Savannah Magazine - January/February 2024

T H E FA M I L Y I S S U E

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

Guide to

LOCAL SCHOOLS Inside

ON THE

BRIGHT SIDE

Step into Erin Goodman Findlay’s prismatic Kensington Park home

GET LIT CHECK OUT SAVANNAH’S LITERARY SIDE

The Hines Family - Savannah, GA The daughter of an Olympic swimmer, Angela swam competitively until a scoliosis surgery ended her career. Her two daughters both followed in the family’s footsteps, and when 11 year-old Nola developed signs that Angela feared might signal the onset of scoliosis, she brought her to St. Joseph’s/Candler.

WE’RE COMPETITIVE ABOUT PROVIDING THE BEST CARE.

Dr. Steven Greer, a musculoskeletal physician specializing in sports medicine, diagnosed Nola with a 2cm leg-length discrepancy. He understood how much competitive swimming meant to the family. Because his approach involves identifying noninvasive therapies to delay or prevent surgery whenever possible, his solution was relatively simple—Orthotics would give her the support she needed. Today Nola continues to pursue the sport she loves, as Dr. Greer continues to treat the entire family.

“My goal is to help patients get where they want to be in life with as minimal intervention as possible, whenever possible.” – Dr. Greer

“THAT’S WHY I CHOOSE ST. JOSEPH’S/CANDLER” – Steven Greer, M.D. – Musculoskeletal Specialist

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J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y

2 0 2 4

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TO THE RESCUE

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Meet the tireless leaders behind four of Savannah’s largest animal rescues.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Snuggle up this winter with bestselling picture books and young adult novels — plus eyewear and stylish supplies.

Styling by Sara Spicer Photography by Peter Colin Murray

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OVER THE RAINBOW

A fashionable family transforms their circa s ensington ark fixer upper into a technicolor dreamland.

Written by Allison Lane Farmer Photography by Mary Britton Senseney

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SAVANNAH’S LITERARY SIDE From our new and longstanding bookstores to an annual book festival and the reopening of century-old libraries to the return of a reading event series unlike any other, there’s never been a better time to be a bibliophile in Savannah.

Written by Allison Lane Farmer, Allison Stice, Colleen Ann McNally and Zachary Hayes Photography by Michael Schalk & Michael Hrizuk

Written by Rachel McDermott Photography by Angela Hopper

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D. LAWREN CE B A RKSDA LE

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MICHA EL SCHA LK

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MA RY B RITTON SEN SEN EY

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SA RA SPICER // PE TE R C OL I N M U R R AY

A N G ELA HOPPE R

T A S T E CONTENTS

116

BUCKING THE BLAME GAME Savannah’s new superintendent Dr. Denise Watts aims to rally a village of educators, administrators and parents around raising students’ literacy rates.

Written by Ka’Dia Dhatnubia Photography by D. Lawrence Barksdale

ON THE COVER

Step inside Erin Goodman Findlay’s prismatic Kensington Park home Photography by Mary Britton Senseney

JA N UA R Y/ F EB R UA R Y 2 0 24

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CONTENTS

WINTER SOUTHERN ESTATES AUCTION LIVE ONLINE AUCTION January 25th through February 13th and 14th View, Register and Bid at Everard.com.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION February 7th-9th: 10-5 or by appointment 2436 Waters Ave., Savannah, GA 31404 CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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AUCTIONS & APPRAISALS

IN EVERY ISSUE

10

Editor’s letter

14

Contributors

22

Get Social

BUZZ

27

New in 912

32

January/February Events

39

Old Savannah: Square Accounts

43

Giving Back: To the Rescue

STYLE

65

My Savannah: Queen of Thrones

69

At Home: Over the Rainbow

83

Chaos, Contained

90

Real Weddings: Maddy & Sean

TASTE

99

The Sweetest Thing

BE WELL

139

Sweating It

144

Heart of the Matter

SEEN

Since 2003

147

Historic Savannah Foundation Gala

150

Downtown Design District Annual Holiday Walk

151

Cohen’s Retreat Pop-up Party

151

Safe Shelter Twilight at Thompson Savannah

THE AFTERWORD

152

Not So Pet Smart

SP E CI AL AD V E RTI SI NG S E C T I O N S

8

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

49

Vetting the Experts (your guide to veterinarians)

119

School Smarts (your guide to local schools)

135

Savannah’s Business Professionals

DISCOVER THE COUNTRY DAY DIFFERENCE.

The Savannah Country Day School promises a transformative experience where students embrace a multitude of opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Our talented faculty combine the best in traditional and innovative education to help students reach their fullest potential while always treasuring each child’s energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Learn more about why Niche.com ranked Savannah Country Day as the #1 Private School in Savannah by registering for a small-group open house event.

Discover The Country Day Difference at savcds.org/admissions.

The Savannah Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school, serving students from junior kindergarten through twelfth grade, in addition to its early childhood learning center for children ages six weeks to four years old.

EDITOR’S LETTER

WHEN IT COMES TO LITERACY, Savannah seems to be a tale of two cities.

As a lover of the written word, I first see the imprint of fellow bibliophiles all around town — from the longstanding bookstores and the opening of new ones (“Well Read,” page 108) to the recent restoration of the 108-year-old Bull Street Library (“Treat Your Shelf,” page 109), to Taylor Square, recently renamed in honor of nurse, educator and author Susie King Taylor (“Square Accounts,” page 39). There are also local nonprofits that work diligently to elevate the local literary community, from the enduring appeal of Seersucker Live, a local nonprofit that combines a literary reading with a cocktail party in a way that feels quintessentially Savannah (“The Next Chapter,” page 114) to Deep Center, which leads myriad programming to support diverse writers in the 912 and beyond. The United Way of the Coastal Empire celebrates Read United Day in February, and has been working yearround to promote early childhood literary across the region. And I’d be remiss not to mention the countless talented writers who have contributed to Savannah magazine in its 34 years, and many more who have found

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inspiration here.

Of course, this city is the childhood home of great American wordsmiths like Conrad Aiken, Flannery O’Connor and Johnny Mercer. And Savannah wouldn’t quite be the same today without the enduring impact of John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which turns 30 this year. In honor of the milestone, the Savannah Book Festival is celebrating Berendt as part of its 17th season this February, along with dozens of other authors (“Book Math,” page 112).

And yet, when it comes to literary rates, Savannah tells another story. Less than 20% of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) students in third through eighth grade demonstrated proficiency on reading exams, according to Georgia’s 2023 reports. So, it’s no surprise that since SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts came on board last year, she knew addressing this crisis would be a top priority — and a complex problem she couldn’t solve alone (“Bucking the Blame Game,” page 116).

Simply put, the vitality of Savannah tomorrow depends on instilling the lifelong skill of reading in children today. With this in mind, much of Savannah magazine’s 2024 FAMILY issue is devoted to lifting up the city’s bookish side — both young and old.

Inside this issue, you’ll also find our annual school chart, a spotlight on some beloved family-owned businesses, and, because we can’t forget our furry family members, a guide to the area’s leading vets and pet experts.

In this winter season, I hope you can curl up under a blanket (ideally with a cat or dog at your feet!), take a break from electric devices, relax with a good story and then perhaps pass it on when you’re done.

Connecting with each other through our stories is the true joy of reading, after all.

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.

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CORRECTION

Colleen Ann McNally Editor

In the Fall 2023 HOMES issue, Laurey Glenn is the photographer for “Into the Woods,” a feature on a real home in Palmetto Bluff designed by J. Banks Design Group.

Photo by KATIE MCGEE

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CONTRIBUTORS

Rachel McDermott Writer “To the Rescue,” page 43

RACHEL MCDERMOTT is a creative based in Savannah and holds a Master of Arts in Museum and Exhibition Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Charleston. She is the director of social media at the Savannah College of Art and Design and volunteers at Coastal Pet Rescue.

inspiring design and a great story have led her on Airstream trips down Florida’s dirt roads, to dive bars in New Orleans and more backroad produce stands than she can count. Allison is no stranger to the charms of the Lowcountry, having grown up in neighboring Charleston, South Carolina, but is happy to call Savannah’s Ardsley Park home.

While not behind a camera or clacking away at a keyboard, she can be found spending time with her husband, their baby boy, and their three perfectly misbehaved dogs.

Ka’Dia Dhatnubia Writer “Bucking the Blame Game,” page 116

WITH A BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN WRITING from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ka’Dia has published a personal essay with Black Femme Collective, features on arts and culture with Savannah Morning News, and poetry with Torch Literary Arts, Pandemic Post and Peanut Butter Shrimp.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, cooking or cuddling with her black cat, Moon.

with a demonstrated history of working in the industry for more than 15 years. She has produced widely consumed content for lifestyle brands such as HGTV Magazine, RustOleum, Duke’s Mayonnaise, Country Living, Southern Living, Cooking Light, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Weight Watchers, Food Network Magazine, Beringer Vineyards and more. She resides in Savannah with her husband and two boys.

Allison Sanders Writer “Sweating It,” page 139

ALLISON SANDERS is a freelance writer and editor in the areas of health and wellness, food and wine, and nonprofit communications. Raised in Northern California and schooled in New England, Allison found home when she moved to Savannah four years ago with her husband and two daughters.

Mike Schalk Photographer

“Well Read,” page 106 “The Next Chapter,” page 114

Allison Lane Farmer Writer “Over the Rainbow,” page 69 “Well Read,” page 106

ALLISON LANE FARMER is a writer and photographer whose passion for new places,

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MIKE SCHALK, born and raised in Coral Springs, Florida, now calls Savannah home.

This city is where he met his wife and cultivated his career.

He loves it so. Photography has been a part of his life since the early 2000s when he would borrow his mom’s camera to make skateboarding videos.

Fifteen years later, he has found his stride in the commercial and lifestyle space.

Mary Britton Senseney Photographer

“Over the Rainbow,” page 69 MARY BRITTON is an experienced photographer

Coastal Dental Surgery

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NOT EVERY OASIS IS IN THE DESERT. Here on beautiful Skidaway Island, you’ll discover The Landings, a community unlike any other. We’ll welcome you with open arms to our gorgeous upscale community, where you’ll live a full, active life every single day.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Schedule a tour at TheLandings.com or call (912) 598-0500.

Innovation in Practice

AWARD WINNING DIGESTIVE CARE IN THE SAVANNAH AREA At The Center for Digestive & Liver Health, we believe in making healthcare truly convenient and effective for you.

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s woven into everything we do. Your health, your convenience, your peace of mind. We’re here to transform healthcare into an experience that empowers you. Welcome to a new era in health and well-being.

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PUBLISHER

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Colleen Ann McNally Rebecca Hrizuk G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R Melanie Schmermund D I G I TA L E D I T O R Andrea Burg C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I T O R Andrea Goto EDITOR

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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

Happy New Year!

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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 1990-2024 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 $19.95 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

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These stories from our November/December 2023 issue ranked as our readers’ favorites on Instagram and Facebook.

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“The 2023 Savannahians of the Year” Meet 20 local movers, shakers and changemakers who made a real impact on the region in 2023 — and are creating a brighter Savannah for the next generation.

“The Gift That Keeps on Giving” Veteran-owned Savannah brewery raises a pint of its seasonal oyster stout to an unforgettable Christmas present.

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New homes from the $300s

Sunshine and cool breezes. Palm trees and margaritas.

Welcome to Latitude Margaritaville, a 55-and-better community inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, built on food, fun, music and escapism.

Escape to the place where fun and relaxation meet.

Escape to island-inspired living as you grow older, but not up.

Escape to Latitude Margaritaville.

SALES CENTER AND 13 MODELS OPEN DAILY! LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE HILTON HEAD (843) 258-4986 356 Latitude Blvd., Hardeeville, SC 29927 Mon. - Sat. 9:00am - 5:00pm | Sun. 11:00am - 5:00pm

LATITUDE TOWN CENTER – AMENITIES NOW OPEN! • Paradise Pool with Beach Entry and Tiki Huts • Latitude Town Square with Live Music Bandshell • Last Mango Theater • Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant • Changes in Attitude Bar • Workin’ N’ Playin’ Center • Fins Up! Fitness Center with Indoor Pool • Tennis, Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts • Barkaritaville Dog Park • Walking Trails and Multi-Use Sport Court • Best of all, No CDD Fees!

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Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA BUREAU OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THE OFFERINGS. Latitude Margaritaville Kentucky Registration Number R-201. For NY Residents: THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS FOR THE SALE OF LOTS IN LATITUDE MARGARITAVILLE AT HILTON HEAD ARE IN THE CPS-12 APPLICATION AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR, MINTO LATITUDE HH, LLC. FILE NO. CP18-0021. Pennsylvania Registration Number OL001170. Latitude Margaritaville at Hilton Head is registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118 and with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required and has not been completed. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are merely representative of current development plans.

Development plans, amenities, facilities, dimensions, specifications, prices and features depicted by artists renderings or otherwise described herein are approximate and subject to change without notice. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2024. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Latitude Margaritaville and the Latitude Margaritaville logo are trademarks of Margaritaville Enterprises, LLC and are used under license. Minto and the Minto logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. CGC 1519880/CGC 120919. 2024

welcome 2024!

May the new year richly bless you

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Join Dr. Susan Timna and Dr. Cori Palmer for Expert Hearing’s 1st Annual Wellness Series

Investing in Your Health, Wealth, and Future Don’t miss this series on the importance of wellness…your most precious commodity!

Join us each month at the Palmetto Club at The Landings I 5pm-7pm Dr. Susan Timna & Dr. Cori Palmer, Best Audiologists

January 18th HEALTH: Is your brain aging faster than you are?

Dr. Richard Bodziner, native of Savannah and retired Neurologist, will join us to discuss overall brain health.

Research shows hearing healthcare is the most modifiable factor for decreasing earlier cognitive decline and dementia.

February 6th WEALTH: Why do I need concierge medical providers?

Dr. Pam Gallop of Georgia Center for Menopausal Medicine will be here to discuss the importance of the value of concierge healthcare and why it is becoming essential in today’s healthcare environment. Discussing more efficient ways to maximize your healthcare by receiving the most optimized heatlhcare available.

March 14th FUTURE: Feeling tired, stressed and not confident in your appearance? Dr. Tim Minton, of Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery will join Expert Hearing to discuss confidence for aging in place. Hear current ways to not only maintain your confidence in hearing your best, but looking your best-inside and out.

Getting treated for hearing loss can help reduce the risk of early dementia and cognitive decline.

Can’t make the event? Schedule your complementary consultation to learn about our new testing to determine your specific listening needs in noise. Call us today 912 777 8580

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Coffee, smoothies, and fast, fresh fare

TA S T E BUZZ S A V A N N A H

New in 912 Photo courtesy PURE SWEAT STUDIOS

Warm up this winter with a visit to the infrared saunas at Pure Sweat Studios (1800 E. Victory Drive), the Nashville, Tennessee-based sensation that is sweeping the nation. The wavelengths affect the body on a cellular level, which can result in a deep-tissue sweat and myriad health benefits, including weight loss, lower stress, reduced inflammation, glowing skin and better sleep.

Beyond the sauna sessions, Pure Sweat Studios boasts its float therapy, cold plunging and a supportive community to help you reach your health goals.

JA N UA R Y/ F EB R UA R Y 2 0 24

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BUZZ

Hail to the Chef

eMarie Boutique Nail Salon

KAY L E Y J OHA N SSON

New culinary talent helms these favorite local dining rooms

Ardsley Park neighbors have a new gathering spot. With natural light streaming in the portrait windows fronting its namesake street (taureau is the French word for bull), Cafe Taureau (3129 Bull St.) is a warm spot to meet with friends over espresso and croissants or to take yourself out to a luxurious lunch with a tartine, glass of wine and a good book … Charleston, South Carolina, mainstay Toast! brought its all-day breakfast to 1 W. Broughton St. The familyfriendly spot serves up decadent brunch dishes and Southern staples starting at 7 a.m. daily and stays open until midnight on weekends … Also new on the dining scene is Taco Affair (401 W. Hall St.), the Savannah outpost of chef Jessica Phillips’ New Jersey eatery.

Dine in or order to-go for mix-and-match tacos, wings, tatchos (that’s nachos made with Tater Tots) and churros … At Twelve Oaks Shopping Center, J. Parker Ltd. has expanded into a second storefront with J. Parker Ladies (5500 Abercorn St., Suite 43). As the name suggests, the shop is dedicated solely to women’s fashion and is stocked with timeless pieces and the latest trends, like ballet slippers, lug loafers, pickleball gear and more … Just across Abercorn, squeeze in a fast facial at Clean Your Dirty Face (5525 Abercorn St.). With services starting at $35, the Chicago, Illinois-based facial bar concept simplifies skincare, making it easier to fit into the budget and schedule … Keep pampering yourself at eMarie Boutique Nail Salon (415 Abercorn St., Unit C). Relax in the chic, modern interiors with windows looking out onto Savannah’s Victorian District while treating your hands and feet to artful and rejuvenating treatments …

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After leading The Olde Pink House and Circa 1875 French Bistro as well as Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar on Hilton Head Island, David C. Landrigan is back in Savannah as the executive chef at Cohen’s Retreat (5715 Skidaway Road). His new menu of refined American cuisine combines traditional Southern elements with a creative flair from French and European-style dishes. Expect locally sourced and house-grown products and produce.

Resort Refresh

COU R T E S Y J. PA R KE R L A DI ES

J. Parker Ladies

Following several years in the kitchen at Husk Savannah and The Grey before that, Brian Fiasconaro stepped into the executive chef role last fall. True to the Husk ethos, Fiasconaro creates dishes that celebrate the region in exciting and unexpected ways, with ingredients sourced directly from local farms and waters. If you haven’t visited 12 W. Oglethorpe Ave. in a while, let this be a reminder to return. Of course, Husk staples like the pimento cheese, White Lily biscuit and Carolina Gold rice all remain on the menu, too.

In case you missed it: At 95 years old, Sea Island continues to evolve — with a few new amenities designed with the next generation of travelers in mind. And, assuming the resort will be around for the next century and beyond, families can continue to share and pass down Sea Island memories for generations to come.

• The Forbes Five-Star restaurant The Georgian Rooms now includes a Sushi Lounge, coupling Japanese cuisine with award-winning Southern hospitality.

• Head to the Beach Club to begin a self-guided “Sea Island Sea-fari.” Launched last year, the new program introduces young families to the private island’s wild beauty with the opportunity to witness falcons, horses, dolphins, turtles and shorebirds.

• Sea Island launched coloring books for both children and adults. The illustrations by artist Adam Turner represent the property’s iconic architecture along with fun facts. Both books are available to order online at shop.seaisland.com.

Putting trusted experience to work in our community since 1934.

For 90 years, Bernard Williams & Company has called Savannah home and put our proven, trusted experience to work in our community. As a 100% locally owned company, you can count on us for your insurance and risk management needs at home, work, and play.

100% LOCALLY OWNED | HEADQUARTERED IN SAVANNAH | 90 YEARS OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow...

Established in 1934 by Bernard F. Williams, Bernard Williams & Company is locally owned and serves the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and families throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

Headquartered in Savannah, Bernard Williams & Company offers clients a winning combination of quality, service and value from a carefully selected group of insurance and financial service products.

That’s the Power of the Shield!

www.thepoweroftheshield.com • (912) 234-4476

CUP ID ’S FAVO R I T E TH IS YEAR . . .

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Glow Medspa is growing again.

