Pooler Magazine May/June 2019

Low Country Machinery Partners with Smacked TV

May/June 2019 Ashley Dalsania The World's Her Stage

Pooler History The Canals of Pooler

John Brinson Teaching Grace www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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TRUSTED CARE CLOSE TO HOME EFFINGHAM ORTHOPAEDICS PRACTICE— PROFESSIONALLY STAFFED BY CHATHAM ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES PHYSICIANS. This collaboration provides residents of Effingham and surrounding areas, convenient access to orthopaedic care and sports medicine. Chatham Orthopaedic Associates’ physicians and providers offer general orthopaedic care, as well as specialized treatment for sprained joints, broken bones, knee pain, foot pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, and other orthopaedic injuries and conditions. All in a warm and caring atmosphere.

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Medicare.gov/hospitalcompare

613 Town Park Dr. West, Suite 303-304 | www.effinghamhealth.org/orthopaedics

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2019 | www.PoolerMagazine.com 414 January/February www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

Story by Chris Kincade Photos by Sheila Scott

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Low Country Machinery

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Ashley Dalsania

18

Pooler History

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John Brinson

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Ready2Connect

MAY/JUNE

Partners with Smacked TV

The World's Her Stage The Canals of Pooler

Teaching Grace" Win or Lose

Powered by Action Pact

Specials 33 Home & Garden Section

Departments 09 Publisher’s Thoughts 26 Dining Feature

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CONTRIBUTORS Cindy Burbage

Shelia Scott

is a native of Richmond Hill. She began writing in college and took a hiatus to raise her four beautiful children. Cindy enjoys traveling and is always ready for a road trip. She believes that faith is greater than fear.

is an Effingham County native and Salzburg descendant. She has been married to her husband, and best friend, for 6 years. Between them, they have 9 children and 4 grandchildren. She started dabbling in photography when her kids were little and fell in love. When not with her family, she’s off somewhere, camera in hand looking for the next amazing shot!

Kelly Harley

Jan Southern

is a writer and social media strategist. She believes everyone and every business has a story worth sharing and her sincere passion for her work was the driving force behind her social media management company, Social Creative. From her early days as a television news reporter to her time spent managing Gulfstream Aerospace’s social media, her experience in storytelling and social media spans nearly 16 years. Kelly lives in Bloomingdale with her husband and two children.

is owner of J. DelSUR Marketing Group in Rincon, Ga. Her company helps her clients reach goals through brand development, marketing, digital and social strategy. She is the former Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Georgia Southern University. She and her husband Morris moved to Rincon in 2017 and quickly fell in love with the area.

Chris Kincade

Chris Kincade is honored to be part of the team and thankful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful people in this community. His beautiful wife, Bridgette, and their amazing son, Fitz, are the absolute best parts of every one of his days.

God is his true north. G>^V

Kathryn Vandenhouten is a freelance writer 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. She now lives in Rincon and loves spending time with her husband, Sean, and two children, Turner and Emery.

Cindy Reid

Katrice Williams

has been published in About Town, skirt!, Salon. com and The Coastal Mariner. A graduate of Mills College in Oakland, CA, she spent most of her career working with authors in the retail book business before becoming on herself. She has a daughter who lives in the state of Washington. A native of New York's Hudson Valley, she now makes her home on St. Helena Island.

is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree. Interestingly enough, at the time, she also had an interest in writing. She and her family moved to Pooler in 2003 from the Atlanta Metro Area. She later decided to pursue her writing interests. Katrice appreciates The Lord Jesus Christ and the many blessings that He has bestowed upon her. She loves spending time with her family.

STAFF

Julie Hales Owner/Publisher julie@idpmagazines.com

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Lea Thornton-Allen Office Manager lea@idpmagazines.com

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

Marsha Stewart Executive Assistant marsha@idpmagazines.com

Penny Redmond Distribution

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Shop Local for Your Home & Garden Needs Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lea Thornton-Allen office manager lea@idpmagazines.com Marsha Stewart executive assistant marsha@idpmagazines.com Penny Redmond distribution Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

108 International Drive P.O. Box 1742 Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 826-2760

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Write to us and tell us what you think. Pooler Magazine welcomes all letters to the editor.

Please send all letters via email to Julie Hales at julie@idpmagazines.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact.

Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS 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 will be considered.

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hat a beautiful time of year! Spring is here and the weather has been just gorgeous.

We are at that time of year where it isn't too hot, and we still have a cool night or two left in the season. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and the birds are singing. Flowers are in bloom. It feels as if everything is new again. This is definitely my favorite time of year!

As we get out and about more now that spring is here, we find ourselves enjoying the outdoors. We are going to different functions, social gatherings and meeting new and intersting people along the way.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER Each spring we bring you our annual Home and Garden issue. This seems to be the time of year that people start thinking about home improvements, landscaping, lawn maintenance, pools, gardens....and all the other things this season brings.

We are bringing you some great information in this issue about some of our local businesses. This section can serve as a tremendous tool to you as you plan your home renovations, building... or just sprucing up your property.

I hope you enjoy this issue and that it gets your home and garden creative juices flowing. And remember, shopping local is so important. It keeps local dollars in our own community. If you have the need for any of these products or services, please call on our local merchants! Happy Spring everyone!

ABOUT THE COVER Pooler's own Low Country Machinery is now being featured on Smacked TV. This arrangement between LCM owner Chris Shea and Jared and Kyle Lott with Smacked TV has turned out to be quite beneficial to all parties involved. Read about these guys and their new endeavor.

CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is published bi-monthly printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 200 locations.

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

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

Poolers’ Low Country Machinery Partners with Smacked TV Story by Katrice Williams • Photos by Sheila Scott

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ow Country Machinery (LCM) has been a staple in the community since 2001. Having offices in Pooler and Statesboro, the company has established itself as a one-stop shop to help its customers meet almost any construction, farm and landscaping demand by offering an extensive line of new and used construction, farm and landscaping equipment.

Low Country’s owner, Chris Shea and his LCM family take tremendous pride in the quality of all the products they provide, as the team realizes that topnotch equipment, along with exceptional customer service, is a priceless asset and utter necessity to their customers.

Chris was raised on a farm and has always enjoyed being outside. As a young boy, he loved to play with tractors and construction equipment toys. It came as no big surprise that Chris chose to join the LCM team, as he has long possessed a tremendous knack for anything that involves farming and the great outdoors.

Chris has been a member of the LCM team for 15 years. In 2016, he bought the company and is now the sole owner. “It was a natural thing to do after college… just a natural fit for me. Grown-ups want their big toys too” he joked.

On the construction side, LCM represents and sells the JCB brand. As it is the largest privately-owned equipment manufacturer in the world, Chris stands behind JCB’s noteworthy reputation

for producing reliable and cutting-edge hunting and joy of fishing. They relay the products while establishing high industry importance of using proper equipment in standards across product lines. various scenarios; they also emphasize “It makes me proud to represent a the tremendous value associated with brand where some of the main equipment using quality products. we sell is manufactured right here in Chris initially met Jared while working Pooler,” Chris stated. on a business endeavor with Jared’s “In order for our communities to grow, company, Broadstead Media. He later they have to have quality equipment. learned of Jared’s sincere passion for We’re here to provide a great product and hunting. have a great team to back it up,” he adds.

“He’s always done a great job with Many of the LCM team have small our videography. Then he came to family gardens, hunt extensively and even our marketing team with the idea that dabble into some small landscaping jobs.

Smacked TV should partner with us and Relating to the customers they serve is we all thought it would be a great way to key when providing a product that people showcase our equipment. Kyle, Jared and depend on daily. a lot of us at Low Country enjoy hunting, As they say, ‘With knowledge comes as well as many of our customers. So, it greatness.” And LCM has found another was really a natural fit,” Chris said. way to add to their already successful Jared and Kyle grew up in Bellville, vision.

