Pooler Magazine September October 2016

September/October 2016

Chris Mincey

Making A Mark

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Cindy Burbage 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.

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David Pena was a Language Arts teacher in the Georgia public school system for over twenty years. Also a professional musician on the weekends, he enjoys writing about local happenings and the interesting, diverse mix of cultures that make up the Southeast. He loves to spend time with his son Carter, golf and play tennis.

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is a married mother of two. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Business Administration Degree, while she also maintained an interest in writing. She and her family moved to Pooler in 2003 from the Atlanta Metro Area. Blessed with the opportunity to raise her two children, she later also decided to pursue her writing interests.

Katrice loves to spend time with her family and enjoys many of the simple things in life.

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ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS Tonya Chester Perry is a married mother of two children.

She is a full time photographer with a studio based in Rincon, Ga. She graduated from college with a degree in business. She is originally from Louisiana, after living in different states, she now resides in Effingham County. She is a Maternity, Newborn, Child, High School Senior and Wedding Photographer.

When not working she enjoys spending her time with her husband & kids.

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.

Luke Smith is a full time photographer and single father based out of

Rincon, GA, Having grown up in Cajun country in Louisiana, Luke feels right at home on the Georgia coast and has for the last 10 years. When he’s not doing freelance photography for commercial clients, Luke is spending time with his son.

06 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

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CONTENTS September/October 2016

features

10 Making Chris Mincey A Meaningful Mark On and Off The Track

16 ABarrett McDonald Cut Above The Rest 22 Right Walker McDonald On Target 28 Scott Pooler Rec Spotlight Stallcup 36 Pooler Patriot Weekend 40 A Pooler History Lesson departments

09 Publisher’s Letter 32 Dining Guide 43 Real Estate

08 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

PUBLISHER’S Thoughts

Sports, Sports and more sports Julie Hales owner/publisher julie@idpmagazines.com Lane Leopard graphic design lane@idpmagazines.com Lea Allen administrative assistant/circulation lea@idpmagazines.com Marsha Stewart account executive marsha@idpmagazines.com

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

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CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is publlished bi-monthly (six issues a year), printing 10,000 copies and distributed to over 180 locations.

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

When I was a kid, I was surrounded by sports. My father was a huge sports fanatic, and if you lived in my house, you had no choice but to learn to love it.

Loving sports was never a hard thing for me to do. My father and I were very close, so what he liked, I liked. It was inevitable.

My dad was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He took his love of sports and turned it in to a way to help others. I was always amazed at him and the way he would talk to and train the young boys and girls in our community.

Dad was a big baseball fan. He played for many years. In fact, he was being drafted by a Major League team to play with the pros when he was in a serious accident that shattered one of his legs. His dream of playing in the majors was crushed, along with his leg, but his love for the game was never lost.

Julie Hales, PUBLISHER Instead of letting the injury destroy him, he took his knowledge and abilities and put them to good use. He started coaching and mentoring young baseball players and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

With three daughters, and no boys in my family, my mother asked him one day to consider coaching softball so he could still help kids, and spend time with his three girls.

Believe it or not, she only had to ask once.

My dad started coaching my two sisters and myself. We grew to love the game and we grew to love and respect him even more. I will never forget the countless hours he would spend with 15-20 little girls, at one time, ranging from eight to ten years of age. The man had the patience of Jobe.

That time he spent meant so much to us. I had no idea at the time the impact he had on so many lives. I knew he loved the girls he coached, and I knew he bent over backwards to make sure they had a ride to the game....water in the dugout....snacks after the game....he would do without to make sure “his girls,� all 15 of them, had what they needed or wanted.

My father has passed now, and I miss him terribly. So many of the young girls he coached showed up for his memorial, now grown with children of their own. I listened to numerous stories of things my Dad had done for them when we were kids. Most of the stories I had never heard. Dad was a quiet man and boasting about anything was not in his character. So, I never doubted any of the stories that were told, I knew they were all true. And, it just gave me another reason to be proud to be his daughter.

My dad taught me many things, but his way of giving back to these kids was something that always stuck with me. Giving back is one the most important things we can do in our lifetime, and I thank my father for instilling that great quality in me.

Our cover story is about a man who does the same thing in our community -- gives back, using sports as way to educate and draw awareness to autism, and to give his time and talents to other charitable organizations...read about Chris Mincey....I am sure you will find him to be an inspiration just as I have.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

09

CHRIS MINCEY:

Making a Meaningful Mark On and Off the Track

C

Story by KATRICE WILLIAMS Photos by TONYA CHESTER PERRY

hris Mincey and his wife Amanda have lived in Pooler for their entire lives. The couple has three beautiful children: Dylan-10, Bethany-5 and Ellie-3. The racetrack has held a big part of Chris’ heart for a long time. He has been stock car racing at Oglethorpe Speedway (OSP) for about five years now. Interestingly enough, racing has been a big part of his life since he was a very young boy.

