum Drive

JACKSONVILLE

Sheryl Crow (September 14) Florida Theatre

GWTW Facts •It cost $3.7 million to produce the fil • In 2013, a negligee worn in the film b Vivien Leigh (Scarlett) was sold at an auction for $56,250 •There are twenty-eight diffe ent scenes in the film th t take place on a staircase • 449,512 feet of film ere shot and narrowed down to 20,300 feet of film i the final cu .

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM.

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Full-page Ad

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SOUTHERN ADVENTURE / EXPLORE, DISCOVER, ENJOY

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Integrity Charters

Fish in luxury off the coast of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

he waters off the coast of South Carolina provide the perfect aquatic playground for reeling in both the small and big fish. You are likely to catch trout, redfish, cobia, and tarpon, depending on the weather. The Port Royal Sound is great for spotting tiger sharks, and the surrounding waters are replete with playful dolphins.

The Gulfstream ledge is 60 miles off shore from Hilton Head, and from there on out you will find tremendous sailfish, mahi mahi, and wahoo.

This sort of trip, however, is not for the faint of heart and requires a luxury vessel. The Integrity, a 38-foot Hatteras Sportfisher, is one of the most luxurious vessels in the Lowcountry.

Complete with an airconditioned and heated salon, High Definition Dish Network Television, and Nintendo Wii, you can sleep on the way to the deep waters to conquer tremendous fish.

Integrity Charters is located in Harbour Town Yacht Basin and is owned and operated by licensed Master Captain Michael Russo and his wife Jessica. The vessel is rigged for the serious angler but also accommodates a family taking their first cast at fishing. Each trip is staffed with the captain and up to two deck hands.

(843) 422-1221, INTEGRITYCHARTERFISHING.COM.

SPORTING CLAYS

Tee ‘Em Up!

For Your Next Business Outing, How About a Round of Skeet or Clays?

The popularity of shooting sporting clays is on the rise. It has been likened to golf with a shotgun! It is a fun way to test your aim and enjoy competitive camaraderie with your friends. For the ardent shooter of any age, gender, or skill level, the Forest City Gun Club provides a spectacular shotgun shooting experience in Savannah.

The largest privately owned gun club in the world, Forest City Gun Club is situated on well over 500 acres. There are 32 skeet field —ten of which are lighted—28 trap fields, 60 foot dove tower, and two championship sporting clays courses with 14 stations each! Practice your shooting, have a drink at the clubhouse, and enjoy all of the luxurious amenities that Forest City Gun Club has to offe .

For more information, visit FORESTCITYGUNCLUB.COM OR CALL 912.354-0210.

ADRENALINE RUSH AT 14,000 FEET If running your own corporation isn’t exciting enough for you, try jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet! Sometimes working hard means you have to play hard too. Skydiving is by far one of the most extreme sports out there, and the rush is incomparable. With options like tandem jumping, you can suit up and jump in half an hour. There is also the option of taking a course, and then

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jumping solo via static line. If you try it and decide it’s a rush you can’t live without, you can get your license and it can become a weekend hobby for you and your gang of corporate weekend warriors.

It’s both exhilarating and stimulating, and it will certainly be an experience you’ll never forget. CALL 1-855-445-8973 TO BOOK

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. RATES FROM $179.99

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ON THE PORCH / HOUSE BILL 60 Georgia-based manufacturer Daniel Defense sales skyrocketed after an attempted ban on tactical rifles by Obama.

A Defensive Stance for Our Rights HATS OFF TO THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS

On April 23, 2014, Georgia Republican Governor Nathan Deal signed into law House Bill 60, the most comprehensive pro-gun legislation in Georgia state history, effective July 1, 2014. On March 18, the Georgia Senate passed the bill by a vote of 37-18, and two days later the House of Representatives passed it by a vote of 11258. Among the pro-gun reforms for all law-abiding citizens are the removal of fingerprint requirements for renewal of Weapons Carry Licenses (WCL)— first-time applicants must still be fingerprinted—and repeal of the redundant state-required license for firearms dealers, deeming the Federal Firearms License (FFL) as sufficient. In addition, restrictions regarding the right to carry a firearm legally with a WCL into a bar or a church is left to the discretion of private property owners and individual churches, respectively. The bill also requires the reporting of those who have been involuntarily hospitalized or adjudicated mentally deficient to the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS ) but provides for an application process through the court system for restoration of gun rights.

Con: Bill 60 “Women generally have more singular responsibility for families and when you put their children at risk with these issues, they pay a great deal of attention. This was a Stacey Abrams political issue; it did not - Democratic House increase public safety, it only Minority Leader increased vulnerability in - 8 Years Service public places and women have a heightened awareness of this.”

Representative Stacey Abrams Abrams contends, “This is the Democratic House bill dangerously expands Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly and locations where vulnerable persons will be exposed to State Representative for the concealed weapons, unduly 89th District House.

She points out that, whereas restricts law enforcement, creates new weapons rights there were a number of men who stood against the bill, they for felons and imposes upon private property rights.” were the biggest proponents.

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Pro: Bill 60

Steve Gooch - Republican Majority Caucus Secretary - 4 Years Service

Senator Steven Gooch is the Republican Majority Caucus Secretary representing District 51, and his stance on HB 60 is rooted in the protection of the rights of responsible gun owners.

Contrary to Abrams’s position, Gooch claims that law enforcement will benefit

from the law and said, “It explicitly outlines where weapons may be carried and who can enforce their own rules regarding weapons carry.” Gooch explained, “Georgia has been proactive about protecting the rights of responsible gun owners in a time when many other states are narrowing these rights. We need to make sure that guns and other weapons are out of the hands of dangerous criminals and mentally ill individuals, but the rights of lawful gun owners should also be respected.”

P h o t o g r a p h c u r t e s y o f DA N I E L D E F E N S E

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BEYOND THE SASH

After escaping the jaws of justice with a miracle defense by famed attorney Mike Schiavone, Miss Savannah 2003 has now released her obviously self-published book that has amateuristic appeal and a certain parallel fl vor to OJ's "If I Did It."

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A story that once made front-page news throughout the Lowcountry and even appeared on major news channels such as CNN and NBC is now resurfacing. Eleven years after the event, Sharon “Nikki” Redmond has self-published Beyond the Sash, a memoir of her life as the Miss Savannah murderer. In December 2003, four months after being crowned Miss Savannah, Redmond shot her two-timing fiancé in the right buttock (claiming it to be self-defense), severing a femoral artery. Three days later, he died from complications. Thus, the Miss Savannah Murder saga began.

Redmond’s attorney, Michael Schiavone, successfully defended Ms. Redmond, and she was acquitted on two counts of murder in 2005.

Schiavone stated, “She clearly was not aiming directly at him with the intent to murder him.”

Both Savannah and Nikki

were getting national attention, and many television interviewers, including Oprah, wanted Nikki to make appearances. The Oxygen Network even turned her story into an episode of Snapped.

But Nikki chose to keep her life private and remained quiet about the events, up until now, that is. In Beyond the Sash, Nikki gives the reader a glimpse for the first time into how events from the past have impacted her life. In the introduction, she states, “This [book] is my heart, my soul, my spirit, and my truth.” She claims to have written the book for herself, and it is an attempt to set the record straight. Nikki addresses the fact that her book isn’t about being Miss Savannah or about the shooting; it is a book about her—her life, her hopes and dreams, and how she became the person she is today. Now that time has passed and the

dust has settled, Nikki is ready to let the world know the story of the woman beyond the sash.

SHARON “NIKKI” REDMOND'S MUG SHOT WAS A FAR CRY FROM THAT CROWNING MOMENT OF MISS SAVANNAH JUST FOUR MONTHS EARLIER. HER SELF-PUBLISHED MEMOIR, BEYOND THE SASH, IS AN ACCOUNT OF HER LIFE AS THE MISS SAVANNAH MURDERER. AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM.

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PETS OF THE SOUTH / PETS OF ANOTHER BREED

COASTAL CANINE

Luxurious Felines Exotic Luxury Cats from $2,500 to $50,000 Cash-rich cat lovers can satisfy their needs with two breeds of exotic cats. The Bengal cat, which is a mix between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, is a bit more attainable than the Savannah cat. As long as they are a minimum of four generations away from the Asian Leopard cat, they are legal in Georgia. Most have a price tag of about $2,500. Bengal cats were originally bred to capture the beauty of a wildcat while maintaining the temperament of a domestic cat.

These cats come in silver spotted, snow spotted, brown marble, silver marble, and snow marble.

For more information on purchasing a Bengal

THE WORLD’S SMARTEST DOG

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cat in Savannah, visit boydsbengals.com.

The Savannah cat is a mix between an African Serval, which is a type of wildcat, and a domestic cat. These elegant creatures come with quite the price tag. Some can even reach up to $50,000. Savannah cats have small heads with large ears so they can hear their prey both above and below ground. Their build is tall and sleek with a short tail. Unfortunately, these beautiful felines are illegal in Georgia. In order to own one, you must have an exotic wildlife license. To learn more about the Savannah cat, visit DRINKWATERCATS.COM. Named “The most scientifically important dog in over a century” by Duke University, Chaser, the adorable nine-year-old Border collie, shares about the same intelligence level as a toddler, having learned over 1,000 vocabulary words. Dr. John W. Pilley, Chaser’s owner, author of the book Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a

A short little school bus rides around downtown Savannah picking up some of the town’s most elite dogs. Yes, dog daycare and training that has bus service. At the wheel is the charismatic master trainer and owner of Coastal K9 Services, Skip Brandon. Brandon has a large farm on the southwest side of town where he trains, boards, and convalesces top dogs and many area law enforcement dogs too.

With degrees in psychology and canine behavior, Brandon trains owners as well as pets. “It is just as important to have a well-trained owner as a well-trained dog,” he said. He was the first in the region to practice positive reinforcement techniques. For more, visit coastalk9services.com. n

Thousand Words, and professor of psychology at Wofford College, has taught Chaser to understand nouns, verbs, prepositions, adverbs, and even adjectives. Together, the two learn through interactions involving toys and games, making the experience a rewarding one for the canny pup. Although Chaser is indeed one-of-a-kind, Pilley believes that any dog is

capable of achieving toddler-level cognitions with a little bit of time and patience. Chaser has been on a world book tour, flying to places like London, and has been the guest on numerous TV shows, such as Anderson Cooper and Good Morning America! To purchase the book, visit BARNESANDNOBLE.COM. n

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PETS OF THE SOUTH / THE WORKING DOG

K-9 TRAINING FACTS Police K9 units have been around since the early 1900s.

Will Fernandez and his partner, Faust.

Police K9 Units

Savannah-Chatham Metro Police boast great crime-busting canines Officer Will Fernandez and his partner Faust, and Officer Mike Drayton and his partner Ivan, scored high enough at regional police dog trials to advance to national trials. Out of a possible 700 points, Fernandez and Faust scored 596, and Drayton and Ivan scored 577.

Metro Police Chief Julie Tolbert commented, “We are very proud of our canine unit, and performances such as these confirm that it is among the best available. My hat is off to the officers who spend so much time training these dogs.”

Drayton, a member of the department since 1999, and Fernandez, a member since 2004, have worked hard with their canine

partners to make it to the national level of trials. Faust and Ivan are both Belgian Malinois, and they were carefully trained by their handler/partners. They have been trained to focus on apprehension of suspects and tracking.

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Canine Unit Sgt. Eric Dukarski explained, “Very good officers have spent their entire careers without earning a trip to the nationals. This in itself is a credit to these officers, these dogs, and this police department.” Savannah couldn’t be prouder of our canine team, and we look forward to cheering them on at nationals.

THE AMAZING MR. BOJANGLES Why this dog is not your average Doberman.

Bradley Brigman’s early-asthmaattack-alert dog is more than just man’s best friend; he is potentially a lifesaver. With one in twelve Americans dealing with asthma, and one in ten children, alert dogs

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The most popular K9 breeds are Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Dutch Shepherds.

Some dogs are adopted from shelters, private homes, and adoption agencies.

Most dogs retire after about 10 years.

A dog’s sense of smell can be up to 400 times greater than a human's.

Dogs can smell a body buried up to 12 feet underground.

They can tell the diffe ence between identical twins.

Dogs identify by scent, then voice, and then silhouette.

are becoming increasingly popular.

Mr. Bojangles, a sleek Doberman pinscher, is a mere four months old and is currently being trained to alert Mr. Brigman when he is about to have an asthma attack. When Mr. Bojangles senses an attack coming on, he will sit in front of his owner and let out a bark to notify him. Training takes a full year to complete, but Mr. Bojangles is well on his way to becoming a fine asthma-attack-alert dog.

One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Doberman pinschers are known for their high energy, intelligence, and allegiance to their owners. On average, a full-bred Doberman pinscher will cost around $1,500. However, an adopted Doberman from a shelter can be anywhere from $100 to $300. To find out more about buying or adopting, visit the Doberman Pinscher Club of America at DPCA.ORG.

P h o t o g r a p h y b y B L A K E C R O S BY / T I M R I E T H M I L L E R / A N G E L A H O P P E R - L E E

7/21/14 9:13 PM

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S O U T H ' S F O U RT H A N N UA L

s t e t P a e e t r s G D O G S D OM I NAT E D T H E NOM I NAT IONS F OR S OU T H ’ S GR E AT E ST PETS 2 014 , W I T H NO PR E F E R ENCE F OR BR E E D, SIZ E , OR AGE . H ER E A R E TH E W IN N ER S A N D TH EIR LUCK Y O W N E R S . C H E C K O U T O U R T I P S F O R T R AV E L I N G , D I N I N G , A N D E X P L O R I N G T H E S O U T H W I T H Y O U R FAV O R I T E C A N I N E .

PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELA HOPPER-LEE

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Give That Dog a Bone.

They might not be the only thing in your life, but you are the only thing in theirs.

So treat your best friend to a day in the park or a lunch downtow. Check out the "bones" we suggest for your little sidekick.

Nancy Usher and Gracie

Kaney Balance & Dooley

“It’s hard to believe probably, but it’s bath time!

Gracie takes bubble baths in the Jacuzzi tub and gets an exfoliating scrub and then she is towel dried and gets her nails buffed.”

“He may be a tiny dog, but his personality is huge.

Everyone who has met him has fallen in love with his vivacious spirit. He has had my heart since I first saw him, and my love continues to grow stronger every day.”

FAVORITE PASTIME:

WHAT MAKES OWNING HIM SO SPECIAL:

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➦ Brandi Hudon & David FAVORITE PASTIME:

“He's a big lazy bulldog so HIS favorite pastime is eating and napping. I however, like to try to keep him active. We take walks, we throw the ball, and then we come back and nap.”

Bring Your Pup

CANNOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR PET? FROM ALBUQUERQUE TO TUCSON, THERE ARE 45,000 PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN THE US. For available hotels, rates, reviews, and photos, along with travel tips and air travel , log onto officialpethotels.com.

Jen Young & King Kyno ADVICE TO OTHER PET OWNERS:

“ADOPT a shelter dog! I repeat, ADOPT A SHELTER DOG! Make sure you love the dog unconditionally, just as much as it loves you. You'll soon find out. . . just who rescued whome?!”

Be Social

SOCIALIZE AND EXERCISE WITH YOUR PET AT DAFFIN PARK IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. –FRISBEE, ANYONE? For Daffin Park and other pet friendly places to let the dog off he leash, go to bringfido.com.

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➦ Shari Sasser & Nikko FAVORITE PASTIME:

“One of our favorite pastimes is playing tug. Most of the time Nikko is hanging from my pant leg, shoelace, or other laundry I’m attempting to fold. He will chase anything or anyone; there are no favorites!”

Fix Behavior

TOO MUCH BARKING AND JUMPING ON GUESTS? BARK BUSTERS HOME DOG TRAINING IS THE GOTO FOR OBEDIENCE AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE THEY ARE THE PEOPLE TO CALL TO MAKE YOUR DOG A PLEASURE TO LIVE WITH.Call 1-877-500BARK (2275) or visit barkbusters.com for more information.

Chris Midkiff & Duff FAVORITE PASTIME:

“Duff Ledbetter is one of the most caring dogs you'll ever meet. He has an extra sense that notices when you're down or don't feel good, and he'll either cuddle with you or try to entertain you in an attempt to make you feel better.”

Play at the Fort

MILES OF TRAILS AWAIT YOU AT FORT PULASKI IN SAVANNAH,GEORGIA. PETS ARE WELCOME EVERYWHERE ON THE PROPERTY EXCEPT THE VISITOR’S CENTER FROM 9 TO 5. Call (912) 786-5787 for more information or go to nps.gov/fopu.

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Courtney Bobby Lee & Sadie Mae ADVICE TO OTHER PET OWNERS:

“My advice would be to not take your dog for granted.

They have a short time here with us and we are their whole world, so remember to include them when possible, never stay mad at them long, and always treat them like family.”

Dine Out

DOWNTOWN EATERIES THAT WELCOME CANINE DINING COMPANIONS OUTSIDE: H H H H H H H H

Cha Bella’s Six Pence Pub Mellow Mushroom Leocci’s Trattoria Gallery Espresso Kayak Kafe Belford’s J. Christopher’s

(which even provides a pet menu!)

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Janelle Waush Jeoffrey Thomas & Dixie ADVICE TO OTHER PET OWNERS:

“Don’t be afraid to adopt an older dog.

They can be just as loving and sweet as a puppy. If you shower your pet with love, they will give it right back.”

Holistic Help

WHEN YOUR FURRY FRIEND HAS AILMENTS THAT YOU JUST WILL NOT GO AWAY, TRY ACCUPUNTURE. MANY EXPERTS BELIEVE IT IS AS EFFECTIVE AS MOST MEDICATIONS WITHOUT THE CHANCE OF ALLERGY, SIDE EFFECTS AND PAIN. For more informaiton, go to animalacupuncturesolutions.com

Jessie Swafford & Sandy WHAT MAKES OWNING HER SO SPECIAL:

“Sandy is an extremely loveable and cuddly dog. She is always looking out for every member of the family. She is such a joy.”

Need More?

MANY THANKS TO THIS YEAR'S ENTRIES AND REMEMBER TO ENTER YOUR PET INTO SOUTH'S GREATEST PETS 2015.

Check out more photos of South's cuddly creatures at southmag.com/pets2014.

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SOUTH'S SECOND ANNUAL

Greatest

Bosses PHOTOGRAPHY BLAKE CROSBY

Bradley Brigman What is it that you love about what you do?

Each of my businesses is vastly different, yet they all share the same basic principle of providing great service to customers and the community. Having satisfied customers and members of the community means that I have done my job right, and this is the principle I try to uphold each and every day.

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- WMA Architects and Bojangles Restaurants

What are some of the most important factors in a workplace?

Make sure that you and your employees enjoy spending time at work. How can you make architecture, fried chicken, or drug testing fun? It’s easy. All it takes is showing appreciation to your employees.

How could you advise others to reach your current level of success?

Listen carefully to those who have experience. Don’t ever think speaking to those with a great deal of practice is not worthy of your time; they are your greatest tool to succeeding.

Any advice for those who are already leaders in the community?

I would advise them to share their knowledge and teach others how to be good business leaders. In the short 12 years that I have been a business owner, I have observed that respect and integrity are no longer just priorities; they are imperative to be successful.

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Carolyn Hannaford What is it that you love about what you do?

My job gives me satisfaction on many levels. I must constantly problem solve in order to ensure that each student is receiving an education that is tailored to his or her needs. I love that I work with professionals who care as much as I do about helping people.

- Chatham Academy

What are some of the most important factors in a workplace?

In a successful workplace everyone needs to be challenged to his or her level of competence. There needs to be mutual understanding, which capitalizes on the strengths and supports the weaknesses of each employee; everyone must work together to fulfill the mission.

How could you advise others to reach your current level of success?

I think individuals should find a purpose that they are willing to dedicate their life to. They must be willing to take risks. They should be confident in their knowledge of what is to be done, but always willing to admit when they’re wrong.

Any advice for those who are already leaders in the community?

In order to institute change, we have to quit giving lip service to children’s issues and make children our number-one priority.

Instead of always trying to fix what has gone wrong, we need to try to make it right from the start.

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Jill McAden What is it that you love about what you do?

I love children and have a heart for teachers and the critical work they perform. “It takes a village to raise a child.” I believe this African proverb is true. I enjoy being an integral part of the village.

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- Hilton Head Island IB Elementary What are some of the most important factors in a workplace?

The atmosphere of the workplace must be positive and nurturing.

A good leader has to take responsibility for the climate of the school. There also must be a high level of trust in the workplace.

How could you advise others to reach your current level of success?

My advice is simple; don’t be afraid to take risks. Leadership is all about relationships. If you don't like people, you shouldn't be a principal. Connecting with each person is critical. Finding common ground and earning trust is essential.

Any advice for those who are already leaders in the community?

Be fair and consistent. Stay organized and prepared, as the devil is in the details and each day presents a new set of challenges.

Passion is a critical component of success. Just as priorities; they are imperative to be successful.

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Jamie Durrence What is it that you love about what you do?

Unquestionably, the ability to provide a network for people to come together is what I love most about owning and operating a business. At Daniel Reed Hospitality we treat our team members with love and respect – we create a family in the process.

- Daniel Reed Hospitality

What are some of the most important factors in a workplace?

Team member satisfaction is provided by offering a pleasant work environment, competitive wages, paths for growth and advancement both personally and professionally, and we also want our team members to enjoy coming to work!

How could you advise others to reach your current level of success?

Do what you love. If you wish to be successful, you must be willing to work hard for that success. Most importantly, develop positive, meaningful relationships with other people.

Any advice for those who are already leaders in the community?

Lead by example, lead with your heart.

Not Featured

Timothy Hall-Beazer Homes Visit southsgreatest.com AU G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2014

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TENNIS PR SE Lessons in team building and life from French Open Champion, Director of the Sea Island Tennis Program, and three-time World Team Tennis Coach of the Year for the Washington Kastles: MURPHY JENSEN Paula S. Fogarty Photography by Jabberpics

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he unseeded Jensen brothers seemingly came out of nowhere to win the French Open in 1993—defeating the dominant German doubles team of David Prinosil and Marc Goellner. The enthusiastic display of their love of the game with original moves, such as their still-unequaled chest bump and other outrageous antics, prompted tennis icon Vitas Gerulitas to dub their style as “grunge tennis.” The duo became the original rockers of tennis, being covered more by pop culture than by the tennis establishment, appearing in publications such as Rolling Stone and People magazines before Tennis magazine ever even considered them. They have forever changed the face of tennis to be the spectacular spectator sport it is today.

Murphy Jensen, the renowned tennis wild child, has landed in the posh director’s seat of the Sea Island Resort Tennis program in Georgia and is the three-time Coach of the Year for the dominant World Team Tennis Champions, the Washington Kastles, which is made up of beyond-

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pro players including Venus and Serena Williams, Martina Hingis, and Kevin Anderson. The former globetrotting star of his own shows on the Tennis Channel, Open Access and the rollicking Murphy’s Guide, and high-profile boyfriend of Robin Givens—with whom he has a beautiful 14year old son—seems to have mellowed, but not necessarily matured.

Jensen’s story is one of perseverance, love of his destiny, and of honing principles of life and learning in order to teach and share with others; it is also a story of tight family and community bonds. Brother Luke has recently joined him as the touring pro after an eight-year gig as the women’s tennis coach at Syracuse University. The two remain together because they are a duo. Luke explained, “We are just better together! We really know each other and can just look at one another and we know what to do.” I knew Murphy when the brothers had a rock band in Michigan called We've Never Heard of You Either, and recently Murphy shared his lessons in life with me on a rainy day in Georgia.

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GRUNGE TENNIS OUTTA NOWHERE The truth is that no sensation is created overnight. Well prior to their French Open win, Luke was the number one ranked junior player in the world in both singles and doubles, stunning audiences early on with his ambidextrous playing which earned him the moniker, “Dual Hand Luke.” Murphy was the number four ranking junior in singles, and number one in doubles.

Of all the audiences, the tennis establishment did not take the Jensens seriously. Murphy credits Bud Collins and Pat O’Brien for supporting them as the champions they were and not merely as flyby-night flukes. “Other doubles players were not too psyched about us because we were getting all these endorsements and publicity.

We reached out to them, but they wouldn’t team up with us for the love of the game. Luke and I were always outcasts,” Murphy explained.

Spotlights invite scrutiny, and Murphy has had his share of detractors, some of whom claim that he was the sulky one who held Luke back. Some get hung up on their Grand Slam celebratory chest bump that went wrong, saying Murphy was a sore winner. Well, if you watch it carefully, he literally was!

The brothers played "in-yourface tennis" on every shot, and the endings were no different. If you watch their 1993 French Open championship match point, you will see that on the jump up, Luke’s face and elbow excitedly slam into Murphy’s face, actually breaking his jaw! Murphy reacted in a visibly upset way, and the peanut galleries spun their stories. Some have said that Luke had all the smarts, and Murphy was just the goofy little brother trying to follow along.

To those who say that Murphy never went as far as he could, he said, “I can’t speak for Luke, but I do feel like I didn’t go as far as I could have. The marketing and promotional aspect took center stage over training, practicing, and winning, and I don’t regret it too much because if I just played tennis, nobody would be talking about the sport the way we do now. Luke AU G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2014

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than that; our upbringing in the Midwest taught us that you trust everyone until you can’t. All the autographs and appearances were just an extension of our upbringing.”

HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN MELLOW? JENSEN INTENSITY Once known for outlandish costumes like those of Crocodile Dundee or Royal English cricketers, Murphy is more likely to be seen today in Lacoste branded Wimbledon whites and traditional navy blues. He serves as an ambassador for Lacoste, which he represents in one of the two Sea Island Lifestyle & Tennis Boutiques he operates. What? The once wild Murphy Jensen operates boutiques?

and I made a mark that is unique and that had nothing to do with winning and losing; it was about attitude, and energy, and enthusiasm, and a love of the game.” They were criticized for their wild antics by John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, but praised by others such as Pete Sampras, for making tennis an exciting and entertaining spectator sport.

Unlike other players, the brothers signed every autograph, shook every hand, made every appearance, and worked with all the kids they could. On feverishly promoting themselves after the win, Luke said, “It goes deeper

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He recently married the lovely Kate ‘The Great” Rennemo in Los Angeles where his best pal Gavin Rossdale gave the gift of a Bush concert!

Kate has an impressive background as a top retail manager and helps Murphy with the boutiques. They carry unique items such as Mark Philipousis’ line of “Philip” T-shirts, Mata scarves, Martina Hingis’s line TONIC, Peter Millar bags, and, of course, a wide selection of Lacoste branded products. Is this mellow Murphy?

Intensity is the Jensen family calling card, yet apparently wizened with age, Murphy gleefully embraced our rained-out photo shoot to talk about his

Photographs curtesy of T H E KAST L ES

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great enthusiasm for the game and for life. The dynamic Sea Island Murphy Jensen Tennis Academy instructs players of all ages.

The Jensens started working with kids immediately after their French Open win, and Murphy stated, “We are big kids at heart. We were taught that to play any sport it was essential that we had fun. That enthusiasm was paramount in the Jensen house. We were ‘hip-hip hooray, we are on our way; get out of bed and make some bread’ kind of family. Our ability to connect with kids and adults alike from an honest and innocent point of view came from our Mom and Dad.” Howard and Pat Jensen gave their children great opportunities, sacrificing for them so they could be the very best players possible. Howard Jensen played football for the New York Giants for a minute and was a gradeschool coach and teacher in Luddington, Michigan; Pat was also a teacher.

Tennis greats, notably Billie Jean King, have spurred the duo on all along, but the supportive community members of Luddington and Grand Rapids, Michigan, provided great foundations for the brothers. Growing up, Vince Lombardis What It Takes to Be Number One was a memorized text in the Jensen home.

Among their supporters is former ambassador to Italy and CEO of Universal Forest Products, Peter Secchia. “It takes an army to build a player,” said Murphy. Secchia arranged a visit for Murphy when he was in high school to the White House to play with George H.W. Bush when he was vice president. Early on, the Jensen brothers were mixing it up by shaking hands and tossing balls with politicians, stars, and the ordinary kids from the block.

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

After retiring from professional top-ten tennis in 1998, Murphy went off in search for the next soul-satisfying gig and said, “When my son was born, it was a game changer. I was living like a rock star, running around, riding motorcycles, traveling the world, doing all this crazy stuff, feeling like someone on stage all the time, and I just started over, completely and utterly.”

What’s winning?

Winning to me is your attitude, your effort, and your energy you are bringing.

Murphy said he stopped telling the universe how things were going to be after his son was born and has taken a deeply spiritual tack ever since.

For all of his tennis success, Murphy felt an emptiness inside, so he started taking acting classes as a segue from entertaining people on the court. Murphy’s big film role was in the 2004 Wimbledon, co-starring Kirsten Dunst, wherein he played Ivan Dragomir. He then landed a role in the 2005 film Tennis, Anyone? starring Donal Logue. However, his numerous scenes were cut as they were far too risqué. Luke, on the other hand—pardon the pun—was filmed for only about 30 minutes, and his scene made the cut. The film has achieved cult status among tennis heads.

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Murphy was in Michigan with his dad who was fighting his twelve-year battle with prostate cancer, and Luke was in Atlanta in the summer of 2011 when they got a call from Sea Island president Scott Steilin. Murphy was offered the position of Director of the Tennis program, and he accepted. “I welcomed the opportunity. My whole life has been about opportunities. Hey, I am going back to the White House with the Kastles!” He encourages all to see each opportunity as a great gift.

Jensen believes in the power of giving back. His family became involved with Michael Milken’s Prostate Cancer Foundation many years ago, and he is deeply engaged in the Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for children with Down Syndrome. “I try to come from a place where I can give, not what I can get, and I have much better opportunities. To lead is to serve. At Sea Island, I am in the service industry, and that is so great!” he exclaimed.

MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN Question: What do a Grand Slam tennis champion and Buddha have in common?

Answer: The hard-learned discipline of living in the present.

“Life is for the learners!” Murphy shouted. He is an avid writer who keeps journals. He reads such classical books as Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and others that illuminate his inner-warrior’s sense of mortality. “Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I wake up every day and try to live it like it is my last. Every day is a blank canvas, and I try to make each day a masterpiece.” This attitude is what he brings to the court and to the office. This is the wizened Murphy who consistently inspires people to live each day to the fullest by saying things like “Enlightenment comes from the level of acceptance of the present.”

Coach Murphy emphasizes the need to focus on only the things you can control, and not on the things you can’t, and to be present in each moment. One of his all-star students, fourteen-year-old Fleming Landau, who is ranked 37th

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MURPHY'S MANTRAS - THERE IS NO GRAY AREA IN GREATNESS - IF YOU WANT A BIG PAYDAY, YOU GOTTA PAY THE BIG PRICE. - THE SEPARATION IS IN THE PREPARATION. - EMBRACE ADVERSITY - DON'T DREAM BIG--DREAM MONUMENTAL! - HAVE YOU DONE YOUR BEST TODAY? - YOU CAN'T GET CLEAN ON YESTERDAY'S SHOWER. - THE MORE YOU PUT IN, THE MORE YOU GET OUT.

in the South, explained how being in the moment helped her crush an eighteenyear-old opponent. She was way down in a big tournament and did not project her mind beyond each single shot.

The mantras on Murphy’s long list all come from a position of mental toughness and presence (see above). Don’t let the boyish wonder fool you; his enthusiasm and positive frequency come from a place that understands the opposite. His take on life is bittersweet, and he prefers sad music. The loss of his father has heightened his bittersweet approach, and he chooses the positive.

Murphy’s understanding of life’s tragic comedy pushes him to use a different scorecard in life and in competitive tennis.

MAN OF LA MANTRA

He brings to the kids in his academy the same enthusiasm he brings to the Kastles. The mantras on court fire as rapidly as the balls are tossed to his students: “The separation is in the preparation; You are either striving to be your best, or you’re not; It is the intensity that is going to separate you; There is no gray area in greatness!”

When he stepped into his post as the Kastles coach, he asked baseball legend

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Tommy Lasorda his advice on coaching a team. Lasorda said that not beating yourself is the biggest objective. Murphy recalled, “He didn’t say, 'you have to practice like crazy or you have to draft great players'; all he said was, ‘If you want to be successful with your team, do your very best to build a culture where your team plays for one another, protects one another, and if you’re lucky, they might even love one another.’” Murphy exclaimed, “If you get that, you cannot lose!”

To date, the Kastles have won four out of five consecutive championships, with the longest winning streak in the history of professional sports—take out the Lakers in '71 and '72—according to Murphy. “All we say in the huddle is ‘we play for one another, we protect one another like our life depends on it, and we don’t beat ourselves.’ Those three things are what are on my scoreboard.

What’s winning? Winning to me is your attitude, your effort, and your energy you are bringing. You have one job: protecting your teammate.”

MURPHY THE BUSINESSMAN

Murphy’s business team-building methods are no different from those he applies to tennis, and he told me; “For me the challenge in the team-building and managing of the people here at Sea Island is that they buy in to my vision, and they like what I am selling, which is a passion and love for the game. They have to share my enthusiasm and to protect their co-workers as well as the Sea Island clients.” Murphy shares Luke’s view that tennis helps people solve problems.

“I need help learning more about the business, and I get help from the amazing Sea Island leadership. The whole deal around here is that we ARE Sea Island; we all really work together.”

His enthusiasm makes everything Murphy does look easy; but he and Luke have earned their privileges through hard work, determination, and the loyal love of their family, friends, and hometown communities. They have arguably done more to popularize the game of tennis than any other players. Today they continue to enrich the lives of children of all ages through the game of tennis.

We await their next moves in their new partnership with Sea Island Resort. There are plans to introduce major technological advances at the Center Court to keep pushing people to be their best every day. “I have a sign on my bathroom mirror that says, ‘You Are the Problem.’ My question is, can I look in the mirror every day and say I gave my very best to Sea Island and the Kastles?”

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Ultimate Lowcountry Retreat: Palmetto Bluff's Peacock House on the May River JANICE SHAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM PENNEY

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hen Mary Kaye and Warner Peacock (who is CEO of New River Auto Mall and owner of multiple car dealerships in Hilton Head and Columbia) decided they wanted to live in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC, they rented a spec house there until they could find the right spot to build. Walking in a wooded area near their rental house one day, Mary Kaye came upon a bluff on the May River that afforded an expansive view toward Myrtle Island, all the way toward Hilton Head. She knew immediately it was the view they wanted. As Mary Kaye remembers, “We had found our piece of paradise!”

As a retired interior designer and commercial building contractor from Winter Park, Florida, Mary Kaye knew exactly what she wanted to build, and the couple hired architect Thomas Hiatt of Bluffton to help with the 6,500-square-foot Low country house she envisioned.

The house stretches out along the banks of the May River, like an elegant Southern lady reclining in the shade of a summer afternoon. Screened porches extend the length of the home, affording every room a view of the marsh and nearby islands. Local Savannah gray brick was used in the design of the porches, patios, stairs, and piers; and exterior gaslights and lots of French doors complete the picturesque Lowcountry ambience.

The Peacocks do a lot of entertaining in their home throughout the year, and the layout of the grounds, the spectacular view, and the interior design are perfectly suited to their lifestyle. The house is elegant, casual, and beautifully decorated with things Mary Kaye has collected over the years and many older and re-purposed pieces. “I tend not to focus on antique furniture but, instead, am attracted to the look or patina of a piece. I think you have to have some 'age' in the room, but expensive antique furniture is not my focus. I prefer interesting accessories and quality modern furnishings.”

From the living room, six set of French doors open onto a lengthy screen porch with a view of the May River and marsh islands. Often the room that guests gravitate to at their parties, the porch is used twice annually for seated dinners of 24 to 34 people. The owners move the porch furniture to storage and fit 8-foot banquet tables end-to-end to accommodate the scores of guests. A fireplace at one end keeps it cozy in the winter for their annual Christmas party.

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The screened porch that offers marsh and river views is often transformed for large dinner parties.

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The hallway with reclaimed heart of pine floors, board and batten walls, and the Peacocks'unique mix of rustic and traditional objects and artwork.

Entering the house through the vast front yard, a playground for their two rambunctious dogs(more about these two later), I’m invited in by Mary Kaye and her daughter, Taylor, who’s home for a visit. She recently moved back to the Lowcountry from New York but returns there often to visit her brother, Landon, who’s still working in the city. A generous, light-filled foyer extends horizontally to the left and right and serves as a hallway linking bedrooms to the far left with the kitchen on the other end. Groupings of Mary Kaye’s antique and reproduction Chinese vases, which she has collected since she was 18, dot the foyer; a black chinoiserie entrance table sits beneath a contemporary painting by

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The dining chairs feature soft upholstered backs for comfort and oversized nail head trim for texture. The rustic farm table relaxes the elegant formal china and flat ware.

The etching on the glass doors depicts a delicate landscape of houses, bridges, swans, egrets, and dragonflies that somehow jumps the centuries to mimic the scenery within your view.

Laura Lacambra Shubert, featuring a composition of similar vases.

The 12-foot-high timbered ceilings throughout the first floor of the house are spectacular, as is the old reclaimed wood flooring that came from barns in Tennessee.

The wood is delightfully imperfect, with flecks of old paint and agedarkened areas adding to their warm, comfortable look. As Mary Kaye says

with a laugh, “These floors are great for a busy family with kids and two labs.”

Two antique church pews flank the wall that divides the living and dining room from the foyer. This wall is a high point of the house—it is actually a bank of etched glass doors from a 17th-century French chateau that allows you a view from the entryway of the house through

the living/dining area, the screened porch, and out to the river. The etching on the glass doors depicts a delicate landscape of houses, bridges, swans, egrets, and dragonflies that somehow jumps the centuries to mimic the scenery within your view.

One moves past the glass walls into the calmness of a pale blue and white living room. Facing the river, another interior wall is pierced with banks of French doors affording a grand view of the screened porch and the river and marsh banks.

That serene scene is complemented with pale tones of linen used in the comfortable couches and the gray linen chairs grouped near a fireplace.

The fireplace itself is dwarfed by an enormous tufted leather settee that Mary Kaye insists is reserved for

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The butcher-block island serves as the center of the home.

their two white labradors, Simon Baker and Sophie.

Pillows in various shades of blue reinforce the blue and white theme of the collection of porcelain vases, seen also in this room. Pillow and tablecloth fabrics are changed often, and the current blue and white floral fabric used on a chaise and pillows is from Ralph Lauren sheets. Mary Kaye explains, “They are exactly what I wanted and easy to launder, and with two large dogs that’s always important.”

The board and batten walls are painted a cool white, and flowers in pale bunches and stems are everywhere in the room. A collection of porcelain flowers in their own pots sits atop a side table.

These might easily be overlooked

because they are so realistic, they seem to be recent blooms just brought in from the garden.

A closer look reveals that these heirloom pieces are intricately assembled and even have realistic hand-painted three-dimensional bees and butterflies resting on them.

At the opposite of the long living area is the dining table, which seats ten. The Peacocks own fifteen sets of fine china and linens that are used often for the frequent dinner parties they host.

Another gorgeous example of a Shubert painting hangs opposite the dining table, picturing a woman setting a table with blue and white china. The thoughtful placement of the paintings in this home

Lush linens soften the iron bed, and sheer draperies in a sea foam blue shade offer a contemporary contrast to the traditional chairs and paintings.

complements the design of each room of the house, also stands alone as lovely contemporary art.

Beyond the dining room, a small sunroom area leads into the sunny kitchen with windows reaching almost to the ceiling. A large wood butcher-block-style island stretches the length of the room, and is, as Mary Kaye insists, literally the center of the house where all family activities eventually end up. The pale cabinets echo the white and cream tones of woodwork throughout the house, and the chocolatecandy-color walls add a touch of sophistication to this workroom.

Tucked into a room near the kitchen is Warner Peacock’s working wine cellar. Mary Kaye

uses the term “working” because she says, “My husband is always working in here, hence all the crates and boxes. He enjoys unloading and shelving the wine.”

The master bedroom and bath at the opposite end of the house also looks out onto the river. To accent the cream walls, Mary Kaye has used turquoise touches in the drapery, a pair of vases, and the lamps that sit atop a bombé chest. That touch of color recurs in the master bath, in the form of two large painted wooden mirror frames. They look to be of Indian origin, so I ask about their provenance and learn they are antique reproductions of a Middle Eastern design, which she painted the lovely turquoise color.

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FROM

BACKHOESTO

BROUGHTON ST. AFTER A STINT AS MARKETING DIRECTOR AT THE GLOBAL TRACTOR KING, JCB, KAREN GUINN HAS LAUNCHED HER OWN PR FIRM, AND HER FIRST CLIENT MIGHT JUST CHANGE THE FACE OF DOWNTOWN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Everyone knows what commercial developer Ben Carter plans to do on Broughton Street, and that is largely because of Karen Guinn’s new marketing and public relations firm, Collective Marketing. The ink had barely dried when Carter tapped her for his Savannah-based projects.

But who is Karen Guinn and how did she rise to such a big job at the relatively young age of 33?

YOU GREW UP AND WENT TO COLLEGE IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF PUTTING DOWN ROOTS SO FAR FROM HOME? I always wanted to be a lawyer; I wanted to practice international law. But I decided about a month before I was supposed to go to law school to defer my enrollment. I wound up in Savannah just visiting a friend, and never left. That was in 2004.

THAT’S A PRETTY LONG VISIT. HOW DID YOU LAND A JOB? I was walking around Savannah one day, and I met Cora Bett Thomas. There’s a quote from Cinderella: “One shoe can change your life.” I had these red shoes on, and she said she liked my shoes. She started chatting with me, said she loved New Yorkers. She invited me to lunch, showed me around the city, and offered me a job. I worked for her as an executive assistant, moved up to sales, and eventually she pushed me into marketing. I then moved up to sales, and eventually she pushed me into marketing.

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Leather dress designed by Brooke Atwood, Hair by Dennis Stokley, makeup: Dollface by Jules.

BY ROBYN PASSANTE

PHOTO BY JABBERPICS

7/21/14 7:48 PM

WAS MARKETING SOMETHING YOU HAD CONSIDERED MIGHT BE A TALENT? Marketing is mostly common sense. Cora Bett definitely woke that up inside of me. My company is a bit full circle, because Cora Bett's (former) vice president of marketing is now my partner – Meg Albertson. We started Collective together.

BEFORE YOU STARTED COLLECTIVE, YOU WORKED FOR JCB, WHICH IS A HUGE INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER. HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB? It’s funny, I’ve never had a resume; I’ve never applied for a job, ever. I’ve always just been in the right place at the right time. I played soccer with a bunch of the English people who were setting up JCB here. I just took a jump to go work there. I knew nothing about construction, but (four years later) I took over all their marketing efforts for North America. JCB really took a chance on me, allowing me to grow into that role.

YOU TOOK ON BEN CARTER AS A CLIENT WITHIN A COUPLE MONTHS OF STARTING COLLECTIVE. WAS THAT ANOTHER JOB YOU DIDN’T APPLY FOR? Kind of. I sit on the Savannah Economic Development Authority advisory board, which had been working with Ben for two years. He had worked with a couple different PR firms, but the Broughton project and his vision were so big that his needs kept evolving. So the president of SEDA, David Paddison, called me and said, “I need you to meet Ben Carter.” He knew Ben needed someone who gets Savannah but also understands business.

SO YOU AND BEN MET AND CLICKED? Yes. I wasn’t sure if it would be a good move for me to take on such a big client so early. But when I met with Ben, we got along immediately. I understand his vision, and I think it’s exactly what we need in Savannah. So it wasn’t a question of how could I work with him; it was how could I not?

WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE JUST GIVEN YOU A CHANCE? I guess because I’ve never been afraid of a challenge.

When someone says, “Do you think you can do this?”

I always answer, “Yes.” If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll figure it out.

SO WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU DOING FOR CARTER AND HIS COMPANY? My main job for him is to liaise with Savannah, helping him to understand the culture and the fabric of the city and making sure those elements get pulled through his new projects.

WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND SAVANNAH TO BE? Savannah has that magnetizing charm. I think it gets mislabeled as a sleepy Southern town, and it’s really pretty progressive.

HOW IS THAT DEFINITION SHAPING THE BROUGHTON STREET PROJECT? What I love about the project is that it’s taking all of the things that make Savannah unique and Broughton Street wonderful – the historic storefronts, the beautiful canvas that the historic buildings give, the local stores – and matching them up with national retailers that will help breathe new life into the street and lure in new customers, which will help everyone.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER? Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something or you need help.

There’s confidence, and then there’s arrogance, and then there’s ignorance.

You need to know when you need to pull in other people to help you. That’s the

beauty of our business, and the reason behind the name – Collective. It’s not just about Karen or just about Meg; it’s about understanding that teams of people and a collaborative experience are going to give you a better end result.

DO YOU STILL HAVE THE RED SHOES CORA BETT THOMAS ADMIRED SO LONG AGO? No, unfortunately I have a dog that also has an affinity for shoes, so he devoured the shoes that landed me in Savannah.

But I’m lucky in that she kind of adopted me when I got here; I call her my Savannah mom. I think the people of this town embraced me as their token Yankee.

To contact Karen or the Collective Marketing Company, go to collectivemarketing.com n

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The Three Wise Men Broughton Street in the 1920s

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign: Look Out for Savannah’s Economic Renaissance PAULA S. FOGARTY

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any signs indicate that an economic tipping point for Savannah is on the horizon: the Kesslers are developing the blighted area of West River Street; Jay Patel is developing the east end of River Street; Ben Carter is breathing new life into Broughton Street, the city is supporting the development of a new Cultural Arts Center; Charles Morris continues to improve the east end of Bay Street with Trustees Garden; the Rockbridge group is building an internationally renowned hotel along River Street; the Port deepening project is commencing; a huge development is slated for Elba Island, and Greg Parker is teaching city government how to run like a business.

A central figure in many of Savannah’s development projects is architect Patrick Shay of Gunn, Meyerhoff, and Shay. Ben Carter, Jay Patel, Rockbridge, and the Cultural Arts Center have contracted the firm for their projects. Shay weighed in on the development scene by saying, “We are now on the radar screen for capitalists who invest in developers.”

He explained that the huge numbers of visitors—12.1 million in 2013—to Savannah come because of the history and the architecture. They are driving development of new hotel rooms, which in turn creates the demand for the development of what Shay calls “content.” The “content” is dining, shopping, festivals, museums, galleries, and entertainment venues. This is what keeps people coming back.

Not everyone is excited by all this; higher rents are driving some Broughton Street retailers a little further south to locations like Liberty.

Shay argues that this is natural in urban development. “SoHo in New York once hosted the smaller galleries and boutiques. Now the national brands have moved in and the smaller operators moved to the Meat Packing District.

We need to look at cities like ecologies; this is a natural progression, and the neighborhoods just south of Broughton need new energy.” All in all, it looks like the money is coming into Savannah for an economic renaissance and, hopefully, what Shay calls “the smart money” is on its way to town.

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Greg Parker

Greg Parker - CEO of Parker’s convenience stores As CEO of the $500 million dollar Parker’s Market enterprise, Greg Parker leads the charge to help the city of Savannah run like a business, not a fiefdom. As president of Mayor Jackson’s Business Roundtable, Parker has outlined 52 specific recommendations for improving local conditions for businesses, not the least of which was a concerted effort to repeal the local inventory tax on businesses.

Parker is known for measuring his business performance by a set of metrics, and he is bringing this discipline to the Mayor’s Roundtable initiatives. Parker’s group benchmarked Savannah against other cities for ease of doing business, and it came in number 121. His battle cry for improving Savannah’s business climate is that we “have to do a better job of telling our own story.”

It is no secret that “Slowvannah” is resistant to change and generally makes it difficult for new businesses to start here, particularly in the way of real estate development. Parker assured the crowd at a recent Downtown Business Association meeting that there is, at last, significant buy-in for this plan that will help the city run profitably and in the best interest of growing the local economy.

Parker explained, “We are seeing unprecedented economic development in Savannah right now. Over the next two to three years, I think we will be north of $3 billion in investment, both from local companies expanding and new business entrants to our city. Gulfstream has another major expansion underway; Richard Kessler has a $ 200+ million dollar project on West Bay Street, and John Cay and Batson Cook are moving forward with an exciting project on Hutchinson Island that may be a $ 350 million dollar project. On the east end of Bay Street, the Northpoint Hospitality Group is investing upwards of $ 100 million in a new hotel and retail complex. These and other projects such as Charles Morris’s development of Trustees Gardens are bringing new jobs and energy to the city. We’ve got to talk about this more, and we’ve got to ensure that we work cooperatively with all of these entities.”

Richard Kessler

Richard C. Kessler - Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc The visionary of the Kessler Collection of luxury boutique hotels including Savannah’s Mansion on Forsyth Park, the Bohemian Hotel, and the Kehoe House, Richard Kessler has $200 million worth of faith in Savannah’s economic growth. His next move may be his most ambitious; his proposed renovation and expansion of the former Georgia Power Plant Riverside will be composed of a 400 room luxury hotel, retail and dining establishments, a bakery, ice-cream shop, a spa, a museum, an art gallery, and a dynamic outdoor park for public use. This project promises to be a gamechanger for the blighted River Street at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

According to Kessler, the project promises to create 800 jobs, bring 250,000 guests to Savannah annually, thereby greatly benefiting local businesses. The architect for the project is Christian Sottille, who some have dubbed Savannah’s new Oglethorpe. Kessler said of the two-and-half -year project, “My belief in Savannah as a great city fortifies my commitment to another development in the charming historic district. I am confident that the tourists and locals will quickly discover this unique and dramatic location on the river, which has been inaccessible for over 100 years.”

The Kessler project will greatly enhance the city’s infrastructure of small businesses and services. Kessler added, “Bringing 250,000 guests in one year into the City of Savannah and staying in four-star hotels will bring significant revenue to the retail and services on River Street and the surrounding historic district. Benefiting from this project would include transportation companies, restaurants, museums, entertainment venues, retail, and may other needed services.”

Kessler's project for Plant Riverside has been a contentious political football under the shiny dome of city council regarding the height variance. Recently, however, city council voted to approve four- and six- story buildings on the site, much to the consternation of neighbors, such as Michael Brown, and to the greater enthusiasm of the wider audience that understands the positive economic impact of this ambitious project.

Ben Carter

Ben Carter - Owner of Ben Carter Enterprises Broughton Street was a glamorous, bustling shopping street in the early 20th century and has never recovered from the downturn after the Great Depression. Enter Ben Carter, the famous Atlanta developer, most well-known for the successes of the Mall of Georgia at Mill Creek and the St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville; he is also known for the colossal failure of his “Streets of Buckhead” development project, which went south simultaneously with the economic downturn of 2008.

He initially came to Savannah to develop the Tanger Factory Outlet mall in Pooler but was soon lured to Broughton Street by tenants who expressed an interest in being downtown. The real estate prices were right—sometimes half of what they would be in Charleston—and he went about investing in about $75 million in Broughton Street properties in partnership with New York-based Acadia Realty Trust. On investing in Savannah, Carter said, “Savannah has a unique enchanting allure and a vibe that is easily recognized by visitors and residents, which cannot be replicated, and added, “These types of redevelopment projects have the tendency to catch on very quickly.

