Chatham County Living Magazine September 2017

september 2017

chatham county

Two Peas in a Pod

A Savannah couple takes pride in a successful family business that was built from the ground up.

Mary Kay Ross MD and Functional Medicine A Health Plan That Works.

Savannah’s only medical practice dedicated solely to the practice of Functional/Integrative Medicine.

Whether it’s biscuits or a tour, Eric Zimmerman is committed to making man’s best friend happy.

The Photographer

After a forty year break, Dr. Les Wilkes picks up the camera to experience life through a different lens.

The Call to Serve Reflections on forty-plus years of Rick Monroe’s faithful service to the community’s youth.

Healing Begins Here™

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H o m e t o w n L i v i n g at i t s B e s t

Helping residents of Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan & Liberty with their legal needs for over 30 years!

Southeast Georgia’s Only Level I Trauma Center

Galloway & Galloway, PC A T T O R N E Y S

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Inside this building, lives change every day. Last year alone, 3,501 people were rushed here with injuries so extreme, they required the region’s only Level 1 trauma center. Within these walls, surgeons, nurses, and emergency professionals provide lifesaving care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In fact, this facility’s trauma care was ranked among the Top 100 in the Nation for Patient Safety by CareChex®.* We hope you never need our trauma center. But if you do, we’re always here.

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Independent Living

Kelli Hartley, Sales Director and Whitney Norwood, Move In Coordinator

Ed and Iris Stewart

SAVANNAH SQUARE

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Ed Stewart was born and grew up in Edgewood, PA, with an identical twin brother and two older brothers. He attended Exeter, Cornell, and Harvard Business School. Ed’s career was in financial business in Pittsburgh, Boston, and New York. His hobbies are reading and watching sports on television.

Iris, Ed’s wife, was born and grew up in Warrenton, NC, and had no siblings.

She studied business at Woman’s College in Greensboro, NC, and worked professionally as a secretary in private industry and for a church. Among Iris’s interests are reading, music, and volunteering in her church and at medical facilities.

Ed and Iris were married on Amelia Island, Florida, in 2002, where they were both living. They have five daughters, ten grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. They moved to Savannah in 2006.

The Stewarts decided to visit Savannah

Square after talking with friends who enjoy living here. While touring the facility and meeting with the friendly staff, Ed and Iris decided that this would be the right fit for them. They were impressed with the caring, family-like atmosphere and would recommend it to anyone.

The staff at Savannah Square comments, “The residents are like our family and we miss them when we are not here. We don’t consider our job a job because we feel it is a gift and a calling to do what we do.”

Savannah Square is a full-service senior living community offering elegant and comfortable residences for seniors with a range of lifestyles and requirements. We offer independent living accommodations in the form of cottages and spacious apartments, as well as the Palmetto Inn personal care residence, and an onsite health center for those requiring skilled nursing care or rehabilitation services.

“Come tour with us, and find that every day is an adventure, and age is just a number!”

1 SAVANNAH SQUARE DRIVE SAVANNAH, GA 31406 | (912) 927-7550 WWW.SAVANNAHSQUARERETIREMENT.COM

One of Dr. Acker’s goals is to make colon cancer screening accessible to the low-income and indigent communities of Savannah.

Connecting With His Patients

Dr. Brent William Acker strives to connect with his patients on their path to healing.

Circa 1875 August 2017

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r. Brent William Acker was born in Bay St. Louis, MS, a small beach town on the Gulf Coast.

He lived with his grandmother, who played a major part in raising him, until leaving for college.

They frequently visited family in New Orleans, LA and he spent many summers there with relatives as well. His hobbies include hunting and fishing.

Dr. Acker attended high school at St. Stanislaus College Prep and completed his undergraduate work at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB). He went to medical school at Ross University and finished his Internal Medicine training here in Savannah at Memorial University Medical Center/Mercer University.

Dr. Acker then left for Mobile, AL to specialize in Gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama (USA). In July, he returned to Savannah and joined the Center for Digestive and Liver Health. Dr. Acker is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and takes his Gastroenterology Board Exam in November.

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Farewell Dinner at Circa 1875 June 2014; Left to right (Drs. Mark Murphy, Felicia Humphrey, Steve Carpenter, Brent Acker, and Edward Rydzak)

When asked who or what inspired him to become a doctor, Dr. Acker replied, “I have wanted to become a doctor since the age of 12. Seeing my father work as a nurse sparked my interest in medicine and lured me into reading his textbooks. I took every opportunity to explore my passion by accompanying my father to the hospital. As I witnessed the interaction between various doctors and patients, I began to see a disparity. Some talked very little to patients while others immediately connected on a personal level, not only with the patient, but his/her family as well. My father explained the importance of establishing good relationships with patients in order to give the best possible quality of care. This was my first lesson on what compassion through healing really meant.”

One of Dr. Acker’s goals is to make colon cancer screening accessible to the low-income and indigent communities of Savannah. During his gastroenterology fellowship, they had similar programs which were funded by federal grants and extended care to these at-risk patient populations. His medical interests include small bowel enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy. He is affiliated with Memorial University Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Candler Hospital.

Trout Fishing with Dr. Jack DiPalma in Grand Bay, Alabama July 2016

Savannah Office: 1139 Lexington Ave. | Savannah, GA 31404 Pooler Office: 140 Traders Way Pooler GA 31322 Okatie Office: 40 Okatie Center Blvd, South Suite 210 | Okatie, SC 29909 www.savannahgi.com | 912-303-4200 The Board-Certified Gastroenterologists of CDLH: George C. Aragon, MD; Steven Carpenter, MD; Rodney S. Cohen, MD; Charles W. Duckworth, MD; Mark E. Murphy, MD; Mark R. Nyce, MD; Edward Rydzak, MD; Telciane S. Vesa, MD; Ryan C. Wanamaker, MD

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contents 10

The Photographer

After a forty year break, Dr. Les Wilkes picks up the camera to experience life through a different lens.

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The Sweet Taste of Success

When it comes to baking culinary works of art, it’s a family affair for Ms. Polly and her baking giants.

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Feeling Right at Home Plate

Local players are eating up the Savannah Bananas experience.

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Two Peas in a Pod

A Savannah couple takes pride in a successful family business that was built from the ground up by two kindred souls.

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The Call to Serve

Reflections on forty-plus years of faithful service to the community’s youth.

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50 About the Cover Featured on the cover is the beloved Ollie B. The photo was taken by Dream Weaver Photos.

Turn to page 86 to read more about this historic dog walk tour.

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True Destiny

Chocolat by Adam Turoni is the story of two creative artists born a generation apart, from two different nationalities, with two life experiences, who come together in a space where creativity knows no such boundaries.

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Barks of Approval

Whether it’s biscuits or a tour, Eric Zimmerman is committed to making man’s best friend happy.

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A Legacy of Love

Ms. Minnie Wingster reflects on her 40-year love affair with Bethesda Academy.

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Laughter in the Morning

The trio’s love for their hometown of Savannah and Coastal Georgia is undeniable.

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A Wee Taste of the Old Country

A passion for tea inspired Rebecca Wright and daughter Elizabeth Ruby to set up their own shop in Savannah.

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Changing the Game

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A passion for helping others is evident from the moment you descend the stairs into the exposed-brick interior of Game Changers Running Company.

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Lessons of a Lifetime

Educator James Green looks back on the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has made in his life and reflects on its 100-year legacy.

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Scenes of Chatham Take a look at a few more of the reasons why we think Chatham County is a great place to live.

Living on a Lighted Stage

A young Savannah singer/songwriter sets her sights on Broadway and beyond, taking it one step at a time.

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Dr. Ian McLeod, MD | Karla McKenzie , Audiologist | Dr. David Oliver, MD Patricia Fall , Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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From the Publisher

Chatham County Living

P u b l i s h e r With You In Mind Publications

Jay and Patti Martin e d i to r Renee Corwine C r eat i v e | D e s i g n Stacey Nichols Mandi Spivey

W

Whenever we have a publisher’s letter, we try to highlight the people that make each area a special place to live. I am going to deviate a little with this letter. I am going to tell you the main reason my life is so special. In a word it is Patti! As you read this, Patti and I will have just celebrated 37 years of marriage. The first thing that you notice about her is that she is BEAUTIFUL!! If you have ever met her, the second thing you notice is that she is a genuinely caring person. She looks at you, not through you. If you have ever spent an hour with her you will know that her best friend is God. Patti freely shares His love through her actions, not just her words.

In 37 years of marriage, I have never once doubted her love for me or that she had my back every second of every day.

We have 2 biological children, 3 adopted children and we’ve been foster parents to numerous children for 18 years. Not one of these children did not feel the reality of a mother’s love through Patti.

I am so blessed that I have been married to the Proverbs 31 woman and will be for the rest of my life here on earth!

Blessings, Proverbs 31

Jay and Patti Martin Sales: (912) 654-3045 Email: jay@wyimpublications.com withyouinmindpublications.com

o f f i ce M a n age r Nikki Burkhalter

A s s i s ta n t M a n age r s June Dixon

Julie Braly P h otog r ap h e r s Dream Weaver Photos Jamie Weaver Kelly McDonald Photography Malcolm Tully More than Words Photography Rebecca Galloway Photography Ryan Lee Photography

C ov e r P h oto Ollie B., taken by

Dream Weaver Photos Sa l e s Landon Spivey

Patti Martin Scott Bergmann Tiffanie Livingston

Contributing

Wri te r s Arianna Kelley

D. Annette Sasser David Pena Gail Dixon Sandra Elliot Stephen Prudhomme Teri R. Williams

Chatham County Living© is published three times a year by With You in Mind Publications. withyouinmindpublications.com P.O. Box 55 • Glennville, GA 30427 (912) 654-3045 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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Story By Teri R. Williams | Photos By Jim Holmes, Dream Weaver Photos and courtesy of Les Wilkes Photography

The

Photographer After a forty year break, Dr. Les Wilkes picks up the camera to experience life through a different lens.

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It was an eighth-grade science teacher who first sparked Les’ interest in photography. From the teacher, he learned to process film and print pictures, and he did so well that he became the school’s yearbook photo editor. But instead of looking through the lens of a camera, Les Wilkes spent forty years looking through the lens of a fiber optic camera called the arthroscope as one of Savannah’s most respected orthopedic surgeons.

Born in 1940, Dr. Wilkes grew up in the small town of Quitman, Georgia, where his father worked as a salesman for a carpet manufacturing company, and his mother as the county librarian. He graduated from the University of Georgia and then the Medical College of Georgia in 1965. “I liked surgery right away,” said Dr. Wilkes. “I was drawn to working with my hands. My professor asked me, ‘Wilkes, do you like to build bird houses?’ I said, ‘Yes sir, I think so.’ He said, ‘Good, because if you don’t, you’re in the wrong profession.’

What he meant was that if you want to be an orthopedic surgeon, you’ve got to learn to use tools and build stuff.

It’s bone carpentry.”

Not long after Dr. Wilkes began his residency at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he was given a commission as a Lieutenant in the Navy. “We were told that officers aren’t drafted, they are ‘commissioned.’ Call it what you want, but all I know is that one day I was a resident in Winston Salem and the next day I was a Navy surgeon in Newport Rhode Island.

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“We didn’t have to do all the basic training. We were sent to New Port, Rhode Island to basically learn about the Navy before we were shipped out. All the physicians there felt certain they were headed to Vietnam or sea duty. On the last day, we stood in formation as a Commander walked down the line to inspect us. He stopped right behind me and said to the guy behind me, ‘Dr. Levy? Are you smoking?’ The men said that Dr. Levy took a big ‘ole drag of his cigarette and said, ‘You know, I believe I am.’ He knew he was going straight to Vietnam so nothing mattered to him.”

Dr. Wilkes was sworn into service right during the Tet Offensive, “when the North Vietnamese made one final push into the south. These were not

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Vietcong, but North Vietnamese regulars. It was a major offensive. They almost got into Saigon.

Things were really serious.”

Dr. Wilkes felt fortunate that for the first year he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Randolph.

“We were mostly in the Mediterranean. I was never in combat, thank goodness,” he added under his breath. Even so, he said, “I was on edge the whole time. There was a general medical doctor and me. I’d only had one year of surgery, and I was the ship surgeon.”

The most common surgeries he performed on board the USS Randolph were things like incarcerated hernias and perforated peptic ulcers.

“But there was a lot of trauma at sea. With the

ship moving and rolling, guys were always getting hurt. A man might trip over a chain that was holding down an aircraft and break a leg. Stuff like that. I did whatever I had to do. It was not easy, but it was very exciting. We had access to a bigger ship with more facilities and a more senior surgeon if needed, but that meant putting someone in a helicopter and flying them fifty to one hundred miles away.

“One night we were in a storm and the men went on deck to chain these airplanes down, because they can blow off. One of the men got blown into the prop of a COD, a prop plane that delivers mail. The prop came down across his shoulder and took out his rib, his clavicle, the top part of a lung, and then threw him down against the deck so hard that it broke

every bone in his face. It was a horrible injury, and needed emergency care. I had to pack the wound, put a chest tube in to keep his lung from collapsing, and perform a tracheotomy because he couldn’t breathe before I could transport him by helicopter the two hundred miles to Norfolk, Virginia. Thankfully, he recovered,” said Dr. Wilkes.

Wilkes was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, his second year where he worked in orthopedics. When his service term ended, Dr. Wilkes finished his residency at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston Salem. “After three years at Bowman Gray, I went to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and did a fellowship there in hip surgery. I went there because they were doing

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the total hip replacement in Europe. Hip replacement was actually developed by a surgeon in Northern England named John Charnley. It was called the ‘Charnley Hip,’ and the guys in Scotland were all doing it, but the FDA had not yet approved the cement for use in the USA.” When Dr. Wilkes returned to the United States, he moved to Savannah, Georgia, and opened his practice, Chatham Orthopedics. “Lucky for me, the FDA approved the cement for orthopedic use at that same time, and I got in on the ground floor. I worked in all three hospitals, St. Joseph’s, Memorial, and Candler, and performed some of the first hip replacement surgeries,” said Dr. Wilkes.

“I continued to perform the Charnley Hip surgery almost up until I retired.”

