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WAYS TO GET OUT ON THE WATER

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DOCK & DINE S U M M E R C O A S TA L FA S H I O N S

DELIA COOPER - SAVANNAH, GA Bowling, traveling and spending time with her three grandchildren are Delia’s biggest passions in life. When she experienced severe abdominal pain she went to the emergency room. After tests revealed a blocked bile duct, she was referred to Gastroenterologist Dr. Jonathan Kandiah.

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE TO PRACTICE AT ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER.” Dr. Jonathan Kandiah, MD Gastroenterologist & Advanced Endoscopist

Dr. Kandiah performed an Endoscopic Ultrasound at St. Joseph’s/Candler that revealed a gallstone was the cause of the blockage. He performed an Endoscopic Retrograde procedure to remove the gallstone but also made another potentially lifesaving discovery. Delia had an undetected stomach tumor which was promptly diagnosed and is now being monitored. Delia is back on her game now and thankful to Dr. Kandiah and St. Joseph’s/Candler for the technology and clinical support that has helped her to recover fully.

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Taste

C O URTESY NAUTI C AL BO AT C LUB

CONTENTS

108 55

COASTAL CHIC Fashion inspo from J. Parker Ltd., Emily McCarthy, and Leah Bailey for a joyful afternoon out on the water. Styled by Alexi Drago // Photography by Peter Colin Murray

BITES BY BOAT Pop on your life jacket and chart a course for the perfect summer dining experience on Savannah’s intricate network of waterways. Written by Allison Arbuthnot Sanders // Photography by Tom Sanders

108

OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY The water is the lifeblood of our area. So, pardon the fishing pun, but we caught up with all the latest waterway news, from conservation, to business, to hot new seafood spots.

ON THE COVER Coastal Chic, page 55 Photography by Peter Colin Murray Styled by Alexi Drago

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 14

Editor’s Letter

BUZZ 22 25 32 34 43 49

The Life Aquatic New in 912 Calendar The Arts Old Savannah: River Street Giving Back: Adaptive Golf

STYLE 55 68

Summer Fashion: Coastal Chic At Home: Worth the Wait

TASTE 93

Bites by Boat

FEATURE S 108 122 136

Our Coastal Community So Savannah Photo Contest Schools: From Expansion to Excellence

SPECIAL SECTION 141

Savannah Health

SEEN 213 215 216 218 220 222

Caretta Research Project’s A Night on the River Mary’s Place Find Your Voice Lip Sync Competition Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Wine, Women & Shoes Savannah magazine May/June Issue Launch Party Gullah Traveling Kinfolk Theater’s Decoration Day/ Historic Savannah Foundation 70th Anniversary UGASBDC Women’s Business Summit/ The Olde Pink House Premier Kentucky Derby Party

THE AFTERWORD 224

Friends and Fire Extinguishers

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS 181 200 206

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

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CLASS OF 2025 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES American University Arizona State University Auburn University Augusta University Bard College Belmont University Bennington College Berry College Bethune-Cookman University Boston College Brandeis University Breda University of Applied Sciences Brigham Young University Brown University Butler University Cardiﬀ University Charleston Southern University Clemson University College of Charleston Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University (Fort Collins) Edinburgh Napier University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach and Prescott) Emerson College Emory University Flagler College Florida Institute of Technology Florida State University Fordham University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgia College Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Hampden-Sydney College Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University James Madison University Johnson & Wales University Kennesaw State University Kent State University Loyola University Chicago

University of Reading Lynn University University of Rhode Island Manchester Metropolitan University University of South Carolina Mercer University University of South Carolina (Aiken) Methodist University University of South Carolina (Beaufort) Middle Georgia State University University of South Carolina (Upstate) Montclair State University University of Utah New York University University of Vermont Newcastle University University of Washington North Carolina A&T State University University of Westminster North Carolina State University Utah State University North Greenville University Valdosta State University Nottingham Trent University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Pace University (New York City) Wake Forest University Penn State University (University Park) Wingate University Queen Mary University of London Yale University Rivier University Young Harris University Saint Mary’s College Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Sewanee: The University of the South The New School The University of Edinburgh The University of Manchester The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) Trinity College Dublin Tufts University SIERRA ABBASI FINN KEHOE GRAY HOLMES University of Bristol Valedictorian Co-Salutatorian Co-Salutatorian University of California (Davis) STAR Student Winner National Merit Finalist GEORGIA TECH University of Central Florida YALE UNIVERSITY BROWN UNIVERSITY University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Florida COLLEGIATE SIGNINGS University of Georgia University of Illinois at Chicago Region 8 University of Kentucky University of Leeds STAR STUDENT & TEACHER WINNER University of Liverpool University of Maryland (College Park) University of Massachusetts (Amherst) NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST University of Massachusetts (Boston) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill MILLION DOLLARS IN MERIT, University of North Georgia University of Notre Dame TALENT AND ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS (not including HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships) University of Oregon

4.3

EDITOR’S LETTER

ESTABLISHED MAY 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce, and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine.

KATHERIN E IVES PHOTOG RA PHY

Enjoying life on the water in the late ’70s

I GREW UP near both Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes of New York state, which means I was fortunate to spend many summer afternoons near or on the water. And visiting my grandparents in the Florida Keys has gifted me with happy memories of crabbing and fishing off their dock. But later, I also learned some of the more serious sides of life on the water. When I worked at Power & Motoryacht magazine, I was surrounded by writers and editors who also happened to be seasoned, professional boat captains. And I mean serious captains — like they are allowed to dock a cruise ship. Two of my colleagues had served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Although they didn’t like to talk about the latter much, working alongside those captains, I gained a deeper appreciation for what it takes to make a life on the water. Here in Savannah, our community is so interwoven with the waterways, much like a sweetgrass basket, with tightly coiled layers of rivers and people and ocean and herons and

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 YEAR S

marsh. In the story “Our Coastal Community” (page 108), we catch up with some entrepreneurs who are bringing fresh ideas to boat clubs and outdoor excursions; we profile a program that has budding designers and engineers creating next-generation yachts; and we speak with conservationists working to protect Coastal Georgia for future generations. Of course, being on the water can be fun and deeply relaxing, which is a huge part of the appeal. In “Bites by Boat” (page 93), writer Allison Arbuthnot Sanders charts a course for the perfect summer dining experience with our roundup of the best places to dock and dine in Savannah. The style story, “Coastal Chic” (page 55), features a joyful afternoon spent with fashionable friends on the water. And with this issue’s home tour, “Worth the Wait” (page 68), we visit a new riverfront luxury condo at the Mayor Building in the Upper East River neighborhood. The homeowners are a lovely couple who, like me, get a little thrill every time a huge cargo ship glides past. Their view of the Savannah River reminds us of how timeless, yet ever-changing, life is on the water.

Kathryn Drury Wagner Editor in Chief

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Established May 1, 1990 Savannah magazine’s mission is to celebrate the new and enduring voices of our city’s culture, commerce and creative community. Elegant and relevant. Authentic and fun. That’s your Savannah, and this is your magazine. Subscribe: 800.453.1049 Address changes: savannahmag@emailcustomerservice.com Advertise: 912.652.0294

A publication of Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Savannah magazine. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Address letters and editorial contributions to Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, GA 31405. Copyright 1990-2025 by Southeastern Newspapers Company LLC. All rights reserved. Savannah magazine (ISSN 10616748) is published bi-monthly with bonus issues in April, June, October and December for $25.99 per year by Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC, trading as Savannah magazine, 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 202, Savannah, Georgia 31405. Periodical postage paid at Savannah, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah magazine, P.O. Box 37131, Boone, IA 50037-2131

Congratulations Con Cong grat ggra rattula ulation ulat tions ions to the Class of 2025! These 83 graduates earned admission to 137 colleges and universities in 33 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom, and they also enjoyed great results from our two state ﬂagship universities, UGA and Georgia Tech. The impressive list of admitting schools is a testament to our talented students who embrace a rigorous curriculum while receiving personalized college guidance from our team of experienced college counselors.

Visit savcds.org/classof2025 to learn more

The Class of 2025 will attend the following colleges and universities: Ayo Ajayi Brown University Madison Baek University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Kate Barber Auburn University Ramon Barboa Marymount University Bella Bentley University of Georgia Turner Birthisel Southern Methodist University Daniel Bosch Shenandoah University Dan Bradley University of Virginia Agnes Brown Savannah College of Art and Design Jeremiah Brown Central Georgia Technical College Chase Buerger Clemson University Kent Burnett California Polytechnic State University Hannah Burt University of Georgia Mary Margaret Carroll University of Georgia Miles Carson University of Georgia Jack Day Quinnipiac University Wynn Dennard Montana State University Henry Dickerson Centre College Lanning Drey Auburn University Nicholas Dunne Georgia College and State University Jackson Ezelle Auburn University Thomas Federowicz Furman University Tallulah Fitzgerald University of Alabama Jade Flood New York University Ian Foose Auburn University Aneyah Gibbs Kennesaw State University Shane Ross Glisson University of Georgia Ella Haas University of Michigan Parker Hall Georgetown University Will Harmon Wesleyan University Collin Harris North Carolina State University Gracie Henneman William and Mary Campbell Highsmith University of Mississippi Hyers Holland Case Western Reserve University Meg Howington Auburn University Juyeon Kim SUNY--University at Buffalo Brooks Kleinpeter Murray State University Jack Lovell University of Georgia Woods Lovett University of North Georgia Mollie Macfadyen University of Edinburgh Cameron MacLeod Mercer University Anne Mandel University of Florida Nik Manocha University of Georgia Feriby McCorkle University of Georgia

Cash McCoy University of Georgia Allyson McCray Savannah State University Gabe McKinney Emmanuel University Lane Middleton Wofford College Barton Mixon Sewanee: The University of the South McKade Neal Augusta University Andrew Nicholson Bucknell University Sophia Okumu Georgia College and State University Cayden Osterman Pitt Community College Zander Paderewski University of Georgia Elizabeth Perry Rice University John Morgan Peters University of Georgia Isabella Picone Savannah College of Art and Design Walker Price Clemson University James Rhodes University of Georgia Ian Rogers Fordham University Drew Salyer Auburn University Daisey Salyer University of Georgia Jackson Sammons University of South Carolina Henley Schivera University of Alabama Tyler Scott Bryant University Evan Sedory University of Colorado, Boulder Andrew Semones University of Georgia Mary Elizabeth Semones Georgia College and State University Ana Miller Serrano Georgia Institute of Technology Rachel Shin Georgia Institute of Technology Philip Slatinsky Auburn University Hollyann Spivey Auburn University Raphael Stanga Middlebury College Harris Stone University of Georgia Nell Strength Smith College Eliza Strong University of South Carolina Mary Duvall Sumner University of South Carolina Peter Thompson Georgia College and State University Mary Mobley Varnedoe University of Georgia Mathias Weiland Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson Wright University of Mississippi Andrew Wynn University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Thomas Wynn Furman University

The Life Aquatic

1998

For decades, Savannah magazine has devoted coverage to our area’s life on the water. We’ve been documenting it all, from oyster roasts to Olympic yachting, from swimsuit fashion to environmental conservation. Here’s a look back at some of our coastal-related stories from past issues. Hope you don’t think we went … overboard.

1996

BUZZ

THE OLYMPICS COME TO TOWN Atlanta claimed the honor of hosting the 1996 Centennial Olympic Summer Games, but since the capital city is landlocked, Savannah was tapped to host the Olympic yachting events. The town was abuzz with exciting moments, from the Olympic torch relay passing through town to the city’s own opening ceremony, which included a performance by Trisha Yearwood. The sailing races were held in Wassaw Sound near Wilmington Island. In 1996, Great Dane Trailers raised a salute for the Olympic sailors. Established in 1900, Great Dane has both a corporate office and a service center in Savannah; the company makes commercial and industrial products, such as refrigerated trucks.

MEET THE BOAT BUILDERS Boat building for these craftsmen is part hobby, part obsession, and part livelihood, mixed with an almost religious attitude toward the water and the love of wood. The story (photo far right) featured boat builder Rusty Fleetwood and kayak builder Charlie Reeves. Speaking of boat building, a 1998 ad (above) touts a relaxing one- to five-day cruise aboard the 60-foot custom-built trawler Sea Lark, operated by Palmetto Coast Charters Inc.

2013

PROTECTING TURTLES The Caretta Research Project has been studying sea turtles on Wassaw Island since 1973, with a mission to ensure the long-term protection and full recovery of the Northwest Atlantic loggerhead population and the ecological roles that it plays through research, conservation, and education. In 2001, the magazine noted the group had supported the successful release of 128,000 hatchlings into the ocean. Today, it’s up to 355,655 hatchlings.

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE Master artisan Isaac Martin, a native of Pin Point, demonstrated how he was keeping an ancient African art alive: hand weaving a crab net.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

2023

2001

SEASIDE STYLES A new, female-founded resort wear line found inspiration in the Georgia coast. Co-founders Mary Scott Jameson and Merrill Horridge launched Sitano to satisfy the need for quality swimsuit cover-ups, and the brand continues to grow with dresses, pants, and accessories.

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S AVA N N A H

Taste

BUZZ

COU R TESY J . PA RKER LTD.

Kevin Baisley, Dale Parker, and Angie Baisley

New in 912

The newest addition to the Twelve Oaks location of J. Parker Ltd. offers Savannahians custom clothing and alterations for both men and women, with a special emphasis on custom suits and sport coats for men. Husband and wife team Kevin and Angie Baisley have joined J. Parker Ltd., bringing decades of experience in made-to-measure clothing and tailoring.

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

BUZZ: NEW IN 912

Treat yourself to a soothing head treatment at Morgan & Mane Salon and Scalp Facial Spa (3840 Waters Ave.). Certified specifically in scalp health, owner Morgan Hall specializes in advanced scalp therapy techniques to address issues like hair shedding or dry scalp, provided in a luxurious atmosphere. … Offering antiques, vintage furniture and clothing, architectural salvage, art, and oddities, antique mall Picker Joe’s is known for having it all. And soon, it will have even more treasures (and importantly, more parking) with a move to a larger location at 66 W. Montgomery Cross Road. The old location on 41st Street is closed; the new one is expected to open its doors in late summer after an extensive upgrade. ... Slip into something purple and head to Lavender Rooftop Kitchen + Bar, inside the new riverfront AC Hotel Savannah Historic District (601 E. River St.). It offers sweeping views of the Savannah River from both the indoor spaces and the balcony seating area. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired, and the bartenders are happy to whip up a specialty cocktail like the Lavender Martini. ...

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

KELLY CA LVIL L O/M I DN I G HT A U T E U R CO U R T ES Y A C HOT E L S AVA N N A H H IS T O RI C DI S T R IC T

Lavender Rooftop Kitchen + Bar

Municipal Grand

Longing for a staycation? The muchanticipated Municipal Grand (45 Abercorn St.) hotel has a Sun Club rooftop pool available for guests, while Municipal Bar (entrance at 132 E. Broughton St.) is open to the public for swanky cocktails and all-day dining. ... IQ Fiber (13 Bryce Industrial Drive) has opened its new Savannah office. The company has expanded its 100% fiber optic network service and plans on bringing its first Savannah customers online late this summer. … Off-the-beaten-path bookstore ACME Sales and Books (5406 Skidaway Road) has reopened, with new management. … Have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying? Chocolate-covered strawberries, candy apples, cheesecake cones, and more await at dessert shop All Thingz Sweet (5501 Abercorn St., Suite C). ... Pick up some produce, prepared goodies, seafood, or locally handcrafted goods at new farmers’ market Savannah Sunset Market, held the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of every month from 4:30-8:30 p.m. The market is on Hutchinson Island, east of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa. ... Geechee Girl Apothecary (2109 W. Bay St., Unit C) has opened. It offers teas, coffees, and pastries, as well as bulk herbs for herbal remedies, handcrafted soaps, smoke blends, and additional natural health and skincare products. … Indulge in an excellent deal on caviar, oysters, and martinis

(plus half off beer and wine) at Bar by Fleeting’s new “Fleeting Hour,” Wednesday to Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Live piano music and champagne also await; the bar is inside Thompson Savannah (201 Port St.). … Congratulations to Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics, which recently hosted a grand opening celebration at its new location (322 Stephenson Ave., Suite B). … Offering all-day breakfast options, late-night eats, groceries, and beer by Two Tides Brewing Co., The Laundry Diner (1401 Paulsen St.) is the long-awaited new restaurant from Liz and James Massey. It’s located in the historic spot that once held Roger’s Laundry and Drycleaning Co. ... Edward Jones financial advisor Trisha Boyett has moved from Port Wentworth to a midtown Savannah location (6600 Abercorn St., Suite 203). … You had us at garlic knots. Farace’s Finest (1605 Inlet Ave.) is bringing in the dough (and the marinara, and the Caprese) on Tybee Island. Stop by for pizzas, sandwiches, salads, cocktails, beer, and wine. … Speaking of Tybee Island, cheers to Fight Dirty Tybee, which was chosen as a recipient of an Open Water Sea Change Grant. The grant will help the nonprofit continue its grassroots anti-litter campaign and beach cleanups. … Hair and makeup artist Lauren Norton, of Lauren Norton Beauty, shares that she has relaunched the business with a new website, booking system, and elevated client experience. ...

World Class Vehicle Storage At Hagerty Garage + Social, we take car culture seriously. Our Savannah location features climate-controlled, dust-free garages with 24/7 security, plus a premium social space to gather with fellow automotive enthusiasts. Garage + Social is a car lover’s home away from home. Come join us.

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BUZZ: NEW IN 912

COU R TESY SAVA N N A H PA RA N ORMAL M U SE U M

Savannah Paranormal Museum

Spirit Airlines is introducing daily, nonstop service from SAV to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) beginning on Aug. 14; to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) on Oct. 9; and to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on Oct. 10, 2025. … If you prefer spirits that go bump in the night, check out the Savannah Paranormal Museum (415 West Boundary St.). It’s dedicated to the exploration of paranormal phenomena through their collection of reportedly haunted artifacts, from cursed dolls to creepy monkey toys. … Union Mission has announced a new Resource Center (702 W. Oglethorpe Ave.) designed to meet the needs of homeless people in our community. The center will serve up to 150 people each day and will include a serving kitchen, dining space, and laundry facilities. Wraparound services include housing navigation, counseling, support groups, and workforce training and placement. … Axe throwing and a self-pour beer wall — what could go wrong? But seriously, those, plus gourmet hot dogs, make for a fun night out at Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ (630 Indian St., Suite D). ... Savannah Children’s Museum has announced its first indoor expansion (ahhh, air conditioning!), slated to open in late 2025. The STEAM Center will feature “Numbers in Nature,” an immersive exhibition with an 1,800-square-foot mirror maze and interactive gallery. It will open inside the historic storehouse of the Central of Georgia Railway campus (655 Louisville Road). ...

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

BUZZ: NEW IN 912

COU R TESY PA RKER’S KITCHEN

Parker’s Kitchen

Raise a slushie in honor of Parker’s Kitchen’s 100th store. The new location is at 1750 Grove Point Road. Headquartered in Savannah, Parker’s Kitchen employs nearly 1,800 people and has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. … Woodhouse Spa (301 Passage Way, Suite 102) has been inspired by HBO’s “The White Lotus” to debut a new Coconut Honey Milk Massage for summer. The tropical indulgence uses ingredients like coconut milk, honey, sugar, papaya, and shea butter to transform and revitalize skin. … Located at 309 W. Broughton St., South Moon Under is a coastal boutique offering a curated assortment of elevated, yet effortless fashion for women and men. This location features a year-round swim shop, as well as popular brands like Show Me Your Mumu. … All-day fare can be found at Little James Savannah, including coffee and breakfast (starting at 7 a.m.); lunch offerings such as salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads; and cocktails, beer, and wine at night (until 10 p.m.). Named after James Oglethorpe, the restaurant is inside The Ann Savannah, a new apartment-style hotel from Marriott (110 Ann St.).

The Steward Center for Palliative Care utilizes a nationally recognized model which sets the highest standard for excellence in the provision of palliative services in our community. Palliative care is meant to ease symptom burden and promote quality of life. Our model of care ensures maximum benefit for patients.

912.354.8014 • StewardCenter.org Steward Center for Palliative Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Steward Center for Palliative Care does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

SAVE THE DATE! THE 21ST ANNUAL HISTORIC BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL OCTOBER 11-19, 2025

Celebrate 21 years of tradition with plenty of activities

showcasing locally harvested seafood and Lowcountry cuisine while highlighting the rich history and culture of the area.

The celebration culminates with a juried fine art show and street fest on October 18th and 19th.

blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

BUZZ: CALENDAR

JULY 12

OUT & ABOUT

Get the scoop on the art of ice cream making at Learn and Churn with Mad Scoops Ice Cream, a hands-on workshop at Dreamhouse Studios in the Starland District, where you’ll create your own small batch of delicious ice cream to enjoy. Reserve a spot at madscoopsicecream.com.

Celebrate the rich history of Carver Village at the Historic Carver Village Neighborhood Reunion, taking place from 12-6 p.m. in Savannah’s Kennedy Park (905 Collat Ave.). The event invites past and present residents to reconnect, honor

Learn and Churn with Mad Scoops Ice Cream

the neighborhood’s legacy, and strengthen community bonds.

AUG. 16 Leopold’s Ice Cream will celebrate 106 years in business with its Big Birthday Bash 1-5 p.m. on Broughton Street. Festivities, which will stretch from Lincoln to Anderson streets, will feature entertainment, a giant conga line, and an opportunity to enjoy your favorite flavors.

AUG. 23 Join Bike Walk Savannah for the 9th Annual Savannah Seersucker Ride, a casual bike ride around Ardsley Park, Chatham Crescent, and

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nearby neighborhoods. Riders are invited to meet at 9:30 a.m. in Tiedeman Park for free iced coffee, breakfast pastries, and fresh fruit. The ride begins at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to wear their snazziest seersucker clothing.

AUG. 29-31 Monster Jam returns to Enmarket Arena with its high-octane, gravitydefying motorsports experience, where monster trucks face off in three forms of competition: racing, twowheel skills, and freestyle. This year’s highlights include the debut appearances of the Uproar truck and the Savannahbased JCB DIGatron.

AUG. 7-17: Savannah magazine is a sponsor of this year’s Savannah VOICE Festival, featuring over 25 performances, including operas, parlor concerts, cabarets, masterclasses, and more. Performances include Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and Michael Ching’s “A Royal Feast.” This year also marks opera legend and VOICE Festival leader Sherrill Milnes’ 90th birthday and the program’s 25th anniversary, with the theme of “Once Upon a Time.” A world-renowned opera star who held audiences enraptured for over four decades, Milnes is now a Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at Northwestern University and teaches and judges vocal competitions around the world. Tickets for the festival are available at savannahvoicefestival.org. Sherrill Milnes CO U R T ES Y M I L NE S V OI C E P R OG RA M S

JULY 19

We are proud to have partnerships with these organizations and events. Come join us!

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Join Savannah Jazz in celebrating jazz legend and Savannah native James Moody’s 100th birthday. The celebration kicks off with a fundraising party and auction from 5-7:30 p.m. at 45 Bistro. An All-Star Concert will follow from 8-9:30 p.m. at Trustees Theater, featuring saxophonist Bobby Watson and drummer Adam Nussbaum accompanied by the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s educational programs, the Jazz History Exhibit, and the Savannah Jazz Festival.

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BUZZ: ARTS

ART Keeping the pulse on our area’s creative community View the work of Savannah native and accomplished artist and musician Richard Law at the Beach Institute through July 30. Raised by a social worker and a minister, Law’s pieces reflect a blend of religious values and cultural narratives. Black culture, the landscapes of Georgia and South Carolina, and music are the inspirations for much of this selftaught artist’s work.

“Turtle” by Jennifer Nolan

“Shore Things,” a four-person exhibition of work by Jennifer Nolan, Melody Postman, Peter E. Roberts, and Kurtis Schumm, focuses on life

Celebrate the Queen of Soul with CeCe Teneal on July 25 at Tybee Post Theater. In “Portrait of Aretha,” Teneal honors the legacy of Aretha Franklin with songs from her 50-year career. … The theater will present Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” on Aug. 12 as part of its Staged Reading Series. The series provides an intimate and immersive theatrical experience, where the audience sits on stage with the performers for script-in-hand readings with minimal costumes and sets.

will be held 6-8 p.m. July 18 at Location Gallery. Profits from the

show will be donated to the Ossabaw Island Foundation.

“Liberty Island” by Peter E. Roberts

I M A GE S CO U R T ES Y L OCAT I ON G A LL E RY

ARTS Southeast’s summer juried exhibition “Wild Thing” will be on display in the Supporter Gallery through Aug. 9, with a closing reception 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, in conjunction with First Fridays in Starland. ... ARTS Southeast welcomes David Alston and Melinda Borysevicz to the ON::View Artists-in-Residence this summer. Alston, a visual artist, educator, and critic, will be in residence through July. Figurative artist Borysevicz, of Cilento, Italy, will take up residency in August and September.

on the shore. An opening reception

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“Walkabout” by Kurtis Schumm

“Beach Party” by Melody Postman

FEEL THE ENCHANTMENT OF THESE HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF ART

From 1895 through 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana, women graduates of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College’s art program took part in a commercial enterprise, painting pottery with images of flora and fauna. Tasked with representing the region through their work, Newcomb designers earned a reputation for turning to their local environment for inspiration. Newcomb Pottery received national praise for the quality of its designs and its representation of Southern regional identity.

l e a r n m o r e at t e l fa i r . o r g

Roberta Kennon (1877–1931), decorator, Joseph Meyer (1848–1931), potter; Tall vase with iris design, 1905; earthenware; Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University

BUZZ: ARTS

Congrats to Brittany Curry. The talented, Savannah-born artist is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her business, InkyBrittany, and her large, hand-drawn visual graphics are in demand both locally and across the country. She partners with corporations, small businesses, philanthropies, governments, the disability advocacy community, and others to help bring big ideas into a tangible (and colorful!) vision. “The World of William O. Golding,” an ongoing exhibition at the Jepson Center’s Children’s Art Museum, includes interactive experiences by FREN Inc. that bring Golding’s maritimeinspired pencil and crayon drawings to life in animations that visitors control and interact with. On Aug. 29, artist Raheleh Filsoofi will provide two short performances at the Jepson Center as part of her exhibition “(Un)Grounded,” accompanied by her husband, musician Reza Filsoofi. “(Un)Grounded” is an immersive multimedia installation of ceramic vessels, sound, and video on display through Sept. 7.

“Sunken Dredge - Savannah River” by Parker Stewart

On view at the Jepson Center through Dec. 7, “Tideland” is an

Ology gallery will host an opening reception 5:30-8 p.m. Aug. 30 for “happening. unfolding,” a solo exhibit of work by Henry Dean. Dean is a multimedia artist who uses drawing, journaling, and sketching as the foundation for his installations, paintings, sculptures, mixed media works, photographs, and videos. He is a professor in the School of Foundation Studies at SCAD. The show will be on view through Sept. 27. In July, the SCAD Museum of Art hosts three special events just for teens. On July 10, they can explore the impact of fiber arts and practice the process of

exhibition of evocative black and white photographs of the Georgia coast by Parker Stewart, a Savannah-based photographer and a judge in this year’s “So Savannah Photo Contest” (page 122). This exhibition is part of the #art912 initiative, a platform dedicated to raising the visibility and vitality of artists living and working in Savannah.

designing custom textiles at the Threads of Expression workshop. On July 17, teens can try their brush at watercolor and learn about architectural illustration and the museum’s structural history at the Building Character workshop. The Timeless Techniques

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workshop on July 24 will allow teens the opportunity to create prints using a special transfer process. Each workshop is led by a SCAD alum, and fees include materials. To sign up, email Hannah Thompson at hthompso@scad.edu.