Everyone wants to be in the new “it” market.”

Carter intends to attract national highend retail brands the like of which he lured to St. Johns Town Center. He said, “This is the most exciting project I have ever worked on.”

His vision is to create an environment not unlike Charleston’s King Street with dynamic outdoor spaces developed in concert with Gunn, Meyerhoff & Shay.

To some he is the White Knight, to other small retailers, he is the Big Bad Wolf as rents soar and they seek leases to the south.

Carter said, “It is my sincere belief that the strong locals already present on Broughton Street, combined with some new additional retailers and restaurants, will give this street the rebirth it deserves.” In any event, Carter’s commitment to breathing new life into Savannah’s main shopping street will certainly lend the city vast economic and aesthetic improvements..n AU G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2014

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a financial prophet America CAN Live WITHOUT CREDIT CARDS! Financial Evangelist DAVE RAMSEY Preaches the DEBT-FREE GOSPEL from His Financial Pulpit – And IT’S SAVING PEOPLE! Pearce Vale

Illustration by Richard Sullivan Photographs curtesy of Dave Ramsey

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he nation is drowning in a sea of debt – not just the national debt of $17.075 trillion and climbing at a rate of $2.3 billion per day, but American’s consumer debt, which is at $11.4 trillion, terrifyingly close to the nation’s insurmountable obligation. More than 160 million Americans have credit cards, according to the website debt.com. The average credit card holder has at least three credit cards and an average credit card debt well in excess of $11,000. This is just part of the $11.4 trillion figure mentioned above. The rest is in mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. Credit cards have proved to be the most explosive form of credit for American consumers, and millions have watched their financial future blow up in their faces once they started lighting the plastic fuse.

Enter Dave Ramsey – a world-renowned expert in personal finances and getting and staying debt free. Ramsey isn’t a noted economist, although he could certainly lay claim to being the most famous home economist to come along in many a year. His goals are to rescue people from the clutches of the credit card and to save those who have not yet fallen into them yet.

If you’ve ever wondered why preachers talk so much about money, it’s probably because the Bible does. Ramsey’s bold and unconventional approach says “no” to credit cards. His evangelical Christian roots draw upon biblical principles that are said to work for the faithful and the faithless alike, as long as they are strictly practiced.

Born in Antioch, Tennessee, in 1960, David L. “Dave” Ramsey III graduated from the College of Business at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville in 1982. By age 26, Ramsey had his own firm, Ramsey Investments, Inc., which had accrued a rental real estate portfolio worth more than $4 million.

It all came tumbling down when the Tax Reform Act of 1986 took a huge bite out of the real estate investment market. He and his firm were forced into bankruptcy when one of his creditors, after being sold to a large banking concern, immediately demanded full payment of $1.2 million in short-term loans. Ramsey had 90 days to come up with the capital to meet his creditor’s demand. The task was an impossible one and bankruptcy was his only refuge.

From there, Ramsey went on a quest to learn all he could about money. He attended scores of workshops, mostly conducted by faith-based financial personalities such as Larry Burkett.

The fact that he lost everything due to an unfriendly piece of federal legislation in no way diminished the value of his financial instruction and counsel to others, and Ramsey continued to counsel friends from his church and other interested inquirers. Many of his clients found his counsel so helpful that he was urged to write his first book, which he did titled Financial Peace, and he began marketing the book out of his own car.

Ramsey’s work as a speaker, author, and media personality has become so popular that he has a wildly successful syndicated radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show.

Ramsey the Evangelist Ramsey is on a mission to use his considerable knowledge and experience in personal finance to help save thousands – perhaps millions – from the crippling bondage of debt. For Ramsey, the first things to go are the credit cards – all of them. Then, budgeting, earning, repaying, and saving. There is no magic formula for getting out of debt and staying that way, any more than there is a magic formula for losing 50 pounds of excess body weight and keeping it off. Both require profound, permanent changes in one’s lifestyle. That’s what Ramsey teaches: a serious, rigorous, lifestyle change. Then you learn how to say “no” or at least, “not yet” to the desires of the eyes. Get out of debt, save for what you want and need, and then pay cash.

Ramsey’s work as a speaker, author, and media personality has become so popular that he has a wildly successful syndicated radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show. He also had a television program on the Fox Business Network that turned out to be rather shortlived (three seasons). But his popularity never waned on radio, in books, or at the podium.

Dave has written numerous books on personal financial management, including four that became New York Times Best Sellers.

Dave Ramsey’s Tools for Kids

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Carless at the Carnival The Super Red Racer My Fantastic Field Trip Big Birthday Surprise A Special Thank You Battle of the Chores

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As a popular convention speaker, Ramsey preaches his message plainly and with passion because he knows it’s God’s will that people have life and have it more abundantly. It is a practical, proven, getout-of-debt transformation that, if put into practice properly and faithfully, can effect a lifestyle change that can rescue anyone, regardless of his or her religious beliefs or lack thereof, from the fires of debt hell.

That’s because, even though many of Dave’s ideas come from the Bible, they are not theological principles but

Teach Your Children Well

RAMSEY

by the Numbers

18,300,000 + Listeners of his radio show

8,000,000 Dave Says column circulation

1,500,000 Participants in his Foundations High School

50,000 People completed the Debtor Education course

400

Employees

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In keeping with the biblical admonition in Proverbs 22:6 to "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it, "Ramsey has done that with his children – so much so that his adult daughter, Rachel Ramsey Cruze, has co-authored Ramsey’s latest book, Smart Smart Money Smart Kids.

Smart Money Smart Kids is designed to help parents start financial education early in life, hopefully instilling sound financial principles and practices such as earning, saving, not borrowing and other important fundamentals in hope that their children can avoid the hard knocks of financial failure from the start. “Poor financial habits are very hard to break for adults,” explains daughter and co-author, Rachel Cruze. “Even with the best intentions and efforts, it may take years to change and clear up the consequences of poor management.”

Can parents really be effective at teaching the most important money lessons to their children if the parents are still stuck in the throes of a lifetime of poor money management? “No matter your financial situation, it’s important that you teach your kids about money,” says Cruze.

“Even if you’ve made mistakes in the past, that’s okay. Take this opportunity to get your financial act together, and talk to your kids about the steps you’re taking to clean up your finances.”

Give It Away, Y’all

As mentioned earlier, Ramsey makes frequent references to the Bible and to his faith in his teaching materials, and he is by far most popular among evangelical Christians. Chapter 5 of Smart Money Smart Kids is even titled, “GIVE: It’s Not Yours Anyway.” The implication is that all provision is a gift from God, who remains the true owner and possessor of all wealth. Given that view, one is under a moral obligation to be charitable with one’s substance. But if one is not a person of faith, can one still employ and benefit from the teachings of Chapter 5? “Giving is possibly the most fun you will ever have with money,” declares Ramsey. “Every mentally and spiritually healthy person I’ve met has been turned on by giving, as long as it didn’t mean his own lights got cut off. I can promise you from meeting with literally thousands of millionaires that the one thing the healthy ones have in common is a love of giving.”

Father’s Footsteps

How practical is it really to expect to go through life without borrowing, especially for major purchases such as a home, automobile, education, or emergency medical expenses? “Saving up and paying cash for large purchases is possible, but you have to be patient and have a plan,” advises Cruze. “Sit down each month and create a budget, which includes a line item for savings. You first want to save up three to six months of expenses for an emergency fund. This will allow you to cover unexpected expenses, such as a medical emergency or a large auto repair bill. If you may need a newer car in the future, begin saving for this each month, also. Too many people go into debt because they don’t have a plan for their money.”

In the book, Cruze encourages readers to take their sights off their credit scores. Credit scores, according to Cruze,

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EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey provides everything you ever wanted to know about building and growing a business but didn’t know whom to ask. Anyone who manages a team or wants to grow a business will benefit from the wisdom Ramsey imparts here– from experience in the trenches. If you are busy like most execs, try the audio book or mp3 download. All available from Daveramsey.com

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a few of dave's reads

➦

The dome of knowledge.

Dave has written numerous books on personal financial management, including four that became New York Times Best Sellers.

Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze offers no-nonsense advice on teaching children how to handle money—from earning, spending, saving, and giving to avoiding debt and achieving financial maturity.

Available from Daveramsey.com at $19.99 plus $4.95 shipping.

Dave and his daughter Rachel recently paired up to write Smart Money Smart Kids, a book about how to educate your children on the use of money.

merely tell people how you are when it comes to borrowing and repaying. “Your credit score isn’t an indication that you’re winning with money,” says Cruze. “A credit score is based upon your interaction with debt; whether you’re good at borrowing money and paying it back. It’s possible to go through life without a credit score, so don’t make the mistake of going into debt just to try and manufacture a good FICO score.”

Since the goal is never to borrow, a credit score can become quite irrelevant, according to Cruze. Yet, credit scores are used for much more than borrowing. Employers, landlords, cell phone providers, and many others rely heavily upon credit scores to make decisions about candidates and customers. How does one neglect one’s credit score when it is about so much more than using someone else’s money? “You may have to provide a little more information if you’ve had no credit in your past, such as your payment history on bills and proof of income, but there are people out there who don’t rely solely on a credit score when doing business,” she points out. “You can even get a mortgage without a credit score through a process called manual underwriting.”

A similar concern arises when one tries to follow Ramsey’s strict rule not to have credit cards. In an increasingly cashless society (where you cannot reserve a good hotel room or rent a car without a valid credit card – many won’t take cash or debit cards for these transactions), what is a pay-cash-as-you-go practitioner to do regarding having credit cards? Ramsey says using cash helps you stay on track with your budget, but a debit card works too. “A Visa debit card, or other check cards that are connected to your checking

account, gives you the ability to do virtually anything a credit card will do,” he says. “Of course, you must have money before you can buy something with a debit card. There is one thing that a debit card won’t do; get you into debt.”

Bitter Credit Pills for America

In the past decade, America and the world has learned some bitter lessons about “economic bubbles.” (At least we can hope that some learning has taken place.) It seems to be a safe guess that with our economy as it is, we can expect more economic bubbles now and in the future. If we look at the causes behind the last economic crash attributed to bad mortgage loan practices, it makes sense to look for other areas of lending where such carelessness has been known to exist. One of those areas is in student loan lending, and a crisis involving student loan repayment has been steadily brewing for some time; it could be the next “bubble.”

Ramsey says, “It’s human nature to want it and want it now. Our culture teaches us to live for the now. Debt is a means to obtain the 'I want its' before we can afford them. Debt is so engrained in our culture that most Americans cannot even envision a car without a payment, a house without a mortgage, or college without a student loan. But if you are intentional with your money, you can pay cash for things like cars and college, and can save a down payment for a home you can afford.” n

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness condenses Dave Ramsey’s teaching into 7 organized, easy-to-follow steps that will lead you out of debt and into a total money makeover.

Available from Daveramsey.com at $14.95 plus $4.95 shipping.

In Financial Peace Revisited: Get Out of Debt and Stay Out, Dave Ramsey provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step methods and simple worksheets to achieve personal control, financial security, a revitalized family dynamic, and life-long peace.

Available from Daveramsey.com at $14.95 plus $4.95 shipping.

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FINANCE PROS GET A MONEY BUDDY

Find a friend who is financially like-minded to share your money tips with. Use this buddy to keep you accountable and on track to reaching your financial goals.

RAISE THE BAR

ALL-CASH DIET

As you gain more financial stability through increases in your salary, be sure to increase your savings amounts. If you raise your income, raise your financial contributions.

If you’re bad with budgeting, consider using nothing but cash on daily expenses to prevent overspending in your account.

KEEP FINANCES ORGANIZED

Having an organized system of handling your finances will help keep your life simpler and give you a sense of control. A system will help you handle your financial mail, make sure bills are paid on time, and keep the right type of financial records.

LIVE MODESTLY

Live within your means. One of the key lessons learned from the recession is that you can’t count on real estate values to always increase and home equity is not a reliable piggy bank. Stretching to make a large monthly house payment will keep you on financial thin ice. Live modestly and you’ll be able to afford the occasional splurge on travel or clothes without the stress of credit card debt.

HANDS OFF RETIREMENT

Don’t touch your retirement account for any purpose other than income in retirement. Avoid loans and early distributions from your 401(k) or IRA. Set up separate savings accounts for other purposes such as emergency funds, children’s educations and home purchases.

IS YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE SECURE?

YOU CAN START INVESTING IN YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE AT AN EARLY AGE, OR FOR THOSE THAT HAVE A LATER START, THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS OUT THERE TO INSURE THAT YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO LIVE THE RETIREMENT OF YOUR DREAMS WITHOUT BIG SACRIFICE ON THE FRONT END. WE ASKED THE TOP FINANCIAL GURUS IN THE SOUTH FOR THEIR ADVICE. HERE IS SOME ADVICE THEY GAVE US....

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HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL

Though there are many do-it-yourself tools in the market, tax law is very complex and constantly changing. A qualified tax professional is the safest and smartest way to take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you.

MAXIMIZE YOUR EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Commonly, employment benefits get overlooked and could be costing you thousands of dollars. Your company benefit plans can be complex and confusing. Ask for detailed information from your employers so that you can make the best choices for your personal situation

REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS OFTEN

Because things are ever changing in life, make sure that you review your policies often to ensure that you are benefiting at the highest level. Immediately update estates and wills after any major life changes. Review your credit report more regularly as incorrect entries could be devastating to your credit score.

➦ MEET THE FINANCIAL EXPERTS AND READ THEIR TIPS ON SECURING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE.

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FINANCE PROS

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST

Provide a full array of tax, auditing, accounting, and bookkeeping services.

Our main focus is tax planning which allows us to manage our client’s tax liability and integrate more complete business planning. We are an extremely technologically advanced firm, employing state-of the art technologies to manage our clients’ accounting needs and fees.

➽

TAX PLANNING IS CRITICAL

Tax planning gives you the opportunity to take actions to minimize your tax liability and manage cash to pay any tax that may be owed. Tax planning lets you take advantage of new tax laws or changes that may affect our situation.

➽

HIRE A TAX PROFESSIONAL

Though there are many do-ityourself tools in the market, tax law is very complex and constantly changing.

A qualified tax professional is the safest and smartest way to take advantage of all the tax breaks available to you.

➽

LEVERAGE NEW TECHNOLOGY

There are so many new tools available to help manage the accounting process that it can be overwhelming at times.

However, these tools and apps can save you significant time and money by eliminating labor costs inherent to accounting. A simple example would be using document management systems that directly link to specific accounting transactions (e.g., bills paid).

Cordasco & Company CPAs 109 Oglethorpe Professional Ct. Savannah. GA 912.353.7800 cordascocpa.com

OUTSOURCED ACCOUNTING AND CFO SERVICES

TAX PREPARATION AND PLANNING SERVICES

ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

PHO T O TAKE N AT T H E MANSION ON FOR S Y T H FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION

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FINANCE PROS WEALTH MANAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

401(K) INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

➽ MANAGE EXPENSES You have more control over your expenses than you do your income, so become an expert in managing your expenses. Managing expenses will allow you to save.

➽ INVEST SAVINGS Invest your savings so that they will grow and compound over time. Just as you utilize experts on important matters such as health and law, rely on a conflic free professional investment advisor with the right expertise, experience, and training to manage your investments.

➽ HANDS OFF RETIREMENT Don’t touch your retirement account for any purpose other than income in retirement. Avoid loans and early distributions from your 401(k) or IRA. Set up separate savings accounts for other purposes such as emergency funds, children’s educations, and home purchases.

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST We provide fiducia y investment management for individuals, families, trusts, and retirement plans to help our clients build, protect, and grow their wealth.

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FIDUCIARY ADVISORS PROVIDING CONFLICT-FREE ADVICE

HIGHLY-SKILLED TEAM WITH DEEP EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

PASSIONATE ABOUT INVESTING AND DISCIPLINED IN OUR APPROACH

The Fiduciary Group 310 Commercial Drive Savannah, GA 912.303.9000 tfginvest.com

PHO T O TAKE N AT T OP DE CK AT C O T T ON SAI L FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION

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FINANCE PROS WHOLE, TERM, UNIVERSAL, & SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE

➽ DETERMINE HOW MUCH INSURANCE YOU NEED

We perform a financial needs anal sis with our clients to determine the appropriate amount and type of insurance they need. For life insurance, the typical rule of 7-10 times your income doesn’t work for everyone. We conduct periodic reviews with them to adjust their plans as their needs change and evolve.

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COMPREHENSIVE INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

➽ INCREASE YOUR VOCABULARY

Do not be afraid to ask questions in the process and always consult a financial profe sional to ensure that you understand the route of your investments. When making decisions on insurance, retirement, and investments, you want to be sure that you understand exactly where your money is going and how it is being used.

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

➽ QUALITY OF THE PROVIDER

New York Life is a mutual company; it is not publicly traded, and therefore has no shareholders. The policyholders share in the ownership and profits of the compan . The financial strength of a company is also an important factor. New York Life has the highest financial ratings from all four major rating agencies

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VARIABLE ANNUITIES

FIX ANNUITIES

RETIREMENT INCOME AND PLAN SERVICES

New York Life 9 Park Of Commerce Blvd # 200 Savannah, GA 912.355.3353 newyorklife.com

âž˝ WHAT WE DO BEST

New York Life has been serving Savannah since 1846.

We have the highest possible financial strength atings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies. We provide financial sec rity and peace of mind through our insurance, retirement income, investments, and long-term care products and services.

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Standing left to right: Andrew Barrett, Patrick Spivey, Maureen Stuart, Mark Cooper, Hayden Banks, Michelle Albright, Nick Paolicelli Sitting left to right: Jerry Spivey, Wayne Harrison(Managing Partner), John Sullivan, Tim Ward S OUT H MAGA Z I NE.C OM

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FINANCE PROS LIFE, DISABILITY, AND GROUP INSURANCE, INCLUDING SELF-FUNDED PLANS

SERVING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF OVER 4,000 BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES THROUGHOUT GEORGIA AND THE SOUTHEAST

ESTATE & RETIREMENT PLANNING BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING

Bernard Williams Financial Services Division 6001 Chatham Center Drive Savannah. GA 912.234.4476 bwcexchange.com

➽ BUSINESS INSURANCE PLANS

Annually review your compliance materials to ensure all necessary employee communications are up to date and distributed. This should include a policy for defining pa t time, seasonal, and variable hour employees. PCORI fees are due by July 31 each year. Employers offering a self-funded medical plan or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement pay these fees. The fee amount is determined by the months your plan was effecti e in years 2012-2013.

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➽ INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE

Both government and subsidized plans and private carriers are open for enrollment in the Marketplace/ Exchange from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015.

Coverage changes will be effecti e starting January 1, 2015. Qualified vents such as marriage, divorce, birth, and adoption qualify for special open enrollment periods during the year. The penalty for not having qualified coverage for 2015 is 2% of household income.

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST

In business since 1934, Bernard Williams provides an array of insurance and financial se vice products. They are a leading advisor for the changes being brought on by the Affordable Care ct.

Left to right: Charles McCoy, Jessica DeLoach, Allen Williams, Teri Robertson, Rob Bowden (not pictured: Kelli Gay)

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FINANCEPROS PROS FINANCE

➽ GET ORGANIZED

A key attribute of secure individuals and successful business owners is a high level of organization and ready access to key information. Keeping good records all year will help save you money at tax time, make it easier to get loans, and help you run your household or business more efficient .

➽ LIVE MODESTLY Live within your means. One of the key lessons learned from the recession is that you can’t count on real estate values to always increase, and home equity is not a reliable piggy bank.

Stretching to make a large monthly house payment will keep you on financial thin ice. Li e modestly and you’ll be able to afford the occasional splurge on travel or clothes without the stress of credit card debt.

➽ SAVE FOR RETIREMENT

Make saving for retirement a priority rather than a luxury. If your employer offers a 401K plan and m tches a portion of your contributions, it’s like getting free money. Your contribution is deducted from your paycheck pretax so you are paying yourself before paying the government. If don’t have access to a 401k plan, open an IRA and set monthly automatic contributions from your bank account as though it were a recurring bill.

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST

Queensborough Bank has remained committed to the principles that have served the company well for over 100 years: Listen to the needs of your customers, and keep the banking process as simple as possible.

Pictured: Michael English

Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company 216 US Hwy 80 West Savannah, GA 912.303.9080 qnbtrust.com

22 BRANCH WIDE FOOTPRINT THAT EXTENDS FROM AUGUSTA TO SAVANNAH FI NANC E PROS | SPE CIAL ADV E RT OR IAL SE C T ION

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Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC

TRUST AND ESTATE SERVICES

MORTGAGE, PERSONAL, AND BUSINESS LOANS

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FINANCE PROS LOCAL BANKERS, LOCAL DECISIONS

135 BANKING LOCATIONS IN GA, SC AND NC

$8 BILLION IN ASSETS

South State Bank 25 Bull Street Savannah. GA 912.629.6500 southstatebank.com

➽

ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP

The first thing ou should do is establish a relationship with an experienced advisor - someone you trust to call for guidance and to answer any questions you may have about reaching your financial goals.

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➽

TREASURY SERVICES

If you need to save time, improve cash fl w, and streamline procedures, consider a suite of Treasury Management Solutions. From Merchant Services to Sweep Accounts, there are a variety of products and services designed to help you maximize earning potential and reduce expenses.

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Consider the benefits of isk Management Solutions. From online security software to easy detection of counterfeit and fraudulent checks, there are robust solutions that provide additional layers of protection.

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST

At South State Bank, we believe every great relationship starts with a conversation. Only then can we recommend the right products and services to our customers, whether it’s for Personal Banking, Business Banking, Mortgage, or Wealth Management. That’s putting customers firs , and that’s the South State Way.

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FINANCEPROS PROS FINANCE

➽ WHAT WE DO BEST

If you think a full-service bank with a hometown feel seems unattainable these days, you haven’t banked with Sea Island Bank, a division of Synovus Bank. Sea Island Bank is a great fit for small and middle mar et businesses. Advanced technology and skilled professionals provide for great relationship banking, and advanced product offering provide a competitive edge.

Responsiveness is a great asset at Sea Island Bank.

“The customer wants timely service and decisions, and our professionals are committed to consistently providing quality financial se vices. Business is still conducted person-to-person, and that is why we’ll continue to invest in our people,” said Ken Rabitsch, Savannah City President.

“Savannah is a great market and we believe in its people and the businesses that operate here.”

Standing L-R: Ben Johnson, Commercial Banker; Ryan Martin, Commercial Banker; Padgett Mixon, Commercial Lead. Sitting: Ken Rabitsch, Savannah City President, Sea Island Bank

Sea Island Bank 7402 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 205 Savannah, GA 912.235.3709 seaislandbank.com

All accounts are subject to approval.

Loan products subject to credit approval.

Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.

THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

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THE PRODUCTS YOU LOVE

THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE

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ya'll tally ho

T H E L U X U R I O U S S P O RT O F F OX H U N T I N G I S A L I V E A N D W EL L I N T H E SOU T H , A N D DE SPI T E T H E S P O RT ' S B A D R A P I N B R I TA I N , T H E A M E R I C A N S A R E TH R I L L ED BY TH E CH A SE , NOT TH E K I L L .

Stephen Hale | Photography by Tod Lista

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l Hounds in full cry in South Carolina

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The hunt begins on the trail.

W

e might go blithely by, living in the 21st century without witnessing the spectacular visual, audial, and even olfactory parade of a foxhunt roaring by in full cry.

Because most “packs” find their sport far out in the countryside, their centuries-old traditions barely cross paths with our lives in the fast lane.

But such traditions still thrive all around us, and foxhunting prospers in the South and East of the United States and much of Canada.

Traditions travel too, so you might someday have to wait by the roadside in Colorado or Montana as a troop of quarter horses flashes by in chase of a coyote or in India where you’ll surely want to step aside as greyhounds chase a golden jackal. Hunting with scent dogs was known in ancient Babylonia and Egypt, but it was never so well stylized as early modern Britain, from whence it came to America.

Foxhunting came to Canada and what became the United States on sailing ships long before the American Revolution, enjoyed here as it was in Europe by farmers and landed gentry. The first was probably Robert Brooke, who brought his hounds from England to Maryland in 1659, and Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax, formed the first group of foxhunters in northern Virginia in 1747.

A great deal of what we know about foxhunting in the Colonies comes from the diaries of George Washington, a dedicated huntsman over much of the same land that later became the capital of the United States. His friend, Thomas Jefferson, kept his own pack down the lane at Monticello.

A few decades later, while Congress sat on the same ground hunted

by Washington, a pack of hounds loudly rushed by, causing many

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Congressmen to run outside to watch the hounds, and several hailed their horses and joined the fray. The earliest North American hunts were the Montreal Hunt (1826) and the Piedmont Foxhounds, established in Virginia in 1840. Both packs hunt the same territories today. Today there are four hunts in Georgia recognized by the Masters of Fox Hounds in Millwood, Virginia, and eight in South Carolina. Four of those are in the equestrian mecca of Aiken, near the Georgia border with Augusta.

ST. HUBERT HISTORY

MORE SPORT THAN BLOOD IN AMERICA

Along with hunters, St. Hubert is celebrated

North American foxhunting grew to be somewhat different from the British style.

Here the emphasis became the chase rather than the kill. The prey is often different as well.

In Britain the red fox is considered vermin by farmers, killing sheep and ravaging whole coops of chickens to eat just one. There, until a recent ban on the blood sport, the fox was chased to

by Catholics, Anglicans, and Episcopalians as the patron saint of archers, dogs, forest workers, hunting, huntsmen, mathematicians, metal workers, smelters, opticians and trappers; and of the states and muni,cipalities of Liege and SaintLamberge, Belgium.