In 1980 when he heard that a surgeon in Miami was having great success with arthroscopic surgery on knees as an alternative to open surgery, Dr. Wilkes went to see for himself. “After that, I went out to Salt Lake City and watched Dr. Metcalf perform the surgery. It’s not an alternative to a complete knee replacement. It’s used when there is a specific tear that can be repaired. It’s not a specialty. It’s just another tool in

A Leader In His Field When Dr. Wilkes returned to the United States, he moved to Savannah, Georgia, and opened his practice, Chatham Orthopedics. “Lucky for me, the FDA approved the cement for orthopedic use at that same time, and I got in on the ground floor. I worked in all three hospitals, St. Joseph’s, Memorial, and Candler, and performed some of the first hip replacement surgeries,” said Dr. Wilkes.

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the bag. A lot of athletes have damaged cartilage or a torn meniscus. If the damage isn’t removed, it can cause a lot of pain and arthritis to develop. So, yeah.

You need to remove the torn piece if its messed up.

With the arthroscope or ‘knee-scope,’ you can go in and just remove what is damaged rather than removing everything. The recovery is so much faster. People can literally get up and walk on it the same day with much less pain.”

“The hospital wasn’t sure about it and none of the other doctors would touch it, so I bought all of my own instruments and began doing arthroscopic surgery myself. I knew it was going to work. When I first began, it was hard to do,” said Dr. Wilkes. “We had to look through the telescope on one side, and remove the damaged cartilage with a little operating instrument

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placed on the other side. It was like trying to touch your fingers together in the dark.”

At one time, he was doing fifteen cases a week.

“Everybody wanted to come to me because no one else would do this surgery through a scope. I performed over five hundred arthroscopic surgeries before anyone in the area would even talk to me about it. They thought I was crazy. Now, it’s considered a state-of-the-art procedure.”

Dr. Wilkes eventually joined a bigger practice called Southeastern Orthopedics. In 1990, he became one of the founding partners of Optim Orthopedics where he continued to practice until he retired in 2013.

After forty years of orthopedic practice in Savannah and countless awards and accomplishments, Dr. Wilkes has turned his focus back to photography. “It’s like I took a forty-year break. I never really gave up photography,

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“To me, any photograph, regardless of category, must elicit an emotional response.” { Leslie Wilkes, M.D. } but I was so busy as a surgeon, I didn’t have time for it.”

Instead of looking through the lens of an arthroscope to repair the body, Dr. Wilkes now looks through the lens of a camera in search of an image that will offer restoration for the heart and soul.

One way he is able to accomplish this as a volunteer photographer at Hospice Savannah, a nonprofit organization.

Family portraits help families capture a moment of connection with a loved one at the end of their life’s journey. “I have one or two shoots every week,” he said. “This week I’m doing a wedding there. It’s my fourth hospice wedding.”

Dr. Wilkes is also on hand to take photographs for a special event for veterans in Hospice Savannah. “A member of the armed services comes in uniform and presents the veteran with a plaque to thank them for their service.”

For one photo session, the veteran donned his military jacket that was covered in emblems, each one representing a bombing run over Germany. “It was amazing. He’s a real hero,” said Dr. Wilkes.

During the summer, he uses his camera to capture photographs for families of children who attend Aloha Camp.

“Aloha,” he explained, “means hello and goodbye in the Hawaiian language. This is a camp put on by Hospice Savannah for children who have lost a close family member.”

In the same way that Dr. Wilkes pursued new knowledge as a surgeon, he continued to develop his skills as a photographer. “I’ve taken classes at Armstrong for six years in photography, mainly, so I could use their dark room,” he laughed, even though he added, “When digital photography came out, I got into it.

It’s so much easier. You don’t have all the 18

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chemicals, and it’s all on computer. But I’ve always loved the dark room. It’s just magic to me. I’ve taken all the classes you can take at Armstrong in dark room photography as well as independent studies in film, but I don’t think I’m totally done yet,” he said with a smile.

In November 2016, a book entitled “Savannah Square by Square” was released that showcases photography by Dr. Wilkes and photographers Philip Hodgkins and Constance McCay along with writer and historian, Michael Jordan, and graphic designer Mick McCay. “I don’t do a lot of landscape photography, but it was good for me because it stretched my creativity,” said Dr. Wilkes, whose photographs in the book are nothing less than stunning.

With the eye of a surgeon, Dr. Wilkes looks through the lens of a camera for an image that “elicits an emotional response.” In a recent photo shoot for

a fashion show for oncology nurses in which all the models were either cancer survivors or in cancer treatment, Dr. Wilkes took a picture of two young girls, both bald from chemotherapy treatments, smiling and standing with arms around each other’s shoulders. One had leukemia and the other had a muscle cancer. “They stole the show,” said Dr. Wilkes. “The one with leukemia survived, but the girl with muscle cancer has since passed away.”

With such images, Dr. Wilkes invites us to exchange our hard hearts numbed by the disconnected world of social media for hearts that can feel again and connect to one other’s story. Whether it’s the touching image of a family gathered around a dying family member, or an image of moss laden live oaks in one of Savannah’s many squares, Dr. Wilkes, the photographer, is as much a restorer of souls as he ever was of the body.  CCL

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Low Country Living

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Dr. Angela Canfield was born and raised in West Virginia. She grew up in the central part of the state and attended West Virginia University. (GO MOUNTAINEERS!) She majored in biology and specialized in nutrition and gerontology, graduating from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2005 (after two years of clinicals and eight years of school) with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS). She completed advanced courses in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as orthodontics and periodontics. Dr. Canfield is licensed by the Georgia Board of Dentistry and the National Board of

After being displaced for about eight months

by Hurricane Matthew, Dr. Angela Canfield and family settle back into their daily lives.

Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Southeastern District Dental Association.

Dr. Canfield is married to her wonderful husband, Alex, who works in Real Estate. Smiling, she says of Alex, “He’s my best friend and keeps me calm in this crazy life. I could not do life without him. He is an amazing husband that keeps me anchored and is a constant reminder to me of the important things in life. In our hectic schedule with two dogs, Remi and Bentley, our cat, Scoop, and a toddler, Reagan Alexis, he makes sure to keep God and family our focus. He

Sandfly Family Dental | Dr. Angela C. Canfield | 7360 Skidaway Road, Suite H-2 Savannah, GA 31406 | (912) 349-0472 | sandflyfamilydental.com

is busy with work, but always makes time for us and never misses a thing. I thank God for him every day!”

Reagan Alexis is their 19-month-old! Dr. Canfield says they are truly blessed to have her in their lives. She is the happiest little girl! Reagan has shown her mama and daddy that the simplicity of life is the best!

God and family are first and foremost in the Canfield Family! They just love to spend time at home with family. They were displaced, for about eight months, when Hurricane Matthew came through so they are loving being back at home.

The Canfields enjoy taking Reagan places for new experiences…the zoo, aquariums, parks, beach, pool, library, dance, etc.

Dr. Canfield and her family attend Compassion Christian Church. Her hobbies include cooking and baking, reading, traveling, fishing and hunting, being out on the water, and being able to sit on the back deck and relax. She loves to decorate the house and loves dishes! They are fixing to embark on a new adventure, a saltwater fish tank! Dr. Canfield says, “I love seafood in general, but when a low country boil is done the right way, that’s my favorite!”

While in high school and college, Dr. Canfield worked for her dentist. “My dentist gave me a lot of opportunities to learn about dentistry. My parents were also very encouraging,” recalls Dr. Canfield. “I love being a General Family Dentist because you get to become a part of the patients’ family and see their children grow up. I also love it because every day is different. There are so many things we do to make work fun. I love educating and working with my patients. Helping them to understand and participate in the best oral and overall health they can obtain is the #1 reason I chose to become a dentist,” explains Dr. Canfield.

Premier Family Dental does crown and bridge work, fillings, dentures, root canals, extractions, cleanings, and they treat perio disease. Dr. Canfield specializes in General Dentistry and opened the Rincon office in May 2005 and opened a second office in Sandfly in October 2014. She and her team were voted Best of Effingham in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

God and family are first and foremost in the Canfield Family!

They just love to spend time at home with family.

Premier Dental Designs | Dr. Angela C. Canfield DDS | 5871 HWY 21 South, Rincon, GA, 31326 | (912) 826-4037 | premierdentaldesigns.com Hometown Living At Its Best

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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THE

Sweet Taste Success OF

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Story by David Pena | Photos by Ryan Lee Photography & Kelly McDonald Photography

When it comes to baking culinary works of art, it’s a family affair for Ms. Polly and her baking giants.

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Ms. Polly, the face and founder of Ms. Polly’s Cake Giants, loves taking risks – especially when it comes to designing and baking incredible edibles for her loyal customers. Born and raised in Savannah, Ms. Polly found there was a need for a more creative approach in the field of Southern baking, so she set out to open a place where customers can order culinary works of art.

While creating modern and creative cakes, Ms. Polly’s recipes remain old-fashioned favorites.

“We like to just keep it simple,” said Ms. Polly, at her bakery on Ogeechee Road in Savannah. “We have not industrialized our recipes like a lot of the larger businesses do; we still do it the old-fashioned way.”

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Ms. Polly, a retired postal worker, essentially turned baking cakes for her kids into a thriving success. She said her foray into the business of baking has strong familial roots.

Her methods seem to be paying off. After opening seven years ago, her bakery has become a favorite destination for cake lovers from all around, especially for red velvet and sour cream pound cakes. “Those were two cakes that we really grew up with in the house and we have just mastered them over the years,” Ms. Polly said.

Ms. Polly, a retired postal worker, essentially turned baking cakes for her kids into a thriving success. She said her foray into the business of baking has strong familial roots. “My mom taught me everything I know about baking when I was a little girl, so I’ve always baked for my family since then. After I had my children, I decided that I wanted to make them pretty birthday cakes, so that’s really where it all started.”

Impressed by Polly’s homemade creations, the

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mothers who attended her children’s parties would ask Polly to bake cakes for their children. So, while she still worked for the post office, Ms. Polly decided to bake cakes on the side. “This lasted for about 15 years, until in 2010 I opened the bakery at the Savannah location and soon retired from the post office to do this full time,” she said. “I’ve seen some of these children grow from toddlers to teens and beyond. We did their baby shower cakes and now they’re teens, and we’ve been baking cakes through the years for them. It’s satisfying doing for mothers what I did for my children, namely, giving their kids a cool cake.”

Ms. Polly’s own children showed interest in her baking from an early age. “My kids have always been around me while I baked,” she said. “Their job was to make sure my cakes didn’t burn when I was running

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In fact, the bakery’s rather unique name came from a spontaneous family moment in her kitchen. One day when she was working on some cakes, she turned around and realized just how large her sons had grown over the years.

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out the door to go to work. Gradually, though, they learned how to make icings, and through the years I would give them assignments. Now they are professional decorators and bakers themselves.

They can do it all.”

In fact, the bakery’s rather unique name came from a spontaneous family moment in her kitchen.

One day when she was working on some cakes, she turned around and realized just how large her sons had grown over the years. “I told them they were like ‘cake giants to me,’ and the name just stuck. Before (the bakery) was even open to the public, I decided to change the name from the original Ms. Polly’s Cakes to Ms. Polly’s Cake Giants soon after that.”

In 2015, the family opened a location in Pooler

to capitalize on the success of the Savannah bakery and to provide an option closer to home for Pooler residents. The two youngest siblings, Shardy and Girly, run the Pooler store, while Monty and Prae run the Savannah location along with their mother.

“Shardy is the manager (of the Pooler location) as well as being a great decorator himself. He pretty much runs the Pooler store single-handedly. Monty is a designer and a cake decorator and also a sports fan, so a good bit of the sports-themed cakes are his specialty,” Ms. Polly said proudly.

Her son Prae, the oldest of the “Giants” and head baker, said he has been baking cakes since he was about 12. “I love working with my family, and although we may have some disagreements in the kitchen, it’s really about making the best product.”

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Prae recently moved back to Savannah from Charlotte, N.C., to focus on the family business. He said he’s here to stay. “I get to meet new people and I get to make people happy through baking, since I touch every cake that comes through the shop.”

With her culinary lexicon stretching from red velvet to key lime and beyond, does Ms. Polly have her own favorite creation? “My favorite cake, the one I grew up baking, is the sour cream pound cake,” she said. “I practically eat it every day I’m in the bakery. The recipe has been in the family for years. In fact, all our cakes come from family recipes that we all grew up with, so when we opened (the Savannah bakery) we decided to introduce all our family’s cakes into the business, but the red velvet has always been our best seller.” The “Giants” have recently introduced their own key lime cake along with the red velvet, and it’s proven to be a top seller as well.

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In addition to satisfying people’s sweet tooth in Savannah and Pooler, Ms. Polly and her family will soon be vying for television ratings. The pilot episode of “Ms. Polly’s Cakes” aired March 4 on the Food Network and on the Cooking Channel. The star of the series said she couldn’t be more pleased with the results. “(The show) came out really great.

We’re now just waiting for the next phase of filming for this series. … (The filming) was really exciting, and it gave me a new respect for the (TV) industry. I was inspired by a lot of dedicated people working hard for something that may only last 30 minutes.”

Possibly, her customers will be able to take home some of that inspiration, in the form of a cookbook.

“We’re also looking to publish a cookbook with some of our most popular recipes, so we can have something hand-held to give our customers,” said Shardy. “Between that and the series, we stay pretty busy. It’s great to work for yourself and still be around your family. We support and feed off of each other, and it’s great to know that what we do brightens our customers’ lives, even for a little bit. When you know that you’re putting in the hard work and dedication and it pays off, it’s very gratifying to us.”

It’s that personal connection with her customers that keeps Ms. Polly inspired. In fact, she said her customers have been the greatest source of her joy in her second career.

“I love to meet people and create different things for them. During the creation process, I really enjoy pushing the limits of my talents – taking it to the next level while satisfying folks who have stuck with us through the years. Our bakery is a bit different because our customers can have a personal connection with their baker or decorator. We try to go the extra mile and push ourselves creatively with every cake,” she said.

Employing a team of pastry masterminds, Ms. Polly’s Cake Giants creates one-of-a-kind cakes for any occasion. Visit the “Giants” at their Savannah location at 2325 Ogeechee Road, or at the Pooler bakery at 120 Towne Center Drive. Learn more by calling them at 912-988-1458, or visiting their website, mspollyscakegiants.com.  CCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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Chris Bashlor and Mike Huggins feel right at home when they play at Grayson Stadium as members of the Savannah Bananas. In high school, they played baseball for Calvary Day School and Benedictine Military School, respectively, both located about an Aaron Judge home run distance away.

