Connect Savannah | August 10, 2022

CONNECT SAVANNAH

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BANANAS WIN CPL CHAMPIONSHIP (AGAIN) WHAT CAN CITY DO TO KEEP GRAYSON STADIUM A-PEELING TO TEAM?

AT FOXY’S, EVERYONE’S A KING: GOTH-THEMED GAMING NIGHT COMES TO ECLIPSE

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connectsavannah.com AUGUST 10 - 16, 2022

PEACH PRIDE:

A JUICY RIVALRY OR IS IT? THE ANSWER IS RATHER FUZZY...

The Bank That That SERVICE Built® The Bank SERVICE Built® Member FDIC. © 2021 United Community Bank Community | ucbi.comBank | ucbi.com Member FDIC. © 2021 United

SAVANNAH SAVANNAH 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 27 Bull Street | 912-234-6565 8201 White Bluff RoadBluff | 912-232-5884 8201 White Road | 912-232-5884 2225 East 2225 Victory Drive | 912-303-9667 East Victory Drive | 912-303-9667

VOTED BEST JEWELRY STORE

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AND

BEST LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER

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FREE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY ADMISSION FOR LOCALS* SAT & SUN THROUGH 8.28! *Includes residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Beaufort, & Jasper Counties

VISIT TELFAIR.ORG

Lizabeth Rossof (American, b. 1973); 5 XI’AN AMERICAN WARRIORS, 2019; nylon fabric, electric fans.

Sharon Engelstein (Canadian, b. 1965); Seeker, 2012; nylon fabric, electric fan. BLOW UP: Inflatable

Contemporary Art was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA

AUGUST/

10-16

WEEK CONNECT SAVANNAH

AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY 8/10 DUCKPIN BOWLING LEAGUE NIGHT

8 p.m.Moodright’s, 2424 Abercorn St. Moodright’s is Savannah’s first duckpin bowling alley (in quite a while) and cocktail lounge, and its location makes it the closest bowling alley to the historic district.

TRIVIA NIGHT WITH JESS SHAW

Jess Shaw and Kevin Ryan will guide participants through an evening of trivia and self discovery at Service Brewing.

Test your trivia knowledge while also competing in interactive challenge rounds to gain extra points. The first place team receives a $100 cash prize. 6:30 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St.. servicebrewing.com.

WEDNESDAY BLUES SERIES FEAT. ERIC CULBERSON BAND

Plant Riverside District will host a new Wednesday Blues Series at the Pavilion Stage along the Savannah River, featuring free performances by top regional blues artists. The Eric Culberson Band will be the featured performer for the month of July, offering sizzling electric blues by one of Georgia’s favorite artists. Every Wednesday - July 27 6-9 p.m.

BINGO! AT ELKS LODGE

Join Elks Lodge for Bingo on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy great family fun, good food at the snack bar and many chances to win cash. Elks Lodge, 183 Wilshire Blvd.

FREE YOGA ON THE BEACH AT THE DECK

Enjoy free yoga sponsored by The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen.

To have your event considered for inclusion, please send an email to happenings@connectsavannah.com.

Include the event name, date, time, location with address, cost, website address for additional information, and a contact number. The submission deadline is 5PM each Friday before the following Wednesday’s edition.

Bring a large beach towel, your mat or a tapestry, a hat and sunglasses, water and a friend.

9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen, 404 Butler Ave.

FRIDAY 8/12

BLUEGRASS BY THE PINT WITH SWAMPTOOTH Join Service Brewing for Bluegrass by the Pint every Friday featuring live bluegrass from local favorites, Swamptooth.6 p.m. Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St. servicebrewing.com

SATURDAY 8/13

FREE FAMILY WEEKENDS AT THE JEPSON CENTER & TELFAIR ACADEMY Telfair Museums is excited to offer local residents free weekend admission to the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – August 28!

Residents are invited to explore the largest museum exhibition of work by African American artist, William O. Golding, in The Art of William O. Golding: Hard Knocks, Hardships, and Lots of Experience on view at the Jepson Center, along with other featured exhibitions free of charge. Free weekend admission includes residents of certian local counties.

FIRE & WINE

Enjoy half off bottles of wine and fire pits in the courtyard.

Purchase one of our s’mores kits (marshmallows included) for the ultimate fall experience.

6-9 p.m.Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St.

FORSYTH FARMERS MARKET

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Forsyth Park, Drayton St. & East Park Ave.

THU/11

CASA HERRADURA TEQUILA DINNER

@ OLDE PINK HOUSE | Guests will enjoy a selection of tequila cocktails followed by a tequila and food pairing with reposado, blanco and ultra tequilas that have been expertly crafted by Casa Herradura in Guadalajara, Mexico. In addition, Casa Herradura Global Brand Ambassador Ruben Aceves will discuss each expression of tequila highlighted for the evening. | 6:30 PM | oldepinkhouserestaurant.com

SUNDAY 8/14

TOP DECK’S SUNSET PARTY SUNDAY Wrap up the weekend with a Sunday Funday Sunset Party on the roof. Local DJ Doc Ock on the 1s and 2s, an amazing view, Long Drink and Herradura specials, and $3 Rosé all day. 6 - 9 p.m. Top Deck, 125 W. River Street’

BEATS, BREWS + BEERMOSAS

Catch those Sunday Vibes every week at Service Brewing with beats, brews and beermosas featuring sets from local DJs, delicious food trucks and 16 beers on tap. Service Brewing Company, 12:30-5:30 p.m.574 Indian St.

OPIOID RESUSCITATION TRAINING: “RECOVERY SUNDAY”

Help reduce opioid deaths! You can be trained in resuscitating opioid overdose victims using NARCAN. This community event is hosted by Unity of Savannah on August 14 at 1:30 p.m. Attendees are also offered free catered lunch by The Meat’N Spot at 12:30 p.m.! A few free doses of NARCAN will be distributed by lottery. Also, there will be a raffle to win $50 gift cards for those who take “before and after” surveys to help assess the training. Unity of Savannah is at 2320 Sunset Blvd., Savannah, 31404, near the Carey Hilliard’s on Skidaway Road. 1:30 p.m.Unity Church of Savannah, 2320 Sunset Blvd.

MONDAY 8/15

TYBEE FARMERS MKT

Weekly market, right behind the Historic Tybee Lighthouse.

4 p.m., 30 Meddin Dr. tybeeislandfarmersmarket.com

TUESDAY 8/16

STAFFORD’S TUESDAY COMEDY OPEN MIC

The ghost of Savannah’s legendary open mic returns.

8:30-11:45 p.m.

Stafford’s Public House, 306 W. Upper Factor’s Walk.

FREE YOGA ON THE BEACH AT THE DECK

Enjoy free yoga sponsored by The Deck Beach Bar & Kitchen. .

9-10 a.m. The Deck Beachbar and Kitchen, 404 Butler Ave.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

THURSDAY 8/11

HIGHLIGHTED PICKS FROM HOSTESS CITY HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK

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ADMINISTRATIVE ERICA BASKIN PUBLISHER erica@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 WENDY WICKHAM BUSINESS MANAGER wendy@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4373

CONTENT CHRISTOPHER SWEAT CREATIVE | CONTENT DIRECTOR christopher @connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4358 CHANTEL BRITTON MULTIMEDIA CONTENT MANAGER chantel @connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4379 MCKENNAH DRURY GRAPHIC DESIGNER (912) 721-4354 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

OUR VALUES

Connect Savannah is a weekly arts, entertainment and news magazine, focused on Savannah and the Coastal Empire life and experience.

We strive to feature stories that impact our community and the people who live here— to educate, entertain, inform and foster conversation.

We appreciate and encourage readers to share news and information with us, and to share any criticism and questions.

We want to be your comprehensive source for what happens in our community and beyond.

We are here to serve you.

Find us on the following social media platforms or reach out to us at news@connectsavannah.com or 912-721-4378.

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CORRECTION:

There was an error in the Aug. 3 edition of the Property Matters column. The current owners of Perry Lane Hotel did not purchase The Mansion on Forsyth Park. Left Lane does not own Perry Lane Hotel.

Wheelock Street Capital bought Perry Lane Hotel in May 2021 and is the current owner.

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ON THE COVER Georgia is obviously known as ‘The Peach State,’ while South Carolina produces more annually than we do. Is there a border rivalry between the two states? Who threw the first stone fruit in this sweet war?

PAGE 10

© 2022, Savannah Media, LLC. 611 East Bay Street Savannah, Georgia 31401 Phone: (912) 231-0250 | Fax: (912) 238-2041

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INTRODUCTIONS:

MEET

WHITNEY HALL

SAVANNAH’S RESIDENT SNEAKER QUEEN CELEBRATES ONE YEAR WITH HALLOFSNEAKZ

sneakers into a profitable business today, and says she is truly happy and fulfilled in her line of work.

“I love sneakers. . . It’s not often that you get the chance to do what you love and make money from it,” she remarked.

Getting to interact with customers from all over the world, face-to-face has been one of the highlights of her business over the last year.

“Another [highlight is] being able to supply customers with their first pair of sneakers.

Sometimes some people haven’t ever had any Jordans before in their life, or they haven’t had any Yeezys. Being able to be that starting point for them, that ‘I got my first pair of such and such from HallofSneakz!’’ she expressed.

She also enjoys seeing the wonder in customers’ eyes once they walk into the store.

“When you walk into our doors, you’re consumed with sneakers. So sometimes we greet [customers], they don’t even acknowledge us because they’re so overwhelmed by what they see, which is great because that’s what it’s for,” she explained.

Beyond the store’s captivating aesthetics, Hall says exceptional customer service is central to her business model.

“It’s not about the sale for me. You can buy sneakers anywhere. I want to make a lasting impression that makes you want to come back. As the founder of HallofSneakz, I take pride in the relationships we have built and continue to build with all of our customers. The big piece of what sets us apart is our

dedication to excellence in customer service. That’s why we coined the slogan, ‘Shop with HallofSneakz and enjoy the experience,” said Hall.

To celebrate the HallofSneakz store’s first anniversary, Hall has planned four days of festivities.

“It’ll be full of giveaways, sneaker restocks, and we’re also going to be doing a sneaker scavenger hunt. We’ll have free food from Wing-N-It Savannah . . . We’ll have music and a lot more. Each day will be different,” she described.

The celebration kicks off on Thurs., Aug. 11 where Hall will offer sneaker restocks and giveaways. On Friday, HallofSneakz will release their oneyear anniversary t-shirt. On Saturday, Hall will hold a sneaker scavenger hunt throughout downtown Savannah, and Wing-N-It Savannah will be onsite with free food. And festivities will conclude on Sunday with free donuts.

Throughout the celebration there will be several giveaways where attendees can win coveted prizes. Among them are Yeezy slides, Nike Dunks, gift cards, a $500 store credit and a lot more.

Hall encourages people to come out and celebrate this special milestone with HallofSneakz.

“People should come out just to talk all things sneakers, to enjoy some great food and people, and just enjoy the HallofSneakz experience and good vibes,” she said.

In addition to spreading good vibes, Hall wants to share her gratitude to everyone who’s helped along the way.

“I just want to express my appreciation for everyone who supports HallofSneakz, whether they purchased, shared a post, stopped by the shop or just referred someone to us. I just want to say thank you. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without everyone’s continued support,” said Hall.

For more information on HallofSneakz, visit hallofsneakz.com - Chantel Britton

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Whitney Hall is a Savannah native and Air National Guard service member who is gearing up to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her business, HallofSneakz.