A third location is opening in Midtown (415 Eisenhower Drive) with more space to deliver the latest in medical aesthetic treatments … With established studios across the Southeast, The Bunny Hive is known as a social club for little ones (age two weeks to kindergarten) and their grownups. With Savannah location coming to 1506 Bull St. in March, local families can soon sign up for classes and small groups designed to blend learning and playtime in a serene setting …

What’s old is new again at the Printmaker’s Inn (303 W. Gwinnett St.). Comprised of two adjacent historic mansions — the Hills-Galloway House, a Georgian-style residence originally built in 1693, and the Nichols House, a Victorian treasure originally constructed in 1884 — the recently opened inn encompasses eight suites with antique furnishings and renovated en suite bathrooms … Purveyor of premium dog products Oliver Bentleys has relocated (409 E. York St.). Stop by to stock up on biscuits and provisions for both pets and humans …

Carolina Hemp Company (413 Whitaker St.) has set up shop in the Downtown Design District. The locally owned location describes itself as an education-focused hemp general store on a mission to share the value of plant medicine as a viable natural alternative to traditional therapeutics, with products including CBD and Delta 8 …

Over the Moon, the diaper and period supply bank of coastal Georgia, has a new warehouse for bulk storage capacity and distribution (151 Portside Court), allowing the volunteer-led nonprofit to better serve partner agencies and neighbors in need from Brunswick to Beaufort, South Carolina, year-round … In Thunderbolt’s new Village on the Bluff, pop in Marsh & Co. Market (2919 River Drive) to shop gifts, clothing, jewelry, gourmet foodstuffs and a selection of boutique wines and craft beers … Residential mortgage lender Silverton Mortgage (100 E. Montgomery Crossroads) opened the doors to its first Savannah location, helping aspiring homeowners finance their properties. Across the bridge in Bluffton,

February 15-18, 2024

C OU R T E SY BE SP OKE A BODE HOM E FU R N I SHI N G S & I N T E R I OR DE S I G N

BUZZ

Bespoke Abode

South Carolina, discover coastal home decor, high-end furniture, accessories, lighting, floor coverings and more at Bespoke Abode Home Furnishings & Interior Design (14 Promenade St.). The retail store also serves as a home base for the Bespoke Adode interior design firm, now serving clients in the Lowcountry.

e. shaver, bookseller

Ruth Ware Thursday, February 15th OPENING ADDRESS 6:30 PM

PURVEYORS OF THE WRITTEN WORD SINCE 1975

326BULL BULLSTREET STREET ••912.234.7257 326 912.234.7257 1921 BULL ESHAVERBOOKS.COM STREET inside the Gingerbread House ESHAVERBOOKS.COM

Jeannette Walls Friday, February 16th KEYNOTE ADDRESS 6:00 PM

David Grann Sunday, February 18th CLOSING ADDRESS 2:00 PM

TICKETS ON SALE JANUARY 11, 2024 Savannah Box Office (912) 525-5050 savannahboxoffice.com

$30

Chairperson’s Circle Chairperson’s Circle The Philip E. & Nancy B. Beekman Foundation Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation Gerald D. & Helen M. Stephens Foundation Dave & Nancy Cintron Betsy Lancaster Robert Faircloth Kristin & Mickey Ott

FESTIVAL SATURDAY - February 17, 2024 - FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC For a full schedule of events, visit savannahbookfestival.org

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COU R TESY WOMEN ’S B OA RD OF BE T HE SDA

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JAN. 1

12th Annual Yates-Astro Resolution Race and 5K Trail Run at Bethesda Academy

Happy New Year! Head to Tybee Island for the Polar Plunge supporting the Tybee Post Theatre and Main Street program — if you dare.

Georgia, University of Tennessee and Georgia Tech face off for the coveted Ghost Pirate’s Cup at the Publix Savannah Hockey Classic, a two-day tournament at Enmarket Arena.

JAN. 6

JAN. 16

Start the year strong with the 12th Annual Yates-Astro Resolution Race and 5K Trail Run. Organized by the Women’s Board of Bethesda, the race starts at 9 a.m. and follows a course touting marsh views along the Moon River, coastal farmland and even livestock sightings. All proceeds go to support the students of Bethesda Academy.

Remember to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day through acts of service that help create a better future for all.

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JAN. 25-FEB. 14

Get your tickets to the Mountainfilm On Tour — Savannah, an extension of the film festival in Telluride, Colorado. Sponsored by The North Face, this year’s adrenaline-packed lineup at the Trustees Theater includes a Friday night screening of “Full Circle,” a documentary about two skiers who find new meaning after traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Don’t miss the next Everard auction at everard.com, which includes rare antiques, jewelry, books, silver and works of fine art by Savannah artists Myrtle Jones, Johnny Mercer, Ray Ellis, Betsy Cain, Jack Leigh and Larry Connatser. A reception is held at Everard Auction & Appraisals on Feb. 6 from 5-7 p.m., followed by an exhibition on Feb. 7-9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Tharros Place Cocktails for Courage at Cohen’s Retreat

A L EX A N DER N EU M A NN

JAN. 12-13 Calling all hockey fans: Teams from the University of Florida, University of

JAN. 19-20

JAN. 26 Raise a glass to Tharros Place during the second annual Cocktails for Courage at Cohen’s Retreat. The fundraiser helps to provide services for survivors of human trafficking and to operate a 24/7 residential facility staffed by trained and licensed professionals providing trauma-informed, clientcentered care to teenage girls.

We are ‫ה‬ar and r family!

KATY LAWS, AUD, CCC-A

SARA KING, AUD, CCC-A

CASEY ALLEN, AUD, CCC-A

Affordable | State-of-the-Art Technology | No interest 18-month Payment Plan | Most Insurance Accepted S AVA N N A H / P O O L E R : 9 1 2 . 3 5 1 . 3 0 3 8 | S K I D AWAY I S L A N D : 9 1 2 . 5 9 8 . 0 6 1 6 | A H A S S AVA N N A H . C O M

Lace up your running shoes.

The YMCA Critz Tybee Run weekend starts with a 5K and kiddie race on Friday night, followed by a Saturday morning 10K, a half-marathon and a beach run and finishes with a one-mile run in the afternoon. Choose one, two, three or all four to complete a full marathon.

FEB. 8

Wednesday, the Asheville, North Carolina-based alternative band fronted by vocalist Karly Hartzman rocks the Lodge of Sorrows for one night only.

FEB. 9-11 The Georgia Historical Society’s esteemed Georgia History Festival presents

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Colonial Faire & Muster

several opportunities to explore this year’s theme of “Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries.”

First up, local schools are invited to participate in the Georgia Day Expo on Friday, with hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances that commemorate the founding of the Georgia colony in Savannah on Feb. 12, 1733.

The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Colonial Faire & Muster at Wormsloe State Historic Site. Open to the public, this popular program brings 18th-century Georgia to life through cooking, dancing, craft and military demonstrations.

returns for Presidents Day weekend. Flip to page 112 to learn more about this year’s lineup.

FEB. 14

FEB. 23

FEB. 15-18

Support CURE Childhood Cancer at the annual Savannah chapter of Catie’s Gathering, held at the Trustees’ Garden and sponsored by Coastal Electric of Georgia.

Feel the love: it’s Valentine’s Day.

Bibliophiles, rejoice: the Savannah Book Festival

Mike Michalowicz

FEB. 19-23 Professional vocalists from around the country and the world descend on Savannah for the 31st Annual American Traditions Vocal Collection. Held at District Live at Plant Riverside District, the four-day event — or ATC x PRD for short — has contestants compete for $40,000 of prize money and concert opportunities while enjoying a community of like-minded artists who value musical integrity, great singing and learning from one another.

COU R TESY G RIT

FEB. 2-3

RU SS BRYA N T

FEB

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FEB. 24 Mark your calendar for The 44th Telfair Ball. Held in Forsyth Park, the glamorous black-tie gala is the Telfair Museums’ most significant annual fundraiser — and one of Savannah’s most soughtafter parties to see and be seen.

FEB. 29-MAR. 1 Get a boost this Leap Day. The Creative Coast’s annual GRIT Conference brings together entrepreneurs, technologists and visionaries for a two-day innovation conference at the Savannah Civic Center, with a keynote address from The New York Times bestselling author Mike Michalowicz.

Georgia Tech Savannah is making an impact on the Coastal Empire through programming, outreach and research Join us in one or more ways!

• Professional Education Courses and Certificates • K12 Programming for Students and Educators • Applied Research • Home to Multiple Georgia Tech Partners • Book our facilities for your next meeting or event Learn more at https://pe.gatech.edu/savannah.

WARMING YOU UP SEASON AFTER SEASON Options that fit all your natural gas needs.

GET UP TO $100 WHEN YOU SIGN UP Call 1-877-467-2262 or visit scanaenergy.com/GA100 for details.

Limited time offer, available for new residential accounts only, subject to credit requirements. $100 bill credit offer is in the form of a $5 credit per bill for 20 bills. Offer not available in all locations. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Visit scanaenergy.com/GA100 for terms and conditions.

Where global flavors meet regional classics, fleeting celebrates the best bounty of the season, thoughtfully sourced from local farmers and providers. Pairing hyperlocal flavors and ingredients alongside a curated wine list and craft cocktail offering, fleeting is Savannah’s signature epicurean experience for both special celebrations and everyday dining alike.

photo by SV Images, LLC

201 Port Street SV/GA fleetingrestaurant.com 912.521.6150

MICHA EL HRIZU K

BUZZ

O L D S AVA N N A H

Square Accounts The renaming of Savannah’s Taylor Square honors a legendary educator, nurse and author Written by TRELANI MICHELLE

SAVANNAH WOULDN’T BE SAVANNAH without its verdant squares laid out in a grid by General Oglethorpe. Of the 22 original remaining squares, the names represent familiar figures from American history — names like Oglethorpe, Washington, Madison and Pulaski.

“We got 22 squares that don’t look like the majority population here,” Patt Gunn, co-founder of the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee and co-chair of the Coalition to Rename Calhoun

Square, wrote in a 2021 letter to Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson.

“Those 22 squares are named for men who were Confederates and American Revolutionaries. The numbers are not balanced.”

On Aug. 24, 2023, the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee made history when Calhoun Square, named for former Vice President John C. Calhoun, a staunch slavery advocate, was renamed Taylor Square. This was the first time in 140 years that a square was renamed. Taylor Square, located at Abercorn

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and Wayne streets (serendipitously bordering East Taylor Street, albeit no relation), is also the only square named for a woman or an African American. So, what makes Taylor’s name a name to know?

Born enslaved on Aug. 6, 1848, Taylor moved to Savannah from Liberty County at 7 years old to be raised by her grandmother, a savvy businesswoman who was freed before Emancipation. Adamant about her grandchildren being educated, Taylor’s grandmother arranged for Taylor and her brother to secretly learn to read and write from a fellow free Black woman. Fearing that Black literacy threatened the slave system, it was illegal for Black people to read and write, and it was a crime to teach them, so this was a very risky endeavor.

A fast and eager learner, Taylor studied with four teachers (the latter two being white children) before completing her “school” studies.

At 14, she began her career as an educator for the Union Army on St. Simon’s Island.

To keep her around, in August of 1862, the Army enrolled her as a laundress, though she did very little cleaning because she was too busy cooking for and nursing ill and injured soldiers, making her the first Black nurse in the Civil War. After the war, Taylor became one of Savannah’s first legal educators for Black students when she opened her home on South Broad Street (now Oglethorpe Avenue) as a school, charging $1 per pupil.

“Susie King Taylor was all about healthcare and education,” says “Sistah Roz” Rouse, also co-founder of the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee and co-chair of the Coalition to Rename Calhoun Square.

“And what [issues] are we dealing with today? Same thing: education and healthcare.”

In 1902, Taylor self-published “Reminiscences of My Life: A Black Woman’s Civil War Memoirs,” making her the first Black woman to self-publish her memoirs and the only woman to publish a book about her experiences during the Civil War. Despite Taylor’s accomplishments, getting Calhoun’s name replaced with Taylor’s wasn’t a walk in the square.

In 2020, Gunn and Rouse were

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approached by a tourist who claimed that Calhoun Square was a burial ground of enslaved people. They reached out to the city’s Director of Municipal Archives Luciana Spracher and learned that Calhoun was actually a burial ground for poor whites and sailors who weren’t Savannah natives, while the enslaved burial ground is located in Whitfield Square. Residents of the latter square warned Gunn and Rouse that removing Whitfield’s name would be difficult since he co-founded The First Congregational Church located there.

Gunn says her 30 years in social justice taught her the art of compromise. Plus, she points out that Calhoun had already been taken off over 100 different places around the nation, including a lake in Minnesota.

After agreeing to go after Calhoun instead of Whitfield, Gunn and Rouse requested that the square be renamed Sankofa — a Ghanian word and symbol that means fetching wisdom from the past to positively inform the present and future.

The renaming of public spaces in Savannah requires a 51 majority vote from the neighborhood, and supportive neighbors preferred the square be named after a local person. The Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee was once again willing to compromise. “Sistah Roz educated them on who Susie King Taylor was and the neighbors fell in love with her,” Gunn says.

Still, change doesn’t happen overnight.

Several times after the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee attained the 51% vote but a home would sell before the City Council could respond to the proposal — meaning there was a new neighbor and a new voter to win over. Nevertheless, they persisted.

“If the policies don’t work, go to the authorities in charge and say you need to change your policies because they are not working for the citizens of the 21st century,” Gunn says. “That’s what we did.” A new policy change now allows the City Manager to use their discretionary power to unname public spaces. After three years of meetings, hearings and petitions, including an invitation for other names to be nominated, Taylor Square was official.

“This isn’t something that we can take credit for. It was the methodologies of Civil

LIB RA RY OF CON G RESS

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Rights leaders,” Gunn shares. “And it’s a blueprint for future generations and other cities.”

In true Sankofa spirit, the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee is still working to get a statue of Taylor installed in the square, as well as benches inscribed with the square’s other nominations, including The Seven Sisters, Creek Nation, W.W. Law, George Leile, Major Clayton Carpenter and Leo Center.

Taylor, who wasn’t even able to collect a veteran’s pension because she was listed only as a laundress on paper despite her varied and vital contributions, now has a River Street ferry boat named for her, a Savannah-Chatham K-8 charter school, The Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute and Ecology Center and a historical marker in Midway, and now, Taylor Square.

“What would Susie King Taylor be doing today?” Rouse asks. “Educating and teaching, which is exactly what we’re doing.”

Backyard bird feeding… has changed a lot over the years, but

one thing remains the same — the joy

that birds bring each time you catch a glimpse of them at your feeders.

Woodpeckers enjoy lots of foods including suet, Bark Butter, peanuts and sunflower seeds. Help your bird friends in the winter with lots of high protein options to keep them full and warm through the night! Come see us at Wild Birds Unlimited where we can advise you on Woodpeckers and other feathered friends in your backyard.

As we celebrate the new ownership of the Savannah Wild Birds Unlimited store, we thank you for sharing this flight with us! Join us at our Wild Birds Unlimited Savannah and Hilton Head locations for every aspect of backyard birding, from equipment and outings to solutions and resources.

We have the knowledge and products to enhance your overall experience!

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BUZZ

Sean Griffin with Maverick

GIVING BACK

To the Rescue Meet the tireless leaders behind four of Savannah’s largest animal rescues Written by RACHEL MCDERMOTT // Photography by ANGELA HOPPER

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Sean Griffin

Executive Director, Humane Society for Greater Savannah (HSGS)

What started as consultant work in 2009 grew into something much more serious for Griffin.

“There is nothing quite like seeing the look on someone’s face when they leave our Adoption Center with their new family member,” Griffin says. “Since I started, over 30,000 animals have been adopted from here, and it never gets old.”

Founded in 1962, HSGS is the state’s largest no-kill shelter outside of Atlanta, working with 14,000 animals a year in need of adoption and veterinary care. In addition, the nonprofit has a pet food pantry, dog training classes, Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) programs and a thrift shop.

“Community impact and change happen at the intersection of resources, will and knowledge,” he says. “We have been fortunate to have such tremendous support from our community, but there is still so much work in our area that needs to be done.

We have the knowledge and will to keep pushing forward, but we need resources to keep impacting progress in our region.”

HSGS continues to support local collaborative rescue efforts like Chatham 90, Chatham County’s alliance of animal shelters, rescues, veterinarians and volunteers working to connect pets and their people with the resources they need. Recently, HSGS received a grant from Best Friends Animal Society to mentor and support 25 shelters in Georgia and South Carolina to help them reach no-kill status.

Lisa Scarbrough with Jingle

“There is nothing quite like seeing the look on someone’s face when they leave our Adoption Center with their new family member. Since I started, over 30,000 animals have been adopted from here, and it never gets old.”

— Sean Griffin, Executive Director, Humane Society for Greater Savannah 44

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Lisa Scarbrough

Director and Founder, Coastal Pet Rescue

Shortly after Scarborough graduated college, animals kept showing up at her house. On her 23rd birthday, the ink dried on the paperwork to start Coastal Pet Rescue. Twenty years later, she has a bachelor’s degree in humane leadership from Duquesne University and focuses on educating the next generation on animal welfare.

“You moved in that house and there were six cats when you moved in. They were not yours,” she describes a familiar scenario for many Savannahians. “But if you work with your neighbors to get them spayed or neutered, those six cats won’t become 60.”

Coastal Pet Rescue also frequently works with owners surrendering due to family members passing or going into assisted living. To do this work, Coastal needs monetary donations for support.

“We spend between $1,000 to 2,000 a week, sometimes more, depending on special needs,” Scarbrough says. And we need volunteers at the shelter and foster homes because the more people we have helping, the more animals we can help.”

T H E Y A R E A LWAY S O N T H E L O O K O U T F O R Y O U .

Now it’s your turn.

S YOU GET OUTDOORS IN THE NEW YEAR, annual check-ups and proper preventative medicine are more important than ever for your loyal companion. Dr. Hunter Brigdon and his dedicated team understand the importance of prioritizing your pet’s needs and wellness to maintain the sporting dog lifestyle.

At Brigdon Animal Hospital, you can expect state-of-the-art medical care for your four-legged companions, so you both can get back to doing what you love best – spending time together.

TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT, CALL TODAY! 912-231-3615

B R I G D O N A N I M A L H O S P I TA L 1 1 9 1 1 M I D D L E G R O U N D R OA D, S AVA N N A H , G A | B R I G D O N A N I M A L H O S P I TA L .C O M

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Karrie Bulski with Manny

Karrie Bulski

Co-founder and Executive Director, One Love Animal Rescue

Bulski grew up surrounded by animals and saving flies from spiders on a farm in Michigan.

“Rescue is a calling, not a choice,” she says. “When you have the ability to help, you should.”

One Love Animal Rescue started in 2013 as the adoption program for Chatham County Animal Services following Bulski’s experience of waiting hours to adopt a dog. An all-volunteer and all-foster network, One Love is in need of short-term and longterm fosters. Bulski acknowledges fosters get attached. “But when we introduce our foster pets to potential adopters and realize that

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many families are longing to love and save an animal in need, we then feel comfortable letting them move on,” she says. “Many of the families stay in touch and life-long friendships form.”

In 2019, One Love launched Operation Pet Solutions (OPS), an organizing effort to keep pets in their homes and reduce the number of pets surrendered by preventing unwanted litters, offering free and discounted services and supplies ranging from spays and neuters, pet food and fence repair. In addition to local partnerships, One Love’s bus transports 50 to 75 animals to rescue groups on the East Coast and to the Midwest — places where overpopulation is less — and doubles the number of lives saved.