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Cleo the Project Space presents “Memorize,” a two-person exhibition featuring Portland-based multimedia artist Marsha Mack and South Korea-based Jenny Lee, opening Aug. 16, with a reception 6-9 p.m. The show includes an installation by Mack inspired by the Asian supermarkets she frequented with her mother growing up as well as two videos by Lee starring her and her mother navigating household spaces together. This exhibition is a reflection on memory, action, and motivation carried through generations, cultures, and the female body. ... The newly launched Cleo Editions is an annual art subscription that brings thoughtfully curated, collectible prints into the home. For $125, subscribers receive five risograph prints by artists featured in Cleo’s 2025 exhibition season. Each print ships as its corresponding show opens. This year’s featured artists include Matthew Flores, Lou Breininger, Lamar Robillard, Marsha Mack, and Camille Wong — emerging talents whose work spans illustration, sculpture, graphic design, and more. Cleo Editions also supports the nonprofit arts organization’s broader mission of offering financial support to emerging artists. An exhibition of work by Maxx Feist, Adrienne Berkland, and Isak Dove, titled “333,” is on view July 25–Aug. 17 at Gallery 2424. These three Savannah-based artists explore how their combined creative processes can help them navigate their

C OU R T E SY C L E O T HE P R OJ E C T SPA C E

BUZZ: ARTS

“Mother Daughter Cooking 2” video by Jenny Lee

journeys through three phases of life: creation, maintenance, and destruction. The exhibition considers how painters with distinct styles use three specific color palettes as a form of processing, a commentary on our current times, and as an act of resistance. Front Porch Improv’s Fundamentals of Musical Improv class starts July 29 and continues 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 2. The class explores “singprov” basics and structured games. All experience levels are welcome. Savannah Children’s Theater presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at Savannah Theatre July 5, 6, and 10-13.

Don’t miss the musical “Hairspray” at Savannah Theatre. Performances of the musical will be June 13-27 and July 16-Aug. 3. AmiciMusic is hosting two programs in Savannah in July. First up is Double Trouble, featuring some thrilling works for two violins and piano, including the amazing “Bach Double Concerto” along with pieces by Rebecca Clarke, Stravinsky, Moszkowski, and more. Performances will be at various locations July 8-10. The second program, FourHand Fireworks, will feature music by Mendelssohn, Moszkowski, and Gershwin. Performances will be at various locations July 27-30. Visit amicimusic.org for more information and to buy tickets.

Work by Detroit-based painter James Benjamin Franklin will be on display at Laney Contemporary through Aug. 30 in an exhibition titled “Visitor.” Franklin’s pieces incorporate repurposed everyday textiles such as blankets and clothing, creating sensually layered rafts of visual and physical texture that serve as alternative canvases, which are then sprinkled, dribbled, and sprayed with acrylic paint, sand, glitter, and other media. Franklin’s palette incorporates earth tones and Day-Glo alongside lush, primal colors. “Seek, 2024” by James Benjamin Franklin; acrylic, fabric, plaster, mica, and epoxy on extruded polystyrene I M AGE COU R TESY LA N EY CON TEMPORA RY

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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PARACHUTES, PULASKI , AND A PLACE IN VOGUE Savannah Serves as Inspiration for Fashion Grad WHO KNEW THE ROAD TO BEING FEATURED IN VOGUE went through Fort Pulaski? For Savannah native and 2025 Savannah College of Art and Design fashion alum Jailynn Tabanico, the source of the fashion world’s admiration flows straight from her Lowcountry roots. The designer’s senior capstone collection, Utilitarian Feminine, debuted on the runway during SCAD Fashion 2025

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in Atlanta in May. Featuring hand-dyed denim bomber jackets, cropped military vests, and patchwork camo pants, the work is inspired in part by the military career of her father, Richard Tabanico, who served in the Army and Air Force, and the emotional weight carried by those who serve. “Jailynn’s use of military materials shows a strong understanding of both function and storytelling,” says Mae

P R E S E N T E D

Heidenreich, SCAD professor of fashion. “I’ve worked with similar materials, so I appreciate the way she elevated them by hand, manipulating color and texture with care and intention. Her dedication to her process and the integrity of her vision truly sets her apart.” The ecstatic response to the runway debut earned Tabanico coveted coverage in Vogue. Looking back, she pinpoints her senior year at Jenkins High School in 2021, when she toured the SCAD campus. “I’ve always been super artistic,” she says. “I wanted to paint, draw, and be creative growing up.” Stepping into SCAD’s prestigious School of Fashion, she knew she had found the place where she could develop her creative voice: “This was where I belonged.” For Utilitarian Feminine, Tabanico reimagined military garments as high-end streetwear, crafting pieces that intertwine traditionally masculine and feminine narratives, joining fashion with function. Upcycled materials including parachutes, cording, and netting were all layered with unique fabric motifs. The collection is grounded in familiar military tones like olive green and camo, while vibrant pops of color provide fresh energy. The sculptural, streetwise garments are perfect for “the cool girl or guy who loves dressing in dope clothing,” Tabanico says.

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The designer proudly represented Savannah by incorporating iconic Savannah landmarks including Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski in her collection’s look book and fashion film. (Anyone who’s ever been to the fort will recognize the tunnels and moats where her models cavort.) “The locations are definitely intentional,” she says. “I want to use my hometown landscape to my advantage and interact with it to further push my theme. Each spot has its purpose.” From childhood trips to Oglethorpe Mall with her mother and sister to ventures in historic downtown, Savannah remains a source of inspiration, her hometown stitched into her story. “I’ve always loved going downtown to different shops and supporting small businesses,” she says. “Since I’ve been at SCAD, I’ve discovered so many places I’ve never been to before, and learned to appreciate Savannah more. I’m proud of where I grew up.” Now, with a degree in hand and her designs on the fashion world radar, Tabanico carries the Lowcountry with her everywhere she goes — even into the pages of Vogue.

Photography courtesy of SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN

‘‘

I’ve always been super artistic. I wanted to paint, draw, and be creative growing up. (SCAD’s prestigious School of Fashion) ... was where I belonged.” — JAILYNN TABANICO, SCAD graduate and fashion designer

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BUZZ: OLD SAVANNAH

Construction of the Hyatt Regency Savannah in June 1979

Flowing With the Times A new plan seeks to upgrade Savannah’s waterfront while preserving its history. Written by JESSICA LYNN CURTIS

THE STORY OF SAVANNAH’S HISTORIC WATERFRONT is as old as Georgia itself. It dates back to 1733, when the Colony of Georgia was founded on the banks of the Savannah River, right where River Street exists today. Now, the Savannah’s Waterfront Vision and Implementation Plan aims to keep that story going with a new chapter.

IMAGES COUR TESY SAVANNAH’S WATERFRONT COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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BUZZ: OLD SAVANNAH

RIVER STREET’S HISTORY As the Colony of Georgia grew throughout the 1700s, the waterfront served as the original Port of Savannah. By the mid-1800s, Savannah was the world’s leading cotton exporter, and four- and five-story cotton warehouses made of wood lined River Street. Many of the original warehouses succumbed to fires and hurricanes over the years, but they were rebuilt using ballast material (stones used to stabilize ships) from visiting trade vessels. These sturdy upgrades are not only still standing, but they also remain a vital part of River Street’s charm. The ramps down the bluff connecting Bay Street to River Street were paved with this same ballast material — chert, quartz, granite, basalt, and more — that traveled all the way from Spain, Madeira Island, France, the British Isles, and Canada. As you walk down these ramps today, pay attention to the cobblestones beneath your feet; when their look makes a sudden shift, it means you’ve reached the end of the stones from one ship and moved on to those of another. With advancements in transportation and planters selling their cotton directly, Savannah’s cotton trade eventually dried up. The Savannah Cotton Exchange closed in 1951, and the Georgia Ports Authority moved upriver.

Dedication of Rousakis Plaza, 1977

WATE R FR O N T V I S I O N A N D I M PLE M E N TAT I O N PL A N

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1 Add a new ferry dock to the west waterfront

4 Add narrow tree wells with palm trees

2 Remake the streetscape to echo the historic River Street ramps

5 Design a bicycle lane in the space between the trolley tracks

3 Create a monumental gateway to River Street

6 Pave Bay Street intersections in brick

7 Create an entry to Factors Walk with overhead signage

10 Add a cobble rumble-strip threshold at all vehicular entries

13 Create an opportunity for a ﬂoating museum

8 Activate Factors Walk as an outdoor gallery

11 Introduce trees along south side of Bay Street

14 Introduce trees along south side of River Street

12 Convert parking into ﬂexible green space and add public restroom

15 Restore Barnard Street bridge with a generous stair to River Street

9 Uplight historic building facades

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

16 Uplight historic wall in Factors Walk 17 Pave parking lot with brick and add trees, tables, and chairs 18 Introduce a location for a dining barge

19 Frame the tunnel with a mural and a truss over both entrances 20 Introduce street lamps and overhead lighting at Hyatt Regency Savannah tunnel 21 Add trees, street lamps, and benches

22 Landscape between the sidewalk and the street 23 Add decorative railing to direct pedestrians to the elevator 24 Raised intersection to provide easy pedestrian crossing

BUZZ: OLD SAVANNAH

A VISION FOR RENEWAL By the 1970s, the once-bustling area was being considered as space for a new parking lot. But local architecture power duo Eric Meyerhoff and Bob Gunn had traveled the world and spent time particularly in Venice. “They were just taken by these beautiful European plazas, all the way down to the pattern of the pavement and the quality of developing these outdoor spaces that were really outdoor living rooms,” says architect Christian Sottile. Sottile is principal of Sottile & Sottile, a Savannah-based urban design and architectural firm, and a professor of architecture and urban design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Meyerhoff and Gunn were convinced that similar outdoor spaces were possible for our beautiful city. With help from Mayor John Rousakis and urban renewal funds, Meyerhoff and his team got to work on the Riverfront Urban Renewal Project, which spanned a half-mile along the Savannah River. They broke ground on the 30-acre plaza in 1975, and the stunning revitalization of the waterfront was completed in 1977. “It was really a beautiful moment in American urbanism,” says Sottile. “It wasn’t just about Savannah — Savannah was leading nationally, showing the possibility of reimagining our waterfronts. It was bringing people to the water to enjoy it, transitioning from its industrial past.”

River Street looking east, before Rousakis Plaza was built

Savannah’s Waterfront Community Improvement District Board wants to use funding earmarked for tourism development to improve River Street’s security, functionality, attractiveness, and connectivity to Bay Street.

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25 Bronze directional plaques on City Hall 26 Convert every other planter to a seating area under the trees 27 Pave all crosswalks and sidewalks with brick

28 Replace oaks with palm trees and add informal seating and arbor stage improvements 29 Uplight historic walls in Factors Walk 30 Uplight historic facade

31 Add gates and a roof to all trash enclosures

34 Mark all stairway access with distinct lighting and signage

37 Add a new iron fence along the south side of Emmet Park

32 Convert parking to terraced lawn and multipurpose plaza with a pull-off for emergency services

35 Create a ﬂoating o ere pedestrians can interact with the tides

38 Add a new pedestrian path with street lamps

33 Introduce narrow tree wells at parking stalls

36 Narrow the parking lot slightly to create a continuous river walk

39 Uplight historic walls in Factors Walk 40 Introduce varying facade colors to south side of River Street

41 Construct new public restroom facility 42 Add stairs to allow for continuous riverwalk 43 Construct children’s play area with integral water feature

44 Move Waving Girl statue closer to the riverwalk 45 Construct a bridge connecting Emmet Park to an elevator/ stair tower down into Morrell Park 46 Bring hardscape around Olympic Torch an u lig t t e ﬂame

47 Expand pedestrian walkway along north side of Bay Street and improve stair down to East Broad Street Ramp 48 Develop an interpretive historical signage program for all of River Street

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BUZZ: OLD SAVANNAH

CONNECTING THE RIVER AND THE COMMUNIT Y Of course, upgrades and maintenance are needed as cities evolve. Studies in 2009 and 2017 both looked into what would be necessary to keep River Street thriving. The now completed Plant Riverside District and the grand stair at Montgomery Street connecting Franklin Square to the waterfront both came as a result of the 2009 study. Savannah’s Waterfront Community Improvement District (SWCID) Board began a new study in early 2024: The Savannah’s Waterfront Vision and Implementation Plan. “This plan allowed us to look at everything,” says Sottile, the plan’s architect. “It’s very comprehensive, but it’s also actionable. Some ideas are a little bit more long-term, but there are also more mid-term and immediate ideas. And the vision is grounded in taking Savannah’s most historic district and renewing it, while really staying true to its spirit and history.” “And now it’s time for the rubber to meet the road and see how much things will cost and which ones we can do first,” says Julie Ford Musselman, executive director of the SWCID. The city raised its hotel and motel tax in 2023, at the same time the SWCID was formed, and some of the resulting funds are earmarked for tourism product development, including the redevelopment of River Street. Commercial property owners in Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) also agreed to a higher tax rate to fund community improvement, and federal grants are additionally being leveraged for this project. A central theme of the Vision Plan is connectivity — how to get down to the river and back up. “The street is longer now than it was in the 1970s,” Musselman points out, “so we need connectivity at both ends and in the middle. We also have more people in our region now than we ever have, and we’re only going to have more, so we need more areas for people to enjoy the river.” Opportunities include connecting and renovating Emmet and Morrell Parks and adding a playground on the waterfront, a gathering space for events and concerts, more dining spaces, and art galleries on Factors Walk to turn it into an art walk. Other aspects of the project will focus on landscapes, hardscapes, sidewalks, lighting, security, signage, refuse, and other services. “This waterfront belongs to everyone,” says Musselman. “It’s an asset for the whole state. And to be able to elevate the whole place so that we all can enjoy it well into the future — that’s what keeps me going.”

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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BUZZ: GIVING BACK

Austin Fleming

A Superhero Swing Adaptive Golf Savannah enables those with physical and cognitive challenges to find their swing again. Written by MARY CORNET TA // Photography by CHRISTINE HALL

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 5

BUZZ: GIVING BACK

Gary Head

“When people come to our clinic for the first time, I don’t ask them what their disability is, I ask them what their superpower is.” — Gary Head, Adaptive Golf Savannah clinic coordinator 50

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

BY HIS 30TH BIRTHDAY, Gary Head had suffered two strokes that left his left side paralyzed. But he refused to let that keep him from playing the game he loved. “I decided I wasn’t going to give up golf,” he says. Today, Head is the Savannah clinic coordinator for the Georgia State Golf Association’s Adaptive Golf program, which has 11 locations across the state. Over the years, Head had taught himself how to swing with one arm, a skill that led his son to call him a superhero. So, “When people come to our clinic for the first time, I don’t ask them what their disability is, I ask them what their superpower is,” says Head. The GSGA’s Adaptive Golf program is designed to enable anyone with a physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment — including veterans suffering from PTSD — to learn the game of golf and become part of a community. According to Head, “We help people develop a camaraderie between us because we all have some sort of challenge.” The program can also serve as an extension of rehabilitation for those who are recovering from traumatic events, such as a car accident, spinal injury, or amputation. “When someone is in a rehab facility, wondering what life will look like going forward, this shows them there is something they can do that also gets them out of the house,” explains Head. Adaptive Golf Savannah holds their clinic on the second Thursday of each month at the driving range of Crosswinds Golf Club; it is free of charge for all participants as well as their guests. The use of the range and equipment (such as clubs and balls) is funded by the GSGA, with volunteers running the clinics. The volunteers are trained by the GSGA to work with those with physical challenges, and physical and occupational therapists often attend to lend their services. Per Head, “Some volunteers also have challenges and started as participants, and once they do well, they want to show others.” Head is a prime example of this, says David Windsor, the Adaptive Golf director for the GSGA. “Gary is paying it forward because as he’s gotten himself more recovered and proficient, he decided it was time to give back.” Chris Thompson, a former PGA pro at The Club at Savannah Harbor, volunteers his time helping as the professional on staff for Savannah’s group. Thompson works with participants at their ability level, assisting with their form, grip, and swing. “They’ll hit a ball from here to the end of the range, and it’s like they won the Masters!” he says.

EMILY MCCARTHY

BUZZ: GIVING BACK

“It’s a thrill to watch that, it just makes you feel so good.” In addition to the professional guidance and free equipment, the program also offers the use of a specialized golf cart, called a SoloRider, which assists those in wheelchairs or with limited lower-body mobility. According to Head, a “seated play” cart allows for someone in a wheelchair to transfer to the cart, which has hydraulics in the seat that will stand someone up vertically so they can swing the club. Henry Bryant, an amputee and the prosthetic clinical liaison at Reform Prosthetics in Savannah, recently joined the program. “I’ve never played golf before, so these guys went through all of the steps, from how to hold the clubs to my swing,” he explains. “Getting the mechanics down is interesting to me, and I enjoy every part of it.” Some participants decide to take it up a notch and compete in tournaments held by the US Adaptive Golf Alliance. Head is currently rated as a top player in the country in the senior, one-arm golfer category. Whether they give it their all in a USAGA tournament or simply enjoy hitting balls at the range, participants of all ages and abilities are welcome at Adaptive Golf Savannah. If you or someone you know is interested in attending their monthly clinic, fill out the form on their website: gsga.org/ play/adaptive-golf. Head is also available to give presentations at rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and golf clubs to spread awareness of the program to those who can benefit from learning or relearning the game. As Head says, “Golf is the one sport that has a handicap system where, no matter how good or how bad you are, we’re all equal when we start.”

Steve Giammona, executive director of Adaptive Golf Parris Island, demonstrates the use of a SoloRider, a specialized golf cart for players with limited lower-body mobility.

David Windsor, Adaptive Golf director for the Georgia State Golf Association, helps Henry Bryant, an amputee and the prosthetic clinical liaison at Reform Prosthetics in Savannah, with his swing.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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Coastal Chic A day out on the water never looked so good.

ANCHORS AWEIGH Poppy maxi dress in party stripe from Emily McCarthy and Palmetto Freya woven hat and Atuel tote from Leah Bailey.

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SHIP-SHAPE Left: Poppy maxi dress in party stripe, Nylah shell earrings, and Artemis cuff from Emily McCarthy. Right: Reversible Hattie tank and tiered maxi skirt in Americano stripe, gold coin charm bracelet, hand cast gold rectangle ring, and necklaces from Emily McCarthy. Below: Molded surfer cap and fivepocket white pant by Johnnie-O, Peter Millar cotton blazer, Raffi linen shirt, and David Donahue pocket square from J. Parker Ltd.

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STYLE

ABOVE BOARD Cheers to a day out on the water with friends courtesy of Joyride Boat Club. Charcuterie board by Provisions.

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STYLE

NO WAKE Top left: Handwoven Turkish towels, Atuel tote and Freya hat. Top right: Holden sunglasses. All from Leah Bailey. Bottom left: Emily shift dress in coral pink, handmade Oh! Darling shell handbag, geometric print scarf. Bottom right: Susannah maxi dress in sand stripe, turquoise rope necklace, Kaia earrings in papaya, and beaded bag. All from Emily McCarthy.

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OPEN WATERS Molded surfer cap and coastal wash knit shirt by Johnnie-O and Red Fin Blue Fin bathing suit from J. Parker Ltd.

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Savannah’s Only Luxury High-Rise Riverfront Living Elevated above the Savannah River, The Mayors offers an ultra-rare opportunity: just three penthouse residences remain in this iconic address. Each single-level home spans over 4,400 square feet, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping river views, expansive terraces, private elevators, and bespoke interiors—crafted for those who value privacy and prestige. Enjoy exclusive access to a private, two-story amenity center with resortstyle luxuries. Priced from $5M to $8M+, this is Savannah’s only offering of its kind.

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Worth the Wait With a sweeping view of the Savannah River, this luxury condo embodies the finest in waterfront living. Written by K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER Photography by ANDREW FRAZIER

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PATIENCE IS ITS OWN REWARD, as the saying goes. And for Joellen Cooper-Pyles and Victor Deen, their patience has manifested in a beautiful riverfront luxury condo. In February of 2025, the couple moved into The Mayors building in the Upper East River neighborhood. It’s a penthouse-style building where each of the five residences spans the entire floor, and an elevator opens directly into each foyer. They were the first to move into the building; as of writing, the other residences were still being completed. Creating this stunning home required some vision for the couple: They went under contract five-and-a-half years ago, before The Mayors was even built. Construction alone took four years. At last, they can savor their own waterfront retreat. They agree the views are the best part of their new home, which has 75 feet of floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors, and a private terrace, all offering expansive sights

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of the river and its denizens, including massive cargo ships gliding past and lively dolphins playing. There’s always something to behold, notes Deen, “whether that’s when we wake up in the morning and open the curtains, or at night with the city lights. And you never know what color the Plant Riverside stacks are going to be.” (The landmark is often lit in different hues, such as green for St. Patrick’s Day.) Even Sassy the cat enjoys watching the birds swoop past, reports Cooper-Pyles, a tiny dynamo who sounds uncannily like Dolly Parton. The home represents a fresh chapter for the couple, who just celebrated their 10th anniversary in May. It’s a second marriage for both: Cooper-Pyles lost her first husband in 2012 to cancer, and Deen lost his wife in 2013 after an accident. Fate brought them together at a homeowners association gathering in their former neighborhood, Causton Bluff.

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SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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912.438.5969 grandharborga.com 2025 BHHS Affiliates, LLC. an independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

STYLE: AT HOME

A walnut table in the dining room by Jupe has wedges that slide out to reveal storage underneath.

Melinda Martin Bailey, an associate broker with Seabolt Real Estate, not only helped the couple purchase the condo but also collaborated with Cooper-Pyles on the interior design decisions, drawing from her talents as a decorator. She and Cooper-Pyles share a special bond and have been doing business together for 25 years. “When Joellen first looked here, six years ago, we knew she could curate the home, but the lifestyle was a big factor,” says Bailey. “They are very, very social people. I tell my clients all the time, we can find a house for you anywhere, but you’re looking for both a living space and a lifestyle that suits your needs.” The convenience of living in the Upper East River neighborhood appealed to Cooper-Pyles and Deen, who love that they can pop over to a restaurant at the nearby Thompson Savannah or easily stroll into downtown. “This building is a unique build for the builder,” says Bailey. “There aren’t three more going up.”

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That sometimes took patience but also provided opportunity. Because she was involved from day one of the building’s development, Cooper-Pyles was able to have a say in several aspects of the home. And some of her suggestions to the architect were even incorporated into the broader design of The Mayors, including large storage units in the garage, seamless smart-home systems, and sliding doors that open more widely, improving that already stellar river view. Atlanta-based Patrick Malloy Communities led development for the Upper East River. “The Mayors building was originally designed and inspired by the great luxury hotels that you would find in high-density urban environments within cool, old cities in the U.S.,” says company founder Patrick Malloy. “I think that is exactly what we have achieved.” His vision is for the area to feel as if it had evolved over 100 years — a part of the fabric of the city of Savannah, rather than a brand-new addition.

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STYLE: AT HOME

The three-bedroom, fourbathroom home has 10-foot-high ceilings and an open floor plan that further adds to a sense of spaciousness and possibility. The interior décor blends both traditional and contemporary elements. “It’s a beautiful aesthetic but also a very comfortable aesthetic,” says Bailey. “The goal was not to make it look cookie cutter, like an ad. It was to curate the right space for that footprint. So, we continued to add things that complemented the environment.” Bailey and Cooper-Pyles spent years sourcing for the condo. “When it all came together, some of it was stuff Victor had never seen,” says CooperPyles with a laugh. “I was like, what’s this in this box?” says Deen. But he loves the resulting look. As a couple, Deen and CooperPyles enjoy sampling wines, spending time with friends, and exploring art galleries and museums. CooperPyles, now retired from the dental industry, loves to sew, and both she and Deen are passionate collectors. Deen, a native Savannahian and Georgia Power retiree, has a soft spot for coin collecting. “To me, they are little pieces of art,” he says. The interior of their home “blends the old and new,” says Cooper-Pyles. And there’s always something to explore visually, too, such as displays of ancient arrowheads and a collection of Indian clubs, or bell clubs. These wooden clubs (picture a slender, wooden bowling pin) were popular during the Victorian era, when a fitness wave had men and women alike swinging the clubs in pursuit of physical and mental health. CooperPyles started collecting those in 2002 with her late husband. “They are like folk art,” she says, “very sculptural.” But the showstopper is the premier collection of stoneware, presented in a gallery-like setting in the front hall of the home.

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The hidden pantry, accessed via a “cabinet” in the kitchen, is spacious and organized.

thenestedfighomesavannah.com 2428 Abercorn Street

STYLE: AT HOME

In the primary suite, the refinished rocking chairs in the bedroom originally belonged to CooperPyles’ mother.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

S AVA N N A H ’ S O N LY L O C A L LY OW N E D A N D O P E R AT E D P L U M B I N G S H OW RO O M | S I N C E 1 9 7 7

Kitchen and Bath Showroom 4101 BULL STREET | SAVANNAH | 912.236.3351 | SANDPIPERSAV.COM

STYLE: AT HOME

The primary bathroom has an enormous shower enclosure as well as a freestanding bathtub.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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STYLE: AT HOME

One of the guest rooms features art by Bellamy Murphy. RIGHT: The hall powder room

“It’s a beautiful aesthetic but also a very comfortable aesthetic. The goal was not to make it look cookie cutter, like an ad. It was to curate the right space for that footprint. So, we continued to add things that complemented the environment.” — Melinda Martin Bailey, associate broker with Seabolt Real Estate 84

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STYLE: AT HOME

This guest room has cabinets with a sewing machine that can rise up when needed; Cooper-Pyles enjoys sewing. The green glass light is from Currey and Company.

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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STYLE: AT HOME

The patio area has a dining table and chairs, as well as a separate seating area for conversation and a gas fireplace for chilly weather.

The display shelving concept was another distinctive addition to the home that was then used for other residences in the building. “Incorporating the pottery was great,” observes Bailey, “because it created a unique environment, and it has the personal story behind it. It’s a unique collection and something so beautiful.” The collection features glazed pottery made in Crawford County, Georgia. The jugs were used to hold liquor and are signed with stamps on the handles to differentiate which artisan had made which jug, since multiple makers might be firing their pieces at the same time. Cooper-Pyles and Deen’s home features work by two 19th-century potters, including a fifth-great-grandfather of Cooper-Pyles’ first husband. Thomas Jackson Piles (spelled with an “i” at the time; the family later changed it to a “y”) was one of the pre-eminent jug makers of his era and locale, which was known for its potteries. The second artisan

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featured in their collection is Washington “Wash” Becham. Becham created vessels that are of a rounder, cannonballlike shape, while Piles made beehive-shaped jugs. Similar Crawford County examples can be found in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, including a double-handled whiskey jug made by Fate Becham, the son of Wash Becham. While they have become desirable art objects, these were originally utilitarian pieces, notes Cooper-Pyles. She recalls hearing her grandparents talking about their grandparents using this kind of vessel. “It’s fabulous art in both our eyes,” says Cooper-Pyles. “Victor loves history. And we both love that it’s Georgia history. We were both raised in Georgia and lived here our whole lives.” Now that the home is complete, the two can sit back and enjoy the home’s carefully curated interior and that tremendous view, knowing that their patience was indeed a virtue.