In fact, one of Chris’ biggest heroes, his dad Wayne, a formidable racer himself, introduced him to the sport and always had him at the track watching the races on Friday nights.

“I grew up here, pretty much, at this track. It’s just something natural that comes to us I guess,” Chris says. He later states, “Usually, when the doors are open, I’m here.”

Chris feels that his dad is his mentor and biggest inspiration.

With heartfelt gratefulness, he confirms that out of the entire sport, whether professional or amateur, his dad is ultimately his favorite driver.

Chris asserts, “If I had to honestly say one of my favorite racers of all time, it would probably be my dad. I’m just partial to him— to follow in his footsteps. I just try to make him proud on Friday nights. Without my dad, I probably wouldn’t be here. He’s pretty much the backbone of the whole team.”

Further, Chris is appreciative for his entire team, including his pit crew, whose commitment is outstanding. They diligently work towards making his races a success.

He mentions the guys on his pit crew, stating, “I probably wouldn’t make half the races if it weren’t for them. I usually just drive it [his racecar] at the track; they usually take care of it for me.”

Chris is very thankful for the OSP Promoter, Mr. Randall Jenkins, who definitely wears a lot of different hats around the speedway. Randall is there to make sure that the races are an overall success. He acts as the promoter, advertiser and announcer just to name a few of his roles. Whether Randall is participating in special promotional events, coordinating racing activities or insuring that various cars get proper exposure, Randall is committed to making sure that things are a success at the speedway for the drivers and the spectators alike. He has been involved in racing since the 1980’s and has an impressive amount of overall experience in the industry. He is OSP’S go-to guy, accomplishing “whatever it takes to get the racing going.”

OSP is one of very few ½ mile stock car speedways in the state.

“This is one of the fastest tracks around; it’s fun,” Chris declares.

The races are normally held on Friday nights, which prove to be filled with tons of excitement for fans—both young and old.

10 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Actually, there are no bigger fans than Dylan, Bethany and Ellie, who takes a great deal of pride in watching their daddy race.

Moreover, they are also his little helpers behind the scenes.

Concerning his son Dylan, Chris states, “He’s a big help. If I’m working on a car, he’s usually out there.” Dylan is happy to follow closely in his dad’s footsteps. Though he participates in a variety of other sports, he also races—go-carts that is. He has been racing for about three years and really likes it. Dylan feels privileged to have a real racer so close to home--well, actually, right at home.

He is able to pick up a lot of great pointers from his dad, who is very proud of him.

Chris reveals, “I started him off a little younger than I did. As long as he does good in school, he gets to race.”

Chris mentions his daughter Ellie saying, “She loves to work on daddy’s race car.”

Additionally, Chris is aware that he owns not one trophy--no, not at all, because his daughter Bethany has a claim on them all.

Chris says that when he places a new trophy on the dresser, he doesn’t expect for it to be there for too long, because Bethany will quickly come to get it and take it where she pleases. She definitely looks forward to a trophy being there.

Chris smiles and says, “I’ll hear about it if there’s not one.”

Regarding Bethany, Amanda laughs and remarks, “If daddy wins, the trophy is hers. Those cars are her cars.”

All the kids love for their daddy to win. Actually, Amanda says that “you would think that they’d won a million dollars” when he wins and earns a trophy.

Chris and Amanda’s children are their pride and joy, holding an extra special place in both of their hearts. Therefore, it is no surprise that it was quite a heartfelt time when their two girls were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) a couple of years ago. Webster’s Dictionary defines autism as “a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form normal social relationships, by impairment of the ability to communicate with others and by stereotyped behavior patterns.”

The diagnosis came after repeated physician visits and multiple tests over time. Amanda explains that the diagnosis for the condition has risen a great deal over the years in this country. More specifically, about “1 in 68 children” are diagnosed annually.

Amanda explains that various elements or changes, often sensory-related ones like temperature inconsistencies, different smells and loud sounds can trigger certain behavioral patterns in children diagnosed with autism. Despite all of this, the kids still love being at the track with their dad—“the dirt, the loud noises, the atmosphere.” They enjoy it all.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

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Many individuals in society know very little about autism, so it is incredibly important to Chris and Amanda to “share the awareness” whenever possible.

L-R: Dylan, Ellie, Bethany, Chris and Amanda Mincey Chris with son, Dylan and his father, Wayne.

Chris and Amanda encourage and help their children overcome the different challenges that are often evident with autism. They will not allow them to be a stereotype nor feel limited in any way.

Amanda knows that it is not a “normal issue.” She and Chris never view their children as abnormal.

Amanda reasons, “We’re all created different. They’re just a different than our different. They just function differently. It’s hard for us sometimes to look and see it the way that they see it.

In our household, we’re all the same; we’re all equal—no different.” Further, Amanda feels that after over two years, she is able to understand things just a little better.

Amanda encourages the kids to view their unique case as being like “puzzle pieces,” pieces that they are lovingly working to fit together just right. She knows that “by the grace of God” that one day they will. The couple is very grateful for all the love, kindness and support shown by their family who is always there to help make “the pieces fit.”