Voted Connect Savannah’s ‘Best Shoe Store’ in 2021 and 2022, HallofSneakz is a specialty sneaker boutique that vends exclusive and sought-after athletic shoes.

Hall initially started HallofSneakz as an online retailer back in 2016 from her apartment in Atlanta. And last year, Hall opened her first brick and mortar store in the heart of downtown Savannah at 30 W York St. Hall says business has been booming since opening last August.

“The amount of support from customers near and far has been overwhelming,” said Hall.

She still sells online in addition to the York St. store, but having that location allows her to deliver a curated customer service experience that she says sets HallofSneakz apart from other shoe stores.

Ever since childhood, Hall has always been passionate about sneakers and fondly recalls one of her earliest memories of being excited about athletic shoes.

“I have an older brother . . . and we had this yearly tradition of going to the Coastal Empire Fair here in Savannah.

He and his friends would always get dressed and wear their freshest sneakers.

One year, they all had on the Air Jordan 9’s—the cool grays—and I wanted that shoe so bad, but it didn’t come in my size.

So that’s around the time my passion sparked for sneakers. That was around 2002, so I was in the second grade,” Hall recounted.

She turned that childhood passion for

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PETS OF THE WEEK Each week, we will highlight pets available for adoption from local rescue organizations. In August, we are featuring Renegade Paws Rescue.

VAN AGE: LESS THAN 1 YEAR WEIGHT: 40LB COLORS: BRINDLE AND WHITE Perfection on four giant paws!

Van is a puppy with the sweetest, calmest, most loving personality.

He is easy going and gets along with every dog, cat, and kid he meets. In his foster home he lives with three young children and walks so well on a leash that his foster mom can easily push all three in a stroller while walking him! Soccer practice?

He’s a great companion as he sits quietly and watches the game. A parent’s best friend! Van is crate and potty trained and to know him is to know love. Apply to meet him today!

10% OFF AUGUST 17

FOR NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY! Visit any Goodwill Southeast Georgia location (excludes Outlets & Bit of Blue)

Changing lives through the power of work. goodwillSEGA.org

RICHARD GERE

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

AGE: 3 YEARS WEIGHT: 60LB COLORS: WHITE AND BLACK

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Richard Gere is a big guy with an even bigger heart! He may have had a harder start to life but he uses that past to appreciate everyone and everything around him. Including his young human foster siblings! (He knows that’s where the best snacks come form). Richard is a laid back guy who would love to spend the day going on adventures with you, but is also understanding if he needs to hang by himself at home for a bit.

There is only one thing he requires, you must love NAPS! Apply to meet Richard today!

ALL OF AUGUST

WWW.CRIBBSCUSTOMSMOTOSPORTS.COM

Volunteers at Renegade Paws Rescue are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for unwanted, abused, or injured dogs in the Coastal Empire. The nonprofit organization is determined to find a forever home for every animal who comes through their doors

renegadepawsrescue.org 912.570.5032

Compiled by Jamie Burton

COMMUNITY SAVANNAH AGENDA:

PROPERTY MATTERS

SAVANNAH FAIRGROUND NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE AFTER LOCAL PARTNER LEAVES DEVELOPMENT GROUP, TAX CREDIT ATTEMPT POSTPONED TO 2023

By Eric Curl

savannahagenda.com

spokesperson, regarding the matter.

Jones, who was first contacted about the pending article July 18, had been traveling out of country this week. He said via email on July 28, after receiving the article draft, that “upon cursory review, there are several points that are missing salient information and are not accurate. Due to existing schedule conflicts we can provide those clarifications in the very near future.”

DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE Despite Gordon’s concerns, Melder reported in a June 2 memo to Alderwoman Estella Shabazz that the city expected to have sale and development agreements in place with the development group by November. Melder also said the city is committed to breaking ground on the project by October 2023. Melder said that P3 Joint Venture Group is currently made up of principals David Jones, P3 Partners, and Robert Gould, Jr.,RG Media Affiliates, and ended the memo stating that Gordon had removed himself from the group. There was no explanation as to why Gordon had departed.

Gordon said on July 28 that he disagreed with the characterization that he “removed”

himself. Rather, he was “dismissed” from the project after raising his concerns,” he said.

that included an option to lease with a reversionary clause as the city had proposed.

LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PLAN DELAYED Melder also informed Shabazz that the developer did not move forward with plans to apply for state low-income housing tax credits this year, but he was confident an application would be approved next year. This information was conveyed a few weeks after the Savannah City Council voted on May 12 to enter into a land lease agreement with the Land Bank Authority to assist the developer in obtaining the tax credits, which were expected to assist in the financing of multi-family senior housing planned for a 3.8-acre portion of the fairgrounds property.

That transfer was presented to the Land Bank Authority for consideration at the meeting on May 25, but no vote was taken after the board was informed that the tax credit application would not be submitted, according to the meeting minutes. The reason stated in the minutes was that the developer was informed by his underwriters that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) would not accept applications

INDICTMENT The indictment Gordon referred to was filed by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich on July 13, 2021 against four individuals, including P3 Partner’s founder Steve Nielsen, for their alleged role in the procurement for construction of the two middle schools. The indictment alleges that in 2012 the school district’s superintendent at the time was aware that Nielsen and another individual had participated in the pre-bid process, which provided a competitive advantage to a bidding company the two owned called Education Facilities Development Services.

Nielsen was indicted on three felony counts related to fraudulent schemes and practices, fraudulent schemes and artifices, and conspiracy. The city of Loveland, Co. ended their involvement with P3 Partners as a result of the indictment, according to a press release issued by the city.

Nielsen’s Phoenix-based attorney, David Black, said in a statement that Nielsen is a _____________________________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

A local partner in the development group approved to develop the city owned fairgrounds property is no longer involved in the project after raising concerns about one of the majority stakeholders.

The partner, Craig Gordon, raised concerns in a March 1 letter addressed to City Manager Jay Melder about the Arizonabased stakeholders, P3 Partners, involved in the project prior to his departure, according to documents obtained by Savannah Agenda. Those concerns included a state indictment in July 2021 against a P3 Partners founder that Gordon, a former state representative, said was not disclosed to himself or the city. In addition, Gordon raised concerns about the suspension of the tax exempt status of the nonprofit, Municipal Development Foundation, which was supposed to assist in the financing of the development project. Gordon also claimed P3 was unwilling to pay a local design firm, Gunn Meyerhoff and Shay, which he said was providing design assistance at no charge.

David Jones, a P3 Partners principal, wrote an email to Melder on March 18 that they did not intend to provide a point-bypoint counter to Gordon’s letter.

“We believe that the issues being reraised in the recent letter have already been satisfactorily addressed, and rehashing the same statements without any new substantiation would not be of value,” Jones said.

Jones also said that on March 10 the “75% majority ownership of the joint venture group answered a definitive yes to moving ahead with the plan outlined in the proposal approved by the city council.”

“P3JVG will continue to honor that commitment and work within the guidelines of the procurement laws and DBE ordinances to achieve it” he said.

“We look forward to our continued efforts alongside the City of Savannah, the MPC, and numerous local leaders and businesses to reach the successful transformation of the Coastal Empire Fairgrounds.”

The city declined to comment, via a

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GA/SC PEACH PRIDE:

A JUICY OR IS IT? THE ANSWER IS RIVALRY RATHER FUZZY...

By Marley Gibson Features Writer

On June 16, 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed an edict declaring August as National Peach Month, and 40 years later, we should celebrate our state’s official fruit to the fullest!

Throughout the summer months, one can find roadside stands, bushel-filled pickup trucks, farm stands, and fresh markets filled to the brim with multiple varieties of peaches set to quench the sweet Summer thirst with a simple, southern treat.

From May until the end of August, Savannah residents and visitors can find the freshest peaches from both Georgia and South Carolina featured on summer menus throughout the Lowcountry to honor the fruit that has brought so much to the region.

Yet, there’s so much more to the simple peach than meets the eye, from how and where it’s grown to the rotation of varieties, to the support for the local communities and the support in return from the same people.

It’s a food of tradition, steeped in Georgia history, as it was the first place in America that grew the Chinese peach.

“Georgia is ‘The Peach State’ because we sort of created the American peach industry,” said Will McGehee of Pearson Farms in Fort Valley, Georgia. “That’s where it all started.”

According to Georgia history, this state has been growing peaches commercially for longer than any other state in the nation.

“You’ve got these family farms with kind of a legacy… three, four, five generations old… and now everyone’s planting trees again, the industry is healthy and we’re growing once again.

It’s an exciting time to be growing peaches in Georgia,” Farmer Raphael Moses was one the first to ship the fruit in 1851. Because fresh peaches have such delicate skin, it was said he protected them in Champagne boxes to help preserve their flavor and texture (a technique that’s still used for shipping fine fruit, according to Gourmet magazine).

“It wasn’t until the late 1800s when Georgia peaches gained fame,” McGehee said.

In 1870 in Macon County, horticulturist Samuel H. Rumph grafted a Chinese peach variety onto another tree and named the large, juicy, yellow-fleshed result after his wife, Elberta. The Elberta peach was not only tender and sweet but also hardy and produced abundantly.

“With the creation of the Elberta peach, it was selling up and down the east coast— Philly, New York, Boston—everyone had heard of the Georgia peaches. It was kind of like a mini gold rush in the 1870s,” McGehee explained. “People just flocked to the middle part of Georgia and planted this Elberta variety of peaches. All of the peaches in the late 1800s and early 1900s came from Georgia. We just knew how to do it. All that tradition and history being passed down from generation to generation… we have a lot of know-how other people don’t.”

Across the state line in South Carolina, they may not be the official peach state, but they do produce and sell more peaches than in Georgia. During a typical year, South Carolina grows nearly 60,000 tons of peaches on over 18,000 acres, according to data released from the state. However, South Carolina fruit growers echo the success of their peaches.

“As a South Carolina peach grower, we always feel a bit jaded that Georgia has the tagline of ‘The Peach State,’” teased Spencer McLeod of McLeod Farms, home of Mac’s Pride Peaches. “There’s inherently been a friendly competition between us [South

“We’re a small family of farms between the two states and we know each other well.

We work with each other every day and it’s more like a brotherhood between the two states.

That’s the way it works.”

Carolina farmers] and Georgia. I’m good friends with many of the folks and we grow similar varieties.”

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY McGehee stressed the friendly rivalries across state lines.

“We’re a small family of farms between the two states and we know each other well. We work with each other every day and it’s more like a brotherhood between the two states. That’s the way it works.”

“I’m a bit biased in saying our peaches are better than Georgia,” McLeod said. “However, the bigger thing letting people know southeast peaches are the premiere peaches, no doubt.”

Georgia farmers mostly agree. “You’ve got these family farms with kind of a legacy… three, four, five generations old… and now everyone’s planting trees again, the industry is healthy and we’re growing once again. It’s an exciting time to be growing peaches in Georgia,” McGehee said with excitement. “Our generation peach farm has that next generation that’s back on the farm to carry it forward. It’s a healthy and exciting time to be in the peach business. We’re in a great spot right now.”

Addressing Georgia’s reputation as “The Peach State,” McGehee said, “We do a lot of traveling when we’re out and about visiting customers and we always ask people at hotels, bars, airports, ‘What do you think of Georgia?’ and they always say, ‘The Peach State.’ With what we do as an industry, we’re all working together with linked arms to push Georgia peaches.”

Additionally, McGehee was instrumental in the creation of “Genuine Georgia,” designed to market Georgia peaches at one price instead of creating competition between growers.