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STYLE: AT HOME

DETAILS Neighborhood: Upper East River Year built: 2025 Year purchased: Contracted for purchase in 2019 Timeline of construction: 4+ years Number of bedrooms: 3 Number of bathrooms: 4 Square footage: 4,515 Architect: Curious Projects in Weston, Connecticut

Interior decorator: Melinda Martin Bailey and Joellen Cooper-Pyles

Builder/contractor: Patrick Malloy Communities Landscape: Rear terrace planting by Savannah Design and Decor

Kitchen design: Curious Projects in Weston, Connecticut

Kitchen appliances: Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, sourced through Livingood’s Appliances and Bedding Bathroom design: Curious Projects in Weston, Connecticut Floral arrangements: Syd Nichole Fashion and Flowers Furniture: New pieces from Mitchell Gold in Atlanta, Georgia; custom pieces by Al & Harry’s in Bluffton, South Carolina; Jupe dining table by Sarreid Ltd. in Milford, Connecticut Paint: Benjamin Moore Tile/flooring: Garden State Tile and Design of Savannah Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.; and Currey and Company Accessories: One Fish Two Fish; Foxglove Antiques Collective in Atlanta, Georgia; Savannah Framing Co.; Earl Ginn Custom Furniture; Moattar Rug in Atlanta, Georgia; and collections curated over years by homeowner Windows/doors: Origin Bi-fold doors on front and back terraces Closets: Closets By Design Draperies and blinds: Creative Distinctions in Amelia Island, Florida Smart home security and entertainment: Integrated system designed by SureLine LLC in Bluffton, South Carolina

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

Homeowners Joellen Cooper-Pyles and Victor Deen

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Bites by Boat Chart your course for the perfect summer dining experience with our roundup of the best places to dock and dine in Savannah. Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS Photography by TOM SANDERS

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Boat dock at The Wyld

Savannah’s intricate network of waterways provides access to a diverse bounty of restaurants, spanning from flip-flop casual to fine dining. Boaters can enjoy a quick bite near home or make a day of it with a destination cruise to a waterfront eatery outside of town. So slip on those boat shoes and get ready for a memorable meal. THE WYLD Perched on the marsh in what co-owner Brad Syfan calls “no man’s land Savannah,” somewhere between Isle of Hope, Dutch Island, and Thunderbolt, the Wyld can be reached by land, of course, but is best approached by water. “The only thing out there is us and the marsh,” says Syfan. “You have to come all the way through the tidal creeks.” (Wilmington River to Herb River to Country Club Creek, to be exact.) “It’s a little adventure coming out to see us by boat.” 94

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It’s an adventure that many food-loving boaters take, with some coming from as far away as Hilton Head Island to enjoy what Syfan characterizes as the “perfect boat ride experience:” a chill ride through the creeks, much of which is a no-wake zone, followed by top-notch food and beverages. Just mind the tides and sand bars — you don’t want to get your boat stuck with a whole audience on the deck watching. (It happens.) Local favorites include The Wyld’s fish tacos and local shrimp, their signature Painkiller slushie (the best-selling menu item), and Porter’s Cracked Melon Cocktail — a seasonal tequila, watermelon, and basil cocktail that began as a way to use up the excess watermelon trimmings from menu items but quickly became so popular that the regulars riot when watermelons go out of season and the drink disappears. (Find the recipe on the next page.) In April 2025, The Wyld celebrated its 10th anniversary. What is the biggest takeaway from the last decade? “We’ve learned that you never know what the river is going to do,” says Syfan. “When we bought the place, we really didn’t know what we

[Boating to The Wyld is] an adventure that many food-loving boaters take, with some coming from as far away as Hilton Head Island to enjoy what Syfan characterizes as the “perfect boat ride experience:” a chill ride through the creeks, much of which is a no-wake zone, followed by top-notch food and beverages.

Paloma

Sangria

Painkiller Slushie

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The Wyld

PORTER’S CRACKED MELON COCKTAIL RECIPE

Tybee Island Out in the twisting, connecting rivers and creeks of Tybee Island, boaters can dock and dine at a handful of destinations. Just take it nice and easy; if you head out this way, you’re living on Tybee time.

COURTESY OF THE W YLD CO - OWNER BR AD SYFAN

• 1.5 ounces tequila, preferably reposado • 1.5 ounces watermelon shrub (recipe below) • 0.75 ounce lime juice Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake well and dump into cocktail glass, ice and all.

WATERMELON SHRUB • 2 cups pureed watermelon • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar • 1/2 cup fresh basil • 1 cup sugar Combine all and let sit covered in the fridge for 24 hours, then strain.

A-J’S DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT:

were in for in that regard.” The first week the restaurant was open, an extremely high tide came in, putting the whole lower part of the restaurant where the offices and storage are located into knee-deep water. “The trash cans were floating around. We’ve lost so much stuff to the tides. We take the philosophy: If something is destroyed, build it back better in a way that it can withstand the same event again.” As for what to expect in the years to come, “We keep thinking about opening another Wyld,” says Syfan. “We’re not in any rush, so we’re just sort of watching for the right spot, the right time, for things to fall into place.” Over the winter, The Wyld ran a pop-up restaurant in their dining room called King Cat Yakatori and Fish. Now, they are shopping the concept in Atlanta, and Syfan thinks that may be up and running later this year. Here in Savannah, The Wyld is going to keep doing what it does best — serving high-quality, casual food and drinks in a one-of-a-kind location.

The Wyld's Springtime Tomato Plate

At A-J’s Dockside, the only thing more colorful than the decor is the sunset — a view that cannot be matched. Pull your boat up in Tybee Creek and grab a table on the patio. Watch for dolphins as you try the fried flounder and other coastal comfort-food favorites. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance.

BUBBA GUMBO’S:

The sign on the front of this old-fashioned seafood shack perched on Lazaretto Creek tells you all you need to know: “Friends don’t let friends eat imported shrimp.” If you doubt them, grab a table and watch the shrimpers unload for yourself.

THE ORIGINAL CRAB SHACK:

There’s free docking and plenty of tables under the live oaks that grow right up against Chimney Creek. The tides can be tricky here, so be extra vigilant with your tide tables. Once you’re docked, take the family to feed the baby gators (78 of them at the time of writing), visit the aviary exhibit, get a Lowcountry boil and a Key Lime pie, and kick off your shoes. After all, you're where “the elite eat in their bare feet.”

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.C O M // 3 5 Y E A R S

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TASTE

Thunderbolt

Tubby's Tank House owner Ansley Williams

C OU R T E SY L I V E OA K R E STA U R A N T S

Thunderbolt Marina, located on the Wilmington River, offers day-rate docking services with reservations. Docking here gives seafarers access to the charming, off-the-beaten-path town of Thunderbolt.

COU R TESY LIVE OA K RESTA U RA N TS

Tubby's Tank House Bloody Mary

TUBBY’S TANK HOUSE

JA SON B . JA MES

Long-time locals’ favorite Tubby’s Tank House, which just celebrated its 30th year, offers American classics and local seafood, including fried shrimp and fresh catch, as well as local music every weekend.

DESPOSITO’S SEAFOOD On the other side of the Thunderbolt Bridge, Desposito’s is named in honor of Carlos Desposito, who bought the property in the 1960s. After decades as a local seafood shack favorite, it closed in 2020 and reopened to much rejoicing in 2023, following extensive renovations. Stop by for local shrimp and friendly service, but note, the county-owned boat ramp near the restaurant is not for docking. Try nearby Savannah Bend Marina instead.

TORTUGA’S ISLAND GRILLE:

Desposito's Seafood

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Tap into the energy of the islands — the Caribbean ones, that is — with a stop at this family-run restaurant. It’s where Jamaican jerk spices meet up with local Georgia shrimp, and it’s especially popular with locals for brunch.

AUTHENTIC FRENCH MACARONS LAVAZZA COFFEE ÉCLAIRS GELATO CAKES FINE CHOCOLATES

2 0 4 We s t B r o u g h t o n S t r e e t S a v a n n a h , G A 314 01

STEPHANIE & REGGIE, OWNERS

912 . 712 . 5 0 94 lemacaronsavannah@gmail.com

"There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't met yet." -W.B. Yeats

Sláinte!

Live Music 7 Days A Week

Scan for Menu & Live Music Schedule

27 Barnard St. | 912-335-0040 | Wexfordpub.com

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MORE RIVER STREET HIGHLIGHTS VIC’S ON THE RIVER:

River Street The City of Savannah operates three public docks in the heart of River Street at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. They are first-come, firstserved and free of charge for three hours — the perfect length of time for beer and a bite. There are several privately operated docks on River Street as well, including River Street Marketplace Docks and River Street Landing, which are available by reservation. With more than two dozen eateries along River Street alone, there’s something for every palate. Plus, you don’t have to deal with downtown car parking.

River House Seafood Chatham Artillery Punch

Come for the upscale ambience and river views; stay for the live piano and the praline cheesecake.

OLYMPIA CAFE:

Transport yourself from River Street to Greece with some of Savannah’s best Mediterranean food in a relaxed, familyfriendly environment. The menu is composed of the late owner Nick Pappas’ own family recipes. Don’t skip the baklava, made from scratch in-house.

River House Seafood

RIVER HOUSE SEAFOOD

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For 43 years, River House Seafood has been locally owned and operated inside one of Savannah’s classic restored 18th-century cotton warehouses. By docking your boat on River Street and heading into River House for a bite, you’ll be joining a long lineage of celebrity visitors (“It’s a running joke that we probably served an Arnold Palmer to Arnold Palmer,” says training manager Pam Kalinke with a laugh) as well as guests of a different variety — the paranormal kind, that is. “So many people over the years have seen ghosts and apparitions,” says Kalinke, who has been with River House for 30 years. “Things happen. We’ve had candles relight themselves, and glasses shatter on tables. We used to have one particular dining room where the hotel lobby is now. The tables would be set correctly, then you’d go in an hour later and the silverware was all jumbled up. We just roll with it.” Rolling with it can be easy when you’ve got Chatham Artillery Punch served in a 22-ounce snifter and fresh, locally sourced seafood with a Southern flair and a dash of Panamanian spice courtesy of longtime head chef, Miss Gladys. Still, keep your eyes peeled. 100

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THE COTTON EXCHANGE TAVERN:

One of River Street’s oldest restaurants, The Cotton Exchange Tavern serves up casual Southern comfort staples perfect for watching the ships float

AQUA STAR:

Located on the second floor of the e tin Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island, which has its own deep-water dock, Aqua Star boasts one of the best views in Savannah, where diners can enjoy Southern coastal cuisine in an upscale, contemporary setting that looks across the river to historic River Street.

Shrimp Cocktail

FREE SAMPLER with the purchase of 2 adult entrees • 1 offer per table not valid with any other offers. offer code: SAVMAG25

Casual Waterfront Dining with the BEST Shrimp in Savannah! 313 East River Street • 912-236-4229 • www.theshrimpfactory.com

River View Dining Group Menu Available

FREE

Fried Green TOMATOES SAMPLER

with the purchase of 2 adult entrees • 1 offer per table not valid with any other offers. offer code: SAVMAG25

125 W. River Street • 912-234-1900 • www.savannahriverhouse.com

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Plant Riverside District Love the historic vibe of the riverfront but craving something a bit more modern? The lively Plant Riverside District has a wide array of dining experiences from walk-up al fresco and casual to fine dining.

Myrtle & Rose Rooftop Garden

MYRTLE & ROSE ROOFTOP GARDEN This rooftop garden is known for its shareable bites, botanical cocktails, and stunning river views. Another top draw: the mimosa brunch.

DISTRICT SEAFOOD:

Keep the sea vibes going with seasonally sourced oysters and Lowcountry classics served easy and breezy on the water’s edge.

TURBINE MARKET + CAFÉ:

Graffito

Stone & Webster Chophouse

GRAFFITO

I M A GE S CO UR TE S Y P LA N T RI V E R S ID E DI S T RI CT

Visit the colorful Graffito for some of the best authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in Savannah.

BAOBAB LOUNGE:

You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight into Africa in this immersive lounge celebrating African cultures and cuisine. This engaging hotspot is not for the faint of heart: Be prepared for stiff drinks and a large collection of taxidermy.

STONE & WEBSTER CHOPHOUSE Located inside the historic building that once held the Riverside Power Plant, Stone & Webster Chophouse serves up a modern take on a classic steakhouse. 102

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ELECTRIC MOON SKYTOP LOUNGE:

During the day, Electric Moon is very family-friendly and boasts a giant slide and games on the turf-covered Moon Deck. But after 6 p.m., the music turns up and Electric Moon transforms into a high-energy, 21+ club.

If you need to grab a quick espresso or stock up on snacks to go, Turbine Market + Café is a hop, skip, and a jump from the river.

DISTRICT SMOKEHOUSE:

Get your Southern BBQ at this casual, outdoor riverfront option, featuring local beers and even a house-made root beer for the kiddos and captain.

RIVERSIDE BIERGARTEN:

Authentic German bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and cold beer? Prost!

SAVANNAH TEQUILA CO.:

Savannah Tequila Co. boasts an excellent list of premium agave spirits and tequila. Traditional Mexican dishes and signature margaritas are sure to spice up any day on the water. (Pro tip: Get the street tacos.)

DISTRICT GELATO:

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget a cold treat to complete your boating day out.

65 YEARS of

Reimagining R Re eieim ima mag agi gin ini nin inngg Ag A Aging! gin gi ing ng! g! Since 1959, we’ve redefined what it means to grow older — with programs that nourish the body, stimulate the mind, and build connection at every stage of life. Aging Happens...Growing Old is Optional! The Learning Center | DayBreak Respite Center | Meals on Wheels | Adult Day Health and Much More!

Learn More at www.SeniorCitizensInc.org or call 912-236-0363

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Daufuskie Island

Eastern Wharf Savannah’s newest riverfront area, Eastern Wharf, offers public docking services like those on River Street: first-come, first-served and free for the first three hours. From casual, pet-friendly outdoor eats to high-end, handcrafted cocktails and fine dining — and breakfast to after-dinner dessert — Eastern Wharf has everything you need whatever time of day you dock. Be sure to check the events calendar when planning your trip; concerts in the park, food truck events, free outdoor yoga classes, cornhole tournaments, and more make this a bumping destination. C OU R T E SY FL E E T I N G

OLD DAUFUSKIE CRAB COMPANY:

To reach Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, a boat is mandatory. Luckily, the restaurant offers extended dock space at the Freeport Marina, and if you eat at Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant, docking is free. Also reachable by ferry, the Crab Company is most famous for its Daufuskie Deviled Crab — and boasts an excellent steak. In season, visitors can shuck their own oysters right off the roasting pit on the edge of the Cooper River.

Richmond Hill If you’re willing to go a little farther outside of town, Richmond Hill offers several spots where boaters can pull up and grab a bite. Stevedore Bakery

FISH TALES RESTAURANT:

M I C HA EL HR I Z U K / COU R T E S Y S TE V EDORE

Fleeting at Thompson Savannah

THOMPSON SAVANNAH Craving something more upscale? Check out Thompson Savannah for a chic vibe. The main restaurant, Fleeting, features a refined seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients. But first, wet your whistle on the rooftop at Bar Julian with a handcrafted cocktail, Mediterranean-style bites, and a bird’s-eye view of downtown’s architectural glory.

SQUIRREL’S PIZZA:

Have your sea dog in tow? Dock at Eastern Wharf and grab a table at Squirrel’s, where you and your furry friend can enjoy hearty New York-, Detroit-, and tavern-style pizzas and drinks with river views and plenty of open space to stretch your sea legs. 104

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STEVEDORE BAKERY Stevedore Bakery celebrates the region’s flavors by baking breads with heirloom grains from local growers, perfect to pair with a cup of locally roasted joe from Savannah’s own PERC Coffee. Fresh pastries and a mouthwatering array of sandwiches makes this an ideal breakfast or lunch spot.

Fish Tales prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and its hushpuppies with honey butter, made using a generations-old family recipe. Boaters can dock right in front of the restaurant and tiki bar at Fort McAllister Marina and enjoy the beautiful view of the Ogeechee River from a deck or screened patio.

MARKER 107:

Marker 107 has its own dock on Kilkenny Creek. Consider saving this one for date night as it’s more upscale than many dock-and-dine picks. Savor crab cakes and scallops, and enjoy a seat over the creek on a screened porch or inside in the chic dining room.

ROOFTOP BAR | PUB EVENTS | RESTAURANT

13 W. BAY ST. | 912-232-8501 CHURCHILLSONBAY.COM

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LEOPOLD’S BIG BIRTHDAY BASH STRATTON LEOPOLD’S FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR IS VANILLA. This simple yet scrumptious ice creamery staple is the bar on which Stratton’s father taught him to judge the quality of this luscious cold treat. When Stratton opened the Broughton Street location of Leopold’s Ice Cream in 2004, he had in-hand his father’s time-honored recipes, which were made in small batches from natural ingredients, just like his family made in the original location in 1919.

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That quality and an equally rich history has made Leopold’s a national name. Now, the flagship parlor will celebrate that success on August 16 when the Savannah institution will host Leopold’s Big Birthday Bash. From 1-5 p.m. that Saturday, the block of East Broughton Street between Lincoln and Anderson streets will be shut down for locals and visitors to enjoy free entertainment, a giant conga line, and an opportunity to grab a scoop — or two — of their favorite flavors.

KAT HER I N E IV E S P HOT OG R A PH Y

The Savannah Institution Celebrates 106 Years of Ice Cream and Memories

Stratton Leopold, owner of Leopold’s Ice Cream Photography courtesy of LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM

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now. When the idea hatched to open the flagship parlor location, he was focused on preserving the legacy left by his family. Today the shop is still family-owned, the ice cream is still handmade, and the long line of customers winding out the front door waiting to get a scoop no matter the season is still a quintessential Savannah scene. “The line has taken on its own significance,” Stratton says. “People have conversations and meet people. They will start talking and realize they’re from the same town. There’s a lot of coincidences.”

New location opens on Whitemarsh Island

“This event is our thank you to Savannah, to all of our customers and guests,” Stratton says. The first Leopold’s Ice Cream opened at the corner of Gwinnett and Habersham streets in the early 1900s. Brothers George, Peter and Basil Leopold started the small soda fountain when ice cream was new to America. The popularity of the treat made Leopold’s the place to be for Savannahians who eagerly ate up the flavors made from fresh cream, eggs and milk. Tutti Frutti, a signature blend of candied fruit and fresh-roasted Georgia pecans quickly became a hit. Another future hit-maker, Johnny Mercer actually worked in the neighborhood gathering spot before becoming a great American musician. Stratton, whose career eventually took him to Hollywood to produce movies with actors like Ben Affleck and Tom Cruise, grew up working at Leopold’s, washing glasses in the same sink that sits behind the counter in the Broughton Street location

The line has created many conversations and memories for visitors and locals alike — and has fostered a need to make access to the ice cream easier. In April, Leopold’s opened a new ice cream shop on Whitemarsh Island for Savannahians who want the delicious treats without the extra wait. Stratton, ever humble and familyoriented, shares that for him and his family, Leopold’s is more than ice cream. The ice cream is about legacy, memories, connections, and the desire to keep customers coming back. “I often wonder what my dad would think,” Stratton says. Leopold’s has locations on Broughton Street, Whitemarsh Island, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Ice cream orders can also be shipped nationwide.

Top-Selling Flavors Tutti Frutti: Made just like the original 1919 recipe, this mixture of rum ice cream, candied fruit and freshly roasted Georgia pecans brings together the flavors of Savannah. Savannah Socialite: Fashionable, fun and made in collaboration with Savannah magazine 10 years ago for the magazine’s then 25th anniversary, this creamy delight mixes both milk and dark chocolate ice cream with roasted Georgia pecans and a swirl of homemade bourbon-infused caramel. Mint Chocolate Chip: Like a cool breeze over the marshes, the peppermint in this creamy concoction packed with chocolate chips is sure to bring relief from the summer heat.

Get a Scoop Flagship Parlor 212 E. Broughton St. 912.234.4442 Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport 400 Airways Ave. 912.483.0123 Leopold's on Whitemarsh Island 107 Charlotte Road 912.744.0944 leopoldsicecream.com

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THE WATER IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR AREA. SO, PARDON THE FISHING PUN, BUT WE CAUGHT UP WITH ALL THE LATEST WATERWAY NEWS, FROM CONSERVATION, TO BUSINESS, TO HOT NEW SEAFOOD SPOTS. 108

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C OU R T ES Y N A U T IC A L B OAT CL U B

Our Coastal Community

C OU R T E SY N A U T I C A L BOAT C L U B

The New Club in Town The latest addition to the boat membership scene, Nautical Boat Club Wilmington Island aims for a country-club level of service. water toys and life jackets, staff available from sunrise to sunset, WHEN SUN LIFE WILMINGTON ISLAND MARINA, and a GPS they’ll set up for you. “We focus on providing a white formerly known as Hogan’s, sought a boat club to partner with, glove, country club-style service,” says Mooney. “The staff will load Nautical Boat Club answered the call. “It was serendipitous,” your stuff onto the boat when you arrive, help tie it up when you says Shayne Mooney, who is the owner-operator of this location dock, and know you on a first-name basis.” alongside business partner Jon Dukes. “We were looking to grow Currently, the Wilmington Island location has six boats to for a while, and it felt like we’d be a really good fit for this market.” choose from, from a Key West 219 FS to a Scout Dorado, with “While we are the new club in town, Jon and I have 30-plus all of the boats ranging from 21 to 25 feet. Depending on your years of experience and success in other locations,” says Mooney. membership, you’ll have access to some He started as an intern at the Irmo, or all of the models, either on weekdays South Carolina, location, where Dukes only or all week long. To operate their was the franchisee, then moved on to boats, the club requires members to have his own franchise in Mount Pleasant, a valid driver’s license and be at least South Carolina, before the two teamed 25 years old, similar to car rental rules. up in Savannah. With nearly 30 Memberships are a family unit deal, locations nationwide, Nautical Boat however, so no one needs to miss a day Club began more than 25 years ago, on the water. when the concept of a membershipFor new members, Nautical Boat based boating experience was new. Club will send them out with a Coast But now, especially with the rising —SHAYNE MOONEY, NAUTICAL BOAT Guard-certified captain for a three- to costs of inflation, joining a club has CLUB CO-OWNER /OPERATOR five-hour training, where they’ll practice become a smart decision for those who docking and navigating local waters, such love boating but aren’t interested in the as how to get to the popular destination, Daufuskie Island. “We’ll upkeep that comes with it. “Boats are a headache; there’s always show you everything you need to be a successful boater,” explains something broken on them, gas is expensive, and there’s also Mooney. “We want everyone to be safe and happy.” storage to think about,” explains Mooney, “We make it easy — you Mooney reveals that they have a record set from the Mount jump on the boat and go.” Pleasant location — 98 outings in a calendar year for one member. The club, which officially opened in May, offers tiered “If someone wants to try and break that here, they can,” memberships, with members paying a one-time fee, monthly dues, he challenges. and committing to a one-year plan. The trade-off? An unlimited number of outings on a selection of high-end boats, a supply of – MARY CORNET TA

“Boats are a headache; there’s always something broken on them, gas is expensive, and there’s also storage to think about ... We make it easy — you jump on the boat and go.”

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Setting Sail for Success In just a six-year tenure, SCAD’s marine design minor is already making major waves. FROM THE CARGO SHIPS meandering through the Savannah River to that superyacht of your Champagne-tinted dreams, behind every floating vessel is a designer who must possess both artistic and technical know-how. Many of these future marine megaminds are studying right here in Savannah, at the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Gulfstream Center for Design. Take Sam Merrill, for example, a fourth-year SCAD student who is buoying his major in industrial design with a minor in marine design. “I wanted to explore this minor after I saw some of the projects that came from marine design alum,” says Merrill. Graduates of SCAD’s marine design minor have sailed into success around the globe, like Louis-Charles Possover, who landed a junior yacht designer position at Navia Design in Finland after charting his course in the program. The curriculum includes courses such as hull development

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and computer-aided product design. Local maritime industries offer themselves as resources as well. For example, Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center, which conducts superyacht refit, repair, and maintenance, opens its facilities to the students, “offering a rare look at SCAD professor of industrial design world-class superyacht Rafael Corazza Ronchetti and Sam Merrill operations,” says Rafael Corazza Ronchetti, an industrial design professor at SCAD and the primary marine design professor. Savannah’s wide-ranging sea industries mean that many worldclass advisers with different specializations are available to the students. “We’re fortunate to have excellent mentors like naval architect Nick Eremic and interior yacht designer Anita Turcotte from Verge Yacht Design,” says Ronchetti. As Savannah’s stevedoring and superyacht industries expand, Ronchetti says the SCAD program will continue to evolve along with them, embracing cutting-edge digital technologies that explore the full potential of the design process. For students, this experiential, future-equipped learning is indispensable. “My time in SCAD’s marine design program has been transformative,” Merrill says. “ I look forward to stretching my sea legs in marine design very soon.”

COU R TESY R OBIN WR I G HT G U N N

OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY

Elizabeth DuBose, executive director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation

AN ISLAND FOR ALL Recognized for her work on Ossabaw Island, Elizabeth DuBose helps keep this special place protected, thriving — and available to the public. “PEOPLE WHO COME HERE for the first time say it feels primeval,” says Elizabeth DuBose, executive director of The Ossabaw Island Foundation (TOIF) and recent recipient of the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, one of 10 awardees statewide and the only individual from coastal Georgia. “Even though it’s just 7 nautical miles from Savannah, it’s like stepping into a completely different world.” One of Georgia’s barrier islands, Ossabaw is state-owned and has been successfully preserved in no small part due to DuBose's decades-long efforts. DuBose began working with TOIF in 1998, the same year it gained nonprofit status and secured a renewable Use Agreement with the state. Since she’s

been at the helm, TOIF has restored or stabilized 12 historic buildings on the island and seen annual visits increase from 500 in 1999 to 3,000 in 2024 — all while adhering to the guidelines set by its designation as the state’s first Heritage Preserve Site. “Unlike the other barrier islands, ours prohibits recreational use, so the focus is strictly on natural, scientific, research, and educational purposes,” DuBose explains. This year TOIF has hosted 31 trips on the island (both day and multinight excursions), from a three-day yoga retreat to a two-week-long archaeological field school co-conducted by the University of Georgia and Pennsylvania State University. These include 14 trips offered through TOIF’s Public Use and Education Program. “What’s great about our model is that TOIF’s programming is open to the public,” she says. “Anyone can come and learn about turtle research, try a traditional practice like indigo dyeing, or be inspired by the beauty of the ecology.” Particular favorites of DuBose’s are Heritage Day (for descendants of any former Ossabaw residents) and Lift Every Voice, honoring the stories and contributions of the island’s enslaved people, Freedmen, and their descendants. The state recently approved the rehabilitation of the circa 1926 winter home of the Torrey-West family along with other structures that will double overnight accommodation capacity; DuBose hopes to see those projects completed within the next two years. Although she found the award ceremony “unbelievable” and “stupendous,” DuBose was caught offguard by the honor. “When you’re just out here on the job, head down, you don’t ever think about things like that,” she observes. She remains humbled by the foundation laid by those who foresaw the need to protect the magic of Ossabaw. “The island is really grounding for people. I’ve just grabbed the baton and tried my best to keep it that way.”

Watery Reads Sarah V. Ross, the former executive director of the University of Georgia Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe, has curated a fascinating new book. “Social Roots: Southern Foodways, Connecting the Landscape,” is an anthology of essays about food, nature, and life in the South, including the role of the waterways. Contributors include The Grey owner/chef Mashama Bailey, Daufuskie Island chef/cookbook author Sallie Ann Robinson, local artist Betsy Cain, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood author Janisse Ray, and many other esteemed voices. “Sisters Across the Sea: Adopted by the Bono of Ghana” celebrates the bond between local writer and social worker Jo Williams and Ghana-born author Agnes Boateng. The two became friends as teenagers during an exchange program in the 1970s and have remained friends, despite the distance created by an ocean and e de ade of ti e Explore Savannah’s ties to the naval events and battles of the Revolutionary War with the historical novel “The Irish Admiralty.” Author Michael Gerard is originally from Ireland and a longtime resident of Beaufort, South Carolina. The book highlights the Irish-born, naval of er o odore ohn arr considered by some to be “the Father of the American Navy.”