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BUZZ

Jennifer Taylor

Director and Co-founder, Renegade Paws Rescue

Taylor is ready to jump in to help to do what is needed.

It started with her first foster puppy named Pablo.

“I was like, this feels like something that I can do, I can feel good about and feel like I am making a difference in the world,” she recalls.

Known as the “pittie” (short for pitbull) and “big dog” rescue in Savannah, Renegade was founded in 2019 to be an inclusive space for dogs and people. Fundraising efforts like Wag-o-Ween, the popular costume party every October, support care for Renegade’s 600-plus animals waiting for adoption.

From crawling under a house to retrieve puppies to assisting in hoarding situations, Taylor and the team are true renegades. “It’s about the animals, but it’s also about the people,” Taylor says. “It’s about the family that we’ve made up. If you can come here, feel it, see it, it will change your life. The animals led us here. They’re the glue that holds it together. But they made more of an impact on us than we’ll ever make on them.”

“It’s about the animals, but it’s also about the people. ... The animals led us here. They’re the glue that holds it together.

But they made more of an impact on us than we’ll ever make on them.”

— Jennifer Taylor, Director and Co-founder, Renegade Paws Rescue

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Jennifer Taylor with Nina

S P E C I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I ON

VETTING THE EXPERTS Pets are treasured friends and family members — and we want to give them the best care possible. Meet some of the area's most knowledgeable veterinarians and specialists.

Atlas Animal Hospital ...........................................................51 BluePearl Specialty ...............................................................50 Central Animal Hospital .......................................................53 Coastal Veterinary Oncology ...............................................54 Live Oak Veterinary Specialists ............................................52 PetCure Oncology................................................................54

PHOTOGRAPHY BY A N G E L A H O P P E R , K AT H E R I N E I V E S , K A T I E M C G E E & S H AW N M O R G A N

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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BLUEPEARL PET HOSPITAL Paul M. Shealy DVM, MS, DACVS

3 3 5 S T E P H E N S O N AV E .

9 12 . 3 5 4 . 6 6 8 1 | B L U E P E A R LV E T. C O M / H O S P I TA L / S AVA N N A H - G A

E D U C AT I O N : BS, Clemson University; MS and DVM, Louisiana State University; Intern, Animal Medical Center; MS Residency, Auburn University S PE C I A LT Y C E R T I F I C AT I O N : Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons A CO M M O N A N D P R E V E N TA B L E P E T A I L M E N T I S … obesity.

O N E R E C E N T I N N OVAT I O N I N A N I M A L M E D I C I N E I S … monoclonal antibody therapy

designed for pain associated with arthritis.

I L OV E P R AC T I C I N G I N SAVA N N A H B E C AU S E … Savannah has amazing pet parents!

We genuinely enjoy taking care of our patients, and our clients truly make us feel appreciated for what we do for them.

M Y PE T S A R E … Eli (Deutsch Kurzhaar), Lester (DLH), Rhonda (DSH), ZuZu (DSH), Scruggs (DLH), Eliza Jane and Skinner (Miniature Donkeys), several horses and a bunch of chickens.

W H E N I T CO M E S T O M Y PE T S , I S P LU R G E O N … nutritious, high-quality food and supplements.

W H E N I ’ M N O T I N T H E O F F I C E … I am spending

time at our farm and introducing my 3-year-old granddaughter, Preston, to horses and riding.

YO U ’ D N E V E R G U E S S T H AT … I am attempting to master the banjo in both bluegrass and jazz genres.

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ATLAS ANIMAL HOSPITAL Emily Bradbury DVM

2 3 0 S T E P H E N S O N AV E .

9 12 . 3 4 2 . 47 0 0 AT L A S A N I M A L H O S P I TA L S AV.C O M

E D U C AT I O N : Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana; Rotating Small Animal Internship, Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Atlanta A CO M M O N A N D P R E V E N TA B L E P E T A I L M E N T I S . . . heartworm disease. Both cats and

dogs should receive prevention from a veterinarian as heartworm disease is very serious and costly to treat.

W H E N I T CO M E S T O M Y PE T S , I S P LU R G E O N . . . personalized dog collars. Oakley’s tag says,

“Call my mom — she’s lost without me!”

I L OV E P R AC T I C I N G I N SAVA N N A H B E C AU S E . . . our clients have been very supportive

and have helped us grow as a new hospital in the area.

O N E R E C E N T I N N OVAT I O N I N V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C I N E I S . . . Librela. An injection for

osteoarthritis pain in dogs, this new therapy has been life-changing for many of my geriatric patients.

M Y PE T S I N C L U D E … three French bulldogs. I love

brachycephalic breeds despite their often complicated health conditions.

W H E N I ’ M N O T I N T H E O F F I C E . . . I enjoy

spending time at home with my husband and kids playing in our backyard, gardening, baking and going out to eat.

YO U OW E I T T O YO U R PE T T O . . . watch for signs of allergies including licking paws, rubbing and scratching. Itchy pets are uncomfortable, and your veterinarian can help!

YO U W O U L D N E V E R G U E S S T H AT I . . . used to

have a 5-foot-long ball python as a pet in college.

I K E E P M Y OW N PE T S H E A LT H Y B Y … running

annual bloodwork. Detecting disease early allows us to provide better treatment options.

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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LIVE OAK VETERINARY SPECIALISTS Jason King DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), cVMA, cVPP Carrie Santare DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) Michael Cocchiaro DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)

3 3 5 S T E P H E N S O N AV E .

9 12 . 6 6 2 . 75 4 4 L I V E O A K V E T N E U R O.C O M

E D U C AT I O N : King: DVM at University of Georgia and Residency at University of California-Davis; Santare: DVM at Cornell University and Residency at University of Florida; Cocchiaro: DVM at Texas A&M and Residency at University of California-Davis S PE C I A LT Y C E R T I F I C AT I O N S : Veterinary Neurology, Neurosurgery, Acupuncture, Pain Management and Cardiology W H AT ’ S N E W AT L I V E OA K V E T E R I N A R Y S PE C I A L I S T S? King: There have been quite a few changes and

developments behind the scenes. We’re still offering complete diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for neurology and neurosurgery as well as our cardiology service. But we’ve added some additional new technology to improve our efficiency and efficacy.

Santare: We’ve been doing quite a bit more 3D

modeling for our more complex spinal procedures as well. We had a model printed just recently for a puppy with an incomplete attachment between his first two vertebrae, an Atlanto-axial instability. It made it a lot simpler and safer to perform the procedure for fusing those two bones. He did great!

King: Dr. Santare and I also recently completed the training for pedicle screw implantation, which gives us another method for stabilizing spinal fractures and other conditions. It’s a really neat system that has been used in people for a long time, but the implants are only now being designed specifically for veterinary use. This is great because a lot of our patients are much smaller than the typical human.

Cocchiaro: One little dog came in for seizures, but we figured out it was actually his heart that was the problem. He’s doing great on medications now. He was in pretty bad shape before we got that sorted out.

Thankfully, we’ve got an incredible team of support staff that allows us the flexibility to get the pet where they need to go between the three of us!

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

CENTRAL ANIMAL HOSPITAL Cara Ann Hammons DVM Lisa Harvey DVM Sarah Taylor DVM

2 417 B U L L S T. 9 12 . 2 3 4 . 47 7 2 CENTR AL ANIMALHOSPITALSAV.COM

E D U C AT I O N : Hammons: DVM at Auburn University; Harvey and Taylor: DVM at University of Georgia

College of Veterinary Medicine

N E W T O O U R T E A M I S … Dr. Lisa Harvey DVM.

A graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinarian Medicine, Dr. Harvey joins us with more than 18 years of experience as a small animal veterinarian. Her special interests include soft-tissue surgery, internal medicine and wound healing. When she’s not in the clinic, Dr. Harvey enjoys Savannah’s diversity, quirkiness and culture. A true dog lover, she has two pups of her own, Tater, a terrier, and Desmond, a Labrador mix, whom she loves to take on weekend hikes.

YO U R PE T D E S E R V E S … the best care. As a small,

female-operated business, we offer longer appointment times so we can truly get to know you and your pet. Our philosophy is to care for all pets as if they were our own and to give them the same love, attention and care as we would our own fur babies. – Taylor

YO U ’ D N E V E R G U E S S T H AT I … play Dungeons

and Dragons. – Hammons

I W I S H M O R E O F M Y PAT I E N T S W O U L D …

come in for happy visits more often! We love to see pets come in without an appointment to enjoy treats in the lobby. Happy visits help reduce anxiety during scheduled appointments. – Taylor

W E G I V E B AC K T O T H E CO M M U N I T Y B Y …

donating to LGBTQ+ organizations like the Trevor Project and First City Pride. – Hammons

I K E E P M Y OW N PE T H E A LT H Y B Y … giving

them daily exercise and letting them sniff every blade of grass. I also sing to them and, of course, give them monthly heartworm prevention without fail. – Harvey

O N E R E C E N T I N N OVAT I O N I N A N I M A L M E D I C I N E I S … prescription diets. Nutrition is a

very important part of veterinary medicine. – Taylor

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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COASTAL VETERINARY ONCOLOGY Andrew T. Daters, MS, DVM, ACVIM (Oncology) Brittany Feldhaeusser, DVM, ACVIM (Oncology)

PETCURE ONCOLOGY Molly Holmes, DVM, DACVR (Radiation Oncologist)

3 3 5 S T E P H E N S O N AV E . | S AVA N N A H 7 0 P E N N I N G T O N D R I V E , S U I T E 10 BLUFFTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Petcure Oncology has multiple locations nationwide 9 12 . 3 5 5 . 5 7 9 1 C O A S TA LV E T E R I N A R Y O N C O L O G Y. C O M P E T C U R E O N C O L O G Y. C O M

E D U C AT I O N : Daters: DVM and Residency at Louisiana State University; Feldhaeusser: DVM and Residency at the University of Georgia; Holmes: DVM

from UGA, Residency at Tufts University and Specialty Fellowship at Colorado State University

S PE C I A LT Y C E R T I F I C AT I O N : Daters and Feldhaeusser: Oncology, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Holmes: Radiation

Oncology, American College of Veterinary Radiology

O U R P R I M A R Y G OA L … is to provide pet owners the information needed to make the decision that is right for them and their pets. We will support them and never pressure anyone into a specific treatment, and we will be honest about our opinions and recommendations.

W E A R E S O E XC I T E D T O B E … collaborating with

PetCure Oncology here in our building at the local level.

This will make radiation therapy more accessible to pets in the Savannah area. We are now set up to do the initial consultations and advanced imaging needed for planning the radiation protocols.

W E W I S H M O R E PE O PL E K N E W A B O U T …

radiation therapy for pets. Radiation is one of the three pillars of oncology along with surgery and chemotherapy and is used to target localized cancer.

A R E C E N T I N N OVAT I O N I N R A D I AT I O N T H E R A P Y F O R PE T S I S . . . the use of stereotactic

radiation therapy. This therapy allows us to treat tumors in locations once thought untreatable with a few doses (1-3) and extreme precision and accuracy, allowing us to minimize the dose to the nearby healthy tissue.

O N E R E C E N T S U CC E S S S T O R Y I S … a dog with nasal carcinoma that Dr. Holmes recently treated with radiation therapy. His symptoms improved significantly after treatment, and now he can breathe more comfortably and has a fantastic quality of life!

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

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TA S T E STYLE S A V A N N A H

The Future is Bright Snuggle up this winter with bestselling picture books and young adult novels — plus eyewear and stylish supplies Photography by PETER COLIN MURRAY // Styling by SARA SPICER

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JOIE DE VIVRE (clockwise from top): suitcases from The Paris Market; “Eloise: The Ultimate Edition,” by Kay Thompson, “The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant,” by Jean de Brunhoff and “Madeline,” by Ludwig Bemelmans from E. Shaver, Bookseller; paperweight from The Paris Market; eraser from Starlandia Art Supply; cardigan from Littles on Liberty; petite macarons handmade sidewalk chalk from Peaches; glasses from ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear; plush bear from Littles on Liberty; sign language ABC block set from The Paris Market

(previous page) NIGHTTIME RITUAL (clockwise from top): “Nigel and the Moon,” by Antwan Eady from E. Shaver, Bookseller; “I Am Enough,” by Grace Byers and “Love Is,”

by Diane Adams from Peaches; pajamas from Littles on Liberty; “Loretta’s Gift,” by Pat Zietlow Miller from Peaches; eraser from Starlandia Art Supply; glasses from Savannah Family Eye Care; sign language ABC block set from The Paris Market; composition book from Starlandia Art Supply; backpack from Peaches

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1415 ABERCORN STREET | 912.228.8963 O P E N M O N D AY – S AT U R D AY 1 0 - 7 | C L O S E D S U N D AY @ E M A R I E . A . N A I L B O U T I Q U E | E M A R I E S AVA N N A H . C O M

WILD ADVENTURES (clockwise from top): silicone stacker tower from The Paris Market; boxed socks from Outside Savannah; basket and book from The Paris Market; baby fleece hat from Outside Savannah; Antoinette Poisson Domino papers and pencils from The Paris Market; “In A Jar,” by Deborah Marcero and “Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel,” by Adam Rubin from E. Shaver, Booksellers; glasses from Savannah Family Eye Care

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Savannah AntiquEs & Architecture weekend 2024

T H E A N T I Q U E S R OA D ST R O L L W I T H S P E C I A L G U E ST, L E I G H K E N O, O F T H E A N T I Q U E S R OA D S H OW.

march 7-9, 2024

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LOVE STORY (clockwise from top): truffles from The Paris Market; sweater and water bottle from Outside Savannah; glasses from ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear; “The Princess Diaries,”

by Meg Cabot, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” by Jenny Han and “The Sun is Also a Star,” by Nicola Yoon from E. Shaver, Bookseller; colored pencils from The Paris Market; bracelets from Outside Savannah

WRITTEN IN THE STARS (clockwise from top): dark chocolate bar from The Paris Market; graph paper from Starlandia Art Supply; sequined crown and constellations print from The Paris Market; “They Both Die at the End,” by Adam Silvera from E. Shaver, Booksellers; beanie from Outside Savannah; “The Bone Witch,” by Rin Chupeco and “The Star-Touched Queen,” by Roshani Chokshi from E. Shaver, Bookseller; glasses from Savannah Family Eye Care; pencil case from Starlandia Art Supply

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513 E . O G L E T H O R P E AV E . , S U I T E F

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912 . 235. 2798

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S A V A N N A H F A M I LY E Y E C A R E . C O M

Deadle MARCH

Photo by Katie McGee

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Enter to Win Savannah Magazine’s Second Annual

“So Savannah” Photo Contest!

Find official rules and submit your photos at savannahmagazine.com

We’re looking 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.

C A S H PRI ZES | Submission s ope n Jan . 15

YOUR CITY. YOUR MAGAZINE.

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As the third generation to lead Henry Plumbing Co., Tonya Reed knows the value of being dependable to the local community she serves.

THE COMPANY’S HISTORY runs parallel with the history of her family. The origins of Henry Plumbing Co. trace back to Reed’s grandfather Robert G. Henry Sr., a flight officer and glider pilot who, in 1941, was among the first troops to be stationed at and help establish Hunter Army Air Base (now Hunter Army Airfield).

While there, he met and married his wife.

Together, they traveled during World War II to several bases but ultimately returned home to Savannah and started the family business Reed continues today.

Sunrise Start

M Y S AVA N N A H

Queen of Thrones T O N YA R E E D O w ne r a n d C h i ef Fina nci al O ffi c er o f Henr y Plumbing Co. Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY // Photography by PETER COLIN MURRAY

Reed considers herself a simple girl. On her ideal day, she wakes up with the sun.

She takes out her two dogs (Thor, an American Bully and Lanca, a mix from One Love Rescue), listens to the birds and breathes in the salt air. “Having some peaceful, quiet time,” she calls it.

She lives on Tybee Island with her husband, Todd, a former Army Ranger and Air Assault Instructor. The couple met while he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and have been married for 35 years — a love story echoing that of their ancestors.

In 1992, Todd joined the family business, and after Reed’s father passed away in 1994, she and Todd took the lead.

“Growing up in Savannah, I never dreamed I would own a home on Tybee,” Reed says. It was a dream that came true in 2019. Four years later, she still doesn’t mind the longer commute. Rather, she regularly finds herself in awe as she crosses over Lazaretto Creek. “The views leaving Tybee remind me of what a beautiful island Tybee is and how grateful I am to be able to live there.”

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Crowning Achievements

It’s no secret that working in the plumbing industry isn’t glamorous. Yet, Reed holds her head high with pride in her work.

In her office, a 35-by-45-inch peg board overflows with photos, cards and other mementos. She calls this her “inspiration board.” Among the mix are letters from nonprofits Henry Plumbing donates to, such as Shelter From the Rain and Cure SMA, awards from Savannah magazine, Georgia Business Journal and NextDoor, and a special note from her mother that reminds Reed to treasure the memories.

Collectively, the papers reflect the highly personal impact Henry Plumbing makes on people’s lives every day and help give Reed the motivation to keep moving forward.

“I love seeing people succeed,” she says.

Seeing employees start out as apprentices and move into leadership positions is one of the most rewarding parts of Reed’s work. She even helped one employee get a driver’s license. Beyond the company, she volunteers her time with the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), where she has served as a past president, vice president and treasurer.

Her proudest accomplishment? Her son, Tanner Reed, also an Army veteran, and his wife, Meghan, who are stepping up as the fourth generation to lead Henry Plumbing into the future.

Todd and Tonya Reed at Treylor Park Pizza Party

Lunch Break

Of course, the company’s top accomplishments extend beyond what’s on the board.

“We recently finished the remodel of Desposito’s Seafood Restaurant and Treylor Park Pizza Party,” Reed says. “It’s exciting to see the project from start to finish.” On special days, when she gets out of the office for lunch, Reed likes to support these customers.

These days are a nice reprieve from her typical routine. “Most days, I eat lunch in my office in front of the computer. Not proud,” she admits.

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Weekday Wind Down

By 4:30 p.m., Reed typically heads home — again enjoying that commute. By 6:15 p.m., she is watering plants and weeding flower beds in the garden. She often calls it a night at 8 p.m.

A few nights a week, however, she and her husband patronize one of their several

favorite local places on Tybee: Nickie’s 1971 Bar & Grill, Wind Rose Bar & Grill and The Quarter Sports Bar & Grill.

“We enjoy supporting those who support us, talking with the locals and eating a great bacon cheeseburger,” she says.

Simple as that.

Photos by Ruta Smith

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AT HOME

Over the Rainbow A fashionable Savannah family transforms their circa-1960s Kensington Park fixer-upper into a technicolor dreamland Written by ALLISON LANE FARMER // Photography by MARY BRITTON SENSENEY

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WHEN ERIN GOODMAN FINDLAY and her husband first met in New York City, a home in Savannah wasn’t on their radar.

But when the couple visited for St. Patrick’s Day just over a decade ago, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) graduate and her Scottish beau felt the magical pull of the Coastal Empire. Findlay quit her job in the world of high fashion, found work with her alma mater, and the pair purchased their first home in Savannah’s Historic District.

A few years and plenty of projects later, the couple realized their growing family was ready for the next adventure, preferably one with more space and a yard. Findlay’s husband found a midcentury fixer-upper for sale in Kensington Park, where oak-lined streets are home to a mix of mid-20thcentury architecture.

