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Bryan County Magazine is proudly produced by:
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Write and tell us what you think. Bryan Count Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor. Please send letters to Jan Southern at Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact. Phone numbers will not be published.
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS
Bryan County Magazine welcomes story ideas from our readers. If you have a story idea or photos to share, please submit ideas and material to Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in the Bryan County area will be considered.
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Reproduction in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Shop Local PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS
Shopping local isn’t just about convenience—it’s about investing in the people and businesses that make Bryan County a vibrant and welcoming community.
Our cover story shares a passion project for me. We recently launched the LocalLivingGeorgia.com– a website dedicated to finding everything you need to live and enjoy South Georgia. We share a glimpse of what you can find online on page 10 of this issue including places where you can celebrate this holiday season.
Shopping Local is also a passion of mine. This issue shares that passion. On page 22 you’ll find our Publisher’s Picks highlighting exceptional local products and services, plus valuable insights to help you discover and support the businesses that strengthen our local economy. Every dollar you spend with a Bryan County business circulates back into our schools, parks, and neighborhoods. That’s the power of shopping local.
On page 26, we share the story of Joe Marchese, whose impact extends far beyond his successful construction company. Joe’s dedication to creating a better world for individuals with Down syndrome demonstrates what true community leadership looks like. His story is a powerful reminder that business success and giving back aren’t separate pursuits—they’re two sides of the same commitment to building something meaningful.
As you flip through these pages, you’ll see businesses owned by your neighbors, staffed by people you know, and dedicated to serving this community. They’re here because of you. This holiday season and beyond, I encourage you to shop local first. Your support makes a real difference.
Thank you for being part of Bryan County.
CEO/Publisher
Bryan County Magazine
Jan Southern
LOCAL LIVING GUIDE HOLIDAY EDITION
Step into the spirit of the season with your LOCAL LIVING GUIDE: HOLIDAY EDITION! Explore the best holiday happenings, events, and must-visit local gems right here in Bryan County. Whether you’re discovering new favorites or revisiting classic traditions, Local Living Georgia is your go-to resource for finding festive fun and top local services—so come experience the joy and community of South Georgia living this holiday season!
HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKET
The 2025 Holiday Pop-Up Market at Belhaven, located at 1000 Belfast River Road in Richmond Hill, GA, takes place on Saturday, November 29 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hosted by the Teresa Cowart Team, this festive event invites the community to kick off the holiday season with over 150 shopping vendors, free Santa photos, food trucks, and plenty of holiday-themed activities for families. Visitors can explore a wide range of gifts and local products while enjoying the cheerful atmosphere and seasonal treats, making it a perfect occasion to support local makers and get into the spirit of the holidays.
SHOP AT AMBER & FIG
Amber & Fig boutique in Richmond Hill, GA, is the perfect destination for holiday shopping, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of women’s apparel and accessories with a festive flair. This locally owned shop features stylish gift ideas, cozy seasonal favorites, and unique pieces—many from American Made and womenowned brands—that make it easy to find something special for everyone on your list. Enjoy a personalized shopping experience in a welcoming local setting, and let Amber & Fig help you wrap up the holidays in style.
BRYAN ANIMAL LEAGUE SANTA PAWS
Bryan Animal League’s “Santa Paws” event takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Flashback, a rockand-roll bar with a sports attitude in Richmond Hill, GA. Hosted by the Bryan Animal League, this festive gathering invites the local community to come out and support animal welfare, likely featuring photo opportunities with Santa and themed activities for families and pet lovers alike. It’s a great chance to celebrate the season and connect with others while benefiting a local animal-focused organization.
THE FLOWER BARN FLORIST & GIFTS
Getting ready to decorate for the holidays? The Flower Barn Florist & Gifts in Richmond Hill, GA, makes seasonal sprucing up easy and joyful with their stunning fall bouquets and festive arrangements. From bold, autumn-inspired florals to custom “Designer’s Choice” pieces, their expert florists create eye-catching designs that add warmth and color to any home or gathering space. Whether you’re refreshing your mantel, or brightening up your holiday table, The Flower Barn offers beautiful, handcrafted decor for the occasion.