—AMY FAESKORN

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"Wave: A Sea Turtle’s Story"

Lidea Clever

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Lidea Clever’s nonprofit organization is making waves both near and far. DISCOVERING YOUR PURPOSE as a child is rare, but Lidea “Liddy” Clever stumbled upon hers — quite literally — at just 5 years old. When her parents, Christin and Seth, relocated the family from Ohio to Savannah, Liddy would walk along the beaches of Tybee Island, noticing the trash littering the sand and shore. “I was wondering why it was there and if it was hurting animals, so I did some research,” says Liddy, who is now 9. Understanding the negative effects of pollution on marine life inspired her to begin organizing beach cleanups. After hosting one on her seventh birthday, she saw how many of her classmates were also interested in conservation. Shortly after that, Liddy founded her own 501(c)(3) non-profit, Save Sea Life, allowing her to spread awareness about endangered animals on a larger scale. Her mom printed out the paperwork and Liddy took it from there. “I’ve always felt like I’ve had a connection to the ocean,” she says. “And I felt like it was my job to educate people about it.” Along with coordinating local monthly beach cleanups, she helps to donate cleanup stations (which consist of a five-gallon bucket and grabbers) to communities nationwide. She also gives speeches to schools, informing students about the importance of sustainability and protecting sea life. Liddy also came up with the idea to raise money for the GPS tracker that

C OU R T ES Y C HR I S T IN C LE V ER

"Endangered Sea Life Coloring Book 1"

Saving Sea Life, One Small Act at a Time

OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY

will be attached to Westie, a beloved Loggerhead sea turtle the Tybee Island Marine Science Center will be releasing into the ocean sometime in early September. (Follow the Science Center on social for details.) Westie is the first sea turtle to be released by the Science Center with a tracker, thanks to Liddy’s fundraising efforts. In addition to running an Instagram campaign for donations (@savesealifewithliddy), she created and sold two beautiful pieces of upcycled art. “I collected trash from the beach that was really pretty and colorful, I sanitized it, and I made trash art,” says Liddy. “One was of a mermaid tail and the other a huge sea turtle, and we did a silent auction to raise the money.” When Liddy is not spending time with the animals at the Science Center, her presence is still there, via her books in its gift shop. She published her first book, “Wave: A Sea Turtle’s Story,” in 2023; “Endangered Sea Life Coloring Book 1” in 2024; and her most recent, “Endangered Sea Life Coloring Book 2,” in 2025. They were each released on World Ocean Day and illustrated by local artist and teacher Katie Napoli. Aside from the Science Center, you can purchase Liddy’s books on her website savesealife.com, at the Tybee Island Farmer’s Market (held on Mondays from 4-7 p.m.), and inside home decor store Jones & Bull. Liddy has already been featured twice this year on TV’s The Jennifer Hudson Show, receiving a surprise, heartfelt personal message from Bindi Irwin during her first appearance. Jennifer and Bindi aren’t the only ones to recognize Liddy for all of her hard work; she has become a force in the community, spreading awareness, inspiration, and joy wherever she is. Liddy’s mission is simple, yet impactful: “Always remember that no act is too small, and you’re never too young to make a big difference.”

Westie Waves Goodbye Since she arrived at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center in 2022, Westie, a Loggerhead sea turtle, has come a long way. Hatched on Ossabaw Island, she was named after its iconic former resident, preservationist Eleanor “Sandy” Torrey West, who passed away in 2021. The turtle Westie was a straggler who never made it out of the nest and into the ocean on her own as a hatchling. Luckily, the curators have taken great care of her at the Science Center, which is permitted through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to house and handle these endangered species. She has been serving as one of their Marine Debris Ambassadors, but as she approaches her third birthday, Westie has grown big and strong and is now ready to say farewell. She will be released into the ocean during a public event on North Beach, Tybee Island, sometime in early September. The Science Center staff encourages attendees to make her sendoff extra special by bringing signs to wish her a safe journey or by donning sea turtle costumes. The time of her release will be announced on the organization’s website and Facebook page. We were fortunate to catch up with Westie before she swims off and ask her some questions on behalf of Savannah’s sea turtle lovers. Answers attributed to Sarah Alley — biologist and curator at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE LIKE AT THE SCIENCE CENTER?

I wake up whenever I want, and I’m on my own schedule except for my meals. If it were up to me, I’d eat all day, every day! But I’m fed six days a week because on Tuesdays, I go to the veterinarian for a checkup. I love

Westie COU R TESY TYB EE ISLA N D MA RIN E S C I E N C E C E N T E R

i in around and ha in the h in my tank. My curators will toss in toys for me to play with so I don’t get bored. I live a pretty spoiled life. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

I’m not really picky, but if I had to choose one, it would be live blue crabs. They’re fun to chase because they’re very fast swimmers, and I bite their claws so they can’t pinch me. HAVE YOU MADE ANY NEW FRIENDS WHILE STAYING HERE?

Sea turtles like me are not very social, so I hang out in my tank alone, ut do ha e o e h friend in here Sometimes I swim around with them, and sometimes I snack on them! I’d say the best friends I’ve met along the way are those who visit the Science Center. I get really happy to see them when they come up to my glass and take pictures with me. It makes me feel important. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WHEN YOU GET RELEASED INTO THE OCEAN?

Space to swim with no boundaries, and a never-ending buffet of horseshoe crabs, snails, and other yummy things. DO YOU WANT TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE HUMANS WHO HAVE BEEN HELPING YOU?

Even though I got a little sassy every time you took me out of the tank to clean and take care of me, I appreciate that you gave me the chance to educate everyone who came through the Science Center. And I’m happy you gave me a better chance of survival out in the wild! — MARY CORNET TA

— MARY CORNET TA

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We’ve talked about being on the water. But what about drinking the stuff ? Here we chat with Savannah local Hannah Byrne, who has amassed a social media following with her refreshing Water Cocktails. Hannah Byrne

AT AGE 50, Hannah Byrne made a decision to dramatically improve her health. Along with various lifestyle changes, she started swapping out her regular sips of Sauvignon Blanc for water. However, it wasn’t just any flavorless, bland water: Byrne began crafting nonalcoholic beverages using water, fruits, herbs, and other elements that gave each recipe the allure of a well-mixed cocktail. Within a few months of making the switch, she experienced weight loss, better sleep, and — what she affirms is the most noticeable difference — clearer skin. “We slather all of these ingredients on our face every day when we can get the same minerals by drinking them,” explains Byrne. With the help of her son, she brought her journey to Instagram under the name @honestlyhannah in January 2024 and has grown a community of more than 25,000 followers also interested in improving their health. Per Byrne, “It was really born out of vanity, but the benefits are so much more holistic than that.” Her recipes offer a cleaner alternative to many mocktail mixes, which can contain sugar and other additives. The star

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ingredient of all of her recipes is naturally occurring mineral water, whether that be spring, glacier, or volcanic. From there, the base of every Water Cocktail is a fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or mango), and then she adds a citrus before choosing an herb (think mint, rosemary, or thyme). The herbs are sometimes muddled for flavor; other times, they act as a garnish. She frequents Herb Creek Landscape Supply with her husband, a horticulturist at Palmetto Bluff, to pick up new herbs to try. In addition to muddling and shaking, Byrne likes to add traditional cocktail ingredients, such as agave or nonalcoholic bitters. “When you level it up with a bitter or muddle in some jalapeño, it really changes the profile,” says Byrne. “Pour it into a refined glass, and you feel like you’re actually drinking that cocktail.” The most frequently asked question Byrne receives on social media is how to order a Water Cocktail when you’re out on the town. “I’ve interviewed bartenders around the world about this, and they all

say the same thing: we are here to make you what you want.” She advises bar-goers to assess the menu to see what garnishes and fruits they’re using in their regular cocktails. Once you know what you’d like to order, be direct. “You can say, ‘I’d like still water in that stemmed glass with ice, two slices of blood orange, drizzle some Luxardo cherry juice on top, and put a sprig of rosemary in it’,” she gives as an example. Byrne frequently collaborates with local businesses, like Rhoot Man Beverage Company, and is available to create custom Water Cocktail recipes for events. For example, she created a drink called the Crunchie Brunchie, which she crafted using Party of Hive granola and Savannah Bee Company honey. Byrne is currently working on a book about the benefits of drinking water and building the Honestly Hannah brand to continue showcasing her personal health journey. “I’m not against alcohol,” she explains. “I just want to look and feel as good as I can each day.” – MARY CORNET TA

COU R TESY HA N N A H B YRN E

Hydration Libations

The Classic Texas Waterita Byrne already has an eBook available, featuring her favorite recipe series: the Waterita. “I’m a sucker for a margarita,” she says. o e the fla or of the aterita ou d drink them all day long!” Here’s her recipe for an invigorating libation for a steamy summer day. INGREDIENTS: • 1 ounce fresh-squeezed tangelo juice • ½ ounce lime juice • 1 teaspoon agave DIRECTIONS: COU R TESY HA N N A H B YRN E

• Shake all ingredients plus 4-5 ounces spring water and ice • Pour strained into a rocks glass loaded with ice, rimmed with Tajin • Garnish with wedges of orange and lime

The Classic Texas Waterita

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Adventures and Advocacy Chad DuBose, a noted local captain, discusses his local and travel fishing charters, his childhood, and his efforts to help protect Georgia’s coastal fishing. WITH OMBRE, BLUE-BLACK LIBERTY SPIKES topping their heads, roosterfish appear far more punk rock than the kindeyed, jetlagged boat captain in front of me. Chad DuBose is just back from leading a recent fishing trip in Baja, Mexico. “Punk rock is a really good explanation for that fish,” he says. “They are mean when they come crashing through … just very, very aggressive.” Long before he was battling big fish in Baja, DuBose, who is the owner of Tall Tides Charters, had Savannah waterways running through him like blood. His family has owned property on the Vernon River since the early 1900s, which set a backdrop for his fond memories of muggy summers spent on the water, fishing with his stepdad and running amok as to-be adventurers typically do. “Almost every Sunday, we either had blue crab that we’d handline off the river in the morning or fried trout with grits,” he says. Eventually, he left his ancestral riverfront to move to the West, to sell climbing gear and be a climbing guide, working with clients on formidable mountains like Mount Rainier, in Washington State, and on Denali, in Alaska. Oh, and on Mount Everest.

In 2015, DuBose boomeranged back to Savannah and eventually started two ventures: Tall Tides Charters and the Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association, which spearheads conservation efforts for our coastline, especially focusing on the protection of redfish (also known as red drum or channel bass). It’s a sportfish that has faced a declining population due to overfishing and changes in its native habitat. “Georgia hasn’t changed the recreational limit since 2001, so you can still keep up to five redfish per person,” he explains. “Every other state that has redfish has regulated its limits over the years, and Georgia hasn’t. So that’s been our big push." Another push for the busy DuBose is growing a subset of Tall Tides Charters: Tall Tides Travels. On these fly-fishing trips — which span from the aforementioned Baja, as well as to Louisiana, to South America’s Patagonia area, and more locations to come — DuBose operates under his favorite axiom. It’s by rock climbing enthusiast, environmentalist, and the founder of Patagonia Clothing, Yvon Chouinard. “An adventure in which the outcome is known, is no adventure at all.” — KIKI DY

“Punk rock is a really good explanation for that fish. They are mean when they come crashing through … just very, very aggressive.” — CHAD DUBOSE

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C OU R T ES Y C HA D DU BOS E

Chad DuBose th a roosterfish

OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY

We Sea New Food

COU R TESY N EON FISH

Did you know that Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar is inside the Gibbons Range building, built in 1820 and the oldest operating commercial building in Savannah? Its new rooftop bar and restaurant, Neon Fish (116 W. Congress St., fourth floor) was named as an homage to the building’s iconic neon sign, commissioned in 1947 for then-tenant Mathews Seafood and now designated as a historic artifact by the Historic Savannah Foundation. Neon Fish offers views of Ellis Square, with a seafoodforward, nibbly based menu (think blue crab fries or fried catfish bites). Stop by for a cocktail, like the gin-based Shore Leave Spritz, and sample the signature three-tier Seafood Tower, a multi-layered affair that boasts Bull River oysters, grilled shrimp skewers, mini lobster rolls, and tuna tartare with crispy wonton chips.

Neon Fish Outside Brands' Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise

Outside Brands, an adventure and outdoor recreation company with locations in Savannah, Hilton Head Island, and Palmetto Bluff, has a new seasonal Lowcountry Boil Dinner Cruise. The cruise, a collaboration with local eatery Sprout Mama Bakery and Catering on Hilton Head Island, takes place weekly aboard the custom-built power catamaran Ohana. The two-hour cruise includes a full Lowcountry boil dinner and Southern-style desserts such as peach cobbler. (Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available with advance request.) It’s offered on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and departs from Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island. Do make a reservation as seating is limited.

C OU R T ES Y OU T S I DE BR A ND S

FishBar (2218 Bull St.) is a new Starland District eatery helmed by Savannah native and executive chef Max Barebee, alongside collaborator Ben Agostini. The open-flame restaurant will feature tapas-style plates with locally sourced seafood as well as other local ingredients, alongside wine and cocktails. Charleston’s beloved Darling Oyster Bar is opening its second brick-and-mortar location, and lucky for us, it’s in Savannah. Slated to open sometime in 2025, the restaurant will be in the City Market neighborhood at 27 Montgomery St. Featuring a seafoodfocused menu, it will be housed in a restored 130-year-old historic building, featuring distinct dining rooms, two expansive bars, a spacious raw bar, and a refined events space upstairs. – K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

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C OU R T E SY SAVA N N A H P I R AT E S A N D T R E A SU R E M U S E U M

Nina Mûr Sunglasses

UNBURIED TREASURE

A new Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum is slated to come to City Market this summer.

– K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

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Updates for Your Beach Bag Want to stand out, poolside? Slip on a pair of sunglasses featuring Nina Mûr frames. The innovative brand, based in Madrid, Spain, hand-crafts light, easyto ear t e ade fro hi h ua it inni h ir h ood ou an nd the at Savannah Family Eye Care (13 E. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite F). And if you’re looking for a juicy beach read, try Mary Nestor’s debut novel, "Bus No. 7." Based in Savannah, Nestor is a coach, consultant, communications expert, and award-winning speaker whose previous book focused on challenging conversations. Her new novel is a psychological thriller that begins with a strungout drug addict’s plot to rob an unsuspecting pregnant woman and ends with a nai itin ride on a runa a u na i t in the i ia au ner iterar Competition, the novel is being released by Bold Story Press. — K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

CO U R T ES Y S AVA N NA H FA MI LY E YE C AR E

AVAST, YE SCURV Y DOGS! The new Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum cannonballs into City Market with immersive galleries, high-tech displays, wax figures of famous pirates, and nautical and military artifacts. While it aims to cover pirate life from across the globe, it will also cover documented figures from Savannah’s history, such as Captain Caleb Davis, who visitors can learn about from his real diary text. The museum, encased in 5,500 square feet of gallery space, comes from Historic Tours of America, which also operates local attractions such as Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah and the American Prohibition Museum. And similar to the Prohibition Museum, there will be a drinking establishment on site. In this case, it will be a pirate tavern serving authentic nautical recipes like Pirate Grog and West Indies Rum Punch. The bartenders may even sing some sea shanties for you. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime to fend off scurvy!

Savor a Taste of Experience our new $70 Tasting Menu

Located at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District @STONEANDWEBSTERCHOPHOUSE

912-373-9066

Joyride Boat Club co-owners, Allison Krandall and Audra DiPadova

DAV I D M ON R OE

OUR COASTAL COMMUNITY

TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE

Women-owned Joyride Boat Club brings a relaxed luxury experience to the waterways. IT’S CLEAR FATE had a hand in introducing the two women who went on to co-found Joyride Boat Club, a leisurely river cruise experience through Savannah’s waterways. Well, that is, if fate conducts real estate deals: Allison Krandall, newly

arrived from Nashville, purchased the home being sold by Audra DiPadova, and in the process, the two became fast friends. Soon after, DiPadova confided a business plan to Krandall over coffee. She’d experienced European-style, tranquil, electric boats in Newport Harbor, when she had been living in Orange County, California. “I wanted that same feeling to come to life in Savannah, and I didn’t want to do it alone.” “I knew how disciplined Allison is, and we have similar aesthetic sensibilities,” DiPadova continues. Krandall grew up in Michigan, where she had done a lot of boating, so she was used to enjoying time on the water. A former lawyer, she moved to Savannah after she and her husband fell in love with the town in 2023. DiPadova, for her part, is a co-founder of local mental health service Yes Collective and chief hope officer for the MaxLove Project. It is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and reduce health risks for children surviving cancer, inspired by her son Max’s recovery from brain cancer. The two friends discovered they were a perfect fit for business partnership, and, most of all, a shared desire to work within — and for — the community here. In 2024, they took the plunge and launched Joyride Boat Club, offering private

Kessler Charters Mahjong Voyage

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— K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Tile for Awhile

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chartered cruises aboard an eco-friendly, 22-foot, pleasure craft. Passengers enjoy a stately, glamorous picnic, smoothly gliding through the twisting creeks and rivers under the boat’s shade-providing awning. Taryn Weston serves as lead captain, and she has been instrumental to Joyride’s success, say Krandall and DiPadova. She trains the other Joyride captains and enjoys navigating the waterways with passengers. “The guests just love her,” says Krandall. Joyride also teams up with other local, women-owned businesses for the onboard food and beverage offerings, including Provisions for artisanal charcuterie boards; Finches Sandwiches & Sundries for gourmet brunches; and Sarandipity Fare for afternoon tea (for summer, refreshing iced tea is an option). Customers are also welcome to BYOB. If so, Joyride can have plates, cups, and napkins, plus a cooler stocked with ice and bottled waters, awaiting guests when they step onto the boat. As Joyride grows, Krandall and DiPadova are working with local hotels to develop partnerships for guest experiences. Even bigger plans are full (electric) speed ahead: they plan to both expand their fleet and bring Joyride Boat Club to other cities in the future.

Invented in China in the late 1800s, mahjong was all the rage in the U.S. until roughly World War I. But the tile-based game — which requires players to employ strategy, skill, and pattern recognition — has roared back into fashion, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Tapping into this pop culture phenomenon, Kessler Charters has a new Mahjong Voyage for summer. Up to six guests will board Decked Out a foot arion de i ned to a ture the re ned elegance of the 1920s, for a two-hour cruise. The experience, which starts at $750, includes a mahjong 101 tutorial guide, a luxury ah on et and a e e tion of ne ine and our et har uterie from Provision, all while the captain navigates the stately wooden boat through Savannah’s waterways. Make a reservation on the Kessler Charters website. – K ATHRYN DRURY WAGNER

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. SouthState Bank, N.A. and SouthState Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using SouthState Investment Services and may also be employees of SouthState Bank, N.A. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, SouthState Bank, N.A. or SouthState Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency

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Not Bank Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

PHOTO CONTEST 2025

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Inspired by the city’s inimitable beauty and creative spirit, we called for professional, amateur, and student (under 18 years of age) photographers to share their best original images that capture the essence of the Greater Savannah area and Georgia coast in exchange for cash prizes — and bragging rights, of course. Between January and March, hundreds of images were submitted. Here, we’ve rounded up our staff favorites, along with picks from a panel of esteemed judges.

FIRST Professional Category “Savannah’s Veins” Micah Turner

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PROFESSIONAL

SECOND “Playground” Joseph Shields

THIRD “Forsyth Fountain” John Alexander

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HONORABLE MENTION “Under the Stars” Jessee Adams

EDITOR’S PICK “Step Lightly” Caitlin Webb

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A M AT E U R

FIRST “Foggy Bridge Run” Nicholas Hennig

SECOND “Gaston” Kim Huffman

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THIRD “The Fisherman on a Foggy Morning at Lakewood” Luis Lopez

HONORABLE MENTION “Blue Heron” Linsey Radcliffe

EDITOR’S PICK “Reflections” Beverly Goldschmidt

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STUDENT

FIRST “Shadows of the Pier” Charles Grant

SECOND “Blacksnake Searching for its Prey” Lennon Popp THIRD “Tree-butary” Brendan Edgecombe

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Thank you to the many photographers who entered our contest! Here are a few more images that stood out to our Savannah magazine staff.

“Amazing Grace” Diane Campbell

S TA N D - O U T S

“Curtains on Bull” Kim Huffman

“Osprey Catch” Linsey Radcliffe

“Now Showing” David Monroe

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SNOW-VANNAH

“Morning Snow” Jackson Schroeder

“Snow at Clary’s” Jackson Schroeder

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“Danny’s Camaro” Jackson Schroeder

Was that all a dream? It’s hard to believe, with the thermometer reading 90 degrees, that Savannah was dusted with beautiful snow not so long ago. Jan. 22, 2025, brought a rare wintry sight to the area, with 1-3 inches of snow and ice accumulating. Savannahians, naturally, had to capture this moment, and here are some of the resulting images.

“Anticipation” Karen Stark

“Perspective” Danica Rubenstein

“Tybee Snow Day” Jo Kooden

“Tear” Karen Stark

“Winter Beauty” Dianne Cornwell

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JUDGES

EMILY EARL Emily Earl (b. 1985, Savannah) is a photographer, designer, and the founding director at ARTS Southeast, an arts nonprofit based in Savannah. She received a BFA in photography in 2007 from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Earl co-founded Sulfur Studios, a community artspace in 2014. She led the transition from Sulfur Studios to the nonprofit ARTS Southeast in 2021, and now acts as ARTS Southeast’s executive director. Earl is also the co-founder and editor of IMPACT Arts + Culture magazine. In 2017, Earl won the Portfolio 2017 High Museum Purchase Award at the APG Gallery in Atlanta. In 2020, work from her Late Night Polaroids series was displayed at the High Museum as part of the exhibit “In Between: Adolescence Through the Camera.” From August 2020 to April 2021, her solo exhibition, “Late Night Polaroids, Photographs by Emily Earl,” was on display at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center as part of the Jepson Center’s #art912 program. Her first monograph, “Late Night Polaroids,” was published in conjunction with the exhibition. Earl’s work is included in the Permanent Collections of Atlanta’s High Museum and Savannah’s Telfair Museum, among others. Her work has also been featured in The New Yorker and by Polaroid.

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BEN TOLLEFSON Ben Tollefson (b. 1985, U.S.) is an artist and curator in Savannah. Tollefson pursued painting and sculpture in his undergraduate studies and subsequently worked at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. While working toward his M.F.A. in painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design, he served as director of Non-Fiction, a contemporary art gallery in the city’s Thomas Square neighborhood. He currently serves as curator at the SCAD Museum of Art where he has organized exhibitions by Zanele Muholi, Nina Chanel Abney, Lee Bul, Marcel Dzama, Izumi Kato, Roxy Paine, Emily Mae Smith, Lily van der Stokker, and others. He has contributed to a publication on artist Wong Ping and coordinated the exhibition catalog “Ring Redux: The Susan Grant Lewin Collection.”

PARKER STEWART DANIEL WHITE Daniel White (b. 1991, High Point, North Carolina) is a Savannah-based photographer who specializes in portrait, documentary, music, and brand photography. Outside of that, he’s traveling around the country capturing life in the moment. White’s work has been featured in AMPLIFIER magazine, Brooklyn Vegan, Yes! Weekly, News and Record, Eater Carolinas, Life and Thyme, and The Savannahian.

Parker Stewart (b. 1992) is a photographer based in Savannah. A native of North Carolina, Stewart arrived in Savannah in 2011 to study photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Stewart’s work is focused on the notion of place, and he uses photography as a tool to record the moments and scenes that move him the most. Currently, Stewart is making photographs of the landscape and culture of the wild Georgia coastline and the rural Savannah River Basin, as well as working on extensive bodies of work in Coastal Maine, Western North Carolina, the Oregon Coast, and the Mojave Desert.

VOTE for Readers’ Favorite by Aug. 1. One winner will be announced in our September/October issue and receive a $200 prize! SCAN THIS CODE TO CAST YOUR VOTE OR GO TO SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

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Your child's future starts with

ty n u o C m a th a h -C h a n n a v Sa Public Schools Inspiring success through exceptional teachers, innovative programs, and a strong community. Explore a World of Opportunity at SCCPSS:

Prestigious Fine Arts Academy

STEM and STEAM– International Baccalaureate Dual Enrollment & College Certified Elementary Schools (IB) Programs Credit Opportunities

Career Pathways in:

• Maritime Logistics • Aviation Manufacturing • Veterinary Science

To find your new school, visit sccpss.com

• Engineering • Healthcare • And more!

TYBEE ISLAND MARITIME ACADEMY (TIMA) is a public K through 8th grade charter school located on Savannah’s beach town Tybee Island and the only K-8 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) certiﬁed school in Southeast Georgia. Its innovative approach to learning guides students through a rigorous, hands-on, STEAM curriculum linking maritime careers and community connections through projects. TIMA provides a supportive

TIMA

and immersive learning environment, promoting the highest academic achievement and character enrichment focused on the economical, natural, and historical context of Tybee Island and the surrounding Savannah area. TIMA is the only school in the state of Georgia with an educational program focused on career choices emphasizing maritime education integrated with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE).

F O R

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T Y B E E I S L A N D M A R I T I M E A C A D E M Y. C O M | 9 1 2 . 3 9 5 . 4 0 6 0 7 1 4 L O V E L L AV E N U E | T Y B E E I S L A N D , G A 3 1 3 2 8

COU R TESY SAVA N N A H COU N TRY DAY SCHOOL

Vandan Patel is interviewed by WJCL in the Savannah Country Day School library.

From Expansion to Excellence Education highlights from across our region Compiled by JESSICA FARTHING

It’s no secret that Savannah and the surrounding areas are growing at a fast pace. With such growth and change comes the need for schools to expand to serve more families and improve their facilities. Here is some of the latest news from educational institutions across the area as they work to address our region’s evolving needs, celebrate their best and brightest, and recap some notable highlights.

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Savannah ScChoouonltry Day

Savannah Country Day is proud to announce that first grader Vandan Patel has been accepted to Mensa, an organization that accepts only the top 2% of people who take an authorized intelligence test. Worldwide, Mensa has about 150,000 members, with 50,000 in the United States. Country Day, which focuses on small class sizes and personalized learning, has also recently been voted the No. 1 Private School in Savannah by niche.com, a website created to give school information to interested families.

Founded in 1956, St. James Catholic School challenges students to reach their highest potential in the atmosphere of a Catholic, Christian community. Through guidance from the IHM sisters, students are prepared for a life of learning and service to God. Students are encouraged to thrive in a way that stimulates academic excellence, high moral standards and personal responsibility.

ELC 1 - Grade 8

C H A R G I N G F O R WA R D ! 412

hiteﬁeld Avenue, Savannah GA 31406

912.355.3132 | www.stjameschargers.com

“

I have used Helese Sandler’s services for all three of my children. As the area’s only Certified Educational Planner, she has not only been a source of vast information on different universities, but her expertise with the application process, including the many deadlines, has also proven to be a very valuable resource. We were thrilled to have her assistance throughout the whole high school experience.

”

-Amy Kaminsky , Parent, SCDS students (Classes of ’23, ’24 and ’28)

Educational Counseling and Related Services for Children, Adolescents and Adults

LAUREL A. BRADY Learning Disabilities Specialist

HELESE S. SANDLER Certified Educational Planner

Academic Support Coaching • Executive Function Coaching • Career Planning • College Counseling LD/Dyslexia/ADHD Services • Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Evaluations • Tutoring and Test Prep 130 Tibet Avenue, Suite 103 | Savannah | 912.238.9552 | SavannahEducationalConsultants.com

C OU R T E S Y BE T HE S DA A C A DE M Y

Bethesda Academy SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Chatham County residents voted yes in the spring to extend the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST), which will fund more than $700 million in needed expansions and modernization projects for the school district over the coming years. The rapidly growing number of families in Pooler, Bloomingdale, Port Wentworth, and Garden City has created a need for bigger school facilities with more services in these areas. District plans include developing a Western Chatham County Multi-Complex, which would consolidate West Chatham Elementary and West Chatham Middle School into a new K-8 facility as a neighborhood-zoned school with Choice Programs as well as build a new high school. A new athletic complex is also being considered for the campus. On the Southside, the district is looking to rebuild Windsor Forest Elementary, a structure dating back to 1963. The new facility will provide modern learning spaces, state-of-the-art safety features, energy-efficient infrastructure, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces. Another aging facility that will be part of ESPLOST-funded improvements is the STEM Academy at Bartlett. The current location on Montgomery Crossroad faces several challenges, including aging infrastructure, transportation accessibility, and space limitations. Although the district is still considering whether it would be preferable to rebuild at the current site or move to another location, plans for a new facility include flexible learning and lab spaces, advanced technology and arts integration, enhanced sustainability features, increased capacity, athletic and recreational spaces, and outdoor learning spaces.

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As Bethesda Academy continues to celebrate its 285th anniversary, the school is enjoying significant enhancements to its athletic facilities. The school’s new sports complex features a high-quality turf field with regulation-sized football markings, a surrounding track surface, bleachers, a press box, state-of-theart locker rooms, and modern weighttraining areas to support the school’s wide range of athletic programs.

SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN Most recently, SCAD welcomed Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste as the university’s 2025 commencement speaker at its locations in Savannah and Atlanta. Batiste addressed (and then performed for) the largest class in university history — more than 3,800 graduates across 40 programs, including animation, fashion, film and television, interior design, and user experience design. In early January, SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden at the White House. The medal is awarded to those who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens. “By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries,” the White House noted in a statement.

Chatham Academy Instruction designed for the way your child learns Chatham Academy is more than a school - it's a launchpad for confident, capable learners.

Through a supportive, individualized approach, we equip learners with the skills and resilience they need to succeed - in the classroom and in life. At Chatham Academy, students build the confidence to overcome challenges, embrace their strengths, and thrive.

912-354-4047 admissions@chathamacademy.com 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd. Savannah ChathamAcademy.com

With a mission centered on balance, the YMCA brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of people just like you are receiving the support and resources they need to engage in healthy lifestyles. COME IN FOR A FREE TOUR AND SEE WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT!

WELCOME

HOME • 11 Branches across Coastal Georgia • State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment including EGYM at some branches • Group Exercise Classes • Senior Wellness Programs • Before and After School Programs

at some branches

• Youth and Adult Sports Leagues • Preschool Programs • Youth Enrichment and Teen Programs • Summer, Sports, and Specialty Camps • Family Nights and Holiday Events

YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA

YMCAofCoastalGA.org

1020 DRA SUITE 200 YTON ST. SAVANN AH, GA 912.777 31401 .3979

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1. The drawin g is ASSOC IATES, LLC the property of BRIAN whole or and is not to be reprodFELDER & and is to in part. It is not to be uced or be return copie ed on requeused on any other projecd in st. 2. Scales t drawin as stated hereo g only n are valid and are the differe on the hereb nce in origina drawin size betwe y changed g. in propo l en the rtion to print and the origina 3. Do not l are not scale dimensions always from prints. drawin consult g to Plans the Archit ect for scale. Use dimen and details further sions given clarific ation. or

St. Andrew s School ’

St. Andrew’s School is still celebrating after the Georgia Independent School Association named Stacey YoungCaudell Middle School Teacher of the Year this past academic year. Meanwhile, St. Andrew’s is currently fundraising for a capital campaign that will fund a performing arts building for the school’s band, orchestra, choir, and visual arts and theater classrooms which will feature a 300-seat auditorium with stage.

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY

CO UR TE S Y S AVA N N AH S TATE U N IVERSITY

As of April 1, Dr. Jermaine Whirl has become the 15th president of Savannah State University. Whirl comes to Georgia’s oldest public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in Georgia and South Carolina, including, most recently, Augusta Technical College, as well as Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University, East Georgia State University, and Greenville Technical College. “I am looking forward to returning to the beautiful city of Savannah and helping to shape the next generation of leaders in our area and region,” Whirl said. “Working with our alumni and community partners, I think we can take an SSU education to the next level and provide more opportunities for the Tiger nation.” Whirl has identified several goals for SSU over the next decade, including making SSU a doctoral-degree granting institution, the first choice and largest HBCU in Georgia, a nationally recognized institution for academic programs, facilities, and collaborative and innovative partnerships, as well as a top 25 HBCU by 2035 as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

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GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ARMSTRONG CAMPUS The Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University continues to make strides in expanding health care education in our region. In partnership with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, the campus now offers a four-year medical degree program in an initiative launched in 2024 to address the critical physician shortage in Southeast Georgia, with plans to open a dental school by 2028. “As the state’s only public academic health center, Augusta University plays a critical role, improving access to exceptional health care for every Georgian, regardless of their zip code,” said Augusta University’s president, Russell Keen. “With Savannah’s remarkable growth creating unprecedented demand for health services, we view it as a responsibility and privilege to help meet this growing demand.” Plans are also in the works to build a dental school on GSU’s Armstrong Campus through the Waters College of Health Professions. The Dental College of Georgia, projected to open in 2028, will be the state’s only dental school and will welcome approximately 50 dental students per class to the Savannah-based program.

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Facial cosmetic surgery after drastic weight loss

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Frederick G. Weniger, MD, MBA, FACS, practices in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he has his own Quad-A accredited surgery suite.

THE ART & SCIENCE OF FACELIFTS Author of "Facial Rejuvenation," Dr. Weniger's Customized, Educational Approach Sets His Plastic Surgery Center Apart WHEN DR. FREDERICK G. WENIGER CAME TO SAVANNAH AND THE LOWCOUNTRY, he came for one reason — to do aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery. Although most plastic surgeons do not start their careers this way, Dr. Weniger fell in love with aesthetics early in his training. He recalls the first time he watched a cosmetic case and thought, “That’s crazy! People get paid to do this?” After that, he was not shy (to many a professor’s chagrin) about tweaking his training experience toward his goal of becoming an aesthetic plastic surgeon in

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private practice, where he could do exactly what he loved. It was also then that he began thinking of facelifts as “the mother of all cosmetic surgeries.” After working for one year in Savannah, Dr. Weniger opened Weniger Plastic Surgery in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he could focus on his goal. It wasn’t long before nurses, other doctors, and their spouses were coming to him for facial cosmetic surgery or revisions to previous surgeries. In fact, he found himself explaining the process of facial aging so many times that he eventually published

an educational book for patients in 2016, “Facial Rejuvenation.” Dr. Weniger believes that a consultation is his opportunity to teach patients by explaining what is occurring anatomically that is at the root of the problems they are seeking services for. “Only after I’m sure the patient really understands what’s going on and the different options to address each concern can we work together to come up with the right plan for that specific patient,” he says. Although he drives his staff crazy

Photography courtesy of WENIGER PLASTIC SURGERY

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

W E N I G E R

P L A S T I C

S U R G E R Y

‘‘

Only after I’m sure the patient really understands what’s going on and the different options to address each concern can we work together to come up with the right plan for that specific patient.”

— Dr. Frederick G. Weniger, MD, MBA, FACS

spending so much time talking to his patients, they do agree that his educational approach to consults is one of the things that grew his practice. Dr. Weniger feels strongly about his view that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to facial plastic surgery, and he stresses that nowhere is this truer than in facelifts. “Certain terms become trendy here and there in plastic surgery, and now the term ‘Deep plane facelift’ is hot,” Dr. Weniger explains. “Ironically, this procedure was first described back in 1990 and has been performed by many of the best board-certified plastic surgeons ever since then. Now for marketing reasons, some surgeons make it sound like they are doing something brand new. Don’t get me wrong — this is a complex procedure that should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons or board-certified facial plastic surgeons, not just by anyone who calls themselves a cosmetic surgeon.” Dr. Weniger goes on: “I have been

doing deep plane facelifts and deep plane neck lifts for 15 years, but only on about half of my patients and only when they are the appropriate choice. All patients are different. I’m used to doing several different kinds of facelifts, and that’s what it takes to offer the right procedure to any specific patient.” Dr. Weniger believes that far more emphasis should be placed on ancillary facial procedures to make a facelift better. He utilizes finesse fat grafting, lip lifts, forehead and eyelid surgery, and, particularly, laser resurfacing to make results more natural. There are three different types of aging in the face, Dr. Weniger explains, and all three need to be discussed with the patient in order to choose a plan that’s right for him or her. “That’s the only way to make a patient look how they really looked when they were younger,” he says. “I’m here to make patients happy that they look like their more refreshed and younger selves — not like someone who had a facelift!”

WENIGER PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER 350 FORDING ISLAND ROAD, SUITE 200 BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 29910 843.757.0123 | WENIGERPLASTICSURGERY.COM

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CONTENTS 149

Trending: What’s new in health care in our area

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Donations Gladly Accepted: Friendship leads to kidney donation

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The Tactical Officer: How Savannah police officers manage their health

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Keeping Hope in Mind: Cognitive resources for area seniors

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Brewing Up Good Health: Why tea should be your drink of choice

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Let’s Face It: Facial cosmetic solutions after weight-loss medication use

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Caring Beyond the Counter: Local pharmacies with a personal touch

174

Finding Balance: How women over 40 can boost their metabolism

178

Speeding Recovery: Hyperbaric oxygen chambers for quicker healing

Special Advertising Sections 181

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COU R TE S Y S AVA N N A H SPEECH & HEA RIN G CEN TER

TRENDING

Savannah Speech & Hearing Center has been supporting infants and their caregivers with free tummy time parent training sessions. Led by Jennifer Jones, a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist and pediatric physical therapist, the classes help babies develop motor skills in a fun, supportive environment. The small-group sessions empower caregivers with practical techniques and age-appropriate activities to help their babies grow strong, confident, and coordinated. For more information or to register, go to speechandhearingsav.org.

Dr. John DeVaro of Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah is partnering with two companies — Luminopia and CureSight — to change the face of amblyopia therapy in kids. To treat what is commonly referred to as “lazy eye,” DeVaro employs digital eye tracking and virtual therapies instead of eye drops and patching. Memorial Health has a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The expansion adds 10 beds to its Level III NICU and represents a $15 million investment by Memorial Health and parent company HCA Healthcare.

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COU R TESY L U X – A M E DI C A L SPA

Additionally, Memorial Hospital has announced plans for a $265 million, five-story tower to provide 90 additional patient beds accompanied by a six-story parking garage at the midtown campus. Just down the road, Memorial Health’s Graduate Medical Education Continuity Clinic will become a new healthcare center for the underserved population in our community, thanks to a partnership between Memorial Health and Coastal Community Health. The federally qualified health center will offer primary care, preventative health, dental, and behavioral health services, as well as a discount pharmacy to the uninsured and underinsured. It used to be that patients had to travel to Jacksonville or Charleston for some endoscopic procedures, but the Center for Digestive and Liver Health is keeping care at home with a newly opened $3.5 million advanced endoscopy center. Minimally invasive techniques for treating gallstones, reflux, cancer, and achalasia are all on the table at this state-of-the-art center. Savannah Vascular Institute, which specializes in state-of-theart treatments for disorders of the arteries and veins, has purchased the building that formerly housed Savannah Plastic Surgery. As our longevity continues to increase, mental decline can become a real concern. The CARE Center at Savannah Neurology Specialists is among the first in the region to introduce two revolutionary, FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer patients: Leqembi and Kisunla. They’ve also been selected as a participating site for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services GUIDE program, with enrollment beginning this summer. The program provides comprehensive services, including care navigation, caregiver education, access to community-based resources, and $2,500 in annual respite care for caregivers. Over at Advanced Regenerative Therapy, Dr. Allen Meglin, a leader in regenerative and neurological health, has just become the first certified ReCODE Protocol™ provider in Savannah. This groundbreaking program is the only clinically proven approach designed to reverse cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Furthering services for seniors, Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a bill to adopt a longterm program for seniors that would help them live at home while receiving comprehensive medical care, meals, and other services, and Hospice Savannah is one of the first organizations in our state to participate. As a member of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Hospice Savannah uses an innovative model to enable individuals age 55 and older needing a nursing home level of care to live at home or as independently as possible by integrating medical care and support for participants, including transportation and meals. ExperCARE Health, which provides on-demand health care services across Georgia and Alabama, has appointed Walt Porter as CEO. Founder and former CEO Catherine Grant will transition to a strategic role as board director. Since founding ExperCARE in 2009, Grant has grown the company from a single-location urgent care center into a multi-state, award-winning health care platform.

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Dr. Frederick Weniger and Dr. Carmen Traywick

On the cosmetic side of things, LUX – A Medical Spa now offers FDA-cleared, nonsurgical hair restoration solutions in partnership with GetHairMD, a national leader in physician-directed hair restoration. Services will include advanced diagnostics with the AI-powered HairMetrix analysis tool, personalized treatment plans based on DNA swab results, and non-invasive solutions. The spa is co-owned by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Weniger and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Traywick. Hats off to the nonprofit organization Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), which is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Savannah location. FODAC provides refurbished equipment and services for adults and children with disabilities to improve their overall quality of life. Since August 2024, it has provided 811 home medical equipment items — including wheelchairs, walkers, power chairs, and adaptive beds — to 543 individuals in coastal Georgia. The retail value of donated and distributed equipment exceeds $417,000, all provided at little to no cost for recipients. Boutique medspa Tox Medspa has opened in midtown Savannah (9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 301). It’s owned and operated by a nurse, Dallas Sellars, who is highly experienced in aesthetic injections. Finally, finding a quiet space in our bustling city with all of these advances can prove challenging, especially for breastfeeding moms. Enter the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” campaign launched as part of the Healthy Savannah and YMCA of Coastal Georgia Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant awarded by the CDC. The program places signage at local organizations with breastfeeding-friendly policies that comply with Georgia law.

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11706 Mercy Boulevard Plaza A, Building 10 Savannah, GA 31419 912-819-4949 OB / GYN

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Savannah Health B E

WE L L

Donations Gladly Accepted After a serendipitous meeting, two Savannahians share a bond deeper than friendship — they share a kidney. Written by MALEAH STEPHENS

Dayna Cohen and Jake Rowland

AFTER DECIDING SHE WANTED to purchase “grownup furniture,” Dayna Cohen felt drawn into a Rooms To Go one fateful October morning in 2021. There, she would meet the person she’d later credit for saving her life. Jake Rowland was a sales associate working the floor at the time. He approached Cohen, hoping to connect her with the perfect bedroom suite, but instead, he found a connection of his own. Their cordial chat about bed frames and dressers quickly evolved into a friendly conversation about accents and the must-try restaurants in New York City. Cohen, originally from New York City, was excited to find out that Rowland planned to travel there that December. She eagerly listed off the best restaurants. “I was telling him, ‘Oh, you gotta do this, and you gotta try that,’” Cohen says. Rowland, happy to receive the expert opinions of a native, took her suggestions to heart. “We just sat and talked for a good 45 minutes,” he says. He even added her as a Facebook friend. “It was uncommon, and I had never added a customer over Facebook, but she was different,” he says. “She felt like a friend I had always known.” After leaving the store with both new furniture and a new friendship, Cohen stayed in touch with Rowland via Facebook. They shared pictures of food they enjoyed and memes they found funny, and they met up intermittently for lunch to catch up. During one of their lunches in 2023, Cohen filled Rowland in on the kidney issues she had been having and how she needed a transplant. “I wasn’t thinking anything of it,” Cohen recalls of the conversation. “We were just reconnecting.”

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But for Rowland, this was more than a life check-in — it was a calling. “It planted a seed,” he says. Admittedly, Rowland says it seemed unlikely that he could help Cohen. The odds of two people being a perfect match are incredibly low. For unrelated individuals, it’s less than 1%. And the decision to donate is just the beginning. Testing can take three to six months before the donor is approved as a match, and it can take anywhere between two to eight weeks after that before the patients are in the operating room. During this time, kidney failure is continuing to progress, making each day without a donor highly worrisome for the patient whose life depends on this transplant. But Rowland couldn’t shake the feeling that he could help. Scrolling on Facebook, he came across a website Cohen created in her search to find a donor. There, he made the stunning discovery that they had matching blood types. “I thought that was my sign to pursue this,” says Rowland. After finding the contact to a transplant coordinator listed on Cohen’s website, he decided he could potentially be a donor and started the process that day. Rowland began traveling back and forth between Savannah and Atlanta to complete the necessary testing — all completely unbeknownst to Cohen. “I didn’t know that Jake was a match, and you’re not told who’s getting tested because of HIPAA laws,” she says. And she didn’t feel worthy, either, recalling, “I didn’t think anyone would care enough to get tested for me.” Though Rowland wanted to tell Cohen what he was doing to give her hope, he decided it was best to complete the testing beforehand, so as not to disappoint her. As she continued working through dialysis and campaigning for a donor, he was undergoing extensive testing — involving several different blood tests, dietary modifications, infection screenings, and more — alone and at record speed. Finally, after just under two months of traveling to and from the hospital, Rowland received the news: He was a match. “Mine was one of the fastest timelines of someone going through the process,” Rowland says, still stunned by how easily everything fell into place. Wasting no time, he messaged Cohen on Facebook that he wanted to meet up, and Cohen happily welcomed Rowland into her home. He says that when he told her that he would be the donor, all the color left her body. Cohen immediately attempted to dissuade him from going through with the donation process, but Rowland refused to budge. Once Cohen accepted Rowland’s offer, they filled his parents in on the news. They had several questions, all of which Rowland was able to answer with ease. “They were concerned,” he says. “But they know once I make my mind up, there’s no changing it. This was no different.” Their reservations about Rowland’s decision quickly dissipated once they met Cohen, and they welcomed her into the family. Surgery was set five months later in August 2024. “I was texting

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him the day of surgery, asking if he still wanted to go through with this,” says Cohen. “He was just like ‘Oh my God, you’re being so silly, come on.’” After the operation, both patients were up and walking within hours — unusual for transplant situations. The typical recovery process can take roughly six weeks, with patients often requiring 24 hours before they can walk. As they look back on this time, both Cohen and Rowland still have chills from how easy the process was. “It’s made me rethink my feelings on fate and coincidence,” says Rowland. “We don’t meet anyone by chance, and you have to really value who comes into your life because you never know what they might mean to you.” Today, Rowland is an associate broker and director of operations for Team Kristin Brown, Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners. Cohen, a former insurance broker in New York for over 25 years, is taking time away from employment to recover. Together, they are advocates for organ donation and are in the very early stages of working to start a foundation for those who are undergoing transplant surgery or are interested in donating. Cohen hopes that their story gives people that extra push to not give up and to keep going to dialysis or to go do that one medical test. “Then it makes everything I’ve been through worth it,” says Cohen. From group support and counseling for those interested in donating to providing gift cards for gas and dinner money to those feeling drained from dialysis, the pair are determined to ease the process of organ donation and spread the miraculous hope they witnessed during their own experience.

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Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-844-346-2176 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-855-205-7829 (TTY: 711)。 Y0040_GHHMBNAEN_C

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The Tactical Officer Discover the innovative programs the Savannah Police Department has implemented to help officers manage their physical and mental health. Written by T YLER PAYNE

FOR POLICE OFFICERS, the Covid pandemic heaped even more stress onto what is already a highly stressful profession. A 2024 survey of more than 2,000 police officers found that 36% experienced anxiety and panic attacks and 39% experienced depression as a result of work-related stress. Thirty-five percent reported PTSD symptoms, which can lead to greater risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Fifty-seven percent of officers said cumulative trauma was likely to cause mental health issues, while 61% named long and irregular work hours and 24% mentioned lack of available support resources. Chief Lenny Gunther of the Savannah Police Department (SPD) saw firsthand the strain the pandemic put on officers. In 2021, he created an internal team, led by Capt. Tonya Reid, to improve available support. Reid turned to the City of Savannah’s health and wellness coordinator, Lauren Wilson, who put her in touch with Vira Salzburn, the director of impact at the Mediation Center in Savannah. Salzburn met with SPD’s leadership, including Reid, to discuss needs. She offered to train the officers in the Community Resilience Model (CRM), a skillsbased program for handling stress, but felt there was more she could do. The idea was to build resiliency for the whole

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organization and improve officers’ health. That conversation, as well as a few follow-ups and Salzburn’s own analysis, led her to create the Resilience Enhancement and Leadership Model (REALM) in 2022. REALM is based on Salzburn’s training in mindfulness, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care. It’s also influenced by her graduate degree in management, leadership, and organizational behavior from Troy University and graduate certificate in human behavior from Harvard University. “It was like all the things I knew prepared me to develop it,” Salzburn says. “Suddenly, everything that I ever learned made sense.” Salzburn developed the program over three months with her Mediation Center colleague Tara Jones and Savannah paramedic and former firefighter Dale Simmons. They introduced it to SPD in January 2023. The program was mandatory, and while some officers were reluctant, the team encouraged them to be open to learning about their needs. “When I got involved in public safety in the late 1980s, we were told to suck it up,” Simmons says. “We created a stigma that said, ‘If you can’t handle the trauma we see on the job, there’s something wrong with you.’ Now we’re in an era where we’re saying, ‘What you’re experiencing is normal. You’re not the first person who’s had these feelings.’” The classes offered techniques such as the STOP Model: Slow down and focus attention; Take a deep breath; Observe your body, emotions, and thoughts; and Perceive self-compassion. STOP and other techniques help officers recognize when they are stressed and respond appropriately to the situation at hand. Afterward, officers told the team they found the skills useful and wanted to learn more. “They’ve said, ‘Now I understand why that person got upset in that situation,’ or ‘Now I understand why my kid wasn’t listening,’” Jones says. “When you’re stressed, you can’t listen or make good decisions. People acknowledging, ‘It’s a natural stress response,’ has been good to see.” In order to become sworn officers of SPD, new recruits first take a four-week course at the department’s internal training unit, then go to a police academy to complete the 20-week Georgia Mandated Peace Officer Training Course. For the recruits in the four-week period, Salzburn and Jones introduce CRM classes, as well as a program named Tactical Yoga. Jones describes Tactical Yoga as using movement to serve the nervous system. “If you’re in ‘fight mode,’ maybe you need something low to the ground, like a stretching exercise,” she says. “If you’re feeling depressed and withdrawn, maybe you do something to energize the body, like push-ups or squats.” Many of the recruits had never done yoga before, and during the first class, there was some resistance. By the end, many felt more at ease and were anticipating the next session. SPD now incorporates REALM into officers’ mandatory training. Each year, from January to September, groups of officers undergo the training until every officer has completed it. The

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“When I got involved in public safety in the late 1980s, we were told to suck it up. We created a stigma that said, ‘If you can’t handle the trauma we see on the job, there’s something wrong with you.’ Now we’re in an era where we’re saying, ‘What you’re experiencing is normal. You’re not the first person who’s had these feelings.’” — Dale Simmons, paramedic department also continues to hold CRM and Tactical Yoga classes for recruits. Earlier this year, SPD introduced its latest program: the Tactical Body. The program is provided weekly to both recruits and officers. It focuses on how nutrition, exercise, and sleep are connected to mental health and what officers can do to address those needs in their personal and professional lives. The program emphasizes the importance of taking breaks. Reid says those in the program often ask what they can do to move and not be stagnant between calls for service. Another frequently asked topic was how to pick up healthy meals to better be able to function during shifts. “Before, a lot of officers would work, work, work, whether it was overtime or extra-duty jobs,” Reid says. “Now, more officers are taking their days off and spending them with their family and friends and decompressing before they return to work.” She has also noticed more officers using the in-house gym and choosing healthier snacks. Many officers have told Jones that they hadn’t realized how little changes could add up. “You don’t have to spend 30 minutes meditating to have a positive effect,” she says. “Sitting at a stoplight and taking a couple of deep breaths can make a difference. You don’t have to completely change your nutrition; you can choose the healthier option at the drive-through.” Following REALM’s success at SPD, Chatham EMS and Fire Department expressed interest, and Salzburn and Simmons brought the program to them in May 2023. St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital and the Georgia Department of Education also offer it. And an instructor at Chatham County Detention Center now offers detainees yoga classes based on Salzburn’s work. “I can’t believe it sometimes,” Salzburn says. “I think a lot of it happened because we just said, ‘yes.’”

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SAVANNAH FIGHTING CANCER

See what our Community Visionaries, both students and adults, have achieved in the fight against Blood Cancer

$380,012

Funds raised in the 2025 student campaign

Student Visionaries of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development program for high school students. Every year, courageous young leaders embark on a 7-week journey with a goal to create a world without blood cancers, striving to earn the Student Visionary of the Year title all while developing new skills and earning volunteer hours. Are you the next Student Visionary of the Year? This is your chance to stand up and stand out! Contact Sarah Tigue at Sarah.Tigue@LLS.org or 813.838.7474 to find out more.

$481,158

Funds raised in the 2025 adult campaign

Visionaries of the Year candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local blood cancer survivors. The individual who has raised the most funds during the ten-week campaign is awarded the prestigious title of 'Visionary of the Year' in their community. Do you know the next Visionary of the Year? Someone who will lead the charge to change the world? Contact Ellie Feltner at Ellie.Feltner@LLS.org or 843.812.5967 to find out more.

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MICKI, 5

THESE HEROES INSPIRED THIS YEAR’S STUDENT AND ADULT VISIONARIES. BOTH TASH AND MICKI WERE DIAGNOSED WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA, TASH AT JUST 8 WEEKS OLD AND MICKI AT 4 YEARS OLD.

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Keeping Hope in Mind For seniors facing cognitive decline, Savannah offers a wide range of resources and care options to help bridge the gap between age and agency. Written by ZACHARY HAYES

FOR MANY AGING AMERICANS, the golden years can feel tarnished by the slew of challenges that can arise in this new stage of life in the form of social stigmas, illnesses, and the fight to maintain independence. Navigating these pressures can feel overwhelming for even the most capable seniors. But for those who face the daunting rigors of early-stage dementia, adjusting to these new realities can be a nearly impossible task without the proper support and guidance. Thankfully, Savannah seniors don’t have to maneuver these uncharted waters alone. From access to groundbreaking Alzheimer’s treatments to a variety of senior-tailored care options, Savannah is home to a uniquely robust suite of resources carefully crafted to provide hope and comfort to those wanting to bask in the autumn of life.

Care That Connects Most often, this next chapter starts in a doctor’s office. Many seniors facing the early stages of cognitive decline seek guidance from their primary care physicians, but as their conditions progress and their needs become more specific, the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional primary care might not cut it. Even something as simple as longer appointments can make a world of difference when confronting these confusing and frightening changes.

“So many patients come in and say, ‘The doctor didn’t even sit down when they came to see me,’” says Dr. Donell Collins, associate medical director of CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Georgia. “That doesn’t happen in our visits.” CenterWell, which recently expanded its national presence with a new practice in Victory Heights last October, provides a holistic, senior-tailored approach to primary care, employing a staff of physicians, social workers, behavioral health specialists, and pharmacists who specifically cater to the needs of older patients, including those reckoning with the various stages of dementia. For Collins, this process starts with gentle, yet thorough conversations about care. “We try to have these conversations as early as possible,” he says. “And, ultimately, the goal is to be able to understand the patient and meet their requests and desires. To me, this is important for patient autonomy.” From providing in-home care options to developing curated care plans, agency and dignity are at the core of CenterWell’s approach to primary care. “The main thing for us is keeping patients living at home, which is what most patients want,” says Collins. “That means bringing the care they need to wherever they are, whether that is coming to see us in the clinic or we come into their home. Our goal is to keep them independent as long as safely possible.”

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New Treatments, New Perspectives

Where Care Meets Community

Even with the bespoke approach of senior-tailored primary care, some patients may need to explore more specialized care options as cognitive changes develop. Luckily, Savannahians facing the early-stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s have access to groundbreaking new treatment options that can help prevent and slow the progression of these diseases. “An early and accurate diagnosis today doesn’t mean what it did six years ago,” says Britni Johnson, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and Georgia Memory Net (GMN) provider at Savannah Neurology Specialists. Johnson helped develop the practice’s infusion protocols for the new FDA-approved anti-amyloid medications, including Leqembi and Kisunla, which help slow disease progression by removing the trademark plaques that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. In clinical trials, Kisunla slowed cognitive decline by up to 35% over 18 months when compared to a placebo. Though not a cure, these medications represent a new hope for early-stage dementia patients looking to extend and improve the quality of their lives. But before treatment can be discussed, diagnosis is key, which is why Savannah Neurology Specialists partnered with GMN in 2023 to provide patients with access not only to accurate diagnostic tools but to connections to key local care resources as well. “The big thing that GMN does is it allows us to have this community services educator role dedicated to knowing everything that’s accessible in our area,” says Johnson. “Because, at the end of the day, you go home with a diagnosis, but what does that mean moving forward?” adds Sophie Clark, the memory clinic coordinator at Savannah Neurology Specialists. “That real-world help and support is so needed.” In addition to the new treatments and their work with GMN, Savannah Neurology Specialists is also rolling out a new approach to holistic dementia care through a partnership with the federal GUIDE program this July. The GUIDE program, offered exclusively to Medicare recipients, expands on the success of GMN to provide patients with comprehensive dementia care, including access to respite care services and more supportive advanced care planning. “It’s kind of like GMN on steroids,” says Clark. Savannah Neurology Specialists is one of only a few practices in the state — and the country — that offers such a wide array of options for dementia patients, and the success of these programs gives providers like Johnson and Clark immense hope for the future. “If there’s anything out there that is groundbreaking for Alzheimer’s disease, we’re gonna have our hands in it,” Johnson says.

