Connect Savannah December 31, 2014

clocking speeders... and opinion, 12 | the garage opens! 18 | songwriters rise up! 20 | glass blowers, 24 | tijuana flats, 25 Dec 31, 2014 – Jan 6, 2015 news, arts & Entertainment weekly connectsavannah.com

Southern

Gothic

Leslie Lovell and Francis Allen; Photo by Jon Waits

A flock of Little Free Libraries becomes the Flannery O’Connor Book Trail

By Jessica Leigh Lebos | 10

2014 SCAD SAF, Gray’s Reef Fantastic Fishes Prize: Jose Matheu and Richardo Chiuz

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary Friday, January 16 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sylvia Earle and her film Mission Blue

Sylvia Earle will be available for Q & A after the films.

Shark Showcase features Great White Shark

Saturday, January 17 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Children’s Session

features Winter: The Dolphin That Can, whose story inspired the hit film Dolphin Tale Emerging Filmmakers Showcase and Awards

Afternoon Session

Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Swains Island and Antarctica: On the Edge

Evening Feature

National Geographic’s Deep Sea Challenge: follows James Cameron’s journey deep into the Mariana Trench Q & A with Deep Sea Challenge Expedition Film Director John Bruno

Closing Reception

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

on stage with visiting filmmakers, researchers and explorers

2

For more information visit graysreef.noaa.gov For advance tickets visit graysreefnmsf.org/Film-Festival/tickets

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL | 2015

Opening Night

Enjoy great food with good friends.

Comfortably suited for a casual lunch or dinner, Liberty Street Grill serves up creative locallyinspired food in a relaxed atmosphere. Sip a wine or craft beer on our outdoor patio or relax with a group in our 42 person dining area as you enjoy house made small bites and seasonal entrees made using the freshest local ingredients. Owners John and Amber Roelle. Conveniently located at 529 Liberty Street with private off-street parking.

HOURS Mon-Sat 11-10 HAPPY HOUR Weekdays 4-7 529 E. Liberty Street - (912) 235-2907 libertystreetgrill.com

2015 AT THE

WING

r o f y d a e r u o y Are some football?

NYDAY

LET THE PLAYOFFS COMMENCE! • BLOODY MARYS & OUR FAMOUS BOWL DAY BUFFET • WIN TICKETS TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FLASH US YOUR WILD CARD THRU SATURDAY, JANUARY 3RD FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. (ONLY AT THE CITY MARKET WILD WING CAFE.)

NY DAY BOWL GAME SCHEDULE OUTBACK BOWL AUBURN VS WISCONSIN | NOON

GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL CLASSIC MICHIGAN STATE VS BAYLOR | 12:30PM

BUFFALO WILD WINGS CITRUS BOWL MISSOURI VS MINNESOTA | 1PM

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL: ROSE BOWL OREGON VS FLORIDA STATE | 5PM

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL: SUGAR BOWL ALABAMA VS OHIO STATE | 8:30PM

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME JANUARY 12TH | 8:30PM

The Weekend Lineup!

FRIDAY NIGHT

SATURDAY

JEFF BEASLEY

BUCKY AND BARRY

JASON COURTENAY DUO

BUCKY & BARRY

1-4PM

AFTERNOON IN THE MARKET

6-9PM

BAND TBA

PLUS

5-8PM

LIVE MUSIC TBA

6-9PM

THURSDAY

S AVA N N A H C I T Y M A R K E T

|

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

GROOVETOWN ASSAULT

ALL DAY & NIGHT

INSIDE LATE NIGHT

27 BARNARD STREET

|

912-790-WING (9464)

WHISKEY RUN

SUNDAY OUTSIDE!

5:30 - 9:30PM

INSIDE LATE NIGHT

| W W W. W I L D W I N G C A F E . C O M

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

WEDNESDAY

3

Week At A Glance

compiled by Rachael Flora | happenings@connectsavannah.com Week At A Glance is Connect Savannah’s listing of events in the coming week. If you want an event listed, email WAG@ connectsavannah.com. Include specific dates, time, locations with addresses, cost and a contact number. Deadline for inclusion is 5pm Friday, to appear in next Wednesday’s edition.

Wednesday / 31

SkateFest

Indoor ice skating in a festive, familyfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Visit savannahcivic.com for full schedule.

Dec. 12-Jan. 3 The Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $7 savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/

The Celebration

New Year's Eve celebration featuring open bar, desserts, music and party favors in the Westin Savannah Grand Ballroom.

8 p.m.-1 a.m Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Resort Drive. $75 912-201-2036

Tybee Polar Plunge

New Year's Eve Countdown

A tradition held every New Years Day at the Tybee Pier. Join more than 1,000 hearty souls as they plunge into the Atlantic as the clock strikes noon. Join the crazy Gang of Goofs contest at 11 a.m. as dozens of fun-loving gangs don wacky costumes, parade in front of celebrity judges and compete for prizes before dashing into the chilly waves. Register online or at the event and get the Official 2015 Tybee Polar Plunge long-sleeve T-shirt.

10 a.m.-1 p.m Tybee Pier Pavilion, Off HWY 80 at the end of Tybrisa St. $25 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 912-663-1099. info@tybeeposttheater.org. tybeepolarplunge.com/

Ring in the new year on River Street with their "Up the Cup" celebration, a light show, a digital countdown clock, and fireworks at midnight.

8 p.m River Street, River St.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration Enjoy fireworks anywhere on the east side of the island to ring in 2015. midnight Tybee Island, Tybee Island.

River Street: New Year's Eve Up-theCup and Fireworks

Ring in the New Year on Historic River Street with the 2nd Annual Up the Cup Countdown sponsored by Wet Willies Savannah, a non-traditional ball drop of a giant to-go cup. Fireworks at midnight ring in 2015.

8 p.m.-1 a.m Rousakis Plaza, River St. Free and open to the public. riverstreetsavannah.com

Friday / 2 Film: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

When the exhibits at New York's Natural History Museum start behaving strangely, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) - now the director of nighttime operations - must find out the cause.

6 & 8:30 p.m Mars Theatre, 109 S. Laurel Street.

Rockin' New Year's Eve

The Historic Savannah Theatre presents this special night of entertainment, including the two-hour musical variety show Savannah Live! as well as a champagne toast and dancing on stage with the cast and live band till 12:30 a.m.

9 p.m The Historic Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St. $55

SkateFest

Indoor ice skating in a festive, familyfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Visit savannahcivic.com for full schedule.

Dec. 12-Jan. 3 The Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $7 savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/

Wild Night on Ossabaw

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Spend New Years Eve on Ossabaw Island, on an overnight trip featuring an afternoon island and beach tour and tales of Ossabaw Island around the fire pit after dinner.

Plus a midnight champagne toast to welcome 2015. Minors must be accompanied by supervising adult. Register by Dec. 26 at 5pm.

1 p.m 4 Delegal Creek Marina, Marina Drive, Skidaway

First Day Hike to Battery Wimberley

Thur / 1

Comedy: Kevin Hart Island. $125-$250 912-233-5104. ossabawisland.net

Thursday / 1 Film: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

When the exhibits at New York's Natural History Museum start behaving strangely, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) - now the director of nighttime operations - must find out the cause.

6 p.m Mars Theatre, 109 S. Laurel Street.

Kevin Hart

Comedian Kevin Hart brings his "What Now" tour to the Johnny Mercer Theatre for two shows New Year's Day. 7 & 10 p.m Johnny Mercer Theatre, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $59.50 savannahcivic.com

New Year's Bluegrass Festival

Celebrate the new year with bluegrass music for three days straight on Jekyll Island.

Order tickets at adamsbluegrass.com.

Jekyll Island Convention Center, 75 Beach View Drive North. $20-$95

Participate in a three-mile hike to the remains of a Confederate cannon emplacement. Rangers will portray different eras of Georgia's history. Wear comfortable shoes.

10 a.m Wormsloe Historic Site, 7601 Skidaway Rd. $10 912-353-3023. marketing.wormsloe@gmail.com

First Friday Art March

A monthly art walk featuring galleries, restaurants, boutiques and more. Free Trolley transportation, Indie Arts Market, and Kids Art Activities. first Friday of every month, 6-9 p.m Art Rise Savannah, 2427 Desoto Ave. Free for All Ages 907-299-6227. info@artmarchsavannah.com

First Friday for Folk Music

Monthly folk music showcase hosted by the Savannah Folk Music Society in a friendly, alcohol-free environment. first Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave. $5 donation.

912-898-1876. savannahfolk.org

continued from previous page

New Year's Bluegrass Festival

912-319-5600. info@bonaventurecemetery.com

Celebrate the new year with bluegrass music for three days straight on Jekyll Island.

Order tickets at adamsbluegrass.com.

Jan. 1-3 Jekyll Island Convention Center, 75 Beach View Drive North. $20-$95

The Color Vibe 5k

Don't just run - have fun while you're at it with this marathon, which sprays you with colors along the way.

Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, 1 International Dr. $30

SkateFest

Indoor ice skating in a festive, familyfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Visit savannahcivic.com for full schedule.

Dec. 12-Jan. 3 The Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $7 savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/

Saturday / 3 2015 Yates Astro Resolution Trail Run/ Walk The 650+ acre campus of Bethesda Academy includes cattle pastures, marsh, a farm, a organic garden- making it a prime location for a trail run.

8:30-11 a.m Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. $25.00 prior to December 25/$35.00 after 912.704.3988. lisawilkessavannah@gmail.com. fleetfeetsavannah.com/bethesda

Film: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

When the exhibits at New York's Natural History Museum start behaving strangely, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) - now the director of nighttime operations - must find out the cause.

6 & 8:30 p.m Mars Theatre, 109 S. Laurel Street.

Thur / 1

Tybee Polar Plunge Albion's Voice 44th Reunion

Meet the staff of Albion's Voice, a literary publication started at Armstrong State College in 1970 that was too radical in its political views and became independent of the school.

6 p.m The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave.

Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and

SCAD STUDENTS!

farm-fresh eggs.

8:30 a.m.-noon Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. 912-351-2061. bethesdaacademy.org

Bonaventure After Hours: Stories, Nightfall & More!

Savannah's only after-hours cemetery event, in this riverside Victorian cemetery.

5-8 p.m.

Bonaventure Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Rd. $35

WE CARRY YOUR FRESHMAN STARTER KIT FOR THE LOWEST PRICE IN TOWN! VISIT US AT BLICK SAVANNAH 318 E BROUGHTON ST 912-234-0456

First Saturday Cars & Coffee

An informal exhibition of antique or collector cars, plus gourmet coffee at the old-fashioned price of 25 cents a cup (with a $1 or higher donation to the Richmond Hill History Museum). Car collectors encouraged to bring their vehicles, and lookers-only are welcome, too. first Saturday of every month, 9-11 a.m.

Richmond Hill Museum, 11460 Ford Ave. Free and open to the public.

912-756-3697

continues on p. 6

15

ENTIRE PURCHASE OF NON-SALE, IN-STOCK ITEMS

VALID 12/31/14 - 1/6/15 Blick Art Materials, LLC. In-store promo only. Valid at Blick and Utrecht locations.

Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase; no copies. One coupon per day.

Valid on non-sale, in-stock items. Not valid on previous purchases or with any other discounts or promotions. Not valid on Design Center orders, phone/mail/internet orders, or purchases of Sensu, Wacom, CAMEO cutting tools, Artograph light boxes & projectors, gift cards or school kits.

*Ao15919*

BLICK ART MATERIALS • INDEPENDENTLY OWNED SINCE 1911

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

week at a Glance |

5

week at a Glance |

continued from previous page

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, 501 Whitaker St. Free to attend. Items for sale.

912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com

New Year's Bluegrass Festival

Celebrate the new year with bluegrass music for three days straight on Jekyll Island.

Order tickets at adamsbluegrass.com.

Jan. 1-3 Jekyll Island Convention Center, 75 Beach View Drive North. $20-$95

SkateFest

Indoor ice skating in a festive, familyfriendly, alcohol-free setting. Each session lasts 1.5 hours. Visit savannahcivic.com for full schedule.

Dec. 12The Savannah Civic Center, 301 West Oglethorpe Ave. $7 savannahcivic.com/events/skatefest-2014/

Yates-Astro Resolution Race 5k Trail Run and Pancake Breakfast

Run through Bethesda Academy's 650acre campus to benefit the Women's Board of Bethesda to improve the lives of boys at the academy. A post-race pancake breakfast is included for all runners. Register at fleetfeetsavannah.com/bethesda, runsignup.com, or in person at Fleet Feet Sports.

7:30 a.m Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. $25

Sunday / 4

Tuesday / 6 Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and farm-fresh eggs. Students lead or assist in planting, cultivating and harvesting all items at Bethesda Academy using sustainable, organic farming techniques.

3-5:30 p.m.

Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. 912-351-2061. bethesdaacademy.org

First Tuesday Tour of City Hall

Discover City Hall history, architecture and art, while learning about their City government and viewing special rotating exhibits.

Please pre-register. first Tuesday of every month, 12-12:45 p.m.

Savannah City Hall, 2 East Bay Street.

Free and open to the public.

912-651-6411. Lspracher@savannahga.gov. savannahga.gov

Heartbeats for Life

Free support and education group for those who have suffered from or want to prevent or reverse heart disease and/or diabetes.

One Tuesday/month, 6pm.

Southwest Chatham Library, 14097 Abercorn St. Free and open to the public.

912-598-8457. jeff@heartbeatsforlife-ga.org

Tongue: Open Mouth & Music Show hosted by Calvin Thomas

Music, poetry and spoken word on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. first Tuesday of every month, 7-10 p.m Savannah Coffee Roasters, 215 West Liberty Street.

Free and open to the public.

912-238-2426. lori@savannahroasters.com. savannahcoffee.com

Fantastic Mr. Fox

The Movies and Meatballs series at the Florence features a different Wes Anderson movie each Sunday.

6 p.m The Florence, 1 West Victory.

DownloaD the FrEE Sav happS app!

SAV HAPPS

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Or tExt “Savannah” tO 77948

Savannah’S only EvEnt & EntErtainmEnt GuidE

Brought To You By

6

editor’s note

2015: The year of finding what works

by Jim Morekis jim@connectsavannah.com

FOR YEARS I’ve written columns on the issue of race in Savannah.

Sometimes back-to-back.

At times I feel I’ve overstayed my welcome on the issue, that surely no one wants to keep hearing a white guy’s opinion on it.

But I still write about it so often for these two reasons: 1) As a native Savannahian I’ve seen over and over again, throughout my personal and professional life, that race is the one subject at the root of nearly all challenges facing this city—past, present and future; 2) Pretty much no one here ever talks about it candidly and constructively.

As editor-in-chief I have felt, for better or worse, that one of our roles at Connect Savannah is to discuss things others around town don’t or won’t discuss.

If you’re going to be a true alt-weekly, you have to do your best to confront uncomfortable issues, from whatever perspective you’re best able to.

And in this town where so many important things go so frequently unsaid, the fact that the most important thing to discuss is also the most difficult issue to discuss is particularly frustrating.

2014 was a terrible year all around, but I’m hopeful 2015 will be better. This is literally the first time in living memory there seems to be common consensus among political leadership and public opinion – white and black – that something needs to be done, not just said, across the board to defuse crime, racial tension and inequality.

A recent local summit addressing the future of African American males age 10-29 had remarkably broad support. Most

everyone in Savannah—black and white, rich and poor—seems to recognize, officially and unofficially, on and off the record, that things are never going to get better here if all we do is blame the other side. Or almost as bad, kick the can down the road (or as one attendee said, “create another task force”).

We’ve done that for generations, across numerous administrations led by mayors white and black, Republican and Democrat, and we’re living with the tragic result.

I certainly claim no insight into the everyday life of a young African American in Savannah, other than what I’ve witnessed along the way growing up here, raising a family and building a career here.

But I have seen a lot of very smart people try and fail to address these issues with a lot of different approaches from all parts of the political and policy spectrum, spending a lot of money in the process.

And here’s the thing: All of them were right.

The problem has never been a lack of ideas, or even a lack of money. The problem has been the insistence that only one idea is the right idea, that only one philosophy can be the right philosophy, that it’s more important to be right than to find what works.

All paths forward are worth looking at, and all can offer a part of the solution.

We can acknowledge that social and racial injustice leads to some young men finding a life of violent crime a viable option… while also reinforcing that violent crime is simply unacceptable no matter who does it.

We can work to eradicate the injustices affecting our youth by fighting poverty and providing jobs… and by helping establish stable, responsible home lives as a great firewall against these injustices.

We can recognize that violent crime statistics skew hugely toward young black men without assuming every young black man is a perpetrator. We can work to enlighten white people on the issue of privilege

without accusing every white person of being in the KKK. We can raise the self-respect of our young men… while suggesting that pop culture which labels young women as bitches and ho’s isn’t helping them grow into better men.

We can close the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap in schools… while also sending the message that working hard to graduate with good grades isn’t “elitist” or something to be ashamed of.

We can work to close Georgia’s lax gun laws which allow firearms to flood streets here and to infest other states… while acknowledging that most people shooting each other probably aren’t card-carrying NRA members with valid gun permits.

We can address the fact that disadvantaged neighborhoods often have good reasons not to trust police… while holding the premise that cooperating with police is the way to get criminals off the street.

Contrary to what ideologues might tell you, none of these things is mutually exclusive. The person that tells you all white people are racist and have nothing to offer is just as wrong as the one who insists there’s no such thing as racism anymore.

Call me crazy, but... we aren’t contractually bound as citizens to seek the most extreme, divisive position at all times.

Personally? I’d suggest part of the solution is not no police, but rather, better police.

Not more jobs, but better jobs.

Not less welfare, but more incentive to get off welfare.

Not more taxes, but spending taxes on people instead of new buildings.

And not only holding students accountable, but holding teachers and administrators and school board members accountable.

But… that’s the whole point. It’s not just about my ideas, or just about your ideas.

In this upcoming City election year, we’ll need to put all of our ideas on the table before all’s said and done. cs

feedback | letters@connectsavannah.com | 1464 E. Victory Dr., Savannah, GA 31404 Seasons greetings to Ben Carter

Editor, Regarding “Mind blown on Broughton Street”: Jessica Leigh Lobos tried SO HARD to turn Ben Carter from the Grinch into Santa.

But, alas, she cannot do it, as Carter was /is/and always will be the CON in SANTA CON. The hole he put in Buckhead in Atlanta is STILL THERE; The hole he put in Pooler at the expense of the two Tanger Outlet Malls in Hilton

Head will turn out to be the WORST shopping experience ANYONE will EVER have; The empty storefronts on Broughton will remain that way, as one Michael Brown can attest to. Got it. Get it. Go. And the two of them couldn’t care

Proud Sponsor of the Savannah Music Festival

Connect Savannah is published every Wednesday by Morris Multimedia, Inc

1464 East Victory Drive Savannah, GA, 31404 Phone: (912) 238-2040 Fax: (912) 231-9932 www.connectsavannah.com twitter: @ConnectSavannah Facebook.com/connectsav

Administrative Chris Griffin, General Manager chris@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4378 Editorial Jim Morekis, Editor-in-Chief jim@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4360 Jessica Leigh Lebos, Community Editor jll@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4386 Anna Chandler, Arts & Entertainment Editor anna@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4356 Rachael Flora, Events Editor happenings@connectsavannah.com Contributors John Bennett, Matt Brunson, Lauren Flotte, Lee Heidel, Geoff L. Johnson, Orlando Montoya, Cheryl Solis, Jon Waits Advertising Information: (912) 721-4378 sales@connectsavannah.com Jay Lane, Account Executive jay@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4381 Matt Twining, Account Executive matt@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4388 Design & Production Brandon Blatcher, Art Director artdirector@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4379 Alice Johnston, Graphic Designer ads@connectsavannah.com (912) 721-4380 Distribution Wayne Franklin, Distribution Manager (912) 721-4376 Thomas Artwright, Howard Barrett, Jolee Edmondson, Brenda B. Meeks.

Classifieds Call (912) 231-0250

less if you can’t afford it—someone eventually will be able to.

From Atlanta to Pooler to Hilton Head to Savannah: HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BEN!!!

Terry O’Hara

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

News & Opinion

7

news & Opinion | The (Civil) Society Column

Slash and burn the old year for the new we recognize it and can maybe hide in the bathroom until it passes by.

So on my yearly Ugly End of the Year I MAY have gotten the idea Wart Lists, I write down all the rotten when I worked the dawn thoughts and bad behaviors and picayune barista shift from this fourgrudges and personal hysterias that have foot tall Native American kept me apart from my Highest Possible guy who used to come Happiness: around for free coffee All the slights, real and imagined, by during the holidays and people who never returned my phone calls/ claimed to be a shaman. accepted my friend request/invited me to Or maybe it came from reading a back their restaurant opening. copy of O Magazine at the gynecologist’s The throat-clenching jealousy of anyone office. All I know is that as long as I’ve had smarter/richer/more beautiful than me. the wherewithal to call my life my own, I’ve The leftover childhood shame and guilt made a list at the end of every year.

I feel for no good reason, plus extra shame I do not call them resolutions. Resoluand guilt for feeling ashamed and guilty. tions are for the United Nations and for The confusing paradox that even though I’m incredibly blessed to have a handearnest, simple-minded people who keep some spouse who adores me, there are still it super positive and are gonna kickass in the new year and lose ten pounds and learn Por- moments when I want to stab him in the face with a fork. tuguese and finish a novel.

The blind rage that boils out of once (Not that goal-setting isn’t valiant; I also again discovering that the kids left the bathmake a separate list of cheery intentions in

By Jessica Leigh Lebos jll@connectsavannah.com

Savannah River (a destination of dumploads far more toxic than even my disturbed psyche could possibly conjure.)

We arrived at River Street with Clarabell wearing her Angry Face, upper lip curled to let me know that she was cold and that bopping down the cobblestones hurt her tush.

The plan was to slash and burn this year’s Warts as quickly as possible, then head somewhere for a nice chai latte. I crouched on the puddled bricks of a deserted Rousakis Plaza, my paper balled lightly. But as soon as I flicked the lighter, we were doused by a sudden, pouring rain.

It seemed that while I was ready to torch my uglies, the Universe wasn’t letting me off so easy.

I shook my fist at the clouds and sploshed to a wet bench under a striped awning, golden oldies piping through a weak speaker and Clara pouting in my lap.

For those who don’t live with a pug, there are some things you should know: First, pugs shed so much you could make an Andy

“We were going to get a puppy for a Christmas!” shouted the youngest daughter straight into my earhole.

“But it’s just too much right now,” continued her older sister on my other side, somberly quoting a grown-up-sounding excuse as she gently stroked the velvet underside of a Clarabell’s chin.

I noticed the mother’s head tightly covered by a purple scarf, the telltale turban of chemo.

“It’s been a rough year,” shrugged the dad.

I put my hand on my heart and nodded a deep nod, struck dumb with empathy and the audacious odor of my own self-pity. We all stared into Clara’s cloudy, diabetic eyes as Frank Sinatra crooned The best is yet to come…

The squall passed and after one more pug pat, the family shoved off, a tight knot making its way down the lumpy sidewalk. I carried my cranky dog back to the brick plaza and set alight the year’s badness, watching the ashes drift down and be swallowed by

I do not call them resolutions. Resolutions are for the United Nations and for earnest people who keep it super positive and are gonna kickass in the new year and lose ten pounds and learn Portuguese and finish a novel.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

January that I tuck in my desk and promptly forget about until I’m looking for stamps in mid-November, then high-five the dog when I realize I managed to accomplish a few anyway.)

However, as we dial through the darkest days of the planet’s cycle around the sun, I find it useful to compile a Wart List of all the crap I’d like to leave behind as the calendar flips forward.

I know, the pathological optimists will tell you it’s not wise to dwell on the negative.

But 2014 was no platter of rainbows and unicorns. Many of us experienced conflict, illness, failure, depression, death. Some of us just slogged through the slow-moving river of work commitments and relationship routines.

Just for one minute, we’d like to tell the delusional cheerleaders to shove their glittery platitudes where the sun don’t shine.

Sometimes, staring at the Negative in its mean, red eyes can be a pretty effective way to tell it to f*$k off and don’t come back! Even 8 if it does rear its foul face again, at least now

room sink encrusted with toothpaste-spit stalactites.

The terrible loneliness that gnaws at the edges of my heart when I remember those children will grow up and leave sooner than I can possibly handle.

Every year, I collect all of the frantic fears and disappointing heartbreaks and embarrassing insecurities on a single piece of paper. (Some years I have to write very small.)

I take my piece of paper and go somewhere quiet, preferably near a flowing body of water.

Then, to release the Negative from my life and back to the Universe from whence it came, I burn the shit out of it. (I’m not sure if the shaman or Oprah insisted on this part; I just really like to light stuff on fire.)