161ST WINTER MUSTER REENACTMENT
The annual Winter Muster Reenactment at Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill, commemorates the final Civil War battle fought in Georgia and the end of Sherman’s March to the Sea. Held over two days, the event offers encampment tours on Friday and Saturday, with reenactors, guided history tours, and living history activities for visitors. The main battle reenactment takes place Saturday, December 9, at 4:45 PM—guests can arrive earlier to explore the encampment and participate in immersive educational experiences, with admission ranging from $15 for a single day to $20 for a combo pass for the weekend.
RICHMOND HILL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Celebrate the magic of the holidays at the 29th annual Richmond Hill Christmas Parade, happening Saturday, December 6, starting at 10 AM. This year’s theme is “Scenes of the Season,” so you can expect to see creative floats, lively marching bands, and plenty of festive community spirit as the parade travels from Timber Trail Recreation to City Hall. Enjoy one of Richmond Hill’s longest-running traditions with friends and family, and be sure to register your float by November 20 if you’d like to join the fun!
Shop early to avoid the rush and secure unique gifts from local businesses with limited stock.
Visit local craft fairs and farmers’ markets for handmade and artisanal finds.
Explore local shop websites, join email lists, and watch for “Small Business Saturday” deals.
Give gift cards from local businesses
CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL
Christmas at the Cathedral returns to Savannah on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, beginning at 5 PM. This cherished holiday tradition features the Cathedral Choir and Chamber Orchestra performing carols and seasonal music, beautifully interwoven with scripture readings that tell the story of Christmas from prophecy to the arrival of the Magi. Attendees are invited to join in singing beloved Christmas carols, with the evening culminating in a heartwarming carol by candlelight—making for a truly magical and memorable holiday experience for the whole community.
RICHMOND HILL FARMERS MARKET
Want to browse Bryan County’s best all in one festive stop? The Richmond Hill Farmer’s Market is your local shopping destination this season, open Saturdays from 3–6pm at J.F. Gregory Park. Support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while enjoying family-friendly activities, and seasonal fun. It’s the perfect way to find meaningful, handmade gifts right in the heart of your community.
START 2026 STRONG!
LOOK FOR OUR 2026 ISSUES:
Jan./Feb.: New Year’s Issue
March/April: Women of Influence
May/June: Home & Garden
July/Aug.: Veterans & First Responders
Sept./Oct.: Discover Bryan County
Nov./Dec.: Anniversary/Shop Local
Jan./Feb.: New Year’s Issue
March/April: Women of Influence
May/June: Home & Garden
July/Aug.: Veterans & First Responders
Sept./Oct.: Anniversary Issue/Best of Pooler Nov./Dec.: Holiday/Shop Local
Feb./March: New Year’s Issue
April/May: Women of Influence
June/July: Home & Garden
Aug./ Sept: Veterans & First Responders
Oct./Nov.: Anniversary Issue/Best of Effingham Dec./Jan: Holiday/Shop Local
SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE NOW!
Photograph by Kari Anne Garcia
Kris Shuman Brings
Genuine Southern Storytelling to the Big Screen
Story by Katrice Williams
I’m uniquely Southern to the bone. I want to bring authentic Southern storytelling to the big screen…” says Kris Shuman.
Kris, a screenwriter and producer, is chief executive officer and co-founder of Bad Bella Films. The production company’s mission is “to create work that resonates deeply, sparks conversation, and lingers long after the credits roll.” Kris brings a genuine taste of the South to film as only a true born-and-bred Georgian could do. With roots deep within the Effingham soil, he is Georgia proud.
Film Projects
Kris has been producing and developing several films. “The Last Stop” is an animated short film about an elderly man who prepares for what seems like his final journey—until an unexpected encounter at a mystical bus terminal reshapes how he meets death.
“Wilder” is a feature film where a Southern single mom impersonates a journalist to land the interview of a lifetime with a reclusive racing legend, forcing her to confront the truth about who she is and who she wants to become.
“Who Stole the Head of Bobbi Dupree” is a feature film set in 1876 Indian territory where a bounty hunter and a ruthless rogue chase a severed head rumored to contain a map to buried Confederate gold.