Like everyone, older adults, even those with mild cognitive impairment, still crave the pleasures of life and companionship that can imbue their later years with meaning and purpose. To help fill those gaps, Senior Citizens Inc., a local nonprofit celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, has developed an impressive variety of resources and activities designed to meet seniors where they are. “You don’t know how hard it is to go through the aging process until you’re in it,” says Patti Lyons, president and CEO of Senior Citizens Inc. “We look for ways that we can fill any unmet need, whether it’s something we provide or something that’s in the community.” From facilitating Meals on Wheels to training senior companions to providing a range of in-home and respite care services, including those provided by their brand-new DayBreak Center on Skidaway Island, Senior Citizens Inc. has programs that can meet just about any need an independent senior might face. “Even the little things,” adds Lyons. “Say we go to their home to do an assessment, spend time with them, and we notice, ‘Well, golly, their porch needs repairs,’ then we try to solve that problem.” Of all their care options, Lyons is especially proud of The Learning Center, which provides an eclectic and wide-ranging array of programming directly inspired by the special interests and hobbies of its members. Located in-person at the Center for Successful Aging on Bull Street, as well as their satellite campus on Skidaway Island, most of their programming is also available online, allowing members to join in on the action from the comfort of their own homes. Just this last spring, they hosted events on medieval castles of Ireland, yoga, space exploration, Greek mythology, and Romantic composers. If there’s a unique topic of interest inspiring the minds of Savannah’s seniors, The Learning Center is likely exploring it. “What I enjoy about working at Senior Citizens Inc. is that every day is different,” says Lyons. “Every day is joyful, and every day brings the opportunity to help people be able to say that they’ve had a life well lived. I feel like the most fortunate person in the world to have found this.” As Savannah’s seniors take their first steps on this new path, few things are more important than surrounding oneself with those who can provide the support and direction they might need. Between the trials of age itself and the fear and confusion that haunt those facing cognitive decline, nobody should feel they have to confront these changes on their own. The trick, a guiding principle that Savannah’s senior care community holds dear to its heart, is finding support that recognizes the dignity and wisdom of our elders, and strives to nurture it. “These are real people,” says Clark. “They’re more than just their PET scan or their MRI results. Even though we’re looking at results all day, there’s a human being. There’s a name, a person attached to those results, and they have family members who love them dearly. That’s why I come to work every day.”

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Peña-Peck House St. Augustine, Florida

ARTISAN GIFT SHOP

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Brewing Up Good Health Two local tea experts share why, when it comes to all-around benefits, tea should be your go-to summer drink. Written by HUNTER COT TRELL

AS IT TURNS OUT, in the wellness scene, pinkies are out — and drinking tea and taking great care of your body are in. In fact, tea and health make the hottest pairing since Earl met Grey. “Tea is a lifestyle,” says Hale Tea Company owner Megan Miller. “It’s the best stuff that you can use for your face, your body, your mind, and your soul,” she says. Lou Thomann, owner of Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary, echoes this, calling tea “ancient wisdom; modern experience.” The health benefits in each type of tea vary. White tea aligns with tooth health, with natural fluoride, catechins, and tannins. Chamomile can benefit menstrual, stomach, or muscle cramps. Rooibos may help keep cholesterol, circulation, and blood pressure in check. Peppermint supports digestion and soothes headaches. Hibiscus is used for liver health and may have cardiovascular health benefits. Green tea is anti-inflammatory, and matcha, a powdered and condensed rendition of green tea, multiplies the benefits tenfold. Oolong tea may help reduce the risk of breast or ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and certain cognitive diseases with its anti-inflammatory amino acid I-theanine and high polyphenol count. Tea has so many naturally beneficial properties, Miller notes, and she suggests that you enjoy these delights at a pace of three to four cups a day. That lends the most benefits with the least side effects, like potential headaches from teas that contain caffeine.

Tea for Skin Health

Tea has a way to take care of you, even if drinking it isn’t your thing. “We believe that the benefits of tea go beyond the cup,” says Miller. Her Hale Beauty line includes items like botanical tea soaks, employing the rejuvenation of green tea and the muscle soothing of Epsom salts; a matcha clay mask, which uses matcha to help unclog pores and absorb excess oil; and a facial steam with chamomile to soothe and prep skin for the next steps in your skincare routine. She plans to launch more products, including a luxurious milk tea bath, this summer. Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary puts the spotlight on a plant native to Ossabaw Island: yaupon holly.

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Historically, this plant had been used by indigenous people to create a beverage similar to black tea. “We aim to pay homage to its ancient historical use,” says Thomann, but in a new, modern way, featuring it in both teas and in a skincare line. The daily facial oil, for example, is a fan favorite that employs yaupon as well as chamomile, which works as a soothing disinfectant. The company’s rose toner uses yaupon tea as a hydrosol — an aromatic water produced during the distillation of plants that is lighter and less concentrated than essential oil — to shrink pores and maintain skin’s pH balance. An anti-acne cleanser hosts an array of antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties from the yaupon tea’s saponins (soap-like plant properties), paired with medicinal herbs. Whether it’s potentially providing health benefits like protecting the body against cancer and other diseases or making your skin glow, it seems like there’s nothing tea can’t do. Side effects appear to include feeling so well, you’ll want to host the biggest tea party since Boston.

ICE, ICE BABY: “Any of our teas can be made iced,” is the PSA for tea drinkers on the brink of summer, according to Megan Miller, owner of Hale Tea Company. Contrary to popular belief, serving tea at a cold temperature does nothing to lessen any of its benefits. Green or white teas can even be brewed in cold water; simply elongate the steeping time to an hour. For black, oolong, or herbal (or green/white tea, too, if you’re in a rush), brew the tea hot and extra strong, then pour it over a heaping mound of ice to dilute and cool.

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REVOLUTIONARY IMPACT OF EGYM Personalized fitness system increasing strength, energy across region THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA has been a cornerstone of community wellness, but the introduction of EGYM across its branches has marked a leap in fitness innovation, particularly for senior members and those who may not be comfortable with a traditional gym atmosphere. With nine of 11 branches offering EGYM — Habersham, Islands, West Chatham, Tybee, Effingham, Guyton, Statesboro, Richmond Hill, Liberty County, and the soon-to-open Golden Isles branch — this state-of-the-art fitness program is transforming lives and making a profound impact on the community’s health and well-being. EGYM is a smart, personalized fitness system designed to accommodate all fitness levels. The equipment automatically adjusts to each user’s specifications, providing a customized workout plan that adapts as they progress. This means that no matter where someone starts on their fitness journey, EGYM meets them where they are and helps them achieve their goals efficiently and safely.

Many seniors have found that staying active is crucial for maintaining health, and EGYM makes it easy and enjoyable. By using EGYM, they have regained strength and significantly reduced their biological age. This innovative fitness system has provided them with the opportunity to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. “EGYM has strengthened my muscles, and it’s like working with my own physical therapist,” says senior member Carmen Young. “My bio-age is 56 years old, but I’m actually 84. I work out with EGYM four or five times per week.” Similarly, members who were initially reluctant to go to the gym have found EGYM to be highly intuitive and userfriendly. The personalized nature of the workouts makes each session feel tailormade, leading to noticeable improvements in strength and energy levels while making the gym experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Being the first to premiere EGYM in Georgia and the region, the YMCA’s expansion of the circuit to nine branches is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to inclusive and progressive fitness solutions. This technology is revolutionizing fitness in the community by offering an easy-touse, adaptable system that is changing lives, says Mary Arocha, Senior Vice President of Healthy Living and Corporate Wellness. EGYM empowers members to take control of their fitness journeys in a way that has never been possible before, resulting in increased confidence and vitality. Whether aiming to maintain independence and strength or just starting a fitness journey, EGYM has proven to be a beacon of health and wellness in the area. This revolutionary approach to fitness is not only a technological advancement, but it’s also a commitment to enhancing lives and building a stronger, healthier community for all.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EGYM AND THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA AT YMCAOFCOASTALGA.ORG OR CALL 912.354.5480.

Photography courtesy of YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA

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CO URTESY SAVANNAH FACI AL PLASTI C SU RG ERY

Dr. Timothy Minton, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, performed a deep plane face and neck lift on this patient to remove loose skin and create a refined profile following her major weight loss.

Let’s Face It With the popularity of weight-loss medications, some people are discovering that being thinner can sometimes mean looking older. Local cosmetic surgeons weigh-in with solutions. Written by ETHAN MATHEWS

IN THE SUMMER OF 2021, the FDA approved a medication called Wegovy for chronic weight management, marking the first time a GLP-1 agonist — a class of medications that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar — was cleared for use in non-diabetic patients. Once confined to clinics, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro represent a new era in both obesity treatment and total-body transformation. According to a May 2024 survey from the KFF, a leading nonprofit in U.S. health policy research, about one in eight U.S. adults said they had used a GLP-1 drug at some point, and of that group, 6% (over 15

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million U.S. adults) were actively using a prescription. While many of the results have been positive — GLP-1s significantly reduce weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, according to a February 2025 report by JAMA Network Open — a common, undesirable effect quickly became apparent.

Deflating News Informally referred to as “Ozempic face,” individuals who achieve substantial weight loss often experience a loss of elasticity and facial

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volume that had normally been provided by facial fat. The result is a loosening of the overlying skin, deflating facial contours, and an appearance of accelerated aging. “They’ve given it a name, but really it is the result of profound weight loss,” says Dr. Barbara Davies, a plastic surgeon at Savannah Plastic Surgery. “The fat goes away, the skin drapes, and you lose elasticity. Even folks who aren’t on Ozempic but have lost a lot of weight — their elastic properties are very, very different.” Despite popular reference to “Ozempic face” as a side effect, endocrinologists and weight-loss experts emphasize that no study has shown GLP-1s target facial fat; rather, this is simply a natural consequence of significant fat loss. Unfortunately, no magic prevention or correction can direct where fat is lost or gained on the body, but for GLP-1 users experiencing unwanted facial changes, solutions are available. “I see it all the time,” says Dr. Timothy Minton, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery. “How we treat it — just like any other aging face condition — depends on how advanced the problem is.”

The Heat Is On Minton says cases involving mild skin laxity, like minor looseness or early loss of elasticity, can be treated with nonsurgical approaches approaches, such as energy-based treatments. Think of these as home renovations on your face, carefully disrupting the existing structure so the skin can rebuild stronger and smoother. The “disruptions” are noninvasive and generally require little to no downtime. When used appropriately, energy devices deliver targeted heat through modalities like radiofrequency (such as Thermage), ultrasound (like Ultherapy), and microneedling combinations (for example, Morpheus8) to trigger a controlled wound-healing response that stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin — proteins essential to skin structure and elasticity. Mild side effects such as swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur, but typically resolve within a few days. While some treatments offer single-session results, the majority require multiple sessions of varying durations, and packages can range between $2,000 and $5,000. The effects build gradually over time, with noticeable improvements typically appearing within three weeks, and full results visible after several months. Because these devices generate heat in the deeper layers of the skin, Minton cautions against relying on them alone to correct facial volume loss. “If they are used incorrectly, you potentially melt more fat and you’re just making the problem worse,” says Minton. “They’re

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OK for somebody with a mild degree of change, and in conjunction with something like fat grafting or filler.”

Fill ‘Er Up Other forms of nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatments for facial fat loss are dermal fillers, which restore volume and smooth out lines or wrinkles by injecting gel-like substances beneath the skin to replace lost structure. Fillers have been a staple in aesthetic medicine since the early 2000s due to their versatility and relatively low downtime. Treatments typically cost between $675 and $875 per unit, depending on the type and area treated. Minor side effects such as swelling or bruising may occur, but recovery is usually minimal, and results can last anywhere from six months to two years. With a variety of filler types available, treatments can be tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, provide immediate volume and smoothness by attracting water to the treated area, making them ideal for restoring midface volume or smoothing lines. In contrast, poly-L-lactic acid fillers like Sculptra work gradually by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, offering subtle, longer-term improvement over a series of treatments.

You’ve Got To Move It, Move It For more significant volume loss or pronounced facial hollowing, fat transfers — or autologous fat grafting — are often considered a natural and longer-lasting alternative. This procedure involves harvesting fat from another part of the body (like the abdomen or thighs), purifying it, and injecting it into the target areas of the face. Because the material comes from the patient’s body, fat grafting offers a natural look and feel, carries little risk of allergic reaction, and, once fully integrated, can last for several years. When it comes to treating the face after weight loss, it’s natural to want to correct any changes right away, but a little patience can make all the difference. Fat transfers, in particular, highlight the importance of letting your weight stabilize before starting any treatment plan. “If you were to have a fat-transfer procedure, then you lose more weight after that, you could lose some of those results,” says Minton. “I don’t recommend doing anything until you are down to your ideal weight.”

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Powerlifting While often associated with aging, facelifts have become an increasingly popular solution for the facial changes brought on by significant weight loss — particularly in the lower face and jawline, where sagging skin, deep folds, and volume loss can leave behind a tired or gaunt appearance. Unlike nonsurgical options, a facelift offers comprehensive, lasting correction by removing excess skin and repositioning underlying muscles and connective tissues to restore youthful contours. For patients struggling with loose skin that can’t be tightened with fillers or energy devices alone, a facelift delivers a level of structural refinement that other treatments can’t match. It’s a more involved procedure, with recovery typically lasting two to three weeks, but results often last 10 years or more, making it a long-term investment in both confidence and facial definition. Depending on complexity and location, facelifts generally start at $15,000. Treatments for post-weight loss

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corrections are often elective and not covered by insurance, adding to the already high out-of-pocket cost of GLP-1s, so it’s essential to work closely with your provider to identify the most effective approach within your goals and budget. “I will typically triage them by looking at what the skin is doing — what’s the quality, is there too much, and have they had volume loss,” says Davies. “Then, you address each one individually.”

Thinning and Winning Ultimately, losing a significant amount of weight is a major accomplishment — one that can dramatically improve health, energy levels, and quality of life. While facial changes may be an unexpected outcome, Dr. Carl Pearl, plastic surgeon at Chatham Plastic Surgery, believes it is secondary to the deeper, long term benefits of reaching a healthy weight. “I think the fad name behind it is a little dangerous. It can create a stigma around weight loss in general that’s unhealthy,” Pearl says.

Although he offers a range of treatments for patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss, Pearl believes the conversation needs to shift, prioritizing health and happiness over anything else. “I feel strongly about that,” adds Pearl. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery — nearly half of AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons observed a noticeable rise in patients seeking procedures to mitigate the cosmetic effects of GLP-1s. Additionally, one in four surgeons anticipate these medications will drive an increased demand for nonsurgical treatments. As the use of GLP-1 medications grows, so too does our understanding of the effects significant weight loss can have on the body. Navigating these changes requires careful consideration and should be approached thoughtfully with the support of qualified professionals who prioritize long-term well-being and sustainable results.

DIRECT ACCESS COLONOSCOPY Designed to make routine colonoscopies more convenient and accessible for individuals who are age 45 and older and who are at average risk for colon cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends beginning colonoscopy screenings at age 45. With Direct Access Colonoscopy, patients can often bypass a consultation appointment in the office and instead be screened directly by a health care professional who will review their medical history and determine if they are eligible for the program. And you don’t need a doctor's referral.

EASY AS THAT! DO YOU QUALIFY? | 912-354-9447 | CALL TODAY Patients with Gl symptoms and other medical conditions do not qualify for DAC and will need to make an appointment before scheduling a colonoscopy.

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THRIVE ON! Redefining Senior Living on Skidaway Island

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

NESTLED ON SKIDAWAY ISLAND, you’ll find Thrive on Skidaway, a senior living community that redefines the concept of older adult living. With a coastal-inspired design and a resort-like feel, Thrive on Skidaway exudes elegance and contemporary luxury. It is unsurpassably warm and inviting — creating the perfect place to call home for so many wonderful Savannah seniors. Not only is the community breathtaking to admire, but its approach to care is also what sets it apart. Thrive focuses on a core philosophy of creating meaningful relationships with its residents. The team takes the time to truly know each individual, including their personal history, family connections and career background. Delving even deeper, the Thrive team learns about their residents’ preferences, such as their morning

From left, Carol Elkins, Hailey Vernon, Brittany Marshall, Kevin Bohler, Gretchen Speestra, Kaylynn Evans, Michael Patrick, Biz Austin and Terrie Matthews

routines, favorite foods and what brings them joy. By forging these meaningful relationships, it leads to an even deeper level of care. For assisted living and memory care residents, the community provides around-the-clock nursing oversight and personalized care plans that are consistently reviewed and updated. This unwavering commitment ensures that residents receive optimal care, enabling them to live life to the fullest. To encourage socialization, engagement and purposeful living for all its residents, the community offers a wide range of incredible programs. Residents can participate in gardening, fitness classes, pet therapy, art classes, outings to local attractions, walking clubs, church services, happy hours and so much more. There’s also an abundance of amenities, including pickleball, bocce ball, a salon and barbershop, billiards, Convivium Coffee Co., an athletic center as well as on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy. And the cuisine is topnotch, featuring locally sourced, nutrient-rich and seasonally inspired dishes. Thrive on Skidaway provides independent living, assisted living and memory care options, all with bright and modern private apartments. To learn more, stop by or call to schedule a tour.

THRIVE ON SKIDAWAY: 5 LAKE ST. | SAVANNAH, GA 31411 | 912.295.4220 HELLO@THRIVEONSKIDAWAY.COM | THRIVESL.COM/SKIDAWAY | FACEBOOK.COM/THRIVEONSKIDAWAY

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Our philosophy centers around creating a truly exceptional life for our residents — one imbued with purpose and meaning. What truly warms my heart is the delightful sound of laughter echoing through the community as our residents wholeheartedly embrace the joy of each day. Witnessing their happiness is what truly makes our community wonderful.” — Kaylynn Evans, community president

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Caring Beyond the Counter Independent pharmacies provide tailored care with a focus on community. Written by ETHAN MATHEWS // Photography by JOHN ALEX ANDER

WALKING INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD PHARMACY can be a small but meaningful ritual. The soft chime of the door is followed by a quick greeting from the counter. The scanner beeps, paper bags rustle, and, often, a pharmacist chats with a patient about something entirely unrelated to their prescription. There’s no rush, no sterile formality — just the gentle rhythm of a business that runs on familiarity and trust. And although no sign states it outright, an unspoken standard is in place: by your second visit, we’ll know your name. This kind of personal touch is what sets independent pharmacies apart. In Savannah, these locally owned spots aren’t just places to pick up a prescription — they’re fixtures in the

community. As independent pharmacies close at a rate of more than one per day nationwide, according to a 2024 report from the National Community Pharmacists Association, the role they play in building relationships, offering personalized care, and filling vital health care gaps has never been more important.

All in the Family Drs. Jason and Susanne Conley, pharmacists and co-owners of Village Walk Pharmacy on Skidaway Island, have built their business on that promise of personalized care. The couple, who met on the first day of class at Mercer University School

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of Pharmacy, took ownership of Village Walk in 2000 and have worked side-by-side ever since. “I’m here every day, and have been for 25 years, so we get to know our patients as well, or possibly better, than their doctor,” says Jason. “Being able to see the patients three or four times a month, rather than every six months, allows you to develop a relationship.” Like many independent pharmacies across the country, Village Walk became a vital resource during the pandemic, stepping up at a time when healthcare workers were stretched thin and public health guidelines were in constant flux. “Everybody — pharmacists especially — were thrown into new activities during COVID,” says Jason. This moment called for reliable care throughout Savannah, and it played a pivotal role in June of 2020 when pharmacist Neal Hollis opened Georgetown Drug Company at the height of the pandemic. At a time marked by waning confidence in the healthcare system, Hollis says it was crucial to show the community pharmacists could be trusted for accurate information and reliable care. In those early days, his pharmacy earned new patients by offering testing, free in-town delivery, and Saturday vaccine clinics — services that met a critical need in the community. “It had nothing to do with what we were doing, but really how we were doing it. If we saw a patient a second time, we’d call them by their name,” says Hollis. “Small things like that, or even just having a conversation with a patient about anything at all — I love that.”

Getting Personal It’s a simple but powerful approach that resonates with patients. According to a 2025 survey conducted by Lumicera Health Services, 75% of patients value having a pharmacist who knows them personally, affirming that human connection remains a powerful force in an increasingly virtual healthcare landscape. The challenges of the pandemic prompted Savannah’s independent pharmacies to coordinate more closely in delivering clear, consistent guidance to their patients — a collaborative effort that continues today across a range of public health concerns. “We have a really strong group in Savannah,” Hollis says. “For us to have the same outlook was important.” Supporting this mission are organizations like the Georgia Pharmacy Association, which was founded in 1875 to empower and advocate for the state’s independent pharmacists, and the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative. These groups provide resources such as educational seminars, policy updates, and statewide networking opportunities. It was at one such event in 2011 — a conference hosted by the IPC — that Dr. Kaushal Patel was inspired to open his own pharmacy. After nearly a decade with a nationally owned and operated pharmacy chain, he opened Apollo Pharmacy on Broughton Street in 2016, later expanding to a second location in Pooler the following year.

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Neal Hollis

“ ... If we saw a patient a second time, we’d call them by their name. Small things like that, or even just having a conversation with a patient about anything at all — I love that.” — Neal Hollis, Georgetown Drug Co. According to Patel, the value an independent pharmacy brings to its community becomes clear when people discover the range of underutilized services it can provide. “There are things that we can offer our local community that you cannot find at other places,” Patel says. Beyond prescriptions, Patel says pharmacists frequently provide support in areas patients might not expect, like the often overwhelming world of vitamins and supplements. A pharmacist can recommend the right products, catch potentially dangerous interactions, and make sure dosages are safe and effective. Other lesser-known services include customizing pill planners for those who forget their medications, offering delivery for patients without transportation, and helping people choose the best over-thecounter treatments for common symptoms. Sometimes, it’s as simple as stepping in when someone walks through the door in need of help. “We get a lot of tourists, especially from up north, who aren’t accustomed to the humid, hot conditions,” Patel says. “They’ll come in and we can counsel them, give them proper education, and take their blood pressure. If they would have gone to any other place, they would have been charged for the services. Pharmacies are one of the few places out there that can provide lifesaving education at no cost.” This kind of care speaks to a deeper priority: not profit, but people. For independent pharmacists like Patel, Hollis, and the Conleys, the goal isn’t just to fill prescriptions — it’s to make the neighborhood healthier, more informed, and more connected.

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Finding Balance How hormones can help women over 40 boost their metabolisms and feel fitter. Written by BRIENNE WALSH

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KATHERINE ROBERTS, 60, says she was one of those women who couldn’t gain weight if she tried.“I could eat anything I wanted and never weighed over 105 pounds.” That is, until Roberts went through menopause at age 54. Not only did she start putting on weight but she also noticed new pains in her body. Her hips hurt when she lay on her side at night. She had to exercise for two hours a day just to maintain a body weight of 130 pounds. Whenever she went to her primary care doctor, the staff would weigh her and say, “You’re doing great for a woman your age!” She found this incredibly frustrating. She didn’t feel like herself, and she wanted to know why. Roberts made an appointment at Savannah Age Management Medicine, which offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) designed to encourage weight loss and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Exhausted from feeling like her body was working against her, Roberts decided to try it out. She was amazed at the results. Since starting BHRT in July of 2024, she’s lost 30 pounds. Equally as important, her hips stopped hurting, and she began to sleep through the night again. Roberts’ cholesterol also dropped significantly, which her care team attributes to not only the hormones but the regimen of vetted supplements, including vitamin C and fish oil, that they recommended. Roberts notes that while the service isn’t cheap, it’s affordable, costing her roughly $100 a month after the initial consultations. And the results have made the investment worth it. “My husband can’t keep up with me anymore, and he’s eight years younger than me,” Roberts says.

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shed. This is a symptom, she notes, of hormonal fluctuations in the body. “Estrogen plays a role in weight management and is a key regulator,” says De Castro. When a woman begins to produce less estrogen, her body also loses muscle mass. This results in fewer calories being burned during exercise and movement, as well as muscle being replaced by fatty tissue. On the surface, many women notice more fat accumulation in their bellies. This can be a vicious cycle, because the more fatty tissue you accumulate, the more your body becomes resistant to insulin, which can lead to further weight gain. “You have to break the cycle, and the best way to do that is with hormone replacement therapy,” says John Kurtz, a physician assistant who recently joined the team at Savannah Age Management Medicine.

Balancing Act At Coastal Care Partners, Powell starts treatment by running a panel of labs to determine where hormones might be imbalanced in a perimenopausal or postmenopausal patient, and then uses this information to build a personalized treatment plan. In most cases, she combines hormonal therapies with other forms of treatment, including incorporating supplements, exercise, and dietary changes into a patient’s life. The hormones she prescribes, which can

The Weight of Aging Most women expect they will go through menopause in their late 40s and early 50s. But fewer are aware that perimenopause, which is the transition period a woman’s body goes through leading up to menopause, can begin as early as age 35. Symptoms of perimenopause are varied but can include brain fog, urinary incontinence, reduced libido, changes in sleep patterns, anxiety and, of course, weight gain. All these symptoms are caused by fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, as the body begins to prepare to stop releasing eggs from ovaries. “Women are so busy these days that a lot of the common symptoms of perimenopause just seem normal to us,” says Ansley Powell, women’s health nurse practitioner at Coastal Care Partners, a Savannah-based company that aims to provide a patient-centered, holistic approach to healthcare. “But they’re not normal,” she adds. According to a recent study published in the science journal Nature, up to 90% of women seek medical care for perimenopausal symptoms. Dr. Ismary De Castro, an endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism specialist with her own practice, Savannah Endocrinology, says the main reason that perimenopausal patients seek her out is because they start gaining weight that they can’t

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include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are delivered via injectables, creams, patches, and/or pellets. Together, these recommendations can improve the body’s metabolism and lead to weight loss. But they can also indirectly cause other positive changes, making a woman feel better mentally and physically, allowing her to become more active and make healthier choices overall. Powell prescribes bioidentical hormones, which are mixed at compounding pharmacies and are exact matches to the hormones that your body produces (as opposed to synthetic copies). Micronized progesterone, for example, is identical to the progesterone produced by the ovaries. It’s important to note, however, that while compounded bioidentical hormones are overseen by the FDA, they have not always been subjected to full FDA approval. There are some overall risks associated with HRT, including a slight increased risk for breast cancer — on par with the risk associated with obesity or drinking one or two drinks of alcohol every night. But a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks for women in early menopause. These benefits can include reduction in symptoms of

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menopause including hot flashes and insomnia. HRT can also help prevent long-term issues such as heart disease and osteoporosis, and may also improve cognitive function, joint pain, and libido. To learn more, contact your healthcare provider.

Don’t Suffer While overall weight gain may initially attract many women to HRT, Kurtz says that anytime you start to feel changes in your body, including brain fog or even overstimulation around your kids, you should visit a health care provider to help determine what’s going on. Powell adds that she’s had a few patients start HRT on the verge of divorcing a partner, only to come back in for a followup feeling much better about their marriages. Roberts, for one, wishes she had started HRT 10 years earlier. While she says she’s not back to her “20-year-old body,” she is grateful that she doesn’t have to exercise to exhaustion to maintain a healthy weight. More than anything, she’s happy she can occasionally indulge in some great meals with her husband — one of their favorite things to do together. So while HRT can’t turn back the clock, it can make the journey forward far more enjoyable.