Georgia and currently reside in LCM recently began a partnership with Statesboro. Both brothers treasure the Smacked TV, a decision that has proved to importance of family. They certainly be extremely rewarding for both sides. get their gift and passion for hunting Founded in 2009, the show is locally “We are excited to partner with this awesome show and owned and produced these great guys. It’s a unique opportunity for us to show while being nationally customers how our equipment can benefit them around and locally syndicated their property and while they’re getting ready on the Pursuit Channel, for hunting season,” WSAV and the CW. Whether child or adult, the show proves to be entertaining naturally; their dad and grandpa were and informative for a wide range of “really big outdoorsmen” who introduced viewers. It stars two brothers, Jared them to hunting and fishing. Jared fondly and Kyle Lott, who share their love for recalls times with his grandpa C.B. www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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Waters, who would take him and Kyle farm equipment company. Chris and the hunting and fishing “all around Statesboro brothers knew that people who watch and Savannah.” Those were priceless hunting and outdoor television shows moments to the brothers. are often farmers, or those interested in “He’d carry us in the woods on his tractors and other heavy machinery, so back turkey hunting, deer hunting, pond they would be a great demographic target fishing and river fishing. We just really in the area. loved being outside at an early age,” Jared Jared and Kyle take pride in stated. representing LCM, feeling that the While sharing their love of hunting, company has the best products on the Jared and Kyle also explain the truth and market. “They’re a great company in hard work behind trophy hunting and general, a locally-owned company that managing property properly with the right tends to reach all different types of equipment, implements, soil and seed. people. They’re just good people who “We are excited to partner with this have good products and good service. awesome show and these great guys.

We like working with people that we can It’s a unique opportunity for us to show recommend,” Jared commented. customers how our equipment can benefit “We take it day-by-day and try to think them around their property and while outside the box. We try to find a niche to they’re getting ready for hunting season,” be better than the rest…to market better says Chris. than everybody else; every day,” Chris Smacked TV is dedicated to showing says. This partnership with Smacked TV everyone, from kids to adults, about is just another result of that “out of the the joy of experiencing nature through box” mentality. hunting and fishing everything from quail Jared and Kyle are looking forward to deer, wild hogs and flounder. to the continued growth and success of This is Smacked TV’s first big Smacked TV and their valued partnership partnership with a construction and with Low Country Machinery. Through 12 www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

that partnership, getting the job done in the most effective way possible is exactly what this phenomenal team is dedicated to do.

In addition to JCB equipment, LCM also sells Kubata and Massey Ferguson.

They offer an array of heavy equipment parts and accessories as well.

When it comes to innovation, Chris Shea is at the top of his game. He and his team at LCM are a huge part of Pooler’s economic growth. And, with the partnership with Smacked TV, they will continue to serve our community for many years!

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Ashley Dalsania:

The World’s Her Stage

Story by Katrice Williams • Photos by Sheila Scott

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shley Dalsania is a junior at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS), where she has been a student since third grade.

In fact, that is where the talented young lady first discovered her love for the stage.

Ashley, alongside the SCPS drama team, recently concluded their production of the popular musical Newsies, which they performed at the Lucas Theatre on March 8th-10th. In her very first leading role, Ashley starred as Katherine Plumber. The musical proved to be Ashley’s favorite production thus far and one that revealed her phenomenal talent. It became very obvious to Ashley where her true passion lies.

“It was the first school-wide musical where I was actually a lead in the show; I had always been ensemble. It was so much fun. This show opened my eyes. I found what I love to do,” she stated.

Prior to auditioning, Ashley figured it would be quite challenging to acquire a part in the performance, as it contained minimal female roles. That said, she was utterly delighted to be chosen for the role of Katherine after diligently preparing for her audition.

All-in-all, Newsies tells the real-life story of the 1899 Newsboy Strike in New York City that is a result of publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raising newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense. The strike is led by discontent and daring newsboy Jack Kelly. The newsboys’ cause is aided by the support of a beautiful young reporter,

thespians who she has come to know and love over the years. She, too, was truly grateful to be a part of the entire production and was especially thrilled to play the role of bubbly, ambitious, kind and funny Katherine Plumber, an exciting and versatile character.

“Newsies was different; we hadn’t really done anything like it before. The storyline was amazing. Once I saw the role of Katherine Plumber, the lead actress, I loved it. We did so well, it was so much fun. We were all prepared; we were all ready, so when we were on stage, we were purely having fun. I loved it so much,” Ashley asserted.

It is of little surprise that the role of Katherine is Ashley’s favorite part of all time, especially with it as her first time being out front and center.

“It was my first time in the spotlight. It was scary at first, but once I figured Katherine out and made her my own character, I felt more confident,” she said.

Interestingly enough, Ashley was initially inspired to take on the Newsies role after being chosen to attend the Schuler Awards in Atlanta last year. It motivated her and made her more confident.

“Talent will get you in the door, but Ashley actually began her dramatic endeavors character will keep you in the room.” ~Unknown in 6th grade, acquiring an ensemble role as a mermaid in Peter Pan. Katherine Plumber, who falls in love with “I was on stage for about a minute, and I Jack. The entire city cannot help but take loved every second of it. The next year, I notice when Katherine and the newsboys auditioned again, and I’ve been doing it take a stand. ever since,” she stated.

Ashley felt privileged to work alongside Each school year thereafter, Ashley all the other brilliantly skilled young took on ensemble roles in various big

productions, including: Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Cinderella and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, respectively. In addition, Ashley registered for drama class in 7th grade, where she has also done some small productions.

Further, besides Newsies, Ashley enjoyed participating in a couple of plays this year: Into the Woods and Our Place. She was especially proud of her performance in Into the Woods, as the entire cast was challenged with having only four days to practice the very well-known production. Still, they all pulled it off splendidly.

Ashley also competed in a couple of Regional One-Act Play Competitions this year. She performed Into the Woods at Georgia Southern University in Savannah and Our Place for the contest in Macon.

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Ashley received 2nd place for her Into the Woods performance.

The driven young lady was also chosen to compete in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Literary Competition, where she was asked to do a ten minute oral interpretation for the dramatic monologue Ashes. The story reveals the deepest feelings of a young girl as she emotionally sifts through rubble to find memorable and nostalgic possessions left from her home that had been recently destroyed in a fire. Ashley earned 2nd place for her performance, allowing her to move on to the state competition. At the state contest, she performed Ashes once more and won 1st place. She was ecstatic for the incredible accomplishment.

Ashley is proud to give credit where it is due, as she is immensely thankful for her drama teacher Mrs. Donna Stembridge, who she has been privileged to work closely with for several years now. She appreciates Mrs. Stembridge both as a teacher and as a phenomenal mentor. she feels that Mrs. Stembridge’s tireless commitment and dedication to her students has played a monumental role in her success.

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“She’s amazing; she’s at every show.

I love her so much. She’s like a second mom,” Ashley insisted.

The bright young lady also knows that one’s own success is often a direct reflection of the team they work with.

Hence, Ashley has long been honored to work alongside some of the most talented kids she has ever known. “I’ve been working with the same group of kids.

We’ve all moved up in the grades together; we’ve been like a family…a drama family for sure. We’re all friends; every year when the seniors leave, it’s a big deal,” she remarked.

There is definitely an impressive brain behind all that talent. Ashley holds her academics in high regard and is in various organizations. She aspires to attend nursing school after graduating.

“I like helping people and building relationships,” she said. That is not shocking at all, with her mom, Reshma, being a pharmacist and her dad, Sergio, being a doctor. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Reshma was certainly never surprised about her daughter’s future goals.

“She grew up in a doctor’s office,” Reshma laughed and said.

