Pooler Magazine March/April 2014

Jar ed

W a M de M aki : Po usi n ol er M c& g ar I t M ch /A Ar Bi us pr ts g ic il 20 Iss ia 14 ue n

during an emergency every minute counts… why choose

Effingham Health System?

&DUH LV SURYLGHG E\ WKH VDPH JURXS RI ERDUG FHUWL¿HG KLJKO\ VNLOOHG SK\VLFLDQV \RX¶OO ¿QG LQ 6DYDQQDK PLQXV WKH WUDYHO ULVNV FRVW ZDLW WLPH DQG SDUNLQJ KDVVOHV

Advanced Care You Can Count On….Always.

9LVLW RXU QHZ HOLWH WHDP RI HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFLQH SK\VLFLDQV DW (I¿QJKDP+HDOWK RUJ 02 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

HEALTH SYSTEM

912-754-6451 459 Highway 119 South 6SULQJ¿HOG *$

photos by Rach Lea Photography

Jewelry by F.P. Wortley Jewelers

Ceremonies & Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Bridal Showers Groom’s Golf Outings Corporate Retreats www.SavannahQuartersCC.com

TM

Contact Erin Fountain to start planning your event today!

(912) 450-2285 efountain@troongolf.com

Pet Travel Tips for Summer

A

s the cold weather fades and we head into the warmer temperatures of spring, we tend to start daydreaming and making plans for summer vacations. We all know how much time is required to plan for the perfect family getaway, so as you prepare, remember to plan for your pet as well.

First, take your pet in for a wellness exam to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Traveling can be stressful for your pet and a veterinarian can examine your pet for any underlying health concerns that may lead to problems while you are away from home. During this visit your veterinarian may recommend testing to evaluate any abnormal exam findings and may also recommend heartworm and intestinal parasite screening if your pet has not been screened within the past year. After the exam, you should request refills on any medications (i.e. heart medications, travel sickness medications, heartworm and flea preventative) that your pet will need while you are traveling. Notify your veterinarian if you plan to fly, travel across state lines, or travel abroad as health certificates and a certificate of current vaccinations may be required for these types of travel.

You will also want to consider having your pet microchipped before you travel. A microchip can be easily placed just below the skin and will help identify your pet if they become lost or run away.

The microchip will be scanned and provide your contact information when your pet is picked up by an animal control officer, taken to an animal shelter or veterinary office. The microchip cannot be removed or separated from your pet like a name tag or collar. However name tags with your phone number are recommended as well.

If your pet already has a microchip, contact the microchip company to make sure that your contact information is correct. You will also want to upload a recent photograph of your pet in case you need to print “Lost� flyers.

We also tend to forget that summer temperatures can become

04 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

very hot and pose a health risk to your pet as well. Make sure your pet has water available at all times. All pets are susceptible to heat stroke during the summer months, especially in the coastal areas.

Never leave your pet in a car unattended, as temperatures inside a closed car will increase rapidly. The best time for play, walks, or running is early morning or late in the evening as temperatures are cooler during these times. These are also the best times to schedule flights. If you plan on flying, contact your airline prior to travel to make sure that their pet flying guidelines are safe and acceptable for your pet. If you are traveling by car, make regular stops to allow your pet to stretch, use the restroom and drink some water. You may want to look up pet friendly rest stops, campgrounds, hotels and restaurants prior to traveling. Also, make sure that there is a veterinary facility close to where you will be staying in case an emergency situation arises.

We hope that you and your family will have a safe and fun summer together and we hope that these tips will make traveling with your pet enjoyable as well. Everyone deserves a worry-free vacation!

If we can help you prepare in anyway, please feel free to call our office for advice or to schedule an appointment.

(912) 748-0709

CONTRIBUTORS SUBSCRIBE

Barbara Russell is a freelance writer and photographer, and in the past she was a high school English teacher and a flight attendant. Always an avid horse person and riding instructor, she enjoys writing for equine publications and she is writing a young adult novel about horses. For several years she wrote feature stories and a history column for Effingham CloseUp, and she has been published in a variety of magazines. Currently she enjoys writing for Independence Day Publishing.

Barbara Russell

Make sure you never miss a copy of Pooler’s only full-color lifestyle magazine.

Sign-up on-line at www.PoolerMagazine.com

FOLLOW US on Facebook. Check-out our Facebook page and keep up with the exciting things happening in Pooler.You’ll find us at Pooler Magazine.

TWEET We’re on twitter!

Sherry Cook is a Tennessee native who has traveled the world thanks to her husband’s military career. Germany, South Korea, Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama are just a few of the places they have called home over the past 25 years. Sherry and her husband now reside in Rincon, along with two of their three children. She is currently focusing on completing the requirements for her BA in History with the University of Maryland.

Sherry Cook

INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram to see behind the scene photos from our articles! Tag your own Pooler photos with our tag #PoolerMagazine!

WRITE US

Katie is a freelance writer and Effingham County native who enjoys meeting new and interesting people. She earned her English degree at Georgia Southern University, and caught the travel bug while studying abroad in Costa Rica, where she received a minor in Spanish. After college, she worked briefly in Yellowstone National Park, where she enjoyed hiking and photographing the scenery and the wildlife.

Write to us and tell us what you think.

Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the publisher. Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com, or mail letters to P.O. Box 1742, Rincon, GA 31326. Letters to the publisher must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.

Kathryn Vandenhouten

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Todd Wood is a visionary photographer, director, and artist with an insatiable hunger for continued education in photography, film, social media and social art. His vision has no boundries.

As a photographer, Todd has won numerous awards from The Georgia Press Association for his photojournalistic images in sports, sport news and features. As a journalist, he has covered the Super Bowl and has been on assignment for ESPN Magazine. He has also received awards from the Georgia Press Association for sports writing.

Today he strives to combine his photography, videography and social media prowess in hopes of creating a more positive and creative community.

Todd Wood

Pooler Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea, or photo essay you would like to share, please submit ideas and material by emailing Julie Hales at julie@ idpmagazines.com Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in Pooler.

STAFF

www.poolermagazine.com

Lea Allen

Lane Gallegos

06 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

DiAnna Jenkins

Barbara Anderson

"

ĕ

" !

!"

# ĕ

ĕ "

" !

"!