Many individuals in society know very little about autism, so it is incredibly important to Chris and Amanda to “share the awareness” whenever possible. In fact, Chris races with their motto on his car: “Until all the pieces fit,” in recognition of his kids and the

12 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

tremendous cause that is dedicated to help all kids impacted by the condition.

“We try to help out and make everybody aware,” Chris proclaims.

Chris, as a racer, likes to participate in and support other noteworthy causes. Whether participating in upstanding charitable events like those dedicated to help end childhood cancers or driving in Port Wentworth’s Stand Up for America Day Parade, Chris wants to use his talent to do a lot of good in the community.

Chris loves to spend time with his family, whether it is allowing the kids to have some fun-filled time on the playground or going to different festivals and community events. He and Amanda also like to participate in various fundraisers for children.

Chris Mincey has enjoyed time on the track for a long time now. He has goals to continue racing and strives to get better with each race. Even more, he is committed to his family and is looking ahead to a bright future for them all. He, along with his wife Amanda, aspires to continue their valiant efforts in autism awareness and has no thought of letting up at all “until all the pieces fit.”

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A Cut Above The Rest Whether he’s on or off the grid iron, Savannah Christian junior Barrett McDonald tries to lead by example.

“T

Story by DAVID PENA Photos by TONYA CHESTER PERRY

“The difference between a boss and a leader is that a leader helps guide the way, while a boss just directs.” Savannah Christian junior Barrett McDonald fondly remembers this distinction from years ago when a football coach was teaching the youngster some important life lessons. And according to those who know him best, McDonald, a star student as well as a standout football and lacrosse player, consistently exhibits the traits of a natural leader both on and off the field. Joe Redding, head coach of the varsity lacrosse team, says, “I met Barrett last fall when I started coaching lacrosse at Savannah Christian, and I coached him all last season. I have found that he’s an outstanding young man in every way, always extremely polite to everyone. He’s also dedicated to whatever sport he plays in addition to being a very coach-able athlete; you can basically tell him what you want done, and he’ll make sure to do it to the best of his ability.”

Over the years there have been a multitude of talented football players that have come out of Savannah Christian under head coach Donald Chumley. Now in his 12th season leading the football program, Chumley says Barrett is not only one of the most impressive players he’s coached, but he also prides himself on having a great work ethic when it comes to schoolwork. “Barrett has worked extremely hard every year, and he’s put himself in the position to be a really great player because now he’s got all the tools to be as good as he wants to be. More importantly, he’s a great role model for everyone on the team.

He’s just the total package: a great student, a great teammate, and just a great kid.”

Chosen to be team captain in only his freshman year, McDonald effectively used the experience to become an integral part of the offensive line for the Raiders the following season.

Proving to be versatile in several positions, he played nose guard and tackle on both sides of the ball just as effectively and even played middle linebacker on occasion. “I started my sophomore year on offensive line, and I was happy to be chosen that year as part of second team all-region. I was named team captain again this year and plan to start on offensive line again,

16 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

or wherever I can make the biggest difference for the team,” he explains. “It really depends on the ‘package’ that coach Chumley puts me in.”

Unfortunately, Barrett was unable to play in the scrimmage game against Beach High due to a strained hip resulting from one particularly grueling practice. “I was disappointed that I was unable to play in the (scrimmage) game, but I plan to be in full force for the rest of the season,” he adds. And at 5-foot-10 and 225 pounds, this may not be good news for opposing teams.

The Raiders kicked off their 2016-2017 season on August 19 with a game against Jefferson County, and coach Chumley and his star linesman are optimistic about this year’s team. “Obviously we’re hoping for a state championship, and this year in particular we think that our (offensive) line is one of the better lines we’ve had under coach Chumley,” says McDonald. “We’re excited to see how well our line as a unit will perform this season, hopefully taking us ‘into week fifteen,’ as coach likes to say.”

Since Barrett was eight years old, football always has been his primary sport, but according to the talented junior, he says that he needed to find other outlets in order to work on his cardio and weight during the off season. “I basically had a choice between track and lacrosse, and since lacrosse is like a combination of hockey and football, I went that route.”

Coach Redding is certainly glad he made the choice. “He works extremely dili-

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

17

gently to learn and master the game, going beyond what is called for (on his own) in order to improve and excel. He’s really an excellent player, serving a core position on the defense. Barrett was always on the field when we needed to shut down the opposing team,” he says. Besides the similarity between the two sports, according to McDonald, the teams have similar talent pools. “Both the football and lacrosse teams plan on having a giant freshman class with a lot of young talent. It’s great how the younger players are taking a leadership role,” says the athlete.