Not only do they play at the house that Ruth visited, but they're also performing in front

Story by Stephen Prudhomme

of crowds that rival those at Yankee Stadium when it comes to enthusiasm and support.

Bashlor and Huggins are representing their home city on the Bananas, a second-year team of college baseball players competing in the Coastal Plain League. They join a team that won the league championship in its inaugural season and has captivated fans with inspired, outstanding play; creative promotions, many

Photos by Malcolm Tully Hometown Living At Its Best

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of them featuring bananas; and an owner wearing a canary yellow suit and top hat in the middle of it all.

A catcher and first baseman at Lipscomb University, Bashlor, 19, is a redshirt freshman. He's fully recovered from a torn meniscus that sidelined him last season and required surgery. Bashlor, like other players in the Coastal Plain League, doesn't receive a salary but is gaining valuable experience as he prepares for his college career and possibly beyond.

"This is a lot faster than in high school," Bashlor said, noting he's not against pursuing a pro career

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and will go with the flow. "The talent level is much higher. The pitchers can throw any pitch at any time and have better command. I just have to find a way to slow (the game) down and bring it back to earth."

Bashlor has had to adjust to playing in front of much larger crowds. He describes the home games, which typically attract 4,000 to 5,000 fans, as crazy and fun.

"It's awesome that many people are at the games," Bashlor said. "I know a bunch of people at the games. They're texting me before the game.

It's pretty awesome. There's a little added pressure

A catcher and first baseman at Lipscomb University, Bashlor, 19, is a redshirt freshman. He’s fully recovered from a torn meniscus that sidelined him last season and required surgery.

Bashlor, like other players in the Coastal Plain League, doesn’t receive a salary but is gaining valuable experience as he prepares for his college career and possibly beyond.

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"We're here to help churches, missions, nonprofits," said Cole, a Massachusetts native who played baseball in college before buying the Bananas with his wife, Emily. "The Two Hundred Club was honored at a game last season. It's a no-brainer.

They're great and we want to show we appreciate what they do in the community." In turn, the community has responded by attending games in record numbers. Cole said they have the longest record in the league for sellouts and he expects that to continue. "It's been unbelievable," he said. "The fans have really embraced us."

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playing in front of family and friends. At the end of the day, they're there to support you."

Huggins is playing for the Bananas as he prepares for his senior year at Georgia State University. A second baseman/third baseman, he said that playing in a summer league allows him to see pitches, fine tune his swing and go back to Georgia State without losing too much. Huggins said he enjoys playing at a ballpark where Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and John Smoltz once took the field.

"It's pretty cool playing on the same field as some of the old guys," he said. "You see their faces on the wall."

Huggins said it's basically a circus going on at home games, and he's glad to be part of it. “I might play in front of 200 people at Georgia State," said Huggins, who wants to play baseball as long as he can. "Playing in front of 4,000 to 5,000 fans is way more fun. Playing before friends and family is pretty special. The owner (Jesse Cole) does a great job."

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Cole is all about fan involvement and recognizing various groups and organizations for their contributions to the local community. One of these is the Two Hundred Club of the Coastal Empire, which raises money for the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. Prior to the June 2 game against the Lexington County Blowfish, coastal law enforcement played fire service and EMS in a softball game as part of the second annual Red, White and Blue Night. Additionally, a Two Hundred Club family member threw the first pitch at the Bananas game and a memorial honoring fallen first responders was on display.

"We're here to help churches, missions, nonprofits," said Cole, a Massachusetts native who played baseball in college before buying the Bananas with his wife, Emily. "The Two Hundred Club was honored at a game last season. It's a no-brainer. They're great and we want to show we appreciate what they do in the community."

In turn, the community has responded by attending games in record numbers.

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Cole said they have the longest record in the league for sellouts and he expects that to continue. "It's been unbelievable," he said. "The fans have really embraced us."

At the season home opener in early June, those fans included two friends and longtime baseball fans who bought ticket package deals so they wouldn't be shut out from games, like they were last year. Also in attendance was a man whose affinity for wearing a banana suit finally found the perfect venue in which to display his sartorial creativity.

Faye Kirschner and Christine Addy sat in general admission in back of home plate, attending their first Bananas game and quickly becoming fans of the team and the pageantry surrounding it. "It's a wonderful,

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longtime baseball fans

At the season home opener in early June, those fans included two friends and longtime baseball fans who bought ticket package deals so they wouldn't be shut out from games, like they were last year.

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electrifying atmosphere," said Kirschner, who has taught tennis at Armstrong State University for 21 years. "The staff is so nice and friendly. They're just like family."

Remarking she likes all sports, the affable Kirschner said she previously attended Sand Gnats games at Grayson Stadium but prefers the overall experience provided by the current tenants. "They get you involved," she said. "The music, contests, baseball … it gets you going. You can't fall asleep."

Addy said she loves baseball, recalling how she attended minor league games with family while growing up in Delaware. She, too, attended Sand Gnats games and said the Bananas provide more excitement and entertainment. "It's really enjoyable," she said. "The quality of play is great. I enjoy seeing kids from different colleges playing."

Cameron Cross' dress rehearsals took place over the past eight years as he wore a banana costume to Atlanta Braves spring training games and became popular with some of the players. On June 1, he

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attended his first Bananas game, wearing his costume, of course, complete with Mickey Mouse hands, and felt right at home in the general admission seats.

"It's a lot of fun," said Cross, a Savannah resident. "Everyone's enjoying it. I've been giving a lot of high fives."

Cross' banana act started after a friend suggested they go to Braves spring training games in costumes. "All they had at the store was a banana costume," Cross explained. When it was announced Savannah's newest team would be named the Bananas, Cross said his Facebook page "blew up. … They were asking if I named the team. It was awesome."

The Mickey gloves weren't inspired by a famous ballplayer but a mouse who is ubiquitous in Orlando, where the Braves hold spring training.

"It's better to give high fives with Mickey Mouse hands," Cross said.  CCL

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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A Savannah couple takes pride on a successful family business that was built from the ground up by two kindred souls.

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Story by David Pena Photos by Rebecca Galloway

As life-long Savannah residents, Corbin and Ami Zipperer have had their hands and feet in Georgia soil literally all their lives. Born and raised on Isle of Hope, they don’t just know our community; they always have been a huge part of it. And if you ask Corbin how long he’s been in the lawn and garden industry, he will more than likely tell you his whole life.

In addition to owning Herb Creek Landscape Supply, the couple also owns and operates Low Country Landscapes, a full-service lawn maintenance and landscape installation company that offers everything from landscape renovation and irrigation services to hard-scape

In addition to owning Herb Creek Landscape Supply, the couple also owns and operates Low Country Landscapes, a full-service lawn maintenance and landscape installation company that offers everything from landscape renovation and irrigation services to hard-scape installation and design services. Like most successful ventures, it all started as a seed nourished with a bit of good, oldfashioned gumption.

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What started in the 1980s with a young man in a spray truck has now grown into a highly lucrative family-owned business with multiple locations. “Low Country now runs from seven to nine crews a day in up to 11 trucks, and we have about 50 employees between both businesses,” Corbin said.

“I’m really proud to see how much we’ve grown over the years and hopefully we can continue to grow in the future, but my greatest gratification comes from seeing a completed job that’s well-done for a satisfied customer.”

installation and design services. Like most successful ventures, it all started as a seed nourished with a bit of good, old-fashioned gumption.

“I worked at the family business (Hester and Zipperer Lawn and Garden) since I was a kid, but from the time I was 18 years old, I’ve really been doing my own thing,” Corbin said. “In fact, I actually started my own business when I was 15.”

With his extensive knowledge of Savannah’s climate and all things horticultural, Corbin decided to start his own small fertilizer and pest control company in the mid 1980s. Things were slow going at first, but his determination and skill made up for what he lacked in

resources. “I had no money in the beginning. I just started from scratch with one truck, spraying lawns and making fertilizer applications on my own. Then it gradually built up from there.”

Ami grew up in the horticulture industry as well, her family having built the hugely successful Gatch Florist.

“As a child, I spent my afternoons after school at our family’s business, which was then located on Derenne Avenue a few doors down from Baker’s Pride Bakery,” she said. “I would spend hours with my grandmother, who taught me everything she knew about flowers and ingrained that passion that she had for them in me. I basically did arrangements, cleaned and did anything that Hometown Living At Its Best

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From the start, Ami was there to help realize Corbin’s dream of a successful family-owned business. After pursuing other ventures after high school and getting away from the industry for a while, Corbin found his way back.

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was needed at the shop. I spent many years at the shop helping in any way I could, and it was a pretty integral time in my life because it led to my love of flowers.”

As fate would have it, Ami and Corbin met at an early age and seemed to be kindred souls from the very start. Growing up on Isle of Hope, they actually lived down the street from each other. “We met in the neighborhood when we were in seventh grade, but didn’t start dating until we were about 16,” Ami said. The two were best of

[Ami Zipperer]

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Liz Thompson, an avid gardener and a resident of Isle of Hope, said, “Shopping at Herb Creek is like visiting your favorite family member; they are always glad to see you and genuinely want to help.

Helpfulness and kindness are always the words of the day at Herb Creek.”

friends before becoming high school sweethearts, both graduating from Calvary Day School in 1987.

“I think it’s truly unique that I would have found somebody who has both a passion and background in flowers as well. It’s really pretty special,” she said.

From the start, Ami was there to help realize Corbin’s dream of a successful family-owned business. After pursuing other ventures after high

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school and getting away from the industry for a while, Corbin found his way back.

“He always wanted a garden center; that was his family’s business,” she said. “We literally started from the ground up with absolutely nothing.”

The couple married in 1991 and have two children, Branden and Charles.

“Branden has helped us at the business for

years, running the register, making deliveries, or assisting Corbin on a landscaping job. When he’s not in college, he’s more than likely at the shop,” Ami said.

Branden is also the resident computer whiz, so a few years ago when the Zipperers started a computer system at Herb Creek, Branden actually helped to set up their system. For now, however, his main focus is his college education at Armstrong State University, where he’s majoring in mathematics with plans to become a teacher. Charles, a straight-A student, will be going into the tenth grade next year at St. Andrews School.

As Corbin’s landscaping business continued to experience tremendous growth in both the scope of its services as well as its client base, he quickly realized that there was a need for a better source of lawn and garden materials on the east side of town. Thus, Herb Creek Landscape Supply was opened in Sandfly in August 2004, allowing nearby residents to purchase lawn and garden materials on their own.

“I started the store to give our customers a place to purchase the quality products that Low Country delivers and installs because, as the company has grown, I’m now in the field pretty much full time,” he said.

Liz Thompson, an avid gardener and a resident of Isle of Hope, said, “Shopping at Herb Creek is like

visiting your favorite family member; they are always glad to see you and genuinely want to help.

Helpfulness and kindness are always the words of the day at Herb Creek.”

After enjoying a number of highly successful years in the quaint community of Sandfly, the Zipperers ran into a rather good problem to have, as it were. Due to the enormous success that Herb Creek enjoyed in its original location, the couple found it difficult to accommodate their increasing demand for bigger products on the relatively smallsized property.

“Although our location in Sandfly has always been pretty popular, it’s actually pretty small,” Ami said. “We needed to have a place to store bigger products such as ball and burlap (plants that are too large for pots), large palm trees, and 45-gallon pots.

We just had no space for it all.”

When considering a second location, Corbin realized that there was a real need for a store that catered to the residents on Wilmington Island as well as downtown. Thus, the Zipperers decided to open their second location on the border of Thunderbolt in March 2014. Located directly across from Coach’s Corner on Victory Drive, the second

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Herb Creek location now sits on over two acres of land just west of the Wilmington River.

“We’re incredibly proud of the improvements we have made to both locations, and we’re also proud to be a family-owned and operated member of the independent garden center industry,” Ami said. Although there have been a handful of garden centers that have since opened in the area, Corbin is not at all concerned about the competition. “After (opening the second Herb Creek location), Wal-mart and Sam’s came in, along with two Home Depots, but that’s never been a problem. We really don’t consider them to be our competition, basically due to their lack of service or knowledge of product. As a matter of fact, some of our best customers come from Home Depot and Lowe’s,” he said.

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What started in the 1980s with a young man in a spray truck has now grown into a highly lucrative family-owned business with multiple locations. “Low Country now runs from seven to nine crews a day in up to 11 trucks, and we have about 50 employees between both businesses,” Corbin said. “I’m really proud to see how much we’ve grown over the years and hopefully we can continue to grow in the future, but my greatest gratification comes from seeing a completed job that’s well-done for a satisfied customer.”

As for Ami, who continues to nourish the love for flowers instilled by her grandmother, she says, “I just love making customers happy, and we’re so thankful for the loyalty and success that they have given to us through the years.”  CCL

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LifeAfter Retirement

Moving to Savannah Commons extended and enriched the time Jack Crumley and his wife had together.

ack Crumley was born in Statesboro, had six brothers and three sisters, and went to school in Register. They lived on a farm, back in the woods, in a four-bed house, with no electricity, no inside bathroom and no running water. His dad was a sharecropper and they were very poor, but they made a living. Jack finished school in the 10th grade, moved in with family, and got a job here and there.

Jack served a short time in the military before moving to Savannah in 1950. He started working for Atlantic Coastline Railroad, which later became CSX, and retired in 1991 after working for 39 years.

He lived on the Isle of Armstrong for 45 years with his wife, Thelma, whom he met 51 years before at the Woolworth’s on Broughton Street.

Between them, they have four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He enjoys attending church at Calvary Baptist and sings in the choir at Savannah Commons, and his hobbies include fishing and at one time, water skiing.

“Although less water skiing now,” he says.

Jack and Thelma chose Savannah Commons because everyone took the time to talk to them about what they needed, wanted, and liked...and the pricing was good! When they were looking into a place to live, Thelma needed more care and that’s what Jack was concerned about. They moved into Assisted Living at Savannah Commons and lived there for nearly two years before Thelma passed.

By moving here, they were able to extend their time together, enjoy each other, and had the care they needed. Jack has moved to the independent building and has continued doing all of his favorite things.

Being a “staple” in the Savannah Commons lobby, Jack greets folks and chats with the staff. He always has a kind word and a smile for everyone, and has many friends. Jack almost never misses an opportunity to be helpful.

If someone were looking for a place to live, like Savannah Commons, Jack would encourage them to come on. He would say, “Move on in and don’t drag it out like I did. The staff is good, they treat you well, and I like everything about it. It’s safe, secure, and they take care of all the needs as they come.”