ĕ " " ĕ "

đ āĀāƫ ċƫ 1( !..5ƫ (2 ċČƫ 0!ċƫāąĀƫđƫ ++(!.Čƫ ƫăāăĂĂ ĉāĀƫ +3*!ƫ .'ƫ .ċČƫ 0!ċƫĂĀĀƫđƫ %* +*Čƫ ƫăāăĂć

Pooler Magazine | November/December 2013 07

CONTENTS March/April 2014

features

10 Jared Wade

Pooler Musician Making It Big

16 Warner McGee Professional Illustrator 22 Jackie Bonds

“I Was Supposed To Be In Jail or Dead.”

28 Caroline Smith

Pooler’s Teenage Thespian

departments

09 34

Publisher’s Page Pooler Recreation Spotlight Alexia Trout

08 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Pooler’s Got Talent Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Gallegos graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com DiAnna Jenkins account executive dianna@idpmagazines.com Barbara Anderson account executive barbara@idpmagazines.com

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

Spring is right around the corner! Spring is a great time of year….things start happening…people are out and about, happy to shake the winter chill and welcome the warmer weather.

As this time of year approaches, we are all looking for entertainment….things to do with our families and friends.

Pooler has so many of these things to offer us now. Bowling, arcades, go- kart racing, more and more shopping, dining, a new water park on the way….we can just about do anything we want right in our own city.

And, if we want live entertainment, there is plenty of that around too!

Pooler boasts some very talented folks. From music to artists to actors. Pooler Magazine is bringing you some of that talent in this edition, our annual Music and Arts Issue.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER We have a great story of a young Pooler man who has hit the big time in Nashville. Jared Wade shares his journey with us, his thoughts on family, friends and home.

Jackie Bonds, a 5 year Pooler resident, is making a huge name for himself in the gospel music industry. He has recently signed a deal with Lavish Records out of New York.

Read Jackie’s inspirational story of how he came from the “projects” and into church, leading him to a music career.

Meet Warner McGee, a professional illustrator who has done work for American Greetings, Disney, Pixar and Marvel. This very talented man also makes Pooler his home.

Caroline Smith, a senior at SCPS and a life-long resident of Pooler, is a shining star in the drama world. She has performed in plays and musicals for the past eight years. This year, she stars as Wendy in Peter Pan. Our city is full of talented people. I hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we enjoyed writing them for you.

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 3126 (912) 826-2760

Circulation: Pooler Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 9 ,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

ABOUT THE COVER

Jared Wade is an amazing young man full of talent. From Pooler to Nashville to touring the United States, this young man tells us the story of his journey and how his love of family and friends will always make him call Pooler home.

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 09

10 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Jared Wade:

Pooler Musician

Making

It Big • Story by JULIE HALES •

J

ared Wade is no stranger to Pooler, or anywhere else in Georgia. This talented performer was recently named 2013 Georgia Male Country Vocalist of the Year.

“Receiving this award was so surreal because there was a lot of competition from all over Georgia. It made me realize how much of a support system I have in my fans. The award was based on voting. It showed me how loyal my fans are, and that they took the time to vote, and that enough of them voted for me to win,” says Jared.

Jared grew up in Pooler. He attended Pooler Elementary School and then Savannah Christian from middle school until graduation.

When asked what it was like growing up in Pooler, Jared replies, “Pooler was and always will be home for me. I have so many great memories and friends that I still talk to. It’s where I lived the largest part of my life, and no matter where I end up, Pooler will always be home.”

For a man who has been pursuing his musical dream for only six short years, Jared Wade has made a name for himself, not only in Georgia, but all over the United States.

He was the opening act for Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour in 2010 and 2011. He has also opened for red dirt country music artist and award winning singer/songwriter Wade Bowen, Confederate Railroad, Black Hawk and many more.

His album, “Drunk on Sunshine,” was recorded in Nashville with platinum-selling American country artist Tracy Lawrence and his independent record label, Lawrence Music Group.

Pooler Magazine was able to catch up with Jared on a recent trip home. These are the things Jared had to share with us.

Pooler Magazine: Can you tell me a little about that first experience with the guitar...where you were....what was going on.... and how it made you feel?

Jared Wade: I first started playing after seeing a special on TV called ‘The History of Rock N Roll.’ The series lasted for a few days and it showed the evolution of rock through the eyes of lead guitar players. I decided I wanted to learn how to play. So, I bought a guitar from a buddy of mine, printed out some chords from the internet along with a few songs and taught myself how to play.

PM: What is the most memorable experience of your first trip to Nashville?

JW: I first went to Nashville almost 4 years ago with Jason Courtenay. We were downtown hanging out with some friends we knew and Craig Campbell walked in. He had signed his record deal that day and Jerrod Neiman was still playing downtown. We ended up hanging out with them the rest of the night.

PM: What was it like the first time you left home to pursue your career in Nashville?

JW: It was a little different. I moved out of my parent’s house at 17. But I never had been farther than 45 minutes away. It was bittersweet, but I knew it was the right time.

PM: Was Nashville good to you immediately? Or, did you have struggles like most young performers do?

JW: Nashville was an eye opener. I didn’t expect to move to town and immediately have a full schedule. But, with much dismay, I went weeks without a gig or even a contact number for the people

12 January/Feburary 2014 | Pooler Magazine

that book the bars there. I knew one or two people that played downtown and stayed on them to keep me in mind if something came up. My buddy, Brit Stokes, who I had met three years previously on a trip up there and stayed in contact with, walked me to a bar one afternoon. He introduced me to the manager and told him I was new in town and was looking to play if something opened up. I wrote my name and number down on a piece of paper, he folded it up put it in his pocket. We stood there and talked for 15 minutes or so and he received a text saying the person that was supposed to play next cancelled. He looked at me asked if I could play. I answered immediately with a ‘yes’ and played for six hours that night. He then offered me the 6 to 10 shift every Monday night. From there, I filled in for other gigs when people would call in, and within a week, I was playing there four times a week. And, within three weeks of that, I joined another band that recently signed to Sony and played three additional times a week with them.

PM: What was it like playing on Luke Bryan’s farm tour?

JW: Opening for Luke was the first time I got to play in front of an audience of that size that was there just for the music. I had played for big crowds on St. Patrick’s Day and Octoberfest, but not 6500 people the first year and over 10,000 the next year. It made me grow as an artist because I had to keep their attention with just acoustic guitars and no band. It’s what drove me to want to pursue bigger venues and want that rush of walking in to thousands of people that want nothing but to hear you sing and see you perform.