I was definitely ready to incinerate the bad parts of the year last week, and I piled the pug into my bike basket as my copilot for this annual ritual. We rode north through the holiday-drowsy streets under a gunmetal sky, past deflated nylon snowmen and idle construction sites towards the

Warhol wig out of what they dump in a week.

Also, they make mouth-smacking sounds of a constancy that the CIA might consider employing as a torture method. When they run out of body parts to masticate, they will lick the spot of air in front of them until you throw a shoe at them.

By far, the most important thing to understand about pug guardianship is that when you are out in public, people will accost you as if you are accompanying a short, hairy celebrity. One person does a double take and then it’s all squealing and touching and ohmygawd how cuuute! (There are also those who believe Men in Black was a UFO documentary and will ask with a straight face, “Can it talk?” But that is another column.)

It’s rude and basically sacrilegious to deny someone the Power of Pug, so Clara and I had to be polite and pretend we weren’t miserable misanthropes while a family from Nebraska squished under the awning with us and scratched her head.

the river. I sighed with the suspicion that I’d probably be burning some of the same things again next year.

It’s true that we can’t find our Highest Possible Happiness if we tarry too long with the Negative. Neither can we make space for it if we deny our suffering, self-created or otherwise.

Maybe the trick is to cultivate an acceptance of our lives as imperfect and improbable, and each other as fragile, frustrating miracles.

Then again, maybe I’d have less angst if I listened harder to the cheerleaders and Ol’ Blue Eyes.

I felt lighter but no wiser as we pedaled home, Clarabell shivering but almost-smiling as the sun sliced into the afternoon.

The best may be indeed yet to come, and with it, the rest.

Wishing you the courage, strength and tenderness to hold it all in 2015. cs

OM NOM NOM! BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

Located on the lane just south of Oglethorpe.

21 W. Oglethorpe Lane 495-0902 Tues-Sat 11:30-until we sell out of Que!!!

SAVANNAH SONGWRITERS SERIES

Sun., Jan. 4, at 6 – 7:30 pm

Free admission. Free parking. All ages. Non-smoking Featuring Dean Johanesen, Thomas Oliver, Rick Williamson and Kyrsten Paige Roseman

TERRAPIN BEER DINNER

5 Course Beer and Food Pairing • Special Glassware and giveaways

Thursday January 15th, 2015 • Dinner starts at 6, $50

TERRAPIN BEER CO. PINT NIGHT Friday, January 16th, 5:30 to 10:30 Flights and Pint giveaways while supplies last!

Johnny Harris Restaurant and Maple Room Tavern 1651 East Victory Dr • 912-354-7810 • johnnyharris.com

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Call for reservations

9

news & opinion | community

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

A flock of Little Free Libraries becomes the Flannery O’Connor Book Trail

10

By Jessica Leigh Lebos jll@connectsavannah.com

Before their wedding, most couples register for a set of everyday china, maybe a nice blender.

But Francis Allen and Leslie Lovell aren’t most couples.

First off, they already have plenty of appliances. And as avid art lovers and longtime activists, they never pass up an opportunity to support Savannah’s artistic and social justice communities.

So instead of gifts for their wedding last April, Allen and Lovell asked their guests to donate to a noble project: The construction of a few tiny house-shaped boxes around the city filled with free books.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but people were so generous. We ended up with enough to build ten or twelve of them,” says Allen with wide-eyed wonder.

Known as Little Free Libraries, the concept that encourages folks to “take a book, leave a book” sprouted in Wisconsin in 2010 and has blossomed into a network of more than15,000 charming book nooks around the world.

Often sourced from recycled materials and hand-painted by local artists, Little Free Libraries help promote literacy, brighten neighborhoods and cross socioeconomic

Friends of newlyweds Francis Allen and Leslie Lovell (r. and l. of the gorilla) helped dedicate the first FOC Little Free Library. Photo by Jon Waits/@jwaitsphoto boundaries with the simple act of exchanging books.

“It’s about outreach,” confirms Lovell with a nod. “What we hope to do is make the books accessible to everybody.”

That mission is in line with the other interactive, art-based community projects (or community-based art projects, take your pick) the couple has contributed time and resources to over the years: The Unchained Tour featuring local storytellers, See SAW’s “Before I Die” public art chalkboards, the covered-dish extravaganza Slideluck.

Allen and Lovell also have ties to the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, where the author of Wise Blood and A Good Man is Hard to Find made the newspapers as a kid for teaching a chicken to walk backwards. The house museum on Lafayette Square is just around the corner from Roots Up Gallery and the Artful Kitchen, the folk art and edibles shop that the couple opened together in May. Since any conversation about books

in Savannah ought never be more than three degrees of separation from Flannery O’Connor, the author’s spirit found its way into their plans.

“I was sitting in the gallery, looking at [local artist] Panhandle Slim’s portrait of her, and I started thinking about how much she meant to this area,” recalls Allen, a Statesboro native whose mother was a sorority sister of O’Connor’s.

“I knew we could do something to tie it all together.”

He approached the board of the FOC Childhood Home Foundation, and in the squint of an eye, their Little Free Library wedding gifts became the Flannery O’Connor Book Trail.

“The most basic and fundamental essence of our mission begins with people discovering the work of Flannery O’Connor. Even before that, there is a belief in the transcendent power of reading,” says FOCCHHF president Christine Sajecki, who describes the couple’s Little Free Library project as an act of “radical generosity.”

“This is such a direct way to reach people with that very idea.”

The contributions have continued: Longtime board member and enthusiastic book

community |

continued from previous page

pusher Joni Saxon-Giusti offered to stock the little libraries with O’Connor’s works, courtesy of her independent bookstore The Book Lady.

Dare Dukes, executive director of the afterschool literacy program DeepKids, has pledged copies of the organization’s original writings as well as ongoing stewardship of the libraries by local students.

The significance also jumped from local to regional: While several book boxes will be erected in Savannah, the trail will now lead out of the city by way of Highway 25, with book stops in the Georgia towns of Statesboro, Swainsboro and Wrightsville.

The route has been incorporated into the Southern Literary Trail, and its stations will be maintained by various book clubs along the way.

The 168-mile literary pilgrimage will end in Milledgeville, where O’Connor went to college and died of lupus at nearby Andalusia Farm at the age of 39.

“I love the idea of crowdsourcing and how this may drive visitation to the farm,” enthuses Andalusia’s executive director Elizabeth Wylie.

Wylie oversees the 544-acre pastoral paradise that O’Connor describes lovingly in a book of her published letters, The Habit of Being, and also hosts a flock of birds bearing the author’s signature symbol, the peacock feather.

“We hope to introduce Andalusia to our local and regional audiences, and this project

Jeremiah Jossim (above l.) installed the first book box with help from an iconic O’Connor character while the Sweet Thunder Strolling Band provided the tunes. Photos by Jon Waits/@jwaitsphoto

is a wonderful way to make the connection between Flannery’s writing and the sense of place here,” says Wylie.

“When you read her letters, you can see: There’s the tree line that she’s writing about.”

The book depot at Andalusia is expected to be complete in the spring of 2015. But

like O’Connor’s life, this literary sojourn starts in Savannah.

The first Little Free Library on the Flannery O’Connor Book Trail was installed on a recent Saturday morning at on Gwinnet Street near East Broad at Starfish Garden, another one of Allen’s community-inspired endeavors.

Artisan woodworker Jeremiah Jossim has provided the tools and carpentry skills for these small-but-solid little houses of books, and the premiere example has been brightly decorated by artist Coco Papy.

The drippy weather didn’t deter a small gathering of the project’s devoted contributors, including Allen and Lovell, SaxonGiusti and the chest-beasting gorilla that’s ubiquitous at every FOC event. Andrew Hartzell and members of the Rolling

Thunder Band welcomed the crowd with a bit of joyful noise, and Episcopalian Father Michael Chaney provided an appropriately pious invocation.

“The ritual is important,” Chaney expressed in a conversation earlier that week. “Flannery O’Connor was profoundly spiritual. Her work was required reading for me in seminary; it speaks to the human condition.”

No required reading here; just an eclectic collection of donated books. Several of O’Connor’s works were tucked into the cozy shelves that also boasted Virginia Woolf ’s Mrs. Dalloway and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. The useful tome How to Grow Your Own Food was squeezed between The Great Gatsby and The Woman Who Saved an Island, the latest work by local legend Jane Fishman.

The idea remains that patrons are to add a book for each one taken, but the happy couple behind the FOC Little Free Libraries just wants everyone—especially those without access to a book to call their own—to be able to walk by and discover a story that changes his or her life.

“The idea is to put them where kids, and their parents, don’t have a lot,” explained Lovell as she squeezed her husband’s shoulder.

“If you can reach even a couple of them, that’s what’s most important to us.” cs

Advantage

Visit our store to test drive. Now in-stock.

18 Months Special Financing Available*

On purchases of 1,499 or more made with your Computer Advantage Credit Card from Synchrony Financial, now through 1/16/15. $

*Subject to credit approval. See store for complete terms and conditions.

Apple, the Apple logo, iMac and Retina are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Apple products, training and service.

Abercorn Common Shopping Center

8108 Abercorn St

Between Ulta and Michaels.

(912)

920-3440

www.computeradvantage.us

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

With 14.7 million pixels, the new iMac with Retina 5K display is the most powerful iMac ever, with the topof-the-line quad-core Intel processor, the latest AMD graphics, Fusion Drive, and great built-in apps. All in the same ultrathin design that’s just 5mm at the edges.

11

News & Opinion | The News Cycle

1919 BULL ST., SAVANNAH, GA • FOXYLOXYCAFE.COM VOTED BEST

COFFEE HOUSE + COFFEE

JOIN US FOR

SUNDAY BRUNCH 11AM-3PM

MANUAL BREW BAR IN THE COURTYARD Single origin pour overs 11am-3pm WEATHER PERMITTING

The COFFEE FOX 102 W. BROUGHTON ST., SAVANNAH, GA 31401 HOURS: MON.-SAT. 7AM-11PM • SUN. 8AM-6PM

WWW.THECOFFEEFOX.COM

Coffee & Beer Meet at Last!

ESPRESSO

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

LEFT HAND MILK STOUT

12

ESPRESSO ADDED TO LEFT HAND MILK STOUT NITRO

Clocking neighborhood speed – and opinion the intended effects and identify problems, before permanent modifications are put in IT’S TOO late for this year, place. but I’m already thinking Collecting signatures for an entire neighahead to next Christmas. If borhood, not just from residents on affected you’re wondering what to streets, can be a “nightmare” for neighborgive me, Santa, I’d like a hood leaders and city officials according to radar gun.

Alderman Mary Ellen Sprague.

I know it’s an unusual During the work session, she said she request from someone hears from residents who, “put in all this who is neither a traffic time and effort developing these fantastic cop nor a baseball scout, so let me explain. plans, then they get stuck. They are asking The posted speed limit on my usually us to change the policy or do something to quiet street is 25 miles per hour, but from get them unstuck.” my front porch vantage point I often see cars Part of the problem is the open ended travelling at what appears to be twice that nature of the process. City Manager Stephaspeed. They are definitely going fast — way too fast for a residential street — but exactly how fast I can only guess.

What I am sure of is that neighborhood cats have fallen victim to speeders and parked cars have been sideswiped.

The radar gun wouldn’t solve the problem, of course, but it would help me document its severity. In order to reduce speeding on my street, I’d need to organize a neighborhood committee and work with city officials to develop and implement a plan.

My neighbor who hollers, “slow down!” at passing cars (I admit I’ve done this, too) would be up for it, I’m certain. Pretty straightforward, right?

In truth, solving the problem through street design modifications collectively known as “traffic calming,” will certainly take years. Possibly decades. If it ever happens at all.

Even after a neighborhood committee and traffic engineers come to a consensus on what to do — and that takes time — nie Cutter suggested the sequence of events city policy requires another hurdle must be in the process could be tweaked to prompt overcome. citizen input. She recommended that the “The neighborhood committee is respon- installation of temporary measures should sible for securing the support of more than be deployed before signatures are collected, half of the residents in the neighborhood,” followed by direct mail to residents asking explained Michelle Strickland, the city’s traf- for their input. fic engineering coordinator, at a Dec. 11 city Several council members and Mayor council work session.

Edna Jackson signaled their support for the This is when traffic calming efforts usually idea. This could make the process easier. come to a screeching halt. The signatures are Still, even to earn a place on the city’s list required even to install inexpensive tempoof areas that need traffic calming, a street rary treatments, designed to demonstrate must survive the city’s “Traffic Calming

by John Bennett

In our discussions with parents and teachers, speeding is identified as a major factor that prevents students from walking or riding their bikes to school.

Score Matrix.”

The matrix determines the need for traffic calming based on measurable data, rather than the decibel level of squeaky wheels like me.

“We did not want traffic calming to happen only in neighborhoods with strong neighborhood associations,” Sprague said, explaining the function of the matrix, which assigns points based on the prevalence of speeding, traffic volume, crash history, roadway geometry, and the presence of parks, schools, stores and other facilities that attract pedestrians.

If a street scores high enough, it will be ranked on a list with other candidates for the six step Traffic Calming Engagement process that is intended to conclude with the installation of permanent traffic calming measures, but more often ends when residents give up trying.

So what about less complicated solutions such as stop signs? Director of Traffic Engineering Michael Weiner began his traffic calming presentation to council with an emphatic declaration that this and similar quick fixes are not effective.

Speed enforcement by police? Even in school zones this doesn’t offer consistent results.

“In our discussions with parents and teachers, speeding is identified as a major factor that prevents students from walking or riding their bikes to school,” said Paula Kreissler of Healthy Savannah.

She and her colleagues have met with PTAs at schools throughout the city to identify ways to encourage active transportation, which research links not only to better health but improved academic performance.

And there is much more to be gained by using traffic calming to make neighborhoods more walkable. A study just published in Cities, the international journal of urban policy and planning, affirmed that walkability increases property values, while also reducing crime and lowering foreclosure rates.

Who wouldn’t sign on for results like that? cs John Bennett is executive director of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.

Events! Restaurant Listings! Movie times! connectsavannah.com

Connect Savannah is a fully-engaged partner in the Canyon Ranch Institute Savannah Partnership (CRISP) along with Charles H. and Rosalie Morris. We are proud to be committed to helping this effort to make Savannah healthier, and we urge all our readers, advertisers, and partners to join the CRISP effort. We will dedicate this space each week to reporting not only the activities the CRISP effort is undertaking here in Savannah but also the larger ideas about health and well-being that build the foundation for that effort in our community. We thank you for your continued readership of Connect Savannah and for your support of the CRISP effort.

Charles H. Morris and his wife Rosalie are Savannah civic leaders who are sharing their vision of a healthier Savannah by implementing programs that emphasize prevention, advance health literacy, and eliminate health disparities. Photo by Andrew Pleasant, © Canyon Ranch Institute.

The CRI Healthy Garden at Trustees’ Garden is maintained with the professional guidance of Victory Gardens and the devotion of over 70 volunteers. Shown here left to right: Trustees’ Garden Ambassador Paul Arkwright, III; Kerry Shay, co-owner of Victory Gardens; and Savannah civic leader Charles H. Morris. Photo

by James Byous, © Canyon Ranch Institute.

CRI Healthy Garden volunteers include experienced gardeners and people who are attracted to the idea of learning how to grow healthy vegetables, fruits, and herbs in their own yards or containers. Photo by James Byous, © Canyon Ranch Institute.

New Year, New Hope

The Walking Club’s Saturday excursions through the streets of Savannah are popular for the support among participants and for making exercise fun!

In 2014, we’ve had the honor to work with many people and organizations to create movement toward these goals in The holidays are meant to be Savannah: a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness.

Renew the energy, vitality, and health Howev er, in the relations between people, of people who may have been neglected, there can also be less-than-positive interac- underserved, or lost hope. tions – even jealousy and anger. Sometimes, Preserve the strengths that have made we don’t take very good care of each other Savannah great throughout history. or ourselves.

Respect the traditions, culture, and beliefs At the non-profit Canyon Ranch Instiof all people and communities. tute, we help people prevent and reverse Honor past traditions, structures, and the negative effects of failing to prioritize practices. health and well-being. We focus on prevenHeal the wounds that time, ourselves, and tion because it’s not only the most efficient others have created. approach, but also the most ethical one.

It all started with Charles H. and Rosalie From that simple position, with the sup- Morris introducing us to Curtis V. Cooper port of Savannah civic leaders Charles H. Primary Health Care. Together, we offer the and Rosalie Morris, the Canyon Ranch Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Institute Savannah Partnership (CRISP) Program to Savannah residents, always free was born. of charge.

By Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D. and Jennifer Cabe, M.A.

Restaurants Dept. 7 East, Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar (Chef Roberto Leoci pictured), and The Pirates’ House contribute to CRISP efforts to help improve the Savannah community. Photo by James Byous, © Canyon Ranch Institute.

We are also privileged to be part of Charles H. Morris’ efforts to renew, preserve, respect, honor, and heal historic Trustees’ Garden. We are collaborating with him to develop a garden, a demonstration kitchen, and community-engaged arts programming.

The Canyon Ranch Institute Healthy Garden at Trustees’ Garden, at the corner of East Bay and East Broad, is the site of educational and hands-on sessions focusing on gardening techniques and ideas to contribute to the future well-being of Savannah.

Everyone is welcome to join this all-volunteer effort.

Another part of CRISP is the free Walking Club that is sponsored by Canyon Ranch Institute and Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care. Join us at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care at 106 E. Broad Street – every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

The New Year is upon us. The beginning of every new year is – despite the hype – just like every other day of the year. The reality is that every day provides us with an equal opportunity to make positive decisions about the future.

If you’re interested in participating in the CRI Healthy Garden, the Walking Club, the CRI Life Enhancement Program, or have other ideas for collaboration with CRISP, please contact us at 912-443-3264 or at CRI@canyonranchinstitute.org.

Jennifer Cabe, M.A., Executive Director and Board Member of Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI), has spent over 20 years in positions dedicated to improving community health and wellness. Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., CRI Senior Director for Health Literacy and Research, collaborates globally to advance health literacy and research through teaching, writing, and engaging with 13 other scholars and community members.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Canyon Ranch Institute Savannah Partnership turns vision of health into reality

news & Opinion | The straight dope

slug signorino

Let’s acknowledge that the Daily Mail—a British tabloid not best known for its science reportage—has it essentially right on at least one point: sleep is good. When you don’t get enough of it, scary things tend to happen.

Microsleeps, for instance—without sufficient sleep the brain forces us to take tiny involuntary naps, more or less pulling the plug on our consciousness every so often.

Add in the fact that the cognitive effects of a week of reduced sleep have been found equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.089, and you see why sleep deprivation is a seriIn light of a recent Daily Mail article, “Why ous menace to car, air, and space shuttle trafSleeping Naked Could Cut Your Risk of Diabetes . . . Not to Mention Ward Off Infections, fic alike. The immune system and reaction times fall victim to drowsiness too, as do Trim Your Waistline and Make You Less fine-motor function, working memory, and Exhausted” [11/24/14], I was wondering whether you think the government should ban (need we even mention it?) mood.

Lack of sleep can also make you fat. For pyjamas? one thing, sleepy people tend to eat more.

—Sarah Chekroud Brains need stimulants to keep from crashA PAJAMA ban might be slightly overstep- ing, and sugar is an easy (if poor) substitute. ping things—firstly, because I, for one, don’t Also, fewer hours asleep = more hours want to be the person going around policing awake to eat donuts. The more people are it. Secondly, at the risk of sounding puritan- exposed to food, the more likely they are to eat it. And leptin and ghrelin, hormones ical, getting naked might be overrated. The claim, while it does follow a pattern distantly that play a major role in appetite regulation, related to logic, is nowhere near scientifically are dependent on sleep quantity and quality—as is glucose regulation. proven.

This means that not only can reduced And while there’s no denying that regusleep cause increased hunger and appetite lar nudity will very likely improve certain throughout the day, it makes binge-eating aspects of your life, unfortunately there are no reported links thus far between orgasms ice cream even worse for you than usual.

Maybe unsurprisingly, a long-term study and insulin sensitivity. We’ll be the first to of 68,000 women found that compared to let you know when anything turns up.

visit us!

with the purchase of a waffle cone of equal or greater value

Expires Expires12/31/14.

1/31/15 Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid at Victory Dr. Savannah Bruster’s location only. One coupon per transaction. With coupon. Cannot be duplicated.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Savannah Bruster’s - 1801 E. Victory Dr., Ste. 102 (912) 777-6903 Whole Foods shopping center next to Chipotle Brusters.com/Savannah

14

Fahrenheit for you to fall and stay asleep, meaning the ideal bedroom should be fairly cool, and bundling up too much is counterproductive. But in the process your skin temperature needs to increase, thus allowing blood vessels to expand enough to release that excess core heat.

The Mail insists that being naked helps make this complex thermoregulation happen, but to defend the point it winds up relying on a 2008 Dutch study that found subjects slept more deeply and soundly with their skin warmed by water-filled thermosuits. Again—and I hate to have to mention it—these subjects obviously weren’t naked.

It’s not hard to see how a paper that specializes in celebrities’ beach bodies and baby bumps might oversell the nudity concept for clickbait purposes. Some optimized combination of room temperature and skin coverage could well improve your sleep and/ or even help build brown fat, either of which may in turn ultimately lower your diabetes risk, and nakedness could conceivably play a role in such a scenario.

But since (a) no one has yet gone full monty in a clinical setting and (b) overthinking all this provokes more insomniainducing anxiety than not, I hereby pardon all pajama-wearers.

Thermosuits, birthday suits—wear whatever helps you sleep at night. cs By cecil adams Send questions to Cecil via straightdope.com

cone BOGO waffle

Something for

Download the FREE Sav Happs APP! SAV HAPPS

those who slept seven hours a night, women who slept five hours or less were 15 percent more likely to become obese.

And being overweight can, of course, increase your risk of diabetes. There’s evidence, too, that the body’s sensitivity to insulin is much worse after less sleep, or interrupted sleep. So the idea of a connection between sleep and diabetes risk certainly isn’t crazy.

All this established, we’ll move on to the central question: to strip or not to strip?

This is where things get a little iffy. To support the big claim made in their headline, the Daily Mail cites a study published last summer in the journal Diabetes reporting that five men who slept in colder temperatures for a month showed significantly better insulin sensitivity and developed more brown fat.

Brown fat is metabolically active (as opposed to the Crisco that coats the rest of our bodies), and is considered good because it takes sugar out of your bloodstream to maintain body temperature. So, OK: sleeping in the cold is better for you. But the Mail’s crack reporting team leaves out a key detail: these men weren’t naked—they were all thoroughly pajama-ed.

So far, Cecil 1, Daily Mail 0 (not that we keep track of these things). But we’re not done here: the Mail also claims more basically that “going naked means a good night’s sleep.” Admittedly, getting quality sleep is a surprisingly tricky process. Your core body temperature needs to drop almost a degree

The most original and unforgettable way to see downtown!

Holds up to 15 people ∙ Small groups welcome Great for birthdays, company or retirement parties, pub crawls etc.

Dogs, food & drink allowed ∙ Eco-friendly

Ride Times: 12:30pm-10pm 7 days a week Custom Ride Times offered ∙ Call or text for ride availability

912-414-5634 SavannahSlowRide.com

Or Text “savannah” to 77948 Savannah’s only Event & Entertainment Guide

Brought To You By

news & Opinion | blotter • One woman has ports been arrested and two other suspects are Chief Lumpkin: ShotSpotter to be used for New Year’s Eve gunfire being sought in the Nov. 15 As New Year’s Eve approached, Savanshooting death nah-Chatham Police Chief Joseph H. of a Savannah “Jack” Lumpkin Sr.’s thoughts included man.

Marquel Peters.

Trinika Latrell Beamon William Darnell Davis Taylor Lavon “Marquel was 4 in 2010 and attending a LaCount, 21, church service with his family near Decawas arrested tur when a bullet fired by a New Year’s Eve and charged this celebrant fell to Earth, pierced the ceiling seconds after a shot is fired.” weekend on one counts of felony murder, of the church and killed the child,” a police “Instead of reacting within minutes, our and two counts each of aggravated assault spokesman says. and armed robbery.

“It shows the senselessness of such a dan- officers can arrive within seconds after the Warrants for the same offenses have gerous activity,” Chief Lumpkin says. “Mar- shot is fired, and we will be pressing charges if we find the suspect,” Lumpkin says. been filed against Trinika Latrell Beamon quel’s death is one of the worst examples “Serious injury or death can result any and William Darnell Davis. Beamon, of the perils of celebratory gunfire that one can imagine – a heartfelt tragedy. But there time a bullet is fired in this manner. We are 21, is a black female, about 5-foot-6, 135 pounds with long hair that someare hundreds of other examples where shots asking our citizens not to rely on technoltimes is worn in a twist with shaved sides. ogy but to call police immediately if they fired in the air have returned to hurt or kill innocent people. We are asking people in the see someone firing a gun into the air or even Davis, 23, is a black male, about 6-foot-9, Savannah and Chatham County area not to preparing to do so. If we are alerted quickly 205 pounds with short hair and a slight moustache. enough, we can avoid another tragedy like participate in celebratory gunfire.”