Whether you are looking for independent, assisted or memory care living, Savannah Commons offers the ideal retirement lifestyle. Located on the Southside of historic Savannah, our active, vibrant full-service retirement community embodies southern hospitality with a focus on family and a strong reputation for care.

One Peachtree Drive | Savannah, Georgia 31419 912.927.0500 | www.savannahcommons.com

Bring Your Love For Life

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Story by David Pena

Photos by Ryan Lee Photography

When Rick Monroe first began working with teens as a counselor for Young Life over forty years ago, the world was a much different place.

There was no Beyonce, cell phones, or social media. No cyberbullying, public shaming or fear of terrorist attacks. Instead, folks were wearing mood rings and caring for pet rocks while listening to Bohemian Rhapsody on the radio and helping to make Jaws the big blockbuster of the summer.

It was 1975 and, though the world seemed much simpler then, troubled teens had virtually the same needs as today's youth. “Whether a kid bought into the spiritual message (of Young Life) or not, I always wanted them to know that they were loved equally as those who did. They still mattered, even if they rejected the gospel all four years of high school. We never gave up on them, and neither did God,� says Monroe with pride.

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Since his retirement, Monroe continues to serve on the Young Life committee and support the mission in any way that he can. He credits the ministry for building his faith and helping him to have a purpose. “I think everyone could benefit from being involved with something that has eternal value,” he says. “When you plant a seed, you don't always get immediate results. We basically went where the kids were; we didn't wait for them to come to us. Over the years a lot of churches started adopting our model, and now it seems to be the norm. We essentially helped to make the gospel attractive and showed (others) how to conduct outreach ministries. While I'm really proud of that, it's really not about who you are; it's about Whose you are.”

The call to help and guide teenagers through the gospel came toward the end of Monroe's college career.

“At the time, I was praying about living near my family in Savannah and working with a youth group, much like the YMCA, says Monroe from the offices of Monroe Marketing, a business he's owned and operated for 28 years. “When I came home from college with my final quarter remaining at UGA, the preacher at my church asked me to do the Children's Sermon that Sunday.

After my sermon, the preacher pointed out that I was an advertising major and would graduate from UGA in December. That afternoon I received two phone calls from two people who had been visitors at the church during the morning service. One of them was the area director of a group called Young Life, which I'd never heard of. He asked me to attend a camp in Windy Gap as a counselor in December.” The other call was from the president of a bank who was interested in interviewing Monroe for a job the following Monday.

His prayers were answered when he was offered the

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job. and later when attending the camp. “I saw excited Christians delivering the gospel in an exciting way, and I knew then that I had found my spot.”

As a faithful churchgoer his entire life, Monroe recalls that during his own childhood, church never really appealed to him. “When I was growing up, church was as boring as a brick,” he laments.

However, when attending the University of Georgia, he found refuge in a campus ministry that was new, vibrant and exciting. “It was refreshing to see church actually being enjoyed for a change. They sang great songs, played games, and just had a blast. You know, if Jesus was here in person, he'd probably be the first to take a pie in the face and take part in all the goofy, fun games.”

So in January of 1975 Monroe started with Young Life as a volunteer leader. For the next forty years, he served teens from Windsor Forest High School and Country Day, impacting them through his energy and love of the gospel. “Once in a while, somebody gets

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it and their life changes through Christ. If anyone was ever drawn to me, it was Jesus in me that they were attracted to. If anything meaningful ever happened in anyone's life, it was because of the Holy Spirit doing that through me. It was never me; it was Him working through me,” says Monroe.

As a nondenominational Christian outreach ministry for high school students, there are technically no “members” or obligations for Young Lifers. Meetings are usually held in someone's house, which provides a non-threatening and more familiar setting, that is, unless there are too many folks to accommodate. If that's the case, the meetings are held in a lodge or church hall. Besides the weekly meetings, there are no shortages of other activities to draw the teens. “We would do all kinds of leading-edge creative things and get away to awesome camps that were some of the best times of my life. We'd let them just be kids. We want it to be exciting and vibrant to them, not stiff and boring.

Most importantly, we would turn a corner and have a Bible message at the end that's very basic delivered by someone the kids have learned to trust. That's how it works.”

Ashley Odum, an attorney at Duffy and Feemster, first met Rick as a small child attending Isle of Hope Methodist Church and remembers his infectious spirit.

“I would eagerly rush to the altar to hear Rick give the children’s church message. Rick introduced our family

As a nondenominational Christian outreach ministry for high school students, there are technically no “members” or obligations for Young Lifers. Meetings are usually held in someone’s house, which provides a non-threatening and more familiar setting, that is, unless there are too many folks to accommodate. If that’s the case, the meetings are held in a lodge or church hall. Besides the weekly meetings, there are no shortages of other activities to draw the teens.

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to Young Life, and we went several years as a family. (Now that I'm) an adult, he has given me savvy marketing advice in my professional life. He is a very special person, and it has been a pleasure to know him.” One of Odum's colleagues, Savannah attorney Dwight Feemster, met Monroe when they both served on the Young Life committee as it attempted to expand its base says, “He actually kept the ministry going when it was on its last legs when we were trying to expand into the urban areas, but financially it just didn't work out. Still,

Rick took the bull by the horns and kept it going, breathing life into it for several years after that. He has a love for young people that's just incredible and has been a great source of guidance for so many in our community.”

Ward Barnes, the current area director for Savannah Young Life, says of Monroe, “I first heard about Rick when I lived in Columbia. Then when I moved to Savannah about five years ago, I found his name was pretty much on everyone's lips, so I just had to meet him.” Sure enough, Barnes would soon

become fast friends with both Monroe and his wife Judy, providing invaluable insight and a wealth of knowledge regarding ministry through the “lens” of Young Life. “He's been a source of light for lost and hurting teenagers in Savannah for over forty years, a pretty remarkable tenure of faithfulness. He helped to raise a generation of teens in Savannah, and there's hardly a kid who went to Windsor Forest High or Savannah Country Day (during that time) that doesn't understand his impact on their lives, ” says Barnes. However, Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Whether a kid bought into the spiritual message (of Young Life) or not, I always wanted them to know that they were loved equally as those who did. They still mattered, even if they rejected the gospel all four years of high school. We never gave up on them, and neither did God,” says Monroe with pride.

when Monroe told Barnes couple of years ago that he was stepping down from Young Life, the young man asked Monroe to stay on as part of the Young Life committee, so he continues to serve Young Life in that capacity. “More than anything, I'm just thankful for his friendship, and I know there's so many in the community that would say the same,” adds Barnes, who wanted to go a step further and honor Rick's legacy. With the help of the Young Life Foundation, Ward contacted friends, club members, leaders of the community and staff to raise $11000, and a generous donor matched that sum. The money will allow two Savannah students to travel to Windy Gap for the next 40 years free of charge through the

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Rick Monroe Legacy Scholarship. Barnes says, “He's taken care of Young Life in Savannah for the past forty years, and we're committed to doing that for the next forty years, basically an eighty year legacy, all thanks to Rick Monroe.”

Over the years Monroe has witnessed a kind of evolution of the typical teen. “Years ago, you could tell if a teen came from a divorced home, but not anymore. When I used to call home about camp, most kids were usually home; now no one's at home.” According to Monroe, due to societal changes, Young Life is needed now more than ever, but there's also a need to counteract the public opinion of religious institutions in general.

“Churches are being persecuted now more than ever, so young people are not going to attend church as much as they would, say ten years ago,” he says.

Monroe also acknowledges that during a regular church service, the preachers generally preach to the parents, not the kids; Young Life can offer a message that is tailor-made for them with a fresh approach to the gospel. “We present the gospel in four basic parts: the person of Christ, our sins and failings, what Christ did to save us, and the 'So what?' portion, or basically what we can do with the information.”

Since his retirement, Monroe continues to serve on the Young Life committee and support the mission in any way that he can. He credits the ministry for building his faith and helping him to have a purpose. “I think everyone could benefit from being involved with something that has eternal value,” he says. “When you plant a seed, you don't always get immediate results. We basically went where the kids were; we didn't wait for them to come to us. Over the years a lot of churches started adopting our model, and now it seems to be the norm. We essentially helped to make the gospel attractive and showed (others) how to conduct outreach ministries. While I'm really proud of that, it's really not about who you are; it's about Whose you are.”  CCL

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Story by D. Annette Sasser

Photos by Rebecca Galloway Photography

Hometown Living At Its Best

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As the two entrepreneurs continued working together, their efforts paid off. The original store at 323 W. Broughton St., called Chocolat Dining Room, flourished. Before long, they opened a second store at 236 Bull St. “It is our Chocolat Library,” said Alexandra.

Adam Turoni never envisioned a career of creating exotic chocolates. He never imagined that a hidden culinary, artistic gift would eventually earn him fame as the creator of beautifully designed, mouth-watering truffles. He never dreamed that his chocolate designs would receive recognition in several popular magazines including Southern Living, The New York Times, Dessert Professional Magazine and Esquire.

That is, until he met his business partner, the vibrant Alexandra Trujillo de Taylor, who helped inspire him and guide him to his true destiny.

When I asked the pair how they first met, Alexandra laughed. “It was a typical Savannah story,” she said. “A mutual friend from Austria invited us to a dinner party. I sat next to Adam. He was very shy, but sweet and charming. I am much older than him and more outgoing. So I invited him to a cocktail party that I was going to have at my house a couple of weeks later.”

Despite shyness, Adam accepted the invitation. When he arrived at the party, he respectfully presented his hostess with a delightful box of chocolates. “The truffles were carefully packaged, beautifully

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presented and mouth-watering,” said Alexandra. “I was amazed and asked, ‘Where did you buy these?’ When he said that he made them in his own kitchen, I was simply blown away.”

Alexandra saw something beyond shyness in young Adam. She met him for lunch the following week, and the rest is history.

Adam Turoni grew up in Pennsylvania. “From the age of 14, I knew I wanted to work in the kitchen,” he said.

“It was a little odd because my mother and sister are both in the medical field. But my mind was set. … I just knew what I wanted. I knew it was right. They may not have completely understood, but my family has always been supportive of me. It was actually a friend of my mother’s 76

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who gave me my first job working in a kitchen at her newly opened restaurant.”

Adam had visions of becoming a pastry chef when he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York. “Before going into chocolate, my dream was to eventually work at perhaps the Westin or the Ritz Carlton doing banquet or production pastries,” said Adam.

It was not until his last month at CIA that Adam began to realize his potential with chocolates. “I worked oneon-one with the chef who was the chocolatier teaching the class,” said Adam. “I was able to do a lot of research and development with him and learned a great deal about chocolates and confections. Before that, I hadn’t thought about designing and creating chocolates as a career.”

inspirational Their partnership is inspirational. Together, they bring to Savannah an example of mutual respect and perseverance, and an experience with chocolate that both locals and tourists won’t soon forget.

In 2009, after completing culinary school, Adam moved to Savannah with two boxes of homemade chocolates and a newfound desire to use his gift to build a name for himself.

“I had developed a friendship at CIA with someone who went to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design),” said Adam. “I had never heard of Savannah, Georgia, until my friend told me about the potential for advancement here. He described it as a very artistic, historic city with many opportunities that haven’t fully been tapped into for this growing city. I decided to move here.”

Alexandra grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, and moved to the United States after finishing school. She had been a resident of Savannah for nearly 24 years when she first met Adam.

“We met at the beginning of 2011,” said Alexandra. “At that time, we were just formulating an idea. He was amazing. I would give him a list of things to make, and two weeks later Hometown Living At Its Best

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Designing the décor for both locations, Alexandra’s style displays elegance and taste, and adds a whimsical touch to the display of delicious chocolate truffles.

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we would meet at the Gryphon Tea Room in the corner booth for lunch. It never failed; he would always have everything done. I was so impressed. He was dedicated and focused, ready to go.”

“And she was like a guiding hand,” said Adam. “I always saw the smaller picture. I saw the steps. That’s how I work best. Alexandra saw the bigger picture. I was only 20 and working other jobs, but she had the sagacity to guide me at a pace that was comfortable and didn’t overwhelm me. By talking everything out, we always came into agreement before we made a decision about anything.”

In the beginning Adam continued to work at his other jobs. “I made chocolates for

someone else during the day, and at night I would be making cocktails,” said Adam. “That is what paid the bills. After two years I had my own space in the Starland District, which is located on 40th and Bull. At the time, Alexandra was trying to get me wholesale orders. She was commission-based because I couldn’t afford to even pay myself, much less anyone else. But from there we began to grow and founded Chocolat by Adam Turoni.”

In Alexandra’s mind, Adam has defied the definition that has been placed on his generation. “Today, some define millennials as scatterbrained and unfocused,” she said. “But Adam has always been driven. In 2016, after we signed the lease for our first store location, he worked wholesale orders during the day, and at 5 p.m. ran to his other job to work all night.”

As the two entrepreneurs continued working together, their efforts paid off. The original store at 323 W. Broughton St., called Chocolat Dining Room, flourished.

Before long, they opened a second store at 236 Bull St. “It is our Chocolat Library,” said Alexandra.

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In 2009, after completing culinary school, Adam moved to Savannah with two boxes of homemade chocolates and a newfound desire to use his gift to build a name for himself.

“Adam is extremely talented,” she said. “His philosophy is to tell a story through flavors. Because he does everything in house, he is able to control and manipulate the ingredients to create and achieve new techniques, which displays a strict discipline and dedication.”

Designing the décor for both locations, Alexandra’s style displays elegance and taste, and adds a whimsical touch to the display of delicious chocolate truffles.

“When people walk by, they stop and peek in,” said Adam. “They are intrigued by the look.”

Chocolat by Adam Turoni is the story of two creative artists born a generation apart, from two different nationalities, with two life experiences, who come together in a space where creativity knows no such boundaries.

Their partnership is inspirational.

Together, they bring to Savannah an example of mutual respect and perseverance, and an experience with chocolate that both locals and tourists won’t soon forget.  CCL Chocolat by Adam Turoni: 323 W Broughton St., & 236 Bull St., Savannah, Ga 31401 Website: www.chocolatat.com Facebook: chocolatbyadamturoni Twitter: twitter.com/chocolatbyadamt

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William Broadwell was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 10, 1921. Growing up in Atlanta, he graduated from North Fulton High School in 1939 and from Georgia Tech in 1943 where he played college football.