PM: What is it like working with Tracy Lawrence? Have you always enjoyed his music?

JW: Tracy is a blast to work with. As cliché’ as it sounds, he’s always been someone I followed. I’m a huge fan of 80’s and 90’s country, and in the mid 90’s, there weren’t many bigger than him.

He has a distinct voice that is recognizable on the first note he sings. Working with Tracy has given me the opportunity to travel and see the United States through the windshield of a tour bus, which is any musician’s dream. I feel like I am very fortunate that I was given the opportunity so soon after moving to town. I hit the road with him four and a half months after moving to Nashville, finished the year with him, and started back up the 3rd week of January. I get to spend every week working with a man who has 18 number ones and will be inducted in to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s hard to beat that!!

PM: Is there an entertainer that you feel like you are more like... like your music is similar to?

JW: I don’t feel like I’m similar to anyone, and I’m ok with that, because music is an art. If you are compared to someone else, then you’re not creating something new. Music is about separating yourself and offering something new to people and that is what makes you stand out.

PM: Are you always able to pick up local gigs when you return home....or do those gigs bring you home?

JW: I don’t usually play when I come home. I try to dedicate that time to my family and friends. But, if the opportunity comes up, and it works out, then yeah I gotta get my local fix at Tubby’s with my brother Jason Courtenay. He, along with Keith Daniel, Ross Etheridge and Bryon Wagner are the reasons I’m even chasing this crazy dream. They all believed in me enough years ago to ask me to play with them even when I was horrible and played the wrong chords and sang the wrong parts to songs. I’m forever grateful to those guys for helping me, and all the guys that played in my band the years that followed and helped me become a better musician.

PM: How often do you get to visit your family and what do those visits mean to you?

JW: Depending on how my schedule works out, I try to come home once a month or month and a half. I’ve lived near all my family my entire life, so it was an adjustment not being able to pop in and see them when I wanted to. I usually spend as much time as possible with them and really close friends when I’m home.

PM: Are you surprised to see so much growth in your home town?

JW: I’m overwhelmed each time I come home how much Pooler has grown. I can remember when the only light we had was at Rogers Street and Highway 80 at the C&S Bank. It doesn’t even look like the town I grew up in.

PM: What is the make-up of your immediate family?

JW: My parents are Jimmy and Linda Wade. I have one sister, Jan, that works for an investment company.

PM: How much traveling are you doing?

PM: Is there a unique experience you have had since beginning this journey that you can tell us about?

JW: I travel pretty much every weekend. We leave on Wednesdays or Thursdays and don’t return until Sunday or Monday morning.

We play roughly 120 dates a year.

JW: The journey itself is a unique experience every day. You learn more about your craft and a lot about yourself and the people you work with. I have people message me every week saying they play and sing and write and ask if they should move to Nashville. I give all of them the same response. If you have to ask me, then the answer is NO. Music is something that comes from your heart. You either believe in it or not, and when it comes to that, you don’t question whether you move to a town that eats and sleeps music.

You ask when do I feel like I have prepared enough. Nashville will chew you up and spit you out. It’s a revolving door of people aspiring to do the exact same thing you do. There is always someone that sings better than you, plays better than you and writes better than you. And the day you think that’s not true, you’ve lied to yourself and everybody else. The best advice I can give is stay humble, have tough skin, and work every day to get better.

PM: Do you have another job outside of music?

JW: Music is my only job. When I’m not on the road with Tracy or my band, I still play Broadway three times a week, as well as write two days a week.

PM: Who is your favorite country music star?

JW: It’s hard to pick a favorite because there are several that have influenced my style, and it hasn’t just been country.

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 13

To be a part of Savannah Country Day is to be engaged and inspired, to be challenged and supported, to wonder and create, and above all else, to discover an abiding sense of place.

Specializing In Implant and Periodontal Laser Treatment www.coastalempireperiodontics.com

Other services include:

crown lengthening • scaling & root Planing • soft tissue Grafts extractions with ridge Preservation (if needed) • sinus lifts IV Conscious Sedation • LANAP Certified Preferred Providers of most insurances to include: Delta Dental, Gulfstream, United Concordia, Met Life, Connection Dental

912.445.5311

10055 Ford Avenue, Suite 3-C, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 (next to The Savannah Bank)

14 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Dr. Justin Bordlemay, DMD Board Certified

It’s time to get out of the shadows and find your inner guitar hero at

Quick Cash Pawn (groupies not included)

Fender • Alverez • Epiphone

Quick Cash Pawn Other items also avialable:

firearms, jewelry, video games, laptops, TV’s and more!

912-826-1872

McCall Plaza, Hwy 21 at McCall Road • Rincon, GA

NO

Weights Machines Gym

Simply the Best, Safest, Most Fun Workout Ever Created.. Anywhere!

“I’m 45 now, and Kickboxing Keeps me looking and feeling Great!”

Day and Evening Time Classes Now Available

“Quick Start”

Call Today or Enroll Online!

One Full Month of Unlimited Classes T-shirt and Kickboxing Pants

poolermartialarts.com

BEGINNER PROGRAM only

$

99

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 15

Warner McGee:

Professional Illustrator • Story by SHERRY COOK Photos by TODD WOOD •

I

llustrating for clientele such as Disney, Pixar and Marvel may seem like an impossible dream for most artists, but for Pooler resident Warner McGee it’s a reality. As the man behind the mouse, Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” And it was that courage and perseverance that led the Mississippiborn artist to the halls of SCAD in 1988 to acquire his BFA in Illustration.

Having been surrounded by art in one form or another his whole life, Warner says, “I couldn’t imagine having gone in any other direction. Both of my parents were high school art teachers, and my brother was an active participant in the local theater community. Creativity was just the norm for our family.”

After graduating SCAD in 1992, Warner was one of the few students who were fortunate enough to land a job in the industry. He was recruited by American Greetings (AG) in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a staff illustrator for three years. “At AG I learned the inner workings of illustration in commercial art and the role it plays within the development of a product,” he explains.

In 1995, after the passing of his mother, Warner realized that he and his wife needed to be closer to family. “I remember going home to visit

16 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

and sitting with my mother on the porch. We’d drink coffee and talk about art all night long. Losing her made me rethink my priorities. I didn’t want to be so far away from my Southern roots anymore.”

