Pooler Magazine January/February 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

CAROLYN GUILFORD Change Your Mind to Save Your Life

January/February 2021

You Can Financially Support the Growth of Healthcare in Effingham—at No Cost!

Help us transform healthcare in our community by contributing to Effingham Health System through the Georgia HEART rural hospital tax credit opportunity!

100% STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT

CONTRIBUTION LIMITS LIFTED AS OF JULY 1 FOR 2020: � Limits for individual and married filing joint taxpayers are waived so long as you have the tax liability to support the contribution! � Limits for pass-through entity owners are waived so long as you have the tax liability – related to your pass-through ownership – to support the contribution!

� At any time during the year, a “C” Corporation or trust shall be allowed a 100% Georgia income tax credit for contributions to rural hospital organizations equal to the amount of the contribution, or 75% of the corporation or trust’s income tax liability, whichever is less.

Learn more and submit your short HEART Tax Credit Form at: GeorgiaHeart.org Or contact Georgia HEART staff at: heart@georgiaheart.org.

EffinghamHealth.org/TaxCredit

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MEET THE TEAM Jami Brannen

Steve Prudhomme is a freelance writer

is originally from Effingham County and now resides in Pembroke. Jami is a busy mom to two teenage girls and two fur babies. She has been the owner of A Shot in Time Photography since 2009 where she specializes in engagements, weddings, events, families, and her favorite subjects of all— children. In her spare time she loves to hang out with her girls, travel and attend drag racing events with her dad.

and tour guide who lives in Rincon with his wife and son. A native of New Jersey, he has a journalism degree from Georgia State University and worked as a newspaper sports editor on Hilton Head Island and editor for two community newspapers in Colorado. His hobbies include running, tennis, Frisbee and writing.

Michelle Holloway is a lifestyle

Cindy Reid is a graduate of Mills College

Tonya Perry is a married mother of

Laura Zielinski is a freelance graphic

photographer who studied photojournalism and public relations at Northern Arizona University, where she was awarded the Scripps Photojournalism Scholarship. During her time at NAU, she worked as a staff photographer for the Lumberjack school newspaper. She moved to Georgia with her husband three years ago after he accepted an engineering position with Gulfstream.

They have two beautiful children in their family.

two children and several animals. She is a photographer based out of Rincon, Ga. and a volunteer photographer at the Effingham County Animal Shelter in Springfield, where she photographs the animals in hopes of getting them adopted. She graduated from college with a degree in business. When not homeschooling & working, her favorite thing is to spend time with her husband, kids and dogs.

Jan Southern, DPA

Owner/Publisher Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com

Tonya Perry

Operations Manager Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com

in Oakland, CA. She spent most of her career working with authors in the retail book business before becoming one herself. She has a daughter who lives in the state of Washington. A native of New York's Hudson Valley, Cindy now makes her home on St. Helena Island.

designer specializing in print design. A creative writing major in college who was always passionate about art, Laura stumbled into graphic design 14 years ago and has never looked back.

She enjoys shaping stories through meaningful design and loves spending time with her husband and three beautiful children.

Penny Redmond Distribution

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK Don't forget to check out PoolerMagazine.com for more content, more photos and more information about events and happenings around the greater Pooler area.

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Your Community Website PoolerMagazine.com now includes

MORE community information, MORE events and happenings and MORE great stories about the people, places and happenings from Your Community Magazine.

PoolerMagazine.com THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS:

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IN THIS ISSUE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

10

34

20

38 ABOUT THE COVER After years of working as a nurse in hospitals and research institutions, Carolyn Guilford became inspired to become a wellness consultant to help her clients find health and wellness through changing their mindsets around food.

Features

10

20

34

Carolyn Guilford Nutritionist, Author, and Wellness Consultant Makes her Clients’ Health her Priority

Joyce Williams Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Her Passion for Helping Other Women Weather Their Own Storms

Casting a Lifeline for Veterans Guyton Man Helps Fellow Disabled Vets Calm Turbulent Waters Through Fishing Group

Departments

9 16 38 41 45

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Publisher’s Thoughts Boost Your Immunity with Healthy Foods Pooler Happenings Touchstones of Health & Wellness Pooler Events

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS JAN SOUTHERN Owner/Publisher Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com TONYA PERRY Operations Manager Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com PENNY REDMOND Distribution LAURA ZIELINSKI Design

Pooler Magazine is proudly produced by:

P.O. Box 2328 Rincon, GA 31326 (912) 295-5406 PoolerMagazine.com

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 Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com. Letters to the editor must have a phone number and name of contact.

Phone numbers will not be published.

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS 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 Jan Southern at Jan@ JDelSURMarketing.com.

Stories or ideas for stories must be submitted by email. Only feature stories and photo essays about people, places or things in the Pooler area will be considered.

CIRCULATION: Pooler Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed to more than 250 locations throughout the area, as well as mailed to thousands of homes. The full magazine is available online at PoolerMagazine.com.

Views expressed in editorial or advertising do not imply endorsement by J. DelSUR Marketing Group.

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

I’ve never been a big New Year celebration kind of gal. Sure, I love a good party, and my husband and I always do something special on New Year’s Eve. However, ringing in the New Year has never been important to me. If anyone knows me, they know that I am fast asleep before there is even a hint of a ball dropping and I am up well before the sun the next day. New Year’s Day is just another day if you are looking at the big picture. But ringing in 2021 will be different. I could not be happier to say goodbye to 2020.

While 2020 had its share of good Jan Southern memories, it was more stressful than any year in my memory.

It has taken a toll on our ability to connect, to make new friends and to live a healthy life in some cases. That is why this Health & Wellness issue is so timely. In this issue, we share stories about people who have overcome illness, trauma and loss, and came out better on the other side—even making it their mission to help others going through similar journeys. Truly inspiring. We also learn a little about healthy eating, mindfulness and fitness transformations.

So good riddance…2020. I am extremely hopeful for the New Year. I can’t wait to see what the Pooler community does in 2021. I look forward to seeing families get back on their feet and businesses thrive again.

Be sure to continue to check in with Pooler Magazine—pick up every issue and visit PoolerMagazine.com. We have some exciting new features coming up this year and I can’t wait to share it all with you, our loyal readers.

Happy New Year.

Owner/Publisher Pooler Magazine

{

We want to hear from you!

Please send your comments, questions and stories ideas to Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com.

}

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 7

We can’t wait to spend our year with you!

LOOK FOR OUR 2021 ISSUES: Jan./Feb.:

Health and Wellness

March/April: Women in Business/Music and Arts May/June:

Home and Garden

July/August: Career Issue/Business To Business (section) Sept./Oct.:

Sports Issue

Nov./Dec.:

Anniversary Issue/Shop Local

DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE Subscribe to get Pooler Magazine delivered right to your door—visit PoolerMagazine.com/magazine-subscription. You can also pick up a copy from more than 175 locations throughout Pooler (full listing available at PoolerMagazine.com) or read online at PoolerMagazine.com.

Do you know an OUTSTANDING WOMAN who leads a business or nonprofit within the greater Pooler area? Nominate her for a chance to be featured in Pooler Magazine.

Our March/April 2021 issue is our inaugural WOMEN IN BUSINESS issue. We want to highlight the female leaders in our community and share their stories.

Submit suggestions to Info@PoolerMagazine.com or call 912.295.5406.

Deadline for feature stories is February 8, 2021.