“There are four main farms,” McGehee, a fifth generation peach grower said. “They are Southern Orchards and Pearson Farms in Fort Valley, Dickey Farms in Musella and the Fitzgerald Fruit Farms in Woodbury. Those are the houses that pack Georgia peaches commercially all located around the middle part of the state.”

McGehee is no stranger to peaches as the son of Ann

Pearson, founder of Pearson Farms.

“Family is so important. We’ve been farming peaches here since 1885. We’re one of the oldest peach-producing farms in the southeast. We [kids] sort of went off and did our own thing for a minute, but we all knew when it was time to come back home. In any generational business, we’re never told what we must do. They wanted us to choose to come back.”

McGehee said he and his cousin, Walt Pearson, formed the Genuine Georgia group to work together and help other Georgia peach farmers.

“My cousin, Walt does all the growing and I do the packing and sales. We realize the industry had been represented by a bunch of sales brokers not representing us the right way, so we started a group called Genuine Georgia and formed working together instead of every family doing their own thing. We present ourselves to the market, selling to Publix, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco… to everyone, but we do it as Genuine Georgia.”

This seems to have worked out well for the farmers of Georgia, but sadly, it’s reflected locally in a lack of Georgia peaches availability because so many Georgia peaches are leaving the state. Therefore, in most of coastal and southeast Georgia, South Carolina peaches are what’s available...and oftentimes, preferred.

David Landrigan, 41, is a chef who started on the line at age 13 and agreed about Georgia’s peach availability, having worked in the area for a while.

“Most of the time when I’m working with peaches, I get them from South Carolina,” Chef Landrigan said. It’s hard to get Georgia peaches sometimes because they seem to be sent out to the rest of the country. They’re able to buy the peaches from Georgia and they all get to advertise how they have Georgia peaches. That’s great. We’re getting peaches from South Carolina daily. They’re fresh, delicious, and fantastic, but they’re not Georgia peaches.”

Landrigan said chefs are enthusiastic about peaches right now. “

I’m not the only one who’s excited, I’m sure. From a chef’s point of view, when we order a bushel of peaches, they all come in ripe and delicious. All in all, it’s peach season and you can do so much with them. You can grill them, put them in ice cream, or just in a dessert in general. That’s a great way to go. Utilize them to the fullest in every course and every dish,” he said.

So, what, if anything, is the difference between Georgia and South Carolina peaches?

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION “The farms in Georgia are a little bit further south than we are in South Carolina,” McLeod explained. “The difference between the two states isn’t that much at all. You might say the Georgia peach has a sharper tip on the end, but the biggest thing for us both is differentiating ourselves from the West Coast. We have a different climate, more humidity—which can be a bit challenging because we have to deal more with insects and diseases than they do in the west, but we also think that’s what makes [here] conducive to a sweeter peach.,” he said.

“Everybody has their reputation,” McGehee stated. “In the middle part of the state where we are, there’s this intense, dense, rich, mineral-filled red clay that gives us a huge part of our advantage of growing peaches over other states.”

McGehee said the magic is right underneath the topsoil.

“This red clay is mineral rich. Other soil types drain quickly, but the red clay’s density helps it hold the water longer. It’s a fantastic way to keep your trees alive. When you’re in those hot days or it’s been a while since the last rain, the red clay gives us a real advantage. We love being able to grow in that than other soil types that might be around.”

“Where we are in South Carolina, I’m in a sand pit,” Spencer McLeod said. “Our soil is very sandy. Generally, you don’t want to have a tree in what we call ‘wet feet’ or wet soil. The bottom line is Georgia grows a good peach and South Carolina grows a good peach. I think the biggest thing that matters is being next to a tree and getting a peach fresh and it being something that was grown local. It will out-taste anything.”

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Nationwide statistics have Georgia as the number three producer of peaches in the United States. South Carolina is second, behind California in the top slot.

McGehee described it further.

“They grow a lot of peaches in California. They have a dryer climate and great soils. That’s why they’re able to grow a lot of different fruits and vegetables. But, with the dryer climate and sheer distance you have to go get the fruit to the consumer, it’s a dryer-eating peach. It’s not as juicy.”

“Mealy” was the word he settled on.

“When you sit something in the cooler, you’re drying it out,” he explained. “I always recommend when people buy peaches… don’t put them in the refrigerator. If it’s room temperature, that’s where it needs to stay until it’s eaten. When something’s coming from California, it may be two weeks since it’s been picked or until someone buys it and eats it. Three weeks is a long time to dry out a peach. When you start putting things in a cold train for a long period, that’s when you start decreasing the chance of it being a good eating peach. So, having something fresh means a lot. That’s my thing.”

McLeod said, “When you talk to growers, they’ll say, ‘We don’t compete against each other; we compete against the West.’”

That seems to be the rule of thumb: Georgia and South Carolina against the West.

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COBBLERING UP McGehee couldn’t agree more. “California dwarfs everyone.

The majority of the nation’s peaches are grown there. South Carolina produces more than Georgia, so when that gets thrown in my face, I tell them I’m doing my part,” he said with a laugh. “Georgia peaches are simply the best. We might not grow the most, but we grow the best.”

“A lot of people talk about the climate of where you grow peaches isn’t so much Georgia versus Carolina, but more so the East Coast versus the West Coast thing. When you think about our climate being hot during the day—which is what gives peaches their sugar—but then we don’t get down 55-60 degrees at night like they do on the West Coast and then the sugar development stops. It’s 83 degrees at midnight and you’re still sweating on the front porch here. You don’t get any rest here, so neither do the peaches,” he said.

In fact, he called it “cobblering up.” “[The peaches] cobbler up all day and they cobbler up all night. They just don’t have a choice,” McGehee said with a slight laugh. “That’s our joke with each other.”

Mostly, though, the biggest part of the success of the region’s peach production is “Just legacy,” according to McGehee.

“We’ve been doing it so long. It’s part of us.”

The season for peaches is drawing to a close for the year, but it’s so much more than a mere process. It’s an intricate ballet of timing and cultivation and planning ahead.

“Most people don’t know that a peach variety only ripens for two weeks,” McLeod shared. “When I plant a particular variety, I watch the characteristics of the tree, how the fruit ripens. I pick it about eight times over two weeks and then it’s done. For a commercial grower to have peaches from the end of May to the beginning of September, we have 50 different varieties that ripen throughout the summer. What I’m picking now, I didn’t have in June. Those varieties are selected based on ripening date and the amount of cold hours required—this is probably one of the main differences between Georgia and South Carolina,” he said.

“When you get a fresh peach, it’s always going to eat better.

When something’s fresh, picked correctly—not with legs for shipping—and when it’s ripe and local, that’s when you’re going to come back time and again for a good peach. Just be aware of where your food comes from and what you’re picking up.”

“You’re going to get your fruit from a lot of different places… local stores, produce stands, roadside stalls, etc. Regardless of where you go, take a look at the label and see where it’s coming from. “ McGehee confirmed it’s the same in Georgia. “We grow 30-40

varieties of peaches. It’s an intense variety mix because the peaches on a tree ripen up over a 10–15-day period. You’ll pick the same tree six-seven different times as the peaches ripen.

Not all the peaches on that tree are ready on the same morning, so the guys are out there each morning checking and doing sort of an Easter egg hunt for those last couple that ripen up in the last few days.”

“To be a good supplier, we start around Mother’s Day in May

product in various ways for their customers. Krause also shared another peach feature of the restaurant.

“We feature fish specials every day and with those, we did a drunken peach sauce over striped sea bass. With our Get Smashed cocktail, we throw some Pearson peaches in to muddle with mint. It’s got Aperol, vodka, limoncello, lemon, and soda spritz. It’s very light and refreshing and balances out to make a crush-worthy cocktail and highlights the peaches.”

...just dive in, let it run down your arm, and just enjoy it. and go to mid-August, so we have to keep a variety of peaches growing throughout the season to keep up with the demand,” he finished.

“In Genuine Georgia and of the four farms mentioned, there are over a thousand people that do the work and there’s a lot of work to be done. It’s a seasonal job, so we have a lot going on in harvest – May, June, July, and August – but we also have a tremendous amount of people helping out throughout the year because there’s still a lot of work going on. Thousands of hands out there picking and bringing them in and it’s just a handintensive deal,” said McGehee.

TO MARKET, TO MARKET Local farm stands have seen a boom from this season’s peach crop. Sherry Davis, owner of Davis Produce on Wilmington Island, is all smiles talking about her favorite fruit.

“It’s been a marvelous season even though it’s wrapping up. We got a late start this year, but it’s been going great. The peaches have been incredible this year, but the season’s going to be cut short. We only have a few weeks left. Usually, we go into September. It’s just one of those seasons where we’re not going to have them as long,” she said while bagging tomatoes the size of a softball.

“We prefer the South Carolina peaches here,” she said.

“Tourists come here and want to eat a Georgia peach, but then they see our sign and we have to tell them Georgia is number three in the industry. I’m a Georgia girl, but I think the South Carolina quality is a bit better,” she admitted. “We’ve been buying from this guy in Gaffney, for so long. My granddaddy bought it from his daddy. We do get a good many varieties.

Every time he goes to the market, they’re picking something different.”

Davis points out a display of white South Carolina peaches.

“They are amazing. Really delicious. Full of perfume. The flesh seems to pick up the flavors of whatever is planted nearby at the farm.”

Davis agreed California produce has a lot to offer.

“California peaches are beautiful and delicious… if you live in California,” she said. “By the time it gets here to the store, they’ve been hydro cooled which takes all of their flavors. You’ll get a peach and not know it was a peach. They produce more than Georgia and South Carolina because they ship all over the country.”

ON THE MENU “The best way to enjoy the peaches is to enjoy the peaches,” said Samuel Krause, Bar Manager at Ardsley Station, a native of Brunswick who moved to Savannah with his wife to work at the restaurant and take advantage of the fresh, local products.

“We use Pearson Peaches from Crawford County near Macon for our peaches,” Krause said. “We have a stand-aside appetizer of a pimento cheese bruschetta with grilled Pearson peaches with a sweet and savory sauce, micro greens, and radishes.

Then, when the peaches are out of season, we use a jelly made of the peaches in their place. We’re happy when they come around, as are our guests.”

The bar and restaurant focus on using the fresh, local

“Locals know the history. They know we get our peaches from Pearson and know what to expect,” Krause said. “I mean, they’ve been around a long time and people have come to expect a certain quality. The local farms always do it right. You go to the grocery store and it’s just not the same as a fresh, local peach.”

Krause noted Ardsley Station will go through a case—roughly 72 peaches—in a week.

“Our peach bruschetta is one of our top-selling appetizers.

The flavors just work together and are incredible. [The chefs] are incredibly talented back there and it’s fun to play with quality products. These peaches are the best.”

Chef David Landrigan stresses pairing your peaches with local meats and games for a truly authentic local experience.

“I love to serve grilled peaches with barbequed quail and wild boar. Anything that’s a local or regional animal, like game meat, is perfect for pairing with peaches because they’ve been eating them, as well,” the chef said. “The animal you’re hunting or harvesting has been eating the same nutrients, especially if you’re a peach farmer with animals. If you have fruit that falls to the ground or can’t sell, you feed them to your cows, chicken, or ducks and you can get a bit of that peach flavor to permeate the flavor of the meats.”

Chef Landrigan highly recommends if you’re out driving around, stop in at any farms you come across or even visit highway stands.