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TALLY HO! SOUTH CAROLINA

AIKEN HOUNDS, Aiken, SC Aikenhounds.com, est. 1914. Attire: Green coat, chamois collar (staff), hunting, drag hunting. MFH(s) Linda Knox McLean, goneway3@aol.com CAMDEN HUNT, Camden, SC Camdenhunt.com est. 1926. Attire: Scarlet, orange collar with charcoal piping, hunting red fox, gray fox, coyotes.

MFH – Joanne Schwartz, schwartz611@gmail.com GREEN CREEK HOUDS, Spartanburg, SC. Greencreekhounds.com, est. 1988. Attire: Emerald green with blue trim on scarlet for staff, hunting red fox, gray fox, coyote and bobcat. MFH Jefferson Goodwin, horseresource@aol.com

Camaraderie is another benefit of the foxhunt.

ground by hounds and flushed out by terriers, whereupon it was usually torn to pieces by both breeds of dogs on the scene.

In the Western hemisphere, with its much wider spaces, the fox is less a threat and the hunt is considered a success when it “goes to ground,” finding a warren in which it hides.

Having accomplished their goal, the huntsmen leave the fox with his heart still beating while they go off to congratulate themselves with brandy and camaraderie of spirit.

Also here, the much larger and more combative coyote has been migrating from its native territory in Western states, now almost throughout the Eastern United States. As the larger carnivore migrates, it drives both the red and gray fox, found more often in the South, out of their territories. “Fox” hunts in the South these days might just as likely hunt red and gray fox, coyote, bobcat, and even boar, the latter becoming a much greater threat to farms than any small red fox ever was.

IN AIKEN, THE DRAG’S THE THING Some of the oldest and most prestigious American hunts avoid altogether the controversy of the kill with a drag hunt – a huntsman drags a towel or sponge soaked in a pungent scent(it can be anise, the natural evacuation of a fox, or some other strong smell) – along a hunt line designed in advance. No live fox need fear the howling pack of hounds.

The hounds don’t care, and neither do the horses, nor the huntsmen who crash through the woods just as happily in mad pursuit of the thought of a prey as if there actually were an animal running for its life ahead of them. Aiken, South Carolina’s traditional

LOWCOUNTRY HUNT, Walterboro, SC Thelowcountryhunt.com, est. 2006.

Attire: Scarlet, indigo blue color with Carolina rice piping, hunting red fox, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, boar. MFH Nina Sledge Burke, ichvixen@gmail.com

GEORGIA Hounds and horses are equally excited to get started as the hounds get on the scent.

Thanksgiving celebration begins with the Blessing of the Hounds at the start of the first “drag” hunt of the season for The Aiken Hounds.

Thomas and Louise Hitchcock formed The Aiken Hounds 100 years ago in 1914, making it a drag hunt two years later, and the tradition of the drag and the centuries-old Blessing of the Hounds has continued every year since.

Although among the oldest drag hunts in the country, The Aiken Hounds was certainly not the first. In those days, Aiken was a winter resort, and the same society families came south every year from their primary homes in Manhattan, Long Island, Boston, and other enclaves in the Northeast. Myopia Club outside Boston, also an icon of American golf, founded their drag in 1882, Norfolk Hunt in Dover, Massachusetts, founded theirs in 1895, and Smithtown Hunt in Long Island, the home ground of the Hitchcocks and friends, founded their drag hunt in 1900.

Today’s Aiken drag members say that one of the advantages of an artificial scent is that should a live fox happen to cross the drag’s path, the dogs are not likely to turn and chase the animal. The hunting fraternity, which sports as many women as men, is spoiled for choice in Aiken with four hunts in and around the town.

The Aiken Hounds’ current Joint Master, Linda Knox McLean, is a

BEAR CREEK HOUNDS, Moreland, GA Bearcreekhounds.com, est. 2001. Attire: scarlet with black collar and blue piping, hunting red fox, coyote, bobcat.

MFH(s) Harold V. Barry, hal.barry@barrycompanies.com BELLE MEAD HUNT, Thompson, GA, Bellemeadhounds.com est. 1966. Attire: Scarlet, Confederate Calvary, yellow collar, red satin lapels, hunting red fox, gray fox, coyote. MFH, Edgar Wilson, eppwilson@classicsouth.net MIDLAND FOX HOUNDS, Columbus, GA, Midlandfoxhounds.com, est. 1950,.

Attire: Scarlet, infantry blue collar, hunting, red fox, gray fox, coyote, bobcat.

MFH Benjamin H. Hardaway, III, bhhardaway@aol.com

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The crisp country air enhances the adventure of foxhunting.

WHERE TO FOXHUNT IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA Join the fun with the following hunts recognized by the Master of Fox Hounds.

Happily chase fox, boar, bobcat, and coyote from the regal perch of a horse or follow along on foot.

descendent of some of the "Winter Colonists" who founded the century-old tradition here. When Thanksgiving morning dawns bright and clear, roughly 2,000 people will follow Linda and the rest of the troop into their beloved 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods, bequeathed to the people of Aiken for equestrian sports, to the Blessing of the Hounds at Memorial Gate, the downtown entrance to The Woods.

A few miles away, the Whiskey Road Fox Hounds were established in 1976 and their Master, Lynn Smith and her husband and joint-Master Dave Smith are celebrated figures on the local hunt scene, with Dave also turning his hand to polo at the Aiken Polo Club.

George Thomas who is joint Master with his wife Jeanie Thomas, of the ‘Why Worry Hounds’ is a fifth generation huntsman as a descendant of the Virginia, Bywater family. ‘Why Worry’ as their name suggests, is a far cry from the other more formal packs in town such as Whiskey Road and the Edisto River – Mount Vintage Hounds.

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WOMEN KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE It was the female side of Linda Knox McLean’s family and several other like-minded women who kept the tradition unbroken during the years of both the First and Second World Wars, while so many of the men were away. The same can be said of Whitney Polo Field about a mile away down another of Aiken’s equestrianfriendly unpaved roads. Since 1882, it has been the oldest continually active polo field in America, whose streak is due partly to war bond tournaments held by women of the high society “Winter Colony” during those same terrible years.

A broad fraternity of horsemen and women, the other hunt clubs in the region are a big part of the color and pageantry of opening day. Dressed in brilliant scarlet coats will be the members of Whiskey Road Foxhounds and the Edisto River Hounds, with the Why Worry Hounds dressed in Confederate gray with dark green piping and Belle Meade Hounds from Thompson, Ga., wearing both Scarlet and black, depending upon their status.

The Aiken Hounds wear the same hunter-green coat with chamois collar, white britches, stock and gloves, and brown tops on their on their brightly shined black boots introduced by Louise Hitchcock even before The Aiken Hounds were founded and she was hunting

imported hares with beagles before the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. “Green is the color of beagle packs,” says McLean, “but they are beautiful to me and all together, the colors of each is a brilliant thing.”

If it’s tradition you want, not much else in America commemorates anything as ancient as the 1,300-yearold vision of St. Hubert, Bishop of Liege in what is now Belgium. St. Hubert was the heir to Aquitaine and an avid hunter who had dropped out of his active life at the death of his wife in childbirth. One Good Friday morning, Hubert was chasing a great hart, the name for the finest mature red deer, when the animal turned on him. Struck with a spiritual vision, St. Hubert beheld a crucifix between the great buck’s antlers and a voice called out to Hubert to mend his ways and dedicate his life to his God. When he did so, Hubert became a man accorded great respect and venerated down the ages as the patron saint of hunters. With the passage of 13 centuries, there has been ample time to garble the text of his prayer, and there is hardly a standard blessing to be found.

However, on Thanksgiving morning, as the bright leaves of fall tumble upon them, the throngs gathered in Aiken will stand reverently while a priest, usually from St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church (although Anglicans from All Saints and Catholics from St. Mary’s have served before), intones the words of an ancient ritual ascribed to St. Hubert.

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BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS

Blessing of the Hounds prior to the hunt.

Fox hunting clubs, or packs, abound, particularly in the Southeast, and many of them hold their ceremonial opening day and blessing of the hounds in early November, in part to honor the Feast Day of St. Hubert on November 3. As the priest, resplendent in black cassock and white surplice vestments, often standing on a stump to be heard above the baying hounds, recites the Medieval prayer, fifty to a hundred beautifully groomed and braided horses stand nervously, mounted by huntsmen in their formal uniforms, some red, some black, some green. Anticipation hangs in the cool air, and more than one flask or goat skin filled with brandy is passed among spectators and riders, and traditional stirrup cups are offered to riders from attendants to the hunt. Both spiritual and medicinal fortification are sought at this moment before the storm.

Then, as the priests finish their ritual, the sound of a huntsman’s horn splits the air. The hounds know this signal to let loose a woodsshaking bellow, the Master of the Hounds gives the order “Talley Ho!” and instantly there is a riotous rush of hooves and shouts. In seconds the huge animals spring to action, taking off at a mad gallop after the scent, their riders feeling the same exhilaration the Hitchcocks knew when first they found their riding paradise and established their honored traditions a century ago this year.

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BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

It’s important to find an employer who respects who you are as a person and nurtures all of your talents. My boss, Mr. Paul Howard, was supportive of the year I spent with the Falcons and encourages his employees to continue to do the things that make us happy.

It makes us better professionals and better public servants.

My passions wouldn’t come across on paper. I love to develop relationships with the people I serve, and it is the same with dance and the community. The people are what keep me going.

KEEP ON DANCING

I found that opportunity as a Falcons cheerleader during the 2012-2013 season, the year they were just shy of a Super Bowl win and arguably the best year I could have picked to cheer. The Falcons is an incredible franchise. The “wow women” they select are invested in their careers and community. I was able to do both philanthropic work and meet dozens of women in the community while nurturing my first passion. It was the most fun I have had in years, from shooting a calendar in Jamaica to dancing in front of 70,000 people.

MENTORS MATTER;

Although I was training for professional ballet with little free time, my teacher was also the coach for the school’s mock trial program and convinced me to try out. I quickly fell in love with child advocacy and combining my love of writing, performing, and compassion for people all into one job.

BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL;

I spent the summers working for the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Tennessee and as a summer associate for Kilpatrick Townsend, LLP in Atlanta. After graduating from Vanderbilt Law School, I served a one-year term as a law clerk for the Honorable C. Lynwood Smith, Jr. in the Northern District of Alabama, followed by a federal clerkship with Kilpatrick back in Atlanta where I worked until late 2011.

A CHEERFUL ADVOCATE CORRIE A. DYKE

➼ ATLANTA-BASED SENIOR ASSISTANT DEFENSE ATTORNEY IRINA KHASIN, 29, HAS BEEN CHASING HER PASSIONS SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL. EMIGRATING FROM KIEV, UKRAINE, AT THE AGE OF FIVE, KHASIN IS A PERFORMER AT HEART AND LIVES OUT HER PASSIONS AND MULTI-FACETED TALENTS EVERY DAY. WITH A SERIOUS LEGAL CAREER, KHASIN STILL FINDS TIME FOR HER FIRST LOVE, DANCE. KHASIN SPENT A YEAR CHEERING FOR THE ATLANTA FALCONS AND CURRENTLY LIVES IN ATLANTA WORKING AT THE FULTON COUNTY DEFENSE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. 98

GIVE A VOICE TO THOSE IN NEED

These victims are the closest to my heart; I love working with children. They are the most vulnerable in the community and in need of the most protection. I find it incredibly rewarding to give them peace and a brighter future.

PURSUE YOUR PASSION

My passion for trial advocacy and public service brought me to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office when District Attorney Paul Howard offered the position to join the crimes against women and children unit in 2011.

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

At the end of the Falcons season I thought it best to focus on trials.

Since then, I’ve taken those memories and pursued other aspects of dance, most recently with salsa dancing, to maintain my fitness and be a healthy and happy person. ➼ For more photos of Irina Khasin by Danny Griffin's exclusive photoshoot for South magazine go to southmag.com/irina2014.

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“

I’M AN ADVOCATE FOR LIVING YOUR DREAM, FINDING PROFESSIONALLY THE THINGS THAT TRULY DON’T FEEL LIKE WORK.

"

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CORRUPTION &CONSPIRACY

GREED, ➼On November 1, 2013, Bobby Joe White walked into the Sea Island

Bank in Savannah and showed the teller the handle of a pistol and a note demanding cash. He left with more than $3,000 and a rush of confidence that would fuel his next crime three weeks later at the Biomat USA Savannah Blood Plasma Donation Center.

White, 42, wasn’t arrested for the crimes until February, but his luck really ran out on December 2. That’s when Gene Harley, a drug agent and Public Information Officer with the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, joined the FBI-led Southeast Georgia Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force.

Shortly after starting his new FBI gig, one of his many established informants called to say he thought the person who had robbed the Biomat on November 22 was the same guy who’d made off with cash from the Sea Island Bank.

“He ultimately admitted to the robberies and admitted to planning to rob another bank, possibly that day,” says Harley of White, who was sentenced in early July to six years in prison and three years probation.

White’s case is a prime example of the FBI’s collaborative efforts in Savannah. It has teamed up with local police departments to offer a breadth and depth of resources and investigations unmatched by previously separate entities.

“It’s been incredibly successful,” says Supervisory Special Agent Eugene Kowel of the FBI’s collaborative efforts with local law enforcement. “I really try to dispel the myth that’s pervasive in the media that the FBI arrives on scene and takes charge. That really doesn’t happen anymore. Almost everything we investigate is a partnership with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”

Here are some of the ways in which they are kicking butt and taking names.

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D, The newly formed FBI-led Southeast Georgia Safe Streets Violent Crimes Task Force is part of a national initiative where the FBI partners with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to make communities safer by mitigating the threat posed by violent crime and gangs.

(Left) Gene Harley, drug agent and Public Information Officer with the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, joined the FBI-led Southeast Georgia Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force . (Right) Supervisory Special Agent Eugene Kowel of the FBI

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Accused of Commercial gambling and extortion. Could face up to 110 years behind bars if convicted.

POLICE CORRUPTION

➼ Former Police Chief Willie Lovett

Kowel counts police corruption as one of the FBI's top priorities in the area, and anyone who has tuned in to the local news lately can understand why. The recent arrest of former Savannah-Chatham Police Chief Willie Lovett on charges of commercial gambling and extortion, to which he pleaded not guilty, were brought after a lengthy investigation being conducted by the FBI. Ironically, federal agents were meeting with local police chiefs to start the task force to mitigate street gang violence and other violent offenses at the same time.

“It is an interesting dynamic. The whole time we were starting this task force, we had to get it signed off by Chief Lovett, who we ended up arresting,” Kowel says.

The investigation was about two years in the making, says Andrew Davis, investigative reporter for WSAV. “They say they had a terabyte full of information at least. Audio surveillance, video surveillance, documents, wire taps. They’ve dug in deeply,” he says.

According to what the has been revealed in court documents, the corruption dates back at least to 2004, when Lovett allegedly began extorting money from Randall Roach Sr. and his son, Randall Roach, Jr., in exchange for protecting their illegal gambling operation from authorities. Investigators say Lovett would drive up to the carnival where the Roaches had their business and Roach Sr. would get in the car briefly.

“Other times Willie Lovett would literally hold out his hand and accept cash,” Davis says. More than 100 phone calls between Lovett and Roach Sr. were logged between September 2011 and April 2013, says Davis, who broke the story of Lovett’s retirement in October 2013 amid allegations of adultery and sex with a subordinate.

Roach Sr. pleaded guilty in June in exchange for the charges against him and his son to be brought down from the federal to the state level. Lovett faces up to 110 years behind bars if convicted.

While Lovett’s arrest has been the most high-profile case of corruption within local law enforcement ranks, other FBI-led investigations have produced similar indictments in the past year.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Strickland was arrested in October 2013 on federal charges for his role in the trafficking of methamphetamine, and Pooler Police Officer John William Stanley was arrested in January on charges related to a conspiracy involved in the illegal possession and distribution of many controlled substances.

“Most police officers here in the area are incredibly dedicated and devoted to public service and we value the terrific partnership we have with them. But unfortunately, every once in a while there are a few bad apples. If you have an officer who’s selling their badge or violating the oath of office, that’s a huge deal. Because of the damage it inflicts, public corruption is one of the FBI's top criminal priorities.”

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SEX CRIMES

➼ Matthew Coniglio

Charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Was never convicted; committed suicide 10 days after arrest.

A second FBI-led task force making big waves since its creation last summer is the Southeast Georgia Child Exploitation Task Force, which focuses on violent crimes against children, including child pornography and sex trafficking of juvenile prostitutes. The group includes police officers from Effingham County, Liberty County, Pooler, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with two Savannah-Chatham officers coming on board soon.

The successes are as huge as the victims are vulnerable, Kowel says, and that’s why this particular task force is so critical.

“Since March we’ve arrested nine people who traveled for the purpose of having sex with a minor, and we’ve made numerous arrests and indictments for the possession and intent to distribute child pornography.”

In April the task force caught suspected serial child predator Matthew Coniglio of Pooler, along with videotaped evidence that suggests Coniglio, 46, had drugged, molested and raped many young females. He also possessed more than 50,000 pornographic images and videos of children.

Coniglio committed suicide in jail ten days after his arrest.

Local task force members also assisted with a national investigation, dubbed Operation Cross Country VIII, to address commercial child sex trafficking. The operation yielded 71 arrests on various state charges across the state, including pimping, criminal attempt child molestation or enticement of a minor, prostitution, and solicitation.

“To rescue the juvenile victims and arrest the pimp takes a tremendous amout of work and resources," Kowel says.

Equally involved—and egregious—are the investigations of criminals engaging in human trafficking. In a recent case dubbed Operation Dark Night, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the FBI, the American dream was sold to women from other countries who came here with high hopes but were met with violence and humiliation.

“If someone is not legally present here in the US., they can be recruited to come here thinking they’re going to be a maid, but then their passport is held and they’re told they have to become a prostitute,” Kowel says.

Operation Dark Night resulted in the conviction of 23 defendants and the rescue of 12 victims. The international sex trafficking ring stretched from Mexico to Savannah, where the ring’s leader, Joaquin “El Flaco” Mendez-Hernandez, was sentenced to life in prison.

It was the largest sex trafficking investigation ever prosecuted in Southeast Georgia and was a huge collaborative effort by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP Air and Marine Operations, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Coast Guard Investigative Services, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Garden City Police Department, and the Chatham County Counter Narcotics Team.

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BANK ROBBERIES 104

➼ Charles “Chuckie” Johnson III

Charged on 7 counts of bank robbery.

CONVICTED. AWAITING SENTENCE.

“Most police officers here in the area are incredibly dedicated and devoted to public service and we value the terrific partnership we have with them. But unfortunately, every once in a while there are a few bad apples. If you have an officer who’s selling their badge or violating the oath of office, that’s a huge deal.

Because of the damage it inflicts, public corruption is one of the FBI's top criminal priorities.”

One of the FBI’s biggest victories has been cracking down on the recent rash of area bank robberies, which by last summer was becoming much too frequent, Kowel says.

“It felt like for a while every other Friday we were getting called out (on a bank robbery),” he says.

The money stolen is of utmost concern, of course, but the violence and terrorism related to the crimes are no secondary issues.

“These are armed robberies, people going in with guns, really terrorizing employees and customers,” he says. As with the White case, the perpetrator who gets away with it once typically tries again—often escalating the threat or use of force or violence with each masked tempt of fate.

Besides White’s sentencing, the task force’s efforts recently indicted Savannah resident Charles “Chuckie” Johnson III on charges related to six bank robberies stemming from September 2012 to July 2013 in and around Savannah. It took a while to build the case, Kowel says, but the diligence paid off.

“We really put a lot of emphasis on trying to stop these crimes before the criminals become even more violent,” he says.

H Chuckie's associate Rico Levon Edwards was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison for bank robbery. Derick Lashawn Hayes, another known associate of Chuckie was sentenced to 5 years for conspiracy.

– Special Agent Gene Kowel

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➼ Bobby Joe White

CONVICTED. Sentenced to 6 years in prison and five years of supervised release for each robbery charge.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION

When we think of public corruption, we may imagine major credit card fraud scams, like those that recently took place at Target stores, but we wouldn’t imagine the more nefarious corruption of government entitlement programs like Food Stamps.

“We’re one of the few entities that really focuses on public corruption,” Kowel says of the bureau’s ongoing efforts to make sure everyone’s getting a fair shake

– and not skimming anything off the top from our tax dollars.

A huge success story came just this June, when 54 defendants were indicted for their alleged roles in a massive fraud of the WIC and Food Stamp programs. It was one of the largest federal food program frauds ever prosecuted, allegedly involving the purchase of more than $18 million in WIC vouchers and Food Stamp benefits for cash through a number of purported grocery stores set up throughout Georgia. Another 34 defendants were charged separately for allegedly selling their

WIC vouchers and Food Stamp benefits for cash.

“Defrauding government programs like this is really a tragedy,” Kowel says. “These Food Stamps and WIC vouchers are really meant to buy milk, orange juice, fresh food for children. The kids are really the victims.”

The chance to help take down such corruption is just one of the many reasons Kowel loves his job.

“We have so much variety here.

We oversee 19 counties in southeast Georgia. I love being part of this community. It’s a big territory,

and we oversee a wide array of federal violations,” he says. “When you’re in a really big office, you’re often very specialized. Here, we investigate everything from oldschool crimes like bank robberies, kidnapping, and gang violence to public corruption, terrorism, and crimes against children.”

All in a day’s work. n Special thanks to Andrew Davis and WSAV for the investigative reporting in this article. For more on these stories, go to WSAV.com.

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EXPERT LEGAL COUNSEL CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INCARCERATION AND FREEDOM; FISCAL PROSPERITY AND INDENTURE; SUCCESS AND FAILURE. WE HAVE CANVASSED THE BEST LEGAL ADVISORS IN THE REGION TO EDUCATE OUR READERS ON ALL THINGS LEGAL. THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR MORAL AND ETHICAL TURPITUDE, AND SAVANNAH’S REGIONAL LEGAL COUNSELORS IMPART SOME OF THE BEST WISDOM TO BE HAD IN THIS PROFESSION.

LEARN ABOUT THE TIPS FROM SOUTH’S FINEST LAWYERS

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NYE LAW ........................................................107

JONES, BOYKIN & ASSOCIATES, P.C. ....122

RICHARD MIDDLETON .............................. 108

TOM A. EDENFIELD ...................................123

NYE LAW .................................................. 110-111

HAROLD & JOE CRONK .............................124

SMART & HARRIS ........................................112

THE PATEL LAW FIRM ..............................125

SHEER MONTGOMERY & CALL, P.C. .......114

CHARLES W. SYNDER ...............................126

CHARLES J.BOWEN ....................................116

THE MANELY FIRM ....................................127

ERIC RODEN & TYLER LOVE ...................118

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Personal Injury INSURANCE LAWS ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMPLICATED. BIG INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL DO WHATEVER THEY LEGALLY CAN DO TO DIMINISH YOUR INJURY CLAIM. DON’T LET THEM. BEING INJURED BY SOMEONE ELSE CAN BE DEVASTATING.

➽ Typically, someone is legally responsible f or acci-

dents and personal injuries. Cases involving slip and fall, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and car accidents are of ten complex and should be handled by a prof essional team. Nye and the rest of the team, bring a realistic perspective and fairness to cases so they are settled easily. Nye explains, “Insurance adjusters can be difficu and unreasonable; we don’t fold or submit to bullying.”

Attorney Miguel Cossio adds, “Most lawyers want to avoid litigation; we are tenacious in our investigations and are not afraid to go after tough cases and to not settle for less.” With that being said, it is important to consult an experienced and reputable personal injury attorney after any accident. Robert Nye and Miguel Cossio can be reached at 114 Barnard Street,#2c, Savannah, GA, 912.200.5230 or thenyelawgroup.com

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Did you know? From 1985-1986 Richard Middleton served as Vice-President of Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. In 1990 he became a Georgia Trial Lawyers Life Member.

Protecting People

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Against Industry THE MIDDLETON FIRM, LLC HAS ACHIEVED RECORD VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS IN MORE THAN 40 STATES, INCLUDING MATTERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY, INSURANCE FRAUD, AND SLAPP-BACK LITIGATION. THE FIRM’S ATTORNEYS HAVE REPRESENTED CLIENTS IN CASES INVOLVING MASS ANIMAL CONFINEMENTS, WASTE RUN-OFF, NOXIOUS ODORS, AND OTHER SUCH AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL NUISANCES, INCLUDING FRACKING AND OTHER MINING CASES.

Agricultural, Environmental & Industrial Nuisance ➽ Environmental litigation encompasses issues that range from industrial nuisances – odor, noise, and fumes – which can destroy a person’s comf ortable enjoyment of his/her own home – to irresponsible practices resulting in threats to peoples’ well-being, such as contaminated water or hazardous materials, which can lead to serious injury, illness, and even death.

Federal, state, and local regulations are complex and of ten involve dealing with multiple agencies and governmental entities; determining which industrial actors are responsible for causing the problems is often equally dif f icult Navigating such claims and holding the proper parties accountable f or their actions is a highly technical process; combatting them requires specialized skill and expertise. The Middleton Firm specializes in these types of claims and is ready to

win the fight against corporate polluters who disregard the saf ety, health, well-being, and property rights of their neighbors.

Professionalism in Litigation ➽ The f ierce advocacy of The Middleton Firm is tempered by courtesy and professionalism. Richard Middleton currently serves as the National Treasurer of the ABOTA Foundation Trustees. The American Board of Trial Advocates is an invitation-only legal organization comprised of all types of attorneys, plaintif f s and def ense, as well as judges. The organization strives to improve the ethical and technical standards of practice in the fiel of civil advocacy and to elevate the standards of integrity, honor, and courtesy in the legal profession.