In addition to being his sport of choice,

football has also been integral to shaping his outlook on life in some very unique ways. “Football teaches me that no matter how hard I might get hit, there’s always a next play. You get to hit the person harder than they hit you,” McDonald says with a laugh, “but the same thing can be applied to life. No matter how far I get set back (in life), there’s always an opportunity to control what happens. Nothing is too great of an obstacle.” In addition to his athletic prowess, when he is not on the field Barrett is part of the Beta Club, National Spanish Honor Society, Science Engineering Club and Science Quiz Bowl. When

18 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

asked how he manages to juggle his time between sports and academics, McDonald responded, “My family has always taught my brother and I about time management, and coach Chumley has been great about reinforcing that idea. He always says that we’re student-athletes, not athletic students.” Boasting a 3.65 GPA, the reinforcements seem to be working. Outside of school, however, McDonald also finds time to be involved in the Savannah Science Seminar and the Ronald McDonald Volunteer Board. And on the rare occasion when he has some free time, McDonald says he likes to do “ordinary teenage stuff.”

This includes listening to music or hanging with some friends, and, like his younger brother Walker, Barrett is an avid hunter.

“My brother and I have always hunted, and I love to hunt and fish with buddies.

Anything from deer and quail to pheasant and turkeys, all kinds of game.”

Through football and his various other activities, McDonald says that he’s invariably been put into a leadership position, a role that he truly relishes. “I’ve found that a good leader encourages and helps people by using a positive attitude, and I’ve tried to do that. Playing sports has taught me that you can’t be a leader and be negative, always blaming others; you have to guide them. It’s had a major effect on how I go through life and interact with others.”

Coach Chumley agrees, adding, “Barrett plays football the way he lives his life- he does it the best he possibly can, and you can’t ask for more than that. He’s a leader on and off the field, which is something that we strive for at Savannah Christian.

I’m extremely proud to have him on our team.”

As far as college goes, McDonald definitely plans to continue his athletic career, although exactly where is still a question mark at this point. “I plan to go wherever life takes me. I’ve been working hard over the past summer, attending various camps to get some exposure,” he says, “and I hope to develop some ongoing relationships with smaller schools like Furman and Mercer.” Barrett’s mother Katie isn’t too surprised when it comes to her son’s achievements. “Barrett’s always been wise beyond his years and has always known what he’s wanted to do and what he needs to do to get there. He’s kind of been on ‘auto pilot’ as far as getting things done for school and making deadlines. I never have to worry about him.” Thus far, based on his high school accomplishments both on and off the field, it’s safe to say that Barrett McDonald’s future is a success story waiting to be written.

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Proudly Serving Savannah, Pooler, Rincon and Surrounding Areas. www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

21

22 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Right on Target How Walker McDonald turned his passion for hunting into a world championship title.

G

Story by DAVID PENA Photos by TONYA CHESTER PERRY

rowing up as the younger brother of a highly successful student-athlete isn’t always easy. These younger siblings often find it hard to live up to the high expectations placed upon them because of their older counterparts, often lingering in the shadows of the latter’s accomplishments. For Walker and Barrett McDonald, however, this scenario couldn’t be further from the truth. Older brother Barrett, a junior at Savannah Christian and a standout football and lacrosse player, takes pride in his younger brother’s successes and marvels how Walker’s focus and determination ultimately lead to a junior world championship title in skeet shooting.

“I’ve always been around shotguns since about the age of four or five. My dad would come home from a hunt and tell us these interesting hunting stories and about what he experienced,” Walker recalls. “When we got a little older, he began to take us out once a month at first, sometimes taking us to the gun club with him.” Older brother Barrett remembers that his sibling’s fascination with hunting started even earlier in life. “Walker probably has put more time into hunting than anyone else I’ve ever known. He’s seriously been hunting the smallest things, from lizards to squirrels, since he was around three years old. He’d cut the branches off of our crepe myrtle trees (much to their mother’s chagrin) and tie some twine to it to make a bow in order to shoot squirrels out of trees. He was a hunting maniac back then,” he says with a laugh. Their mother Katie echoes the sentiment.

“We refer to Walker as our own ‘MacGyver’. It’s been incredible to watch him do the things he does. He’s really an amazing tinkerer, always working on something. We joke that when he turns eighteen, we’re going to send him to be on Survivor.”

McDonald remembers going on his first actual hunt when he was in third grade, hunting pheasant with a shotgun, the gun he predominantly now shoots for both hunting and competitions. As an avid hunter, he honed his skills enough to actually join the Forest City Gun Club just two years ago, impressing the coaches almost immediately when they saw his technique. “That was the first time I ever shot a real round of sporting clays or skeet,” Walker recalls. Club manager Zac Guerrettaz, who

coaches the junior shooting team, remembers his initial meeting with the young prodigy. “I first met Walker when he joined the team last year, and it was obvious from the very beginning that he had a lot of talent. I knew he was a special type of competitor since he had tremendous hand-to-eye coordination, which really sets him apart.

Later that same year, Walker and his team competed in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) in Sparta, Illinois and placed a respectable second. His passion for competitive shooting really took off from there.