“It’s supporting the local farmers and helping the local economy. Go to the smaller places and they may even give you a deal for a bushel. They’re getting fresh peaches and can utilize everything, celebrate them, feast on them.”

“We just eat ‘em up. We’ll cut one up and leave it out here at the store and eat off it,” Sherry Davis said. “I love peach cobbler most of all. It’s the best and so easy. I do the cup’a-cup’a-cup’acup. I don’t measure or use a recipe or anything. I even do a little extra with a shot of vanilla. I don’t go by just one cup of peaches. I cut up a bunch of peaches and then let them sit in sugar for a while before I pour it over the cobbler. Sometimes, I’ll add some blueberries, but there’s nothing better,” she said.

Will McGehee has a family pork loin recipe he tends to make on-demand several times a year, grilled and then brushed with peach preserves, but he said his favorite way to each a peach is “to just dive in, let it run down your arm, and just enjoy it.

Honestly, I eat 12 peaches a day in season. I eat them right in my hand. When you get a peach right and get that flavor there, there’s something about it that makes people’s eyes roll back in delight.”

Spencer McLeod said with a bit of emotional catch in his voice, “There’s nothing better than eating a sweet peach on a hot day. We deal with a lot of long-term customers. People tell us it makes their day. I hope it shows that I just love growing peaches.”

“Come see us and we’ll set you up, Davis said.

The business mentioned in this article: McLeod Farms - macspride. com; Pearson Farm - pearsonfarm.com; Genuine Georgia genuinega.com; Davis Produce - davisproduce.com; Ardsley Station - ardsleystation.com

SOUTHERN-STYLE CUP’A-CUP’A-CUP’A PEACH COBBLER

This author has spent the better part of the last week talking to the top peach producers, salespeople, and chefs and I’m dying to cook with peaches.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using a casserole dish, add ½ stick of butter and place in the oven to melt while the oven preheats.

Sherry Davis of Davis Produce sold me some gorgeous South Carolina white peaches and I set about to make her quick and easy “cup’a-cup’a-cup’a” cobbler recipe.

Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.

Blend softened butter with sugar and vanilla. Add the dry mixture and mix until smooth.

Here’s her recipe, with some measurement tweaks from me. This created the most delicious, ooey, gooey, cobbler with the peaches nestled into the near custard dough that rises alongside it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever made. Hope you’ll grab some peaches and try this too.

Meanwhile, combine water, sugar, and peaches in a pot and bring to a boil. After that, reduce to a rolling boil for about 10 minutes.

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ sticks butter, separated 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup half and half ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract 2-3 teaspoons baking powder FOR THE FRUIT: 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 3-5 SC or GA peaches, peeled and sliced

Remove the casserole dish from the oven carefully. Pour mixed batter over the melted butter. Do not stir. Then, gently pour/spoon the peach mixture over the batter until it’s completely covered. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon.

Do not stir anything at this point. Let it bake for 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Let it sit to cool and torture everyone with the amazing smell. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own.

I hope I did Sherry and her grandfather proud.

- Marley Gibson

PROPERTY MATTERS: Fairground propery (continued) long-time public servant who violated no laws.

The indictment was brought against Nielsen and his partners for political reasons after a decade-long witch hunt, Black said.

“Steve’s hands are clean and he will be vindicated,” the statement read. “He is looking forward to that day.”

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

The case is expected to go to trial on Sept. 8, according to Maricopa County Superior Court.

With regards to the fairground development, Nielsen participated when the P3 Joint Venture Group presented their proposal to the city council during a workshop on July 15, 2021 – two days after the indictment. Nielsen was also copied on an email Jones sent in February to Joseph Shearouse, the city’s director of policy and external affairs, with the first draft of a development and disposition agreement for the fairgrounds property.

DESIGN STANDOFF Gunn Meyerhoff Shay Architects had been providing design assistance, including renderings featured on the project website, without receiving any pay, according to Gordon. In addition, Patrick Shay, the senior principal of the firm, had participated in some public outreach, according to documents. Correspondence with the city includes an email Shay sent on Feb. 25 to Melanie Wilson, executive director of the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). In the email, Shay requested additional conditions to the new zoning proposed for the multi-family senior housing site. Shay said he had promised attendees at

their proposals included a range of economic and commercial activities, including a film studio, employment center, a hotel, a regional sports complex, extensive commercial development, and high-density residential development.

• Oct. 28, 2021 – City Council votes to authorize the city manager to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement and development agreement of the fairgrounds property with P3 Joint Venture Group, for the development of their proposed concepts, which include 20.5 acres of conserved wetlands with public trails 2.4 acres of public central park with public off-street parking 18.3 acres of multi-purpose playing fields, basketball courts, community gardens and an indoor recreation facility 14.5 acres for sing and multi-family homes with a focus on senior housing and mixed-use retail 6.2 acres for a production studio and career development opportunities 11.4 acres for public streets, sidewalks, tree lawns and on-street parking • March 24, 2022 – City council votes to approve rezoning for 3.85 acres of the fairgrounds property to allow for the development of up to 100 units of affordable housing for seniors.

• May 12, 2022 – City council votes to adopt an amendment to the Tatemville Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan to facilitate the improvement and retention of affordable housing. The council also votes to authorize the city manager to enter in to a land lease agreement with the Land Bank Authority to as part of the low-income housing tax credit application

FAIRGROUNDS TIMELINE • Aug. 5, 2016 – Savannah City Council approves the purchase of the 66.5-acre former fairgrounds property at 4701 Meding St. • June 19, 2020 – A Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop the Fairgrounds property was issued on June 19, 2020 • Aug. 18, 2020 – RFP closes after the city receives three private-sector groups submitted development proposals.

P3 VENTURE GROUP DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT The development group’s concept includes youth recreation facilities, a production studio, career center, single and multi-family housing options with a significant component for senior housing, neighborhood retail and public park space. The development group’s proposal also included the purchase of the fairgrounds site for $2 million.

Timeline and group description source: City of Savannah

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

NONPROFIT STATUS CONCERNS Gordon’s concerns included a nonprofit, Municipal Development Foundation, that was supposed to obtain the bonding for the project, as outlined in a development model included in a Q&A document the development group provided to the city council. The nonprofit corporation’s tax exempt status was dissolved due to a failure to meet annual reporting requirements, according to the Arizona’s Corporation Commission, which also lists Nielsen as the nonprofit’s chairman and Jones as the vice president.

a meeting the day before that the senior housing buildings would be limited to two stories rather than allowing for three story buildings at the site.

Jones sent Shay an email later that day stating that he was opposed to the proposed changes, claiming that he and Melder mutually agreed during a meeting two days earlier to continue with the existing rezoning request. He said he was working with another architectural firm, Crogan Architects, to facilitate the rezoning for the tax credit application.

“The successful award of those tax credits will allow us to create the most cost-effective two and 3-story housing for the community’s senior citizens,” he said. “Any last-minute changes to the previously submitted rezoning application may result in delays and could jeopardize the timely approvals necessary to meet the application deadline.”

The rezoning request was approved by the planning commission on March 1. As passed, the rezoning allows for 100 units on the site and restricts building height along Meding Street to two stories, while allowing for up to three stories elsewhere on the site. The city council followed suit by approving the recommended rezoning on March 24.

Shay said on July 28, via email, that his firm participated in the “development of responses to the City’s original RFP, and subsequent rounds, on the team that was led by P3JVG, and prepared the Master Plan that won the design portion of the competition and ultimately won the opportunity for the team.

“After the award, we were told that we would not be paid for our work unless and until there was a future bond sale, and expected to do all work until then at our risk,” Shay said.

“We subsequently discovered that the P3 Group’s leader had been indicted in Arizona for procurement fraud. At that point we stopped providing services.”

13

COMMUNITY

ALZHEIMER’S WALK KICKOFF PARTY AT SAVANNAH SQUARE

Alzheimer’s Walk Committee Team

BUNNY IN THE CITY

By Bunny Ware

With an invite from Savannah Square’s Kelli Hartley for the Alzheimer Walk Kickoff on August 4, I walk up to the upscale retirement facility and find renowned veteran Robert Cutler seated outside. Dapper dressed, the World War II veteran is a Coast Guard retired Lt Commander and at 97 years old, one of the oldest living veterans in Savannah.

Robert Cutler

Kelli Hartley, Stephen Holland

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Proud to see him in attendance at the last Veterans Council monthly meeting, I recall the reaction of the VC members when Chairman Joe Higgins announced that Robert was in attendance. A ripple of noise went through the room, then all you heard was the sound of chairs being pushed back as every man and woman stood and applauded.

14

After shaking this local hero’s hand, I head inside the lobby and see Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Stephen Holland waving me over for a pic with our hostess Kelli. Before I snap a pic of the good friends, let me give you a little background on this blonde dynamo. The former Georgia Southern University cheerleader recently won the Coastal Georgia Dancing with the Stars Gala People’s Choice Award for raising $52,000 for the local Georgia Chapter Alzheimer’s Association earlier this year!

With six years working with 200 senior citizens at Savannah Square, the Marietta native is a fitness guru, has a side hustle selling beauty and health products and can be found on the water every second she is able with her uber attractive husband, Garrett. Having seen all the photos on Facebook of her blessed life, I am always delighted to get a call from this passionate supporter of seniors.

While asking Kelli to put her petite frame on the staircase to elevate her for the photo, I chat with Stephen about his personal connection to Alzheimer’s.

“My paternal grandmother, Emma Juanice Ames Holland, had this dreaded disease for 15 years. This led to my path in the nonprofit world,” shares the devoted Savannahian.

Jessika Garcia, Greg Witbeck, Shirley Smith, Jeff Heeder

Shenita Jackson, Tyler Green, Aiesha Hassan

Michelle Lagares, Amy Bodek

Hillary Munoz, Julie Cummings

Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turn around and see Jeff Heeder of Merrill Lynch and the Kiwansis Club of Skidaway Island. After fulfilling his photo request for a group pic with Jessika Garcia, Greg Witbeck and Shirley Smith, I head over to meet Abide Home Care’s Roxan Campfield, Christy Smith and Reagan Daly. Loving the cool energy of the ladies that “provide world class health care to anyone in need”, I am snapping a team pic when I hear a familiar voice calling my name.

Hello Allison Adams! Looking like a rock star with her short blonde hair and vivid attire, I asked the Georgia House Call’s Director of Growth and Development what she would do if she wasn’t in health care. “I would be a singer! Either jazz or country music,” shares the jewelry loving, leopard print wearing, avid traveler!

Seeing more familiar faces like Help at Home’s “queen of all things” Jami Murray and Coastal Care Partners Tonya Hillis and Joyce McBride, I cruise over for a pic of the ladies surrounding Joyce’s husband Robert. Y’all, I have known these peeps for over a decade and seeing them is like seeing family!

Working the room, I meet Garden City Elementary teacher Angel Griffin. The quiet local lady tells me about her love of sewing, painting and church while her friend Carolyn V.B. Bush takes a seat to tell me about her book, “God, Momma and Me.” “This book tells the story of my journey of being a caregiver for my mother for eight years,” shares the 73 year old.

Tonya Hillis, Robert and Joyce McBride, Jami Murray

Next up is Michelle Lagares with iResearch Savannah. Raised in Boston, Michelle is at as many networking events as I am, is a fierce cyclist and works with “Save a Gato,” a nonprofit that rescues dogs from Puerto Rico. After a pic of her with Amy Bodek, I take a seat to listen to Stephen kick off the event.