“It needed a lot of work,” says Findlay of the circa-1966 house. The pair, who have always had an appreciation for architecture, are avid fans of the United Kingdom-based home improvement show “Grand Designs,” which follows people as they build their dream house.

“We love this show, and in our heads, we’re like, one day we’ll do our grand design,” says Findlay. In February 2019, the midtown tri-level was theirs and so began their very own renovation.

For Findlay and her husband, creating a home that worked for their budding family of three was important.

“We want to live in this house and want it to flow and function for everyday life but also to be a really fun, memorable and iconic place to have friends over,” she explains.

The couple enlisted the help of Reshma Shah Johnson and Michael Johnson of SHAH Architecture & Interiors and Rickey Greer of RNR Home Improvements. With a tight timeline, they got to work straight away.

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Artwork fills the home, including pieces from friends, fellow SCAD students and colleagues and Findlay herself. In the snug, a blanket

by Trish Andersen hangs on the sofa.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Findlay and her pup in the foyer of her home.

Findlay wears a dress from Hannah E.

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S AVA N N A H ’ S O N LY FA M I 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

Kitchen and Bath Showroom

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4101 BULL STREET | SAVANNAH | 912.236.3351 | SANDPIPERSAV.COM

STYLE

First, the SHAH team reimagined the existing garage’s footprint, using the space to create a front wing with a new primary suite positioned strategically to enjoy the best daylight. A hallway adds more wall space to display the Findlays’ growing art collection and connects the bedroom to a new bathroom covered in aqua-hued tiles.

The couple opted to forgo mirrors above the dual sink and selected floating butcher block counters instead of a traditional vanity. The result is a Zen, light-filled retreat that marries fashion and function.

Across the hall, a walk-in dressing room

by Closet & Cabinet Experts was a dream come true for the fashion devotee. Not only is there ample space for her curated collection of wearable art, but it also doubles as a vanity and a personal office — one-upping Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic apartment in utility alone.

“They really tapped into their own personal story and what they really loved,” recounts Reshma. “Because they’re not afraid of color and pattern and those kinds of things, it was such a fun experience to be able to create something that would showcase that for them.”

The effect on the exterior was night and day, transforming an eyesore into an architectural statement. The added square footage also allowed the couple to transition the former primary suite into a designated space for in-laws, who still reside in Scotland.

“It’s so nice because when [my husband’s] parents come and stay for a month at a time, we can close it off and still feel like we have our own space,” Findlay says.

The next challenge for SHAH was the front entry. “You came in and were immediately upon those fabulous stairs,” Reshma says. “To really appreciate it, we pulled the front wall of the house out a couple of feet. You could open the door, pause, drop your stuff and then experience the house.”

Upping the ante, Findlay opted for a custom front door painted in a sunny shade of orange

by Benjamin Moore.

Once inside, a split-level staircase and a Herman Miller pendant light add to the colorful sense of arrival. “I saw [the stairs] and I was like, yellow! They give me Palm Springs vibes,” Findlay says. “I love bright colors, and it’s just a warm, happy color.”

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SHAH Architecture converted the garage into a new primary suite.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Findlay wears a top

by Christopher John Rogers and a skirt from Hannah E.; daisy throw by Anne Gates Studio; plants from STUMP.

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Next to the eye-catching entry is Findlay’s favorite space. “In the U.K., they have these little tiny rooms that are cute and small, and it’s called a snug. This isn’t really a true snug, but this is our snug,” Findlay says.

Overlooking the snug on the second-floor landing, a cyanotype by fellow SCAD graduate Natasha Toth hangs next to a Jean Jullien print the couple received as a wedding gift.

Meanwhile, the lower set of stairs leads to the back of the house, where the team at SHAH opened three small rooms to make space for one open living, dining and kitchen area. The couple went with a cedar ceiling to warm up the space, while on the floor, large, gray square tiles give the effect of polished concrete at a fraction of the cost.

“We wanted a space where we could be cooking and preparing a meal, and our daughter could be playing and all be together but doing separate things,” Findlay adds. A play area for their daughter fits nicely into one end of the room, but Findlay is already thinking about what’s

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next. “Once she outgrows this space and we don’t necessarily need a play area anymore, we will turn it into an adult sitting area where we can have cocktails and a record player,” she says. “The house is growing with us.”

Hanging next to the play area is an oversized print by Scottish painter Sir John Lavery, a piece Findlay’s mother-in-law purchased for the couple. The bucolic scene is at home in the space, surrounded by a hot pink bedazzled framed photo of the couple’s daughter and pairs playfully with a commissioned painting by Instagram darling Ashley Longshore.

In the kitchen, Findlay continued the retro vibe while ensuring it was functional for contemporary, everyday use. Using Ikea cabinets as the base, the homeowners purchased custom, modular fronts in shades of blue and red by Reform. “We just wanted it to be fun and geometric,” she says.

The last space the young family tackled was the back porch.

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The original screened porch was a two-story structure that looked more like a bird cage than an outdoor living room, and it blocked all of the home’s natural light. The couple opted to start fresh and design an outdoor space that was architecturally and stylistically true to their home. “We wanted to keep it looking midcentury,” Findlay says. “We didn’t want it to look weird attached to the house.”

To achieve their desired look, the pair opted for a half-and-half approach — half screened porch and half patio area for grilling and entertaining.

The pair even went the extra mile to ensure the porch stayed true to its roots, sourcing and producing the brick to guarantee it matched the home’s original brick. Then, Findlay dressed up both halves of the concrete slab with a bold pattern tile from Garden State Tile and layered in furniture and mementos from their travels to Mexico and Cartagena, Colombia.

For landscaping, the couple looked to Josh Beckler of Beckler Design Studio, who incorporated lush, natural plantings to set the scene for stylish al fresco soirées and impromptu picnics alike.

Inside and out, the Findlay family has created a home bursting with rainbow colors, unabashed personality and artistic expression. “It’s been such a fun house to raise our daughter in,” shares Findlay. “It’s been cool to see how we adapt and change as she grows.”

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“Once [my daughter] outgrows the space and we don’t necessarily need a play area anymore, we will turn it into an adult sitting area where we can have cocktails and a record player. The house is growing with us.”

— Erin Goodman Findlay, homeowner

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

R N R

H O M E

I M P R O V E M E N T S

RENOVATION GO-TO RNR Home Improvements Takes You from Dream to Reality RNR HOME IMPROVEMENTS is a unique blend of a general contractor, construction company and showroom, creating a one-stop shop for customers.

In business for more than 20 years, RNR Home Improvements specializes in heavy remodeling, including kitchens, bathrooms, decks, additions, screened-in porches, openfloor plans, flooring, painting, replacement windows and doors, garages and workshops, roofs, patios and other projects to update your home or business.

“We can quote pretty much any renovation project,” says owner-operator Rickey Greer.

When starting a project, Greer walks you through how the project will proceed.

“We have almost all of the trades under one roof, so we can coordinate your remodel project with trusted subcontractors and minimal fuss,” he said. “We aim to complete your remodel in a strict time frame, without sacrificing quality.”

Will Hudson, the other owneroperator, serves as the on-site project supervisor, so once construction begins, clients are in contact with both owners at all times.

Greer, Hudson and their team welcome clients and potential clients to RNR’s accessible and inspirational storefront.

Centrally located in Thunderbolt and convenient to Tybee Island, downtown, midtown and southside Savannah, the showroom boasts a wide selection of semi-custom, all-wood cabinets, quartz countertops, cabinet hardware, an expansive selection of tile and flooring and even plumbing fixtures.

“We offer a variety of finishes and provide samples of everything you need for exterior projects, including decking, roof shingles, doors, gutters and windows,” Greer said. “We are here to address any questions you may have. We want to help make your dream a reality.”

RNR HOME IMPROVEMENTS: 2221 ROWLAND AVE. | SAVANNAH, GA 31404 | 610.291.3799 | RNRHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.COM Photography by KATHERINE IVES

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DETAILS Homeowner: Erin Goodman Findlay and her husband

Primary bath tile: Floor & Decor

Year built: 1966

Primary closet design: Closet & Cabinet Experts

Year renovated: 2019

Kitchen cabinets: Ikea; Reform

Neighborhood: Kensington Park

Art: Natasha Toth; Jean Jullien; Ashley Longshore; Honor Bowman; Britt Spencer; Saskia Viñas; Erin Goodman Findlay for Gunner’s Daughter

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Square footage: 3,100 Architect: Reshma Shah Johnson and Michael C. Johnson, SHAH Architecture Builder: Rickey Greer, RNR Home Improvements

Landscape design: Josh Beckler, Beckler Design Studio Paint: RNR Home Improvements Appliances: Best Buy; Living Source All details provided by the homeowner.

Porch and patio tile: Garden State Tile

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Chaos,

CONTAINED Local professionals share their tips to make the most of your square footage and transform functional storage into a thing of beauty Written by MARY FITZGERALD

J AS O N MA N CH ES T E R / / C OU R T ES Y A M ER I CA N C RA F T S MA N R EN OVATI ON S

WHETHER YOU ARE A MAXIMALIST or a minimalist, we all agree you can never have too much storage or be too organized — just ask the fans of Marie Kondo and The Home Edit.

Everything in its place and a place for everything is an aspirational goal, but executing a plan of action can be overwhelming. If your New Year’s resolution is to corral your clutter, we’ve found some great resources to streamline your life with swoon-worthy results.

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES Get creative to find untapped potential. Clever options include space under a stairwell, over and around door frames or inside a closet. An alcove can house a bar, a child’s secret play area or a cozy den for the dog. Think outside the box, as Kevin Norris of American Craftsman Renovations did to build a display case under the stairs for a homeowner.

Interior designer Bert John converted a bifold closet into a hip bar sporting a kegerator and funky wallpaper. In the same home, he opened up an entryway with handsome, slim-profile cabinetry to include a coat closet and a drop spot for mail and keys.

Leah Bailey of Leah Bailey Interiors maximized space in a guest room, recessing the bed within cabinetry. Built-in niches eliminate the need for freestanding nightstands. “Use every square inch for storage,” Bailey says. The result is “super chic and custom looking.”

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E LE VAT E D COA S TAL P RO DUC T I ON S / / CO UR T E S Y BE R T J OHN

KE L LI B OY D P HOT OG R A PH Y / / CO UR T E S Y LE A H B AI L E Y I N T ER I O RS

ELEVATED COA STA L PRODU CTION S // COU R TESY B ER T JOHN

GO VERTICAL If you live in an older or historic home, you already know that space is at a premium and closets are practically nonexistent.

Still, even new builds often need more storage.

Norris recommends extending cabinetry to the ceiling, as he did in a mudroom with bright blue cubbies for backpacks, coats and shoes. The look is streamlined, eliminating the “dust collecting” cabinet top or bulky soffit, notes Norris.

Bookcases and kitchen cabinetry benefit from the same principle of “going up.” Bailey agrees, taking advantage of the high ceilings in an all-white kitchen. “Take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage potential,” she says. “No wasted space here.” The upper cabinets are perfect for storing little-used or seasonal items.

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MIX UP MATERIALS Utilitarian doesn’t have to equal ugly. Thoughtful and organic materials elevate storage in high-traffic areas. Choose a lively paint color or a kicky wallpaper in a pantry or laundry room.

Dressing up a workroom will make spending time there more enjoyable.

John keeps his designs interesting and elevated in hard-working spaces with “contrast, scale, repetition and pattern.” To create continuity, he maintains the same quality finishes throughout the home. In the laundry/mudroom of a remodeled residence, he specified natural cane inserts on cabinetry door panels and layered in warm woods and practical porcelain tile flooring in a herringbone pattern.

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ACCEPTED •

J OSH MOREHOU SE // COU R TESY HOU SE OF VON

STYLE

House of Von rules for styling a bookcase: • Photograph and review. Snap a before photo of your bookcase and take a good look. What do you like? What isn’t working?

• Start fresh. Take everything off the shelves and sort into piles. Set aside and bag or box up items you want to give away, sell, donate or throw out. Put similar items together, such as books, framed photographs and personal items. (Try to work with what you already own before you think about buying anything new.)

• Review and edit. If you can’t part with something but don’t want to display it now, put it away. You can rotate books or photos seasonally.

Display a mix of photos, books and personal touches.

• Rebuild and relocate. Start with eye-level items and gradually add pieces back onto the shelves. Avoid clutter. Periodically step back to review the overall look, making sure each shelf is balanced.

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The room was long and narrow (as these spaces typically are), so to avoid “a bowling alley” look, John painted the cabinets on one side of the room one color and the opposite side in another color and layered in textural elements and distinctive details.

Bailey applied mirrors to built-ins in an inviting bedroom to give the illusion of more space. To break up the expanse of millwork, she varied the cabinet depths. “Use every inch of the bedroom by incorporating mirrors into built-ins for multipurpose and gorgeous storage,” Bailey says.

For a glamorous closet/dressing room, Closets by Design installed luxurious glass cabinets with LED lighting, mirrors and — for even more opulence — a chandelier overhead. Designated storage for shoes, handbags and hanging clothes keeps everything organized, and velvet-lined drawers display ready-to-wear jewelry.

DOUBLE DUTY If space is tight, repurpose an under-used room or consider giving a space more than one function. A dining room can be lined with built-ins to house a library or home office.

Closets by Design added a pull-down bed in an eating area to serve as extra sleeping quarters when guests visit. Flanking the bed, bookcase storage becomes a showcase for decorative collectibles and books.

BAN BORING BOOKSHELVES Add oomph to bookshelves by lining the interior with a patterned wallpaper, grasscloth or a fresh coat of colorful paint.

“Built-ins should be clean and simple, but use layering to help them feel complete and stylish. Mix family heirlooms with new books and decor to give it that timeless look,” says Bailey.

Home organizer, Marge Von Lehmden of House of Von lives by the William Morris quote: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

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STYLE

COU R TESY CRATE & B A RREL

MORE TOOLS OF THE TRADE “Baskets of all shapes and sizes can be the perfect place to store things. They are unassuming and simple while serving many duties in any room,” Bailey says.

Von Lehmden agrees and uses baskets throughout the house.

She also recommends clear containers, roll-out drawers, drawer dividers, turntables and Lazy Susans for organizing — and don’t forget to label everything.

Look for multi-purpose furniture, too. “Benches, trunks and coffee tables with storage are perfect for items like shoes, towels, toys and blankets,” says Von Lehmden. Floating vanities and consoles appear to take up less space in a room while still providing plenty of storage. She is a fan of rolling carts because they can be moved around from room to room or wheeled out of sight when necessary.

To wrangle up collectibles, Von Lehmden finds inventive receptacles like vintage ashtrays, boxes and trays to store jewelry and smaller items.

For the finishing touch, keep it brilliant. Lighting is essential but also creates ambiance in a space. Decorative lighting dresses up bookshelves, closets, mudrooms and laundry rooms.

After all, once your space is in order, you’ll want to see it shine.

“Baskets of all shapes and sizes can be the perfect place to store things.

They are unassuming and simple while serving many duties in any room.”

C OU R T ES Y S E R EN A & L I LY

— Leah Bailey, Leah Bailey Interiors

STYLE

REAL WEDDINGS

Maddy & Sean Great-granddaughter of “Father of the Bride” author marries her groom with a breezy Savannah celebration Written by JEN MARIE WIGGINS // Photography by WISE PHOTO CO.

FOR MADDY McCARTHY AND SEAN TAYLOR, it’s always been about fun. From their first meeting that “wasn’t exactly a fix-up” to what Maddy calls a “series of good timing and coincidences” that propelled their separate city romance forward, this couple would later bring that same sense of free spirit to tying the knot.

Though Maddy and Sean’s courtship began in different parts of New England, their engagement came four years later when the

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“We wanted it to embody everything we enjoy about Savannah — from the awesome food and beverage scene to its laid-back vibe. With Sean’s Kentucky roots and my own family in Savannah, we felt like the city was the perfect Southern spot to start our lives.”

— Maddy McCarthy

couple was living in San Francisco, California. On a regular Wednesday morning coffee run, Sean surprised Maddy by getting down on one knee — ring in one hand, coffee in the other. The two were married on April 22, 2023, in Savannah’s Forsyth Park.

As the planning for the big day began, the couple knew they had a specific vision and enlisted Jillian Gloistein from Ivory & Beau to help them turn it into reality.

“We knew right away we wanted a wedding that felt like us as a couple,” Maddy says. “We wanted it to embody everything we enjoy about Savannah — from the awesome food and beverage scene to its laid-back vibe. With Sean’s Kentucky roots and my own family in Savannah, we felt like the city was the perfect Southern spot to start our lives.”

“Maddy and Sean were a really fun couple focused on the experience of the guests and incorporating their favorite places and hobbies into a full weekend itinerary,” adds Gloistein.

Since a large portion of their 125 guests was coming from out of town, the couple opted to rent out Bellwether House and host a variety of pre-wedding

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get-togethers, including welcome drinks at Starland Yard, a trolley shuttle to Tybee Island for a day at the beach and an intimate rehearsal dinner at Bellwether.

The two also knew they wanted The Wyld Dock Bar for the reception. Even the decor inspiration came from a source that was fitting the couple’s personality — a pair of shorts.

“Sean exclusively wears shorts,” says Maddy with a laugh. “When we came across a pair of Banana Republic shorts with a great jacquard pattern, it became the color palette. We just went for it with earthy tones and bright color pops we pulled in through the place settings and accessories.”

Playing up their personalities also meant incorporating a bespoke nod to Maddy’s family lineage.

Edward Streeter, the author of “Father of the Bride,” is

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Maddy’s great-grandfather, and since one of their favorite places in San Francisco is a silent disco, they borrowed elements of both for a fun surprise at the reception.

Near an outdoor wall at The Wyld, guests could take a break in a comfy lounge area while the 1991 movie version of “Father of Bride” streamed for those wanting to listen using headphones. Other playful elements included a caricature artist and Jenni’s Treats on the Street ice cream truck with both regular and boozy frozen treats. The Southern-style menu featured roasted and raw oysters, ceviche, a Lowcountry boil and barbecue.

“It was all very Savannah — even Pinkie Masters became the unofficial afterparty,” says Maddy. “Sean and I are glad we did it like us. It was a weekend — and a party — to remember.”

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DETAILS Couple: Maddy & Sean Date: April 22, 2023 Planner: Ivory & Beau Number of guests: 125 Welcome party location: Starland Yard Rehearsal dinner location: Bellwether House Ceremony location: Forsyth Park Reception location: The Wyld Dock Bar Officiant: Justin Aulday Photographer: Wise Photo Co. Florist: Ivory & Beau Music for ceremony: All About You Entertainment Music for reception: Jackass Flats Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals Lighting: Advanced A/V Rentals Catering: The Wyld Dock Bar Desserts: Jenni’s Treats on the Street Restroom Rental: Royal Restrooms Hair and makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather Maddy’s attire: Staud Bridal Sean’s attire: Banana Republic Rings: Meg C Jewelry Invitations: Zola Caricatures: Archer Art Entertainment Transportation: Kelly Tours; Old Savannah Tours; Unforeseen Charters Afterparty location: The Original Pinkie Masters Bar

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12/4/23 9:16 AM

TA S T E TA S T E S A V A N N A H

The Sweetest Thing After suffering from depression, Tara Rocker reconnects with the joy of cooking in a new book of family recipes Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

Photography by TYTAN PICTURES / ROXY

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TASTE

Cookbook author Tara Rocker (third from left) and her family

Grandmother’s Chocolate Stack Cake This is my favorite cake from my childhood and still today. The tiny cake layers with fudge like icing make for a delicious dessert. My Grandmother DeLoach would often make this cake for my birthday. One of my life goals was to learn how to make this cake so I could share it with my family. Now you can share it with yours!