Mr. Middleton also serves on the National Board of Directors of ABOTA and as Co-Chair of the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable.

He also instructs in trial advocacy at the Washington & Lee University School of Law.

RICHARD

MIDDLETON Richard Middleton has received more seven- and eight-figure erdicts, judgments, and settlements in more states than any other attorney in the Savannah area.

He served as lead trial counsel in the largest nuisance case recovery ever for neighbors of such facilities and also pursued nuisance suits against the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania and Ohio for hydro-fracking abuses and its destruction of land and water supplies. His many awards and recognitions include Past President, American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America); Past President, National Crime Victims Bar Association; Past President, American Board of Trial Advocates, Georgia Chapter; Co-Chair American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable; Past President, Savannah Trial Lawyers Association; Lifetime Trustee, American Jury Trial Foundation; National Board of Directors, Past member, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, Pound Civil Justice Institute; and National Executive Committee, American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.

Left to right: Scott Harrison, Richard Middleton, Steve Sael. Not pictured: Christy Montrois RICHARD MIDDLETON can be reached at 912.234.1133 or visit middletonfirm.co

MIDDLETON TIMELINE

1999-2000 Richard Middleton served as President of the American Association of Justice.

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2007-2008

2011

2008-2014

Richard Middleton served as President of the National Crime Victims Bar Association.

Elected Honorary Member of The Order of the Coif, Washington & Lee University.

Richard Middleton was awarded Super Lawyer.

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Family Law DIVORCE, CUSTODY, PATERNITY, AND OTHER FAMILY-RELATED AREAS OF THE LAW ARE EMOTIONALLY CHARGED AND REQUIRE THE COUNSEL OF EVENHANDED, EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS. WHEN IT COMES TO REPRESENTING FAMILIES’ BEST INTERESTS, HAVING A LAWYER THAT IS EXPERIENCED IN THE AREA OF FAMILY LAW IS ESSENTIAL.

➽ Beyond the emotional aspects of family law matters, individuals can be overwhelmed with details unique to each marriage. Attorney Matt Midget not only brings compassion to his clients, but he is a keen problem solver. Both Rob Nye’s and Matt’s military backgrounds give them a deep understanding of military f amily law issues involving multi-state jurisdiction issues, retirement, and entitlement support.

Matt, along with the rest of the team at The Nye Law Group, do their best to ensure that all of your family legal matters are resolved as smoothly as possible.

The Nye Law Group takes into account that there’s nothing more important than someone’s home life, and changes can sometimes be overwhelming.

Matt Midget can be reached at 114 Barnard Street,#2c, Savannah, GA, 912.200.5230 or thenyelawgroup.com

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Criminal Defense

WHEN YOU’RE FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES, YOUR LAWYER NEEDS TO BE IN THE FIGHT WITH YOU. RETAINING THE RIGHT FIRM TO DEFEND YOU IN A CRIMINAL CASE CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. EXPERIENCE, HARD WORK, AND TENACITY—THAT’S THE NYE LAW GROUP.

➽ Attorney Rob Nye is a former Army Infantry and JAG Of f ice with a combat tour in Iraq. Af ter prosecuting insurgents in Iraq, Rob defended soldiers stationed in the southeastern United States facing military justice. Attorney JD Maines is a f ormer Georgia and South Carolina Prosecutor assigned to prosecuting the toughest cases. JD was task f orce prosecutor f or the Chatham County Counter Narcotics Task

Force (CNT) and the York County Drug Enforcement Unit. The unique backgrounds of Rob and JD serve their clients well when preparing a defense. Whether in f ederal court or state court, The Nye Law Group team will work tirelessly to obtain the best result possible in every case. J.D. Maines and Robert Nye can be reached at 114 Barnard Street,#2c, Savannah, GA, 912.200.5230 or thenyelawgroup.com

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Did you know? Don Smart served his country for 24 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Stephen H. Harris was an instructor at the John Marshall Law School.

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General Practice

LIKE THE GENERAL STORE OF YESTERYEAR, WHERE YOU TOLD THE SHOPKEEPER YOUR PROBLEM AND HE WANDERED AISLES OF EVERYTHING, FINDING WHAT YOU NEEDED, LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN GENERAL PRACTICE STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION AND ENDS WITH THE HELP YOU SOUGHT.

General Practitioners

Education Advocates

➽ General legal practitioners provide counsel in many legal areas, including divorce, workers’ compensation, social security, estate planning, personal injury, and business law.

Smart & Harris ethically provides advice on these and other issues, based upon 75 years of combined experience in legal practice.

The diversity of knowledge at Smart & Harris puts clients at ease, knowing that their concerns are being handled competently and with care. According to Don Smart, “we want our clients to feel like they are cared for here just as much as their case.”

The needs of the public are ever changing.

That’s why the personal connections that the attorneys and staf f at Smart & Harris build with their clients keep them coming back.

That’s the beauty of a general practice firm It offers someone you can trust with all your legal needs.

➽ Part of being a responsible community member is being a good steward for the next generation. Smart & Harris does this by cosponsoring the annual STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Awards, which recognize and honor the STAR students and teachers from Chatham County High Schools.

This annual acknowledgement of the achievement and success encourages young people to strive toward academic excellence.

Thus, by sponsoring this program, Smart & Harris does its part toward building better citizens for the Savannah area and beyond.

The diversity of knowledge at Smart & Harris puts clients at ease, knowing that their concerns are being handled competently and with care.

SMART&

HARRIS

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Long-time Savannah le gal practitione rs Don Smart, Ste phe n H. Harris and the ir te am of attorne ys M. Lynn Fre y, III, Timothy P. Taylor, and Ange lyn Tinsman stand re ady to assist you with your le gal re que sts. Whe n face d with important le gal issue s that can have such a major impact on your future , it is important to hire a law firm that will liste n to and understand your needs. They will work with you to craft a solution that be ne fits you for ye ars to come . If you ne e d assistance in the are as of Worke rs’ Comp, Social Security, Divorce, Wills and Probate, Personal Injury, or Business Law, sit down with one of the attorne ys of Smart & Harris. Te ll them your story and let them give you the e xpe rie nce d le gal advice you need.

SMART & HARRIS can be reached at 912.201.2332 or visit smartandharris.com

SMART & HARRIS TIMELINE 2000

2012

2014

Don Smart, Esq., and Stephen H. Harris Esq. joined forces to establish Smart & Harris.

Smart & Harris's Brunswick, Georgia, office opene

Received fi e-star rating on Lawyers.com.

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TELL US YOUR STORY!

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Did you know? Steven Scheer served on the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Advisory Panel and as Special Ethics Counsel for the Georgia House of Representatives. Don Montgomery was a police officer in Bal more County, Maryland, from 1996 to 2005. Craig Call spent over a decade in Savannah’s food/beverage service industry prior to law school.

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DUI Defense

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS NOT JUST DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED FROM ALCOHOL OVER GEORGIA’S LEGAL BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF 0.08%; IT ALSO INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AND ANY OTHER ILLEGAL DRUGS. YOU COULD BE CHARGED UNDER THE LEGAL LIMIT FOR “DUI LESS SAFE” IF THE OFFICER FORMS THE OPINION YOU ARE AT RISK TO DRIVE.

Serious Business ➽ Being charged with Driving Under the Inf luence is more serious now than ever.

The penalties f or a DUI conviction are steeper than any time in Georgia’s history.

The consequences of being convicted of a DUI in Georgia can be severe, burdensome, and life changing. The complexities of DUI stops, seizures, arrests, and trials are an ever evolving area of law.

If you are under the age of twenty-one, the legal limit f or blood alcohol content is 0.02%. Underage DUIs are a criminal of f ense under Georgia’s “Zero Tolerance Laws,” with very severe penalties and longlasting effects for a young dri er.

For over 35 years, Steve Scheer has been representing clients who have been charged with DUIs in Chatham, Ef f i ham, Bryan, and other counties within the State of Georgia. Don Montgomery has represented DUI clients for over eight years after being a police office and prosecutor involved with DUIs. The f irm s newest partner, Craig Call, joined Scheer & Montgomery in June 2010 and has over

four years of experience representing clients charged with DUI. Making the right decision to hire an experienced DUI lawyer will help you navigate through the difficul time following a DUI arrest. With over 50 years combined experience in handling DUI cases, the lawyers at Scheer, Montgomery & Call protect the rights and interests of those charged with DUI like no others and vow to provide a rigorous defense for their clients.

Beyond DUI ➽ A majority of the f irm s clients come to Scheer, Montgomery & Call through word of mouth. Although successf ul in multi-million dollar cases, Scheer, Montgomery & Call does not advertise past successes, as we strongly believe the only person who should release inf ormation about the outcome of a case is the client.

In addition to representing DUIs, other areas of expertise at Scheer, Montgomery & Call include personal injury and wrongf ul death, criminal def ense, local government law, civil litigation, corporate litigation, and product liability.

SCHEER, MONTGOMERY

& CALL, P.C

Steven E. Scheer received his J.D. from the University of Georgia in 1974, has an AV rating, is included in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and is a Georgia Super Lawyer.

He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Bar Association and has served as City Attorney for the city of Pooler since 2002.

Donald L. Montgomery Jr. received his J.D. from the University of Maryland in 2003 and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in November 2005. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia, and the National College for DUI Defense. Don’s focus is criminal defense and DUI. Craig Call received his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2009 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009 and the State Bar of Georgia in 2010. He is also a member of the Savannah Bar Association. Craig’s focus is on civil litigation, local government law, corporate/business law, and criminal defense.

SCHEER, MONTGOMERY & CALL can be reached at 912.233.1273 or visit scheerandmontgomery.com

SCHEER, MONTGOMERY & CALL TIMELINE 1974-2000 Steven E. Scheer practiced law with Lee & Clark, P.C., which eventually became Lee, Black, Scheer & Hart, P.C.

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2000-2009

2009-2014

2014

Steven E. Scheer, P.C. opened in July of 2000 at 304 E. Bay Street.

In September of 2002, the offi relocated to 8 E. Liberty Street.

Steven E. Scheer and Donald L. Montgomery Jr. merged becoming Scheer and Montgomery, P.C. in July 2009.

Craig A. Call joined the fir as partner on July 1,2014, and the firm became cheer, Montgomery & Call, P.C.

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s conference room with panoramic city views is available upon request for corporate board meetings.

Did you know? The Bowen Law Group is one of the most visually stunning offices in the state. The fi

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Corporate Law MORE THAN HALF OF THE TWENTY MILLION CIVIL LAWSUITS THAT GET FILED EACH YEAR RELATE TO BUSINESS CONTRACTS. ALL COMPANIES—BOTH LARGE AND SMALL—INEVITABLY HAVE A NEED FOR SKILLED CORPORATE COUNSEL. THE BOWEN LAW GROUP OFFERS A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND SERVICES THAT MAKES ITS COUNSEL ACCESSIBLE TO BOTH LARGE CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES ALIKE.

Large Firm Experience, Small Firm Attention

Business Savvy

➽ When legal needs arise, small businesses and large corporations face a difficult question: Should they incur the tremendous expense of retaining a large firm with hopes of procuring superior results or should the company procure the services and attention of a small firm while possibly sacrificing the impact and quality of the representation? By uniquely combining the best aspects of both alternatives, The Bowen Law Group provides an innovative solution.

Attorney Charles J. Bowen spent many years managing the Savannah offices of two venerated Atlanta corporate law firms while establishing himself as a respected member of the local community. As a result, The Bowen Law Group has an unmatched ability to apply the skill and techniques of large metropolitan firms while maintaining the benefits and attentiveness of an esteemed local practice.

➽ Did you know that approximately one

The Bowen Law Group also offers comprehensive mediation services as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to litigation.

out of every three small business owners has been sued or threatened with a lawsuit in the past five years? More than half of these lawsuits affect small businesses making less than $1 million in annual revenue.

Bowen stresses that most business owners do not require the services of an attorney on a daily basis; however, the old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true in the corporate arena. Sometimes even the savviest business people need to call upon an experienced attorney when forming a corporation, buying or selling a business, facing employment issues or government audits or investigations, considering legal compliance questions, and, most importantly, litigation of any kind. Having immediate access to a skilled corporate attorney can protect the client’s interests and ensure the success of the business.

The Bowen Law Group’s main focus is on commercial, banking, and manufacturing law. The firm handles all aspects of corporate representation, from initial establishment, to counseling on daily operations, to emergency litigation.

CHARLES J.

BOWEN A Georgetown Law graduate, Charles J. Bowen has spent the past twenty years prac­ticing law in Savannah. After establishing a full-service Savannah litigation firm, B wen went on to manage the Savannah branches of two influential tlanta corporate law firms. In 2012, he launched he Bowen Law Group to provide elite legal services to Savannah’s business community.

Although he counsels his clients to resolve matters quickly whenever possible, Bowen is no stranger to aggressive courtroom action when necessary. He has handled all aspects of corporate litigation on behalf of large corporations and small businesses throughout the state. Bowen also lectures at business functions, schools, and legal education conferences on various aspects of corporate practice.

Bowen is also an avid supporter of the local art community. He is on the board of The Shoestring Theatre Company and served as the Executive Producer of the film Winte Chemistry, recently filmed i Savannah. The Bowen Law Group also features numerous commissioned artworks by local artists as well as one of Savannah’s most extensive collections of antique furniture and historic photographs and documents.

THE BOWEN LAW GROUP can be reached at 912.544.2050 or visit thebowenlawgroup.com

BOWEN TIMELINE 1895

1995

2005

2012

Bowen’s great-grandfather, Bernard Cohen Shields, establishes The Shields Law Group in New Orleans, ultimately becoming the city’s most successful corporate practice.

Bowen moves to Savannah and establishes a corporate law practice.

Within two years, he co-founds the Savannah litigation firm of aly, Bowen & Calhoun.

A highly-respected Atlanta law fir hires Bowen to launch and manage their new Savannah branch.

The Bowen Law Group is established in Savannah and also opens a satellite office in tlanta.

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Did you know? When they are not working tirelessly for their clients, the attorneys at Roden + Love take advantage of all Savannah has to offer. Tyler Love is a two handicap on the golf course and enjoys flyin with his private pilot’s license. Eric Roden has recently become a boating enthusiast and is currently planning his 2015 wedding to his lovely fiancé

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Workers’ Compensation SUFFERING AN ON THE JOB INJURY CAN BE A DEVASTATING EXPERIENCE. FORTUNATELY, IN GEORGIA, THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACT CAN PROTECT YOU DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. HOWEVER, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU ENLIST A KNOWLEDGEABLE ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT TO ENSURE THAT YOU GET THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE.

Denied Claims

Accepted Claims

➽ When your employer and the insur-

➽ Even when your claim has been accepted and you are receiving medical treatment and income benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights and maximize the settlement of your claim. All too often, employers and insurers use their power to influence the treatment decisions of your doctor or to rush your doctor to release you to work before you have fully recovered from your injury. As a result, many injured workers are forced to return to work too soon and either suffer recurrent injuries or are terminated immediately, leaving them feeling helpless and with the impression that their claim is closed.

Whether you are currently in treatment and receiving income benefits or not, Roden + Love can help you with your case in a variety of ways. They will guide you through the treatment process, ensure that you receive all of the proper income benefits, and safeguard you from being pushed back into a strenuous job too soon, all while monitoring the actions of the insurance company in order to position your claim for maximum settlement value.

ance company deny your workers’ compensation claim, it does not mean that your claim is not compensable and that you are not entitled to benef its under Georgia’s laws. In fact, if you were at work performing a task associated with your job and not intoxicated at the time of your accident, your claim is almost certainly compensable. The reason for this is that Georgia has a no-f ault workers’ compensation system, meaning that you do not have to show negligence or fault of any type to have a compensable claim.

Honest employers and good insurance companies are straightf orward and up f ront with employees about their rights to both medical treatment and potential income benef it , but many seek to prevent or delay treatment, ref use to initiate weekly benefit , and even deny claims completely citing baseless defenses. If this sounds familiar, you will need an attorney to assist you in pursuing your claim and recognizing all of the benefits that you are entitled to.

ERIC RODEN &TYLER LOVE Eric L. Roden, one of the founding partners of Roden + Love, is a Double Dawg and diehard UGA fan, having earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. He moved to Savannah in 2012 and since has represented countless clients in their workers’ compensation claims, both in and out of court. Aside from practicing law, Eric is actively involved with the Telfair Museum and Savannah Bar Association.

Before co-founding Roden + Love, Tyler M. Love began his career in the Atlanta area working for Lester Tate, a former State Bar president and renowned trial lawyer, where he handled a wide array of cases. Since moving to Savannah, Tyler has narrowed his practice to specialize in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. Protecting individuals and their families from the physical and financial ruin th t can come from an unexpected injury is Tyler’s passion, and he takes great pride in recovering compensation for injury victims throughout Georgia.

ERIC RODEN & TYLER LOVE can be reached at 912.303-5850 or visit RodenLoveLaw.com

RODEN + LOVE TIMELINE August 2013

June 2014

July 2014

Opened its first office i avannah, Georgia, specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.

Launched its new website and online marketing campaign focusing on Coastal and South Georgia clients.

Proudly topped over $2,500,000 in recoveries for injury victims throughout the State of Georgia in the first ear.

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Did you know? David Schachter is the father of three and has been happily married for 12 years. He is an active member of his synagogue and enjoys the company of his Altman White English Bulldog, Brutus, whom he inherited from a client after a major victory. He has been a devoted Dead Head for years.

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The Schachter Law Firm, LLC

A DETAIL-ORIENTED FAMILY LAW PRACTITIONER IS ESSENTIAL TO SURVIVING EMOTIONALLY CHARGED DIVORCE AND CHILD CUSTODY CASES. ATTORNEY DAVID I. SCHACHTER IS KNOWN FOR HIS ATTENTION TO DETAIL, SKILL, AND PERSONAL APPROACH TO WINNING SUCH CASES.

A Good Divorce ➽ Researchers estimate that over 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. According to David Schachter, “There are no real winners in divorce; there are only degrees of losing.” The biggest losers are normally children who are “innocent collateral.” Schachter understands that people embroiled in divorce and custody cases are rarely rational, and he encourages people to extend olive branches in negotiating what he calls “a good divorce.” Schachter explains, “Of tentimes, a good divorce is better than a lousy marriage.”

Schachter’s accessibility is important to his clients, and he has received high praise f rom them. One client wrote, “I would check my email in the morning and find a response from Mr. Schachter sent from his offic at 1:00 in the morning! On a Sunday!

If that is not a benchmark f or commitment, then I have no idea what is.”

Clients have praised, “I simply can’t say enough good about how well he negotiated and f ought f or me in a very dif f icul break up” and “David thinks outside the box where other attorneys treat matters in

a rote manner, and that made all of the difference in my case.”

While Schachter encourages negotiating in good faith, he is not afraid to go to court.

A client described David as “a warrior and not one f or opponents to trif le with.”

Another was so thankful to Schachter that they wrote, “He is worth every dollar!!”

Some of Schachter’s ref errals are actually friends of former client’s ex-spouses whom he opposed in divorces.

Schachter’s Divorce Tips 1. To f ind a reputable lawyer, check with reputable sources. Personal ref errals are important, but because every case and client is dif f erent, objective credentials are helpful too.

2. Beware of a lawyer who tells you things he or she thinks you want to hear.

3. When possible, avoid the impulse to

DAVID I.

SCHACHTER A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, David I. Schachter is the kind of attorney who is “more motivated by the fear of losing than the need to win. I love winning as much as the next attorney, but I hate to lose twice as much. I refuse to be outworked on cases. That is a practice philosophy.” Schachter keeps a copy of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War on his office able and applies those principles to his work.

In a recent victory, Schachter was hired at the eleventh hour and won an uphill battle, defeating a powerful agency that had virtually convinced a court to sever the relationship between children and their biological family forever. The children’s grandfather praised Schachter as a “brilliant tactician and strategist” and a “creative problem preemptor.” Schachter convinced the court to reverse course, and the children now live with their biological grandparents.

THE SCHACHTER LAW FIRM can be reached at 912.233.8883 or visit disfamilylaw.com

be unnecessarily punitive and vindictive toward your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You most likely will still have to deal with your former spouse long af ter the case and lawyers go away, especially if you share children.

SCHACHTER TIMELINE

2005

2007

2008

He clerked for the Honorable Ann Aldridge, Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio.

Began practicing law after graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law where he was the recipient of two Excellence Awards, including one for Family Law.

Major contributor to “Bus Bombings and a Baby’s Custody: Insidious Victories for Terrorism in the Context of International Custody Disputes” in the Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

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2012-2014 Recipient of the Client’s Choice Award in the areas of Family Law and Divorce Law three years in a row. Client satisfaction says more about an attorney than anything else can.

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Jones, Boykin & Associates, P.C.

WE ALL HOPE TO GO THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT INJURY OR ACCIDENT, BUT OFTEN TIMES, THEY ARE UNAVOIDABLE. WHEN THEY DO HAPPEN, WE NEED HELP FROM MANY OTHERS, INCLUDING AN ATTORNEY WHO CARES.

➽ “It is a gift to be a member of a profession

where you can effecta positive, tangible change in people’s lives”, said Attorney Noble Boykin.

This genuine concern for others is at the heart of Jones, Boykin & Associates’ practice and is the reason his firm has earned countless successf ul verdicts f or its clients. Not only does Noble Boykin bring his f irm s compassion f or people to each case, but he also shares this

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with the greater Savannah community.

Specializing in personal injury and maritime and railway injury cases, this top-rated firm has handled many high-prof ile cases against large entities, delivering positive results. In addition to these services, Jones, Boykin & Associates also of f ers business and real estate litigation as well as DUI defense. Noble Boykin can be reached at 912-236-6161 or visit nobleboykin.com

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Tom A. Edenfield LIFE’S JOURNEY PRESENTS US WITH A VARIETY OF PERSONAL SITUATIONS THAT NEED THE WISE COUNSEL OF AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY WHO IS VERSED IN MANY AREAS OF PERSONAL LAW. ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP WITH SUCH AN ATTORNEY CAN BRING YOU PEACE OF MIND.

➽ From domestic relations and wills and estates to personal injury and criminal law, Tom A. Edenf ield, Sr. can assist you through the changes and situations lif e may bring you. “To protect the rights and f reedom of those who are fortunate enough to be born in a nation under God, where all are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and justice for all is central to my philosophy as a lawyer,” said Edenfield. For over 50 years he has been practicing law and now serves as a judge in the Bloomingdale, Garden City, and Rincon municipal courts.

Tom A. Edenfield can be eached at 912.234.1568 or visit edenfieldla .com

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Trial Lawyers A GOOD TRIAL LAWYER CAN GET YOU AT LEAST TWO-THIRDS MORE ON A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM THAN YOU COULD BY YOURSELF, A GREAT ONE CAN GET EVEN MORE.

➽ The Law Office of Harold J. Cronk focus on personal injury and win jury trials and negotiate settlements with great success.

The firm has specialized in jury trial representation for over 27 years, with a focus on personal injury, criminal law, DUI, medical malpractice, and f amily law. Native Savannahians, Harold and Joe Cronk have a deep understanding of the area’s legal system, which has resulted in their excellent record of winning jury trials. Harold J. Cronk has served as past President of the Savannah Trial Lawyers Association and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Savannah Bar Association.

Harold J. Cronk is rated AV Preeminent

by Martindale-Hubbell, the leading lawyer rating service. The Law Of f ice of Harold J. Cronk encourage you to call upon their services immediately af ter an injury, car wreck, DUI, or domestic matter.

Harold and Joe Cronk can be reached at 912.236.4878 or visit hcronk.com

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The Patel Law Firm HAVING SERVED AS BOTH A PUBLIC DEFENDER AND A PROSECUTOR, SNEH PATEL KNOWS BOTH SIDES OF THE LAW, GIVING HIM AN INSIDE EDGE TO CRIMINAL LAW.

➽ Every geographic region has unique systems of law, and Chatham County is no diffe ent. Sneh Patel practiced as a prosecutor f or the Chatham County District Attorney’s of f i f or f i e years and trained many of the county officer in courtroom procedure on the nuances of criminal law. It is important that a criminal def ense attorney understands the methods of prosecutors. Having also been a public defender, he has developed the tough grit needed to practice defense cases.

Communication skills are key to navigating the highly technical nature of DUI cases in particular; Patel is f luent in f our languages, enabling him to easily grasp and interpret such technicalities that apply to simple and complex misdemeanors as well as serious felonies. Your financial and physical f reedoms are of ten at stake in criminal cases, and that is why having an attorney with intimate knowledge of both sides of a case is critical. Sneh Patel can be reached at 912.656.5996 or visit patellawfir .net

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Social Security COMMON PERCEPTION IS THAT SOCIAL SECURITY IS STRICTLY THE DOMAIN OF THE ELDERLY, BUT IN REALITY, SOCIAL SECURITY RULES TAKE INTO ACCOUNT NUMEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ALLOW FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS AT ANY AGE.

➽ Social Security regulations ref lect the f act that the aging process af f ects adaptability to new work, and requirements become less stringent when one reaches 50, and less stringent still at age 55. Anyone, regardless of age, who is simply unable to work f or at least a year due to illness or injury should consider applying f or Social Security disability benef it .

The unf ortunate truth is that without legal representation, roughly 75 percent of applications f or Social Security many with legitimate claims to much-needed compensation are denied.