Kris is also working on the pilot for a television series, “What’s Buried Beneath the Pines,” which is about a black sheep of a family, who inherits his father’s timber empire—and the blood-soaked legacy that comes with it. When Gray Harris returns home to bury his father, he uncovers a tangled web of land fights, old debts, and family secrets the town refuses to face.
The series’ proof-of-concept, “Family Tradition,” is in pre-production. “It is a tense,
intimate short set in the world of ‘What’s Buried Beneath the Pines,’ exploring the moments when family loyalty collides with long-kept secrets.”
Kris’ scripts have been recognized at major competitions: Austin Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, PAGE International, Final Draft Big Break, Script Pipeline, and Outstanding Screenplays.
“I want to say how humbling it is to be gifted to live this life,” he said.
Homelessness and Addiction
Life was not always this way for Kris. He is a living testament that there is always hope beyond circumstances. Nearly four years ago, Kris was homeless in California and struggling with heroin addiction.
“In December 2021, I was living in a car in the parking lot of a Walmart in California for seven months,” he said.
Kris battled the addiction for years, which came along with experiencing bouts of homelessness. He went through treatment in January 2019 and moved to California in November 2020. Unfortunately, Kris relapsed in July 2021. In December 2021, barely five months after relapsing, Kris overdosed.
Persevering Past the Struggle
It seemed nearly impossible to break free from the clutch of addiction, but Kris was sick and tired of being sick and tired. He was determined to work toward treatment and real change. He marks his sobriety date as January 3, 2022.
“I’m a miracle. That Kris died in December 2021, and I was able to get my life turned around in January 2022. I just wanted to quit shooting heroin. I wanted to have a bed and maybe some toilet paper—those normal things that we take for granted,” he said.
“I want people to hear the name Kris Shuman and not associate it with my past ... I want people to believe that second chances exist. I want to be a testament to that.”
Throughout his struggles with addiction, however, there was one thing that remained constant: his love for writing. Kris worked toward writing novels. He later found that he was more passionate about writing screenplays. He was an excellent storyteller.
“I’d always had a bunch of stories in my mind that I wanted to tell, but I didn’t know how,” he stated.
Kris worked hard. He eventually purchased a laptop and began researching and studying screenwriting for himself. He persevered beyond what was imaginable.
In October 2022, Kris began writing his first screenplay. Determined to break through into the film arena, he established Bad Bella Films that same month.
The Real Storyteller
One of Kris’ biggest inspirations has always been his grandmother, Rossie Adams. She was the real storyteller in the family. Kris’ mom and dad, Kaye and Ashley Shuman, were entrepreneurs and often busy, so Kris recalls spending some weekends as a child with his grandma in Pembroke.
“She was like our family storyteller. She was born in 1919, and she had a ton
of stories. She would write about the kind of adventures we would have when I was there. She would sit me on her knee and read those stories to me. I loved it, and I was enraptured by it. She taught me the power behind storytelling,” he said.
Family and the Films
Kris is excited to bring his stories to the big screen. His production team has been working tirelessly to develop “What’s Buried Beneath the Pines” and produce “Family Tradition.” The tone of the films is inspired by his own family dynamics, with characters loosely representing his relatives.
“A little bit of everybody and a little bit of Kris comes through. One part of my family is from Pembroke, and the other is from Effingham. In Effingham, 10 or 12 of us grew up on a 10-acre piece of property. Everybody knew everybody’s business, but they stayed out of it,” he joked.
“What’s Buried Beneath the Pines” is a Southern Gothic thriller set in the Georgia Lowcountry and pine forests. It is based out of Treutlen County where Kris’ granddad, Jimmie Morris, grew up. Kris has fond memories of time with his granddad there. He remembered the abundantly lucrative pine industry in
Photograph by Kari Anne Garcia
that area. That is when his creative wheels started to turn; he wondered about the conflicts that could arise within a large, influential family with control of such a wealthy empire in the South. The series was born, taking viewers into the world of the Harris Family with all their menacing schemes and sinister motives.
“I wrote the pilot for the series, which is essentially episode one. It will eventually become a whole season, then multiple seasons. I’ve submitted ‘What’s Buried Beneath the Pines’ to tons of screenwriting competitions. It’s done very well,” he said.