They are accused of luring T’arsha WilMarquel’s.”

Shots fired during holiday celebrations liams to Hudson Street near West Lathhave been increasing, but this year a new rop Avenue where he was shot during a system called ShotSpotter has been installed robbery attempt about 3:30 a.m. Williams in some areas and “will alert police within All cases from recent Savannah/

Chatham Police Dept. incident re-

was found deceased in a gray Pontiac that had rolled into a building.

Beamon and Davis are considered armed and dangerous. Detectives suggest anyone who is aware of their locations not approach them but call 911 or CrimeStoppers, immediately.

• Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police charged a 17-year-old with the robbery and beating of a Savannah man who received serious injuries Saturday.

Raymond John Worthem, 17, was located by Southside Precinct Crime Suppression Unit officers at 2:40 a.m. after he was identified as the suspect in the attack by detectives.

Officers had responded at 11:20 a.m. to the 8700 block of Clark Avenue where Gordon Nash, 58, was found in the yard with head wounds from an attack with a metal object. He was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment and remains hospitalized.

Worthem was located and charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault after being interviewed by detectives.

Give anonymous crime tips to Crimestoppers at 234-2020

COME GET A GIBSON!

CHECK OUT OUR LOW PRICES!

MONDAYS Free Bacon Night

GIBSON 2015 SG SPECIAL Cherry Red

GIBSON CUSTOM SHOP LES PAUL Iced Tea Burst

2015 LES PAUL SPECIAL DOUBLE CUT Sunburst

TUESDAYS Dollar Drink Night

Ever changing & evolving food & drink menu Weekly special menu Every night Service Industry domestic beer & shot - $5

2015 LES PAUL JUNIOR Cherry Red

2015 LES PAUL DELUXE HERITAGE Cherry Sunburst

GIBSON SONGWRITER DELUXE ACOUSTIC

All 2015 USA models include: • G Force Tuning • Hardshell Case • Glossy Finish Starting at $999

7650 ABERCORN ST SAVANNAH OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK 4PM TIL 1AM 4523 HABERSHAM ST | HABERSHAM SHOPPING VILLAGE | 355.5956

(912) 354-1500 www.portmansmusic.com

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

SATURDAYS Live Music - 8pm

15

news & Opinion | News of the weird Cliche Come to Life

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

For her Advanced Placement World History class at Magnolia (Texas) West High School in December, Reagan Hardin constructed an elaborate diorama of a Middle Ages farm — which her dog ate on the night before it was due. Veterinarian Carl Southern performed the necessary scopingout on Roscoe, extracting the plastic chicken head, horse body, sheep and pig, along with wire that held the display together. Warned Dr. Southern: “Don’t put anything past your dog. We all say my dog would never eat that, and that’s the main thing he’ll eat.”

16

(Several companies have hired hotel-concierge professionals to come manage their creative add-ons.) Not every perk is granted, though: Pinterest turned down an employee’s request to install a zip line directly to a neighborhood bar.

Chutzpah!

was guilty instead of an accompanying misdemeanor (desecration of a body).

• Caitlyn Ricci, 21 and estranged from her divorced parents, availed herself this year of a quirky New Jersey law that requires divorced parents to provide for their children’s college educations (even though Caitlyn was a toddler at the time of the divorce, chose a more expensive out-of-state college, and already had a blemished community-college record). Mom Maura Happy New Year!

McGarvey (who claims to Let’s keep be especially hard-hit by the gunfire to minimum, the tuition bill) and Dad mmm’kay?

Michael Ricci are helping sponsor “corrective” legislation — because, generally, parents are not required to pay for college (but in New Jersey, divorced parents are).

(1) Jose Manuel MarinoNajera filed a lawsuit in Tucson, Arizona, in December against the U.S. Border Patrol because a K-9 dog had bitten his arm repeatedly during an arrest. Marino-Najera, The Entrepreneurial Spirit illegally in the U.S., had • Meg C Jewelry Gallery of Lexington, been found sleeping under a Kentucky, introduced a limited line of tree near the Mexican borKentucky-centric gold-plated necklaces der, holding 49 pounds of and earrings in June (recently touted for marijuana. (2) Ms. Emerald Christmas!) — each dangling with genuine White, owner of four pit bulls Kentucky Fried Chicken bones. All stems declared “dangerous” by Texas were picked clean from KFC wings, washed, City, Texas, after they mauled dried, sealed with varnish and conductive a neighbor’s beagle to death, paint, copper-electroformed, and then elec- filed a lawsuit in November troplated with 14k gold. Small-bone neckagainst the grieving neighlaces go for $130 (large, $160), and earrings bor. White said she had been for $200 a pair — and according to Meg C, injured trying to restrain her dogs in the skirmish, which had been faciliaccessorize anything from jeans to a lady’s tated by the neighbor’s failure to fix their best little black dress. common fence.

• “Ethical” fur designer Pamela Paquin debuted the first of her anticipated line of roadkill furs recently — raccoon neck Not as Sturdy as They Used to Be muffs (“I can literally take two raccoons and Some students at Harvard, Columbia put them butt to butt (so they) clasp neck and Georgetown law schools demanded in to neck”) that will sell for around $1,000.

December that professors postpone final Raccoons yield “luscious” fur, she said, but exams because those lawyers-in-training her favorite pelt is otter. The Massachuwere too traumatized by the grand jury decisetts woman leaves her card with various sions in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York New England road crews (“Hi, my name City, which cost them sleep and made them is Pamela. Will you call me when you have despair of the legal system’s lack of integrity. roadkill?”) and does business under the (Critics cited by Bloomberg Business Week name Petite Mort (“little death” in French, suggested that lawyers who cannot function but also, she said, a euphemism for a womat a high level in the face of injustice might an’s post-orgasm sensations). fare poorly in the profession.)

• Not too long ago, “generous” job perquisites were, perhaps, health insurance Fine Points of the Law and little more, but Silicon Valley startups • Gregory Graf, 53, has apparently now race to outdo each other in dreaming escaped eligibility for death row in Pennsylup luxuries to pamper workers. A Novemvania despite confessing to murdering his ber Wall Street Journal report noted that stepdaughter in an attempt to have sex with the photo-sharing service Pinterest offers her (an “accompanying” felony, which ordiemployee classes in the martial art “muay narily would qualify him for “capital murthai” and in August brought in an “artisanal der”). However, since Graf had videotaped jam maker” to create after-work cocktails — himself in the act (as evidence recovered in a far cry from most workplaces, which offer, December shows), he proved that the sex perhaps, a vending machine downstairs. occurred after she was dead and thus that he

The Continuing Crisis

Historians at the Wellcome Collection museum in London placed on display in November their rendition of the “orgone energy accumulator” developed in the 1940s by psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich, who thought it could stimulate orgasms for those who sat inside one. (The device is thought to have inspired the “Orgasmatron” in the Woody Allen movie “Sleeper.” Among 1950s-era “testers,” Albert Einstein is said to have panned it, but not author J.D. Salinger.) The museum’s curator tried to lower expectations — that visitors should expect a historic sex “education” and not a sexual experience.

The Miracle Drug

Police Report

Messages Not Received: (1) John Biehn, 39, in court in Rockville, Connecticut, on Dec. 15 on an old DUI charge, was released on bail but managed to get arrested (and released on bail) three more times in two towns over the following 11 hours — twice for DUI and once for shoplifting. (2) On Nov. 30, an allegedly intoxicated Dwayne Fenlason, 48, drove his pickup truck into a ditch in Pomfret, Vermont, bringing a DUI citation — and then subsequently drove an SUV to the scene to pull the truck out (earning a second DUI), and then an all-terrain vehicle to the scene (and a third DUI).

Updates

(1) Sherwin Shayegan (the man revisited here three months ago for his longtime habit of demanding piggyback rides from high school athletes) was arrested in December in Maryland on charges from Virginia’s Fauquier and Loudoun counties, where he had mingled with players at boys’ high school basketball and hockey games and in locker rooms, acting “creepy” and getting ejected. (2) At about the time News of the Weird updated Indonesia’s “Sex Mountain” ritual four weeks ago, the governor of Central Java banned the practice because of the “shame” it brings to Indonesia (because prostitutes now flood the area, however, the Jakarta Post doubted that the ban would be respected by would-be “pilgrims,” who believe that sex with strangers brings prosperity).

A News of the Weird Classic (March 2011)

The Feral Professor: Tihomir Petrov, 43, a mathematics professor at California State University Northridge, was charged in January (2011) with misdemeanors for allegedly urinating twice on the office door of another faculty member with whom he had been feuding. (Petrov was identified by a hidden camera installed after the original puddle turned up.) Petrov is the author of several scholarly papers, with titles such as “Rationality of Moduli of Elliptic Fibrations With Fixed Monodromy.”

Meth — Is There Anything It Can’t Do? (1) Keith Berfield, 56, was arrested outdoors in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in October, nude except for the metal ring around his testicles, praising “spiritual” “things in the sky.” (2) An unnamed man in Waterbury, Connecticut, was caught by his neighbor in October having sex with her pit bull while explaining that “ISIS sent me” and that “This is our day.” (3) Brittany Thompson, 26, was By chuck shepherd arrested in Oklahoma City in November, UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE lying near a busy intersection holding ordinary rocks that she described as “diamonds” that God sent her to gather.

Event, restaurant and music listings at connectsavannah.com

Family FamilyFriendly, Friendly,Skate SkateRental RentalIncluded Included&&Personal PersonalSkates SkatesAllowed Allowed

DE

CE

MBE

R 13, 2014 — JANU A

RY

SkateFest 3,

20

UP

15

2014

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

21

12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM

8:00

pm

15

4:30 4:30 PM 7:00 7:00 PM

22

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM 12:30 pm 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM

8:00

28

12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM pm 3:00 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM 8:00 pm

16

4:30 4:30PM 7:00 7:00PM

pm pm

pm

29

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM

8:00

pm

17 pm pm

23

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM 8:00 pm

30

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM pm 3:00 5:30 PM pm 5:30 8:00 PM 8:00 pm

4:30 4:30 PM 7:00 7:00 PM

18 pm pm

24

10:00 AM 10:00 12:30 PM 12:30 3:00 PM

3:00

4:30 4:30 PM 7:00 7:00 PM

19

SCHOOL SCHOOL SESSIONS SESSIONS ONLY ONLY

pm pm

25

am pm

pm

31

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm

Merry Christmas

26

SKATESHOP SKATESHOP CLOSED CLOSED

10:00 10:00 AM am 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM pm 3:00 5:30 PM pm 5:30 8:00 PM pm 8:00 10:30 PM 10:30 pm

1

2

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm New 12:30 s!

3:00 PM ear 3:00 pm Y 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM

8:00

pm

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM 3:00 pm 5:30 PM 5:30 pm 8:00 PM 8:00 pm 10:30 PM

10:30

Each Session Lasts 1.5 Hours · $10.00 Per Person Each Session Lasts 1.5 Hours · $10.00for Per Person Skatefest Pass: $40.00 6 sessions Skatefest $40.00 for 6 sessions FamilyPass: Friendly, Skate Rental Included & Personal Family Friendly, Skate Rental Included & Personal Skates Allowed Skates Allowed

SAT

10:00 10:00 AM am 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM pm 3:00 5:30 PM pm 5:30 8:00 PM pm 8:00 10:30 PM pm 10:30

301 West Oglethorpe Avenue · Savannah, GA 912·651·6550 · www.savannahcivic.com

3:00 3:00 PM pm 5:30 5:30 PM pm 8:00 PM pm 8:00

CUP

13

SAVA N N A H C I V I C C E N T E R

14

E TH

pm

20

12:30 12:30 PM pm 3:00 3:00 PM pm 5:30 5:30 PM pm 8:00 PM pm 8:00 10:30 PM pm 10:30

27

RED SPONSO

IE S ILL W ET

BY W

10:00 10:00 AM am 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PM pm 3:00 5:30 PM pm 5:30 8:00 PM pm 8:00 10:30 PM pm 10:30

3

10:00 AM am 10:00 12:30 PM pm 12:30 3:00 PMpm 3:00 5:30 PM pm 5:30 8:00 PM 8:00 pm 10:30 PM 10:30 pm

No Lockers Available No Lockers Available Not Responsible for Lost Items Not Responsible for Lost Items

THE GREAT TASTE OF SAIGON IS BACK!

2ND ANNUAL UP THE CUP

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION @

LUNCH • DINNER • LATE NIGHT

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

WELCOME BACK SCAD!

featuring fireworks, dance party with dj mxm & an untraditional "ball drop"

409 W. CONGRESS ST. • 912-436-6660

17

DINE IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

Music | IN THE GARAGE

Recording,

rehearsing,

learning

The Garage embodies DIY ethic and community

By Anna Chandler anna@connectsavannah.com

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

LAST WINTER, I bumped into Bear Fight’s Matt Collett at our favorite after-5 destination: happy hour at The Jinx.

As we caught up, his eyes lit up with excitement.

“I gotta tell you about my new project,” he gushed.

I expected the seasoned drummer to describe a new band he’d pulled together— after all, you can catch him all around town, sitting in with a diverse array of musicians.

But as we sipped our tallboys, he began painting a picture of a musician’s haven: spacious, secure, private rehearsal rooms, rigged so that any idea or riff can be easily recorded in an a-ha! moment. An entire floor of lesson rooms, occupied by first-rate music teachers. A recording studio. A lounge area where tenants can congregate between practice sessions.

It pretty much combined the spirit of the place right where we were sitting—a venue where local musicians gather to catch up, brainstorm, and perform—with the functionality of 12 Below, the short-lived Broughton Street rehearsal spaces that Collett and his bandmate, Colin Motlagh, used to manage around 2009.

We’ve all got big dreams for how to make the music scene in this town the best it can be; we can sit and talk all day about what we’d make if we had the time, the space, the funding.

But at that point where the conversation usually leads to dreamy, far-off staring and sighs of “if only…,” Collett reached into his back pocket for a huge, folded piece of paper.

18 “Wanna see the blueprints?”

Garage, Inc.: Motlagh, left and Collett, right, in the space’s common area. Photo by Jon Waits

continued from previous page

He was for real.

The Garage is a concept, Collett explained, that he and Motlagh had been talking about for years. About seven years ago, they began making solid plans. The two grew up playing music in Savannah, and have dedicated themselves to making a space to their exact specifications.

Selecting a moniker that embodied their dedication to DIY ethics, raw sound, and community, the duo got to work. Rather than retrofitting an existing space—a costly endeavor for a place that has such specific and considerable electrical needs—Collett and Motlagh decided to build their own place from the ground up. Right off 69th Street at Paulsen, it’s an easy drive from downtown. Plans and permits were approved in April 2014, and site work began in May; The Garage is slated to open in late January or early February. I stopped by last week after the electrical wiring was completed, days before the insulation and drywall would go up, to get a look at the bones of the 5,800 square-foot maker’s space.

The downstairs houses six private rehearsal rooms flanking the east and west sides of the building. Several bands, including The Accomplices, Cusses and Whaleboat, have already called dibs on the coveted spaces.

The entrance into the practice space area will serve as a common room, complete with couches and a TV. It’s also home to the J.V.A. Savannah Music Library, an archive of Savannah-based cassettes, vinyl, and CDs, dedicated in memory of close friend Jonathan Athon. It’ll be set up so that you can listen right there, on a comfy vintage couch; eventually, Collett hopes for it to act like a lending library.

In the center of the room, doors swing open to a vast studio with 20-foot-high ceilings. The height’s a way of capturing natural reverb and full-kit drum tones—a priority for Motlagh and Collett, both rhythm section players, who will take turns behind the board.

A glimpse up from the floor of the studio, and you’ll see a second-story window into the control room, giving the engineer a bird’s-eye view. It’s an all-digital studio equipped with a 16-channel mixer.

“It’s what we need,” Motlagh says, motioning to Collett and himself, “as consumers and musicians.”

They bring up the significance of the name again—The Garage—and, in a way,

the recording studio is like a home studio (or home-away-from-home, as they hope The Garage will be to many). They want to be able to catch those raw, live takes and help bands get their ideas fleshed out.

One of the coolest aspects of The Garage is that every practice room is equipped with cat 5 cable that’s routed back to the mixer. If a band’s writing something new, Collett or Motlagh are on hand to set up a few mics in the room to capture a quick sketch—it’s higher quality than a cell phone recording, and an inclusive part of The Garage experience.

From the control room, they take me around to the six lesson rooms, past a large wall that local artists Jose Ray and Tim Foster will soon adorn with a mural. When The Garage officially opens, five teachers from Savannah Musician’s Institute will occupy the rooms, bringing 100 students with them.

The founders are thrilled to be working with a collective that focuses on creating lifelong musicians, and have set up the rooms to ease the process along; lessons can be recorded, and students can take their sessions home on a USB drive. If a kid writes a song on guitar, the staff is on hand to throw some drums and bass down on it so the writer can hear their ideas with a full band, and downstairs occupants are welcome to join in, too.

It’s a kind of cross-generational music community-building that we haven’t really seen in Savannah: a place for burgeoning musicians to meet and establish a lifetime connection, much like Collett and Motlagh, who have played together in bands for years.

“We never want kids to stop playing because they can’t find a place to jam,” says Collett. And it’s not just for the young’uns— Collett knows that finding a secure practice space where a band can fully let loose in Savannah is a difficult task.

“I can’t remember the last time—that wasn’t a gig—that I just set up my drums and played,” Collett says. “This everything we’ve ever needed, all in one place.”

Looking to the future, there’s talk of workshops, demos, skill shares; it’ll all come in time. For now, Collett and Motlagh are excited to open their doors and share their visionary space with Savannah.

“This is what we wanted growing up,” Motlagh says.

Thanks to them, a new generation can have it. CS

I gotta tell you about my new project.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

IN THE GARAGE |

19

MUSIC | noteworthy BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

Showcasing the songwriters

First Friday for Folk, Songwriters series kick off the new year BOOZERY & MUSIC CAVERN

HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 4-8PM

BUY 1 DRINK GET THE 2ND FOR $1

FREE VIDEO GAMES Visit our sister company

GHOST TOWN TATTOO @ 35 Montgomery St.

NEW YEAR'S TY PAR 31 EVE W/ D FROST!!!

WED DEC

CHAMPAGNE TOAST @ MIDNIGHT!

Ha p p y 01New Year Y'all!

THURS

JAN

FRI JAN

WHISKEY DICK & THE HARD-ONS

[happy hour w/]

02

a.m. rodriguez SAT [happy hour w/] DAMON &

JAN

THE SHITKICKERS

hnny 03 Jo Octane MON

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

JAN

20

05

FOR $1 BUY 1, GETINSECOND BAR OR RESTAURANT)

06

T HT N IGH NIG @ 11PM

(IF YOU WORK

TUES P OP HO IP H HIP JAN H w/ SOLO

By Anna Chandler anna@connectsavannah.com

Need inspiration in the new year?

Break the creative ice this weekend by checking out two singer-songwriter showcases. Both First Friday for Folk Music and the Savannah Songwriters Series offer original music in a quiet, listening room environment.

First Friday for Folk Music features Alice Rye and Jeff Beasley.

A Savannah resident since 2011, Alice Rye performed with her husband, Albert Williams, in the duo Alice and Albert; the couple toured across the country performing their unique takes on folk and country music.

Alice and Albert played First Friday in 2012; sadly, Williams passed away in 2013.

Rye, a guitarist and singer-songwriter, carries on the tradition in her return to the eclectic evening of song, as Chris Desa will contribute guitar and vocals to songs that Williams loved to play.

Jeff Beasley is a Savannah native. Alongside bassist Mike Perry, Beasley is a multitasker, drumming, playing guitar, and singing all at once. Their blend swampsteeped blues entertains audiences in all manner of venues downtown; it will be refreshing to see in it in a listening room environment.

On Sunday, head to Johnny Harris for the Savannah Songwriters Series. Thomas Oliver hosts the monthly showcase of regional talent.

Clockwise from bottom left: Alice Rye, Jeff Beasley & Co., The Rosies.

St. Petersburg-based Dean Johansen returns for a second SSS performance. Fans of Velvet Caravan and story-driven songwriting will enjoy his narrative gypsy jazz style as he brings the tales of the prohibition era to life (appropriate in the environment-Johnny Harris allegedly was a secret drivethru package store when the nation was dry).

Augusta’s Rick Williamson has penned hits for the likes of Kenny Chesney and Engelbert Humperdinck. He brings his impressive songbook to SSS for the first time.

It’s a bittersweet return for Kyrsten Roseman of hard-gigging Savannah folk family duo The Rosies: the sisters will be moving home to Nashville in March.

“We will be plugging into the songwriting scene heavily,” says Roseman. “Open mics at The Bluebird Café, writer’s rounds, co-writing with other artists. We are hoping this could be a backdoor way of getting signed.”

The Rosies are gearing up to release an LP, Efflorescence.

“This project represents change, growth, and blossoming, hence the title,” Roseman explains.

The new album, recorded with a full band, is a mix of old and new songs spanning seven years.

“The newer material has maturity to it only found by exploring different thoughts and feelings as you age,” says Roseman This marks Roseman’s third time at SSS. “I really find so much joy in these rounds,” she says. “I love that people show up to hear originals — not covers. Their ears are perked, eyes are wide with anticipation, and listening intently at the lyrics you’ve poured hours into. It’s incredibly gratifying and most humbling.” CS First Friday for Folk Music First Presbyterian Church Friday, January 2, 7:30 p.m., $5 suggested donation

Savannah Songwriters Series Johnny Harris Restaurant Sunday, January 4, 6 p.m., free

Music | FEATURE

From Lonestars to Keystones to Peaches

a BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

The musical states of A.M. Rodriguez

JOIN USLive FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE! Music DJ BASIK LEE

By Anna Chandler

MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST • NO COVER

anna@connectsavannah.com

Live Music THURSDAY 1-1 DJ BLACKOUT FRIDAY 1-2

DJ SQUARE ONE SATURDAY 1-3

THE FRITZ

SUNDAY 1-4

VOODOO SOUP

$2 Mimosas $5 Absolut Bloody Marys MONDAYS

$2.50 BOURBON & CRAFT BEER NIGHT Rodriguez demonstrates why people so often ask God to bless Texas. Photo by Jeffrey Schlambe

There’s a strong narrative quality to Rodriguez’s work, carried by the blistering, angular lilt of his vocals. An English major at University of Texas, he was primarily (and stubbornly) a fiction writer, until he took a poetry course from poet Dean Young.

“I wrote songs, so I thought I’d try it out, thinking, ‘maybe this will be the thing that finally gets me to understand poetry,’” says Rodriguez.

It was.

“He’s all over the place,” Rodriguez says of Young, “but he explained his process, and it was the opposite of mine. Mine’s always really straight-forward narratives. He taught me how to do unexpected things every now and then and just have fun with it.”

Rodriguez actually left Texas to focus on writing his third novel. Fueled by bourbon, he hammered out a semi-autobiographical story over the period of a month and a half in his aunt and uncle’s Allentown, Pennsylvania basement.

As a fiction writer, Rodriguez often writes

songs as varying characters, giving voices to the silenced women of country music, like in his followup to Johnny Cash’s “Delia’s Gone.”

Recently, he’s delved further into honkytonk; you’ll often find him playing lead guitar with Tony Beasley (Whiskey Dick) at The Jinx. The collaboration has allowed him to explore new keys and hone his transposing skills.

Though he’s solo for now, expect to see him with a full band in the new year: A.M. Rodriguez and the Country Drunks. He’s putting his honky-tonk training to work, bringing new originals and classics to light.

“Savannah’s a pretty good pace,” he says of his new home. Watch closely: Rodriguez is picking up the pace himself, offering a whole new take on local country music. CS A.M. Rodriguez, Bath Salt Zombies The Jinx Friday, January 2 10 p.m. $6

TUESDAY NIGHT

No Cover!

TRIVIA @9PM

$100 FIRST PRIZE • PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS

$2.50Use Dosyour Equis Daily! phone

No Cover!

Get Directions, seeUse our lineuP your phone anD more Get Directions, www.socialcluBrocks.com see our lineuP anD more www.socialcluBrocks.com

conGress street social cluB 411 west conGress street savannah, Ga 31401

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Not everyone would just up and move 700 miles away because their friends (in this case, the grimy, shoegaze-fueled band Creepoid) were moving from Philadelphia and needed a pet sitter while they went on tour.

But singer-songwriter A.M. Rodriguez has a pretty insatiable wanderlust, having grown up all over the country and occupying all corners of Texas, including time in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.

“Part of that kind of never left me,” he says. “I get antsy after a bit.”