Charles W. Snyder is an Attorney at Law who specializes in Social Security Disability and SSI Appeals, Worker’s Compensation, and Personal Injury. He gives clients powerful claim to their rightful compensation by preparing each client for hearings, ensuring he or she knows exactly what to expect and understands each step of the process. Charles W. Snyder can be reached at 912.373.7730 or visit charlessnyderlaw.com

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The Manely Firm, P.C.

COMMON DIVORCE STATISTICS HAVEN’T CHANGED IN DECADES. BUT THE PRACTICE OF FAMILY LAW HAS EVOLVED TREMENDOUSLY FOR ONE SAVANNAH FIRM. THE MANELY FIRM IS TRANSFORMING THE WAY FAMILY LAW IS PRACTICED AND PUTTING FAMILY FIRST.

➽ Divorce statistics haven’t changed, but getting a divorce has. Regardless of the circumstances or the assets, divorce no longer means that a family is destroyed. Considering the long-term relationships that must continue post divorce is key to redefining a family — not destroying it. Co-parenting and support organizations are touting the new concept of divorce, urging parents to focus on the future instead of a painful past.

The Manely Firm, P.C. is at the forefront of this revolutionary approach to f amily law. Michael Manely and The Manely Firm, P.C. Associates are attorneys who work

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closely with clients to resolve conf lict swif tly and efficiently, seeking resolution through mediation outside the courtroom, whenever possible. After more than 25 years in practice and successf ul resolution f or clients bef ore the State Supreme Court (McDermott v McDermott), the United States Supreme Court (Chafin v Chafin), and in many international jurisdictions, rest assured tha t Michael Manely knows how to win inside the courtroom when necessary. Michael Manely and lead Savannah attorney David Purvis can be reached at 912.232.6300 or visit allfamilylaw.com

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Healthcare Law THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HAS RESULTED IN BOTH CONFUSION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, INSURERS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS. THE NEED FOR EXPERIENCED HEALTHCARE ATTORNEYS TO ADVISE ON CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE HEALTHCARE SPACE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER. THE REGULATORY AND LEGAL ISSUES SURROUNDING THIS NEW LAW ARE COMPLEX AND NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO NAVIGATE WITHOUT ASSISTANCE.

➽ The evolving state of health care in the U.S. has many individuals and businesses concerned and distracted by the new regulations. Many law firm address these issues; however, few have been on the inside of the regulations as closely as Morris, Manning & Martin.

Joseph R. Ross (Rusty) is a partner at Morris, Manning & Martin’s Savannah offic who specializes in Health Care and Commercial Transactional and Real Estate Law and has served as f ormer Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Rusty has an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. and an M.B.A. f rom the University of Georgia. His training and experience bring a business mindset to the healthcare legal and regulatory environment and the commercial development arena.

With over 175 attorneys, Morris, Manning & Martin represents clients throughout the U.S. in real estate, corporate, healthcare, technology, insurance, and intellectual property law.

Rusty Ross can be reached at 912.232.7182, rross@mmmlaw.com, or visit mmmlaw.com

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Real Estate Law

REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS, CONTRACT NEGOTIATION, AND REAL ESTATE LITIGATION ARE ALL MATTERS THAT A PROPERTY OWNER CAN FACE WHEN IT COMES TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAW.

➽ Real estate lawyers are used when buying a home, when ref inancing a mortgage, or when a real estate dispute develops between neighbors. Most real estate lawyers can also prepare a will or probate an estate, or even f orm a company or small business. The mission of a good real estate lawyer is to make sure the process comes together in a timely manner that f acilitates a smooth transaction; this mission has been central to Don Dyches’ practice for over twenty years.

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In handling a closing, real estate lawyers make sure the buyer gets clear title to the property, the lender gets a valid security interest in the property, and the seller gets their net proceeds.

Dyches Law Group has locations in Savannah and Pooler, and Don Dyches is licensed to practice in Georgia and South Carolina. Don Dyches of Dyches Law Group, P.C. Don Dyches can be reached at 912.920.8010 or visit dycheslaw.com

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StyleSouth

FABULOUS 50s PAGE 98 HOTTEST SINGLES PAGE 106 GREATEST MOMS AND DADS PAGE 110

BEAUTY, FASHION, AND LUXURY Miss Harley Strickland, pictured here, was the winner of Miss Photogenic at the Miss Georgia pageant this year. Harley models and acts through Savannah’s own Halo Models & Talent, and she personifies the ideal fresh-faced Southern woman. A sophomore at East Georgia State College, Harley has embraced the lessons learned from participating in pageants, most particularly the ability to speak in front of large audiences. Her work on behalf of Hospice has been commendable, and she demonstrates her support of local stores through her love of shopping!

If you’d like to meet Harley, join us at the South tent at Bull and Broughton streets on September 4 for Savannah’s Fashion Night.

This annual iconic fashion event turns Broughton Street into a veritable urban catwalk.

Over 4,000 models, shoppers, designers, and other pedestrians convene to enjoy the chicest showcase of garments from over 30 Savannah vendors.

Luxury, Power, and Fashion– these three things are complementary. Fashion originated in luxury form and still permeates rich fabrics, beautiful prints, and elaborate textures.

The powerful and modish women we portray in this issue’s fashion spread exude confidence and grace through their personal style, attitude, and lifestyle.

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EQU ESTR I A N LU X U RY I N R ICH MON D H ILL'S FOR D PL A N TATION photography Aaron Bernstein wardrobe stylist Ashley Borders set stylist Shelby Massey make-up Jules De Fritz (Dollface by Jules) hairstylist Emily Warren (Dollface by Jules) assistants Stephen Archer, Mallory Prevatt talent Melanie Blankenship, Lara Lill (RISE Models) special thanks Ford Plantation

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previous page - Dress custom MARV GRAFF - Jewelry stylists own - Shoes ALEXANDRE BIRMAN Left page - Fur stole, 37TH @ ABERCORN ANTIQUES AND DESIGN -Dress, Stella McCartney, sweater Ralph Lauren, shoes Manolo Blahnik OFF SAKS 5TH AVENUE Right page -Jewelry, stylist’s own -Sweater Alice and Olivia BLUE BELLE BRIDAL

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Pictured - Louis Vuitton Antique Trunk 37TH @ ABERCORN ANTIQUES AND DESIGN - Handbag Furla, Red Pants Stella McCartney, Gold Jacket Escada, beige silk blouse Donna Karan, Green Khaki cargo pants Ralph Lauren, Sequin shirt Donna Karan, pewter metallic heels Reed Krakoff OFF SAKS 5TH AVENUE - Handmade custom shoes made to order LE CAPPELAIN

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Pictured left - Dress Troy Allen, Belt and shoes stylist’s own, earings 37TH @ ABERCORN ANTIQUES AND DESIGN Pictured right - Leather and fur top Brooke Atwood -Jeans Ralph Lauren from Saks OFF 5TH AVENUE, Shoes and Hat stylist’s own

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about the location

FORD PLANTATION FORD PLANTATION | 12511 FORD AVE, RICHMOND HILL, GA 31324 | 912.756.5666 | FORDPLANTATION.COM The Ford Plantation, located along the Ogeechee River, rests on 1,800 acres of pristine land. This residential and sporting community is one of the most luxurious of its kind in all of the country.

Noted for its rich history and deluxe amenities, the Ford Plantation is one of the South’s greatest treasures. It was named after Henry Ford, father of the automobile, after he bought the property back in the 1920s. The plantation boasts 400 residential homes, a main house (previously Henry Ford’s winter retreat) with five guest suites, a top-of-the-line golf course, an equestrian center, a marina, fishing spots, a sports complex, and more. Soak in the scenic views as you enjoy a relaxing spa day, or stop by the Ford Market for fresh seafood and some homemade bread.

ACTIVITIES

Members of Ford Plantation are able to enjoy golf, water access, fine dining, and much more.

EQUESTRIAN

The Equestrian Center is a fullservice facility. All services are tailored to the needs of each individual horse and owner.

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SPA

The spa, both tranquil and relaxing, is the perfect place to go after a long day. From soothing massages to fresh haircuts, they have it all.

NATURALISTS

Ford Plantation has numerous naturalists on site to provide tours for anyone who is interested

in exploring the lowcountry.

GOLF

The Ford Plantation’s golf course is comprised of two distinct ninehole challenges.

Freshwater lakes surround the front of the course, and the back is made around the plantation’s original rice fields.

HOME SITES

The Ford Plantation offers some of the South's most prestigous home sites and luxury amenities.

For more information, contact Peter Nelsen at Seabolt Brokers at: (912) 373-6363, or go to seaboltbrokers.com or fordplantation.com

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Shopping Guide

AU G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2014

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SMART LUXURY

AT THE END OF THE DAY TREATING OURSELVES MAKES US FEEL GOOD

BREAK AWAY FROM THE STRESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE

BUILD YOUR MOTIVATION WITH A LITTLE REWARD

WHEN WE FEEL GOOD OUR INTERACTION WITH OTHERS IMPROVES

SMART LUXURY ➽ PERSONAL BENEFITS

We all love to reward ourselves with luxurious indulgences from time to time, yet we feel the need to justify them. Some new research has shown that there are great psychological benefits from splurging on ourselves; it allows us to break away from our daily routines and boosts our confidence. Buying that great pair of shoes, new car, or diamond earrings can make us feel that we are working for good reason.

GO AHEAD, REWARD YOURSELF IT MAY SOUND INDULGENT, BUT SPOILING YOURSELF NOW AND AGAIN CAN BOOST YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND FOSTER LONGEVITY. YOU SPEND YOUR TIME WORKING, TAKING CARE OF OTHERS, AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE. WHAT IS ALL THAT WORK FOR? SO YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU NEED AND WANT? THE TRUTH IS, WHEN OUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL NEEDS ARE BEING MET, WE ARE BETTER AT EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE.

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➽ LUXURY GOODS MAINTAIN THEIR VALUE Most seekers of luxury goods focus on quality, craftsmanship, and goods that maintain their value. Luxury brands have reached over $200 billion in annual sales. Goods that are crafted with the best materials, to the highest standards of quality, and with timeless classical style are worthwhile investments because they stand the tests of time, diminishing the need to purchase replacements. ➽ BOOST YOUR IMAGE Many people buy luxury goods to signal to others that they know about the best things in life and are worthy of owning them. The opulence, grandness, and lavishness associated with luxury brands can be societal calling cards for many consumers. ➽ INDULGE IN THE EXPERIENCE Often, the experience of shopping for luxury goods is part of what consumers pay for; the boutiques often offer champagne or other beverages, the sales people are knowledgeable and enjoy talking with customers who are versed in the language of quality, construction, and material excellence. Walking out of a boutique with the most fabulous pair of shoes or diamond earrings or driving off the lot in your new luxury vehicle is empowering and uplifting.

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Offering an eclectic selection of over 35 tapas and live entertainment makes for a great bachorelette party spot.

LUXURY DINING ➽ TRENDSETTING TAPAS mix with and industrial chic environ-

ment, great art, and live music to bring clients a total package of culinary, visual, and audial indulgence.

Everywhere you look, top eateries are now presenting “small plates” in an effort to capture their share of the ‘less is more’ trend. In Savannah the trend setter was Jazz’d Tapas Bar. Jazz’d opened its doors in the fall of 2003 with a menu that most found unfamiliar; a tapas menu but not of the traditional Spanish-Mediterranean type, rather it was an Americanized eclectic version.

Walking down the stairs, again visitors found a fresh, ‘industrial chic’ environment, new to Savannah. Dimly lit, with large brightly colored abstract paintings, a large serpentine bar, lots of metal and art deco lighting, it feels and looks more like something one might find in a big city. True luxury is having the total package, with live entertainment six nights a week, an award winning bar, and the most amazing tapas in town, Jazz’d is the total package.

JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR | 912.236.7777 | jazzdtapasbar.com

DINE FROM A DELICIOUS SELECTION OF ECLECTIC AMERICANIZED TAPAS

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ENJOY LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 6 NIGHTS A WEEK WITH TRAE GURLEY ON THURSDAYS NIGHTS

GATHER AT THE SLEEK SERPENTINE BAR FOR A SPECIALTY MARTINI OR GLASS OF WINE

MAKE SURE TO SAMPLE THE FIRECRACKER SHRIMP SPRING ROLLS

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WE CONDUCTED THOUSANDS OF ROAD TESTS TO PERFECT THE 1690 CC MOTOR

SMART LUXURY

REDESIGNED FOR 2014 FROM HEADLIGHT TO TAILLIGHT TO MAKE THE RIDE BETTER

NEW REFLEX™ LINKED BRAKES WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM

STATE OF THE ART GPS & RADIO CAN BE OPERATED VIA YOUR HAND CONTROLS & HEADSET - HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

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Street style and long ride comfort make the Street Glide the #1 motorcycle in its class.

Starting at $20,399

LIVE TO RIDE ➽ HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES have the highest resale

value of any motorcycle manufacturer out there, and a study has shown that an average of 84% retained their value over a five-year period.

When it comes to riding, you want to be in the seat of a motorcycle that exudes confidence, safety, and above all, quality. Having been in business for over one hundred years, Harley-Davidson is your go-to brand when it comes to motorcycles. Indulge in something enjoyable, and know that you’re making a wise investment at the same time. The Softail Deluxe, Fat Boy, and Street Glide, are among some of Harley’s top ranking bikes having scored over 90% in retaining value over a five-year period. So, when it comes to buying or trading, rest assured that you’re looking at top-of-the-line machinery and top-of-the-line function.

SAVANNAH HARLEY-DAVIDSON | 912.925.0005 | savannahhd.com

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Top Featured: Emeralds with Diamonds set in 18K White Gold 38 CTW Bottom Featured: Henri Daussi Collection

LUXURY JEWELS ➽ WHEN SHOPPING for high-end jewelry, you need to be assured that you will be offered not only the finest selection but also the most valuable advice and service as well. In Savannah, there is no better place to purchase fine designer jewelry than International Diamond Center.

Here the emphasis is on quality, selection, and service. Where else can you find pieces by the most sought-after designers in the industry, including Scott Kay, Verragio, Tacori, Michael M., Bez Ambar, and Henri Daussi, among others? Elaborate drop earrings or diamond studs, an engagement ring or a cocktail ring that will turn heads, bracelets, necklaces, pendants—the choice is yours, and friendly sales associates are waiting to assist you, but never to pressure you.

Each associate is a certified diamontologist, so you can shop with confidence and ease. Dazzling loose diamonds are also available for you to match with the setting of your choice.

INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND CENTER | 887.227.0441 | shopidc.com

OFFERS A VARIETY OF PRODUCTS TO FIT YOUR PRICE RANGE

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OFFERING VIRTUALLY EVERY SIZE, SHAPE, AND DESIGN IMAGINABLE

KNOW YOU’RE BUYING QUALITY WITH THE PREMIER JEWELER OF THE SOUTH

GET YOUR JEWELS FROM A CERTIFIED DIAMONTOLOGISTS

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SMART LUXURY

LUXURY REAL ESTATE FIRM

SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

EXCLUSIVE AFFILIATE OF HARRY NORMAN REALTORS AND CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

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Pictured: The William Kehoe House, located at 130 Habersham St. Currently owned by prominent Hotelier.

FINEST HOMES ➽ SEABOLT BROKERS, LLC is a full service real estate company.

The exclusive affiliate of Harry Norman Realtors and Christies International Real Estate, Seabolt Brokers offers professional service to the top echelon of the residential property market in Savannah and the Coastal Georgia area. Seabolt is also a member of The Board of Regents for LuxuryRealEstate.com and a member of Luxury Portfolio. The prestige of these international brands showcase Seabolt properties globally in the luxury market.

SEABOLT BROKERS | 912.233.6609 | seaboltbrokers.com

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Featured is the Winnebago Touring Coach with numerous floor plans to fit your needs.

Starting at

STYLISH TRAVEL ➽ WHEN IT comes to camping, we prefer to do it in style, which is why the Winnebago Touring Coach by Mercedes-Benz has been the go-to recreational vehicle for stylish adventurers.

The Touring Coach is the top of the line Winnebago in the industry. The ultra leather cab seats, upscale countertops, and LED ceiling lights will ensure your ride is both enjoyable and comfortable.

With top-rate fuel efficiency and ample room for storage, you’ll be able to get where you’re going and bring everything with you, and in style at that. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend ride or a vehicle to tote the family around in, the Touring Coach is the best in its class. It remains superior not only when it comes to luxury and fuel efficiency, but also when it comes to reliability. Mercedes Benz is known for continually producing quality products, and the Winnebago Touring Coach is no exception.

CAMPING WORLD | 886.793.8880 | campingworldofsavannah.com

18+ ESTIMATED HIGHWAY MPG AND TOWING UP TO 5,000-6,400 LBS

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EXQUISITE EXTERIOR STYLING AND DESIGN

BELTED SEATING FOR UP TO 9 ADULTS

COMFORTABLE SLEEPING FOR 2

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SINK INTO THE OPULENT EXPERIENCE OF DINING AT 700 DRAYTON RESTAURANT

APPRECIATE THE ORIGINAL, CONTEMPORARY ARTWORK

TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE AND FACIAL AT THE POSEIDON SPA

ENJOY A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL IN ONE OF TWO LOUNGES

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Each of our 125 guestrooms and suites feature oversized tubs and cloud-like bedding. Room rates range from $199 to $300

ELEGANT STAY ➽ SOUTHERN LUXURY sums up the Mansion on Forsyth Park located in Historic Downtown Savannah overlooking the famous Forsyth Park. Enjoy fine dining, eclectic accommodations, and a true taste of the Old South.

Savannah is a city unlike any other, so it is only appropriate that you stay in a hotel that is unlike any other. The Mansion on Forsyth Park gives guests the opportunity to experience Savannah in a unique way.

The Mansion has a AAA Four-Diamond distinction and is one of the most iconic hotels in the city. Rooms boast a Southern Victorian interior while maintaining modern day amenities. The hotel is filled with art, ambiance, and a whole lot of Southern charm. Stroll over to Forsyth Park, or take a walk through the downtown area and stop in local shops and restaurants that dot the streets. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, the Mansion on Forsyth Park is outstanding and is happy to cater to the needs of their guests.

THE MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK 912.238.5158 | mansiononforsythpark.com

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Renovate, modernize, or create a personal sanctuary in your home with our extraordinary team.

CUSTOM INTERIORS ➽ KITCHEN AND BATHS are the driving force behind all luxury

interiors. They balance the latest in cutting edge technology with high-design. Whether you want to make your kitchen part of the living space by blending it in with your furnishings, or make it stand like like a futuristic Star Trek set, you will want to make it something that says “Wow!” Savannah Kitchen & Bath is committed to providing its clients with timeless designs, innovative products, and personalized services. As a client you can select from a wide range of high performance appliances, custom cabinetry, closet systems, lighting, fixtures, hardware, tile, stone, & other decorative accents.

We know that creating the perfect environment requires a team, and our experienced staff will assist you with all aspects of your project from design to installation.

SAVANNAH KITCHEN & BATH 912.236.9299 | savkb.com

DRIVEN BY DESIGN

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LARGEST SELECTION OF KITCHEN & BATH PRODUCTS IN THE REGION

STRONG CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS

PRIMARY FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

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GoSouth

ATLANTA CHARLESTON JACKSONVILLE BEAUFORT

THE CLOISTER SPA AT SEA ISLAND Liz Danos | Paula Fogarty | Eva Fedderley The ultimate in luxurious pampering, the Forbes Five Star award-winning Spa at The Cloister offers every imaginable opportunity to feel and look healthier.

Just being inside the elegantly appointed interiors with water features, heavenly scents, and grand furnishings lifts one’s spirits.

The grandeur of the Fitness Center inspires even the most sluggish people to work out. Yoga sessions and squash courts offer alternative workouts. Spa treatments include body wraps, facials, massages, and more. Friends can enjoy facials and massages in private Spa Suites with a soaking tub, balcony, full bath, and treatment beds.

After treatments, guests may indulge in chocolates paired with Sea Island wines on the balcony.

The Solarium is a sanctuary where guests relax in the humid environment overlooking a lush garden courtyard from the large Jacuzzi with a waterfall. This Spa is like no other and may very well help transform one’s life for the better.

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Photography courtesy of T H E C LOIST E R

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AT L A N TA

STAY

The award-winning Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is recognized for creating some of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotels known for distinctive design that combines 21st-century contemporary style with oriental charm.

The Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, one of the city’s finest hotels, is located right in the heart of Atlanta. The Mandarin offers guests luxury and comfort, which is why they were named one of the best hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2013. This year, they were the recipients of the AAA Four Diamond Award. So rest assured (literally) that you will be in good hands at the Mandarin Oriental.

From the goose down bedding to the plush bathrobes, you will be in a constant state of relaxation and comfort.

(404) 995-7500 I MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/ATLANTA .

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

EAT

Guests at the Mandarin can enjoy traditional gourmet fare at THE CAFÉ AND BAR such as the Citrus Glazed Grouper, which can be enjoyed overlooking the English garden.

For those who prefer lighter fare and a livelier atmosphere, the TAIPAN lounge serves appetizers and signature cocktails such as The Georgia Peach, a blend of gin, peach puree, and lime juice.

SHOP

PLAY

(404) 261-7910 I SIMON.COM/MALL/PHIPPS-PLAZA

(404) 581- 4000 I GEORGIAAQUARIUM.ORG

PHIPPS PLAZA Owned by Simon Property Group, Phipps Plaza is a shopping mall located adjacent to Lenox Square.

The interior of Phipps is made up of a rich mahogany and a grand staircase. Stores such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue reside within the marble walls.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM Whale sharks, otters, penguins, and more await you at the Georgia Aquarium. Only seven miles from the Mandarin, the aquarium is filled with some of the sea’s rarest creatures. The Georgia Aquarium is the perfect outing for the entire family.

MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/ATLANTA/FINE-DINING

PACKAGES

& AMENITIES

Romantic Rendezvous Package A bottle of champagne, turn down service, as well as fl wers and chocolates make this the perfect package for you and your loved one.

RATES START AT $385

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Suite Temptations Package Enjoy a complimentary third night, breakfast, a $75 spa credit, as well as a VIP welcome amenity. This package will keep you feeling relaxed and refreshed during your stay. RATES START AT $675

P h o t o g r a p h c o u r t e s y o f M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L

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Full-page Ad

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I S L A N D G E TAWAY

STAY

KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT EAT

THE OCEAN ROOM The Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s AAA Four -Diamond rated steakhouse specializes in dishes using locally sourced beef, meats, and seafood. Their seasonal menus are prepared by Chef Jason Rheinwald, and over 1000 wine selections showcased by Certified Sommelier Garth Herr earned The Ocean Room the Wine Spectator’s “Best Of” Award. Start with fresh Oysters on the Half-Shell and move on to the Lowcountry Onion Soup made with Palmetto Beef Oxtail, Geechie Boy Rye, and Battery Park Cheese. Settle in for a main course of a 20-ounce Dry Aged Bone-in Ribeye, or a New York Strip Steak.

KIAWAHRESORT.COM

PACKAGES

& AMENITIES

Ultimate Tennis Package allows guests to play with professional guidance from Roy Barth, three nights accommodations with breakfast, unlimited play time, and two sessions per night.

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The pristine ten-mile stretch of Lowcountry island beach, just 30 miles from Charleston, is home to the AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Kiawah Island Golf Resort, voted Best Resort

by Forbes Travel Guide in 2013. Don’t let the “Golf” portion of the name fool you, however; this resort is replete with more activities and amenities than any luxury travelers can take in at once. The name Kiawah refers to the Indians who inhabited the island in the 1600s, yet it is rich in Revolutionary and Civil War history as well. Accommodations are abundant and range from luxury sleeping rooms in The Sanctuary, to private Villas, and private homes for large family parties or corporate retreats.

All properties have access to the beach and a variety of swimming pools and concierge services, for all accommodations are world class. Ultra-luxury spa facilities stand by to pamper each guest who has perhaps taken on too many activities, from golf and tennis, to kayaking and adventure walking. One of the luxurious perks to make the visit more adventurous is the use of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle available for reservation at no charge.

(800) 654-2924 I KIAWAHRESORT.COM

PLAY

GOLF is a big deal here with five championship courses and 90 holes. The spectacular Ocean Course hosted the 2012 PGS Championship and the 1991 Ryder Cup, known as “The War by the Shore.” The Gold Learning Center is staffed by PGA Professionals who stand ready to improve your game. WALKING TOURS & ADVENTURES around the island are a great way get acquainted with the wildlife.

SHOP

The resort shops allow you to purchase the luxurious mattresses, Italian linens, feather pillows, towels, and comforters used in the rooms so you can take the memorable sleeping experience home to your own room. Men’s and women’s recreational clothing and headgear are available along with unique gift items.

Bliss Before the Baby Package Designed to let expecting parents relax and luxuriate in a garden view room for two nights is included with daily breakfast buffe , a 60 minute massage, and dinner for two in Jasmine Porch.

Ryder Cup Package Throw your own tournament!

Enjoy three nights accommodations, three rounds of championship golf, hour-long opening and closing receptions with beer and wine, breakfast each morning, and team hats and golf shirts!

Girls Getaway Package This “No Boys Allowed” getaway allows two nights of accommodations with daily breakfast, four 60-minute spa treatments, access to the spa facilities, the Women’s Aqua Retreat, and dinner for two.

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

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I S L A N D G E TAWAY

2 1. Historic Frances Jones House in process of restoration by Palmetto Trust for historic Preservation will be available for vacation rentals!

2. A boardwalk near Freeport Marina.

3. The island’s signature Devil Crab.

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DAUFUSKIE ISLAND Situated between Hilton Head and Savannah, Daufuskie Island is accessible only by ferry.