PoolerMagazine.com

CAROLYN GUILFORD Change Your Mind to Save Your Life Story by Cindy Reid Photos by Michelle Holloway

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C

arolyn Guilford—nutritionist, author, and wellness consultant—says her interest in the medical field began at an early age.

“I grew up in a home with my mother and my aunt. My father died when I was young, so my aunt came to live with us. She was a nurse, and I would watch her getting dressed in the mornings, in her white hose, white uniform, and the crisp white nurse’s cap. She wore a beautiful blue cape with gold buttons and the pins. I wanted to be like her, I wanted to be a nurse. But I didn’t have a clue!”

After graduating high school, Carolyn attended the nursing program at Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern Armstrong campus), graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree (she was a 3.8 Honors Grad). She was recruited by Savannah’s Candler General Hospital and chose to work in ICU, which required additional Critical Care certification that she received at Armstrong.

“I loved it. I stayed eight years a certified critical care nurse in Candler’s ICU department,” she says. “But I worked 7:00pm to 7:00am, and that was not my forte. I fell asleep at a school crossing. I stopped at the sign, with my foot on the brake and

biological samples over the course of three years in Savannah.

The study brought to light transformative information. Carolyn says, “Nutrition was the answer. Our bodies depend on what we put into them for growth, health, and our wellbeing. For keeping our hearts beating every day and our ability to think, walk and talk. Everything depends on the food we eat.”

She says, “It put everything in perspective for me. I had long before made the decision to stop eating pork and shellfish as the teen, based on what I read in Leviticus.

Also, I could easily relate to patient’s poor health coming into the hospital and also in evaluating what the hospital provides for patients’ meals. I could see this connection between food and health.”

She was offered the opportunity to continue the research work at other sites when the Savannah site closed, but chose instead to remain at home, to be within the community. “That’s when I started Health Restoration Consulting, to teach people— especially critically ill clients suffering from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer—what they didn’t know about nutrition.”

“Our bodies depend on what we put into them for

growth, health, and our wellbeing. For keeping our hearts beating every day and our ability to think, walk and talk. Everything depends on the food we eat.” fell asleep. The crossing guard, who was a policeman that day, told me ‘Lady the night shift isn’t for everybody.’”

After leaving the hospital, Carolyn says, “I heard they needed a nurse at the Chatham County jail. The Sheriff told me if I took the job, my only job was to be the nurse, and I would never be in danger. He said, ‘Worry about your job and nothing else.’ Once he assured me that I was safe, I was good to go.

They hired me that day and I was in heaven. I had the best time anyone ever had in jail!”

Nutritional Answers Carolyn had a desire to give back to her community and hometown of Savannah, and so she left Chatham County Sheriff's Dept. for a position with the International Epidemiology Institute for a research study—The Southern Community Cohort Study—which investigates the lifestyle habits of Southerners to learn why they have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer than anywhere else in the world. The study conducted research via interview and

Health Restoration Consulting Carolyn started her new venture, Health Restoration Consulting (HRC), in 2004.

“It was scary because I didn’t have a plan, but my heart was in it. I was known in the community, from being a home health nurse, and assisting people in my church, and from interviewing so many people while working with the Southern Community Cohort Study. I was already connected to a large group, so the networking was easy. Wherever I went, I had the opportunity to tell people about my new venture HRC.” Health Restoration Consulting evolved over time. “Initially I would go with whatever the client needed, from in home care, to nutritional guidance or support in getting resources, or as an advocate at the doctor’s office or hospital. I would talk to my clients about how to manage their diabetes, or finding the right care for them, whatever they needed. I was all over the place!”

Over time, Wellness Education moved into the forefront of her services, but she says” I still see clients one on one. Persons

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“I put my heart and soul into my clients success and wellbeing... I know it’s difficult for them. Diabetes is hard. Heart disease is hard. Cancer is extremely hard.

Start with an open mind because if you can change your mind, you can save your life!” with cancer particularly need a lot of one on one. My work is different from the mainstream, it’s very personalized.”

In addition, Carolyn conducts “cooking school” classes for her clients. She says, “People who don’t cook don’t know what they are eating, and I believe not knowing is a disadvantage when it comes to health and wellbeing. And topics such as ‘What is sugar, and how much is okay?’ ‘How to eat ‘clean,’’ ‘How processing changes food,’ ‘How to distinguish between healthy food and something to eat,’ and ‘How to maximize nutrient value in meals’ are vitally important.”

“My clients are very receptive because it’s their health and their lives on the line.

But this goes against most societal and 12

cultural norms around food consumption,” Carolyn says. “But our love of fast, easy, and cheap is never going to be the best for you.”

She says cooking nutritious food is second nature to her. “I never ate anything that was not made by someone who didn’t know and love me. I didn’t eat in a restaurant until I was in college. When you eat out you are entrusting your wellbeing to folk who don’t know you.”

But Carolyn says the biggest offender to a healthy lifestyle is television. “Watch in moderation!” She suggests her clients turn off the TV and read the materials she provides, so they can understand the science and research behind making new choices. She says her clients need to make lifestyle changes and practice new

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

behaviors such as going to bed earlier, learning meditation, cooking more, getting more fresh air and sunlight, and eating out less.

There are many benefits to better nutrition, including regaining control and independence. “Clients need a lot of support and information, and when they get five to ten days into the ‘clean eating’ program they start to feel better. Profound life changes can take a long time, but I have had persons on track for dialysis, whose kidneys were functioning better in just three months or less.”

She stresses her programs all start with being ready to change, “because no amount of information or support matters until you have the ‘mindset to change’.”

LEARN MORE Carolyn Guilford, CNC Health Restoration Consulting Nutritionist & Author & Speaker healthrestoration101.com carolyn@healthrestoration101.com

Carolyn says, “I put my heart and soul into my clients success and wellbeing. I don’t have a thousand clients but folks who are serious about changing their lives find me. I know it’s difficult for them. Diabetes is hard. Heart disease is hard. Cancer is extremely hard. Start with an open mind because if you can change your mind, you can save your life!”

Today Carolyn was born and raised in Savannah and says, “I have traveled to a lot of places, and still call Savannah home.”

She overcame a fear of flying early in her career. “I was offered a Cancer Biology Fellowship at Scripps Research Institute in LaJolla, California. I had to fly into San Diego alone, and I was not

Find Carolyn’s books on Amazon, and check out her new book—The Christians' Guide to An Excellent Life .

going to pass that up. My fear of flying When she is not working with her immediately evaporated! So, now I have clients, Carolyn likes to go to the beach flown so many times I have lost count, in and enjoys museums and concerts— fact I have been flown to a client’s home especially jazz events—“all the things that for consultation.” aren’t happening right now,” she says.

In addition to personal visits, for But she still enjoys cooking for people. her clients, Carolyn will do phone calls, On Thanksgiving she cooked for her Facetime, Zoom, whatever they feel most clients and friends, who came by and comfortable using. She says Covid-19 picked up food throughout the day, has made it harder for people because making what could have been a lonely they are staying home more, eating more holiday for people so much brighter. convenience foods, and watching lots of Regarding her path from admiring stressful news on television. her aunt’s beautiful blue nurse’s cape “I have been using this time for to wellness coach, nutritionist and reading, researching, supporting clients, author Carolyn says, “It’s been an and catching up on chores at home. I amazing journey that I feel honored and am often their accountability partner blessed to have shared with so many and we communicate via phone, emails along the way.” n and texts.” www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 13

Hometown service from your

HOMETOWN PHARMACY

We accept Medicare Part D and insurance prescription cards.