When you hear the statistics— “1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and that in the last decade Alzheimer’s death’s have increased by 145 percent in comparison to a 7.3% decrease from heart disease”—it makes it easy to understand why Kelli, Joyce and Stephen are so dedicated in their efforts to raise funds for this horrific disease. Well done my friends!

Courtney Sylvester, Allison Adams

Carolyn V.B. Bush, Angel Griffin

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

You may recognize Carolyn from her early AM walks at Daffin Park or from her 27 years in the Air Force, 13 years at Memorial Health, 25 years as a lab tech or at church where she organizes activities for seniors. Telling me of her passion for caring for our elderly, I nod in agreement and tell her about my love of veterans.

15

COMMUNITY

SPORTS

JAUDON SPORTS: TWO YEARS INTO A FIVEYEAR GRAYSON STADIUM LEASE, THE SAVANNAH BANANAS HAVE UNMATCHED LEVERAGE ON CITY

BY TRAVIS JAUDON

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Sports Columnist @JaudonSports

16

Another summer, another Coastal Plain League Championship for the Savannah Bananas. Last weekend at Grayson Stadium, the collegiate summer league’s champs celebrated a second straight title and a third since the franchise’s inception in 2016.

What can be said about their success that hasn’t already been said? Probably not much. The Bananas have had success on and off the field at seemingly every turn.

Everything they touch turns to yellow gold. They are truly “on a heater,” as the kids say.

We know this. We know about the Fans First mindset, the marketing brilliance and the level of excellence from the on-field product. A new age of baseball has been displayed primarily at a stadium built in 1926. It has worked to perfection for owner Jesse Cole and nearly everyone involved.

Cole is always looking ahead, searching for the next “thing” to bring Banana fans across the globe. In the spirit of that, it’s natural for some to wonder about the future of the team, and more specifically, how its relationship with the city and with historic Grayson Stadium will look in years to come.

Because the past is obvious, but the Bananas’ future in Savannah is anything but.

Cole and Fans First Entertainment agreed to a five-year stadium lease with the City of Savannah a few years back.

The agreement began on October 1, 2020 and runs through September 1, 2025. It includes an opt-in faucet which would allow the Bananas another five-year extension to remain at Grayson beyond the fall of 2025. Cole and company would need to notify the city by May 2025 if that extension is to happen.

There is nothing about the Bananas and nothing about

Cole which suggests they would leave Savannah. In fact, everything Cole has said in the past points to the opposite being true.

“Savannah is our home; Grayson Stadium is our Disney World. That is our focus,” Cole told The Savannah Morning News in September of 2020 after news on the five-year lease agreement surfaced. “We’re putting everything we can into making Grayson Stadium nicer, more beautiful, a better destination for more people. That’s all we’re focusing on for right now. I don’t think we’re interested in setting up another team in another location or any of that.”

That’s a nice thought. After all, everyone loves Disney World. But given the recent and constant expansion of the “Banana-Ball” and “World Tour” aspects of Fans First, it’s fair to wonder if the Bananas are on pace to outgrow their Disney World stadium, and the city which leases it to them for essentially $75,000 annually.

Without the Bananas, Grayson Stadium would almost certainly deteriorate quicker than it already is. The city maintains the field and the general stadium upkeep, but they do so because they are collecting nice monthly payments from Grayson’s current tennant. Should that tennant decide to move on, the city would be much less inclined to keep up with maintenance at the Victory Drive venue.

So while Cole contends the team has no plans of leaving anytime soon, the fact remains that the city needs the Bananas.

But do the Bananas need Savannah?

One glance at the success of sold-out events in stadiums and cities across the country would give you the answer to that question. It’s a resounding no, they don’t need Savannah.

“If we could sign a 100-year lease, we would sign a 100year lease,” Cole told the Savannah Morning News in 2020.

“We believe in this community. We believe in what we can do.”

Again, the actions by Cole and his brand have backed up that sentiment of loyalty to Savannah. But it is becoming increasingly clear that Cole’s bunch can have success all

over the country, and that gives the Bananas leverage they didn’t have in 2016.

Could you imagine being the Mayor or city council member responsible for letting the Bananas leave Savannah? That’s something that no Savannah politician wants on the resume.

So, when the current lease expires in three years, it isn’t too crazy to think the Bananas will want more from Savannah for things like helping to restore Grayson. And why shouldn’t they ask for more? They’ve held up their end of the bargain and then some.

Their leverage grows with every sellout and outgrowing Disney World is a real possibility.

SPORTS NOTES Local high school teams, coaches and players spent time previewing the 2022 season at the Optim Orthopedic & Prep Sports Report Football Media Day on Saturday, August 6 at EnMarket Arena. Of course, Benedictine is the main attraction entering this season after Danny Britt’s Cadets won the Class 4A State Championship in 2021.

When the BC head coach addressed the room from the podium, he made sure to remind anyone listening that his 2022 team will have to make an identity of its own. “The goal is not repeating this season,” he said. “We don’t even talk about it. I tell (the players) and the coaches, ‘don’t wear your rings around’ because that year is gone, most of those players are gone. This is a new team.”

A rising junior at Calvary Day, Will Hampton committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt University last week on his Twitter page (@will_hampton18). As a sophomore pitcher/first baseman for the Cavs last season, Hampton posted a slash line of .368/.495/1.058 OPS at the plate. On the mound, the lefty was 4-1 with a 0.75 ERA. Hampton is the second LHP from a Savannah private school in recent years to commit to play at Vandy as Benedictine’s Carter Holton just wrapped up his freshman season in Nashville.

FOOD & DRINK EAT IT & LIKE IT

PRESENTED WEEKLY BY SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SAD, BUT TRUE:

GERALD’S PIG AND SHRIMP SHUTTING DOWN FOR GOOD

Our GradS GeT Hired EAT IT AND LIKE IT

By Jesse Blanco eatitandlikeit.com

SavannahTech.edu/Hired

An equal opportunity institution.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Is there really any greater sign of one of those ‘new normals’ than seeing a small business (particularly restaurants) closing for a day here or there because of a staffing issue?

If we’ve seen it once, we’ve seen it a hundred times in the last couple of years.

It’s unfortunate for sure, but it is the state of the world right now. Labor remains an issue in food and beverage everywhere. But that dead horse has been beaten several times in this space. We aren’t here to do it again.

It was for that reason, however, that I didn’t think much of the fact that a Tybee Island staple, Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp, was closed back in May on the day of the soon-to-be-world famous beach bum parade.

The island was going to be jammed

with people, I thought. Why isn’t Gerald open? He must be having trouble finding help.

I rolled on.

After the parade, I called Gerald in part to find out what was up with his not being open.

“Please don’t say anything. But I’m done. I’m selling it.”

The end of an era for sure.

Last week, I got the call.

“It’s done.” We met out at Huc-a-Poo’s for a chat between old friends.

14 year runs owning a restaurant aren’t usually the kind of things that earn you ticker-tape parades and/or keys to the city, but it is different on Tybee and it is certainly different with Gerald Schantz.

He is the Savannah boy, turned downtown stained glass maker, turned restaurant owner. Gerald is as much a part of Savannah’s fabric as speed traps in Thunderbolt.

Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp served as a perfectly ‘Tybee-fied” spot on the island

17

COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK

by Chantel Britton

FLORAL PALOMA ENJOY AT:

PEREGRIN

256 E Perry St. (Inside Perry Lane Hotel)

MADE WITH:

4 oz Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata, 1.5 oz creme de Violette, 1.5 oz Lime Juice, 1.5 oz Grapefruit Juice, 1 oz Simple, a dash of Lavender Bitters, topped with Fresca Peregrin is a chic rooftop bar overlooking downtown Savannah located inside of the luxurious Perry Lane Hotel. Peregrin offers a variety of inventive cocktails like the Floral Paloma. Bright and aromatic, this cocktail combines citrusy and floral flavors with a top-shelf tequila. It’s a fun, refreshing drink that’s perfect to sip on this summer.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

JESSE BLANCO AND GERALD SCHANTZ

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for BBQ and fried shrimp. The latter being some of the best on the island, if not the county.

The restaurant started with a food trailer on a lot Gerald owned on the island. It later evolved into an eclectic blend of table space, signage, and a tiny bar to pour a few draft beers. It was one of Tybee’s perfect post day-at-the-beach eateries.

Gerald the cook is self taught. He admits to countless trial runs of those fried shrimp in search of something he could compare to old school local favorite Williams Seafood.

He credits his smoked meats skills to his friend John Purvis out in Glennville, Georgia.

Why now? “I’m going to be 70 in October” he says.

6:00am alarms hit a little different north of 60, I assume, when you are faced with running a business. There is great joy, and Gerald is very quick to share so much of it. But there was also a good bit of-lets say not joy-that comes with the daily grind of owning a restaurant.

Gerald says the 2020 shutdown gave him his first taste of how much better his bones felt when he didn’t have to get after it four or five days a week.

Once he began that uphill climb back to wherever the industry is going these days, he realized he just didn’t want to do it anymore. It’s a pattern that has repeated itself thousands, if not millions, of times across America post-pandemic.

“I’ve really enjoyed the people I’ve met over the years.” Gerald says referring to his extremely loyal customer base.

“Yesterday I got a call from a guy in

Atlanta telling me he was coming down and needed some hot sauce for his mother.”

“At the stained glass shop you see your customers twice.” he says. “This was different. At the restaurant we saw a lot of the same faces all of the time. I really loved talking to them.”

He said it more than once, but it was beyond more than obvious how much he was going to miss the camaraderie and pleasure that comes from making his customers happy.

So now what? I don’t think ‘retirement’ is a fair choice of words.

The first words out of his mouth when we met was the fact that he was looking forward to his continued work with the few charities he’s been cooking for in Savannah over the years. Oyster roasts, BBQ, and more. That isn’t going to change.

Beyond that, he’s taking a vacation to Alaska to visit a friend, but he’s staying at his long time home on Tybee Island, directly across the street from Jodee Sadowsky, who very quietly sold another Tybee Island institution-The Breakfast Club-last year and is very much enjoying his new chapter.

If those two characters stepping aside doesn’t tell you about the changing face of Tybee Island, then I don’t know what will.

Still, Tybee’s gonna Tybee. There will always be characters.

Gerald says the new owners of that space plan to keep a lot of what is there intact. It will remain a restaurant.

It just won’t be Gerald’s Pig and Shrimp.

Served in a rounded glass hanging from a stand, the presentation alone is reason enough to give this classy cocktail a try, but it definitely doesn’t disappoint when it comes to taste. Visit Peregrin to enjoy the Floral Paloma soon!

FOOD TRUCK OF THE WEEK PIE SOCIETY

by Chantel Britton

Pie Society is a British pie company bringing handmade baked goods to the Hostess City. Specializing in meat pies, pasties, quiches and desserts, Pie Society is located in the heart of City Market on Jefferson St. They also have a location in Pooler. If you can’t find time to make it to one of their brick and mortar sites, you can catch Pie Society’s food truck on the go.

The truck’s menu includes both savory and sweet delights. Savory items include the British staple, Fish and Chips as well as Chicken Pot Pie, Steak and Ale Pie, Vegetable Pot Pie and Chicken Marsala Pie. All pot pies come with a hearty side of mashed potatoes topped with warm, luscious gravy.

If you want something sweet, choose between a slice of their bright Key Lime Pie or the decadent Chocolate Silk Pie. Or don’t choose, just go ahead and get both.

We won’t tell.

Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a satisfying meal, Pie Society doesn’t disappoint. Visit thebritishpiecompany. com/truck-schedule/ to see the truck’s weekly schedule and whereabouts. And be sure to follow them on Facebook @thebritishpiecompany and on Instagram @piesociety.