I use three cake pans for my cake, each with a 9-inch diameter. I cook two batches of layers.

A note on the icing, be sure your icing is warm when you spread it on the layers coming out of the oven. It helps the cake to absorb all the chocolate goodness. Plus, it spreads beautifully.

Serves 12 to 14 ICING 3 cups of sugar 18 ounces evaporated milk 2 tablespoons of butter ⅓ cup powdered cocoa 1 tablespoon vanilla CAKE 3 cups of cake flour sifted 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup of butter 2 cups of sugar 4 eggs 1 cup of sour cream 1 cup of milk

Find the recipe on Page 102

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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. To make the Icing: melt the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, cocoa, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble and slowly boil.

Stir constantly to keep the icing from scorching and to bring the ingredients together.

44

After 20 minutes, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

To make the Cake: sift the flour with the baking powder in a mixing bowl.

Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs and continue to mix well. Next, add the flour and sour cream alternately, mixing well until the batter is smooth.

The cake is baked in 6 small layers, in 3 cakepans, used twice. First, grease 3 (9-inch) cake pans with a spray of Baker’s Joy all around, including the edges. Then pour the batter to a ¼-inch depth to cover the bottom of the pans.

Bake the layers for 17 to 20 minutes. Multiple pans can be baked at one time if the oven will accommodate them. Repeat until all 6 layers are baked. If you bake in batches, begin to ice the tops of the layers as they come from the oven.

To ice, place the first layer on the cake plate. Using 2-3 tablespoons of icing, cover the top of that layer, and place an un-iced layer atop of it. Repeat until all layers are iced. When the top layer is ready, add an abundance of icing to allow some to drip down the sides. If you like, smooth the icing around the side of the cake to cover. When fully iced, let it sit for 30 minutes before serving.

TARA DELOACH ROCKER dreamed of writing a cookbook since she was in her young 20s. She felt a call to capture and record her core memories and family recipes, intrinsically linked and inseparable from one another.

As a daughter of former Savannah mayor Eddie DeLoach and a graduate of Savannah Country Day School, she wanted to authentically honor the foods she grew up on and the rich stories surrounding them. From an oyster roast where she scored her first job to the fish fry that made her fall in love with her husband to the holiday traditions she now passes on to her own children, these meals represented the defining moments of her life.

Two decades, a global pandemic and a season of depression later, Rocker finally realized the dream with the late 2023 publication of “My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook.”

She credits her husband’s support and her therapist, who gave her a “homework” assignment to write the book. Along with proper medicine and physical exercise, the creative project helped Rocker to overcome her struggles with her mental health and reconnect with the joy, comfort and community that are key ingredients in every dish.

Here, she offers a taste of the book’s inherently sweet charm.

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TASTE

GRANDMOTHER’S CHOCOLATE STACK CAKE from Tara DeLoach Rocker’s “My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook”

“This is my favorite cake from my childhood and still today. The tiny cake layers with fudge-like icing make for a delicious dessert. My grandmother Virginia DeLoach would often make this cake for my birthday.

One of my life goals was to learn how to make this cake so I could share it with my family. Now you can share it with yours!

I use three cake pans for my cake, each with a 9-inch diameter. I cook two batches of layers.

A note on the icing: be sure your icing is warm when you spread it on the layers coming out of the oven. It helps the cake to absorb all the chocolate goodness.

Plus, it spreads beautifully.”

ICING 3 cups of sugar 18 ounces of evaporated milk 2 tablespoons of butter COU R TESY EDDIE DELOA CH

1/3 cup powdered cocoa 1 tablespoon vanilla CAKE 3 cups of cake flour sifted 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup of butter 2 cups of sugar 4 eggs 1 cup of sour cream 1 cup of milk Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

To make the icing: melt the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, cocoa, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble and slowly boil. Stir constantly to keep the icing from scorching and to bring the ingredients together.

After 20 minutes, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

To make the cake: sift the flour with the baking powder in a mixing bowl.

Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs and continue to mix well.

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Next, add the flour and sour cream alternately, mixing well until the batter is smooth.

The cake is baked in six small layers, in three cake pans, used twice. First, grease three (9-inch) cake pans. (I use a spray of Baker’s Joy all around, including the edges.) Then, pour the batter to a 1⁄4-inch depth to cover the bottom of the pans.

Bake the layers for 17 to 20 minutes. Multiple pans can bake at one time if the oven will accommodate them. Repeat until all six layers are baked. If you bake in batches, begin to ice the tops of the layers as they come from the oven.

To ice, place the first layer on the cake plate. Using 2 – 3 tablespoons of icing, cover the top of that layer, and place an uniced layer atop of it. Repeat until all layers are iced. When the top layer is ready, add an abundance of icing to allow some to drip down the sides. If you like, smooth the icing around the side of the cake to cover. When fully iced, let it sit for 30 minutes before serving.

Tara Rocker’s grandmother, Virginia DeLoach

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H O M P S O N

S A V A N N A H

ENJOY

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The Mix Up 1 ounce

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lemon juice

Three dashes cardamom bitters Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.

Strain into a coupe, top with freshly grated nutmeg. Enjoy!

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Photography courtesy of THOMPSON SAVANNAH

THOMAS VILLANI

Head Bartender, Thompson Savannah In 2016, Thomas made a bold decision to leave his position at a publicly traded company in New York City and pursue his deep-rooted passion for food and beverage. His journey began in Provincetown, Massachusetts, a bustling seasonal tourist destination were he navigated the art of cocktail curation and owning a bar. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to Thompson Savannah. Immersed in the local food and beverage scene, his bar program is a testament to his ingenuity, drawing inspiration from local ingredients, his roots and the spectrum of experiences — both triumphant and challenging — that have shaped his career.

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INCLUSION

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cooktop, ice maker, wine chiller, and panoramic views. Enjoy Island living on the beautiful screened in porch with fireplace or relax on the patio overlooking the lagoon directly out back. On the side of the home you’ll find a covered grilling porch, wrought iron fenced yard and a beautiful glass rock adorned gas fire pit. The half acre lot provides a very private natural buffer and is meticulously landscaped with beautiful gardens, lush foliage, concrete pavers, and LED lighting/nightscaping. Island Living at the Landings at its finest!

CHECKING OUT

Savannah’s

LITERARY SIDE Georgia Historical Society’s Research Center (read more on page 111)

From new and longstanding bookstores to an annual book festival and the reopening of centuries-old libraries to the return of a reading event series unlike any other, there’s never been a better time to be a bibliophile in Savannah Written by ALLISON LANE FARMER, ALLISON STICE, COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY & ZACHARY HAYES

Photo by MI CHA EL SC H ALK

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Well Read A local’s guide to browsing Savannah’s independent bookstores Written by ALLISON LANE FARMER

Books on Bay 411 Abercorn St. Books on Bay is home to a charming mix of vintage books and curios curated by purveyor and owner Betsy Hoit-Thetford. Now located at 411 Abercorn St. between Taylor Square and Clary’s Cafe, Books on Bay “The Sequel” (as it’s been fondly dubbed following the loss of the original Bay Street storefront’s lease) is more of what shoppers have come to love about the plucky owner and her nostalgic wares. One of the top bookstores in the country for vintage children’s series and a destination for collectors, The Sequel houses an extensive selection of “Nancy Drew,” “The Hardy Boys,” “Trixie Belden” and “Tom Swift” series, as well as first editions of notable names like “Gone With the Wind” and rare volumes from the 1500s.

The wall of yellow-spined Nancy Drew novels has become a favorite photo op for sleuths of all ages, but Hoit-Thetford’s true masterstroke is her rotating collection of original

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MI C HA E L H RI Z U K

“SAVANNAH IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES in the world to have a bookstore,” shares Betsy Hoit-Thetford, owner of vintage bookstore Books on Bay. For those familiar with Savannah’s thriving arts scene and rich literary history, it’s no surprise that the city is a welcoming host to an impressive and distinct group of bookstores.

With half a dozen independent bookstores within a 5-mile radius, you might expect a certain amount of overlap.

Savannah’s literary scene, though, has taken a page from the natural world and exists in an artful state of balance. “Each one of us has a slightly different focus,” Hoit-Thetford says.

“Each one of us is needed to make this picture complete for Savannah.” If Savannah is a great city to be a bookseller, it’s an even better city to be a bookworm.

paintings commissioned for book covers of the same pop-culture classics found on the shelves.

R E C OM M E N DE D R EADI N G On Hoit-Thetford’s reading list for 2024? A book from her childhood — probably a “Trixie Belden” series, featuring a sassy tomboy who reminds the bookseller a lot of herself.

E. Shaver, Bookseller 326 Bull St. Satisfy your reading list and get your feline fix at longtime Savannah establishment, E. Shaver, Bookseller.

Established in 1975 by Esther and Ed Shaver and now under the care of co-owners Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver, Bookseller on Madison Square is a onestop shop for new releases, genre-specific book clubs and a host of literary events.

Like stepping into a homey and eccentric menagerie of books, E. Shaver’s titles run the gamut of literary fiction, mystery, young adult, sci-fi, children’s, graphic novels and everything in between. To help you navigate their literary wonderland, E. Shaver is home to a knowledgeable and well-read staff, eager to help you find the now-forgotten title you heard of from a friend of a friend.

Less helpful with a book search but equally customer service-oriented, E. Shaver is also home to four shop cats: Bartleby, Mr. Eliot, Skimbleshanks and Morticia.

Fans of this beloved bookstore can now revel in additional space to peruse their favorite titles at E. Shaver’s second location in the Starland District’s famed Gingerbread House (1921 Bull St.). Enjoy storytime events for budding bookworms, author events, a courtyard and beverage bar shared with the adjacent Foxy Loxy Cafe and, best of all, free parking.

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M I CH AE L S CH AL K

Looking ahead, owners Osborne and Taylor are eagerly awaiting upcoming releases like the historical fantasy “The Warm Hands of Ghosts” by Katherine Arden (author of “The Bear and the Nightingale”) and local author Taylor Brown’s “Rednecks” — a fictional account of the West Virginia coal miners that led the largest labor union uprising in American history.

Also on the books? E. Shaver is organizing its first-of-its-kind Jane Austen-themed literary tour. This 15-day group trip will take Austenites through England and culminate at the annual Jane Austen Festival in September 2024.

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R E C OM M E N DE D R EADI N G A few of Bustinduy’s recent favorites for families include “A Book for Escargot,” by Dashka Slater, “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña and “Painting Pepette” by Linda Ravin Lodding.

The Book Lady 6 E. Liberty St. A bookstore with a big heart, The Book Lady is home to an ever-changing selection of books curated by owner Joni SaxonGiusti. No newcomer to Savannah, The Book Lady has played a part in our historic city’s literary scene since first opening its doors in 1978. Under the leadership of Saxon-Giusti since 2002, The Book Lady has expanded its offerings and outreach, and its historic district location continues to overflow with gently used, new and rare books covering just about every genre and subject.

In addition to peddling and purchasing books, The Book Lady also curates custom libraries, appraises and purchases private collections, hosts author events, works with just about every nonprofit in town and employs the help of shop dog, Jenny.

R E C OM M E N DE D R EADI N G On Saxon-Giusti’s list for 2024 are two books that capture the spirit of The Book Lady’s commitment to saving and passing on wonderful stories: revisiting 1990s cult classics like “O Caledonia” by the late Scottish writer Elspeth Barker and Cecil Dawkins’ “The Quiet Enemy,” a collection of short stories set in the rural South and West.

The Stacks Bookstore 2409 Waters Ave. With a focus on marginalized authors, accessibility, community and fostering writers of all backgrounds, The Stacks Bookstore is a welcome addition to Savannah’s diverse literary scene. Owner/author Cindy Otis has stacked The Stacks with a beautiful selection of new books covering the range of the human experience — with special attention paid to authors from marginalized communities. Shelves brimming with underrepresented stories ensure visitors can find stories unique to their experience within The Stacks’ welcoming walls. Otis has also doubled down on her commitment to serving the community and the immediate neighborhoods, crafting what

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Peaches

promises to be the newest neighborhood hang, even if you don’t consider yourself a reader or writer. The end result is a bookstore that is physically and financially accessible, inclusive and inspiring for all. Writers can find a space to hone their craft, while younger readers can enjoy the robust young adult and children’s section and programming.

R E C OM M E N DE D R EADI N G Otis is looking forward to a deep roster of books in 2024, including “The Honey Witch” by Savannah’s own Sydney J. Shields, “The Women” by Kristin Hannah and “The Color of a Lie” by Kim Johnson.

The Books Bus, The Tiniest Bookshop 300 W. River St., Kiosk 1 Beach Reads Bookshop 1213 US-80, Unit C If you mix one part traveling book bus, one part itty-bitty bookstore and one part beach read outpost, you’ve got the makings of a Kaitlynn Perry special. Perry, who owns The Books Bus, The Tiniest Bookshop and now Beach Reads Bookshop, has carved out a niche selling books in small and unique spaces.

Her first foray into pint-sized bookselling, The Books Bus offers a variety of used books with pop-up locations ranging from the Richmond Hill Farmers Market to the Starland District’s First Fridays. The Tiniest Bookshop, on the other hand, is Perry’s first brick-and-mortar, boasting a snug 150 square feet along River Street in the Plant Riverside District. Rounding out the trio, Perry has opened a third outpost, The Beach Reads Bookshop, on Tybee Island, nestled next to Huc-A-Poo’s.

R E C OM M E N DE D R EADI N G When asked what book Perry’s most looking forward to in 2024, there was no question: the third installment of Sarah J. Maas’ “Crescent City” series.

M IC HA E L SC HA L K

Peaches 409 Whitaker St. Among the stylish children’s clothing and toys inside this Downtown Design District boutique, owner Rebecca Bustinduy keeps a wall of white shelves well-stocked with timeless and contemporary picture books, from the beloved “Pete the Cat” and “Little People, Big Dreams” series to “Manners Begin at Breakfast,” a modern etiquette guide for families written by Marie-Chantal, the Crown Princess of Greece. “We try to stock a mix of classic children’s books that people will come in looking for, as well as a healthy selection of new titles that folks can discover while they are here,” Bustinduy says. She adds that she wants the selection to be reflective of the community, so she makes an effort to curate a broad selection of diverse authors — and hopes to do more to support local authors in the future.

M I CH A EL HR I Z U K

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Bull Street Library

Treat Your Shelf One mom’s quest to awaken her little ones’ love of reading at the local library Written by ALLISON STICE JA N UA R Y/ F EB R UA R Y 2 0 24

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DESPITE THE ADVICE from my pediatrician, reading to my infant daughter felt a little ridiculous.

Sitting in the corner of the nursery, I dutifully turned the pages of board books by Dr. Seuss and Richard Scarry. Yet, despite my narrative flourishes and spot-on sound effects, I could scarcely hold Julia’s attention compared to her toy box, pop-up tent or even my necklace.

As an avid lifelong reader, I admit I was also eager to introduce a love of literature to my daughter as soon as possible. I had started collecting editions of my favorites, like “Madeleine,” before Julia was born. I had asked for books with a commemorative scrawl inside the front cover in lieu of cards for our baby shower.

Yet when she showed any interest, it seemed more for the sensory content (cue slobbered-on covers or touch-and-feel tomes) than for the story.

Despite the fact she was still in diapers, I couldn’t help but wonder: would she ever love reading as much as I do? I steeled myself to accept the answer could be no.

I figured it was time to bring in backup, so I turned to a time-honored institution: the Savannah Live Oak Public Library System.

I’d long admired the neoclassical design of the Bull Street Library built in 1916 as I sipped my café au lait at Foxy Loxy across the street. The grand columns and the stone steps beaconed in the afternoon sun — and nothing excited my interest more than “Make Books Thy Comrades” etched in stone on its opulent façade.

As my daughter and I entered through the portico and hooked a left past the check-in desk, my toddler’s eyes lit up at the sight of the built-in storybook castle and the toy stations scattered throughout the children’s area. She never walks anywhere so much as runs, so I gritted my teeth as she started to play hide and seek among the stacks, and steeled myself for the hush of a librarian.

But instead, what greeted me were warm smiles. Since then, Julia has been joined by her younger sister Genevieve, and over the course of hot summer afternoons and rainy days, in every season and type of weather, we’ve found a welcoming space open to all at the Bull Street Library.

Rather than attempting to get the girls to be quiet, I’ve realized the library is a place for them to explore and discover.

Programs like Family and Baby Storytime, Daddy and Me, Coloring Café, Game Day and forthcoming STEAM offerings cater to the needs of a variety of families, encouraging literacy and collaboration, explains Tia Johnson, senior library manager at Bull Street Library.

Sure, my children, who are not yet at reading age, often find the train tables more interesting. But along the way, I’ve found the secret to sparking their love of books.

“Parents often ask me, ‘How do I get my child to read?’”

Johnson says. “My answer has been and will always be: Let them read what interests them.”

Bingo.

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As the library staff have watched the girls grow over the past few years, they’ve led them through the treasure trove.

We’ve sampled all kinds of stories we don’t have at home, and every time our shelves need a refresh, off to the library we go.

We sorely missed our special place and its people while it was temporarily closed last fall for renovations. At 100-plus years old, the building required a new roof to better protect the space, preserve the collections and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the library.

Before the doors closed in September, Julia had grabbed a book from the free shelf on our last visit. Little did I know then that I was signing up to read “Donkeys Can’t Take Bubble Baths!” 1,000 times and counting. Yet, as I watch her turning the pages and murmuring the story to herself from memory, I couldn’t be more excited for her. Our tastes might diverge, but she’s finding out what books have always meant to me: not only a portal to other realms, but an anchor in the here and now. A place you can return to over and over.

My thoughts are interrupted to see my youngest, not quite 2, toddling toward me with a treasured tome in hand, asking for “another book.”

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Grow Your

STACK • Johnathon Scott Barrett has worked as a certified public accountant, an executive director of the State Botanical Garden at the University of Georgia in Athens and has written several cookbooks and even a memoir about this relationship with Southern food.

Now, he’s added novelist to the list with the debut of “Ship Watch,” a story that undoubtedly draws upon the author’s unique, cultivated perspective and deep passion for the Southern lifestyle. Reaching across Savannah to the wealthy enclaves of Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, Sea Island and Highlands, North Carolina, the fictional, multi-generational characters are captivatingly familiar, with a central drama that fans of Mary Kay Andrews will devour.

• The award-winning author of “Nigel and the Moon,” Antwan Eady delivers his next picture book for children on Jan. 30. Titled “The Last Stand,” the heartwarming story follows the multigenerational family behind a farm stand in the rural South, with stunning illustrations by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey.

• The debut novel by Keith F. Miller Jr., “Pritty” offers readers a chance to take a new look at the 912 — through the complex story of young love between two teenage boys navigating family trauma and territory tensions in Savannah’s Black neighborhoods.

• “The Little Butterfly” by Aimee Spring is part story and part memory book for young hearts that have experienced loss. The sentimental keepsake is designed to remind children of their cherished loved ones in a gentle and sensitive way that brings comfort and peace. — C.M.