(912) 748-1414 |

carterspharmacy.org

1017 HWY 80E, Pooler (in the food lion shopping center)

Welcomes DR. JENNIFER MILES to our practice.

JENNIFER R. MILES, MD recently joined ENT Associates.

Dr. Miles completed her residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, in June of this year after obtaining her MD status at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

SHE HOLDS MEMBERSHIPS IN THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY—HEAD & NECK SURGERY AS WELL AS THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OTOLARYNGIC ALLERGY. Dr. Miles is originally from the Atlanta area. She and her husband are happily living in downtown Savannah along with their son. In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time with their miniature schnauzer.

DR. MILES WELCOMES PATIENTS OF ALL AGES, ESPECIALLY PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.

Learn more about ENT Associates of Savannah at www.entsavannah.com 14

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

“We are proud that many of our product lines are American Made!”

COASTAL FLOOR COVERING

Solid Reputation, New Innovations Coastal Floor Covering has been a stable name in this area for many years. Now that name has new owners with big plans.

Tony Sapp and Dean Hinely, the new owners of Coastal Floor Covering, are looking forward to building on the company’s solid reputation while expanding into innovative new territories. Tony says, “The company has a great reputation, and is known for its quality of materials and workmanship. We will continue the tradition of offering the same high quality products and superior customer service while bringing a few new services that will enhance the overall customer experience.”

One of the new expansions will be home remodeling, offering custom kitchens and bathrooms. Dean has a solid reputation of these services, and he and Tony are excited to offer that as a new facet of their business.

“This will enable our customers to have the opportunity to completely remodel their home and transform it into the home they always wanted. We will be in every phase of remodeling and new construction, from designing your new rooms to installing every phase of the new products,” adds Tony.

Tony and Dean are from this area. Both men grew up in Effingham County and still live here today. With Dean’s vast knowledge of construction and Tony’s business background, this duo has big plans of bringing Coastal Floor Covering into Effingham County.

Tony says, “We both have deep roots in our community and we are really excited to be able to bring this business to new heights in this area and be able to offer great products at great prices to our family and friends,” says Tony.

Coastal Floor Covering has been in the flooring business since 1971. When it comes to selecting the best flooring solution for a particular application, their experience will save you time and money. The professionals at Coastal Floor Covering will work with you to design the optimal look and practical choices for your home. Eve-rything they do is customized for every customer.

Choices available for flooring include: Laminate—an extremely popular choice, laminate has the distinct look of hardwood flooring and is affordable, resistant to stains, moisture and fading, and exceptionally durable.

Hardwood—Hardwood floors have an elegant high-end look. They bring warmth and beauty and never go out of style.

Carpet—Carpet is soft, warm, and comfortable, and it provides a huge number of texture and color choices.

Tile—tile floors can really enhance the overall look of your home and is usually the first choice for bathrooms, utility, and laundry rooms.

LVT & Vinyl—Luxury Vinyl Tile gives the look and feel of rich and natural materials while being very resilient. A good practical choice for many homes.

Professional Flooring Installation Coastal Floor Covering will handle the professional installation of your new flooring. Their professional staff will measure your floors and determine exactly how much flooring you need to buy. Whether it be carpet installation, tile flooring installation, hardwood flooring installation, luxury vinyl plank installation, or laminate floor installation, they’ve got you covered.

Give Coastal Floor Covering a call or stop by the showroom and see what they can do for your home!

(912) 925-1040 | www.coastalfloorcovering.com | 6011 Ogeechee Road, Savannah, GA www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 15

Boost Your Immunity with

HEALTHY FOODS

S

taying healthy is important year-round, but especially in the cooler months when temperatures drop, people spend more time inside and germs can spread easily.

What you eat and the lifestyle you embrace are critical components of staying healthy.

Nourishing meals full of fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods and whole grains help provide the body’s immune system with the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, being physically active every day, having enough fluids and reducing stress also help keep the immune system in shape.

As a nutritious food to include on your grocery list, grapes of all colors—red, green and black—contain more

than 1,600 natural plant compounds such as antioxidants and other polyphenols that help protect the health of cells throughout the body. They also contain about 82% water, so they provide important fluids for hydration, which is also critical to a healthy immune system.

Grapes can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or an immuneboosting ingredient in recipes like Chicken, Spinach and Grape Pita sandwiches and Grape and Salmon Power Salad (recipes below). Each provides a mix of immune-supporting nutrients, including zinc in chicken, vitamins A and C in kale, polyphenols in grapes and other important nutrients in the salmon, walnuts and barley.

CHICKEN, SPINACH AND GRAPE PITA

GRAPE AND SALMON POWER SALAD

Serves 4

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp pine nuts 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp minced shallot 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 pinch red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp ground sumac salt freshly ground black pepper 1 package (5-6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, washed and dried 1 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (about 8 ounces) 1 cup red California grapes, sliced 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 4 whole-wheat pita breads (6 1/2 inches each), warmed and halved

3/4 cup pearled barley 3 cups firmly packed kale leaves, torn and sliced into ribbons 1 cup halved red or black seedless California grapes 8 ounces cold, cooked salmon, skin and bones removed 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS In small skillet over medium-high heat, toast pine nuts, stirring constantly until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and let cool. In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, shallot, olive oil, red pepper flakes, sumac, salt and pepper. Add spinach, chicken, grapes, feta and pine nuts; toss to mix. Stuff into pita breads and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING 445 calories; 24 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (39% calories from fat); 5 g saturated fat (10% calories from saturated fat); 57 mg cholesterol; 658 mg sodium; 6 g fiber.

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Dressing: 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 clove garlic, mashed 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cook barley according to package directions. Drain and cool.

2. Tenderize kale by blanching in boiling water 2-3 seconds or microwaving 1 minute. Rinse pieces in cold water to stop cooking; squeeze dry. Fluff and uncrimp dry kale pieces with fingers. In medium bowl, mix barley, kale, grapes, salmon and walnuts.

3. To make dressing: In small bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne. Gradually mix in olive oil. Pour onto salad and fold gently to combine.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING 413 calories; 15 g protein; 30 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (47% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 22 mg cholesterol; 232 mg sodium; 500 mg potassium; 4 g fiber.

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W

hen we read the word “Luxe,” we may think of “luxury,” When Becky Partin named her real estate company “Luxe,” she envisioned luxury service.

“At Luxe Real Estate Services, Luxe means Luxury Customer Service,” says Becky. “Luxury in home buying may mean different things to different people. However, luxurious customer service is what we do. It is applied to every clients’ home buying experience.

Passionate about real estate most of her life, Becky Partin’s goal has always been to own a brokerage—one where she would offer everything a big brokerage offers but with the personal service and attention to the individual clients’ needs not often found in real estate.

Becky states, “One of my greatest joys is helping my clients find their dream home.”

www.LuxeRealEstate.com

912.551.5893

With years of experience and a shared vision, the team at Luxe Real Estate Services prides themselves on several key factors in providing exceptional service: helping clients find their dream home, good communication during every step of the home buying and selling process, ensuring smooth transactions, unmatched follow up and great administration support ensuring deadlines are met.