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Ashley is appreciative for the opportunity to attend SCPS all these years. She is grateful to all the teachers and staff who have made it possible and feels that she has really learned the value of both hard work and teamwork there.

“It’s a good school. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else,” she said. Ashley’s parents share in that gratitude and enthusiasm.

“It’s a family, and you’re being prepared by all means for college,” Reshma added.

Family means a lot to Ashley, and her own family is tremendously supportive. She proudly admits that her parents are her biggest role models.

“They’re super supportive and involved with everything that I do,” she said. In fact, they have watched every show. Her mom often “helps with costumes” and her dad acts as the “team doctor” on the set. More so, her young brother Veeraj played as a “little Newsie” in the musical.

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends, though she admits that normally her work with “drama is the center of her world.”

Ashley Dalsania is a talented young lady with a bright, beautiful future in store. The world is certainly her stage.

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The Canals of Pooler The City of Pooler has three significant canals that were built specifically for drainage, flood control and to eradicate mosquitoes. They are Pipemakers Canal, Hardin Canal and Quacco Canal.

In the early 1800’s, it became known that mosquitoes were the cause of yellow fever and malaria. The Chatham County Drainage Act was created in 1876 after a yellow fever epidemic killed 1,000 people. The historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal with six locks was built in 1830 specifically for barge transportation from the Ogeechee River to the Savannah River. It traverses the City of Pooler specifically at Tom Triplett Park where Lock number three is located.

The Hardin Canal

The Hardin Canal was created about 1930 by the W.P.A. (Works Project Administration) to drain the Hardin Swamp, to eradicate mosquitoes and for flood control. The Hardin Swamp is located west of Bloomingdale and south of U S Hwy 80 in Effingham County. The area was thought to have been owned by the “Harden” family who were prominent citizens of Bryan County and Savannah. Years ago the name Harden was misspelled as “Hardin” in a newspaper article which was never corrected and used thereafter.

The journey of the Hardin Canal to the Atlantic Ocean is long and winding. It begins near the Little Ogeechee River in Effingham County. Georgia’s second Little Ogeechee River is located in Hancock County near Sparta. The Hardin Canal flows east, southeast, under Osteen Rd, through Bloomingdale under US 17, under Wild Cat Dam Rd, southeast, under Pooler Parkway, curves around the Pooler water treatment facility, under S. Rogers Street in Pooler, under Pine Barren Rd, under I-95 and I-16, through Southbridge, south a long distance, then it spreads out into three streams. One stream flows under and one stream flows beside Dean Forest Road. All 3 streams flow under Ogeechee Rd, then under Veterans Parkway, to the Ogeechee River, to Ossabaw Sound and to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Quacco Canal The Quacco Canal begins as a small but very important part of a flood control drainage system that forms in the western Pine Barren Road area north of I-16 and west of Pooler Parkway. It flows east under Pooler Parkway on the north side of the I-16 exit, and continues east, under Memorial Drive, under Quacco Road, under I-95 and joins the Hardin Canal near I-95 on its way south to Ossabaw Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. In recent years the canal has needed major improvements to handle the increased demand for flood control. At the time of this article, that construction project was under way at Quacco Road.

The history of the naming of Quacco Road and Quacco Canal could not be found. However, in creole speaking cultures, names were giving to children that indicated the sex of the child and the day of the week on which they were born. Wednesday’s child was given the name Quaco, Cubaor or Cubba. In tropical America a substance from the leaves of the Mikania quaco plant was sometimes used as an antidote for snake bites.

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The Pipemakers Canal The Pipemakers Canal is a significant floodway that prevents storm water flooding and provides mosquito control. It begins west of Bloomingdale near US 80 and travels east 13 miles to the Savannah River. The name Pipemakers is a reference to the Indians making pipes from the clay found along the canal.

The history of the Pipemakers Creek begins at its confluence with the Savannah River near the historic site of the Yamacraw Indian Village. In 1750, this area contained five acre garden spots. By 1793, rice plantations had been established. Captain John Rae’s Hall Plantation was purchased by Thomas Young who also owned Springfield Plantation. Thomas Gibbons owned Whitehall Plantation and Fair Lawn Plantation covering one mile of land along Pipemakers Creek. In 1834, to support his rice production, Thomas Gibbons made an agreement with Thomas Young to straighten the creek between the two properties into an 18 foot wide canal, creating Pipemakers Canal.

On Rae’s Hall Plantation there was a six-acre prehistoric site known as the “Irene Mound” that was occupied from approximately 1100 A.D. until 1600 A.D. In 1736 German Missionaries from Moravia occupied the area and named the hill “Irene." The site also contained the home of a chief and his family. The mound was 25 feet high, 150-175 feet in diameter and eight separate archeological layers.

In 1937 the U S Government decided to excavate the "Irene Mound" in search of early history of the area. W.P.A. (Worker's Progress Administration) and many government organizations, museums, carpenters, researchers, scientist, and skilled and unskilled workers were employed for the excavation which took two years, finishing in 1937. About 80% of the unskilled workers were African American unskilled women who toiled at the task of delicately excavating human Indian and animal bones, shards of pottery and pipes. A 1941 report states 40 burials, 170 pottery vessels and thousands of potshards were found. The skeletons are now at the Smithsonian Institution. Lack of a proper storage facility prevented the artifacts to return to Chatham County so they were placed at the Ocmulgee Indian

Mounds National Monument in Macon By 1817, people became more aware that mosquitoes were the carrier of diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Efforts were made to drain swamps and eliminate standing water in marshy areas to prevent the outbreaks of mosquito born diseases.

An ordinance was passed to prohibit rice cultivation near Savannah. In 1876 Georgia had a yellow fever epidemic that killed 1,000 people, and the Chatham County Drainage Act was created. By 1889, 21,000 acres had been drained and 34 miles of ditches and a system of 3 canals had been dug, using the W.P.A. work program, including Pipemakers Canal which was extended inland. Many flood control improvements have been made over the years.

Pipemakers Canal is included in the Chatham County Greenway Program offering many segments of the canal service roads for hiking and nature trails. Caution: These trails are natural environments and tall vegetation, snakes, alligators, insects and other wildlife may be present. Avoid private property and entering the canal is unsafe and prohibited.

The 13 mile journey of Pipemakers Canal: From West Bloomingdale it travels east, near Towne Lake subdivision, turning

south, around the Pooler Sports Complex, flows under the pedestrian bridge and Pooler Parkway, east and south of Tanger Outlet Mall, through a catchment basin, under I-95, across Crosswinds Golf Club, south of SAV/HH Airport, east under Dean Forest Road, Hwy 21, Hwy 25, to the GA Ports Authority, to a Savannah River Tidal Gate that controls tidal and storm surge from the canal and the river. The Savannah River carries the canal water to the Atlantic Ocean.

Story and photos provided by Pooler resident, Jean Williams

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The Historic Savannah-Ogeechee Canal The 16.5 mile Savannah-Ogeechee Canal was Georgia’s first canal and constructed between 1820 -1830 for the purpose of transporting lumber, cotton, rice, bricks, guano, naval stores and food crops between the inland areas near the Ogeechee River and Savannah.

The initial construction funding came from the State of Georgia and Canal Company stock sales of 1556 shares at $100 each. The labor was enslaved Africans of plantation owners who were paid for the slaves' services. When the slaves were needed to work on their plantations, the labor force expanded to local workers and 70 men from Ireland who were invited to emigrate and work on the canal.

These men were the beginning of Irish settlers in Savannah. At the peak of construction there were 577 workers, about 90% African American and 10% white. The canal was completed in December 1830 at a total cost of $190,000.