“I had friends from Austin who spent some time here,” says Rodriguez. “They always said good things; I always wanted to check it out. The opportunity came when Creepoid was coming here, and I was just like, ‘Screw it.’ Sold my motorcycle, sold all my stuff, spent my last dollars getting down here, basically. We all did.”

He arrived in Savannah in time for July 4th, experiencing our town’s deep appreciation for unrestrained revelry (fire, gasoline, TVs, and rooftops were involved). Not long after, Rodriguez was appearing on bills around town, playing powerful country songs and singing his lungs out.

He received his first guitar and wrote his first song when he was 13. After years in punk bands, he went solo with an acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Only appropriate that he taught himself how to carry a tune by singing along to old Against Me! records in the car.

“That’s how I learned the boom-chhk country rhythm,” Rodriguez explains. “Which is funny—they inadvertently got me more into country...I learned how to play it through a back-ass route way.”

As weird coincidence would have it, his roommates are currently on tour with Against Me!.

21

music | soundboard Club owners and performers: Soundboard is a free service - to be included, please send your live music information weekly to anna@connectsavannah.com. Questions? Call (912) 721-4356.

Congress Street Social Club DJ Square One Hang Fire DJ Sole Control Wet Willie’s DJ Brian

Wednesday / 31 Barrelhouse South Zach Deputy Bay Street Blues Hitman Bayou Cafe Bayou Blues Band Boomy’s New Year’s Eve Party w/ Liquid Ginger Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat, piano/vocal coffee deli Acoustic Jam Congress Street Social Club Basik Lee Fannie’s on the Beach Christy Alan Band Fiore Italian Bar and Grill Annie Allman Island Time Bar and Grill New Years with Esteban’s Hat Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub Harry O’Donoghue Molly MacPherson’s Charlie Fog Band Rachael’s 1190 Jeremy Riddle Saddle Bags Lyn Avenue The Wormhole Open Mic Tybee Island Social Club Oyster Roast w/ Waits & Co., Train Wrecks Wild Wing Cafe Silicone Sister, Jeff Beasley

Trivia & Games

Huc-A-Poo’s Name That Tune The Jinx Rock n Roll Bingo Rachael’s 1190 Trivia Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Trivia World of Beer Trivia

Karaoke

Ampersand Karaoke Club One Karaoke Hercules Bar & Grill Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Tondee’s Tavern Karaoke

DJ

Club One Karaoke Pour Larry’s Live DJ Rocks on the Roof DJ WerdLife SEED Eco Lounge DJ Cesear

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Bar & Club Events

22

Billy’s Place at McDonough’s New Year’s Eve Event Club 51 Degrees New Years Party x3 Club One New Year’s Eve: The Devil Went Down to Georgia The Crypt Pub Glitz & Glamour New Years Bash Foxy Loxy Cafe Foxy New Year’s Eve with DJ Jose Ray Granite Bar & Restaurant New Year Celebration Guild Hall Dirty Dolls Revue Hang Fire Year of the Goat Party Jazz’d Tapas Bar New Year’s Eve Disco Party Jinx New Year’s Eve Party with DJ D Frost J.J. Bonerz Wings & Ribs Bar

Bar & Club Events Club One Drag Show

Saturday / 3

“The first days are the hardest days,” so start 2015 with Deadheads The Charlie Fog Band.

New Year’s Eve Party Jukebox Bar & Grill New Year’s Eve Party w/ Fig Neutrons Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub New Year’s Eve Mediterranean Tavern Battle of the Sexes and DJ LA Rachael’s 1190 New Year’s Eve Savannah Smiles New Year’s Eve Party Sunny’s Lounge New Year’s Eve Treehouse New Year’s Eve Party Uncle Harry’s Gentlemen’s Club/ Scores New Year’s Eve Bash Vic’s on The River New Years Eve Dinner Wild Wing Cafe New Year’s Eve Party w/ Silicone Sister Wild Wing Cafe (Pooler) New Year’s Eve Decade Party w/ Nickel Bag of Funk

Other

Aqua Star Restaurant (Westin Harbor Hotel) The Night at Aqua Star Seafood Kitchen The Wormhole Open Mic Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa The Celebration

Thursday / 1 The 5 Spot Jackson Evans & Friends (jazz) Ampersand Jazz Night Barrelhouse South Xuluprophet Bay Street Blues Hitman (blues) Bayou Cafe Eric Culberson Band Billy’s Place at McDonough’s

Mike Sweat, piano/vocal Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub Harry O’Donoghue Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Open Mic Wild Wing Cafe Bucky & Barry

Trivia & Games

The Britannia British Pub Trivia Coach’s Corner Bingo Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (Pooler) Trivia Pour Larry’s Explicit Trivia Sunny’s Lounge Trivia Tybee Island Social Club Bingo & Blues

Karaoke

Applebee’s Karaoke Flashback Karaoke Hang Fire PBR Street Gang Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Mediterranean Tavern Karaoke Rachael’s 1190 Karaoke Rusty Rudders Tap House Karaoke The Wormhole Karaoke

Comedy

Vive Tapas Lounge Open Mic

DJ

Congress Street Social Club DJ Blackout The Jinx Live DJ

Bar & Club Events

Club One Drag Show Mediterranean Tavern Lip Sync Battle

Friday / 2

The 5 Spot Jackson & Maggie Evans

A-J’s Dockside Joey Manning Barrelhouse South The Syndicate Bayou Cafe Greg Williams Band Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat & Nancy Witt, piano/vocal Fiore Italian Bar and Grill Annie Allman The Jinx Bath Salt Zombies, A.M. Rodriguez Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub Harry O’Donoghue Mansion on Forsyth Park Tradewinds Mediterranean Tavern Nickel Bag of Funk Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant Jody Espina Trio Ruth’s Chris Steak House David Duckworth & Kim Polote The Wormhole Street Clothes (EP Release party) Wild Wing Cafe Groove Town Assault World of Beer (Pooler) The Only

Trivia & Games

Coach’s Corner Movies & Music Trivia

Karaoke

Bay Street Blues Karaoke Lucky’s Tavern Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Sunny’s Lounge Karaoke Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke/DJ

DJ

Club 309 West DJ Zay

17 Hundred 90 Restaurant Gail Thurmond A-J’s Dockside Joey Manning Barrelhouse South Ben Lewis Bayou Cafe Thomas Claxton & the Myth Billy’s Place at McDonough’s Mike Sweat & Nancy Witt, piano/vocal Casimir’s Lounge Jackson Evans Trio (jazz) Congress Street Social Club The Fritz Fiore Italian Bar and Grill Kristin Gustafson The Jinx Johnny Octane Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub Harry O’Donoghue The Olde Pink House David Duckworth & Kim Polote Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant Jody Espina Trio Ruth’s Chris Steak House Eddie Wilson Wild Wing Cafe Whiskey Run World of Beer (Pooler) Eric Culberson Band

Karaoke

Applebee’s Karaoke Bay Street Blues Karaoke Lucky’s Tavern Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Sunny’s Lounge Karaoke

The Olde Pink House Eddie Wilson Tybee Island Social Club Bluegrass Brunch The Warehouse Thomas Claxton Wild Wing Cafe Bucky & Barry Zunzi’s II Open Mic

Trivia & Games

Lulu’s Chocolate Bar Sunday Afternoon Trivia Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Trivia

Karaoke

Club One Karaoke McDonough’s Karaoke Tailgate Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke/DJ Tondee’s Tavern Karaoke

Monday / 5 Abe’s on Lincoln Open Mike with Craig Tanner and Mr. Williams Bay Street Blues Open Mic Bayou Cafe David Harbuck Wild Wing Cafe Eric Britt

Trivia & Games

Hang Fire Team Trivia Mediterranean Tavern Butt Naked Trivia with Kowboi

DJ

The Jinx DJ Lucky Bastard

Tuesday / 6

Club 51 Degrees DJ Lil G Disco Party Fogon - Fogon Katracho DJ Wet Willie’s DJ Brian

Bay Street Blues Jubal Kane (blues) Bayou Cafe Jam Night with Eric Culberson Foxy Loxy Cafe Jon Shingler Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub Open Mic Savannah Coffee Roasters Tongue: Open Mouth & Music Show hosted by Calvin Thomas The Warehouse The Hitman Wild Wing Cafe Chuck Courtenay

Bar & Club Events

Trivia & Games

Comedy

The Wormhole First Saturday Stand-Up

DJ

Club One Drag Show

Sunday / 4 17 Hundred 90 Restaurant Gail Thurmond A-J’s Dockside Joey Manning Ampersand Blues & Brews Aqua Star Restaurant (Westin Harbor Hotel) Sunday Jazz Brunch Barrelhouse South Randy Cuba Bayou Cafe Don Coyer Congress Street Social Club Voodoo Soup Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub Harry O’Donoghue

Coach’s Corner Trivia CoCo’s Sunset Grille Trivia Congress Street Social Club Trivia Mediterranean Tavern Battle of The Sexes Game Mellow Mushroom Trivia

Karaoke

The Rail Pub Karaoke

Comedy

Chuck’s Bar Open Mic

DJ

Hang Fire Vinyl DJ Night The Jinx Hip Hop Night

Tapas til 2am

DownloaD the FrEE Sav happS app!

SAV HAPPS

Wed 12/31 @ 8pm: Ring in the New Year with us!

Battle of The Sexes featuring Turn Down 4 What (18+)

Or tExt “Savannah” tO 77948

Savannah’S only EvEnt & EntErtainmEnt GuidE

Brought To You By

Your Historic Downtown Day Spa

Thurs 1/1 @ 9pm: Karaoke/Lip Sync Battle Royale Hosted by Dax Exclamation Point w/ DJLA Johnson (21+) Fri. 1/2 @ 9pm: Nickel Bag of Funk DJ Trestlye spins after the show

Looking for the perfect gift?

Mon. 1/5 @ 7pm: Butt-Naked Trivia w/ Kowboi Tatom

We offer gift certificates to fit any budget!

Local, SCAD & Military discounts Complimentary Weekday Garage Parking available

Tues. 1/6 @ 8pm: Salsa Night hosted by Salsa Savannah

BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

101 Bull Street | 912-236-1490 www.SpaBleu-sav.com

JOIN US THIS NEW YEARS EVE! $

125 Foxfield Way 988-1052

5 BEER & A BURGER ‘TIL 8PM

(Across from the IMAX Theatre)

LIVE D.J. CHAMPAGNE TOAST @ MIDNIGHT PARTY FAVORS Savannah’s largest video wall!

™

cOLDEST, CHEAPEST bEER IN TOWN

16 BEERS ON TAP GOOD FOOD MADE FROM SCRATCH DAILY!

18 E. River Street • 234-6003

GREAT FOOD • GREAT MUSIC • GREAT CRAIC.

Join us for New Year’s Eve festivities!

Savannah’s best view of the river

LIVE MUSIC

NIGHTLY @ 8PM 117 W. River St. 233.9626 KevinBarrys.com

HAPMP-TYh HOUR 3-7

24 Beers on Tap $ 8 Dom. Pitchers

catc h ev ery gam e on 14 tvS! $15.99 Sunday Football Special!

12 Piece Wings & Dom. Pitcher

Big Door Burgers & Dogs Wings

LIVEMUSIC WED. 12/31, 8-12

Eric Culberson Band FRI. 1/2, 8-12

Ben Keiser Band SAT. 1/3, 8-12

Hitman

SUN. 1/4, 7:30-11:30

Thomas Claxton

18 e. river st. 234-6003

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

1190 King George Blvd. 920.7772 ∙ rachaels1190.com

or l f Out l Ca ke 23 Ta

Culture

visual arts

Talking with… Jonathan Poirier Master glass blower works out of Starland studio

By Orlando Montoya SAVANNAHPODCAST.COM

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

I DON’T KNOW how many people remember back when the Starland Art District first started. But those gallery openings in the early 2000’s were something to behold.

Among the many artists who took a leap into that neighborhood, one stood out for the sheer physicality and spectacle of his work. Glass blower Jonathan Poirier now has been working with flames at Drayton Glass Works for 12 years.

“That’s our bragging point,” the artist says.

“We’ll work until we can’t work.”

His longevity in the neighborhood comes in part from his art’s stunning array of forms and colors. Bowls, platters, sconces, birds, chandeliers and bottles are just some of the shapes.

And the hues range from typical rainbow shades to the more obscure aurora.

“You don’t ever know what’s going to sell,” Poirier says. “We enjoy making the work.

So hopefully we’ll keep a good eye and good design and people will continue to buy it.”

Poirier is incredibly down-to-earth. He refers often to his assistant, Thomas Sodeur.

The pair work side-by-side near a hot furnace all day and both are integral to the process.

“Glass blowing is a team sport,” Sodeur says. “You work with another person and you have to be attentive to that.”

Their motions are careful and repetitive.

They sit in silence for hours.

The only sounds between them are the radio and the hiss-pop-sizzle of their molten creations. When conversation arises, it’s often about mutual inspirations.

“We were just talking about Maurice Andre,” Poirier says of a famous French trumpet player. “Our influences come from other people who aren’t just glass people.

We like music, we love Galileo and Tesla.

We love some of the old inventors.”

How humans invented glass making itself is shrouded in myth. The process to me seems like a transporter beam in operation.

I watched Poirier and Sodeur make some 24 bottles. And I find it hard to explain.

Jonathan Poirier making an olive oil bottle; his furnace runs at 2,000 degrees. More of his work below. Photo by Casey Martinez “You have to coordinate your hands and your body and understand the movement of the glass when it gets hot and when it gets cold,” says Sodeur. “If you don’t have confidence about it and you’re thinking about too much stuff then things go bad.”

I smile when Poirier says he’s avid golfer.

Glass blowing seems a lot like golf ’s mysterious “swing.” You either have it or you don’t.

But while the art’s creation is somewhat ineffable, the same can’t be said of how Poirier started in his profession.

The native Rhode Islander points it all squarely back to an apprenticeship he landed with renowned Swedish glass maker Jan Erik Ritzman.

“I just would write him letters at least once a month,” Poirier says. “I’d try to send funny things in the mail and try to keep his attention.”

Poirier wrote Ritzman without reply for two years while the younger artist toiled away in minor league professional hockey.

He says an article in Texas Monthly broke the master’s silence. The story quoted Poirier as saying he would continue in the sport “until Jan Erik Ritzman calls.”

Shortly after he sent him the article…

“My mother answered the phone and said ‘There’s a guy with a funny accent asking for you.’” Poirier says. “I picked up the phone and he said, ‘It’s time to come.’”

Poirier’s art draws on this Scandinavian background – simple, clean and streamlined.

After the apprenticeship, he and Sodeur worked together in Rhode Island before

scouting out their Savannah location.

They say they love the city’s artistic community for the opportunities it gives them.

“One of the greatest treats is that there’s another day that we can do it again,” Poirier says. “We’ve created a spot where we can show up tomorrow and keep this fire going.” cs

culture | food & Drink

Tijuana Flats is bringing the heat Tex-Mex flavor comes to Pooler

By Cheryl Baisden Solis

avocado, a little purple onion and fresh chopped cilantro and a blessing to anyone who loves that little bumpy fruit.

Keep in mind, this is fast-casual Tex-Mex, not a Mexican restaurant, so to those who may fret that the chips and salsa here are not free, consider this: You’re paying for truly fresh-made salsa, which can be created to your individual heat preference, and in the end you should know that your chips and salsa, even the magnificent guacamole, are refillable for free.

That’s correct, my friends, you don’t pay for every bowl of that great guac, and the servers will even bring you a bag stuffed full of fresh chips and a sizable container to take home with you.

Another perk, in my opinion, is the wonderful taco salad, which I usually avoid because of the greasy fried shell in which they’re served—not here!

I ordered the whole wheat tortilla shell, which was so delicate, so perfectly and quickly cooked, that I actually doubted the thing was fried at all—I had to ask the server just to make sure.

The texture of the tortilla was firm but dry on the outside, lacking even a gleam of oil, and a bit flaky on the inside, a beautiful bowl for the exquisitely fresh salad.

Having watched numerous corporate “Mexican” fast food joints over the years, one becomes accustomed to seeing large bags of pre-cooked meats, guac mixed from green powder, and barely recognizable ground beef taco filling coming in from the freezer

in back.

At Tijuana Flats, the chicken and beef are marinated, freshly cooked on site, and never pre-made. The flavor of the beef on the huge pile of nachos and the grilled chicken on the salad was perfectly spiced and cooked to order.

Even as a readily admitted carnivore I still like to give vegetarian dishes their space on my personal menu, so I am very pleased to say that the vegetarian burritos here, filled with beans, rice, crisply fresh veggies , sour cream—and plenty of guac, at least for me!—are simply wonderful.

Huge, well-stuffed and sporting a layer of melted, mixed cheese and green onion, they are big enough to share. They are also so tasty you really don’t miss the meat, and the variety of hot sauces with which to enflame them just adds to their succulence.

I’ve only tried one of the desserts but it was awesome: two brown sugar ‘n’ cinnamon crusted empanadas stuffed with plenty of fresh banana. Taken home and served with whipped cream they make such a delicious dessert that you’ll wish you’d ordered more of them. For in-store dining, just dip them in the creamy caramel sauce for a supersweet treat! cs Tijuana Flats 405 Pooler Pkwy, Ste. 200 (in front of Publix, next to Starbucks) (912) 339-5330

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

For Savannah folks, a trip to the wilds of Pooler may seem like a long ride, but with yet another wonderful offering now available to those who love good Tex-Mex, believe me when I tell you: Tijuana Flats makes it well worth the drive!

Not a Mexican restaurant in the traditional sense but a potent blend of Texas and Mexican cuisine served up as fresh as any foodie could want, they offer a great menu of delicious eats for lunch and dinner.

Founded in Winter Park, FL by Brian Wheeler in 1995, Tijuana Flats was created by a college kid who just loved good

Tex-Mex and had a deep passion for hot sauces in general. He ended up creating his own line of hot sauces shortly thereafter— the “Smack My Ass & Call Me Sally” brand, which includes some of the hottest sauces in the world.

He made sure his restaurants had a fun, laid-back feel for not only guests but those work for him, and his insistence on absolutely fresh ingredients, as well as a willingness to take part in local community projects and worthy causes, pushed Tijuana Flats to the forefront of the new fast-casual dining scene.

Everything here is beautifully presented, exquisitely fresh-made to order and available with your choice of toppings, meats and sauces. If heat is what you’re after, be assured you will find a plethora of smokin’ sauces at their own Hot Bar, with a sign posted over it: “Use at your own risk!” and a Heat Scorecard for those who wish to approach with caution.

This is Fast Casual at its roaring good best. The servers are knowledgeable, friendly and will happily clue you in as to the mostfavored dishes.

I am ready to confess, I’ll eat just about any dish if it’s liberally garnished with avocado, and any place even remotely associated with Mexican food better have a GREAT, not just decent, guacamole if they wanna see me again.

If guac is yer thing, take yourself to Tijuana Flats, y’all, ‘because the guac here is a luscious blend of chunky, super-fresh

The legendary ‘Hot Bar’ at Tijuana Flats; note the Heat Scorecard posted on the wall. Right, the delicious nacho plate.

25

Dine In or Take Out DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL

Soup

of the

Day

with Sandwich or Salad

895

$

(Mon-Fri)

33 Meddin Dr. Tybee Island 912-786-4442 Open daily 11:30am-10pm

northbeachbarandgrill.net

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRI & SAT Friday, Jan. 2nd

GENERAL PATTON Saturday, Jan. 3rd

VOODOO SOUP KARAOKE Thurs

LADIES NIGHT Tues GREAT FOOD Kitchen open late

15

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

TVS

26

7360 SKIDAWAY RD • 354.8288 SANDFLYSPORTSBAR.COM

culture | brew/drink/run

Get started with cellaring in the new year by lee heidel lee@brewdrinkrun.com /@brewdrinkrun brewdrinkrun.com

MANY BEERS are defined by their freshness. The India Pale Ale (IPA) style is a perfect example.

Fans of Alchemist’s Heady Topper, Three Floyds’ Zombie Dust and Cigar City’s Jai Alai, to name a few, go to great lengths to get the most recent date possible stamped on their cans and bottles.

This is because the more recently it was placed in containers, the more potent the aroma and flavor of the hops.

Other beer styles are not as hop-centric and rely on their malt profiles, alcohol levels, additives or aging processes to give the drink its distinctive qualities. For some of those beers, the flavors will continue to evolve and develop with time in the bottle.

Over a period of months or years, some notes will subside and others will come to the fore for a completely different tasting experience. Some beer drinkers enjoy experimenting with these brews, cellaring them to let them age rather than drinking them fresh.

The concept of cellaring beer can be controversial. Some brewers put notes on their bottles encouraging the beers to be imbibed immediately, like Westbrook does with its popular Mexican Cake.

Others encourage the aging process, even creating beers to be consumed and compared over a period of time with side-byside tastings like Stone’s Vertical Epic series.

Stone has jumped even further into the education on freshness and cellaring with their Enjoy By series, fresh IPAs that shelfdate themselves right in the name of the beer. Those beers are now matched with an Enjoy After line of bottles with higher alcohol content that are brewed to not only withstand the aging process but benefit from it as well.

It’s important to realize that not all brews will benefit from additional time in the bottle. Some will actually be worse for the experience, especially if the cellaring or original bottling conditions were sub-par. Other causes for poor aging experiments include aging for too long or aging inappropriate

Beers which aren’t as hop-centric can benefit from aging in a cool, dark place. styles.

While there are no hard and fast rules over what styles can be cellared, some of the most popular beers to cellar are higher-alcohol stouts, barleywines, sour ales and high gravity Belgian beers. In contrast, lighter styles like lagers and pale ales shouldn’t be kept for months, much less years. Low alcohol beers like milk stouts, brown ales and porters should also be consumed fresh.

To begin your aging experiments, buy multiple bottles of a hearty beer that you believe may benefit from some additional time. Barleywines are a great first cellar beer.

Often aggressively hopped before bottling, pop open a fresh beer like Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Barleywine or Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot. Write down your tasting notes in a beer journal or use an app like Untappd. Be sure to note the year on the bottle and the date of the tasting.

Then, open another at six months, a year and two years. If it’s a barrel-aged beer, you may find the beer getting sweeter over time and tasting boozier. If the hops were overwhelming at your freshness tasting, you’ll

find the beer mellows and becomes more quaffable. For spiced beers, the chili or pepper notes will recede with time. The same is true for beers brewed with coffee.

An ideal beer cellar is cool but not cold in temperature and removed from bright light and loud noises. A quiet, dark and cool spot can often be found in the backs of closets or well-insulated (and ideally temperature controlled) garages and basements.

It’s important to check the beer’s label before cellaring to ensure that there is a bottle date or vintage marker. If there isn’t a clear date, take a marker and write your purchase date on the bottle. That way, you’ll at least know how long it has been sitting on the shelf.

While you’re out bottle shopping for your New Year’s Eve parties, pick up a four pack or a pair of 22oz bombers of something big and interesting. Then, tuck one away for safe keeping.

Pop it open in a year or so and see what has changed. You just might find that you prefer your beer with a little dust on the bottle. cs

culture | art patrol

artpatrol@connectsavannah.com

Openings & Receptions

Works by W. Gerome Temple — Using both

illustration and painting as his media, W. Gerome Temple has created a body of work that encompasses the natural and the unexplored. Through Jan. 4, 2015.

912-234-6505. whatisthebutcher.com. whatisthebutcher.com/. The Butcher Tattoo Studio, 19 East Bay St.

First Friday Art March — A monthly art walk

featuring galleries, restaurants, boutiques and more. Free Trolley transportation, Indie Arts Market, and Kids Art Activities. Free for All Ages first Friday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Art Rise Savannah, 2427 Desoto Ave.

Classes

Courtney Fredette — Courtney Fredette presents mixed media work that explores meaning and interpretation. Gallery Espresso, 234 Bull St. Emily Quintero — Local artist Emily Quintero displays her recent work. Fri., Jan. 2. The Foundery Coffee Pub, 1313 Habersham St. Oksana Gruszka Harmouche — Ukrainian artist

Oksana Gruszka Harmouche uses a Flemish technique with seven layers of paint to create transparent, fabric-like veils. Reception Jan. 4, 1-3pm. Jan. 1-30. savannahjea.org. Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St.

Work by Oksana Gruszka Harmouche is at the JEA all January; reception is this Sunday afternoon.

Continuing Exhibits featured artists. Daniel presents her watercolors and Erdy shows her jewelry pieces.

Through Jan. 1, 2015. gallery209savannah.com/. Gallery 209, 209 E River St. Arthur Bennett Kouwenhoven — Savannah

resident shows his sculpture and works on paper. Local 11 Ten, 1110 Bull St.