With an office in Richmond Hill, the agents at Luxe Real Estate Services live, work and play in Pooler and surrounding areas.

Their connections in the communities within Pooler, Port Wentworth, Savannah, Effingham County and Richmond Hill ensure they serve their clients with the best market knowledge and negotiation skills to leverage the best outcomes in the home buying and selling process.

When you choose Luxe Real Estate Services, you choose luxurious customer service.

Whether you are ready to buy or sell your home or would like to plan your next move, give Becky Partin and her team at Luxe a call.

becky@luxerealestateservices.com 9998 Ford Avenue, Suite 4 | Richmond Hill, GA www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 17

Please consider adopting!

EFFINGHAM COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 912.754.2109 | www.ecas.petfinder.com

Here to help

protect your home.

Get a Quote

Patrick Parker, Agent www.patparkeragency.com

912.330.9191

Here to help life go right®

WHAT’S BETTER THAN

Chocolate & Coffee ?

Local chocolate and small batch roasted coffee available at MoSouthernCollection.com or Ellen Claire Soapery MoSouthernCollection.com (3130 Highway 80, Suite B | Bloomingdale, Ga.) 18

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912.748.9622 ymcaofcoastalga.org

165 Isaac G. LaRoche Dr. Pooler, GA 31322

JOYCE WILLIAMS “Together We Weather the Storm” Story by Cindy Reid

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

Photo by Tonya Perry

J

oyce Williams is a breast cancer survivor whose passion is helping others who are going through what she experienced. She is the founder of the Keepers of the Flame: Breast Cancer Resource Center, where “Together We Weather the Storm,” and the mission is “to shine light into the darkness, empowering women, and our communities, to weather breast cancer.”

Joyce says that the idea of a lighthouse initially came to her after her mastectomy. “I saw my scars in the mirror for the first time and I didn’t recognize myself. I looked down and saw a lighthouse charm on my bracelet, and it clicked that I wasn’t the only one. Afterwards I spoke with other women who had survived and made it to the other side of their own storms, and they became my lighthouses.”

“Together, we wanted to shine that light for others, so we participated in a 60 mile walk to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. Because the original lighthouse had flames, the idea became Keepers of the Flame, and Together We Weather.”

After the event, Joyce wanted to take the support and outreach even further, and thus founded Keepers of the Flame.

Six Pillars of Resilience “I am really excited to be in Effingham Magazine right now because my YouTube channel just went live, and I want women to know about this free support,” says Joyce. “On the channel I present The Six

She stresses that the classes are totally free and available to anyone. Joyce says each class is only 10 to 15 minutes long because “people dealing with breast cancer have too much on their plate to sit for an hour class.”

The classes range from the first “Finding Resilience After Breast Cancer” to the last two ’practical classes:’ “Emotional Resilience,” with information from Building Blocks Family Counseling in Pooler, and “Physical Resilience,” which includes practical information on yoga and mindfulness from Mary at The Barre and Yoga Room in Rincon.

“I am not grateful for cancer, but I now have a mission to help anyone else by exposing my hurt and my healing to other women in order to provide information and support.”

Photo by Michelle Holloway

Pillars of Resilience, which is a researchbased curriculum consisting of ten short classes (YouTube videos). In it I talk about support, resources, resilience, and simple strategies that people can do each day to strengthen their own resilience and to help the breast cancer survivor weather their own storm.”

Podcast Before the YouTube channel, Joyce created a podcast series of educational and support episodes for those fighting breast cancer.

“Every Wednesday I interviewed an expert, usually medical experts, on breast cancer topics,” says Joyce. In May 2020 she celebrated the one year mark for episodes.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 21

Photo by Michelle Holloway

LEARN MORE: YouTube Channel: Keepers of the Flame: Breast Cancer Support | www.togetherweweather.org Podcasts available via website, iTunes, and Google Podcast |

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

togetherweweather |

#togetherweweatherthisstorm

The podcast topics include: • Working with Grief & Traumatic Loss • Breast Cancer Basics with Breast Surgeon, Dr. William Burak • Radiation Oncology with Dr. Michael Hasselle • 3D nipple and areola tattooing with professional medical tattoo artist, Renee Maschinot • Chemotherapy with Vanessa Brink (NP in medical oncology) • Lymphedema with Expert Corie Turley, and other medical topics.

The podcast is available on iTunes and Google Podcasts, and through the Keepers of the Flame website.

Joyce’s Story “I grew up a Navy brat and my husband Bryan grew up an Army brat. We went to high school together in Virginia but were just friends back then. We met up after college and ended up in Colorado together and then to Georgia. He is an aerospace engineer at Gulfstream. My college degree is in Biology and I was a biology teacher at South Effingham High School.”

Joyce remembers, “I was teaching biology and one day I was talking about chromosomal inheritance, and thought ‘hmm, maybe I should look into that for colon cancer, because it ran in my family.’”

Forward a few years later to 2017 and Joyce was now a stay-at-home mother to their two little girls, Leona, 4, and Sage, 5. She was at her OBGYN for a routine checkup and decided to finally get that colon cancer genetic screening. She says she filled out the questionnaire for colon cancer and the BRCA2 test was simply an “add on.”

the population) carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. A BRCA mutation occurs when the DNA that makes up the gene becomes damaged in some way. (www. nationalbreastcancer.org/what-is-brca) The Tests Come Back Joyce’s test results came back negative for the colon cancer mutation but positive for BRCA2.

“It was a complete shock to me and my doctor because there was absolutely no history of breast cancer in my family,” says Joyce, “but this meant the risk of me developing breast cancer was 84% chance in my lifetime.”

Joyce had a mammogram, and it was negative. Six months later she had an MRI and they found three masses in the same breast. “Within ten months I had a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction breast surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a complete hysterectomy, because BRCA2 means an elevated risk for ovarian cancer.”

She was 36 years old.

sooner than I wanted. I didn’t have much control over when my time would come, none of us do.”

“As I listened to the song, the lines, “I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it’s what you leave behind you when you go,” sunk in.

I was terrified of dying, and it bugged me immensely that I didn’t have control over that. But then it hit me, I could control HOW I lived while I was here; and I started to wonder: what do I want to leave behind?”

“That’s when a quote that I love so much, first came to my mind. ’If acts of kindness were like snowflakes, unique in their own beauty, then when we’d increase these acts, we’d see snow.’ That’s it! I wanted to leave behind metaphorical ’snow.’ I might not be able to control when my time comes, but each day that I am here, I can work on making another snowflake. I can be kind. I can show up for people.”

This is the second year Joyce and her girls are creating a Snowflake Project. Last year, Leona and Sage did chores around the house to help pay for purchasing eight new stuffed animals to donate to their local police department to be given to children experiencing a traumatic event.

This year they will use the funds they raise through baking to fund a scholarship for the Building Blocks Family Counseling class “Making Lemonade: How to Make Lemonade When Cancer Keeps Giving You Lemons” online course. Joyce urges everyone to make their own “snowflakes” of compassion and love—“let’s let it snow!”

“I might not be able to control when my time comes, but each day that I am here, I can...be kind. I can show up for people”

What Is BRCA? The name “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer gene.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing breast cancer.

Every human has both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Despite what their names might suggest, BRCA genes do not cause breast cancer. In fact, these genes normally play a big role in preventing breast cancer.

They help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of tumors. Because of this, the BRCA genes are known as tumor suppressor genes.