Once inhabited mostly by descendants of freed slaves who made their livings by oystering and fishing, the island is home to a small number of residents who enjoy the challenge of living without a grocery store, automobile, and a network of tourist hotels. Daufuskie is on the

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National Register of Historic Places because of its native Gullah population and Civil War history, although its history dates back to the pre-Revolutionary Yemassee War. The name Daufuskie is from the Creek Indians and means “sharp feather.” It has been the subject of much poetic romance in Jimmy Buffet’s song “Prince of Tides” and is the setting for Pat Conroy’s

memoir The Water is Wide. Visitors cruise the island by golf cart or bike. Historic structures include 18th-century tabby ruins on Haig Point, original Gullah houses, the schoolhouse where Pat Conroy taught, and the Baptist church where he played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Forget the rest of the world on this secluded golden isle!

DAUFUSKIEVACATION.COM n

Photography by M IC H AE L H R I Z U K

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STAY

BLOODY POINT GOLF CLUB Under new ownership of the delightful McCarthy family since 2011, Bloody Point offers members and guests a chance to indulge privately in luxurious amenities, yet experience the wildness of the island; this is why it has attracted moguls and celebrities in search of a secluded escape. The accommodations, golf course, and public areas have all gone through major renovations, and the most pristine beaches on the island offer spectacular views of Harbor Town, Tybee Island, and Hilton Head. BLOODYPOINTRESORT.COM

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PLAY

TOUR DAUFUSKIE This one-stopshop tour company offers two private, custom Epic Daufuskie tours that can include kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, historic excursions, and trolling for ancient Indian artifacts! Any of the services can be purchased individually, and this is the place to go for the independent-minded who might want a self-guided golf cart tour. Guided bike tours take visitors through the historic streets and into the deep maritime woods.

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HIDDEN TREASURES

Silver Dew Pottery Across the street from the Iron Fish Gallery (see p.38) is the renowned Silver Dew Pottery Gallery where artists Lancy and Emily Burn make and teach pottery.

Lancy is the grandson of an assistant lighthouse keeper on Bloody Point, and he is a virtual island historian too.

Growing up on the island, Lancy was fascinated by his discoveries of ancient Indian pottery shards that inspire the couple’s work today; their pieces are stunning in their simplicity and functionality.

TOURDAUFUSKIE.COM

4. Bloody Point Club 5. Community Farm 6. Marshside Mama’s 7. Ernestine and her Deviled Crab

EAT

FREEPORT MARINA is normally the first stop for day-trippers on Daufuskie Island.

A shell path leads to the Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant where you can indulge in Ernestine’s Deviled Crab dishes. Enjoy live music and a trip to the gazebo bar and Freeport General Store—the only spot remotely posing as a grocery store.

(843) 342-8687 I DAUFUSKIEFREEPORT.COM

MARSHSIDE MAMA’S is Daufuskie’s favorite spot for weekend entertainment and delicious food. Unpretentious in its décor and architecture, this is where the island elite meet to eat. The fried grouper sandwiches are so juicy, they melt in your mouth. The staff is eccentric, helpful, and full of island stories. MARSHSIDEMAMAS.COM

SHOP

DAUFUSKIE COMMUNIT Y FARM will put a smile on anyone’s face and is a stunning example of a community banding together to feed each other. Members pay a small annual fee for access to fresh eggs, goat’s milk, goat cheese, garden produce, and an orchard full of cherries, peaches, apples, figs, olives, and more. Visitors are encouraged to make donations and can purchase local original art made by the associated community.

(678) 897-0942 I DAUFUSKIEARTISANVILLAGEANDFARM.COM

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SEA ISLAND

THE CLOISTER

STAY

The luxury of The Cloister at Sea Island is legendary.

Since the 1920s, this resort has been a favorite getaway for tycoons, world leaders, and celebrities. The original 1928 building was designed by famed Florida architect Addison Mizner in his typical grand Mediterranean style. Today, the original building has been replaced with a spectacular hotel in the same style designed by Peter Capone and erected in 2006.

The lavish interiors by Pamela Hughes evoke the high-rolling days of America’s robber barons.

The Cloister is the only resort in the world to receive

PACKAGES

Forbes’s Five-Star Award for six years in a row. The lodging, lush landscaping, five miles of private beach, world-class golf and tennis programs, perhaps America’s most extravagant spa and fitness center, and Georgia’s only fivestar restaurant combine to make The Cloister the ultimate luxury destination.

The smallest of the 200 rooms is 700 square feet. There are River View Rooms, River & Cloister View Suites, Black Bank Suites, and Sea Island Suites, all of which are accompanied by spectacular views. Each room is designed with Turkish rugs, overstuffed upholstery, fine mahogany furniture, hardwood floors, and

& AMENITIES

Platinum Medal Golf Enjoy luxury accommodations at The Cloister or The Lodge for a two-night minimum stay and one round of golf per day. Daily lunch and a forecaddie are included, and a special welcome amenity awaits guests.

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large soaking tubs with separate rainhead showers.

The Concierge services and entire staff are worth mentioning; VIPs and celebrities return regulary for the simple reason that they are treated with friendly respect and feel part of The Cloister family. One guest requested a safety pin for her skirt zipper, and instead, the Concierge had the house seamstress replace the zipper and return it to her room; another requested a little tricycle for his young daughter, and it was delivered with a vanity plate displaying her name.

(855) 969-2604 I SEAISLAND.COM n

Classic Tennis Package Guests enjoy daily clinics and court times and special pricing in the Sea Island Lifestyle and Tennis Shop. A two-night minimum is required with luxury rooms with a River View in The Cloister. One-hour private lessons with a pro are included daily as well.

Girlfriends Getaway Gal pals enjoy a two-night minimum in a luxurious room in The Cloister where you will find Lilly Pulitzer scarf awaiting you.

The famed spa awaits with one massage and a mani/pedi too. A $75 dinner credit can be applied to a number of Sea Island venues.

Pet Getaway Pamper your pet for two nights minimum while enjoying a spa treatment for yourself. Included are a luxury room at The Cloister or Lodge, a special pet pillow, food and water bowls, gourmet pet treats, and an a la carte pet menu for in-room dining with gourmet organic selections!

Photography courtesy of T H E C LOIST E R

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EAT THE GEORGIA ROOM Although the property features a variety of dining options from a low-key Italian restaurant Tavola to the River Bar, the grand Georgian Room is Georgia’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant.

Each restaurant has its own kitchen, which is unique to resort dining, and this, in part, keeps the standards high. The room is understated in its elegance and features traditional decorative plasterwork ceilings and cut-velvet upholstered chairs, and tables are set with hand painted china, European linens, and silver flatware. There is a private turret-shaped room that seats ten in the

PLAY

BEACH CLUB There is more to do at

the Beach Club than get a tan.

With three swimming pools— one for adults only featuring air-conditioned cabanas—a tubular slide, a beachside basketball court, a “no adults allowed” recreation room for teenagers, water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing, your Beach Club experience can be as quiet or a busy as you choose. There are no rain delays at the club with the Wonderland sweets shop, the Snack Shack, and a fully equipped game room.

round surrounded by neo-gothic stained glass windows.

James Beard House award-winning Chef Daniel Zeal creates indulgent “new Southern” dishes with locally and globally sourced ingredients from individual growers. Starters include a Duck plate with Foie Gras, Ham, Georgia Peanuts, Rhubarb, and Caramel. Entrees feature seafood dishes such as Diver Scallops with Cornbread, Fava Beans, Tuscan Kale, and Smoked Jus. Meat entrees include Kobe Strip Loin with Smoked Rogue Gratin, Spring Vegetables, and Oxtail Jus.

SHOP

There is no need to leave the premises for great luxury shopping. THE SEA ISLAND SHOP at the Cloister carries stunning clothing and accessories for women and men with great Southern-resortwear flare. Women’s items include chic blouses and dresses from Elizabeth McKay, beautiful handbags by Rebecca Minkoff, classical Lilly Pulitzer, Diane Von Furstenberg selections, and others from Trina Turk and Kate Spade.

Classical American selections by Peter Millar are the featured items for men.

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I S L A N D G E TAWAY

LITTLE ST. SIMONS Retreat into nature on Little St. Simons Island, one of Georgia’s beautiful and environmentally preserved barrier islands. With

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over 10,000 acres of Lowcountry maritime forest land, and seven miles of pristine beaches, you’ll have the opportunity to get back in touch

with Mother Nature, and learn a thing or two about her while you’re at it. The goal of The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island is to inform and

educate guests about conservation ethics and awareness all while helping them to enjoy the beauty of the island.

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Photography courtesy of T H E C LOIST E R

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STAY

Enjoy the finest amenities after spending the day exploring the island. Little St. Simons has a total of 16 rooms, with a capacity to hold up to 32 guests. There are multiple lodges and cottages. With the option to rent a single room or an entire lodge (holding up to eight people), Little St. Simon’s can accommodate for almost any scenario. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a place to have a family reunion or a corporate retreat, Little St. Simons offers a unique experience for all guests.

PLAY

From birding and fishing, to kayaking and boating, you will have more than enough to do during your stay at Little St. Simons. Every day, after breakfast and lunch, the staff of Little St. Simons provides options for guests to participate in throughout the day. Choose a guided tour by one of the island’s naturalists, watch for rare and exotic birds, or grab a bike and explore the island on your own.

&

PACKAGES AMENITIES

Fall Birding Days September 21-24, observe flocks during the mig ating season. You’ll likely see the black-necked stilt, long-billed curlew, brown thrashers, and much more.

Turtle Tracks- 5th Night Free Now through September 17, spend a fifth night on th island for free if you arrive on a Sunday. Observe some of the rare and beautiful turtles as they leave their nests and head for open waters. $100 Off Per Night Stay at Little St. Simons for seven consecutive nights or more, and receive $100 off pe night. Explore the island, get some sun, and learn about one of the most beautiful islands on the East Coast. Valid through September 17.

EAT

All meals are served family style, in the main lodge, and most of the food comes from local sources. Whether it be from the island’s own organic garden, or some good ole Georgia shrimp, you won’t leave hungry.

Every night enjoy a cocktail hour in the main lodge before dinner. The kitchen houses some of the greatest cooks in the South, and they even make their own granola bars with Savannah Bee Company honey. You can also have a lunch packed for you if you plan to spend the majority of the day sightseeing.

SHOP

OGLETHORPE ANTIQUES AND INTERIORS

known as one of the best little finds on all of St. Simons Island, Oglethorpe Antiques and Interiors offers customers high quality and unique pieces.

If you love antiques, this is a must see while you’re visiting.

(912)-638-8083 | OGLETHORPEANTIQUES.COM

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S T. A U G U S T I N E

&

STAY

CASA MONICA

This majestic, Moorish-influenced hotel was built in 1888 by Franklin W. Smith who sold it to Henry Flagler to use as a stopover for guests on their way to his playground at the Breakers in Palm Beach. An icon of America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, the hotel was restored by The Kessler Collection in 1999. Some of the 138 guestrooms have wrought iron balconies overlooking downtown and others face the exotic pool area outfitted with a Moroccan draped tent.

The lobby features glittering chandeliers, frescos, fountains, and colorful tapestries, contributing to Casa Monica’s Moorish mystique. Mark Kessler, Senior VP of Marketing for the Kessler Collection, described current new luxurious Titan branded spa, expanded Cobalt Lounge, and enlarged Grand Bohemian art gallery featuring nationally and locally recognized artists.

(904) 827-1888 I CASAMONICA.COM

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Love, St. Augustine Style Package With a gourmet breakfast for two each morning, a chilled bottle of champagne delivered upon arrival and a romantic carriage ride around the historic downtown and bay front, this package is the picturesque getaway for couples.

Rogues, Romance & Riches Package Guests are welcomed to the Casa Monica with a Captain Morgan Rum Punch cocktail for two and presented with two tickets to the nearby Pirate & Treasure Museum.

Gourmet breakfast is provided daily and the stay is completed with an authentic pirate keepsake.

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EAT

THE OCEAN ROOM Executive Chef Aaron Chavarria reigns over the hotel’s lavishly glamorous restaurant, 95 Cordova. He creates Mediterraneaninspired, artful plates. Motivated by the fresh fruit of Florida, Chavarria utilizes citrus in many of his dishes, soaking his couscous in ruby red grapefruit.

His Conch Carpaccio incorporates fresh lemon juice, caper berries, and Datil pepper. The meats are tender and rich, such as the Beef Short Ribs with Quince Glaze and the Lamb Osso Bucco. Adjacent to the restaurant is Cobalt Lounge, Casa Monica’s candlelit piano bar, serving handcrafted cocktails, fine scotches, and a New World martini menu.

PACKAGES AMENITIES

PLAY

SHOP

The Casa Monica art galleries are unique to The Kessler Collection.

Featuring world class works by local, regional, and internationally recognized artists, the galleries are sure to satisfy guests’ who cannot live without great art.

The hotel has a relaxing pool area with poolside service and is also in the process of building a high-end spa.

Relax on the glorious 43 miles of pristine sand on St. Augustine Beach or explore the iconic lighthouse, Castillo de San Marcos fort, and other historical attractions. For guests wanting to travel outside the hotel and discover the city of St. Augustine, Casa Monica’s exceptional concierge service will arrange any number of guest needs. Helicopter tours, yacht cruises, sailing, and the historic, ghost, and trolley tours all come highly recommended.

Photography courtesy of CASA MONICA

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JACKSONVILLE

STAY

Founded in 1928, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club possesses a luxurious, family-oriented sense of continuity and pedigree.

Steeped in tradition and history, the resort has hosted four generations since its opening. Resting on a sprawling 300-acre beachfront property, this location is unique in that Ponte Vedra was built before Florida laws restricted properties from building so close to the ocean. Thus, most of Ponte Vedra’s hotel rooms lead right onto the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Big glass windows in most of the hotel’s 250 rooms look over the water and Florida white sand, making it a perfect beach getaway.

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PONTE VEDRA

EAT

Ponte Vedra has eight different restaurants on its property. Most notable is THE SEAHORSE GRILLE on the top level of the Surf Club.

The restaurant has floorto-ceiling glass windows overlooking the ocean, and offers the quintessential oceanfront dining experience.

PACKAGES

& AMENITIES

Ponte Vedra Inn and Club’s Summer Special Guests can enjoy luscious ocean views, play 36 holes of golf, paddle out in a kayak and so much more at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. Summer specials run

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SHOP

There is plenty of shopping to keep one occupied at Ponte Vedra. THE SURF CLUB’S shop is filled with elegant beach hats, whimsical Lilly Pulitzer designs, colorful designer beach towels, beach balls, and frisbees. Golf shops offer everything one could possibly need while golfing. THE BOUTIQUE SHOP features labels such as Votrenom, ABS, and Kenneth Cole. A boutique designed with the young ones in mind (newborns through 6 years), the PVIC Kids Shop offers fashionable apparel, accessories, novelty gifts, and toys.

through August 31 and start at $199 a night.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Summer Special With 66 designer rooms and suites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and

PLAY

Ponte Vedra certainly does not fall short when it comes to recreation. . Just steps from the ocean, the resort offers two picturesque 18-hole courses.

THE GOLF CLUB is equipped with shops, bar, restaurant, and wellfitted changing rooms. Rated by Golf Magazine as one of the top golf resorts in the country, Ponte Vedra is the golf enthusiast’s paradise.

the resort’s pristine sandy beach, the Lodge & Club is the perfect place to kick back as summertime comes to a close.

Enjoy oceanfront golf, tennis, a fabulous spa, boating, and horseback riding.

Photography courtesy of P ON T E

VEDRA

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DineSouth

SWEET SOUTH SOUTHERN SIPPIN’ SMALL BITES LUXURY DINING

SOULFUL SUMPTUOUS SAVANNAH So often, “luxury” is synonymous with “indulgence.” We see no problem with that.

Luxury is about treating yourself. In our opinion, one of the best ways to treat yourself is with a generous slice of rich pie.

On any restaurant menu in the South, you’re bound to find a few choices of typical favorite pies.

To us Southerners, pecan is the king of pies. It’s not easy to improve on the classic pecan pie, but, as we’ve found out, it’s not impossible. A.Lure’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is topped with housemade pecan ice cream and bourbon caramel—and it’s only $9 a slice.

A.Lure is known for perfecting the contemporary approach to Lowcountry cuisine, and the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent example of this. A truly luxurious spin on a Southern classic.

(912) 233-2111 309 West Congress St. Savannah, GA aluresavannah.com n

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Photograph by M E GAN H U N T

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SOUTHERN SIPPIN' SIPPIN’ IN STYLE WITH DAWN HIERS Bosendorfer and Casmirs Lounge, Mansion on Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton mansiononforsythpark.com

Bartending Since

I’ve been helping people relax since 2007!

The Vidalia Country Club and the Treehouse Bar and Grill, Vidalia, GA. Mansion on Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA.

Why Bartending?

I’ve always enjoyed the social aspect of bartending. Working at the Mansion has led me to meet some pretty interesting people from all over the world. It’s not your everyday job; it’s fast-paced and did I mention I work at the Mansion on Forsyth Park?!

Favorite Cocktail

St. Germain Cocktail: 2 parts Champagne, 1.5 parts St. Germain, top with soda water and finish with a lemon twist.

Best Bartending Story

Working at the Mansion, I am surrounded by exquisite artwork. Brian McGregor, one of our local artists, painted some pieces based on bar scenes. I had the pleasure of being the subject of one of his pieces.

Manet at the Mansion is a painting of me behind the Bosendorfer bar, which is based on Edouard Manet’s painting of “The Bar at the Folies Bergere” from 1882.

THE HOT SHOT!

Indulge in a shot of 20 year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon for $45 at the Mansion on Forsyth Park!

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SMALL BITES

LOWCOUNTRY LEGACY When it comes to seafood, Erica Davis is the queen of the South.

From Lowcountry boils to oyster roasts her catering company does it all.

The work of on-site catering is hard manual labor, more typically suited for men than for women. Most women simply do not want to set up grills, haul cases of food and equipment, and cook everything themselves. Furthermore, sourcing oysters is a messy, and sometimes dangerous, endeavor, but Erica Russo Davis comes by the job rightly.

As the daughter of Vincent Russo, Erica grew up by her dad’s side learning the trade of on-site catering, seafood, and the importance of making everything from scratch with the best ingredients. Her cooking skills were handed down to her from her mother, Anne Adams. “Everything from Erica Davis Lowcountry Catering is made from scratch including the coleslaw, red rice, and sausage!” she explained.

Having been one of the top caterers in Charleston for six years, Erica is now

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back home in Savannah where she not only runs her catering business that serves clients up and down the coast, but is also raising three children, two of whom she gave birth to while running her business full-time! Oh, and she is also in charge of Russo’s Catering as well.

Specializing in a Lowcountry boil that she says is everyone’s favorite, she only uses local shrimp, fresh cornnot frozen, and she said, “I use our homemade chicken sausage, which I make myself; the recipe was passed down from an old Matthew Russo family recipe.”

Oysters are the reef-builders of the Lowcountry aquatic ecosystem for fish, shrimp, and crab species, but they are also something we southerners look forward to slurping down in season, which opens on September 1 and closes May 15. Davis explained that the South

Carolina and Georgia Oysters are smaller, less chewy, saltier, and sweeter than those from northern regions such as the Chesapeake Bay. In the Lowcountry, oysters are gathered in clusters and broken off the beds by hand, whereas northern oysters are dredged from the sandy bottom with nets and tongs. Davis uses oysters from Ike Kidd who has been harvesting his whole life with his father. They are from the beds of Mackey Creek near Pinckney Island, South Carolina. Davis said, “They are by far the best oysters I have tasted so far from Georgia to Charleston. They have a salty start and a sweet finish.”

Visit EricaDavisCatering.com to book an oyster roast, Lowcountry boil, or your next cocktail party with some scrumptious appetizers. n

DID YOU KNOW C South Carolina oysters reach a harvestable size in about three years C Recycling your shells helps restore and enhance the state’s inshore marine habitat C January, February, and March are the best months to eat oysters as they have fattened up in colder water

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LUXURY

DINING

IN SAVANNAH WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR AN ANGUS BEEF STEAK AS YOU PEOPLE-WATCH IN CITY MARKET OR RELISH A 15-PIECE SASHIMI DINNER IN A QUIET, ASIAN-INSPIRED DINING ROOM, SAVANNAH’S NUMEROUS FINE DINING ESTABLISHMENTS CAN ACCOMMODATE YOU. FROM FRESH-CAUGHT GEORGIA SEAFOOD AND LOCAL VEGETABLES TO MORE EXOTIC DISHES, SUCH AS ELK, ANTELOPE, OR CAMEL, SAVANNAH’S RESTAURANTS OFFER EVERYTHING THE DISCERNING PALATE COULD DESIRE IN A VARIETY OF ATMOSPHERES. HERE IS A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS TO EXPLORE; INDULGE YOUR SENSES AND SAVOR THE FLAVORS.

RUE DE JEAN Sister to Charleston’s chic French Brasserie and Bar, 39 Rue de Jean is coming to Savannah on West Oglethorpe Avenue this fall at the new Embassy Suites Hotel. A division of Holy City Hospitality, this delightful new addition to the Hostess City’s culinary characters is kindly welcomed.

“Rue,” as it is affectionately called, opened in 2001 in Charleston and it has been a buzz ever since. Holy City Hospitality’s Operator, Daren Wolfe, said, “Savannah is rich with vibrant life and history, and we are excited to be coming to town.”

Rue is inspired by classical French Brasseries and the impeccable design of European eateries. The menu incorporates French cuisine with popular contemporary fare.

Mussels in your choice of six different preparations, followed by Steak Au Poivre, can be paired with a variety of excellent wines. Or you can enjoy famous burgers and hand-cut pommes frites, or a refreshing selection of sushi items. Sunday brunch promises to be a hit with Eggs Benedict, French Toast, or Steak and Eggs. Daily lunch entrees will include Quiche du Jour and shrimp Provencal.

Rue De Jean 605 W. Oglethorpe Avenue (912) 232-4286 39RuedeJean.com Hours: To Be Determined

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Serving acclaimed dishes, such as the “BLT” Fried Green Tomatoes and Sweet Bacon Salad served with Black Pepper Thyme Buttermilk Dressing, which Food Network declared as “the best thing I ever ate.” The Blackened Oysters with Watermelon Relish, Pear and Apricot Chutney with Green Tomato Chow Chow take an innovative and mouth-watering spin on oysters on the half shell. The entrée portion of Jumbo Sea Scallops is big, fresh, and juicy, accompanied with the hearty and classic herb butter, mashed potatoes, and mixed beans. And all of the servers and restaurant managers are knowledgeable about wines, suggesting wines nicely paired to one’s culinary whims.

The Olde Pink House proprietor and Savannah fine dining pioneer, Donna Moeckel (Balish is Moeckel’s maiden name), says her establishment is a staple for both Savannah locals and visiting guests and that it wouldn’t be what it is without the people who come every night, sometimes into the late evening. What it creates is this Holding nine dining rooms, a wonderful collision of people and stylish ballroom, a lush, sunlit patio, personalities that is distinct to and two lively bars The Olde Pink The Olde Pink House. It creates a House hosts a superbly trained, kind of a home, a home that invites and long-established staff of 180; everyone who loves Savannah and executive Chef Vincent Burns, has respects her for all of her glory, been with the team for 27 years. history, and idiosyncrasies alike.

THE OLDE PINK HOUSE Embodying the city it has resided in since 1771, The Olde Pink House is the Southern Grande Dame of restaurants; it is elegant, venerable, and colorfully eccentric. The 15,000 square foot pink Georgian Mansion stands guard over Savannah’s Reynolds Square, and boasts a long, historical line of high-profile ownership: from the notable Habersham Family to Jim Williams, the notorious antiques dealer and character in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. In 1992, the esteemed Balish Family from Charleston purchased The Olde Pink House, and with the prominent brother-sister design team, the DeLoaches, created the restaurant of grandeur as it stands today.

The Olde Pink House 23 Abercorn Street (912) 232-4286 Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner: Monday - Sunday 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm

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700 Drayton 700 Dray ton Street (912) 341-0700 700dray ton.com Daily: Monday– Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 10:pm.

ELIZABETH’S ON 37TH Two-time James Beard award-winning Elizabeth’s on 37th is set in the simple elegance of a 1900s Southern Mansion tucked into the Spanish moss on 37th Street.

Executive Chef Kelly Yambor uses fresh coastal seafood, local produce, and the restaurant’s house grown herbs and edible flowers for the daily changing menu. With an extensive wine collection of 10,000 bottles, Elizabeth’s on 37th offers 250 selections of some of the world’s greatest labels . A Chef’s Tasting Menu is also available with seven courses.

700 DRAYTON With one of the best views of Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton is nestled inside The Mansion on Forsyth Park hotel and offers a menu that is both regionally inspired and creative. Offering an economical Executive Lunch for busy professionals in Savannah, 700 Drayton also hosts elegant dinners and an extensive wine list. Best dishes include the Bacon Enrobed Georgia Quail and the Kessler Au Poivre New York Strip with Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce.

Elizabeth’s on 37th 105 East 37th Street (912) 236-5547 Daily: Monday - Sunday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Belford’s 315 West St. Julian Street (912) 233-2626 belfordssavannah.com Daily: Monday– Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

BELFORD’S

Located in Savannah’s City Market, Belford’s is a great spot for people watching and enjoying quality seafood and steak. Notable on Belford’s menu are the Crab Cakes, Shrimp, Greens and Grits, Smoked Salmon, and their certified Angus Beef Steaks. Southern Living magazine rated Belford’s Cajun Lobster Ravioli as the winner of “Best Entrée” and its Smoked Salmon as the “Best Appetizer.”