MICHA EL SCHA LK

Bookmark these new releases with local ties for your next read

NATIONAL TREASURE Located on the corner of Whitaker and Gaston streets across from Forsyth Park since 1876, the Georgia Historical Society’s Research Center houses one of the oldest and most influential library and archival collections in the nation. Comprised of historic Hodgson Hall (1876), the attached Abrahams Archival Annex (1970), and the new archival wing (2021), the GHS Research Center preserves a growing collection of Georgia and American history, including 5 million manuscripts, 100,000 photographs, 30,000 architectural drawings, 20,000 rare and non-rare books, and thousands of maps, portraits, and artifacts, including an original draft copy of the United States Constitution from 1787. Hodgson Hall itself is a treasure of the Georgia Historical Society’s collection and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the GHS Research Center continues to serve historians, authors, genealogists, students, attorneys, filmmakers, architects, poets, artists, actors, and others who seek a greater understanding of our shared past. — C.M.

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Book Math For a gathering of word lovers, the annual Savannah Book Festival (SBF) boasts some impressive numbers — fueled by a lean staff, generous support of donors and volunteers, and some very detailed spreadsheets to pull off one of the city’s most anticipated weekends of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know about the SBF at a glance.

Written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY

2008

Since the first SBF assembled at Trinity United Methodist Church 17 years ago, the nonprofit continues to present nationally recognized national, regional and local authors to thousands of book-loving attendees.

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AN ARM TATTOOED WITH THE LOCAL AREA CODE APPEARS ON THE COVER OF “PRITTY,” A DEBUT NOVEL BY SAVANNAHIAN KEITH F. MILLER, ONE OF THIS YEAR’S FEATURED AUTHORS .

600 45%

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In 2020, John Grisham sold out his keynote address within five minutes of the tickets going on sale. (If you missed it, you can watch the entire presentation on SBF’s YouTube channel.)

The minimum number of minutes you should plan to arrive before an author’s presentation. No entry is allowed after a session begins.

More than 600 authors and counting have participated in SBF, including James Patterson, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult and Walter Isaacson.

Approximately 45% of attendees travel to Savannah to experience the fest.

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2024 THE 2024 FEST TAKES PLACE OVER PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND, FEB. 15-18.

SBF is invitation-only, meaning the 34 authors who accepted to participate in the 2024 schedule were hand-selected. The rigorous planning process begins with the Author Selection Committee, which includes local booksellers, writers, bibliophiles and more. The invite list aims to create an appealing and diverse mix of genres and authors who published books within the past calendar year.

2010

While SBF focuses on adult literature, the SBF@Schools program launched in 2010 to promote literacy and share a passion for the written word with students across the city. Each year, SBF authors can opt to arrive a day early and are matched with a local middle school, high school or college. By sharing their story, authors inspire the next generation to engage in reading, writing and civil conversation.

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DURING “FESTIVAL SATURDAY,” AUTHORS EACH GIVE A FREE 30-MINUTE PRESENTATION, FOLLOWED BY A Q&A AND BOOK SIGNING. PRESENTATION TOPICS CAN VARY FROM THE CREATIVE PROCESS TO THEIR LIFE AS A WRITER TO “HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE,” WHICH GRADY HENDRIX — THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK OF THE SAME NAME — PLANS TO DO THIS YEAR.

THIS YEAR MARKS THREE DECADES SINCE JOHN BERENDT PUBLISHED “MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL.” CELEBRATE WITH HIM ON “FESTIVAL SATURDAY” DURING HIS FREE 30-MINUTE PRESENTATION, FOLLOWED BY A Q&A AND BOOK SIGNING IN TELFAIR SQUARE. (AUTHORS WILL ONLY SIGN COPIES OF BOOKS BOUGHT AT THE FESTIVAL.)

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$0

There is no cost to attend “Festival Saturday.”

The events are free and open to the public, with limited seating available on a first-come basis.

$250 To improve the likelihood of scoring entrance to the ticketed events, purchase a Literati membership starting at $250.

In addition to the free “Festival Saturday,” the SBF also includes three ticketed headliner events. This year’s lineup features an opening address by Ruth Ware, a keynote

by Jeannette Walls and a closing address by David Grann.

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The schedule unfolds across seven venues around Telfair, Chippewa and Wright Squares.

$2.8M SBF generates an estimated $2.8 million in revenue annually for the city.

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The Next Chapter Seersucker Live, Savannah’s eccentric literary variety show, has more to say Written by ZACHARY HAYES // Photography by MIKE SCHALK

ATTENDING A SEERSUCKER LIVE SHOW for the first time is an exercise in shattering expectations from the moment you step foot into Front Porch Improv.

On a Thursday evening last November, there was a barroom buzz to the joint, cozy and welcoming with just a dash of dive to give it that crucial edge. As people filed into the string-lit, mural-covered theater, a sense of camaraderie permeated the space. When the clock struck 7:30 p.m. and the pom-poms had been properly dispersed throughout the crowd, that buzz erupted into a roar as co-hosts Chris Berinato and Megan Ave’Lallemant burst onto the stage through a large paper banner to the triumphant fight song that musical accompanist Brian Dean masterfully plucked from his keyboard just off stage right. This was no typical literary reading. This was “Homecoming,” a fitting theme of the night’s performances as the run-of-show feels more akin to a pep rally for writers.

Seersucker Live has been toying with these exuberant, themed shows since the group first formed back in 2010. Berinato and Dean, along with writer Zach Powers, founded Seersucker Live to provide Savannah’s literary community with a show that would upend the stuffy navel-gazing of traditional readings. As a literary arts nonprofit based in Savannah, the mission is to promote the local literary community through entertaining and accessible reading performances, spotlighting national, regional and local writers, with a special emphasis placed on presenting diverse writers to a diverse audience.

More than a decade later, their formula holds strong: three writers, two hosts, one theme and a drink in each hand. The November “Homecoming” show featured Savannah College of Art and Design alum Halle Hill reading from her debut short story collection “Good Women,” an original stageplay by Jazmine Faries, a 32-year-old woman with Down syndrome, and poems by Midwestern-livestock-farmerturned-Southern-artist Danèlle Lejeune.

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“What we do really is just so unique,” says Berinato. “We get those comments from writers who come on our show from out of town. They say, ‘I’m usually just reading in a bookstore or at a coffee shop or at a church. I’ve never done something like this that’s so entertaining.’”

COVID-19 and Powers stepping down led Seersucker Live to recede into a brief hiatus in 2020, but as the pandemic waned and interest in the show began to sizzle once again, the team behind Seersucker added a few new board members — including the magnificent Ave’Lallemant as the new co-host — and settled into a new home in preparation for their big return.

“Before we took our hiatus, we were kind of a nomadic show,” Berinato says. “Since we’ve come back, we’ve been working with Front Porch Improv and they’ve been incredibly supportive and just amazing to work with. It makes putting on the shows immensely easy. We just have to show up and get on stage for an hour and a half and do our thing, and Front Porch takes care of the rest.”

As they prepare for a slate of new shows and events in 2024, including their shorter poetry series, “Seersucker Shots,” and their Happy Hour for Writers at Lone Wolf Lounge, the team at Seersucker Live are always looking for new ways to surprise and entice their audience. But there’s much more to the show than the flash and pizzazz: at the end of the day, a deep love and appreciation for literature resonates through every decision on and off-stage.

“We’ve gotten a lot of coverage for being fun,” Ave’Lallemant says.

“But I think what we do well is we’re fun, but we’re serious about uplifting local writers, especially as we’re continuing to reestablish ourselves in the community. We’re really interested in bringing together voices that are diverse and that’s something that post-2020 we’ve intentionally set our mission towards. We’ve always been a literary reading with a twist where we don’t take ourselves too seriously. But we are serious about having quality work promoted from the stage.”

Bucking the Blame Game Savannah’s new superintendent Dr. Denise Watts aims to rally a village of educators, administrators and parents around raising students’ literacy rates Written by KA’DIA DHATNUBIA // Photo by D. LAWRENCE BARKSDALE

PUBLIC EDUCATION IS a slippery beast with many heads and tails. When examined closely, the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” rings with undeniable truth.

However, it’s difficult at times to define what exact role everyone plays in the success of a young person’s education, especially considering the constant fluctuation of teacher-parent relations, school staff turnover and lack of resources allocated to underserved schools. It’s easy to point fingers, but new Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) superintendent Denise Watts, Ed.D., aims to disrupt the blame game and rally the village around her primary goal: raising literacy rates in Savannah’s public schools. “[Literacy] is a confluence of many issues,” Watts says. “When you put all those issues together, the end factor is that 43.5% of our [third graders] are not reading proficiently.” The results show Savannah trailing behind the state of Georgia average by about 10%, according to state testing data. The many factors contributing to this statistic can include poverty and lack of sufficient teacher training, among others. Although Watts prefers to focus on solutions more than obstacles, she identifies the shift toward whole language methodology as a critical

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contributor to lower literacy rates.

Whole language is a method that teaches reading through sight words and memorization as opposed to phonics, which follows a bottom-up approach (letters and sounds before words). “We have seen a pendulum swing that went too far one way and did not account for the science of reading,” Watts explains. “[Whole language] is a much more systematic and explicit way to teach reading that has occurred not only in SCCPSS but across the country.”

As the 25th superintendent of SCCPSS, Watts plans to rectify this shift by bolstering students’ surrounding community — educators, parents/guardians, administration, etc. — with the support and skills necessary for their success. One of these supports manifests in the creation of a Literacy Effectiveness Officer, which Watts describes as the “main public champion for literacy.”

According to Watts, the position will require a “background and knowledge base that would prepare him or her to support teachers and principals and district staff in how to properly educate our students around the science of reading.” In addition, this person will strategize ways to engage parents, acknowledging the crucial role they play in their child’s literacy education.

While Watts refers to literacy as the “North Star,” it is also the focal point from which a young person’s whole educational experience can ripple out. Because of this, Watts plans to consider reading comprehension test scores as only a part of how student success is measured. Other evaluation metrics relating to literacy can include work readiness, behavior/disciplinary statistics, graduation rates, parent and student surveys — and the list goes on. “When you are a nonproficient reader, it does take a toll on your confidence level and your sense of feeling like you can be successful in school,” Watts says. “Eventually, we know that once [students] enter the workforce, unless they have basic- to above-basic reading skills, they’re going to struggle.”

Literacy improvement efforts aim to build not only students’ confidence but teachers’ confidence as well. “When a teacher believes that [they have] the skills and knowledge to actually be successful in teaching all kids how to read, not just some kids, that increases teacher efficacy, which has a strong correlation to retention and recruitment and the culture of a school and a district.”

In fact, Watts refers to test scores as a “lagging indicator” when it comes to measuring the literacy levels of students,

“We have to be patient and know that this is not going to be easy work; it’s not going to be work where we see an instant return on investment.”

— Dr. Denise Watts, superintendent, SCCPSS

a measurement that won’t show a noticeable change until at least three to four years from now. During her research of other districts that have effectively raised literacy rates, Watts discovered a few key lessons.

“We have to be patient and know that this is not going to be easy work; it’s not going to be work where we see an instant return on investment,” she explains. “So, we will have to caution people about expecting some big number in a year from now, because that is not going to happen.” It’s a long game, as anything worth achieving is.

Since her induction in July 2023, Watts has hit the ground running, working tirelessly to learn all she can about the state of the district. According to her, every day is full of its own unique wins and wobbles, from luncheons and legal proceedings down to a singular email exchange or phone call. She wakes up every day expecting to encounter obstacles. “I think that is why we need leaders. Without challenge, there would be no need for leadership. I believe I bring the leadership acumen and the resilience to deal with those challenges.”

Still, Watts wants to dispel the “inherent prestige” that comes with the superintendent position. Beyond the title and position, she is a woman who has a village all her own. She plays The New York Times Wordle game before bed every night, watches movies with her husband at the end of long days, enjoys shopping and thinks of her two golden doodles with the same fondness she does her own sons, ages 20 and 17.

It’s the combination of personal investment and grounded tenacity that leads Watts to take on the task of collaring the education beast through lasting, structural change. “I am a new superintendent to the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, and I will likely make mistakes along the way,” she says. “I hope to be afforded the grace to do that with people understanding my intent is always to do right by children.”

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Savannah Behavioral Pediatrics Changing Behavior. Changing Lives.

Dr. Kristen Hembree, pediatric psychologist; Dr. Cecelia Ribuffo, pediatric psychologist, Dr. Kristi Hofstadter-Duke, director and pediatric psychologist; Heather Myers, family therapist; Amanda Wadley, child and adolescent therapist; and Dr. Cassidy Oliver, Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

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For more information or to make an appointment, please call 912.436.6789.

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SCHOOL SMARTS From AP and honors courses to championship athletics and STEM programs, Savannah’s area public and private schools provide a

variety of educational experiences rooted in excellence and integrity. Find the fit that’s right for your child by using this guide to the area’s top educational institutions.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School ......................... 120 Chatham Academy................................................... 119 Hancock Day School ................................................ 122 Memorial Day School ............................................... 125 Savannah Classical Academy ................................... 123 Savannah Country Day School ................................. 121

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W H AT S E T S U S A PA R T:

Chatham Academy is Savannah’s premier school for children with dyslexia, ADHD and other specific learning disabilities in reading, writing and math.

O U R A P P R OAC H

We create a learning profile that is individualized to meet the learning needs of each student to prepare them for success in academic settings and beyond. Parents collaborate with the teaching team to monitor progress toward individual goals.

ORTON - GILLINGHAM

All Chatham Academy teaching staff are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach. These principles guide instruction beyond reading, providing the structure of our curriculum.

O U R C U R R I C U LU M

Chatham Academy supports student’s strengths and interests through academic classes, arts, sports, extracurricular activities and clubs. We also provide support and college counseling in order to best prepare every child for college and for life after high school.

St. James Catholic School ........................................ 125 Tybee Island Maritime Academy.............................. 124 Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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T N E M A R C A S D E S S BLE CAT H O L I C S C H O O L BELIEVE. 10 03 E . V I C TO R Y D R I V E 9 12 . 3 5 6 . 6 9 8 7 | B S S - S AVA N N A H . O R G

OUR MISSION: • Rooted in faith and committed to academic excellence, the

community of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School prepares and empowers children to lead, love and serve God, the Church and the world.

W H Y C H O O S E B L E S S E D SAC R A M E N T ?

• Family Atmosphere: Nurturing environment, supportive

teachers and involved parents. We focus on a safe learning environment that encourages independence and self-efficacy.

• Tradition: Established in 1939, we are the oldest Catholic

school still operating in the Savannah Deanery.

• The Curriculum: Designed to challenge students to meet

their highest potential, our groundbreaking instructional materials help differentiate individual needs.

• Facilities: Include new regulation-sized gym, media/

technology lab, broadcast news center, science lab, STEAM lab, art room and cafeteria/kitchen • Extended Day: Before/after-school childcare program.

We are excited to welcome back local organizations working with our after-school programs, which allow our students to enjoy different athletic, dance and electivestyle courses.

• Specials: Art, Music, PE, Media and Technology • Technology: One-to-one Chromebooks (5-8), iPads (PreK-4)

and SMART Boards and IPEVO cameras in every classroom • Cutting-edge Learning Platforms: Google Classroom,

IXL and I-Ready • Individual Student Needs: Flexible grouping

and two resource assistants — a Learning Resource Specialist in both lower and upper school for enrichment and remediation • Athletic Programs: We promote skill development and

healthy competition in volleyball, football, cheerleading, basketball, golf, soccer, cross-country, track and swimming.

120

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

L O O H C S Y A D Y R T N SAVA N N A H C O U COUNTRY DISCOVER THE

D AY D I F F E R E N C

E

824 S T I L LWO O D D R I V E 9 12 .9 2 5 . 8 8 0 0 | S AV C D S . O R G

T H E E X PE R I E N C E : • Faculty, student advisers and counselors work with students

and parents to chart a path for individual student success.

• Over 75% of faculty have advanced degrees.

• Small student-to-teacher ratios foster individualized attention

(10:1, 7:1 and 8:1 in Lower, Middle and Upper Schools).

• Competitive athletics program, with more than 50 teams in

15 sports and more than 80 percent of Middle/Upper School students participating in athletics.

• Award-winning fine and performing arts program includes visual

art, chorus, jazz band, theatre, photography, orchestra, ceramics, jewelry and technology-based digital art.

• Our Learning Support Team of nine specialists provides

one-on-one support for students with learning differences.

• College Counseling Office works with families to navigate college

admissions process starting in ninth grade.

• Clubs and activities include Quiz Bowl, Mock Trial, Fencing,

Math Club, Robotics and more.

• One of six member schools in Georgia in Global Online Academy,

a consortium that provides students with more than 45 additional course offerings, including Game Design, Bioethics, Business Problem Solving and more.

T H E R E S U LT: • Ranked by Niche.com as No. 1 K-12 school in Savannah,

No. 1 College Prep School and No.1 STEM High School.

• During the past six years, our graduates have been accepted by

more than 100 colleges and universities including Brown, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UVA, UNC, Princeton and Vanderbilt.

• SCDS has sent more students to the University of Georgia and

Georgia Tech than any other school in Savannah.

• Once in college, our students consistently outperform

their peers from other area schools.

• Our seniors annually average almost $5 million in scholarships —

in addition to HOPE.

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

121

L O O H C S Y A D K C O C HAN ROOTS TO GRO

W … WINGS TO

F LY

660 0 HOWA R D FOSS DR I V E 9 12 . 3 51. 4 5 0 0 | H A N C O C K D AY S C H O O L . O R G

T H E H A N CO C K DAY S C H O O L E X PE R I E N C E : • Hancock offers students an educational

experience unlike any other in the Savannah area, with a challenging curriculum that prepares students to lead, both in the classroom and in life.

• Small classes, dedicated faculty and numerous

opportunities for independent inquiry develop students into lifelong learners.

• A wide range of extracurricular activities

engages students’ minds and bodies on a safe, nurturing campus.

H A N CO C K DAY S C H O O L S E E K S : • To enroll qualified students entering pre-K

through eighth grade.

• Our students are inquisitive, strongly motivated

and highly committed to working through challenges and opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US: • We’re happy to answer your questions and

arrange a tour of our campus. Please call Director of Admissions Cindy Drew at 912.351.4500 or email cdrew@hancockdayschool.org. We look forward to getting to know your family and showing you why Hancock gives you “Roots to Grow …

Wings to Fly.”

122

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

Y M E D A C A L A C I S S SAVA N N A H C LA BE VIRTUOUS. B

E STUDIOUS.

7 0 5 E . A N D E R S O N S T. | 9 12 . 3 9 5 . 4 0 4 0 S AVA N N A H C L A S S I C A L A C A D E M Y. O R G

OUR MISSION IS TO:

Provide every child with a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling a commitment to civic virtue and moral character.

OUR STRENGTHS: • Academic achievements • Safe and nurturing environment • A wide selection of programs including college-level,

advanced academic and technical courses WE ARE PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS FOR:

Their dedication to continual learning and academic success and commitments to our community service projects.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS:

Academically rigorous and supportive with small class sizes and many extracurricular activities.

O U R PA R E N T S G E T A N A F O R :

Their commitment to enrolling their children at SCA, and actively supporting the school with the Spartan Club.

WHEN CHOOSING A SCHOOL ASK:

About student success rates and program options as well as extracurricular activities. Assess the programs they offer, such as music, art, STEM, dual-enrollment, athletics and clubs. Ask what differentiates the school from others. For example, SCA seniors have the opportunity to travel abroad at no cost.