However, in some people these tumor suppression genes do not work properly.

When a gene becomes altered or broken, it doesn’t function correctly. This is called a gene mutation. A small percentage of people (about one in 400, or 0.25% of

Joyce says “Biology is, by definition, the study of life; and my study of biology actually ended up saving my life. I am not grateful for cancer, but I now have a mission to help anyone else by exposing my hurt and my healing to other women in order to provide information and support.”

In addition to her many activities through Keepers of the Flame, Joyce is a Survivor Ambassador volunteer at Susan G Komen Coastal Georgia, part of the Survivorship Committee at Memorial, recently participated in the virtual Race for the Cure, and organized an annual SwimA-Thon fundraiser in her neighborhood with her daughters.

Snowflake Project Close to her heart is the Snowflake Project, which came about in a very personal way. As Joyce tells it, “On a chilly December day back in 2017, when I was overcome with turmoil, I put my hands together to pray. Within seconds, I heard Randy Travis’s song, Three Wooden Crosses, play on the radio. I was afraid of dying, of not being there for my children, of being ripped away from this world

Family Life The Williams enjoy spending time together with family bike rides and family game nights. Today Joyce is doing well and says that “we must live our lives. We are changed from our experiences, but these experiences don’t have to define us.”

She plans on continuing her work with those fighting breast cancer and says, “I may not have control over my cancer, my BRCA2 mutation, or even whether or not I passed that gene onto my children; but I do have control (in part) over the kind of world that I want to leave for my children.”

“I know from personal experience just how rough a cancer diagnosis and treatments can be, and I promise you that you don’t have to do this alone. I am happy to tell anybody my story because I don’t want anyone to feel they are the only one.

We may have to be the ones to walk the walk, but we don’t have to do it alone.” n

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 23

Do you ever wish you could have delicious, made from scratch meals that are ready to pop in the oven when you get home from a long day? Do you wish someone else could plan the menu for your family’s meals and prepare all of the ingredients too? Well, Dinner is Served!

Dinner is Served offers freshly prepared meals that are ready to take home and cook. Customers can purchase one dish, a week’s worth of dinners, or even meals for the entire month! The delicious dishes are prepared and kept frozen until purchased at Dinner is Served on Highway 80 in Pooler.

Debby Hess started Dinner is Served three years ago, with a mission to help busy families. In Pooler, Debby cooked for her local moms’ group. She held meal-prep parties where guests prepared their meals with ingredients that she provided. Debby received so many compliments on the food and the process that her meal-prep parties evolved to a storefront business in Pooler to help busy local families with cooking healthy and delicious meals. Debby is grateful to God to be able to help other people and is excited to continue preparing new and special dishes for the community.

Debby is especially proud of her holiday fare. “My holiday menu is very special to me. Thanksgiving and Christmas are a big deal in my family. The holiday menu at Dinner is Served has our favorite sides, appetizers, my personal dressing, cranberry sauce, and spinach artichoke dip recipes. I even put my mama’s squash casserole recipe on the menu!”

Take the hassle out of dinner. Pick up your meals at Dinner is Served.

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HELPING CHILDREN REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

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All just an easy drive from home.

While you’re here, explore our inviting downtown areas, wineries, and farms. Effingham County has one-of-a-kind shops, and restaurants to suit any taste.

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

BREWER LAND SURVEYING Brewer Land Surveying is a fullservice land surveying firm located in Pooler and licensed for operation in Georgia and South Carolina. Owner J. Craig Brewer is a licensed Land Surveyor with over 14 years of professional experience. Experience, attention to detail and customer service are the keys to the success of Brewer Land Surveying.

Although the company has grown over its 10 years in business, their focus remains on the individual customer.

Craig says “We serve everyone, from the homeowner who needs a residential survey, to commercial developers and design professionals. We work with architects, engineers, attorneys, real estate professionals and mortgage companies. No job is too small for us.”

Their areas of focus include Commercial and Residential Land Surveys, Topographic and As-Built Base Map creation, ALTA-NSPS Land Title Surveys, as well as FEMA Flood Elevation Certificates, Boundary Surveys, Foundation Surveys, Subdivision Plats,

GPS Control Points, Route Surveys, Wetland and Marsh Jurisdiction Line Mapping and Aerial Photography Control.

“Every survey is unique to the property and environmental factors surrounding the property,” says Craig, “and because we have the experience, we know what to look for and how to manage complex issues.”

FUN FACT- Three of the four U.S. Presidents on Mount Rushmore were land surveyors. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln surveyed colonial or frontier territories prior to serving office.

Craig and his team at Brewer Land Surveying are ready to work with you on your project, residential or commercial.

“Please contact us to discuss your needs.

There is no charge for estimates,” says Craig, “We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and provide you with the best service in the industry.”

J. Craig Brewer Craig is licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor in the states of Georgia and South Carolina. Craig has over fifteen years of experience as a land surveyor. His areas of focus include Commercial and Residential Land Surveys, Topographic and As-Built Base Map creation, Construction and Industrial surveys, and ALTA-ACSM Land Title Surveys.

Craig has also written product reviews for Professional Surveyor Magazine.

Brewer Land Surveying 604 US Highway 80 W, Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 856-2205 info@brewersurvey.com

BREWER LAND SURVEYING Brewer Land Surveying is a full-service, fully-automated land surveying and mapping firm licensed in Georgia and South Carolina. Residential and Commercial.

J. Craig Brewer, Licensed Professional Land Surveyor

Some of the services we offer are: • FEMA Flood Elevation • ALTA/ACSM Land Title Certificates Surveys • Boundary Surveys • Subdivision Plats • Topographical Surveys • GPS Control Points • Foundation Surveys • Mapping GIS infrastructure • As-built Surveys • Aerial Photography • Route Surveys Control Targeting Estimates are free, so call us today. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and provide you with the best service in the industry— high quality surveying and mapping services in a timely manner at a reasonable cost.

912-856-2205 info@brewersurvey.com www.brewersurvey.com www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 27

Give yourself the GIFT OF FITNESS this year MONTH TO MONTH MEMBERSHIP $42.99 per month No contract. No enrollment fee. No club enhancement fee.

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KEVIN ROSA’S FITNESS JOURNEY

by Cindy Reid

Kevin Rosa didn’t know the day the client didn’t show up would change his life. Originally from Puerto Rico, Kevin was attending Georgia Southern University and had a basic gym membership at SoFit Gym in Pooler, where he was working out on his own. One day Aaron Van Gorp, a Personal Trainer and Gym Sales Manager at SoFit Gym, had a client not show up. He asked Kevin if he wanted a free session.

Free? Everybody likes free. Kevin thought ‘sure, why not?’

Aaron’s professionalism and positive attitude was apparent from the start. His dedication to physical fitness was infectious because after the free session Kevin decided to sign up for a six month training package. He started working out regularly with Aaron and with Cory Inman, another Personal Trainer at SoFit Gym. Right away he saw that they were as invested in his success as he was, which in turn motivated Kevin even more.

“Kevin and I met by what we thought was happenstance. But when I explained how personal training changed my life, he bought into, made the investment, and it changed his too,” said Aaron.

Physical & Mental Health “Your mental health will always follow your physical health.”

Both trainers instilled this idea in Kevin, explaining that the two are co-joined. This thought really resonated with Kevin because, like all of us, he occasionally has down days and has found that if 28

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

he takes care of his physical health it improves his mental state.