The Ogeechee River watershed is 10 feet lower than the Savannah River which required six locks to raise the barges up and down for passage. Three of the hand operated locks were built of bricks and three were made of wood. Each lock was 18 feet wide and 102 feet long and each had a lockkeeper’s house. A towpath was made on the east side of the canal for horses and mules to pull the barges along and poles were also used. Barges paid a toll to use the canal. Between 1834 -1835, over 500 barges traveled through the canal. The canal played a role in the commerce and social life of local citizens. It was used for swimming, washing, bathing, playing, fishing, drinking and romancing. There was a scenic passenger barge for special occasions and the canal was sometimes used for church baptisms.

The many businesses along the canal in Savannah provided jobs.

Restaurants, taverns and dance halls opened up to serve the mixed race neighborhoods.

The route of the Savannah Ogeechee Canal begins at the Ogeechee River, runs northeast by Bush Road, under Little Neck Road, Little Ogeechee River at Half Moon Lake, under Quacco Road, I-16 & I-95, turns east on the southside of Tom Triplett Park in Poolerat Lock#3, under Dean Forest Road, I-516, under Louisville Road, into the Georgia Ports Authority and to the Savannah River. Some areas of the tow path along the canal are now nature trails and open for hiking.

The Savannah-Ogeechee Museum has maps and information about the hiking trails.

The Ogeechee River is a 294-mile-long blackwater river that begins at its North and South Forks, about 2.5 miles south-southwest of Crawfordville, Taliaferro County, GA south of I-20 and flows generally southeast to Ossabaw Sound about 16 miles south of Savannah. It is one of Georgia’s free flowing rivers with no dams.

In the late nineteenth century the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal began a gradual decline. It suffered damage during the Civil War, heavy rain caused flooding and a yellow fever epidemic killed over 1,000 people. Canals were being built to drain swamps and stagnant wetlands to eradicate mosquitoes. Railroads were the new preferred transportation. In the 1880’s The Central of Georgia Railroad began purchasing warehouses and wharves along the canal front in Savannah and by 1890 they owned 100% of the canal company stock.

At that time, after 60 years of service, the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal became a part of local history.

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POOLER CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 11, 2019

May 11, 2019

May 16, 2019

Ride On Ryan Sprint Triathalon

Bloomingdale Spring Market

Lunch & Learn

L Scott Stell Community Park 6th annual Ride on Ryan Sprint Tri-Dua/Relay. 100% proceeds to to our local YMCA RideOnRyan.com

City of Bloomingdale Community Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lots of unique vendors & food but also lots of children's activities

May 24, 2019

May 25, 2019

May 28, 2019 2019

Car Seat Safety Check

Memorial Day Holiday Weekend Block Party

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tanger Outlets, Savannah (parking area by Lighthouse)

5 – 7 p.m.

Come out and ensure your child's car seat is safe and properly installed.

National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tanger Outlets, Savannah Suite 589 across from Great American Cookie 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tanger Outlets, Savannah 5/25 - 9 a.m. 5/26 - 9 p.m.

Where Fashion, Fun Savings and Memories are created.

1-800-733-2767

June 15 2019

June 28, 2019

JCB Mud run

Sip & Savor Casino Night

at JCB 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mud Run for The Lady Bamford Center

Single entries, 5K Sign up early because the early birds get the good mud!

National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force 6 - 11 p.m.

Play the tables with music, cash bar, complimentary food and prizes. Must be 21 or older.

If you would like to list your event in an upcoming issue of Pooler Magazine, contact us at Julie@IDPMagazines.com.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

21

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912-657-5386 Phone 912-826-4556 Fax

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

23

John Brinson Teaching Grace: Win or Lose

Story by Cindy Burbage • Photos by Sheila Scott

J

ohn Brinson spent his childhood and adolescence mostly in Savannah and Tybee Island. He graduated from Sol C. Johnson High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Heather. John and Heather have been married for eleven years and have two amazing sons, Conner (13 years old) and Miles (9 years old).

After he finished nursing school and began work in the Emergency Department at Memorial Health, John and his family relocated from East Savannah to Pooler.

When his oldest son, Conner, came home from school one day with an interest in soccer, John admitted he was in unfamiliar territory. “He had a friend that played soccer at the YMCA and Conner wanted to play as well. After some futile attempts to push him toward baseball, a sport I actually knew, we agreed to register him for soccer at the Island's YMCA Clay Culver was his first U8 coach.”

Coaching was not an idea John had ever toyed with before; it wasn’t until he saw firsthand, the impact coaches make on a young athlete. He reminisced, “I was blown away by Clay. His knowledge and passion for the game were second to none and he was tremendous with the children.

I saw the value in what Clay was doing and was truly inspired. A couple of seasons later I agreed to stand in for Conner's U10 coach that couldn't make a couple of games. After that, I began my career at the Rec as an assistant coach to Jeffery Hubbard's U13 team for which my oldest son, Conner, was the goalie. We had an amazing season and ended up champions of our division. I went out on my own the

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following season and the rest, as they say, is history. I coached several seasons at the Island's YMCA before making the move to Pooler.”

Early on, John learned that coaching a team came with ups and downs. “As a coach to both of my sons, we have found many successes and won a lot of soccer games, but those first two seasons were tough. We were win-less our entire first season and didn't get a win in my second season as a coach until the final regular season game. A 1-0 victory in which the opposing team's goalie accidentally kicked the ball into his own goal. Looking back now, that seems like a silly thing to celebrate, but I didn't stop smiling for a week,” the coach smilingly shared.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

John began his coaching at the Pooler Recreation Department in the Spring of 2017 as an assistant coach for Jeffery Hubbard’s U13 team. His first season there proved to be incredible one. At just a glance, John, knew immediately he had found a new home for his family’s soccer life. He shared, “I remember walking into the "Rec" for the first time and being blown away by how awesome the fields and surrounding facilities were. No disrespect to the other guys, I have really fond memories from our time there, but at that point, my entire coaching career had been on an uneven, half dirt, sand spur covered field that lacked a proper "brick and mortar" bathroom. All the while, Pooler Rec had a full-size stadium?!”

Soccer is the only sport John has ever coached and he gave credit to his son, “Since Conner brought this beautiful game into our lives way back when, we have - as a family - turned into full blown soccer fanatics. Both kids play in the fall and both kids play in the spring. We travel to see Atlanta United and the US National Team play as often as we are able. A few years ago, I began playing in a Sunday league for adults that goes almost yearround. That doesn't leave a ton of time for other sports. Life is usually "eat, sleep, soccer, repeat." Over his coaching career, John has coached soccer U8, U10, U12 and U13; he is currently the head coach for his son Miles’ U10 soccer team. He is in good company, his oldest son, Conner is his assistant coach.

The current season has shown to be his most memorable on record. “The team is playing well. When we stay organized, get our passes away quickly, and move

together in the final third, we are scoring a lot of goals and it's a lot of fun to watch.

My youngest, Miles, has always been a strong supporting player on every team he's played, but he's having a monster season. He's really breaking away and establishing himself as a leader out there.

As a coach, and more importantly as a father, I'm very proud of that. I think my friends and co-workers are tired of hearing me brag, honestly. At any rate, as of this article, we are 5 games into a 9-game season with a 5-0-0 record. So, we all have championship trophies on our mind," Coach John proudly swanked.

Over the many soccer seasons, John has admitted they have been full of special players. Young athletes that pour their hearts and souls into the love of the game, all with hopes of winning. However, there is one particular player John will never forget. He warmly shared, “His name was Cole. If memory serves me correctly, he played on one of Conner's U10 teams at the YMCA. Cole had an illness that required he wear braces on his legs. Running was difficult for Cole and, obviously, soccer requires quite a bit of running. From a coaching stand point, this presented a unique challenge that might have been more difficult if not

for Cole's extraordinary attitude. He showed up every day with a smile, unrelenting positivity, and ready to play the game.