Barbara Davis — Barbara Davis displays her oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings through the month of December. Through Dec. 31. Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Between Realism and Abstractionism — Three

artists using different styles, reflect their personal message about the human condition – the forlorn silence of the modern world, reality as seen by the mind’s eye and the introspective search for personal meaning. Giuliano Corsi, Michael Banks and Larry Beaver carry on the visual dialogue.

Through Jan. 15, 2015, Beach Institute, 502 E. Harris St.

The Divine Comedy: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell Revisted by Contemporary African Artists — This

exhibit explores the sequences of Dante’s poem through new works by 40 contemporary artists from 19 African countries.

Through Jan. 25, 2015. scadmoa.org/.

SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd.

PHOTO: SAVANNAH MENU

Doctuh Buzzard’s Hoodoo Awakening — This

exhibit celebrates Gullah Geechee spiritual heritage and looks closely at hoodoo artifacts. Through Jan. 25, 2015. Beach Institute, 502 E. Harris St.

Holiday Open House — Check out the Forsyth

Park Inn’s decorated parlor and enjoy freshly-baked goodies and hot chocolate.

Through Jan. 2, 2015, 12-2 p.m. Forsyth Park Inn, 102 W. Hall St. One man’s trash is a fiber student’s treasure —

Fiber students at SCAD were challenged to utilize recycled materials by experimenting with pattern & structure in order to suggest possible applications for these discarded objects. The goal was to transform the material and propose continued use as a textile for sculpture, fine-craft, interiors, home goods, and fashion. Through Jan. 8, 2015. Gallery F.A.R., 1321 Eisenhower Drive.

Ornaments and Keepsakes: Memories in Adornment, 1780-1885 — From now through December,

the Georgia Historical Society is offering an exhibit on 18th and 19th century jewelry.

Features several pieces from the GHS collection including brooches, mourning pendants, and pocket watches dating from 1780-1885. In the Georgia Historical Society Research Center located in Hodgson Hall and is open to the public during

DOWNTOWN 113 MLK Blvd. -

regular hours. The Research Center is open on the first and third Saturday each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 12-5 p.m. Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker St. Port City: The Savannah Riverfront through Artist’s Eyes — Drawn from local collections, the

Library of Congress, and Telfair Museums’ collection, Port City tells the story of the Savannah riverfront as depicted by artists in prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs from the 1730s to the present.

Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St. Student, Instructor and Staff Art Exhibition Sale — The exhibit will feature over 100 works

created by over two dozen students and instructors. The exhibition and sale includes ceramic platters, bowls, vases, boats, jewelry, encaustic and oil paintings, handcut paper constructions, fiber table runners and much more. Through Dec. 31. City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, 9 West Henry St.

Whitfield Lovell: Deep River — Lovell’s art pays

tribute to the lives of anonymous African Americans and explores passage, memory, and the search for freedom. Through Feb. 1, 2015. telfair.org/jepson/. Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 West York St.

Wasabi’s

Portrait Drawing and Painting Series — A three-

part portrait class beginning with drawing and moving into painting. $40-$315 Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.. 912-507-7138. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St.

Portrait Drawing and Painting Series — A three-

part portrait class taught by Karen Glenn Bradley, beginning with drawing and moving into painting. Charcoal portraiture January 6-27; drawing with paint February 3-March 10; limited pallet portrait in the spring. 4 weeks for $140, 10 weeks for $315. Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.. 912507-7138. thestudioschoolsavannah.com.

Studio School, 1319 Bull St.

Youth Drawing/Portfolio Preparation — Especially geared towards middle school and high school students meeting portfolio drawing requirements, this class focuses on drawing still life arrangements. Students will learn and improve drawing skills and develop portfolio pieces too. $40-$315 Tuesdays, Thursdays, 3:30-6 p.m.. 912-507-7138. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St. Acrylic Painting Basics — Instructor Lind Hollingsworth will focus on individual goals while paying attention to the artistic elements and techniques unique to acrylics. $140 per 4 week session Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon. 912-398-7475. lind.art@ comcast.net. theStudioSchoolSavannah. com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St.

the future

corner of gwinnett & whitaker

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Alaine Daniel and Angela Erdy — December’s

Acrylic Painting Basics — This ongoing class is designed to meet the student where they are in their painting experience, whether they are just beginning or have been painting a while. Instructor Lind Hollingsworth will focus on individual goals while paying attention to the artistic elements and techniques unique to acrylics. $140 per 4 week session Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-noon.

912-398-7475. lind.art@comcast.net. theStudioSchoolSavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St.

retro boutique

savannah ga

27

film Screenshots

by Matt Brunson

CARMIKE 10 511 Stephenson Ave. 353-8683

Into the Woods, Big Eyes, Unbroken, The Gambler, Annie, Night at the Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods And Kings, Top Five, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Interstellar

spotlight EISENHOWER 352-3533 1100 Eisenhower Dr.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Annie, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Wild, The Theory of Everything

REGAL SAVANNAH 10 1132 Shawnee St. 927-7700

Unbroken, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Annie, Top Five, Wild, Big Hero 6, The Theory of Everything, Fury, St. Vincent, Gone Girl

VICTORY SQUARE 9 1901 E. Victory 355-5000

Unbroken, The Gambler, Annie, Night aAt The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Interstellar

WYNNSONG 11 1150 Shawnee St. 920-1227

Into the Woods, Big Eyes, The Gambler, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Imitation Game, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Interstellar

POOLER 12 425 POOLER PKWY. 330-0777

Into the Woods, Unbroken, The Gambler, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Annie, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Horrible Bosses 2, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Big Hero 6

ROYAL POOLER 5 TOWN CENTER CT. 998-0911

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Into the Woods, The Interview, Unbroken, The Gambler, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, PK, Annie, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Top Five, Penguins of Madagascar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, Big Hero 6, Interstellar

28

MARS THEATRE 106 S. LAUREL ST., SPRINGFIELD 754-1118

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb screens at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 26, and Saturday, December 27 (two screenings each day)

Amy Adams stars in Big Eyes

BIG EYES OOO Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski are the gents who wrote the script for director Tim Burton’s excellent 1994 feature Ed Wood – not to mention Milos Forman’s 1996 controversy The People vs. Larry Flynt and his underrated 1999 effort Man on the Moon – so they may not exactly be the good-to guys when it comes to stories that remain committed to historical accuracy.

After all, Ed Wood included not only a scene in which Hollywood great Orson Welles had a friendly chat with Hollywood hack Wood, it also contained a sequence in which Wood and his entourage attended a standing-room-only premiere screening for Plan 9 from Outer Space. The truth will out?

Not with these guys at the keyboard!

But what they lack in fidelity to the facts, they make up for in providing pure entertainment, and they score again with Big Eyes, a picture that reteams them with Burton.

This one does hew closer to reality, relating the bizarre and fascinating story of Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), a single mom who drew paintings of children with exceptionally large eyes, and her second husband Walter (Christophe Waltz), a smooth-talking con man who took credit for all her work and then parlayed it into an empire.

Big Eyes primarily seems to exist as a showcase for two fine performances – Adams’ honest emoting in one corner, Waltz’s bombastic showboating in the other

– but the film also touches upon the difficulties faced by women in the 1960s. More pointedly, it looks at how one woman’s decision to remain silent about a cruel deception (“Lady art doesn’t sell,” Walter tells her) enforces the notion that spousal abuse doesn’t always have to take the form of physical violence.

Like Margaret Keane’s artwork, Big Eyes catches viewers with its surface quirks, but there’s also something taking place underneath the surface.

code employed by the Germans – the picture follows Turing as the mathematician and his team, all working in top secrecy for the British government, tirelessly toil around the clock trying to find the solution.

Despite the skepticism of his colleagues, Turing uses what could only be described as an early-model computer to aid him in his efforts – he soldiers on mostly alone, as his only friend among the co-workers he (to paraphrase Run-D.M.C.) disses and dismisses is Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), who becomes his fiancée even though he’s secretly gay.

But being a homosexual was a crime in England, and The Imitation Game earns its stripes by not only honoring the magnificent wartime achievements of Turing but also by shedding light on the ridiculous laws that would later embarrass and marginalize a hero of his caliber. And just like that, an inspirational movie about an international triumph becomes a sobering film about a national tragedy.

UNBROKEN

OOO Unbroken marks Jolie’s second directorial effort (the first being 2011’s barely seen In the Land of Blood and Honey).

Adapted by a powerhouse quartet of scripters (including Joel and Ethan Coen) from Laura Hillenbrand’s book, this centers on the true-life tale of Louie Zamperini ( Jack O’Connell), an Olympic athlete who, during World War II, survived for 47 days on a life raft alongside two fellow airmen (Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock), THE IMITATION GAME only to then end up in a POW camp overOOOP seen by a sadistic guard known as “The Bird” We’re initially amused, nodding our heads (played by Japanese rock star Miyavi). knowingly at the screen. Here’s Benedict The story of Unbroken is a great one, and Cumberbatch playing a socially awkward Jolie largely tackles it as if she were mountgenius who’s not only smarter than everyone ing an old-fashioned Hollywood flick sprinaround him but who makes damn sure they kled with modern trimmings (she doesn’t all recognize his vast superiority and, by shy away from the brutality on view). But extension, their own humbling inferiority. the passion evident in her best performances Hey, it’s Sherlock redux! Well, not quite. is largely missing in her direction, as the Despite the obvious similarities to the brai- austere workmanship keeps the incidents niac from Baker Street, Alan Turing, the at an emotional distance and rarely allows real-life personage at the center of The Imita- for the inspirational catharsis demanded by tion Game, is cut from a separate cloth, and the material. Unbroken is a fine biopic of a Cumberbatch shifts gears accordingly. The remarkable American, but it needed a little result is one of the year’s best performances more fire in its belly to truly roar. in one of the year’s best films, a vibrant work

that refuses to be relegated to the status of INTO THE WOODS just another Brit biopic appearing in the OOP thick of awards season.

It’s telling that the first two actors director Focusing on one of the most compelRob Marshall reportedly cast in the screen ling stories to emerge from World War version of the stage smash Into the Woods II – Allied efforts to crack the Enigma were Meryl Streep as the Witch and Johnny

continued from previous page

Depp as the Wolf. Subscribing to the Ridley Scott mantra that global superstars are more important to a film than finding the perfect performers for the right roles, Marshall selected an actress who at this point would get nominated by everyone for simply flossing and bypassed, well, every male in Hollywood for an actor who has devolved into a mugging caricature no longer capable of surprising or even engaging us.

Move past the marquee names, however, and the other players adeptly take us through this revisionist take on age-old fairy tales. As the bumbling baker and his sensible wife, James Corden and Emily Blunt are affable protagonists, while Anna Kendrick again displays her professional singing chops (as she did in Pitch Perfect) as Cinderella.

Daniel Huddlestone and Lilla Crawford, the kids cast as Jack (of beanstalk fame) and Red Riding Hood, hold their own against the older cast members, and Chris Pine, the most amusing person in Horrible Bosses 2, is even funnier as the vain prince smitten with Cinderella.

The production looks handsome, but Marshall’s direction renders it all a bit stiff, with no real blood behind the proceedings, and the deficiencies in the original source material are present and actually amplified here.

In the battle of the season’s two musicals, Into the Woods will trump Annie for a number of reasons, but on balance, I’ll take the latter’s heart over the former’s art.

THE GAMBLER

OOP The thought of Mark Wahlberg sharing character DNA with Kenny Rogers is enough to give one pause, but let’s back up for a second. In the new film The Gambler, Wahlberg isn’t playing that gambler, the one made famous by Rogers in a country song and a 1980 TV-movie of the same name.

He’s playing another gambler, one first seen in a largely forgotten 1974 film starring James Caan.

This remake finds Wahlberg ably filling the role with a bravura performance, one that substitutes Caan’s low-simmer cool with a high-level intensity. Wahlberg plays Jim Bennett, a college professor whose bad habit of placing gargantuan bets in gambling dens has left him tens of thousands of dollars in debt. His icy mom ( Jessica Lange), a loan shark (Michael Kenneth Williams) and an underworld kingpin ( John Goodman) all consider fronting him money, but whatever funds come his way end up being used not to pay off debts but blown on more blackjack hands and roulette wheels.

Gambling as an addiction isn’t the focus

here – this isn’t Leaving Las Vegas with playing cards replacing the booze bottles – which is fine since the film is content operating as a tightly wound drama about a man with self-destructive impulses. Yet this isn’t really a character study, either, since we’re never allowed to get inside Bennett’s head.

That leaves only the melodramatic tension, which dissipates as the movie limps toward a disappointing conclusion that feels committee-driven rather than narratively sound.

That’s too bad, because a movie that displays a winning hand for most of its length should never turn up snake eyes at the end.

FOXCATCHER

OOOP Let it be noted that Foxcatcher isn’t so much a study of a dream deferred but of the American Dream deferred. Director Bennett Miller and writer Dan Futterman, who previously worked together on Capote, reteam on another true-life horror tale, this one related with the same sense of clinical detachment as their previous triumph.

At heart a film about the awkward dance between the haves and have-nots – and, more specifically, a brutal condemnation of the barely masked disdain the one-percenters have for the other 99 – this finds Steve Carell cast waaay against type as John du Pont, scion of one of the most prominent and wealthiest families in the nation. A meek and strange character charged with a patriotic zeal, John pushes aside one passion – ornithology – and begins using his vast fortune to build a team of world-class wrestlers.

To anchor the group, he picks 1984 Olympic gold medalist Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), an opportunity that

seems like a godsend to the struggling athlete. But John’s paranoid-schizophrenic nature soon gets the better of him, and he humiliates Mark by inviting his saintly older brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo), also a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, to take over as head of the team. From there, the tensions only mount, leading to a shocking crime that’s completely unexpected but perhaps also unavoidable.

Carell is scary-good, subjugating all traces of the familiar comic spark very much in evidence in his previous films. Ruffalo is effortlessly reassuring as the big brother who would be a benefit to any family, while Tatum reaches a new plateau as the troubled kid simply wanting life to give him a break.

Like Carell, Tatum is required to suppress his natural charm – it’s a knockout performance, fully in line with a movie that feels like a body slam to the mat.

WILD

OOOP Ever since its August debut at the Telluride Film Festival – and through its tireless relay race over the course of two dozen more fests – Wild has been positioned first and foremost as a showcase for star Reese Witherspoon.

Yet Wild is far more than just Oscar bait for an A-list star – based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (with no less than Nick Hornby handling the adaptation), it’s a galvanizing human-interest story of the highest order, centering on a woman who immediately emerges as one of the cinematic year’s most complex individuals. Witherspoon is superb as Cheryl, who undergoes a strenuous 1,100-mile hike in an attempt to

Jack O’Connell stars as Olympian Louis Zamperini in Unbroken

find herself after suffering through a series of personal crises.

An adulteress and heroin addict, Cheryl’s grown-up existence has been most informed by the cancer-related death of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern). Absolutely devastated by her loss, Cheryl flounders until she stumbles upon the idea of embarking on this hike, an arduous odyssey that poses many risks but also allows time for plenty of soul-searching.

Director Jean-Marc Vallee, coming off last year’s excellent Dallas Buyers Club, has fashioned an invigorating picture which, through its uncanny use of both flashbacks and songs, successfully provides a streamof-consciousness flow that beautifully suits the piece’s themes of reflection and introspection.

As for Witherspoon, Wild represents the crown jewel of her 2014 accomplishments – it’s a dizzying high-wire act, and she’s performing without a net.

ANNIE

OOO Here’s the thing about Annie: She’s never been defined by her race but her class. It’s her social standing that’s always driven the story, not the color of her skin, which is why it’s been downright depressing to find so many people outraged that a black moppet has been cast in the part in the new Annie.

Annie is the sort of movie that opens itself up to criticism, and even during the screening, I became aware of how savagely reviewed it would be.

The film is frequently awkward, suffers from some pedestrian choreography and wears its heart perhaps a bit too openly on its sleeve. But it’s also charming, well-acted (with the occasional exception of poor Cameron Diaz, trapped in the difficult role of Miss Hannigan) and, most surprisingly, quite funny. As Will Stacks, the modernday Warbucks (he’s a cell phone magnate running for NYC mayor), Jamie Foxx is a delight, and the script by director Will Gluck and Aline Brosh McKenna works overtime in presenting clever topical twists on the stage show’s clichés.

If nothing else, this Annie is infinitely better than John Huston’s 1982 turkey, a grotesque version starring Albert Finney and Carol Burnett. Of course, while it was critically hammered back in the day, many of those lambasting the new take are now describing that older adaptation as a national treasure. Because white people. CS

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

screenshots |

29

happenings We reserve the right to edit or cut listings because of space limitations.

Activism & Politics

Drinking Liberally

An informal, left-leaning gathering to discuss politics, the economy, sports, entertainment, etc. Every first and third Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Free first Thursday of every month, 7 p.m.. (912) 341-7427. livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/GA/ savannah. Tondee’s Tavern, 7 E. Bay Street.

Savannah Area Young Republicans

Get involved. Contact is Michael Johnson, via email or telephone, or see website for info. 912-604-0797. chairman@sayr.org. sayr.org. Call or see website for information. Free ongoing. 912-308-3020. savannahyoungrepublicans.com.

Savannah Libertarians

Join the Facebook group to find out about upcoming local events. Mondays. Facebook.com/groups/SAVlibertarians.

Savannah Tea Party

5pm social time. 5:30pm meeting begins.

6pm speaker. Reservations not necessary. Free to attend. Food and beverages available for purchase. Mondays, 5:30 p.m.. 912-598-7358. savannahteaparty. com. liveoakstore.com/tubbysthunderbolt.

Tubby’s Tank House (Thunderbolt), 2909 River Dr. Veterans for Peace

Local chapter 170 of VFP, a national organization of military veterans of all eras waging peace and exposing the costs of war. first Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. 303-550-1158. St. Frances Cabrini Church, 11500 Middleground Road.

Young Democrats

Mondays at 7pm on the second level of Foxy Loxy, Bull Street. Call or visit the Young Democrats Facebook page for more information. Free ongoing. 423-619-7712. foxyloxycafe.com/. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St. Auditions and Calls for Entries

Call for Artists

The Sentient Bean seeks experienced artists for one-month-long exhibitions of his/ her work. Artists must have a website with current images representing a sample of the work to be shown in order to be considered. Apply to sentientbooking@gmail. com, subject line “art show.” See website for info. Fridays.. sentientbean.com/ booking#visualarts. sentientbean.com.

The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Call for Entries for Savannah GIF Festival

30

Art Rise is looking for GIF images to be submitted for the first annual Savannah GIF Festival, which is part of the Telfair Museum’s PULSE festival. Selected GIFs will be exhibited during Art Rise Savannah’s ARTificial Intelligence Symposium at the Bull Street Public Library on January 20. There is no limit and no charge to submissions. Submit at savgiffest.tumblr.com.

Through Jan. 10, 2015. artrisesavannah. org/artintel. artrisesavannah.org. Art Rise Savannah, 2427 Desoto Ave. Call for Entries for Savannah Stopover’s Band

30 compiled by Rachael Flora | happenings@connectsavannah.com Happenings is Connect Savannah’s listing of community gatherings, events, classes and groups. If you want an event listed, email happenings@connectsavannah.com. Include specific dates, time, locations with addresses, cost and a contact number. Deadline for inclusion is 5pm Friday, to appear in next Wednesday’s edition.

Poster Juried Exhibition

Art Rise Savannah welcomes the city’s graphic and visual artists to create posters inspired by the individual bands from the 2015 lineup. These include local bands as well as touring bands from around the country. Artists are invited to choose a band from the Festival lineup listing at savannahstopover.com and create a poster inspired by that band using the specifications listed here. Additional acts, including local bands, will be announced January 16th, 2015. Semi-Finalists will be included in an exhibition of posters in the Jepson Center Atrium from March 2 - 9, 2015.

Through Feb. 16, 2015. artrisesavannah. org. Art Rise Savannah, 2427 Desoto Ave.

Ukulele Group

Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Benefits

Ongoing weekly drawing and painting classes for youth and adults. See website, send email or call for details. 912-4846415. melindaborysevicz@gmail.com. thestudioschoolsavannah.com.

Contact Warren Walker for lessons or information on participation at 912-3981640. Through Jan. 4, 2015. Downtown Savannah, downtown.

Chatham County Animal Control Seeks Donations of Items

Call for Local Artist

Chatham County Animal Control seeks items for pets in the facility. Canned and dry dog and cat food, baby formula, newspaper, paper towels, soaps, crates, leashes, collars, wash cloths, towels. Open daily, 1pm-5pm. Mondays.. 912-351-6750. animalcontrol.chathamcounty.org. Chatham County Animal Shelter, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr.

City of Savannah TV Show Seeks Entries

Market sponsors invest in a healthy community and support the local economy.

Sponsorships begin at $350. Help keep food fresh and local. Tuesdays.. kristen@ forsythfarmersmarket.com. forsythfarmersmarket.com. forsythfarmersmarket. com/. Forsyth Farmers’ Market, 501 Whitaker St., South End of Forysth Park.

Gallery 11 seeks an artist to join its cooperative gallery. Must live in the Savannah area and submit representative samples of your artwork, resume/bio, website, etc. for jury process. Inquire weekdays 11am-5pm at 912-598-8217 or 912-925-5465. Through March 1, 2015. Gallery 11, 309 W. Julian Street.

The City of Savannah’s TV station, SGTV, seeks profiles, documentaries, animations, original music videos, histories or other original works by or about the citizens of Savannah to run on “Engage,” a television show produced by the city. No compensation. SGTV offers an opportunity to expose local works to over 55,000 households in Chatham County. Submit proposals via website. Saturdays.. savannahga.gov/engagesgtv.

Gallery 209 Call for Artists

Gallery 209, 209 East River Street, seeks a 3D artist to join its cooperative gallery.

Interested artists call 236-4583 between 10:30am--1:30 pm, or emailbmrousseau@ aol.com. Sundays.. gallery209savannah. com/. Gallery 209, 209 E River St. Gallery Seeks Local Artists

Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street, seeks 2-D and 3-D artists to join its cooperative gallery. Must be a full-time resident of Savannah or nearby area. Work to be considered includes painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, glass, ceramics and wood.

Submit 5-10 images of work, resume/CV and bio to info@kobogallery.com. Mondays.

Kobo Gallery, 33 Barnard Street ,.

Forsyth Farmers Market Seeks Sponsors

$5 Bikram Yoga Class to Benefit Local Charities

Bikram Yoga Savannah offers a weekly Karma class to raise money for local charities. Thursdays during the 6:30pm class.

Pay $5 for class and proceeds are donated to a different charity each month. This is a regular Bikram Yoga class. ongoing.

912.356.8280. bikramyogasavannah.com.

Professional Clothing Drive at Armstrong

Armstrong State University’s Office of Career Services is accepting donations for its Clothing Closet, a professional clothing drive seeking gently used professional attire—oxford shirts, men’s and women’s suits, slacks, blouses, dress shoes. Clothing will be available to students seeking career guidance assistance. Drop off location: the alumni office in Burnett Hall on the Armstrong campus. Through Feb. 1, 2015. 912.344.2563. careers@armstrong. edu. about.armstrong.edu/Maps/index. html. Armstrong State University, 11935 Abercorn St. SCMPD Animal Control seeks Volunteers

Savannah Chatham County Animal Control seeks volunteers to serve various tasks as needed by the shelter. No prior animal shelter experience is necessary. Newly Homeschool Music Classes trained volunteers will be authorized to Music classes for homeschool students serve immediately after orientation. Potenages 8-18 and their parents. Offered in tial volunteers are asked to notify J. Lewis Guyton and Savannah. See website for prior to orientation; though, walk-ins are details. ongoing. CoastalEmpireMusic.com. welcome. Volunteers must be at least Oatland Island Seeks Memories and Recollec17-years-old. ongoing. (912) 525-2151. tions for 40th Anniversary jlewis01@savannahga.gov.

Oatland Island Education Center is looking for memories of Oatland Island in honor Classes, Camps & Workshops of their 40th anniversary. People who were Argentine Tango Beyond Basics Group Class A class for advanced beginners in Argenpart of the Youth Conservation Corp that tine Tango. Prerequisite: knowledge of helped to build Oatland Island Education Center in the 1970’s. Great memories from Basic elements of Argentine Tango. No field trips. Special family memories of Oat- partner required. This is a 4 week course that will progress each week. $35 Wednesland Island. Send your photos and stories days, 7-8 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile. to memories@oatland40th.org. Deadline dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestuis August 31. undefined. 912-395-1500. dio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 oatlandisland.org.

Art Classes at The Studio School

Art, Music, Piano, Voice Coaching

Coaching for all ages, beginners through advanced. Classic, modern, jazz improvization and theory. Serious inquiries only.

912-961-7021 or 912-667-1056.

Artist Sacred Circle

Group forming on Fridays beginning in March. 1:30pm-3pm. Based on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Contact Lydia Stone, 912-656-6383 or rosesonthemove@ gmail.com. ongoing. 912-656-6383. rosesonthemove@gmail.com.