“If I can life heavy weight and get through a workout even when I didn’t feel like starting, I can accomplish anything!”

He sees his journey to physical fitness as an investment in his whole self. “Achieving daily goals builds confidence,” says Kevin, “which fights depression and leads to other positive things in life.”

Investing in his whole self includes learning about nutrition and paying attention to what foods he puts in his body.

Physical activity and good nutrition are now an integral part of his life. “Small efforts over time create big results,” he says, “Now working out never feels like a chore.”

Helping Others Having made so many positive changes himself, Kevin says he enjoys watching others at the gym work toward their goals. He is inspired by the people that have weight to lose and are there working on solutions and improved fitness.

Using his experiences to support others is one way Kevin can give back some of the help he received. He says, “I probably never would have committed if it weren’t for the encouragement of Aaron, Cory and others at SoFit Gym,” he says. “We all need others.”

Now 25 years old, Kevin is in his last year at Georgia Southern University, majoring in Electrical Engineering and enjoying a new life of mental and physical fitness. And it’s all because he said ‘yes’ to a free training session. As they say, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!”

“The holiday season is a

Perfect time TO REFLECT ON OUR

Blessings and seek out ways to

MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THOSE AROUND US.” – TERRI MARSHALL

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 29

GET MORE of Pooler Magazine

Trish B. Stylin’ Design and Alterations For those who start the conversation.

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• Custom Gowns, Including Bridal • Custom Suits • Specialty Alterations • Tailoring • Specializing in Unique Couture Garment Construction—the More Dramatic, the Better!

Horizon Staffing is a full-service employment staffing agency serving greater Savannah and Atlanta. With more than 20 years of experience in the Savannah area alone, they are the answer to your unique hiring challenges. They help provide employment services for dozens of clients for temporary and full-time employment.

Horizon Staffing helps to facilitate the connections between employers and qualified applicants in order to help meet staffing needs. They work to fill warehouse, personnel with general labor and forklift experience, as well as administrative and clerical positions.

According to Savannah native, Lisa Yannett, Vice President and co-owner of the Savannah branch, Horizon Staffing is a solution driven company focused on how it can positively impact its customers’ bottom line—and in turn, become a valued business partner.

(912) 355-5966

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

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32

• 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

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

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Every dollar that is given to the United Way Community Fund goes towards a new scholar in the making, especially those in need of a little extra help. Last year, 5,076 children and youth improved their social-emotional skills.

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The average nail technician in the U.S. has six months of professional training. For people with diabetes, neuropathy, sensitive feet or other ailments of the feet, a pedicure can be dangerous if handled by an undertrained technician. Classic pedicure uses nail clippers, cuticle cutters and pushers, steel nail files and in some cases even razors or credo knives.

Even with great care and an emphasis on hygiene at these salons there is always a risk for the transmission of thousands of diseases, like mold and fungal infection, athletes’ feet or even HIV and hepatitis. Customers with diabetes and other foot sensitivities should avoid pedicures that are not medical pedicures.

Fortunately, we now have a master pedicurist in Pooler.

Bellis Health & Wellness Spa pedicures are performed by the only Podology Certified Master Pedicurist in the area (GA, FL and SC) and is a Certified Medical Pedicurist by European Union of Podiatry. Bellis is a full-service salon for the treatment of ingrown nail, nail plate replacement and silicone correctors. We also have children’s treatments.

The brand-new office in Pooler treats, prevents and comforts with the most advanced, non-surgical, non-invasive treatments for the body, including Active Cryotherapy, Ozone Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Plasma Fibroblast, Horizontal Infrashape Therapy, Microblading, Bodyca, Lympha Press and more.

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Limited Services in our Bluffton, SC office at 167 A Bluffton Rd www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 33

CASTING a LIFELINE for VETERANS Guyton Man Helps Fellow Disabled Vets Calm Turbulent Waters Through Fishing Group Story by Stephen Prudhomme Photos by Jami Brannen

34

D

isabled veterans returning home often have difficulty readjusting to civilian life as they battle physical, mental and emotional issues. A number of them, unfortunately, are unable to cope and commit suicide.

One of their own is casting a lifeline through a sport he loves and has helped provide healing in his own life.

Kevin Edwards, 56, is a resident of Guyton who works as a technical specialist and writer in Gulfstream’s Technical Operations Department. He’s also a disabled veteran who served in aviation in the Air Force and as a forward observer and infantryman in the Army National Guard during a 14-year military career. As a result of being an infantryman late in his career, Edwards developed degenerative disc disease and was medically discharged right before he was scheduled for deployment to Kuwait.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

Returning home, Edwards struggled to regain a sense of normalcy as he endured debilitating pain from his neck to his legs and went through three surgeries. He found solace in fishing, an avocation he had pursued for much of his life, reveling in the calming effects of being out in nature and on the water in his boat. Catching the big one was a bonus.

Spreading his Net Earlier this year, Edwards spread his fishing net, so to speak, starting Casting For a Cause Disabled Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit group designed to help disabled veterans and hopefully reduce the number of daily suicides that currently stands at 22.

“I want to promote awareness of the suicide problem among veterans while also providing opportunities for healing, regardless of what their disability may

be,” Edwards said. “Fishing can be an outlet for them, an opportunity to drop their guard, share private conversations and make sure they know we’re an extended service for them.”

Edwards is executive director/CEO and one of seven board members for the organization. His wife, Vicki, is executive assistant and maintains the group’s website. He said Covid has affected them a lot in terms of holding fundraisers.

Noting they’ve raised $3,500 this year, Edwards said he’s made up the difference in the annual $13,500 operating costs.

Tournament fishing, which requires additional funding, allows disabled veteran members an opportunity to reach the podium and be recognized with top competitors. Any prize money earned covers additional expenses, with the remaining balance split between the competing member and the organization.

“I want to promote awareness of the suicide problem among veterans while also providing opportunities for healing, regardless of what their disability may be.” www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 35

For information on membership, volunteering or donations, go to www.castingforacause.net.

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

“Gulfstream pays me well,” said Edwards, who has competed in a number of tournaments with some of the veterans and puts any prize money back into his organization.

Finding Camaraderie with a Line The veterans, most of whom are disabled and include an Army major who lost his leg in Iraq, go out most weekends in a boat Edwards bought last year. They fish mostly inshore in saltwater marshes and other waterways between Richmond Hill and Hilton Head Island.

“Even if we don’t catch fish, which is rare, we have a blast,” said Edwards, who submitted the application for 501-3C status in late October following a lengthy vetting process. “The camaraderie is almost like being back in the military.”

Edwards’ love of fishing is so great he’ll go fishing despite experiencing shooting pain and numbness in his legs; the organization recognizes that battles do not always end on the battlefield and uses the time fishing to mitigate the struggles many of the veterans are experiencing.

The veterans are often battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Although he doesn’t have PTSD, Edwards faces challenges in making the transition from military to civilian life in what remains an ongoing process.

“We’re conditioned to clear our minds for battle and forget family,” Edwards said.

“After many years, it’s hard to bring that out. I feel a level of responsibility to help my military brothers and sisters, some of whom struggle to show affection toward their own families. Fishing is therapeutic for both the veterans and me.”

Jared Russell has gone on two fishing trips with Edwards. A resident of Pooler, he retired from the Army in 2016 following a 26-year career and suffers from PTSD and a degenerative spine condition.