With that series in development, Kris decided to write its proofof-concept, “Family Tradition,” which gives viewers a glance into the world of the series. “Family Tradition” is a stand-alone short, so viewers who know nothing about the series can still enjoy the short. Kris is excited to begin shooting it soon.
“That project is moving forward quickly. The dates are locked in for December 7-11. We’ll be filming in Pooler and Effingham. ‘Family Tradition’ explores generational trauma and the secrets families keep that keep them sick. It is about analyzing that and healing,” Kris said.
Gratitude
Kris knows that he would not be where he is today without the help and mercy of the Lord.
“I’m very grateful to God for the ability to be able to be here,” he said.
Kris is proud to work with local filmmakers and local talent; he strives to hire Georgia talent as much as possible.
“This is my first time doing this. The filmmakers in the Savannah area have been amazing and so supportive. They’ve been so willing to dive into this project with me and help,” he said.
He also appreciates the commitment and support of the talented cast. They are eager to help make everything a success.
One of the most beautiful stories that Kris could ever write would be that of him and his wife Timea. Timea is co-owner of Bad Bella Films.
“I don’t think I’ve had a healthy relationship in my entire life until I was sober. My relationship with Timea is based on real love and real connection. It’s the first time I’ve had someone tell me they believe in me, and I believe that. She is amazing, beautiful, smart and intelligent. I feel very blessed,” he said.
Kris is forever thankful for the love and support of his sister and his brother-in-law, Kasey and Kendall Wilson, along with his niece and two nephews.
“They’ve been an amazing support for me in my journey,” he said.
Overcoming the Odds
Kris encourages anyone battling drug addiction to seek immediate help because where there is a willingness to overcome, there is a way out. He does not take anything for granted, and he is driven to help others that feel like they are drowning in hopelessness due to addiction. He may be contacted at: www. krisshuman.com / @thekrisshuman.
“I want people to hear the name Kris Shuman and not associate it with my past. I want them to say, ‘He picked himself up, and if he can do it, I can do it too.’ I want people to believe that second chances exist. I want to be a testament to that,” he said. ■
Photograph by Kari Anne Garcia
Photograph by Charles Benoit
mom-ing UN FILTERED
Finding Magic in the Madness of Motherhood
Gratitude & Grit: the Holiday Mom Juggle
by Alycia Calderin
The holiday season is magical. And exhausting. This time of year is a wild blend of joy and borderline madness, of gratitude and grit. Equal parts pumpkin pie and panic. It’s the season of giving…and giving up and ordering pizza because you forgot to thaw dinner. Again.
It kicks off with Thanksgiving, or as my teenager now calls it, “the thing getting in the way of Christmas.” Halloween candy just landed in the pantry when she busts out a Christmas sweatshirt and asks where the stockings are. Bless her holly jolly heart. I’m still clinging to Thanksgiving. Barely.
Whether we’re hosting or packing up for the in-laws, there’s always a last-minute grocery run, a missing pie crust, and a fight over why I want everything color-coordinated. I imagine a Norman Rockwell scene. What we get is more like a group project: no clear leader, lots of carbs, and me quietly panicking about the sweet potatoes.
Then, in a blink, the pressure to deck the halls kicks in. In our house, that means peeling paper turkeys off the fridge and panicking when the neighbors already have lights up. Last year I suggested we go full Pinterest, white lights, matte ornaments, velvet ribbon. All four kids proclaimed: “We like our old decorations.” I melted.
Because our tree, chaotic and glitter bombed, is ours. Bent pipe cleaner reindeer, chubby baby photo ornaments, one bulb that always blinks too fast. Hanging lights, laughing about what always falls off, that’s the tradition. Not the perfection. That’s the stuff that sticks.
And then there’s the Christmas tree. My husband and I rarely argue, except at the tree lot. Every year. He swears any tree over $100 is a scam. I want one that looks like it came out of a Hallmark movie. The kids pick a favorite while we circle trees, muttering. Eventually, we compromise: a tree just over his budget and just under my expectations. Tradition.
Getting it set up? Always a mess. He’s on the floor wrestling with screws. I’m pretending to be helpful while dodging pine needles. Mariah Carey’s on blast. The tree leans like it’s had
one too many coquitos. Nothing says holiday spirit like yelling “IS IT STRAIGHT NOW?” every 12 seconds.