It took us a few weeks to find his niche, but once we placed him at center back - he was amazing. We kept him close to the goal he was lights out back there. His parents were the loudest ones on the sidelines cheering him on at every game. He had great support from his parents, but it was his own positivity and determination that got him to that point. As a coach, it was awesome to be a part of and to help facilitate that experience for Cole and his family.”

Inspiration can be found anywhere; mentoring our youth to become better is nothing short of spectacular. John Brinson found his inspiration in simply wanting to make a difference in his community. “We are teaching them soccer, but we are also teaching them hard work, problem solving, team work, physical fitness, leadership

POOLER

skills, sportsmanship, how to win with grace, and how to lose with grace. These skills are crucial to almost any aspect of life. Plus, I get to spend A LOT of quality time with my two sons; that is a pretty big plus!”

748-5776

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www.PoolerRec.com Join Us On Facebook

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Recreation Department & Leisure Services

POOLER RECREATION COMPLEX 200 PRESTON STOKES DRIVE

5 Baseball Fields 2 Soccer/Football Fields Batting Cages and Playground

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Daily Activities

Quilting • Billiards Room • Line Dancing • Jewelry Classes • Crafts • Day Trips • Meals • Exercise Transportation Provided If Necessary • Games •

• Baseball 5-14 • Softball 7-12 • T-Ball (Girls 4-6, Boys 4) • Spring Soccer 4-12 • Fall Soccer 4-12 • Youth Basketball 5-13 • Summer Basketball 9-13 • Adult Sports • Tumbling 3+ $45 • Dance 3+ $50/$60

Seeking Volunteers For Coaching

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900 SOUTH • ROGERS STREET • Administrative Office • Gymnasium • 5 Ball Diamonds • Batting Cages • Playgrounds • Outside Basketball

Community Center

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

Seeking Sponsorships For Our Youth Teams

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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Jimmy Johns of Pooler Gives Back Story by Chris Kincade • Photos by Lea Thornton Allen immy John’s of Pooler is so much more than their delicious gourmet sandwiches – they are a member of this local community who believes in supporting and giving back to their neighbors. “This is where we live, work, and play. We want the people of Pooler and the surrounding areas to know we are here to support them,” explained Amber Bradshaw, Marketing & Catering Coordinator for Jimmy John’s of Pooler. “Every time you eat at Jimmy John's Pooler you are helping give back to this community.”

Jimmy John’s encourages their franchisees to bring samples out into their local communities to give them a taste of their great sandwiches, cookies, and chips. But Jimmy John’s of Pooler, under the leadership of owner/ operator, Tim Sutton, provides much more than samples to the community of Pooler, as well as its surrounding communities. They are extremely active

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in their community, from providing free sandwiches and food, to volunteering at events, supporting the young people in their community, and sponsoring meaningful causes that are close to their hearts. “Tim is a big believer in the saying Givers Gain, and it has been nothing but truth for us,” explained Amber.

One of the many organizations Jimmy John’s of Pooler supports is "A Walk to Remember," an organization that offers help and support to young people who have dealt with, or are dealing with, the loss of a family member. (www.

AWalktoRememberSav.com) “We became involved with this organization in January of 2018 and have sponsored events such as the namesake annual "Walk to Remember" where we take a lap in remembrance of those who have been lost,” explained Amber.

“We donated nearly $1,000 worth of food to the event and made a monetary contribution to the organization as well.

We also raised money for the event through a community garage sale event which raised $211 in 4 hours.”

This is an organization personally close to Amber’s heart. “I lost a sibling and I know how hard that was for my family at the time. I cannot imagine how such a loss could affect a child who is still in school. I would like to be able to help these students start off on the right foot when they graduate,” Amber explained.

“We are honored to help those in our community who have been through tough times. We could all use a little compassion and a break from time to time. Jimmy John's Pooler wants to show the students that there is potential to move onward and upward.”

In addition, Jimmy John’s of Pooler supports the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS – www.

SCCPSS.com) through their Student of the Week program which awards the recipient with a certificate of achievement along and a coupon for a free sandwich at Jimmy John’s. “Jimmy John's offers a wonderful Student of the Week program to any SCCPSS schools and private schools that wish to participate,” explained Amber.

“We like to honor those students who display kindness,” stated Amber. She explained that there are many awards for those students who excel both scholastically and/or athletically, but rarely do you find awards for simply being an all-around kind person. “We want kids to know that kindness is important too. To quote Maya Angelou, I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. I've personally experienced this to be true throughout

Dining in 26

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

life,” explained Amber.

Jimmy John’s of Pooler also sponsors and supports the Nine Line Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to meeting the financial and specialized needs of severely injured soldiers and their families. (www.

NineLineFoundation.org) “We live in a military town and are proud to serve our active military and veterans wherever we can,” Amber stated proudly. “Our owner, Tim Sutton, is a veteran of the US Marine Corps and believes our veterans deserve a tremendous amount of respect for selflessly giving back to their country.

We greatly appreciate the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”

Nine Line Foundation partnered with the Chatham Homeless Authority to build a Veterans Village in Savannah. It is planned to be a community of 24 homes designed to provide temporary housing for homeless veterans in the Savannah area. “The goal of this initiative is to turn the lives of these veterans around, both immediately and for the long term.

This initiative goes beyond providing a roof over the heads of veterans, it will provide them with the skills necessary to reintegrate into society, and to learn and grow as individuals. Simply put, this initiative is about providing healing and support to those who have given so much to this great country.” (www.

NineLineFoundation.org) Jimmy John’s saw an opportunity to lend a helping hand on the project and immediately jumped in to help. “I reached out to the president of the Nine Line Foundation, Megan Hostler, and told her we would love to help in the efforts by feeding the volunteers on the build. We have since donated thousands of dollars’ worth of sandwiches, chips,

and beverages,” explained Amber.

“We knew there would be a lot of mouths to feed and knew that was where we could be of service. The least we could do would be to feed the selfless volunteers working together to build the tiny houses for the village.”

Jimmy John’s of Pooler is sponsoring Nine Line’s 5K/10K - Run for The Wounded which is being held in Savannah on May 18, 2019 to benefit the Veterans Village.

Jimmy John’s of Pooler also offers various discounts to all members of the military, first responders, Gulfstream employees, and teachers on a daily basis.

“As Jimmy John's grows, so will our involvement in the community,” explained Amber with excitement.

“Keep an eye out for us - we are here to stay!

Stop by today to visit Tim, Amber, and the entire team at Jimmy John’s of Pooler at 155 Trader’s Way, Pooler, GA. Visit them online at www.Online.JimmyJohns.com or call them at 912-748-1200.

Pooler www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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29

Serving Pooler... The Litt In the words of Destiny Bradshaw, Director of Ready2Connect

T

he journey of the initial HELP Program, that ultimately led to Ready2CONNECT, started with my family’s own financial struggles that began when my husband was sidelined from his job after an unexpected knee injury. I was propelled into the world of non-profit by a single journal entry in 2009 chronicling the struggle of finding and obtaining available resources during that difficult time. In order to relay what I’ve learned during the most recent leg of my journey, I had to go back to the pink spiral journal and reread the entries of some of our “valley” moments. It’s amazing how you don’t even realize how far you’ve traveled until you start to retrace your steps.

Like so many families facing unforeseen circumstances, I was working while weathering our family’s own personal storms.

“Lord bless me, and I will bless others,” was my initial prayer for help and relief. I had no idea the path that would open before me. I had no expectations and no preconceived plan. That turned out to be a good thing, because God gave me a better plan than I could have ever imaged. I now had a mission and a plan to put into action.

Bonnie Dixon, former Area Director of United Way of the Coastal Empire, saw value in bringing a program to help families, such as mine, to the community.