Beading Classes

Offered every weekend at Perlina Beadshop, 6 West State Street. Check website calendar or call for info. 912-441-2656. perlinabeadshop.com.

Beading Classses at Epiphany Bead & Jewelry Studio

Learn jewelry-making techniques from beginner to advanced. Call for class times.

912-920-6659. Epiphany Bead & Jewelry Studio, 407 East Montgomery Xrds.

Beginning Belly Dance Classes

Taught by Happenstance Bellydance. All skill levels and styles. Private instruction available. $15 912-704-2940. happenstancebellydance@gmail.com. happenstancebellydance.wordpress. com. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. Champions Training Center

Offering a variety of classes and training in mixed martial arts, jui-jitsu, judo and other disciplines for children and adults.

All skill levels. 525 Windsor Rd. 912-3494582. ctcsavannah.com.

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 876

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Post 876, is taking applications from young men and women (ages 14-20) interested in law enforcement careers.

Explorers experience mentoring, motivation, and learn skills which help prepare them for their roles as productive citizens. See Chatham County Sheriff’s web page, click “Community/Explorers Post 876 or call. Wednesdays.. 912-6513743. chathamsheriff.org.

Classical Guitar Instruction

Professional level classical instruction with a university professor. Lessons available for all levels with Dr. Brian Luckett, DMA. Private studio in Starland District. $25/half hour, $45/hour. brian@ brianluckett.com. (brianluckett.com.

Clay Classes

Savannah Clay Studio at Beaulieu offers handbuilding, sculpture, and handmade tiles, basic glazing and firing. 912-3514578. sav..claystudio@gmail.com.

Boating Classes

Classes on boat handling, boating safety and navigation offered by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. See website or call to

continued from previous page

register. 912-897-7656. savannahaux.com.

Coffee Cupping

Like a wine tasting, but with coffee. A lesson on coffee process methods and origins worthy of a connoisseur. Free and open to the public. Donations welcome. Fridays, 11 a.m.. 912-209-0025. perccoffee.com. PERC Coffee Roasters, 1802 East Broad Street.

Conscious Kids Yoga

A yoga class for children age 4 and up, to build skill, confidence, strength, and abilities of the body, mind, and heart. $15 per class or $50 for 6 sessions (to be used within 2 months) Wednesdays, 4-4:45 p.m..

912-544-6387. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street.

Creative Magic Mondays

A way to begin the week on a creative note.

Doodling, planning, manifesting, crafting.

Participants bring their own art supplies.

Free. Love donation appreciated. Mondays, 11 a.m.. relaxsavannah@gmail.com. facebook.com/creativemanifest. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. DUI Prevention Group

Offers victim impact panels for intoxicated drivers, DUI, offenders, and anyone seeking knowledge about the dangers of driving while impaired. A must see for teen drivers. Meets monthly. $40/session 912-443-0410.

English as Second Language Classes

Learn conversational English, comprehension, vocabulary and life communication skills. All ages. Thursdays, 7:30pm, Island Christian Church, 4601 US Highway 80

SCAD

CARDS ACCEPTED!

DAILY SPECIALS!

SINCE 2001 – BREWING COFFEE & COMMUNITY East. Free. 912-897-3604. islandchristian. org.

Family Law Workshop

The Mediation Center has three workshops per month for people who do not have legal representation in a family matter: divorce, legitimation, modifications of child support, visitation, contempt. Schedule: 1st Tues, 2nd Mon, 4th Thursday. Call for times. $30 912-354-6686. mediationsavannah.com.

Fany’s Spanish/English Institute

Spanish is fun. Classes for adults and children held at 15 E. Montgomery Crossroad.

Register by phone. ongoing. 912-921-4646.

Fashion Design/Sewing Lessions

$25 Mondays-Saturdays.. 305-401-2729. labissiereinc@gmail.com. provokestyle. com/classes. Labissiere Studio, 145 Bull St. Figure Drawing Classes

Tuesdays 6-9pm and Wednesdays 9:3012:30am. $60/4-session package or $20 drop-in fee. At the Studio School. ongoing.

912-484-6415. melindaborysevicz@gmail. com. thestudioschoolsavannah.com. Studio School, 1319 Bull St. Guitar, Mandolin, or Bass Guitar Lessons

Emphasis on theory, reading music, and improvisation. Located in Ardsley Park. ongoing. 912-232-5987.

Housing Authority Neighborhood Resource Center

Housing Authority of Savannah hosts classes at the Neighborhood Resource Center. Adult literacy/GED prep: Mon-

Thurs, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm. Financial education: 4th Fri each month, 9am-11am.

Basic computer training: Tues & Thurs, 1pm-3pm. Community computer lab: MonFri, 3pm-4:30pm. ongoing. 912-232-4232 x115. savannahpha.com. savannahpha. com/NRC.html. Neighborhood Resource Center, 1407 Wheaton St. Kitchari and Ghee Cooking Class

After the holiday feasting and at the start of a new year many folks want to “cleanse” their bodies and mind. Kitchari, a delicious one-pot winter stew of rice, legumes and seasonal local winter vegetables, is excellent for cleansing and has wonderful healing properties. Join Kelley Boyd of Savannah Yoga Center for a Kitchari and Ghee Cooking workshop. It is vegetarian and vegan friendly. Sat., Jan. 3, 6-8:30 p.m.

912-232-2994. savannahyoga.com. savannahyoga.com/. Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St. Knitting & Crochet Classes

Offered at The Frayed Knot, 6 W. State St. See the calendar of events on website.

Mondays. 912-233-1240. thefrayedknotsav. com.

Learn to Sew

Sewing lessons for all ages and skill levels.

Private and Group classes. Tuesdays.. 912596-0889. kleossewingstudio.com. Kleo’s Sewing Studio, 36 W. Broughton St. #201.

Life Coaching

Group & individual life coaching with a Certified Life Coach. Plan for a career change, continues on p. 32

the sentient

BEAN

13 E. Park Ave 232.4447 full listings @ sentientbean.com OPEN 7AM–10PM MON - SUN

HAPPY HOUR

EVERY DAY 5PM-9PM

$5 WINE & $3 BEER

THURS. JAN 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR! OPEN 8 AM

420 E. BROUGHTON ST 236-0530 RESTAURANTJUAREZ.COM

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

happenings |

31

Happenings |

32

continued from previous page

new lifestyle, or an opportunity to pursue creative or business projects. Step-by-step guidance to fulfill aspirations. In person or telephone sessions. Thursdays.. 912596-1952. info@roiseandassociates.com.

Downtown Savannah, downtown.

Mommy & Me Relaxation Class

Teaches techniques to face the physical, mental, and emotional changes of a new mother’s body, mind and heart with poise and grace. a variety of relaxation techniques for mother and child. For expecting and new moms as well as those with small children (4 and under). $15/class or 6 classes for $50 (to be used within 2 months) Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m..

912-544-6387. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street.

Music Instruction

Georgia Music Warehouse, near corner of Victory Drive & Abercorn, offering instruction by professional musicians. Band instruments, violin, piano, drums and guitar.

All ages welcome. ongoing. 912-358-0054. georgiamusicwarehouse.com/. Georgia Music Warehouse, 2424 Abercorn St. Music Lessons: Private or Group

Portman’s Music Academy offers private or group classes for ages 2 to 92, beginner to advanced level. All instruments. Also, voice lessons, music production technology and DJ lessons. Teaching staff of over 20 instructors with professional, well equipped studios. Fridays.. 912-354-1500. portmansmusic.com. portmansmusic. com. Portman’s Music Superstore, 7650 Abercorn St.

ages and ability levels welcome. Call for info. ongoing. 912-354-1500. portmansmusic.com. Portman’s Music Superstore, 7650 Abercorn St. Novel Writing

Write a novel, finish the one you’ve started, revise it or pursue publication. Award-winning Savannah author offers one-on-one or small group classes, mentoring, manuscript critique, ebook formatting. Email for pricing and scheduling info. ongoing. pmasoninsavannah@gmail.com.

Photography Classes

Beginner photography to post production.

Instruction for all levels. $20 for two-hour class. See website for complete class list.

410-251-4421. chris@chrismorrisphotography.com. chrismorrisphotography.com.

Piano Lessons

Piano lessons with a classically trained instructor, with theater and church experience. 912-312-3977. ongoing. georgiamusicwarehouse.com/. Georgia Music Warehouse, 2424 Abercorn St. Piano Voice-Coaching

Pianist with M/degree,classical modern jazz improvisation, no age limit. Call 912-961-7021 or 912-667-1056. Serious inquiries only. ongoing.

Polish Language Classes

The lessons are for beginners and open to anyone interested in learning the Polish language. Taught by Andrew Boguszewski.

Reservations required. $25 Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.. 912-401-5861. St James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Ave. Quilting Classes

Savannah Musicians Institute offers private instruction for all ages in guitar, ddrums, piano, bass, voice, banjo, mandolin, ukelele, flute, woodwinds. 7041 Hodgson Memorial Dr. ongoing. 912-692-8055. smisavannah@gmail.com.

Quilting classes for beginners and advanced stitchers. See the website, call, or come by the shop. varies first Saturday of every month.. 912 925 0055. email@ colonialquilts.us. colonialquilts.us. Colonial Quilts and Savannah Sewing Center, 11710 Largo Drive.

Music program for adults who played a band instrument in high school/college and would like to play again. Mondays at 6:30pm at Portman’s. $30 per month. All

Ms. Dawn’s Tutoring in reading, writing, and composition. Remedial reading skills, help with borderline dyslexia, to grammar, term paper writing, and English as a Sec-

Music Lessons--Multiple Instruments

New Horizons Adult Band Program

Reading/Writing Tutoring

ond Language. Fun methods for children to help them learn quickly. 912-660-7399. cordraywriter@gmail.com.

Russian Language Classes

Learn to speak Russian. All experience levels welcome, beginner to expert. Call for info. ongoing. 912-713-2718.

Sewing Classes

For beginners or advanced sewers. Industry standard sewing courses designed to meet standards in the garment industry.

Open schedule. Savannah Sewing Academy. 1917 Bull St. Sundays.. 912-290-0072. savsew.com.

Singing Classes

Bel Canto is a singing style which helps the voice become flexible and expressive, improves vocal range and breathing capacity.

A foundation for opera, rock, pop, gospel and musical theatre. $25 Mondays, 6 p.m..

786-247-9923. anitraoperadiva@yahoo. com. Institute of Cinematic Arts, 12 West State Street, 3rd and 4th flrs.,.

Spanish Classes

Spanish courses for professionals offered by Conquistador Spanish Language Institute, LLC. Beginner Spanish for Professionals--Intro price $155 + textbook ($12.95). Instructor: Bertha E. Hernandez, M.Ed. and native speaker. Meets in the Keller Williams Realty meeting room, 329 Commercial Drive. Tuesdays.. conquistador-spanish.com.

Stress Reduction: Arising Stillness in Zen

Stress-reducing practices for body, speech and mind. Five Thursday night classes from 6- 7:00pm. $15 drop-in; $70 for series. Rev. Fugon Cindy Beach, Sensei.

Savannah Zen Center 111 E. 34th St. 31401 revfugon@gmail.com ongoing.

Trade Secrets Workshops for Actors by Casting Director Chad Darnell

Are you a newbie? Been acting for years?

This workshop is specifically for people who want to learn the business of acting.

Taught by MAGIC MIKE XXL Casting Director and producer of the upcoming R.I.P., Chad Darnell. Topics include headshot and resume evaluation, how to get an agent, self-taping auditions, branding yourself with social media, creating your own content, and how to be a working actor in Georgia. Costs $100 until December 31st, $125 after January 1. $100/ day Saturdays, Sundays.. chaddarnell.com/workshops. html. Ampersand, 36 MLK Jr. Blvd.

Vocal Lessons

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

AUTHENTIC MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE BELLY DANCING NIGHTLY

r!

om

32

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT We specialize in birthday parties!

20 East Broughton St. 236-5464 themiragesavannah.com

A group of voice instructors who believe in the power of a nurturing community to help voice students blossom into vibrant artists. Each instructor holds a Masters of Music in Voice Performance. Group classes held once a month, plus an annual recital.

Varies Wednesdays.. 912-656-0760. TheVoiceCoOp.org. The Voice Co-op, Downtown.

Voice Lessons - Technique and Coaching

Experienced and successful voice instructor is accepting students. Nurturing, accepting, and collaborative studio. Services offered include strengthening the voice, range extension, relaxation techniques, and coaching through various styles of music. Audition and competition preparation. Varies Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 912-484-0628. Downtown Savannah, downtown.

Clubs & Organizations

13th Colony Sound Barbershop Chorus

Sing in the harmonious barbershop style with the Savannah Chorus of the Barbershop Harmony Society. No charge Mondays, 6:30 p.m.. 912-344-9768. rfksav@ gmail.com. savannahbarbershoppers.org.

Savannah Arts Academy, 500 Washington Ave. Abeni Cultural Arts Dance Classes

Classses for multiple ages in performance dance and adult fitness dance. African, modern, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, gospel. Held at Abeni Cultural Arts studio, 8400-B Abercorn St. Call Muriel, 912-6313452, or Darowe, 912-272-2797. ongoing. abeniculturalarts@gmail.com.

Avegost LARP

Live action role playing group that exists in a medieval fantasy realm. generallly meets the second weekend of the month.

Free for your first event or if you’re a nonplayer character. $35 fee for returning characters. ongoing. godzillaunknown@ gmail.com. avegost.com.

Buccaneer Region SCCA

Local chapter of the Sports Car Club of America, hosting monthly solo/autocross driving events in the Savannah area. Anyone with a safe car, insurance and a valid driver’s license is eligible to participate.

See website. ongoing. buccaneerregion. org.

Business Networking on the Islands

Small Business Professionals Islands Networking Group meets first Thursday each month, 9:30am-10:30am. Tradewinds Ice Cream & Coffee, 107 Charlotte Rd. Call for info. ongoing. 912-308-6768.

Chatham Sailing Club

Meets every Friday evening for an informal social gathering of like minded people who enjoy the water. Watch the sun go down over Turner Creek. All are welcome, including kids and dogs. Fridays.. chathamsailing.org. Young’s Marina, 218 Wilmington Island Rd. Drop N Circle Craft Night

Sponsored by The Frayed Knot and Perlina. Tuesdays, 5pm-8pm. 6 W. State Street. A working gathering of knitters, crocheters, beaders, spinners, felters, needle pointers, etc. All levels of experience welcome. Tuesdays.. 912-233-1240.

Exchange Club of Savannah - Weekly Lunch

Meets every Monday (except on the fifth Monday of the month), 12pm-1pm. Weekly speaker, and honor a student of the month and year, police officer and fireman of the year. Charities: Jenkins Boys & Girls Club; Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Guest are welcome Mondays, 12-1 p.m..

912-441-6559. Savannahexchange.org.

Exchange Club of Savannah, 4801 Meding Street.

Fiber Guild of the Savannahs

A club focusing on weaving, spinning, basket making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, beading, rug hooking, doll making, and other fiber arts. Meets at Oatland Island Wildlife Center, first Saturday of the month (Sept.-June) 10:15am. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. fiberguildsavannah.homestead. com/. Fiber Guild of the Savannahs, 711 Sandtown Road GA. Georgia Nature Photographers Association-

Coastal Chapter

Coastal Chapter of the GNPA. The GNPA is 100% focused on nature photography and offers Field Trips, Monthly Speakers, Competitions, Seminars and Workshops and the Annual EXPO with prominent nature photographers and keynote speakers.

Photographers of all levels are welcome! $35 per year first Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. 912-234-2571. alfie.wace@gmail. com. gnpa.org. oatlandisland.org/. Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. Historic Flight Savannah

A non-profit organization dedicated to sending area Korean War and WWII veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the WWII Memorial. All expenses paid by Honor Flight Savannah. Honor Flight seeks contributions, and any veterans interested in a trip to Washington. Call for info. ongoing.

912-596-1962. honorflightsavannah.org.

Historic Savannah Chapter: ABWA

Meets the second Thursday of every month from 6pm-7:30pm. Tubby’s Tank House, 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt. Attendees pay for their own meals. RSVP by phone. ongoing. 912-660-8257.

Hostess City Toastmasters New Year’s Resolution Membership Offer

The Hostess City Toastmasters club of historic downtown Savannah is offering new members a chance to get a leg up on their New Year’s resolution to improve public speaking skills. For anyone signing up during December and January, the Club will waive the first three months of local dues. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 6-7 pm at ThincSavannah, 35 Barnard Street, Third Floor, just off Ellis Square. Guests are welcome. Through Jan. 31, 2015. 912-209-4521. hostesscitytm@ gmail.com. thincsavannah.com. Thinc Savannah, 35 Barnard St. 3rd Floor.

Ink Slingers Writing Group

A free creative writing group for writers of poetry, prose, or undefinable creative ventures. Meets every other Wednesday.

Discussion of exercises, ideas, or already in progress pieces. See Facebook page savinkslingers. Every other Wednesday.. foxyloxycafe.com/. Foxy Loxy Cafe, 1919 Bull St. Island MOMSnext

For mothers of school-aged children, grades K-12. Mothering support, personal growth, practical help, and spiritual hope.

First and third Mondays. Childcare on request. A ministry of MOPS International. first Monday of every month.. 912-8984344. kymmccarty@hotmail.com. mops. org.

Islands MOPS

A Mothers of Preschoolers group that meets two Wednesdays a month, 9:15am11:30am. Wednesdays.. sites.google.com/ site/islandsmops. fbcislands.com/. First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

Knitters, Needlepoint and Crochet

Meets every Wednesday. Different locations downtown. Call for info. No fees.

Want to learn? Join us. ongoing. 912-3086768.

Knittin’ Night

33

continued from previous page

Knit and crochet gathering held each Tuesday evening, 5pm-8pm All skill levels

welcome. Tuesdays, 5-8 p.m. 912-2380514. wildfibresavannah.com/. Wild Fibre, 409 East Liberty St.

“Extended Family”--all its members have something in common. by matt Jones | Answers on page 37

©2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

Low Country Turners

A club for wood-turning enthusiasts. Call Steve Cook for info at number below. ongoing. 912-313-2230.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary

Meets the first Saturday of the month at 1:00pm. Call for info. ongoing. 912-7864508. American Legion Post 184, 3003 Rowland Ave. Philo Cafe

Discussion group that meets every Monday, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at various locations. Anyone craving good conversation is invited. Free to attend. Email for info, or see Facebook.com/SavannahPhiloCafe.

Mondays. athenapluto@yahoo.com.

R.U.F.F. - Retirees United for the Future

RUFF meets the last Friday of each month at 10am to protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and related senior issues.

Parking in the rear. Free to all Seniors ongoing. 912-344-5127. New Covenant Church, 2201 Bull St. Rotary Club of Savannah Sunrise

Meets every Thursday, 7:30 a.m. for breakfast at Ort Hall (Lady & Sons) 112 West Congress Street. Visitors are welcome.

Thursdays.. savannahsunriserotary.org.

Ort Hall, 112 W. Congress St. Safe Kids Savannah

A coalition dedicated to preventing childhood injuries. Meets 2nd Tuesday each month, 11:30am-1:00pm. See website or call for info. ongoing. 912-353-3148. safekidssavannah.org.

Savannah Brewers’ League

Meets 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm at Moon River Brewing Co. Call or see website for info. ongoing. 912-4470943. hdb.org. moonriverbrewing.com/.

Moon River Brewing Co., 21 West Bay St.

Savannah Authors Autonomous Writing Group

Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month.

Prose--fiction and non fiction. Discussion, constructive criticism, instruction, exercises and examples. Location: Charles Brown Antiques/Fine Silver, 14 W. Jones St. All are welcome. No charge. first Tuesday of every month.. 912-308-3208. alicevantrease@live.com.

Savannah Charlesfunders Investment Discussion Group

Meets Saturdays, 8:30am to discuss stocks, bonds and better investing. Contact by email for info. ongoing. charlesfund@ gmail.com. panerabread.com/. Panera Bread (Broughton St.), 1 West Broughton St. Savannah Council, Navy League of the United States

A dinner meeting every 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm at local restaurants. 3rd Tuesday in November; none in December.

For dinner reservations, please call Sybil Cannon at 912-964-5366. ongoing. 912748-7020. savannahnavyleague.us.

Savannah Fencing Club

Beginner classes Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks. $60. Some equipment provided. After completing the class, join the Savannah Fencing Club; $5/month.

continues on p. 34

Across

1 Overwhelm 6 Mark a ballot 10 “I Am ___ of Constant Sorrow” 14 FDR had it 15 Sent notes to online 16 Go as fast as you can 17 Mix up the letters in a former “SNL” player’s last name?

20 Even score 21 “I’m Like ___” (Nelly Furtado hit) 22 Pretentious name for the Jan Brady fan club?

28 Jong and others 29 Rejoice 30 Swiss potato dish 31 Recipe command 32 Animal with antlers 35 Bizarre way an African dictator used to close his letters?

39 Ping-pong table divider 40 Concoct 41 Top group 42 Bathroom floor item 44 Person who holds property in trust 45 NBA player who grew up in Istanbul?

48 “There Will Be ___” 49 ___ Arbor 50 Howl the surname of a theater great?

58 Spot on the Web 59 “Fine, have it your way!”

60 Student helper 61 Thomas Hardy title heroine 62 Prefix with physics 63 “It’s always something with you!”

Down 1 Business that offers foot massages 2 Came out on top 3 In the style of 4 Russian plane 5 Painting of a person 6 YouTube rival 7 “r u kidding?!”

8 It can be iced or spiced 9 Mag workers 10 “I know you ___ what am I?” 11 Bialik of “The Big Bang Theory” 12 Sharp, poetically 13 “___ alert!”

18 Intentions 19 Starbucks size 22 Gradually diminish 23 Drop in on 24 Prefix with plasm 25 Captured back 26 Boot out of the country 27 Do some knitting 28 Ms. Brockovich 31 La ___ (famed opera house) 32 Hirsch of “Into the Wild” 33 Petrol amount 34 Proposer’s joint

36 Mosque head 37 Doesn’t just think about 38 Dismounted 42 Fur shawls 43 Last part of a classical piece 44 Irishman in sunglasses 45 Skateboard move 46 Aggressive sellers 47 Hooded coat 48 Bankrupt 51 He meows 52 Manage (a living) 53 Obtained 54 Believe, as a dubious story 55 Golf cart’s cousin, for short 56 Fish eggs 57 Like some humor

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

happenings |

33

Happenings |

34

continued from previous page

Experienced fencers welcome. Tuesdays, Thursdays.. 912-429-6918. savannahfencing@aol.com.

Savannah Go Green

Meets most Saturdays. Green events and places. Share ways to Go Green each day.

Call for info. ongoing. 912-308-6768.

Savannah Jaycees

Meeting/info session held the 1st Tuesday each month at 6pm to discuss upcoming events. Must be age 21-40. Jaycees Building, 101 Atlas St. first Tuesday of every month.. 912-353-7700. savannahjaycees. com.

Savannah Kennel Club

Monthly meetings open to the public the 4th Monday each month, Sept. through June. ongoing, 7 p.m. savannahkennelclub. org. barnesrestaurant.com. Barnes Restaurant, 5320 Waters Avenue.

Savannah Newcomers Club

Open to women who have lived in the Savannah area for less than two years.

Membership includes monthly luncheon and program. Activities, tours and events to help learn about Savannah and make new friends. ongoing. savannahnewcomersclub.com.

Savannah No Kidding!

No Kidding. Join Savannah’s only social club for people without children! No membership fees, meet great new friends, enjoy a wide variety of activities and events. savannahnokidding.angelfire.com/ or e-mail savannahnokidding@gmail.com ongoing.

The Historic District, Downtown Savannah.

Savannah Parrot Head Club

Beach, Buffet and no dress code. Check website for events calendar or send an email for Parrot Head gatherings. ongoing. savannahphc@yahoo.com. savannahphc. com.

Savannah Sacred Harp Singers

Everyone who loves to sing is invited to join Savannah Sacred Harp Singers. All are welcome to participate or listen to one of America’s most revered musical traditions.

Call or email. ongoing. 912-655-0994. savannahsacredharp.com. Faith Primitive Baptist Church, 3212 Bee Road.

Society for Creative Anachronism

Meets every Saturday at the south end of Forsyth Park for fighter practice and general hanging out. For people interested in re-creating the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Free Saturdays, 11 a.m.. savannahsca.org. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Savannah Story Games

A group that plays games that tell improvised stories. Create an amazing story in just three hours, using group games with special rules that craft characters, settings, and conflicts. Sundays at 6pm. free Saturdays, 6 p.m.. info@savannahstorygames.com. savannahstorygames.com.

Guild Hall, 615 Montgomery Street.