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The days of sending a letter through the mail have gone the way of phone booths, push mowers and cassette players. Instead of licking a stamp, people will hit the send button on their computers or phones and an email will reach the recipient in a minute or less.

Dogs, on the other paw, remain more traditional.

Their standard modes of communication remain barking and pee mail, the latter an important component of a historic walking tour in Savannah.

The Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour is designed, tailored and given specifically for those visiting Savannah with their dogs as well as for those who left Fido at home and crave canine company, it’s an opportunity to tour the city with your dog or in the company of dogs.

The 90-minute tour covers about one mile and begins in Oglethorpe Square, located on Abercorn Street, and features a number of the city’s iconic squares and historic homes. As added doggie treats, the tour includes stories of famous Savannah dogs and dog lore and a complimentary bag of Ollie B. Biscuits, an original recipe created by tour founder/CEO Eric Wm.-Wells Zimmerman.

As with a number of creations, the biscuits were born in response to a malady. After one of his dogs,

Makers, a black Labrador, developed a bad stomach ache, Zimmerman did some research and, following much trial and error, came up with a biscuit recipe with natural, wholesome ingredients that Makers and his canine counterparts loved. He named the treats Ollie B. Biscuits, after his dog Oliver Bentley, who loved the treats and shared a name with a dog that lived during the reign of Charles II and became the subject of dog lore, according to Zimmerman.

The treats he made in the oven of his home are now shipped to all 50 states and a number of countries.

Whether it’s biscuits or a tour, Zimmerman is committed to making man’s best friend happy. “Our mission is to make more dog tails wag more often,” Zimmerman said. “We want to enhance the humandog bond. We do that through the products we make and the services we offer.”

In the ultimate example of believing in his product, Zimmerman has three or four dog biscuits with his

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coffee every morning. “Hey, if I can’t eat it, I’m not giving it to my dogs,” Zimmerman said. “They’re tasty and healthy.”

Bolstered by the success of his dog biscuits, Zimmerman segued into offering the tours, which have received plenty of barks of approval, as well as praise from dog owners and the tour guides themselves. Also, his Savannah Historic Dog Walk Tour was voted the top “Dog Friendly Tour” and Top 3 of all dog friendly activities in the US by USA TODAY. Lisa Brumfield has worked as a guide with Oliver Bentleys since early 2016. While she talks about historic homes, squares, movies and a number of other topics during the tour, Abbie, a yellow Labrador owned by Zimmerman and the main tour dog, or Jake, Brumfield’s black Lab, are socializing with the canine guests. Along with pointing out a piece of pizza or some other tasty food morsel along the route, they’ll frequently stop and sniff around the trail. “In general, dogs can tell a lot about each other when they sniff,” Brumfield said. “They communicate with each other by marking and there are lots of great places to sniff along our tour route.”

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Voted Success Bolstered by the success of his dog biscuits, Zimmerman segued into offering the tours, which have received plenty of barks of approval, as well as praise from dog owners and the tour guides themselves. Also, his Savannah Historic Dog Walk Tour was voted the top “Dog Friendly Tour� and Top 3 of all dog friendly activities in the US by USA TODAY.

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Tasty and Healthy “Our mission is to make more dog tails wag more often,” Zimmerman said. “We want to enhance the human-dog bond. We do that through the products we make and the services we offer.” In the ultimate example of believing in his product, Zimmerman has three or four dog biscuits with his coffee every morning. “Hey, if I can’t eat it, I’m not giving it to my dogs,” Zimmerman said. “They’re tasty and healthy.”

Although she offers other tours, Brumfield is a dog lover and said this tour is her favorite because she gets to be around dogs, and the tour offers a different take on the city’s history. When she goes by the Armstrong House, for instance, Brumfield refers to it as the “prettiest and biggest doghouse in Georgia.” Sonny Seiler worked as an attorney at the 100-year-old home and also raised the iconic bulldog mascots for the University of Georgia football team. She talks about Juliette Gordon Lowe, the founder of the Girl Scouts in Savannah and the owner of a number of dogs. Brumfield also points out the dog fountain in Forsyth Park, the city’s thoughtfully placed canisters for dog droppings in each square and dog-friendly restaurants.

“This is a dog-focused tour for people who want to do something with their dogs,” Brumfield said. “We want people to experience a walk through Savannah and hear about the city’s past, present and future. The dogs have a good time. It gives them a chance to play with one another.

We like to say, ‘Come sniff around Savannah with us on our tour of tails.’”

EJ and Walt took the tour with their Border Collie Jack in April and gave it a perfect five stars. “We were traveling with our dog, Jack and didn’t know how we could tour

Savannah,” they said. “We found Oliver Bentleys dog tour and it was a highlight of our trip. Our docent was fantastic and we had a ball. We visited seven squares and learned the history of each. It was very interesting and an excellent presentation.”

Paisley went on the tour in March and said it was an absolutely great way to see the city and hear about its wonderful history. She added that it was a very personal tour and the four-legged ones will certainly “have a blast.”

Amanda took the tour in October and gave it a perfect four paws up. “It felt more like a stroll with locals than a guided tour,” she said. “Hercules loved his guide, Abbie Girl, who showed him the best places to sniff, and the complimentary treats. If visiting Savannah with your furry family member, this tour is a must.”

Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tours are offered seven days a week by reservation. Prices are $25 for adults, $12 for youth 13-18 and free for children under 12 and dogs are always free, of course. Owners are limited to two dogs per person, which must be leashed.

For more information, visit OliverBentleys.com or call (912) 201-1688.  CCL Hometown Living At Its Best

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athletic teams in 12 sports

4

International experiential group learning trips: Dominican Republic, Quebec, Mexico and Ecuador

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25

percentage of the class of 2017 who gained early admission to UGA

29

awards won in the 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing competition

80

12

National Merit finalists in the past 5 years

10

number of fine & performing arts offerings

108

colleges to which the class of 2017 gained acceptance

45

the number of Global Online Academy course offerings

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590

MacBooks and iPads available for student use

4

Governor’s Honors participants in the past 3 years

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International students percentage of Middle and Upper School students who participate in at least one sport

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Average first year GPA of SCDS graduates at Georgia Tech

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acre wooded campus

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alumni currently playing a collegiate sport

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average number of course offerings in the Middle School mini-mester experience

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Million dollars in scholarship money the class of 2017 was offered to select colleges

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AP scholars in the past 5 years

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Advanced Placement and post-AP courses offered

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A LEGACY

Love

OF

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Story David Pena | Photos by Rebecca Galloway Photography, Karleen Brown, Ryan Lee Photography & Special to Bethesda Academy

Ms. Minnie Wingster reflects on her 40-year love affair with Bethesda Academy

F

For the better part of half a century, students at Bethesda Academy have been greeted by the warm, smiling face of Minnie Wingster as they entered the school’s dining hall. “Ms. Minnie,” as she’s affectionately called, never failed to bring a smile to the faces of students and staff, doing her best to always make them feel at ease and welcome.

Last year, Minnie officially retired in order to spend more time with her family, but she still spends two days a week helping the staff. “Ms. Minnie has definitely been the glue that has held everyone together here,” said Karleen Brown, the school’s vice principal. “She’s someone that we all have come to rely upon.”

Originally named Bethesda Orphan House and Academy, the school began as a colonial orphanage in 1740 and has the distinction of being the oldest child caring institution in the country. In fact, one of its earliest supporters was Benjamin Franklin. In 1992, Bethesda

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“I have two sisters and four brothers. As kids we would pick the crab during the morning while the sailors would cook it that night. Mr. Varn would sell (these products) all over the United States.” - Minnie Wingster

School began educating students on the 600-acre campus, and in 2011 the school was officially re-branded as Bethesda Academy, reflecting the school’s evolution into a successful middle and high school serving a diverse student population.

Minnie was born and raised in Pin Point, an unincorporated community located 11 miles southeast of Savannah.

“I lived in Pin Point all my life until I got married,” Minnie said. “After my husband and I separated, I moved back in 1983 and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve

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Opening Day Originally named Bethesda Orphan House and Academy, the school began as a colonial orphanage in 1740 and has the distinction of being the oldest child caring institution in the country.

been picking crabs here since I was 13 years old.”

Pin Point is a self-sustaining community of hard working fishermen and women of Gullah Geechee ancestry. Representing a mixture of African and English religions, diet and language, they made their living mostly on the river, where they harvested oysters, shrimp and blue crab. Residents made their own nets and supported the prominent canning factory A.S. Varn & Sons, which operated in Pin Point from 1926 to 1985. “I have two sisters and four brothers. As kids we would pick the crab during the morning while the sailors would cook it that night. Mr. Varn would sell (these products) all over the United States,” she said with pride.

Coincidentally, Pin Point’s most influential former resident, Supreme Court Justice Clarence

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Thomas, remains one of the community’s most devout supporters, and he also happens to be Minnie’s cousin. In 1991, after Thomas’ nomination, Pin Point hosted several rallies in support of his nomination with Minnie proudly leading the cause.

And although her siblings have all moved to other parts of the country, it’s obvious to see why Minnie is proud of her ties to this historically and culturally-rich community.

Minnie’s relationship with Bethesda Academy began with a man named Cyrus McKiver, who was a cook at Bethesda when it was still an orphanage in 1977. “When I was a young woman, Cyrus asked me to come to his house, and I was wondering what that was all about,” Minnie said with a laugh. It turns out that McKiver simply wanted Minnie to work with him in the kitchen at Bethesda. “Well, I told him that I didn’t really know much about cooking, and he told me that I could learn from watching him,” she said.

Family Pride In 1991, after Thomas’ nomination, Pin Point hosted several rallies in support of his nomination with Minnie proudly leading the cause. And although her siblings have all moved to other parts of the country, it’s obvious to see why Minnie is proud of her ties to this historically and culturally-rich community.

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So, in between mopping floors, buttering toast and serving drinks for the students, Minnie honed her culinary skills under Cyrus’ watchful eye until one day he had a surprising declaration. “He said that maybe I could take over once he left the school, so that’s what I prepared for until he retired,” she said. When Cyrus’ sister-in-law Leslie Mae took over Cyrus’ position in the kitchen, Minnie began working the morning shift, applying what she’d learned through the years. After Leslie Mae retired, Minnie took over as head cook.

Reflecting back on her early days at Bethesda, she said, “Back then we had to work seven days a week. Some boys went home on the weekends while the resident students stayed on campus year-round. Those boys back then looked like men compared to today’s kids. At first I thought they were house parents or teachers. … Also, when I started, the boys went off campus to go to school.

Now, they not only teach them on campus, they also have many outside functions for the students like basketball,

track, baseball and football. The boys even have tutors if they need it. They truly have a great program here.”

After helping McKiver for her first few years at Bethesda Academy, Minnie since has worked as a cook, a dietitian and a dining room supervisor, among other roles.

“I wore many hats; whatever needed doing, I did,” she said. Over the years, Minnie developed a warm, motherly relationship with the students she served, whom she refers to as “her boys.”

Co-worker Emma Martin marvels at Minnie’s work ethic and her ability to form bonds with kids of all shapes and sizes. “She’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. She really loves Bethesda and puts her heart into her work. The kids just love her because she treats them as if they’re her own,” Martin said.

Former student Marquis Mason remembers “Ms. Minnie” fondly. “When I was going through Bethesda, Ms. Minnie could always make you laugh, but she knew how to discipline us. She was a teacher for us as well as a

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“All kids are different.

They (each) have different attitudes and backgrounds, but you have to show them all that you care.”

- Minnie Wingster

friend, always there with a smile or advice if we needed it,” he said.

As for Minnie, her bond with the students all comes down to empathy and understanding. “All kids are different.

They (each) have different attitudes and backgrounds, but you have to show them all that you care,” she said.

Brown, the school’s vice principal, said they just don’t “make people like Ms. Minnie anymore. She has that motherly instinct with the students, always showing her compassion and concern. She always seemed to notice when a student was not eating properly or was ill, and she would let us know immediately.”

Last year, during the school’s anniversary festivities, hundreds of former students returned to the campus, with many of them stopping by to wish Minnie well and to reflect on old times. “They’d say, ‘Ms. Minnie, are you still here?’ I just laugh and say, ‘yes.’ They always come and visit with me. It makes me feel good to know they’ve gone on to make something of themselves.

I tell them I always enjoyed making them happy with the food I prepared. To see their smiling faces each day brightened my world.”

Although she’s officially retired, she said she always will be involved in some way with Bethesda Academy. Brown added, “Wherever she goes, I’ll always think of her as ‘Miss Bethesda’ due to her love of our school and her tireless compassion for others.”  CCL

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Story by Sandra elliot Photos by Tim leary and the morning showgram and corey brooks

You might just be surprised at how many people in the Coastal Georgia area are up and about at 5:30 am each morning. Or, perhaps that person just might be you—that early riser, or late night shift worker, on your way home.

Although many of us may be just opening our eyes each morning around 5:30 am, there is a ‘laugh out loud’ (LOL) threesome hidden away in a tiny room in mid-town Savannah, just raring to go. This special trio is just waiting to connect with the station’s listeners in a unique, yet comfortingly familiar way. Each member of the threesome stands ready with a promise to get your day off to a bright and entertaining start.

Just what makes this team of three so very special would likely surprise you.

This award-winning team of three arrive each morning by 4:30 am ready to fill your car, your bedroom, your bathroom, or your workplace with the sound of gut-wrenching laughter and with a lighthearted humor that can leave you in tears.

This team has such a chemistry, it is what many would call— magical. Just who is this team that considers you, the listener, as a part of the ‘family’ and who will let guest become a vital part of making their morning shenanigans so meaningful and special?

If you haven’t already guessed that team is called Tim Leary and the Morning Showgram and they can be found each morning at 106.9 on your FM dial, one of the many stations owned by Alpha Media Group.

You are likely to have heard something about them, as they have won many awards over the recent years, despite having to compete with Atlanta radio stations and other large markets in the state.

This award-winning team of three arrive each morning by 4:30 am ready to fill your car, your bedroom, your bathroom, or your workplace with the sound of gutwrenching laughter and with a light-hearted humor that can leave you in tears.

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It is why Tim Leary & The Morning Showgram is so very special—it is the connections that each of them make-in their own unique way-- to life’s every day mundane experiences.