Joining him on one of the outings was Ben Oravetz, a fellow Army retiree and longtime friend who, like Russell, is 100 percent disabled.

Russell said they fished on the Bull River and around Little Tybee Island for six to eight hours; it’s the first time he had fished since 1995, after growing up with the pastime. Adding to the experience

was the playing of patriotic songs as they embarked on their fishing trip.

“We had our own water parade,” said Russell, who works as a realtor and, despite his disability status, is able to get around and considers himself fortunate compared to some other veterans. “Within minutes, Ben and I were cutting up and picking up from our days in the Army.

We even caught some fish. It was a great experience. Kevin’s a real nice dude.”

Along with rediscovering a lifelong passion, Russell benefited from the freedom of being out on the water.

“From a PTSD standpoint, you put everything aside and catch your breath,” he said. “Just casting a line in the water is therapeutic. It’s just relaxing. It also helps support the brothers.”

One of those brothers is Oravetz, a resident of Estill, S.C. The two men

of weight off you. It’s very therapeutic.

It’s like the Christian prayer counseling I’m involved with but more fun. It’s also like going out to a bar with your buddies, minus the drinking.”

Being 100 percent disabled, membership is free for Oravetz.

Nevertheless, he gave Edwards $100 toward his trip.

“There are people in lot worse shape than I am,” said Oravetz, who plans on going on a second trip. “I’m paying it forward with the $100.”

Expanding the Mission Edwards said his goal is to have three boats, including a pontoon that could accommodate wheelchairs, and have a disabled veteran run the boats and maintain them and raise money for veterans and other groups. Although Casting For a Cause consists entirely of veterans at the moment, Edwards said it’s open to nonmilitary as well. The annual membership fee is $150 for civilians and $75 for veterans. The fee is waived for veterans who are 100 percent disabled.

For Edwards, the fishing trips offer a higher purpose as well; with his wife having lung issues, they haven’t attended church during the pandemic.

“That boat is my church,” said Edwards, noting the group is connected to a number of military chaplains. “It’s my ministry. We don’t shove our beliefs down their throats or thump the Bible. It’s about spending time with God and living a life that drives others to ask the right questions. I’m thankful for the Christian parents and grandparents who required us to read the Bible and learn how to lead others to Christ.”

As the organization continues to grow and gain a foothold in the community, Edwards sees an opportunity to expand to other areas across the country.

“We will continue our fundraising efforts and look for the growth required to make that happen,” said Edwards, who recently connected with the GA Veterans Outdoor Ministries to expand their footprint in Georgia. n

“I feel a level of responsibility to help my military brothers and sisters, some of whom struggle to show affection toward their own families.

Fishing is therapeutic for both the veterans and me.” were stationed together at Fort Stewart and have remained friends for 26 years.

Oravetz retired from the Army on a medical discharge following a 13-year career and uses a cane and metal braces on occasion to help him contend with back and knee problems.

His outing with Russell was the first time he had fished in three years.

“It was a blast,” said Oravetz, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest and had fished all his life. “I didn’t always catch a keeper. I took home only one fish, a flounder, and gave it to Jared after filleting it.”

Even if he didn’t bring in a record haul, Oravetz could revel in getting together with an old friend and talking about issues to which they could closely relate.

“It takes your mind off everything and puts you into the moment,” he said.

“You’re out there with guys who have been there and done that. It takes a lot

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 37

POOLER

MAYOR BENTON’S WEEKLY UPDATES Mayor Rebecca Benton has been giving weekly updates to the City of Pooler residents.

You can find these updates on Pooler Magazine’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ PoolerMagazine

A POST FROM THE POOLER POLICE DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 15

ALERT: Special OPS program on hold. Pooler's new Special OPS (Ostrich Protection System) is not going well. We only have one Ostrich so far, and Larry is not cooperating! Larry keeps biting, tearing up vehicle seats and chasing people!

Our goal was to outfit every Pooler citizen with their own Protection Ostrich to guard their car and valuables. Until we can perfect this, and more importantly find the now loose Larry, we ask that you PLEASE continue to lock your car doors to protect your vehicle and valuables! Maybe we should try alligators...

(No ostrich was harmed during the training attempts)

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

AN UPDATE FROM COUNCILWOMAN KAREN L. WILLIAMS

(Adapted from Facebook post on December 8, 2020) From the December 7 City Council meeting: The 20202021 annual budget has been approved. Highlights are: 1. Police Department: addition of 5 new police officers and 6 new police vehicles.

2. Fire Department: addition of 12 new firefighters.

3. The completion of a new fire station on Jimmy Deloach to serve those residents of Pooler who are geographically displaced from the center of Pooler.

4. The creation of a new Canal Maintenance department adding one new hire. This department will be responsible for maintaining the major canals and those smaller canals that carry storm water runoff directly to the major canals.

5. Expansion of our storm drainage department, which will maintain and clean out ditches for proper storm water runoff.

6. Adding two new batting cages at Pooler Park.

7. Adding a new code enforcement department, which will be under the supervision of our Chief of Police effective January 1, 2021.

In a petition for a site and landscape plan for 100 Distribution Drive for a drop off facility for container trailers, the vote was not unanimous. I voted against the petition for several reasons. The 3.62 acres has an enormous amount of significant trees which will be clear cut. The petitioner will have to pay $183,600 into the tree fund to mitigate the loss of those beautiful trees as well as plant 56 trees which will take many, many years to grow.

Adding traffic to Dean Forest and Hwy 80 as well as the septic system were among other issues I had with this project. Councilman Aaron Higgins also voted against this item. The item passed 3 to 2.

First Readings were approved for several new ordinances: 1. To repeal and replace our Disorderly Conduct Ordinance which now includes a Section for Curfew regulations, and 2. Adoption of the Chatham County Animal Control Ordinance.

3. Unanimous approval for a landscape beautification grant from GDOT for the I-95 & Hwy 80 corridor.

Work will begin after GDOT clears the remaining side of the corridor.

4. Unanimous approval for the GEFA loan in the amount of $25 million dollars for the expansion of our Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Cooper

Diesel & Ellie

Dori

SANTA PAWS IS COMING TO TOWN We asked our readers to send us Christmas photos of their pets, and you didn’t disappoint! A few lucky winners enjoyed bags of treats courtesy of Woof Gang Grooming & Bakery in Pooler.

Mo

Zoe & Davin

Diesel & Ellie, with hats!

Louie

Luna

Penny

Pippi

Stella

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 39

Indoor/Outdoor Window Cleaning starting at $159 Low Country Window Washers (912) 445-0222 LowCountryWindowWashers.com Email: info@LowCountryWindowWashers.com

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA

TOUCHSTONES OF

Health and Wellness T

his year we have been hyper-focused on the pandemic. As the New Year approaches you may want to fine tune your health and wellness goals.

First, you may not know that “health” and “wellness” are not interchangeable. “Health” is merely defined as the absence of disease or injury. Wellness, on the other hand is a verb, so it is actionable. It is a dynamic process based on choosing habits that lead to improved or optimal health.

Obtaining wellness is multifaceted. It includes mind and body–not just disease and injury prevention. I have put together a few guidelines on how you might survey your wellness to determine if you want to make any habit changes.

3. How well do I sleep?

• 7-8 hours is recommended • Set a consistent time every night to wind down and turn off all electronic devises • Make the room as dark as possible • Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.