Savannah Toastmasters

Helps improve speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

Mondays, 6:15pm, Memorial Health University Medical Center, in the Conference Room C. ongoing. 912-484-6710. memori-

alhealth.com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Savannah Veggies and Vegans

Join the Facebook group to find out more about vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and to hear about upcoming local events.

Mondays.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 671

Meets second Monday of each month, 7pm, at the American Legion Post 135, 1108 Bull St. ongoing. 912-429-0940. rws521@msn.com. vvasav.com.

Woodville-Tompkins Scholarship Foundation

Meets second Tuesday each month (except October) 6:00pm, Woodville-Tompkins, 151 Coach Joe Turner St. Call or email for info. ongoing. 912-232-3549. chesteraellis@ comcast.net.

Dance

Adult Ballet Class

Maxine Patterson School of Dance, 2212 Lincoln St, offers adult ballet on Thursdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm $12 per class. Call for info. ongoing. 912-234-8745.

Adult Intermediate Ballet

Mondays and Wednesdays, 7pm-8pm. $12/class or $90/8 classes. Call for info.

Academy of Dance, 74 W. Montgomery Crossroad. Wednesdays. 912-921-2190.

Beginner and intermediate ballet, modern dance, barre fusion, barre core body sculpt, gentle stretch & tone. Tuesdays..

912-925-0903. theballetschoolsav.com.

Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn St. Argentine Tango

Lessons Sundays 1:30-3;30pm. Open to the public. $3 per person. Wear closed toe leather shoes if possible. Doris Martin Dance Studio, 8511-h ferguson Ave. Call or email for info. ongoing. 912-925-7416. savh_tango@yahoo.com.

Argentine Tango Basics Group Class

This beginners group class will focus on the basic elements of movement and Argentine Tango. This class is a 4 week session that will start from week 1 and progress while reviewing each week until week 4. No partner or experience required. $35 Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Awaken with Chakradance™

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

A free-flowing, meditative dance, with eclectic music selected to resonate with each specific chakra, along with guided imagery. No dance experience or chakras knowledge needed. $20 ongoing, 7-8:30 p.m. 912-663-1306. Chakradancer@ comcast.net. chakradance.com/. synergisticbodies.com. Synergistic Bodies, 7901 Waters Ave.

34

Tango, Foxtrot, Waltz, Cha Cha, Samba, and more. Singles or couples. $10.00 per person or $35 for 4 weeks (per person) Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Ballroom/Latin Group Class

Group classes every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. Tuesdays focus on fundamental steps, styling, and techniques.

Wednesday’s classes are more specific, with advanced elements. $15/person and $25/couple Wednesdays, 8 p.m. and Tuesdays.. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street.

Beginner’s Belly Dance Classes

Learn basic moves and choreography with local Belly Dancer, Nicole Edge. Class is open to all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins welcome. 15.00 Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.

912-596-0889. edgebelly@gmail.com. edgebellydance.com. Fitness on Broughton, 1 E. Broughton St.

Beginner’s Belly Dance Classes Every Wednesday

Beginner’s belly dance class instructed by local performer Nicole Edge. Learn the basics of American Cabaret belly dance.

15$ Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.. 912-596-0889. edgebellydance@gmail.com. edgebellydance.com. Fitness on Broughton, 1 E. Broughton St. Beginners Belly Dance Classes

Instructed by Nicole Edge. All ages/Skill levels welcome. Sundays, 12pm-1pm.

Fitness body and balance studio. 2127 1//2 E. Victory Dr. $15/class or $48/hour. Call or see website. ongoing. 912-596-0889. cairoonthecoast.com.

Beginners Belly Dancing with Cybelle

For those with little-to-no dance background. Instructor is formally trained, has performed for over ten years. $15/person.

Tues. 7pm-8pm. Private classes and walk ins available. Synergistic Bodies, 7724 Waters Ave. ongoing. 912-414-1091. info@ cybelle3.com. cybelle3.com.

Happenstance Bellydance

All levels and styles of bellydance welcome. Classes every Monday, 5:306:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. $15/lesson Mondays, 5:30 p.m.. (912) 704-2940. happenstancebellydance@gmail.com. happenstancebellydance.wordpress. com. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. Suite B. C.C. Express Dance Team

Ballroom Group Dance Class

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm. Clogging or tap dance experience is necessary. Call Claudia Collier for info. ongoing. 912748-0731. Windsor Forest Recreation Building, Windsor Forest.

Ballroom Series Group Class

A weekly gathering to benefit locals in need. Music, dancing, fun for all ages. Donations of nonperishable food and gently used or new clothing are welcomed. Free and open to the public. Sundays, 3 p.m. 912-547-6449. xavris21@yahoo.com. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St.

Weekly ballroom dance classes focus on two types of dance each month. Open to partners/couples or to solos. The $35 for 4 weeks or $10 drop in Mondays, 7 p.m.

912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

A group ballroom dance class for beginners through advanced. Rumba, Swing,

Dance for Peace

Dance Lessons (Salsa, Bachata)

Learn to dance Salsa & Bachata. For

35

continued from previous page

info, call Austin (912-704-8726) or Omar (Spanish - 787-710-6721). Thursdays.

912-704-8726. salsa@salsasavannah.com. salsasavannah.com. Great Gatsby, 408 West Broughton Street.

Dance Party

Dance on Thursdays at 8pm--fun, friendship, and dancing. Free for Savannah Ballroom students. $10 for visitors ($15 for couples). free - $15 Thursdays, 8 p.m. 912335-3335. savannahballroom@gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing.com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street.

Disco Hustle Dance Class

Do the hustle! A New York style Disco Hustle group class taught by Jos’eh Marion, a professional ballroom dance instructor.

Sundays at 5pm. Call for pricing. Sundays, 5 p.m.. 843-290-6174. Trudancer@gmail. com. ymcaofcoastalga.org/. YMCA (Habersham Branch), 6400 Habersham St. Free Dance Thursdays at Lake Mayer

Lake Mayer is offering free dance and fitness classes for all ages every Thursday, in the Community Center. 9:30 am and 10:30 am is the “Little Movers” class for toddlers. 12:00 pm Lunch Break Fitness.

1:30 pm Super Seniors. 5:30 pm youth hip hop. 6:30 pm Adult African Fitness. FREE ongoing, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 912-6526780. sdavis@chathamcounty.org. Lake Mayer, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads.

FUNdamentals Dance Lesson

Group dance lessons every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm. Tuesday: fundamental steps, styling, and techniques. Wednesday: advanced elements. $15/person $25/ couple Tuesdays, 8 p.m. and Wednesdays, 8 p.m.. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street.

Get Fit with The Links

Do some Zumba and line dancing with Tina Brown’s Get Fit team with this fundraiser. Tickets are $10 for individuals, $20 for a family, and $5 with a student ID. Buy tickets at the door and at Capitol City Bank & Trust (339 MLK Jr. Blvd). Sat., Jan. 3, 9 a.m.-noon. Beach High School, 3001 Hopkins St. Home Cookin’ Cloggers

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm, Nassau Woods Recreation Building, Dean Forest Road. No beginner classes at this time. Call Claudia Collier for info. ongoing. 912-748-0731.

Irish Dance Classes

Glor na Dare offers beginner to champion Irish Dance classes for ages 5 and up.

Adult Step & Ceili, Strength and Flexibility, non-competitive and competitive programs, workshops, camps. Certified.

Wednesdays.. 912-704-2052. prideofirelandga@gmail.com.

Kids Hip Hop and Jazz

A kids dance class with high energy music.

Students learn different elements of hip hop dancing and how to put it together in a routine. $8 Thursdays, 5:15-6 p.m..

912.312.3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Kids/Youth Dance Class

Kids Group class on various Ballroom and Latin dances. Multiple teachers. Ages 4-17 currently enrolled in the program.

Prepares youth for social and/or competitive dancing. $15/person Saturdays, 10 a.m. 912-335-3335. savannahballroom@ gmail.com. savannahballroomdancing. com. Savannah Ballroom Dance Studio, 11 Travis Street.

LaBlast- Dance Fitness designed by Louis Van Amstel from DWTS

Created by world renowned dancer and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” professional, Louis Van Amstel, LaBlast uniquely combines a wide variety of ballroom dance styles and music genres. Do the Cha Cha Cha, Disco, Jive, Merengue, Salsa and Samba set to everything from pop and rock

EN

LARGE

912-544-0026

More local numbers:1-800-777-8000 Ahora en Español/18+ www.guyspyvoice.com

912-988-1052. medi.tavern314@gmail. com. Mediterranean Tavern, 125 Foxfield Way.

Take down Tuesdays. Jazzy Sliders Adult Line Dancing, every Tuesday, 7:30pm10:00pm. Free admission, cash bar. Come early and learn a new dance from 7:30pm8:30pm. ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/.

Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St.

Savannah Swing Cats--Swing Dancing

Line Dancing

Mahogany Shades of Beauty

Dance classes - hip hop, modern, jazz, West African, ballet, lyrical and step. Modeling and acting classes. All ages/levels welcome. Call Mahogany for info. ongoing.

912-272-8329.

Modern Dance Class

Beginner and intermediate classes. Fridays 10am-11:15am. Doris Martin Studio, 7360 Skidaway Rd. Call Elizabeth for info. ongoing. 912-354-5586.

Salsa Lessons by Salsa Savannah

Tues. 8pm-9pm and 9pm-10pm. Thur.

8pm-9pm and 9pm-10pm. Sun. 5pm6pm and 6pm-7pm. Salon de Maile, 704B Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, 31406.

Tuesdays.. salsasavannah.com.

Call Savannah Age Management Medicine today at 925-6911.

Discover what the big life is all about www.priapusshot.com

Savannah Shag Club

Wednesdays, 7pm,at Doubles Lounge.

Fridays, 7pm, at American Legion Post 36, 2309 E. Victory Dr. ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/. Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St. ongoing. doublesnightclub.com/. Doubles Nightclub, 7100 Abercorn St. Sizzle: Dance and Cardio

A class designed to maintain that summer body by dancing and having fun.

Incorporates dance and cardio to fun, spicy songs. $10 drop in or 10 classes for $80 Tuesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m. 912-312-3549. reservetodance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

West Coast Swing Class

Instructor Rick Cody teaches the smooth rhythms of beach music and west coast swing. $12 drop in fee or $35 for 4 weeks Wednesdays, 7 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Salsa Night

Come and shake it to the best latin grooves and bachata the night away in Pooler where it’s cooler. Wednesdays, 8-11 p.m.

continues on p. 36

READY FOR SOME

FOOTBALL?

Join us for our

New Year’s Eve Bash!

MENT

Gentlemen, Put on Your GET ON TO Big Boy Pants, GET OFF You're Gonna Need Them.

Try it for free

to hip-hop and country – and burn fat and blast calories! No experience and no partner necessary. $15.00 drop in or 10 classes for $80.00 Mondays, 6-7 p.m. and Fridays, 10-11 a.m. 912.312.3549. reservetodance@ gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com.

Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Free Champagne Toast at midnight!

Drink, dinner & dance specials

8 BIG SCREENS

BEST OF SAVANNAH • 2014 •

Free Buffet noon-2pm Happy Hour prices noon-7pm Bud & Bud Light buckets $15 after 7pm • Wing specials

CATCH EVERY GAME!

12 NORTH LATHROP AVE, SAVANNAH GA savannahscores.com • 233-6930

A PREMIER GENTLEMEN’S CLUB & STEAKHOUSE

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Happenings |

35

Free will astrology

by Rob brezsny | beautyandtruth@freewillastrology.com

ARIES

should be trying to control.”

Most salamanders reproduce by laying eggs, but the alpine salamander doesn’t.

Females of that species give birth to live young after long pregnancies that may last three years. What does this have to do with you? Well, I expect you to experience a metaphorical pregnancy in the coming months. Even if you’re male, you will be gestating a project or creation or inspiration. And it’s important that you don’t let your the incubation period drag on and on and on, as the alpine salamanders do. I suggest you give birth no later than July.

LEO

(March 21-April 19)

TAURUS

(April 20-May 20)

Maybe you have had a dream like this: You’re wandering around a house you live in, and at the end of a long hallway you come to a door you’ve never seen before.

How could you have missed it in the past?

It must have been there the whole time.

You turn the knob, open the door, and slip inside. Amazing! The room is full of interesting things that excite your imagination. What’s more, on the opposite wall there’s another door that leads to further rooms. In fact, you realize there’s an additional section of the house you have never known about or explored. Whether or not you have had a dream like that, Taurus, I’m betting that in 2015, you will experience a symbolically similar series of events in your waking life.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20)

The Greek god Zeus had seven wives. Themis, Leto, Eurynome, and Hera were among them. Another was his older sister Demeter, and a sixth was his aunt Mnemosyne. Then there was the sea nymph Metis. Unfortunately, he ate Metis -- literally devoured her -- which effectively ended their marriage.

In 2015, Gemini, I encourage you to avoid Zeus’s jumbled, complicated approach to love and intimacy. Favor quality over quantity. Deepen your focus rather than expanding your options. Most importantly, make sure your romantic adventures never lead to you feeling fragmented or divided against yourself. This is the year you learn more than ever before about what it’s like for all the different parts of you to be united.

CANCER

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

(June 21-July 22)

36

Here are three of my top wishes for you in 2105: You will have a clear, precise sense of what’s yours and what’s not yours . . . of what’s possible to accomplish and what’s impossible . . . of what will be a good influence on you and what won’t be. To help ensure that these wishes come true, refer regularly to the following advice from Cancerian author Elizabeth Gilbert: “You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. That’s a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you

36

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Author Robert Moss has published 27 books. When he talks about the art of launching and completing big projects, I listen attentively. There’s one piece of advice he offers that would be particularly helpful for you to keep in mind throughout the first half of 2015. “If we wait until we are fully prepared in order to do something, we may never get it done,” he says. “It’s important to do things before we think we are ready.” Can you handle that, Leo? Are you willing to give up your fantasies about being perfectly qualified and perfectly trained and perfectly primed before you dive in?

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The fish known as the coelacanths were thought to have become extinct 66 million years ago. That was when they disappeared from the fossil record. But in 1938 a fisherman in South Africa caught a live coelacanth. Eventually, whole colonies were discovered in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa and near Indonesia. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening in your life during the coming months, Virgo. An influence you believed to have disappeared from your life will resurface.

Should you welcome and embrace it?

Here’s what I think: Only if you’re interested in its potential role in your future, not because of a nostalgic attachment.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

“Nothing brings people closer than business,” said composer Arnold Schoenberg.

You could be living proof of that hypothesis in 2015, Libra. Your drive to engage in profitable activities will be at a peak, and so will your knack for making good decisions about profitable activities. If you cash in on these potentials, your social life will flourish. Your web of connections will expand and deepen. You will generate high levels of camaraderie by collaborating with allies on productive projects.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Deathwatch beetles have a peculiar approach to the mating game. Their seduction technique consists of smacking their heads against a hard object over and over again.

This generates a tapping sound that is apparently sexy to potential partners. I discourage you from similar behaviors as you seek the kind of love you want in 2015.

The first rule of romantic engagement is this: Sacrificing or diminishing yourself may seem to work in the short run, but it can’t possibly lead to lasting good. If you want to stir up the best results, treat yourself with tenderness and respect.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707) was a German composer whose organ music is

happenings | continued from previous page still played today. He was a major influence on a far more famous German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

When Bach was a young man, he decided it was crucial for him to experience Buxtehude’s music first-hand. He took a leave of absence from his job and walked over 250 miles to the town where Buxtehude lived.

There he received the guidance and inspiration he sought. In 2015, Sagittarius, I’d love to see you summon Bach’s determination as you go in quest of the teaching you want and need.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Even in normal times, you are a fount of regeneration. Your ever-growing hair and fingernails are visible signs of your nonstop renewal. A lot of other action happens without your conscious awareness. For example, your tastebuds replace themselves every two weeks. You produce 200 billion red blood cells and 10 billion white blood cells every day. Every month the epidermis of your skin is completely replaced, and every 12 months your lungs are composed of a fresh set of cells. In 2015, you will continue to revitalize yourself in all these ways, but will also undergo a comparable regeneration of your mind and soul. Here’s my prediction: This will be a year of renaissance, rejuvenation, and reinvention.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

“Sometimes I can feel my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I’m not living,” says a character in Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel *Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.* If you have ever felt that way, Aquarius, I predict that you will get some relief in 2015. Your bones won’t be straining as much as they have in the past because you will be living at least one of the lives you have wanted to live but haven’t been able to before. How you will handle all the new lightness that will be available?

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 20)

“Erotomania” is a word for the erroneous fantasies people entertain when they imagine that a celebrity is in love with them. Laughable, right? Just because I have dreams of *Game of Thrones* actress Lena Headey texting me seductive notes doesn’t mean that she genuinely yearns for my companionship. And yet most of us, including you and me, harbor almost equally outlandish beliefs and misapprehensions about all kinds of things. They may not be as far-fetched as those that arise from erotomania, but they are still out of sync with reality. The good news, Pisces, is that in 2015 you will have the best chance ever to become aware of and shed your delusions -even the long-running, deeply-rooted kinds.

Fitness

$6 Community Yoga Classes

Savannah Power Yoga offers a community yoga class nearly every day of the week for just $6. All proceeds support local organizations. See schedule online for details.

Most classes are heated to 90 degrees.

Bring a yoga mat, towel and some water. $6 $5 Mondays-Fridays, Sundays. (912) 349-2756. info@savannahpoweryoga.com. savannahpoweryoga.com. savannahpoweryoga.com/. Savannah Power Yoga, 7360 Skidaway Rd. 2015 Yates Astro Resolution Trail Run/Walk

The 650+ acre campus of Bethesda Academy includes cattle pastures, marsh, a farm, a organic garden- making it a prime location for a trail run. $25.00 prior to December 25/$35.00 after Sat., Jan. 3, 8:30-11 a.m. 912.704.3988. lisawilkessavannah@gmail.com. fleetfeetsavannah. com/bethesda. Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. AHA Yoga Classes

Jivamkuti Inspired w/ Brittany Roberts Mondays 6:30pm – 7:45pm Soul Progression w/ Lynn Geddes Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30pm – 1:45pm & 6:30pm – 7:45pm TGiF! Power Hour with Lynne McSweeny Fridays 5:45pm – 6:45pm All Levels Yoga w/ Christine Harness Glover Saturdays 9:30am – 10:45am n/a first Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday of every month.

912-308-3410. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St. Suite B. Al-Anon Family Groups

An anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics. The message of Al-Anon is one of strength and hope for friends/family of problem drinkers.

Al-Anon is for adults. Alateen is for people age 13-19. Meetings daily throughout the Savannah area. check website or call for info. ongoing. 912-598-9860. savannahalanon.com.

Bariatric Surgery Support Group

Located in Mercer Auditorium of Hoskins Center at Memorial. For those who have had or are considering bariatric surgery.

Call or see website for info. first Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. 912-350-3438. memorialhealth.com. memorialhealth. com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Beach Body Workouts with Laura

MONDAYS at 6:15 PM at the Lake Mayer Community Center $5.00 per session Mondays, 6:15 p.m. (912) 652-6784. Lake Mayer, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads.

Beastmode Fitness Group Training

Train with this elite team. A total body program that trims, tones and gets results. Personal training options available.

See website for info. Meets at West Broad YMCA. 5am-6am and 8pm-9pm. ongoing. beastmodefitnessga.com. YMCA-West Broad St, 1110 May St. Bellydancing Fusion Classes

Mixes ballet, jazz, hip hop into a unique high energy dance style. Drills and choreographies for all levels.Small classes in downtown Savannah, and on request. $10 per person. Email for info. ongoing. bohemianbeats.com.

Blue Water Yoga

37

continued from previous page

Community donation-based classes, Tues. and Thurs., 5:45pm - 7:00pm. Fri., 9:30am10:30am. Email for info or find Blue Water Yoga on Facebook. ongoing. egs5719@aol. com. Talahi Island Community Club, 532 Quarterman Dr. The Color Vibe 5k

Don’t just run - have fun while you’re at it with this marathon, which sprays you with colors along the way. $30 Sat., Jan. 3. savtcc.com. Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, 1 International Dr. Fitness Classes at the JEA

Sin, firm it up, yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, Aquasize, senior fitness, and Zumba.

Prices vary. Call for schedule. ongoing.

912-355-8811. savj.org. savannahjea. org. Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Free Caregiver Support Group

For anyone caring for senior citizens with any affliction or illness. Second Saturday of the month, 10am-11am. Savannah Commons, 1 Peachtree Dr. Refreshments.

Free to attend. Open to anyone in need of support for the caregiving they provide. ongoing. savannahcommons.com.

Free Dance and Fitness Classes at Lake Mayer

Every Thursday. 9:30am-10:15am Toddler Class. 12pm-1pm Adult Lunch Break Dance Class. 1:30pm-2:30pm Super Seniors Workout. 5:30pm-6:15pm Youth African Dance Fitness (ages 6-12).

6:30pm-7:30pm Adult African Dance Fitness. Wear comfortable clothing. Free and open to the public. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.7:30 p.m.. 912-652-6784. Lake Mayer, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads.

Free Yoga Day

Come try out a new teacher or a new style class on January 3rd. 45-minute sample classes -yoga, barre, and Pilates - are free all day long. Special class package pricing for anyone new to the studio - good only on 1/3/15. Free Sat., Jan. 3, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

912-200-4809. info@savannahyogabarre. com. savannahyogabarre.com. Savannah Yoga Barre, 2132 E Victory Drive.

Dude’s Day at Savannah Climbing Coop

Thursdays, 2 til 10 p.m. Savannah Climbing Coop 302 W Victory Dr, Savannah Every Thursday men climb for half price, $5. See website for info. Thursdays, 2 & 10 p.m.

912-495-8010. savannahclimbingcoop. com. Savannah Climbing CoOp, 302 W Victory Dr. Hiking & Biking at Skidaway Island State Park

Year round fitness opportunities. Walk or run the 1-mile Sandpiper Nature Trail (accessible) the additional 1-mile Avian Loop Trail, or 3-mile Big Ferry Trail. Bicycle and street strider rentals. Guided hikes scheduled. $5 parking. Open daily 7am-10pm.

Call or see website. ongoing. 912-5982300. gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland. gastateparks.org/info/skidaway/. Skidaway Island State Park, 52 Diamond Cswy.

Historic Savannah Foundation Ninth Annual Race for Preservation

Registration is now open for the Historic Savannah Foundation’s 9th Annual Race for Preservation. Registration is open through February 27 and is at Fleet Feet Savannah. Through Feb. 28, 2015. Fleet Feet, 3405 Waters Ave. Insanity Workout Group Class

INSANITY turns old-school interval training on its head. Work flat out in 3 to 5-min blocks, and take breaks only long enough to gulp some air and get right back to work. It’s called Max Interval Training, because it keeps your body working at maximum capacity through your entire workout. $10 or $80 for 10 fitness classes Sundays, 11 a.m. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@ gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com.

Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Israeli Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes

A system of self-defense techniques based on several martial arts. The official fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Custom Fit offers individual and small group training and intensive workshops. ongoing. 912-441-4891. customfitcenter. com.

Kung Fu School: Ving Tsun

Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) is the world’s fastest growing martial arts style. Uses angles and leverage to turn an attacker’s strength against him. Call for info on free trial classes. Drop ins welcome. 11202 White Bluff Rd. ongoing. 912-429-9241.

Latin Cardio

A cardio-based workout class designed to get students fit while having fun. Latin style dances like cha cha, samba, jive, rumba, salsa. No partner necessary. Workout clothes required. $10 drop in or $80 for 10 classes Mondays, 6 p.m.. 912.312.3549. salondebaile.dance@gmail.com. salondebailedancestudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Mommy and Baby Yoga

Mondays. Call for times and fees or see website. ongoing. 912-232-2994. savannahyoga.com. savannahyoga.com/. Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St. Pilates Classes

Daily classes for all skill levels including beginners. Private and semi-private classes by appointment. Carol Daly-Wilder, certified instructor. Call or see website for info. ongoing. 912-238-0018. savannahpilates.com. pilatessavannah.com/.

Momentum Pilates Studio, 8413 Rerguson Ave. Pregnancy Yoga

Ongoing series of 6-week classes. Thursdays. A mindful approach to pregnancy, labor and delivery. Instructor Ann Carroll. $120. Call or email for info. ongoing. 912704-7650. ann@aikyayoga.com. savannahyoga.com/. Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St. Qigong Classes

Qigong exercises contribute to a healthier and longer life. Classes offer a time to learn the exercises and perform them in a group setting. Class length averages 60 min. Any level of practice is welcome. $15 ongoing. qigongtim.com/. Anahata Healing Arts Center, 2424 Drayton St.

Runners Association of America. Monthly training sessions and seminars. Weekly runs. Kathy Ackerman, 912-756-5865, or Billy Tomlinson, 912-596-5965. ongoing.