While his shooting coaches acknowledge that McDonald definitely has a special talent, they also attribute his success in competitions to a great work ethic as well as an incredibly unflappable focus. “He’s probably one of the only kids out of the thirty or so that I coach that will take it upon himself to work on what needs improvement,” Guerrettaz says. “If he has a rough day of shooting where he feels he didn’t do the best he could have, he will spend the next two or three days working that problem out.

He’s also very skilled at his pre-shot routine, blocking out the mental game of it all, which is not very easy to do. He knows when it’s time to get serious, and he’s always been totally committed during competition.”

Walker had to draw upon all of his shooting prowess when he took part in Junior World Championship tournament at Forest City Gun Club this past July. “The tournament involved all gauges, and with all my scores combined, I only missed fifteen out of four hundred targets,” he says. “This meant that I placed the highest overall in my division, which ultimately won me the Junior World Skeet Shooting Championship. It felt so amazing to win.” Coach Guerrettaz wasn’t too surprised at the win, however, saying, “He amazes me every time we shoot in a competition. It was just the culmination of all his hard work and talent.”

McDonald is no one-trick pony when it comes to athletics, though. As a talented offensive lineman for the football team, the freshman gives his older brother some credit for his success on the field. “Barrett helps me out almost every day with various drills and as far as what to do on the line. He’s been a great teacher to me.” Katie McDonald is quick to add, “Even though they’re only nineteen months apart, Walker really looks to his older

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

23

brother for advice and guidance. They may butt heads occasionally, but it’s great to see them learn from each other.” Head football coach Donald Chumley sees the obvious similarity between the two brothers, but is quick to point out that the younger sibling is carving out his own niche at Savannah Christian. “Walker is like his brother when Barrett was a freshman in many ways. As coaches, we love to see kids like these with

talent and heart as well as being coachable,” says Chumley. “We’re extremely excited about what Walker is going to accomplish in his four years at Savannah Christian. He’s a pleasure to coach and the sky’s the limit as far as what he can do.” As far as his other endeavors taking time away from football, Chumley says that it actually is better for the student. “I think it’s great when kids play a lot of different types of

24 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

sports and are involved in a number of other activities; it makes them well-rounded individuals. We really encourage that at Savannah Christian, and Walker’s a great example of that.”

In addition to football and competitive shooting, Walker also is a talented lacrosse player, taking a cue from his older brother, who started playing the sport to help with staying fit during the off season. Lacrosse coach Mike Vidan says, “I’ve known Walker since he was around four or five, and I would say that he is very dedicated to whatever sport he’s playing, whether it’s football, lacrosse or competitive shooting. He takes each very seriously and takes great pride in his performance. As a strong-willed and aggressive player, his competitive nature is a huge asset to the lacrosse team. He understands his position very well because he’s got a great defensive mind, which allows him to effectively shut down the offense.” As far as obtaining a national or world title in another sport, Vidan doesn’t view this as unattainable for McDonald. “His extreme dedication and commitment to shooting crosses over into other sports, and there’s no reason why Walker couldn’t be world champion in another sport. He’s definitely got the athletic ability and the drive to succeed in whatever he sets his mind to.”

Whether it’s competitive shooting, football or lacrosse, Walker says he takes something from each sport that helps him gradually build his character. Thus, through hunting McDonald says he’s gained a new-found respect for nature and claims that being “in the wild” helps to nurture his relationship with his Creator.

“Hunting has showed me that I need to make sure to take care of my environment and respect it. I’ve also become closer to God through observing all that He’s created,” he explains. As for his other athletic endeavors, Walker claims that being part of a team is a special role, one that he relishes. “With shooting, it’s all on you and about the individual, but football and lacrosse have really helped me to work with other people as a team, and not to shut everyone out.” And as good as he is on the playing field, being a member of the Junior National Honor Society, McDonald realizes that grades and a great work ethic off of the field is paramount to any of the sports that he’s involved in. “Coach Chumley says that we can’t play football (or any sport) forever, so it’s a great idea to take a life skill or lesson from it to develop yourself.”

If the past two years are any indication, accomplishing everything he plans to do in life will be as easy as hitting the bull’s eye for Walker McDonald. Right on target.

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25

INSTANT APPROVAL!

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26 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

When experience counts…

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Dual Board Certified Surgeons with combined 33 years of experience specializing in: Dental Implants, Wisdom Teeth Extractions, Comprehensive TMJ Treatment, Laser Procedures, Oral Pathology, Bone Grafts / Reconstruction, Dental Extractions, Facial Trauma, Jaw Surgery, Sleep Apnea, General Anesthesia, I.V. Sedations • Serving Savannah for 16 years • 3i, Nobel, and Zimmer implant systems consultants • Staff members at Memorial University Medical Center • Diplomates, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery • Fellows, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

27

Scott Stallcup:

POOLER RECREATION SPOTLIGHT

Carrying On A Family Tradition...