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Speeding Recovery Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is being used in novel ways, getting Savannahians back on their feet faster. Written by BRENDAN RINEY

IN 1937, NAVAL RESEARCHERS successfully treated decompression sickness, or “the bends,” using hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for the first time. Deep sea divers would enter a pressurized chamber of pure oxygen equal to their dive depth and slowly recompress to the surrounding atmospheric pressure. Doctors immediately began looking for other applications for the technology. Today, doctors continue to employ HBOT in creative ways to assist patient recovery. HBOT is FDA approved for treating crush injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and air embolisms (when an air bubble causes a blockage in an artery or vein). Several recent studies concluded that it can also provide positive outcomes for patients who have had face lifts, as well as stroke survivors. Courtney Nein, a single mother of three children in Savannah, developed a thunderclap headache last fall. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors discovered Nein was experiencing a brain bleed as a result of an aneurysm. Two days later, Nein underwent surgery to clear the aneurysm but was left unable to open her right eye. Early in her recovery, one of Nein’s tennis partners mentioned that Whole Health Optimization — a local interdisciplinary, integrated care company combining medical, dental, psychological, and alternative health systems — provided HBOT and it might be worth looking into. While the treatment isn’t explicitly FDA approved for strokes, and therefore not covered by insurance, a study published in 2021 in Neuropsychology Review suggested that HBOT could be used in the recovery process for stroke victims. “I saw it as an investment in my health,” says Nein. HBOT is compelling for stroke patients because the brain is notorious for slow healing. Forcing extra oxygen to damaged brain tissue may accelerate healing. These traits also lend themselves to athletes seeking rapid recovery or relief from

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COU R TE SY SAVA N N A H FA C I A L P L A ST I C SU R G E RY

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injuries to low blood flow areas like tendons and ligaments. In Nein’s case, it seemed to work within weeks. “I can actually see out of both of my eyes, and there’s definite improvement in my vision,” she says. Stroke recovery doesn’t start and end with HBOT. Nein, who already had what doctors considered a healthy diet, began taking supplements that improve blood flow and energy, went to physical therapy to regain the ability to open her eye, and began using red light therapy. HBOT’s merits go beyond stroke recovery. A top concern for many potential surgery patients, especially in cosmetic surgery, is the amount of downtime that’s required. A study conducted in 2023 and published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum concluded that HBOT was not only an accepted treatment for face lift procedures, but a favorable one as well. Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery created their own HBOT routine for face lifts: HBOT multiple times a week, 30 minutes using a red light mask whenever possible, and a healthy diet with supplements. Patients on this program begin taking hour-long “dives” in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber three times in the week leading up to the surgery and three to four times post-op. During the sessions, patients wear masks that deliver oxygen while the chamber maintains an atmospheric pressure two times stronger than normal. Luckily, the chamber is more comfortable than a deep-sea vessel, with a recliner and TV to pass the time. “I think that even healthy people could benefit from hyperbarics,” says Dr. Timothy Minton of Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery. “There’s even some thought that it can help with neurocognitive issues as well.” Hyperbaric treatments, despite being relatively old technology, are providing patients with new opportunities, and it appears as if they will keep growing in popularity and effectiveness as more comprehensive research is done. “I would absolutely recommend HBOT,” says Nein.

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S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Doctors

M E E T

T H E

M E D I C A L

E X P E R T S :

Chatham Plastic Surgery ........................................................................... 184

Internal Medicine of Savannah.................................................................. 193

Children's Eye Institute of Savannah ........................................................ 198

Moon River Pediatrics ............................................................................... 198

Coastal Care Partners ............................................................................... 186 Coastal ENT .............................................................................................. 194 Cornerstone Health .................................................................................. 191 Expert Hearing .......................................................................................... 187 ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear .................................................... 189 Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah ............................................. 195

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics ................................................................ 192 Savannah Endocrinology........................................................................... 199 Savannah Pain Management ..................................................................... 197 Schulze Eye & Surgery Center ...........................................................182-183 Shrink Savannah ...................................................................................... .190

Gaughf Dermatology ................................................................................ 188

Shoreline Endocrinology .......................................................................... 196

The Georgia Institute For Plastic Surgery ................................................ 185

Southeast Lung Associates ....................................................................... 197

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Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), MD

Schulze Eye & Surgery Center MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Virginia RESIDENCY: Ochsner Medical Center,

New Orleans, Louisiana

INTERNSHIP: Roanoke Memorial Hospital,

Virginia

FELLOWSHIP: Kentucky Eye Institute AFFILIATIONS: American Medical Association,

American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, International Society of Refractive Surgery, Medical Advisory Board of the Georgia Eye Bank

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I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Anterior segment surgery, which includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK, PRK, ICL) and corneal transplantation. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD BECAUSE: I am a fourth-generation physician and the fourth eye doctor in my family — after my father, my grandfather and my uncle. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Artiﬁcial intelligence and its application to help improve accuracy in eye surgery through better planning to achieve better results.

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M • Special Advertising Section | DOCTORS

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: I was 6 years old. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR: Doing free surgery on a homeless person who had gone blind and could no longer work. Restoring his vision allowed him to regain his occupation and his sense of dignity. I’M MOST PROUD OF: My three daughters. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Warm but professional.

Dr. Richard R. Schulze Jr., M.Phil. (Oxon), center, and his Schulze Eye & Surgery Center team

728 E. 67th St. | 912.352.3120 | schulze-eye.com | Facebook: SchulzeVision | X (formerly Twitter): rschulzejr

ANTERIOR SEGMENT SURGERY: CATARACT SURGERY | REFRACTIVE SURGERY | CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: inds rﬁng and or ing o t at the g MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: la ing ith dog and reading ﬁction and history. MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Chocolate. MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Hiranos, for sushi once a week. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Elon Musk. I think he is changing the world. I’ve been driving Teslas since 2013, and the technology is amazing.

YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I went to graduate school for English at the University of Oxford in England before going to medical school.

ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: Don’t go into medicine for the money; you will be disappointed if you do.

IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR: I would be an English professor.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE: Blue-blocking glasses don’t help.

I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: The town of Vernonburg, where I serve on the town council. THE LAST BOOK I READ: “The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook,” an account of Cook’s last voyage in which he “discovered” Hawaii. It’s got it all: drama, history, anthropology and high adventure.

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Carl B. Pearl, MD, FACS CH ATH A M PL A STIC SURGERY

8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com RESIDENCY: Medical College of Georgia (General Surgery) FELLOWSHIP: University of Tennessee

Memphis (Plastic Surgery)

AFFILIATIONS: AOA, ASPS

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Breast augmentation, facelifts, and mommy makeovers. These procedures allow me to combine precision and artistry to help patients look and feel their best. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE: Because the intricacies and details of plastic surgery inspire and challenge me. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The grand opening of our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center. I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR WHEN: My mother survived breast cancer. I always felt that her surgeon gave me more time with her. MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A DOCTOR: When a patient gains a level of

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on den e the

e ne er had efore

MY GO-TO SPOT IN SAVANNAH: Honestly, my house. I love spending time with my dog — and my bean bag. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: tef raf ant to no what she thought about while competing. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I am a good bowler. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to images on social media. ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING FUTURE DOCTOR: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.

Thomas Horn, MD

THE GEORGI A INSTITU TE FOR PL A STIC SURGERY

65361 Reynolds St. 912.355.8000 mycosmeticsurgeon.md MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical Doctor, University of Florida RESIDENCY: General Surgery, Medical

College of Georgia

FELLOWSHIP: Plastics, Cosmetic, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Miami AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American College of Plastic Surgeons, Fellowship of American College of Surgeons

I WAS ATTRACTED TO PLASTICS AND RECONSTRUCTION BECAUSE: No two da are a i e t a erfe t t I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR: At a young age. My grandad and dad were both physicians, and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO: Be able to care for each of my patients. When a patient thanks me and is grateful for his or her outcome, it’s so rewarding. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Riding my Peleton. MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Spending ti e ith fa i and hin MY GUILTY PLEASURE: Peanut butter right out of the jar.

A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Feel blessed that I am able to do what I do. MY GO-TO SPOT: The Wyld — my family and I enjoy going there by boat. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: My wife. It gets quite busy, and I enjoy spending one-on-one time with her. YOU’D NEVER GUESS THAT: I was a diesel mechanic. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Using Google to diagnose and get opinions. It fosters unneeded stress and false information. I’M MOST PROUD OF: My team and how we work together to give exceptional care to our patients and their families.

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Shonna McGee, MD C O A S T A L C A R E PA R T N E R S

4B Skidaway Village Walk 912.598.6312 coastalcareparnters.com MEDICAL DEGREE: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) School of Medicine (2007) RESIDENCY: Mercer University (2010) FELLOWSHIP: Memorial University Medical Center

oard erti ed in nterna Medicine (2010), American College of Physicians, Society of Hospital Medicine

AFFILIATIONS:

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I’M MOST EXCITED TO BE: Part of a ra ti e that rede ne hat hea th are can be — proactive, personal, and rooted in true wellness. Our membership model gives me the time to connect with and fo u on the ho e er on o that an not only treat illnesses but also prevent them. nterna edi ine hou d e for ard oo in preserving vitality, mobility, and cognitive strength through every stage of life. OUR CARE IS: Comprehensive — blending nutrition, movement, restorative sleep, cognitive support, and sexual wellness to he atient thri e not u t ur i e n a world overwhelmed with health fads and u e ent here to ro ide arit grounded in science. By educating patients about their physiology, medications, and daily ha it e o er the to ta e o ner hi of their health and live with purpose, resilience, and peace.

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Running throu h rd e ar and the oa ined squares downtown keeps me grounded. Yoga and Pilates help me slow down and reconnect with gratitude and presence. Strength training is essential as we age to protect bone den it and re er e u e t in tudio a e hen an ut a o tra e ith hand ei ht to ta tron here er o ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING DOCTOR: Listen closely. Your patients will often te ou e a t hat ron et the speak freely during your evaluation. You can study every diagnosis in a book, but seeing it r thand a e it unfor etta e ini a experience is what transforms textbook no ed e into rea or d i do ou don t earn to are for atient readin — you learn by listening, examining, and experiencing everything you can during clinicals and residency.

Doctors of Audiology Susan Timna and Cori Palmer

Expert Hearing SAVANNAH: 6602 Waters Ave., Building B,

Suite 102

SKIDAWAY ISLAND: 15 Lake St., Suite 160 912.777.8580 experthearingsavannah.com EDUCATION: Master’s in Audiology, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, Arizona School of Health Sciences (Timna); Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Georgia; Doctorate in Audiology, University of Louisville (Palmer) SPECIALTY: Tinnitus Management (Timna) CERTIFICATION: Dementia Care (Timna) and Audiology, American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (Timna and Palmer) ACCREDITATION: Georgia State Board

of Audiology and American Speech and Hearing Association.

AFFILIATIONS: American Academy

of Audiology

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: All areas of hearing health care. Our combined 50+ years of experience gives us the expertise to personalize affordable hearing solutions for each individual. We have incorporated state-of-the-art testing, addressing the links between untreated hearing loss and earlier dementia, into our comprehensive test battery. OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: Providing over-the-top customer service and excellence in all we do. We are grateful to recei e ﬁ e star re ie s ro all o o r patients. We treat each patient with the respect, time, and the attention they deserve. Improving someone’s hearing in all situations comes from time, testing, and a Doctor of Audiology listening to their communication issues. Each person’s hearing loss and hearing demands are unique, and they should not be treated with a cookie-cutter approach.

WE ARE EXCITED THAT: The technology and cosmetic nature of hearing devices have greatly improved, and a wider variety of price points have made them affordable for all. WE WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD: Know how important it is to have a baseline hearing evaluation, to get an annual hearing test (especially after the age of 60), and to understand the possible impact of untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss is a health issue that needs to be addressed, monitored, and discussed with your primary care provider at your annual physical. HEARING LOSS IS LINKED TO: Diabetes, hypertension, smoking, depression, kidney disease, and a higher risk of falls. Untreated hearing loss can also lead to earlier cognitive decline.

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Claudia Gaughf, MD GAUGHF DER M ATOL OGY

SAVANNAH: 639 Stephenson Ave. POOLER: 1000 Town Center Blvd, Suite 900 RICHMOND HILL: 200 Interchange Drive

912.354.7124 gaughfdermatology.com

MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical College

of Georgia

RESIDENCY: Medical Doctor, Internal

Medicine at Medical Center of Central Georgia (two years); Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia

CERTIFICATION: American Board of

Dermatology

AFFILIATION: Georgia Society of

Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery

I INITIALLY BECAME INTERESTED IN DERMATOLOGY BECAUSE OF: The skin issues I had as a teenager. What I continue to o e a out thi e d i i i ar to fa i medicine, you get to build a rapport with long-term patients. WE ARE HAPPY TO: Introduce red light therapy, which has been shown to improve o a en rodu tion redu e infla ation and enhance wound healing and overall skin rejuvenation. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Helping patients with severe eczema, psoriasis or alopecia areata (hair loss). New biologics are now available to help these conditions drastically. I’M MOST PROUD OF: My two children, 19 and 21, who are kind, humble, independent, and motivated.

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MY PATIENTS OFTEN ASK ME: What can I do to have youthful, healthy skin and maintain it. They also ask me about collagen supplements. Studies show mixed reviews, but some researchers have found improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, and appearance of wrinkles. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Personable and ef ient MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Weight and cardio-training classes at the gym in The Landings. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Walk my dogs. YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS THAT: We used to have an RV and enjoy trips to campgrounds when the kids were little.

Erika Morrow, OD, MS FOR SIGHT U NIQUE EY E CA R E & EY E W E A R

350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912.483.6600 forsighteye.net MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Optometry,

Master of Vision Science

AFFILIATIONS: American Optometric Association

and Georgia Optometric Association

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Specialty contact lenses including medically necessary and myopia control. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: I get to help people see their very best every single day. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The technology that I’ve invested in that a o e to t ad an ed e ia t contact lenses. Patients who have corneal conditions such as keratoconus, astigmatism, or scarring can have 20/20 vision again with specialty contact lenses. I am the only provider in this region who has an Eaglet Surface ro o eter hi te hno o an the surface of the eye, taking more than 350,000 measurements in one image, allowing me to customize a specialty en to t our e e e a t

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR WAS: Fitting an electrician who suffered from severe keratoconus with a custom scleral lens. He saw 20/20 for the r t ti e in hi ife rior to ein referred to me, he was wearing a soft contact lens that provided his good eye with 20/50 vision and his bad eye was on orre ta e to ount n er IF I WASN’T A DOCTOR, I WOULD BE: A professional organizer. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Value their eyes more. Saving money is important, but clear, comfortable vision should be a priority when choosing contact lenses or glasses. Plus, glasses and contacts are the only accessory that you wear every single day (for one to two years) that are fashionable and fun tiona hoo e i e

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From left: Heather Mell, NP-C; Yasmin Seay, MD; Chad Brock, MD; Anna Hilliard, PA-C; Kristy Triplett, PA-C; and Sarah Beck, PA-C; not pictured: Annalise Apt, PA-C; Andrea Yates, PA-C; Tiffany Nutter, PMHNP; and Calysta Tilley, PA-C

Shrink Savannah SAVANNAH OFFICE: 1601 Abercorn St. TESTING CENTER: 1515 Abercorn St. POOLER OFFICE: 412 U.S. 80 W., Pooler

912.712.2550 shrinksavannah.com

MEDICAL DEGREES:

Brock, MD, Psychiatry Medical School: University of Oklahoma Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Seay, MD, Behavioral Pediatrics Medical School: University of Texas Residency: University of Alabama Triplett, Hilliard, and Beck, PA-Cs Physician Assistant Program: South University Mell, NP-C Nurse Practitioner Program: Georgia Southern University

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I’M THRILLED TO SHARE: That our child and adolescent mental health care offerings continue to expand, with a child psychiatrist joining our team this summer. — Chad Brock, MD OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: hen e ha e a atient ho re ort ndin re tored ho e or na fee in i e the e e a ain nfortunate ndin the right treatment plan for a patient in psychiatry sometimes can be a long, frustrating process. Patients often think they will never get better and report feeling hopeless or that something is wrong with them because the treatments they have tried have not worked. I have seen patients e erien e i ni ant i ro e ent in quality of life and restoration of hope by undergoing ketamine therapy. Many patients who were essentially nonfunctional have gone from not functioning to thriving

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following this therapy. It’s so rewarding to ha e a front ro eat to u h a i ni ant transition. — Heather Mell, NP-C When patients return for a follow-up visit feeling like the best version of themselves. Those moments are a reminder of how important mental health care can be! — Sarah Beck, PA-C MEDICINE IS NOT: ne i e t a Understanding and implementing this philosophy sets great providers apart from good providers — and I believe this is what sets Shrink Savannah apart from others. — Heather Mell, NP-C WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Other medical communities besides mental health. Recently, a few of our providers participated in the Breakthrough Type 1D (Diabetes) Walk to raise money for the Savannah area and T1D research. — Anna Hilliard, PA-C

Dr. Natalie Britt COR N ER STON E HE A LT H

7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 5 912.208.9773 cornerstonehealthsav.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer University RESIDENCY: Memorial Health AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Family

Physicians, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

MY PRACTICE IS UNIQUE BECAUSE: Cornerstone Health is a membership-based organization where patients can join through two options, Concierge Care or Direct Primary Care. Our membership model allows for a oint ent fle i i it and enhan ed direct access to your doctor. We even make house calls. I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DOCTOR: As far back as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is reading my o nur in hoo te t oo for fun in elementary school. I’M MOST PROUD OF: Being awarded “Physician’s Physician” by my medical school classmates. PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Warm and conversational.

I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Stop apologizing for “doing your own research.” I believe your curiosity and engagement are signs that you’re taking o ner hi of our hea th and that e a t what leads to meaningful, lasting progress. DON’T BELIEVE: That supplements are superior to medicine and that taking medicine represents failure. The most effective treatment plan is one that combines the best evidence with your health priorities to meet your individual needs. I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: Thrive re o en ea th are enter ONE THING I WOULD TELL AN ASPIRING DOCTOR: Don’t delay starting a family in pursuit of your career. A loving spouse and children are not a hindrance to becoming a doctor — they will actually make you better.

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From left: Dr. Katherine Hess, postdoctoral fellow; Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist and director of integrated care; Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Dr. Cassidy Oliver, pediatric psychologist

Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics, LLC 310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 5 912.436.6789 savannahbehavioralpediatrics.com HOFSTADTER-DUKE, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Residency: Munroe-Meyer Institute, Nebraska Internship Consortium HEMBREE, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: Lehigh University; Residency: Munroe-Meyer Institute, Nebraska Internship Consortium MYERS, MS, FAMILY THERAPY

Graduate School: University of Kentucky; Residency: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, West Central Behavioral Health OLIVER, PSYD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Residency: Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital HESS, PHD, PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate School: University of Texas at Austin; Residency: Michigan Medicine Integrated Behavioral Health Clinics 192

OUR MISSION IS: To expand access to the highest quality psychological assessment and treatment services for children and families struggling with developmental, behavioral or learning challenges. OUR MOTTO IS: “Changing behavior. Changing lives.” When committed families collaborate with us and work hard, we see life-changing transformations for both the child and the family. WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Child behavior, learning and development. We help parents and guardians to better understand the challenges facing their children, and we partner with families to change behavior, improve learning and overcome developmental obstacles. Whether your child or adolescent is exhibiting challenging behavior, anxiety, o ia de a or earnin dif u tie e

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are the best specialists trained to identify, treat and monitor your child throughout the developmental period. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Offering unmatched care for children and adolescents in the Lowcountry. We offer the best and most comprehensive evaluations and effective, evidence-based behavior therapy. There’s no rule book for raising a child, but we are the next best thing! Through knowledge, practice and partnership, we help you and your child be your very best. ONE QUICK TIP FOR IMPROVING CHILD BEHAVIOR IS: Catch your child being good (i.e. quiet, calm, polite, etc.)! Adult attention, particularly parental attention, is behavioral fuel, so catch and label good, appropriate behaviors to see them more often.

Yulianty Kusuma, MD, FACP I N T E R N A L M E D I C I N E O F S AVA N N A H

SAVANNAH: 6413 Waters Ave., Suite 102 POOLER: 114 Canal St., Suite 102

912.349.6624 internalmedicineofsavannah.com

CERTIFICATION: American Board

of Internal Medicine

SPECIALTY: Adult medicine, diagnosing

and treating acute and chronic diseases, and preventive care. We work closely with patients to improve their quality of life and achieve wellness goals.

ACHIEVING WORK-LIFE BALANCE OFTEN FEELS LIKE: Chasing a mirage. As a full-time physician, business owner, wife, mother, and daughter, I wonder if having a few extra hours in the day would make things easier. Once work, parenting, cooking, tne and ee are done there not u h time left to spend on mental health, a critical a e t of e ein n toda fa t a ed high-demand world, caring for our mental e ein i n t a u ur it e entia ur e otiona tate influen e ho e thin fee relate, and make decisions. Neglecting it can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and even physical illness. 10 MINUTES TO SANITY: e earned that just a few minutes a day can make a meaningful difference in protecting my mental health. A few simple practices: • Mindful breathing or meditation: After o in ho e fro or end e

minutes grounding myself. It helps calm my nervous system and resets my focus. • Gratitude: I jot down or mentally note what ratefu for hi a a t hift mood and keeps me anchored in kindness. • Move your body: Whether a short walk or a 30-minute swim, exercise releases endorphins, our rain natura ood oo ter • Digital detox: I unplug from devices during dinner and connect with my family. iritua de otion efore ed refle t and center myself spiritually. It brings peace and closure to my day. • Social connection: When I have more time, I call or visit a friend. Sharing feelings and stories eases stress and strengthens bonds. MENTAL SELF-CARE IS NOT: ndu ent it re enti e f ou are tru in no that you are not alone. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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David S. Oliver, MD, FACS, FAAOA COA STA L E A R, NOSE & THROAT

SAVANNAH: 322 Commercial Drive 912.355.2335 POOLER: 200 Blue Moon Crossing 912.450.2336 coastal-ent.com facebook.com/drdavidoliver MEDICAL DEGREE: Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine RESIDENCY: Medical College of Virginia AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I’M A LEADING EXPERT: In balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure for relieving sinusitis. I have performed ore than of the e in of e procedures since its inception in 2011. When compared to traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty is less invasive, has less bleeding and offers a faster recovery period. Most people can return to work in a few days rather than a week or so. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis and are not responding to medical treatment, we can help you. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT: Building a foundation of trust and fostering strong doctor-patient relationships. A commitment to educate and empower my patients in their health care is one of the cornerstones of our practice. In order to give my patients the best are u t r t i ten to their need

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our CT scanner, the 3D Accuitomo 170 ENT, which delivers a high level of clarity and visualizes paranasal sinus and temporal bones at a much lower radiation dosage than conventional CT scans. This service has increased patient satisfaction and retention with the ability to scan, diagnose and plan treatment in one visit. WE OFFER: A myriad of services including treating common adult and pediatric ENT conditions like allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, deviated septums, thyroid disorders, snoring and sleep apnea and balance issues. We also provide hearing loss evaluations and can help patients with hearing aids and more. ENT disorders can interfere with an individual’s quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more permanent damage.

Isaac E. Perry, DO, Interventional Endoscopist G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y C O N S U L T A N T S O F S AVA N N A H

519 Stephenson Ave. 912.398.7450 gastrosav.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina RESIDENCY: Mercer University School of

Medicine, Memorial Health

FELLOWSHIP: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

(Chief Fellow), Medical College of Georgia; Advanced Endoscopy, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Interventional and third-space endoscopy, including procedures such as EUS, ERCP, luminal tentin re air of erforation ea tu a POEM procedure, ESD procedure, EMR, and TORe amongst many others. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS SPECIALTY BECAUSE: f the ra id e andin e d of endoscopy and the ability to offer highly complex yet nonsurgical approaches to a variety of GI diseases. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Affable, humble, and humorous — I think! MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: ei ht iftin at andfl and arr in oth of my young girls on my back and arms all the time.

I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The introduction of third-space endoscopy to t o e h and er erfor ed the r t ever POEM procedure at Candler Hospital. This procedure is generally done to help patients with a swallowing disorder called achalasia. The POEM has been extraordinarily successful resulting in immediate lifechanging results for patients who have been struggling, often for years. MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: My wife and I are foodies. When it’s just us, we are at Common Thread or Elizabeth’s on 37th for a nice dinner or at Ardsley Station for burgers. With the kids, it’s Tequila’s Town e i an e taurant e ui a ar in andfl It’s so close to home, and the kids can devour some rice and beans (and make a special mess). Personally, I could eat a bowl of Bangkok Curry (Khao poon) from Flying Monk Noodle Bar any day of the week.

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Abby Abisogun, MD, ECNU SHOR ELINE ENDOCR INOLOGY

7505 Waters Ave., Suite A9 912.483.9313 drabbyendo.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Medicine,

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey RESIDENCY: Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island FELLOWSHIP: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina AFFILIATIONS: Diplomate, American Board

of Internal Medicine (2014), Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (2017), American Association of Clinical ndo rino o ndo rine erti ation in Neck Ultrasound (2017)

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I’M AN EXPERT IN: Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. MY MISSION: To provide exceptional and personalized medical care for individuals struggling with hormone disorders in the greater Savannah area regardless of health insurance status. With Shoreline Endocrinology’s direct-pay practice model, I aim to remove some of the major barriers patients face in the conventional health care system, including long wait times, limited access and lack of continuity. I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: It involves critical thinking and problem-solving. It also involves i ni ant fa e to fa e ti e ith atient teaching, and counseling them, which brings me great joy.

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I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Offering diagnostic thyroid ultrasound and biopsy ri ht here in our of e MY MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A DOCTOR: The moment I realized I had built my ideal medical practice and could serve my patients in the way that they truly deserve. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Patient, attentive, warm, and thorough. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Doing HIIT exercises with my husband. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Pray and read my Bible.

Ryan Moody, MD, FCCP SOU THE AST LU NG ASSOCIATES

912.629.2290 | 340 Hodgson Court | selung.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Mercer School of Medicine RESIDENCY: University of Virginia FELLOWSHIP: Medical College of Georgia CERTIFICATION: Sleep, Pulmonary and Critical Care AFFILIATIONS: St. Joseph’s/Candler

I'M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Pulmonary hypertension. I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Advancements in lung cancer diagnoses and treatments. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY BEDSIDE MANNER AS: Relaxed, informative, and pragmatic. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: F3. MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Riding my motorcycle. MY GO-TO SPOT: The Forest City Gun Club. I ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: St. Mary's Community Center.

Keith A. Kirby, MD S AVA N N A H PA I N M A N A G E M E N T, I N C .

912.352.4340 | 8 Wheeler St. | SavannahPainManagement.com QUALIFICATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: Phyisical Medicine and Rehabilitation,

Pain Medicine

I AM A LEADING EXPERT IN: Nonsurgical treatment of pain. Our staff understands the suffering caused by pain. We are committed to relieving your suffering so that you may return to a more active lifestyle. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Pain treatment from degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, arthritis of the spine, SI (sacroiliac) oint ro le s, sciatica, eri heral ne ro ath , shingles, re e sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other causes of persistent pain. MY TRAINING ENABLES ME TO: Construct a rehabilitation plan designed to return you to those activities that your pain prevents you from doing. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T: Suffer from pain needlessly. If you s er ro ain that does not resol e itsel in o r to si ee s, as o r doctor to re er o to a h sician ho is oard certiﬁed in pain medicine. Special Advertising Section | DOCTORS • S A V A N N A H H E A L T H 2 0 2 5 - 2 6

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Children’s Eye Institute of Savannah 912.353.1001 | 340 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 1400A | ceisav.com EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania (DeVaro); Arizona College of Optometry (Bennett) RESIDENCY: Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh (DeVaro); Pediatric Optometry, Indiana University School of Optometry (Bennett) FELLOWSHIP: Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship,

Duke University Eye Center (DeVaro)

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: The most current therapies for myopia control and amblyopia with options including MiSight contact lenses, Luminopia, and CureSight. Our doctors treat all aspects of pediatric eye care, from failed vision screenings and strabismus to pediatric cataract, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity. WE WISH MORE OF OUR PARENTS KNEW: Children around the world are becoming more nearsighted with each generation. The World Health Organization recommends that we limit screen ti e in the r t de ade en oura e t o hour of outdoor ti e each day (with sunscreen) and enforce full-time glasses wear when prescribed. Our doctors are also using newer techniques including nightly low-dose atropine eyedrops and peripheral defocus contact lenses to combat progressive myopia. John M. DeVaro, MD, and Elizabeth N. Bennett, OD

Moon River Pediatrics 7001 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite 1 912.513.5787 | moonriverpediatrics.com EDUCATION: Medical degree, Medical College of Georgia

(Alexander); Bachelor’s in Nursing, Georgia Southern University; Family Nurse Practitioner, South University (Bossak) RESIDENCIES: University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital (Alexander) Photo by CHRISTINE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Pediatrics (newborn to 21 years) and breastfeeding medicine. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Direct communication with our patients! Our patients can text, Facetime or call their pediatrician directly to improve patient care and convenience. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: Our relationships with our patients and their families. We love getting hugs, photographs and hand-made cards from patients. WHAT SETS US APART: We have a limited patient panel so we can ro ide ore ersonali ed care, ith nr shed isits, e i le scheduling and direct communication with our patients. WE ENJOY VOLUNTEERING FOR: PACK Savannah. 198

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From left: Kelsey Alexander, MD; and Samantha Bossak, FNP-C, CLC

Ismary De Castro, MD, FACE S AVA N N A H E N D O C R I N O L O G Y L L C

912.232.5900 | 107 Southern Blvd., Ste. 103 savannahendocrinology.com RESIDENCY: Memorial Health University Medical Center FELLOWSHIP: University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

I’M AN EXPERT IN: Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. I a attra ted to thi e d of edi ine hen earnin a out hu an physiology. Endocrinology is a vast and thriving specialty with emerging therapies and progress year after year. Our endocrine system controls our hormones, which regulate our metabolism, reproduction, growth, movement and sexual development. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Novel treatment options that improve quality of life and patient outcomes, and incorporating diabetes technology to support patients’ day-to-day work-life balance. MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT IS: With routine exercise, planning my meals and a good night’s sleep. MY PATIENTS ALWAYS ASK ME: “Is there something I can do on my own to improve my condition?" Absolutely. I generally begin by evaluating each patient’s lifestyle and include individualized dietary and physical activity recommendations for them.