I want to be the mom with curated Christmas bins and a gift spreadsheet, sipping peppermint mochas while pulling perfectly wrapped presents from a year-round stash. But I’m the mom panic-scrolling at midnight, praying expedited shipping saves Christmas without wrecking the budget.
And then there’s the Elf. That smug little spy. Every year starts strong, zip lines, flour snow angels, marshmallow scenes. Then I forget to move him. For days.
Still, I wouldn’t trade it. We’re juggling magic for the youngest while protecting it for the older ones. In our house, we don’t say Santa out loud unless we’re ready to play highstakes truth or consequences. The rule is: don’t believe, don’t receive. We don’t mess with magic distribution.
Another rule is: we don’t travel for Christmas. I want my kids to wake up in their own home and see their tree. It’s sacred, even if it comes with sugar crashes, sibling fights, and batteries not included. It matters. All of it.
Because even with the chaos, the forgotten elf, the crooked tree, the mismatched socks, there’s beauty. I may not have an Instagram worthy porch, but I show up. I wrap gifts in a hurry. I forget the elf, but I never forget the hot chocolate after we decorate. I might not have it all together, but somehow, I hold it all together. That’s the grit.
And the gratitude? It sneaks in between the glitter mess and the late-night wrapping. In the way my son still gets excited for Santa. In the way my daughters buy each other gifts without being asked. In knowing these traditions are sticking, even if the elf sometimes isn’t.
The kids won’t remember the chaos. They’ll remember the lights. The smells. The laughter. The tree that leans but holds every memory we’ve made.
So, here’s to the moms doing the juggle. The tired ones still trying. The ones running on coffee, chaos, and three kinds of pie. We are the magic makers. Even if the magic sometimes shows up last minute…and says the elf is on a break.
Sponsored by
The Corner Table
Bryan County
by Gail Mihalik
(912) 727-3473
3203 Fort McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill
If you ever find yourself craving a truly local spot by the river, let me share a little advice from the heart: Fish Tales isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it’s a haven for those seeking honest, delicious food and a moment of authentic relaxation. Tucked away in the Fort McAllister Marina on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this gem has become a cherished ritual for many—whether you arrive by car or cruise in by boat.
Step in and you’ll find no pretension—just good company, golden baskets of fried perfection, and icy drinks served up with a view. I recommend starting with their shrimp, nestled among hush puppies so good you’ll understand why they’re a Southern must. There’s plenty of space outside for you and your four-legged friends, making it easy to soak in a sunset over the water.
The folks at Fish Tales have truly mastered the art of the fry: everything arrives crispy, golden, and never greasy, paired with creamy cole slaw for a classic touch. If fried isn’t your thing, take my advice—order the Shrimp ‘n’ Grits. With creamy, cheesy grits, smoky bacon, and a subtly garlicky gravy, it’s southern comfort in a bowl.
For something lighter, the Ahi Tuna Tacos are a fresh, zesty hit. The menu doesn’t stop there—peel-and-eat shrimp, blackened tuna bites, soups, salads, and wings ensure there’s a taste for everyone in your party. On my recent visit with friends, we sampled all we could, but the grand finale, the Key Lime Pie, really was summer on a fork—a sweet ending you shouldn’t miss.
Yet, as wonderful as the food is, don’t forget to linger. The best seat is on the deck, where you can feel the river breeze, catch the distant jingle of masts, and savor the drift of live music. That’s the Fish Tales magic—where every visit becomes a tradition you’ll want to keep.
Hungrily yours,
Chef Gail
Joe Marchese is Building a Better World
Story by Cindy Reid |
Photography by Thomas Reimer
Joe Marchese, a builder by trade and a passionate advocate by calling, has spent decades erecting not just physical structures, but also foundations for inclusivity and opportunity. His journey started in the demanding world of commercial construction and was forever changed by a deeply personal event. Today, alongside his family, he leads a powerful movement for people with disabilities in the Savannah/Lowcountry area, championing a future where everyone is seen, supported, and given a chance to thrive.