COACHING! Story by SUSAN LEE

T

here was never really any doubt that sports would be Scott Stallcup’s lifelong passion. After all, the love of the game is a legacy that was handed down from his parents and even his grandparents.

A Pooler native and lifelong resident, Scott has been a volunteer coach for the Pooler Recreation Department for the past several years. He currently coaches his two daughters’ soccer teams: a 10-and-under team for Leighton, 9, and an 8-and-under team for Remi, 7. His son, Stone, is too young at 3 years to play on a team but Scott is already looking forward to coaching him in football.

As far back as he can remember, Scott said his father, Gary, and his mother, Sue, both were involved in sports. His dad even coached his mother’s traveling softball team. “Those leagues were a big deal back then,” he recalls. “They played hard to win, but at the same time they still had a lot of fun.

I remember my parents would come home and have so many great stories about their travels together.”

At around the age of 6, Scott started playing football with the recreation

league in Pooler. The head coach was his dad, a former football player for Groves. “My dad was a great coach,” he said. “He never raised his voice, but he was firm and the team respected him.

When you messed up, he would just say ‘Give me a lap’ and you just did it. My friends and I dubbed him “Big G” and a lot of my friends from back then still to this day call him just to chat.”

Now that he has followed in Gary’s footsteps, Scott sees his style of coaching as very similar to his dad’s. “I think my style is a no-nonsense, let’s just get it done way of coaching, which isn’t always easy when working with 9 and

28 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

10-year-olds. But I’m big on positive attitudes and building camaraderie and strong bonds as a team.”

One of Scott’s biggest fans is Elizabeth Tuttle, Athletics Coordinator for the Pooler Recreation Department.

“He’s one of those coaches that’s always willing to give a helping hand and is loved by all the parents,” she said. “Scott has an upbeat personality and is great about doing whatever it takes to help the players both in soccer and in life.”

When he first began coaching soccer with the Pooler Rec Department several years ago, he had never played the game. Fortunately, Elizabeth was on

hand to help guide him. “I helped him by incorporating terminology from the sports he was familiar with, like football and basketball,” she said. “He picked up on it pretty quickly and now he’s a great coach.”

Scott attended Savannah Christian, where he played football as well as baseball, basketball and even track. He received several offers to play football from colleges in Tennessee and Carolinas, but decided on Georgia Southern, graduating in 2003 with a business degree in logistics. Immediately after graduating college, Scott went to work for Dorsey Tire as a commercial sales rep, a job that he says he’s very much enjoyed for the past 13 years.

It was while he was at GSU that Scott met his wife, Abbie. “I had seen her around campus quite a bit and we knew of each other but we never talked until the Georgia/Florida game in Jacksonville,” he said. “I was up in the nosebleed section and she came and sat down by me and we started talking. So basically we had to travel 100 miles to strike up a conversation.”

Now, more than a decade later, Scott and Abbie continue the family tradition of nurturing their children’s interest in sports. “My parents were at every one of my games and I love that they’re now at

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every one of my daughters’ games,” said Scott.

He added that his grandparents on both sides of the family also went to all of his games. One of his favorite memories is of his grandfather Jimmy “Cotton” McGaughey, a former baseball player.

“He would stand behind home plate at every game and would yell at those refs when he thought they made a bad call,” he remembers. “I can’t tell you the number of times they would have to stop the game and send him out to the parking lot. But it wasn’t embarrassing to me at all that he was out there sitting in his car. He just wanted us to win.”

And while Scott does agree that winning is important, he stresses that playing sports is more about life lessons. “Especially at this age, it’s about kids getting out there to have fun and stay active,” he said.

“I love to see the kids enjoying a practice or game, then come up to me and give me a hug or a high five.”

One of his favorite experiences as a coach was a young girl on his team who regularly presented him with some special gifts. “At school she would draw pictures of the players and me and then she would give them to me at practice. Those pictures meant so much to me. She really did like being out there and it made me feel great.”

Seeking Sponsorships For Our Youth Teams Seeking Volunteers For Coaching

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

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

29

Still Unhappy With Your Knee After Your ACL Reconstruction?

TREATING ALL ORTHOPEDIC, SPORTS MEDICINE, AND JOINT INJURIES. Two Convenient Locations: 11102 Abercorn St • 912.999.7005 • Orthosavannah.com 421 Pooler Pkwy • 912.999.7005 • OrthoNOWpooler.com

30 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Arthoroscopic ACL Reconstruction Revision Expertise Dr Jonathan Shults 912-999-7005 Schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Tracy Durham, Dr. Ruby Barkley & Dr. Gary Johnson

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Welcoming Dr. Gary Johnson in July 2016

Creating smiles that last a lifetime. www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

31

DINING GUIDE

P L A C E S TO E AT & D R I N K I N P O O L E R

S

Crawl Daddy’s: Seafood With A Cajun Flair Story by CINDY BURBAGE

Photos by provided by CRAWL DADDY’S

eafood can be served up in an array of styles: fried, steamed, broiled, grilled and even raw. What about spicy? Pooler’s newest restaurant, Crawl Daddy’s, offers fresh seafood with a Cajun flair.