“That year we took a chance. We packed up and headed south to Charleston with no real plan other than making it work.” Of course Warner wasn’t completely unprepared because he had learned quite a bit about the business of social expression (greeting cards) from his time at American Greetings. “I knew that I could put to good use the skills I gained from working at AG and venture into other markets. My time there was invaluable. I learned how to be creative on demand – an essential tool for a freelance illustrator.”

The move to Charleston proved to be the start of a very productive freelance career for Warner. In addition to acquiring work from local ad agencies, Warner reached out to several national companies such as Hallmark and Highsmith (an educational company who specializes in workbooks and library posters) and was pleased to receive a fairly steady flow of work. While he worked to build his freelance portfolio, he also taught illustration at Trident Technical College.

After living in Charleston for six years, Warner got a lead on a teaching job in Savannah. The decision to move was easy enough considering that

“But being able to hold your sketch in your hand in 3-D form is really amazing.

My boys have toys and ornaments that I have made. There’s something pretty cool about that.” they now had a son and wanted to be closer to his wife’s family who lived in Savannah. Although the teaching position didn’t pan out, Warner’s freelance career began to take off in a new, prosperous direction – children’s books.

“The move into children’s book illustration was a natural evolution for me. I was able to tell a story in a more expanded way rather than in just one image,” he says. Warner became very familiar with the likes of Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, The Backyardigans, Veggie Tales and the loveable Sesame Street characters. “It was perfect timing too. Having a child of my own brought me closer to my subject matter.”

As the art world began shifting from 2-D illustrations into the world of computers and 3-D illustration, Warner picked up the pace and taught himself how to use the industry tools such as a pressure-sensitive tablet, necessary to keep him in the game. “As I started to get more comfortable with the tools, I joined in on 3-D forums and shared my work. This was a great way for me to learn from others while building my reputation as a 3-D artist.”

When asked if he has a favorite character that he’s created, he points to a framed image of a spunky girl with librarian frames.

“I created SHEro for my wife, who is a freelance writer. She needed an image for her blog. And it was that image that was used

18 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

for the cover of Issue 24 of 3-D Artist Magazine in 2010. Then in 2011 I was awarded 3-D Artist of the Year for Play (Directory of Illustration) for SHEro. She’s been good to me, so I guess you could say I’m a bit partial to her.”

Today most of Warner’s work is as a 3-D toy designer. “The process of helping an idea to mature from a sketch to a 3-D model to an actual toy or collectible ornament is incredible,” he says.

“But being able to hold your sketch in your hand in 3-D form is really amazing. My boys have toys and ornaments that I have made.

There’s something pretty cool about that.”

Although Warner feels like sometimes his work is as good as play, there’s no doubt that it is a job. “One of the greatest benefits to my job can sometimes be the worst thing about it. I create my own hours. But when you love your job like I do and your office is just down the hall sometimes it’s hard to walk away. But I guess that’s a good problem to have.” He says that some days he works well into the early morning, getting only a few hours of sleep before he’s at it again.

Warner and his wife, Michelle, have two sons, Jake and Nicholas. “I’m so lucky to be able to work at home and spend time with my family. After all my success would mean nothing if I didn’t have them to share it with.”

Visit Us Here!

Read Current Articles See Past Issues Sign Up For Our Bi-Weekly Newsletters View our on-line Business Directory Media Kit

Pooler’s ONLY Community Magazine!

www.PoolerMagazine.com

Plumbing sPecialists We Install, servIce and repaIr: • sinks/faucets • showers/tubs • toilets • water heaters (replace or repair) tankless, gas or electric • repipe • slab leak detection & repair • bathroom & kitchen remodel

We surpass the competition with promptness, reliabilty, professionalism, integrity and quality of work.

GREENLEAF PLUMBING COMPANY

912-988-7163

emergency service 24/7

greenleafrestore.com

like us On Facebook

resIdentIal & commercIal • lIcensed & Insured master plumber A subsidiary of Greenleaf Construction & Restoration, LLC

William Moretz, III, MD

Stephen Rashleigh, MD, FACS

Fred Daniel, MD, FACS

Michael Zoller, MD, FACS

Wide selection of Mardi Gras, st. Patrick’s day and easter supplies Savannah’s premier group of ear, nose, and throat professionals, specializing in total care of head and neck disorders.

Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 Saturday 8:30-12:00

912-988-3835 Pooler Park West Shopping Center 1024 US Hwy 80 W www.lovetopartypooler.com

Michelle Yamada, PA

Brad A. Rawlings, MD

www.entsavannah.com Main Office: 5201 Frederick Street, Savannah Satellite Offices: Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Statesboro, Southside Savannah

Appointment: 912-351-3030

20 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

party supplies

Dentistry at GoDley station

Ruby Edwards Barkley, D.M.D. Fillings

|

extractions

|

Partials

|

Tracy Durham, D.D.S.

Dentures

|

Crowns

|

Bleaching

|

Veneers

|

Cosmetic And General Dentistry For The Entire Family!

(912) 748-4494 www.tracydurhamdds.com

HoURS: Mon-Wed 8:00am-5:00pm Thurs-Fri 7:00am-2:00pm extended Hours available Upon request

145 Traders Way, Suite D | Pooler, Georgia 31322 Conveniently located near I-95 at Godley Station

NoW ACCePTING NeW PATIeNTS

emergencies

- Most Insurance Plans Accepted - All Gulfstream Plans Accepted - Carecredit Available

Ä‹

Ĺ? Ĺ? $-*."5& /0/ $-*."5& 6/*54

)063 ("5&% "$$&44 1"3,*/( 41"$&4 "-- 4*;& 6/*54

Ä‚Ĺ?(+ 0%+*/Ĺ?/!.2%*#Ĺ? ++(!.Ĺ?.!/% !*0/ 2%/%0Ĺ? 333Ä‹/0+,*/0+.Ä‹ %6 Ĺ?

1PSU 8FOUXPSUI

4BWBOOBI

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 21

Jackie Bonds

“I Was Supposed To Be In Jail Or Dead.”

Story by BARBARA W. RUSSELL Photos by SUSAN DELOACH

22 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 23

J

“But God finally opened up the door, so I guess He feels I’m ready. I’m young enough to enjoy, but old enough to understand the business and not do foolish things. Old enough to be responsible and have my priorities right:

God first, family, then music.

24 March/April 2014 | PoolerMagazine

ackie Bonds, local gospel singer and song writer, has been singing since he was ten, writing songs since he was 16, and pursuing his dream of becoming a recording artist for most of his life. On February 3, 2014, that dream became a reality when he signed a recording contract with Lavish Records of New York.