W E T E AC H F O R T H E F U T U R E B Y:

Preparing our students to be involved, educated and successful citizens. Because of the education they received at SCA, graduates will be able to navigate today’s competitive society by being able to think critically, work collaboratively with others and act with civic and moral virtue in order to thrive and succeed throughout adulthood.

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

123

TY B E E I S LA N D MY M A R IT I M E ACA D E HANDS-ON, PRO

J E C T- B A S E D

714 L O V E L L AV E . , T Y B E E I S L A N D | 9 12 . 3 9 5 . 4 0 6 0 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

OUR MISSION:

A culture of learning and innovation where people achieve maximum potential in maritime communities.

TOP OF THE CL ASS IN: • Maritime Focus: Our studies cover human relationships to

the ocean across curricular subjects.

• Integrated Beach Curriculum: The students use the beach as

their classroom and science lab regularly. They advocate for the protection of the coast and marshlands because of their intimate relationship with it.

• Place- and Problem-Based Learning with Arts Integration:

In partnership with community experts and through real-life projects and activities, students not only embrace traditional concepts, but also hone their ability to think critically and creatively, to solve problems and to work together. Students learn how to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in the real world.

WE’RE PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS FOR: • Being designers of their learning.

• Leading with empathy.

• Partnering with the community.

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS: • Flexible.

• Collaborative.

W E T E AC H F O R T H E F U T U R E :

We teach students how to be creative problem-solvers together, with each other and in partnership with organizations that exist in the space already.

124

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

M E M O R IA L DAY S C H O O L

ST. JA M ES CAT H O L IC S C H O O L

M AT T E R .

CHARGING FOR

6 5 0 0 H A B E R S H A M S T. | 9 12 . 3 5 2 . 4 5 3 5 M E M O R I A L D AY S C H O O L . C O M

8 412 W H I T E F I E L D AV E . | 9 12 . 3 5 5 . 3 13 2 S TJ A M E S C H A R G E R S .C O M

OUR MOT TO:

OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IS:

Memorial Day School: Strength in Inclusivity, Unity in Friendship, Where Every Student Matters!

Caring, encouraging and challenging. St. James Catholic School challenges students to reach their highest potential in the atmosphere of a Catholic, Christian community.

Through guidance from the Immaculate Heart of Mary 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.

W H Y C H O O S E M E M O R I A L DAY S C H O O L : • Celebrating more than 50 years of success • Individual attention with small class sizes • Family atmosphere in a Christian environment • Cognia-accredited • Supportive faculty and staff who provide one-on-one

attention and mentorship O PE N H O U S E :

Come see us at our winter open house from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 28. No appointment necessary.

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : • For a private tour contact Admissions Director Jamie Lane

at 912.352.4535 or jlane@memday.org.

• Go to memorialdayschool.com.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

WARD

O U R M I S S I O N I S T O T E AC H :

In a Christian atmosphere that nurtures a strong academic program that is caring and disciplined, conducive to learning, and provides activities that cultivate the importance of life, values, morality and ethics. St. James School is dedicated to Christian principles rooted in the Catholic tradition.

W E T E AC H F O R T H E F U T U R E B Y:

Recognizing the importance of studying faith, the arts, technology, foreign language and physical education. Our curriculum allows our students to have the opportunity to succeed in numerous subjects and activities, so teachers can educate the mind of each individual student.

Special Advertising Section ★ J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4

125

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COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ** ADDRESS

PHONE

MIDDLE SCHOOLS (GRADES 6–8)

ADDRESS

PHONE

• Bloomingdale*

1700 Highgate Blvd.

Bloomingdale, 31302 ***

912.395.3680

• Coastal

4595 U.S. 80 E., 31410

912.395.3950

• Brock*

1804 Stratford St., 31401

912.395.5300

• DeRenne

1009 Clinch St., 31405

912.395.5900

• Butler*

1909 Cynthia St., 31415

912.395.2525

• Hubert

768 Grant St., 31401

912.395.5235

• Coastal Empire Montessori (Charter)

301 Buckhalter Road, 31405 cemco.org

912.395.4070

• Mercer

5330 Montgomery St., 31405***

912.395.6700

• Myers

2025 E. 52nd St., 31404

912.395.6600

• Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School*

400 E. Broad St., 31401

912.395.5500

• Oglethorpe (Charter)

7202 Central Ave., 31406

912.395.5075

• Gadsden*

919 May St., 31415

912.395.5940

• Southwest

6030 Ogeechee Road, 31419

912.395.3540

• Garden City

4037 Kessler Ave., Garden City, 31408

912.395.6820

• STEM Academy at Bartlett

207 E. Montgomery Cross Road, 31406

912.395.3500

• West Chatham

800 Pine Barren Road, Pooler, 31322

912.395.3650

HIGH SCHOOLS (GRADES 9–12)

ADDRESS

PHONE

• Beach

3001 Hopkins St., 31405

912.395.5330

• Groves

201 Rommel Ave., Garden City, 31408***

912.395.2520

• Islands

70 Whitemarsh Island Road, 31410

912.395.2000

• Jenkins

1800 E. DeRenne Ave., 31406

912.395.6300

• Johnson

3012 Sunset Blvd., 31404

912.395.6400

• New Hampstead

2451 Little Neck Road, Bloomingdale, 31302

912.395.6789

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (K–5)

• Gould*

4910 Pineland Drive, 31405

912.395.5400

• Haven*

5111 Dillon Ave., 31405

912.395.6501

• Heard*

414 Lee Blvd., 31405

912.395.6630

• Hodge*

975 Clinch St., 31405

912.395.5200

• May Howard*

115 Wilmington Island Road, 31410

912.395.3925

• Largo–Tibet*

430 Tibet Ave., 31406

912.395.3450

• School of Humanities at Juliette Gordon Low*

15 Blue Ridge Ave., 31404

912.395.6380

• Marshpoint*

135 Whitemarsh Island Road, 31410

912.395.4000

• Pooler*

308 Holly Ave., Pooler, 31322

912.395.3625

• Pulaski*

1001 Tibet Ave., 31419

912.395.6466

• Shuman

415 Goebel Ave., 31404

912.395.4500

912.395.5000

210 Lamara Drive, 31405

912.395.6530

• Savannah Arts Academy (Charter)

500 Washington Ave., 31405

• Jacob G. Smith* • Southwest*

6020 Ogeechee Road, 31419

912.395.3301

• Savannah Early College

400 Pennsylvania Ave., 31404

912.395.2535

• Susie King Taylor Community School (Charter, K–5)

1709 Bull St., 31401

912.395.4200

• School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High

400 Pennsylvania Ave., 31404

912.395.5050

• West Chatham*

820 Pine Barren Road, Pooler, 31322

912.395.3600

• Windsor Forest*

12419 Largo Drive, 31419

912.395.3400

• Woodville-Tompkins*

151 Coach Joe Turner St., 31408

912.395.6750

• White Bluff*

9902 White Bluff Road, 31405

912.395.3325

• A.B. Williams

1150 Wheaton St., 31404

912.395.2500

OTHER EDUCATIONAL CENTERS

ADDRESS

PHONE

• Windsor Forest*

414 Briarcliff Circle, 31419

912.395.3353

• 21st Century Learning Centers (2–12)

402 Market St., 31408

912.395.5686

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (K–8)

ADDRESS

PHONE

• Building Bridges Academy HS

402 Market St., 31408

912.395.2540

• Building Bridges Academy MS

3609 Hopkins St., 31406

912.395.6780

• Career Technical Education

402 Market St., 31408

912.395.6765

• Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy

1800 E. DeRenne Ave., 31406 (high school) 100 Parkersburg Road, 31406 (elementary school, starting fall 2024)

912.395.5440

1745 Phoenix Blvd., Suite 100, Atlanta

404.334.4790

• Massie Heritage Center

207 E. Gordon St., 31401

912.395.5070

• Oatland Island Wildlife Center*

711 Sandtown Road, 31410

912.395.1212

3609 Hopkins St., Room 7A, 31401

912.395.5516

• Ellis Montessori Academy*

220 E. 49th St., 31405

912.395.5470

• Garrison*

649 W. Jones St., 31401

912.395.5975

• Georgetown

1516 King George Blvd., 31419

912.395.3475

• Godley Station

2135 Benton Blvd., Pooler, 31407

912.395.6000

• Hesse*

Whitfield ve.,

912.395.6440

• Isle of Hope*

100 Parkersburg Road, 31406

912.395.6555

• New Hampstead*

2451 Little Neck Road, Bloomingdale, 31302

912.395.6200

• Rice Creek

100 Mullberry Ave., Port Wentworth, 31407

912.395.4100

• Tybee Maritime Academy

714 Lovell Ave. Tybee Island, 31328 tybeeislandmaritimeacademy.com

912.395.4060

ADDRESS

PHONE

705 E. Anderson St., 31401 savannahclassicalacademy.org

912.395.4040

(Charter)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (K–12) • Savannah Classical Academy

All Savannah-Chatham County Public high schools are SACS accredited. The elementary, K-8 and middle schools are accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission. *Public schools that will offer Pre-K in the 2024–25 school year **Latest available figures *** Temporary location

Georgia Cyber Academy georgiacyber.org

Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy (Virtual, grades 3–12)

• WINGS Elementary Alternative 400 E. Broad St., 31401 Learning Program

912.395.6744

JA N UA R Y/ F EB R UA R Y 2 0 24

127

COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside

PRIVATE SCHOOLS SCHOOL & ADDRESS

AGES/GRADES

TUITION**

TOTAL STUDENTS

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

ACCREDITATION/ ORGANIZATION

• Acton Savannah 2 Saint Thomas Ave., Isle of Hope, 31406 actonsavannah.com, 912.226.2686

Pre-K–12 years

$6,950 – $8,900 (6–12 years)

12

Nonsectarian

International Association of Learner Driven Schools/Acton Academy Network

• Advance Academy at Matthew Reardon Center for Autism 11500 Middleground Road, 31419 matthewreardon.org, 912.355.9098

5–21 years

$16,200

40

None

GAC

• Advanced Academics Academy 405 W. US 80, Suite 104, Pooler, 31322 advancedacademicsacademy.com, 912.348.2017

Pre-K–8

$689/month (K–8 half day, Pre-K half day [under age 5]); $989/month (K–8 full day)

Under 100

None

6 weeks–12 years

$10,400

Up to 325

None

Quality Rated

• Benedictine Military School 6502 Seawright Drive, 31406 thebc400.com, 912.644.7000

9–12 (male)

$15,800 plus fees; $200 active-duty military discount

410

Catholic

Cognia, GHSA, GISA, NCEA, SAIS

• Bethesda Academy 9520 Ferguson Ave., 31406 bethesdaacademy.org, 912.351.2068

6–12 (male)

$8,500 (Goal Scholarship available)

120

Christian

Cognia, NAIS, SACS, SCISA

• Blessed Sacrament Catholic School 1003 E. Victory Drive, 31405 bss-savannah.org, 912.356.6987

Pre-K–8

$7,275 Catholic $9,530 non-Catholic (Multiple-child discount for Catholics)

455

Catholic

Cognia

• Calvary Day School 4625 Waters Ave., 31404 calvarydayschool.com, 912.351.2299

6 weeks– 12th grade

$11,700 (Pre-K3 & younger); $10,500 (Pre-K); $11,710 (K); $12,315 (1–5); $12,755 (6–8); $12,975 (9–12) (Iinquire about discounts and fees)

1,345 (ELC and school)

Christian

ACSI, Cognia, GHSA, GISA, NAIS, SAIS

• Chatham Academy at Royce 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd., 31406 chathamacademy.com, 912.354.4047

1–12/PG for students with LD/ Dyslexia/ADHD

$22,050

105

None

Cognia, GISA, SAIS

• The Habersham School 4700 Skidaway Road, Building B, 31404 thehabershamschool.org, 912.509.0540

Pre-K4–12

$7,370-$11,340 (Pre-K4) $12,420 (K) $13,500 (1–6) $13,985 (7–12)

201

Christian Nondenominational

• Hancock Day School 6600 Howard Foss Drive, 31406 hancockdayschool.org, 912.351.4500

Pre-K–8

$11,750 (Pre-K) $12,500 (K–5) $12,900 (6–8)

460

Judeo-Christian

AdvancED, GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS

• In His Arms Educational Center 7816 U.S. 80 E., 31410 inhisarmsdaycare.com, 912.897.6826

6 weeks–12 years

$150/week (6 weeks–2 years) $135/week (2–4 years) $55/week (4–12 years)

103

Christian

Bright from the Start

• Kidzplace Child Development Center 2826 U.S. 80 W., Garden City, 31408 912.596.4886

Infant–12 years

$110–$145 weekly

• Memorial Day School 6500 Habersham St., 31405 memorialdayschool.com, 912.352.4535

Pre-K–12 Daycare

$7,300–$8,950

225

Christian

AdvancED, GAC, GISA

• Montessori Academy of Savannah Inc. 8415 Cresthill Ave., 31406 912.355.2000

(Age 2–Pre-K)

Half- and full-day programs Call for pricing

65

None

Pan American ontessori ertified

• Angel Learning Center 178 Basswood Drive, 31407 angellearningsavannah.com, 912.228.8228

128

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

ACSI, CLSA, GAC, GAPPS, SCL

Christian

**Latest available figures

SAVE THE DATE!

IC L B U P E H T D I S C O V E RA D VA N TA G E. SCHOOL

STUDENT SUCCESS EXPO:

January 27

@Savannah Civic Center | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

CHOICE application window opens January 27. Come to the Expo to learn about all our CHOICE program offerings.

29 Career Pathways

Engineering, Aviation and Welding

2 National Blue Ribbon Schools

Medical Science

STEM and STEAM Certified Schools

Veterinary and Horticulture

Virtual Academy

Work-based learning

Rigorous academic preparation

Internships and apprenticeships

Dual Enrollment

2 National Green Ribbon Schools

89.1% graduation rate

Extensive World Languages

Visual and Performing Arts

Life Skills

HE IENCE T R E P X E CT E A D Y TO , C O N TA O U’R E R E Y G A N T E N H A R. W OOLADV R A TO U O H F C S E C C I I L #P U B UR CHO L O F YO O O H C S THE

FOLLOW US! For more information visit sccpss.com

COLOR KEY: • Downtown • East/Islands • Midtown • West • Southside

PRIVATE SCHOOLS SCHOOL & ADDRESS

TOTAL STUDENTS

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

ACCREDITATION/ ORGANIZATION

AGES/GRADES

TUITION**

Age 2–8th grade

$5,900 (2- & 3-year-olds) $11,790 (Pre-K–4) $12,365 (5–8) (plus registration, maintenance & technology fees)

90

Jewish

Pre-K–12

$6,575 (half day Pre-K); $11,200 (full day Pre-K & K); $13,825 (1–4); $16,485 (5–8); $17,725 (9–10); $18,125 (11–12)

525

Nonsectarian

• St. James Catholic School Whitefield ve., stjameschargers.com, 912.355.3132

Pre-K–8, Early Learning Center for ages 1–3 years

$6,626 Catholic $8,602 non-Catholic (multiple-child discounts)

400

Catholic

dvanc

• St. Paul’s Lutheran Preschool 10 W. 31st St., 31401 splpreschool.com, 912.234.4255

6 weeks–4 years

$165/week (6 weeks–2 years) $150/week (3–4 years)

110

Christian

Quality Rated 3–Star School

Pre-K3–8

$6,657 Catholic $8,117 non-Catholic (multiple-child discounts)

257

Catholic

Cognia, CASI, NCA, NWAC, SACS,

9–12 (all female, nonboarding)

$9,540 Catholic (multiple-child discounts) $11,539 non-Catholic

Approx.

300

Catholic

Cognia, GISA, MESA, NCEA, SAIS

• Savannah Christian Preparatory School 1599 Chatham Parkway, 31408 savcps.com 912.234.1653

Pre-K–12, aycare Preschool (6 weeks–4 years)

$7,340 (Pre-K & K morning); $12,340 (Pre-K & K full day); $12,470 (1–5); $13,160 (6–7); $13,250 (8); $13,420 (9–12); (contact for preschool rates)

1,450

Christian

Cognia, CESA, GISA, SAIS

• Savannah Country Day School 824 Stillwood Road, 31419 savcds.org, . .

Jr. K–12 (6 weeks–4 years at The Little School)

$17,935 (Jr. K & K); $20,825 (1-5); $23,550 (6-8); $23,750 (9-12); $26,325 (international) (tuition includes lunch)

1,059

Nonsectarian

GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS

• Savannah Honor Academy 5111 Abercorn St., 31405 (in JEA Community Center) savannahhonoracademy.com 773.573.7328

K–5

$9,500

24

None

None

Pre-K–12

$4,800 (K–12)

68

Christian

GAC

Pre-K–12

$4,125 (Pre-K 3-day); $5,620 (Pre-K 5-day & K); $8,175 (1–6); $9,310 (7–12)

190

Christian

ACCS, GAC

PHONE

WEBSITE

912.303.7600

myclass

• Rambam Day School 111 Atlas St., 31405 rambamdayschool.org, 912.352.7994

• St. Andrew’s School 601 Penn Waller Road, 31410 saslions.com, 912.897.4941

• St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School 7020 Concord Road, 31410 school.saintpetertheapostle.com, 912.897.5224 • St. Vincent’s Academy 207 E. Liberty St., 31401 svaga.net, . .

• Urban Christian Academy lvd., , .

.

• Veritas Academy 25 W. Oglethorpe Lane, 31401 veritassavannah.org, . .

Bright from the Start Quality Rated SACS

GISA, IB World School, NAIS, SAIS, SACS

,

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES SERVICE

• Class 101

ADDRESS

Waters ve.,

.com savannah

• Deep Center

2002 Bull St., 31401

912.289.7426

deepcenter.org

Empower Academic Coaching

Online location by arrangement

404.884.8583

empoweracademiccoaching.com

• • • Mathnasium

Locations in midtown, Pooler and the islands

912.355.5678

mathnasium.com

• Parent University

2002 Bull St., 31401

912.507.8566

parentuniversitysav.org

912.354.4047

roycelearningcenter.org chathamacademy.com

912.238.9552

savannaheducationalconsultants.com

• Royce Learning Center/ Chatham Academy • Savannah Educational Consultants 130

SAVANNAHMAGAZINE.COM

Oglethorpe rofessional lvd., Tibet ve., uite

,

**Latest available figures

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

S A V A N N A H

U N I T E D

TWO STATE CHAMPS Savannah United’s 2007, 2009 Girls’ Teams Claim Title THE SAVANNAH UNITED 2009 Girls Premier and 2007 Girls Premier teams both won the Georgia State Cup tournament leading to automatic qualification for the Southern Regionals tournament taking place in June 2024. Each team will represent the state of Georgia when they compete with teams from 13 states.

Both teams had a perfect fall, winning their respective leagues as well as the Georgia State Cup. The 2009 Girls Premier won the Georgia Premier League, which will promote them to the National League Piedmont Conference,

U.S. Youth Soccer’s top level of competition. The Piedmont Conference is made up of the best teams from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The 2007 Girls Premier won National League this past fall and will now be promoted to National League PRO, where the girls will compete with teams from all over the U.S. The 2008 Boys Premier team narrowly lost the Georgia State Cup Championship, losing on penalty kicks after being tied in extra time.

Congratulations to all three teams!