Rock’n Body Fitness Bootcamp

Ultimate outdoor power workout! Group physical training program conducted by former military personnel. Build strength and fitness through a variety of intense group intervals lasting approx. 45 minutes. First Class FREE Mondays-Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 912-675-0952. rocknbodyfitnessbootcamp@gmail.com. rocknbodyfitnessbootcamp.com. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Ronin Academy Self Defense Classes

A short course in simple self defense techniques for adults. Uses real life scenarios designed to provide greater self confidence and empowerment. Fees vary. Every 3 days. michael@roninacad.com. roninacad. com. aikidosavannah.com/. Aikido Center of Savannah, 5500 White Bluff Rd. Ladies Day at Savannah Climbing Coop

Wednesdays, 2 til 10 p.m. Savannah Climbing Coop 302 W Victory Dr, Savannah Every Wednesday women climb for half price, $5. See website for info. ongoing. 912-4958010. savannahclimbingcoop.com.

Savannah Disc Golf

Weekly events (entry $5) Friday Night Flights: Fridays, 5pm. Luck of the Draw Doubles: Saturdays, 10am. Handicapped League: Saturdays, 1pm. Singles at the Sarge: Sundays, 10am. All skill levels welcome. Instruction available. See website or email for info. ongoing. savannahdiscgolf@ gmail.com. savannahdiscgolf.com.

Savannah Striders Running and Walking Club

With a one-year, $35 membership,free training programs for beginners (walkers and runners) and experienced athletes.

Fun runs. Advice from mentors. Monthly meetings with quality speakers. Frequent social events. Sign up online or look for the Savannah Striders Facebook page. ongoing. savystrider.com.

SIZZLE- Dance Cardio

The hottest cardio class to keep or get you in shape for summer. Sizzle is designed to give you cardio, strengthening, and stretch training that you need for that bikini body.

Enroll now and get the first class free. $10.00 or $80 for 10 classes Tuesdays, Fridays, 10 a.m. 912.312.3549. salondebaile. dance@gmail.com. salondebailedances-

Crossword Answers

tudio.com. Salon de Baile Dance Studio, 7064 Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Tai Chi Lessons in Forsyth Park

Tuesdays, 9am-10am. $10. North End of Forsyth Park. Email for info. ongoing. relaxsavannah@gmail.com. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Turbo Kick Cardio Workout

Lose calories while dancing and kick-boxing. No experience or equipment needed.

Tues. and Thurs. 6pm, Fitness on Broughton, 1 E. Broughton Wed. 6pm Lake Mayer Community Center, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads. $5 ongoing. 586-822-1021. facebook.com/turbokicksavannah.

Yates-Astro Resolution Race 5k Trail Run and Pancake Breakfast

Run through Bethesda Academy’s 650acre campus to benefit the Women’s Board of Bethesda to improve the lives of boys at the academy. A post-race pancake breakfast is included for all runners. Register at fleetfeetsavannah.com/bethesda, runsignup.com, or in person at Fleet Feet Sports. $25 Sat., Jan. 3, 7:30 a.m. Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Free for cancer patients and survivors. The classes help with flexibility and balance while also providing relaxation. Located at FitnessOne, on the third floor of the Memorial Outpatient and Wellness Center.

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays, 12:45 p.m. 912-350-9031. memorialhealth. com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Zumba Fitness (R) with April

Mondays at 5:30pm, Thursdays at 6:30pm.

Nonstop Fitness in Sandfly, 8511 Ferguson Ave. $5 for nonmenbers. call for info. ongoing. 912-349-4902.

Food Events

Bethesda Farm Stand

Bethesda students and staff sell fresh produce, organic garden seedlings and farm-fresh eggs. Students lead or assist in planting, cultivating and harvesting all items at Bethesda Academy using sustainable, organic farming techniques.

912-351-2061. bethesdaacademy.org.

Bethesda Academy, 9250 Ferguson Ave. Forsyth Farmers Market

Local and regional produce, honey, meat, dairy, pasta, baked goods and other delights. Rain or shine. Free to attend. Items for sale. 912-484-0279. forsythfarmersmarket.com. Forsyth Park, 501 Whitaker St. Honey Tasting and Body Care Samples + Store Tour

Renagade Workout

Daily store tour, honey tasting, and body care. FREE Come to the WILMINGTON ISLAND store and see the bees behind our observation hive glass. FREE Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. 912-234-0688. tildsley@savannahbee.com. Savannah Bee Company, Wilmington Island, 211 Johnny Mercer Blvd.

Richmond Hill Roadies Running Club

Local organizations are invited to sign up to prepare Sunday Supper for people who are homeless and live at Union Mission’s shelters for homeless people. Groups must sign up in advance and bring/prepare

Free fitness workout, every Saturday, 9:00 am at Lake Mayer Park. For women only.

Offered by The Fit Lab. Information: 912376-0219 ongoing. Lake Mayer, 1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads.

A chartered running club of the Road

Prepare Sunday Suppers at Union Mission

continues on p. 38

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

Happenings |

37

Happenings |

continued from previous page

a meal, beginning at 2pm on Sundays. Call for information. ongoing. 912-236-7423.

Health

Armstrong Prescription Drug Drop-Off

Armstrong Atlantic State Univ. hosts a permanent drop box for disposing of unused prescription drugs and over the counter medication. In the lobby of the University Police building on campus. Open to the public 24 hours/day, year round. Confidential. All items collected are destroyed by the Drug Enforcement Administration. ongoing. 912-344-3333. armstrong. edu. about.armstrong.edu/Maps/index. html. Armstrong State University, 11935 Abercorn St. Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Information on bariatric surgery and the program at Memorial Health Bariatrics.

Learn surgical procedures offered, support and education programs involved, and how bariatric surgery can affect patients’ lives.

Call or see website for info. Free to attend.

Hoskins Center at Memorial. Free ongoing, 6 p.m. 912-350-3438. bariatrics.memorialhealth.com. memorialhealth.com/. Memorial Health University Medical Center, 4700 Waters Ave. Free Enrollment Help for Medicaid and PeachCare

Parents can find the help they need to renew or sign up their children (ages 0-19) on Medicaid or PeachCare. Enrollment Assisters will work with clients through the process. Free and open to the public.

Mondays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m.. 912-356-2887. Chatham County Health Department, 1395 Eisenhower Drive (facing Sallie Mood Dr.).

Hypnosis, Guided Imagery and Relaxation Therapy

Helps everyday ordinary people with everyday ordinary problems: smoking, weight loss, phobias, fears, ptsd, life coaching.

Caring, qualified professional help. See website or call for info. ongoing. 912-9273432. savannahypnosis.com.

Kitchari & Ghee Cooking Workshop with Kelley Boyd

After the holiday feasting and at the start of a new year many folks want to “cleanse” their bodies and mind. Sign up now to learn a few new recipes that are safe winter cleansing! No worries, not into “cleansing”? Join us for the recipes and the food!

We will be cooking up “kitchari,” a delicious one-pot winter stew of rice, legumes and seasonal local winter vegetables. We will also make ghee. $30 advanced, $35 day of Sat., Jan. 3, 6-8:30 p.m. 912-232-2994. marketing@savannahyoga.com. savannahyoga.com/events/cooking-workshop/. savannahyoga.com/. Savannah Yoga Center, 1321 Bull St. La Leche League of Savannah

Free Hearing and Speech Screening

Free Help Signing Up for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

An exercise program encouraging healthy lifestyle changes. Mon. & Wed. 6pm7:15pm Hip Hop low impact aerobics at Delaware Center. Tues. 5:30-7:00 Zumba at St. Joseph’s Candler African American Resource Center. (Program sponsors.) ongoing. 912-447-6605.

Seven care navigators to answer all your questions and sign you up through the ACA Insurance Marketplace. Able to enroll between November 15 to February 15, 2015. Free Thursdays, 8 a.m.-noon & 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Mondays-Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.. 912-721-6726. srogers@jclewishealth.org. J. C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center, 125 Fahm Street.

Free HIV Testing at Chatham County Health Dept.

Free walk-in HIV testing. 8am-4pm Mon.Fri. No appointment needed. Test results in 20 minutes. Follow-up visit and counseling will be set up for anyone testing positive. Call for info. ongoing. 912-6445217. Chatham County Health Dept., 1395 Eisenhower Dr. Monthly Parenting Support Group

A new environment where all are welcome to discuss and learn different ways to enjoy parenthood. Cate Glyn-Jones, registered nurse, midwife, and lactation consultant, will also be on hand to answer all of your questions. 1st Tuesday of Every Month from 10:00-11:30 am FREE first Tuesday of 38 every month, 10-11:30 a.m.. 912-544-6387.

center.com. savannahyoga.com. Savannah Yoga Center Pooler, 111 Canal Street.

Irish Dancers of Savannah

Savannah’s first organized Irish dance Open for primary care for uninsured school welcomes dancers, ages 4 and up. residents of Chatham County. Mon.-Fri., Learn Irish Step and Ceili (Irish square) 8:30am-3:30pm. Call for info or appointDancing at a relaxed pace. Convenient ment. ongoing. 912-443-9409. St. Joseph’s/ mid-town location. Adult classes available.

Candler--St. Mary’s Health Center, 1302 Thursdays.. 912-897-5984. irishdancsav@ Drayton St. aol.com.

Health Care for Uninsured People

A breast feeding support group for new/expectant monthers. Meeting/gathering first Thursdays, 10am. Call or see website for location and other info. ongoing. 912-8979544. lllusa.org/web/savannahga.html.

Hearing: Thursdays, 9am-11am. Speech: First Thursdays,. Call or see website for times. ongoing. 912-355-4601. savannahspeechandhearing.org. savannahspeechandhearing.org/. Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, 1206 E 66th St.

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

info@erigosavannah.com. erigosavannah. com/. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street.

Living Smart Fitness Club

Mommy & Me Relaxation Class (Prenatal & Postpartum)

New Mamas Club

A weekly Friday gathering of new moms and their babies. Practice baby & mom yoga, do a planned activity. Dream boards, affirmation writing, personalized aromatherapy and other projects. $20 per session. Six session discount. Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon. 912-704-7650. ann@douladeliveries.com. douladeliveries.com. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, 5301 Paulsen Street.

Savannah Children’s Museum School Year Hours

SCM hours beginning 8/31/13 will be Sunday 11am-4pm; Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Open on holiday Mondays that SCC Public Schools are not in session including Labor Day. For more details go to savannahchildrensmuseum.org ongoing.

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Road.

Solstice Seafarers

Free admission to the museum for two children when accompanied by one paying adult. Through Jan. 4, 2015, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. shipsofthesea.org. Ships of The Sea Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Solstice Seafarers at Ships of the Sea Museum

A seafaring Winter Break activity for kids and their grown ups. Free admission for two children when accompanied by one paying adult. Closed Mondays. Through Jan. 4, 2015, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 912-232-1511. shipsofthesea.org. Ships of The Sea Museum, 41 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

Toddler Tuesdays at Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Toddlers 6 months to 4 years, and their adults. Themed programs--story books, singing songs, finger puppet plays, crafts, guided walks, up close encounters with Oatland animals. Preregister by 4pm Monday. $5 children. Gen. Admission for adults ($5 or $3 for military & seniors) Tuesdays.

912-395-1500. oatlandisland.org. oatlandisland.org/. Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd.

This class offers you the education needed to face the physical, mental, and emotional changes of your body, mind and heart with poise and grace. Open to expecting and new moms as well as those with small children (4 and under). $15 a session. 15.00 Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.. 912-544- LGBT First City Network 6387. info@erigosavannah.com. erigosaGeorgia’s oldest LGBT organization (foundvannah.com/. erigosavannah.com. Erigo, ed in 1985), is a local non-profit community 5301 Paulsen Street.

Planned Parenthood Hotline service organization whose mission is to First Line is a statewide hotline for women share resources of health care, counseling, seeking information on health services. education, advocacy and mutual support in Open 7pm-11pm nightly. ongoing. 800-264- the Coastal Empire. Members and guests 7154. enjoy many special events throughout the year, including First Saturday Socials held Kid’s Happenings the first Saturday of each month at 7pm.

Baby & Mom Yoga Mondays. 912-236-CITY. firstcitynetwork.

For mothers with babies who are preorg.

Gay AA Meeting crawlers. Moms learn poses for baby to help with digestion and sleeping -- and get True Colors Group of Alcoholics Anonya bit of relaxation, movement and camara- mous, a gay and lesbian AA meeting that derie for themselves. $120 for a six session welcomes all alcoholics, meets Thursdays pass. Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.. 912-704-7650. and Sundays, 7:30pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 311 E. Harris, 2nd floor. ann@douladeliveriescom. savannahyoga-

New location effective 11/2012. ongoing.

Georgia Equality Savannah

Local chapter of Georgia’s largest gay rights group. 104 W. 38th St. 912-5476263. ongoing.

GVNT HAVS

GVNT HAVS is a free monthly drag show that houses the unique antics of the House of Gunt, a Savannah based free-form drag collective whose mission is to connect the trashy with the flashy, the kitschy with the classy, and the people of Savannah with a breath of fresh, queer air. Free first Thursday of every month, 10 p.m. houseofgunt@gmail.com. Chuck’s Bar, 305 West River Street.

Savannah Pride, Inc.

Organizes the annual Savannah Pride Festival and helps promote the well-being of the LGBT community in the South.

Mission: unity through diversity and social awareness. Second Tuesday/month.

Call for location. ongoing. 912-288-7863. heather@savpride.com. savpride.com.

Stand Out Youth

A gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth organization. Meets every Friday at 7pm. Call, email or see website for info. Fridays, 7-9 p.m. 912-6571966. info@standoutyouth.org. standoutyouth.org. Vineyard Church Office, 1020 Abercorn Street.

What Makes a Family

A children’s therapy group for children of GLBT parents. Ages 10 to 18. Meets twice a month. Call for info. ongoing. 912-3522611.

Literary Events

Albion’s Voice 44th Reunion

Meet the staff of Albion’s Voice, a literary publication started at Armstrong State College in 1970 that was too radical in its political views and became independent of the school. Sat., Jan. 3, 6 p.m. sentientbean.com. The Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave. Circle of Sister/Brotherhood Book Club

Meets last Sunday of the month, 4pm. Call for info. ongoing. 912-447-6605. sjchs.org/ body.cfm?id=399. African-American Health Information & Resource Center, 1910 Abercorn St. Exhibit: Savannah Historical Maps and Prints

A selection of maps and prints from the collection of John and Virginia Duncan, tracing the growth and development of Savannah through the 18th and 19th centuries, on exhibit in celebration of the City of Savannah’s 225th anniversary in 2014.

Free and open to the public. Through Dec. 31. savannahga.gov. Savannah City Hall, 2 East Bay Street.

Tea Time at Ola’s (Book Club)

A book discussion group that meets the 4th Tuesday, 1pm. Bring a book you’ve read this month and tell all about it. Treats to share are always welcomed. Tea is provided. Call for info. ongoing. 912-232-5488. liveoakpl.org/. Ola Wyeth Branch Library, 4 East Bay St.

Nature and Environment

buy . sell . connect | Call call231-0250 238-2040 for business Businessrates rates| place your classified ad online for free at connectsavannahexchange.com

Announcements For Your Information CONNECT INSTANTLY WITH SEXY LOCAL SINGLES FREE Trial! Call 912.544.0013 or 800.926.6000 www.livelinks.com 18+

Jobs Employment Wanted EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL Savannah Airport (Exit 104 off I-95) is hiring for: Maintenance Housekeepers Laundry Attendants Benefits available.

Join our winning team!

Apply in person: 145 Mulberry Boulevard Savannah, GA FAX: 229-241-0242 EMAIL: recruit.motmanco@gmail. com

Help Wanted EXPERIENCED TRIM CARPENTERS NEEDED. CALL 912-210-1069 IMMEDIATE OPENING exists for an Experienced Medical Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, and Medical Biller.

Send resume: Attn: Human Resources savfammed@gmail.com

Place Your ad online Reach Over Thousands of Potential Customers Every Day • • • • •

Employment Real Estate Vehicles Miscellaneous Garage Sales

www.ConnectSavannah.com

LANDINGS CLEANING GROUP INC. is seeking energetic individuals for daytime position. Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Experience and transportation required.

Background and drug test will be administered. To apply, please contact Dianne, (912) 598-7703; At least two references are required to apply.

Real Estate For Rent Submit Your Event Online and Place Your ad Online www.ConneCtSavannah.Com

Week at a Glance Looking to plan to fill your week with fun stuff? Then read Week At A Glance to find out about the most interesting events occurring in Savannah.

ConnectSavannah.com

Classified

*1403 E. 38th: 2BR/1BA $650 *209 Forrest: 3BR/2BA $825 Several Rental & Rent-To-Own Properties.

GUARANTEED FINANCING STAY MANAGEMENT 352-7829 DECEMBER ONLY * $350 DEPOSIT SPECIALS* SAVE YOUR $$$$$ *Credit Issues, Prior Evictions, Bankruptcies may still apply *Weekly & Bi-Weekly Payment Options Available for Apts. $245 & $450 Videos of properties B Net Management Inc. on Facebook 32 Liberty Heights: 3BR/2BA, LR, DR, CH/A, carpet & vinyl, fenced backyard, fireplace, bonus room. $975.

5509 Emory Drive: 3BR/2BA house. LR, DR, hardwood floors, carpet, CH/A, laundry room, kitchen, fenced yard. $865/month.

426 E. 38th St. (Habersham & Price) 2BR/1BA Apt. Appliances, central heat/air, washer/dryer hookup, carpet $675.

advertising

807-809 Paulsen St. 2BR/1BA Apt. Appliances, central heat/ air, carpet & hardwood floors $625.

Reach Over 45,000 Readers Every Week!

160 Laurelwood Drive: 3BR/2BA, LR, DR, CH/A, carpet & vinyl, fenced backyard $925.

PlaCement

• Call our Classifieds Department at

912-231-0250

• Ads Must Be Placed By 11am On Monday Prior to Publication • ALL Ads Must be PrePaid (Credit Cards Accepted) • Basic rate includes up to 25 words. www.ConnectSavannah.com

ads received by 5pm friday will appear in the Wednesday issue of the next week

Off Westlake Ave. 2 & 3BR, 1 Bath Apts.

Newly Renovated, hardwood floors,carpet, ceiling fans, appliances, central heat/air, washer/dryer hookups. $575$695/month, utilities may be added to rent if requested.

912-228-4630 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm www. bnetmanagement.com *For Qualified Applicants* WE ACCEPT SECTION 8

*1512 GEORGIA: 5BR/3BA, very large $1150. *2102 NEW YORK: 3BR/2BA, new kitchen $975. *2001 E. 51ST: 3 or 4BR/1.5BA, new kitchen $895. 912-257-6181

REDUCED RENT & DEPOSIT! SPECIAL! SPECIAL! 11515 White Bluff Road: $595/month for 1BR/1BA Apt. with $500/deposit.

Great Apt. Townhouse, 1812 N. Avalon St. 2BR/1.5BA for only $695/month.

Nice location, 127 Edgewater Rd. 2BR/2BA, all electric, $795/month.

DAVIS RENTALS 310 EAST MONTGOMERY X-ROADS, 912-354-4011 OR 656-5372

*A GREAT RENTAL DEAL* 1228 Seiler Ave., 3BR/1BA, CH/A, hardwood floors, carpet and ceramic. Washer/dryer conn., detached garage, fenced yard. $800/month, $700/deposit. Call Chaka, 912-308-6648

RENT OR RENT-TO-OWN: Remodeled mobile homes, 3BR/2BA, in Garden City mobile home park. Low down affordable payments. Credit check approval.

Call Gwen, Manager, at 912-9647675

SOUTHSIDE •1BR Apts, washer/dryer included. $25 for water, trash included, $625/month.

•2BR/1.5BA Townhouse Apt, total electric, w/washer & dryer $675. 912-927-3278 or 2250 Utah Street: 3BR, 1BA, LR, 912-356-5656 Kitchen w/Gas Stove & Refrig.

CH&A, Off street parking. $725/ VERY NICE HOUSE FOR RENT Rent, $675/Deposit. Call 912-898*318 Forrest Ave: 3BR/2BA $800.

4135 Call 912-507-7934, 912-927-2853, DUPLEX: 1223 East 53rd St. or 912-631-7644 2BR/1BA $550/month plus $550/ deposit. One block off Waters Room for Rent Avenue, close to Daffin Park.

ROOMS FOR RENT Call 912-335-3211 or email: adamrealstate@gmail.com. Days/ $75 Move-In Special Today!!

Clean, furnished, large. Busline, Nights/Weekends. central heat/air, utilities. $100$130 weekly. Rooms w/bathroom HOUSES $145. Call 912-289-0410.

3 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE ROOMS: 6944 Key St. $1025 CLEAN, comfortable rooms.

1254 Robert's Way $995 110 Pleasant Dr. $975 Washer/dryer, air, cable, ceiling 2320 Hawaii $895 fans. $125-$145 weekly. No 2 BEDROOMS deposit. Call Ike @ 844-7065 1221 Seiler Ave $795 FURNISHED APTS. $170/WK. 2309 E. 42nd St. $775 Private bath and kitchen, cable, 1203 Ohio Ave $725 utilities, washer furnished. AC & APT/CONDO heat, bus stop on property. No TWO BEDROOMS deposit required. Completely 1 Flowering Peach $875 safe, manager on property.

733 E. 53rd St. $675 Contact Denise, (352)459-9707, 5211 Jasmine Ave. $650 Linda, (912)690-9097, Jack, THREE BEDROOMS (912)342-3840 or Cody, (912)695527 E. 38th St. $725 7889 FOR DETAILS & PICTURES VISIT OUR WEB PAGE WWW.PAMTPROPERTY.COM Pam T Property 692-0038

Follow The Leader In Event Listings!

Check Out Week At A Glance and Happenings!

FURNISHED, includes utilities, central heat/air, Comcast cable, washer/ dryer. Ceramic tile in kitchen. Shared Kitchen & Shared bath. Call 912-2100181, leave message

SAVANNAH'S HOUSE OF GRACE

SENIOR LIVING AT IT'S BEST FOR AGES 50 & BETTER Shared community living for full functioning seniors ages 50 & above. Nice comfortable living at affordable rates.

Shared kitchen & bathroom.

All bedrooms have central heating/air and cable.

Bedrooms are fully furnished and private. Make this community one you will want to call home.

SAVANNAH'S HOUSE OF GRACE also has community housing with its own private bath. Different rates apply.

Income must be verifiable.

We accept gov. vouchers.

Prices starting at $550.

Call 912-844-5995

SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR RENT Newly renovated on busline.

2 blocks from Downtown Kroger,3 blocks from Historic Forsyth Park. $150/ week with No deposit. 8445995

Roommate Wanted 130 ALPINE DRIVE: Roommate Wanted. All utilities included.

Near Hunter AAF. $600/month, NO deposit or $150/week. Call 912-272-8020

Automotive Cars/Trucks/Vans FENDER BENDER ??

Paint & Body Work.

Reasonably Priced. Insurance Claims. We buy wrecks. Call 912-355-5932.

Happenings: All the info about clubs, groups and events. Only at www.connectsavannah.com

Buy. Sell.

For Free! www.connectsavannah.com

DEC 31, 2014-JAN 6, 2015

exchange

39

COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU!

1/2 PRICE

MARGARITA MONDAY

HOUSE MARGARITAS:

APPETIZERS

$4 sm • $7 Med • $10 Lg • Make it Texas add $2 Make it premium add $4

Y A D S E U TACO T COS

$

A T chorizo) Y r o H o t a C t N , po

1 CRefU, shredded chicken

(ground

be

$

tacos

tofu e l t o p i icy/ch

$

Tecate/Tecate Light/PBR cks

5

2

tron

sm Pa

rita ro a g r a M

P U K O $ 2 crunch NESDAY k, a D O e t s H (chickeni,mp) WE Y A hr D OR s P S O HUM TA NAC(groHund ebdeecfhoicrken) dd JI shre $ 8 FA O OZ RINK T 6 I D 1 Y R ER OR A R XED I U M D N S LL BE $2 B A E E R L W L T

1/2 PRICE

APPETIZERS

r sp y fish o

FT

DRA

$ OT B Y .50 AN RITA A G AR M E OUS H SM

4

U $ 3 F ak or H T ’S • (ste

)

en k c i ch

D A N L E 2 R T A O R S O C A G EET A C ACO 0 Lg d $4 K $4 N STR L T • $1ium ad A A / H T sm rem A L N : 4 L A A $ E AS: ke it p IT EXIC ADIL 232-2525 M G a T T .50 M O ARI • M 119 MLK BLVD. ES C U G $2 A Q R w/ T $1 A add (NEXT TO BERGEN HALL) A Y M T I N s E SCAD A OUS it Texa DELIVERY AVAILABLE FAJ $7 H e $

ID:

$

5

D IT

k

Ma

Special pricing is for dine-in