JBonds has developed a growing family of followers throughout the United States and even overseas, in part because of the technology of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. In 2011, he transitioned from R&B to Gospel, joined Facebook and entered a contest for gospel music that was sponsored by the Southern Coalition Movement. Bonds won top honors.

He was named 2011 Gospel Male Soloist of the Year, and his song, “I Got God On It” was nominated for Best Gospel Song of the Year.

“Winning the award gave me the confidence to keep striving,” said Bonds, “and my families on Facebook and Twitter got bigger.”

One of Bond’s followers on Twitter was Tracy Randall - a Grammy award winning song writer and the CEO of Lavish Records.

“The first time he heard me was on Twitter,” said Bonds, “and he started following me.

When I found out who he was, I took a chance and tweeted him back, and sent him a link to one of my music videos, and he said, ‘Hey man – that’s fire! I like it.’ That’s when the steps to signing a contract started to take place, and he said. ‘Send me your bio, your pictures and your music.’ He re-twittered my video, ‘Whateva U Want’ on his page, which allowed all his fans to listen to me as well. It took about eight months of him watching and listening and looking, and he wanted to hear me sing one of my original songs. Actually, February the 3rd I wrote a new song and he heard it on Facebook.

The song was ‘God is Good,’ and when he heard it he was excited, and 30 minutes later I had a contract in my email!”

When listening to JBonds sing – with a voice that’s smooth as silk, it’s easy to think that for him, becoming a recording artist was easy, but nothing could be further from the truth. He has talent. He has desire. He has a loving mother and grandmother, but when he was growing up, outside the walls of his home was a desperate life – he lived in the projects of Corpus Christie, Texas.

“I grew up in ‘the hood’ – gunshots and all that,” he said. “It was tough....you’d be exposed to drugs, robberies, killings, street life…. my dad was in the pen for ten years, my uncle was in jail. It’s real life. I was supposed to be in jail or dead,” he said. “The only thing that saved me was the church and God. “I had a dream where I was being chased by an image of something evil, and as I was running all around in the projects, I finally fell in front of the swing set and the sky just kinda

opened up, and a cross and a light just shined on me and then it disappeared, and ever since then.…” His voice drops off. He rubs his arm, “I’ve got chills thinking about that,” he says. “Honestly, it was nobody but God. I mean, my mom worked a lot, she was always gone. I didn’t have a dad or nothing.”

Church was a safe haven for Bonds and that’s where he discovered his talent. When he was about ten years old, he started singing in the church choir, but he didn’t really know that he had a true gift until he got to lead a church song when he was 14.“The song was kinda upbeat,” he said. “The whole church was shocked and went a little crazy when I started singing. It was like ‘Wow – he can sing!’ ‘Come Let Us Sing,’ was the name of the song, and he’s been singing ever since.

His faith grew, and even though he still lived in the projects, it was obvious to others that his life was taking a different direction.

“One day when I was standing on the corner with my friends, with a beer bottle in my hand, my friends said, ‘JB, go on home – this is not you. You don’t even look right here ’ – but I grew up in the same area, I hung around all of them….” He rubs his arm again.

More chills. “And I said ‘All right’ and left. For whatever reason, they saw something else in me that I didn’t see.”

Bonds was able to get a partial scholarship to Tabor Christian Collage in Kansas by singing in the choir, playing football and having good grades. “College was an escape,” he said. He was out of ‘the hood’.

Throughout the years, Bonds was always part of an R&B group.

“We sung here and there, you know, having little competitions and stuff,” he said, always chasing that seemingly elusive dream of a recording contact. “We’d give up, stop, lose faith, thinking we’re never going to make it. I always felt that I had the talent, but

did I ever think it would really happen? To be honest – no. Am I surprised that it happened? I’m very shocked, but grateful.

“But God finally opened up the door, so I guess He feels I’m ready. I’m young enough to enjoy, but old enough to understand the business and not do foolish things. Old enough to be responsible and have my priorities right: God first, family, then music.

“God blessed me with a good wife – she’s awesome! I thank God for her. I get down sometimes and she’s been strong for me. I always prayed to God for someone to really be there for me before I really made it, and for whatever reason, it’s all come to pass - I’m very, very grateful. His wife’s name is Frenchye and he has four children: Jackie III, Jalecia, Zecoi and Kabraknai.

Bonds is grateful for a lot of things, even the fact that he grew up in the projects. “I embrace it,” he said. “It taught me that I can survive off of little, so anything I get now, I’m very grateful for. I didn’t have a lot when I was growing up, so I don’t care too much about material things. I want nice things for my family though, but me personally, I don’t have to have it.

“Growing up in the projects….it’s a testimony – that’s why I put all that in my songs. I’ve got a lot to talk about, a lot to sing about, and it was all real, so I don’t have to pretend like I’ve struggled growing up. That’s why the song, ‘God is Good’ was so easy to write, it was just a small part of what I went through.”

What’s happened to those he grew up with in the projects?

“Oh, we’re all on facebook now,” he said. “They’ve all seen what’s happening. They reach out to me.” JBonds is available for performances and can be contacted at 912 / 660-6267 or jackiebonds@ yahoo.com

What can

Dr. Bannout Bannout Dr. do for you?

(912)748-5868 (912) 748-5868 (912) 748-5868 (912) 748-5868 www.poolercosmeticdentist.com

• Evening & Saturday Appointments!

• EmergencyCare dental careYour - done promptly!

Complete For Family • Most oral surgery procedures are done in • Cleanings & Exams office including wisdom teeth removal

Parkway Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Alexander Bannout 130 Canal St, Ste 204 Pooler, GA 31322

• Crowns & Bridges When Veneers you refer a friend or family • Porcelain • Dental Implants member to Dr. Bannout, receive a • TeethWhitening credit off your Parkway next visit wayDentistry of Centeras forour Cosmetic • Invisalign Dr. Alexander Bannout saying “Thank You!” Canalremoval St, Ste 204 • Oral Surgery, including wisdom130 teeth Pooler, GA 31322

We are not your typical dental office!

Parkway Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Alexander Bannout 130 Canal St, Ste 204 Pooler, GA 31322 Scan to save our details on your Smartphone!

www.poolercosmeticdentist.com

Evening Quality and Saturday Appointments! second to none!