FOOD & DRINK

NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

GIMME S’MORE!

ENJOY SOME OF SAVANNAH’S GOOEY SWEET TREATS IN TIME FOR NATIONAL S’MORES DAY Foxy Loxy Print Gallery and Cafe | Facebook

By Chantel Britton

chantel@connectsavannah.com

With their warm, melted chocolatey goodness, s’mores are a summer staple. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a campfire and roasting marshmallows while sharing stories with family and friends. Once that marshmallow is sandwiched with chocolate pieces between two crispy graham crackers, you’re on your way to absolute bliss with that indulgent first bite. S’mores are such a beloved sweet treat here in America that they have a whole day dedicated to singing their praises.

August. 10 is National S’mores Day and there’s no better way to celebrate than by enjoying s’mores around town. Make the most of this special holiday and check out these s’mores-themed offerings available at local restaurants and shops.

MELTING POT The Melting Pot’s Savannah location is situated on the East end of Broughton St., offering decadent fondues that are savory or sweet. S’mores fondue is one of their dessert options. Featuring milk chocolate swirled with marshmallow creme that is flambeed and topped with graham cracker bits, the s’mores fondue definitely delivers ooey-gooey goodness.

MIRABELLE Across from the iconic St. Johns Cathedral on Abercorn St. you’ll find Mirabelle, a vintage 1800’s era inn offering quaint accommodations and liege waffles. A staple of Belgian street food, liege waffles are made with fermented dough similar to Brioche bread and pearl sugar, giving them a unique texture and taste. They serve up a S’mores waffle featuring toasted marshmallows, house-made chocolate ganache and graham streusel. Every bite is decadent and delicious.

JEN’S & FRIENDS Jen’s & Friends is a Bull St. martini bar that boasts more than 300 specialty martinis. Their S’mores martini is a fan favorite featuring chocolatey syrup and marshmallow creme and a light dusting

of crushed graham crackers on top. It’s definitely a must-try for those who love dessert cocktails.

AUSPICIOUS BAKING COMPANY Known for its fresh, flavorful baked goods, Auspicious Baking Company is located on Skidaway Rd. vending a variety of pies, pastries, breads and more Thursday through Sunday. The menu is ever-changing but from time to time, you can catch a selection of s’mores options.

They’ve offered things like s’mores pie, s’mores pop-tarts and s’mores croissants, all of which receive rave reviews from patrons. Drop by or give them a call to see when they’ll have more s’mores in store.

TREYLOR PARK Treylor Park Restaurant Group operates several restaurants, the majority of which are local, serving up quality New American fare, seasonal cocktails and craft beer in unique, vibrant settings. At the Treylor Park location on Bay St. as well as the Hitch location on Drayton, guests can enjoy the S’mores Flatbread. It comes with marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips and graham crackers, making it another great option that’s perfect for the holiday.

BELOW ZERO A fun ice creamery on Mall Blvd., Below Zero offers artisanal rolled ice cream with a variety of toppings for the perfect cold treat. They have a s’mores option that comes with toasted marshmallow,

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

FOXY LOXY Located on Bull St. just across from the Bull Street Library, Foxy Loxy is an interesting amalgamation that is equal parts coffee shop, bakery and Tex-Mex cantina. Every Saturday, they host a Fire & Wine event in their welcoming courtyard where there are fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows. S’mores kits are available for purchase and wine bottles are half priced. It’s always a good time.

SAVANNAH RAE’S POPCORN Savannah Rae’s is a Broughton St. popcorn shop boasting more than 150 flavors of gourmet popcorn. Among them, of course, is their S’mores Popcorn.

It’s marshmallow popcorn covered with milk chocolate and graham crackers.

At just $5.95 for a bag, this specialty popcorn will deliver everything you love about s’mores without the labor of making them yourself.

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BOOKS Savannah’s Independent Bookstore since 1975 offering a selection of fiction, nonfiction, regional, and children’s books

WHAT ARE WE READING? PRESENTED AND CURATED WEEKLY BY E. SHAVER, BOOKSELLER THE LAST GRADUATE

BY NAOMI NOVIK

In Wisdom, Shelter. That’s the official motto of the Scholomance. I suppose you could even argue that it’s true—only the wisdom is hard to come by, so the shelter’s rather scant. Our beloved school does its best to devour all its students—but now that I’ve reached my senior year and have actually won myself a handful of allies, it’s suddenly developed a very particular craving for me. And even if I somehow make it through the endless waves of maleficaria that it keeps throwing at me in between grueling homework assignments, I haven’t any idea how my allies and I are going to make it through the graduation hall alive.

Unless, of course, I finally accept my foretold destiny of dark sorcery and destruction. That would certainly let me sail straight out of here. The course of wisdom, surely. But I’m not giving in—not to the mals, not to fate, and especially not to the Scholomance.

THE UNHONEYMOONERS

BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin: from inexplicable mishaps to a recent layoff, her life seems to be almost comically jinxed. By contrast, her sister Ami is an eternal champion...she even managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a slew of contests. Unfortunately for Olive, the only thing worse than constant bad luck is having to spend the wedding day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas.

Olive braces herself for wedding hell, determined to put on a brave face, but when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan.

Suddenly there’s a free honeymoon up for grabs, and Olive will be damned if Ethan gets to enjoy paradise solo.

BELOVED

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

BY TONI MORRISON

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Sethe, its protagonist, was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has too many memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened.

326 Bull Street

Behind the Desoto Historic Downtown Savannah 912.234.7257

eshaverbooks.com

And Sethe’s new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.

Filled with bitter poetry and suspense as taut as a rope, Beloved is a towering achievement.

CONNECT SAVANNAH

ART PATROL TRADING SPACES

February 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works.

2022 Trading Spaces Events are as follows: • August 1 - September 30, 2022 • October 1 - November 30, 2022

KOBO 360°

December 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023 Kobo Gallery artists Morgan Adler, Suzanne Carmack, Antoine de Villiers, Joy Dunigan, Marta McWhorter, David Kaminsky and Daniel E. Smith rotate the gallery, prompting a host of new work arrivals and a fresh take on existing works.

GHOSTS

GHOSTS is a collection of paintings along with a video installation produced by artist, Meg Kettelkamp, and filmed and edited by Grace Harding. Kettelkamp’s naturally dyed fabrics with plant material gathered around Savannah take on new forms and purposes in the film, continued by a new presentation in the gallery. Contemplating the complexities of the past and its effects on the present, she invites the viewer into a quiet reflection of both light and shadow, and seeing the familiar with childlike simplicity. All work at the exhibition will be for sale. 5-9 p.m.. megkettelkamp.com. The Nest Gallery, 601 E 33rd St.

THROUGH THE EYES OF ERIC HARTLEY, A PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

CHUL-HYUN AHN: BEYOND

Telfair Museums’ 2022 PULSE Art + Technology Festival features a solo exhibition

by Baltimore-based artist Chul-Hyun Ahn (Korean, b. 1971) whose light boxes made from LEDs, one-way mirrors, and sculptural materials create the suggestion of

infinite space, whether the illusion of a railroad track curving into the darkness or geometric abstractions in vibrant color. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. telfair.org

THE ART OF WILLIAM O. GOLDING: HARD KNOCKS, HARDSHIPS AND LOTS OF EXPERIENCE

Telfair Museums presents the first large museum survey of the work of William O. Golding (1874-1943), an African American seaman and artist who recorded a half-century of maritime experience in more than one hundred vibrant drawings. In the 1930s, Golding was a patient at the United States Marine Hospital in Savannah, where he represented his experiences in expressive pencil and crayon drawings which combine memory, imagination, and sailors’ lore. 72 works will be exhibited, including 23 drawings from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, and others from the Morris Museum of Art, The Georgia Museum of Art, and private collections. 10 a.m.-5 p.m..

912-790-8800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/ exhibitions/golding/. telfair.org/jepson/.

Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

DECONSTRUCTED

In dialogue with ‘CONVERGENCE’ in the adjoining art912 gallery, ‘DECONSTRUCTED’ features over a dozen works created in the Southeast in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Beyond a regional guiding thread, these objects from Telfair Museums’ permanent collection speak to the theme of deconstruction, either formally or conceptually. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 19127908800. info@telfair.org. telfair.org/exhibitions/deconstructed/. telfair. org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

BLOW UP: INFLATABLE CONTEMPORARY ART

BLOW UP: Inflatable Contemporary Art explores the imaginative ways that artists use air as a tool for creating larger-than-life sculptures. Featuring nine cutting-edge installation projects, this exhibition shakes up traditional associations of inflatables with balloons, beach toys, and blimps. As a group, these demonstrate the wealth of visual possibilities for inflatable art, from playfully familiar subjects to colorful abstractions and thought-provoking conceptual work. The exhibition includes an international roster of artists and art collectives who are well known in contemporary art circles: Nicole Banowetz, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Joshua Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Max Streicher, and Jen Stark. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. 912-790-8800. telfair.org

CINEMA SAVANNAH PRESENTS

ROGUE AGENT (UK, 2022) A REGIONAL PREMIERE SAVANNAH CULTURAL ARTS CENTER | 7 PM 201 MONTGOMERY STREET $10 | CASH PREFERRED (SCAN CODE TO WATCH TRAILER)

CinemaSavannah premieres a brand new British spy thriller, “Rogue Agent” at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center According to IMDB (Internet Movie Databse): A chilling true story of conman, Robert Freegard, who posed as an undercover MI5 agent kidnapping countless victims amidst a high-stakes manhunt until the woman who fell for him brought him to justice. Starring Gemma Arterton and James Norton. 118 minutes.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

The Arts on the Coast in partnership with Great Oaks Bank is proud to present ‘Through the Eyes of Eric Hartley, A Photographic Collection’, a black and white photography exhibition that features over 25 extraordinary images from Hartley’s personal collection. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 3rd from 5-7 p.m. The full show dates at June 3-August 12, 2022. Free 5-7 p.m..

9123985776. artsonthecoastaoc@gmail. com. artsonthecoast.org/eric-hartley. Estes Gallery at Great Oaks Bank/Arts on the Coast, 42 Town Centre Drive.

To submit an ART PATROL listing, please submit an event at connectsavannah.com

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CULTURE HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 2PM-6PM

HALF PRICED APPS, $3 WELLS $4 GEORGIA & DOMESTIC DRAFTS $5 JAMESON & FIREBALL

FILM

SCAD NAMED TO MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE’S LIST OF THE 40 BEST FILM SCHOOLS OF 2022

MONDAY POKER @7PM KARAOKE! @9PM

TUESDAY TRIVIA @7PM

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ERIC CULBERSON LIVE BLUES @9PM

KARAOKE THURSDAY-MONDAY @9PM CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

KITCHEN

22

OPEN LATE

WE OPEN EARLIEST: DAILY AT 10AM! 21 E MCDONOUGH ST, SAVANNAH, GA 31401 M–SAT 10AM TO 3AM | SUN 10AM TO 2AM

WWW.MCDONOUGHSLOUNGE.COM

A SCAD Film and Television student works on a production of “Siren” on location. | Photography by Marc Newton for SCAD.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has been named one of MovieMaker’s 40 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada of 2022.

The annual list recognizes schools that prepare students for every aspect of moviemaking — spanning world-renowned universities as well as rising, surprisingly affordable institutions.