Order your featured keepsake today! Show off your profile with a high-quality archival keepsake plaque. It ships to you ready to hang, no framing necessary. Choose from four edge colors. Acrylic stand-off and glass plaques are also available. OTHER OPTIONS: Article and Cover Reprints | Advertisements AWARDS: Best of Savannah | Best of Doctors Best of Homes

Scan for pricing & details YOUR CITY. YOUR MAGAZINE.

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S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Dentists

M E E T

T H E

M E D I C A L

E X P E R T S :

Coastal Dental Surgery LLC.................................................................................................................201 Cohen Dental Center ...........................................................................................................................203 Howard Family Dental .........................................................................................................................205 Mark N. Dye DMD, LLC .......................................................................................................................204 Savannah Dental ..................................................................................................................................202

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Walker T. Pendarvis, DMD, MHS C OA S TA L DE N TA L S U RGE RY, L L C

6600 Abercorn St., Suite 204 912.349.3259 CoastalDentalSurgery.com EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina; College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina; Postgraduate Residency in Periodontics MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) and Master of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of the

American Academy of Periodontology ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental

Association, American Academy of Periodontics, Georgia Society of Periodontists, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, Academy of Osseointegration

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Implant dentistry, surgical extractions, ridge/sinus augmentation, soft tissue (gum) grafting, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment and IV sedation. My team and I provide the highest level of innovation and surgical experience while utilizing technological ad an e u h a in of e i a in to ensure absolute diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. MY APPROACH IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE: I spend quality time listening to each patient to fully understand their concerns and needs. After performing a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, we then discuss best treatment options to achieve a successful outcome. I am passionate about providing minimally invasive procedures to reduce post-surgical issues so patients can enjoy their lives.

PROCEDURES I PERFORM THAT ENHANCE MY PATIENTS’ LIVES INCLUDE: Immediate tooth removal with prompt implant placement and temporization. A patient may arrive with a fractured tooth and literally walk out with a beautifully restored implant that looks as natural as a perfect tooth. No sutures and no pain — immediate full arch of teeth in one day. Diseased teeth are removed, implants placed and a same-day beautiful restoration is delivered. Minimally invasive u raftin eauti e the i e and improves oral health.

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Stephanie Joy Sweeney, DMD, and John McLoughlin, DDS

Savannah Dental 815 E. 68th St. 912.355.8821 savannah.dental MEDICAL DEGREES: DMD, Medical College

of Georgia (Sweeney); DDS, Georgetown University (McLoughlin)

SPECIALTIES & CERTIFICATIONS: Hybridge full-mouth restoration and Invisalign (both); airway therapy, oral development in children, oto and der a er eene denta implants (McLoughlin)

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WE BELIEVE: Your smile should do more than look good — it should enhance your overall health and well-being. That’s why we blend the art of luxury wellness with the science of advanced dental medicine. We emphasize prevention through airwayfocused care, TMJ alignment, and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. The result? You breathe better, sleep more soundly, experience fewer dental emergencies, and enjoy a life with less pain and more vitality. ONE OF OUR PROUDEST MOMENTS: Helping a woman who had endured years of daily headaches, jaw pain, and poor sleep, all symptoms she never knew were connected to her bite and airway. Through a personalized treatment plan focused on TMJ therapy and airway support, her transformation was re ar a e he to d u he na fe t i e her e f a ain re ted on dent and pain-free.

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WE WISH MORE PATIENTS KNEW: Snoring can be an early sign of a serious health issue. It’s not just noise — it can signal sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts your reathin durin ee and ut i ni ant strain on your heart. Untreated sleep apnea can make you up to eight times more likely to experience a cardiac event during the night. WE OFFER: Custom dental sleep appliances designed to keep your airway open, helping you breathe easier, sleep better, and protect your long-term health. CROWDED TEETH CAN: Increase your risk of gum disease and impact your overall health. Crowded teeth create the perfect hiding spots for bacteria and make thorough eanin dif u t in rea in our ri of u disease by more than 30%. Gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.

Scott Cohen, DDS COHEN DEN TA L

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 2 912.353.9533 savannahdentalcentre.com MEDICAL DEGREE: University of Tennessee,

Memphis

ORGANIZATIONS: Southeast District

Dental Society, Georgia Dental Association, American Dental Association, Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign and Implant Restoration

MY APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE: My family has been in the retail business in Alma for nearly 100 years. Growing up and working in the store — starting at age 6 — I learned the value of stellar customer service from my grandfather and father. They said, being fair, selling quality products and treating customers as if they were family will keep them coming back. Being a dentist isn’t much different. I’m selling myself and my skills to gain atients tr st and conﬁdence hat s how I have built my practice for more than 30 years, and the fact that I am now treating four generations of some families proves what I learned was true. I’m proud to display the original s ohen s sign in o ﬁce hallway, a continual reminder to me of the lessons I learned — treat people right, and they’ll keep coming back! MY TEAM AND I FREQUENTLY: Attend continuing education courses to keep our

o ﬁce to date on the ne est changes in dental technology and techniques in dental medicine. I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A DENTIST WHEN: My godmother gave me a junior dentist kit at age 8. I loved the tools and the al in oil sha ings or ﬁlling the ca ities I SUPPORT MY COMMUNITY BY: Donating and raising funds for local, national and international charities. We have challenged our Facebook following to raise money for Greenbriar Children’s Center Christmas fund, and we also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities at its Wine, Women and Shoes annual event. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: Understand how important oral health is to their overall well-being.

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Mark N. Dye, DMD M A R K N. DY E , DMD LLC

310 Eisenhower Drive, Building 14 912.355.2424 thesavannahdentist.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine RESIDENCY: Tufts University School

of Dental Medicine

ORGANIZATIONS: American Dental

Association, Georgia Dental Association, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

MY APPROACH TO DENTISTRY: A conservative approach. My patients know that they will not have to deal with highpressure sales and excessive treatment plans. MY PATIENTS WOULD DESCRIBE MY CHAIRSIDE MANNER AS: Professional, knowledgeable and caring with a sense of humor. I LOVE SINKING MY TEETH INTO: Tableside guacamole, shrimp tacos and a spicy margarita at Tequila’s Town. ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE BY: r shing and ossing t ice a da AFTER A STRESSFUL DAY, I UNWIND BY: Hopping on my bicycle for a leisurely ride around the many bike trails at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

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WE ARE PROUD TO BE: Truly state-ofthe art e are constantl redeﬁning exceptional dentistry with the latest dental technolog e are one o o r regional dentists to use an iTero Scanner for digital impressions. This means no more mouthfuls of goo. MY DENTISTRY PHILOSOPHY: If it isn’t ro en, then don t ﬁ it e ta e ride in offering quality cosmetic and general dentistry to our patients, but one of the things our patients seem to appreciate most is that we do not push unwanted procedures on them.

Bailey Aab, DDS

H O WA R D FA M I L Y D E N T A L , W I L M I N G T O N I S L A N D

206 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 9I2.897.9000 | howardfamilydental.com/locations/wilmingtonisland MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Are seeing boosts in on den e fro atient after e ha e or ed to ether to i ro e their ie MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: dogs around the islands.

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MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Sitting in nature reading a ood oo MY GO-TO SPOT: Savannah Power Yoga. It’s a wonderful a e to ta e are of enta and h i a hea th and the community is so welcoming. MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: Guacamole and tacos from Bull Street Tacos. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD: Understand that there is a connection between the health of their mouth and the rest of their body. Disease in the mouth can affect other areas of the body and vice versa.

Christy Cole Harpring, DMD H O WA R D FA M I L Y D E N T A L , W I L M I N G T O N I S L A N D

206 Johnny Mercer Blvd. 9I2.897.9000 | howardfamilydental.com/locations/wilmingtonisland MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Dental Medicine AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental

Association, Southeastern Dental Association

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS: Seeing the children of my patients who were children themselves when I began practicing dentistry 20 years ago. Being able to care for generations of family members is a true honor and testament to the trust they have in our team. A DAY DOESN'T GO BY THAT I DON'T: Pray. With all of the challenges that health care puts before us, sometimes asking for help and guidance with a patient and their care is more effective than any textbook information. I WISH MORE OF MY PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Following social media trends. ONE THING I WOULD TELL A NEW DOCTOR: Prioritize fa i ti e hen r t tartin our areer it ea to or long hours and neglect yourself and loved ones.

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E X P E R T S :

Medical Professionals Buckingham South ............................................................................................................................... 212 Georgetown Drug Company ............................................................................................................... 212 Ledesma Sports Medicine ................................................................................................................... 211 Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery.................................................................................. 209 Savannah Age Management................................................................................................................ 210 Sonshine Pediatric Therapy ................................................................................................................. 208 Tox Medspa.......................................................................................................................................... 207

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Dallas Sellars, RN, BSN T OX M E D S PA

9100 White Bluff Road, Suite 301 912.661.8076 toxsav.com EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Armstrong Atlantic State University)

I’M A LEADING EXPERT IN: Aesthetic anti-aging and skin-rejuvenation procedures u h a oto der a er a er re urfa in treatments, chemical peels, PRP rejuvenation, microneedling, and more! I WAS ATTRACTED TO THIS FIELD OF MEDICINE BECAUSE: I have always had a passion for the arts, health, and wellness. e theti edi ine i the erfe t e d that allows me to have a creative outlet and help my patients live their healthiest and happiest lives. I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Having my own boutique medical spa where I can give my patients the “day spa” feel while receiving their “med spa” treatments like oto der a er and ore t e itin to begin the next chapter of my life as an entre reneur in the e d o e

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY FIT: Weight training. I am the granddaughter of Howard Cohen, a legend in the Savannah weightlifting community. He instilled in me that exercise is the best approach to antiaging for anyone. ONE PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: My husband, Brad Sellars. hen ou e arried our ou ate a lifetime with them is just not enough. MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: The Dip Duo at OAK 36 Bar + Kitchen in Twelve Oaks Shopping Center on Abercorn Street. I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW: t ne er too late to start a good self-care routine that will help you slow down those signs of aging and a e ou fee our e t t ti e to ut ou r t

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Sonshine Pediatric Therapy S P E E C H , O C C U PA T I O N A L A N D P H Y S I C A L

5105 Paulsen St., Suite 100 912.356.4200 sonshinetherapy.net THE TEAM:

Bethany Manning, MS, CCC-SLP, Owner; Olivia Newell, OTD, Patient Care Coordinator; Sophia Vargas, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Director; Reed Cetti, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy ire tor i i ndre f e Manager; Monique Grier, Human Resources; Sara Claire Fennell, MS, CCC-SLP; Emma Childs, MS, CF-SLP; Chloe O’ Toole, MS, CCC-SLP; Jenny Cho, MS, CF-SLP; Anna Cardoza Fejed, MA, CF-SLP; Paige Upshaw, OTR/L; Madyson Piche, OTR/L; Victoria Lomax, OTR/L; Deborah Goldman,OTR/L; i o e reen e d

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Helping children reach their fullest potential in all developmental milestones. OUR MOTTO: To be the “Sonshine” for all our families and children by lifting them up and celebrating every milestone, big or small. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: The many new additions to our staff, our growth, and our plans to open our Pooler location this year. Follow us for updates @sonshine_therapy. OUR MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS THERAPISTS: Seeing our patients meet new milestones and hearing exciting stories from families about how therapy has improved the lives of their families and children. OUR PATIENTS OFTEN ASK: How long will it take for my child to graduate from therapy.

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WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD: Clearly understand that consistent weekly therapy is a must for their children to make the most progress. WE ARE MOST PROUD OF: The more than 200 children who have graduated therapy in the last three years and the relationships we have built with other health care providers in Savannah. OUR PRACTICE: Is full of “Sonshine.” Our goal is to brighten days and provide our patients and their families with a warm and nurturing environment. Our therapists are caring and compassionate, and they excel at creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable and safe. We believe in the power of play and incorporate fun activities into each individual session.

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Pearl Medesthetics at Chatham Plastic Surgery 8 Stephenson Ave. 912.446.1985 chathamplasticsurgery.com @chathamplasticsurgery THE TEAM:

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WHAT WE DO BEST: edi a rade in roto o o eti a er ro edure ei ht o treat ent and in e ta e WHAT PATIENTS SAY ABOUT US: We are a h i ian ed ra ti e ith a re utation for addre in a in redne i ent orre tion od ontourin and o u e o throu h u to i ed are atient tru t u for natura fa ia a an in and odern ae theti o ution de i ered ith e erti e and a en e of hu or t not unu ua to hear au hter in the ha a e o e hat e do and it ho OUR PHILOSOPHY: e don t e ie e in one i e t a eaut ur a roa h i er ona not ro edura e tai or e er treat ent an to the uni ue need oa and edi a hi tor of the indi idua in our

are ur oa i to reate a thou htfu hi h tou h e erien e one that ea e atient not on oo in their e t ut fee in een heard and e ited to return WE WISH MORE OF OUR PATIENTS WOULD STOP: Comparing themselves to i a e on o ia edia i ter aren t rea it and our fo u i on he in atient fee on dent in their rea hea th in A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT WE DON’T: Apply sunscreen — every single one of us, e er da t the foundation of ood in are and o ethin e ho e e er atient a e a ha it PATIENTS REALLY DO ASK US: or here

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From left, co-owner John Halbert; Evelia Johnsen MSN, FNP-C; John Kurtz PA-C MPAS, and co-owner Raechel Halbert

Savannah Age Management Medicine 200 Blue Moon Crossing, Suite 102, Pooler 912.925.6911 agemanagementmed.com EDUCATION: MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Georgia Southern University, and BS in Nursing, Armstrong State University (Johnsen); BS and MS in Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center (Kurtz) SPECIALTY: Platlet-Rich Plasma Therapy,

Sexual Function Therapy, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

ACCREDITATION: National Commission

on erti ation of h i ian i tant American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Worldlink Medical

AFFILIATIONS: US Army Aeromedical Physician

Assistant, American Academy of Anti-Aging, American Academy of Family Physicians, Society of Army Physician Assistants 210

WE’RE EXPERTS IN: Developing customized protocols for our patients that address hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity. Whether it’s bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), GLP-1-guided weight loss, or regenerative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), we focus on creating sustainable health plans that evolve with our patients’ goals and lives. OUR APPROACH: Proactive, personalized, and rooted in partnership. We believe that medicine should go beyond symptom management. Our team takes the time to listen and understand each patient’s story, then builds long-term, evidence-based strategies to optimize health span, not just lifespan. WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Our Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and ndo etrio i ro ra t a riti a a for patients who often go undiagnosed or

S A V A N N A H M A G A Z I N E . C O M • Special Advertising Section | MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

feel dismissed in traditional care settings. This program allows us to offer real answers and long-term solutions to a highly motivated group of women who deserve better support. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: That estrogen is harmful (it’s actually protective for bone health and cardiovascular health in both men and women) and that testosterone will cause women to develop masculine traits (which is not the case at the levels we use). OUR PATIENTS DESCRIBE OUR PRACTICE AS: Comprehensive, deeply attentive, and rooted in clinical evidence. They know we take the time to listen, to educate, and to design are an that refle t their rea ife oa not just lab values. They appreciate our accessibility and our efforts to help them achieve optimal, rather than just normal, health results.

Ernest Ledesma, PT/Co-owner LEDESM A SPORTS MEDICINE

7010 Hodgson Memorial Drive 912.401.0443 ledesmasportsmed.com EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Georgia State University (1992)

I AM AN EXPERT IN: Physical therapy. I have more than 33 years of extensive experience in physical therapy orthopedic evaluations and developing treatment plans. I WAS ATTRACTED TO PHYSICAL THERAPY: After seeing how much physical therapists improve the lives of patients who were overcoming injuries. I’M MOST PROUD OF: Becoming a valued and trusted health care practitioner in the surrounding area and to do so with my wife, Kris Bartiromo. I THANK GOD FOR: Blessing me with the ability to be an effective physical therapist, to work with a talented group of PTs, aides, and front of e er onne and to do o in a to n where I am proud to serve such wonderful people.

MY DRIVING FORCE: My wife, Kris, who has supported me in everything I do. She has accomplished much in her life and has endured so much battling cancer. She has a never-give-up mentality and strives to improve the lives of those around her. She is the most beautiful woman I know, both inside and out! MY FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Going on long walks and hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with my wife and our three dogs. I WISH ALL OF MY PATIENTS WOULD: continue doing some form of exercise after their time in physical therapy. This commitment to daily activity will help them ta hea th and t on er

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Rita Slatus, Executive Director BUCK INGH A M SOU TH

5450 Abercorn St. | 912.355.5550 | buckinghamsouth.com ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES: Address both the health care needs as well as the social and emotional well-being of each resident. An assisted-living community will provide medication monitoring, daily housekeeping, transportation and stimulating recreational, social and cultural activities. WHAT SETS BUCKINGHAM SOUTH APART: Is the unparalleled, personalized approach, tailored to provide the highest quality of health care and medical attention. Buckingham South is able to provide continuity of care as one’s medical needs increase. Twenty-four-hour, aroundthe-clock nursing care including a full-time registered nurse, licensed edical technicians, certified n rsing assistants, a medical director and security are all on call to ensure the finest care eca se c ingha o th is locall o ned and operated, management is on location 24/7 to address family questions and concerns and to ensure the highest level of individualized attention. Buckingham South is truly Savannah’s finest assisted li ing co nit

Neal Hollis, PharmD G E OR G E T OW N DRUG C O M PA N Y

912.920.1500 | 1080 King George Blvd. | georgetowndrug.com MEDICAL DEGREE: Doctor of Pharmacy, South University AFFILIATIONS: Georgia Pharmacy Association,

Academy of Independent Pharmacists, National Community Pharmacists Association

I WAS ATTRACTED TO PHARMACY BECAUSE: I had a great relationship with my local pharmacist growing up, and I knew I wanted to be there for my community in the same way. I’M MOST PROUD OF: e e ratin e ear of ein Georgetown Drug Company with my incredible staff. The pharmacy would not be where it is today without them or my amazing patients. MY GUILTY PLEASURE: A Reese’s Blizzard from Dairy Queen. A DAY DOESN’T GO BY THAT I DON’T: Practice my golf in ith hate er o e t an nd at the ti e MY FAVORITE MEAL IN SAVANNAH: Anything on the menu at Veratina.

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S AVA N N A H

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A Night on the River Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

The Caretta Research Project hosted its annual sea turtle celebration and fundraiser April 10 at Eastern Wharf. The al fresco event featured live entertainment, cocktails, Slow Fire BBQ, the Red Taco Truck, and an exclusive silent auction. Caretta is a hands-on research, conservation, and education program dedicated to studying and protecting loggerhead sea turtles at Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge. It is the longest continuously-run sea turtle tagging project in the US, and it is the only project in the country that invites the public to work alongside trained biologists.

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M A RY’ S PLA CE SE XU A L A SSAULT CEN TER O F TH E CO A STA L EMPIRE

Find Your Voice Lip Sync Competition It was a night of song and solidarity at the Mary’s Place lip sync fundraising event, held April 25 at Victory North. Guests enjoyed delicious food and cocktails, a silent auction, and stellar entertainment provided by individuals, businesses, and organizations competing for the Crystal Mic Award, the Marcia Banes Community Award, and Audience Favorite. The competition is the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event of the year, helping raise awareness of the organization’s services to survivors of sexual assault and prevention education. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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Wine, Women & Shoes Ronald McDonald House Charities hosted its 11th annual Wine, Women & Shoes event at Kehoe Iron Works. The two-day event included a luncheon and fashion show April 30 and a cocktail party May 1, where guests enjoyed a night of shopping and sipping wine, all for a good cause. The nonprofit provides a “home away from home” for critically ill or injured children and their families. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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May/June Issue Launch Party Savannah magazine hosted a spring soiree May 7 at Cha Bella to celebrate its Leading Ladies issue recognizing the city’s most remarkable women. Sebrell Smith of Sebrell Smith Designer Events and owner of Sandfly Flower Shop provided florals and decor. Guests sipped on signature cocktails and nibbled on light bites while enjoying music by gypsy jazz trio Swing del Sur. The May/June issue featuring more than 400 accomplished women – including 350+ in its special Women in Business advertising section. Photography by ALEX ANDER NEUMANN

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Casino Games • Sunday Night Football • Gourmet Food Craft Beers • Specialty Cocktails • Bourbon Tasting Key-to-the-Locker • Amazing Auction Items

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 Mike Cashwell Golf Classic In memory of Mike Cashwell

8 AM Registration and Bloody Marys 10 AM Shot-gun Start The Club at Savannah Harbor JOI N US BOTH DAYS: www.rmhccoastalempire.ejoinme.org/2025BGCG

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Decoration Day The Gullah Traveling Kinfolk Theater put on two special productions on May 22 and 24 at the USCB Center for the Performing Arts in Beaufort, South Carolina. Set during the post-Civil War era, “Decoration Day” honors the origins of Memorial Day, highlighting the role that formerly enslaved Gullah people played in decorating the graves of fallen Union soldiers. Photography by REBECCA W. BASS

HIST ORIC SAVA NNA H F O U NDAT I O N

70th Anniversary Historic Savannah Foundation celebrated its 70th anniversary May 1 by honoring the 2025 Preservation Award winners at a special ceremony at the Charles H. Morris Center. In honor of National Preservation Month, HSF presented awards to individuals and organizations whose projects and contributions demonstrate the highest level of excellence for preservation in Savannah and Chatham County. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Brian Felder for his dedication to Historic Savannah Foundation through leadership, service and expertise. Photography by CHANCELLOR HUDSON

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Women’s Business Summit This full-day summit April 30 hosted by UGASBDC featured visionary women entrepreneurs from across the Coastal Empire, dynamic learning sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Photography by JASON CHAPMAN/ MOHAWK STREET STUDIOS

T HE O L D E P I NK H O U S E

Premier Kentucky Derby Party The sixth annual fundraising party for Park Place Outreach took place May 3 and featured a livestream of the 151st Kentucky Derby, unlimited Derby-inspired Pink House cuisine, cocktails, music, and more. Photography by BUNNY WARE

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 HONOREES

Season 13

Once Upon a Time August 7-17, 2025

Sherril Milnes & Maria Zouves, Co-Founders and Presidents Michael Ching, Interim Artistic Director Evelina Erickson, Executive Director

Camille O'Neill, Lt. (Ret.) John A. White, Sr., and Dr. Otis Johnson

Camille O'Neill, a school librarian, became a beloved principal and a driving force in community organizations. Lt. (Ret.) John A. White, Sr., a World War II Marine, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom. Dr. Otis Johnson, the first African American graduate of Armstrong, served as Mayor of Savannah and is a champion of civil rights.

AND THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presented By

The Kole Family Anniversary Sponsors

Celebration Sponsor

A two-week celebration of opera, musical theatre, and song proudly sponsored in part by

Life Well Lived Sponsors

The Solomons Family Legend Sponsors

Critz Auto Group Georgia Ports Authority Georgia Power Cynthia Willett Leader Sponsors

Chatham Subaru Dulany Industries Encompass Health

First Chatham Bank Savannah College of Art and Design West Construction, Inc.

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Friends and Fire Extinguishers Written by ANDREA GOTO

SO FAR, THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A DUMPSTER FIRE fueled by hundreds of tiny matches, with a couple of M-80s tossed into the mix. I’ve been managing aging and ailing parents, the sale of my childhood home, and the sudden loss of our family dog — on top of a pile of highly flammable anxiety and burnout. This morning, I didn’t want to get out of bed. I knew I had a pile of papers to grade. I knew my dog wouldn’t be there to greet me with stinky kisses. I knew that my parents were going to call three times asking who’s paying their bills (I am), where’s the truck (you sold it), and why Walgreens keeps declining their credit card (you can’t pay with your business card). Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Texts start streaming in from my friends. One offers to save me a bike at spin class. Another is trying to plan a girls’ brunch. Another sends a meme of Ryan Reynolds looking like Ryan Reynolds, because she knows it’s exactly what I need. One simply says, “Checking in on you.” Growing up, I knew how important friends were. They got you through breakups and into parties. They assured you that everyone else — especially your parents and that disinterested boy — were wrong. And, as unlikable as teenagers can be, they somehow still liked you, even when you didn’t like you. I just didn’t realize how essential friendships would be at midlife. And I don’t mean by showing up at lunches, dinner parties, graduations, and funerals. I mean by showing up every day. They even let me eat off of their plate, which I know is really rude but I have no self-control, which they also accept, along with the fact that I have a terrible habit of making fun of people who make up words, like “boughten” and “de-thaw,” and mispronounce others, saying “fusstrated” instead of “frustrated.” They have their quirks, too. My best friend is always right, or at least I have to let her be to avoid a drawn-out lecture. She also feels compelled to tell people, even complete strangers — especially complete strangers — why they are wrong. “You’re doing that thing again,” I point out. “I’m such an a**hole,” she admits. “Why do you even hang out with me?” It’s the same reason I hang out with all of my friends. Whether we’re together or a thousand miles apart, we build each other up. We counsel one another through marriage, parenting, and aging without judgment. We laugh at our bodies — at what has dried up or expanded out — and the fact that, as middle-aged women, we are starting to feel like that photo of Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” where he’s slowly fading away. At least we can still see each other. I visited my parents a couple of months ago. We had just moved them out of their home of 50 years and into assisted living. We ate in the dining hall together, engaging in awkward

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I just didn’t realize how essential friendships would be at midlife. And I don’t mean by showing up at lunches, dinner parties, graduations, and funerals. I mean by showing up every day. conversation with a resident assigned to our table. Halfway through dinner, five women rolled in (literally, they all had walkers). Their playful banter cut through the quiet. The leader of the pack had a box of Franzia wine balanced on the seat of her walker. They sat down, and the server automatically placed five wine glasses on the table. Not their first rodeo. I immediately imagined my friends and I, 30-plus years from now, at that table, cutting up about being old and invisible yet still seeing one another. And I felt hopeful about my health and wellbeing. About the future. This year might be a dumpster fire, but at least I have friends to keep the flames in check.

Illustration by RAY GOTO

Expanding our presence in southeast Georgia.

In July 2024, 41 students from the bicentennial class of the Medical College of Georgia started the first of a four-year training experience in Savannah. This builds on our partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah where MCG students have been completing their last two years of training since 2007 and complements our partnership with Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick where our students have trained since 2010. Today, nearly 700 MCG alumni call the Savannah area home. We are proud to be in Savannah and look forward to continuing to grow a healthier community together.

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WINNER 2018

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July/August 2025