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 25

Need to

signs banners business cards embroidery hats

Promote

YoUr bUsiNess?

Let Us PUt YoUr Name oUt FroNt

golf bags golf apparel cups aprons custom patches decals t-shirts vehicle signs logo design school logos complete line of promotional products embroidery on leather screen printing personalized apparel

(FormerLY sm PromotioNs)

QUaLitY Work... oN time... everY time

come see us at our new location 105 CommerCiaL CoUrt (CorNer oF GosheN road ext aNd CommerCiaL CoUrt)

riNCoN, GeorGia

826-siGN(7446) UniqUe School itemS

Your journey together begins here...

950 C Morgan’s Corner Pooler, Georgia 31322 912-450-0887 or 912-450-0885

wasabifusion.net

26 March/April 2014 | PoolerMagazine

Crosswinds Golf Club Contact Amy Doyle for all your corporate and special occasion needs.

Weddings, Receptions, Meetings, Family Reunions, Parties, and more!

912-966-1909 ext 6 amy.doyle@galleagolfproperties.com • www.crosswindsgolfclub.com

get THE newsletter!

Pooler Magazine News & Notes Pooler Magazine News & Notes is a bi-weekly e-newsletter designed by Pooler Magazine to promote community happenings and events.

Scan thiS code & Sign up to receive our Sign up today to receive this great newsletter via email. newSletter!

Keep yourself in the KNOW in Pooler!

108 International Drive • P.O. Box 1742 • Rincon, Georgia 31326 (912)826-2760 Office (912)826-2762 Fax www.poolermagazine.com Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 27

Caroline Smith:

Pooler’s Teenage Thespian • Story by SHERRY COOK Photos by Marianne Brown of Marianne Lucille Photography •

T

he Fine Arts Department at Savannah Christian Preparatory School produces an annual Broadway musical production that features a cast comprised of 3rd through 12th grade students. This year’s production will be the Disney classic, Peter Pan Jr. Caroline Smith, a senior at the school, has been cast as the character, Wendy Darling, in the upcoming play. It is a wonderful opportunity for Caroline and the entire cast, because they get the opportunity to perform on a historical stage in downtown Savannah at the Trustees Theater. They also get a working knowledge of what it is like to perform on an actual professional stage.

Wendy Darling is an adventurous young girl with a vivid imagination who loves to dream. This description could also be used to describe Caroline. The lovely teenager is completely in love with performing and using her creative talents to portray interesting and vibrant characters.

“I just love being on the stage and being myself. I completely fell in love with acting in the 5th grade,” she says. Natasha Smith, Caroline’s mother, says, “My daughter fell in love with performing in the first play she acted in. It was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and she played a napkin.” She loves it so much she has been a cast member in the past eight productions that Savannah Christian Preparatory School has hosted.

Caroline has lived in Pooler her entire life. Her family consists of her parents, Lee and Natasha Smith, and her older sister, Christine. Her father works in Jacksonville and her sister attends college at Georgia College and State in Milledgeville. The young actress and her mother are very close and love spending time together, which they get a lot of during the week. She jokingly says, “My dad is always gone during the week for his job, and sometimes it feels like my mom and I are more like roommates.”

This is Caroline’s final year at SCPS and she says she definitely has “senioritis.” She is looking forward to graduation and entering a new chapter in her life when she attends college next fall. She plans on attending Georgia Southern University where

28 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

she will major in Early Childhood Education, and she hopes to one day teach 3rd Grade.

Drama is not the only extracurricular activity Caroline has participated in while in high school. She was a varsity cheerleader her freshman year and even received the “Most Spirited” award. “Performing in musicals and plays got my full attention,” and that is why she had to give up cheerleading even though she enjoyed it.

When she says “full attention” she really means it. Caroline has been in every Broadway musical production at her school for the past eight years. They include: 5th Grade – Beauty and the Beast 6th Grade – Alice in Wonderland 7th Grade – Pirates of Penzance 8th Grade – High School Musical II 9th Grade – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 10th Grade – Annie 11th Grade – Seussical 12th Grade – Peter Pan Jr. The drama students at the school also participate in Regional One Act competitions each year at Armstrong University and in Macon, Georgia.

The drama teacher picks out the play and the students have a 55 minute time limit. Caroline says, “The production has to be absolutely perfect.” Last year they performed Into the Woods and Caroline played Cinderella. Pride and Prejudice was the choice this year and Jane Bennett was the character she portrayed. Performing in musicals and plays is not only entertaining to Caroline, but it is therapeutic as well. Last year, the teenager fell asleep behind the wheel of her car. It was not long after midnight and she and a friend were returning home from a concert. The car flipped three times and she was knocked unconscious, but thankfully her passenger was uninjured. Caroline says she now suffers from PTSD due to the accident. Drama and the long hours she puts in practicing, along with the supportive cast and crew, have helped her overcome some of the anxiety that she suffers from.

Donna Stembridge, the drama teacher and director of musicals and plays, has been a big part of Caroline’s life. She has been teaching at the school for seven years and says that Peter Pan Jr. is her 11th play. Caroline says, “Miss Donna is like a

Photo by Stacy Davis

Caroline as Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

Caroline as Lily St. Regis in Annie

Caroline as Jane Bennett in Elizabeth and Darcy

Caroline as Bird Girl in Seussical

second mom to me. I can always talk to her when I need advice.” Caroline’s mother and Stembridge are close friends and Natasha is very appreciative of the guidance and support that Donna has given Caroline over the years. “Caroline is the sweetest and kindest young lady, she is awesome with the younger kids in the play, and whatever part she gets she is completely committed to it,” says Mrs. Stembridge.

She also adds that she is the type of cast member the little ones connect with, and they are always hugging her and loving on her. “It’s a great feeling to know that I have cast members who are mentoring to the younger ones,” she says.

30 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

Caroline as Cinderella

“Caroline is very focused on stage, very proficient in the craft that she works hours and hours on, and is a delight to work with,” says Donna. The Fine Arts Program lost 16 seniors last year, and Caroline has taken it upon herself to move into a leadership role. The grateful director says she is the type of person that is always thinking of others and what she can do for them.

Donna Stembridge says it takes over 100 volunteers to run the play each year.

Preparations begin in the summer, and practice runs from January until the play is performed. Natasha Smith is one of those volunteers. She is the assistant to Donna and that means she is responsible

for fixing any problems that come up and keeping the cast in line. Natasha says even after Caroline graduates she will continue in her volunteer duties because she loves it.