1. How is my energy?

• Do I feel ready to approach my day?

• Do I feel tired most of the day?

• If you answer yes to low energy look at your food intake and sleep patterns.

• Nutrition and adequate sleep are key factors in wellness.

5. What is my happiness rating? Of course, this very subjective. It is the negative extremes that are relevant. So if you are: • Often Unhappy • Generally Unhappy • Mostly Unhappy You may want to seek assistance from someone you trust or a mental health professional if you are any of the above. Depression is a serious medical condition.

2. What did I eat today? I often recommend: • Eliminate sugar–it has no nutritional value and is highly addictive • Eat as fresh and whole a food as you can–80% of the time • Eat healthy saturated fats. Coconut, avocado and olive oils are great choices as are grass fed red meat or dairy products. Healthy fats do not make you fat.

• Avoid fast food and preserved foods.

• Drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces. For example: 120/2 = 60.

That is how many ounces you should be drinking per day if you weigh 120 lbs. Add more if you drink caffeine or work out.

4. What are my bathroom habits?

• 1 bowel movement per day is recommended • Urinating 6-8 times a day if your fluid consumption is adequate • Urine color is also a factor. Clear and light yellow is optimal.

6. Check your stress level. High Stress can directly impact your health. Here’s a link to some breathing techniques to reduce your stress: www.webmd.com/ balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathingtechniques#1 7. Finally, take a look at your eyes, skin, hair and nails. If you notice sudden changes in any of these take note and seek additional information or speak to your healthcare provider.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on health and wellness. Happy 2021.

Disclaimer: The above is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or be a substitute for medical advice.

Sharon Hathaway is a Certified Health and Life Coach specializing in weight loss, stress reduction and lifestyle changes. She uses a habit healing method of curated information, empowerment and support to inspire her clients to successfully make lasting changes in their lives. For more information or to schedule an Individual Discover Session or group event, email Sharon@habitgems.com.

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021 41

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www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

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GREATER POOLER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU, INC HELLO FROM YOUR GREATER POOLER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC. We hope each of you had a wonderful and blessed holiday. I know it was quite different this year and moving into 2021, we wish health and prosperity for everyone.

Yes, we have changed our name and logo. We invite you to visit our new location at 305 W. Collins Street (next to the Front Porch Coffee House). We are so proud to be in this amazing new home.

The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our 2021 Board of Directors: Ben Anderson John Fender Courtney Rawlins Daniel Cloutier (AdHoc) Maruice Gilliard Raynor Seleen (AdHoc) Carol Sellers-Legasse Chris Tilton Trisha Cook Ashley DuBois Scott Loehr Robert Todd

Pam Southard

We would also like to congratulate our 2021 Ambassadors: Whitney Ray Jennifer Hagan Brandon Fargo Michelle Stenson Marissa Pierce

Jen Cronin Liz Giddens Brittanie Kinard Marcus Thompson Wesley Bashlor

Donna Williams Veronica Voisine Tamara Bussie Latrisha Brown Destiny Taylor

I congratulate the board and ambassadors and look forward to working with both for the coming year.

And of course, the chamber could not continue to operate without a tremendous staff: Susan Eiseman, Tameka Moultrie and Susan Sewell make up this great team and I am proud to lead them.

The chamber works closely with the City of Pooler. Mayor Rebecca Benton, City Manager Robbie Byrd, and all city officials are very supportive. The chamber could not provide events without their support.

The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce is in the people business and we are committed to nurturing positive relationships within our city. You are members of the Pooler community, and thanks to your support of our businesses and plans for our city’s ongoing responsible growth, the future of Pooler seems brighter than ever. Stop by our new offices.

We look forward to seeing you.

Pam Southard Executive Director Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, Inc.

www.poolerchamber.com

912-748-0110

PO Box 708 305 W. Collins St Pooler, GA, 31322

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POOLER EVENTS

January Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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JULY 4, 2020 3

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1/16: Taco & Margarita Crawl Savannah 3:00 - 9:00pm Barrelhouse South 125 W Congress St | Savannah, GA

1/17: A Sonic Spectacle

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5:00 - 6:30pm The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist 222 East Harris St. | Savannah, GA

1/23: Coastal Empire Resolution Challenge and 5k (with virtual option)

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8:00am Tom Triplet Community Park 1335 US Highway 80 E | Pooler, GA

1/23: Pup-Up Market 11:00am - 4:00pm The Clyde Venue 223 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd | Savannah, GA

February Sunday

Monday

2/3: Walking Wednesdays/ Paws to Pavement

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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6:30 - 7:15pm Fleet Feet Savannah 3405 Waters Avenue | Savannah, GA 31404

2/20: Rodney Carrington 7:00pm Savannah Civics Center 301 W Oglethorpe Ave | Savannah, GA 31401

Pooler City Council Meetings All City Council meetings are held in City Hall at 6:00pm Tuesday, January 19, 2021* Monday, February 1, 2021 Monday, February 15, 2021

Find more events and happenings at PoolerMagazine.com.

To submit your events to the calendar, email Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Please thank these advertisers for contributing to our community and making this publication possible. If you want to be part of this list, email Jan@JDelSURMarketing.com or call 912.295.5406

COMMUNITY SPONSORS Badcock & More Home Furniture | Mo’ Southern | Savannah Christian Preparatory School Southern Motors Acura | State Farm - Pat Parker, Agent Advanced Alternative Medicine Center............................... 31 Bellis Health & Wellness..........................................................33 Benedictine Military School.................................................. 40 Brewer Land Surveying...........................................................27 Carter’s Pharmacy, Inc............................................................ 14 Chatterbox.................................................................................24 Coastal Floor Covering........................................................... 15 Dinner is Served........................................................................24 Ear, Nose, Throat Associates of Savannah, Inc.................. 14 Effingham County Animal Shelter........................................18 Effingham Chamber of Commerce.....................................26 Effingham Health System.........................................................2 Habit Healing Transformation...............................................41 Horizon Staffing....................................................................... 30 i9 Sports.....................................................................................47 J. DelSur Marketing Group.....................................................25 Lost Plantation Golf Club....................................................... 31 Low Country Window Washers............................................ 40 Luxe Real Estate Services, Becky Partin............................... 17

Miller’s Coin & Currency.........................................................42 Mo’ Southern.............................................................................18 Pappy’s Pressure Washing......................................................42 Perfect Pools............................................................................ 40 Pooler Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Inc......43 Pooler Recreation Department.............................................32 Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company.......... 48 ReEnvision Bookkeeping, Lourdes Johnson......................42 Salt Table....................................................................................32 State Farm, Patrick Parker.......................................................18 Street & Sons Tire and Auto Repair..................................... 44 Southern Motors Savannah Acura........................................26 SoFit Gym.................................................................................. 28 Trish B Stylin............................................................................. 30 United Way of the Coastal Empire.......................................33 VIP Office................................................................................... 31 Woof Gang Bakery.....................................................................3 YMCA of Coastal Georgia.......................................................19

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Benedictine Military School is a Catholic, college preparatory day school educating a diverse male population in the military tradition. BC prepares young men for college and fosters life-long learning and service to others.

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Visit PoolerMagazine.com to sign• up or email Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com www.TheBC400.com 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA (912) 295-5406 | P.O. Box 2328 | Rincon, GA 31326

www.PoolerMagazine.com | January/February 2021

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