Somehow, magically, Tim, Red, and Claire can turn life’s trials, tribulations, and hiccups, into laughable moments, allowing each of us feel as if we know these ‘characters’—as if you are connecting deeply with them, and that you inexplicably feel as if they could be your longtime friend, brother, or sister.

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Tim Leary and the Morning Showgram made its debut in Savannah about 5 years ago, in 2012, when Tim brought the show from another market in Cleveland, Ohio, and before that, Providence, Rhode Island.

The players have changed over the years, but Leary himself admits, there is just something rare and very special about his current co-hosts-- Karen Daiss, otherwise known as Red, and Claire Beverly, the crazy cat lady, and the unique chemistry they have as a team.

The current team of Leary, Daiss, and Beverly came together quite by accident.

Beverly already worked for the stations of Alpha Media Group doing News and Traffic, after having moved to Savannah from L.A. 10 years ago. Leary was able to convince the station’s brass that she would be a great fit with what he was already doing. And then came, Daiss, or Red as she is affectionately known. Daiss first met Leary and Beverly, when she came to the show to talk about her upcoming charity race, The Meals on Wheels 5K, where she

Chatham county Living

served as Marketing Director for Senior Citizens, Inc. According to Leary, after she left the show that morning, he and Beverly both noted just how special the chemistry had been with her on air. It wasn’t long before Daiss was offered the job as the third member of the Morning Showgram.

Leary, a Boston native, who got his start in radio when he was 18, knows talent when he see it, having worked as both a stand-up comedian, an improvisational comedic actor, a technical producer for multiple radio shows, as well as in television and on stage in various productions. He has lived all over the country, from L.A. to Providence, bringing his sense of humor, his technical skill, and his ability to connect with others through his Morning Showgram over the airwaves.

Since Beverly and Daiss have joined Leary, the show continues to change and grow in popularity in the Savannah market, but also among Soldiers who listen to the show online while overseas, and with travelers who just happen to hear the show while travelling the I-95 corridor.

The trio has noted that as society changes, so must radio, and Leary shared his thoughts, saying “Radio is multi-media, and our show reflects those changes. In addition to the traditional on-air platform of radio, we now stream the show digitally, do portions of the show on live video, and share content on the station’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.”

Leary, Daiss, and Beverly all agree that the listeners are an integral part of the show’s content as well.

Beverly stating, “The listeners are considered a part of the ‘team.’ We are all more than happy to let them join the conversation, getting the best jokes or comments in on a daily basis.”

A personal visit to the station one morning revealed just how connected listeners are to the Showgram team. Leary

One of their signature events, the “Tats for TaTas” Campaign that has raised over $30,000 in the past 3 years for the Nancy N. and JC Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah. The fund-raising event is unique in that donors pays $10 to have their lost loved one’s names temporarily tattooed with henna onto Leary, Daiss, and Claire. The trio also solicits sponsorships from local businesses, who can have their business names tattooed onto one of three.

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Each of them have their own special causes as well—with Leary, a Life Scout, volunteering as a Den Leader of the Boys Scouts of America Pack 7 in Savannah, Daiss volunteering at the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Georgia, and Beverly offering up her services at the County Emergency Management Agency in Savannah.

asked listeners why they listen to the show, allowing them to either call in, text, or post on the show’s Facebook page.

Their answers couldn’t be more revealing about how deep the connection goes through the airways and into the lives of the individual listeners.

It was with great reverence that one listener noted that ‘dysfunction and family’ are interchangeable, and that the Morning Showgram meant that humor found in that dysfunction made life just a little more bearable early in the morning.

It is why Tim Leary & The Morning Showgram is so very special—it is the connections that each of them make-- in their own unique way-- to life’s every day mundane experiences.

Somehow, magically, Tim, Red, and Claire can turn life’s trials, tribulations, and hiccups, into laughable moments, allowing each of us feel as if we know these ‘characters’—as if you are connecting deeply with them, and that 112

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you inexplicably feel as if they could be your longtime friend, brother, or sister.

As a listener noted: “I listen because you are funny. It’s [the show] not all world news, political, or gloom and doom. The show keeps me laughing on my way to work. [Also], listening to Tim and Red is like childhood memories of me and my brother going back and forth. Keep doing what you are doing.”

The Morning Showgram crew connects in other ways as well around the community, through a variety of charity functions, and through participation in a wide range of philanthropic events. They each admitted how fascinating that is to meet the listeners at the different events.

Daiss added, “It is mind-blowing that our fans listen to EVERYTHING we say; it is powerful to know that what you say can truly turn someone’s day around.”

Leary added, “It is deeply encouraging to know that your personal experiences—some that could ruin your day—can be transformed into

something comical, even hysterical, and affect listeners in a positive way.”

Leary shared a story about the time he basically shut down the radio station for a short period, after plugging in a vacuum in an attempt to clean up the Showgram room, or the time that he only ‘slightly’ broke the station’s Keurig machine, and failed to let everyone know. Leary believes that through each of their daily experiences and lifestyle habits, that there is humor to be found, and that each member of the team is a caricature of themselves, emphasizing their strengths as well as their flaws.

That is where the ‘magic’ lies.

There is something about laughter about the little dysfunctional experiences common to the human species that connects us, and brings us together. The Morning Showgram team and its listeners are family and Leary, Daiss, and Beverly with each of their unique personalities bring light, laughter, and unity to ‘dysfunction’ like no other team around.

From the single red-headed Daiss, whose escapades in an attempt to find Mr. Right are downright adorable as well as endearing, to the crazy cat lady Beverly, who connects with pet owners and who seems to be the more serious and sensible member of the trio, to Leary himself, whose distinctive laughter can turn a frown into a smile at a moment’s notice, and who doesn’t seem to mind being at the center of the laughter when he says or does something that the other two find illogical or unacceptable.

What’s truly amazing is that this Morning Showgram trio bonds as friends off air as well. They have helped each other move furniture, or have watched each other’s pets. Sometimes, getting together just to enjoy each other’s company.

In addition, you may likely be surprised to discover just how involved

[Beverly] the Morning Showgram team is involved in the local community.

One of their signature events is the “Tats for TaTas” Campaign that has raised over $30,000 in the past 3 years for the Nancy N. and JC Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah. The fund-raising event is unique in that donors pays $10 to have their lost

loved one’s names temporarily tattooed with henna onto Leary, Daiss, and Claire. The trio also solicits sponsorships from local businesses, who can have their business names tattooed onto one of the three.

The tattooing process takes about 4 days, with each spending about 6 hours a day to have the tattoos etched into their arms, legs, neck, and face.

The three of them then run the Savannah Bridge Hometown Living At Its Best

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The Bob 106.9 team has also participated in the Run for the Brave 5K, Sergeant John Cain Comeback Charity Challenge 5K, the #SAV for LA where the threesome partnered with charity organizers at a local Home Depot to collect cleaning supplies following the devastating floods in Louisiana last year. People also may have watched Daiss take home the title of the “Best Female Dancer” at the Savannah Dancing with the Stars event which raises funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Savannah (CASA). Or, you can also find them running with firefighters in the annual Tunnels to Towers 5K, held every September. Hurricane Matthew of 2016 was just one other very unique but crucial way that Bob 106.9 colleagues teamed up and used their gifts to bring listeners ‘as it was happening’ information by providing nearly non-stop radio coverage for the many counties within the listening area that had impassable roads, no power, or no safe drinking water.

run in fully tattooed glory—with Leary doing the Double Pump (3x over the bridge) and Daiss and Claire running the 10K. For the Morning Showgram Team, it is just one of the many ways they connect with the local community, their fans, and with local charity causes to raise funds.

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blown away by the generosity of our fans and of this town, in general.”

The Bob 106.9 team has also participated in the Run for the Brave 5K, Sergeant John Cain Comeback Charity Challenge 5K, the #SAV for LA where the threesome partnered with charity organizers at a local Home Depot to collect cleaning supplies

following the devastating floods in Louisiana last year.

People also may have watched Daiss take home the title of the “Best Female Dancer” at the Savannah Dancing with the Stars event which raises funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Savannah (CASA). Or, you can also find them running with firefighters in

the annual Tunnels to Towers 5K, held every September.

Hurricane Matthew of 2016 was just one other very unique but crucial way that Bob 106.9 colleagues teamed up and used their gifts to bring listeners ‘as it was happening’ information by providing nearly non-stop radio coverage for the many counties within

the listening area that had impassable roads, no power, or no safe drinking water.

The hurricane coverage provided a way for “local government and emergency leaders to make announcements, and take calls from listeners, offering them a much-needed friendly voice in the dark for those

with only a battery-operated radio,” according to Leary.

Each of them have their own special causes as well—with Leary, a Life Scout, volunteering as a Den Leader of the Boys Scouts of America Pack 7 in Savannah, Daiss volunteering at the Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Georgia, and Beverly offering up her services Hometown Living At Its Best

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The Morning Showgram, as noted earlier, has earned a host of awards, both from the broadcasting community at large, as well as locally. The coveted awards include: The Connect Savannah’s “Best Morning Radio Program (2014), the “2016 Personality of the Year Award (Small Market)” from Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Awards, and the “2015 Award of Merit (Best Radio Show)” from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. And, about Tim Leary’s everchanging and colorful Mohawk that he sports about town in honor of the various causes he supports…All Claire can say about it is “That man is fearless.

There is no color he will not try. To me he will always be ‘My Pretty Pony’.”

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at the County Emergency Management Agency in Savannah.

If you just cannot get enough of the team on weekday mornings, you can also find Claire on the airwaves, on the “In Focus” Sunday morning Community Affairs Program, other news reporting on both local and distant radio shows in other states.

Also on Sunday mornings, from 9 am to 12 noon, on Bob 106.9, Leary and Daiss host the 20Twenty Country Countdown that is also syndicated in 30 cities across the country. The 20Twenty Country Countdown counts down the top 20 trending songs in country radio as well as the top 20 radio songs. Leary has been hosting this show for the past two and ½ years.

The Morning Showgram, as noted earlier, has earned a host of awards, both from the broadcasting community at large, as well as locally. The coveted awards include: The Connect Savannah’s “Best Morning Radio Program (2014), the “2016 Personality of the Year Award (Small Market)” from Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Awards, and the “2015 Award of Merit (Best Radio Show)” from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

And, about Tim Leary’s ever-changing and colorful Mohawk that he sports about town in honor of the various causes he supports…All Claire can say about it is “That man is fearless. There is no color he will not try. To me he will always be ‘My Pretty Pony’.”

The trio’s love for their hometown of Savannah and the Coastal Georgia area is undeniable. Beverly summed it up by sharing this—“I quit my job in L.A. to be closer to family here. After my folks passed away, people asked if I would move ‘up’ to a larger market. But, I’m home now.

I love this town and I don’t ever want to live anywhere else…it’s a great community and I love being a part of its fabric.”  CCL

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A Wee

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Story By D. Annette Sasser Photos by Dream Weaver Photos

A passion for tea inspired Rebecca Wright and daughter Elizabeth Ruby to set up their own shop in Savannah.

I

In 1996, after reading a review in the Wall Street Journal, Rebecca Wright and her daughter Elizabeth Ruby attended an exhibition by the Chicago Art Institute on the work of renowned Scottish architect and interior designer Charles Rennie MacKintosh. They were excited to find that Catherine Cranston’s Tea Rooms, which were designed by MacKintosh, were exactly what they had envisioned for their proposed Savannah Tea Room.

“It was serendipitous because we had decided that we didn’t want just another girly tea room with frills and stuff,” said Rebecca. “We wanted a tea room that would appeal to everyone. The Cranston Tea Rooms of Glasgow, Scotland, were gender friendly and exactly what we had envisioned.”

Rebecca and Elizabeth wanted to model their proposed Savannah Tea Room after the enormously popular Cranston Tea Rooms, the first of which opened in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1878. “We contacted the Hunterian Museum, which is associated with the Glasgow School of Art, to request permission to mirror their wonderful architecture,” said Rebecca. “We were delighted when they readily agreed.”

A native of Indiana, Rebecca moved to Chicago after graduating from college. She taught middle school English and Spanish in Wilmette, a Chicago suburb, for several years before moving to Savannah about 1986. “I fell in love with Savannah,” said Rebecca. “But I was surprised and disappointed to find that there were no tea rooms in the city at that time.”

For several years, Rebecca stayed busy working as a volunteer in the medical library at a Savannah hospital.

She later worked part-time as an employee in the hospital’s medical editing department. She also tutored students at Savannah’s Bethesda Academy, and became a volunteer for Hope House.

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But her love for tea and the need to go out of town to enjoy the pleasure of a tea room caused an unexpected idea to begin to formulate in her mind. “I had never even considered having my own tea room,” said Rebecca. “But when I started thinking about going back to work full time, I decided that I might as well do something that I really loved and enjoyed.”

Elizabeth, also a tea lover, moved from Chicago to Savannah a few years after her mother, and the idea of a tea room became a joint venture. The two ladies decided to visit tea rooms in other places to get an idea of what they wanted in their own tea room establishment. After visiting a tea room in Perry, they received a call from Gloria Horstman, a Georgia native

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who had moved to Savannah after raising her family in California.

Like Rebecca, Gloria had lived in Savannah for several years. She was a tea lecturer who had served on the Savannah Historic District Board of Review.

“She had heard about ‘the ladies’ who were thinking about opening a tea room, and managed to get our contact information from the tea room in Perry,” Rebecca said.

Gloria convinced Rebecca and Elizabeth that she needed to be involved in their new adventure. “She told us that we couldn’t open a tea room without her,” Rebecca said with a laugh. Rebecca’s friend and neighbor Marge Jones also expressed an interest in the

The Begining In December 1997, the Savannah Tea Room, which also included a restaurant, opened on Broughton Street.

new business endeavor, and the four ladies became partners.

In December 1997, the Savannah Tea Room, which also included a restaurant, opened on Broughton Street. “It was exciting to be able to open Savannah’s first tea room,” said Rebecca. “It opened just in time for the Christmas tour of homes, which included our tea room. We were new to the business, but it was a lot of fun.”

Like the Cranston Tea Rooms of Scotland, the Savannah Tea Room quickly became popular with its European flair that featured Charles Rennie MacKintosh font, and Scottish posters and décor. “Just before we opened the tea room, Chef Andre’ Baxter came to us and confidently stated that he wanted to work for us,” said Rebecca. “We hired him immediately.

He was absolutely marvelous. He did it all – cooked, baked and made great tasting soups. He was with us for the entire 17 years we were on Broughton Street.”