“SCAD is an easy institution to praise,” said MovieMaker editor-in-chief Tim Molloy. Georgia is a cinematic powerhouse, which creates lots of opportunities for students and recent graduates, and the close-knit sense of community and commitment to excellence is obvious the moment you set foot in Savannah. One of the best things about SCAD is that it never rests on its laurels, and it’s constantly reinvesting in itself and its students — I’m especially impressed by its recent decision to expand its film and digital media studios into a nearly 11-acre Hollywood-style backlot, a brand-new, game-changing XR stage, and new soundstages.”

Of the nearly 15,000 SCAD alumni from entertainment and digital media disciplines, 3,500 SCAD alumni work in the multi-billion-dollar Georgia entertainment industry.

Because of SCAD’s locations in Atlanta and Savannah, students work on real sets long before graduation from major studio features to hit TV series and indie films.

While attending SCAD, students have booked over 500 roles in major motion pictures and television series in Georgia, earn-

ing their Screen Actors Guild cards while earning their degrees.

Students were placed on Amazon Prime’s Underground Railroad, Hulu’s A Girl from Plainville, NBC’s Council of Dads, and Julie Taymor’s feature film The Glorias to name a few.

SCAD film and television students, sound designers, production designers, and performing arts majors are also the first in the world to collaborate with immersive reality, visual effects, and interactive design and game development students to produce context on a virtual production (XR) stage.

Officials say SCAD is the only university in the country with cutting edge technology at this scale available to its students.

The stage opened In the fall of 2021 as part of the expansion of SCAD’s Savannah Film Studio. A second XR stage will open this fall at the university’s Atlanta location.

SCAD also presents the SCAD Savannah Film Festival each October. The largest university run film festival in the world brings award winning films, celebrated filmmakers, legendary artists and honorees, and premiere films to our students, the city of Savannah, and the film and television industry as a whole.

This year the festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary and will be held October 22-29.

For more information on SCAD or any of its programs, festivals and events, visit scad.edu - Staff Reports

FILM

Plant Riverside District continues free family films Plant Riverside District will continue the new Movies in the Park series, featuring free weekly showings of popular family-friendly movies on a giant LED screen in Plant Riverside District’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park with a new 7 p.m. start time.

The Movies in the Park series is free and open to the public.

“We’re thrilled to offer locals and visitors the chance to enjoy some of their favorite films in an entirely new way — overlooking the Savannah River under the glow of Plant Riverside District’s iconic smokestacks,” said Tyler Gray, Director of Entertainment at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. “From adventure films to animated favorites, the Movies in the Park series takes family movie night to the next level and features something that everyone can enjoy.”

Every Sunday through September 4, a feature film will begin playing at 7 p.m. in Plant Riverside District’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Lawn chair seating is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Popcorn, snow cones and beverages are available for purchase at a concession stand on-site.

Plant Riverside District’s Movies in the Park series will offer screenings of the following films: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (Rated PG, 2017) Sunday, August 14 — 7 p.m.

Inspired by the true story of P.T. Barnum and his journey to the revolutionary invention of show business, The Greatest Showman is a musical emphasizing the beauty and commonality we can find in our differences. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya and features hit songs, including “This Is Me” and the title song “The Greatest Show.”

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (Rated PG, 1982) Sunday, August 21 — 7 p.m.

The winner of four Oscars, this cinematic masterpiece by Steven Spielberg centers on the heartwarming friendship between a young boy named Elliott and a lost alien he nicknames E.T. Elliott and his siblings need to get E.T. back to his home planet, but first, they must evade the adults who fear him most.

TOY STORY (Rated G, 1995) Sunday, August 28 — 7 p.m.

One of Disney and Pixar’s best-loved animated films, Toy Story steps inside Andy’s room, where his toys are alive and struggling with their differing opinions about the new Buzz Lightyear toy, voiced by Tim Allen. Trouble brews when Buzz Lightyear seems to be displacing Woody the Cowboy, voiced by Tom Hanks, as Andy’s favorite toy.

GREASE (Rated PG, 1978) Sunday, September 4 — 7 p.m.

Based on the Broadway musical, Grease follows the unexpected high school romance between good girl Sandy Olsson, played by Olivia Newton-John, and the T-birds head greaser Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta. This popular film features iconic songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin,’ ” “You’re the One That I Want” and many more.

For more information, please visit plantriverside.com and follow @ plantriversidedistrict on Facebook and Instagram.

- Staff Reports

SAVANNAH CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

SHOP & DINE UNITED September 10-11

Calling all Businesses!

Join Shop & Dine United on September 10-11!

Show your customers you are a part of Team UNITED! Register today to be a participating business, and we will start promoting you!

Learn more and register today:

uwce.org/shopdine2022

Special thanks to:

CLASSES BEGIN AUG 15 AFRICAN DANCE | ADULT BALLET BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION | LYRICAL DYNAMIC DANCE | MUSICAL THEATRE

savannahga.gov/arts

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Shop & Dine United is an opportunity for local businesses to provide meaningful support to our community through United Way of the Coastal Empire. Businesses can donate a percentage of sales or decide what kind of deal works best for them!

Find your Rhythm

23

THE STAGE PAGE

By Frank Ricci

ELIZABETH BALDWIN + HOWARD WATKINS @ TELFAIR ACADEMY

Enjoy this extra-lovely portion of the Savannah Voice Festival (there are countless options), with vocalist and opera singer Elizabeth Baldwin (pictured). The 2022 Milnes Opera Award winner is accompanied on piano by Juilliard’s Howard Watkins.

A rare treat; expect it to sound beautiful.

WED AUG 10 | 6:30PM

HAVING A SPECIAL EVENT? Reserve our Banquet Room!

Seats up to 80 people

Call for more information

912.354.8745

5320 Waters Ave.

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NIGHTRAIN: G’N’R TRIBUTE BAND @ COACH’S CORNER

Specializing in ORGANICS

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

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Relive the heyday of a legitimately great rock band, when Axl dared to rock a skirt and a Manson t-shirt, before unfortunate memes about cakes and pies. This very solid tribute band will play a slew of songs you know, and it’s likely they won’t start three hours late.

SAT AUG 13 | 7 PM

Savannah’s Oldest

SOUNDGARDEN EVENTS

DIRTY DOLLS BURLESQUE REVUE @ ECLIPSE

A decidedly different take on burlesque, Dirty Dolls showcases both local and regional talent with an avantgarde, rock and roll vibe. See contemporary and classic routines, with cirque arts and fire performances to spice it up.

FRI AUG 12 | 10:30 PM

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MUSIC & CLUBS

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AT FOXY’S, EVERYONE’S A KING:

LOCAL LIVE STREAMER HOSTS GOTHTHEMED GAMING NIGHT AT ECLIPSE

LUNCH DINNER FULL BAR MON-SAT 11AM-1AM SUN 11:30AM-5 PM

By Chantel Britton

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Mica Web (as Foxy) hopes to turn the gaming world in Savannah upside down. | Photo provided by Mica Webb

have Foxy’s Gamer Lounge be a regular, recurring event both in Savannah and across the nation.

“My ultimate goal is to have Foxy’s as a franchise across the United States. That’s what I want to do. Now if I’m able to get some hype going and establish a kickstarter . . . I’ll be on my way to starting that goal, that dream. This is the beginning of it, more or less,” said Webb.

Food and drink specials and great gaming aren’t all this event has to offer, there will be goth music as well. DJ Carlito Baby will be spinning records throughout the night.

“He’s going to be kicking some goth, synthwave goth-type music for that certain demographic,” said Webb.

There will be a live band for the afterparty as well. Hailing from Massachusetts, nintendocore band The Gothsicles will play at 9 p.m. In all, Webb expects this

night to be a celebration of goth culture and the local goth scene here in Savannah.

“You can’t walk three blocks without seeing someone with heavy eyeliner. . . We’ve got a hardcore punk goth gamer emo kind of vibe here in Savannah. I think a big part of why we don’t see it as much is because they don’t really have a place to go to express their culture,” Webb explained.

They expect Foxy’s Gamer Lounge to become that go-to place for Savannah’s goths to thrive.

“I think it’s really going to be a culmination of everything that Savannah has had and needed to have for quite some time in this one event,” they expressed.

And keep in mind that, “At Foxy’s, everyone is a King!”

For tickets and to learn more about the event, go to Facebook and search “Foxy’s Gamer Lounge” to find the event page.

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Local ghost tour guide and gaming live streamer Mica Webb is planning an epic night of gaming to be held on Aug. 16 from 6-9 p.m. at Eclipse bar on Congress St. The event is called ‘Foxy’s Gamer Lounge,’ and Webb expects it to be “the best night of gaming Savannah has ever seen.”

While open to gamers from all walks of life, the event will cater to alternative crowds, particularly goths and the queer community. Webb is planning an inclusive atmosphere where gamers can come together and enjoy good music, tasty food, themed-drinks and, of course, great games. “‘Foxy’s Gamer Lounge’ is a gamer-focused lounge night where we will have a bunch of retro video games. We’ll have three separate consoles for that where people can go up and play different old school video games like Sonic the Hedgehog [and] Mario. Whatever you really want to play, we’ve got that. In addition to that, we’ll have a library of tabletop games people can play as well,” Webb explained.

During the night, elf maidens dressed in mystical maiden garb will serve food and specialty drinks, like “Maiden’s Milk” and “The Mind Flayer”.

Webb really wants guests to feel special.

“You come into Foxy’s and we say, ‘welcome to Foxy’s king!’ And we hand you a crown. . . It’s a goth punk gaming night for that particular crowd as well as anybody who just wants to have a nice time gaming and appreciating the atmosphere. That’s what’s going on at Foxy’s,” Webb said.

Webb attributes the idea to their live streaming persona, Foxy.

“I do dungeons and dragons games on the internet and I live stream them. I had this whole Foxy persona, and then I thought ‘what if Foxy had a lounge? What if she had her own bar?’ I think that would be pretty cool,” Webb expressed. “As I was becoming this character, I started to take on this idea. It’s almost like Foxy gave me the idea as I was being her. It just kind of evolved,” they added.

Webb got to work fleshing out the idea and Foxy’s Gamer Lounge was born. The event will celebrate goth and gaming culture, And Webb hopes, depending on the success of this inaugural launch, to

Quality Eats + Drinks

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CONNECT SAVANNAH MUSIC

SOUNDBOARD WHO IS PLAYING WHERE THIS WEEK

AUG/

10-16

ENTER YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM

WEDNESDAY 8/10

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

Starland Yard Soap Rocks Starland Yard!, 5-8 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt) Bucky and Barry, 1 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

Cohen’s Retreat Midtown Pickers, 6 p.m.

Driftaway Cafe Chuck Courtenay, 6 p.m.

Electric Moon Skytop Lounge and The Moon Deck, Plant Riverside District Power Plant Building rooftop Mix It Up at the Moon feat. Sipsmith Gin, 5:30-7 p.m.

McDonough’s Blues with Eric Culberson, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences Savannah Voice Festival: “IN RECITAL” Elizabeth Baldwin, soprano with Howard Watkins, piano, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Moon River Brewing Co. Trivia, 6 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MONDAY 8/15

TRIVIA & GAMES

El-Rocko Lounge Trivia with Jules and Chris Grimmett, 9-11:30 p.m.

Moodright’s Duckpin Bowling League Night, 8 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Trivia Night with Jess Shaw, 6:30 p.m.