Deep Roots
Marchese’s story is one of generations built on hard work. His grandfather, an immigrant from Sicily, arrived in 1915 and became a stone mason, bricklayer, and plasterer. That tradition of building continued with his father, a home builder and mechanical contracting superintendent. Joe himself, after graduating with a film and photography degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, briefly pursued a creative career in California before returning to his roots in the trades. However, it was love, not a career, that brought him to the South. After marrying Molly, a “beautiful southern girl,” the couple moved to Springfield, where they have lived for 23 years.
Marchese’s professional path mirrors his family’s, with a career in commercial construction that includes projects from warehouses to medical offices. He views each project as a “four-dimensional puzzle” that becomes a fifth dimension when you add in the personalities of everyone involved. For him, the deep relationships built with clients over decades are just as rewarding as the tangible results of his labor.
A Personal Calling to Advocacy
The defining moment of Joe and Molly’s lives occurred 20 years ago with the birth of their daughter, Ella, who has Down syndrome. “Your life changes when you get married, when you have children, and when you have a child with special needs,” he reflects. This event ignited their passion for advocacy, transforming their family life and shaping their life’s work.
The Marchese family’s journey into community leadership began with a simple connection. In 2006, their doctor, Ben Spitalnick, introduced them to three other families of children with Down syndrome: John and Candy Bogardus, Bobby and Wendy Fears, and Brian and Pam Hussey. What began as a small, informal gathering in Dr. Spitalnick’s office quickly evolved into a formal organization. This small group of parents saw a need and created the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS), a family support group for those in the greater Savannah area.
Today, the LDSS celebrates its upcoming 20th anniversary and extends its reach to eight surrounding counties, providing regular meetings with guest speakers and social time for families to connect. The LDSS is dedicated to inclusion, education, and advocacy, and is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society.
Expanding the Vision of Inclusion
To celebrate workplace inclusion, Joe Marchese co-founded the Night of Champions, an annual event that honors local businesses that hire people with disabilities. The event is a celebration of the “incredible value” these individuals bring to the community.
Marchese challenges businesses to make the hiring of people with special needs a “seamless integration” and strives for a community where everyone truly feels they belong.
Molly, formerly an ICU nurse, has also dedicated her life to advocacy, becoming a job coach for people with special needs. She is the founder of Buddies and Blessings, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on the three major stumbling blocks for people with special needs: transportation, housing,
The Marchese family and their organizations serve as a testament to the power of unconditional love and the belief that every individual deserves a place to belong.
and employment. “Those are the three major stumbling blocks—what do you do for work, where do you live, and how do you get to work,” Joe explains. By addressing these barriers, the organization helps young adults and high school students with disabilities avoid graduating “to the couch” and instead find their place in the workforce.
Buddies and Blessings recently hosted a taco dinner and talent show, showcasing the skills of its participants and proving that patience can reveal incredible abilities.
A Call to Action and a Family’s Legacy
Joe’s message to the community is simple but profound: “Do anything. Show up, volunteer, and don’t be surprised or disappointed. Show up again.” He believes that continued effort will eventually lead to a “transformative moment” where one’s perspective shifts from “us and them” to a single, unified community. He also stresses the importance of teaching children that everyone is different, but fundamentally the same.
The Marchese family’s legacy continues to grow. Their daughter Ella, now 20, works as an office assistant at Rincon Elementary. Their daughter Katie is a Georgia Tech graduate living in Washington, D.C., working for the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce, and their youngest daughter, Lucy, is a senior at the STEM Academy at Effingham High School. Joe and Molly are very proud of their three daughters and what they have accomplished while remaining grounded and loving individuals. “We want them to love God, love their family, and be a productive member of society. My job is to help them, but they get to choose and live their own lives.”
The Marchese family are what Joe calls “church people and people people. It’s simple—I love God and I love people.”
A Magical Place in Tennessee
While the Marcheses have built an incredible network of support and advocacy in the Lowcountry, they also have a cherished escape: the Riverwood Christian Community in Tennessee. Operated by Ability Ministry, a non-profit organization, Riverwood is a special place for families with special needs children. Joe Marchese refers to it as “a magical place for us.”