In 2013, the Savannah Tea Room lost its lease on Broughton Street. By that time Marge had moved away and Gloria had decided to sell out to the others because of her busy schedule. “After we lost our

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A Friendly Welcome The entrance to the Savannah Tea Room, which is shared with the bookstore, is an invitation to share a unique experience of the old and the new.

lease, Elizabeth and I decided it was the right time to close the full restaurant and focus entirely on a tea room shop,” said Rebecca.

The ladies said they felt blessed to find a new location on Bull Street. “It’s the perfect place for a tea shop in historic downtown Savannah,” said Rebecca. “It’s right across from Madison Square in this lovely, old E Shaver bookstore.”

Walking through Madison Square, surrounded by huge moss-laden trees, fountains, benches and historical markers, was an added pleasure to my Savannah Tea Room experience.

The entrance to the Savannah Tea Room, which is shared with the bookstore, is an invitation to share a unique experience of the old and the new. The walls features the same Scottish décor that mirrored the Cranston Tea Rooms, and the rooms boasted several exquisite pieces of furniture crafted by Rebecca’s late husband, Denis Wright.

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National Recognition The Savannah Tea Room is one of the tea rooms listed in the book “The Great Tea Rooms of America,” by Bruce Richardson.

Rebecca greeted me with a warm smile from behind a counter where customers may sit and enjoy morning brunch, or refreshing iced or hot tea, along with several different choices of delicious Scottish shortbreads, cookies and English chips.

“All of our products come from England and Scotland,” said Rebecca. “We have over 100 different kinds of teas.

When we first started, we would sit on the floor and taste samples of teas from all over the world. One day it would be gun powder teas, and the next day black teas, and so on. We tasted them all until we could settle on the one we wanted to carry in our shop. We love tea and we want our customers to have the best.”

Rebecca and Elizabeth’s efforts have paid off. The Savannah Tea Room is one of the tea rooms listed in the book “The Great Tea Rooms of America,” by Bruce Richardson.

“We consider this a great honor,” said Rebecca.

In the tea room’s library area, I munched on Scottish

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Lemon Melts, Edinburgh Sweet Oatie biscuits and Scottish shortbread. As I lifted the MacKintosh teacup and took a sip of a mild hot tea called the Emperor’s Bride – a black tea with bits of pineapple pieces, dried orange peel, thistle petals and a dash of Tee Kandis sweetener – it definitely gave me a wee taste of pleasure from the old country.

The Savannah Tea Room is a purveyor of fine teas from around the world, providing tea accessories and gifts. They also ship products daily across the United States. For orders, call 912-239-9690 Operating hours: 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. E-mail: Tearoom@comcast.net.  CCL

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M

My husband Sean and I wanted to create a shop that represented our customers lifestyle, whether seeking a custom chair for their coastal home, a one-of-a-kind pillow to express a husband’s love of fishing, or a memorable gift to celebrate a special occasion.

In offering our customers such a variety of treasures, it was apparent we had a bit of a dilemma...what do we name the shop. Thinking back to my grandmother’s attic and how I loved exploring it as a child, never quite sure of the treasures I would find, it became immediately clear our shop was just as special, just as unique, just as magical a place as my grandmother’s attic, so.....

Welcome to Viola’s Attic!

Portraits of

Pooler

Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau | 404 US-80, Pooler, GA 31322 | (912) 748-0110 | poolerchamber.com

I

Hello from The Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, I believe we are all feeling relief. We didn’t know what to expect. Although we feared that its fury might blast through our wonderful city, we listened to our city leaders and prepared as best we could. This experience presented us an opportunity to appreciate how when we are threatened by imminent disaster, our community bands together, checking on neighbors and friends and offering support in any way we can. We want to acknowledge how proud we are of the Pooler Police Dept. and Pooler Fire and Rescue who logged in many dedicated and long hours to ensure the safety of the community.

Now…Here comes fall with cooler temperatures, football games and the onset of the holiday season. Do mark your calendars for the October 21st Pooler Day Festival and Marketplace which will be held at the new football stadium behind the Y on Pooler Parkway. This is a fun family event which will feature live music performances, and over 40 vendors showcasing local talent and artisan wares. Feast on a variety of delicious foods and enjoy fun rides for all ages.

The festival will end with a movie at dusk. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact us at 912-748-0110.

On December 9th, we invite

you to join us for Breakfast with Santa at Texas Road House in Pooler. Join Mr. and Mrs. Clause for pancakes and sausages. For more information, please call the Pooler Chamber of Commerce.

At the Pooler Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to providing leadership to companies and putting your business out front.

Through networking events, fundraisers, workshops, and other activities, all with a target of connecting local business owners and meeting the needs of its members. Our purpose is to provide quality service, improve economic development, while protecting and promoting our member businesses in the local community.

With our team of professionals, we can help shine the spotlight on your business and can give it the attention it needs. Perhaps you have a business that needs effective advertising. Or maybe you want to create an avenue for more networking opportunities.

The chamber cares about the community and businesses.

We invite you to visit our website…www.PoolerChamber. com for information and our facebook page…https://www. facebook.com/PoolerChamberOfCommerce/ for information on upcoming events, new members and other pertinent information. Please stop by our office for coupons and brochures.

Pooler Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau | 404 US-80, Pooler, GA 31322 | (912) 748-0110 | poolerchamber.com

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Story by David Pena Photos by Dream Weaver Photos

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Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “One cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” As a former educator with more than 40 years in the public school system, James Green has been the living embodiment of that adage. Working closely with the youth of Chatham County for most of his adult life, he is well aware of the profound impact that a positive role model can have in a young person’s life.

With regards to his own success, he gives a good bit of the credit to the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club for helping him to pave an eminent path in his own life. Now that he’s retired from the educational system, he serves as a board

member for the club, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Recently, the Savannah native reflected on the important role that organization has played in his life.

“I grew up right down the street from where the old club was located,” Green said. “As an only child I lived with my grandparents, John and Ardella Green, who raised me from day one.” Green’s mother passed away when he was 9; thus, almost from the very start his grandparents were integral in the young boy’s upbringing. “They were pretty strict about everything, and as strong disciplinarians they definitely kept a watchful eye on me,” he said with a laugh.

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Green began working at the Boys Club at age 17, first as a counselor at Camp Villa Marie and later as a staffer at the club during its summer program.

Ed Campbell, the executive director at the time, saw something in Green and encouraged him to hone his skills as a teacher. “He allowed me to truly become a leader, eventually turning the summer program over to me,” said Green. “I did that for the next 20 years, well into my teaching career.”

From a very early age, Green found a second home within the walls of the (then named) Frank Callen Boys Club. Originally located on Price Street, Green started attending the club since he lived only about a block away. “I could walk out my front door, cross the street and be right there,” he said. “It was such a wonderful place to be. We would play baseball, cards, checkers, football and any other game you could think of. We even had a shop in the back of the club where we could do woodworking. It was a place where there were a lot of positive activities to be involved in.”

In addition to the activities, there also were counselors and mentors on hand to make sure that the club’s young members focused on developing positive habits. “They were people with great character who had a high expectation of us as youngsters,” Green said. “Frank Callen himself was a probation officer, and his goal was to help young people develop their character and become good citizens.”

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The organization made sure to implement programs that were enticing to the youngsters while still helping to instill the core values that Callen felt were needed. “They always encouraged us to play sports but also expected us to maintain our grades,” Green said. “While my grandparents only had fourth-grade educations, they still made sure that I performed well at school.” When report cards were issued,

Green’s grandparents were diligently waiting on the porch for his arrival home from school.

“I literally was not allowed to go in the house until I gave them my report card; failing grades were simply not an option.”

Walter Simmons, a highly successful coach for the Boys Club during Green’s formative years, was also a teacher who eventually became a principal. This made a profound Hometown Living At Its Best

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“We need the Boys & Girls Club now more than ever,” said Green. “These clubs provide opportunities for kids to develop shared values with others, values that they may not be getting at home. It’s really all about helping our community and improving the lives of children. Being a part of that has really been a fulfilling experience, both as a club member and a teacher.”

impact upon the young man. “Walter and the staff at the Boys Club demonstrated what could happen to a person if he made the right choices. They also made sure there were consequences if you made the wrong choices,” Green said. “Those kids who seemed to go astray were the ones who didn’t have a strong parent in the house or a mentor to help reinforce those values.”

Green began working at the Boys Club at age 17, first as a counselor at Camp Villa Marie and later as a staffer at the club during its summer program. Ed Campbell, the executive director at the time, saw something in Green and encouraged him to hone his skills as a teacher. “He allowed me to truly become a leader, eventually turning the summer program

over to me,” said Green. “I did that for the next 20 years, well into my teaching career.”

After graduating from Paine College, Green, who was an exemplary basketball player, was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1972. However, an injury sidelined his career. “I thought I was going to have a career in basketball, but when I got injured I was cut from the team,” he said. “It didn’t really bother me because I had a college degree, and I was soon offered a job as a history teacher and coach at Johnson High School.

I liked to explain to kids that had I not been educated, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity.”

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he learned as a youth. “When I began teaching, I used to hear parents complain at report card time that no one called them or notified them about their child’s failing grade. My usual response to them was that although my parents were not highly educated, they expected me to do well in school with no excuses,” Green said. “It’s unfortunate that parents nowadays tend to make a lot of excuses for their children, but it’s really on them to be more diligent (about their child’s grades).”

For the next 20 years, Green flourished as a coach and teacher at Johnson until he was offered a job as an administrator at Jenkins High School, where he worked until he was asked to help open the new Savannah High School as principal in 1999.

After five banner years at Savannah High, Green left Chatham County to become an administrator in the South Carolina public school system. After nine fruitful years in Charleston, he retired in 2012.

He credits the support of his grandparents, as well as the guidance given to him by the staff at the Boys Club, for his success. “The Boys & Girls Club is very important to me.

It not only helped me to become a successful, productive citizen but it also benefited thousands of others who

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have come through its doors before and after me.”

After providing a safe haven for youth in Savannah for 100 years, the Boys & Girls Club has outgrown its home. “We estimate there are 30,000 to 40,000 kids in Chatham County itself, and there are not enough services,” said Vincent DelMonte, the club’s executive director. “We’ve been doing it for 100 years, and it was time for us to move forward and serve as many kids as we could. We simply cannot do it just in the Historic District anymore, so what we’ve had to do is partner with other organizations who have facilities that could be enhanced a little bit.” Thus, the organization has expanded its services by adding a new location at the Tompkins Community Center on Ogeechee Road, where many of the same programs from the original site now are offered.

“We need the Boys & Girls Club now more than ever,” said Green. “These clubs provide opportunities for kids to develop shared values with others, values that they may not be getting at home. It’s really all about helping our community and improving the lives of children. Being a part of that has really been a fulfilling experience, both as a club member and a teacher.”  CCL

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Frank E. Scarbrough | D.M.D., F.A.C.O.M.S. • Michael C. Wilson | D.M.D., F.A.C.O.M.S. Dr. Paul M. Hinchey | D.M.D., M.D. Dual Board Certified Surgeons with combined 35 years of experience specializing in: Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Comprehensive TMJ Treatment, Laser Procedures, Oral Pathology, Bone Grafts / Reconstruction, Dental Extractions, Facial Trauma, Jaw Surgery, Sleep Apnea, General Anesthesia, I.V. Sedations Serving Savannah for 19 years • 3i, Nobel, Zimmer, and BioHorizon implant systems consultants • Staff members at St. Joseph’s/Candler and Memorial University Medical Center, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery • Fellows, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 501 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah 912-354-1515

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Mohs Surgery Routine Skin Exams Mole Removal Skin Cancer Treatment

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Story by David Pena Photos by Lori Balfe with Photography

by Lori and Austin Smith with Kinetic Arrangements

Pop superstar Adele may soon need to step aside and take notice; there’s some new talent on the block. One gifted, young Savannah musician recently showcased her first original recording to nothing less than rave reviews.

This summer, Sarah Palmer, a freshman at Savannah Country Day School, wrote and recorded a new song entitled “Fences.”

The song, along with its accompanying music video, was released at a swank and well-attended party on Aug. 26 in downtown Savannah. Now available for download on iTunes, “Fences” has raised quite a few eyebrows since its release.

“We were thrilled with the turnout; it was beyond what we expected,” said producer/arranger William Austin Smith. Smith, who was also the videographer on the project, was pleased with the song’s impact on those in attendance. “The (party) was everything we had hoped and planned for. We just wanted as many people as possible to see Sarah’s work, and everyone had great things to say. Some (attendees) were truly moved by the song, since I think it has a deep, emotional core to it that really resonates with people. Sarah definitely is an artist with a finger on the pulse of life, and that comes through in this performance.”

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Sarah’s mother, Beth Stewart, who also doubles as her daughter’s booking agent, is not at all surprised by all the hoopla surrounding her talented 14-year-old. “She has always been musical,” Stewart said. “I remember her singing in the bathtub when she was a toddler, and even then I knew there was something there.” Indeed, Sarah always has felt a calling to perform and has never taken her gift for granted. “I’ve been told that I started singing before I could walk,” she said, “but I actually started getting really serious about it when I was around 6.” It was then that the young prodigy began training with Julie Rose Wilde.

Wilde, the founder and operator of The Wilde School of Music, said that from the time she met the young singer, she knew there was something special about her. “Sarah is one of those few musicians who seems to be born to do this. When she first came to me, she already seemed predestined to accept this as her calling. She always

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When she’s back home in Savannah, Sarah often can be found playing lead roles in various school musicals or performing at the Savannah Theater. She’s also been featured in numerous vocal showcases at The Black Box Theater, Tybee Post Theater, Brockington Hall as well as the Mansion on Forsyth Park. This year, Sarah will be the vocalist with the SCDS Jazz Ensemble.

defined herself as a performer,” Wilde said. “She just loves the experience of performing without any provocation or outside expectations. It comes from within her and I’m just in awe of her as an artist.”

In addition to her ongoing training sessions with Wilde, Sarah also makes regular trips to New York in order to attend the Broadway Artists Alliance workshops, where she attends master classes in dancing, acting and singing for three days. “You basically have master classes that prepare you for your big audition on the third day,” Sarah said. “The auditions are held in front of an industry panel (consisting of) managers, casting directors and other people from companies like Disney and Nickelodeon.”

When she’s back home in Savannah, Sarah often can be found playing lead roles in various school musicals or performing at the Savannah Theater.