Local 11 Ten

LOCAL 11 TEN One of Savannah’s newer hotspots, Daniel Reed’s Local 11 Ten utilizes local, seasonal ingredients, such as fresh seafood caught in Georgia’s coast and fresh vegetables and herbs from local farmers. With a modern, loft-like atmosphere, locals, visitors, and epicureans alike gather to experience a creative, upscale twist on familiar southern flavors. The New York Times says, “The fried oysters are fantastic.”Secrettip:Trytherooftop’sexclusiverestaurant and lounge, Perch, for drinks and a great scene.

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1110 Bull St. (912) 790-9000 local11ten.com Daily: Monday– Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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22 Square 14 Barnard Street

22 SQUARE

(912) 629-9493 savannah.andaz.hyatt.com Breakfast: Monday–Friday 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday

Chef Lauren Teague goes to the Forsyth Farmer’s Market every Saturday, so hit the restaurant that night for uber fresh cuisine. And if you sit at the bar, ask for their complimentary candied bacon—it’s ridiculously addictive and pairs nicely with some of their signature cocktails like the award-winning Manhattan by mixologist Garron Gore.

6:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Dinner: Monday– Sunday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

NOBLE FARE

With only a smattering of tables, reservations are a must at Noble Fare. The understated decor might not be what you expect from fine dining, but the menu and presentation can stand with top locales. For the best of their daily-changing offerings, reserve a chef’s tasting experience (available during the week only) starting at $79 for just food and $119 for wine pairings; chef and owner Patrick McNamara vouches for it: “Avoid the weekend madness and come in Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for the tasting menu and leave everything at the door—yes, including your phone! Sit back, relax, and let me cook for you. I promise to give you a memorable dining experience. If not, stake me to the ant pile.”

Noble Fare 321 Jefferson Street (912) 443-3210 noblefare.com Dinner: Tuesday -Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Chive Sea Bar + Lounge 4 West Broughton Street (912) 233-1748 chivelounge.com Lunch: Monday–Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Dinner: Sunday– Wednesday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

CHIVE SEA BAR + LOUNGE The second restaurant by ‘Ele and the Chef’—as the Trans have affectionately been coined—to grace South’s luxury dining guide, Chive is the bee’s knees. A 1920s Gatsby-vibe is evoked thanks to royal blue ceiling-tofloor curtains dividing high-backed booths underneath crystal chandeliers, but you’ll be too absorbed to notice once your food arrives. Start with the chive mussels for the table made with garlic, leeks, chili jam, sweet basil, cream and white wine served with bread, and request a second basket of bread with it. Trust us.

Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

ELE FINE FUSION Savannah’s sushi scene exists mainly thanks to the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Sean and Ele Tran.

They own Tangerine, King & I, Fire Street Food, Chive, and The Flying Monk—all spot-on for their niche—but Ele is their finest dining establishment with water features to greet you and low lighting to set the mood.

Go for the chef’s choice, the 15-piece Sashimi Dinner, and a few fun rolls for a fresh night.

Ele FINE Fusion 7815 US Highway 80 E (912) 898-2221 elerestaurant.com Dinner: Tuesday-Thurday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm Sunday - 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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River House 125 West River Street (912) 234-1900 liveoa k store.com/r iverhouse Hours: Open Daily 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

ALLIGATOR SOUL Alligator Soul strives to shock your palate with esoteric specials like elk, antelope or camel, while their ambience and service is designed to soothe your soul.

Owner Maureen Craig says, “When you’re at the Soul, relax it.” You can also make reservations for a chef’s tasting menu for an extra-special night.

114 Barnard Street (912) 232-7899 alligatorsoul.com Dinner: Monday-Sunday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

53 Barnard Street (912) 236-7777 jazzdtapasbar.com Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

The Garibaldi experience began in 1978 with their first location in Charleston followed by a Savannah spot opening in 1980. Famous for its crispy scored flounder, Garibaldi’s continues to wow guests both in taste and looks—the building dates back to 1871 when it served as a firehouse. Now, Chef Gerald Green is what’s hot; “he is featured in the “The Best Chefs of America” publication once again for 2014,” event coordinator Meghan Littlefield says.

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Enjoy some delicious seafood at the River House located on Savannah’s historic River Street. River House uses the best and freshest local ingredients available, which helps create some of the finest dishes in all of Savannah. Sit riverside and enjoy fresh seafood as you watch ships sail by. They also have the best Lowcountry boil around!

Alligator Soul

Jazz’d Tapas

GARIBALDI

RIVER HOUSE

JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR It’s tough to find better digs for a date or a girls’ night out than Jazz’d, an 18-and-up only tapas lounge. The ambience, like the live music happening most nights, is smooth. The cocktails slant toward swanky with flavored martinis of every color and classics like Sazeracs and Manhattans. Go for the Tapas for Two so you can try a soup or salad, four tapas, and two desserts for an intimate evening. Owner Brian Curry advises, “Make sure to order one of our staff’s favorite craft cocktails like the Watermelon Cooler or the Cucumber Lime Martini, then start off with our Chef’s choice, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps—a bit messy but wonderful and shares well.”

Garibaldi 315 West Congress Street (912) 232-7118 garibaldisavannah.com Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

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Cha Bella 102 East Broad Street (912) 790-7888 cha-bella.com Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

ROCKS ON THE RIVER Rocks on the River and its upstairs bar, Rocks on the Roof, is a favorite spot for Savannahians and visitors alike thanks to the spectacular views of the Savannah River and Talmadge Bridge. Stu Card, owner of the Savannah Taste Experience food tours, says, “[It’s] the perfect spot on the River. Period. Beautiful scenery, swanky modern restaurant, incredible art and food that you will be talking about for years to come.

Seriously, if for nothing else, you need to go to Rocks for their She-Crab Soup. This stunning creamy bisque is a Lowcountry specialty with Scottish origins and nobody…I mean nobody…in Savannah does it better.”

CHA BELLA

Cha Bella’s was one of the early adopters when it came to Savannah’s farm-to-table movement, and they continue to be obsessed with freshness as evident by July’s month-long featured produce, the heirloom tomato.

The month caps off with their Annual Tomato Jam on July 31, but no matter when you visit, you’ll be treated to other straight-from-the-earth specialties. General Manager Michael Lacy says, “My tip would be to come around 7:45 and enjoy an order of Scallops and our Flatbreads with a nice glass of wine in our pet-friendly courtyard. We play silent movies and the atmosphere is just plain magical around sunset.”

Rocks on the River 102 West Bay (912) 721-3800 bohemianhotelsavannah.com Breakfast: Daily 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Leoci’s Trattoria 606 Abercorn Street (912) 335-7027 leocis.com Lunch: Daily 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

LEOCI’S TRATTORIA One of the few restaurants outside of Savannah’s downtown historic district to make the list, Leoci’s Trattoria is the brainchild of repeated Best Chef winner Roberto Leoci. His reputation led to The Kimpton Hotels inviting Leoci to lead the Pacci restaurant, located in their new boutique Savannah hotel The Brice on Bay Street.

Pacci at The Brice 601 East Bay (912) 233-6002 paccisavannah.com

PACCI

The new Pacci Italian Kitchen & Bar combines traditional rural Italian cuisine with beautifully sourced Southern fare. Lead by Roberto Leoci, Pacci offers the perfect dining experience for anytime of day with a dining room, deli, and aperitivo.

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Breakfast: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Dinner: Daily 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

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Dining Guide

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PlaySouth

BEST FESTS EVENTS CALENDAR SCENES OF THE SOUTH

MONTE CARLO NIGHT The William Jay Society’s premiere event, Monte Carlo: A Night of Gaming, Glitz, and Glamor will be hosted at the Telfair Academy on September 20.

With games, dancing, and succulent food and drinks served throughout, the evening is sure to be a grand one. Proceeds from the event support art acquisitions for the Telfair’s collection. For more information, visit TELFAIR.ORG

WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME?

The Time Machine is the go-to place for Old Time Photos and studio portrait photography. Located on historic River Street in Downtown Savannah, they even do old time photos of your pets too!

205 W RIVER ST, (912) 233-7704 TIMEMACHINEPORTRAITCO.COM

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P h o t o g r a p h b y JA B B E R P I C S L o c a t i o n p r o v i d e d b y T H E T I M E M AC H I N E P O RT R A I T S C O .

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We stobou Fe stival, Oct 1-5, 2014 Agusta Georgia

Best Fests!

Its time to party in the sultry South!

Savannah Voice Festival (Savannah, August 1 – 17) The Savannah Voice Festival is a distinctive event that includes very entertaining performances, community benefit organizations, and arts education. This event is about the vocal arts and there will be over 50 unique emerging artists. It is excellent, exciting, and worth coming to see. For more information, visit savannahvoicefestival.org

(Jacksonville, September 12) Get ready for a day filled with great music and scrumptious food at this year’s Blues, Jazz, & BBQ at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza.

This event is open to the public and will feature some of the best restaurants, catering companies, musicians, and artists that Savannah has to offer. For more information, visit riverstreetsavannah.com

Labor Day Beach Bash (Savannah,August 31) Come join us at the pier for some live music, fireworks, and a nice Tybee breeze.

The entertainment starts at 7:00 pm and the fireworks will go off around 9:15 pm.

For more information go to visittybee.com

Rock ‘N Blues Fest (Jacksonville, September 14) The third annual Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest brings a super star lineup, including Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Vanilla Fudge, Peter Rivera, and Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds. Come out to the Florida Theatre from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a night of unforgettable

Amelia Island Blues Festival

rhythm and blues. For more information, visit floridatheatre.com Piedmont Park Arts Festival (Atlanta, August 16-17) Named a Top 20 Event, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival is an ideal mixture of both the outdoors along with local artists and craftsmen of the Atlanta area. Visitors can enjoy concessions from local food trucks and live acoustic performances all weekend. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit piedmontparkartsfestival. com

family. Funds raised by the event will benefit Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. For more information, visit festivalnet.com Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival (Charleston, August 23-24) This event will feature

live music, DJs, shag dancing, and beach boogie and blues music throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit floridacountrysuperfest.com

Friday, August 15th, 2014 Jazz’d Tapas 9 pm-1230 am Savannah Georgia

2014 Lowcountry Jazz Festival (Charleston, August 28-31) This sixth annual event will begin on Thursday, August 28, 2014, at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The weekend will be jam-packed with wellknown jazz musicians and entertainment for the whole

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Events Calendar The region hustles and bustles with fun-filled summer & fall celebrations!

SAVANNAH Paula Deen Live!

(Savannah, August 8) Come out for 90 minutes of food, fun and entertainment with Mrs. Paula Deen and her husband, Michael at the Lucas Theatre on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Learn to make Paula’s favorite seasonal dishes and other brand new recipes!

For ticket information, visit savannahboxoffice.com

XC Kickoff Classic

(Savannah, August 23) The XC Kickoff Classic boots off the beginning of the 2014 High School XC season. The event is a 5K run that is open to the public. The course sits on a gorgeous setting, starting in Daffin Park in Downtown Savannah and ending inside Optimist Stadium. This is a run you don’t want to miss, so come out and support High School XC. For more information, visit fleetfeetsavannah.com

The Friends of Animals of the Coastal Empire, Inc, 16th Annual Auction “Purrr-a-Vida, An Evening in Costa Rica”

(Savannah, August 23) For $45.00 per person enjoy food stations, auction, and bar tickets. This year’s grand auction item is a week’s stay in a villa in Costa Rica. Proceeds from this event will benefit these local animal welfare groups: Bryan Animal Caregivers, PAWS of Effingham, Islands Feral Cat Project, Save-a-Life Animal Welfare, Second Chance Animal Rescue and the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, 7:00 p.m.

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Tybee Floatilla “Will Float for Friends” - Tybee Island, August 24, 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit friendsofanimalscoastalga.org.

Leukemia Cup Run for Jane 5K / 10K & Fun Walk (Savannah, August 30) This is a trail run along the Savannah River at the historical memorial at Fort Pulaski on Tybee island. The run is held

by St. Joseph’s/Candler and has been voted one of Competitor Magazine’s best charity runs.

There will be a 5K and a 10K run starting at 8:30 a.m. and the kids run starting at 8:15 a.m.

For more information, visit fleetfeetsavannah.com

Safe Kids Savannah Youth Triathlon 2014

(Savannah, September 6) This triathlon includes a swim, bike and a run. Safe Kids

Savannah is a group of volunteer agencies whose main goal is to prevent accidental injury to children of the ages of 14 and below. To show their concern they provide water safety, bike safety, and pedestrian/child passenger safety. This triathlon is thrilling and will put your body through a fitness test with safety in mind. For more information, visit fleetfeetsavannah.com

Tunnel to Towers Run

(Savannah, August 30) The purpose for the Tunnel to Towers run is to honor the sacrifice of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who gave his life to save victims of the tragic event of 911. The run is also honoring the rest of the military and first responders who still continue to make sacrifices for our country.

For more information, visit crowdrise.com

TYBEE ISLAND Tybee Floatilla “Will Float for Friends” (Tybee Island, August 24) Come join us for the Tybee Floatilla in memory of Frank Schuman, Sr., starting at 3:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. It will start off on Alley Street and end at the Crab Shack. Bring life jackets and floats. Registration can be completed online.

For more information, visit Tybeefloatilla.com

Coastal Empire Surfers For Autism

(Tybee Island, September 6) Come out and volunteer or donate to help special needs

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Entertainment Guide

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children and their families.

Their mission is to open up the potential of kids and people with development disabilities, and to support scientific research for autism issues. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. For more information, visit visittybee.com

Paint Coastal Georgia Pink 5k Walk (Tybee Island, September 20) This walk is for breast cancer and the man Olympics. The man Olympic competitors will start at 4 p.m. The events include football toss, washers, basketball free throws, darts, putt-putt, horseshoes and corn hole. For more information, visit visittybee.com

Savannah River Sessions

(Savannah, August 18) These sessions include Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra’s full 17 piece big

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band who will be sight-reading brand new material. Sir Roger Michel, will provide three delectable courses for those dining in throughout the night.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit aquastarseafoodkitchen.com

CHARLESTON Historic Charleston Market

(Charleston, Fridays and Saturdays from March – Dec.) This weekly event was designed to show off the local artists, food vendors and designers. The event begins at 6:30-10:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from March through December. Local artists are also encouraged to submit their work to be in the event.

There will be prizes included for the winner.

For more information, visit charlestoncvb.com

Historic Charle ston Marke t going through December

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C & B – BQ Night

(Charleston, August 1) This event is for all the BBQ lovers out there. The menu is various and it is filled with many different delightful dishes. If you like BBQ and homemade foods then this is an event that you do not want to miss.

For more information, visit caviarandbananas.com

2nd Annual Chucktown Showdown

(Charleston, September 12-13) This race is for SUP adventurers and competitors alike. Paddle past forts and picturesque views of the historic city of downtown Charleston, SC. There will be both an 8.5 mile course and a four-mile course. Proceeds from the event benefit the Special Olympics Foundation.

For more information, visit chucktownshowdown.com

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2nd Annual Tri-Kiawah

(Charleston, September 12-13) The 2nd Annual Tri-Kiawah is an intermediate distance race featuring a .7 mile swim, 25.1 mile bike ride and 6.1 mile run. Take on the calm Atlantic current followed by a scenic bike/ run through the marshland and beachfront of Kiawah Island. The competition will begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit kiawahresort.com

HILTON HEAD Brunch On The Water With live Music

(Hilton Head, August 3) This event is on every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

They have great cocktails and a large variety of delicious foods to choose from on their menu.

Along with the wonderful food there are gorgeous water views and outdoor sceneries with live

Paula Deen Live! Lucas The atre on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Photograph courtesy of Savannah Riverboat Cruises

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music. For more information, call ELA’s Blu Water Grille at (843) 785-3030.

Death by Chocolate: A Chocolate & Champagne Aff ir

(Hilton Head, August 12) From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Girl Scouts of Eastern SC will be hosting “Death by Chocolate,” and event to provide local chefs with the opportunity to showcase delicious desserts and beverages made from chocolate. Prizes will be awarded to the tastiest dishes. All proceeds from the event benefit the local Girl Scouts.

For more information, visit girlscoutsesc.org

Tanger Outlets Back to School Event

(Hilton Head, August 16-17) Join local teen bands throughout the day and enjoy a cheerleading competition between Beaufort County Schools. Events include

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“Stuff the Bus,” with a school bus collecting school supply donations, “Unlock the Locker,” with fun prizes hidden inside the lockers, “Dress Up Booth,” and a “Fashion Scavenger Hunt” throughout the stores.

For more information, call (866) 665-8679.

BLUFFTON Bluffton Sunset Party Dog Days of Summer

(Bluffton, August 14) The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. for both days. It’s a party with your dog and there will be two local bands playing, food court, vendors, and more entertaining activities for the family. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Palmetto Animal League which is a no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Tours are offered at 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00 p.m. For more information, call (843) 757-8520

Tawny Ellis at Dollhouse Productions on August 26 in Savannah.

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Tiger Bass 7th Annual 5k/12k

(Bluffton, September 20) The 7th Annual Tiger Bass Race Series will be held at Hampton Lake. The series will feature a one-mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K Run and 12K Run. After the race, there will be an after party with live music, raffles and awards.

For more information, visit palmettorunningcompany.com

BEAUFORT Upcycled Art Auction

(Beaufort, August 23) The auction will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

All proceeds will go to benefit LowCountry Habitat for Humanity. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.

For more information, visit beaufortsc.org

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Gullah Geechie Bike Ride

(Beaufort, September 1) Choose a 25-mile ride to St. Helena Island, or a 50-mile ride to St. Helena and Hunting Islands to benefit the Penn Center and its dedication to preserving the Gullah Geechie heritage and history of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Start times are at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00.

For more information, contact the Penn Center (843) 838-2432, or Island Cruzers (843) 2630654.

ATLANTA Neon Vibe

(Atlanta, August 1) The most colorful nighttime run around, the Neon Vibe 5k is coming to Atlanta. The event is perfect for the whole family and proceeds will benefit a local charity. For more information, visit theneonvibe.com

Atlanta Downtown Restaurant Week

(Atlanta, August 9 - 17) Get special deals and fixed-price meals at dozens of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Brunch, lunch and dinner cuisine will be available on $15, $25 or $35 prix-fixe menus. For more information, visit atlantadowntown.com

Rugged Maniac Obstacle Race

(Atlanta, August 16) A three-mile course at the Georgia International Horse Park with 25 epic obstacles and a fantastic after party. Climb towers, slide down massive water slides and jump over fire for just a few of the many challenging obstacles included in the race.

Afterwards, sit back with a cold beer from Harpoon Brewery to enjoy some live music, or keep moving with giant foam pits, bounce houses and mechanical bulls. For more information, visit

ruggedmaniac.com

Fall Atlanta Home Show

(Atlanta, September 5–7) The 31st Annual Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo will feature hundreds of home and landscape pioneers who will showcase the latest and greatest indoor and outdoor living products. Guest speakers, including a wellknown HGTV/DIY Network star, will make appearances throughout the three-day event.

For more information, visit atlantahomeshow.com

Great Atlanta Beer Fest

(Atlanta, September 6) This event, hosted at Turner Field, will provide an atmosphere complete with live music and over 150 different beers to sample from Atlanta and all over the country. For more information, visit greatatlantabeerfest.com

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Metropolitan Park. The WWP is celebrating 10 years of service and commitment to service members. All proceeds directly benefit WWP programs, which are aimed at healing the mind and body of those affected while serving our country.

For more information, visit woundedwarriorproject.org

Inspired Yoga + Run

Gre at Atlanta Beer Fe st - Atlanta, September 6

James Beard Foundation’s Taste America (Atlanta, September 12-13) Get a taste of the area’s cuisine from local culinary stars.

Proceeds from the event go to the James Beard Foundation, a not-for-profit organization devoted to honoring America’s diverse culinary heritage by

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both educating and inspiring.

For more information, visit jbftasteamerica.org

JACKSONVILLE BFAST Kids Triathlon

(Jacksonville, August 31) This triathlon features a Swim, Bike & Run for children ages 6-13.

Every child will receive a great

race t-shirt, an awesome goodie bag, and a medal for their hard work. For more information, visit bfasracing.org

Wounded Warrior Project 8k

(Jacksonville, August 31) Get registered for the Wounded Warriors Project 8K run on September 6 at 8:00 a.m. in

(Jacksonville, September 7) The event will begin with a 50-minute flow yoga session for all levels, followed by an inspiring three-mile beach run. Events begin at 7:30 a.m.

For more information, visit inspiredyogarun.com

PurpleStride for Pancreatic Cancer Run

(Jacksonville, September 27) The PurpleStride run/walk for pancreatic cancer will start at 8:30 a.m. There will be a timed and untimed run/walk as well as live music, refreshments, and

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH

Maria Federowiczi, Shari Carney, Tiffany onsidine

Kimberly Miltiades & Brandyn Reagan

Chris Cepero, Brandi Benson, Ariel Felton, Lisa Scott

Wendy McElroy & Hope Bernstein

Brad Clapp, Toni Popovic, Tom Burdess

On the third Wednesday of every month, South sponsors Martini’s at the Mansion, where a portion of the night’s proceeds benefit a local charity. The past three months the sponsored organizations have been the Rape Crisis Center (May), MorningStar Cultural Arts Group (June), and Savannah/Chatham County Court Appointed Special Advocates (July). Those in attendance enjoyed cocktails, appetize rs, as we ll as a sile nt auction.

Martinis at the Mansion is the perfect way to unwind after a long day at the offic and to support local charities at the same time.

1. Samuel Carter, Kesha GibsonCarter 2. Pamela Bryant, Jill Evans 3. Joe Kelley, Dr. Chad Reese 4.

Scott West, Dru Nelson, Jason Usry

Yael Elfassy, Charleigh & Brad Connor

Shannon Maloney, Stephanie Durden, Kimberly Miltiades

Emily Dickinson & Kaitlyn Slate

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SCENES OF THE SOUTH

S AVA N N A H M I L E Hilary Kronowitz, Barry & Debby Luskey, Claudia Gaughf

David & Jamie Ehsanipoor

Cathy Colasanto, Bunny Ware, Nicki Thrasher

This past Memorial Day, runners participate d in the 8th Annual Savannah Mile, which took place in Historic Downtown Savannah.

Starting at the South end of Forsyth Park, runners made their way down Drayton and finished up on Broughton Street. Proceeds from the race went to the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, which works to provide imme diate financial assistance to the families of firs re sponde rs who die in the line of duty. Everyone that came out to participate in the Savannah Mile had a blast, and so did we.

Ruel Joyner, Jamie Dean, Lowell Kronowitz

AMPERSAND RIBBON CUTTING This past July, Ampersand held their ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening. The event had live entertainment, food, and of course delicious cocktails. Located on the corner of Congress and MLK Jr Blvd., Ampersand is quickly becoming the go-to destination when it comes to nightlife in Savannah. Ampersand is made up of three levels, and they are all available to rent for private parties. The grand opening was a huge success, and we look forward to having many more good times at Ampersand.

Jim & Melissa Emory, Eleanor Rangos, & Audrey Platt

Chantal Gloor & Brittni Harrison

Jessica Mnieckowski & Jessica Roberts

Derick Howard & Valerie Strauch

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Dana, Tim Me aghe r, Cindy Me aghe r, & Miche le

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MOUTH OF THE SOUTH

Renaissance Woman

TOUR DATES August 22 HENDERSHOTS

Native Savannahain, Tawney Ellis, brings her music back home

Athens, GA

Savannah native, Tawny Ellis, will be returning to her hometown August 26th to play with her band at Dollhouse Productions. Now living in L.A., Tawny reflects on her time in Savannah, “I love the humidity, the thunderstorms, and the warm Southern hospitality.” No matter where she finds herself these days, she insists that her roots are firmly planted in the Deep South. Now, Tawny is making her way in the music world. Her sound can loosely be described as alternative country.

When it comes to creating, Tawny defines the process as “capturing a moment that has magic coming out of it.” She describes it as looking for what’s in the space that isn’t filled up with notes. Her latest instrument of choice is the Lap steel, which she feels is the first instrument to make

RED LIGHT CAFÉ

perfect sense to her, she also plays percussion in her touring duo with her husband, Gio who plays the bass with his feet, as well as the acoustic and electric guitar.

But music isn’t the only thing Tawny creates; she is also a sculptor and jewelry designer. “Being a sculptor is one of the biggest surprises of my life,” she admits.

Music had always been a given for Tawny, but she never thought sculpting would become such a big part of her life. It is through sculpting that she found a way to fully express herself as a singer and songwriter.

What started as a fun hobby soon became a way to channel her thoughts and her ability to express herself through creating sculpture, as well as songwriting. When it comes to her work, she describes it as “an

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attempt to untangle the mysteries of being human… Expressing yourself is not only brave for some, but also the only way many artists know how to exist.” She has the amazing ability to transform her inner thoughts into heartfelt lyrics and breathtaking sculptures.

This Renaissance woman is also a jewelry maker, crafting unique 14K gold and silver pieces that she takes on the road with her to sell. So there you have it, a musician, sculptor, and jewelry designer all in one; the ultimate artistic creator.

Tawny’s latest EP, “Blow by Blow” and newest single, “This Great Divide” are available, along with her other music, on her website, TAWNYELLIS.COM n

Atlanta, GA

August 26 DOLLHOUSE PRODUCTIONS dhouseproductions.com Savannah, GA

August 27 THE HUMMINGBIRD STAGE AND TAPROOM Macon, GA

August 28 THE NICK Birmingham, AL

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Wr i t t e n b y L I Z DA N O S P h o t o g r a p h C o u r t e s t y o f TAW N E Y E L L I S

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NEW BACK AD

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