It is locally owned and operated by seasoned business owners Roger Hudson, Mike Randerwala and Sean Randerwala who are making this a family affair. The majority of the staff, including the waitress and hosts are family members of the related entrepreneurs.

With over 35 years’ experience, Crawl Daddy’s is not the first restaurant adventure for Roger. Now with this trio, Crawl Daddy’s is sure to be added to their list of success stories.

Roger also owns Snazzy’s (with two locations) and Steamers at Georgetown. Roger Hudson shares, “I hold a culinary degree that I earned in the United States and spent several years working in and around Disney properties before making the transition to the family restaurant segment. I served as a general manager and district manager for Cracker Barrel for 14 years.” Trip Advisor and Yelp are fans of the seafood establishment; their successful restaurants are dotting the landscape across the coastal empire.

What makes Crawl Daddy’s stand above the crowd- their impeccable menu. Jordan Smith, manager, said, “Our eclectic Cajun style of seafood makes us different. Our specialties would be our raw bar and seafood boils; all of the mix that is used for the boils is made right here. Our dishes are prepared with fresh

32 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

seafood that are delivered to the restaurant every other day.”

The raw bar includes a variety of fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, crab legs, crawfish and mussels. Seafood boils include the ever famous low country boil, crab legs, cherrystone clams, crawfish and mussels and crawfish. With their made from scratch crawfish and shrimp etouffees, quality food is an obvious merit for Crawl Daddy’s. Other Louisiana style entrees on their delicious menu includes classics as shrimp jambalaya, shrimp creole, gumbo, and red beans and rice; which are all served over a bed of rice with hushpuppies. The Cajun establishment also offers juicy steaks for the land lovers. But if you are looking for unique dishes, they have that covered with their special fried frog legs and gator tail.

Last, and certainly not least, is the dessert selection that consist of homemade bread pudding, pecan pie and other pies and yummy cakes.

At Crawl Daddy’s, you will also find great drinks to wash down the mouthwatering food. They offer over twenty different beers on tap including craft, a great selection of wine, plus numerous liquors. Stop by during “Happy Hour” and enjoy a great beverage with friends.

Great entertainment compliments any meal. There are more than twenty HD flat screen television sets displayed around the dining and bar area for customers to enjoy their favorite sports including college football and NFL. No matter your location, a screen is in your view. Groovy music, such as the blues, is played

throughout restaurant for a more soothing amusing experience.

Atmosphere also defines an establishment. With their nautical décor, Crawl Daddy’s prides itself with its laid back and family style surroundings. Because of their spacious relaxed ambience, this seafood restaurant will quickly become a household name.

On Saturday August 27, Crawl Daddy’s held their ribbon cutting ceremony. Pooler Police Department was present along with Pooler Fire Department. Other special guests included Captain Jack Sparrow and Frozen Disney Princess’ Elsa and Anna. Customers enjoyed buy one pound get one pound free of zesty crawfish and crab.

Drink specials were also available and included $4 glasses of fine wine and craft beer, in addition two for one wells.

Operating a successful business is hard work. Crawl Daddy’s shares their love of their family in their restaurant. Roger Hudson shared, “I have four beautiful kids that is my drive behind what I do.”

Sitting on the corner of the Parkway Plaza off Godley Station Boulevard, the new establishment welcomes their neighborhood of Pooler.

From their excellent friendly staff to their relaxed family environment, Crawl Daddy’s will become your next favorite eating venue and sports bar. Although they have only been opened for a couple of months, they are clearly making their spicy mark on Pooler.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

33

TO ADVERTISE AUTHENTIC JAMAICAN CUISINE IN THE DINING GUIDE, or to find out how to get your restaurant, pub or bar listed please call

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34 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | July/August 2016

35

J

oin us for a three-day family friendly weekend! Whether you like to taste good food, play a round of golf, or come out for a festival that includes both a FREE concert and FREE fireworks show, there is something for everyone.

PATRIOTS AND HEROES GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, September 9, 2016 The GUNS and HOSES Golf Tournament will be held at the Savannah Quarters Golf Course.

There will be a shotgun start at 9:00 am.

ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT • Four player teams: You can sign up as a team or you can sign up individually and we will pair you with a team.

• Format will be a four person Scramble with a 9:00 am Shotgun start • There will be lots of special contests throughout the one round event.

• Price includes range balls, 18 holes of golf, and cart.

36 September/October 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com

Three options to play: 1) Sign up as a Team $400 Price includes range balls, 18 holes of golf for 4 and cart.

2) Sign up as an Individual $100 Price includes range balls, 18 holes of golf for 1 and cart.

3) Have your business or organization become a Major General level sponsor (which includes a four person team plus publicity for your business) FESTIVAL IN THE PARK The Festival in the Park will be held at the Pooler Park off Rogers Street (900 S. Rogers Street, Pooler) on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

The event is free and will be family friendly. There will be lots of opportunities to purchase food, drinks and merchandise from local vendors. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.