She’s also been featured in numerous vocal showcases at The Black Box Theater, Tybee Post Theater, Brockington Hall as well as the Mansion on Forsyth Park. This year, Sarah will be the vocalist with the SCDS Jazz Ensemble. “(Through performing) I’ve really been trying to work my hardest

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in order to get to the point where I can publish the songs that I’ve been writing,” she said.

To that end, Sarah partnered with Wilde and Smith this summer to produce “Fences,” which is her first professionally recorded song and video.

“Fences” features Sarah on vocals and piano alongside some other talented local musicians, including Samuel Cho on cello. Sarah said that the style of “Fences” is very similar to that of Adele, who she said is one of her main contemporary influences. “The way the arrangement was put together was definitely influenced by Adele, but I wanted the lyrics to appeal to everyone who hears the song,” Sarah said.

Interestingly enough, Sarah wrote those lyrics during a flight to Utah last year. Her mom said that the lyrics were influenced by events that hit pretty close to home. “She’s written music for as long as I can remember, but I think that when she went through some traumatic experiences last year including her first relationship, it made her see the world a bit differently,” Stewart said. “She experienced some big girl emotions and used (her experiences) to create this awesome song that I think most people can relate to.” Sarah added, “For me it’s just about the fear of commitment, and how there seems to be a barrier that (we) put up to keep ourselves safe at times. I wrote them to be a bit vague because I wanted to allow (the listeners) to build their own meaning from it.”

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Listeners first got the chance to hear “Fences” in August, and Sarah’s family was touched by the great reception for the song.

“We were so excited to show everyone what Sarah has been working on,” Stewart said. “It was truly cathartic for her at the time, but we sat back and just enjoyed it with the rest of the audience.”

Wilde echoed the enthusiasm for her star student’s original composition. “I wanted to prepare my students in the art of songwriting, so the song was basically an assignment. But when Sarah came back with (“Fences”), I thought that it was incredible, and I told her that we should record a demo of the song,” Wilde said. “William Austin Smith, my partner, is a composer/arranger, so it was a natural process for us to arrange and produce her original composition, and I think it turned out fabulous. She truly gives her all in this performance, and as with anything she sings, she holds nothing back.”

As far as plans for the future, Sarah doesn’t plan to limit herself to just singing. “I think I want to study musical theater in college while continuing to perform. I want to be a wellrounded artist who can do Broadway as well as perform in movies,” Sarah said. “For now, though, I’m just really excited to show my friends and family what I’ve accomplished.

Everyone has been so supportive of me and my dreams.”

Sarah’s mother, who has seen her daughter blossom into a serious talent over the years, beamed with pride and said, “We are really proud of her creativity and hard work, and we can’t wait to showcase Sarah’s song to the rest of the world!”

For more information about Sarah or her future performances, visit sarahpalmerperformer.com.  CCL

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Story by Arianna Kelley

Under the bustling and busy Broughton Street shopping district is a new and increasingly popular run specialty store. If you are curious enough to venture down the shoe-decorated stairwell along this premier shopping street, you will discover not only a unique range of fitness shoe brands, but also exceptionally friendly customer service.

The team at Georgia Game Changers Running Company offers an individualized, computerized analysis of your foot’s shape and your running stride. This, along with a personalized assessment of your hip strength and flexibility, and a discussion of your current injury profile, allows the customer to leave with an exclusive exercise program, a pair of shoes, and perhaps a specialized product or two designed to keep them “in the game” and able to progress with their fitness goals.

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Phot

The Broughton Street location is the second of two Game Changers stores; the original is located in Richmond Hill. Both locations can help customers find their special fit, by working with team members who each have their own special fit – with the store, that is.

“This location has been wonderful from the start for our downtown clients, local residents, as well as for visitors to the historic city of Savannah,” said Philip Howe, the store’s general manager and now part-owner. “We are more than excited to share our ‘natural running philosophy’ and our exclusive fit process with a whole new group of people. Our goal? To help our customers find the perfect shoes or products in order to help them reach their personal fitness goals.”

The Broughton Street location is the second of two Game Changers stores; the original is located in Richmond Hill. Both locations can help customers find their special fit, by working with team members who each have their own 162

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special fit – with the store, that is. Each of the Game Changers team members are a special fit in terms of their knowledge, experience and sport preferences. One of the most recent team members is Taryn Olmstead, a military spouse who is a nationally recognized ultra runner.

Olmstead is also an official ambassador for Altra Running, one of the shoe brands carried in the store, as well as a certified run coach and personal trainer.

The store’s fit process includes a special, computerized foot and gait analysis that gives the customer an idea of pressure points, and differences from side to side. The process also includes a specific exercise program that the customer receives by email, tailored to

their specific issues. “Our fit process is unique, and has been well received by our customers,” Olmstead said. “I believe it is because we take the time to focus on (the customers). It is not about the sale, but rather, it is the knowledge that the customer walks away with, whether their sport is running, walking or cross training in the gym.”

Employee Emma Thompson, who

holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Human Performance, has worked at both the Richmond Hill and the Savannah locations. She has seen how the fit process can be “life changing” for customers. “Our fit process not only educates customers by teaching them helpful exercise tips and stretches, but we also like to show how changing the lacing of the shoes

can sometimes make all the difference in the world,” Thompson said. “I usually get quite a reaction when I tell customers that they will be leaving with homework.”

Like Thompson, Olmstead said she is proud to be a part of the team, and her knowledge and experience in running has helped to bring new community run events to the store. Noting that Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Changing the game is never easy, but it is always worth the effort.”

the store’s location on Broughton Street – surrounded by Savannah’s historic squares and streets – is a definite advantage, Olmstead said her weekly Wednesday run group has grown this summer.

“Our Historic Run event is bringing in more people each week.

The exciting part is that the group has regular, local runners, but also recently included tourists and their families,” said Olmstead.

Recently, Game Changers participated in a national Nature’s Gym Day event in partnership with Merrell Running. Fitness stores around the country were encouraged to use their local scenery to create workouts. Olmstead, along with Nikki Baker, local yoga studio instructor from Dancing Dogs Yoga; Pamela Howe, another Game Changers fan and run group leader; and Jonathan Hathaway, owner of Lifestyle Enhancement Systems, created a three-event workout that wowed participants.

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“The Merrell event brought out a lot of new faces to Game Changers. The event was not only unique, but also a really great combined, yet truly fun workout,” said Olmstead. Howe agreed, adding, “Nature in downtown Savannah is a rather unique concept. During our workout, we were able to socialize with the various spectators along the way, as well as with our workout partners as we traveled from square to square. It was quite entertaining, and all in the group said they would participate in such an event in the future.”

Howe said there are many future events in the works that connect the running store with other local businesses and community groups downtown. “We plan on being a very integral part of the upcoming renovation of the downtown Savannah shopping district. We are building solid relationships with our neighboring businesses and we are excited about bringing new, unique events to Savannah because of those allimportant partnerships,” said Howe.

With Savannah’s historic and romantic draw, visitors from around the world have experienced the “game changing” philosophy of Game Changers.

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“From the very beginning, our company began with a desire to help others understand how footwear, stride mechanics and recovery habits work together to make a ‘game changing’ difference,” Sandra Elliott said. “We are committed to serving others, and still do believe that our natural running philosophy and our heart for serving others is having an impact on the lives of our customers, as well as on our individual team members.”

The store’s owners, Ron and Sandra Elliott, started Georgia Game Changers Running Company with a small 1,200-square-foot building in Richmond Hill in July 2012. They said that their expansion into downtown Savannah has been a blessing to the company as a whole, in terms of their passion for “changing the game” in the lives of their customer base.

“From the very beginning, our company began with a desire to help others understand how footwear, stride mechanics and recovery habits work together to make a ‘game changing’ difference,” Sandra Elliott said. “We are committed to serving others, and still do believe that our natural running philosophy and our heart for serving others is having an impact on the lives of our customers, as well as on our individual team members.”

“Our team members are hired based on their heart for serving others through education and a passion for helping others,” said Ron Elliott. “We realize that both of our locations are making a difference in the lives of others, not only in terms of their fitness goals, but also in their lives as a whole, through the connection they make into the fitness community.”

That passion for helping others is evident from the

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moment you descend the stairs into the exposed-brick interior of Game Changers Running Company – an interior that was designed by Howe, who also built all of the shelving, and spent many hours scraping white paint off the brick walls. There were many hours of hard work, sweat and a few tears of frustration that went into the buildout of this charming specialty store.

The team members helped when they could, but Howe has definitely left his mark on the place, and he said he is proud of how the store has been received by those who have braved the stairs to check it out.

Since the store’s opening in January, the crowd of shoppers continues to evolve. With Savannah’s historic and romantic draw, visitors from around the world have experienced the “game changing” philosophy of Game Changers.

The company is proud of being named one of the “50 Best Running Stores in the USA” in 2016, but if you ask the team members, you will find that their dedication to bringing out the best in their customers is reason enough to be proud. Where this customerfocused philosophy will take Game Changers in future months, no one knows. However, one thing is certain.

As Sandra Elliott said, “changing the game” is never easy, but it is always worth the effort.  CCL

june 2016

chatham county Shear Elegance Ashley is a success in the business world because she was willing to make sacrafices and work hard to pursue her dream.

At the Table

Behind the great food at Chef Randall’s kitchen is a strong spirit and a heart of gold.

Through the Eyes of Art

The Fiber Guild offers something for everyone who loves to explore their creativity.

At the Table

Behind the great food at Chef Randall’s kitchen is a strong spirit and a heart of gold.

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Blessingdales offers new clothing and products, gently used thrift clothing and item and antique furniture. Donations are always welcome and our inventory is always updating, so come on in and look around. You never know what treasures you may find.

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WEDDINGS, EVENTS, BUSINESSES, PROJECTSCall | VIDEOGRAPHY Hometown Living At Its Best Hometown Living Living At At Its Its Best Best Hometown

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Around every corner in our amazing community, there are treasures that lay awaiting discovery. Beauty is indeed all around us and in endless supply. Take a look

why we love Chatham County.

at a few more reasons

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Les Wilkes Photography

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Ryan Lee Photography

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Dream Weaver Photography

Rebecca Galloway Photography

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Rebecca Galloway Photography

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Rebecca Galloway Photography

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More than Words Photography

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Index of Advertisers

Ameris Bank ……….......................................…………… 134 Azalealand Nursing Home …………………….................. 106 Blessingdales ………........................................………… 167 Bonnie Boyette Interior Designer ………………........…… 169 Brighter Day Natural Foods Market ………………….....… 147 Camping World RV Sales …......................………………… 84 Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours ……………...............……… 92 Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant ………….................………… 169 Caring Man in a Van …………............................………… 168 Case Veterinary Hospital ……....................……………… 159 Chatham County Living ….......................………………… 167 Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. ….............. 145 ChemDry of Savannah ……………........................……… 158 City Market ……….........................................…………… 156 Coastal Canvas Products ......................…………………… 71 Coastal Dental Sleep Center ……………..............……… 156 Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery …...........………………… 103 Coastal ENT ……........................………….................…… 6-7 Cobb’s Galleries ………..................................…………… 157 Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners ………….......………… 47 Counter Fitters Custom Countertops ………………..… 32-33 Country Financial ……............................……………… 22-23 Dental Designs of Savannah ……………...............……… 107 Dentisty at Godley Station ……..................……………… 145 Dream Weaver Photos …………........................………… 135 Dream Weaver Photos 3D Virtual Tours ……….....……… 143 Dream Weaver Photos Photo Booth ………………....…… 143 Duffy & Feemster, LLC ………….....................………… 34-35 Endodontic Associates of Savannah ……..…....…… 85, 144 Galloway & Galloway A Professional Corporation …..... 132 Galloway & Galloway Attorneys at Law ... Inside Front Cover Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center .......……… 146 Georgia Southern University ……………...............……… 119 GeorgiaGameChangers Running Company ……........… 158 Godley Station ………............................…………… 144-145 Habersham House Assisted Living and Memory Care …. 95

Harkleroad Diamonds and Fine Jewelry …............……… 70 Henry Plumbing Co …………….............................……… 168 Hill on Wheels …….....................................……………… 159 Hospice Savannah ……..............................……………… 118 Innovative Orthodontics ...............…………………… 69, 144 Live Oak Children’s Therapy ………..................…………… 93 Logic4Design …………….....................................……… 169 Marche De Macarons …...........................………………… 60 Memorial Health …………...................................………… 59 More Than Words Photography by Beanna Rendon ….. 121 Planters Inn on Reynolds Square ……………....……… 48-49 Pooler Chamber of Commerce & Vistors Bureau .. 130-131 Portraits of Pooler …………..............................………… 130 Premier Dental Designs …..................………………… 20-21 Quick RX Drugs …...................................………………… 105 Rebecca Galloway Photography ………….........………… 146 Rosenthal Dental Group …………….....................……… 147 Ryan Lee Photography ……........................……………… 117 Sandfly Family Dental ………….....................………… 20-21 Savannah Commons …………............................………… 61 Savannah Country Day School ……..............……………… 94 Savannah Floor Covering Co., Inc. ……………......……… 133 Savannah Pain Management ………….............………… 120 Savannah Rum Runners Bakery & Cafe ………....……… 104 Savannah Square …………...................................………… 1 SearsManor Coastal Nursing and Rehab Company ....… 83 Sherry’s Honey Pot Fabric & More ……………......……… 168 SouthCoast Health ……….............................…………… 157 St. Joseph’s/Candler Immediate Care ……….........…… 134 The Center for Digestive & Liver Health ……......………… 2-3 The Institute For Personalized Medicine ….....… Back Cover The Whole Tooth Dentistry …………..................………… 133 Tiffanie Livingston …………..............................………… 169 United Community Bank ………….........................………… 9 Visit Pooler ……………….................................…… 130-134 Zaxby’s ………….................................................………… 82

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Two Peas in a Pod

A Savannah couple takes pride in a successful family business that was built from the ground up.

Mary Kay Ross MD and Functional Medicine A Health Plan That Works.

Savannah’s only medical practice dedicated solely to the practice of Functional/Integrative Medicine.

Whether it’s biscuits or a tour, Eric Zimmerman is committed to making man’s best friend happy.

The Photographer

After a forty year break, Dr. Les Wilkes picks up the camera to experience life through a different lens.

The Call to Serve Reflections on forty-plus years of Rick Monroe’s faithful service to the community’s youth.

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