In 2012, United Way recruited me to develop and implement a career development program in Effingham County that would help create a network of resources for families facing the pitfalls of unemployment. As United Way is not designed to be a sole financial support for any agency, I was encouraged and supported to take the next steps and seek independence. Ready2CONNECT, Inc. solidified 501c3 status and began operating independently in January of 2016.

Thankfully, we were out the gate with an enthusiastic, engaged and supportive board of directors from the inception of the organization. The truth is, many of us were novice to the layered process of starting and sustaining a non-profit. As an Executive Director of a non-profit agency, I initially was not focused enough on the 30

financial aspects of the business. I also had to change my perspectives and really consider it a business, not just a mission or a passion. I had the passion, the drive and the desire to improve lives. However, you can’t help the people you serve without resources and finances. No matter how challenging fundraising can be, I’ve now learned, it is the lifeline of a non-profit agency.

Like so many other small non-profit directors, I was wearing too many hats.

I was the director, the program manager, the case manager and the grant writer.

Securing unrestricted funds is a challenge that many non-profits face. It is made

even more challenging when a director lacks consistent day-to-day staff and must multitask routine duties. I would often joke that I felt like the pastor of a very small church. I made sure the rent was paid, the lights were on, the funds were available for the families that we served, and I sometimes went without a salary, for months at a time. My husband would often ask me, “Are you volunteering?”

In 2017, Diane Rogers of Concerted Services, Inc. (now action pact) and I were scheduled to meet concerning incorporating their Money Smart Program into the Ready2CONNECT career readiness curriculum. However, the meeting started in one direction and ended in another. One gift that we all have and don’t share enough of is the gift of transparency. It opens hearts, opens hands, and opens doors! I told my story.

I explained how the career readiness program worked and how it could be an effective tool to help families end the cycle of routinely utilizing government (community) resources, with no resolve.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

At the close of the meeting, we said we would touch bases to schedule a followup meeting for a later date and Diane was about to leave. Something came over me to ask her one more question. “What do you think about R2C providing the career services for Concerted Services?”

I brought the partnership idea to my board of directors. They said, “This is your baby. What do you want to do?” The BOD was committed to taking the necessary steps to move the organization to the next level of development for financial stability.

Because they recognized the exhausting cycle of me being the only employee and having to repetitiously retrain volunteers and interns, they were open to a variety of solutions. After much prayer and consultation with my family, I realized that this was the best next step for our organization. I had taken us as far as we could go; operating without a consistent staff. Like the scripture says, “When you’ve done everything you can do, that’s when God will step in and do what you can’t do.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10 After a year of negotiations, with the Concerted Services team (Executive Director, Bryan Singleton; Deputy Director, Shelli Tyre; Development Director, Elena Ryals; and Community Services Director, Diane Rogers), we had a plan in place to bring R2C’s career readiness services under their organizational umbrella. In February 2019, we officially began the process of joining forces to benefit the community.

It didn’t hurt to have an attorney on the board to help seal the deal. Nancy DeVetter of Georgia Legal Services served as R2C Board Chair and was extremely instrumental in the transition negotiations.

One of the most important skills sets that I’ve learned along the way is that we should surround ourselves with people that excel in their area of expertise and let everyone do what they do best. It will save you time, energy and leave room for you to perform your best work. Adding the holistic career training program of

tle Non Profit That Could STATS FOR 2018: 67 individuals improved employability skills and obtained employment QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE? What is Ready2CONNECT powered by action pact? What is the meaning of powered by action pact?

In order to provide opportunity for growth and future replication, our hallmark career readiness services will become a program under the umbrella of action pact (formerly Concerted Services, Inc.). Budgeting will include funding for additional staff and direct participant benefits to ensure and enhance continued holistic case management services and allow R2C to make a greater impact in the community.

What service components will Ready2CONNECT powered by action pact program provide?

Ready2CONNECT powered by action pact will continue to provide the following employability services to the Effingham and West Chatham community: CONNECT (Community Network Navigation Empowerment Career Training) CONNECT provides a three-month customized case management program that includes a four-week career readiness curriculum in which participants acquire skills and tools necessary to help them find and retain employment. Participants receive follow up reviews for an additional six months following program dismissal to ensure employment retention Potential participants must be residents of Effingham and West Chatham Counties, unemployed or underemployed, and 18 years of age or older.

Ready2CONNECT, Inc. to the services currently provided by action pact (formerly Concerted Services, Inc.) is mutually beneficial for all parties and does just that! The Ready2CONNECT program will be able to expand its reach by adding necessary staff and action pact will be able to add our established holistic case management model within their current service area. It is such a blessing that action pact sees the value in the services that the Ready2CONNECT program has to offer the community and desires to see it in other counties. That’s AMAZING! This has been a journey in building relationships. Since 2016, with over 35 community partners in our network, the holistic career readiness program of Ready2CONNECT, Inc. closed the gap of unemployment barriers for 181 program

Upcoming Orientations: Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m Tues., August 6, 2019, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m Tues., Oct. 8, 2019, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m Tues., Dec. 10, 2019, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m

CONNECT-ED (GED & Literacy) Future Minds Literacy and Adult Education, participants; resulting in sustainable Inc. will be contracted by action pact and employment opportunities. At a recent continue to facilitate GED and Literacy Effingham Family Connection meeting, Services for CONNECT-ED. The program Director Elaine Spencer, highlighted affords area students the opportunity to the power of collaborations and the participate in a learning community that importance of relationship building. allows them to work at their own pace, I look forward to working with and for the address barriers to learning and identify their action pact organization. I am excited for personal learning styles, FREE of charge. the future and opportunity to continue The program is offered to adults 16 and older. pursuing my passion of helping others who are experiencing many of the same Class Schedule: struggles my family faced.

I’m thankful for Julie Hales, owner Tues. and Thur. evenings from of Effingham Magazine and Pooler 6 – 8 p.m Magazine for helping to chronicle our Ready2CONNECT powered by action pact journey of growth in the community.

711 Zitterour Dr. Remember to have joy in your journey Rincon, GA 31326 and always be open to change. It often leads to growth opportunities.

Who’s hosting R2C’s Annual Back2School Blowout?

To Volunteer, Give, or Join Please contact Destiny Bradshaw, Ready2CONNECT Director (912) 295-2148 or dbradshaw@myactionpact.org

The Back2School Blowout will continue to be an annual fundraiser and community event to benefit the Ready2CONNECT.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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Come Experience Pooler’s Ultimate Nightlife Entertainment Destination ice Half pr g bowlin day h y -T urs Monda aily and D ls Specia

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Tired of those hard water spots on your shower glass?

It's Like New Glass with ‘Sea Thru Glass’

Mike Lamson, owner of Capt Mike’s Yacht Maintenance, has been in business for over 20 years. This trade has now opened a new door for Mike and his family.

“This whole business actually started by accident. I was cleaning windows on a client’s boat and he asked me if the process would work on a shower. I told him ‘glass is glass’ and that we would give it a try,” says Mike.

They went to the clients home and Mike did seven showers for him that same day…and the results were amazing. Mike posted pictures of the results on Facebook and started getting calls immediately. His wife, Tina said, ”This is the business we need to be in.”

Some research followed and it was discovered there was a definite need to be met. And, there was no one in this area supplying this service.

Mike’s many years in his business has enabled him to research what works best to clean glass. ”We have perfected our water spot removal and glass treatment system through years of experience on boat glass and have now applied it to shower glass restoration,” says Mike.

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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T

otal Services Heating and Air Conditioning opened their doors to Effingham and surrounding counties over four years ago, but their story goes much further back than that. Travis and Lisa Stephens met while in high school and both worked for Lisa’s family business.