It provides an environment that challenges and empowers individuals with special needs to become more independent. “Families with special needs kids tend to enable, and we wait on them long after it’s needed,” Joe observes. At Riverwood, individuals like their daughter Ella
are given new responsibilities and opportunities to grow.
Riverwood fosters a sense of community and purpose through various activities. For example, during a school leadership event on campus, teams work together to prepare and clean up after a meal. This structure provides valuable life skills and encourages teamwork, but it is also a place where Ella can thrive. She is a provider of services to others with special needs, and her growth is a source of great pride for her parents.
For Joe, Riverwood is a unique haven. “It is everything I love all in one place,” he explains, highlighting the community, inclusion, and empowerment that the center provides. It is a place that celebrates and supports the potential of every individual, reminding the Marchese family of the broader vision for inclusion that they work so hard to achieve at home.
Reflecting on his journey, Joe shares that he is a “better person” for having children, and “definitely better for becoming part of a special needs community.” His ultimate goal is to “change the world by loving people unconditionally,” and he offers a reminder that if you have met one person with special needs, you have only met one person. The Marchese family and their organizations serve as a testament to the power of unconditional love and the belief that every individual deserves a place to belong. ■
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Events
Buddy Walk
The first Buddy Walk took place at Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah in October 2006, with nearly 1,600 people supporting Down syndrome awareness. For the last few years, over 5,000 people have regularly attended the annual walk.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
LDSS hosts an annual Night of Champions in May. This community event recognizes area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrates the contributions made by these employees.
CAMP BUDDY
Camp Buddy provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies for children with Down syndrome. The camp promotes the retention of the educational accomplishments that children have made during the school year by bridging the summer months to the upcoming school year. They had approximately 40 participants at both the Effingham and Savannah camps this year.
• Support groups for children and adults
• Individual counseling
• Memorial gatherings
• Grief support in the workplace or in schools
• Camp Aloha – an overnight grief camp for children ages 6 - 17
Merri Lynn Pearson
BRYAN COUNTY
Richmond Hill Police Department at Operation Kid Forward
The Bryan County Chamber of Commerce welcomed EquipmentShare with a ribbon cutting—and a generous $2,500 donation to the Richmond Hill Exchange Club!
“Lock Up Cancer!” The Bryan County Sheriff’s Office joined Catie’s Gathering to support CURE Childhood Cancer and bring hope to families across the Southeast
A fun-filled pep rally with at Bryan County Elementary with students, teachers, Deputy Wilson, and fanfavorite K9 Darcy!
November 2025
BRYAN COUNTY EVENTS
11/8: Veteran’s Day Event Fort McAllister State Park Richmond Hill
11/9: Family Farm Day Triple J Stables & Petting Zoo Richmond Hill
11/13: Business After Hours 137 E Bacon St., Pembroke
11/15: 2025 Richmond Hill Holiday Farmers Market JF Gregory Park, Richmond Hill
11/17: Mobile Mammography 10055 Ford Ave, Suite 3A, Richmond Hill
11/20: The Richmond Hill Friends of the Library hold used-book sales 9607 Ford Ave, Richmond Hill
December 2025
11/21: Fireside Fun in the Campground Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
11/29: 2025 Holiday Pop-Up Market 1000 Belfast River Road, Richmond Hill
12/3: Women of the Chamber Luncheon Series 35 Outfitters Park Drive, Richmond Hill
12/6: 2025 Christmas Parade Timber Trail Recreation to City Hall
12/8: McDonald’s Cookies with Santa 4454 Coastal Hwy, Richmond Hill
12/11: Party with a Purpose: Pop-Up Christmas Market 35 Outfitters Drive, Heartwood
12/12-12/13: Winter Muster | Siege of Fort McAllister Fort McAllister State Historic Park
12/13: Pembroke Christmas Market 44 W Bacon St, Pembroke
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COMMUNITY SPONSORS
HIGH-QUALITY CARE, RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
What would it be like to have the full spectrum of primary care and specialized care—including Cardiology, Neurology, OB/GYN, and Podiatry—conveniently close to home? With this group of distinguished, highly-trained physicians from St. Joseph’s/Candler, you no longer have to imagine.
Bryan County residents don’t have to look (or travel) far to find top-tier, comprehensive medical care in Richmond Hill.