The Wormhole Bingo, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Savannah Comedy Underground, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Two Tides Brewing Company Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, second Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

Nickie’s 1971 Ray Tomasino, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Open Mic, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

SUN/

14

SOAP ROCKS STARLAND YARD | 5 PM

Hotter than August in Savannah, Soap’s dizzying sahow of rock and funk originals and covers, hypnotic musicianship, and mesmerizing vocals is just the elixir to your summer malaise. A staple on Savannah’s music scene for over a decade, Soap guarantees to make you shake your body and move your feet. Come on out to Starland Yard Sunday and work up a sweat. Don’t worry, there will be lots of brews, maybe a shower, and plenty of Soap! Rain or shine show.

Cohen’s Retreat Munchies & Music, 5-9 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Ray Lundy Tandem Coffee and Spirits Tune In....@ Tandem, 6-8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

Bar Food Trivia Night, 8 p.m.

McDonough’s Family Feud, 7 p.m.

The Wormhole Trivia, 10 p.m.

26

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Totally Awesome Bar Open Mic Comedy, 8:30 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees DJ B-Rad, 9 p.m.

Top Deck Sunset Deck Party, 6 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Service Brewing Company Service Brewing Run Club, 6:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS Fia Rua Irish Pub Family Movie Night, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY 8/16

THURSDAY 8/11 LIVE MUSIC

Club One Super Gay Bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Moodright’s BINGO, 8 p.m.

Starland Yard Music Bingo, 7-9 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY 8/12 LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina LAX, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar John Patton Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Service Brewing Company Bluegrass By The Pint with Swamptooth, 6 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater Material Girls - An Evening Celebrating Madonna, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

PS Tavern Beer Pong Tournament, 10 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Karaoke Night, 9 p.m.

The Hive Repertory Theatre LLC Adult Night Out - Karaoke!, 8 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

DJ

Club 51 Degrees DJ Fer, DJ Emalo, DJ Lil G, DJ BRad, 9 p.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Rock House Music & Dance, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY 8/13 LIVE MUSIC

Coffee Bluff Marina Gary Strickland, 6 p.m.

Jazz’d Tapas Bar Georgia Kyle Shiver Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant JodyJazz Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Sting Ray’s Robert Willis, 6 p.m.

Tybee Post Theater Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute 2022, 8 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Blueberry Hill Pool Tournament, 2 p.m.

KARAOKE

Bar Food Karaoke Night, 10 p.m.

Bay Street Blues Karaoke

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

McDonough’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Rock House Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Totally Awesome Bar Karaoke, 10 p.m.

COMEDY

Club One Comedy Revue, second Saturday of every month, 8 p.m.

Front Porch Improv Adult Drop-in IMPROV Class, 10 a.m.

BAR & CLUB EVENTS

Club One Drag Show, 10:30 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

Over Yonder Honky Tonk Saturdays

SUNDAY 8/14 LIVE MUSIC

Collins Quarter at Forsyth Ember City, 2 p.m.

Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup, 10 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Savannah : Savannah VOICE Festival: VOICES in Sacred Song, 5-7 p.m.

Myrtle & Rose, Rooftop Garden PRD Live Jazz Sunday Brunch Featuring the Howard Paul Jazz Trio, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

McDonough’s Open Mic/Jam, 9 p.m.

Nickie’s 1971 Roy Swindell, 7 p.m.

TRIVIA & GAMES

Foxy’s Gamer Lounge Eclipse Bar 6-9 p.m.

The Gothsicles Eclipse Bar 9 p.m.

Basil’s Pizza and Deli Trivia, 7 p.m.

Fia Rua Irish Pub Trivia, 7 p.m.

McDonough’s Trivia Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Oak 36 Bar + Kitchen Trivia Tuesday, 9 p.m.

Savannah Taphouse Trivia, 7 p.m.

Starland Yard Trivia with Chris Grimmett, 6:30 p.m.

KARAOKE

Blueberry Hill Karaoke, 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

Club One Karaoke, 10 p.m.

Wet Willie’s Karaoke, 9 p.m.

COMEDY

Stafford’s Public House Open Mic, 8:30-11:45 p.m.

SOUNDBOARD IS A FREE SERVICE - TO BE INCLUDED, PLEASE ENTER YOUR LIVE MUSIC INFORMATION WEEKLY ON CONNECTSAVANNAH.COM AND CHOOSE “SOUNDBOARD.”.

DEADLINE IS NOON MONDAY, TO APPEAR IN WEDNESDAY’S EDITION. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT OR CUT LISTINGS DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS.

THE BAND PAGE

By Frank Ricci

MIKE WALTON QUARTET @ GOOD TIMES JAZZ BAR

I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE @ EL ROCKO

12TH PLANET X RUSKO @ ELAN SAVANNAH

CHEER-ACCIDENT @ THE WORMHOLE

Walton took up the saxophone at age 10 and by the time he was in high school, he knew a career in music was what he wanted.

After studying at Valdosta State, he moved to Atlanta for graduate studies at Georgia State and met many mentors. The result is stunning, sax-driven jazz.

SAT AUG 13 | 8 PM

The Chicago prog rockers have a long and interesting history , similar to their long and interesting songs. Prog fans get it. But a band that contributes the curt, punky “52 Girls” for a B-52’s tribute album and plays a 52-minute track “Trading Balloons” has got to be…interesting.

SAT AUG 13 | 8 PM

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

12P (pictured) dives into his hometown’s La Brea tarpits for the lowest, thickest bass possible. The overall style is dubstep-heavy EDM with noticeable British undertones. His collaboration with Skrillex affirms credibility. UK’s DJ Rusko drops “happy and heavy” thuggish dubstep.

SAT AUG 13 | 10 PM

The somewhat unclassifiable Miami band collides big heavy screamo metalcore with electronic sounds. They claim “THE LESS TALENT, THE HIGHER CHANCE OF SUCCESS. REMEMBER THAT.” That may be true, but there is plenty of talent here. When properly harnessed, it’s mighty impressive.

WED AUG 17 | 8 PM

27

BUSINESS LEADER NEEDED Morris Multimedia, Inc. is looking for a proven leader to take charge of Effingham Herald’s weekly newspaper in Southeast Georgia!

This progressive media company with newspapers, magazines, websites, digital services and outdoor advertising is looking for a full-time proven leader with at least 3-5 years of management experience who believes in a collaborative work environment where each individual employee has the opportunity to shine and rise to their greatest potential.

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD “Product Placement”--it’s a sign of the times.

by Matt Jones

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

➤

Must be a hands-on leader, who will strive to grow company revenues across a wide spectrum of categories while controlling expenses within the general outline of a budget;

➤

The successful candidate will be responsible for revenue generation, financial data reporting, forecasting and budgeting along with the ability to read and understand management reports and profit and loss statements;

➤ ➤

Recruitment and training of top talent;

➤

Must possess the ability to multitask;

Motivation of all employees;

➤ ➤

Must be able to build and maintain strong relationships with community members and clients;

➤

Meet and exceed monthly revenue and bottom-line goals;

➤

Attend networking events on behalf of the company.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS:

➤ Three years or more in a leadership role. Prior media management and advertising sales experience a strong plus;

➤

BA in Marketing or Business preferred.

OUR COMPANY’S CORE VALUES:

➤ We are a fun, supportive and value-driven media group offering:

CONNECT SAVANNAH | AUGUST 10-16, 2022

➤ ➤

28

➤

Competitive salary and bonus opportunities; A great benefits package - health benefits, matching 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, professional tools to aid in management; An open, collaborative, creative team.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Candidates must have a clean MVR and background screening as well as reliable transportation.

To apply, send a cover letter explaining your qualifications and salary requirements along with your resume to: Regional Vice President, Joe McGlamery (joe@morrisnews.com)

©2022 Matt Jones

Have a strong understanding of deadlines and be able to work well under stress;

ACROSS 1. Produced, biblical-style 6. Fox’s foot 9. Sweet stuff 14. Make up (for) 15. “... sorta” 16. One end of a battery 17. Bialik who will continue as a host of “Jeopardy!”

18. Samantha who will not continue as the host of “Full Frontal” (because it was canceled) 19. Charlie Parker genre 20. Some imaging services out of Florida?

23. Seek permission 24. They’re often split 25. Lazy river conveyance 28. Thespian 31. Disco hit centered around four characters?

35. UFO passenger 37. “Then I knew that ___ my heart” (The Supremes lyric) 39. Alternative conjunctions 40. Cheap, flimsy consoles to play “Grand Theft Auto” on?

43. Bad ___ (German spa) 44. Blue sky hue 45. Whodunit focus 46. Umlaut components 48. Ignited 50. Insect repellent compound 51. Spongy brand 53. It ended on 11/11/18 55. “Star Wars” starfighters whose pilots were too scared

to show up?

61. “Yay!” 62. Burj Khalifa’s loc.

63. Word after corn or Cobb 65. Martin Van ___ 66. Saw publication 67. Delete 68. Gnarls Barkley singer Green 69. ___-Caps (Nestle candy) 70. Winona of “Stranger Things” DOWN 1. “Batman” sound effect 2. Coup d’___ 3. Painter of “The Clothed Maja” 4. Like Studio Ghibli content 5. Heat wave figures, for short 6. ___ Xtra (Dr Pepper rival) 7. Between continents, perhaps 8. Protein shake ingredient derived from dairy 9. Hummus brand 10. Apprehensive 11. Elapse 12. Big scenes 13. Public image, for short 21. Letters before a pen name 22. Company founded in Rochester (not, surprisingly, New York, New York) 25. Sped along 26. “King of the Hill” beer brand 27. On top 29. They’ll get you where you

need to go, for a fee 30. ___ Sewell, Alabama’s only Black Congresswoman 32. New England-based soft drink brand 33. Cookie filling 34. It’s a plus 36. Org. of Blazers and Heat 38. “The Voice” network 41. Jason Bateman Netflix drama 42. Routine 47. Whimper 49. Squicked-out outburst 52. “Low-priced” commercial prefix 54. Smartened up 55. Mötley ___ (group depicted in “Pam & Tommy”) 56. Long-eared leaper 57. Palindromic flatbread 58. Strange beginning?

59. “Orange you ___ I didn’t say banana?”

60. Ed.’s requirement, once 61. “This Is Going To Hurt” airer 64. Falco’s “___ Kommissar”

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Margarita Monday $4 teremana margs

thursdays & Sunday

tree-fifty tuesday

$3.50 beer, titos, RBV, jameson

Live MUSIC | 6-9 pm Drink specials

Wine wednesday

Half off Boles

125 West River Street On top of the cotton sail hotel OPEN DAILY 11AM TO 11 PM*

www.topdeckbar.com *CLOSING HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

CONTEST

S I G N I T VO IGHT R N !

E P W O O E M

In the world of the Real Pets of Savannah, being extra is guaranteed, glitzy collars are key and the louder the bark, the softer the bite.

This summer, we are asking Connect readers to share photos of their favorite furballs. If you’re a pet lover, you’re going to be excited about our new contest The Real Pets of Savannah.

Entering the contest is easy! Simply, tell us your pet’s name and their “Real Housewives Tagline,” along with your favorite photo of them!

Nominations will run July 25 to August 5, Voting will run from August 5 to August 19, and the lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to Woof Gang Bakery! Scan the code or enter at connectsavannah.com

presented by:

Savannah’s Neighborhood Pet Store

From businesses on the grow, to events and shows, to contests and giveaways that can throw you some dough, this tiny digital LOWDOWN will keep you up to date with happenings like a pro.

Read the first issue today!

Make an Entrance KATHI RICH 2515 Abercorn Street facebook.com/kathyrichinc @kathirichsavannah Sara Zoe Budnik photographed by Adriana Iris Boatwright