Lisa worked in the office for her family’s HVAC business, while Travis learned the trade from her father and grandfather in the field as a service technician. “I honestly don’t remember a time before this line of work,” laughed Travis. “We were blessed to have the opportunity to learn from Lisa’s grandfather and father and to have those core values from the old days instilled in us - be honest with people and treat them right and it will come back to you.” Those values are Total Services Heating and Air Conditioning’s core values and driving forces behind their business today.

In addition to working with one another for over twenty years, Travis and Lisa were also high school sweethearts and have been married now for nineteen years. They have four beautiful children who they hope will one day learn and grow from their family business just as they both did. “Our kids are our main focus,” explained Travis.

“We do make some sacrifices to be of service to our clients, but we are dedicated as a family to helping others. We aren’t scared of hard work.”

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

The entire team at Total Services Heating and Air Conditioning believe in providing the highest quality at fair pricing, while always making their customers their main focus.

Total Services serves Effingham, Bryan and Chatham counties and they put the clients' needs above the bottom line. “I pride myself on not being a salesman,” stated Travis. “I am a service provider.”

His wife Lisa explained Travis’ passion for his work saying with a loving chuckle, “he just loves what he does.”

“It’s almost sickening to my kids how much I love this work,” laughs Travis.

“I am a people person who loves my job because I am able to go out and speak to people, and more importantly, help them in their times of need.”

Travis explained that customer satisfaction is the most rewarding part of their work. “I read a quote the other day that really resonated with me,” said Travis.

“It read, ‘the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.’ It is important to us that you refer us to your friends. Knowing that people trust you means the world to us.

After all, you have your name and that’s it.”

One may think it would be risky to own and operate a business with your spouse, but Travis and Lisa could truly write the owner’s manual for how to do so with grace and elegance. They have found the perfect balance between running their business, their home, and making time for their family and one another. “Owning our own business has provided us with more quality time with our kids and for that I am so thankful,” explained Lisa.

“Lisa balances me,” explained Travis.

“She helps to remind me to breathe,” he laughed.

Their son is already following in their footsteps working part-time for the family business when able, and the other children are already excited to do so as well when they are older.

Travis and Lisa are always finding ways to give back to their local community, feeling extremely blessed for all they have been provided. Total Services Heating and Air Conditioning are proud sponsors

of many local sports teams, The Treutlen House in Effingham, and the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS). “We are always giving back to the community as it is important to us. We feel blessed to be in a position where we can help, so we do all that we can and get involved in as much as we can,” explained Travis. “It means a great deal to be able to help our neighbors. We are honored to be able to serve this great county, as well as, our surrounding counties.”

Total Services Heating and Air Conditioning offers a full range of indoor comfort products and services, including, but not limited to: Heating and air conditioning, residential and commercial service of all makes and models, Indoor air quality, filtration and humidification, system upgrades and replacements, complete duct systems, repairs and cleaning, annual maintenance agreements, emergency service and offer free estimates.

Call Travis, Lisa, and their team at 912.728.6720 and let them help you navigate the world of HVAC with a team you can truly trust! You have a friend in the business!

You may also visit them online at www.TotalServicesHVAC.com, or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TotalServices16 License #CR110002

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

37

nal Mortgage tgage Company… dest Mortgage Company…

International Mortgage N THE $8000 TAx Mortgage CREDIT International Mortgage International Mortgage nal Mortgage CELEBRATING $8000 TAx CREDIT28 YEARS

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

Effingham County’s Oldest Mortgage Company…

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CAll DETAIlS $8000 CREDIT CAll FoRFoR DETAIlS oN oN THETHE $8000 TAxTAx CREDIT • 100% Financing Packages CAll FoR DETAIlS oN THE $8000 TAx CREDIT • 100% Financing Packages • 100% Financing Packages • First Time Buyer Programs • First Time Buyer Programs 100% Buyer Financing Packages • First• Time Programs • Debt Consolidation Time Buyer Programs • Debt• First Consolidation • Debt Consolidation • Construction Loans • Debt Consolidation inancing Packages • Construction Loans • Purchases • Construction Loans Construction Loans • Purchases me Buyer Programs ••100% Financing Packages • Purchases • Refinances • Refinances • Refinances • Purchases • VA Loans onsolidation • VA Loans • VA Loans • First Time Buyer Programs • Free Consultations Jane Hughes • Free• Free Consultations • Refinances Consultations Jane JaneHughes Hughes • Home Improvement Loans uction• Debt LoansConsolidation • Home • Home Improvement Loans Improvement Loans VA Loans (912) 826-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556 826-5386 • Fax: (912)826-4556 826-4556 ses ••Construction 826-5386 •McCall Fax: (912) Loans (912)(912) 5505 Road • Rincon, GA • 4 Bedrooms 5505 McCall Road • Rincon, GA • Private 19 Lot 5505 McCall Road • Rincon, GA Free Consultations Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia Jane Hughes ces ••Purchases Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia • 3.5 Baths Subdivision PRESIDENT • Home Improvement Loans ns • Refinances • 3 Bay Workshop • 3,260 Heated Sq. Ft. • 2.73 Acres onsultations 826-5386 •Programs Fax: (912) 826-4556 • (912) VA Loans • First Time Buyer - 100% USDA Jane Hughes • FHA, Consultations VA5505 & Conventional • Construction LoansGA • Purchases McCall PRESIDENT Road • Rincon, mprovement Loans Priced at $429,000 • Free Jane Hughes Hughes Jane • Serving Refinances • Free Consultations • Home Improvement Loans PRESIDENT Effingham County, surrounding & all of Georgia • Home Improvement Loans areasPRESIDENT 26-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556

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(912) 826-5386 • Fax: (912) 826-4556 Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee#5748 505 McCall • Rincon, (912)Road 826-5386 • GA Fax: (912) 826-4556 hughes@internationalmortgage.com McCall • Rincon, GA ngham County, surrounding areas Road & Road all of••Georgia 55055505 McCall Road Rincon, GA 5505 McCall Rincon, GA Serving Effingham County, surrounding areas & all of Georgia

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Summer is almost here!

BEAT THE HEAT!

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120

jhales346@winwindstream.net

912-826-0927 5805 Hwy 21 S., Rincon

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Spring Rebates Are In! Call Us Today For A Tune Up Sales, Service and Installation

www.totalserviceshvac.com Family owned & operated 38

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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(912) 433-3184 www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

39

KAREN MILLER Real Estate Professional

Sherman & Hemstreet Real Estate Professionals (912) 844-1057 cell (912) 754-0786 garealtorkaren@gmail.com KarenMillerrealtor.com

Realtor Karen Miller says, “Finding the right home for my clients is my passion and I strive to meet and exceed their needs and expectations. I provide quality service every step of the way, from assisting you in finding a lender through closing and handing you your new keys to your dream home. If you have a home to sell, I assist from setting a competitive price, staging advice, professional photos, marketing and online presence through negotiating offers and closing.

"I am a full-time Realtor in the Greater Savannah Coastal Empire area, including Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties. “ Karen says, "I was born and grew up in Savannah. I’m married with four kids, and currently living in Effingham County.

I'm a second generation realtor and am very familiar with the Greater Savannah Coastal Empire which gives me a lifelong understanding of this area geographically, economically and socially."

Karen says, "Being passionate about my clients and understanding how important buying or selling your largest financial investment is to you is my priority."

In addition to being a Member in Good Standing with the National Association of Realtors, Karen has earned the following designations: the Seller Representative Specialist – SRS® designation, which requires both training coursework and a proven record of property sales as the listing agent.

She is also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative ABR®. This means she is a specialist in representing the unique interests of the buyer through every stage of a real estate transaction. Additionally, she is a Certified Residential Specialist, a prestigious designation which is earned by only the top 3% of the nation's Realtors, completing a rigorous course of advanced training and by meeting significant experience requirements.

“I sell dreams in the shapes of houses. Now is the time to live your dream!”

Whether you need to buy, sell, or both call Karen Miller at 912.844.1057.