Gates open at 2:00 pm and the event is over at 9:30 pm.

Come out from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm for our third annual First

Helping Children Reach Their

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• Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy

Serving children from Pooler and surrounding areas.

Responders Showcase. This is a great chance to not only meet some the great folks that serve in our local Police and Fire Departments, but also to check out their vehicles and equipment. The whole family will enjoy this event. Come see firetrucks, fire safety house, police vehicles, emergency helicopters and more!

Free Amusement Rides Free Concert in the Park from 4 to 9:30 Local Band 8 Mile Bend takes the stage at 4PM. Local Pooler artist Jared Wade will take the stage as this year’s headliner at 7 PM. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the fireworks…they start at 9:15.

There is FREE parking available at West Chatham Middle School (corner of Rogers Street and Pine Barren Road). Old Town Trolley will be providing free shuttle service from 2:00pm10:00pm back and forth from the school to the park and back!

Please contact us at 912-988-1526 to schedule an appointment today.

110 Pipemakers Circle • Suite 115 • Pooler, GA

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

37

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A Pooler History Lesson

n December 1864, as William Sherman moved in on Savannah, he found that even though a scant ten miles away, he still has “miles and miles to go before he sleeps, for he had promises to keep.” You see, General Sherman promised to “give Savannah to President Lincoln for a Christmas present,” and Christmas was fast approaching. Thus it was that group of harassed Yankees that pitched a camp astride the Central of Georgia Railway at Pooler Station that cold December 9, 1864. Sherman stepped out of his headquarters tent, 300 yards west of the station and peered down the long, straight stretch of rails into the very heart of this seaside city of Savannah, which he was besieging. There were perhaps less than 200 war-wearied souls in this lonely, impoverished community of Pooler and neither they nor the General could envision the Pooler that is in existence today.

Pooler was named after Robert William Pooler in 1838. Mr. Pooler was a very civic-minded resident of Savannah and worked for the Central of Georgia Railroad. Mr. William W. Gordon, President of the Central of Georgia, named the first station west of Savannah after this hard working young man of whom he was very proud. Mr. Pooler had worked long and hard to establish a “feasibility study” of the venture in the towns and counties through which a proposed railroad would extend. Mr. Gordon

40 September/October | www.PoolerMagazine.com

and Mr. Pooler were both graduate law and engineering students, both born the same year, 1796, and each took a prominent part in the civic and military affairs of Savannah. Mr. Pooler never lived in the community named after him, and died on Christmas Day, 1853, at his residence on Bull and Liberty Streets in Savannah, and was buried in Colonial Cemetery, but later his body was interred in Laurel Grove Cemetery.

For several decades, this young community, and in fact all of Georgia, was dazed and stunned by the shock of the Civil War. Gradually, the South caught its breath in a new birth. About 1883, Mr. Ben Rothwell, bought several hundred acres in the community pioneered in a new method of community development by giving free lots to builders of permanent homes. Dan Newton built the first Baptist Church in Pooler in what is now known as Gleason Park. He also built a Presbyterian Church, which survived only a few years, and gave lumber for Pooler’s First Methodist Church. A sawmill was built to supply lumber to homebuilders and the embryonic community began to take shape. The brickyard supplied other needed materials and dairies soon found a ready market. Remains of the brickyard can be found near the railroad tracks just south of what is now I-95.

Near the turn of the century, Dr. William Blakely served the community as a real “country doctor.” He might have been seen

during the winter knocking on doors, advising mothers to hang a bag of asafetida around the children’s necks to ward of the croup, whooping cough, etc.. He was a beloved character and a line of children followed his mule-drawn wagon as it carried his body to the cemetery. Dr. Snow and Dr. Weaver served Pooler a half-century ago. Mr. Joe Heidt operated a soda fountain and a drug store in the early years of the century in a building on the main street. The Pooler Rifle Club was one of the first organizations of the town, being a step for protection, as there was no police patrol here. It later became a Sportsman Club.

In 1907, Pooler was incorporated. Mr. H.G. Beaufort was the first mayor. A town hall was erected in 1923 in order to have a permanent place to transact municipal business. One of the first women to vote in the State of Georgia was Mrs. Gary Goggins, who was also the only woman alderman for the Town of Pooler in the early 1900’s.

The town grew by leaps and bounds with the establishment of banks, automobile service stations and repair shops, restaurants, and with the opening of Interstate 95, many more shops and industries near and in the fair City of Pooler. The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum opened in 1996, bringing the veterans of the Eighth Air Force back “home.”

Article Courtesy of City of Pooler www.PoolerMagazine.com | September/October 2016

41

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46 September/October | www.PoolerMagazine.com

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48 September/October | www.PPooler O OMLagazine E R .·comS AVA N N A H · R I C H M O N D H I L L · R I N C O N