2007 Girls Premier Georgia State Cup Champions

2009 Girls Premier Georgia State Cup Champions

Photography courtesy of SAVANNAH UNITED

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COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SCHOOL • olumbia ollege of ccis.edu/hunter

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Business Professionals From those who help make your house a home to those who help you grow your business, these local and family-owned* business professionals represent a standard of excellence and integrity that is true to Savannah. Here’s your guide to the area’s top business leaders.

Photography by KATHERINE IVES

Coastal Staging & Design Co....................................................................... 135 FASTSIGNS................................................................................................... 137 Victory Plumbing .......................................................................................... 136 Family-owned

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Your home, our canvas — making your property stand out!

OUR STORY

Stephanie Kisgen, owner/designer

We started our business in 2018, when there was a lack of staging companies in the area. Stephanie was tapping the unused, creative side of her brain. Vacant staging and staging consultations quickly morphed into offering redesign services. We are now a full-service interior design company, offering new construction selections, paint selection, redesign and vacant home-staging services.

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We build personal relationships each time someone invites us into their home. We truly care about each color selection we make or picture we hang.

OUR CREDENTIALS

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Kyle and Kelley Hagemes

Victory Plumbing CONSTRUCTION & HOME SERVICE 912.429.9428 | 2109 COLORADO AVE., UNIT D | VICTORYPLUMBINGSAV.COM | OUR MISSION

To bring craftsmanship back to plumbing while providing the best possible customer service and to cultivate an environment where our crew feels valued and supported.

W H AT W E D O

We provide residential and commercial plumbing service, repairs and installation.

From minor to major repairs, we can provide comprehensive guidance and resolve any issue with high-grade materials and attention to detail.

OUR STORY

Learning the trade starting at age 16 here in Savannah, Kyle has developed an expertise 136

not just in plumbing, but also in issues inherent to historic structures and coastal living. Kelley has a background in art and spent some time showing work locally while they grew their family to include three bright little ladies. Finding themselves at a crossroads during the pandemic, they decided to create something together that builds on our shared values and brings together their different strengths to be a positive force in a place they love so much.

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FASTSIGNS of Savannah PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 912.927.4018 | 11136 ABERCORN ST., SUITE A | FASTSIGNS.COM/SAVANNAH-GA | OUR MISSION

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TA S T E BE WELL S A V A N N A H

Don’t Sweat It How parents, coaches and community can support young student-athletes in today’s competitive athletic environment Written by ALLISON ARBUTHNOT SANDERS

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BE WELL

IT’S WELL KNOWN that participation in athletics can have a positive impact on youth and adolescent wellbeing. For years, research has shown that participation in youth sports improves academic performance and reduces the risk of depression, not to mention the physical benefits of regular exercise and life skills learned.

“There are so many things kids learn from sports,” says Meghan Duffy, a physical therapist at Coastal Pediatric Therapies, elite runner, run coach and yoga teacher. “Accountability, discipline, patience; how to win and lose; how to respect people.”

Yet, when it comes to youth sports, there is a risk of playing too much, too hard.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), half of pediatric athletic injuries are related to overuse rather than accidents — a rate nearly double that of Canadian youth.

With this level of intensity, it comes as no surprise then that the AAP also reports that 70% of youth will discontinue playing organized sports by age 13.

The prevailing theory as to why kids are quitting: the physical and mental toll of increased pressure to specialize in a single sport — and win.

How can families ensure their kids reap the benefits of organized sports without treading into the territory of physical or mental harm? What can families, coaches and communities do to better prepare young student-athletes for lifelong physical and mental wellness?

Time for Rest

Brian Tuten is the manager of sports medicine at St. Joseph’s/Candler and head athletic trainer at Benedictine Military School. He says he frequently sees overuse injuries, and most of the time they are the result of a parent pushing a young athlete to train too hard.

“It’s a big problem,” Tuten says.

“Parents have these kids doing extra work, like a heavy lifting program at a gym. They are double-dipping, thinking it’s going to make their student-athlete better, but it’s holding them back.”

Duffy also encounters many overuse injuries in her pediatric PT and coaching practices.

Premature sports specialization — playing one sport all year at too young of an age — is at the root of the problem, she says.

“Kids learn by moving,” Duffy explains. “Their bones are softer, and their growth plates aren’t fused. They need to move in a variety of ways.

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“Kids learn by moving.

Their bones are softer, and their growth plates aren’t fused. They need to move in a variety of ways.

Constant, repetitive motions cause injuries. Kids should not be getting tendonitis or stress fractures. That’s when we know it’s time to find a wider variety of activities to turn on different muscles and different movement patterns and incorporate rest.”

— Meghan Duffy, physical therapist, Coastal Pediatric Therapies

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Constant, repetitive motions cause injuries.

Kids should not be getting tendonitis or stress fractures. That’s when we know it’s time to find a wider variety of activities to turn on different muscles and different movement patterns and incorporate rest.”

Tuten says his “golden rule” is two months off of the primary sport each year, all at once or segmented. The AAP’s recommendation is for children and young adults to take one month off from a sport at least three times per year for both physical and psychological recovery. During that time, a young athlete can and should stay active but gets a break from the repetitive motions that cause overuse — as well as the pressures of competition.

“This is why playing multiple sports is such a great experience,” Duffy says. “I’ve played sports where I’ve been the best player, and we won all the time and it was awesome. And I’ve played sports where I was the worst player, and we lost all the time and it was less awesome. I learned so much from both but more from the latter.”

A Healthy Game Plan

No matter what sport a young athlete is playing, it’s important to support them in the development of lifelong healthy habits off the field, court or course as well. “We talk with our athletes a lot about how to hydrate, how to take in enough calories, sleep, rest, recovery, etc.,” says Tuten.

As a trainer and a parent, he acknowledges that teaching a high school kid with schoolwork and a smartphone to eat right and get enough sleep is hard, but it’s critical.

Lack of sleep and improper diet can affect a young athlete’s mental as well as physical health.

Considering that less than half of respondents in the 2022 NCAA Student-Athlete Well-Being Study reported that they would feel comfortable seeking support from a mental health provider on their campus, it’s reasonable to assume that children and adolescents won’t always ask for help when they need it, either.

Eyes on the Goal

“Coaches, trainers and parents need to know their athletes,” says Tuten. “Is someone dragging or experiencing mood changes? Did they stay up late studying for tests or is it something else? How are they speaking to you, compared with normal?”

When watching for burnout, stress or injury, says Tuten, it’s about paying attention and making sure

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The Student-Athlete Playbook A checklist to creating healthy habits — on and off the field Brian Tuten, manager of sports medicine at St. Joseph’s/Candler and head athletic trainer at Benedictine Military School: • “Offer choices so that they can choose what they love.”

• “Understand that different kids develop at different rates.”

• “Changing sports and using different muscles in different ways is exactly what you want to be doing.”

• “Know your kids. There’s something to be said for a family meal at the table.”

• “Shoot for consistent bedtimes.”

Meghan Duffy, a physical therapist at Coastal Pediatric Therapies, elite runner, run coach and yoga teacher: • “Kids are not tiny adults and shouldn’t train like they are.”

• “Make movement regular. You don’t have to be interested in sports.

Even singing requires cardiovascular endurance.”

• “Put the tablet away.”

• “Watch for consistent complaints of joint pain, or anything with a slow buildup over time. That’s a red flag.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): • Taking one month off from a sport at least three times per year allows for physical and psychological recovery.

• Take 1–2 days off per week for injury prevention.

• Keep the primary focus on learning lifelong physical activity skills and having fun.

• Play a variety of sports: multiple sports decrease the chance of injury, stress and burnout.

• Delaying specialization of a single sport until late adolescence may lead to a higher chance of accomplishing athletic goals.

• Early diversification and later specialization provide a greater chance of lifetime sports involvement, lifetime physical fitness, and possibly elite participation.

they know they have value beyond their athletic capabilities.

“We can’t push them to love anything,” Tuten says. “That’s on them. So just support them. Hey, if this is what you love, then that’s what we’ll do. If you don’t, then we won’t do it.”

“The most important thing to emphasize with young athletes is the separation of self and sport,” says Duffy. “When you’re young and

you’re a soccer player and all of the sudden you can’t play soccer anymore, who are you? I talk to inner 12-year-old me all the time. Now, if I don’t want to be a runner today, fine. I’m still Meghan; nothing is broken or ruined.

But you don’t always know that when you’re 12.”

Perhaps the best advice of all?

“Chill,” says Duffy. “It’s supposed to be fun.”

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Heart of the Matter

A decade after her son’s death, a mother continues to advocate for life-saving training and emergency tools in schools Written by BRIENNE WALSH

EVEN 11 YEARS after the tragedy occurred, it is still hard for Lisa Wilson to talk about the day that her son, Cory, passed away in 2013.

“I get up, and I put the face on, and put the scarf on and go to work,” says Wilson, who is the district nursing administrator for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS). “But the minute that [Cory’s death] gets near the surface, it’s overwhelming.”

Cory, she says, loved big. “He was like a 5-year-old in a 21-year-old’s body,” Wilson says. He didn’t call his mother as much as his baby sister, Morgan, does; but when he did, it was to express wonder at the world. “It was like, ‘Mama, did you hear that song?’” Wilson recalls.

“Or, ‘It’s raining, I love the rain!’”

His general silliness is why fellow students thought Cory was joking when he collapsed in a morning class at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, where he was a junior management major.

When they finally realized that something was seriously wrong, there was no automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby, and it was minutes before another student tried CPR. Minutes that Cory, who had suffered a fatal heart arrhythmia, didn’t have.

When Wilson arrived at the hospital 45 minutes after receiving the call that her son had collapsed, Cory no longer had any signs of life.

But his cheeks were still red, and there was still ice in the water bottle he had packed earlier that morning. Wilson, who had been a certified CPR instructor for years, thought to herself, “I’m not going to let him die. I’m going to be able to use this story to show how we can save lives using CPR.” She did CPR on Cory for 36 minutes before the doctors pulled her away from his body. “I’m not tired,” she remembers crying.

“This is all my life on the table.” To this day, even though she knows it’s not rational, she still hasn’t forgiven herself that she wasn’t able to save Cory’s life.

To ease the pain of loss, a pain that never diminishes, Wilson has devoted her life to teaching other people how to react in an emergency. “Do what you can do,” she says. “Don’t just stand there.”

The best way to save a life is to become CPR and AED certified.

But even if you don’t have those qualifications, says Wilson, you can still help in a life-threatening event by holding open an emergency door for first responders or pointing out the location of an AED in the building where you live or work. If the building doesn’t have an AED installed, you can lobby your employee or landlord to install one.

There’s no time like the present to get started. February, after all, is

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American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association offers resources for finding a CPR class and building a cardiac emergency response plan, both of which could save lives.

Wilson, despite all the pain she has suffered, has certainly made a difference in the lives of many. Through the Cory Joseph Wilson Memorial, which raises awareness and hosts fundraising events, she has placed over 100 AEDs in schools, stadiums, sports facilities and other public spaces across the country — three of them on November 11, 2023, which would have been Cory’s 32nd birthday. She has also led the effort to train tens of thousands of people in CPR and raised over half a million dollars in memory of Cory.

As a result of her advocacy, in 2016, Wilson was the Open Your Heart Honoree at the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball in Atlanta, which raised over $1.2 million. In the same year, Wilson successfully lobbied the Georgia General Assembly to rename SB 245, which brings further attention to life-saving measures, to the “Cory Joseph Wilson Act.” “We are grateful for Lisa’s support in our local schools as we work to create the next generation of Heartsavers by giving all students and educators the opportunity to learn CPR and creating more qualified lifesavers in our community,” says Ansley Howze, the executive director of the American Heart Association. “We know that Hands Only CPR can double or even triple someone’s rate of survival if experiencing a cardiac emergency, so we’re committed alongside these critical volunteers to equip our schools with the knowledge to respond.”

Wilson plans on retiring at the end of the 2023/24 school year. Along with spending time with her family, including her two young grandchildren, she will continue to advocate for CPR training in the school system, especially for sports coaches. She would also love to work toward a mandate that all schools conduct cardiac drills once a month. And if she were really allowed to dream, she’d love to see Cory’s story turned into a film that could inspire others to lead lives full of love and compassion.

“Cory loved all things bright, all things good,” Wilson says. “He was just so full of life.” Even though it can be hard to keep going without him, Wilson and her family are committed to using his story to save lives in the future. “You might not be able to change this whole world, but you can change the part of the world that you’re in,” she says.

To learn more about how you can be prepared in an emergency situation, visit the webpage for the Cory Joseph Wilson Memorial.

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Annual Holiday Walk NOV. 30 Locals came out to mingle, shop and get into the holiday spirit during the annual block party, which takes place on Whitaker Street between Taylor and Jones streets.

The event aims to foster relationships between businesses in this corridor while reminding everyone to shop local.

Wendy Bennett, Katie Barker and Monica Nguyen

Ansley and Paul Threlkeld

Ken and Sally Blackburn

Austin Wright, Adrianna Warnell, Kacey Kennickell Ray, Courtney Hester and Chloe Binetti

Nichole Barrali and Anne Shealy

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Ginger Jennings and Francine Knox

Ann Bond, Santa, and Joel and Erika Snayd

Farina Kingsley and Jennifer Grayson

Morgan Smith and Frederika Fekete

Photography by ALEXANDER NEUMANN

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C OHEN 'S RE T R E AT

Pop-up Party NOV. 10-11

Kasey Barbaree, Sabrina Jordan and Amber Capps

Nearly 70 local and regional creators of everything from artwork and clothing to candles and jewelry converged on Cohen’s Retreat for its free, family-friendly — and very popular — annual Pop-up Party.

Carey Schwartzburt and Marilyn Black

Lindsey Speir and Melody Stewart

Haley Thelen, Megan Hopf and Valery Lambe

Dr. Anne McDaniel and Chief Kerry Thomas

Leanny and Arnold Rose

Brittany Milward

Katie and Bates Huffman

Charlie, Mandy and Doug Hawkins and Lynn Brennan

Carla, Gabby and Kathie Stappenbeck

Paige Couper, Brandon Reagan, Camron Starr and Julie Harrison

Christopher and Kayanna Robinson

Doris L. Williams and Mickey Mazzeo

Gianna Perani and Gage Hawkins

Fran Conway and Ginger Johnson

SAFE SHELTER

Ramona Minter and Shannon Bates

Betsy and Ryan Hughes

Frank Pennington II and Mandy Roberts

Bill Sorochak and Janet Kolbush

Photography by ODYSSEY WADE AND ALEXANDER NEUMANN

Twilight at the Thompson OCT. 13 The nonprofit organization hosted a magical evening to support and celebrate survivors of domestic violence and their children. The event, held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, included heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, live entertainment and elaborate masks.

Rose Carlyle, Dorota Jusza, Kat Wickliffe and Brigitte Tilley

Justin and Tiffanie Miller and Tiffany and Jude Alberts

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Not So Pet Smart Written by ANDREA GOTO

IT ALL BEGAN with Oshi.

Oshi was a tabby cat who wandered her way into my life via the hallway of my college apartment one dark and stormy day (actually).

Wet and cold, she crawled into my lap, purring like a sports car and making a bakery’s worth of biscuits. I made a weak attempt to find her owner, but after a cage fight with a stray and the subsequent vet bill, I declared her mine.

In our 16 years together, Oshi saw me through many milestones — graduation, marriage, a cross-country move, two graduate degrees, our first house and the birth of our daughter. Through it all, she slept in the crook of my arm every night and woke me each morning with an unrelenting death howl, indicating it was time for breakfast.

When Oshi passed away, our hearts were broken, but none more than my daughter’s. Ava was inconsolable. At the time, she’d lived out her entire 9 years with Oshi by her side. That cat was her fur-sibling who she regularly dressed up in gowns and crowns fashioned from paper.

And so began a series of unfortunate events — and pet/parenting decisions — that has burdened me with a house of misfit pets.

Unable to bear my child’s sorrow, I took Ava to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah the next day. I wasn’t looking to replace Oshi; I was looking for a Band-Aid — anything to lift her spirits.

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There we found Ninja, a young black cat with a lot of energy. I texted a photo to my husband of Ava holding Ninja, her eyes full of would-be instant gratification. “Absolutely not,” he replied, which I read as, “Yes.” After about a month, Ninja began spraying around the house. Several doses of unsuccessful anti-anxiety meds later, the vet hopelessly said, “He might just be broken.”

One day, while Ava was at school, I opened the back door and tossed Ninja out, with the offering of, “Be free!” We didn’t see him for a couple of days (“I don’t know how he got out,” I lied), but he eventually came back around and continues to live a very fulfilling life outside.

It wasn’t long after Ninja moved out that we “somehow” found ourselves at an adoption event at the local pet store. Because, well, you know — I don’t do sadness.

It was late in the day (rookie mistake) and only one cat remained — a mostly toothless, hateful little gray-and-white creature named Madeline who looked like she wanted to eat my spleen.

“I love her,” my daughter declared, her eyes again full of instant gratification, which I then knew would be fleeting.

Maddie refused to be touched and clearly didn’t fill the love void.

She took to a cardboard box and would sullenly glare at us from her perch on the kitchen table. (Yes, Mom, where people eat.)

There were a couple of hamsters in between, just ’cause, and then came the coup de grâce.

Somehow, Facebook intuited that I needed a dog. I kept seeing posts from an animal rescue — adorable photos of dogs in bowties with bios that read like a dating app targeted to weak-minded people like myself.

Wanting to do right this time, I carefully considered each adorable pup and landed on a miniature pinscher. After much pleading (by me) and a well-crafted PowerPoint presentation (by Ava), our blitzkrieg worked, and the husband relented. Unfortunately, a day too late. The min pin had been spoken for.

Brokenhearted (again), I promptly snatched up the next closest thing available: a black, small-breed dog of indiscernible pedigree who looked adorable in a bow tie. House-trained and socialized, all I would have to do was toe the line, which I failed at miserably. Cooper, now 8, wants a bite of every runner, dog and wheeled contraption we encounter. No one can come to our front door because Cujo’s understudy is there, ready to strike, fangs ablaze.

Cooper, well, he’s reinforced the fact that I’m more beta than alpha.

He tells me when to walk, eat and sleep. But, man, that dog can snuggle.

In addition to Cooper, my misfit crew still includes Ninja, the neighborhood bully who recently jumped on the back of a Great Pyrenees and, with claws activated, rode a solid 8 seconds. Maddie has made big strides ever since she tasted blood (an unfortunate end to hamster No. 2). She still lives on the kitchen table (sorry, Mom), but thinks she’s big stuff, drinking from Cooper’s water dish when he’s not looking and sneak attacking on the regular, biting into my calf with her mostly rotten mouth.

Sometimes I enviously look at other people with their well-behaved, off-leash dogs joyfully playing fetch in Forsyth Park. I often miss having a cat to cuddle. I’m hungry for biscuits. But, I’m also able to find joy in my messed-up little animal farm in the same way that parents unconditionally love their children. They might be a mess, but they’re my mess.

I guess it’s true what they say: you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.

Illustration by RAY GOTO

Frank Stewart’s NEXUS AN AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER’S JOURNEY, 1960s TO THE PRESENT FEBRUARY 9–MAY 12 | SAVANNAH, GA | TELFAIR.ORG

The exhibition is co-organized by The Phillips Collection and Telfair Museums and curated by Ruth Fine and Fred Moten. This exhibition is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

VENETIAN PRINCESS

Bull & Broughton Streets | 912.233.1163