Graduation approaches and Caroline is excited about heading to Statesboro to attend college next fall. She will be living on campus and has already met her roommate. When asked about whether she sees herself involved in acting while in college she says, “I am thinking about minoring in drama, but I will just have to wait and see.” Her mother and current director say they can see her teaching drama one day and believe she would be wonderful at it.

Meet Dr. Travis Wiggins Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine Therapeutic and Diagnostic Endoscopy Caring for digestive disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

Happy seeing the good folks of Effingham County Effingham Hospital 459 GA Highway 119 South Springfield, GA 31329

(912) 354-9447 Appointments Available In: Springfield, Pooler, Bluffton & Savannah

Ask Us Why You Should Be On Our Pages!

Julie Hales Publisher/Sales (912) 657-4120 julie@idpmagazines.com

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon,GA, 31326

DiAnna Jenkins Account Executive (912) 308-7408 dianna@idpmagazines.com

Barbara Anderson Account Executive (912) 631-5000 barbara@idpmagazines.com

www.poolermagazine.com Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 31

Thomas C. sTriCkland and sons Funeral homes

Family Owned And Operated Effingham Chapel 2460 Hwy 21 South, Rincon

912-754-6421

West Chapel 901 Hwy 80 West, Pooler

912-748-2444

www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com The clean you expect. The service you deserve.

OFFn 20% tio h Men Wit is Ad Of Th

ServiceMaster of Savannah Residential/Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Carpet • Area Rugs • Upholstered Furniture Hardwood & Tile Floors

Custom Tailor Your Cleaning Needs With Superior Results.

912-234-0270

www.SMSavannah.com

Would You Like Pooler Magazine Delivered To Your Home or Business?

Pooler Magazine will always be free, available at over 160 locations in Pooler and the surrounding areas. But, if you would like to guarantee a copy being mailed directly to you, please fill out this form and mail with your check to cover postage and handling.

Subscribe Today!

It’s Only $24 Per Year!

PLEASE SEND:

1 Year (6 Issues) $24 2 Years (12 Issues) $48

Make Checks Payable To: Independence Day Publishing Mail To: One Beaufort Town Center, 2015 Boundary Street, Suite 217 Beaufort, South Carolina 29902

32 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

auto Detailing

Auto Wash Hand Wash Hand Dry Vaccuum

$25

pressure washing

Auto Wash And Wax

Full Detail Hand Wash/Dry/Wax Clean Dash, Door Panals, Inside Windows, Shampoo Carpet, Air Freshener Only

Hand Wash/Hand Dry Vaccuum/Wax Only

$35

$75 Free QuoTes on A residenTiAl Pressure WAshing

HOME

SIDEWALKS

DRIVEWAYS

FENCES

When You Want It “DONE RIGHT”, Give Us A Call!

We Come To You!

(912) 433-3184 Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 33

P oo l e r R e c r e a t i o n S po t l i g h t

Alexia Trout:

Defying

the Odds • Story by SHERRY COOK

A

lexia Trout, like most nine year old girls, loves to ride her bike, has chores and homework she is expected to do each day, occasionally argues with her brother, and loves to talk. You would never be able to tell by looking at her that she was born premature. The sweet, young child was born at just twenty-four weeks old, which is about four months premature, and she weighed only one pound and ten ounces.

“There were a lot of unknowns when she was born,” says Alexia’s father, Greg Trout. The tiny baby had a grade four brain bleed. “Her doctors thought she would never walk or talk,” he adds. Two to three weeks after birth she underwent multiple surgeries to repair her heart valve and holes in her intestines. “It was a rough first six months of her life,” say her father.

Amazingly, the things the doctors thought she would never do, like walk or talk, did not occur. Crawling proved to be a problem for her when she was a baby, but she eventually became mobile.

She started walking before her second birthday, even though she had great weakness in the right side of her body. Alexia did see a speech therapist for a while, but today she speaks with great ease and confidence.

Alexia lives in Pooler with her father and stepmother, Sari, and her brother, Orlando. Her mother lives in Kentucky and she visits her during the summer. She also has two older siblings, Ghyslaine and Brandon.

Alexia had been doing physical therapy since she was two years old, but last year changes with her health insurance put a hold on that. Her parents say she always wanted to enroll in Gymnastics at The Pooler Recreation Center, and since she no longer attended physical therapy sessions each week they decided to give it a try. This decision has had a wonderful impact upon the young girl.

Alexia has always had trouble with her right hand, leg and foot. They just aren’t as strong as her left side, so she has always been hesitant to use them. She has always favored her left side, and was nervous to depend on her weak limbs. Since she has been enrolled in the class at the Rec Center, her parents have

Photos by SUSAN DELOACH •

noticed a major improvement in her physical strength. As a matter of fact, they say they have seen more improvement than they ever noticed with therapy sessions.

Alexia is enrolled in the gymnastics class taught by Sharon Jacoby. The beautiful little girl is thrilled to be doing bridges, rolls and cartwheels in class. The students are also using the vault and the balance beam. Sari Trout says, “Alexia is attempting more than she ever has and is working harder than ever before.” She also adds that Sharon Jacoby has been great with Alexia, the entire class been very embracing and supportive, and the experience overall has been very positive.

Sharon Jacoby says she noticed a handicap when Alexia joined the class, but she didn’t know what it was or the extent of her disability. She also adds that her physical problems did not keep the young girl from giving it her all. “I am thrilled at the progress Alexia is making,” says her gymnastics instructor.

Alexia is now running on both of her feet, and using both of her hands on many of the exercises. Sharon says the day Alexia ran for the first time was a great day. She is also getting up higher and kicking up further on her cartwheels.

Jacoby also adds that the children in the class have been very encouraging to Alexia and praise her when she achieves success in the class. “Every single week she tries very hard and they help her with their encouragement,” she adds. “Alexia is a sweetheart of a child and I am excited about what she has done,” says her proud teacher.

Alexia’s parents say they plan on her continuing with gymnastics all year long. They are looking forward to seeing their energetic, young girl heal even more. They have also been pleased to see an improvement in her grades this year as well. “This year has been her strongest in school,” says her father. Math is Alexia’s favorite subject this year, and she says she hopes to one day be a teacher and a dentist. With her determination, she just may achieve that.