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• Additions and Porches

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Effingham Exterior Experts www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019 Financing available

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Call for Your In-Home Consultation (912) 826-1997 6020 Highway 21 S, Rincon • www.bandmpools.com www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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“I love helping people and making their dreams come true!”

Meet Sharon Black - the epitome of integrity and hard work. A true self made success story, Sharon started as an office manager for several area companies. She recounts, “When I was able to sell our own house quickly and efficiently as a “for sale by owner’ I seriously looked at real estate as something I should do. I took the classes at night and got my license in 2005.”

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She has been an agent for almost fifteen years and has been the Broker of Sharon Black Realty since December 2017. They have a full time office staff and six agents. Sharon says “We are a full service agency. We work with everything from first time homeowners, luxury listings, commercial properties, to military and corporate relocation. We do it all!”

To Sharon, real estate isn’t just a job; it is her driving force to redefine the meaning of customer service.

She remains excited about real estate because she says, “I absolutely love working with people. This is my business, my career.

I am so blessed.”She holds several designations such as the Distinguished Sales Society Member and Accredited Buyers Representative awards.

She says she loves owning her own agency because “It is very rewarding to bring in and train agents so we can bring the highest level of customer service possible to our buyers and sellers.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

We are booming, the area is booming and I look forward to continually growing more business”. When she’s not with clients, you can find her ten miles out off the coast of Tybee fishing with her husband Tom or at her home in Richmond Hill watching the beautiful back porch sunsets with her family.

Here in Georgia’s Low Country they say “Life’s a Dream”. Let Sharon Black and her team make the dream come true for you!

114 Canal St Suite 602, Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 656-5645 sharon@sharonblackrealty.com www.sharonblackrealty.com

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www.wileyshomecenter.com Hwy 21 North, Rincon (Just South of the Effingham YMCA) www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

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Springtime Plant Allergens After a long winter, gardeners cannot wait to get back into their gardens in spring.

However, if you’re an allergy sufferer, like 1 in 6 Americans unfortunately are, the itchy, watery eyes; mental fogginess; sneezes; nasal and throat irritation can quickly take the joy out of spring gardening.

About Spring Allergy Flowers Severe allergy sufferers may be afraid to have landscapes and gardens full of flowering plants. They avoid showy ornamentals like roses, daisies or crabapples, thinking that with all the bees and butterflies these flowers attract, they must be loaded with allergy triggering pollen.

In truth, however, bright, showy blooms that are pollinated by insects usually have larger, heavier pollen not easily carried on a breeze. It’s actually blooms which are wind pollinated that allergy sufferers need to worry about. These flowers are usually small and inconspicuous. You may not even notice these plants blooming, yet the massive amounts of tiny pollen grains they release into the air can shut down your whole life.

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Springtime plant allergens usually come from trees and shrubs with small and easily overlooked blooms that are wind pollinated. Tree pollen counts tend to peak in April. The warm breezes of spring are ideal for windborne pollen, but on cooler spring days, allergy sufferers may get some relief from symptoms. Heavy spring rains can also reduce pollen counts.

Springtime plant allergens also tend to be more of a problem in the afternoon than in the morning.

There are several apps or websites, such as the Weather Channel App, the American Lung Association website and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website, that you can check daily for pollen levels in your location.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

Common Plants That Trigger Spring Allergies

As stated previously, the common plants that cause allergies in spring are mostly trees and shrubs that we don’t usually even notice are blooming. Some of the most common spring allergy plants are maple trees, willow trees, hickory trees, oak and pine trees, walnut and pecan trees. So, if you’re looking to create an allergy-friendly garden you may want to avoid these:

A Rare Find in Effingham...Only Minutes Away from the Hustle and Bustle!

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Home has a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and can be divided for a mother-in-law suite or your college student.

It also has two kitchens and two living rooms with a huge great room with fireplace and a huge dining room big enough for any large family. The home is over 4,200 heated square feet and has a beautifully landscaped yard, privacy fence in the back yard along with several storage buildings and a workshop.

List Price $299,000

Julie Hales (912) 657-4120 jhales346@winwindstream.net

912-826-0927 5805 Hwy 21 S., Rincon

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019 www.rinconcoldwellbanker.com

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Home Improvement Tips: Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home Reasons for A Redo

H

ome improvement projects often begin with someone saying, "Wouldn't it be nice if... ?" usually followed by a wish for a remodeled kitchen or a room addition for space to accommodate every family member's needs. Usually, reality and dreams don't coincide, due to limited funds for realizing the dream, or limits on the available space.

The trick: turning your dreams into reality.

Begin with a realistic evaluation of your needs Evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving your home to list it for sale.

Cutting corners may hurt your prospects rather than helping them. But don't go overboard either. Potential buyers may prefer not to pay for some of the extras, such as a hot tub or pool. You're better off keeping the changes simple.

And remember that buyers who view your home may not share your tastes and may not appreciate the care you took to find just the right shade of green paint for the walls.

You'll find that improving to sell is easier if you can think about it from the prospective buyer's point of view: What is important to the home buyer? Adding or remodeling a bath? Improving the kitchen?

Adding a new room? Landscaping? Adding a bedroom? Adding or enclosing a garage?

If you're remodeling because you want to stay in your home, you should still avoid over-improving it. You'll probably want to sell it someday, and even if your house is the best on the block, it may be difficult to convince potential buyers to pay for the things you considered important. And 46

when you consider making improvements, keep in mind the value of other homes in the area. Your home's value should not be more than 20% above the average, which means that a $10,000 kitchen improvement project well could be a better investment than a $10,000 hot tub, especially if yours will be the only home in the area with a hot tub.

Home Maintenance versus Home Improvements It's unfortunate that some home improvement projects are undertaken because something has broken. Replacing a leaky bathtub may be the first step to a major bath remodeling: since the tub has to be replaced anyway, why not do the whole room?

While that might be a legitimate reason to remodel, avoid basing your home improvement projects on immediate needs. You'll be better off if you minimize problems with proper maintenance.

Examine every part of your home at least once a year. As soon as you become aware of a problem, fix it. Making repairs when you're first aware of them will help you avoid larger expenses later.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019

Hiring Professionals May Save You Time and Money It should go without saying that home projects can be expensive, so you may be tempted to tackle them yourself as a way to save money. That may be a smart move for small projects. You won't have to wait for someone to fit your house into their busy schedule, and you can boast about having done the work yourself.

But unless you're very versatile, major home improvements are better left to professionals. If you decide to remodel the kitchen and plan to do the work yourself, will you be able to handle the plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work on your own? Hiring people who have the required experience can save you money and time, too.

Once you've located the necessary home improvement specialists, make sure everyone is in agreement about the design, the schedule, and the budget, and get the details down in writing in a signed contract.

It's also wise to check on professional certifications and licenses, where required, and be certain that the contractors you hire are fully insured and bonded. Your town or city Building Department can provide that information. And it's very important that you make sure contractors carry workers' compensation insurance: if workers are injured on the job, you won't be liable if the contractor is covered.

savannah, georgia 912.441.3890 hilton head island, south carolina 843.321.9533 reardon design, llc | www. reardon-design. com full design services

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p r o j e c t m a n| a g e m e2019 n t 47 www.PoolerMagazine.com May/June

move ahead What is pre-approval? What type of loan is best? How quickly can we close? How fast can we move in? What questions do you have that your Queensborough banker and mortgage lender can help with?

We’ve been helping people since 1902, so we have the answers.

With a fully-staffed mortgage department, we also have the manpower to move your loan through quickly.

If you have a move ahead, call us today: 912-925-8373

G E O R G I A’ S C O M M U N I T Y B A N K since 1 9 0 2 www.QNBTRUST.bank QUEE-19017CR

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | May/June 2019