Pooler Magazine | March/April 2014 35

Alexia and her father, Greg Trout

P

pooler park

P R E L O O

900 south • rogers street • Administrative Office • Gymnasium • 5 Ball Diamonds • Batting Cages • Playgrounds • Outside Basketball Court

ices

erv S e r u s i t & Le ET

tmen ROGERS STRE r a p e D ion UTh RecreatLER PARK 900 SO • Baseball 5-14 POO

• Softball 7-12 POOLER RECREATION COMPLEX • T-Ball (Girls 4-6, Boys 4) 200 PRESTON STOKES DRIVE 5 BASEBALL FIELDS • Spring Soccer 4-12 2 SOCCER/FOOTBALL FIELDS • Fall Soccer 4-12 BATTING CAGES AND PLAYGROUND • Youth Basketball 5-13 • Summer Basketball 9-13 • Adult Sports www.PoolerRec.com • Tumbling 3+ $45 Join Us On Facebook poolerrecreation@pooler-ga.gov • Dance 3+ $50/$60

748-5776

36 March/April 2014 | Pooler Magazine

seeking sponsorships For our Youth teams seeking Volunteers For Coaching

Community Center 1400 square foot dining area, kitchen with complete stoves, ample room for outdoor activities, $100 per day rental.

senior Citizens Center (sangrena Woods) Daily activities • Quilting • Billiards Room • Line Dancing • Jewelry Classes • Crafts • Day Trips • Meals • Exercise • Games Transportation Provided If Necessary

YAwn’s FiTnEss CEnTER OF RinCOn

OPEN 24/7 Now Accepting Silver Sneaker Members!

Full Gym featuring free weights, machines, cardio equipment and more!

Personal Trainer and Exercise Classes Available Over 7,500 sq feet of workout space

(912) 826-5008 250 Chimney Road, Rincon, GA 31326 Pooler Magazine | January/Feburary 2014 37

Pooler Magazine Is Distributed To Over 180 Locations.

Here’s where you can find your FREE copy!

Sam Snead’s Tavern Wingate by Wyndham Hawthorn Suites Fairfield Inn & Suites Staybridge Suites Hilton Garden Inn Candlewood Suites Cambria Suites Country Inn & Suites Holiday Inn Express Comfort Inn Springhill Suites by Marriott Towne Place Suites BP Station (airport side) Suntrust Chick-Fila First Chatham Bank Embassy Suites BB&T Optim Healthcare Orthopedics Colonial Grand at Godly Station Colonial Village at Godly Station Frames-N-Games Mediterranean Tavern Miwa Japanese Restaurant Eden Day Spa The Coastal Bank West Rehab Low Country Eye Care Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah Southeast ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery Foot & Ankle Center SouthCoast Medical Group Wound Care Clinic Savannah Pediatrics Godley Station Dental Towne Lake Dental Urgent Care Center ARA Pooler Imaging Chatham Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dentistry at Godley Station SportsClip Spa Nails Coastal Performing Arts Dance Academy GeoVista Credit Union Saint Joseph Candler Pearle Vision Center Legacy Nails & Spa Coastal Spirits

Snazzy’s YMCA Two Addison Place BP Station & Village Spirit Shop Savannah Quarters Country Club Avala Apartment Complex- Savannah Quarters BooKafe’ Meijia Fro-Yo Wasabi El Cheapo Parkway Salon Pro Nails Lo Cost Pharmacy Jalapeno’s State Farm Pat Parker Bella’s Salon Yummy House Bahama Bobs Scale Solutions Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Godley Animal Hospital Kids First Pooler Pediatrics Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners Pooler PC Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Ass. Dr. Alexander Bannout Braun Internal Medicine Audiology & Hearing Aid Services Courtney Station on Park Ave. Beverage World UPS Store Seasons of Japan Lisa Lisa’s The Joint Mattress Firm Shanes Mellow Mushroom Bronze Tanning The Joint of Pooler Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union The Perserve Pita Pitt Ameris Bank Red Roof Inn Gate Station

Econo Lodge La Quinta Lovezzola’s Western Sizzlin El Potro BP Station Wells Fargo Bank of America Pooler Pawn Diamond Kathleen’s Family Hair Care Nu Impressions Simplicity The Coastal Bank Lady J’s Hair Emporium Barber Post Enmark Reflections New Super Buffet TV Nails Top Dog Another Success Hair Salon Fitness Witness Senior Citizens Center RH Fitness The Barber Pole Randy Wood Guitars Mac’s Place Hair Techniques Butcher Block El Cheapo Happy Days Icecream Bloomingdale City Hall Bloomingdale History Museum/ Visitors Center Ranicki Chiropractic Pooler Seafood Clyde’s Advanced Chiropractic Pooler Family Dental Coastal Bank Mortgage Anderson Eye Care Allure Laser Center Pooler Karate Curves Bedie’s Hair Salon KuNail Spa Pooler City Hall Pooler Public Library Edward Jones Investments

Chatham Classic Home Rental Hair Creation Pooler Recreation Dept.

Power Tan Renew You Lucky’s Tavern Savannah Conference Hotel The Omelette House Magnolia Inn Sleep Inn & Suites Holiday Inn & Suites Microtel Inn & Suites Travelodge Suites Carter’s Pharmacy Los Bravos Hiranos Dasher Services Guerrero’s Noah’s Ark TNT Nails Dickey’s Smokin’ Pig Serenity Nail Salon Apollo Staffing Spanky’s Golden Breakfast Robinson’s ATA Blackbelt Karate Flash Foods Affordable Dentures BP by Fun Zone Pooler Chamber Of Commerce Miss Sophie’s Casseroles Classy Nails Masoto Coastal Beverage Warehouse Bradbury Suites Quality Inn Motel 6 Savannah Christian Prep. School Clay Clark State Farm Insurance GA Welcome Center Island Grill

For Questions Or Information On Distribution Points, Please Call Lea at (912)826-2760 or (843)602-1467

“RAMEN”

We never take shortcuts, but you can if you ordered online.

www.seasonsofjapan.com Toshi Hirata Seasons of Japan, CEO

455 Pooler Pkwy Publix Shopping Center

OTHER LOCATIONS:

Savannah, GA-Abercorn • Savannah, GA-Berwick Statesboro, GA • Brunswick, GA North Charleston, SC • Summerville, SC • Jacksonville, FL Irvine, CA • Berkeley, CA • Vernon Hills, IL

912.748.9383

www.seasonsofjapan.com